Chapter 14 - Diagon Alley (2/2)
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So, if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware,
Of finding more than treasure here.
Lily shivers at the words as Severus gulps at the words. Rowan takes note of the area between the doors as another pair of goblins in a uniform bowed and opens the silver doors to reveal a vast marble hall. The Evans couple, Lily, and Severus are astonished at the sight of hundreds of goblins sitting on high stools behind long counters, scribbling in ledgers, weighing coins on brass scales, examining precious stones through eyeglasses, while other goblins were going in and out of hundreds of doors leading people in and out.
Lightly coughing, Reginald gathers their attention and says, ”Now, the Evans couple if you would line up at a counter, one of the goblins will attend you and aid in the exchange of currency.”
Reginald pauses and looks at the twins. ”Wait for me right here, I have to head into the Prince Vault to grab some change.” The Evans couple worriedly lines up as Reginald nods at them as promptly jumps the line to the indignation of some as he hands over a silver key to the goblin in charge, before being promptly taken by another goblin through a pair of doors to be taken to the Prince Vault.
The three children remain behind with the Evans couple until they are attended by a free goblin. The goblin stares at the Evans couple as Rowan motions for them to go forward. Taking their cue, the Evans couple steps forward as the goblin crossly says, ”Well?”
”We've come for currency exchange,” Mr. Evans quietly said as he took out a bag filled with wads of cash from his inner pocket. The goblin swiftly counts the money, before using a strange sort of tool to count, before promptly counting out the correct number of galleons, silver sickles, and bronze knuts. The goblin hands over a large enough pouch filled with the correct amount as Mr. Evans carefully takes the bag.
”Next!” The goblin snapped as the Evans couple hurriedly move aside as the three children follow them. The Evans couple rather lost glance around as Rowan says, ”Grandfather will be back soon, he just needed to head down to the family vault to pick up some change.”
The Evans couple nods their heads in understanding, but despite the explanation they still feel out of sorts, carrying a bag filled with gold, silver, and bronze coins. To their delight only minutes after, Reginald emerges with a flushed cheek and a spring in his step. ”What a rush!” Reginald cheerfully thought to himself as he entered Gringotts's lobby.
Reginald swiftly makes his way over to the Evans couple and the children. ”Were you properly able to make the currency exchange?” Reginald asked.
”Yes, it was wasn't too bad,” Mr. Evans replied.
”Good,” Reginald said. ”Now stick close, we'll need to keep a firm pace to finish shopping for all the children's school supplies.” The Evans couple nods in understanding and reaches for Lily's hand to keep a firm grip on her. Reginald does the say as he holds out his two hands to the twins. Rowan causally takes his right hand, while Severus shyly takes his left hand. With a warm feeling, Reginald Prince and the Evans couple set off with the children in tow.