The other instructors stared at their Headmaster with incredulous expressions. Drawing lots? For such a serious matter? However, upon reflection, a lottery did seem like the fairest method. The instructors exchanged glances and nodded in unison. "Very well—we'll draw lots."
And so the selection was decided by a group of somewhat unconventional professors and their equally unconventional Headmaster through a simple lottery system.
Fortunately, the relaxed atmosphere inherent in their magical community meant the students would find this method entirely acceptable.
In the Forbidden Forest, Peter Pettigrew finally located traces of Voldemort. Just as in the original timeline, he embarked on the path to resurrect the Dark Lord. Everything proceeded smoothly according to the familiar pattern.
Meanwhile, Erwin was preparing to move against the goblins. As wizards began systematically inventorying their vaults, suspicious activities at Gringotts were gradually coming to light. The Ministry of Magic dispatched a special investigation team, ordering the goblins to open several abandoned vaults.
Predictably, the goblins refused. Compliance would immediately substantiate the charges against them. The investigation reached a stalemate—the goblins claimed technical inability to open the vaults, and the Ministry's team couldn't force the issue.
Just when the Ministry seemed at an impasse, a turning point arrived. On the third day of the investigation, Erwin arrived at Gringotts accompanied by the four Heads of House from Hogwarts. Notably, Snape had returned to Britain—Erwin had personally summoned him back. He'd gathered sufficient intelligence in America, and with no immediate confrontation planned against the families there, Snape's presence was no longer required overseas.
Erwin also invited several highly respected figures from the Ministry and the heads of various prominent families. This display of force immediately captured the wizarding public's attention. The Cavendish family's major moves rarely disappointed.
Erwin led his entourage into Gringotts in an imposing procession. Inside, two groups stood in clear opposition: the Ministry investigators and the goblins. Seeing Erwin's arrival, the Ministry personnel exchanged knowing glances and tactfully retreated to the background, ceding the spotlight to Erwin.
The goblins, however, glared at him with unconcealed hatred.
"Erwin Cavendish!" one goblin snarled. "What are you doing here? Gringotts does not welcome you!"
Erwin's expression turned cold. "Indeed? Since when do goblins dictate where wizards may go? Do you truly believe Gringotts belongs to you? Have you forgotten your place?"
His voice grew increasingly frigid. Behind him, the assembled wizards simultaneously drew their wands, holding them at the ready. The goblins startled visibly, and the speaker's expression immediately shifted as he realized his mistake.
Just as he scrambled for a more diplomatic response, an elderly goblin in formal attire stepped forward, placing a restraining hand on his colleague's shoulder. He bowed slightly to Erwin. "My apologies, Mr. Cavendish. He misspoke—he simply lacks proper decorum. I'm certain the esteemed Mr. Cavendish won't hold it against us."
Erwin studied the goblin, instantly recognizing him: Ragnok, the highest-ranking administrator of Gringotts and the most senior member of the goblin community. Wizards grew shrewd with age—apparently, so did goblins.
His words were carefully crafted to deflect blame.
Ragnok glanced at the wizards assembled behind Erwin. "Mr. Cavendish, what brings so many distinguished individuals to Gringotts? I apologize, but we've temporarily suspended all services."
Ragnok knew perfectly well why Erwin had come, but he didn't believe Erwin could take action against them. After all, they simply claimed technical inability to open the vaults. As long as the vaults remained sealed, no one could prove they were empty. Only senior goblins possessed the knowledge to access them. As for the other accusations—Ragnok knew these wizards had no concrete evidence.
Most wizards who stored wealth in their vaults had no detailed records of their holdings. Gringotts never provided inventories—patrons simply deposited whatever they acquired over the years. Those who maintained personal lists were extremely rare. As long as the goblins refused to admit wrongdoing and claimed the wizards were mistaken, they were safe. That was their confidence. Even the Cavendishes wouldn't act without evidence.
Erwin naturally understood Ragnok's reasoning. He nodded to Old Tom, who stood behind him. The elderly retainer beckoned, and two Cavendish wizards brought forward a television set and a projector, placing them on a nearby table and inserting a videotape.
Ragnok watched their actions with growing suspicion.
Erwin smiled thinly. "I've said it before—even magical beings need to adapt to changing times. Goblins, the world has moved on."
The moment Erwin finished speaking, video footage began playing on the television screen. It showed the goblins holding a secret meeting in their conference chamber. As the video played, Ragnok's expression transformed. All their schemes and contingency plans were being broadcast for everyone to see.
Ragnok's gaze turned icy as he scanned the goblins who had attended that meeting. There was unquestionably a traitor among them, and one holding a high position. He scrutinized each face, seeing fear and confusion—except for one individual.
"Griphook!" Ragnok roared, his face contorted with rage. "It's you!"
The accused goblin vanished from his position and reappeared behind Erwin's protective cordon. Ragnok shouted in confusion and fury, "Why? We are your own kind! Why did you betray us—betray your entire race?"
The traitorous goblin replied with remarkable composure, "I was merely choosing the winning side. The rise of the Cavendish family was inevitable—no one could prevent it. I simply backed the victor."