Kapitel 173: Chapter 173 "Dumbledore's Past and Grindelwald's Future"

Just as Dumbledore was left stunned, the Goblin continued, "Although a few items have been taken away, there is no major loss to the value of your vault. However, Gringotts is still responsible for the theft of Vault 713. If you wish, we at Gringotts are willing to provide compensation."

Upon hearing the Goblin's words, Wentworth subconsciously curled his lips by privately remarking, "A hollow apology with no sincerity whatsoever."

Dumbledore responded, "We'll discuss compensation later. Please make the necessary arrangements, Elder. We wish to visit the vault."

"Of course, it is your right. Button, take Dumbledore and this young gentleman to the underground vault," the Goblin on crutches instructed, supported by another Goblin.

He then turned to Dumbledore and added, "If you require anything further, inquire with Button. Should there be something beyond his capabilities, feel free to approach me directly."

Dumbledore and Wentworth exited the room under the guidance of Goblin Button. Glancing back at the elderly Goblin still standing there, Wentworth began to speak softly to Dumbledore, "Headmaster Dumbledore, that Goblin..."

Before Wentworth could finish his sentence, he observed Dumbledore subtly placing a finger to his lips, signaling him not to speak.

To Wentworth's surprise, a line of words appeared out of thin air in front of him, stating: "All questions remain in the mind."

Observing the words Dumbledore left in the air, Wentworth sensed an added layer of mystery to the splendid Gringotts. Perhaps there are a few questions that have never made it to the original book; hence for now, he can only stay vigilant even when Dumbledore is by his side.

Guided by Goblin Button, Wentworth and Dumbledore proceeded towards Vault 713, not too distant from where Hagrid had retrieved the Philosopher's Stone on a prior occasion.

Dumbledore carefully examined the vicinity of Vault 713, maintaining silence. He then addressed Goblin Button, "Excuse me, we would like to visit Vault 714."

Perceiving Button's bewildered expression, Dumbledore gestured toward Wentworth and explained, "He is a descendant of this family, and I am accompanying him to retrieve something."

Button, now understanding, responded respectfully, "I am delighted to assist both of you."

Upon reaching Vault 714, Wentworth utilized his own blood to unlock the door. As the door swung open, Wentworth instinctively glanced towards the spot where he had placed the note, only to discover that it had been flipped.

Meeting Dumbledore's gaze, Wentworth noticed him drawing his wand. This action prompted Button to exclaim in surprise, "Do you require this?"

Dumbledore maintained a polite tone, explaining, "There are some secrets concealed in this vault, and it's not convenient for others to witness them. I apologize for any inconvenience."

While speaking, Dumbledore gently nudged Wentworth forward, leading them both into Vault 714.

With a wave of Dumbledore's wand, a cascading curtain-like barrier descended from the vault's ceiling, effectively isolating them from the outside and Goblin Button.

Once everything was in place, Dumbledore and Wentworth's attention turned to the note left there.

However, just as Wentworth was about to approach the note, Dumbledore pulled him back.

Dumbledore cautiously pointed his wand at the note, uttering two spells, "Repel!" and "Finite Incantatem!" Despite these precautions, the note remained unresponsive. Dumbledore released Wentworth, signifying that all was well.

Observing Dumbledore's meticulous actions, Wentworth felt a twinge of embarrassment, realizing that Dumbledore's longevity was not coincidental. The secret to his longevity is living each second by planning meticulously ahead without risking a chance for anything to endanger his life to a high degree.

Even Dumbledore, with all his experience, approached the situation with caution. Suppose someone had indeed enchanted the note with a curse. In that case, no matter how powerful the wizards standing behind Dumbledore, it might have been too late to avert the consequences had he opened it without proper preparation.

In the midst of his contemplation, Wentworth took a step forward and unfolded the note. To his surprise, additional letters had been added beneath his initial message, spelling out a term he had long overlooked—Gellert Grindelwald's Skull Hookah or what we know as Prophecy Skeleton.

Upon realizing this, Wentworth was taken aback and muttered to himself, "We've been mistaken from the beginning!"

Simultaneously, a memory long sealed away resurfaced in Wentworth's mind—the night he had first arrived in this world. A group of unidentified wizards had invaded his home, subjecting the original inhabitant of his current body to the torturous effects of the Cruciatus Curse. Their sole pursuit at the time was the Prophecy Skeleton.

Despite relentless efforts by Rozier and others to trace the assailants, the pursuit became complicated with the commencement of the Hogwarts term. Assassination attempts against them continued, fostering the belief that it was all orchestrated by the same group.

However, upon deciphering the message on the note, Wentworth suddenly grasped a vital realization: the group of wizards who had invaded his home on the night of his arrival and the subsequent attacks by Christine and others were not orchestrated by the same faction.

Contemplating this, Wentworth felt a chill running down his spine, accompanied by an indescribable anger. He exclaimed, "Do they think I am an easy target just because I am a child? They will feel the wrath of Grindelwald before they'll feel the Alliance's!"

Just then, Dumbledore's voice resonated in Wentworth's ear, asking, "Calm yourself down, Wentworth. What's currently going inside that head of yours?"

Startled by Dumbledore's voice, Wentworth snapped back to reality.

Gazing at Dumbledore beside him, the chilling sensation began to dissipate. Wentworth breathed a sigh of relief, acknowledging that he remained secure at least for the time being.

Subsequently, Wentworth decided not to conceal anything and handed the note to Dumbledore.

However, he refrained from divulging all his information and inquired, "Professor, what is this prophecy skeleton? Why have I never encountered it before? There don't seem to be any skeleton-like items in this vault!"

In response to Wentworth's query, Dumbledore fell silent for a moment, seemingly recollecting something. He then began to speak slowly, "The Prophecy Skeleton is a magical item that belonged to your grandfather. It possesses the ability to reveal glimpses of the future right before your eyes."

Dumbledore paused, allowing the words to sink in, and eventually added, "Just as I use a Pensieve to delve into memories, your grandfather utilized the prophecy skeleton to peer into the future."

The most valuable item under Grindelwald's possession has been targeted since long before Wentworth even stepped into this world. The question remains: Who are the people who wanted to raise problems against the Alliance just to get their hands on this thing?

One thing is for sure: they are ready to throw their life away as long as they can get the skull in their hand.