Bab 30: Okay, David Can't Hear You
David couldn't help but admire Hermione Granger's confidence and quick thinking as she chattered away. Her curiosity was contagious, and her questions flowed faster than a Quidditch snitch.
"Your name sounds familiar," Hermione said, peering at Newt Scamander. Her brows furrowed briefly before lighting up. "I remember now! You're the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them! It's one of our textbooks."
Newt chuckled warmly. "Guilty as charged. I hope you'll find it useful."
"Oh, I will! Could you sign my copy later?" Hermione's excitement was palpable, though she realized with a blush, "Oh wait—I haven't bought it yet!"
"Not a problem," Newt assured her with a smile.
Professor McGonagall, standing nearby, interrupted their exchange. "Thank you for taking care of the Grangers, Mr. Scamander. I must leave for an urgent matter."
Before anyone could respond, McGonagall disappeared into the bustling crowd, her departure as swift as her reputation suggested.
"Let's head to Gringotts," Newt said, leading the way. As they walked, Hermione stayed close to David, her questions never ceasing. "What are magical creatures like? Are they dangerous?"
"They're not dangerous, just misunderstood. Some are even adorable. You'll see," David reassured her.
"Then why call them 'fantastic beasts'?" Hermione asked.
"Well," Newt interjected with a sly grin, "it's a title that grabs attention—and sells more books."
Hermione giggled, already warming to the Scamanders. "Are you all wizards in your family?" she asked David.
"Pretty much," David replied. "Except for my grandmother, who didn't attend Hogwarts. But we don't start learning magic properly until school. You'll be just fine!"
Encouraged, Hermione whispered to herself, "I'll work hard and catch up. I promise."
As they approached Gringotts, Hermione's attention shifted to the majestic white building. The grand, slightly lopsided structure loomed at the end of the cobbled street, its bronze doors gleaming in the sunlight. Wizards bustled in and out, accompanied by their children or laden with bags of gold.
In front of the entrance stood a goblin in red and gold, his long fingers holding a ledger. Hermione watched in awe as Newt greeted him with familiarity.
Inside the bank, Hermione marveled at the bustling counters and gleaming chandeliers. "Is that a goblin?" she whispered to David.
"Yes. They're skilled craftsmen and handle all our finances. But they can be… cold," David replied, recalling the curt demeanor of the goblin who greeted Newt warmly but ignored the Grangers.
"They can exchange your Muggle money for Galleons at that counter," Newt explained to Mr. and Mrs. Granger. "We'll withdraw some funds and meet you here."
The Grangers nodded and joined the line, while Hermione's wide eyes followed Newt deeper into the bank. "Would you like to come along?" he asked. She beamed at her parents, who gave her permission with smiles.
As they followed Newt to a counter, Hermione's gaze darted between the ornate architecture and the goblins at work. After some formalities and the presentation of Newt's vault key, they were escorted by a goblin named Gonubi to a mine cart.
"Hold on tight!" David warned as they boarded.
But Hermione didn't heed his advice. As the cart zoomed along the steep, twisting tracks, her shrieks of excitement filled the tunnels. David winced and covered one ear, muttering, "Okay, David can't hear you anymore."
The ride slowed near a canyon, where a large, scaly creature loomed below. "Is that a dragon?" Hermione gasped, pointing.
Newt nodded. "A Hungarian Horntail. One of the most dangerous dragons. It shouldn't be kept down here in the dark."
"It's a guardian of Gringotts' treasures," Gonubi explained. "But if you'd like to buy it, Mr. Scamander, it can be yours for twice its weight in gold."
Newt stroked his chin thoughtfully, gazing at the dragon. Meanwhile, David stared at the magnificent creature, secretly plotting ways to free it.
Before long, the cart stopped in front of a massive vault door. Gonubi gestured politely. "We've arrived, Mr. Scamander."
As they stepped off the cart, Hermione, still brimming with excitement, looked up at Newt. "Do we get to see what's inside?"
"Patience," Newt said with a wink. "You'll see soon enough."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone