The week passed slowly for Valerius, who found himself increasingly preoccupied with the challenges of managing his vault at Gringotts. The endless forms, goblin signatures, security spells, and physical exchanges were grating on his patience. Unlike the old wizarding families who maintained sacks of Galleons directly at their estates, his funds were safely held in Gringotts—and the tedium of accessing and transferring them was frustrating.
By Friday evening, he had reached a decision. He'd have to speak with Professor Snape and request permission for a trip to Gringotts. As his head of house, Snape controlled off-campus permissions, and Valerius knew he would have to tread carefully to avoid Snape's irritation with such requests. His professor valued order and minimal disruptions but had always taken a liking to Valerius's drive and skill.
---
On Sunday, Valerius approached Professor Snape's office, his request prepared. He knocked lightly, and a curt voice granted him entry. Snape sat behind his desk, sorting through a stack of potions texts with his usual meticulousness.
"Ah, Grindelwald," Snape drawled, his expression cool but observant. "What brings you here?"
Valerius nodded respectfully. "Professor, I need to make a brief trip to Gringotts to handle some… complex arrangements regarding my vault. The volume of my transactions lately has increased, and I need to meet with my vault manager to resolve certain issues."
Snape raised an eyebrow, regarding him with a mix of curiosity and mild irritation. "Increased volume? And why, may I ask, were you not able to handle this during the last holiday?"
Valerius met Snape's gaze steadily. "I didn't anticipate the need, Professor. My studies and other commitments have taken priority, but I underestimated the frequency with which I'd need to access my resources."
Snape's expression softened slightly, though he kept his usual guarded demeanor. "Very well, Grindelwald. Make sure to arrange with the staff for any class notes you may miss, and I expect you to return promptly. I will not have this interrupt your studies."
Valerius nodded, suppressing a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Professor. I assure you, I'll manage it efficiently."
With Snape's permission secured, Valerius made arrangements for a Portkey to Diagon Alley. He took it early Sunday morning, arriving at Gringotts just as the doors opened.
---
The experience was exactly as he had expected: grueling and inefficient. He was led through the same tedious routine—waiting in line, verifying his identity multiple times, signing forms under the vigilant eyes of goblin tellers, and presenting the same documentation he had used countless times before. Each transaction seemed to involve endless paperwork, incantations, and rounds of goblin verification. Hours passed, and Valerius felt the weight of frustration growing as the minutes dragged on.
By the time he emerged from Gringotts, he was drained. The ordeal had taken nearly the entire morning, and he had nothing to show for it other than a few completed transfers and the reminder of how tiresome traditional banking methods were. There had to be a better way. Muggle banks had progressed far beyond this, managing their money digitally without the need for face-to-face formalities. Why couldn't the wizarding world do the same?
As he made his way back to Hogwarts, his mind churned with ideas. He had only considered Galleon transfers before, but now he saw a broader vision: a system that wouldn't just streamline transfers but transform the way wizardkind handled all currency.
---
Back in his dorm that evening, Valerius sat down and began to jot down his thoughts in detail. The plan started as a single thought—a digital transaction network for Galleons—but soon expanded into something far more ambitious. He would create a digital transaction system that could allow instant access to funds, easy transfers, and even cross-currency exchanges. The endless bureaucratic procedures at Gringotts could be replaced by a single enchanted device, accessible with the flick of a wand.
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### Project: Digital Galleon Transaction and Wizarding Currency Exchange
Objective
To establish a magical transaction network for Galleons, facilitating financial transfers, purchases, and exchanges without the need for physical coins or time-consuming Gringotts visits. The system would also include a currency exchange feature, allowing wizards to convert and store various currencies—British Galleons, American Dragots, French Bezants, and more—all in a single, enchanted device.
Rationale
The inefficiency of physical banking restricts the economy, inconveniencing wizards and witches and placing undue reliance on Gringotts' in-person services. By implementing a digital currency exchange, wizards could conduct transactions and manage finances across borders without the hassle of currency exchanges or carrying bags of physical coins.
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### Key Elements of the Digital Transaction System
Mode of Payment
Develop a secure digital network that allows wizards to transfer funds instantly, using magic to ensure privacy and stability. This would function like a digital banking system, allowing users to "send" and "receive" Galleons seamlessly, accessible from anywhere.
The Galleon Wallet
A magical device, bound to the user's magical signature, would serve as the access point for funds. Enchanted to hold digital Galleons and other currencies, this "wallet" would allow for effortless management of funds. Each wizard would carry their own wallet, eliminating the need for trips to Gringotts.
Gringotts Collaboration and International Banking
Gringotts would need to oversee the core reserves for security and consistency, and to ensure integration with existing accounts. The goblins could regulate currency exchange rates, allowing the bank to maintain control while benefiting from this expanded service. This partnership would extend globally, integrating with wizarding banks in other countries.
Security and Anti-Fraud Spells
The Galleon Wallets would feature high-level encryption, enchanted with self-sealing charms to prevent tampering. This would protect against unauthorized access, fraud, or any attempts at magical counterfeiting, giving wizards confidence in the security of digital transactions.
Currency-Specific Pouches and Real-Time Conversion
Each wallet would have currency-specific compartments for Galleons, Dragots, Bezants, and other currencies, allowing for real-time conversion managed by Gringotts. With currency exchange rates set by goblins, wizards could travel internationally without the hassle of physical coin exchanges.
Ministry Approval and Recognition
Ministry support would be essential for legal recognition and trustworthiness. By securing backing from the Ministry, Valerius could position this system as an officially recognized currency management tool, making it accessible to wizards worldwide.
---
Valerius looked over his outline with a sense of satisfaction, his initial frustrations now transformed into a clear vision for the future. He could already see the potential in making this system a reality—not only for simplifying wizarding finances but also for establishing a global network that could integrate wizarding economies from different countries.
"This isn't just a project—it's a transformation of wizarding commerce."
With his plan in place, Valerius felt a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn't merely a solution to his personal frustrations; it was the future of wizardkind's economy. The groundwork had been set, and now, it was only a matter of time before he could bring it all to life.