The vault was located hundreds of meters beneath the surface. After passing through the main hall and entering a narrow stone passage, a small track lay below, winding further into the depths.
Griphook led them onto a small cart, which sped through the maze-like, twisting passages of the vault tunnels. They saw countless branching paths and doors covered in magical seals.
"This place is incredibly complex," Ian couldn't help but remark.
"It's designed to ensure the security of clients' valuables," Griphook replied without turning his head. "The underground vaults of Gringotts are among the safest places in the world. Apart from goblins, no one knows all the routes and mechanisms."
Finally, Griphook brought them to an unassuming magical door. "Here we are. This is the Potter family vault."
As he spoke, the cart came to a stop.
Griphook inserted the key into the lock and gave it a slight turn.
With a soft "whoosh," the magical door opened, revealing the contents of the vault.
Inside, the large vault was filled with towering piles of Galleons, along with various gemstones and rare magical items. The dazzling gleam was almost blinding.
"My goodness, that's a lot of money!" Mrs. Granger couldn't help but exclaim.
"This is only a fraction of the Potter family's wealth," Griphook said matter-of-factly. "The Potter family is one of Gringotts' largest clients. Their stored wealth could rival the treasury of a small nation."
Even though Ian had mentally prepared himself, seeing the vast wealth piled up before him still made his heart race.
Dumbledore noticed Ian's reaction and smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "This is what your parents left behind for you and Harry."
"Professor, will my brother come here to withdraw money as well? Does he have a key? If not, can I withdraw a bit more now and save some to give him when I see him?" Ian asked in rapid succession.
Dumbledore's smile deepened. "When your brother comes to make a withdrawal, he will indeed have his own key. As for sharing a portion with him... I'm sure he would be very grateful."
"So… Professor, how much can I withdraw?" Ian looked at Dumbledore, testing the waters.
"That's entirely up to you, Ian," Dumbledore replied with a smile. "However, I don't think you'll need much for now, as you're going to Hogwarts, where there's very little to spend money on."
Ian nodded in understanding and turned to Griphook. "Mr. Griphook, I'd like to withdraw five hundred Galleons."
Griphook said nothing more, simply waving his hand, and five hundred Galleons rose from the pile, floating neatly into a pouch he had prepared.
"Here you go, Mr. Ian Potter," Griphook said, handing Ian the pouch filled with five hundred Galleons.
Ian took the bag, feeling its weight in his hand, and a bright smile spread across his face. "Thank you!"
Hermione looked from the pouch in Ian's hand to her own with wide eyes. "This bag can hold so much money—is it enchanted?"
"That's correct, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall nodded. "This pouch has been enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm, allowing it to hold much more than its apparent size."
"How amazing…" Hermione couldn't help but marvel. She then looked eagerly at Ian. "Ian, shall we go buy the books now? I can't wait to start reading and learning magic!"
"Of course, let's go to Flourish and Blotts right now," Ian replied, then turned to Dumbledore. "Professor, we…"
"Professor McGonagall will be taking you," Dumbledore said with a wink. "I have some matters to attend to. Ian, Hermione, I'll see you both at the start of term."
"Goodbye, Professor Dumbledore," Ian said, flashing an innocent smile, though inwardly he was pondering.
Dumbledore's "matters" likely had to do with the Philosopher's Stone, right?
So things were already in motion…
"Ian, Hermione, let's be on our way," Professor McGonagall's voice interrupted Ian's thoughts, and he looked up at her, nodding.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall."
With the Grangers in tow, they left Gringotts.
Outside, sunlight poured through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the street.
Ian looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath.
Voldemort, oh Voldemort… for the sake of my peaceful school life, it seems I'll just have to wish you a swift end.
"Ian, what are you thinking about?" Hermione's voice sounded beside him, breaking his thoughts.
"Oh, nothing much… just wondering what we should buy next," Ian replied with a smile.
"We need The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1, and A History of Magic…" Hermione started listing off titles on her fingers as they walked. "And there's Magical Theory, A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi…"
When they reached the store, Ian and Hermione promptly handed over their coin purses. "Mom and Dad..."
"Uncle and Aunt.."
"We'll wait here for you!"
Listening to Hermione rattle off the long list of books, Ian couldn't help but smile wryly.
Well, Hermione certainly loved her studies. Sometimes, he wondered if she should have been in Ravenclaw.
The group soon arrived at Flourish and Blotts.
The bookstore was bustling, with many young wizards and witches browsing books alongside their parents.
"There are so many people…" Hermione murmured as she looked at the crowd inside, unconsciously grabbing the corner of Ian's shirt.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged a glance and, as if following some unspoken routine, both reached their hands out to the two young wizards.
Professor McGonagall, watching this synchronized act, couldn't help but ask, "Do you do this often?"
"Yes," the four of them answered in unison.
Ian held Hermione's hand, explaining, "In the Muggle world, there are even more students shopping for school books than here in the wizarding world. So, we always split up."
"Hermione and I stay in one spot,"
"And Mom and Dad go to buy the books," Hermione added, looking at Professor McGonagall. "Professor McGonagall, could we go buy robes while my parents buy the books? What do you think?"
"Of course, that's an excellent idea, Hermione." Professor McGonagall nodded approvingly. "Then let's head to Ollivanders for wands first."
She turned to the Grangers, "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, shall we meet back at the bookstore entrance afterward?"
"Absolutely, Professor," Mr. Granger agreed. "We'll wait for you here."
Mrs. Granger, holding the coin purse, asked, "Professor McGonagall, how much do wands cost?"
"A wand only costs around ten Galleons, Mrs. Granger," Professor McGonagall replied with a smile.
Mrs. Granger counted out thirty Galleons and handed them to Ian. "Ian, here's some money for you and Hermione to use for your wands."
"Okay, Aunt Granger."
Ian took the Galleons and followed Professor McGonagall out of Flourish and Blotts with Hermione.
They walked through the busy streets and soon arrived at the door of Ollivander's Wand Shop.