Preparations for Robbing a Bank, and Someone Has to Do the Dirty Work

Divine Thunder Hall.

Harry and Ron approached Hermione and Aaron's Thoughtform, who were sitting together and reading, somewhat awkwardly.

"The mood-killers are here." The Thoughtform sighed softly. "Whenever you come looking for me this sheepishly, something's up—and it's never anything small."

"Crabbe has already drawn the map. We can go to Gringotts for the Horcrux at any time." Harry hesitated before continuing. "But if it's just the three of us, we don't have much confidence."

"I understand." The Thoughtform looped an arm through Hermione's and looked at the two of them teasingly. "I can tell you clearly: I won't let her go."

"Sorry." Hermione spoke apologetically. "I promised him that after being captured by Death Eaters once, I wouldn't go on any more adventures with you."

Harry and Ron both looked disappointed. Without Hermione, the trio was like it had lost its calm, wise brain.

But Aaron and Hermione's relationship had undergone a qualitative breakthrough. Without his permission, they did not dare hope that Hermione would rejoin them.

"It's fine. We didn't come looking for you anyway," Harry said awkwardly.

"If you weren't looking for Hermione, were you looking for me?"

Harry and Ron nodded together. "We came looking for you."

The Thoughtform rolled his eyes. "Half the Phoenix Society is here. Do you really need to come to me? Sirius Black, Alastor, even George and Fred would be happy to accompany you to rob a bank."

"Let me correct you," Harry said stubbornly. "This isn't robbing a bank."

"Right. If you don't get caught, then it's stealing from a bank. But no matter how noble your excuse is, this would still be enough to rot in Azkaban."

"Why do you insist on asking Aaron?" Hermione looked at them in confusion. "There has to be a reason, right?"

"Gringotts is