"History of Magic often glossed over what wizards did to other magical races," Hermione replied helplessly to Flag, who seemed especially indignant compared with usual. Then, her expression earnest, she raised her voice to the goblins. "But as far as I know, there are no wizarding records saying Gryffindor stole the sword... Besides, under modern law..."
"Aha! So this is another story made up by goblins after all! Goblins always think we're persecuting them!" Ron's shout cut Hermione off. He was in a foul mood today after having the Video Camera focused on him. "Goblins say wizards are always trying to get the better of them. I think we should count ourselves lucky we don't let them use our wands."
"Gryffindor was no thief! My mum told me that story!" Seamus Finnigan said in his thick accent. As a Quidditch fan, he had just been delighted by the news that Allen intended to form a new club, but now he was glaring furiously at the goblins, pointing at them with his thick fingers. "That Ragnuk I couldn't bear to part with the sword he'd made for Gryffindor, so he lied and said Gryffindor had stolen it from him, then sent a group of his subjects to get it back. But Gryffindor drove them all off. That's how the rumor spread among goblins that Gryffindor had stolen the sword."
"More wizard arrogance!" Seeing so many voices raised against them, Griphook glared back at the wizards. Short as he was, he clenched his disproportionately long fingers into a fist and waved it. "It wasn't enough that you stopped us from using wands; you seized our treasures too, and now you want to force our bank out!"
"But you goblins aren't fluffy little rabbits, are you?" Ron shot back. "You killed plenty of