The Golden Cup Vanishes

The exam results came out soon after the exams, but Muya was no longer at Hogwarts.

Tom took her and Harry to Diagon Alley.

Walking beside Tom, Harry wondered why he had to come along too.

"I never thought this operation would involve me."

Muya pointed at Tom. "It was Senior who insisted you come. By the way, Harry, you've been to Gringotts too, right?"

"Yes. Hagrid brought me here before my first year started."

Tom adjusted his hat and said to the two of them, "Stop chatting."

The next second, he transformed into Bellatrix. Harry and Muya turned invisible at once, ready to watch Tom perform.

Tom entered Gringotts, imitating Bellatrix's movements and mannerisms. Behind him, Harry and Muya struggled to hold back their laughter, their shoulders trembling.

"I want to go to my vault. Hurry!" He strode up to the goblin clerk, raised his wand, and threatened him arrogantly.

"My lady, we need to see your key, or some other proof of identity." Though the goblin recognized Bellatrix as a Death Eater, Gringotts rules required him to ask. Still, the wizard before him was unlikely to listen.

Just as he expected, "Bellatrix" became even nastier. She pressed her wand to the goblin's temple. "Who do you think you are? Do I need proof to enter my own vault? I think you want a taste of the Cruciatus Curse!"

Watching Tom's performance, Muya applauded silently and gave him a thumbs-up.

A villain playing a villain really had the right feel to it. There was absolutely no sense of mismatch.

Harry was still stunned. He had thought the goblins would demand more firmly that "Bellatrix" provide proof.

To his surprise, the goblin said, "Very well, my lady. We will take you to your vault immediately."

"Bellatrix" lowered her wand and