The Gringotts Heist (Preparation)

As Christmas break drew closer, heavy snow blanketed the Scottish Highlands. Even the stately old Hogwarts Castle wore a thick white covering, making it look more imposing than ever from a distance.

But neither the cold nor the snow that made travel difficult could dampen the students' excitement for the holidays. As the December 19 departure date approached, every student in the castle lost the patience to sit through lessons and began fooling around instead. Filch could hardly keep up with the troublemakers. In the end, the professors had no choice but to tolerate their lack of interest in studying—all except Snape.

That made it easier for those taking part in Operation Wallbreaker to avoid standing out. With students causing chaos all over the castle, no one noticed that Roy and his group were constantly disappearing. Everyone was too busy thinking about the holiday. Roy was grateful for that.

With three days left before the break, the Weasley Twins finally handed over the fireworks Roy had requested. At the handoff, though, they still wanted to know whether he really meant to blow up a bank. Roy only smiled. Haki Bee, who had evolved from Little Dumbledore into a middle-sized Dumbledore, had learned to be a proper Riddler. His answer was simple.

"The less you know, the safer you'll be."

The twins were hardly satisfied with Roy's answer, but their protests got them nowhere. After testing their fireworks in the Forbidden Forest, Roy was delighted to find that both their power and their effects met his requirements. He pocketed them and tipped the brothers fifty Galleons.

"Generous boss! May you stay healthy, boss! May you never die!"

Money, it seemed, was the most persuasive thing in the world. The moment Roy brought out the gold, Fred and George's curiosity about the