Dumbledore shook his head. "That would put the other goblins and Death Eaters on their guard. I'll erase and modify their memories. Let's make today a pleasant meeting."
"That's it? I thought you were coming to slaughter everyone!"
He smiled slightly. "Don't worry. Now that we've confirmed these goblins are up to no good, I certainly won't show them mercy. Just not now. Often, death is the lightest punishment."
"Now that's reassuring!"
In that case, the two performances they had specifically arranged for Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick to put on had been wasted-well, not entirely. If their cover was blown, those would serve as a second layer of insurance.
A few minutes later, Craw led them out of the VIP room and back into the hall, then through another door into a rough stone corridor. Burning torches lit the interior, and they could dimly see that it led straight underground.
When they reached a set of tracks, Craw whistled, and a small cart rolled out of the darkness along the rails. As soon as they climbed aboard, it shot off, twisting down through the maze-like passageways, taking sharp turns among the stalactites as it hurtled deep underground.
After nearly ten minutes, the cart gradually slowed and stopped at a torch-lit junction.
"Just ahead, my two distinguished guests."
Craw climbed out of the cart and continued leading the way. They rounded a corner into an open space. Beyond it lay the deepest vaults, but an elderly dragon barred the way, covered in scars and bound in heavy chains. Its eyes were a cloudy pink, with hatred lurking within as it stared fixedly at the three of them.
The old goblin took out a Clanker and shook it gently. At the sound, the elderly dragon gave a hoarse roar and backed