The magical light fell on the stone wall, but the stone wall did not react at all, and not a trace was revealed.
Professor Babbling looked at her and smiled:
"Useless Hermione. These kinds of hidden traces of Ancient Magic can only be manifested by spells cast by wizards possessing Ancient Magic. Ordinary wizards' spells are ineffective."
Hermione gave a slightly embarrassed laugh and put her wand away, "Oh, I see. I understand now."
"I can transfer my magic to you, and you can feel the fluctuations of Ancient Magic," Draco said to Hermione.
Hermione waved her hand. "Never mind that for now, let's cast the spell and see what's hidden behind this wall."
Draco said no more, focusing his mind and channeling his Ancient Magic power into his wand. Pointing it at the stone wall, he solemnly chanted, " Specialis Revelio!"
In an instant, a dazzling magical light burst forth from the tip of the wand, landing directly on the stone wall.
The originally rough and gray stone wall instantly transformed into a translucent crystal, radiating a warm, pale blue light, and the ancient runes on the wall slowly lit up.
The crystal walls are as clear as a mirror, allowing a clear view of the magnificent architecture inside.
With its soaring dome and towering stone pillars, it is just like the underground hall of Gringotts.
"It seems this crystal wall is a spatial passage; we can go straight through it."
As he spoke, Draco reached out and touched the crystal wall, feeling a warm, magical sensation.
In an instant, blinding light suddenly engulfed everyone's vision, pale blue magical aura surged wildly, and the surrounding space was violently distorted.
The outlines of the stone walls, corridors, and fortress shattered instantly, and a powerful suction force emanated from within the crystal walls.
The three were sucked in.
The dizzying sensation of intense light and spatial distortion vanished in an instant, and the crystal mirror behind him, shimmering with a soft, pale blue light, instantly reformed into a cold, heavy stone wall.
Once the three regained their footing, they realized with a start that they were in the shadows of the Gringotts Wizarding Bank's underground hall.
"We're really in Gringotts!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked around.
Professor Babbling nodded slowly. "That's right, this is Gringotts ' underground vault. That stone wall is actually a secret passage connecting the Highlands Ruins to Gringotts!"
Just then, a rhythmic whimpering sound drifted over from behind the service counter in the center of the hall.
The three followed the sound and saw a Goblin lying behind the counter, her head buried in a thick pile of ledgers, her long, pointed elf ears protruding from the top of the ledgers.
It was fast asleep and completely unaware that someone was approaching.
Hermione stepped forward, approached the counter, and politely greeted in a soft voice, "Hello?"
The Goblin remained unresponsive, her snoring continuing, showing no sign of waking up.
Seeing this, Professor Babbling smiled helplessly and gently tapped the cold marble counter with her wand.
The knocking produced a soft "tap-tap" sound, but the Goblin slept soundly and remained motionless.
Draco, seeing the Goblin standing motionless, took a step forward, cleared his throat, and said loudly, "Hey, your big spender's here, still sleeping?"
Upon hearing this, the Goblin's snoring abruptly stopped.
Its ears perked up suddenly, and the next second, it abruptly raised its head, its sleepy eyes instantly waking up.
After its gaze landed precisely on Draco, it paused for a moment, then stood up with a broad smile:
" Young Master Malfoy! I'm so sorry, I'm blind and didn't recognize you. Your presence is an honor to welcome you!"
Draco looked at the sleepy-eyed Goblin in front of him and said teasingly, "You certainly know how to enjoy life, sleeping during your shift?"
The Goblin quickly bowed and smiled apologetically, his high-pitched voice full of remorse. "Please forgive me, Young Master Malfoy, I'm getting old, my energy can't keep up."
"Besides, I've been guarding the vault in this area for a long time, and no one has ever come here. I got a little careless and fell asleep."
"Alright, I'll let it slide since you're older." Draco waved his hand.
"Stop dawdling, take us to the vault."
The Goblin's eyes lit up, and she quickly replied, "Yes, young master, is it Vault Twelve?"
"Isn't that obvious? What else could it be?"
Draco said matter-of-factly.
Professor Babbling and Hermione exchanged a glance, both barely suppressing their laughter, their lips twitching uncontrollably.
Vault Twelve? They knew absolutely nothing about it, and Draco's confident demeanor was downright unsettling.
But after the Goblin finished speaking, she stood still and didn't move for a long time.
It nervously rubbed its hands together.
"What are you standing there for? Aren't you going?" Draco asked.
The Goblin quickly extended his withered hand, smiling obsequiously, and said, "Young master, please hand me the key to the vault. Without the key, I cannot lead you in."
Professor Babbling suddenly realized what was happening and quickly took out the Ancient Magic key, handing it to the Goblin.
The Goblin took the key, examined it carefully for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, then bowed and gestured for the three of them to proceed. "This way, please."
The three followed the Goblin to the underground minecart waiting platform. The platform was narrow and cold, with dim torches embedded in the stone walls.
The Goblin raised her hand and blew a sharp whistle. Immediately, the clanging sound of minecart wheels rolling could be heard in the distance. Before long, a vintage minecart slowly came to a stop in front of them.
The carriage is made of fine iron, with worn silver trim around the edges. The seats are covered with faded black velvet, and the brass bell at the front is covered with a thin layer of dust, giving it an antique feel.
The Goblin turned around and bowed politely in greeting:
"The three of you, please get in the car."
Hermione stood there in surprise.
She only ever came to Gringotts to exchange Muggle coins for wizard coins in the main hall on the ground floor. She had never known that there was such a scene underground, let alone that she could ride a minecart to the vault.
Seeing her dazed expression, Draco gently put his arm around her shoulder and led her towards the minecart.
"What are you standing there for? Get on the bus."
Professor Babbling sat down first, followed by Draco Hermione. Then the Goblin jumped into the driver's seat, pulled down the lever, and the bell on the front of the car rang out with a clear sound.
Vault Twelve is one of Gringotts' oldest private vaults, the same age as Gringotts itself.
The Goblin, piloting the mine cart, said proudly,
"No one has ever visited since it was built. It's really... unusual that Young Master Malfoy has the key." He said, glancing at Draco out of the corner of his eye.
As she spoke, the minecart suddenly lurched forward, a strong push against her back instantly sending Hermione scrambling to grab the handrail in front of her.
The wheels clattered on the tracks, the clanging sound growing more and more rapid. The torches on the rock wall turned into orange afterimages, flying backward at an astonishing speed.
The minecart sped along the underground tracks, sometimes plunging down, the feeling of weightlessness making Hermione gasp softly, and sometimes making sharp turns, its body gliding close to the rock wall.
The cold wind made the three of them's robes flutter and their hair fly wildly. The track went up and down like a runaway roller coaster, making the whole ride incredibly thrilling.