The Rebellion of Souls

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

There was no dramatic smoke.

There were no fancy lighting effects.

There was a green goblin lying comfortably on some pillows, it the middle of casting what seemed to be a complicated spell.

"Oh," he said. "Nice of you to drop in. There's no rush-" he added to his portrait.

The real, living, Lord Gringott of the Rebellion of Souls lay back in his cosy little coffin, admiring the engravings on the roof of the building.

And then came the roar! The dragons were not going to part with their prize so easily.

"Oh, yes... them." Gringott waved a lazy hand and the dragons, including the jet of recently fired flames, turned to stone.

"My lord," the Portrait Gringott said. "'Tis an honour, your grace."

The real Gringott just yawned and tried to get into a more comfortable position.

"What?" he said. "I haven't slept for years... how many, exactly? After we're taken foward, that is."

"About 35 centuries, my lord," answered Portrait.

"Yes... 35 centuries. Seems about it."

"Yes, my lord."

"So, where is that scoundrel?"

[Scarlet Lioness]

"What scoundrel???" Steph asked..."Hey, I thought we had 3 seconds???"

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

"Three seconds? Who told you that?"

"Yo-your portrait."

"Well that's ridiculous!"

"But, your portrait sa-"

"You had two seconds."

[Scarlet Lioness]

"Ohhh...true" Steph said

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

"And it's because I was casting a charm to destroy it after three seconds. I felt that gave you ample time to reach me."

Steph remembered what would have been an eternity longer than two seconds walking across the hall, had it not been for the Portrait's magic skills.

"Definitely enough," Ian and Steph agreed.

[Scarlet Lioness]

"So...what do we do now??" Steph asked as she looked around the room and fixed her eyes back onto the green goblin

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

"I suppose I've had a long enough rest."

"Yes!" Ian and Steph shouted.

"Alright, alright, no need to get titchy."

"They have a point though, sir." stated Portrait.

"Yes, you're right of course, Portrait. Do send us back then."

[Scarlet Lioness]

"Ohhh finally..." Steph sighed...

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

The three living persons were suddenly inside the old Hogwarts Library, just as it had been before they left. But the portrait was quiet.

It was hanging on a wall, just standing there.

But the picture Gringott was gone.

"Where do you think he's gone?" Steph asked Lord Gringott.

"Who knows... could be anywhere. He's not required anymore, anyway. He's served his purpose. He might have retired to a better place at home with another portrait."

[Scarlet Lioness]

"Well that's cool...I'll be off..." Steph opened the door, and left the room...and she was finally in the Corridor...she started walking towards the Gryffindor CR...

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

Gringott stuck out a lazy hand and pulled her back.

"Not a chance, missy... not a chance."

[Scarlet Lioness]

She felt Gringott pull her back...her fantasy was gone...

"Ohhh please can we go???!!!!!!!!!!" Steph pleaded!

[Phoenix in the Ashes]

Gringott thought about it.

"You have 12 hours. At exactly 6:00PM you will report here to this library. I will provide everything you need except your wands. Use this time wisely."

"Where will you go?"

"I need to speak to the Headmistress."

[Scarlet Lioness]

"YAY!!! 12 hours of freedeom..." She ran as fast as she could...Ian just a few paces behind her...

[Asphodel]

As Ian caught up to Steph he whispered, "Let's ditch him!"

Steph snorted, "I wish we could, he is so going to be mad if we don't meet him,"

"So?" Ian asked.

"So..... I-"

"You're afraid of Gringott aren't you?" Ian stopped.

"Uh,"

"We shouldn't work for someone we're afraid of,"