NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: 7. Gringotts
"I'd like to apply for the currency exchange service for this year's incoming students," Ivan said confidently, stepping up to the counter.
The goblin behind the counter looked up, his interest piqued, and he squinted down at Ivan and Hermione, who were flanked by the serious figure of Professor McGonagall. "Ah, that time of year again," he murmured with a small grin. Then he leaned over, looking from Ivan to Hermione. "And who is it that needs to exchange Muggle currency for wizarding coin?"
"Miss Granger, here," Professor McGonagall started, gesturing to Hermione.
"Excuse me, Professor," Ivan interrupted politely, a slight glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Could I ask how much we'd get for this amount?"
Professor McGonagall's brow furrowed slightly as she regarded him with interest, clearly caught off guard. But after a moment's pause, she nodded at the goblin. "Both Miss Granger and Mr. Ambrosius require the exchange service," she said smoothly.
Ivan, though grateful for the Hogwarts scholarship available to students in his situation, knew that the funds barely stretched to cover essential supplies. Determined to find a better way, he opted to skip the scholarship entirely and, instead, apply for the Muggle currency exchange service at Gringotts. His calculations told him that with a bit of clever maneuvering, this could give him better financial flexibility.
"Ivan, do you have enough money?" Hermione asked, sounding a bit concerned as she looked over at him.
Hermione herself had brought a substantial sum—around 2,000 pounds—which would theoretically exchange for about 400 Galleons at the standard rate. However, Hogwarts had strict limitations: new students from Muggle families were only permitted to exchange up to 100 Galleons per year, a precaution to prevent inexperienced students from overspending or mishandling large sums of wizarding currency.
The exchange rate between Muggle money and Galleons, however, was famously fickle. If demand spiked, the rate could swing wildly, from the standard 1:5 to as much as 1:50 or even 1:500. Goblins didn't place much value on Muggle money, often treating it as worthless. This view made exchanging Muggle cash directly a poor option for students in the know.
The more efficient strategy, then, was to use Muggle currency to buy gold and trade that gold for Galleons, a solution Ivan had carefully prepared for. Gold was universally valued, and goblins had always cherished it, their interest going back generations. Ivan, knowing this, had brought along a box containing small, valuable gold pieces he'd managed to collect through his careful foresight and planning.
Reaching into his backpack, Ivan retrieved the box of gold and, with Professor McGonagall's help, lifted it onto the counter. The goblin's eyes gleamed as he eagerly opened it, revealing neatly arranged small gold pieces.
"Gold!" he exclaimed with a pleased grin. "Lovely, precious little pieces." He peered closer and smiled approvingly. "Mr. Ambrosius, based on today's rates, we can exchange this for a sum of 250 Galleons."
Ivan's face remained impassive, though he noted with cold understanding how heavily the goblins were skimming off the value for themselves. However, he simply nodded, showing no sign of displeasure, which seemed to surprise both Hermione and Professor McGonagall, who had expected him to negotiate the terms.
Hermione then exchanged pounds of her own, receiving her 80 Galleons. When they'd finished their transactions and stepped outside Gringotts, Professor McGonagall turned to Ivan, curiosity in her eyes.
"Ivan," she began cautiously, "where did you acquire all that gold?"
"It's all legally obtained, Professor," Ivan replied, keeping his tone even. "When I was younger, I occasionally used my foresight to predict small lottery prizes. Once, I even won third place, which provided funds to improve life at the orphanage. I also made small sports bets from time to time, but I've always been careful to keep it within a safe range."
He chose not to mention the additional measures he had taken, such as opening several bank accounts in the Muggle world, using disguise charms to keep his transactions untraceable. In truth, he was preparing his finances carefully to ensure he'd be ready for the future, wherever it might lead.
Hermione looked over at him, her eyes wide with amazement. "That's incredible," she whispered. She had always thought that if she could see the future, she might try something similar, but she'd never thought she'd meet someone who actually did it—and so skillfully.
Professor McGonagall, with a small nod, reminded Ivan to be cautious in using his powers too openly and advised him not to rely on gambling. Then she let the matter drop, evidently satisfied with his responsible approach.
After a moment, she asked the two to produce their shopping lists. Hermione was already ready, and she recited hers with precision:
"Uniforms:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)A plain peaked hat for daytime wear (black)Protective gloves (made from dragon skin or similar material)A winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)All clothing should have name tags attached.
Textbooks:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)A History of MagicMagical TheoryA Beginner's Guide to TransfigurationOne Thousand Magical Herbs and FungiMagical Drafts and PotionsFantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemThe Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
Other equipment:
One wandOne cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)One set of glass or crystal phialsOne telescopeOne set of brass scalesStudents may bring either an owl, a cat, or a toad.
Additionally, please note that first-year students are not permitted to bring broomsticks to school."
Professor McGonagall gave Hermione an approving nod, clearly impressed by her readiness. "It seems that our Miss Granger is very well prepared," she said warmly.
Hermione beamed, visibly pleased by the compliment. Ivan noticed that Professor McGonagall seemed especially proud of students who were as eager to learn as Hermione. Perhaps it reminded her of herself, once a young, determined student who also took her studies seriously, eager to prove her worth.
With their lists in hand, Professor McGonagall excused herself to pick up several essential items for them. Being familiar with Diagon Alley's ins and outs, she knew where to find the best supplies at the best prices. "Please wait in Flourish and Blotts for your textbooks," she told them, and with a brisk nod, she left.
"Professor McGonagall is such a wonderful teacher," Hermione said, almost to herself, as they watched her retreating figure. "I wish all the Hogwarts professors were like her."
Ivan shared her sentiment. To the rest of the world, Professor McGonagall might seem stern, even severe, but to him and Hermione, she had a kindness and care that set her apart. She was, in their eyes, a warm-hearted "cat-person" with a touch of mystery.
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