It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 41

Just then, the door opened and Nagnok stood back to allow them through.

"Good morning, Nagnok," intoned Severus.

"Ah, good morning Pro . . I mean Headmaster Snape.  It is a pleasure to see you again.  Madam Malfoy, good morning to you and to Master Malfoy, also."

"Good morning," replied Narcissa, looking anxiously at the waiting cart.

"Good morning, Nagnok," Draco smiled and then leaned down to whisper in the Goblin's ear."Mother doesn't like riding the carts, much.  I, on the other hand, can't wait."

"Ah, I see. Well, everyone on board, please.  I promise a smooth, although speedy ride.  My apologies in advance for any discomfort this causes you, Madam Malfoy."

"It's one of those unavoidable things in life, Nagnok, so let's just get this over with, shall we?"  Narcissa answered, as she settled down on the leather seat and straightened her gown.  She smiled at the Goblin and then took a firm grip on the handrail.

Draco and Severus took their seats while Nagnok settled behind the controls.  He pushed a few levers and the cart started rolling forward, speeding up as it went over the first dip in the tracks, then disappeared into the tunnel that led to the vaults.

* * *

The cart rolled to a stop at one of the deepest levels in the underground caves of Gringott's Bank.  Severus held out his hand to assist Narcissa to alight onto the stone walkway.  Draco was studying the instrument panel, asking Nagnok a few questions.

Suddenly, a roar was heard from nearby, echoing off the walls of the cavern.  Draco turned to his Mother, eyebrows raised.

"Security dragon, dear.  Nothing to worry about, Nagnok knows just what to do."

"Oh, right, forgot about that . . . it's been a while since Father brought me down here to our vault." Draco said, nodding.  "He had me wait on the cart, for my own safety . . . it was just before my first year, when we came to Diagon Alley to shop."

"Yes, I let you go with him, avoiding the ride that day." Narcissa nodded, holding out her hand to Draco. "Now you're nearly of age . . .my, how time flies!"  She gave him a kiss on the cheek, while Draco blushed.

"If you would all follow me?"  Nagnok started along the walkway, the other three following him.  Un-noticed by Nagnok, they each tipped a small vial of 'Felix Felicis' into their mouths and swallowed.

As they rounded the corner, they saw Nagnok take a handheld clacker from a box and start banging it, making an irritating noise.  A roar of pain and anxiety came from the huge grayish/white dragon chained to the wall before them; it was cowering away from the clacking, looking for all the world like a whipped puppy.

The small group hurried across the short stretch of open floor to the stairs that led up to the hallway where the vaults were located.  Nagnok turned down a short hall toward the Lestrange vault, while Narcissa and Draco waited at the junction with the main corridor.  Severus walked behind Nagnok and watched as the Goblin placed his palm on the door, hearing the clanking and clinking of the locks yielding to the Goblin's touch.  Nagnok took hold of the handle and swung the door open, stepping back to allow Severus entry.

"Nagnok?" Draco called.  "Exactly what breed of dragon is this one?"

Nagnok swiveled to see Draco leaning over the balcony railing, looking down at the huge creature, then turning his head to hear the answer to his question.  Nagnok took a step past Severus to warn Draco not to expose too much of himself to the dragon; his fiery breath could possibly reach to the railing, when Severus performed the 'Imperious' spell on the Goblin.  Nagnok eyes glazed over and he walked to join Draco and Narcissa, admiring the chained beast.