It was May 1st, 1998.

After a month of strenuous planning, the quartet finally formulated the perfect plan to break into Gringotts. Hermione was to be disguised as Bellatrix, much to Ellie's dismay. Ron was to transfigure his facial features while Harry, Ellie, and Griphook were to hide underneath Harry's Invisibility Cloak.

Hermione held a single strand of hair up to the light, showcasing it for Harry, Ron, and Ellie to see.

"Are you sure that's hers?" Ron questioned.

"Positive," Hermione confirmed softly.

Hermione dropped the hair into the bottle of Polyjuice, swishing it about until it bubbled.

"Alright, then. I'll help Ron with his transfigurations," Harry offered, pulling the red-head out of the room with him.

It was quiet for a moment as Ellie stared at the potion with a menacing look, knowing her girlfriend was to turn into the woman she hated most.

"I'm truly sorry, my love," Hermione apologized, watching as Ellie gritted her teeth. "But it's the only way we'll get in."

Ellie sighed, shaking her head to dismiss Hermione's apology. The mere thought of Bellatrix brought an uneasy feeling to the Hufflepuff's stomach. Surely, the woman's treatment to the girl would be enough to traumatize her, and seeing her again would only raise Ellie's anger.

"It'll still be me, okay?" Hermione reassured, bringing her free hand to cup Ellie's cheek, stepping closer to her girlfriend. "I'll still be your girlfriend underneath the potion."

"I know," Ellie murmured as she placed her hands on Hermione's waist.

"Come here, darling," Hermione cooed as she pressed her lips against Ellie's, savoring the kiss slowly.

"Time's ticking, love," Ellie muttered as she broke away from the kiss, resting their foreheads together.

"I'm going to take it now," Hermione warned as she popped off the cork from the bottle. "Just... keep your emotions together. We can't afford you attacking me."

"You know I won't hurt you," Ellie reasoned.

"But you'll hurt Bellatrix," Hermione countered with a knowing look.

"Okay," Ellie finalized in a more confident tone, exhaling a deep breath she seemed to be holding. "I'm going to step out while you take it, see how Harry and Ron are doing."

Hermione gave a small smile to her girlfriend, pecking her lips once more.

"I love you, Ellie," Hermione announced as her thumb stroked her girlfriend's cheek.

"I love you more, darling," Ellie smiled warmly, attempting to forget about potion in Hermione's hand.

Ellie gave one last look before exiting the room, shutting the door behind her softly.

She made her way outside, finding the boys standing atop a small hill, where Dobby's body was buried. As Ellie neared them, she found Ron's facial features completely transformed, wearing all black clothing. He had unruly hair and a dark beard that covered a majority of his face.

"Hey, Ellie," Ron smiled, waving his arm around excitedly. "It's me, Ron!"

"Yeah, I figured. You're still a ginger," Ellie joked, earning a small chuckle from Harry.

A few more moments passed as they awaited Hermione's arrival, and soon enough, she came. She shuffled up the hill with Griphook, wobbling in Bellatrix's heels. Ellie clenched her fists, but immediately released them after realizing it was only a facade.

"Well?" Hermione questioned, her features resembling Bellatrix's perfectly. "How do I look?"

"Hideous," Ron answered.

"You can give that to Hermione to hold, all right, Griphook?" Harry instructed, the goblin placing the Sword of Gryffindor inside Hermione's bag.

The four of them assembled, touching hands in the middle in preparation of their Apparation.

"Wait," Ellie stopped.

Ellie brought her hand to Hermione's clothing, pulling up the low-sitting fabric that barely covered her breasts. She couldn't bear to make eye contact with Hermione, though she knew it really wasn't Bellatrix.

"Not appropriate for my girlfriend," Ellie explained, drawing her hand back quickly.

"We're relying on you, Griphook. If you get us past the guards and into the vault, the sword's yours," Harry announced to the goblin.

As soon as Griphook placed his hand on top of the quartet's, Harry Apparated them to Diagon Alley, just a short walk from the wizarding bank.

Ron, Harry, Ellie, and Griphook quickly pressed their backs to the walls, hiding within the shadows, leaving Hermione in her disguise.

"Madam Lestrange," a man nodded as he saw who he believed to be the Death Eater.

"Good morning," Hermione greeted in a chirpy tone.

Ellie sighed frustratedly, bringing her hand to smack against her forehead.

"Good morning? Good morning?" Griphook repeated. "You're Bellatrix Lestrange, not some dewy-eyed school girl.

"Hey. Easy," Ron hissed at the goblin.

"She gives us away, we might as well use that sword to slit our own throats. Understand?" Griphook explained.

"No, he's right. I was being stupid," Hermione reasoned.

"No, you weren't. Just be a little more Death-Eater like next time," Ellie reassured, though she couldn't look her girlfriend in the eye.

"Okay. Let's do it," Harry dictated.

Harry crouched down to mount the goblin on his back while Ellie stood closely next to him. Ron threw the Invisibility Cloak over the three of them, hiding them completely.

The five of them entered the building, meeting with columns of goblins surrounding the long aisle to the goblin seated at the front.

Hermione began to walk slowly, Ron trailing behind her. Ellie, Harry, and Griphook followed quietly, watching as Hermione struggled to walk in the heels.

Hermione stopped just before the goblin, crossing her arms to appear more intimidating. The goblin didn't look up from his work as Hermione cleared her throat.

"I wish to enter my vault," Hermione announced.

"Identification?" the goblin asked in a monotone voice, not once looking up from the parchment he was writing on.

"I hardly think that'll be necessary," Hermione countered.

The goblin finally looked up, standing from his seat at the sight.

"Madam Lestrange."

"I don't like to be kept waiting," Hermione demanded.

There was a moment of silence as whispers were heard around the room, the chatter filling the tense silence.

"They know," Griphook whispered from underneath the cloak. "They know she's an imposter. They've been warned."

Ellie watched as one of the guards started to approach them, her heart racing as she looked back up to Hermione, fearing for her life.

"Harry? What do we do, Harry?" Ron whispered fearfully, his voice quivering.

"Madam Lestrange, would you mind presenting your wand?" another goblin spoke, taking the previous goblin's spot at the podium.

"And why should I do that?" Hermione snapped.

"It's the bank's policy. I'm sure you understand given the current climate," the goblin explained.

"That's Bogrod," Griphook whispered to Ellie, watching as the Hufflepuff's eyes scanned the situation in horror.

"No. I most certainly do not understand," Hermione stammered loudly.

"I'm afraid I must insist."

Harry started to crouch towards the podium, almost leaving Ellie behind. He waved his wand at Bogrod, putting him under the Imperius Curse.

Bogrod inhaled deeply, having been affected by the curse.

"Very well, Madam Lestrange. If you will follow me."

Soon enough, the five of them found themselves on a cart to Bellatrix's vault. The cart snaked underground, flipping them over multiple times as its speed increased. Ellie felt her head get pressured with the spiraling turns, feeling a growing sickness in the pit of her stomach.

Ellie took hold of Hermione's hand, though it didn't feel the same. It was cold and cracked, the nails overgrown and painted. Despite its difference, Ellie held on, reassuring Hermione that they would be all right.

They passed through a raging waterfall, soaking their clothes as the cart suddenly screeched to a stop. Ellie looked around frantically, catching a glimpse of Hermione's honey-brown eyes before the cart flipped over, releasing them from their seats. The five of them fell downwards, screaming as they watched the ground get closer.

Hermione yelled, Arresto Momentum, slowing their bodies just before hitting the ground, saving them from their fall. They finally touched the ground with a thud, and Ellie scrambled to look for her girlfriend.

"Well done, Hermione," Harry groaned.

Ellie met up with Hermione, cupping her face worriedly as she saw her girlfriend again, her potion seeming to be worn off.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Ellie blurted as she checked Hermione's appearance for any open wounds.

"I'm okay, love. Don't worry about me," Hermione reassured, her eyes flickering to Ellie's hand to make sure her ring sat there.

A loud siren came from above, and the group looked up to follow the sound back to the cart, watching as it retreated backwards.

"Oh no, you look like you again," Ron commented as he caught a glimpse of Hermione's face.

"The Thief's Downfall. Washes away all enchantments. Can be deadly," Griphook explained.

"You don't say," Ron commented.

"And you didn't tell us this earlier?" Ellie snapped.

"Just out of interest, is there any other way out of here?" Ron questioned.

"No," Griphook answered gravely.

Th goblin that had accompanied them turned around, analyzing the situation.

"What the devil are all of you doing down here?" Bogrod roared. "Thieves! When you gave up the keys, you..."

Ron quickly withdrew his wand and pointed it at the goblin, inciting Imperio. Bogrod took a whiff and returned back to his dazed state, a smile plastered on his face.

A loud roar erupted within the cavern, echoing off the stone. It seemed deep and monstrous, as if the creature had been forged from the darkest of places.

Hermione held Ellie's hand fearfully, clutching onto it as she looked for the source of the noise.

Ellie kissed Hermione's forehead quickly, rubbing her thumb across her girlfriend's hand.

"It's okay, my love," Ellie whispered in attempt to reassure her girlfriend.

"That doesn't sound good," Ron commented, his eyes wide with fear.

They started to make their way to the vault, snaking against the walls quietly. Ron lead the group, Ellie, Hermione, and Harry trailing behind. They turned the corner and found the source of the growling. Sleeping at the entrance was a massive dragon, sharp spikes trailing down its icy-like spine.

"Bloody hell," Ron whispered in amazement. "That's a Ukranian Ironbelly."

The dragon seemed to hear him, waking from its slumber. It roared in their direction, and the group took a step backward in retreat.

Griphook began to make noise using a pair of Clankers he had retrieved from the box next to him, handing another device to Ron. The dragon started to whine, cowering backwards.

"It's been trained to expect pain when it hears the noise," the goblin yelled as he started to lead the group past it.

"That's barbaric," Hermione protested, but Ellie pulled her hand, urging for her to get to safety.

The group finally made their way to the vault, the dark door closing and magically locking behind them. Ron, Ellie, Hermione, and Harry stepped forward while Griphook waited at the entrance, watching their every move.

Lumos, the four of them incited, bringing their wands to illuminate the dark vault.

An assortment of luxury objects, ranging from gold to silver, filled the room, reaching the ceiling with its abundance.

Ellie squeezed Hermione's hand, keeping her close as she started to explore the vault.

"Blimey," Ron commented in astonishment.

Accio Horcrux, Hermione attempted, but the spell was useless.

"She's got all this treasure, yet she can't afford a dentist," Ellie muttered under her breath.

Hermione scowled at her, nudging Ellie with her elbow softly.

"Sorry, I forgot," Ellie apologized, referring to Mr. and Mrs. Granger's occupations.

"You're not trying that one again, are you?" Ron commented, turning to Hermione.

"That kind of magic won't work in here," Griphook explained.

"Is it in here, Harry?" Ron whispered. "Can you feel anything?"

Harry nodded, looking upwards to a cup that sat atop of the mound of treasures.

Hermione gasped slightly as she accidentally knocked over an object. Everyone turned their head in the direction, finding that the object had started to multiply.

Ellie quickly pulled Hermione back to the middle, away from the objects and out of harm's way.

"That's it. Up there," Harry yelled, his eyes fixated on the cup.

Ron started to back away, but instead backed into a few objects, knocking them over to the ground. The objects multiplied at a fast rate as it started to cover the ground.

"Hermione! Ron! Away from the objects!" Ellie ordered as she kept her girlfriend close, her arm wrapped around her waist as her eyes looked around frantically.

"They've added the Gemino curse. Everything you touch will multiply," Griphook explained in a grave voice.

"Give me the sword," Harry ordered, in which Hermione pulled the sword from her bag and threw it to him.

Harry started to climb the increasing mound of treasure, struggling with his footing. Ellie and Hermione watched fearfully, their hands still laced together. Ron started to panic, moving about frantically.

"Stop moving!" Hermione ordered.

Once the redhead stopped moving, everything else quieted down. The only sound that occupied the room was Harry's attempt at reaching the cup.

It was quiet for a moment, and Harry seemed to be drowned in the mound. He suddenly burst from the objects, frantically making his way down to the ground.

"Got it!" Harry yelled, holding the cup in his hand.

Harry lost his footing, and the Horcrux fell at Griphook's feet. The goblin picked it up in his hand, holding his other hand out.

"We had a deal, Griphook," Harry reminded.

"The cup for the sword!" Griphook roared, holding the cup defensively.

Harry reluctantly threw the sword over to the goblin, and Griphook tossed the cup to Hermione.

Hermione yelped as the objects started to rise to her throat. She found that she had lost sight and let go of Ellie as she clutched the Horcrux to her chest.

"Ellie! Where are you?" Hermione cried out as she tried to see over the heaping amount of treasures.

"I'm right here!" Ellie answered from afar, the clanking of the metal nearly drowning out her voice. She began to wade through the multiplying objects, reaching for Hermione's hand.

Hermione lunged forward to grasp Ellie's hand, sighing in relief as she reconnected with her.

"I said I'd get you in. I didn't say anything about getting you out," Griphook declared.

Griphook took Bogrod with him, hobbling their way out of the vault.

Hermione started to whimper as the objects reached her neck, unable to move her body.

"It's okay, I got you! Just stay close!" Ellie yelled over the loud clanking noises.

Ellie started to swim her way through the sea of treasures, pulling Hermione behind her.

The four of them finally made it out, and Harry attempted to pursue the goblins, stopping at the balcony. He called out his name repeatedly, but Griphook chose to ignore him.

"Thieves! Help! Thieves!" Griphook yelled before running off with the sword, leaving Bogrod in front of the dragon.

"Foul little git. Least we've still got Bogrod," Ron panted.

The dragon approached Bogrod, who simply stood there, still under the Imperius Curse. The dragon blasted the goblin with its fiery breath, roasting him to a crisp. The four of them winced at the sight, watching the goblin die.

"That's unfortunate," Ron continued.

A team of security began firing spells at the quartet, causing them to hide behind the walls.

"We can't just stand here! Who's got an idea?" Hermione yelled as she pressed her back against the wall.

"You're the brilliant one," Ron countered.

"Ron! Shut up and start thinking!" Ellie defended as she dodged a piece of flying rubble.

"I've got something, but it's mad," Hermione proposed.

Within a second, Hermione incited, Reducto, blasting away the balcony's railing.

She began to run towards the balcony, letting go of Ellie's hand as she jumped off. She landed on the spine of the dragon, using its spikes to anchor herself up. Ellie followed suit, leaving the boys behind the wall.

"Well, come on, then!" Hermione instructed as she held onto the spike for dear life.

The boys followed, jumping off the balcony and onto the dragon. Once secured, Hermione pointed her wand at the chain holding the dragon, inciting Relashio.

With the dragon now freed, it stopped breathing fire, and looked upwards to the little opening of light above them. It started to scale the underground walls, knocking a running cart off its track as its passengers were sent to their death.

The dragon began to fly, making its way up quickly to the light. The quartet braced themselves for impact as the dragon broke through Gringott's ground, breathing fire at the runaway goblins.

"Ellie! Hold on tight!" Hermione yelled through the sound of breaking rubble, making sure her girlfriend would stay safe.

The dragon broke its way through the glass dome of the bank, destroying its entirety. It came to a halt as it took in the light coming through his able eye.

"Now what?" Ron yelled.

Reducto, Hermione incited, pointing her wand at the area beside the dragon's tail. The dragon immediately began flying, nearly causing Ellie to lose her grip.

"Hold on!" Harry instructed.

The dragon made its way to the sky, flapping just underneath the clouds. The noise had diminished to just the sound of the dragon's flapping winds, and it seemed almost peaceful.

"That was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant," Ron complimented, smiling widely as it held the dragon's spikes.

"You're amazing, darling!" Ellie chuckled as she felt the wind fly through her hair. "Blimey, you're a genius!"

Hermione smiled to herself, blushing at her girlfriend's compliments. Her heart soared with triumph knowing she had successfully lead their escape.