*[[Consortium of Goblinary Finance & Red-Nosed Wizard Investors]]
*[[Consortium of Goblinary Finance & Red-Nosed Wizard Investors]]
}}
}}
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{{Quote|Gringotts, the wizardbank!Ain'tnosaferplace.Notone.Exceptperhaps [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].|[[Rubeus Hagrid]] opinion of Gringotts|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)}}
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{{Quote|Never mess with goblins, Harry. Gringotts is the safest place in the world fer anything yeh want ter keep safe -- 'cept maybe [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].|[[Rubeus Hagrid]]'s opinion of Gringotts|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
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'''Gringotts Wizarding Bank''' is the only bank of the [[wizarding world]], and is owned and operated by [[goblin]]s. It was created by a goblin called [[Gringott]], in [[1474]]. Its main offices are located around the [[Diagon Alley North Side|North Side]] of [[Diagon Alley]] in [[London]], [[England]]. In addition to storing money and valuables for [[wizardkind|wizards and witches]], one can go there to exchange [[Muggle money]] for [[Wizarding currency|wizarding money]]. The currency exchanged by [[Muggle]]s is later returned to circulation in the [[Muggle world]] by goblins.<ref name="AOLLive">[http://www.cesnur.org/2001/potter/march_03.htm AOL Live Interview with J. K. Rowling - October 19, 2000]</ref> According to [[Rubeus Hagrid]], other than [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], Gringotts is the safest place in the wizarding world.
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'''Gringotts Wizarding Bank''' is the only bank of the [[wizarding world]], and is owned and operated by [[goblin]]s. It was created by a goblin called [[Gringott]], in [[1474]]. Its main offices are located around the [[Diagon Alley North Side|North Side]] of [[Diagon Alley]] in [[London]], [[England]]. In addition to storing money and valuables for [[wizardkind|wizards and witches]], one can go there to exchange [[Muggle money]] for [[Wizarding currency|wizarding money]], which appeared to not be very difficult, as shown when [[Hermione Granger]]'s parents did so while paying for her school supplies. The currency exchanged by [[Non-magic people|Muggles]] is later returned to circulation in the [[Muggle world]] by goblins.<ref name="AOLLive">[http://www.cesnur.org/2001/potter/march_03.htm AOL Live Interview with J. K. Rowling - October 19, 2000]</ref> According to [[Rubeus Hagrid]], other than [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], Gringotts is the safest place in the wizarding world.
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The motto of Gringotts Wizarding Bank is ''Fortius Quo Fidelius'', a [[Latin]] phrase that means "Strength through loyalty".<ref name="MoHP">{{MHP}} -See [[:File:BankRuneCredit.png|this image]]</ref>
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The motto of Gringotts Wizarding Bank is ''Fortius Quo Fidelius'', a [[Latin]] phrase that means "Strength through loyalty".<ref name="MoHP">{{MHP}} {{see image|File:BankRuneCredit.png}}</ref>
==History==
==History==
The bank was created by [[Gringott]]<ref>{{POA|G}} - [[Gringott]] Wizard Card</ref> in [[1474]].<ref name="WWoHP">{{WWHP}} {{see image|File:Gringotts1474Ref.png}}</ref> but was then put in the hands of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] shortly thereafter, being under
The bank was created by [[Gringott]]<ref>{{POA|G}} - [[Gringott]] Wizard Card</ref> in [[1474]].<ref name="WWoHP">{{WWHP}} {{see image|File:Gringotts1474Ref.png}}</ref> but was then put in the hands of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] shortly thereafter, being under
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some degree of [[Wizardkind|wizarding]] management already by the [[16th century|1500s]]' when [[Tertius]] applied for the job of [[Curse-Breaker]] to two wizards who were discussing job vacancies at the door to Gringotts.<ref>{{WBP}}</ref> In [[1865]], the Ministry decided to put full control of Gringotts back in [[goblin]] hands.<ref>Third question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at {{JKRS}}</ref>
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some degree of [[Wizardkind|wizarding]] management already by the [[1500s]]' when [[Tertius]] applied for the job of [[Curse-Breaker]] to two wizards who were discussing job vacancies at the door to Gringotts.<ref>{{WBP}}</ref> In [[1865]], the Ministry decided to put full control of Gringotts back in [[goblin]] hands.<ref>Third question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at {{JKRS}}</ref>
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On [[29 November]] [[1926]], Gringotts was put on lockdown with [[protective enchantments]] cast.<ref>{{FB|F}} - {{see image|File:Daily Prophet - 29 Nov 1926.png}}</ref>
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On [[29 November]] [[1926]], Gringotts was put on lockdown with [[protective enchantment]]s cast.<ref>{{FB|F}} {{see image|File:Daily Prophet - 29 Nov 1926.png}}</ref>
During [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s control of the Ministry ([[1997]] to [[1998]]), the bank was put yet again under the Ministry.<ref>{{DH}}</ref> With the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], Gringotts was presumably put back into Goblin management.
During [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]]'s control of the Ministry ([[1997]] to [[1998]]), the bank was put yet again under the Ministry.<ref>{{DH}}</ref> With the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], Gringotts was presumably put back into Goblin management.
{{main|Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991)}}
{{Quote|Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown. Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day. "But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you," said a Gringotts spokesgoblin this afternoon.|''[[Daily Prophet]]'' article|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
{{Quote|Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown. Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day. "But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you," said a Gringotts spokesgoblin this afternoon.|''[[Daily Prophet]]'' article|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991)|break-in of 1991]] was committed by [[Quirinus Quirrell]], who was attempting to steal an object from [[Vault 713]]. The vault, one of the higher-security ones, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] sent [[Rubeus Hagrid]] to retrieve it while the latter was escorting [[Harry Potter]] to [[Diagon Alley]] in order to buy his school supplies.
The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991)|break-in of 1991]] was committed by [[Quirinus Quirrell]], who was attempting to steal an object from [[Vault 713]]. The vault, one of the higher-security ones, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. [[Albus Dumbledore]] sent [[Rubeus Hagrid]] to retrieve it while the latter was escorting [[Harry Potter]] to [[Diagon Alley]] in order to buy his school supplies.
Later that very same day after Hagrid and Harry left the Alley, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed. The culprit was not caught, though it is later learned Quirrell broke into the vault acting under orders from [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]. Also the protection around the vault was minimal at the time, since it no longer contained anything and thus had nothing to guard.
Later that very same day after Hagrid and Harry left the Alley, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed. The culprit was not caught, though it is later learned Quirrell broke into the vault acting under orders from [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]. Also the protection around the vault was minimal at the time, since it no longer contained anything and thus had nothing to guard.
====1998 Break-In====
====1998 Break-In====
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{{main|Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)}}
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{{Quote|The vault we need to get into isn't empty, and I'm guessing its protection will be pretty powerful. It belongs to the [[Lestrange family|Lestranges]].||Discussion of breaking into Gringotts|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Quote|The vault we need to get into isn't empty, and I'm guessing its protection will be pretty powerful. It belongs to the [[Lestrange family|Lestranges]].|Discussion of breaking into Gringotts|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in of 1998]] was committed by [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]]. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were aided by a reluctant [[Griphook]] in exchange for [[Godric Gryffindor's sword]]. They broke into the[[Lestrange Vault|vault]] of [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], where one of Lord Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es ([[Helga Hufflepuff's cup]]) was hidden. They came to the conclusion that a break-in was necessary after Harry deduced the location of the Horcrux after the Skirmish at Malfoy Monor.
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The [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in of 1998]] was committed by Harry Potter, [[Hermione Granger]], and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]]. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were aided by a reluctant [[Griphook]] in exchange for [[Godric Gryffindor's sword]]. They broke into the [[Lestrange Vault|vault]] of [[Bellatrix Lestrange]], where one of Lord Voldemort's [[Horcrux]]es ([[Helga Hufflepuff's cup]]) was hidden. They came to the conclusion that a break-in was necessary after Harry deduced the location of the Horcrux after the [[Skirmish at Malfoy Manor]].
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[[File:B7C26M1.jpg|250x250px|thumb|The trio during the break-in]]
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[[File:B7C26M1 Gringott's Dragon.png|250px|thumb|The trio during the break-in]]
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At the doors of the bank, two human guards had Probity Probes — devices that detected concealment charms. Harry quickly used a [[Confundus Charm]] on the two guards and Hermione passed by them unchecked. Once inside the bank they were in danger of being found out and Harry had to use the [[Imperius Curse]] on a goblin and a Travers in order for them to continue onward. However, when they went into Bellatrix's vault, which was stocked with all manners of treasure, they found out that the treasure had the [[GeminoCurse|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms placed on it.Thoughburnedandnearlyburiedinfalsetreasures, the Trio managed to escape with the Horcrux by fleeing on a [[Ukrainian Ironbelly at Gringotts|half-blind dragon]] that was part of the security for the vault, leaving parts of the bank in ruins.
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At the doors of the bank, two human guards had Probity Probes — devices that detected concealment charms. Harry quickly used a [[Confundus Charm]] on the two guards and Hermione passed by them unchecked. Once inside the bank they were in danger of being found out and Harry had to use the [[Imperius Curse]] on a goblin and a Travers in order for them to continue onward. However, when they went into Bellatrix's vault, which was stocked with all manners of treasure, they found out that the treasure had the [[Doubling Charm|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms placed on it, which meant that thieves would be burned by the objects, which also duplicated until the thief was crushed under the burning weight of the fake treasure. The Trio still managed to escape with the Horcrux by fleeing on a [[Ukrainian Ironbelly at Gringotts|half-blind dragon]] that was part of the security for the vault, leaving parts of the bank in ruins. Upon learning of this, Voldemort slaughtered a large number of bank guards and clerks, including Griphook, effectively venting out his rage and eliminating witnesses.
==Description==
==Description==
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{{Quote|They had reached a snowy white building that towered over the other little shops.|Physical appearance of the bank|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}[[File:Gringotts_bank.jpg|250x250px|thumb|left|The façade of Gringotts as seen from [[Diagon Alley]]]]
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{{Quote|They had reached a snowy white building that towered over the other little shops.|Physical appearance of the bank|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}[[File:Gringotts_bank.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The façade of Gringotts as seen from [[Diagon Alley]]]]
Gringotts is an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building located partway down [[Diagon Alley]], near its intersection with [[Knockturn Alley]], that towers over the neighbouring shops. It is the place where British witches and wizards store their money and other valuables, in heavily-guarded vaults miles below ground.
Gringotts is an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building located partway down [[Diagon Alley]], near its intersection with [[Knockturn Alley]], that towers over the neighbouring shops. It is the place where British witches and wizards store their money and other valuables, in heavily-guarded vaults miles below ground.
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From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs leads up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors are flanked by a goblin in a uniform of scarlet and gold, though during the [[Second Wizarding War]] the goblin was replaced instead by two [[Gringotts Guards|wizard guards]] with [[Probity Probe]]s. This is the entrance to Gringotts, and it leads into a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors are the words:
From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs leads up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors are flanked by a goblin in a uniform of scarlet and gold, though during the [[Second Wizarding War]] the goblin was replaced instead by two [[Gringotts Guards|wizard guards]] with [[Probity Probe]]s. This is the entrance to Gringotts, and it leads into a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors are the words:
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[[File:Gringotts Wizarding Bank PM.jpg|230x230px|thumb|Inside Gringotts Bank]]
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[[File:Gringotts Wizarding Bank PM.jpg|250px|thumb|Inside Gringotts Bank]]
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<center><poem><i>Enter, stranger, but take heed
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<p style="text-align: center;">''Enter, stranger, but take heed''<br />''Of what awaits the sin of greed''<br />''For those who take, but do not earn,''<br />''Must pay most dearly in their turn.''<br />''So if you seek beneath our floors''<br />''A treasure that was never yours,''<br />''Thief, you have been warned, beware''<br />''Of finding more than treasure there.''<br /></p>
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Of what awaits the sin of greed
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For those who take, but do not earn,
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Must pay most dearly in their turn.
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So if you seek beneath our floors
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A treasure that was never yours,
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Thief, you have been warned, beware
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Of finding more than treasure there.</i></poem></center>
Through these doors, also flanked with goblins, is a vast marble hall long counters stretching along its length with doors leading off to the vault passageways with around a hundred goblins sitting at them. The vaults extend for miles under the city and are accessible through rough stone, complex and interconnected passageways by means of [[Mine Cart|magic carts]] that are operated by goblins. [[Dragon]]s and other mysterious beasts lurk in the depths as additional security devices.
Through these doors, also flanked with goblins, is a vast marble hall long counters stretching along its length with doors leading off to the vault passageways with around a hundred goblins sitting at them. The vaults extend for miles under the city and are accessible through rough stone, complex and interconnected passageways by means of [[Mine Cart|magic carts]] that are operated by goblins. [[Dragon]]s and other mysterious beasts lurk in the depths as additional security devices.
==The Gringotts Vaults==
==The Gringotts Vaults==
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{{Quote|The vaults were reached by means of small, goblin-driven carts that sped along miniature train tracks through the bank's underground tunnels.|Description of the Gringotts carts|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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{{Quote|The vaults were reached by means of small, goblin-driven carts that sped along miniature train tracks through the bank's underground tunnels.|Description of the Gringotts carts|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}[[File:Gringotts_cart_02.gif|250px|thumb|left|A goblin cart travelling past vault seven-hundred and thirteen, containing the [[Philosopher's Stone]], as Harry, Hagrid, and Griphook walk towards it]]
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[[File:Gringotts_cart_02.gif|230x230px|thumb|left|A goblin cart travelling past vault seven-hundred and thirteen, containing the [[Philosopher's Stone]], as Harry, Hagrid, and Griphook walk towards it]]
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In contrast to the grand [[marble]] of the entryway and the main hall, the passageways to the vaults are stone and dimly lit with flaming torches. They slope down to a track, upon which run little carts controlled by the goblins. These carts take visitors deep beneath the surface of the earth, through a "maze of twisting passages," to the vaults. The carts go very quickly, which makes Hagrid a little queasy and prevents its occupants from getting a good look at their surroundings, and seem to run on a vast, complex, interconnected series of tracks that allow them to move to and between any vaults.
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In contrast to the grand [[marble]] of the entryway and the main hall, the passageways to the vaults are stone and dimly lit with flaming torches. They slope down to a track, upon which run little carts controlled by the [[goblin]]s. These carts take visitors deep beneath the surface of the earth, through a "maze of twisting passages," to the vaults. The carts go very quickly, which makes Hagrid a little queasy and prevents its occupants from getting a good look at their surroundings, and seem to run on a vast, complex, interconnected series of tracks that allow them to move to and between any vaults.
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The vaults themselves vary in size and security. The largest, most well protected vaults belong to the oldest wizarding families and lie deepest beneath the surface. Those vaults closer to the surface seem to be smaller and have fewer security precautions surrounding them — they use keys, for example, rather than requiring the touch of a goblin to gain access. The rules around who is allowed to access vaults seem to change; sometimes wizards are asked for identification or a key to be allowed access, yet both [[Molly Weasley]] and [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] are able to get gold from Harry's vault for him.
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The vaults themselves vary in size and security. The largest, most well protected vaults belong to the oldest and richest wizarding families and lie deepest beneath the surface. Those vaults closer to the surface seem to be smaller and have fewer security precautions surrounding them — they use keys, for example, rather than requiring the touch of a goblin to gain access. The rules around who is allowed to access vaults seem to change; sometimes wizards are asked for identification or a key to be allowed access, yet both [[Molly Weasley]] and [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] are able to get gold from Harry's vault for him.
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It is possible there is a charm forcing the wizard to give the gold to its rightful owner. However, even this wouldn't explain how [[Sirius Black|Sirius]] was able to order a Firebolt in Harry's name, but take the gold from his own vault — despite being an escaped convict at the time. It also seems that only blood relations can inherit a Gringotts vault; [[Albus Dumbledore]] implies strongly that when Sirius died as the last of the Black family line, his vault was cleaned out and its contents added to Harry's, rather than Harry inheriting the vault as well, though this could be excused as due to Harry already having a vault the bankers would not see fit to grant him an additional one. It seems that any vault belonging to a criminal will remain guarded and untouched, as when all the Lestrange family were sentenced to [[Azkaban]] for life, their vault was not evicted, leaving it a safe-place for [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort's]] [[Hufflepuff's Cup|horcrux]], though it is possible that they had non-criminal relatives who could be in possession of the vault during their incarceration, but as Sirius Black was the last Black by name for at least some of his sentence and his vault remained without anything being confiscated it would seem that Gringotts operates outside of wizard law, at the very least in rights of ownership towards their vaults and what is kept inside.
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It is possible there is a charm forcing the wizard to give the gold to its rightful owner. However, even this wouldn't explain how [[Sirius Black]] was able to order a Firebolt in Harry's name, but take the gold from his own vault — despite being an escaped convict at the time. It also seems that only blood relations can inherit a Gringotts vault; [[Albus Dumbledore]] implies strongly that when Sirius died as the last of the Black family line, his vault was cleaned out and its contents added to Harry's, rather than Harry inheriting the vault as well, though this could be excused as due to Harry already having a vault the bankers would not see fit to grant him an additional one. It seems that any vault belonging to a criminal will remain guarded and untouched, as when all the [[Lestrange family]] were sentenced to [[Azkaban]] for life, their vault was not evicted, leaving it a safe-place for [[Tom Riddle|Voldemort's]] [[Hufflepuff's Cup|horcrux]], though it is possible that they had non-criminal relatives who could be in possession of the vault during their incarceration, but as Sirius Black was the last Black by name for at least some of his sentence and his vault remained without anything being confiscated it would seem that Gringotts operates outside of wizard law, at the very least in rights of ownership towards their vaults and what is kept inside.
There are several vaults that are known specifically:
There are several vaults that are known specifically:
{{Main|Vault 1}}This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Knut]]s inside it and people have to use the [[Mine Cart]] to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of [[Ruby|Rubies]], [[Emerald]]s, [[Sapphire]]s, yellow gems and [[Diamond]]s.
This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Knut]]s inside it and people have to use the [[Mine Cart]] to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of [[Ruby|Rubies]], [[Emerald]]s, [[Sapphire]]s, yellow gems and [[Diamond]]s.
{{Main|Vault 2}}This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Sickle]]s inside it and people have to use the Mine Cart to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, yellow gems and Diamonds.
This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Sickle]]s inside it and people have to use the [[Mine Cart]] to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of [[Ruby|Rubies]], [[Emerald]]s, [[Sapphire]]s, yellow gems and [[Diamond]]s.
{{Main|Vault 3}}This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Galleon]]s inside it and people have to use the Mine Cart to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, yellow gems and Diamonds.
This vault is known to contain lots and lots of [[Galleon]]s inside it and people have to use the [[Mine Cart]] to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of [[Ruby|Rubies]], [[Emerald]]s, [[Sapphire]]s, yellow gems and [[Diamond]]s.
{{Main|Weasley Vault}}The [[Weasley family]] has [[Weasley Vault|a vault]] that is closer to the surface than [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Vault 687|vault]], and had fewer security measures. When the Weasleys entered it in the summer of [[1992]], the vault contained only a small pile of Sickles and a single Galleon, all of which Molly Weasley took out.<ref name="CS4">{{COS|B|4}}</ref>
The [[Weasley family]] has [[Weasley Vault|a vault]] that is closer to the surface than [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Vault 687|vault]], and had fewer security measures. When the Weasleys entered it in the summer of [[1992]], the vault contained only a small pile of [[Sickle]]s and a single [[Galleon]], all of which [[Molly Weasley]] took out.<ref name="CS4">{{COS|B|4}}</ref>
===Vault 687===
===Vault 687===
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{{Main|Vault 687}}
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{{Main|Vault 687}}[[File:Potter vault.jpg|250px|thumb|Inside the vault]]
Harry Potter first ventured to Gringotts in [[1991]], when he learned that his late [[James and Lily Potter|parents]] had left him a great deal of money in a vault. Harry's vault required a key for entry, and was at a moderate depth — further down than the [[Weasley Vault]], but not as far as [[Vault 713]]. It also had fewer security measures than deeper vaults.
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[[File:Potter vault.jpg|249x249px|thumb|Inside the vault]]
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[[Harry Potter]] first ventured to Gringotts in [[1991]], when he learned that his late [[James and Lily Potter|parents]] had left him a great deal of money in a vault. This was fortunate for Harry, since his [[Petunia Dursley|Aunt Petunia]] and his [[Vernon Dursley|Uncle Vernon]] would have surely taken most, if not all, as "proper compensation" for "opening their home" to him. While they would have had to exchange it for Muggle money, this appears to not be very difficult, as shown when [[Hermione Granger]]'s parents did so while paying for her school supplies.
Harry's vault required a key for entry, and was at a moderate depth — further down than the [[Weasley Vault]], but not as far as [[Vault 713]]. It also had fewer security measures than deeper vaults. The vault is containing many security measures.
{{Main|Vault 711}}[[Vault 711]] belonged to [[Sirius Black]], and perhaps to the [[House of Black|Black family]] in general. Sirius used gold from his vault to pay for [[Harry Potter's Firebolt]] in [[1993]].<ref name="PA22">{{POA|B|22}}</ref> In [[1996]], it contained a "reasonable amount of gold".<ref name="HBP3">{{HBP|B|3}}</ref> Given its depth, it is likely a high-security vault. Upon Sirius' death, he left all the money in the vault to Harry in his will.
[[Vault 711]] belonged to [[Sirius Black]], and perhaps to the [[House of Black|Black family]] in general. Sirius used gold from his vault to pay for [[Harry Potter]]'s [[Firebolt]] in [[1993]].<ref name="PA22">{{POA|B|22}}</ref> In [[1996]], it contained a "reasonable amount of gold".<ref name="HBP3">{{HBP|B|3}}</ref> Given its depth, it is likely a high-security vault. Upon Sirius' death, he left all the money in the vault to Harry in his will.
{{Main|Vault 712}}Instead of being used as a regular vault, [[Vault 712]] is used by the goblins as a (presumably unsanctioned) lounge, suggesting it is unused.
[[Vault 713]], a higher-security vault, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. It is reasonable to assume that the vault, like the stone housed within it, belonged to [[Nicolas Flamel]] and his wife. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] was charged with moving it from Gringotts to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] in 1991 while he took Harry Potter to [[Diagon Alley]], which he succeeded in doing. Later that very same day, someone broke into the vault. Although the culprit was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed, and the robbery was reported in the ''[[Daily Prophet]]''.<ref name="PS5">{{PS|B|5}}</ref>
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[[File:Stone in vault.jpg|250x250px|thumb|left|Inside the vault]]
[[Vault 713]], a higher-security vault, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the [[Philosopher's Stone]]. It is reasonable to assume that the vault, like the stone housed within it, belonged to Nicholas Flamel and his wife. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] was charged with moving it from Gringotts to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]] in [[1991]] while he took Harry Potter to [[Diagon Alley]], which he succeeded in doing. Later that very same day, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone (it having been emptied earlier by Hagrid), the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed, and the robbery was reported in the ''[[Daily Prophet]]''.<ref name="PS5">{{PS|B|5}}</ref> The culprit was not caught, though we later learn that it was [[Quirinus Quirrell|Professor Quirrell]] acting under orders of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]].
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To further secure the stone, both it and the vault number were never explicitly mentioned. Just mentioning Dumbledore's name and "You know what in vault you know which" was plenty for the Goblins to know they are referring to the stone and vault 713.
===Lestrange Family Vault===
===Lestrange Family Vault===
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{{Main|Lestrange Vault}}
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{{Main|Lestrange Vault}}[[File:Concept-art-5.jpg|250px|thumb|Inside the Lestrange's Vault]]
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[[File:Concept-art-5.jpg|245x245px|thumb|Inside the Lestrange's Vault]]
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The [[Lestrange family|Lestranges]], a very old [[pure-blood]] family, had a vault in Gringotts guarded by a [[dragon]] and full of treasure protected by the [[GeminoCurse|Geminio]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] curses. It,at one point, was used to store the sword of [[GodricGryffindor]],unknowntotheLestrange's that it was actually a fake. It also served as the hiding place for [[Helga Hufflepuff's Cup]], one of [[TomRiddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux]]es. It was this item that Harry, [[RonaldWeasley|RonWeasley]],and [[Hermione Granger]] sought to stealwhenthey[[Break-inofGringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into Gringotts]] in [[1998]]. Theymanaged to stealthe cup, severelydamagedthe cavernous interior and freed a [[dragon]] while escaping.
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The [[Lestrange family|Lestranges]], a very old [[pure-blood]] family, had a vault in Gringotts guarded by a [[dragon]] and full of treasure protected by the [[Doubling Charm|Geminio]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] curses. The security of this vault was even higher than that of [[Vault 713]], as a goblin had to place his entire palm on the door to open it, rather than just a finger.
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It, at one point, was used to store the sword of [[Godric Gryffindor]], unknown to the Lestrange's that it was actually a fake. It also served as the hiding place for [[Helga Hufflepuff's Cup]], one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. It was this item that Harry, Hermione, and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] sought to steal when they [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into Gringotts]] in [[1998]]. They managed to steal the cup, severely damaged the cavernous interior and freed a [[dragon]] while escaping.<ref name="DH26" />
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The security of this vault was even higher than that of [[Vault 713]], as a goblin had to place his entire palm on the door to open it, rather than just a finger, and it was guarded by a dragon. Each item in the vault was also enchanted with the [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] and [[Gemino Curse]]s, which meant that thieves would be burned by the objects, which also duplicated until the thief was crushed under the burning weight of the fake treasure.<ref name="DH26" />
===Travers' Vault===
===Travers' Vault===
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When [[Ronald Weasley|Ron]], [[Harry Potter|Harry]], and [[Hermione Granger|Hermione]][[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|broke into Gringotts]], they ran into the [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] named [[Travers]] who was also heading toward the bank. He had a vault that required a key, because he was holding it when he ran into [[Hermione Granger|Hermione]] (disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]).
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When Ron, Harry, and Hermione broke into Gringotts, they ran into the [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] named [[Travers]] who was also heading toward the bank. He had a vault that required a key, because he was holding it when he ran into Hermione (disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]).
==Security==
==Security==
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{{Quote|I got it out of your vault for you, Harry, because it's taking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment, the goblins have tightened security so much. Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up his ... Well, trust me, this way's easier.|[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] on Gringott's heightened security during the [[Second Wizarding War]]|Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince}}
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{{Quote|I got it out of your vault for you, Harry, because it's taking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment, the goblins have tightened security so much. Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up his ... Well, trust me, this way's easier.|[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] on Gringott's heightened security during the [[Second Wizarding War]]|Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince}}[[File:Dragon_attack_Gringotts.JPG|250px|thumb|left|The Gringotts Dragon breathing fire as it escapes]]
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[[File:Dragon_attack_Gringotts.JPG|251x251px|thumb|left|The Gringotts Dragon breathing fire as it escapes]]
Gringotts uses a variety of security systems. Most lower security vaults, such as [[Harry Potter]]'s, require [[Gringotts vault key|a key]]; higher security vaults require the touch of a certified Gringotts goblin. Higher security vaults may have various enchantments upon the doors. For example, the door to [[Vault 713]] needs to be stroked by a certified Gringotts goblin, which causes it to melt away. If anyone but a Gringotts goblin touches the door, the person will be sucked into the vault, which is checked for trapped thieves about once per decade.
Gringotts uses a variety of security systems. Most lower security vaults, such as [[Harry Potter]]'s, require [[Gringotts vault key|a key]]; higher security vaults require the touch of a certified Gringotts goblin. Higher security vaults may have various enchantments upon the doors. For example, the door to [[Vault 713]] needs to be stroked by a certified Gringotts goblin, which causes it to melt away. If anyone but a Gringotts goblin touches the door, the person will be sucked into the vault, which is checked for trapped thieves about once per decade.
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[[File:Harry-potter7-movie-gingotts_security.jpg|250px|thumb|Gringotts guards act as extra security]]
[[File:Harry-potter7-movie-gingotts_security.jpg|250px|thumb|Gringotts guards act as extra security]]
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[[Dragon]]s or [[sphinx]]es guard the highest security vaults such as the [[Lestrange Vault|vault of the Lestrange Family]]. Though affiliated with Gringotts, the Dragons kept there are not actually "tamed" in the traditional way in that they are merely used to discourage intruders and unauthorised persons from approaching the vaults to which these beasts are stationed at. They are "domesticated" in an inhumane way that compels them to retreat whenever they hear the sound produced by [[Clankers]], which only the goblins possess. The usage of sphinxes are troublesome for some clients, when they wish to make a withdraw but are unable to answer the riddles that the sphinxes give as security questions. Another security measure is the [[Thief's Downfall]]: a charmed waterfall that the goblin carts must pass through, it cancels all enchantments and magical concealments, and throws the carts off their tracks. Some vaults use the [[GeminoCurse|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms; when any item is touched by a thief, it multiplies rapidly and burns them, eventually crushing and scorching them to death. Objects within Gringotts cannot be summoned. At times, [[Probity Probe]]s are used on customers to detect enchantments, magical concealments and hidden magical objects.
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[[Dragon]]s or [[sphinx]]es guard the highest security vaults such as the [[Lestrange Vault|vault of the Lestrange Family]]. Though affiliated with Gringotts, the Dragons kept there are not actually "tamed" in the traditional way in that they are merely used to discourage intruders and unauthorised persons from approaching the vaults to which these beasts are stationed at. They are "conditioned" in an inhumane way that compels them to retreat whenever they hear the sound produced by [[Clankers]], which only the goblins possess. The usage of sphinxes are troublesome for some clients, when they wish to make a withdraw but are unable to answer the riddles that the sphinxes give as security questions. Another security measure is the [[Thief's Downfall]]: a charmed waterfall that the goblin carts must pass through, it cancels all enchantments and magical concealments, and throws the carts off their tracks. Some vaults use the [[Doubling Charm|Gemino]] and [[Flagrante Curse|Flagrante]] charms; when any item is touched by a thief, it multiplies rapidly and burns them, eventually crushing and scorching them to death. Objects within Gringotts cannot be summoned. At times, [[Probity Probe]]s are used on customers to detect enchantments, magical concealments and hidden magical objects.
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On his first visit to Gringotts, Harry was told by [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] to be cautious. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. This became one of the primary reasons that Voldemort chose to hide one of his precious horcruxes in the deeper vaults of the bank, and was explosively furious when it failed his expectations. Ironically, Harry later did [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|rob Gringotts]] with [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]],<ref name="DH26">{{DH|B|26}}</ref> the only known successful theft in the history of the bank, by taking advantage of a [[Griphook|former employee's]] knowledge of the inner workings of the bank. It is unknown if Harry was able to resume normal business with the bank following Voldemort's defeat.
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On his first visit to Gringotts, Harry was told by [[Rubeus Hagrid|Hagrid]] to be cautious. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. This became one of the primary reasons that Voldemort chose to hide one of his precious horcruxes in the deeper vaults of the bank, and was explosively furious when it failed his expectations. Ironically, Harry later did [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|rob Gringotts]] with [[Hermione Granger]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]],<ref name="DH26">{{DH|B|26}}</ref> the only known successful theft in the history of the bank, by taking advantage of a [[Griphook|former employee]]'s knowledge of the inner workings of the bank. It is unknown if Harry was able to resume normal business with the bank following Voldemort's defeat.
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During the [[Second Wizarding War]], security of the bank was further enforced, as it was taking normal clients around five hours to make withdraws. [[Probity Probe]]s are a known security measure used during this time, which can be stuck up a certain part of their bodies. Only employees of the bank would be able to get money out of a vault for a client much faster, as Bill Weasley did for Harry Potter.
==Employment==
==Employment==
{{Quote|Are you seeking a challenging career involving travel, adventure, and substantial, danger-related treasure bonuses? Then consider a position with Gringotts Wizarding Bank, who are currently recruiting Curse-Breakers for thrilling opportunities abroad|Pamphlet on Gringotts jobs given to Hogwarts students|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}[[File:Gringotts_Goblins.png|250px|thumb|left|Goblins working]]
{{Quote|Are you seeking a challenging career involving travel, adventure, and substantial, danger-related treasure bonuses? Then consider a position with Gringotts Wizarding Bank, who are currently recruiting Curse-Breakers for thrilling opportunities abroad|Pamphlet on Gringotts jobs given to Hogwarts students|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}[[File:Gringotts_Goblins.png|250px|thumb|left|Goblins working]]
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While Gringotts is largely staffed by goblins, including [[Griphook]], [[Bogrod]], and [[Ragnok]], it is known that the bank does employ humans. [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] works as a [[Curse-Breaker|Curse Breaker]] for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids after his graduation from [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]]. When he wanted to do work for the Order of the Phoenix, Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, [[Fleur Delacour]] took a job at Gringotts as well after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], to improve her English, though she only works part-time. They also employ Dragon Feeders, a job with a high mortality rate, at 7 Galleons per week.
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While Gringotts is largely staffed by goblins, including [[Griphook]], [[Bogrod]], and [[Ragnok]], it is known that the bank does employ humans: Gringotts actively advertises career employment to Hogwarts students at least for [[Curse-Breaker]]s, and may likely also do so to other [[wizarding school]]s elsewhere. [[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] works as a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids after his graduation from [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]]. When he wanted to do work for the Order of the Phoenix, Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, [[Fleur Delacour]] took a job at Gringotts as well after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], to improve her English, though she only works part-time. They also employ Dragon Feeders, a job with a high mortality rate, at 7 Galleons per week.
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At least during Harry Potter's breakin of the bank, there seems to be a full-time security force that is comprised of [[Gringotts Guards|wizard guards]], and that rushes to the scene when the Lestrange vault was broken into. Despite this, Griphook mentions at that time that the goblins resent "[[wand]]-bearer" interference in their internal affairs.
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At least during Harry Potter's break-in of the bank, there seems to be a full-time security force that is comprised of [[Gringotts Guards|wizard guards]], and that rushes to the scene when the Lestrange vault was broken into. Despite this, Griphook mentions at that time that the goblins resent "[[wand]]-bearer" interference in their internal affairs.
===Goblins===
===Goblins===
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*[[Nagnok]]
*[[Nagnok]]
*[[Blordak]]
*[[Blordak]]
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*[[Snaglok]]
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*[[Burgock]]
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*[[Odbert]]
*[[Gringotts Head Goblin]]
*[[Gringotts Head Goblin]]
*[[Unidentified goblin stockbroker]]
*[[Unidentified goblin stockbroker]]
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===Humans===
===Humans===
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*[[Patricia Rakepick]] - [[Head Curse-Breaker]]
*[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] - worked as a curse-breaker for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids, later took a desk job in [[1995]] to work with the [[Order of the Phoenix]].
*[[William Weasley|Bill Weasley]] - worked as a curse-breaker for Gringotts in [[Egypt]], retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids, later took a desk job in [[1995]] to work with the [[Order of the Phoenix]].
*[[Fleur Delacour]] - took a part-time job with Gringotts after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], supposedly to improve her English.
*[[Fleur Delacour]] - took a part-time job with Gringotts after participating in the [[Triwizard Tournament]], supposedly to improve her English.
*In [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)| the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]], the interior of the Australia House in London was used for the Gringotts grand entrance hall. For the {{DH|FA2}}, a set was built at [[Leavesden]] as the scenes involving the dragon would have been impossible to film on location. The set was based on, but not an exact replica, of the Australia House interior (differences include the pattern of the marble floor, the design of the chandeliers, and the studio set has windows).
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*In {{PS|FA}}, the interior of the Australia House in London was used for the Gringotts grand entrance hall. For {{DH|FA2}}, a set was built at [[Leavesden]] as the scenes involving the dragon would have been impossible to film on location. The set was based on, but not an exact replica, of the Australia House interior (differences include the pattern of the marble floor, the design of the chandeliers, and the studio set has windows).
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*The [[marble]] tile on the floor was created using a centuries-old process employed in making covers and for hand-printed books. Different-coloured oil paints are poured onto the surface of a large tray filled with water. The paint floats and is swirled around with a stick. When paper sheets are places on the surface, they pick up the swirls of oil paint. Lifted and turned over, they look exactly like veined marble. The illusion is made complete with brushwork that adds further layer of textural detail to produce a convincing replica of a marble floor. This process was also used to create the marble floor of the [[Courtroom Ten|courtroom]] at the [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|headquarters of the Ministry of Magic]].
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*The [[marble]] tile on the floor was created using a centuries-old process employed in making covers and for hand-printed books. Different-coloured oil paints are poured onto the surface of a large tray filled with water. The paint floats and is swirled around with a stick. When paper sheets are places on the surface, they pick up the swirls of oil paint. Lifted and turned over, they look exactly like veined marble. The illusion is made complete with brushwork that adds further layer of textural detail to produce a convincing replica of a marble floor. This process was also used to create the marble floor of the [[Courtroom Ten|courtroom]] at the [[British Ministry of Magic Headquarters|headquarters of the Ministry of Magic]].
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*In {{DH|F2}}, the escape on a dragon clearly shows Whitehall across the Thames, placing Gringotts and therefore Diagon Alley itself around Southwark.
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*In {{DH|F2}}, the escape on the dragon clearly shows Whitehall across the Thames, placing Gringotts and therefore Diagon Alley itself around Southwark.
*According to the [[Harry Potter (film series)|film adaptations]] of the series, [[Harry Potter]]'s vault is number [[Vault 687|687]].
*According to the [[Harry Potter (film series)|film adaptations]] of the series, [[Harry Potter]]'s vault is number [[Vault 687|687]].
*In a recent humorous {{PM}} feature about the {{PS|FA}}, Gringotts is referred to as "''Where the cleaners have been on holiday since 1894.''"<ref>{{PM}} - Features: [https://www.pottermore.com/features/101-thoughts-had-while-watching-philosophers-stone-for-millionth-time "101 thoughts had while watching Philosopher’s Stone for the millionth time"]</ref>
*In a recent humorous {{PM}} feature about the {{PS|FA}}, Gringotts is referred to as "''Where the cleaners have been on holiday since 1894.''"<ref>{{PM}} - Features: [https://www.pottermore.com/features/101-thoughts-had-while-watching-philosophers-stone-for-millionth-time "101 thoughts had while watching Philosopher’s Stone for the millionth time"]</ref>
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==Appearances==
==Appearances==
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{{Imagecat|Images of Gringotts}}
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{{Imagecat|Images of Gringotts}}[[File:IMG_6573.jpg|250px|thumb|A Ukrainian Ironbelly atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]
*{{PS}} {{1st}}
*{{PS}} {{1st}}
*{{PS|F}}
*{{PS|F}}
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*{{GOF}} {{Mention}}
*{{GOF}} {{Mention}}
*{{OOTP}} {{Mention}}
*{{OOTP}} {{Mention}}
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*{{OOTP|G}} {{Comment|Mentioned on [[Daily Prophet]] Game Menu}}
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*{{OOTP|G}} {{C|Mentioned on [[Daily Prophet]] Game Menu}}
At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. Spoilers will be present within the article.
"Point me!" This article is about the bank. You may be looking for the goblinGringott.
"Never mess with goblins, Harry. Gringotts is the safest place in the world fer anything yeh want ter keep safe -- 'cept maybe Hogwarts."
The bank was created by Gringott[3] in 1474.[4] but was then put in the hands of the Ministry of Magic shortly thereafter, being under
some degree of wizarding management already by the 1500s' when Tertius applied for the job of Curse-Breaker to two wizards who were discussing job vacancies at the door to Gringotts.[5] In 1865, the Ministry decided to put full control of Gringotts back in goblin hands.[6]
During Voldemort's control of the Ministry (1997 to 1998), the bank was put yet again under the Ministry.[8] With the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the Second Wizarding War, Gringotts was presumably put back into Goblin management.
Break-Ins
So far, there have only been two known break-ins and theft (or attempted theft) of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, with one taking placing in 1991 and another in 1998.
"Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown. Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day. "But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you," said a Gringotts spokesgoblin this afternoon."
Later that very same day after Hagrid and Harry left the Alley, someone, apparently a very powerful wizard, broke into the vault. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed. The culprit was not caught, though it is later learned Quirrell broke into the vault acting under orders from Lord Voldemort. Also the protection around the vault was minimal at the time, since it no longer contained anything and thus had nothing to guard.
At the doors of the bank, two human guards had Probity Probes — devices that detected concealment charms. Harry quickly used a Confundus Charm on the two guards and Hermione passed by them unchecked. Once inside the bank they were in danger of being found out and Harry had to use the Imperius Curse on a goblin and a Travers in order for them to continue onward. However, when they went into Bellatrix's vault, which was stocked with all manners of treasure, they found out that the treasure had the Gemino and Flagrante charms placed on it, which meant that thieves would be burned by the objects, which also duplicated until the thief was crushed under the burning weight of the fake treasure. The Trio still managed to escape with the Horcrux by fleeing on a half-blind dragon that was part of the security for the vault, leaving parts of the bank in ruins. Upon learning of this, Voldemort slaughtered a large number of bank guards and clerks, including Griphook, effectively venting out his rage and eliminating witnesses.
Description
"They had reached a snowy white building that towered over the other little shops."
Gringotts is an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building located partway down Diagon Alley, near its intersection with Knockturn Alley, that towers over the neighbouring shops. It is the place where British witches and wizards store their money and other valuables, in heavily-guarded vaults miles below ground.
When Harry Potter first visits Gringotts, he is told by Hagrid that one would have to be mad to try to rob Gringotts and that, apart from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it's the safest place for anything valuable to be kept. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. The goblins have a code that forbids them to speak of the bank's secrets, and would consider it "base treachery" to break any part of that code.
The centuries-old bank is run by goblins, and they alone know the secrets of the twisting underground passages and the enchantments and creatures in place to defend against intruders. There was a rumour that Cornelius Fudge was trying to take over Gringotts when he was Minister for Magic; however, as it was published in The Quibbler, it was likely unsubstantiated.
Entrance and Main Hall
From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs leads up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors are flanked by a goblin in a uniform of scarlet and gold, though during the Second Wizarding War the goblin was replaced instead by two wizard guards with Probity Probes. This is the entrance to Gringotts, and it leads into a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors are the words:
Inside Gringotts Bank
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Through these doors, also flanked with goblins, is a vast marble hall long counters stretching along its length with doors leading off to the vault passageways with around a hundred goblins sitting at them. The vaults extend for miles under the city and are accessible through rough stone, complex and interconnected passageways by means of magic carts that are operated by goblins. Dragons and other mysterious beasts lurk in the depths as additional security devices.
The Gringotts Vaults
"The vaults were reached by means of small, goblin-driven carts that sped along miniature train tracks through the bank's underground tunnels."
A goblin cart travelling past vault seven-hundred and thirteen, containing the Philosopher's Stone, as Harry, Hagrid, and Griphook walk towards it
In contrast to the grand marble of the entryway and the main hall, the passageways to the vaults are stone and dimly lit with flaming torches. They slope down to a track, upon which run little carts controlled by the goblins. These carts take visitors deep beneath the surface of the earth, through a "maze of twisting passages," to the vaults. The carts go very quickly, which makes Hagrid a little queasy and prevents its occupants from getting a good look at their surroundings, and seem to run on a vast, complex, interconnected series of tracks that allow them to move to and between any vaults.
The vaults themselves vary in size and security. The largest, most well protected vaults belong to the oldest and richest wizarding families and lie deepest beneath the surface. Those vaults closer to the surface seem to be smaller and have fewer security precautions surrounding them — they use keys, for example, rather than requiring the touch of a goblin to gain access. The rules around who is allowed to access vaults seem to change; sometimes wizards are asked for identification or a key to be allowed access, yet both Molly Weasley and Bill Weasley are able to get gold from Harry's vault for him.
It is possible there is a charm forcing the wizard to give the gold to its rightful owner. However, even this wouldn't explain how Sirius Black was able to order a Firebolt in Harry's name, but take the gold from his own vault — despite being an escaped convict at the time. It also seems that only blood relations can inherit a Gringotts vault; Albus Dumbledore implies strongly that when Sirius died as the last of the Black family line, his vault was cleaned out and its contents added to Harry's, rather than Harry inheriting the vault as well, though this could be excused as due to Harry already having a vault the bankers would not see fit to grant him an additional one. It seems that any vault belonging to a criminal will remain guarded and untouched, as when all the Lestrange family were sentenced to Azkaban for life, their vault was not evicted, leaving it a safe-place for Voldemort'shorcrux, though it is possible that they had non-criminal relatives who could be in possession of the vault during their incarceration, but as Sirius Black was the last Black by name for at least some of his sentence and his vault remained without anything being confiscated it would seem that Gringotts operates outside of wizard law, at the very least in rights of ownership towards their vaults and what is kept inside.
There are several vaults that are known specifically:
This vault is known to contain lots and lots of Knuts inside it and people have to use the Mine Cart to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, yellow gems and Diamonds.
This vault is known to contain lots and lots of Sickles inside it and people have to use the Mine Cart to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, yellow gems and Diamonds.
This vault is known to contain lots and lots of Galleons inside it and people have to use the Mine Cart to come around in every corner of it. This vault also contain lots of Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, yellow gems and Diamonds.
The Weasley family has a vault that is closer to the surface than Harry Potter's vault, and had fewer security measures. When the Weasleys entered it in the summer of 1992, the vault contained only a small pile of Sickles and a single Galleon, all of which Molly Weasley took out.[9]
Harry Potter first ventured to Gringotts in 1991, when he learned that his late parents had left him a great deal of money in a vault. Harry's vault required a key for entry, and was at a moderate depth — further down than the Weasley Vault, but not as far as Vault 713. It also had fewer security measures than deeper vaults.
Vault 711 belonged to Sirius Black, and perhaps to the Black family in general. Sirius used gold from his vault to pay for Harry Potter's Firebolt in 1993.[10] In 1996, it contained a "reasonable amount of gold".[11] Given its depth, it is likely a high-security vault. Upon Sirius' death, he left all the money in the vault to Harry in his will.
Vault 713, a higher-security vault, held a small grubby bag, inside of which was the Philosopher's Stone. It is reasonable to assume that the vault, like the stone housed within it, belonged to Nicolas Flamel and his wife. Rubeus Hagrid was charged with moving it from Gringotts to Hogwarts in 1991 while he took Harry Potter to Diagon Alley, which he succeeded in doing. Later that very same day, someone broke into the vault. Although the culprit was unsuccessful in obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, the break-in shocked the Wizarding world because it was practically unheard of for Gringotts to be robbed, and the robbery was reported in the Daily Prophet.[12]
To further secure the stone, both it and the vault number were never explicitly mentioned. Just mentioning Dumbledore's name and "You know what in vault you know which" was plenty for the Goblins to know they are referring to the stone and vault 713.
The Lestranges, a very old pure-blood family, had a vault in Gringotts guarded by a dragon and full of treasure protected by the Geminio and Flagrante curses. The security of this vault was even higher than that of Vault 713, as a goblin had to place his entire palm on the door to open it, rather than just a finger.
It, at one point, was used to store the sword of Godric Gryffindor, unknown to the Lestrange's that it was actually a fake. It also served as the hiding place for Helga Hufflepuff's Cup, one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. It was this item that Harry, Hermione, and Ron Weasley sought to steal when they broke into Gringotts in 1998. They managed to steal the cup, severely damaged the cavernous interior and freed a dragon while escaping.[13]
Travers' Vault
When Ron, Harry, and Hermione broke into Gringotts, they ran into the Death Eater named Travers who was also heading toward the bank. He had a vault that required a key, because he was holding it when he ran into Hermione (disguised as Bellatrix Lestrange).
Security
"I got it out of your vault for you, Harry, because it's taking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment, the goblins have tightened security so much. Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up his ... Well, trust me, this way's easier."
Gringotts uses a variety of security systems. Most lower security vaults, such as Harry Potter's, require a key; higher security vaults require the touch of a certified Gringotts goblin. Higher security vaults may have various enchantments upon the doors. For example, the door to Vault 713 needs to be stroked by a certified Gringotts goblin, which causes it to melt away. If anyone but a Gringotts goblin touches the door, the person will be sucked into the vault, which is checked for trapped thieves about once per decade.
Gringotts guards act as extra security
Dragons or sphinxes guard the highest security vaults such as the vault of the Lestrange Family. Though affiliated with Gringotts, the Dragons kept there are not actually "tamed" in the traditional way in that they are merely used to discourage intruders and unauthorised persons from approaching the vaults to which these beasts are stationed at. They are "conditioned" in an inhumane way that compels them to retreat whenever they hear the sound produced by Clankers, which only the goblins possess. The usage of sphinxes are troublesome for some clients, when they wish to make a withdraw but are unable to answer the riddles that the sphinxes give as security questions. Another security measure is the Thief's Downfall: a charmed waterfall that the goblin carts must pass through, it cancels all enchantments and magical concealments, and throws the carts off their tracks. Some vaults use the Gemino and Flagrante charms; when any item is touched by a thief, it multiplies rapidly and burns them, eventually crushing and scorching them to death. Objects within Gringotts cannot be summoned. At times, Probity Probes are used on customers to detect enchantments, magical concealments and hidden magical objects.
On his first visit to Gringotts, Harry was told by Hagrid to be cautious. Goblins are extremely greedy and would protect their money and valuables at any cost, which makes them ideal guardians for the valuables of the wizarding world. This became one of the primary reasons that Voldemort chose to hide one of his precious horcruxes in the deeper vaults of the bank, and was explosively furious when it failed his expectations. Ironically, Harry later did rob Gringotts with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley,[13] the only known successful theft in the history of the bank, by taking advantage of a former employee's knowledge of the inner workings of the bank. It is unknown if Harry was able to resume normal business with the bank following Voldemort's defeat.
During the Second Wizarding War, security of the bank was further enforced, as it was taking normal clients around five hours to make withdraws. Probity Probes are a known security measure used during this time, which can be stuck up a certain part of their bodies. Only employees of the bank would be able to get money out of a vault for a client much faster, as Bill Weasley did for Harry Potter.
Employment
"Are you seeking a challenging career involving travel, adventure, and substantial, danger-related treasure bonuses? Then consider a position with Gringotts Wizarding Bank, who are currently recruiting Curse-Breakers for thrilling opportunities abroad"
— Pamphlet on Gringotts jobs given to Hogwarts students[src]
Goblins working
While Gringotts is largely staffed by goblins, including Griphook, Bogrod, and Ragnok, it is known that the bank does employ humans: Gringotts actively advertises career employment to Hogwarts students at least for Curse-Breakers, and may likely also do so to other wizarding schools elsewhere. Bill Weasley works as a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts in Egypt, retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids after his graduation from Hogwarts. When he wanted to do work for the Order of the Phoenix, Bill transferred to a desk job in England to be near home. That same year, Fleur Delacour took a job at Gringotts as well after participating in the Triwizard Tournament, to improve her English, though she only works part-time. They also employ Dragon Feeders, a job with a high mortality rate, at 7 Galleons per week.
At least during Harry Potter's break-in of the bank, there seems to be a full-time security force that is comprised of wizard guards, and that rushes to the scene when the Lestrange vault was broken into. Despite this, Griphook mentions at that time that the goblins resent "wand-bearer" interference in their internal affairs.
Bill Weasley - worked as a curse-breaker for Gringotts in Egypt, retrieving artefacts from ancient Egyptian tombs and pyramids, later took a desk job in 1995 to work with the Order of the Phoenix.
Fleur Delacour - took a part-time job with Gringotts after participating in the Triwizard Tournament, supposedly to improve her English.
Competition
The Gringotts seal
Gringotts has no known competition in the wizarding banking industry, and is most surely a monopoly in Britain. Given that the bank is, according to Rubeus Hagrid, the only wizarding bank in Great Britain, it stands to reason that the goblins would have a tremendous amount of power over the wizarding economy, as goblins are also the force behind minting the wizarding currency, Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts.[14] It is likely therefore, as goblins tend to be at odds with wizards on political and social levels, that the Ministry of Magic has laws set in place to stop Gringotts intentionally regulating the wizarding economy, likely through the Goblin Liaison Office.
Etymology
Gringotts may be derived from the word "ingots," which means a mass of metal cast in a convenient form for shaping, remelting, or refining. Also "Gringo" is an informal slang used by Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries to describe merchants of foreign nationalities, or really anyone who is foreign and (apparently) rich, a fitting term if one considers it refers to a bank run by the Goblins.
Behind the scenes
Gringotts entrance
In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the interior of the Australia House in London was used for the Gringotts grand entrance hall. For the second part of the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a set was built at Leavesden as the scenes involving the dragon would have been impossible to film on location. The set was based on, but not an exact replica, of the Australia House interior (differences include the pattern of the marble floor, the design of the chandeliers, and the studio set has windows).
The marble tile on the floor was created using a centuries-old process employed in making covers and for hand-printed books. Different-coloured oil paints are poured onto the surface of a large tray filled with water. The paint floats and is swirled around with a stick. When paper sheets are places on the surface, they pick up the swirls of oil paint. Lifted and turned over, they look exactly like veined marble. The illusion is made complete with brushwork that adds further layer of textural detail to produce a convincing replica of a marble floor. This process was also used to create the marble floor of the courtroom at the headquarters of the Ministry of Magic.
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the escape on the dragon clearly shows Whitehall across the Thames, placing Gringotts and therefore Diagon Alley itself around Southwark.
Gringotts appears to serve the wizarding world in the same way the US Federal Reserve stabilises the economy in the United States (as similar institutions exist in other economically stable countries). It independently maintains the balance of the British wizarding economy, disallowing individual wizards, witches or groups to manipulate national financial matters for personal gain. This would also explain part of the goblins' resistance toward wizarding domination over the operation of Gringotts during the Second Wizarding War, that such interference by the Death Eater-controlled Ministry of Magic threatened the very economic stability of the wizarding community they were charged with protecting. Evidence that this may be the case appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where Bogrod is seen examining leprechaun gold in disgust. Not only is such gold worthless, to allow it to continue to circulate would generate inflation, which in uncontrolled amounts, can be dangerous. Fortunately, leprechaun gold disappears fairly quickly, minimising the problem.
According to W.O.M.B.A.T tests, Gringotts may be the oldest building in Diagon Alley and the other shops grew up around it.
If you look closely on the 422nd Quidditch World Cup Programme, you will see that Gringotts sponsors the 422nd Quidditch World Cup.
The poem that reads at the entrance of Gringotts may have been inspired by the poem at the entrance of Hell in Dante's The Divine Comedy.
According to an article in The Quibbler, then-Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge wished to conquer Gringotts, and had goblins killed in ludicrous ways such as drowning them, dropping them off buildings, poisoning them, and cooking them in pies, earning him the epithet "Goblin-Crusher." However, as The Quibbler is a tabloid magazine, this theory is debatable and most likely untrue.
Harry believed that a primary reason Voldemort chose the bank (specifically the Lestrange vault) to hide one of his horcruxes is because as a child, Voldemort would envy the wizarding families who possess a vault in this prestigious bank when he, an orphan whose magical maternal family has been reduced to poverty (and therefore would not have a vault for him to inherit), did not, something he would see as a sign of belonging to the wizarding world. He also believed that the bank's famous security would be sufficient to protect the container of his soul fragment, and was beyond furious when he found out the goblins failed to guard the cup.
