Cue No. 35

Like with most dialogue-driven scenes, this cue plays subtly underneath the entire discussion between Harry and Griphook, only becoming present when thematically necessary. The violins open the cue by themselves, not sure where the conversation will lead, then a solo flute plays part of the quasi-motif for the Goblins from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Griphook and Harry’s history goes back quite far. 

Dobby’s theme gets a brief and unfinished statement when Griphook mentions him, and at this point the low strings finally enter the texture, signaling the arrival of the true topic of conversation: the sword of Godric Gryffindor. 

Strings tremolo at the mention of the sword. The Fawkes B Theme plays, connecting the sword back to Dumbledore as well as the quest he’s sent Harry on. A solo horn finishes the theme, and then Griphook reveals that Bellatrix has a copy of the sword in her vault. Her theme arrives quietly in the strings before they de-harmonize into octaves. The scene comes to a standstill until Griphook continues and mentions that Snape is the new headmaster at Hogwarts. Two small moments in the celesta hint at the Call of the Prince, but it barely makes a dent, much like how Harry dismisses the information as unimportant to the current conversation. 

A quote of incidental material from the first film plays under the plotting to break into Gringotts. This is mainly here to connect the listener back to the age Harry was when he first visited, and shows now how his perception of what is “dangerous” in the magical world has changed radically as he’s grown up. The cue ultimately meanders and fizzles out until the tremolo strings return at the last mention of the sword. Griphook says he will help them break into Bellatrix’s vault on the condition that he can have the sword. 

The conversation is over, the trio is in the hallway, and the music picks up rhythmically for the first time. Over an ostinato, the 3-note motif gets lost in harmonic changes, showing the anxiety Harry, Ron, and Hermione feel towards their mission to destroy the Horcruxes. It appears to have come to a halt. 

Fleur opens the door across the hall. The upper strings play delicately as she explains that Ollivander is weak, but willing to talk. Harry enters the room.