Disclaimer: Same as the previous chapters.

Chapter 57

Seamus Finnigan might have failed to notice a rather large beetle quietly sitting on the edge of the empty chair next to him, as he helped the beautiful intern Elizabeth 'Liza' Hornbill cry in his arms in the nearly empty cafeteria of St. Mungo's. But his Auror senses did kick in when he felt he was being followed right till the gates of Gringotts. The thoughtful auror did inform his Head Auror, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and plans got changed at the very last minute. Healer Norman's chamber's fireplace received the confidential status of being connected to both Gringotts Manager's and Head Auror's offices. When Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, and Severus Snape stepped out through the goblin fireplace, they were greeted by both Bill Weasley and Bank Manager Griphook.

"We have sent an official request to the Auror's department today asking for ministry intervention," handing over an official seal document to Harry, Griphook continued, "and this is the official pass to Gringotts both of you, Headmaster Snape and Mr. Malfoy. It just suggests that both of you are here because Gringotts requested you personally to see into the matter. The level where Miss Granger's vault is located is sealed and secured. All our patrons who have their vaults at that level are mostly muggle-borns. We do not expect many of them to access them during this time of the year."

Draco Malfoy couldn't help but ask," Why do most muggle-borns have their vaults located close by?"

Griphook sneered," Because, Muggles build entertainment parks simply to enjoy a roller coaster ride which compared to our cart ride is nothing. It adds to the thrill."

Snape could understand the goblin was not forthcoming with the information. Considering that it could be a trivial matter, he opined," Perhaps, also because, muggles provide us with the unique form of foreign exchange and I suppose, goblins are efficient in guarding whatever that needs to be guarded in our magical world, somewhere deep down away from inquisitive muggle eyes."

Harry ducked his head and bit his cheek hard when he heard the goblin mutter as he led them to an adjoining secluded capsule-like enclosure where an official cart was waiting for them," Like father like daughter, espionage runs in that blood."

When they finally reached next to Hermione's Vault, Harry exclaimed," Is this ride ever going to get old?" surprising him Snape offered, "No, never," making Draco smirk.

The moment the four of them stood in front of the vault The Knight of the Undead appeared. Feeling ill at ease Griphook canceled the periphery wards the goblins had managed to create. They all stepped close to the ghostly apparition. It was Snape who stepped forward and spoke," I am Severus Snape. I have come…"

The clear voice of the ghost echoed through the winding tunnels making the wizards and the goblin with them shudder, "I know who you are and what could bring you all here. But I would want to know why each one of you can stand here still alive and why must I not chop your heads off this moment without wasting my breath?" Raising its bare sword it touched Snape's chest with its sharp tip," Let's start with you, Headmaster Severus Snape."

Snape through legilimency had warned Draco not to bring out his wand and the blonde man succeeded grabbing Potter's arm tight enough to stop him from doing so as well. From the corner of his eyes Snape saw Griphook gripping his cane tight and muttered under his breath," keep your wand away."

Clearing his throat he looked straight into the empty sockets of the misty skull wearing an elaborate headgear and spoke," I come here for my daughter Hermione Granger, she is not well, I think she might have…" tapping the misty sword on his chest, the ghost chuckled," Yah, yah, the bossy witch was right, this heart has seen the worst, brave, truly brave and a good father, It is an honour to meet you, sir, you should always be proud of your daughter. You may enter."

It had swung his sword and was now tapping it over Harry's forehead. "Ay, and you Sir, what brings you here? I see, truly hideous, not something a baby should have, horrid scar, you got there, but she said you are brave. So tell me, brave hero, Harry Potter, why are you eager to waste your time here?" Though angry at the way this ghost was mocking him, Harry could understand, this was a riddle game and that he was being tested. Squaring his shoulders, he spoke out," Hermione is my best friend…"

The sword tapped harder, making him gasp. The ghost had bent down tutting close to his face, he chortled," Best friends don't forget to check on their best friends, young man. But I will give you another chance, why are you here Mr. Harry Potter, now answer quickly, I don't have the whole day?"

"Wait, wait, because, I just found out, I am her brother, I am sorry, I was not paying much attention to Hermione after the war, we...we were all mentally suffering, still nursing our wounds."

The ghost had made a face and brushed off the young man's blabbering with a wave of his hand," Stop whining, Miss Granger did mention, you got trouble with talking about your emotions, she was right. No, I will say this one time, prove yourself as a worthy brother, or I will skin you alive. You may pass".

Turning to Draco Malfoy, the ghost circled the frightened man tapping his sword at his own helmet," Now, now, what do we have here, the ferret bully, young love is so blind. Seriously she had to go and fall for you, why, I would like to ask. Nay, Nay, I see your swelled-up-treasures in your vault, but the glitter does not catch Miss Granger's eyes, it is books, and books, she hoards bloody books...so what is it, "stopping right in front of a very pale Draco it mocked, " is it true, that the princeling has a heart as well, that is capable of loving a M-U-D-B-L-O-O-D?"

Narrowing his eyes, the Malfoy heir retorted," Don't you dare say those words, I love her, I will strangle…" smacking his head, the ghost turned and walked up to Griphook stating," If you love her truly, prove it to her, because if you break her heart, I will never let you sleep again. You can pass as well."

Staring hard at the goblin bank manager the Knight of the Undead, stood tall, "We did not get officially introduced, did we? Forgive me, I am Homeh, the fox, and don't you dare start your manipulating games, I have my eyes on you." Walking back to the front of the vault door, the knight shimmered through it leaving the magical people standing outside mute and baffled.

At length Harry managed to squeak, "Yup Hermione can boss over anyone, ghost, giant, or wizard. Phew, she is definitely controlling these." Griphook walked up to the vault turning to Snape, he asked him," Did you bring the envelope I had delivered to you in person?" Shaking his head the potion master dug into his robes and brought out a small pouch," Thank you for that, I think you are actually asking for this one." Both Malfoy and Potter realized what it was. The standard Gringotts issued vault key. And this one belonged to Hermione Granger.