Hermione had become accustomed to leading a double life. By day, she cared for Harry and Neville, but whenever she had the chance, she slipped away to take on odd jobs. Her intellect and magical prowess were in demand, but she had to stay discreet. Every coin she earned was one step closer to securing her and the boys' future.

Her tutoring sessions with a couple of Hogwarts students in the magical library had been rewarding, and she found herself taking pride in their progress. They were eager to learn, and Hermione had a knack for explaining complex theories in ways they could understand.

But it wasn't just tutoring. Kingsley had contacted her privately, asking for help with enchanting items for Auror missions. He paid her under the table, making sure no one knew where the enchantments came from. It wasn't much, but it allowed her to feel like she was contributing to the fight against the dark forces still lurking in the shadows.

Another job had come from an unexpected source—a magical apothecary in Knockturn Alley needed someone with expertise in healing potions, and Hermione had quietly taken on the task of brewing complex remedies for those who couldn't afford St. Mungo's services. She made deliveries under a pseudonym, keeping her identity hidden as much as possible.

But this day was different. Today, she had an appointment with the goblins.

Hermione received a letter the previous evening from Gringotts, delivered by an anxious-looking goblin. It was a formal request for her services, and she knew that turning down a goblin was not an option. So, she had prepared herself for the meeting, knowing that this could be a significant opportunity.

As Hermione stepped into the grand, marble hall of Gringotts, her footsteps echoed through the cavernous space. The sound seemed to blend with the low murmur of other wizards and witches conducting their business, creating a hum of activity.

She approached the front desk, where a stern-looking goblin sat, meticulously scribbling in a large ledger.

The goblin looked up, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of recognition as he acknowledged her. "Miss Granger," he said with a curt nod, his voice as sharp as his gaze. "You're expected."

Hermione swallowed and nodded back. "Thank you."

Without another word, the goblin hopped down from his stool and gestured for her to follow. "This way."

Hermione was led deep into the bank, through winding corridors and down staircases that seemed to spiral endlessly. The air grew colder as they descended, and the light dimmed until the only illumination came from the occasional enchanted torch mounted on the wall.

Finally, they arrived at a large iron door guarded by two goblins who eyed her warily. The door creaked open, revealing a chamber with a large stone table. Several goblins sat around it, their sharp eyes fixed on her as she entered.

"Miss Granger," one of the goblins greeted her, his voice smooth but with an edge of authority. "We appreciate you coming on such short notice."

Hermione nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm honoured to be here."

The goblin who had spoken motioned for her to sit. "You have a reputation, Miss Granger. You've proven yourself resourceful and skilled. We are in need of someone with your abilities."

She swallowed hard. "What exactly do you need?"

The goblin leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Research. Specifically, on goblin-related diseases. We have reason to believe that certain curses and magical diseases have been deliberately spread among our kind. You mentioned once that you had experience as a healer researcher in your time."

Hermione nodded, recalling the conversation. "I do. I'd be willing to help."

The goblin's sharp teeth glinted as he smiled. "Good. If your work proves satisfactory, we will offer you a permanent position within the depths of Gringotts."

Hermione hesitated for a moment before asking, "What exactly would this position entail?"

"You would be our Chief Magical Researcher and Healer. Your focus would be on identifying, diagnosing, and finding cures for the magical diseases affecting our kind. You would also have access to our records and archives, which are far more extensive than any wizarding library."

Hermione's mind raced at the possibilities. Access to Gringotts' archives could provide invaluable knowledge for her own purposes as well.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached a large iron door guarded by two imposing goblins. The goblin leading her exchanged a few words in Gobbledegook with them before turning back to Hermione. "You will enter alone."

Hermione nodded, her heart pounding as the heavy door creaked open. She stepped inside and found herself in a dimly lit chamber. At the centre was a large stone table surrounded by several goblins, each with a piercing gaze that made her feel as though they were assessing her every move.

One of the goblins at the table, older and more finely dressed than the others, spoke first. "Miss Granger," he said, his voice smooth but commanding. "Take a seat."

Hermione took a deep breath and stepped forward, her boots clicking on the stone floor. She sat down, her back straight, meeting the goblin's gaze with as much calm as she could muster.

The goblin leaned forward, his long fingers steepled in front of him. "You come highly recommended. Your skills are said to be… exceptional."

"Thank you," Hermione replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm here to help however I can."

The goblin studied her for a moment before nodding. "We have a matter that requires discretion and expertise. You claimed to be a healer researcher in your time—tell us more."

Hermione took a breath, choosing her words carefully. "I worked on developing new treatments and cures, specifically for magical ailments that hadn't been thoroughly studied before. My work focused on identifying the root causes of diseases, especially those that were resistant to conventional healing methods."

The goblin raised an eyebrow. "And you believe these skills can be applied to goblin ailments?"

"I do," Hermione said firmly. "I'm aware that goblins have unique magical properties, and I'm confident that I can help you find solutions."

The goblin's eyes narrowed, but there was a glint of interest in them. "Very well. We require your services to research certain diseases that have been affecting our kind. If you succeed, you will be rewarded handsomely—and granted access to areas of Gringotts that few wizards ever see."

Hermione nodded. "I understand."

Before the goblin could continue, another goblin entered the room, carrying a small goblin child who appeared pale and weak. The lead goblin motioned toward the child. "Prove your worth."

Hermione rose from her seat, her eyes immediately assessing the child's condition. She knelt beside the young goblin, gently taking his small hand in hers. "It's okay," she murmured softly, more to herself than to the child, as she drew her wand.

She placed a hand gently on the child's forehead, feeling the faint pulse of magic coursing through him. With her other hand, she drew her wand and began casting a series of diagnostic spells, her brow furrowing as she pieced together the symptoms.

The goblins watched her in silence, their sharp eyes tracking every flick of her wand. Hermione's heart pounded, but she remained focused. She identified the magical imbalance affecting the child and used a gentle spell to stabilise it, channelling her magic carefully. As the child's breathing steadied and colour returned to his cheeks, Hermione let out a quiet sigh of relief.

The room remained tense and quiet until the young goblin blinked up at her, his eyes clearer, more alert. Hermione stepped back, meeting the gaze of the lead goblin as the tension in the room eased.

She smiled softly and stood up, stepping back as the lead goblin approached.

He studied the child for a long moment before turning to Hermione. "It seems you've proven yourself."

Hermione exhaled in relief. "I'm glad I could help."

The goblin nodded and summoned a stack of papers. "You will begin your research immediately after signing with us. We expect results, Miss Granger."

"I won't let you down," Hermione promised, her voice firm. "But I'll need to read the agreement first before signing."

The goblins shared an amused look amongst themselves but allowed her to take the agreement with her.

She began to gather her things, ready to make her way out when the lead goblin spoke again, his voice more careful this time.

"Before you leave," he said, watching her closely, "we have one more matter to discuss with you."

Hermione paused, turning to face him. "What is it?"

The goblin exchanged a glance with his colleagues before continuing. "It's about the boy… Harry Potter. We are aware of certain… complications that may have arisen from the removal of the dark magic within him. Has he experienced any side effects?"

Hermione's brow furrowed slightly. She thought back to Harry's recent bout of illness, the high fever that had kept him bedridden for a few days. "He did have a fever recently," she admitted, "but it was nothing serious. Likely just a common illness from playing in the park."

The goblins exchanged another quick glance, their expressions unreadable. The lead goblin's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered her words, then he nodded. "I see. However, there is another matter we must bring to your attention."

Hermione waited, her curiosity piqued. The goblin's next words were spoken with great caution. "A renowned wizard has been attempting to gain access to a prominent family's vault. This is a delicate situation, and we have been trying to figure out how to keep him at bay."

Hermione's heart skipped a beat. She knew immediately who they were talking about. Dumbledore. Her mind raced as she recalled the list of Horcruxes she had given him to find and destroy. But she couldn't reveal that. She hesitated, then offered a carefully chosen response.

"Perhaps… it would be wise to thoroughly examine the vault in question," Hermione suggested, her voice even. "There might be something within it that the wizard is particularly interested in. Something… dangerous."

The goblins immediately bristled, their natural defensiveness flaring. "Are you implying we cannot protect our own vaults?" one of them snapped.

Hermione raised her hands in a placating gesture. "Not at all. I'm simply suggesting that it might be prudent to ensure that whatever the wizard is seeking remains safely out of his reach. You know better than anyone what kind of magical protections are needed."

There was a tense silence, and for a moment, Hermione wondered if she had pushed too far. But then the lead goblin's eyes flickered with understanding. He studied her carefully, then nodded sharply. "You may be right," he said. He turned to two of his colleagues and barked an order in Gobbledegook.

The two goblins hurried off, presumably to inspect the vault in question. Hermione felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had managed to steer them toward the Horcrux without breaking her vow to Dumbledore.

With that, she nodded to the lead goblin. "I trust you will handle the situation. If you need further assistance, you know where to find me."