The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter 1: The Unexpected Summons

Harry Potter's eyes fluttered open, his mind shrouded in a haze. Fragments of a disturbing dream lingered: Sirius falling, his body dissolving into the Veil's dark, swirling mist. The memory stung, still fresh.

The sound of unlocking doors and rattling chains echoed through the small bedroom. Harry Potter stirred, familiar with the daily ritual.

"Time to get up," Petunia Dursley's voice dripped with irritation.

The door creaked open, revealing the narrow staircase. Harry descended, his eyes cast down.

"Your chores await," Vernon Dursley growled.

Harry nodded, collecting the laundry basket and heading out to the clothes line. The garden, once a haven, now felt like a prison yard. Harry mechanically completed his tasks.

Upon returning, he found the mailman at the door. Among the bills and junk mail, one letter caught his eye: Gringotts Bank.

Curiosity piqued, Harry opened the letter.

"Dear Mr. Potter, We request your presence at our London office to discuss your account and certain...matters. Sincerely, Greknor Gringotts Bank"

"Where do you think you're going?" Vernon Dursley sneered, blocking Harry's path.

"To Gringotts Bank," Harry replied, holding up the letter.

Vernon's face reddened. "You're not going anywhere. You're staying right here."

Petunia stepped forward, her voice dripping. "Yes. You're not needed anywhere else. You have chores!"

Harry stood firm. "I have to go. It's about my account."

Vernon's meaty hand clenched into a fist then pointed, "If you walk out that door, don't bother coming back."

Harry hesitated, unsure if he'd be welcomed back. But something about the letter and Greknor's words resonated within him.

"I'll go," Harry said, shouldering his bag.

Vernon's face twisted in anger. "Fine. Leave then."

Harry walked out, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation.

The journey to London passed in a blur.

Harry's mind whirled with questions.

At Gringotts, the goblin guards' stern faces softened upon seeing Harry. "Harry James Potter?" one guard asked.

Harry nodded.

"Greknor awaits you."

Greknor's office felt cozy, the wooden panels gleaming in the soft light. "Ah, Harry Potter," Greknor said, rising from his desk. "Please, sit."

Harry shook Greknor's hand, sensing a kindred spirit.

"Your family's legacy is impressive, Mr. Potter," Greknor began. "Your parents were shrewd investors."

He gestured to a nearby ledger.

"Your accounts hold a substantial amount of gold, investments, and properties."

Harry's eyes widened as Greknor listed the assets:

- A cottage near Hogwarts, valued at 50,000 Galleons

- The property in Godric's Hollow, worth 30,000 Galleons

- A penthouse apartment in Barcelona, valued at 100,000 Galleons

- Various investments

- A significant amount of gold, stored in a secure vault

Greknor's expression turned serious. "But there's more, Mr. Potter, irregularities in your accounts."

"Albus Dumbledore has been utilizing your funds for his own purposes."

Harry felt a jolt. "Dumbledore?" he repeated.

Greknor nodded. "We believe he's been financing the Order of the Phoenix with your wealth."

Harry's mind reeled. "Why?" he asked, barely above a whisper.

Greknor leaned forward. "We'll investigate together, Mr. Potter. Gringotts will keep you informed about our progress."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of relief.

Greknor slid a folder across the desk. "Details of your accounts, properties, and...discrepancies. We'll need your cooperation to uncover the truth."

Harry scanned the pages, numbers blurring. "What's missing?" he asked.

"Substantial funds, Mr. Potter," Greknor replied. "Transferred to unknown recipients."

Harry's grip on the folder tightened. "I want to know more."

Greknor nodded. "We'll uncover the truth in time, Mr. Potter."

As Harry left Gringotts, the London streets seemed different. The world had shifted, revealing secrets and questions.

Harry stepped onto the Dursleys' porch, his mind still reeling from the events at Gringotts. He reached for the door handle, but it wouldn't budge.

Locked.

He knocked twice, waiting patiently.

The door cracked open, revealing Vernon's face. "Well, well, well," Vernon sneered. "Look what we have here."

Harry stood tall. "I've got a proposal for you, Vernon. May I come in?"

Vernon raised an eyebrow. "What could you possibly have to offer?"

Harry's determination solidified. "Let me in, and I'll tell you."

Vernon hesitated, curiosity getting the better of him. "Fine." He stepped aside, allowing Harry to enter.

The living room felt stifling, but Harry began. "I've learned some things about my inheritance. I'm willing to make a deal with you."

Petunia's eyes narrowed. "What kind of deal?"

Harry took a deep breath. "I'll pay you 500 Galleons a month, roughly £25,000 in muggle money, to let me come and go as I need."

Vernon's expression changed from skepticism to interest. "Go on."

"Petunia, may I ask you something?" Harry said.

Petunia raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Have you ever met Albus Dumbledore?"

Petunia's expression softened her eyes distant. "Actually, I met him once...at a family gathering, before...everything." Her voice trailed off.

Harry's curiosity piqued.

"What did you think of him?"

Petunia hesitated, collecting her thoughts. "He seemed...kind, but also...intimidating. I remember feeling like he saw right through me."

Vernon snorted.

"Dumbledore's a manipulator. He's got everyone wrapped around his finger." Harry took a deep breath. "I just found out he's been using my inheritance for his own purposes."

Vernon's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Harry summarized Greknor's revelations.

"Dumbledore's been taking my money to fund the Order of the Phoenix."

Petunia's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh...I'm sorry. We had no idea."

Vernon scowled. "What's that got to do with us?"

Harry continued. "You know the house has blood wards, right?"

Petunia and Vernon exchanged confused glances.

"What are blood wards?" Petunia asked.

"They protect the house from Dark Magic. That's why I come back every summer."

Vernon frowned. "We had no idea. Why didn't you tell us?"

Harry shrugged. "I didn't think you'd care."

Petunia's expression softened. "We may not have been...perfect, Harry. But you're still our family."

Harry's determination solidified. "When I figure out my plans and leave, I'll make sure you're safe. I'll pay for you to move somewhere secure."

Vernon nodded.

"We appreciate it." Petunia added. "And, Harry? Be careful."