The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter 14: The Web Tightens

The air crackled with tension as Severus Snape knelt before the Dark Lord. Voldemort's piercing red eyes bore into him, probing for weaknesses. The silence in the dimly lit chamber was suffocating.

"Severus," Voldemort hissed, his voice as smooth as silk and as dangerous as a dagger. "I have heard whispers... whispers of Potter fortifying the old house in Godric's Hollow. Do you know of this?"

Snape inclined his head, keeping his voice calm. "My Lord, Potter's actions are predictable. He clings to sentimental attachments, seeking security in the places of his past."

Voldemort's gaze sharpened. "And yet, these actions grow bolder. Stronger wards, Goblin involvement... What is the boy planning?"

Snape hesitated, a calculated pause. "Potter's defiance is born of desperation. He believes fortifying his properties will protect him. But he is reckless, untrained. His efforts will fail, my Lord."

The Dark Lord leaned back, his expression unreadable. "You speak convincingly, Severus. But do not mistake my tolerance for trust. Fail me, and you will suffer the consequences."

Snape bowed his head. "I understand, my Lord."

"Go," Voldemort commanded, his voice like a death knell. "And keep watch on Potter. Report any further developments."

With a swirl of black robes, Snape Disapparated, his mind racing. He had narrowly evaded suspicion, but the stakes had risen dramatically.

Snape reappeared in his dimly lit study, his chest tightening as the aftereffects of Voldemort's presence lingered. His hands trembled slightly, and he clenched them into fists to steady himself. The room was quiet, save for the faint crackle of the fire in the hearth.

He sank into his worn armchair, staring at the bottle of firewhisky on the small table nearby. For a moment, he considered pouring himself a drink but dismissed the thought. Clarity was paramount, especially now.

His mind churned with Voldemort's veiled threats and the Dark Lord's growing interest in Potter. The wards at Godric's Hollow had been stronger than expected—stronger than Dumbledore would have allowed. Snape knew this was no coincidence.

"Potter," he muttered under his breath, his tone a mix of exasperation and begrudging respect. The boy was proving far more resourceful than he had anticipated. But resourcefulness alone would not protect him from Voldemort's wrath.

Snape leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The flickering firelight cast long shadows across his sharp features. If Voldemort suspected him further, his position as a double agent would be untenable. Yet, abandoning his post was not an option.

For years, Snape had balanced on the razor's edge, his loyalties torn between Dumbledore's calculated manipulations and the Dark Lord's oppressive demands. And now, against all odds, Potter and Granger—those meddlesome children—were forcing him to reconsider his alliances yet again. Their actions were reckless, yes, but they carried a determination that mirrored his own when he had sought to protect Lily.

"Fools," he murmured, though there was no venom in his tone. "Yet perhaps... not entirely."

A sharp knock at the door broke his thoughts. Snape's wand was in his hand instantly, pointed at the entryway. "Who's there?" he demanded, his voice cold and precise.

A familiar voice responded. "It's Greknor. I bring an update."

Snape relaxed marginally and waved his wand, the door creaking open. Greknor entered, his sharp features illuminated by the firelight. He carried a small, rune-etched box.

"Professor Snape," Greknor began, his tone formal. "Mr. Potter has directed that I ensure your financial accounts are fortified against external scrutiny. This box contains the necessary documents and details for your review."

Snape's brows furrowed. "Potter's meddling again, is he?"

"Call it an investment," Greknor replied, his tone dry. "He wishes to ensure you are not left vulnerable to either Dumbledore or the Dark Lord."

Snape's lips thinned, but he accepted the box. "Foolish sentimentality," he muttered, though there was no venom in his tone. He placed the box on the table, his gaze returning to the goblin. "What else?"

Greknor's expression darkened slightly. "The Dark Lord's interest in Mr. Potter is escalating. If you value your position, I suggest treading carefully."

Snape's eyes narrowed. "I do not need advice on survival, goblin. Convey to Potter that his recklessness may cost him dearly."

"I will pass along your thoughts," Greknor said, inclining his head. "But I believe you underestimate his resolve."

The goblin left, leaving Snape alone once more. He stared at the fire, his mind a whirlwind of calculations and contingencies. He was a man walking a razor's edge, with enemies on all sides and allies he could not fully trust.

And yet, there was something about Potter's resolve—about the quiet intensity he had shown at Godric's Hollow—that lingered in Snape's mind. It was not the brash arrogance he had come to expect but something sharper, more deliberate. Perhaps there was merit in his actions after all.

"Resolve," Snape murmured, his voice barely audible. "Let us hope that resolve does not lead to ruin."

Back at the cottage, Harry and Hermione sat at the kitchen table, the weight of recent events heavy in the air. Hermione tapped her quill against the edge of a parchment, their updated plan scrawled in her neat handwriting.

"We've made progress," Hermione said, though her tone was tinged with worry. "But Dumbledore's influence and Voldemort's interest are converging faster than we anticipated."

Harry leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "We need more allies. McGonagall's been supportive, but we haven't heard back from her since the Ministry hearing. And Kingsley... he's a wild card at best."

Hermione nodded. "What about Aberforth Dumbledore? He's been estranged from Albus for years. If anyone has insights into his motivations, it's him."

Harry frowned, considering the idea. "It's risky. If Aberforth is loyal to his brother, he might warn him about us. But you're right—it's worth exploring. We can approach him discreetly."

The soft hoot of an owl interrupted their discussion. A tawny owl perched on the windowsill, a rolled parchment tied to its leg. Harry untied the letter and read it aloud.

Harry, Hermione,

The Ministry's interest in you both has escalated. Surveillance has increased, and there are whispers of measures being taken to restrict your movements. Be cautious.

On another note, there may be allies within the Ministry willing to support you. I'll continue to reach out discreetly. Stay safe.

Arthur Weasley

Hermione's brow furrowed. "This is getting worse by the day. If Dumbledore's using Ministry resources to monitor us, we need to be even more careful."

Harry nodded. "We'll have to rely on Greknor and Snape for updates.

Later that evening, another owl arrived, this one carrying an anonymous note. Harry opened it cautiously, his expression hardening as he read.

Someone close to you is compromised. Be vigilant.

Harry passed the note to Hermione, who read it with growing unease. "Who could this be referring to? Ginny? Ron?"

"Or someone else entirely," Harry said grimly. "We'll have to watch everyone carefully."

Harry picked up a piece of parchment, his brow furrowing in thought. "Let's identify potential leaks. Ginny and Ron are obvious suspects, but who else could this note be referring to?"

Hermione chewed on the end of her quill. "McGonagall is unlikely, but it's worth testing. Kingsley might be loyal to the Ministry first, even if he sympathizes with us. Aberforth is another possibility, though approaching him carries its own risks."

"Then we craft separate stories," Harry suggested. "Details that are specific enough to be traced but not damaging if they leak. For Ginny, we can hint at us moving to another location entirely—something plausible but untrue."

Hermione nodded. "For Ron, we could mention seeking out a rare artifact to strengthen our wards. If he tells Dumbledore, it'll be obvious."

"What about McGonagall?" Harry asked.

Hermione frowned. "We tread carefully. Perhaps a vague suggestion that we're investigating the history of Godric's Hollow for clues about your family's legacy. If she reacts negatively, we'll know."

Harry scribbled down the details, his writing hurried but legible. "Kingsley's trickier. We could hint that we're planning to appeal directly to the Wizengamot for additional protections."

"That might work," Hermione said. "And for Aberforth, we keep it simple. Mention that we're exploring neutral grounds for safe meetings. If he's loyal to Albus, he'll report it."

Once the letters were written and carefully sealed, Harry called Hedwig to his side. "Let's hope this works," he murmured, tying the first letter to her leg. "Hedwig, take these carefully. One at a time."

Hermione watched as the owl soared into the night. "Now we wait."

Harry leaned back, exhaustion settling over him. "It's all we can do for now."

Their conversation was interrupted by a crackle of magic. A small enchanted mirror shimmered on the table, Greknor's image appearing within it.

"Mr. Potter," Greknor began, his tone grave. "I've received a message from Professor Snape. He warns that Voldemort is growing increasingly suspicious of his actions—and of you."

Harry's stomach tightened. "What else did he say?"

"Only that you must act swiftly. The Dark Lord's interest in your activities is dangerous. Professor Snape will send further updates when possible."

Hermione's face was pale. "This confirms it. Our window is closing. We need to solidify our plans now."

Harry nodded, determination hardening his features. "Then let's get to work. Whatever's coming, we'll face it head-on."