The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter two: Fractured Trust

Harry stepped into the grand hall of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the familiar gleam of gold and polished stone calming his nerves. Three days had passed since his initial meeting with Greknor, and Harry's mind still reeled from the revelations.

Greknor, the wise-eyed goblin, greeted Harry warmly. "Ah, young Potter, welcome back. We've made significant progress uncovering the... creative accounting practices of Albus Dumbledore."

Harry's curiosity piqued, he took a seat across from Greknor.

"Proceeds from your parents' estate," Greknor began, "were funneled into various accounts, often under dubious pretenses. We've discovered three primary recipients."

Harry leaned forward, his eyes locked on Greknor.

"Firstly, the Weasley family. Regular payments, disguised as 'educational support,' were made to keep a watchful eye on you, Harry."

Harry's thoughts flashed to the Weasleys' kindness, their unwavering support. Had it all been bought?

"Secondly," Greknor continued, "Dumbledore allocated substantial funds for the Order of the Phoenix's upkeep. Understandable, given the circumstances, but questionable nonetheless."

Harry's mind whirled. How much had Dumbledore controlled from behind the scenes? "Lastly," Greknor's expression turned grave, "Dumbledore siphoned considerable amounts into his personal account."

Harry felt a surge of anger. How could Dumbledore, a man he trusted, exploit his family's legacy?

"What are you doing to recover the funds?" Harry asked, determination etching his voice.

Greknor's face set in a resolute expression. "Rest assured, Harry, we're working diligently to reclaim as much as possible. The process is complex, but we'll ensure your inheritance is protected."

Greknor led Harry to a secure chamber deep within Gringotts, where a peculiar setup awaited. A small, ornate box adorned with goblin runes sat on a nearby table.

"This is a Goblin Truth-Seeker," Greknor explained. "Its magic ensures those questioned cannot deceive. We'll summon the Weasleys, one by one, to uncover the truth."

Harry nodded, steeling himself for the revelations. Molly Weasley entered first, her eyes nervous. Greknor activated the Truth-Seeker, and a soft glow enveloped her.

"Did you receive payments from Albus Dumbledore?" Greknor asked.

Molly's voice trembled. "Yes...for watching over Harry, keeping him... manageable."

"Did you know Dumbledore's ultimate goal?"

Molly's eyes darted to Harry before responding. "He promised... Ginny would marry Harry once they turned 18. Secure the Potter inheritance...for our family."

Harry felt a stab of betrayal.

Next, Ginny entered, her face pale.

Under the Truth-Seeker's influence, she confessed: "Dumbledore promised me a life with Harry, that I'd be the one to... stabilize him. I was to keep him close, report back to Dumbledore."

Ron Weasley's testimony mirrored his mother's and sister's.

All three had knowingly collaborated with Dumbledore.

In contrast, Arthur Weasley and the twins seemed genuinely unaware of the full context, only acknowledging receipt of Dumbledore's funds.

However, a surprising revelation came from Charlie, Percy, and Bill: "We distanced ourselves from the family," Charlie explained, "due to our suspicions about Dumbledore's influence. We didn't want any part in it."

As the Truth-Seeker's magic faded, Harry felt numb. The Weasleys, people he trusted, had manipulated and used him.

Greknor's expression reflected Harry's outrage. "We'll ensure your inheritance is protected, Harry. And those who betrayed you will face consequences."

Harry and Greknor returned to the goblin's office, the weight of the Weasleys' betrayal settling heavily on Harry's shoulders.

"Greknor, can we use that Truth-Seeker box on Dumbledore?" Harry asked, his voice laced with determination.

Greknor's expression turned somber. "Unfortunately, no. Albus Dumbledore is a skilled Legilimens."

"A what?" Harry's curiosity piqued.

"A Legilimens," Greknor explained, "is a wizard capable of extracting thoughts directly from another's mind. Dumbledore's expertise would allow him to deflect or manipulate the Truth-Seeker's magic."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "So, we can't get the truth from him."

Greknor nodded. "Not through conventional means. However, we can explore other avenues. Ancient spells, forgotten lore...there may be ways to uncover Dumbledore's secrets."

Harry's resolve hardened. "I want to know everything. What he planned, why he manipulated me...and the Weasleys."

Greknor's eyes gleamed with determination. "Together, Harry, we'll unravel the truth. Your inheritance, your life, will no longer be controlled by shadows."

As Greknor began gathering ancient tomes and scrolls, Harry's thoughts drifted to the Weasleys, and he requested Greknor's attention.

"Greknor, I want to speak with you about the Weasleys."

Greknor's expression turned inquiring. "Yes, Harry?"

"I know they betrayed me," Harry said, his voice measured. "But I want you to go easy on them. They may have been influenced by Dumbledore."

Greknor's eyes narrowed. "Influenced?"

"Dumbledore's manipulation is the root of the problem," Harry emphasized. "The Weasleys might have been under his control, just like I was. We can't forget that."

Greknor nodded thoughtfully. "I will convey your wishes to the Goblin Council. Mercy, not punishment, for the Weasleys."

Harry's decision surprised Greknor, but the goblin respected Harry's compassion.

"Harry, your generosity may be misplaced," Greknor cautioned. "The Weasleys' actions have consequences. However, I will ensure they face the Council's judgment with leniency."

Harry's eyes locked on Greknor's.

"I want to understand why they did what they did. There must be more to the story."

Greknor nodded. "I will investigate further. Perhaps we can uncover the extent of Dumbledore's influence."

As Harry sat in Greknor's office, surrounded by ancient scrolls and dusty tomes, the goblin's scratching quill and murmured incantations faded into the background as Harry's thoughts consumed him.

Why did they do it? How could they? Molly, Ron, Ginny...friends, family...all deceiving me. Betrayal seared his heart, followed by hurt and confusion. Anger simmered, threatening to boil over. How could Dumbledore manipulate everyone? Use everyone?

Suddenly, a name pierced the turmoil: "Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, his voice urgent.

Greknor's quill paused mid-stroke. "Harry?"

"Were there any payments to Hermione Granger or her parents?" Harry asked, his eyes locked on Greknor.

Greknor's expression turned reassuring. "No, Harry. There's no record of any payments to Hermione or her family. They're clear of Dumbledore's influence."

Harry's tension eased slightly, gratitude welling up. Hermione, his loyal friend, had been spared.

Greknor's eyes softened. "You can trust her, Harry. She's been a true friend. Would you like me to arrange a meeting with Hermione?"

Harry's eyes lit up. "Yes, please, tomorrow?"

Greknor smiled. "Consider it done. I'll send an urgent message to the Grangers, and we'll provide a Gringotts portkey directly to the bank."

Harry nodded, gratitude swelling. "Thank you, Greknor."

Within minutes, Greknor dispatched the message, ensuring Hermione's parents would receive it promptly.

"Tomorrow, then," Greknor said, as he showed Harry a small, intricately carved stone. "This portkey will bring Hermione directly to my office. Discreetly, of course."

"I want to tell them everything," Harry said, determination etched on his face. "About Dumbledore, the Weasleys...all of it."

Greknor nodded gravely. "Wise decision, Harry. Trusting those untainted by Dumbledore's influence will be crucial."

As the evening drew to a close, Harry stood, his mind reeling with the day's revelations. "I'll head back to the Dursleys' for tonight," Harry said, resignation in his voice.

Greknor's expression turned sympathetic. "Soon, Harry, you'll find a true home, free from deceit."

With a nod, Harry departed Gringotts, lost in thought, as the London twilight enveloped him.