The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter 3: United Front

Harry boarded the Knight Bus, its vibrant purple and gold interior a stark contrast to his somber mood. As the bus lurched forward, Harry gripped the handrail, his thoughts racing with the impending meeting. The bus ride seemed endless, but finally, it stopped near Diagon Alley.

Harry disembarked, weaving through the bustling crowd. He walked down the cobblestone street, passing familiar shops and stalls.

Upon reaching Gringotts, Harry pushed open the heavy bronze doors and stepped into the grand hall. The gleam of gold and polished marble enveloped him, and he spotted Greknor, resplendent in his finely tailored suit, waiting by the information desk.

"Ah, Harry! Right on time," Greknor said, extending a hand. Harry shook it firmly.

"Thanks for arranging this, Greknor."

Greknor nodded. "The Grangers are already here. Follow me."

He led Harry through the bustling hall, past rows of goblin tellers and into a private room. Hermione and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, sat around a polished wooden table, their faces etched with concern.

"Hermione," Harry said, smiling, as she stood to hug him.

"Harry," she replied, her eyes shining with worry. "What's going on? You've been so secretive."

Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself for the revelation. "I'll explain everything. I promise."

Mr. Granger's expression turned serious. "We're listening, Harry."

Harry took a deep breath and began...

Hermione's eyes sparkled with a mix of shock and determination. "This changes everything we thought we knew about everyone, Harry!"

Her voice barely above a whisper, Mrs. Granger asked, "What are the implications? How far does this go?"

Mr. Granger's face set in a resolute expression. "We need to consider the potential consequences. If Dumbledore's involved, we're dealing with someone extremely powerful."

Hermione's gaze locked onto Harry's. "We need a plan. We can't just sit back and let this happen."

Harry's resolve strengthened, knowing he had their support. "I've been thinking... We need to gather evidence, proof of Dumbledore's intentions."

Mrs. Granger's voice trembled. "But where do we even start?"

"Ideas, we need ideas!" Hermione exclaimed, her hands fluttering as she paced.

"Start with the Hogwarts staff," Mr. Granger suggested. "See if anyone's suspicious."

"But how do we approach them?" Harry asked.

"Subtly," Greknor replied. "We can't risk alerting Dumbledore."

"Unless we want to," Hermione said, stopping mid-pace. "Maybe we should provoke him, see how he reacts."

"Too risky," Mrs. Granger countered. "We need concrete evidence first."

"Documents, records," Mr. Granger murmured. "There must be something incriminating."

"Break into Dumbledore's office?" Harry proposed.

"Impossible," Greknor said. "The security's too tight."

"Unless..." Hermione's eyes sparkled. "Unless we find a forgotten passage or hidden entrance."

"Or exploit the castle's secrets," Harry added.

"The Hogwarts ghosts!" Mrs. Granger exclaimed. "They might know something."

"Sir Nicholas, Moaning Myrtle," Hermione listed. "We can talk to them."

"Discreetly," Greknor cautioned.

The room fell silent as they processed the whirlwind of ideas.

Hermione took a deep breath. "Let's organize. We need a plan, not chaos."

Mr. Granger nodded. "Divide tasks, prioritize. We'll start with researching staff and gathering documents."

Greknor stood. "I'll arrange for secure communication channels."

Harry's determination solidified. "We'll get to the truth."

Greknor stood, his eyes locked on the Grangers. "I'll need to take you to a secure location to set up a specialized communication channel. It's essential only you can access it."

Mr. Granger nodded. "To keep our conversations private?"

Greknor smiled. "Exactly. I'll provide a shared notebook, enchanted to recognize only your handwriting and allow only you to read the contents."

Mrs. Granger's eyes widened. "That sounds like magic."

Greknor chuckled. "Indeed it is. Harry, Hermione, we'll leave you for now. Continue discussing your strategy."

As Greknor escorted the Grangers out, Harry and Hermione found themselves alone in the Gringotts meeting room.

The silence felt heavy, until Hermione broke it. "Harry, I'm scared. What if we're wrong about Dumbledore?"

Harry's expression softened. "We'll find the truth, Hermione. Together."

Hermione's eyes searched his. "But what if we can't stop him? What if he's too powerful?"

Harry's jaw clenched. "We won't back down. We have each other, and your parents."

Hermione stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "And what about Ron? Have you told him?"

Harry hesitated, unsure how to respond. "Hermione, remember the Truth Seeker's results? About Ron?"

Hermione's eyes clouded. "You mean... Dumbledore's influence?"

Harry nodded. "Dumbledore's influence over Ron. The Truth Seeker confirmed it."

Hermione's voice barely rose above a whisper. "That's why Ron's been acting strange?"

Harry's jaw clenched. "I think so. Dumbledore's using him, Hermione. For what, I don't know."

Hermione's eyes widened in alarm. "We have to protect Ron, Harry! We can't let Dumbledore control him."

Harry's face twisted in frustration. "I know, but how? The Truth Seeker's results also showed... Ron's not entirely innocent."

Hermione's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Harry's voice dropped to a whisper. "Ron knew about the arrangement with Dumbledore. He knew about the money." Hermione's eyes flashed with anger. "And Ginny... Ron knew Dumbledore planned for her to marry me."

Harry's expression darkened. "Ron's been keeping that secret for months, Hermione. He's been lying to us."

Hermione's face paled. "Why would Ron agree to that?"

Harry shook his head. "I don't know, but it explains why Ron's been so distant. He's torn between loyalty to us and Dumbledore's manipulation."

"We need to talk to Ron," Hermione said, resolve etched on her face. "Find out what's going on, why he's been keeping secrets."

Harry nodded. "Agreed. But carefully. We can't confront him without a plan."

Hermione's eyes narrowed. "Once we're back at Hogwarts, on the train maybe. We can corner him, get the truth out."

Harry's expression turned thoughtful. "The train's a good idea. Less chance of being overheard."

Hermione's jaw set. "I'll make sure to sit with him, get him talking. You keep an eye out for any... interference."

Harry nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "And if Ron's still under Dumbledore's influence?"

Hermione's voice firmed. "We'll deal with it, Harry. Together."

The Gringotts meeting room door opened, and Greknor returned with the Grangers.

"Communication channel set up," Greknor announced. "Your parents have the enchanted notebook, Hermione."

Mrs. Granger smiled reassuringly. "We'll keep in touch, dear."

Hermione grasped Harry's hand briefly. "We'll plan our next move soon."

With one last reassuring glance, the Grangers and Hermione departed together, leaving Harry alone with Greknor.

Greknor's expression turned practical. "Now, Harry, let's discuss your living arrangements. You can't return to the Dursley's long-term." Greknor's expression turned practical. "Before we explore new options, let's review your current properties, Harry."

Harry nodded.

"First, there's the cottage near Hogwarts," Greknor began, consulting a parchment. "Valued at 50,000 Galleons. Ideal for proximity to school."

Harry's eyes widened. "I forgot about that."

Greknor nodded. "Then, there's the property in Godric's Hollow. Worth 30,000 Galleons. Emotional significance, of course."

Harry's expression softened, thinking of his parents.

"Lastly, the penthouse apartment in Barcelona," Greknor continued. "Valued at 100,000 Galleons. A generous gift from Sirius."

Harry whistled. "I had no idea it was worth that much."

Greknor leaned back. "These properties provide substantial financial security, Harry. But are any suitable for your immediate needs?"

Harry considered, leaning forward. "Tell me more about the cottage and the property in Godric's Hollow."

Greknor nodded, consulting his notes. "The cottage, near Hogwarts, spans around 2,000 square feet. It has three bedrooms, one office, a kitchen and dining area, and a cozy living room with a large stone fireplace."

Harry's eyes lit up. "Sounds perfect for a quiet retreat."

Greknor continued, "The cottage also features two bathrooms – one main and one off the master bedroom with a large tub and stunning views of the surrounding woods."

Harry smiled, imagining the peaceful setting. "And the property itself?" Harry asked.

"The cottage sits in a secluded clearing, with a gentle stream running nearby. There's also a small storage hut for firewood and other essentials."

Harry nodded, envisioning the serene atmosphere.

"Now, about Godric's Hollow," Greknor said, shifting his gaze. "The property is substantial, around 6,000 square feet."

Harry's eyebrows rose. "That's massive."

Greknor nodded. "Four bedrooms, five bathrooms – each bedroom has its own en-suite. The master bedroom boasts a jet tub and walk-in closet."

Harry whistled softly. "Luxurious."

Greknor continued, "The property also features a expansive library with two office areas, perfect for studying or research. The kitchen and dining areas are spacious, and the backyard has a pool. It also has... an event room, almost like a ballroom."

Harry's eyes widened. "An event room? That's unexpected."

Greknor leaned back. "Yes, plenty of potential for hosting allies or... diplomatic events."

Harry's mind raced, weighing the pros and cons of each property.

"Security concerns?" Harry asked, his mind shifting to potential dangers.

Greknor nodded gravely. "Both properties have their vulnerabilities. The cottage, despite its seclusion, is relatively easy to defend due to its proximity to Hogwarts."

Harry nodded thoughtfully.

"Godric's Hollow, however," Greknor's expression turned serious, "is a different story. Its size and grandeur make it harder to secure. The property's history, being the site of your parents'... tragic fate, also makes it a potential target for Dark Magic enthusiasts."

Harry's jaw clenched. "What measures can be taken to secure it?"

Greknor leaned forward. "I recommend reinforcing the property's charms, installing advanced alarm systems, and hiring a team of trusted guards. Discreetly, of course."

Harry considered the costs and logistics. "Would it be worth it?" Harry asked.

Greknor's eyes locked onto his. "That depends on your priorities, Harry. Do you want a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of darkness, or a quiet, unassuming refuge?"

"Can it be both?" Harry asked a spark of determination in his eyes.

Greknor raised an eyebrow. "Utilize both properties?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. Godric's Hollow as a base, the cottage as a private retreat for Hermione and me."

Greknor's expression turned thoughtful. "Intriguing idea, Harry. But how would you ensure secure travel between the two?" Harry leaned forward.

"That's what I need your expertise for. Is there a way to get to the cottage from Hogwarts without... unwanted attention?"

Greknor's eyes narrowed. "You mean, without Dumbledore knowing?"

Harry's voice dropped to a whisper. "Exactly."

Greknor nodded slowly. "I can arrange for a secure passage. Perhaps an enchanted portkey or a hidden Floo Network connection."

Harry's eyes lit up. "That would be perfect."

Greknor scribbled notes on a parchment. "I'll work on establishing a discreet route. But, Harry, secrecy comes at a cost. Trusting few people with this information is crucial."

Harry's jaw clenched. "I understand."

Greknor looked up, his gaze serious. "One more thing, Harry. Godric's Hollow's history... it may hold secrets, hidden passages, or ancient charms. We should investigate; ensure the property's fully secure."

Harry nodded and stood, stretching his tired limbs. "Think that's enough for today, Greknor. My head's spinning."

Greknor chuckled. "Understandable, Harry. You've had a lot to take in."

As Harry reached the door, he turned back. "Wait, two more things."

Greknor raised an eyebrow.

"When can I leave the Dursleys?" Harry asked.

Greknor checked his notes. "Arrangements will be made within the fortnight. You'll have a smooth transition."

Harry nodded, relieved. "And," Harry added, "I want to give the Dursley's a lump sum to help them move safely. Make it clear they're not getting anything else."

Greknor nodded. "I'll prepare the funds."

Harry nodded, satisfied. "Thanks, Greknor. I'm done for today."

Greknor smiled. "Get some rest, Harry. We'll tackle the rest soon."

Harry left the Gringotts meeting room, feeling exhausted but slightly lighter.