The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter 6: Secure Foundations

The grand hall of Gringotts bustled with activity as Harry and Hermione made their way to a private conference room. Greknor greeted them with a sharp-toothed grin, his clawed hands resting on a stack of scrolls. Beside him stood two new figures: a tall, elegant witch with flowing auburn hair and a clipboard, and a burly wizard with piercing blue eyes, dressed in dark robes adorned with subtle runes.

"Harry, Hermione," Greknor began, gesturing to the newcomers, "allow me to introduce Elara, a specialist in magical interior design, and Ryker, our top security consultant."

Elara inclined her head with a warm smile. "It's a pleasure. I've reviewed the details Greknor provided about your properties and can't wait to bring your vision to life."

Ryker's voice was deep and measured. "Ensuring your safety is my priority. Together, we'll make these properties fortresses without sacrificing comfort."

Greknor gestured to a shimmering orb on the table. "Shall we begin? This Visualization Charm will allow you to explore your homes in stunning detail."

With a flick of his clawed finger, the orb levitated, casting beams of light that formed intricate, three-dimensional holograms of Godric's Hollow and the cottage. Harry and Hermione gasped as the rooms materialized before them, each detail vividly rendered.

The 3D model of the cottage shimmered above the table, casting warm light across the room. Harry and Hermione leaned in, their expressions a mix of fascination and slight uncertainty.

"This place already feels so peaceful," Hermione murmured, her eyes fixed on the model. "It's going to be a perfect retreat."

Elara smiled. "Let's start with the bedrooms, since you'll each need your own space. Ryker will also outline the security features we'll integrate as we go."

Harry hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh, just... comfortable? A big bed, I guess? And maybe something that looks out at the stream."

Elara waved her wand, and the master bedroom came to life in the model. A large oak bed with a simple yet sturdy design appeared, covered in a soft green quilt. The window stretched wider, framing the view of the sparkling stream.

Ryker tapped the air near the window, and faint runic symbols appeared. "We'll enchant the windows with Anti-Apparition Wards and Privacy Charms. No one will be able to enter—or even see inside—from the outside."

"Would you like a chair or small bench by the window?" Elara asked.

"Yeah, a bench would be nice," Harry said, picturing himself staring out at the water.

The bench appeared, its cushion matching the bedspread. Hermione smiled. "That suits you, Harry. It's practical, but it has character."

Ryker added, "The bench will also have an embedded alarm charm. If anyone tries to tamper with the window, you'll know immediately."

"For the second bedroom," Elara said, turning to Hermione, "any ideas? I assume you'd like something more tailored to your needs."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, but nothing too fussy. Maybe a desk for studying? And... I don't know... soft colors? Like blues or lilacs?"

The model adjusted to show a cozy room with walls painted in a pale lavender. A white desk with a matching chair appeared near the window, and the bed took on a quilt in soft lilac tones.

Hermione's face lit up. "That's lovely. Could we add some bookshelves? Just a few."

With a flick of her wand, Elara placed a pair of small shelves beside the desk, already filled with neatly arranged books.

Ryker tapped the desk. "I'll include a concealed drawer for storing sensitive documents. Enchanted to only open for you."

"Perfect," Hermione said. "It's simple but very... me."

Harry grinned. "So, no Quidditch posters?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Absolutely not."

The living room was next, and both teens seemed more comfortable here.

"The fireplace is incredible," Harry said. "I think it should be the focus of the room."

Hermione nodded. "Agreed. And maybe some bookshelves on either side?"

Elara conjured built-in bookshelves, each one styled to balance the rustic stone fireplace. She added a plush sofa in a soft gray, flanked by two armchairs in forest green. A round wooden coffee table appeared in the center.

Ryker gestured toward the fireplace. "This will be one of the ward anchors. We'll embed fireproofing spells as well as an emergency Floo connection, keyed only to you two."

Harry tilted his head. "What do you mean by 'keyed to us'?"

"Only you or Hermione can activate it," Ryker explained. "It prevents anyone from hijacking the connection."

"Anything else you'd like to add?" Elara asked.

Harry considered. "Maybe a small game table? Something for chess or cards?"

"That's a great idea," Hermione said. "And we should have some cozy blankets for when it gets cold."

The table appeared, along with a stack of neatly folded blankets on a nearby shelf.

"The room will also have perimeter alarms," Ryker added. "If anyone breaches the wards around the cottage, you'll get a soft chime here—just loud enough to alert you."

The kitchen followed, with cabinets in warm pine and granite countertops in a soft golden hue. The farmhouse sink was framed by an enchanted window showing the peaceful woods.

"I like it," Hermione said, nodding. "It's practical and welcoming."

Harry grinned. "And no complicated appliances. I barely know how to toast bread."

Ryker chuckled. "Even the kitchen has protections. The door will have a charm that prevents tampering, and the enchanted window will include a Lock-Down Spell. If there's a security breach, it will seal itself immediately."

Next Ryker walked them through the overall security plan for the cottage. "The entire property will be surrounded by Anti-Apparition Wards, Shielding Charms, and a Muggle-Repelling Field. The clearing is already naturally secluded, but these measures will ensure no one stumbles upon it accidentally—or intentionally."

"Will we know if someone tries?" Hermione asked.

Ryker nodded. "I'll install Proximity Alarms. If anyone crosses the outer boundary, you'll get a warning. For added safety, the front door will have a Recognition Charm keyed to both of you, so only trusted individuals can enter."

"And what about the stream?" Harry asked. "It runs close to the house."

"The stream will have an Elemental Shield," Ryker explained. "It's subtle, but it ensures no one can use water-based magic to breach the wards."

By the time the session ended, the cottage felt not only like a retreat but also like a secure haven.

"It's a perfect balance," Hermione said, her voice filled with confidence. "It feels like home, but it's safe."

Harry nodded. "Thanks, Ryker. This really makes me feel like... like we're ready for anything."

When the model of Godric's Hollow appeared, the contrast was striking. Its size and grandeur immediately set it apart from the cottage.

"Wow," Harry said, his voice filled with awe. "This is... big."

"Big enough to get lost in," Hermione muttered, though her expression showed fascination.

Ryker stepped forward. "The size is a strength, but it also means we'll need layered security. The wards will include Anti-Apparition barriers, Shielding Charms, and Perimeter Alarms. We'll tie the wards to key architectural elements for stability."

Elara began with the bedrooms. "You'll each have your own space here as well. Let's start with Harry's."

The projection zoomed into a large room with tall windows overlooking the garden. A king-sized bed appeared, its frame dark walnut with clean, simple lines. The bedspread shimmered into emerald green with subtle gold accents.

"This feels more... formal," Harry said, tilting his head. "I like it, though. Maybe add a couch or something?"

Elara added a small sitting area near the windows, with a leather loveseat and a low coffee table.

Ryker tapped the walls of the model, and faint glyphs appeared. "The windows here will have Concealment Charms to prevent anyone from seeing in, even from above. The room will also include a Silent Ward to block eavesdropping spells."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "So no one can hear what I'm saying? That's... useful."

"Very," Ryker confirmed.

"For Hermione's room," Elara continued, "what are you thinking?"

"Something similar to the cottage room," Hermione said. "But with a little more space for books and studying."

The room materialized with pale blue walls, a queen-sized bed covered in soft cream bedding, and a writing desk placed near the window. Built-in shelves lined one wall, already filled with books.

"This is perfect," Hermione said, her smile widening. "It's practical, but it still feels personal."

Ryker gestured to the desk and bookshelves. "We'll add security charms to ensure your research remains private. The shelves can include auto-locking mechanisms for sensitive materials."

Hermione nodded. "That's an excellent idea. I hadn't even thought about that."

The library became a joint project, with Hermione leading the charge.

"The shelves need to be tall but easy to access," she said. "And maybe a mix of open and glass-covered?"

Elara adjusted the model, creating a space that felt functional yet elegant. A long oak table appeared in the center, surrounded by chairs upholstered in soft green. A pair of armchairs appeared by a window, creating a cozy reading nook.

"This might be my favorite room so far," Harry said, nodding approvingly. "It's... impressive."

Ryker added a faint shimmer to the walls. "The library will have advanced shielding to protect against magical intrusions. If anyone tries to tamper with the contents, the wards will activate immediately."

"Brilliant," Hermione said. "We'll need to protect whatever we gather here."

The kitchen followed, with dark walnut cabinets and sleek granite counters. The dining area included a long wooden table with plenty of seating for guests.

"The door here will be enchanted with a Recognition Charm," Ryker explained. "It'll only open for those you've authorized. The kitchen window will also include a one-way barrier, so you can see out, but no one can see in."

"Do you think we'll use the event room much?" Harry asked as they moved to the large open space.

"It depends," Hermione said. "It could be useful for meetings, but maybe we should keep it adaptable?"

Elara nodded. "I'll make it multi-functional. Elegant but simple."

The space shifted, taking on neutral tones with movable furniture. The floor shimmered, revealing subtle enchanted patterns that could change based on need.

Ryker added, "This room will also include emergency portkey points. If something happens, you'll have designated safe zones to get out quickly."

By the end of the session, both properties felt tailored to their needs.

"Your rooms reflect your personalities perfectly," Elara said with a smile. "Separate spaces but complementary styles—just like the two of you."

Ryker nodded. "And with the layered security features, both properties are as safe as magic allows."

Harry chuckled. "Thanks for not making them too... matchy."

Hermione smirked. "I think we managed to avoid that."

As the models faded, Elara packed up her wand while Ryker reviewed his notes.

"You've done wonderfully for your first time designing homes," Elara said. "I think you'll be very happy with the results."

"Thanks, Elara. And Ryker, the security stuff—thank you," Harry said, his voice genuine. "I feel like we're finally in control of something."

"You're welcome," Ryker said. "If you ever need to adjust or expand the protections, don't hesitate to reach out."

As the models faded, Harry glanced at Ryker. "How soon can we move into the cottage? I don't think I can stand another week at the Dursleys."

Ryker consulted a parchment he had been scribbling notes on. "The security charms and wards can be in place within the next three days. If you're not particular about everything being perfect—like furniture fully enchanted—you could be settled by the end of the week."

Hermione glanced at Harry. "That's quick. Are you ready for that kind of transition?"

Harry shrugged. "I've been ready for years. Honestly, I don't think the Dursleys will even notice I'm gone."

Ryker nodded. "Then I'll expedite the process. The main protections will be active by the time you arrive. We can fine-tune while you're living there."

"Perfect," Harry said, relief clear in his voice

Greknor reached into his desk, pulling out a small money bag. "Harry, I've converted a portion of your funds into Muggle currency, as requested."

"Thanks," Harry said, taking the bag and peering inside. "This should cover their moving expenses. They've made my life hell, but I don't want them in danger because of me."

Hermione frowned slightly. "Do you think they'll even take it?"

Harry shrugged. "If it's money, Vernon will take it. And if it gets them out of harm's way, it's worth it."

"Are you sure about this?" Hermione asked. "They've treated you horribly."

Harry nodded. "They're still my family, as much as I hate to admit it. This isn't for them—it's for me. So I don't have to feel guilty if something happens to them."

Greknor stepped closer. "This amount should suffice to relocate them to a secure area. I've also added a subtle charm to the money pouch, ensuring they don't squander it frivolously. It will only release funds for necessities."

Harry grinned. "You thought of everything, didn't you?"

"Of course," Greknor replied with a sharp-toothed smile.

"Once you've moved in," Ryker added, "I'll return to fine-tune the wards and make any adjustments you need."

"Thanks, Ryker. And Elara, the designs—thank you," Harry said, his voice genuine. "I feel like we're finally building something that's... ours."