Sorry about the long delay!

The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter 7: A Skeptical Ally

The private chamber in Gringotts felt particularly somber that afternoon. Harry and Hermione sat across from Greknor, reviewing the finalized plans for the wards surrounding both Godric's Hollow and the cottage. The designs were intricate, layered with protections against both magical and physical threats. Yet, there was still an air of uncertainty.

"We've done everything we can to secure the properties," Ryker said, his voice steady. "But there's always the unexpected. Testing the wards in a controlled environment could reveal weaknesses we've overlooked."

Harry leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "How do we test them?"

Before Ryker could answer, Greknor's sharp-toothed grin widened. "With someone skilled enough to breach them… or try."

Hermione's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Someone like Professor Snape."

Greknor's grin faded slightly. "A bold choice, Miss Granger. But he does possess the skill and… pragmatism necessary for such an undertaking."

Harry exhaled, his jaw tightening. "If anyone could find a flaw, it'd be him. But convincing him to help won't be easy."

Hermione's lips pressed into a thin line. "We have to try. He seemed willing to listen during the shopping trip. Maybe…"

Greknor nodded. "You'll need to tread carefully. Approach him with respect, and emphasize his expertise."

As the conversation at Gringotts wrapped up, Greknor's tone turned more somber. "One more thing to consider, Mr. Potter," the goblin said, his sharp eyes glinting. "The protections you're building are admirable, but there are few forces as persistent as influence. Particularly when it stems from someone as formidable as Albus Dumbledore."

Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance, Hermione's brow furrowing. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Dumbledore has a way of ensuring his presence is felt, even in places he has not been invited," Greknor explained. "His reach—through allies, through magic—may already be interfering with your plans in ways you cannot yet see. The evidence my team is uncovering suggests layers of manipulation beyond mere financial discrepancies."

Harry's jaw clenched. "So you're saying these wards might not just keep out Death Eaters… but Dumbledore as well?"

Greknor nodded. "Precisely."

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. Hermione's voice was steady, but her eyes were sharp. "We'll need a full report. Every detail of what you find."

Greknor's grin widened. "And you shall have it, Miss Granger. But tread carefully. Dumbledore's influence is not easily shaken."

Later that evening, Harry and Hermione stood outside Spinner's End, Snape's modest, weathered home. The brickwork was darkened by years of soot and rain, and the narrow windows gave little indication of life within. Harry glanced at Hermione, who gave him an encouraging nod before he rapped on the door.

Moments later, the door creaked open to reveal Snape, his black eyes narrowing immediately at the sight of them.

"Potter. Granger," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected intrusion?"

"Professor," Harry began, forcing his tone to remain calm, "we need your help."

Snape raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between them. "This should be fascinating. Do elaborate."

Hermione stepped forward, her tone measured and respectful. "We've been working with Gringotts to secure properties—Godric's Hollow and a cottage near Hogwarts. The wards we've set up are advanced, but we need someone with your expertise to test them."

Snape crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. "And why, pray tell, should I involve myself in your amateur endeavors?"

Harry met Snape's gaze, his green eyes unwavering. "Because this isn't just about us. If we fail, it could jeopardize more than our safety. You've always said I was reckless. This is us trying not to be."

Snape's lips twitched, perhaps the faintest hint of amusement. "A surprising admission, Potter. Very well, I will… consider your request. But I warn you, if this proves to be a waste of my time…"

"It won't be," Hermione assured him.

Snape's dark eyes lingered on her before he stepped aside. "You may explain further inside. I'd rather not conduct this conversation on my doorstep."

Inside Snape's home, the air was heavy with the scent of old parchment and faint traces of various potions ingredients. The sitting room was dimly lit, its shelves crammed with books, jars, and trinkets that gave the impression of a life lived in quiet seclusion. Snape gestured curtly to the worn armchairs near a small, crackling fire.

"Sit. Speak. And do not waste my time."

Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance before taking their seats. Hermione spoke first, her tone calm and deliberate.

"We've been working on securing two properties—Godric's Hollow and a cottage near Hogwarts. Both are heavily warded, thanks to Gringotts and their specialists. But we know that wards are only as strong as their weakest point. We need someone who can find those weaknesses before our enemies do."

Snape's gaze was unreadable as he leaned back in his chair. "And you presume that I would care to involve myself in your personal affairs?"

Harry leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest. "This isn't just about us, Professor. The war's not over, and we can't afford to ignore any advantage. If these places are safe, they can be used to protect others, not just us."

Hermione added quickly, "We're asking for your expertise because we trust your skills. But we also know we can't tell you everything right now. There are… complications. We hope you'll understand that it's not about distrust, but caution."

Snape's eyes narrowed, his expression sharp. "How considerate of you to dangle half-truths before me and expect my cooperation."

Harry's jaw tightened, but he kept his tone steady. "We're not asking for blind trust. We're asking for your help. And if, over time, we prove that we're not wasting it, then maybe we can show you everything."

For a long moment, Snape said nothing. His eyes bore into Harry's as though searching for any sign of deception. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured.

"If I agree to this, it is not because I find your arguments compelling. It is because I cannot abide incompetence, and I would rather ensure your protections are adequate than clean up your inevitable mess."

Hermione's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Thank you, Professor. That's all we're asking for."

Snape rose abruptly, his robes sweeping around him. "Very well. Provide me with the details of these wards. I will determine whether your efforts have been worth the effort."

Harry and Hermione stood as well, both nodding in thanks.

"We'll send the information through Gringotts," Harry said. "And… we appreciate this."

Snape's lip curled faintly. "You may yet regret it, Potter. Now, get out of my house."

The following evening, Snape arrived at the cottage with a sharp crack of Apparition. He was dressed in his usual black robes, his expression inscrutable as he surveyed the property. Harry and Hermione were already waiting, standing near the edge of the clearing.

"Well," Snape drawled, "let us see if your precious wards are as impenetrable as you claim."

Ryker stepped forward, nodding respectfully. "Professor Snape, thank you for assisting us. I've prepared a sequence of simulated attacks to test the wards' integrity. If you're ready, we'll begin."

Snape inclined his head, drawing his wand with a fluid motion. "Proceed."

The first test was straightforward: a barrage of low-level hexes and jinxes aimed at the perimeter. The wards shimmered faintly but held firm. Snape's expression remained impassive as he moved on to more complex spells—Disillusionment Charms, Invisibility Cloaks, and other methods of concealment. The wards detected each attempt, flaring with golden light.

"Adequate," Snape muttered, though there was a glimmer of approval in his tone.

Next came more aggressive tactics. Snape unleashed a series of Blasting Curses, followed by a powerful Reducto aimed directly at the cottage's front door. The wards absorbed the impact, their light intensifying momentarily before fading back to normal.

"Impressive," Snape admitted begrudgingly. "But any competent wizard could manage this much. Let us see how they fare against something… unconventional."

He raised his wand, murmuring an incantation that sent dark tendrils of shadow snaking toward the cottage. The wards reacted violently, a burst of white light dispersing the shadowy magic.

Ryker's eyes widened. "That… wasn't in the test plan."

Snape smirked faintly. "Consider it a professional courtesy. Your wards passed… for now."

Harry stepped forward, his expression earnest. "Thank you, Professor. Your insight means a lot."

Snape's smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl. "Do not mistake this for camaraderie, Potter. I simply refuse to let incompetence dictate the future of our world."

Hermione met his gaze. "Regardless of your reasons, we're grateful for your help."

Snape studied her for a long moment before nodding curtly. "Ensure you do not squander the advantages you've been given. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more pressing matters to attend to."

With a swirl of his robes, Snape Disapparated, leaving Harry and Hermione standing in the clearing.

"That went better than expected," Hermione said softly.

Harry nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "He may not admit it, but I think we're starting to earn his respect."

Hermione glanced toward the cottage, the faint shimmer of the wards still visible in the twilight. "Let's hope he's right about the wards being enough."

Harry's expression grew serious. "If they're not, we'll make them stronger. We have to."