The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter 10: Preparing for the Ministry Review

The late afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows of the cottage, casting warm beams across the kitchen table where Harry and Hermione sat. Parchments, quills, and documents were scattered in organized chaos between them. Both were deep in thought, pouring over the letter from Greknor that had arrived earlier that day.

"This is everything we asked for," Hermione said, her voice tinged with relief as she scanned the documents. "Proof of your financial independence, the legal transfer of your properties, and evidence of the funds in your vaults. Greknor really came through."

Harry nodded, though his brow remained furrowed. "It's all great on paper, but we both know that won't stop Dumbledore from trying to twist things."

Before Hermione could respond, a knock echoed through the cottage. Startled, Harry rose to answer the door. Standing on the threshold was a tall goblin, dressed impeccably in dark robes adorned with Gringotts' insignia. His sharp features radiated authority.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," the goblin said with a slight bow. "I am Brannok, legal representative of Gringotts. Greknor has sent me to assist with your Ministry review preparations."

Harry stepped aside to let him in. "Thank you for coming, Brannok. We appreciate the help."

Brannok moved to the kitchen table, his piercing gaze taking in the scattered documents. "You have been thorough. Good. This review is a critical juncture. Dumbledore's influence is significant, but with these documents and a solid strategy, we can counter his attempts to undermine your autonomy."

Hermione gestured to an empty chair. "Please, sit. We'd like to go over everything with you."

Brannok took the seat, spreading out the documents with a practiced efficiency. He pointed to one in particular, a statement detailing the assets in Harry's vaults. "This will be your cornerstone. The Ministry cannot dispute your financial independence when you hold one of the largest personal accounts in Wizarding Britain."

"But what about Dumbledore?" Harry asked. "He's got connections everywhere. What if he uses them to discredit me?"

Brannok's lips curled into what might have been a smile. "Let him try. Gringotts does not take kindly to those who challenge its records. Our documentation is irrefutable."

Hermione leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "What about the guardianship argument? They might claim Harry still needs oversight."

Brannok's sharp eyes met hers. "We will counter that with proof of his legal status as an adult in the Wizarding world. Furthermore, his demonstrated ability to manage complex affairs—such as maintaining multiple properties—will bolster our case."

Hermione glanced at Harry, her confidence bolstered by Brannok's assurance. "That's good to hear. Harry, we should rehearse some key points. They'll likely try to provoke you."

"Provoke me how?" Harry asked warily.

"By questioning your maturity, your decisions, even your associations," Hermione said. "They'll want you to react emotionally, to make you look unstable."

Harry grimaced but nodded. "Right. Keep my cool, stick to the facts."

"Precisely," Brannok said, sliding another document forward. "This outlines your ownership of the properties in Godric's Hollow and the cottage. Your ability to maintain these assets independently will further solidify your position."

They spent the next hour reviewing the documents and rehearsing responses to potential questions. Brannok's sharp mind anticipated several lines of attack, and his advice proved invaluable. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Harry and Hermione felt more prepared than they had in days.

Brannok rose, gathering his papers into a neat stack. "You are as ready as you can be. I will meet you at the Ministry an hour before the review begins to finalize our strategy. Until then, ensure you get adequate rest. A clear mind will serve you well."

Harry extended a hand. "Thank you, Brannok. This means a lot."

The goblin clasped his hand briefly. "Gringotts honors its commitments, Mr. Potter. We will see this through."

With that, Brannok departed, leaving Harry and Hermione alone in the quiet cottage. The weight of the upcoming review settled over them once more.

As the sound of Brannok's departure faded, the soft rustle of wings interrupted the silence. A tawny owl swooped through the open window, depositing a letter onto the table before perching on the back of a chair. Hermione immediately retrieved the envelope, her expression shifting to concern as she read.

"It's from Arthur Weasley," she said, passing the letter to Harry. "He's reaching out again. Listen to this: 'Harry, I'm worried about how far Dumbledore's reach extends into the Ministry. I've seen some things that trouble me, but I can't put them in writing. We need to talk soon.'"

Harry frowned as he scanned the letter. "What do you think he's seen? It sounds serious."

Hermione's brow furrowed. "If Arthur's noticing things, it means Dumbledore's moves are becoming more overt. He wouldn't risk reaching out unless it was critical."

Harry leaned back, the parchment crinkling slightly in his hands. "And he's willing to testify. That makes him a target."

"A big one," Hermione agreed, her tone grim. "We need to do more than just rely on Greknor. Arthur's safety has to be a priority. If Dumbledore suspects him of helping us, he might retaliate."

Harry nodded, determination hardening his expression. "We'll make sure Greknor knows everything. Maybe he can help arrange protections for Arthur, discreetly."

Hermione jotted a quick note in her journal. "We'll send word to Greknor first thing tomorrow. Arthur's risking a lot for us, Harry. We can't let him face this alone."

Harry's gaze drifted to the fireplace, his thoughts turning to another figure who occupied his mind more than he cared to admit. "Speaking of people facing things alone… what about Snape? He's stuck in the middle of all this, and from what Greknor said, he's barely getting by. Dumbledore's using him just like everyone else."

Hermione's eyes softened. "I know. It's awful. But if we're going to help him, it has to be carefully done. If Dumbledore gets even a hint of it, it could destroy Snape's cover."

"What about helping him in other ways?" Harry asked, his voice heavy with guilt. "I can't just stand by knowing Dumbledore's got such a tight leash on him, not when he's risking his life for all of this."

Hermione considered for a moment. "We could use Greknor to set up something subtle. Maybe we could arrange something that gives him access to resources he needs for his work—potions ingredients, protective charms—without it being obvious."

Harry nodded slowly. "Do it through Gringotts. Snape wouldn't accept charity, but if it looks like payment for his work… something framed as essential for his role in brewing potions or gathering critical supplies. That way, it wouldn't feel like charity."

Hermione smiled faintly. "That might actually work. Greknor could frame it as compensation for services rendered. Snape would see it as necessary rather than pity."

"We'll bring it up when we send the letter about Arthur," Harry said firmly. "If we're going to do this, we need to do it right."

The owl hooted softly, as if in agreement, before flying back out into the night. Hermione set her quill down and met Harry's gaze. "We're carrying a lot, Harry. But we're not doing it alone."

Harry managed a small smile. "I know. Thanks, Hermione."

The evening stretched on, and the weight of the day began to settle in their bones. Hermione stood and stretched, rolling her shoulders. "We should get some rest, Harry. Tomorrow's going to be another long day."

Harry nodded, rising from his seat. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks for all this, Hermione. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Hermione offered him a small, tired smile. "Goodnight, Harry."

They each retreated to their respective rooms, the cottage falling into a peaceful quiet save for the occasional creak of old wood and the faint rustle of the wind outside. Harry lay in bed staring at the ceiling, his mind whirring with thoughts of the Ministry review, Arthur's safety, and Snape's precarious position. Sleep eventually claimed him, though his dreams were restless and filled with faces and voices he couldn't quite place.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the cottage in a warm glow. The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air as Harry and Hermione sat at the kitchen table, a modest breakfast spread before them.

Hermione carefully folded the letter to Greknor they had finalized over tea. "We've asked for protections and a meeting with Arthur, confirmation of the Gringotts representative, and support for Snape's resources. Anything else?"

Harry shook his head. "That's everything. It'll be enough." He tied the letter to the waiting owl, giving the bird a light stroke before sending it off into the crisp morning sky. The owl hooted once before disappearing over the horizon.

They lingered over their tea, the weight of the day ahead pressing on them. Harry broke the silence. "You think Arthur's going to be okay? He's risking so much."

Hermione placed her hand over his. "We'll make sure he is. And I trust Greknor to come through with the protections. Arthur believes in you, Harry. That's why he's doing this."

Harry nodded, though the worry didn't leave his eyes. "Let's hope Dumbledore doesn't catch wind of it before the review. He'll do anything to stop us."

"Which is why we're prepared," Hermione said firmly. "Now, we need to get ready."

They cleared the table and gathered their belongings. Hermione double-checked the documents, ensuring everything was in order. Harry donned his cleanest set of robes, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. "One step at a time," he muttered to himself.

When they stepped outside, the brisk morning air filled their lungs. The cottage door clicked shut behind them, a silent acknowledgment of how much their lives had changed.

"Ready?" Harry asked his voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Hermione adjusted the strap of her bag, her resolve mirroring his. "Let's go."