The Unseen Inheritance

Chapter 12: Cottage Revelations

The air was crisp as Harry, Hermione, and Brannok returned to the cottage. The Ministry hearing still loomed large in their minds, but the familiar comfort of their secluded haven eased some of the tension. Harry set his bag down near the door and sank into the nearest chair, rubbing his temples.

"That was… intense," Hermione said, her voice steady but weary. She set the stack of parchment from the hearing onto the dining table, her fingers lingering over the documents. "I think it went as well as we could've hoped."

Brannok nodded, his sharp eyes glinting with satisfaction. "The panel's decision was a victory, but Dumbledore is not a man who accepts defeat lightly. He will respond, and likely with greater force."

Harry leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "We need to be ready. He'll try to use every connection, every bit of influence he has."

Hermione reached for a quill and parchment. "Then we need to make a list of our allies. People we can trust, or at least rely on."

Brannok raised a clawed hand. "Before you proceed, Mr. Potter, there is a matter of importance. Greknor has sent an update." He produced a letter from within his robe and handed it to Harry.

Harry unfolded the parchment, his eyes scanning the crisp, goblin-scripted text. Hermione moved closer, reading over his shoulder. The letter outlined more irregularities tied to Dumbledore's use of Harry's accounts.

Significant withdrawals: Funds linked to Order activities, including expenses that seemed unrelated to any immediate need.

Diversions: Payments funneled into accounts associated with individuals Harry had never met.

Mismanagement of properties: Leases on Harry's properties had been signed without his consent, with profits redirected to unknown sources.

Harry's grip tightened on the parchment. "How did I miss this?" he muttered. "He's been taking money and using it for… who knows what."

Hermione placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You didn't know, Harry. He's been manipulating everyone, not just you."

Brannok's voice was calm but firm. "Greknor is investigating further. He has also suggested a meeting with Arthur Weasley to discuss the hearing and ensure continued coordination. Shall I make the arrangements?""

Harry nodded. "Yes. If Arthur's willing to stand with us, we need to support him however we can."

The knock on the door came just as they were finishing their discussion. Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance before Harry stood, wand in hand, and approached the door. Opening it cautiously, he was greeted by the imposing figure of Severus Snape.

"Professor," Harry said, stepping aside to let him enter. Snape swept into the room, his black robes billowing, his expression unreadable.

"Potter, Granger," Snape said curtly, his gaze sweeping over the room before settling on Brannok. "I see you've been busy."

Hermione straightened her posture. "What brings you here, Professor?"

Snape's lips curled into a faint sneer. "I am here under orders from the Headmaster. He is… concerned about your recent actions."

Harry's jaw tightened. "Concerned, or worried he's losing control?"

Snape's eyes narrowed, but he didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he gestured toward the documents on the table. "And what, exactly, are you planning? Surely you don't believe you can operate independently without consequence."

Hermione stepped forward. "We're uncovering truths that have been hidden from Harry for too long. Truths that even you might not be aware of."

Snape's gaze flicked between them, his expression inscrutable. He crossed his arms, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "You're meddling in matters far beyond your comprehension. Do you have any idea what consequences your actions could bring?"

"We understand the risks," Hermione said firmly. "But we also understand that continuing to let Harry be manipulated isn't an option anymore. Can you honestly say that Dumbledore's methods have been entirely above board?"

Snape's sneer deepened, but there was a flicker of something else—uncertainty, perhaps. "You assume much, Miss Granger. But there are things about Dumbledore's motives that neither of you could begin to grasp."

Harry stepped forward. "Then explain them to us. We want the truth, and we're not afraid to hear it."

Snape's gaze hardened. "The truth is rarely simple, Potter. You are asking me to risk more than you could possibly imagine by aiding you."

"And yet you came here," Harry countered. "You wouldn't have done that if you didn't already think something was wrong."

Snape's lips pressed into a thin line. He glanced at the documents on the table again, then back at the pair of them. "If you insist on pursuing this path, know that you are walking a razor's edge. Dumbledore's reach is extensive, and his ability to manipulate situations rivals even the Dark Lord's."

Hermione exchanged a glance with Harry before speaking. "We're aware of the risks, but we're also aware that we can't do this alone. If you have advice or information that could help us, we'd value it."

Snape's expression darkened further. "Do not mistake this for alliance. I will act only if it aligns with my own interests. However," his voice dropped lower, "I will admit that Dumbledore's recent decisions… concern me."

"Then let us help each other," Harry said. "You don't trust us, and we don't entirely trust you. But we all know something isn't right. We're stronger together."

Snape regarded Harry for a long moment before finally inclining his head slightly. "I suggest you strengthen your wards. Dumbledore is not blind.""

Harry took a step closer. "Work with us. You know more about Dumbledore than anyone. If he's hiding something, you can help us find it."

Snape's expression darkened. "Do not presume to know what I know, Potter."

"We don't," Hermione interjected. "But we do know you've been put in an impossible position. If you're willing to help us, we'll do everything we can to help you in return."

Snape's sneer softened into something closer to resignation. "You are playing a dangerous game."

"So are you," Harry said quietly.

After a moment, Snape inclined his head slightly. "If I uncover anything of relevance, I will let you know. But do not contact me unless absolutely necessary."

With that, he swept out of the cottage, leaving an air of tension in his wake.

As the door closed, Hermione let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Well, that was… something."

Harry nodded, his mind racing. "He'll help. Not openly, but he will."

Brannok gathered his documents. "I will ensure Greknor is informed of today's developments. We must remain vigilant."

Hermione straightened up. "We should also consider a more secure communication system. If Dumbledore's reach is as extensive as we suspect, we need something reliable and tamper-proof."

Harry nodded. "Greknor might have some ideas. Maybe Gringotts can set up wards or magical devices to help us communicate safely."

"Exactly," Hermione agreed. "We also need to prioritize confronting the Weasleys—at least those who were complicit. We need answers, and we need to understand how deep this goes."

Harry's expression darkened at the thought. "And allies. McGonagall, Kingsley… people we know we can trust."

Hermione hesitated before adding, "But we'll have to tread carefully with them, too. For all we know, Dumbledore might have tried to sway them as well."

"Then we'll take it one step at a time," Harry said. "Greknor can help us plan the next move with Arthur. After that, we'll figure out who else we can approach safely."

As the goblin left, Hermione turned to Harry. "We need to update our plans. If Dumbledore's influence reaches deeper than we thought, we might not have as much time as we hoped."

Harry nodded. "We'll make it work. We have to."

The two sat down, parchment and quills in hand, the weight of the conversation with Snape lingering between them.

"First things first," Hermione began, drawing a fresh sheet of parchment. "We need to set priorities for the next few days. Strengthening the wards has to be at the top of the list."

Harry nodded, jotting it down. "Agreed. And we should make sure Greknor knows about the conversation with Snape. He might have insights on how to keep Dumbledore from finding out too much about what's going on here."

"I'll draft a letter tonight," Hermione said. "We also need to be prepared for Snape's unpredictability. He might help us, but he's still tied to Dumbledore and the Death Eaters. If Dumbledore suspects anything, he might use Snape as a weapon against us."

Harry frowned. "We'll have to keep a close eye on him. But I think he's genuinely conflicted. We might be able to trust him… eventually."

Hermione tapped her quill against the parchment. "For now, let's focus on what we can control. We need to follow up with Arthur Weasley, solidify our plans for approaching other allies, and…" She hesitated, glancing at Harry.

"And confront the Weasleys," Harry finished for her. "I'm not looking forward to that, but we need to know how far their involvement went."

"It won't be easy," Hermione said softly. "But we'll handle it together."

Harry offered a small smile. "Thanks, Hermione. For everything."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the two worked into the night, their list of tasks growing longer. Despite the challenges ahead, their determination remained unshaken. Together, they would face whatever came next.