Heirs To The Founders
Plot: Two months after the battle in the Department of Mysteries, Harry is grieving over Sirius. Depressed due to life in general, will Harry make it? Will trust be gained? Will love conquer all? On the eve of his 16th birthday Harry receives a letter that will change life as he knows it, forever. Can enemies get over their differences for the greater good? Will all fall apart?
Chapter 1- Surprises Never Get Old
Hearing multiple pecks on the window he rolled over onto his side. Making his way over to let Hedwig in from her hunting trip, he noticed a package tied to her leg. 'That's strange. That could mean only one thing.' Casting a tempus charm; 12:01 a.m. Sixteen, he was officially fifteen. Ever since the battle in the Department of Mysteries nightmares always took over his sleep. Sirius...the Veil...Bellatrix...Voldemort. It all became too much to handle. The only thing that helped came in the form of solitude from the Dursleys. Since the end of term when Mad Eye and Remus spoke with the Dursleys, all had been quiet the moment they set foot in Number Four Privet Drive. Uncle Vernon decided to lock him in his bedroom only letting him out to use the loo twice a day. The boy was grateful at least for the fact of not having to deal with his "family" for the rest of summer. He cried, and let it all out.
In his dreams, Sirius and his parents gave him words of comfort. Shaking his head, he still could not get over the fact that Sirius was gone. Everyone that grows close to him gets hurt, or dies. Voldemort is responsible for all of this but yet he couldn't muster the strength to realize and remind himself of this. Coming back to reality, it had been ritual for the boy to stay up until midnight of his birthday. With excitement he picked up the package from Hedwig's leg and just stared at it. After casting an Ostendo charm, it was full steam ahead. There was no detection of jinxes, curses, or hexes on the package. No recording of a sender or address. Carefully, he slowly opened the package. BOOM! Ducking his head from a sling of mini-fireworks going off, and dropping the box he cowered in the corner. Moving across his bed he picked up the box and noticed a big cake with two giant sparklers in the shape of a one and five. Smiling, he dug into his first meal in almost seven days. … This is so good … Mrs. Weasley's cooking is to die for… Picking up some envelopes inside the box, he began to read his cards.
Dear Harry,
Hope you're having a great holiday and you're relatives aren't giving you trouble.I just arrived to the burrow this morning. The twins aren't letting up with their jokes and the ghoul is being loud as ever. Outside of this, summer is going good. How are you doing since the ministry? You can't blame yourself, Harry. You have to move on and know that Sirius loved you and Ron and I will always will. We are always here for you. Snape came by today to deliver potions. Something about him seems different, but outside of that he's the same. I look forward to seeing you in Diagon Alley. Hopefully our paths will cross sooner. Happy birthday, Harry.
Sincerely,
Hermione
With tears rolling down his face, he raised his wand and smiled. "Incendio," Harry spoke softly. "Hedwig, I can't take it 'ole girl. Everybody's sympathy is getting old. Everyone that I love gets hurt. It never ends, girl." Picking up the last letter within the package, he began reading.
Dear Harry,
Hey mate! Was out flying the other day and thought of you. Miss you tons. As much as a I hate school I can't wait to be back with you and the rest of the gang. I've officially decided that I am trying out for the Gryffindor quidditch team. We have your presents here for when you arrive. I'll see you before too long. Happy Birthday, mate.
Ron
Smiling widely, Harry folded his letter and set it aside. Picking up his cake and climbing back on his bed, he began shoving in his mouth, mouthful after mouthful of cake. Sighing, Harry fell on top of his bed facing up. Taking off his glasses, and pulling the covers up he closed his eyes gently. Attempting to seek a world of slumber.
Later in the morning before the dawn of light, Harry awoke to an owl screech. Looking around he could clearly see that Hedwig was on her perch, making no noise. Turning towards the window, a large barn owl sat waiting on him. Slowly climbing out of bed, Harry walked over and after barely opening the window the owl pushed it aside; Rushing in and screeching once more before landing on a bed post. Drawing closer he noticed how he towered over the animal. Which couldn't be possible due to his incredibly below-average height. "Damn malnutrition. Damn Dursleys," he said. Shrugging the thought off, he reached towards the small package but could not retrieve it. After nipping at Harry, he took the hint and retrieved one of Hedwig's owl treats. After a few hoots she extended her leg out, giving him permission to take the package. In a flap of wings she was gone, into the dark and starry night leaving a very confused Harry Potter. Staring at the package he read the sticker on top out loud…
Time Delayed Package
Mkd. October 1980, TBD. on July 31st, 1995.
Harry James Potter
Sender: N/A
All time stood still, not even a moment to think. Time Delayed? Who would send me a package like this? Clearly someone went to great length to not get caught. Wonder if this is important. After a few minutes of contemplating Harry decided what to do. "Ostendo." That's good, it's real and no harm will come. Carefully opening the package he slipped one hand in, pulling out a small picture album, what seems to be a Gringotts key, a dagger, a robe, a small wand, 2 letters, and some other minor possessions. The dagger itself was a beauty, unsheathing it, Harry took a good look at it. "Hedwig, this is beautiful but who would send me a dagger?" he asked. At the hilt was a ruby and the crest of Hogwarts etched in. I wonder if this is a relic like the Sword of Gryffindor? Hogwarts crest. Perhaps it does and doesn't have anything to do with Hogwarts. Sheathing the dagger Harry picked up the letters. On one envelope read Harry in a violet, elegant script. On the second with the same elegant script was written a name he had grown to despise. Quickly tossing the letter on the floor , he picked up the second titled to himself and began reading with tears rolling down his cheeks.
My Dearest Son,
If this letter and package has reached you then I have unfortunately passed into the next life. I am putting this package as time delayed until your sixteenth birthday for multiple reasons, and you need to hear every single one of them. As I write this for you, you are currently sleeping in the crib sound asleep. You look like an angel; so precious and innocent. I hate having to write this, but it is a precaution due to this war. Voldemort is growing in strength and his army adds numbers by the hour. It is starting to get nasty and James and I have had to go into hiding. I just want you to know that after reading all of this that James and I love you so much, and will do everything in our power to protect you. You are one of a kind son, and you will be great but you must know some of our deepest, well-kept secrets that we've ever held. To begin, you might know this already but a lot of people believed me to be a muggleborn which was a cover up. I am in reality a pureblood, and a direct descendant of Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff. I am a Gryffindor and Hufflepuff Heir, which that same blood runs through your veins. However, since I am of their line, I also have the blood of Merlin who is an ancestor of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. You have that blood in you, son. You are an heir as well. Next, you are an heir of Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin which makes you an heir of Morgana all through your father. That makes you the Heir of Merlin and Morgana. That makes you the Heir of the Founders. You will grow to be an incredible wizard one day, Harry. Even though your father doesn't know my true parentage, he will be stunned. Speaking of which, your grandmother is living and she doesn't know that you are kin. I was taken away from my true family by the Priory for safety concerns. Your grandmother is Minerva McGonagall.
The Priory of Avalon is a secret organization that has been around for over a millenia. It's purpose? To protect people like you and I son. To protect and preserve the bloodlines and heirs of the great ones, and the founders. To protect the Old Rites and Old Magic. To protect the wizarding world from the persecution from muggles. To help maintain a sense of freedom in the wizarding world. For all of us are equal, regardless of blood status. To achieve these great goals they have infiltrated every major organization in the world, every Ministry of Magic. The protectors have become known as the Knights of Avalon and are skilled in all kinds of magic. Much more developed than Aurors. We practice the Old Magic which contains blood, dark, and light magics. We believe in embracing the opportunity to utilizing our gift of being witches and wizards. We believe in the correct use of these magics, to protect for good. Both James and I are knights, and you will be trained in the Old Ways very soon. You will become a Knight of Avalon as we once did. Even if we are never there for you, there will always be the Priory to protect you. They could be your friends, a neighbor or a complete stranger. You will always be protected and loved. One day you will lead the Knights for it is your destiny as the Heir to all the great ones. Use your head and heart, son. Protect all the heirs of the bloodlines, for the good of the people. Protect the wizarding world from corruption. You will go up against some of your own. For example, Voldemort is an heir of Slytherin. Trust your gut and I shall leave with you some instructions regarding the Priory later on.
Furthermore, I want you to know of my secret that I have kept from everyone in the wizarding world. James is not your real father, Harry. You will always be his son no matter what! Blood will never separate his love for you. Your true father happens to be my oldest friend, and Hogwarts-sweetheart; Severus Snape. No one knew of our real relationship. Everyone thought we were just study partners, but we had grown so close over the years. I can't even describe how much I love him. He is an amazing man, Harry. Your father is the strongest and most brave man I have ever met. Give him a chance, son. Before you were born, your father and I had been dating for 4 years. One night together he made the mistake of changing his shirt in front of me and the Dark Mark was clearly visible. We fought and my heart broke. I had to eventually kick him out and tell him that I can't love, and be with a man who is a Death Eater. I would never stand with what Voldemort believed night we fought was the day I found out I was pregnant with you, my love. I was so happy and wanted to tell Severus but after seeing that mark… In the next two weeks I had contacted James and we ended up getting together. James offered to help me, who was with child not of his own. James stepped up and adopted you as his own. A fellow knight came to my rescue to help protect you, our future. and that leads to where we are now in hiding. Within this package you might have found certain items that I'll now explain.
The picture album has some pictures of you since you were born, pictures of my life at Hogwarts, and pictures of your father and I. So that you may get to see a side of him that is deep down under his shell. The key is for your true vault at Gringotts that contain my family's possessions, things of your father, and heirlooms of your descendants. Within the vault I also have journals of my research and you will find the counter spell to the glamours and other charms I placed on you at birth; to look like James. You will find books, dueling aides, battle gear and many other items needed to be a Knight. The robe and dagger are things that the knights carry and wear. Every knight carries a dagger and a back-up wand in a boot holster. These three items in the package are my very own. Cherish them and put them to good use. As well as some minor things from your childhood, you will find your correct birth certificate. I love you, son. Try to make it work with your father, you both will need it. I ask that you personally deliver the accompanying letter to him. It explains everything. I know this is a lot to take in but I also know you are brave and an amazing man like your father. Fight for love, community, and happiness. Fight for the good of the people, my knight. Don't trust everyone, especially people like Voldemort and Dumbledore. We may have sided slightly with Albus but we do not support him fully. He's like the Dark Lord in more ways than one; Not out for the greater good of the people. It's almost like the war between Merlin and Morgana. Lastly, you will begin to see that your appearance will change until you get to Gringotts, and perform the counter spell. The Priory have been made aware of the situation and will retrieve you soon. I love you. Good luck, my son. You will succeed.
With Love,
Mom
P.S. Your grandmother is aware that she "lost" a daughter. It was covered up by the Priory as a kidnapping, and your grandmother bought into it. Show her this letter as proof, and may you two enjoy one another as family. Remember, be careful who you trust with this info. I believe after showing this to your grandmother you should show it to Remus Lupin and your godfather. They have a right to know as well. Watch out for Dumbledore, he can and will use you as a "pawn" in his scheme of things. May our ancestors be with you, son. Do us all proud.
Pointing at his door he whispered a spell, "Muffliato." Harry did the one thing he could think of doing at that moment. He screamed as loud and as long as he could until his throat was raw. After a moment of silence, he picked up the package pulling out his mother's things. Only one thing remained. He felt a desire to know for sure. Slowly pulling the certificate out, he read.
Certificate of Birth
Name: Hadrian Harold Snape (Harry as a nickname)
Height: 18 inches
Sex: Male
Weight: 9 pounds, 10 ounces
Place of Birth: St. Mungo's
Time of Birth: 4:37 a.m.
Mother: Lily Ann McGonagall
Father: Severus Salazar Snape
Date of Birth: July 31, 1980
This must be a dream, a joke. Not being able to comprehend it all, he succumbed to his emotions. Shortly after clearing his mind, he fell into a sleeping bliss.
Ostendo- Latin for reveal.