Chapter 53

Tuesday morning was a blur for everyone. Harry was actually up and ready to go by 5am, which was kinda bad since Gringotts didn't open until 8am. So he spent the next two hours annoying anyone that was awake, until Norische couldn't stand it any longer that is. As Harry paced in front of the couch Norische was sitting in, Norische reached out and grabbed him and pulled Harry onto his lap, engaging his anxious mate in a heavy snogging session.

To say the least 8am seemed to pop right out at them when they least expected it. Remus gather up the expandable rucksacks and had them waiting by the door. Arrian had cleaned out one of Severus' seven compartment trunks as well and it was set beside the other items they wished to take with them. They all pretty much decided that any books or papers they found they were going to bring back to ShadowHaven, that way they wouldn't spend all day going through those things and could focus on checking for weapons and any thing that might help them defeat Voldemort, and anything they think that Dumbledore would have been looking for in particular.

Remus, Severus, Sirius, Norische, Harry, Chris, Draco, Neville, Ron and Hermione left for Gringotts promptly at 8am, orbing to the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron. Without too much of a fuss they managed to make it to the bank without anyone seeing them. Although Severus did note two death eaters that he was familiar with, apparently the two men didn't see them…thankfully.

Severus led the way to Gringotts, Remus and Sirius followed behind everyone else making sure they were not being followed or watched. Since the full moon was in just two days, Remus' senses were on overdrive and he was keeping a nose and both eyes open for any signs of danger.

They had barely made it inside the doors of Gringotts when they were practically swarmed with goblins asking if they could help them. Harry couldn't help but think that Grinklok had put a charm on the entryway so that if any of them stepped through the door that every available goblin was immediately alerted and would naturally rush to assist. It only took about ten minutes and the group found themselves standing outside the first vault.

The first set of vaults they looked in were Snape's vaults. Severus had not been permitted in the vaults for almost twenty years so he had no idea what to expect. There were actually three separate vaults that had been blocked from Severus, the Prince vault, the Snape vault and Severus' personal vault. They went to his personal vault first; it was basically just the funds his parents had set aside for his education, and general expenses, as well as the funds he had received from his grandfather on his majority. Other than that a few books and some family heirlooms that had been bequeathed to him through various relatives…nothing outstanding truly. Severus picked out the books that were in the vault and placed them in the trunk that Remus had insisted on bringing and then moved on to the next vault.

The second vault was number 643, the Snape family vault. The vast majority of what was found in that vault was family portraits, and old heirlooms. The Snape tapestry and coat of arms was there, along with several suits of armor and a wide variety of ancient weapons. Severus was actually quite astounded by the collection of swords and daggers he found and immediately had Remus gathering up several of them to take back to ShadowHaven. There were axes, crossbows, rapiers, bows and arrows, a huge collection of shields and protective gear, and heaven only knows what else. Severus allowed Remus to go through those things and pick out what he thought would be useful while Severus went on to the Prince vault, number 712.

Severus remembered how his mother coveted books so… he was not surprised to see the Prince vault was primarily a collection of books and potions ingredients that his mother had collected over the ages. He was however surprised to see that all of the books were in immaculate condition and that most of the ingredients were still quite usable… even after such a long time in storage. He assumed that his mother had place several monitoring and preservation charms on the items in her vault, as a means of protecting what she considered to be most precious.

It had been decided the night before that in books or written information found in any of the vaults was to be taken back to ShadowHaven and gone through as time permitted. And if due to some unforeseen restriction or limitation the items could not be removed from the vaults, they would be copied and the copies taken to ShadowHaven.

Hence, Severus didn't bother to truly go through any of the books that were present. Severus was more focused on the potions ingredients that he found. He decided to use a separate compartment of the trunk for the various plant and animal parts, and the prepared potions he found. There were actually one or two things that he found that he would have to ask Arrian about when they got back to ShadowHaven, he wasn't able to read the writing on the labels but he was pretty sure it was elvin. He then instructed the boys to start packing the books and scrolls into the trunk and began going through some old photographs that he found.

In a way coming down and going through these vaults brought back a lot of good memories, but it also dredged up so many painful memories. Norische saw the forlorn look on his father's face and went over to him, Norische looked into his father's eyes with a thousand questions running through his head. Severus simply shook his head and pulled his son into his arms, Norische sighed and wrapped his arms around his father and smiled sadly…honored that he was allowed to comfort his father, yet sad that Severus was suffering so.

After a few minutes of quiet contemplation Severus cleared his throat. "Come on you lot, we have several more vaults to go through and we can't be here all day." As soon as he said that then wands started waiving and shelf after shelf of books and scrolls were shrunk down and placed in the trunk.

Since Harry had seen everything in his school vault they didn't bother with vault number 687. So they went on over to number 839…the Gryffindor Vault. Everyone gathered around the door of the vault as the goblin moved to unlock it.

"Mister Potter Sir, you will need to place your hand on the seal so that the vault can properly identify you as the rightful heir. If you please, Sir." Gritlib pointed to the Gryffindor crest on the front of the heavy vault door as he explained the process to Harry. Harry took a deep breath and placed his hand on the crest and immediately felt the cold harsh metal began to warm under his touch, and then he gasped as he felt a sudden prick. Apparently the crest needed not only a sample of his magic, but also a sample of his blood. Harry pulled his hand back quickly and stuck his now bleeding finger into his mouth, trying to staunch the sting.

"Stand back please." Gritlib asked politely. The little man had never even been in this section of the bank before, but he had heard tales…so he wasn't taking any chances. As he ran his finger down the locking mechanism you could hear the clicks echoing through the shaft of the tunnel. Everyone held their breath and waited, not moving. Finally the last lock fell in place and the door groaned, as the seal was broken. A gasp of stale air escaped the vault as Gritlib pulled the door open.

Since this was by all rights Harry's vault, everyone silently agreed that he should be the first to look inside. Harry stepped up to the vault opening cautiously, uncertain of what he would find inside. The first thing to greet him was a huge portrait of Godric Gryffindor himself, the painting must have stood at least twelve feet in height, it was magnificent. The heavy gold frame around the portrait would have been too extravagant for most circumstances, but for this painting it was perfect. Harry walked slowly into the vault, as soon as he did…the painting came alive.

"Step up boy!" Godric called out.

Harry jumped immediately and looked around trying to find who had spoken. It took him a moment or two to realize that it was the painting. So with as much Gryffindor courage and dignity as he could muster, Harry stepped through the doorway and came to a stop in front of Godric Gryffindor.

"Well then. You are the heir to the house of Gryffindor?"

"Yes Sir. My name is Harry Potter." Harry nodded.

"Excellent, young man… Have you come to take me back home, back to Hogwarts?" Godric asked as he stared down at the nervous young man.

"Not specifically Sir. However, if that is your wish, I am sure something can be arranged. Today, my friends and family came with me to find out what all was in the vault and to see if their was anything that we might use to help us in the current war our world finds itself in." Harry explained.

Slowly Severus, Remus and Sirius joined Harry in the vault, each stood in awe of the portrait of the founder. Remus took it upon himself to explain the current world situation and to answer Godric's questions, while the others set about looking around the vault.

"Harry! Oh Harry." Godric looked over Remus' head at his heir.

Harry sat down the books he was looking at and came immediately to stand beside Remus. "Yes Sir?"

"Harry, your godfather explained that you are now married?" Godric asked and smiled when Harry blushed and nodded. "Very good then. In a box in that trunk by the door you will find a set of bonding rings. I think it would do you well to retrieve them and put them to good use. They were mine and Salazar's rings when we were bonded. I am not sure what all charms that Salazar put on them but I know he worked on them for months to get them just right."

Harry's mouth dropped open as he listened to the words of Godric Gryffindor. "You wish me to use something so precious as your bonding rings….Sir, I…."

"Harry…" Remus started. "He wishes you to have them. Don't dishonor him by refusing his request." He whispered close to Harry's ear. Harry swallowed hard but nodded.

Without saying a word Harry went over to the trunk that Godric had pointed out and with only a slight bit of digging he found the box that held the two rings. Harry stood up and went back over to the portrait.

"Norische?" Harry called out.

Norische had been helping Chris shrink some of the books they had found and was handing them down to Sirius who was down inside the trunk stacking things as best as he could. Norische turned towards Harry when he heard his name called. "Yes luv?"

"Ah…could you…come here please?" Harry was holding the box reverently before him; he hadn't dared to open it yet.

"Sure luv. What's up?" Norische came over to stand with his mate and Remus before the painting.

Remus looked over to Norische and smiled, and then clearing his throat he turned to Godric. "Lord Gryffindor, may I present my son. Norische De LeNoir Snape. Norische this is Godric Gryffindor."

Norische froze but a moment then bowed low respectfully. As he rose he spread his hands in reverence. "Mas es emerit." Norische kept his head bowed and his eyes cast down, even though this was only a representative of the great Gryffindor founder, he would never dream to show the great man even the slightest hint of disrespect.

"A Vampyre… how wonderful!" Then bowing to the young man, Godric replied. "Ta emerit es mas."

Harry looked up at the founder, shocked… "You know Vampyric Sir?"

Godric smiled and chuckled. "Of course, we had many students that were from the old houses. Please, feel free to look up and speak."

Harry looked over to Norische who slowly raised his head and looked at the portrait. "Nori…what did he say just then?"

"He stated, 'the honor is mine'. It is the proper way to respond to 'Mas es emerit.' Or at least it was considered so back when formality was a little more stringent than it is today." Norische explained. "You wanted me Harry?"

"Oh…yeah. Lord Gryffindor wants us to have these rings. They were his and Lord Slytherin's bonding rings. Since I am his heir, he asks that I once again put them to good use." Harry looked into Norische's eyes as if he was trying to see what his mate thought of the idea.

"Father?" Norische looked over his shoulder at Severus who was going thru a trunk on the other side of the vault.

"Yes son, what is it?" Severus asked without looking up from what he was doing.

"If I may have a moment of your time please Sir?"

Severus stood and looked at Norische, quirking his eyebrow at his son's mannerisms. Tilting his head slightly he nodded once and then walked over to stand beside Remus, next to Harry and Norische. "What seems to be the problem Norische?"

"Father, Lord Gryffindor wishes to honor Harry and my union. And has requested that since Harry is rightful heir that we should wear Lord Gryffindor, and Lord Slytherin's own bonding rings." Norische stated. His voice reflected the questions that he was not wishing to verbally ask, but Severus could hear them still.

"Lord Gryffindor, you do my son proud by such an honor. But before they accept such a gift, would it be permissible for my mate and I to look at the rings. I wish to express no insult to you or to Lord Slytherin, only to ensure my son and his husband's safety." Severus asked.

"Let me guess, a Slytherin?" Godric chuckled.

"Yes, Lord Gryffindor. I am, or was, the Head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts. My name is Severus Snape." Severus bowed before the founder.

"Excellent, my heir has chosen well his partner then. A Gryffindor and a Slytherin together once again." Godric smiled. "Yes, of course young man. Feel free to examine the rings as you wish. I wasn't the bonded of a Slytherin for almost a century without learning a few of their quirks."

Severus nodded his thanks and took the small box over to the side, motioning for Remus to accompany him. Norische and Harry spoke to Godric's portrait while Severus and Remus satisfied themselves that the rings held no danger to the boys.

"Lord Gryffindor, if I may. There are a couple of spells that I am unaware of on these rings, although I find that they are for more of a protective nature than anything else." Severus asked.

"You would have to speak with Salazar about the charms he put on those things, I have no idea what all he did to be quite honest." Godric stated.

"Harry, I believe these rings are quite safe for you and Norische. I see no reason that you cannot use them if you wish. Although I would suggest speaking with Lord Slytherin to find out all the details on the charms." Severus handed Harry back the box with the rings and placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Sir? Would you be offended if we spoke with Lord Slytherin before we put the rings on?" Harry asked cautiously.

Godric smiled softly. "Merlin no. The safety of one's partner is always an honorable thing to act on. Please feel free do what you think is best. Oh and would everyone please call me Godric… I haven't been Lord Gryffindor for ages and it makes me feel all stuffy and aloft."

Harry smiled at the founder and nodded. "Thank you, sir."

Harry put the box with the rings in his pants pocket and smiled as Norische pulled him into an embrace, leaning his head on his husband's chest. Harry jumped slightly when he felt the babies kick him as Norische wrapped his arms around him.

"Apparently our son's are awake." Harry whispered.

"Apparently." Norische chuckled. Pleased that Harry would call the twins… 'our' sons.

"Alright you two get back to work, we have time for your shenanigans." Severus smirked and swatted his son on the back of the head.

"Hey!" Norische exclaimed, but reluctantly released his hold on Harry and went back to going through the trunk he had been working on.

"Wow! Harry come look at this!" Neville called out excitedly.

Harry excused himself from Godric and rushed over to Neville's side. "What did you find?"

Neville held up a series of flat glass cases, each one about two inches thick. Inside were butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, spiders, scorpions, bees… insects and creatures of all kinds. Each one was perfectly preserved in lifelike positions, and labels were posted right next to each and every creature in the cases.

"Look at this… there must be hundreds, maybe thousands of these cases." Neville pointed to the huge stack of glass cases that was right in front of them. "Some of these insects have been extinct for hundreds of years! This is so amazing!"

"Since when did bugs become such a huge deal to you?" Harry asked as he looked at the case of beautiful butterflies that he found on top of the stack.

"Well, if you love plants, you have to know everything you possibly can about insects too. After all they can either be a godsend or a curse when it comes to a good garden. Knowing that the praying mantis feeds on the poofer flies that live on mandrake roots saved last years crop of mandrake. It also helps to know what insects pollinate what type of plants, that way you can make sure that you cultivate the right environment for your garden." Neville was going through the stack of glass cases totally in awe as he explained.

"Wow, I never thought of it like that. I wonder if we could fix up a place at school where the students could look at these cases. Someplace where they could see what the bug looks like and be able to identify it easier. I know we have all kinds of books on bugs in the library but seeing the real thing would be so much better." Harry pondered, then went over to ask Remus what he thought.

Trunks of ancient scrolls, trunks of gold and jewels, trunks of family heirlooms and antiques, paintings, books, tapestries, and shelf after shelf of gadgets, gizmos, and thingamabobs had the group enthralled for quite some time. As the minutes ticked away into hours, they decided to finish up in this vault and move on to the next. They managed to pack away a huge stack of scrolls and books, and all those bug boxes or boxes of bugs…or what every you wished to call them. As a last minute thought Harry went over to Godric and asked the portrait if he wished to go with them as well.

Godric smiled happily and nodded. "It would be a pleasure to get out of this musty old vault. I haven't been out since I was removed from Hogwarts in 1940's when Dumbledore battled that Grindelwald fellow."

"Well Dumbledore is still the Headmaster, for a while at least. So we may not be able to take you back to Hogwarts right now. But we can take you to ShadowHaven where we live, until we can get you back to Hogwarts." Harry promised.

"Well Harry let's be off then." Godric smiled and nodded as Severus and Remus levitated the huge portrait out of the vault and waited patiently for the goblin to reseal it before heading on to vault 823, the Slytherin heir vault.