Chapter Two: Gathering of the Heirs
When morning came a house elf popped into the room to wake the boys, it observed that its master was snuggled up with his soul mate and they both looked happy. That made the elf happy. The house elf woke its master and then said that breakfast would be ready in an hour.
Harry and Draco got up and Harry went to shower in his shower and Draco used his, neither were much of a morning person so this worked great. After they were finished the broke their fast in the kitchen with Neville and Luna. Over breakfast they discussed going to see Luna's father for his permission in writing, Luna however informed Harry that her father had sent her an owl over night giving his permission. Which settled that. When all four had finished their breakfast the headed outside to apparate to the Ministry.
When the four arrived at the Ministry they headed to see the Minister. They were shown right in to his office where he was waiting for them. He had Neville and Luna each sign a piece of parchment.
Neville Octavius Longbottom, soul mate of Luna Reginia Lovegood, Heir of Longbottom, Head of House of Hufflepuff, Earth Sorcerer
Luna Reginia Lovegood, soul mate of Neville Octavius Longbottom, Heiress of Lovegood, Head of House of Ravenclaw, Keeper of the Raven Isle, Sorceress of Raven Isle
Was the writing that sprang form the parchment after the potion was applied. "Minister my father wrote me a piece of parchment allowing my soul mate to oversee my decisions concerning my inheritance," said Luna suddenly and then she handed the Minister a piece of parchment that indicated such. "Minister can you have our papers on our inheritances gathered, we are going to be wondering around Diagon Alley for an hour or so and then we will be back here, I expect to have all the paperwork here and in order," said Harry formally. "I will have them ready," said the Minister.
Once they had left the Minister's office the headed to the floor that had information on solicitors. After looking through the information, Harry chose a Mr. Luke Wandstaff, Luna a Mr. Owen Puddyfoot, and Neville a Ms. Lithian Bones. The all went to the Owl Post to use an owl to send off hastily scrawled messages on pieces of parchment that informed each that their services would be required and when would be a good time to meet with them. The estates involved weren't mentioned but the vastness of large estates was hinted about. After the letters were sent off the four went to see about wardrobes befitting those of a higher class of wizardry. Madam Malkin's was their next stop, for such a need. The asked her to start on their wardrobes and that they would give her specific information about their billing. By the time they had all been measured it was time for them to go back to Fudge's office.
When they got back to Fudge's Office they were surprised to find three men sitting in his office with him awaiting their arrival. "These three gentlemen will give you a brief briefing of the estate's portfolio's, along with the Gringott's keys that were enclosed, as well as a Ministry sealed letter for each of you indicating that you should have access to any vaults that are a part of your estate," said Fudge. "I have information on the Slytherin and Gryffindor Estate's," spoke one man. "Luna, Neville, I think that if you two talk to your informants together while I get the rest of my information, then this will be over faster," said Harry to the other two. "I agree," said Luna. "As do I," said Neville. "Very well, I am the Head of Gryffindor and Slytherin" said Harry to the man whom had spoken. The man led Harry out of Fudge's office and down the hall into another office, one that was heavily warded.
When they entered the room Harry saw that there was a table with two very large boxes filled with pieces of parchment, as well as another smaller metal box that was sealed, sitting on a desk. The official said that the boxes contained the information on the estates and in the small metal box was keys to Gringotts vaults. Harry looked through the two larger boxes briefly then asked the official to make a list of the properties that were his. After the official had cast a few spells he handed Harry a piece of parchment that was ten feet long, it contained the properties that he now owned as well as where they were located as well as any spells were put on them, such as unplottable spells. Harry flooed the Black Manor and asked Dobby to bring a few house elves to transport all the information on the estates to his office, Dobby appeared moments later with three house elves in tow. They disappeared with the same pop they entered with taking with them the two larger boxes while Harry kept the other. They thanked the official for his help and then left the office and headed to the Minister's Office.
Once they arrived at the Minister's Office entered, Luna and Neville were still in the Minister's Office and were still receiving information on their estates. Harry and Draco took a seat and waited for the meeting to be concluded. Truth be told it wasn't a long wait. And as soon as the meeting was ended the Minister came back into his office and asked them if they had all that they needed, and they thought that they did for the time being. So the group left the Ministry and went to Hogwarts to explore a bit and see if the castle would let them in on the many secrets of the founders.
Legend is that the four founders each had a living area. Only the descendants of the founders can find the chambers and open them. Now that it has come to light that Harry's father was Godric and Salazar's son, it is entirely possible that Godric and Salazar had only one living quarters, one that they shared. However that still leaves two more living quarters left, one for Hufflepuff and one for Ravenclaw. Not to mention that the castle probably has even more hidden passages and secrets than anyone would think. And since the castle is admittedly not talking to Dumbledore, then there are probably secrets that even he has not yet uncovered.
When the group reached Hogwarts the castle immediately started up a chatter.
So the Founder's Descendents are all here. I am glad, now we can talk about the wards and other things. The voice was heard by all four people.
Does that mean that you would like to chat now instead of later. Asked Luna.
Indeed it does my dear. If you all would make your way to the room of requirements, we can get comfortable. >Hogwarts
The group made their way to the room of requirements and when they entered they found that it looked just like a sitting room. A woman was sitting on an over stuffed couch. She was older and looked a bit motherly. "Oh, we are sorry for interrupting you," said Harry. "Oh no dear it is me Hogwarts," said the woman. "This is the only room that I can make such a physical manifestation in," said Hogwarts. "Well that is definitely original," said Luna. "The founder wanted it that way," said Hogwarts. "What is your name," asked Harry. "Lilith," replied the woman. "How do the wards work," asked Draco. "All of you could hold them at the same time, it lessens the burden, however one can hold them. There must be at least one person here at all times holding the wards. Draco will be allowed to hold them, for he is Harry's soul mate," said Lilith. "I think that we should take them over soon, we need to get used to them before the new term begins," said Harry. "I agree," said Neville. "I agree as well," said Luna. "As do I," replied Draco. "I think that as soon as we meet with our new solicitors then we should take over the wards," said Harry, the others nodded their decision at this. "We are going to be very busy even after that first meeting with our solicitors, but we should have some ideal as to what we are going to do by the end of the meeting," said Harry. "We are going to have to have meetings all the time to decide what we are going to be doing as far as wards go and anything else that may arise," said Neville, finally speaking up. "Would you happen to know where the Founder's Chambers are located," asked Luna, to Lilith, of course. "There were only three. The Slytherin- Gryffindor chambers are located in the dungeons, behind the fountain of serpents, only a parseltongue may enter those, I know that you are such Harry. The Hufflepuff Chambers are located just off the main hall where the Great Hall is located, behind a painting of a garden full of all sorts of plants. The Ravenclaw Chambers are on the same corridor as the Library, there is a statue of a stern looking woman guarding the entrance. I will alert the portrait, the statue, and the fountain of your arrivals," said Lilith. "I know that you all aren't going to be in the castle much for the next few days, but soon you all will be. The walls of this castle will truly be in penetrable, with all the founder's descendents here to hold the wards and watch over the magics, once again. Three sorcerers and a wizard who is very great at brewing, my walls will be safe for those who need refuge and protection. We shall truly be a sanctuary. Did you know that this school is now technically out of the Ministries jurisdiction, as dictated by the mandates of the first Minister of Magic in accordance with the demands of the founders," said Lilith. "That means if we harbor someone the Ministry deems a fugitive, they can't come and take that person away without our permission," said Luna. "Alright, sounds like a plan to me," said Harry with a grin. "I think that it is time we all go see our chambers," said Draco suddenly. "Quite right Draco, soon the meddling fool will come looking for you and Harry, seeing as how he doesn't know about Luna and Neville quite yet," said Lilith. "Well then on we go," said Neville. "Don't forget to set passwords and wards for your rooms," said Lilith. "We won't," said Luna to Lilith. The group left and before heading into different directions they decided to go see their chambers, set passwords, put up some wards, and then go straight to the gargoyle that leads up to Dumbledore's Office.
When Harry and Draco arrived at the fountain. "Which one isss the heir," hissed a snake in parseltongue. "I am, the blonde one is my mate. I am Harry Potter and he is Draco Malfoy," hissed Harry back. "I need to set our password as silver and gold," allow me and my mate entry with saying it, bare in mind that my mate does not speak your tongue. There are two others who don't speak your tongue, I would ask you to allow their entry just warn us, however I am setting a different password for their entry. It is to be Sorcerers, for that is what they are," said Harry hissingly. "We will do as you ask," hissed the snake's reply. "Silver and Gold," said Harry, and the fountain slid aside to reveal a short passage way that lead to a sitting room. "That's the password Draco," said Harry, Draco nodded his understanding. When they arrived in the sitting room, it was decorated in green and gold colors. There were few over stuffed couches and love seats. There was a fireplace that was crackling merrily. There was a painting over the mantle that had a tall regal looking man with black hair and a serious expression on his face, beside him was a blonde man a few inches shorter and he also had a serious look upon his face. Harry walked up to the painting. "Hello grandfathers," said Harry to the portrait. Both men smiled. "It has been ages since anyone has been in these rooms, as a matter of fact we were the last," said the taller man. "You would be Salazar, then," asked Harry. "No ironically enough I am," said the shorter one with a giggle. "Who is he," asked Godric. "My soul mate," said Harry beaming all the while. "Indeed, there are very few who have the same sex soul mate. We were lucky to be graced with such a thing," said Salazar seriously. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff descendents are here also, we brought them here, so that we may run Hogwarts together," said Harry. "They are our age, we'll Luna is a year younger than us, but still she is a Sorceress," said Draco finally speaking up. The two in the portrait only nodded their heads. Harry and Draco made their way to through their quarters exploring. They found a large kitchen, a bathroom that looked decidedly modern (it has a Jacuzzi), and the bedroom. It was done up in silver and gold, which looked good. Their was a large bed in the middle of the room, it had a canopy and curtain that could be closed. There was a night stand on each side of the bed and there were two very large walk-in closets. Draco had an evil grin on his face when he saw how big the closets were. "Draco what are you planning," asked Harry, coming up behind him to put his arms around his waist. "I think that these big closets should be filled with clothes, don't you," said Draco innocently. "Alright, you can go on a shopping spree tomorrow. How does that sound?" "Lovely dear," said Draco giving Harry a quick kiss on the cheek. "I think that we should cast some wards now and then head to Dumbledore's Office," said Harry as they walked back into the sitting room. "All you have to do is ask Lilith if she will raise wards for you," said Godric. "Thanks and bye for now," said Harry. "Bye boys," chimed the portrait, Draco waved as they walked out of the quarters. The duo headed to the gargoyle to meet up with Luna and Neville. On there way there they asked Lilith to erect wards for them, she complied.
When the duo reached the gargoyle Luna was there, and Neville arrived soon after. "Godric and Salazar told us that Lilith could erect wards for you if you asked her," said Draco. "Yeah, Rowena told me," said Luna. "Helga told me, also," said Neville. "Just wanted to make sure that you both knew," said Draco. The group started guessing sweets to open the gargoyle, the finally hit on it with "Acid Pops". The group walked up the winding staircase and came to a stop at Dumbledore's Office door. Harry knocked on the door and received an enter, then they filed into Dumbledore's Office.
"Harry what a pleasure to see you, you are early, I believe," said Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eyes. "I have had the meeting with the castle and the other descendents of the founders, already," said Harry making a motion in Neville and Luna direction. "Indeed, a lemon drop " said Dumbledore, his eyes loosing their twinkle more so by the moment. "No thank you," said Harry.
I think we should tell him that we are going to take over the wards by the end of the week. >Luna
I agree with Luna. came Neville's thoughts.
I agree love, we need to take over soon. >Draco
Alright. >Harry
"Harry are you alright," asked Dumbledore gently, there was still no twinkle in his eyes. "We were talking," Luna spoke up. "Really," Dumbledore looked intrigued. "We are going to take over the wards by the end of the week, we have other matters to attend to first," said Neville, suddenly tired of waiting for the shoe to drop. Dumbledore was quiet for a moment before saying, "are you all sure that that is your wish?" "We are," they said as one. "Very well," said Dumbledore.
I think we should tell him about the founders quarters and our soon to be use of them, as well as our joint
communication with Lilith. >Harry
I think Harry is right. Let him get over all the shock now rather than later. >Luna
Alright, but I think Draco should tell him. >Neville
Gee. Just go ahead and volunteer me. >Draco
Do you mind terribly love. >Harry
No, I don't mind really. >Draco
"I am hereby voted to inform you that we have all access the founder's quarters and are going to be making use of them fairly soon. Also, there is one other thing, we all have joint communication with the castle, who has told us her name, but I shall refrain from naming it," said Draco formally. "Very well is there anything else you would like to inform me of," asked Dumbledore wearily. "I do believe that covers everything," said Luna. "Very well," said Dumbledore. The group quietly left the office and headed to Severus' Office.
