DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter Twenty-Five - The Contents of Vault 235
Harry jogged up the stairs and strode quickly toward Dumbledore's office. He halted before the gargoyle guarding the passage and rattled off several different types of candy, smiling when the large statue creaked and began to slide out of the way. Moving forward, he rode the stairs upward, his gaze locked on the door growing closer with every cracking thud. When he reached the top, he stepped forward and raised his hand to knock on the door, shaking his head when 'enter' was called before his fist could connect with the wood.
"I need to go to Gringotts," the raven-haired wizard stated, striding across the room and sliding into one of the seats adjacent to the Headmaster. He folded his hands in his lap, dipping his chin slightly and focusing his intent gaze on the older wizard.
Albus Dumbledore frowned and sat back in his chair, absently rolling the quill he held between his fingers. He lifted his gaze to the clock hanging upon the wall, his lips firming as he turned his attention back to the younger wizard. "Aren't you supposed to be in Potions Class, my boy?"
Harry waved the question away, leaning forward in his chair and widening his eyes. "I need to go to Gringotts, now." He returned steadily, ignoring the sigh the gray-bearded wizard heaved at the repeated question.
Realizing that no matter what argument he brought up, the Gryffindor would persist in his demands, Albus sighed and rubbed the side of his face wearily. "If it's that important, Harry, I'll allow you to go. Of course, you'll have to be accompanied by myself-"
"No," Harry bit out, standing slowly. "A portkey to Gringotts and back will be enough. Of course, if you don't want to provide me with one of those, I can find my own transportation." He allowed a smile to creep across his face, knowing that the threat would easily be understood. Currently occupying themselves on the Quidditch pitch, eight of the most powerful dragons in the world were lazing, ready to accept any request Harry made of them.
Acknowledging the fact that a much younger and inexperienced wizard had just out maneuvered him, Dumbledore relented. Taking up his wand, he reached out and grabbed a spare piece of parchment from the pile on his desk. With a quiet whisper and a quick flick of his wrist, the parchment was engulfed in a blue haze. "Only to Gringotts and back." He reminded, holding the paper out to Harry.
Harry nodded in acceptance, lifting the portkey from his professor's hand and backing up a few steps. He flicked his gaze to Dumbledore's and arched an eyebrow. "The word?" He questioned softly, drawing his own wand and holding it above the portkey.
"Dragon," Dumbledore replied evenly, noticing the slight flinch the dark-haired wizard gave. With a nod, Harry gave the magic word and was whisked away.
XxXxX
Hermione bit her lip and glanced at Hagrid, her entire body tensing at the angered squawk emitted from the black dragon struggling on the grass before them. Taking a few cautionary steps backward, she folded her arms and began tapping the toe of one boot, scanning the chaos that had began shortly after Harry had fled the pitch.
What had at first appeared to be a simple game of flying tag had escalated into a flight for survival and ended in disaster. The dark dragon had apparently been it and decided that the much smaller Sandtongue made a perfect target, which had started the brutal chase. After narrowly avoiding a bite that would have severed her tail in half, the little gold executed a sharp dive and shot through one of the large Quidditch hoops, merrily leading the other dragon into an unavoidable collision with the metal ring.
Cringing as the massive Siberian Shade flapped her wings and lashed her tail, the Gryffindor witch shot the half-giant an annoyed look and arched an eyebrow. "Well?"
"Dragons," Hagrid rasped, lifting his hands and rubbing his eyes in disbelief. "Mage Dragons."
"Yes, now what do we do with them?" Hermione demanded in exasperation, dropping her arms and widening her eyes. Shaking her head, she gestured widely at the dragons currently entertaining themselves in various, and mostly destructive, ways across the sprawling lawn. "They're wrecking everything!" She yelped as the black dragon bellowed and made a wild grab for the Sandtongue tauntingly perched just beyond her reach, succeeding only in dragging her metal leash a few inches further.
Blinking down at her, Hagrid scratched his beard and shrugged his shoulders. "They're dragons, Hermione, they're only doin' what comes natural."
"You're going to let them destroy the entire pitch?" Hissed Hermione, hands waving at the scene playing out before them. As the words left her mouth, another one of the metal hoops met its fate, snapping under the weight of the giant blue dragon clinging desperately to it. Both hoop and dragon fell forward, crashing unceremoniously to the ground at the clawed feet of the bickering white dragons. Before the blue had a chance to sort himself out, the Coldmouth and Icefang launched their angered attacks, catching the Greenback in the middle of no-man's-land.
Ron chose that moment to jog up to the pair, placing his hands on his hips and bending over as he panted for breath. "Harry's never going to play Quidditch again." He announced, straightening carefully and wiping at the sweat on his brow.
"I think we have other more important problems to deal with right now, Ron." Hermione muttered primly, tipping her head in the direction of the quarreling Mages. She shook her head dismissively as the wizard gave her an offended look and opened his mouth to retort. "This just isn't the time, Ronald. Now, go and find Blaise and get him to help you free the black dragon; if she keeps flailing around like that she's going to hurt herself."
The redhead gaped at her, blue eyes nearly popping out of his head at the order. "You're joking, right?" He asked, glancing over his shoulder and chuckling nervously as the black dragon focused one swirling orb on him and gave a fierce snarl. Holding his hands up before him, Ron shook his head and backed slowly away from the witch. "I think I hear Luna calling me." With a wiggle of his fingers, the wizard took off in the direction of the school.
Huffing softly, Hermione placed her hands on her hips and glared up at Hagrid, "now what?"
Laughing wryly, the groundskeeper gave the witch a hearty slap on the back and turned away. "I'll go find somethin' ter feed'em." Still chuckling to himself, the half-giant walked away from the Gryffindor witch, calling loudly over his shoulder as he went. "They'll eat an' go right ter sleep, jus' like a bunch o' babies."
Snorting in disbelief at the half-giant's idea, Hermione watched him march in the direction of his hut. "Good luck," she mumbled, turning back around and scanning the pitch. Her eyes widened at the red sphere speeding toward her, her mouth falling open in shock.
The witch shrieked and ducked, lifting her arms to cover her head reflexively. Narrowing her eyes as the ball of fire passed over her, she drew her wand and whirled around, leveling the glowing tip on the seemingly smirking Mage. "Stupefy!" She yelled in satisfaction. Her face fell as the spell struck the black dragon on the tip of the nose and dissolved in a shimmer of sparks. "Sorry," she whispered, retreating back to the side of the pitch and sinking sullenly to the ground. Harry definitely owes me one huge favour, she thought, crossing her arms and watching as pandemonium resumed.
XxXxX
Harry locked his fingers around the edge of the cart and gritted his teeth as he hurtled into the darkness that lay beneath Gringotts. Cold air nipped at his cheeks and burned his eyes, forcing tears from the corners of the narrowed emerald orbs. Sucking air in between his teeth, he chanced a look to the left and cringed, watching as the world blurred before him. He swung his gaze back around, gasping and tightening his grip as the little cart went rumbling down a steep hill. Somewhere within the maze of tunnels and vaults, a dragon roared, the sound bouncing around the hollow caverns. Snapping his eyes closed as he was thrown to the left side of the cart, Harry silently prayed that the Mages were behaving for Hermione.
"Here we are, Mister Potter," the little goblin that had been instructed to accompany him announced. The cart crept to a halt and the brakes were applied with a squeak before the goblin clambered out and accepted the lantern Harry handed him. He waddled forward and stood next to the vault's door, holding his hand out for the little key the raven-haired wizard still clutched. "Key, please," he barked.
Harry dropped the golden key into the goblin's hand and rocked back and forth on his heels, glancing down the row of vaults occupying both sides of the tunnel. His gaze snapped back to the portal of his vault as the door rumbled open, a puff of green smoke escaping the chamber. "I'd like to be alone for a few minutes, if that's permissible?" He asked the goblin, giving a bob of his head as the creature gave him a quick nod and settled the lantern on a small hook next to the door.
"The contents of vault two hundred thirty five have been placed in the back," explained the goblin before turning and strolling back to the little cart.
Drawing a deep breath, Harry caught up the lantern and stepped into the chamber. His eyes roved over the stacks of gold, silver, and bronze heaped around the vault, sliding anxiously to the room's newest additions. He shuffled past the wizarding money, approaching the objects that had been carefully arranged at the back of chamber. A strung bow was sitting atop a dark wooden trunk, a quiver of arrows resting next to it. Daggers gleamed eerily under the lamp's light, displayed atop a strip of dark velvet cloth. Beside the shining daggers were a pile of portraits, the frames of some broken and the parchment inside mangled. Just beyond the pictures was a heap of material, the waterproof cloth draped carelessly over an unrecognizable object.
Stepping forward, he tangled his fingers in the heavy cloth, drawing it slowly off the odd shaped lump. His eyes widened at what he unveiled, a small smile creeping across his lips as he reached out and ran a finger over the cracked leather. A very large saddle sat before him, the multitude of straps tangled and knotted. Water and time had eaten away at the once smooth saddle, causing the leather to crack and rot in places. Stirrups dangled to either side of the seat, the irons marked with rust and grime.
Breathing out slowly, he stepped to the left and pulled the cloth free of the rest of the leather, revealing a second pool of much more refined and carefully cared for straps. A small silver plate caught his eye and had him dropping the cloth he still clutched. Narrowing his eyes, he reached down and lifted the wide strap it was attached to, bringing it closer to his face. His lips moved silently as he read the plaque, absently stroking fingers stilling. "Syren?" He whispered loudly, slowly lowering the band.
Stepping back from the saddle, he eased himself down next to the trunk and chewed his bottom lip. Who was Syren? The name wasn't one he recognized or knew. In his mind's eye a picture of the silver dragon appeared, flashes of emerald and lavender gleaming along his metallic flanks. He bobbed his head at the thought, acknowledging the fact that the name suited the beast who seemed to be able to dwell beneath the ocean's surface.
Turning away from the heap of tack, he carefully lifted the bow and quiver from the top of the trunk, placing them gently aside. Placing his fingers on either side of the wooden lid, he tugged then frowned in confusion. Tipping his head to the side, he yanked again and only succeeded in lifting the front of the trunk off the stone floor. He leaned back and glared down at the trunk, pondering his inability to pry the lid open. Tapping his chin with the tips of his fingers, he stared at the trunk.
"Blood-Sealed," he reminded himself, beginning to trail his hands over the smooth wood. He knew he'd found what he was searching for when a sudden pinprick made him yelp and yank his right-hand back. In a flash of golden-white light, the lid popped open, creaking as it bounced up and down slowly. Glaring down at the blood beading on the tip of his middle finger, he cursed softly and eased the digit into his mouth before lifting his eyes and staring at the trunk.
Sucking gently on the tip of his finger, he used his other hand to push the lid all the way open. He jumped at the loud thud that sounded through the chamber as the wood crashed into the wall, shooting a quick look over his shoulder to see if the goblin had come to investigate the noise. At finding the doorway empty, he rose up on his knees and peered into the depths of the trunk, his eyes widening in disbelief.
A few items rested upon the bottom of the wooden chest, jumbled together amidst the wrinkled folds of a brilliant banner of emerald cloth. Frowning, he found a corner of the material and dragged it free of the mess, snapping it open and laying it on the floor at his side. It appeared to be a green flag. In the center of the triangle, a white dragon stood rampant, wide wings stretching toward the top of the banner. "What the hell?" Harry muttered, brows drawing down as he turned back to the trunk.
A black and blue handkerchief was snagged on a suspiciously sharp quill. Several small miniature dragons carved of rock were scattered upon the wooden bottom, some of them missing limbs. Shining emeralds and rubies spilled from a torn pouch, rattling around as he dug through the contents. A small box held scales from the Mages, black, red, and white, all shining as if they had just fallen from the dragon's bodies.
His knuckles bumped the bottom of the chest as he attempted to scoop a knot of silver from the corner, his body stilling at the hollow thud that sounded from the slight touch. Inhaling deeply, he held his breath and knocked loudly, exhaling in satisfaction as the dull thud was repeated. He moved his fingers to one of the corners, trying to hook the edge of a fingernail beneath the thin board. After several failed attempts, he drew back with a barely contained snarl and searched the chamber. A smile crept across his lips as his eyes landed on the row of dangers. Rising quickly, he moved to the weapons and picked one up carefully, returning to the trunk and eyeing the wood thoughtfully. He lifted the weapon above his head, exhaling loudly as the dagger plunged downward.
In a crack, the dagger split the fake bottom of the trunk and buried itself deeply into the thick wood underneath it. Laughing at his luck, the raven-haired wizard tossed another look over his shoulder before returning to his task. He wiggled the dagger free and tossed it away, falling back to his knees and extending a hand to touch the shredded and crumpled wood. Wincing as a splinter stabbed the pad of one finger, he gritted his teeth and slid his hand into the narrow hole, tugging the thin sheet of wood free. Smiling, he set it aside and reached into the chest, withdrawing the narrow book that had been carefully hidden.
Harry placed everything back in the chest carefully, halting as his fingers slid over the banner. Nodding his head at some internal thought, he waded the material into a ball and jammed it into a pocket. He pushed stiffly to his feet and glanced around the chamber, flipping the lid of the trunk closed with the toe of his boot as he backed slowly away from Raveana's most precious belongings. Tightening his grip on the little book, he spun around and strode from the vault. "I want the saddle and bridle sent to Hogwarts, immediately." He stated as he marched toward the goblin.
"Of course, Mister Potter." The goblin agreed, accepting the lantern from the wizard and placing it at his feet.
As Harry took his seat, the brakes released and the cart trundled down the tunnel, rocking back and forth unsteadily. Closing his eyes, Harry clutched the book and drew a deep breath. Hopefully the answers he wanted would be contained within the pages of the journal he now held. Draco's survival depended on him being able to control and command the dragons and the bond he had with Basta. His lips firmed as he thought of the blond currently at the mercy of his father. "I will be ready," Harry promised loudly, ignoring the questioning look the goblin shot him. Emerald eyes blazing with promise, he tipped his head and stared at the cover of the book.
XxXxX
Hermione stood between Ron and Blaise, her head tipped slightly to the side as she stared at the sight before her. She opened her mouth to comment but shut it quickly when one of the sleeping dragons snorted loudly, a trickle of black smoke drifting from its flared nostrils. Shaking her head in amazement, she glanced up at Hagrid and arched an eyebrow. "How did you know to feed them?" Whispered the witch, wrapping her arms around her waist and shifting nervously.
Hagrid merely shook his head and smiled knowingly, his eyes softening as one of the dragons rolled over onto its back and draped its wings across its belly. Scratching the side of his face, the groundskeeper nodded in the direction of the castle, drawing the attention of Blaise, Pansy, Luna, and Ron. In a ball of angered black cloth, Professor Severus Snape charged across the pitch toward them.
"Detention!" Snape bellowed as he stormed across the pitch, his black robes billowing dramatically behind him. His shouted words seemed to boom over the silent lawn, echoing in the vastness that surrounded the castle and its grounds.
"No," whimpered Hermione, hands lifting to her cheeks as she searched the slumbering clan of Mages for signs of life. A relieved sigh slipped past her lips as several of the dragons stirred and shifted before sinking deeper into sleep, their gentle snores vibrating the earth they rested upon. Raising her gaze back to the approaching Professor, she cringed and clasped her hands behind her back, preparing herself for the dressing down they were about to receive.
Coming to a halt before the small group of students, Professor Snape glowered and crossed his arms, narrowed eyes sweeping over the disheveled bunch. He shook his head as the five students focused intently on the toes of their boots and Hagrid tipped his head back, pretending to search the sky while inching steadily away from the Potions Master. "Miss Granger, please enlighten me as to why the group of you felt it was acceptable to skip my class." Pressing his lips together, he paced slowly down the line they had unconsciously formed.
"Ah, well, you see-"
"It seems I've finally asked a question you don't know the answer to, Miss Granger. Five points from Gryffindor." Snape purred sourly, swirling around and gliding back down the path he'd just taken. The fingers of his right hand drummed steadily on his left biceps, belying the calm expression he wore on his face. "To miss my class without acquiring a note from either myself or Professor Dumbledore warrants a detention. I'll see all of you tonight, and the next four nights as well, at seven o'clock sharp in my office." Nodding in satisfaction, he spun around and began to stalk back across the pitch, treading on the very tip of Black Lady's tail in the process.
The dragon's silver eyes flew open, quickly followed by her jaws as she let loose a bellow of outrage. Rising in a hiss of scales, the Siberian Shade whirled around, dragging the Quidditch hoop and pole with her. Snarling in anger, she dipped her head and prowled slowly after the horrified wizard, her long black wings unfurling with a crack that had the rest of the clan scrambling to their feet.
Blinking away the last remnants of Morpheus, the eight Mage Dragons stared at the black-haired wizard standing silently amidst them, his eyes wide and his wand shakily aimed at Black Lady. Lips curled back slowly to expose dagger like fangs, saliva rolling past gums and sliding down long canines as the group examined the threat.
With a stuttered spell, the Potions Master sealed his fate.
Spitting in disdain, Silverhawk shook the spell off and unfurled his long white and gold wings. Lowering his narrow head, he lurched forward and snapped angrily at the professor, driving him closer to the cloud of steam drifting free of Druid's mouth. Rumbling in warning, the dragons tightened the circle they had formed, concealing their actions from the disbelieving students standing guard.
Wrapping his arm around Hermione's shoulder, Ron sighed and shook his head sadly. "I'm so sorry, Professor Dumbledore. There was just nothing we could do, it all happened so fast." The redhead mocked mournfully, lifting his other hand and swiping away an imaginary tear.
Shrugging his arm off, Hermione walked forward a few steps and peered hopelessly at the curled wings and swinging tails of the dragons. "It's not funny, Ron." She hissed, freezing as the green dragon with the silver stripe folded her wings and backed out of the circle. The rest of the clan followed slowly, closing their wings and drifting quietly across the lawn. Upon the grass where they had been gathered, a huddled form rose unsteadily and took a wavering step before collapsing.
"What do you know, they didn't eat him." Ron mumbled, blue eyes widening as Snape scrambled to his feet and took off in the direction of the castle, his burned and shredded cloak flapping forlornly in the wind.
"Don't sound so happy about it," Blaise muttered sarcastically.
"Are you kidding?" Grumbled Ron, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes at the Mage Dragons. "Perfect opportunity to get rid of the greasy git and they don't even finish the job. Stupid dragons!" Raged the redhead, waving a balled fist at Black Lady. Snorting, he shook his head and spun around, "I'm going to get something to eat."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione glanced back out over the pitch and sighed softly, Snape was going to give them detention for the rest of the year. Hell, he'd haunt them for the rest of their lives for this one. You so owe me, Harry, she thought unhappily. A startled yelp had her diving for the grass and closing her eyes as a ball of fire zipped over her head again. Wrinkling her nose at the smell of burning hair, the witch shut her eyes and groaned.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and review! It all begins in the next chapter, ladies and gentlemen.
HRM-J - I find myself continuously using the dragons as comic relief, using their antics to break up tense moments between the other characters.
kasmo - Thanks for the grammar pointers and the corrections have been noted. Five more chapters and we'll see the end.
thrnbrooke - Well, our mystery dragon has been named. The reason this dragon was never recorded in the diary was due to the fact that she didn't actually get to meet him. I suppose more information on the dragons will come out in the next chapter.
RavenclawBest - Lucius is self-preservative. Until the dragon's actually receive the summons, Harry and Draco are on their own.
seren - lol, it's been a long time since I've read any of Anne McCaffrey's work. I do remember seeing Eragon and comparing it at every turn with the Pern series, it just wasn't as good in my opinion. I mean, the whole dragon riders thing and the bond between the dragons and their riders practically belongs to McCaffrey.
Shinigami - Charlie will eventually be brought into the story, as will Neville. The newest dragon was finally named; more information will be coming in the next chapter about this dragon.
Fiery Phoenix - lol, love the little rhyme. The reason Raveana's riddles are so vague shall be explained in one of the last chapters.
PleiadesWolfe - Unfortunately I have to put several more things into place before I can allow the final battle to take place, though we will see the beginning in the next chapter. Raveana could have meant Draco, she also could have meant Basta, I suppose we'll just have to see who he thinks she meant.
Beth Weasley - I've been dying to get a tattoo! I really want one but can't seem to find the time or the guts to actually get it done. And I really know what I want, too. Though I don't think my father would be very happy that I had the Sleeman Brewery logo permanently drawn onto my back. As for McCaffrey's Pern series, I haven't read it in years. I think one of the major characters and a dragon died in the last book I read, it was very sad.
Scarletty- lol, AFF, eh? Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying the story and thank you for the wonderful review.