Chapter 4: The Heir of Gryffindor Returns
Harry awoke to find himself lying on a sofa in the Headmaster's office. For the first time in his life, he felt oddly refreshed. He sat up and reached for his glasses and spotted the Headmaster himself sitting in one of his conjured arm chairs sound asleep. Harry suddenly had a strong desire to look at the Sword of Gryffindor on display, so Harry, deciding to let his Professor sleep, stood up and made his way of to glass case and stared at it. There was a soft glow surrounding the sword itself. Harry thought it looked like the sword had a heartbeat. Harry opened the display and reached out to grip the handle of the sword. The moment he did, the entire castle shook and Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, and the sorting hat all disappeared.
The moment they disappeared, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry began the process of locking down the entire school. The disaparation wards were reinforced, anti portkey wards locked into place, anti-portal wards were activated for the first time in 500 years, and the entire floo network was shutdown.
On top of that, a huge stone wall rose from the ground 50 feet in the air and encircled not only the castle itself, but the entire Hogwarts Grounds, reaching far into the forbidden first to include the Acromantula den, the Centaur's huts, and the grazing ground of the Unicorns. Inside the castle, the suits of armor began to patrol the corridors, the portraits and the castle ghosts began to herd all the inhabitants of the castle into the Great Hall. Even Peeves seemed to be helping instead of being a nuisance.
Once everyone was in the Great Hall the doors shut and sealed themselves and four ghostly forms appeared over the staff table. One, the far right, was a tall man with black hair and long goatee. He was wearing Battle Armor that was done in the Slytherin Colors and carried with him 2 katana swords on his belt.
The woman next to him was some what short and stocky with shoulder length blonde hair and a kind face. She also wore Battle Armor but hers was done in Hufflepuff colors and she carried with her a long bow and quiver full of arrows. Next to her was a tall woman who was absolutely beautiful with her long black hair and beautiful blue eyes. She wore Battle Armor very similar to the other two; hers was done in Ravenclaw colors and carried a long bow with a quiver of arrows as well. The last ghost was another man approximately 6'5" tall, with broad shoulders and long brown hair and beard. His eyes were bright green and he also wore Battle Armor, this time in the Gryffindor Colors. His weapon however, many of the teachers recognized, it was the Sword of Gryffindor.
After looking at every person in the hall in the eye, the spirit of Godric Gryffindor spoke, "Good day inhabitants of Hogwarts. As you might have guessed, we are the spirits of the founders of Hogwarts. May I present Lady Helga Hufflepuff, mistress of earth; may I present Lady Rowena Ravenclaw, mistress of air; may I present Lord Salazar Slytherin, master of water and my best friend; and finally I present myself, Lord Godric Gryffindor, master of fire. I know that you all have many questions for us and we will be happy to answer many of them, but first we should explain what has happened."
Ravenclaw took up the story, "After we founded Hogwarts we began to plan for the future. We used our elemental powers, Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to protect and power the school. We then created the position of Headmaster. Up until that time, we all shared the responsibilities of running the school. We endowed the position with some of our powers so that even after we were gone, the school could continue to run."
At this point Salazar took over the story "We also created the Board of Governors who were supposed to serve as advisors to the Headmaster. The board is made up of 12 seats, with three representatives from each of the 4 houses. Unfortunately, they have lost their way and purpose with the passage of time. I knew this would happen so I decided to add an insurance policy to the school. When one of our heirs reached a certain level of magic, the school would recognize him or her and force control back to the heir. We are here now because an heir has been chosen by the school."
Everyone started looking around, trying to figure out who the heir was. "My heir, The Heir of Gryffindor, is not in this room. You see I too added some insurance to the school as well. I was the last of us to die. Salazar died while trying to defend some innocent children from a dark lord. Rowena died 7 years later thanks to old age. Helga and I ran the school for another 15 years before she died in a terrible accident. After she died, I decided to use my remaining magic and infused my knowledge and magic into my sword. I then created a portal in Gideon, the sorting hat, to only open when my Heir both in blood and magic needed aid.
"From what I understand, Harry Potter needed my sword when killed Salazar's Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets; do to a magical block, Harry was unable access the power the sword carried. I believe your Headmaster, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, removed the power block. After he did, Harry activated the power of the sword and they were both taken to Godric's Hollow where my body lays."
"What do you mean my Basilisk was killed? Ursula was supposed to defend this castle!! I want to know what happened."
Severus Snape, Potions Masters and Head of Slytherin House spoke up, "Lord Slytherin, I regret to inform you that your heir, Lord Voldemort—"
"Tom Riddle is not my heir. My last heir married a member of the Black Family who then promptly died before she produced a child. Tom Riddle lied and while we are setting out some truths, I was not a dark wizard. I did not want muggleborn children to attend because a muggleborn killed my wife. That is why Godric and I fought. I left in rage and began to walk. I discovered a group of men torturing children and I acted. I was mortally wounded in the exchange, but I was able to send for help. Godric and Helga came to my aid. I died in my Godric's arms and per my last request was cremated and my ashes cast over the lake.
"I left Ursula to defend the castle from any threat. Unfortunately, Tom Riddle opened the chamber and sent out my basilisk to kill innocents. So, until the Lord of Hogwarts returns, we will answer any questions we can." The founders all sat the staff table and began to field questions from the occupants of the Hall.
As Hogwarts was being locked down, Harry and Dumbledore appeared in a small graveyard outside Godric's Hollow. Dumbledore looked around and smiled. In truth, he had not been completely asleep, just dozing somewhat. He needed to give Harry the chance to feel out the magic of Gryffindor's Sword and connect to it. Harry turned and faced him,
"Sir? Where are we?"
All round them were headstones and graves. They were deposited in front of a huge mausoleum with a Griffin and Lion staring at each other. Over them was a phoenix with its wings wide. All around the figures was fire. "Wait, I've seen this before at school. I was reading one night in the common room and found this in a book. I just don't remember what it is."
Dumbledore, standing nearby nodded, "Harry, this is one of the oldest family crests in all of Great Britain. It is the crest of the Gryffindor Family and their direct descendents, the Potter Family."
Harry spun around and stared at the Headmaster. "I'm related to Godric Gryffindor?"
"Yes Harry, you are. Now I believe that the sword brought us here for reason, let us figure out why that is."
Harry just nodded and picked up the sword that he had dropped. He then led Dumbledore to the entrance of the mausoleum and placed his hand on the door. The door opened and they both walked in.
As they entered torches lit the entire inside which was magically expanded to be 3 times the size of the outside structure; at the far end of the room was the crypt of Godric Gryffindor. They both approached and kneeled in front of it. Harry then, out of no conscience thought, placed Gryffindor's Sword on the crypt in the spot that Harry thought it had laid for more then 900 years until he pulled it from the sorting hat.
As soon as this happened, an ethereal form rose out of the crypt and began to speak. "Greetings my heir, in both blood and spirit. If you are watching this, then you have come here from Hogwarts, my home. I am but a memory to help guide you. If my wife was correct, then you have come with your Headmaster whom you will apprentice under.
"Harry, when I died, I sealed my magic into this sword. It was designed that only a true Gryffindor could remove the sword from the sorting hat. Now as my heir you are to receive my powers and my magic. This is similar to the Apprentice Ritual, but it is designed for family. If you wish to undergo the ritual, then lay atop my crypt and over my sword."
Harry just looked at Dumbledore, and then moved to lie on atop of the crypt. As soon as he lay down, Harry was engulfed in a fiery red aura. He remained dead still for 10 minutes. Dumbledore, who could see magical auras, watched as Harry's aura absorbed the aura from the crypt into himself and then merged it into his own very powerful aura.
The power this required was astounding. Harry then suddenly sat up and stared at Dumbledore with a blank expression.
"Professor, we should complete our ritual now, so that I process all this new power at once."
"Very well Harry. I Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, take this man, Harry James Potter, Head of the Potter Family and heir to Godric Gryffindor as my apprentice." A huge burst of white light burst from Albus' chest and floated around the room.
Harry knew instinctively what to do, "I Harry James Potter, Head of the Potter Family and heir to Godric Gryffindor, accept Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Head of the Dumbledore Family and Leader of the Order of the Phoenix, as my apprentice master." Suddenly the white light slammed into Harry causing both of them to pass out cold.
When they both awoke, Harry and Dumbledore were both in the Headmaster's office again. Harry was wearing not only exquisite dress robes, but also Gryffindor's Sword on his hip in a scabbard. Harry felt another consciousness in the room with them, he looked around and suddenly felt what the presence was; It was the castle herself.
Harry always considered the castle a she, he never knew why but it was definitely a female.
"Hogwarts! I Harry James Potter, Lord Gryffindor and Heir of your builders, do hereby claim my right to command you!"
An Ethereal voice spoke in a clear feminine voice, "I live to serve my master, Lord of Hogwarts."
Harry could immediately feel the castle relaxing from its heightened state of alert as the bond established between himself and the castle.
"Albus, I have been accepted by Hogwarts as her master. Hogwarts House has evicted all of the governors and I have already ordered the school to remove any Ministry controlled spells and wards." At that moment, Peeves the Poltergeist entered the Headmaster's office, "Lord Gryffindor Sir. I come to you to inform you that that the founders of Hogwarts request your presence along with Headmaster Professor Dumbledore sir. Everyone who was in the castle is there waiting for."
Harry smiled and dismissed the poltergeist, "Well Albus, I believe it is time for me to introduce myself to the masses."
With a chuckle from both men, they exited the office and head to the Great Hall.
Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape were both having a strange day. Not only were they working thru their summers, but 2 hours ago, the spirits of the Hogwarts Founders appeared and told everyone that many of tales that were told were actually false. Little did they know that their day was about to get even stranger.
As Lady Ravenclaw was finishing up her diatribe about the Library not being used properly, the doors to Great Hall suddenly opened and two men walked in.
The first man was wearing some of the finest robes anyone had very seen. They looked as if they were made from Acromantula Silk and were died deep red with Gold trim. Over the robes this stranger wore a black traveling cloak with the Hogwarts Crest over the heart of the wearer. The hood covered the strangers face, but he carried himself in way that made many think of true royalty. Behind him, in a servant's position was Albus Dumbledore. He too was dressed in dress robes, his were made of midnight blue Acromantula Silk. Over his heart he too wore the Hogwarts Crest. His eyes were twinkling madly, brighter then anyone had seen in many years.
When the two men reached the head table, the whole hall realized that the spirits of the founders were now more solid, almost human. The stranger and the Headmaster promptly dropped to one knee; the stranger then withdrew a sword from under his cloak and used it to bow to the founders. Minerva knew what the sword was in an instant and who was carrying it.
"Lords and Ladies of Hogwarts; I claim my rightful place as one of the Lord of Hogwarts. I am Harry James Potter, Heir of Gryffindor."
Lady Ravenclaw approached the knelt form of Harry and spoke, "Harry James Potter, Heir of Gryffindor, and supporter of light, we, the founders of Hogwarts, have decided to grant you the title, power, and responsibility of the High Lord of Hogwarts."
The entire room was socked into silence, the title of High Lord was a very old tradition that dated back to when the Roman Empire occupied Britannia. The High Lord was also known as the Senior Lord, the man who would represent the other nobles.
"The High Lord of Hogwarts has the absolute authority over everything to do with Hogwarts, and answers to no one in matters relating his realm, including any of the other Lords and Ladies of Hogwarts, the headmaster, the school governors, or the ministry of magic. In order to be granted the title of High Lord, you must pass the four challenges, do you accept the challenges?"
Harry thought for a moment then started to speak, "Yes."
Rowena Ravenclaw smiled and nodded, then spoke in a clear crisp voice. "Who served as your witness for the magical bonding between yourself and the body of Lord Godric?"
Albus looked up for the first time, "I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Head of the Dumbledore Family, and Apprentice Master to Harry James Potter have witnessed the bonding."
Ravenclaw stared into Albus' eyes where she saw the truth of his words along with the love he has for Harry.
"Very well Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. I not only see you speak the truth of the bonding, but I also see the love you have your apprentice. I do caution you though, when young Harry finishes with us tonight, he will no longer be in need of you as his Master Apprentice, but rather as your friend and guide."
Albus bowed deeply, "Thank you for your advice Lady Ravenclaw, I shall release him of his duty to me as an apprentice once our business here is complete."
"Very well Headmaster; I, Lady Rowena Ravenclaw, do hereby declare Harry James Potter, Heir of Gryffindor, to be my heir in both Magic and Blood."
Ravenclaw then withdrew a dagger from her robes and cut her hand, she then cut the back of Harry's hand that was resting on the pommel on his sword. She dripped 3 drops of blood from her hand into Harry's wound. Even though it did not heal, the wound stopped bleeding freely.
She then returned to her place as Lady Hufflepuff approached Harry. "Who here will serve as witness to your loyalty and strength of character?"
The room was quite for moment before Hagrid spoke, "That would be me, Lady Hufflepuff, Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys, Game Keeper, and Professor of Magical Creatures, ma'am."
Hufflepuff stared into his eyes just like Ravenclaw did to Albus. "Very well Rubeus Hagrid, I see your heart is true and you are a true friend to young Harry. I, Lady Helga Hufflepuff, do hereby declare Harry James Potter, Heir of Gryffindor, to be my heir in both Magic and Blood."
Hufflepuff then withdrew a dagger from her robes and Lady Ravenclaw before her, cut her hand and poured 3 drops of blood from her hand into Harry's wound. Once it again, it did not heal, but the wound stopped bleeding freely. She then returned to her place as Lord Slytherin approached Harry.
"Who here will serve as witness to your cunning and skill?"
The room was quite for moment before McGonagall and Snape both nodded, "That would be us, Lord Slytherin, I am Minerva Elizabeth McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, Leader of the Clan McGonagall, Member of the Order of the Phoenix, and Head of Gryffindor House."
Severus Snape the stepped forward and bowed, "Lord Slytherin, I am Severus Tobias Snape, Potions Master, Head of Snape Family, Member of the Order of the Phoenix, and Head of Slytherin House."
Like the other two founders, Slytherin stared into the eyes of both McGonagall and Snape. After several moments he spoke "I see that even though time has blurred marred the original values and loyalties of the houses we created, the Heads of Gryffindor and Slytherin can come together, I hope you can lead your charges by example.
"I, Lord Salazar Slytherin, do hereby declare Harry James Potter, Heir of Gryffindor, to be my heir in both Magic and Blood."
Slytherin pulled out one of his katana swords and cut his hand, allowing 3 drops of blood from her hand into Harry's wound. Once it again, it did not heal, but the wound stopped bleeding freely.
However he did not leave like the others, "Severus Snape, I would caution you to remember that young Harry here is not his father and should not be punished simply because he looks like your old school foe."
Severus bowed in shame at Slytherin's words, "I will take this information to heart, sir. Thank you for your…brutal honesty."
With a smile, Slytherin rejoined the other founders as Lord Gryffindor approached Harry.
"Harry James Potter, Heir of Gryffindor, what you have received is the blood and magic of the other founders. As my direct heir, you carry my blood within your veins already. You have bonded with my knowledge and magic that I left within my sword. Now I give you one last gift. Who here believes that Harry James Potter is not of my blood and magic?"
No one said anything. With a broad smile Godric continued, "Excellent, I, Lord Godric Gryffindor, do hereby declare Harry James Potter, to be heir to the houses of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin in both Magic and Blood."
Godric then pulled out his sword and cut his hand, allowing 3 drops of blood from her hand into Harry's wound. Unlike other times, it did heal.
"Lords and Ladies of the Realm, I present to Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts!" Harry stood and turned to face the assembled crowd. As everyone applauded, the founders became spirits once again.
Lady Hufflepuff then spoke, "It is now time that we complete our last bit of magic. Harry, in the Headmaster's Office, there is a portrait that only you can activate. It is a portrait of us so that we may help you whenever you need it. Also there is a large tome there underneath it. It will answer many more questions." With a gracious bow, the four founders rose up and merged into one being who then merged with Harry Potter, who promptly fell to the floor, unconscious.