Harry Potter and the Founders Vault
Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Potter
Facebook: Fanfiction Millma Verse
Note: For those who love Molly Weasley – I mean, come on we all do – you may be surprised how she comes across in this chapter. Unfortunately, I can't quite connect to Molly to physically write for her (still, I do love her in the books and the films), so please excuse how I've handled her in this chapter. My beta has tried to 'calm her' compared to what was originally written, too.
The Inherited Gringotts Vaults
The morning after the Weasley wedding, the Fab Four were in the Weasley's kitchen, Molly having come into the tent to tell them to say their goodbyes to MC and Bill as the two were leaving for their honeymoon.
"Look at this," it was Arthur holding the Daily Prophet. The newlyweds had left to start their honeymoon already. "The Quidditch World cup was attacked!"
"What?" All the kids stopped their chatter to look over at the Weasley family patriarch.
"After the match was over. Death Eaters," Arthur said. "His Mark was seen." Arthur put the paper on the table so they could all see the picture – it showed images of people suspended in the air from afar, as well as the image of a ghostly skull in the sky with a snake protruding from it's mouth.
"No one dead, a bunch injured… a muggle family was tortured though," Harry said scanning the paper. "They've had their memories obliviated, but still sounds awful."
"Sounds like a couple of old Tommy-boys followers who got away with it got a little drunk and went to re-live their glory days," Harper remarked, looking at the paper, too.
"Tommy boy?" Fred and George asked together.
"Lord Voldemort real name is Tom," Harry added, noticing Ginny picking at her food and Harry gave her a small smile. "Harper sometimes will just call him that now."
"Please don't use that name in this house," Molly stated, the rest of the Weasley family having shuddered at the name 'Voldemort'.
"No problem," Harry chuckled. "We'll call him Tom or Tommy-boy here, now you know."
"I'll call him it to his face if I ever see him," Harper pointed out at that.
"Next time I see him I'll go for it," Harry said to a laugh from his sister.
"Let's hope that never happens for you two," Molly said. "You two need to avoid dangerous situations and leave that to the adults," Neville, Hermione, Harry, and Harper all shared a look. The four knew full well by now things would somehow fall onto their shoulders at this point, what with Voldemort going for the Stone in their first year, the whole ordeal with diary in their second year and Peter Pettigrew just a few months ago.
"Anyway," Harry said wanting to change the topic as he pushed the paper back to Mr. Weasley. "We should eat and get ready to get to Diagon Alley."
"I don't think that's a good idea," Molly mused. "I think for the summer all you children should just remain here," her eyes were still on the paper her husband now had.
"I have shifts at Olivanders," Ron pointed out, fast, as the other Weasleys – and even Neville and Hermione – complained.
"We need to get our school supplies," Hermione pointed out.
"Give me the money and I will go get what you need," Molly said.
"Ms. Weasley," Harry said calmly after sharing a look with Harper. "I understand you are worried but also understand we have important business we need to take care of here in Britain; at Gringotts and other places. Plans which our parents have already approved of. If you will forbid us from leaving this house, should we stay in your care, let us know now and we will be happy to go back with Hermione to her parents. I rather like spending summers with them before we go to Hogwarts and you will find my parents will approve of the change."
"If you have any doubt on whether our parents would allow this, feel free to call them yourself," Harper added, knowing that while they had come to Britain a few days early, so they were not jetlagged from the time change at the wedding, their parents had portkeyed home after the wedding. "I assume you have access to the international floo network? Evans Household, Phoenix Arizona, USA."
"Molly," Arthur said seeing his wife wasn't pleased at the siblings talk. "The alley is safe. A trip won't hurt."
"Let's get back to the tent and change," Neville suggested quickly, since the four were done.
They didn't waste time in clearing up their plates and leaving the kitchen, heading back to the tent while Molly simply muttered in annoyance.
"You two were awesome there – no yelling this time or anger," Neville pointed out.
"Well, Padfoot is safe, so Harry is not as angry this year," Harper pointed out with a chuckle.
"And I am starting to see what Harper means. There is a time for cunning as well as bravery – especially since this year is Slytherin's year," Harry said and winked at Harper. "Let's get ready to go a bit slowly, to give Ms. Weasley some time."
The four took their time getting ready, gathering their stuff to take with them to Diagon Alley.
"Nice bag," Hermione said, seeing Harper take out a small backpack and put some things in it.
"Thanks, it was a birthday presents from Newt," Harper said. "Has some expansion charms in it so it can fit a lot of stuff. Also, light weight charms so it doesn't get heavy."
"I've been reading into that. Thought it might be good to have a little handbag I can put all my books in," Hermione mused. "I was thinking of experimenting if I have time between schoolwork and Vault clues."
"I'll help," Harper said. "And what is your schedule like this year?"
"I dropped muggle studies," Hermione said. "And without Divinations, I'm a normal student now – no Time Turner."
"Good," Harper said as the boys came out of their room; the four going back into the house where Molly was waiting with Charlie, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny. "Are we ready to go?"
"Charlie and I are coming to keep an eye out," Molly said. "We'll travel by floo. Charlie first, and then you kids. I'll come through last. Then we go right to Gringotts."
The Fab Four gave a nod as they all went towards the floo and, after throwing in the powder and calling "Diagon Alley", the group went through to the Leaky Cauldron, automatically heading to the magical wall that led to Diagon Alley. Molly took the lead as they went to the magical shopping alley.
"This will be the first time I have a Vault to visit," Hermione said excitingly – the Flamels having given her a Vault, after all. "I do also need to exchange some muggle money as well."
"Don't you know how to make gold?" Ron teased. "But it was nice visiting the Vault I was left. The Flamels left me many different things to make wands out of – wood and cores and brand-new equipment. And I need to go to Olivanders; I have a shift. See you later, mum, I am going to work!"
"Have fun," Molly said, watching as Ron went into the little shop before she allowed them to continue toward the large white building.
Once through the doors and up into the grandiose chamber hosting an array of desks and goblins, the group went over to a free kiosk to address the goblin behind.
"We're visiting some Vaults," Molly said with a smile to the creature.
"Actually," Harry interrupted at this, before the goblin could respond to Molly. "Is Ragnar available?"
"And who wants to know…?" The goblin teller asked.
"Harry Potter, heir to House Potter and House Black," Harry said.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," the goblin said, a small smile coming on his face. "I am sorry I did not recognize you. Ragnar will be more than happy for a meeting with you."
"My sister will be joining me," Harry said. "But only her." Harry wanted to make that clear before Molly Weasley could protest. "This is private family business."
"Of course, Griphook will lead you to Ragnar's office while the others will be led to their Vaults," the teller said, and Griphook moved forward, having appeared out of nowhere – although knowing goblin magic, he probably had just apparated at his name being mentioned.
Harry and Harper moved off at this, turning back to the Weasley's – and Hermione and Neville.
"Don't wait for us. This could take a while," Harper said to them. "We'll meet up with you while shopping…" the two disappeared into the inner halls of Gringotts at that.
"Any idea what that was about?" Fred asked Neville and Hermione.
"Didn't mentioned it to me," Neville said with a shrug, unconcerned though – as heir Longbottom, he had since been in many meetings inside Gringotts, albeit with his grandmother.
"Or me," Hermione said, unconcerned herself. She knew the siblings kept things between each other as all siblings did. She couldn't expect to be told everything and she was looking forward to what was in her Vault now anyway.
"Would you like to go to your Vaults together or separate?" The goblin teller asked once Harry and Harper were out of sight.
"Separate," Neville and Hermione said at the same time. Molly turning to give the two a look.
"These Vaults were left to us by someone special," Hermione explained, speaking for her and Neville. "We want time on our own to look through them."
"Of course," the teller said.
"Meet us back in the lobby," Molly said sternly as different goblins came for them.
-Harry Potter-
Hermione wasn't used to the cart riding down into the depths of the bank but had read a lot about them. It was both exhilarating and nauseous, reminding her of a rollercoaster ride she'd once gone on.
"Vault 3-8-5-5," the goblin who had brought Hermione to the cart said as the cart stopped. "Your key?"
Hermione handed over the key and the goblin opened the door.
"May I get some time alone?" Hermione asked.
"I will wait by the cart. When you are done, I will bring you back," the goblin stated.
"Thank you, sir," Hermione said and took the only gallon she had left from her last money exchange out of her pocket. "For you."
"What is this?" The goblin asked.
"For you. For taking me to my Vault," Hermione stated.
"Very unusual, witch," the goblin remarked; the smirk on his face made Hermione unsure if she had made the right choice as she walked into the vault.
The first thing that caught her eye shocked her: at the very back of the vault was a pile of gold. It wasn't small, but wasn't overly large, and once she got over her shock of the money, she looked around. She recognized a lot of the equipment as apparatus used in alchemy. There were books piled high and a desk. Moving over to the desk there was a note on it along with a smaller book.
Hermione picked up the note recognizing the handwriting of Nicholas Flamel-
Hermione Granger,
If you are reading this then we have passed, and you have come to the Gringotts Vault we have left for you. Unfortunately, this is the last you will ever hear from us in this life. We have pre-paid Gringotts for this Vault to be open for 20 years. After that, you may choose to keep it open or move the contents somewhere else. First, we should explain what exactly we have left for you.
We are sure you recognize the apparatus in the room as equipment for alchemy. This is top of the line and our own personal equipment, for you to use and continue as you become an amazing alchemist yourself. We can tell you have the talent and the brains for this.
The books found here will help you continue your learning – some are actual books written on the topics and others are ones we made ourselves. Knowing your love of learning we included books on many other subjects. Perenelle insisted on giving you most of our library we had left that we were not giving to others of our apprentices. Most of the books are old and some even signed by their authors – famous witches and wizards and even some muggles. You might recognize several names.
We have commissioned a multiple-compartment trunk for you, much like the one Harry has. You will find it being held for you in Diagon Alley in Tippin's Trunk Store, under your name. Show the receipt attached to this letter and it will be given to you.
Yes, I am sure you noticed the pile of gold. You are our lone apprentice who did not have wizarding family. We know how bad the exchange rate is. This gold should last you to the end of your Hogwarts year, and hopefully even beyond if you spend it reasonably. We are sure you have the brains to handle the money and make it stretch.
Finally, we leave you the most precious and valuable thing we have: the small book sitting on the desk next to this letter is something you must protect with your life. In it contains all our notes, research, and the only known way to create a Philosopher's (or as your American friends would call it, Sorcerer's) Stone. We thought of destroying it when we destroyed ours, but this was a lifetime of work, so we leave the decision to you, our last Alchemy student. You may destroy it, keep it safe, or even make one of your own.
You are heading for dangerous times. The Stone could be your greatest help or worst nightmare should it fall into the wrong hands. If you do make one, don't advertise it the way we did. Keep it hidden. The Stone as you know can turn nearly anything to gold and the Elixir will keep you alive. The Elixir can also be combined into a potion that will cure most diseases and disorders. It could bring someone back to health from near-death. Use this information well, and if you choose to make one of your own, always make sure you test the Elixir before drinking it yourself. One of our failed Stones produced an Elixir that brought death instead of life – something You-Know-Who may have wanted for his own enemies.
Before we end this letter, a word of advice from some old folks: Enjoy your youth while you're young – there is a time for learning and a time for being a child. Don't let learning get in the way of living. Play games, go on dates, find love. Someone you could see spending as much time with as we did together. We think we know who that will be for you, but won't say more.
Good luck with the Founders' Vaults. We will meet again, hopefully in over a hundred years, in the Next Great Adventure.
Yours Eternally,
Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel.
Hermione felt many emotions as she read the letter; most of all shocked as she picked up the little book. Part of her wanted to destroy it, but this was the only known way to make the Philosopher's Stone. If she destroyed it that, the knowledge would be lost forever.
The book was small enough to fit inside her pocketbook she had on her though, so she stuffed it in there. She looked around at the equipment and books in the Vault. She could spend hours going through these books, but she knew Molly Weasley would have a fit waiting for her.
She also didn't have the means to take any of the equipment or books with her now – she would need to get that trunk and come back to this Vault before summer was over.
She put the letter and receipt into her bag – the last thing she did was go to the pile of gold and she claimed enough for her shopping, thankful she didn't need to exchange the muggle money her parents had given her and could instead save it – she would need to write to her parents and let them know she had inherited some wizarding money from her mentors from the year before.
She looked through some of the books, deciding she could take just one at this visit and took one of the alchemy ones with her before heading back to the goblin that was waiting for her.
-Harry Potter-
Neville had never been a big fan of the carts at Gringotts, flying down deep into the depths of the earth, so had his eyes closed for most of the ride until it stopped.
"Vault 2-6-6-7," the goblin said as the cart came to a stop. "Your key?" Neville steadied himself as he took the key from his person and handed it to the goblin.
"I… I'll will be a while," Neville said, and the goblin gave a nod as Neville walked into the Vault the goblin had just opened for him.
There were books inside this Vault, along with some weights and exercise equipment – Perenelle having taught him how to duel, and the basics of exercises to help him with dueling, last year. Neville also recognized potting plants and seeds in one corner and found a table and a letter on it along with a small book.
Neville knew Perenelle's handwriting as he opened the letter. There was also a small pensive and a bottle Neville knew contained memories sitting on the desk.
Neville Longbottom,
If you are reading this, then Nicholas and I have passed on, and you are now in the Vault we have left you in Gringotts. The Vault is pre-paid for 20 years and after that you can decide if you will keep it open or move what is within. We know you are heir to the Longbottom fortune, so you may want to eventually move everything into those Vaults when the time comes.
Before I begin to explain what is in this Vault, I wanted to thank you as well – dueling is something I have always loved and being able to teach a student one last time was rewarding. Bringing you to that competition and watching you win made me so proud and I know your parents would be proud too. I even had the opportunity to speak to your grandmother, and she's beyond pleased with your skills. You have real potential to be a dueling champion if you keep it up.
Now to what we have left you. Inside this Vault you will find books about defense; some old, some newer, but the best books I have found. Weights and exercise equipment, of course, to keep up your physical training. They are enchanted to get heavier as you get stronger. Remember to always train with a partner, though – Harry will be a good person to help you improve and you can even help him.
You may have noticed our Pensive present, too, which you can use to rewatch your own memories of duels to help you improve. I have also included memories of my favorite duels I have been in so you can see. My old dueling trophies are here as well. The Pensive can be used for… other memories too, with time.
Now, we know your first love is Herbology, so we included potting stations for you and seeds – the Chinese Chomping Cabbage, Mandrakes, and Venomous Tentacula can be used for duels, but also handy if you're in any real danger as well. There are other seeds as well for you to experiment with. We have included books on Herbology as well for you.
Finally, on the table is a small handwritten book with spells I have personally made for dueling. I have shared these with no one else. They are yours now. You can keep them to yourself, share them with friends and family, or even publish them if you want. We have ordered a multiple-compartment trunk for you as well. The receipt attached to this note will be the proof you need to claim it from Tippin's Trunks in Diagon Alley.
There are dark times coming and I fear you, Hermione, Harper, and Harry will be in the center of it. Stick together. The four of you can handle anything, but make sure to enjoy your life as well. Your parents never got the opportunity to grow old in their sanity, please make sure you do. Take time for yourself and let things go when it all gets too much.
Of course, good luck with the Founders Vault.
Yours Eternally,
Perenelle and Nicholas Flamel.
Neville smiled as he read the notes and folded it and the receipt to put in his pocket.
He then claimed the book of Perenelle's original spells – he could carry this out. He didn't have a bag with him, so he couldn't take the bigger objects with him. He did go to the weights and test them for a moment and then found Perenelle's trophies in the back. He would need to come back here before school started to collect some of this.
He also looked over the seeds and smiled as he did. He really needed to return here.
Neville left the Vault at this and to the waiting goblin to head back to the lobby – he wasn't surprised when Hermione and he arrived in the lobby at almost the same time.
"Mione, think this could fit in your bag?" Neville asked of the things he'd claimed from the Vault.
"Sure," Hermione said not questioning as she took the book. "Think the Weasleys are waiting."
"Yes," Neville said, sighing when they saw the Weasleys. Ginny was waiting by the door, but Charlie seemed to be trying to calm Molly down who was pacing. "I don't think Harry and Harper are going to get along with Molly Weasley this summer..."
"I am starting to think you're right," Hermione said herself, not use to how much Molly seemed to want to hover. She understood Molly's need to be the protective mother, as her own mother had grown up under a similar type of parent in Hermione's loving grandmother, but she also knew Harper and Harry were way too independent to be under Mrs. Weasley's watch for more than a day. Hermione wondered if she should contact her parents to let them know to expect them before school started…?
"There you two are," Molly said as they approached. "Can anyone tell me where Harry and Harper are?"
"Still in their meeting," the same goblin teller who helped them said.
"They will probably be a while," Hermione said. "We should go shop."
"Mom, they are safe here," Charlie said. "No safer place than Gringotts, after all."
Molly bit her lip at that.
"Fine, tell them to find us once they're out," Molly said to the goblin, who gave her an 'of course' response that sounded very sarcastic to the ears of Hermione and Neville as the group left the bank. "So, what do we need?"
"Well, I need to go pick up a trunk the Flamels ordered for me," Hermione said.
"Me too," Neville said.
"Ron's got one as well," Ginny said as the group walked and discussed what else they needed to buy.
-Harry Potter-
Harry and Harper waited in the office for Ragnar; luckily, he didn't keep them waiting long.
"I've got to say," Harper said as they waited, "I like this calmness you have. It's almost Slytherin."
Harry gave a smile and chuckle. "I'll admit I still feel more comfortable jumping in front of a troll than this," Harry mused. "But Sirius got me thinking..." Harper raised an eyebrow. "He actually, just jumped into everything without thinking. It landed him in jail for crimes he didn't commit and, after that, was on the run. He could have waited for my dad to come to him and then told dad where Wormtail was."
"That's true," Harper said with a nod.
"I can't just jump without thinking," Harry stated. "And Godric and Merlin have helped me over the summer with some calming techniques."
"Not Arthur?" Harper asked.
"No, for a King he's very much gung-ho," Harry said, and Harper laughed as the familiar goblin walked in, causing the sibling to quieten.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ragnar said. "With a little more advanced warning of a meeting, I could have been ready as you walked into the door."
"Sorry Ragnar, but we didn't want the Weasleys to know we wanted this meeting until we walked in," Harry said truthfully.
"Ah secrets. You can rest assure all your secrets are safe with me, Mr. Potter," Ragnar said. "Now, normally for an underaged wizard we would prefer your guardian here but at 14, with permission already from your legal guardian in Timothy Evans, you can do more by yourself. The Potter family vault is still locked, though."
"That's fine," Harry smiled at that. "There are several matters I need to discuss with you, anyway" Harry said. "First off, a letter from Lord Black..." Harry took the letter out of his pocket where he had put it over and handed it to Ragnar, "asking that you now oversee all Black Family assets still here…" while nearly everything was brought to America by Sirius now, there was still properties and some vaults here in Britain; Sirius didn't have faith in the goblin overseeing it now, since it was one his family had chosen – switching it to the same goblin who oversaw the Potter family just made sense. His loyalty would be with Harry, whose family had earned him a lot of money throughout the years. "As I am heir to House Black, it makes sense."
"It does," Ragnar said, and Harry could see the grin. "This seems to be in order. The Black family will be in good hands."
"Of course," Harry said. "My sister is also now a member of the Black family. Lord Black has now brought her in. I was wondering if I could do the same with her for the Potter family?"
"Ah that is tricky…" Ragnar admitted. "Since Timothy and Cassidy adopted you legally and Harper is their daughter, plus being your mother's family, they are considered extended family. But to make her an actual member would need a Lord to bring her in, and the Potter family currently does not have a Lord Potter. You will not be granted the title until you are of age. As extended family though, Harper may sit in on all the meetings."
"As I thought," Harry said.
"That's fine," Harper nodded at this one.
"Was there more?" Ragnar asked.
"A couple more," Harper said now. "First, we wanted to make you aware we were left a vault by the Flamels."
"No need," Ragnar said. "I was informed the minute a new vault with Harry Potter's name was made. Vault 3-9-4-1. The Flamels prepaid 20 years on it. After that, the Potter family vault will pay to keep it open unless you make other arrangements."
"Good," Harper said with a nod. "Sirius has informed us there is a test you can do to see if we can claim ownership over any abandoned vaults, too."
"Yes, but James Potter did it that when he left Hogwarts and found nothing," Ragnar said. "I doubt anything has changed."
"It's not the Potter family line we're curious about," Harper said, having been sure the pure blood family had been claiming and incorporating vaults into their own for long time. "We found out my dad and Aunt Lily weren't muggle-borns, but the first wizard and witch, born to a family that went Squib."
"Interesting," Ragnar said, and a paper appeared in his hand. "A drop of blood from both of you and this paper will tell us of any vaults you may claim."
"Is it… blood magic?" Harper asked, amazed; it being very different from what the Flamels had shown them - no alphabet or chains, just a drop of blood.
"Goblin magic that is similar," Ragnar said. "Unfortunately, I cannot reveal the secret to the paper."
"Understood," Harper said as both she and Harry pricked their finger with a pin offered to them by the goblin and let a drop fall on the paper. Harper then put her finger in her mouth afterward, to try to stop the bleeding.
"Well, you were right," Ragnar said after a moment, looking over the words that had appeared on the paper. "Well, well, well… some of these vaults are very old and have been abandoned for a very long time. Very little money connected to them due to the cost of keeping them open, but a nice small pile of gold should be available -and other objects as well. They have all been claimed for you by right of this magic. I would advise against keeping them all open. Where would you like to transfer them?"
"What vault of those we can access is the biggest?" Harper asked, knowing the biggest vault they had would be the Potter family vault, but that was still locked away.
"The Flamel Vault," Ragnar said back causing the siblings to look at each other.
"We would like to see it once before transferring anything into it," Harry admitted. "Would it be possible to transfer all non-monetary items in these vaults into the Flamel vault tomorrow?"
"Absolutely, for a fee we can also make a list of items for you and have a curse breaker look them over and take off any curses," Ragnar said.
"Might be a good idea," Harry said knowing some of the people they were related to might be sketchy – namely any pure-blood family with a shady history – and they had no idea what was in those vaults.
"Too bad Bill and MC are on their honeymoon," Harper said.
"If you would prefer Bill and Mallory Weasley to be the ones to look over the objects, we can hold it off a week until they are back and make this their first assignment before moving onto the vault which we need them to uncurse," Ragnar said. "…for a price, obviously."
"Would the gold we have from these vaults cover it?" Harry asked.
"More than," Ragnar said.
"Then take the compensation you need from there and transfer the rest of the gold to evenly split between me and Harper," Harry said.
"Very well," Raganr said. "I will make the arrangements."
"Before the meeting is over, Potter Manor – would there be anything against giving me a way to visit the Potter ancestral home?" Harry asked, wanting to know this more than the other administrative things he'd brought up already, aside from Sirius's part at the start of the meeting.
"Potter Manor is your right to go and claim – and the magical protections are of your own," Raganr said, waving his hand and a box appeared. "Inside is a portkey entrusted to Gringotts from the Potter family. It will activate upon your touch. If you would like to bring your sister with you, I recommend that she can take it out of the box and then you touch it. I must warn against bringing anyone else with you until the wards are under your control. Ms. Evans will be recognized as extended family by the Potter wards. Anyone else could suffer."
"Understood," Harry said, taking the box and handing it to Harper who put it in her bag. "We would like to visit first our normal vaults for money and then the Flamel vaults."
"Griphook will take you," Ragnar said with a nod.
"Thank you for all your help," Harry said.
"For one of our most wealthy clients, any time," Ragnar said, giving Harry a nod as Griphook reappeared to take the two to the vaults they needed to visit.
-Harry Potter-
After getting money from their respective vaults, Harry and Harper were escorted to the Vault the Flamels left them; Griphook opening the Vault for them and then moving back to let them inside on their own.
"That's an awful dress," was the first thing Harper said, seeing a mannequin with a dress on it within.
"Clearly an ancient dress," Harry said. "Wonder why the Flamels left it for us?"
"Maybe this letter will tell us," Harper said, taking a letter off a desk and sitting on the desk as Harry continued to look around.
"Read it aloud," Harry said, and Harper nodded to the instruction.
"Harry and Harper," Harper started to read. "If you're reading this, we are gone and you… blah blah blah… information they told us before their died… Vault information Ragnar told us… Oh, here we go. Ahem. Now that Harper has probably skipped our opening paragraph let us say, Harry do not touch the set of daggers next to the dress Harper probably made fun of. They are coated with a very deadly poison."
Harry, who had been about to touch said daggers that were in a case backed away fast. "Why would he leave this to us?" Harry asked, shocked.
"You're probably wondering why we left these things to you, and it will all be explained in this letter," Harper continued. "Are we this predictable…?" Harper looked up at her brother, shaking her head as the Flamels had predicted their every move and question.
"Continue reading," Harry said.
"And to answer if you're that predictable, no, not to just anyone but we got a look behind the layer of you, and even the short time we could spend with you, you gave us an understanding of your ways," Harper said, and Harry had to chuckle. "Now let us explain what we left for you in this vault. First off, we left books and equipment for you to continue learning Blood Magic – we know there was a specific reason why you chose that path with us and the reason is now gone, having made your family tree, but we hope you want to continue. It's an ancient art that is going extinct and maybe you can breathe new life into it. Teach it to others over time."
"Definitely," Harry muttered, and Harper gave a smile.
"Next, we left you anything we had connected to the Hogwarts Founders. As their heirs, we have decided all of this is rightfully yours. Some of it we have authenticated come directly from the Founders or their descendants; others are just rumors we could never confirm. Maybe you will? The dress Harper made fun of is said to be from a great grandchild of Rowena Ravenclaw. If true, that child would be from Adria since Helena died without children. The daggers are said to be from a descendent of Salazar Slytherin – if true more likely it comes from his son's line Salazar the Second, but we wouldn't want Tom Riddle to get his hands on them.
"Our most prized artifact from the Founders is the bow and arrows of Helga Hufflepuff," Harper stopped reading for a moment at this as Harry found the equipment – the bow being protected in a case and the arrows in a bag he could put over his shoulder. Harry examined the arrow. "Her crest…" Harry said, seeing it engraved on the bow.
"We bought them from a descendant of Helga who had fallen on hard times," Harper continued reading. "The bow and arrow are the only thing he had of value, and he was very sad over having to sell it. Your family tree shows him to be Harry's many times great uncle; I am sure he is smiling in the afterlife now, knowing the bow and arrow found its way back to his family and the descendants of the Founders. It is said there is an enchantment on them, so they never miss. We could never figure out how to work the enchantment, but maybe you will," Harper paused, taking a moment after. "We could go on about all the artifacts, but this letter can only be so long. We have left a journal on the desk we had been keeping with the artifacts, their rumor or actual connection to the Founders, and how we came into their possession. Treat your family legacy well."
"We will," Harry mumbled as he stared at the bow. "I wonder if Godric can show me how to use this in my dreams?"
"There's more to the letter," Harper said, Harry nodding at her to continue. "Now we have left nearly all our other apprentices a multiple-compartment trunk, but since Harry has one and Harper shares it, plus you have the Chamber, we didn't think this would be a wise choice of money. Instead, we used that money to buy two magical snake eggs. They are the two eggs in the glass cases, magically preserved until you can bring them to the hatchery in the Chamber – which Nicholas has restored to working order. We included several books on caring for snake eggs. The two eggs we got you were of a Horned Serpent and a Runespoor. We think they will be good addition to the Chamber and get along with Sasha. Apologies, Harry, but dragon eggs are harder to get, and we didn't think the snakes of the Chamber would appreciate it."
Harry laughed but had to give a smile too; he spent as much time as he could finding dragons to talk to. Newt had been helpful, taking Harry to several places he could.
"Now before we end this letter, dark times are coming and the two of you – and Hermione and Neville – are at the center. We know you have your secrets but soon bring them into everything. The four of you need each other. You also need to enjoy your life while you are young. Harper, Cedric is a nice boy who is crazy for you. Treat him well. Harry, please break up with Enola. There's a better girl waiting for you."
Harper couldn't continue reading as she was laughing too hard after that; Harry taking the letter to see if Harper had added that herself but shocked to see the words were there.
"We will be rooting for you from beyond. Good luck, Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel." Harry finished reading the last lines as Harper laughed herself out. "…you done?"
"Yeah," Harper said, a smile still on her face as she wiped away tears from the laughter and then went to check out the eggs.
"Kind of rude of them…" Harry muttered of the letter, a little affronted by the Flamel's dating advice.
"There's truth to their wisdom Harry," Harper mused as she looked over the eggs. "Yeah, there's no way am I putting these in my bag. We've got to transfer them carefully. Your trunk would be best."
"Agreed," Harry said, putting the letter away now. "We'll need to get back to the alley somehow. Think these can go in your bag?" Harper opened the bag, and they got the bow in its case inside and the arrows. "Remind me to ask Newt for one of these myself..."
"Grab the book," Harper said, and Harry took the small journal off the table – this would tell them everything about all the treasures the Flamels left for them.
After that, they left the Vault, with Griphook taking them back to the main lobby, the pair enjoying the cart ride rollercoaster, much to Griphook's bemusement.
When they got back to the Gringotts Lobby they were almost surprised Molly Weasley wasn't waiting for them and weren't sure whether to laugh or groan when they got the message from the original goblin who served them to find the Weasleys right away.
"They probably went towards the bookstore," Harry sighed, but didn't move.
"You know we need potion ingredients," Harper said, and Harry gave a smirk as they finally moved, leaving the bank and went the opposite way from the bookstore and started grabbing anything else they needed from their list of equipment for their fourth year.
"Why are you getting spellcrafts? You know there are spells over Hogwarts to stop conjuring items," Harry asked his sister, as they left the Tomes and Scrolls shop.
"Harry, I will let you know soon," Harper said with a smirk and Harry was surprised his sister had a secret from him.
"Well… hello there," a familiar voice spoke, and Harper couldn't help but grin as she and Harry turned to see the soon-to-be sixth year student, and Harper's boyfriend, Cedric.
"Hi Ceddy," Harper smiled, pushing all the things she was holding into Harry's arms as she went to go and kiss her boyfriend. "I missed you."
"Missed you too," Credric chuckled into the kiss.
"Hi Cedric," Harry said, trying to hold the packages they had gotten – the pair of them had done a little more shopping than they meant to, getting some new clothes as well as school supplies. "Mind letting go of my sister and taking some of her bags?"
"Why didn't we put these things into my expandable bag?" Harper asked, pulling away from Cedric, and Harry paused for a second before Harper opened her backpack and they tossed everything into it.
"Well, that's taken care of. Edward is at the pet store getting food for Esme," Cedric said. "How about we get ice cream? On me."
"No need, we can get it," Harry said as he walked besides the couple. Cedric had his arm around her shoulder. "Although, I'm starting to feel like a third wheel. Then again, Harper was a third wheel the entire summer."
"More like a bodyguard," Harper mused.
"Care to explain?" Cedric asked.
"Mister jump-on-a-troll's-back can't break up with his girlfriend," Harper said, and Cedric gave a chuckle at that.
"Well, you're welcome to join us Harry, but now you're back in Britain I do want to take you on a non-Hogsmeade date, Harper," Cedric said, and Harper gave a smile as they reached the ice cream shop.
Before Harper could take a seat, Cedric had grabbed her and sat her on his lap; Harper laughing. "So, were you still at the match during the attack?" Harry asked; Harper was curious herself.
"Yes," Cedric said giving a nod. "I took Edward and ran into the forest. Had to defend myself a bit. Good thing they excused the underage magic for that event."
"Any idea who set off the Dark Mark?" Harry asked.
"They say a House Elf named Winky did it. Stole Draco Malfoy's wand to do it," Cedric said.
"You don't buy it?" Harper said, knowing right away and Cedric gave a nod.
"Can't prove anything," Cedric shrugged as he continued to eat his ice cream. "But more exciting news, and this is inside information; my dad told me, and he learned from his job at the Ministry so you can't tell anyone I told you. Promise."
"You speak in riddles, Diggory," Harry chuckled.
"We promise," Harper stated, giving her brother a look at this. Harry smirked.
"Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament this year," Cedric said and then noticed the blank looks. "You… don't know what that is, do you?"
"Never heard of it," Harry said with a shrug.
"It's an old tournament between three magic schools: Hogwarts, Beauxbaton, and Drumstrang," Cedric said. "It was discontinued around 200 years ago due to the high percentage of deaths of the champions."
"And they are bringing this back because…?" Harper asked.
"Well, there's the inter-school friendships, this can form, learning from other schools from Europe, too, and for the tournament itself, they put some safety things in place, I think," Cedric said with a laugh.
-Harry Potter-
Molly Weasley was getting impatient as the group left the bookshop. Hermione and Neville were dragging their new trunks with them now, too – theirs weren't as big as Harry's, but big enough with several different compartments, like Harrys.
"How long could they take in Gringotts?" Molly asked.
"It could take a long time with the goblins…" Charlie mused, but stopped as they moved near Florian Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.
Harry and Harper were eating ice cream with another boy outside the store; Harper was sitting on the boy's lap, and they were laughing.
"Harry James Potter! Harper…" Molly paused in her yelling as she marched towards them. "What is your middle name?"
"I don't have one," Harper said, going red at Molly's appearance. They had been avoiding meeting back with her for so long they'd forgotten to go and meet with her now.
"Harper Evans!" Molly yelled then. "I said for you two to find us when you were done in bank."
"We ran into my boyfriend," Harper said, a little annoyed Molly was going so crazy.
"Ms. Weasley, what's the problem? There's no danger here," Harry said.
"Come, we're going back to the Burrow," Molly demanded, and the two rolled their eyes as Harper kissed Cedric goodbye.
"We didn't actually get our books…" Harper pointed out.
"We'll owl order them," Molly said sternly as she went to Olivanders, intending on getting Ron early from his job so they could all go back together.
-Harry Potter-
The next morning, before breakfast, Harry and Harper pulled Hermione and Neville aside as they exited the tent.
"We're not going in," Harper informed their friends; it was a plan they had made the night before, as Molly Weasley had spent the evening talking about assigning them all chores for the rest of the summer. The way she talked, Harry and Harper realized she planned on them not leaving the Burrow until it was time to go to Hogwarts.
"What do you mean?" Neville asked.
"We have places to be," Harry said, taking out the box Ragnar had given him the day before. He opened it to reveal what looked like a cup.
"A portkey?" Hermione asked.
"To my ancestorial home," Harry explained. "Sorry, but it needs to be just me and Harper until we can get the protective wards working," he added to their friend's eager looks.
"Ms. Weasley will not like that," Neville mused.
"It's better to ask forgiveness than permission," Harper sighed, taking the cup.
"Harry, Harper," Hermione said as Harry took hold of the cup and the portkey took them both away right as Molly walked out of the house.
"Where did they go?" Molly asked. "They were right…"
"No idea," Hermione and Neville said together, quickly.
"I need a word with their parents," Molly said clearly annoyed.
"Might want to wait," Hermione said. "Arizona is seven hours behind us. It's one in the morning there..." Hermione was quick with her math. Molly was already mumbling, though, as she went inside. "Neville, who do you think is faster? Hedwig or Warwick?"
"Both are pretty fast but probably Hedwig, why?" Neville asked.
"I need to write my parents and they need to get it fast and get a message back today," Hermione said, knowing they would be relocating to her parents later today – Molly Weasley completely rubbed Harry and Harper the wrong way, and she didn't even know she was doing it. "You may want to pack soon," he gave her friend a knowing look as he nodded but headed toward the Weasley house.
With that, Hermione disappeared back into the tent.
Post Chapter Note: Well, I hope you enjoyed this rather long chapter. As mentioned at the start, I don't really 'gel' with Molly, so it came out a little in this chapter. She's better in the books when Harry isn't quite as forthcoming as he is here, but with Harry's independent and Molly overprotectiveness I can't see them working well here.. What do you guys think of the Gringotts Vaults though, the things left by the Flamels and Harry and Harper's meeting? Interesting stuff.
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