Harry Potter and the Founders Vault
Disclaimer: Let's face it, if I owned Harry Potter, I would not be writing fanfictions.
Note: As it's been a few weeks since the last chapter, I just want to remind you that Ron is a bit of a dickhead at the moment, but he has a character arc starting in the second year, which really will mellow him out more to the books. Remember, I'm playing the long game here.
Year 1: Under the Painting
Harry Potter came down the Grand Staircase and into the Entrance Hall, finding Harper already waiting outside the doors to the Great Hall. He ran up to hug his sister – both were in their school robes; Harry's now supported the Gryffindor crest and Harper, the Slytherin's; these symbols having appeared during the night. "Miss me?" Harper joked with her brother.
"Yes," Harry said with a smile. "You won't believe the…"
"Harry?" Harry groaned at the voice of Ron Weasley. "She's a Slytherin! You can't talk to her."
Harry's hands balled into a fist as she turned to look at the red head. "What did you just say?" Harry asked, anger in his voice, but Ron didn't seem to catch it.
"She's a Slytherin. There's not a witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't in Slytherin," Ron pointed out.
"This is my sister," Harry countered. "So, say that one more time."
"All Slytherins are bad. It's well known," Ron faltered, frowning at Harry now.
"Harry, use your words," Harper muttered, seeing Harry was ready to punch his fellow Gryffindor. "You don't want detention on your first day of school."
"Fine okay," Harry said. "Look here Weasley, I don't know what apparently everyone knows, since in America the house system isn't used, but I listened to the Sorting Hat's song and it didn't say 'Gryffindor good' and 'Slytherin evil'. Each House represents different traits. Courage is great, but that doesn't necessarily mean your good. Do you think the soldiers who fought for the Axis powers in the World War did not have courage? Being smart is great, but brains can be used for both good and evil. Those who make weapons of mass distraction or experiment on people, were they not geniuses because what they did can be used for evil means? No, they were brilliant. Loyalty is a double edge sword since you can be loyal to a good or bad cause. The Nazis were loyal to Hitler. Your own Death Eaters were loyal to Lord Voldemort."
Ron flinched at the name, but Harry didn't stop. "As for Slytherin being cunning, well cunning can definitely be used for evil, but it can also be used for good. The Trojan Horse was a sneaky maneuver, but were those soldier's evil? The Boston Tea Party, those men were sneaky, but they were patriots fighting for a good cause."
"The Boston What? What a horse?" Ron asked, completely confused.
"What has your education been like until now?" Harry paused.
"My mom and my brothers have taught me what I needed…" Ron muttered at this, obviously doubting himself now
"Well, that explains a lot," Harry stated. He was ignoring the crowd that was forming. "For your information, I will judge people on who they are, not what their House is. And right now, I don't really like you, so go f –"
"Language, Harry!" Harper snapped, seeing where this was going. "Let's keep this PG." That got a few people to turn their heads to her, and other chuckling, realizing where Harry had been going.
"Ugh, fine, go freak off because I don't want to see your face. And if you insult my sister like that again in front of me, you'll have hell to pay," Harry said. "Now go!"
Ron looked like he was going to say something and then backed off, retreating into the Great Hall in shock.
"Very nice, Potter," Harry almost groaned again at the droning voice of Draco Malfoy. "You've found out here that some wizarding families are better than others. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. You're ahead turning away Weasley, but I can help you in the future." Draco held out his hand at this.
"Do you think I have a memory problem?" Harry retorted. "Mister 'oh you're American, how ghastly'. Or how about mister 'whatever house gets them should be ashamed'. Or what about mister 'Harry Potter is dead'. Do you think I have forgotten these comments?"
"Well, clearly you know how ghastly America is since you have chosen to come back here. Your rightful home," Draco pointed out.
"Okay, I am going to say this once and everyone here watching can spread it around. I am proud to be an American. Where at least I know I'm free," Harry said.
"You're quoting a song," Harper pointed out.
"A great and true song," Harry said. "And it's true. I love my home. I am proud of being American. I told you when we first met, I was coming here for personal reasons, which are still none of your business, but since you won't leave me alone, I am here for a connection to my birth parents. But I only came here because the school agreed to let my sister in as well. If they would not let her in, I would have gladly went to Grand Canyon Academy of Magics…"
"Or Keala," Harper added in.
"Or Keala Magic School," Harry added. "I said I would not judge on Houses and I won't, but I will judge on personality and I don't like you either so…"
"Careful with language," Harper said.
"Buzz off," Harry snapped to Draco.
"Fine. You'll be sorry, Potter," Draco scowled, and he and his two goons went into the Great Hall too.
"What's with you and Keala?" Harry turned to his sister.
"Hawaii," Harper said slowly, and Harry had to laugh. "You know, I don't know if going to the Slytherin table is a good idea," Harper added.
"Or the Gryffindor table," Harry said with a nod.
"Want to go see how Hermione is doing?" Harper asked.
"Good idea," Harry said, and the siblings entered the Great Hall, moving over to the Ravenclaw table to look for their friend.
-Harry Potter-
Hermione had been at the Ravenclaw table bright and early and had not seen Harry's speech. She liked the idea of being in Ravenclaw, with people who liked education as much as her. She did wonder, however, if this meant she, Harry, and Harper would not be friends anymore.
As if reading her mind though at that moment, Harper and Harry appeared on either side of her, sitting down at the table.
"Hey, Mione," Harper said, taking a seat.
"Mind if we call you Mione?" Harry added.
"Um… no," Hermione said, shocked but also happy.
"So, Harry here decided to make an epic speech in front of the Great Hall," Harper said.
"Which Harper had to interrupt a few times," Harry continued, to which Harper stuck out her tongue at him.
"Anyway, he might have pissed off a few people at the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables," Harper said.
"So, we figured we would hide out here with you," Harry said. He noticed the other Ravenclaws giving them looks but not saying anything to them.
"You two still want to be friends?" Hermione asked, but smiled, nonetheless.
"Of course," Harper said as she poured an orange liquid into a goblet.
"Half my speech was about not judging people base on Houses," Harry added on. "We like you, Mione."
Before Hermione could respond Harper was spitting the juice back into her cup and making faces. "What is this? That's not orange juice!" Harper said.
"It's Pumpkin juice," an older Ravenclaw answered. "The only drinks served at Hogwarts are water and pumpkin juice."
"That explained the lack of soda last night," Harper said, making another face. She liked having a soda. "I stuck to water then but man…"
"Think we're going to need to ask mom to send juice boxes with her care packages," Harry said.
"Can I steal some?" Hermione asked.
"Of course," Harper said as she took some water and started grabbing some food, Harry joining her.
The other Ravenclaws didn't seem to have a problem with Harry and Harper sitting with them. Another first year named Padma had started a conversation with the siblings and Hermione, who felt lucky that she had found two good friends.
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans?" It was one of the teachers. The shortest one in the teachers group. "You two are not Ravenclaws…"
"Is that a problem?" Harry asked.
"There's no rule against sitting at other houses table," Hermione was quick to add in. "I read the rulebook Professor Flitwick."
"That is true. You're only required to sit at your own tables during the Welcoming and Leaving feasts, but your Head of Houses will have your schedule," Professor Flitwick told the pair.
"It's okay, Filius," it was Professor McGonagall coming up. "I need a word with these two regarding their classes anyway."
"Having to do with the fact we have been attending Junior Magic School for years and you don't education your kids before the age of 11?" Harry spoke, making the professor look at them in surprise. "It was an easy guess."
"We've had most of the books for First Year for our Junior Magic School classes," Harper added.
"Plus, no one told Hermione she was a witch until 11 meaning no Junior school to put her in," Harry said.
"And that Ron Weasley made mention to only his mom educating him," Harper said.
"Meaning we have to be ahead of our classmates in certain classes," Harry finished.
"Well, you two are more than welcome at the Ravenclaw table any time," Professor Flitwick said happily now, seeming impressed with their reasonings as he handed Hermione her schedule and continued with the First, and Sixth, years.
"Well, yes, after you're done with breakfast have a Prefect show you the way to my office," Professor McGonagall spoke, and the siblings gave a nod.
A few minutes later, they were joined by a Ravenclaw Prefect by the name of Penelope Clearwater, who agreed to show them the way to Professor McGonagall's office. "Well, see you later, Mione," Harry and Harper said together at this.
"Harry?" Harry paused at hearing his name and turned to see Neville.
"Hey Neville," Harry smiled.
"I wanted to say thank you for the gift," Neville said, referencing Harry's use of the family vault to give the Longbottoms their long-awaited gift. "I know you didn't have to give that to me."
"No need to thank me. My parents wanted your parents to have it," Harry said with a smile. "Talk later, Neville." Harry gave Neville a nod as he and Harper went to follow Penelope to Professor McGonagall's office.
Professor McGonagall was waiting for them as they both took a seat. "Normally your Head of House would deal with the class roster," Professor McGonagall started, "but given your special case, as Deputy Headmistress, I have decided to talk to you both myself. Now, I have talked to all your teachers and showed them your previous schooling records and we have concluded that with Transfiguration, Charms, and Defense Against the Darks Arts there's not much we can do. You might know the theory behind the magic and how it works but you don't know the spells. You'll need to sit with your classes through all the theory to learn – although if you prove to be extremely good, there's a chance we can move you ahead through the spells quickly." Harry and Harper nodded. "Professors Sinistra of Astronomy and Sprout of Herbology, on the other hand, have agreed to give you a test to see where you fit and put you with the higher year. I suggest you make sure to study."
"No problem," Harper said, giving Harry a smirk.
"What about Potions?" Harry asked. "We should at least be in second year."
"Sadly, Professor Snape refuses to let you move up," Professor McGonagall said giving an expression of great disproval on this decision.
"Snape? Severus Snape?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Harper said knowing she forgot to tell Harry something. "He's my Head of House."
"Professor Snape," Professor McGonagall corrected. "But there's not much I can do in regard to Potions. You'll have to stay in your year group. Now, as for History of Magic, you're going to be excused from those classes entirely." That surprised the pair. "The one clause is at the end of the year you need to submit a history paper."
"Any restriction of topics?" Harper asked.
"As long as it's magical history, no," Professor McGonagall said with a nod to Harper. "As for Care of Magical Creatures, that is an optional class taught by Professor Kettleburn that you can enter in your third year here," Harry gave a frown there; he really did enjoy magical creatures. "Although our Gamekeeper, Hagrid, might like the help taking care of some of his creatures," the Professor added slyly, after seeing the face and Harry smiled. "Flying is also optional, so you can disregard those if you want to, but if you have any interest in playing Quidditch, Harry, you'll need to take at least one class."
"I have no interest in playing Quidditch," Harry said instantly. He didn't get the obsession with this so-called sport.
"I heard you were into sports, I figured you would want to play," McGonagall said.
"Oh no…" Harper sighed, knowing what was about to happen with Harry.
"Quidditch is barely a sport," Harry started his rant. "There is no exercise in it. And let's not mention how insane the scoring system is. Each time the Quaffle goes through the hoop it's 10 points but catching the Snitch which finishes the game is 150. Meaning, to win without catching the Snitch you have to stay 16 goals ahead of the other team, 15 to tie. It's nearly impossible even for professional teams. You might as well just let out the snitch in games and see who catches it first. And don't get me started on Bludgers. I mean people think football is dangerous but at least there's not actually a heavy ball trying to knock you off a broom while you're flying high in the air. It might as well be called Death Squad."
"You're not the first one to get him into that rant," Harper said when Harry was done, while Professor McGonagall's lips pursed at the speech. "Although the Death Squad thing was new…"
"Sorry, I just… I don't like the game," Harry muttered at this.
"Well then," Professor McGonagall sighed, glad she was good at hiding her disappointment. She had really hoped Harry had inherited his father's abilities and he could help the Gryffindor team to victory. She had also been prepared to waive their no-First-Years clause to get him on the team, if needed. It seemed that he didn't care for the game at all. He hated it, in fact. She was glad his father wasn't alive to know this – James had loved the sport. "Well, then I guess you're free to not attend flying classes. Here are your schedules for this week. This Saturday you will be taking the tests for Herbology and Astronomy to see what class to put you in. Afterward I will give you your official schedule. Now you two better get to Potions."
"Thanks, Professor," Harper took the lead, taking their schedules and leaving without another word.
"Come on, I know the way," Harper said, and Harry nodded, a little lost in thought now but surprised that they both did find the way easily without getting lost.
Once inside the classroom, the siblings took seats next to each other, ignoring the looks they got for sitting together. The Gryffindor and the Slytherin. The pair had been partners in Potions in their Junior Magic School and planned on continuing being partners so long as their two Houses had Potions together.
Professor Snape, still reminding Harper of an overlarge bat, came in and started with the student register, pausing on Harry's name. "Ah yes. Harry Potter," Snape said, a small smile forming on his lips. "Our new… celebrity."
Draco and his friends gave a laugh as Harry looked at Harper. "Celebrity?" He asked his sister quietly.
"The Boy Who Lived, remember?" Harper whispered back, and Harry had to roll his eyes. He knew a bit of why Snape hated him, and he had to think of a way to appease the man since he did actually like Potions. Professor Snape had finished the register and stood at this point.
"Well then, students, you are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making," he began. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softy simmering cauldron with its glistening fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…. I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even put a stopper in death – if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."
Harper and Harry looked at each other. This would be an interesting class. It was clear from that speech that Severus Snape was nothing like their former Potion teacher in Junior Magic School.
"Potter!" Snape called suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
"Draught of the Living Dead sir," Harry said instantly, it surprising Severus Snape.
"A lucky guess," Snape drawled. "Let's try again Potter. Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"
"Stomach of a goat," Harry replied without even a pause.
"It looks like you inherited some of your mother's brain," Snape said, his lips forming a cruel smile once more, and Harry figured that would be the closest thing to a compliment the man would give. "One final question. What's the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
"Nothing sir," Harry said. "They are the same plant."
Snape stared at Harry for a moment. "Very… good," Professor Snape muttered, before adding. "Why is no one writing this down?" He called this to the class and students fumbled, starting to write down Harry's answers. Professor Snape then put instructions on the board for a simple cure for boils.
Harper and Harry had made this before and easily started working together. Looking around though, it wasn't hard to see some people having problems understanding – especially the muggleborns, who were new to potion ingredients. Professor Snape was providing little explanation besides the instructions he gave – he even seemed to look for reasons to take points from Gryffindors and Harper thought that the only reason he didn't take anything away from Harry was due to the fact that she, a Slytherin, was teamed up with him. He couldn't take points from one partner without taking from the other.
Finishing up, Professor Snape told the class to bottle their potions into a flask and hand them to him, where he would assess to give them the results the next lesson.
"Well, it seems you two made an acceptable potion," the Professor said, looking over their potion with one eye. "A point for each of you. Now leave. Class dismissed."
Harper and Harry took their things and left the room quickly. "You are my personal shield against him," Harry stated, and Harper laughed at the joke. "We've got to figure out how to appease the man. Somehow using my mom."
"Were those questions he asked you odd?" Harper asked. "I mean, draught of the living dead. That's advance knowledge."
"Without my junior schooling, I'd there's no way I would know it," Harry said. "You know, asphodel is a type of lily. Like my mom."
"You think he was trying to tell you something in code?" Harper wondered, and then the two laughed, shrugging it off. "Anyway, I have Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Hufflepuffs," Harper stated, looking at her current educational schedule. "Meet at break in the Entrance Hall? Then we can find the Library."
"Sure," Harry smiled. "I have Charms anyway. At least I'll be with Mione," he smiled at this as they parted ways.
An hour later, Harper and Harry met in the Entrance Hall as intended. Harry's Charms class had proved fun, although Harper's Defense Against the Dark Arts was more infuriating – Professor Quirrell was a nervous man who jumped at the slightest things and his stutter made him hard to understand, which caused some confusion for Harper.
Leaving the Entrance Hall together now though, the siblings were once again surprised at how quickly they found the library. They didn't even need to ask for directions; it was almost like something was leading them there.
The library itself was massive, with selves doing off into a dark distance, although the hooked-nose librarian seemed to be stalking several students at once, protecting her books, maybe. Harry and Harper though went to where the Sorting Hat had instructed Harper and found the painting. "We seek the Founders' Vault," Harper said aloud, albeit quietly.
The painting's eyes moved to look at them and then a hidden compartment opened under the painting. Harper reached inside and took out an old leather-bound book. The pair looked at each other as they found a nearby table, out of view, and opened the first page.
The page was blank for a moment, but then words started to write onto it…
Welcome those who seek what we hid away.
We, the Founders of Hogwarts,
Put this quest to any students who dare seek the Founders' Vault.
Know not one person can do this alone.
For those who seek the treasure, you shall need one person from each house.
Slytherin:
Gryffindor:
Hufflepuff:
Ravenclaw:
Please, speak your names and your house before we go further.
"You first," Harry said with a nod to his sister. This was her reason for coming to Hogwarts, after all.
"Harper Evans, Slytherin," Harper spoke, and next to 'Slytherin' her name appeared.
"Harry James Potter, Gryffindor," Harry spoke, and his name appeared in the book next to Gryffindor. After, the book continued to write.
You will need to find a Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff to join you quest before you can get the treasure. Please turn the page for more information.
Sharing another look, silently, they flipped the page and the writing continued on the back of the page.
This book is connected to the magics of Hogwarts. The Magic of Hogwarts updates the words, so if language changes it will be in the right language.
"That does explain the English," Harry said after reading that line, having expected Latin to begin with.
The magics of Hogwarts continuously updates the clues to keep them current and give you a good ability to figure them out. Don't take this meaning the quest you have set on will be easy, as it is, in fact, greatly challenging.
Each representative will need to find four keys. The Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin keys are hidden in hidden chambers in Hogwarts, while the Hufflepuff is slightly different. This only the Hufflepuff representative will discover. The person representing their House will have to complete the task given to get the key. Each person in your quest will receive the key the Founders Vault is yours and what is inside is yours to do with what you need.
Should you fail any quest then this book and all keys you find will be returned to where they came from. There are no second chances. Once you fail, you can never look for the Vault again.
To help balance this quest with, studying the magic of Hogwarts will remind you of exams and assignments you need to hand in.
"Bet you Rowena Ravenclaw added that part," Harper muttered.
Indeed, Harper Evans, Rowena Ravenclaw added this feature.
The two laughed as the book added that line to end of the second page before instructing them to turn the page over.
The first key you must find is the Gryffindor key. You will need to discover the location of Gryffindor's hidden chamber along with figuring out the correct password.
First the location:
I guard much more than anyone knows.
As Gryffindor's secrets lies hidden within,
Be prepared before you impose,
As the task demands only the bravest kin.
Come find me when you're ready, fore,
I am half-Gryffindor and half-Ravenclaw.
Also, please, don't forget your Herbology and Astronomy exam this weekend.
"Half Gryffindor and Ravenclaw?" Harper asked, ignoring the comment about the exam.
"It's a riddle of some kind," Harry said tilting his head looking at it – that was when the Librarian yelled at them to be quiet. The pair afraid she had seen the book but if she did, she made no indication of seeing it or knowing what it was. "Let's take this somewhere else."
Harper nodded and they threw the book into Harry's bag before heading out of the room.
-Harry Potter-
The next day Harper and Harry were waiting outside the Great Hall before breakfast. They saw Hermione walking with Padma; they had eaten both lunch and dinner with her the day before and planned to meet in front of the Great Hall everyday "Hey Mione," Harper called. "We're going to sit at the Gryffindor table today."
"Mainly to piss off Weasley, a Slytherin is sitting there," Harry stated. "Joining?"
"Sure," Hermione said with a chuckle, and said goodbye to Padma, who wanted to stick with the Ravenclaw table. The trio moved over to the Gryffindor table, sitting not that far from Ron, Seamus, and Dean. Harper made sure to wave to Ron, who rolled his eyes but learned better than saying anything.
As the pair ate some cereal, the morning post started to arrive, hundreds of owls flying in from the high windows, surprising many first years. Harry spotted the white owl that was Hedwig, who came without any letter but seemed to want to grab bacon from Harry.
"Hey girl, think you're up for a fly to America later? Need to send mom and dad a letter," Harry asked.
"Plus, we should send Jonny a letter. See how Warren School of Charms is," Harper added.
"That's in San Francisco. Think you can make two stops?" Harry asked and Hedwig gave a small hoot, as if saying yes. "We'll come up to the Owlery later with the notes."
"Hey, look at this," it was Seamus. He had a newspaper in his hand that neither Harry or Harper knew of. "Gringotts was broken into. Someone got into Vault 713."
"Vault 713?" Harper said, looking to Seamus curiously. "Really?"
"Yes," Seamus said, holding up the paper. "Was during the summer."
"Isn't that the Vault…" Harper started
"…that Hagrid went to?" Harry finished for his sister. "He emptied it."
"Took out a ratty old package," Harper said. The three Gryffindors looked to one another at this, before leaning in to whisper among one another.
"Come to think of it, Hagrid asked us to keep that to ourselves," Harry said, shrugging off the behavior of his fellow Gryffindor.
"Yeah, we should have kept our mouths shut," Harper said with a nod as the two turned to talk to Hermione, who had watched the conversation with interest. "Hey Mione, did you have Potions yesterday evening?"
"Yeah, with Hufflepuff," Hermione said. "Poor Neville melted a cauldron. Got injured. Why?"
"Did Snape ask any weird questions?" Harry asked. "He asked some really complicated questions First Years wouldn't normally know the answer to." Hermione though, shook her head.
"No, Professor Snape didn't. He took register and then got us working on a cure for boils. Many of the class were lost as he didn't show us how to, but I knew a lot from my books so I was able to help. He gave me 5 points for it. What did he ask?" Hermione was curious.
"His first was what we'd get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood," Harry voiced
"Draught of the Living Dead," Hermione stated, frowning but surprising the siblings of her knowledge
"How'd you know that?" Harper asked.
"I did read our textbooks before school started," Hermione pointed out.
"Fair enough," Harry laughed.
"What else did he ask?" Hermione insisted.
"Yeah, erm, where would I look to find a bezoar," Harry stated.
"Stomach of a goat," Hermione nodded, both laughing at her instant knowledge.
"And what the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane is," Harper supplied for her brother.
"They're the same plant," Hermione pointed out. "How curious."
"We wonder if it's some type of code… it was all directed to me," Harry stated.
"Yeah, and we know asphodel is a type of lily," Harper continued. "His mom name was Lily," she added, indicating her brother.
"Well, your right about asphodel," Hermione said thoughtfully. "It could also mean 'my regrets follow you to the grave'. And wormwood symbolizes bitter sorrow. So, the question about draught of the living dead could mean 'I bitterly regret Lily's death'."
"Ah, look at that. There was a code," Harper smirked, thinking that could be true. "You're good with codes and riddles, Mione."
As those words left Harper's mouth, Harry and Harper looked at each other. The pair had theorized about the riddle in their quest, but so far were coming up blank. They also needed a Ravenclaw with them, but they paused. They liked Hermione, but they had only known her a few days. They wanted to make sure the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw they asked to join were true friends, plus they didn't want those friends to think they were being manipulated just so Harper and Harry could get into the Founders' Vault.
They would get to know Hermione better, and see if she would be up to a magical quest with them. It wasn't like there was a time limited given on when they had to figure out the riddle, as long as they didn't get it wrong.
Post Chapter Note: This is the real start of the quest and I hope you enjoyed. I'll be going away on a short vacation shortly so the next chapter may take longer to get out. I'm averaging at around 1 chapter every 2 weeks, however, so we'll see how that progresses.
Karry Master OUT!