Harry Potter and the Founders' Vault
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Note: Thanks for the kind messages to my last chapter in regard to my update status of this story. That won't change, but always keep an eye out for updates when they come!
Year 2: The Writing on the Wall
Hermione, Harper, Harry, and Neville were in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom after classes on Halloween. They had the bathroom set up to make the potion for the Hufflepuff quest, and Hermione had started on the first potion. "We need the last ingredients," Hermione mused as she looked at the recipe. "I can't do anymore without them."
"Only place we're going to get those is Snape's storage at the moment," Harry pointed out.
"We'll have to steal it," Harper mused, making the three turn to her. "Tonight. Everyone will be at the Feast. Snape only keeps a simple lock on his ingredient storage. We can get in and out tonight while everyone is celebrating Halloween."
"We're skipping the feast?" Neville asked, seeming upset by this – he quite liked the Halloween feast.
"Sorry, Nev," Harper stated to their friend.
"We should go grab something to eat now," Harry mused, nodding to his sister's plan.
"Let me just…" Hermione stopped herself, taking out her wand and waving it over the cauldron, mumbling spells under her breath. "Protection spells and preservation spells. The potion will stay fine here until we can finish it."
"It will be fine," Rowan appeared, floating near them. "Just to let you know both myself and Myrtle will be at Nearly Headless Nick's Death Day Party tonight."
"Death Day Party?" Hermione asked, curious for the term.
"Celebrating the day someone died," Neville pointed out. "Gran thinks it's stupid."
"To be fair, I don't think I'd want to celebrate the day I died," Harry agreed.
"Well, Nick's got the Headless Hunt coming and I think he wants to impress them," Rowan pointed out.
"Why?" Neville asked this.
"I think he wants to join them," Rowan mused.
"Despite not being entirely headless," Harper chuckled at this.
"Wish him luck, in that case," Harry stated, having a fond spot for his House's ghost.
"And have fun," Hermione added, "or as much fun as you can celebrating someone's death… You too, Myrtle."
"Thank you," Myrtle said floating out of her stall before standing next to Harry, staring at him through her big round spectacles. "You could come as my date, Harry."
"Um…. Thanks Myrtle, but I kind of have to pull off a theft today," Harry strutted, ignoring the looks his sister was giving him. Myrtle frowned but floated up now, pouting, as the group left the bathroom.
"Meet when the feast starts in the dungeon," Harry added now, the group agreeing to this as they split up and went their separate ways.
-Harry Potter-
Harry, Hermione, and Harper were waiting for Neville; Harry had Lucy, his crup dog, with him. She sitting on the floor by Harry's feet. The Feast had started, and the trio were wondering if Neville had decided to go instead of breaking into Snape's potion ingredients.
"Sorry," they heard Neville before they saw him, coming down the staircase leading to the Entrance Hall, seeming out of breath. "Had to get away from Susan."
"Ah, that's fine," Harry grinned, glad their friend had joined them as he pat Neville on the back but noticed Neville seemed nervous. "…because, we have an important job for you. We need a look out." Harry reached into the bag he was holding and took out his Invisibility Cloak, gifted to him by Dumbledore last Christmas. "No one will be able to see you and Lucy." Harry gave Lucy the order to stay by Neville.
"You have an Invisibility Cloak?!" Neville asked, seeming impressed by this as he put it on him and around Lucy as the pair disappeared under it.
"It was a gift," Harry stated, deciding not to go into it now.
"Come on," Hermione muttered as she opened up the door to the Potions classroom, where the ingredients they needed were stored in the back. "We'll need to get into Professor Snape's private collection."
The potion storage was, as Harper predicted, just locked by a simple lock. Professor Snape obviously hadn't thought anyone would dare break into this part of his storage and, once inside, Harper, Harry and Hermione easily found what they were looking for and piled it into Harry's bag.
The three heading out, Harper putting the lock back on and then went outside the classroom.
"Nev?" Harry whispered and Neville took the Invisibility Cloak; Harry took it back and put it over the ingredients in his bag – just in case.
"Easy peasy lemon…" Harper started but stopped herself.
"Kill! Must kill…" a voice was saying, whispering. It was nearby.
"Do you hear that?!" Harper asked. It was the same voice she heard late at night in her dorm room the other week; the one she thought she had dreamed. Lucy gave a bark at this, her head inclined in a direction, as if she could see or sense something the others couldn't.
"Hear what?" Harry asked. "Lucy, quiet!" Lucy didn't stop barking this time though.
"Kill…" the voice said again.
"We… We've got…." Harper started, and then started to move. Lucy gave a bark and followed after Harper.
"What's up with your sister?" Hermione asked as Harry shrugged but ran after Harper, Lucy now growling lowly.
"Harp, where are you going?!" Harry asked.
"Don't you hear the voice? It's going to kill someone!" Harper said as Lucy continued to growl, keeping close to Harper.
"Kill?" Neville asked seeming nervous.
"What voice?" Hermione asked as they ran the familiar path towards Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
When they came to the hallway, though, it was covered in water.
"Holy Cricket! Someone must have upset Myrtle," Hermione bemoaned when they stopped there. "Good thing I put the protection charms on the potion..."
Lucy started barking again, and Harper bent down to hold onto Lucy. "Where is it?" Harper asked looking around.
"Um… guys… bigger problem," Harry stated, his voice quavering. He was looking at the wall opposite the bathroom and the three turned to see his gaze. On the wall were words written in what looked like blood. "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened…" Harry started.
"Enemies of the Heir, beware," Harper finished for her brother.
"Is… is… that blood?" Neville asked pointing to the writing. His arm was shaking as he looked at the wall.
"I don't know," Hermione stated, not sure whether to move closer to it or not.
"Could be paint," Harry tried, although somehow doubted that.
"Wait, what is that?" Neville asked, pointing at something that was hanging from a torch bracket just beyond the writing, which had distracted them up until now.
It was Mrs. Norris, hanging from her tail.
"We need to get out of here," Harry said instantly; the four of them could not be caught here with a dead cat of the caretaker – and writing in blood on the wall.
Before they could move though, there were footsteps heard and suddenly it seemed the majority of the school was around them – including the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, which was odd considering their Common Room was below in the dungeons.
"Enemies of the heir beware," the voice was Draco Malfoy, a sneer on his face which made Harry want to punch him. "You'll be next, Mudbloods."
"How dare you!" Neville said, something seeming to snap in him with the word Draco used. "You…!" Harry grabbed hold of Neville, seeing the boy had gotten some nerve, but attacking Draco right now would not be good.
"What's going on here? What's going on?" Harry, Hermione, and Harper moaned at the voce of Argus Filch, who quickly got through the crowd of students before he paused, seeing the animal hanging from the torch. Harry let go of Neville, who seemed to have lost his nerve with Filch present. "My cat! My cat! What's happened to Mrs. Norris?!" Filch's eyes went to the four students. "You!" He screeched, reaching forward, and grabbing Harry – the nearest of the four. "You've murdered my cat! You've killed her. I'll kill you. I'll…."
"ARGUS!" Professor Dumbledore's shout and appeared before them now, along with Professors McGonagall and Snape. "Please, let Mr. Potter go," Professor Dumbledore now moved passed them, Argus releasing Harry's robes from his grasp as the headmaster took the cat off the wall, frowning at the words on the wall before turning back to face everyone gathered. "Everyone, please head back to your common rooms – I don't see a reason for half of you to even be in this corridor. Now, Argus come with me. Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans, Ms. Granger, and Mr. Longbottom, you too."
"My office is nearest, Headmaster, just up the stairs we could…" Lockhart started as the students reluctantly began to disperse, although whispering among themselves now.
"Thank you, Gilderoy," Dumbledore said, walking off with purpose now, heading towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, still holding the sorry cat, followed by the teachers, four students and crup.
Lucy was still growling, Harry only just noticed in the commotion. "Lucy, please be quiet," Harry whispered to his crup and Lucy calmed down now.
When they entered Lockhart's office, the group saw movement that made them pause for a moment before the lights were turned on – many portraits of Gilderoy Lockhart himself covered the walls, most of them moving out of frame, appearing to be in their night attire, while one remained with his blonde locks in curlers.
The teachers ignored these images as Professor Dumbledore place Mrs. Norris upon Gilderoy's desk to examine her. Meanwhile, Professor Lockhart was talking about what curse had killed the cat, making Filch even more upset.
"Oh, if only I'd been there when the attack took place – I could have defended the cat myself," Professor Lockhart was saying. "I recognize the effects of this curse and I know the very counter-curse which could have saved her…" the portrait of himself in curlers was nodding his agreement to this statement.
"I'd trade places with Mrs. Norris right now," Harry mumbled to his sister, who tried not to chuckle as Hermione, who heard this, elbowed both of them lightly. Neville, meanwhile, had gone white as a sheet now.
"She is not dead," Dumbledore spoke finally, cutting off Professor Lockhart.
"She's not?" Filch asked, his voice barely audible.
"She is not, Argus," Professor Dumbledore nodded. "She's been petrified."
"I knew it!" Professor Lockhart exclaimed, making both Harry and Harper groan, knowing full well Professor Lockhart hadn't a clue. "Again, I could have helped if I had been…"
"Oh, do be quiet," Professor McGonagall snapped at her fellow teacher, Gilderoy falling silent at this demand, his face reddening slightly. Harry thought he caught a glimpse of humor cross the Headmaster's face at this brief exchange, but it returned to deadpan serious almost just as quickly.
"I simply don't know how," Professor Dumbledore admitted.
"Ask them!" Filch snapped now, pointing at the four students. "They did it!"
"Argus, no Second-Year student could do this," Professor McGonagall spoke up once more. "It would take great dark magic…."
"They did it! They were there!" Filch accused.
"We didn't touch Mrs. Norris," Harry pointed out.
"Why would we?" Harper continued for her brother. "I like the cat. She may be a bit like her owner, but she's still lovable." Filch seemed to falter at these words of kindness from the Slytherin student.
"If I may speak," Professor Snape spoke, causing Neville to whimper as he moved forward, the students wondering if this would be good or bad for them. "Despite Mr. Potter and Ms. Evans's advancement in certain subjects – and Ms. Granger's brains – none of the three are knowledgeable enough to do this, while Mr. Longbottom couldn't charm a mouse, let alone petrify a cat. But I can't help but notice none of these four were at the Feast. It could be a coincidence, but definitely suspicious."
"We deserve to be able to explain," Harper said.
"Quite right," Professor Dumbledore said to Harper's defense, giving Harper a nod and indicated he was waiting.
Harper paused for a moment. They might have not done anything to Mrs. Norris, but they had stolen from Snape – something they could not admit. "We were looking for those candles," Harper said, suddenly remembering the excuse they gave last year when they skipped the Feast and faced the troll in the bathroom.
"Yes," Harry added quickly not missing a beat. "It's been 11 years since my parents died, after all."
"And we weren't able to honor them last year," Harper continued.
"Because of the troll," Harry finished for his sister.
"So, this year we were going to do it," Harper said.
"But we can't seem to find the candles. We were going to look through some spare rooms up here," Harry continued.
"When we came across the writing on the wall," Harper completed.
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Longbottom?" Professor Dumbledore asked, looking curiously over his half-moon spectacles.
"That's correct," Hermione said with a nod.
"Lily and James were my godparents," Neville practically squeaked, and Harry made sure to keep his poker face on. He had not known that. "I wanted to join in."
Professor Dumbledore looked over them before he sighed.
"Very well, you may go back to your dormitories," the Headmaster said.
"I demand punishment!" Filch suddenly called out.
"Argus, there are no rules broken by skipping the Feast," Professor Dumbledore pointed out, "and as both myself and Professor Snape have pointed out, there's no possible way for them to have done this to Mrs. Norris. Potter, Evans, Granger and Longbottom, you may go." Harry, Harper, Hermione, and Neville didn't need to be told a third time to leave; Harry gave a whistle so Lucy followed them, and the four left the office, hearing the Headmaster mention that mature Mandrakes would help revive the cat as they left.
"Gilderoy, could you perhaps take Mr. Filch back to his office so he could rest?" Professor Dumbledore asked once he was sure the four students were out of earshot.
"But…" Gilderoy started.
"Please," the Headmaster added, and Gilderoy sighed as he took Argus by the arm and lead him from the office, the caretaker confused as to what was going on and how mandrakes could help revive his cat.
"Albus?" Professor McGonagall asked once Professor Lockhart had taken the caretaker away. "Do you believe them? Harry, Harper and their friends?"
"That they were looking for candles to honor Lily and James?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "Much like last year, as honorable as it sounds, no I don't. I am sure they were doing something for their quest for the Founders' Vault, however, as I stated last year we cannot interfere with that. Besides, we have more urgent matters. The Chamber of Secrets." Professor Dumbledore looked back at the petrified cat as he said this.
"Do you believe the message? That it has been opened once more?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"There were petrification last time the Chamber was opened," Professor Snape spoke up once more, the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress having almost forgotten about him being there, "or so I'm told."
"Indeed Severus, and sadly until we have another attack, we cannot be certain," Professor Dumbledore stated, sadly now.
-Harry Potter-
"I can't believe we used that excuse twice!" Hermione stated as they headed out and got as far away from the teachers as they could.
"I can't believe Neville almost punched Draco," Harper added.
"Yeah, Nev, I have never seen you react like that," Harry said, finding it funny himself. "What got you so riled. That word he said?"
"You don't know," Neville said, color having returned to his complexion now as he looked at his friends. "It's a cruel name used for someone with muggle blood."
"Oh," Harper said. "There are those in America who use other words that probably mean similar." Harper shrugged. "Sticks and stones…"
"What?" Neville asked.
"It's a muggle saying," Hermione spoke up. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Let's just ignore Malfoy. Did you see the words? The Chamber of Secrets. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History but I can't remember the legends."
"It's in my book that had the legend of the Founders' Vault in it," Harper added. "I left it at home, but it's something about only Slytherin heir can control the horrors within."
"Enemies of the heir beware," Harry repeated, the four looking at each other. "But we better get back to our dorms. Meet tomorrow to continue the potion?" Harry took Lucy's lead now from Harper, "and we can discuss more that voice you heard," he added to his sister, who nodded at this.
With that, he and Hermione walked off in the same direction, heading deeper into the castle, as both Harper and Neville had to head towards the dungeons.
-Harry Potter-
That night, Godric Gryffindor came to train Harry in his sleep as usual. As the pair had trained though, Harry mind was on the Chamber and thinking about the man before him.
"What do you want to ask, young heir?" Godric asked, finally stopping. Harry raised an eyebrow, the word 'heir' sticking with him. "There is something on your mind."
"Do you know anything about the Chamber of Secrets?" Harry asked.
"I know more than you think I know," Godric spoke.
"You do?" Harry asked. "I didn't think the other Founders did."
"Legends have a basis in truth, but are not always completely true," Godric stated, and Harry rolled his eyes at the cryptic response.
"You know I am your heir; do you know who is the heir to Salazar Slytherin?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Godric said. "Salazar Slytherin's heirs in Hogwarts are known to me but their life is not something you or I can interfere with."
"Heirs? There's more than one in the school?" Harry asked.
"Well…" Godric paused, seeming to realize he made a mistake.
"How many heirs does Salazar Slytherin have in the school?" Harry asked.
"I think our time is done for the day," Godric said.
"But…!" Harry started but didn't get to say anymore as he jolted up in bed, forced awake by Godric's departure.
Looking out the window he could see through the gap in his four poster bed's curtains, he noticed it was definitely still night. Lucy gave a sleepy bark as Harry got out of bed and opened his trunk. He needed to contact Harper and tell him the slip Godric had done.
-Harry Potter-
Harper wasn't having a good night's sleep herself. Something was making her toss and turn and when she finally got up, she was stunned at what she saw: her Dream Catcher that Mato gave her was glowing. Daisy gave an annoyed meow as Harper frowned at the dream catcher and the glow lessened before disappearing.
"What is that?" Harper was startled by Tracey and turned to her roommate, who was lying in bed looking at her.
"A dream catcher," Harper muttered. "It's meant to catch bad dreams in the middle and allow good dreams to flow down to you instead, but I have never seen them glow before."
"That's cool. Where did you get it?" Tracey asked.
"My Uncle Mato got it. A wizard in his tribe made it," Harper said and then paused seeing Tracey confusion. "I'll get you one for Christmas. I've got to contact Harry…" Harper went for her communication book but paused as she received a message. "Speak of the devil…"
"Have fun," Tracey said, knowing full well of Harper's communication book with her friend as she turned away from Harper in bed, trying to get comfortable again.
Harper opened the book to read Harry's message: 'You will never believe what Godric let slip,' Harry had written, Harper knowing of his dream-training with the Founder.
'First, have you ever heard of a dream catcher glowing? Mine did,' Harper wrote back.
'No, that's weird but this is more important,' Harry wrote back after receiving her message. 'I asked Godric if he knew who the heir of Salazar Slytherin was, and he tried to be cryptic but commented he knew who the heirs were – as in multiple of them. When I questioned his wording, he cut our training short, and I woke up.'
'What do you mean?' Harper wrote back, having an idea of what Harry meant but wanted him to say it exactly.
'I think there is more than one heir to Salazar Slytherin in this school,' Harry wrote back, and Harper groaned as Harry confirmed her thoughts. There was more than one heir to Salazar Slytherin in this school, but who were they? And which one had written on the wall?
'Well, one of them has to have opened the Chamber,' Harper replied back.
'Or they all did,' Harry wrote back. 'This is concerning. At least only Mrs. Norris has been attacked.'
'For now…' Harper replied, wondering if this was just the start of something bigger. They needed to find out more about the Chamber of Secrets, and if it had been opened before. She also needed to know if the whispering voice wanting to kill linked to it, or was Harper just going a tiny bit mad already?
Post Chapter Note: Well, I bet you guys know the answer to some of those questions but are you getting the answer to the others yet? Next chapter in 2 weeks!
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