Harry Potter and the Founders Vault
Disclaimer: The same as always
Note: Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you like this chapter.
Year 2: The Heir of Slytherin
Hermione and Neville were walking towards the Great Hall, having been in the library together before lunch.
"So, the 2nd potion is almost done," Hermione spoke up as they approached the Great Hall. "I'll finish it tonight. We're not going to be able to get started on the 3rd until after Christmas. If we can figure out whatever riddle leads to where it is, we can get the ingredients over the break."
"We're doing pretty good. So long as…" Neville started, but stopped as, waiting in front of the Great Hall doors were a group of students in their year – mostly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, with one or two Gryffindors and Slytherins
"We need a word with you two," it was a Hufflepuff named Ernest Macmillan, who went by Ernie. He was a pure blood and was clearly leading this group of students.
"Ernie!" It was Susan coming out of the Great Hall, walking through the group to stand next to Hermione and Neville. "I can't believe you're doing this."
"We all agreed," Ernie said.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked.
"You two need to separate from Harper Evans," Ernie said simply. "She's attacking the muggle-borns."
"Oh, come on!" Neville groaned, actually rolling his eyes. "Harper's not doing this."
"She's a Parselmouth," Ernie pointed out. "There isn't such a thing as a good Parselmouth. Salazar Slytherin himself was a Parselmouth."
"That is, in itself, not proof of anything," Hermione pointed out, just as annoyed as Neville and Susan now. "It's just bias; not all Slytherins are evil and not all Parselmouths are evil. Just because these are traits of certain people who did bad things does not make those bad things reflect on everyone."
"You-Know-Who was a Parselmouth," another student pointed out at this.
"And he was a Slytherin," Ernie added, nodding at this. "Harper could…"
"If you're suggesting Harper Evans is related to You-Know-Who," a new voice spoke, as the Weasley twins had come from the Great Hall to see what all the fuss was about, followed by Daphne Greengrass and Ron.
"Then you all must be insane," the other twin stated.
"Harper's parents are both muggle-borns," Daphne pointed out at this.
"And American," Susan added.
"And a friend," Ron pointed out, to receive looks from his twin brothers, "what…?"
"Anyway, all of that makes Harper's relation to both Salzar Slytherin and You-Know-Who negligible at best," Hermione pointed out, glad some people were on their side.
"The final line is Harper is our friend," Neville spoke up now. "If…" but again he was interrupted as Harry himself had appeared from the Entrance Hall, followed by Harper.
"Why does it look like there's going to be a fist fight here?" Harry asked, curious now. He and Harper were wearing jackets and shaking off snow from themselves. Lucy was beside them and was shaking off the snow as well.
"What's going on?" Harper asked, taking off her jacket to reveal her Slytherin sweatshirt underneath.
"Nothing," Hermione said quickly, not wanting to tell the two about this exchange for worry Harry would summon his sword and attack everyone.
"Look at her," Ernie said, not seeming to get the hint. "Slytherin shirts. Snake ring..." Harper put her hand on her snake ring, the present she got for Christmas last year. "And a snake tooth bracelet!"
"This is a dragon tooth," Harper corrected.
"This is a snake fang," Harry said, showing off his necklace now. "And I think this has something to do with Harper special ability?" Harry walked up to Ernie. "Anything you would like to say?"
"Harry…" Harper said, putting an arm on her brother's shoulder. "Let me take care of this," Harper gave her friends a nod before addressing Ernie and the other students. "If you have a problem with me, have the courage to say it to my face and don't go to my friends."
Ernie seemed nervous now, but one of his Hufflepuff friends patted him on the back and that seemed to get him the courage. "You are the one causing all these problem. Poor Justin is terrified to leave our common room!"
"Why?" Harper asked unsure.
"Afraid of you, because he told you he's Muggle-born," Ernie said.
"He is?" Harper asked looking at Harry who shrugged. "Well, I didn't know, but even if I did, I don't care. Both my parents are Muggle-borns."
"Like I said," Daphne spoke up, Harper smiling at her dormmate and friend.
"Then how are you a Parselmouth?" Ernie asked.
"I don't know," Harper said truthfully; she had written home asking but had gotten no response yet. "But I am not attacking anyone. Why would I?" Ernie courage seemed to faulter at this.
"Do what you want," Ernie was looking at the people who had defended Harper now. "But when she attacks you don't come crying to us."
"That would be a bit hard if we're all petrified," Geroge retorted.
"Or dead," Fred pointed out.
"Although if we come back ghosts, we'll make sure to haunt you forevermore," George pointed out. Ernie glared at the twins at this, but the students supporting him backed away into the Great Hall, leaving him to retreat too.
"That guy has some nerve," Neville said shaking his head at Ernie's retreating back.
"Thank you all," Harper said, hugging Hermione and Neville. "You're good friends." Harper told them before thanking all her other friends who backed the two.
"Yeah, seriously evil witch here!" Fred called with a laugh.
"Better watch out," George completed for his brother, playfully pushing Harper before heading into the Great Hall. Harper, Harry, Hermione, Neville, Daphne, and Ron now remained outside the Great Hall.
"Come sit with us at the Gryffindor Table," Ron said enthusiastically now as the group all started to head into the Great Hall. "I'll show you the new wands I made! I have gotten pretty good with Hippogriff feather – none of them have chosen me though, but that ghost you sent my way says Hippogriff feathers are weak wand cores." Harry and Harper paused, wondering if Ron got the joke Harper originally stated on him. "But it's a good thing I started off with a weak cores as the more powerful ones will blow up easier. Thanks for suggesting weaker ones Harper first."
"Erm, that's… okay?" Harper stated, not believing this now. "You know, I'm not hungry," Harper added
"We ate with Hagrid," Harry said, noticing the looks from those who knew Hagrid's cooking. "Not his infamous Rock Cakes! We brought the food. We were helping him reinforce his chicken coop. Something keeps coming in and killing his roosters. Besides, we have homework to do. Go ahead."
The remaining group of students nodded as they headed into the Great Hall, Harry encouraging Hermione and Neville to go on without them, too.
"This is getting bad," Harry said when it was just he and Harper were alone and heading for the library. "We need to figure out who's doing this – now. I'm going to beat up Godric until he gives me that information. If he ever shows himself to me again…"
"You really think you can?" Harper asked, and Harry knew Harper had a point; he was nowhere near as good as his mentors yet, but it annoyed him he knew someone who knew the correct information and wouldn't tell him. "Look, we have several mysteries here. Who are these heirs to Slytherin Godric mentioned and are they working together, or is there one who can stop the other?" Harry nodded. "Why am I a Parselmouth?"
"That would be nice to know," Harry agreed.
"And why does my dream catcher keep glowing," Harper added thoughtfully. She had asked Mato this, who had no idea but was asking around his tribe to see if anyone knew. "But that's…" Harper paused as she and Harry stopped. "Why does Ginny keep coming in and out of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom?" Harper added, remembering this too as she had to keep on interrupting Ginny going into there.
"Myrtle and Rowan mentioned seeing her and having to hide our potions," Harry added. "Last time I asked, the two didn't know why she kept coming in there but maybe they've seen something since. Let's go ask our ghost fr…"
Before Harry could finish his sentence, Harper hit his arm and Lucy started barking.
"Have… to… kill…" Harper heard – the voice was close.
"It's back!" Harper said. "The voice. It's going to kill someone. Come on!" With that, Harper and Lucy started running, Harry taking up the rear, holding out his right hand so that his sword was summoned as he ran.
Harper was right next to the wall, listening, as Lucy ran ahead but keeping close to her owner. As they rounded a corner, the two paused and Harry held up his sword in automatic defense, but the two were shocked by what they saw: Nearly Headless Nick was floating before them, his partly cut-off head leaning to the side, and not moving at all.
"Sir Nicholas…?" Harry said, knowing the ghost didn't like the nickname he'd got. Harry put his sword through the ghost, but the ghost didn't react.
"Is he petrified?" Harper asked, shocked. "What could do this to a ghost?"
"Harper, bigger problem," Harry said, realizing there was a student on the floor behind Nicholas. "Oh no." Harry mumbled going closer. "It's Justin!"
"Petrified or dead?" Harper asked.
"I think petrified," Harry said. "We better get someone…"
"I got you now!" It was Mr. Filch, who had rounded the corner. "Caught red handed."
Before Harry or Harper could say anything, Filch had run off and returned moments later with Professor McGonagall – Harry and Harper didn't even have time to evacuate the scene as Professor McGonagall looked over the siblings and then at the scene. "We didn't do anything," Harry said, quickly.
"I'm afraid this is above me," Professor McGonagall said, looking at the two, her expression unreadable. "Come with me Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans." Sharing a glance with one another, the siblings sighed as they followed the Professor, Harry actually picking up Lucy now to keep up the pace behind the Professor, recognizing where they were going – the same route to the Griffin statue that had led them to Gryffindor's secret chamber.
They reached the familiar statue and waited. "Sherbet Lemon," Professor McGonagall instructed the statue, which move aside, revealing a door with the familiar spiraling staircase within. "Professor Dumbledore is waiting for you," Professor McGonagall told the siblings, who nodded as they moved forward, stepping onto the spiral staircase which lead them up.
"Well, I knew we would be back here this year at some point," Harper said as they reached the large wooden oak doors to the office. They didn't bother knocking as they entered the office.
"Well, we didn't think it would be because of this," Harry replied to his sister, resting his sword against one of the many small desks that housed various spindly object neither knew what did. "Oh, hi Fawkes," Harry noticed the phoenix on the Headmaster's desk, but was shocked when a second phoenix called out and flew onto Fawke's perch. "Helia…? Did mom send a package?"
"Nope," Harper said, shaking her head.
"I often find your mother's phoenix here, or Fawkes, gone for a while," Professor Dumbledore's voice was heard as he came out from behind a curtain that lead deeper into the office. "The two have bonded – and mated – I believe. I know I don't need to tell you two, but phoenixes only choose one mate, and they bond for life."
"We know, sir," Harry and Harper said, together giving each other a smile. Helia had never shown any interest in the male phoenixes at the reserve, but it seems Helia had found her mate. It was yet another connection between themselves and Hogwarts "But sir, we didn't do anything," Harry added, not forgetting why they were here.
"Mr. Potter?" Professor Dumbledore questioned.
"I swear I was with Harper the entire day. You can ask Hagrid. We were with him…" Harry continued.
"Oh, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said, holding out a hand which stopped Harry, as teachers in Hogwarts didn't use first names often. "I don't believe either you or Harper here have done anything wrong," Harry fell silent at that. "Parseltongue, as it is also called, is a unique and rare gift. It is curious how you, Harper, have it, but it in no way makes you guilty."
"But Nick and Justin…" Harper started.
"You coming across them was an unhappy coincidence. I have arranged for Mr. Finch-Fletchly to be taken to the Hospital Wing, along with the other petrified students," Professor Dumbledore stated calmly, "As for Sir Nicolas… well, this is a unique case. One can only hope he'll recover. Minerva should be fanning him to the Hospital Wing as we speak."
"Fanning?" Harry and Harper asked, wondering if this was a British term, but Dumbledore chuckled as he pulled out his wand, waved it, and produced a hand-held paper fan, quite elegant looking, to which he handed over to Harper.
"One cannot move ghosts by hand, so using air currents is the best option," Professor Dumbledore explained. "Please, keep the fan, Ms. Evans; I heard it can get very warm in Arizona."
"Urm… thanks?" Harper shared a look with Harry now as she closed the fan and pocketed it.
"Are there any theories on how Harper is a Parselmouth?" Harry now asked.
"Some," Professor Dumbledore said with a frown. "Muggle-borns, or sometimes their children, can develop extra magical abilities as their magic grows from one generation to the next. I suspect, since you're the product of two Muggle-borns this could just be your magic developing. However, now your line will continue to be Parseltongues. But I do need to ask you two what danger you were expecting?"
"Excuse me?" Harry asked.
"Your sword, Harry," Professor Dumbledore nodded towards the sword. Harry held out his hand for it to come back to him. "You wouldn't have summoned it if you did not expect danger."
Harry looked at Harper. It was her secret to tell, after all.
"I… hear a voice," Harper said, but Professor Dumbledore waited, his bright blue eyes looking deep into Harper now, "in the walls… talking about killing. But I'm not the only one! Lucy hears it too." Lucy gave a bark as she heard her name. "We're the only ones..." Harper waited as Professor Dumbledore seemed to be deep in thought at this. "Please say you believe me…?" Hearing voices wasn't a good sign after all, and she was taking a lot of faith telling the Headmaster this.
"I do," Professor Dumbledore finally said. "But a voice only you and a crup can hear… it's not a lot to go on." Harper was relieved that Professor Dumbledore believed her. "Next time you hear this voice though, I want you to find Professor McGonagall or myself right away. Do not go chasing it again. Understood?"
"Yes sir," both said, knowing not to question this.
"Now, go back to your common rooms. I have ordered all students back to their common rooms already, too," Professor Dumbledore added. "But, before you go, I thought you might like to know that a House Elf named Dobby is owned by the Malfoy family." The two paused at that, almost having forgotten Harry had asked the headmaster about Dobby. "I was puzzled when you told me about the House Elf warning, but then I did remembered that several years ago Mr. Malfoy brought his son and House Elf with him for an inspection."
The two waited another moment, but it was clear the headmaster was not going to say anything else on the matter. Harper whistled for Lucy, whom Harry had dropped off after leaving his sword, to move and the three left the office. Once on the stairs now coming down, Harry voiced what he was thinking.
"Malfoy? Do you think Draco is doing this?" Harry asked.
"No," Harper said quickly. "He talks a big game but the most he could do to harm someone is go running to his dad. Now, his dad is very shady from everything I heard. I wouldn't be surprised if his father planned this. I'll see if I can find anything out."
"Keep Lucy with you," Harry said now, wanting his sister to have the crup for protection.
"Daisy and Lucy practically take up my entire bed!" Harper complained.
"Then ask mom or dad to send an inflatable mattress for you," Harry laughed as they now headed down the corridor and away from the entrance to the office, both heading to their respective common rooms.
-Harry Potter-
Neville was in the Hufflepuff Common Room; everyone was on edge. They had been informed of the attack on Justin.
"See," it was Ernie – the news Justin was attacked seemed to give him backbone again. "I told you. That friend of yours is no good."
"Harper didn't do anything," Neville snapped, standing up. Susan gave him a smile and Neville knew he still had her support – even if the rest of Hufflepuff wasn't.
"Right after our conflict in the hall where she said she just learned Justin was a Muggle-born and then Justin is found petrified?" Ernie said. "How do you explain that?"
"You were the one yelling it out. You think the real heir might have heard?" Neville pointed out.
"You need to stop defending her," Ernie snapped.
Neville had enough and had his wand in his hand and pointed at Ernie; Harry had kept his promise since Dueling Club and had showed Neville several spells on the training ground. Neville getting the hang of Expellarmus. "Harper is my friend – and if you continue to bad-mouth her, you'll have me to deal with before Harry," Neville stated.
Ernie took out his wand as well. "I'm not scared of you or Potter," Ernie said.
"Hey!" Cedric Diggory, a fourth-year student, jumped up at this. "Put the wands down."
"Mr. Diggory is quite correct," a new voice spoke, and the boys turned to see Professor Sprout had entered the Common Room. "Wands away, boys," both Neville and Ernie put their wands away, both glaring at each other, however. "I am assuming this is about Ms. Harper Evans. I expect better of my students then to get into duels in the middle of the common room, or almost getting into fist fights in front of the Great Hall," no one said anything at this.
"As for Ms. Evans," Professor Sprout continued, "Professor Dumbledore believes she is innocent – which is good enough for me, so it should be good enough for you, Mr. Macmillan. Especially after the great danger she put herself in last year to save lives. I don't want to hear another word of this."
"Yes, Professor," Ernie nodded at this.
"Now, Prefects gather up the house and lead them to the Great Hall," Professor Sprout continued. "The headmaster is intending to make a speech."
-Harry Potter-
Harper was sitting in the Slytherin Common Room watching Draco; the boy seemed pleased with the news of Justin's petrification and was even gloating over it.
"You know Malfoy," Harper spoke, "you don't watch out, and people will think you're doing this," Harper pointed out – she couldn't mention Dobby to him upfront, but she had to get a sense on what the Malfoys knew. Daphne and Tracey gave her a look at this, shocked Harper was actually confronting Malfoy.
"If I was, I would have started with that friend of yours, Granger," Draco spat back.
"Of course, you would. Too jealous she's a better witch than you are a wizard in every way," Harper said, giving a smirk. She was actually having fun with this, and Draco was playing right into her hand.
"My father told me about the last time the Chamber was open," Draco continued, and Harper raised an eyebrow. Harry had said Dumbledore said it had been open before, but this was information. "And a mud-blood ended up dying. My money is on Granger this time."
"Your just so obsessed with Hermione. Watch out or people will think you have a crush on her," Harper chuckled, that comment cementing it for her – Draco's dad might be involved, but Draco didn't know a thing besides what his dad may have told him.
"It's pathetic people think you're the heir," Draco now added. "I mean you, the heir to Salazar Slytherin?"
"You're right, that doesn't make sense. Since heir is a male term and if you hadn't notice I am very much a female," Harper voiced, and Draco seemed lost for words there as Daphne and Tracey gave a giggle. "If it were me, I for sure would have written 'heiress' instead of 'heir' on the wall.
"I'd watch out if I was you," Draco now snapped. "You might be a Slytherin, but both your parents are mud-bloods," Draco finally seemed to get an idea of what to respond to Harper's comment. "You might be on the list."
"Oh Draco, you better watch out. Someone might think you care," Harper sighed, and she put her arms around Draco neck as if she was hugging him. Draco seemed shocked and didn't move for a moment but then pushed Harper off, to a giggle from her and her friends. Lucy have a bark from her place on one of the couches as Harper sat beside her and pet the dog.
Before Draco could find anymore words, all conversation in the Common Room were interrupted by the voice of their Head of House.
"Prefects... get everyone organized and into lines. Bring them to the Great Hall," Professor Snape said, and Harper wondered how much of her conversation with Draco he had heard before speaking – Professor Snape had a way of sneaking in without alerting anyone noticing.
Harper didn't have time to think more though, as she picked up Lucy and lined up with Daphne and Tracey to leave the place.
"What was with you and Draco?" Daphne asked.
"People could almost think the two of you were flirting," Tracey added.
"Ew! No way," Harper said, shaking her head. "I'll fill you in later..." Harper didn't want to inform the two of everything while they were with the rest the house.
-Harry Potter-
Albus Dumbledore stood where he had many times before while making speeches in the Great Hall. This time was different though, as there were no house tables. His teachers stood behind him as the Prefects led their Houses into the hall – the first years were in front, followed by the second years and so on. The headmaster's eyes going to one second year in each House; he could see Harper holding onto Lucy, Harry stood tall and confident with his fellow Gryffindors, Hermione seemed confident and curious as she stood with Padma Patil, while Neville had his head down as if he was trying to hide – Albus had heard Neville had pulled his wand out to defend Harper. It gave the Professor cause to smile, Neville showing some backbone, but the boy now seemed embarrassed.
The headmaster waited for the normal whispers and chatter to die down before clearing his throat. "Troubling times we are in now – not including our caretaker's cat, three students have now been petrified. I know this has cause fear and panic among you all – and cause for speculation, rumors, and accusations to spread. Firstly, I want to make it clear that the person who all these rumors are about has my confidence and support. She is not behind these horrendous acts. I will not tolerate any attacks, verbal or otherwise, on her or her friends."
Professor Dumbledore paused; years of experience making speeches let him know when to pause for a moment so people could take in what he had just said. "That being said, due to the great urgency of the situation, both the Ministry and we Professors need to act," Professor Dumbledore announced, moving on. "Over the Christmas break, the Ministry will be sending Aurors to search the Castle once more for any clue or sight of the alleged Chamber of Secrets. Meanwhile, we Professors will be adding extra protection charms to the school. Due to this, no student will be allowed to stay in the school during break. We will be sending letters home to make sure everyone has someone to pick them up at the platform and must urge you all to make plans with family or friends to stay with them if needed. Please do not leave any personal items in the dormitories either, as they will be searched and possibly ruined or destroyed if you do."
There was a whispered among the student at this, which caused Professor Dumbledore to pause once more for before clapping his hand to get everyone's attention. "Now, that will be all. Prefects, please bring your Houses back to your respective Common Rooms and everyone, have a good night and pleasant dreams," his eyes twinkled at this. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there was still fun in the Professor's mannerisms.
The headmaster watched as the Prefects directed all the students out of the Great Hall as the Heads of Houses came up to him now.
"Are you sure it was wise to warn the students away from confronting Ms. Evans? It could cause her even more trouble," Severus spoke up.
"Showing confidence in the innocence of someone who you know to be innocent is never a mistake," Albus stated. "I did the same for you, after all, Severus."
"So, there is no doubt in your mind that she is innocent?" Filius Flitwick had to ask; he doubted very much Harper did these acts, but knowing she was a Parselmouth had given him cause to pause himself.
"Absolutely not," Minerva spoke before Albus could. "I have seen her home life, I have met her family and friends – there is no way she could be behind these attacks or opening the Chamber."
"Well, I for one have never suspected Ms. Evans," Paloma Sprout stated. "The very fact a member of the student body could do this is very unnerving."
"Sadly, it has happened before," Albus stated to Paloma, "but as for Ms. Evans, I would be willing to bet her special gift will end up saving this school."
Post Chapter Note 1: Dumbledore has a big prediction here. Do you agree? Let me know what you think.
Post Chapter Note 2: In first year I mistakenly called Cedric a 4th year then, and realized I was wrong. He should have been a 3rd year when Harry was a 1st. I will be going back and eliminating that mention to him.
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