Harry Potter and the Founders' Vault
Disclaimer: The same as ever…
Year 2: The Monster of the Chamber
Albus Dumbledore paced his office. He hadn't come closer to finding the Chamber of Secrets and knew it was soon before the same fate fell on one of the students as it did last time…
"Albus," a voice from his fireplace spoke, and Dumbledore turned around.
"Cornelius Fudge," Dumbledore said.
"May I come through?" Fudge asked.
"Yes, of course, Minister," Dumbledore acknowledged and with a flash of green flame, Cornelius Fudge was in the office. "How may I help you?" The man was stout, in a three-piece suit and supporting a very unusual green bowler hat. One could have mistaken him for a Muggle were it not for the wand in his hat-free hand.
"The situation," Fudge sighed, and Dumbledore nodded. "I am afraid my office has been getting a lot of concerned parents contacting us. My desk is covered in burn marks from Howlers…"
"So, have I," Dumbledore said, indicating his own desk with several scorch marks.
"Interestingly, Albus, one parent has told me there is a confirmed Parselmouth in the school…?" Fudge stated, and Dumbledore sighed; he should have known Harper's gift would not stay inclusively in the school – especially with sending all the student home during holiday. "You are defending the Parselmouth."
"The Parrselmouth's name is Harper Evans," Dumbledore said sternly.
"The American?" Fudge countered, frowning. "That can't be right. Then again, Ilvermony school was founded by Salazar's own heir…"
"Indeed, it was, however I believe Ms. Evans has no connection to that particular branch of Slytherin," Albus stated. "Simply put, she has done nothing wrong."
"But Salazar Slytherin…." Fudge started.
"The possibilities of her being related to Salazar Slytherin are extremely small," Albus reiterated. "For instance, both of her parents are muggle-borns so there would have to be something hidden deep in the family tree for her to be a relation. Besides, neither of her parents speak the snake language – this all speaks to me that it's a new talent she has developed. Rare, but possible," Albus reasoned.
"Still, we should take her out of the school and transport her to Azkaban…" Fudge began, but Albus instantly turned on the Minister for Magic at this.
"I am sure America would have something to say about that!" Dumbledore snapped, "MCUSA, the American Magical Government, isn't too happy with us from what I've heard. There's been trouble there for years. How do you think they would react to taking a pre-teenage American Citizen, with no proof she did anything wrong, and without a trial, and locked them up in a prison guarded by Dementors?" Albus could see Fudge had paused at this revelation but wasn't completely convinced. "Besides, I can guarantee you, that if you touch Harper Evans then Harry Potter will leave this school and country forever."
"Harry Potter?" Fudge asked.
"Harper is his sister," Dumbledore said. "I understand the job of Minister for Magic has it's foibles, but you must remember our discussion last year in regard to the two American students coming over here to learn."
"Harry Potter is an American now?" Fudge asked, taken aback at this.
"Raised by Lily Potter's own cousin – Harper's father. It's the reason why Ms. Evans is here with Harry," Albus explained.
"Oh dear, we can't have that. No, we will have to leave Harper alone, but the Ministry needs to look like we are doing something," Fudge said and paused for a moment. "Oh, I know. Rubeus Hagrid was taken last time, he's still in the school…"
"Cornelius?" Albus asked, not liking where this was going.
"We must look like we're acting, Albus! Yes, this is the only plan we can act upon," Fudge had already turned from Albus and was walking into the fireplace, his mind elsewhere as the Headmaster for Hogwarts swore under his breath.
-Harry Potter-
Breakfast the next morning and Harry, Harper, Hermione, and Neville were sitting at the Gryffindor table when the owl post came – owls swooping in from the high windows dropping letters and parcels off to their recipients. The attention of the Great Hall was turned, however, to the phoenix flying in with a heavy package.
"Hey, thanks Helia," Harper said as she pet the phoenix and Harry took the package. Harper handed the phoenix a piece of bacon before she flew away and chatter among the Great Hall began again.
"Is that a broom?" Fred asked as he came up with George.
"Did Oliver get to you?" George added.
"I don't see him here yet, do you George?" Fred added.
"It's better he's not if he thinks I'm joining the team," Harry pointed out.
"He's almost as absent from meals as Ginny these days," George pointed out.
"What's wrong with Ginny?" Harper asked.
"Not a clue, but we think she's having a hard time acclimatizing to Hogwarts. Ron's helping her," Fred pointed out.
"So, what is it?" George asked, moving the conversation back to the packages.
"They're our brooms," Harry explained, to a raised eyebrow from the twins. "Mine and Harper's for you two to borrow," Harry handed the unopened package to Fred and George; the twins seemed shocked. "We told mom and dad how you saved Harper and how your brooms aren't that good. They agreed we could loan you our brooms for as long as you're on the Quidditch team."
"They're not top of the line, but they are newer and better than your current brooms," Harper added, as Fred and George opened the parcel to see the brooms.
"Bald Eagle?" Fred asked, reading the make of both brooms.
"Never heard of them," George added.
"American brooms," Harry reminded the two.
"Wow," Fred muttered.
"Thanks, you two!" George added.
"Oh, you know this reminds me. The other package should be coming today too…" Harper said, looking up and in time to see a barn owl did come in holding a package that went directly to the Slytherin table and to Draco Malfoy.
"I think these two are taking a play from our book George," Fred said, raising a new eyebrow.
"Yes, Fred, now what are you doing?" George asked and Harper put a finger over her lip to indicate to the two to be quiet.
As Draco opened the box, clearly confused, a light came out of it and music started playing. Suddenly a doll of Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast came jumping out of it and started singing 'Be Our Guest' to Draco's face. When Draco tried to get away, the doll jumped on him, so it was dancing and singing on him.
Looking around the great hall, the muggle-borns and half-bloods knew what this was. They started to laugh and some even sang along to the song. Pure bloods were confused, though, but some started giggling at the antics of the singing toy. Fred and George laughed instantly. When the song and music was done, though, the doll went limp like a normal toy.
Draco picked it up and rushed over to the Gryffindor table where Harper was laughing.
"You did this!" Draco said holding up the toy. His usually pale face was bright red.
"And how are you proving that?" Harper asked the boy.
"May I?" Professor Snape had come down from the staff table and took the toy from Draco. "Made, and enchanted, in the United States of America," Professor Snape read aloud the label on the figurine.
"Really?" Harper asked, jumping up and taking the toy. "I thought these things were made in China. Go USA…" she held up a hand and Harry high-fived her. The two stopped their smiles when they saw the look Snape was giving them. "Okay. Right. Yes, I sent it. I challenge you to find the rule saying I can't send a singing toy to a classmate."
"You disturbed breakfast," Snape said. Harper had seen him tell off students before. He was usually stricter and meaner. But honestly, Harper was sure she had seen a ghost of a smile on his face for a second. "Five points from both Slytherin and Gryffindor and detention, with me tonight after dinner."
"But I…" Harry started, surprised Professor Snape had taken the points from his House too.
"Har, I sent the toy. It was my idea. I'll take the detention. It's worth it," Harper said.
"Very noble of you, Ms. Evans," Professor Snape stated simply, it obvious the detention was just for her. Draco seemed satisfied by the detention although conflicted by the points taken. He turned on his heel and headed back to the Slytherin table, Professor Snape also heading away and back to the teacher's table.
"Hey Draco, you're forgetting something," Harper called when Draco started to walk away, and Harper held up the toy.
Draco mumbled something Harper couldn't hear before marching out of the Great Hall, the toy still with Harper.
"Where did you get that?" A Ravenclaw student now asked Haper.
"Oh, I bought it from Disney World," Harper explained. "Well Magical Disney World," Harper could see eyes of some muggle-borns and half-bloods widen at the words.
"I swear Disney should pay us to advertise here," Harry joked, and Harper laughed at that. "I'm going to take Neville out to the training grounds and continue showing him some defensive spells. You two coming?"
Neville had been getting nervous as they got closer to the last potion being ready, and thus, the Hufflepuff task – especially after hearing what Harry had to do for the Gryffindor task. Harry had assure his friend that the Gryffindor task to prove bravery and so a task to prove a Hufflepuff would be different, but learning and perfecting spells seemed to lessen his friend's nerves. Harry was happy to spend free time teaching him.
"We're going to go check up on the you-know-what in the you-know-where," Hermione countered to Harry question.
"Oh? More Fab Four secrets," Fred said.
"You two still don't know," Harper pointed out.
"Not even after we followed you into the girls' bathroom last week?" George asked.
"You freaked out Millicent Bulstrode and got twenty points docks from Gryffindor when she told Professor Snape," Harry pointed out at this, both he and Harper glad it hadn't been their bathroom the twins had followed Harper into.
"We have to know everything, even if it means going into forbidden territory," Fred voiced.
"And getting more points docked and detentions?" Harper asked.
"We do what we must for the need of the people," George stated boldly.
"I'm pretty sure you two are the only ones trying to find that out," Harry voiced.
"So, you admit something is going on with you four?" Fred asked, excitedly.
"Do you want to keep those brooms?" Harper asked, a small smirk on her face.
"And don't you have class to go to?" Hermione spoke up, the twins groaning at the suggestion and threat.
"Fine," Fred continued.
"Keep your secrets," George added.
"But that won't stop us!" with that, he and his twin left the Gryffindor table, new brooms in hand as they moved out of the hall. Harper and Harry shared a look but laughed anyway.
-Harry Potter-
Harper and Hermione had checked on the potion in the second-floor bathroom and had some friendly conversation with Rowan and Myrtle before leaving day. As they walked, Hermione started questioning Harper about how her studying for OWLs were going. Harper smiled as she talked to Hermione about the material, knowing her friend was taking mental notes for when she got there herself in a few years' time.
Harper paused as they walked, and Lucy started to bark.
'Kill, he demands… I kill,' the voice said – it was closer than ever before; Harper didn't need to chase it. 'Look through something… I can't stop... I must kill…'
"Stop!" Harper didn't know why she yelled it, but it was just a gut feeling – much the same way speaking to the snake during Defense club had been. Something also told her all she had to do was talk to the voice.
"You speak my language?" The voice said. "You are the other one."
Harper didn't know what that meant and ignored Hermione who was now confused and pulling at her arm. "Don't hurt me or my friends," Harper said.
"As you wish," the voice said, and Harper heard it moving away from them, she still unsure where it had been.
"Harper? What just happened?" Hermione asked.
"I think I spoke to the beast of the Chamber," Harper said. "I asked it not to attack us and it listened to me."
Hermione blinked, her mind working quickly. "You were hissing… Oh, that means it's a snake! Of course… this makes sense… I… no we need to go to the library. Now!" Hermione grabbed Harper's arm, turned, and ran in the direction of the library. Lucy cocked her head but followed Harper and Hermione.
-Harry Potter-
Harry and Neville were at the Training Grounds sending spells at dummies. Harry had successfully taught Neville Expelliarmus – the disarming spell - and they had been working on Flipendo – the knockback jinx – and Stupify – the stunning spell – respectively.
"Not bad Neville," Harry said.
"Not as good as you," Neville stated.
"I've been working on this a lot longer," Harry reminded Neville.
"Well, that's not a bad idea… training," a new voice spoke, and Harry turned to see an older Hufflepuff had joined them on the Training Grounds. "Especially after what happened last night."
"What do you mean, Cedric?" Neville asked, frowning to his fellow Hufflepuff. "Oh, Harry, this is Cedric Diggory. Cedric this is…"
"Harry Potter," Cedric said with a nod. "And what I mean is Hagrid's been sent to Azkaban under suspicion of causing these attacks."
"What?!" Harry snapped, almost not believing it. Hagrid couldn't harm a fly, let alone attack muggle-borns.
"And the Board of Governors has suspended Dumbledore," Cedric added. "He's left the school." Both Neville and Harry couldn't believe what they'd been told. "Without Dumbledore…. he might have been the only thing stopping these from being murders."
"They'll be an attack each day now," Neville moaned.
"Who's headmaster now?" Harry, however, asked.
"Professor McGonagall's taking the responsibilities for the rest of the year from what I heard," Cedric said. "If it even lasts that long. Next attack and I guarantee the Board will be begging Dumbledore to come back."
"Thanks Cedric," Harry said with a small smile. "Nev, we're cutting this short. I need to write to my dad." Neville frowned at Harry. "Hagrid was just put away in jail with no proof, just on just suspicion. My dad's a lawyer, yeah in America, but maybe there is something he can do to help Hagrid…"
"Let's go get to the owlery," Neville said.
"This may need Helia or Fawkes," Harry pointed out as they said their goodbyes to Cedric before running off.
-Harry Potter-
Hermione and Harper had the reached and Harper had quickly hidden Lucy under the table, keeping an eye on her when Ms. Pince wasn't looking. Hermione, meanwhile, had grabbed a bunch of books.
"Hello," Harper looked around to see a small blonde girl with a somewhat dazed expression on her face. "Nice crup."
"Thanks," Harper said, looking over to see Ms. Pince was otherwise engaged. "And you are…?"
"Oh, her, Harper this is Loon… I mean, Luna Lovegood," Hermione said, stopping herself from the nickname some other students had given the poor girl. "She's a first year Ravenclaw."
"I heard you know Newt Scamander," Luna said.
"I do," Harper nodded.
"Has he ever seen a Crumple Horned Snorkack?" Luna asked.
"The Crumbly what…?" Harper asked.
"Crumple Horned Snorkack. It's a purple creature with spiral horns and a pug nose," Luna said. "My father's desperate to see one."
"If Newt had, we would definitely know, but I'll tell him to keep an eye out," Harper said, but noticed Hermione had stopped looking through her books and looked up at Harper. "What?"
"You can't believe that actually exists?" Hermione asked.
"Why not?" Harper asked and Luna seemed happy. "There are still a lot of undiscovered creatures in this world. Newt just recently confirmed the existence of the Aquatic Dragon."
"Oh, dad and I went looking for her many times, but Newt beat us to it," Luna said.
"Aquatic Dragon?" Hermione asked.
"The Loch Ness Monster," Harper explained, and saw Hermione mouth open slightly. "For years the wizarding world thought the Loch Ness Monster was a Kelpie, but Newt discovered different. The lakebed had a deep shaft, and down there is where the Aquatic Dragons live. Some of them come out to explore, and that's the reason for the sightings. It is a species of dragon that evolved to adapt to water instead of air or fire; Newt mentioned taking Harry to Loch Ness to see if he could talk to one."
"Oh, Harry is a dragon talker," Luna said, not batting an eyelid to Harper's explanation.
"Keep that one to yourself," Harper said, having forgotten Luna was there as she explained to Hermione. "Mione, what are you looking for?"
"This," Hermione said, turning around a copy of Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them. "A basilisks. King of the Snakes."
"Could live for a thousand years, but it stares kills, not petrifies. We went over this with Newt," Harper pointed out.
"Ah, but Newt didn't have one piece of the puzzle," Hermione exclaimed. "You said you heard the voice wanting us to look through something?" Harper nodded, having told Hermione everything on their run to the library. "Well, think about it… no has looked at the monster directly. Remember when we discovered the writing on the wall? Myrtle had flooded the bathroom. Ms. Norris probably only saw a reflection."
"And Colin was looking through his camera," Luna added in, excited.
"Exactly, and it was raining the day Alicia was petrified," Hermione added. "She likely saw a reflection as well."
"And Justin looked through Nearly Headless Nick," Harper added. "Nick probably saw the entire thing but he's already dead."
"And Harry said Dean was looking out the window," Hermione added. "He saw the snake through the glass, like Colin did through the camera."
"What about Penelope Clearwater?" Luna asked; the two looked at each other.
"The mirror," Harper finally said. "She was holding a mirror. She was probably doing her makeup."
"And a Basilisk makes sense on why Hagrid's roosters keeps getting killed. A rooster call can kill a Basilisk," Hermione said.
"Wait, no that's not right," Harper said as she looked at the book and went into her bag to find her copy of Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them. She flipped open her copy. "Here it is. Rooser calls cannot kill a Basilisk," she read out. "A recent discovery in Africa confirmed this, as previously it was believed Rooster calls killed the Basilisk."
"I need a new copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," Hermione called, grabbing the book from Harper. "And I think we just proved your innocence. Whoever is doing this is working off old information which won't be you. Although there is one thing that doesn't make sense…"
"Exactly how a Basilisk is getting around a school?" Harper asked.
"Oh no I figured that one out. It's using the pipes," Hermione dismissed, and Harper and Luna looked at each other. "Why is the Basilisk purposely missing? If it doesn't want to kill us, why follow the orders of this heir?"
"Blood binds," Luna spoke, and Harper gave a nod.
"You're right. If the Basilisk was Salazar Slytherin's familiar; its possible Slytherin or the Basilisk decided to connect to the bloodline of Slytherin, meaning the Basilisk would be forced to listen to Salazar's heirs. Only another heir of Salazar Slytherin could tell the Basilisk not to kill." Harper and Hermione shared a look, both knowing of Harry's dreams and the message of other heirs, not to mention the Basilisk had just listened and obeyed Harper.
"But the Basilisk has found a way around the order," Hermione continued. "It's been waiting until people are not looking directly at it. Petrifying is calming the heir wanting deaths, and let's the Basilisk do the order in a way. I mean, think about it, all the Basilisk has to do is look at someone to kill them and like Stormtroopers trying to hit a Jedi and just keeps failing."
"Exactly," Harper said.
"Stormtroopers?" Luna asked.
"Don't ask," Hermione and Harper said together, deciding not to explain Star Wars to the girl.
"Granger, Evans," Professor McGonagall's voice brought their attention to the newcomer in their vicinity. "Harper, you need to come to the Hospital Wing now."
"Why?" Harper asked.
"Just follow me and bring the crup before she's seen," Professor McGonagall said, and Harper mumbled for Lucy to follow her as she said goodbye to Luna and went with the professor.
-Harry Potter-
Harper followed Professor McGonagall to the Hospital Wing to see Daphne was next to a bed, but it was who was on the bed that startled Harper. Lucy gave a bark, seeing it too jumping on the bed and trying to lick the occupant.
"Tracey," Harper said, shocked to see the girl in a petrified state.
"I thought you two should know," Professor McGonagall said softly as Daphne took Harper's arm and Harper brought her friend into a hug.
"Was she looking through anything?" Harper asked, surprising everyone.
"Looking through anything…?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Something over her eyes. Um… those sunglasses…" Harper said turning to Daphne. "She was wearing them this morning, right?"
"She was," Daphne said.
"We did find sunglasses on her," Professor McGonagall said. "Why?"
"It's a Basilisk," Harper said. "Tell Professor Dumbledore that the monster from the Chamber is a Basilisk. No one has been killed because no one has looked directly at it."
"Professor Dumbledore been removed from the school," Professor McGonagall announced; Harper almost couldn't believe it. "Tell me, everything, Ms. Evans.."
So, Harper did. She told Professor McGonagall and Daphne about the voice and what she heard the voice saying earlier and how she asked the voice not to hurt her or Hermione – and it had listened. She then explained in total the entire theory which she, Hermione, and Luna had come up with, including the Heir working with an UK edition of Fantastic Beasts.
"Yes, it all makes sense," Professor McGonagall nodded, thoughtfully. "I must call together the other teachers. For now, get something reflected to protect yourselves," and with that Professor McGonagall left the Hospital Wing.
"This is my fault," Harper said, turning back to Tracey in the bed. "If I hadn't told the Basilisk to leave me alone…"
"Then you and Hermione would be dead," Daphne said, putting an arm back around Harper. "This isn't your fault Harper. The only person whose fault it is, is the person ordering this Basilisk to kill. And we're going to figure out who this is so I can punch them."
"I'm with you," Harper said to her friend. "This does mean one thing.." Daphne waited for Harper to continue. "No one is safe. Not even Slytherins."
-Harry Potter-
Harry and Neville had caught up with Hermione outside the Great Hall before dinner and she had told the pair how Professor McGonagall had taken Harper to the Hospital Wing. Then, Hermione told them everything she knew about the Basilisk.
"I wish I had thought of that over Christmas when we were chatting to Newt," Harry mused as the reflective surfaces and non-direct contact. "When my dad hopefully writes me back about Hagrid, I can sent Hedwig to Newt about this."
"Hagrid?" Hermione asked.
"You don't know?" Neville asked. "Hagrid's been sent to Azkaban and Dumbledore removed from the school."
"Why that's the m…" Hermione's rant was cut off by Harper and Daphne walking up to them and Harper went right to Harry and hugged him. Harry, shocked, put his arms around his sister. Lucy rubbed against the two. Daphne looked upset too and Neville put an arm around her. "What's wrong?"
"Tracey is the latest victim," Daphne mumbled.
"Daphne, we're eating dinner at the Ravenclaw table tonight. Want to join us?" Harry asked; Daphne gave a small nod as the group moved into the Great Hall up to the Ravenclaw table. All five had skipped lunch for various reason, so should have been hungry but they seemed to eat very little as they sat in silence.
After a while, Professor Snape came to the table.
"Ms. Evans, if your done, I'll walk with you to your detention," Professor Snape said and Harper, paused, having almost forgotten about this, gave a nod, going to get up. "I would suggest all of you go and find others from your house to walk with back to the Common Rooms. No one can wander the Castle alone," Professor Snape added to the others
"Yes sir," Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Daphne said as one. Daphne got up at that and headed to the Slytherin table to walk with them.
"Harry, take Lucy," Harper mumbled as she followed Professor Snape out.
"Nev, Har," Hermione said before the two could get up; Harry taking Lucy from under the table. "The potion will be ready in two days. It just needs to rest before it can be combined with the other two and drunk. I think we should do the task right away."
"I agree," Harry said and turned to Neville. "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Neville agreed with a nod.
-Harry Potter-
Professor Snape had brought Harper back to the potion's classroom.
"So… scrub the cauldrons?" Harper asked.
"Before you do, I want to ask you a question," Professor Snape said, and Harper tilted her head, curious. "I know a thing or two about pranks, and as such I'm not a fan of them. But I do consider at the severity of the prank. You embarrassed Draco Malfoy, yes, but overall, little harm came to him. My question is, why did you assault a fellow Slytherin?"
"Why shouldn't I?" Harper asked. "They all know I'm not attacking anyone. Very few stood up for me. Besides, it was a Slytherin against Gryffindor game that Abraham dragged me out to and none of the Slytherin team even tried to save me. Draco is on the team."
Snape stayed silent for a moment. "The Hospital Wing needs some Pepper-up potions," Professor Snape said, confusing Harper. "Your adequate in potions. An A student maybe an E," Potions wasn't Harper favorite subject, especially since she was allergic to a lot of ingredients, and couldn't use them, but she had made sure to keep up and even go ahead of where they were. "I assume you remember how to make the potion?"
"Yes sir," Harper said.
"Grab the ingredients. You will make the potion to my satisfaction," Snape said.
"Yes sir," Harper said with a nod as she went to go get the proper ingredients to make the potion.
Post Chapter Note: Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The final pieces of the puzzle for Year 2 are falling into place…
Response to guest review from JKisRight (as I can't respond directly to guests):-
First of all, I want to thank you for liking the story and for constructive criticism. I definitely like hearing well worded criticism but I also like being able to reply which I can't do for guest reviews. I don't normally reply in story but felt your concerns were good enough for a reply here.
When I first decided to write this story i decided it could not be a copy and paste what JK did. It's why I have this original plot of the Founders' Vault, but I have been trying to balance JK plot and my own style of writing. I personally think I have done well, with my Beta's help, but I'm always open to suggestions. Please don't worry though, as Voldemort and the war definitely have a place in this story.
As for JK whimsical writing, I honestly don't know what you mean - maybe it is something not translated to America but my beta is British. Honestly this is a story based on JK work, but not meant to be a clone. It's my style, my voice and I can't try to copy JK voice. As said I many disclaimers, I am not her.
Hope this addresses your concerns and please considered making an account so any future reviews I can reply to directly.
Please REVIEW.
Karry Master OUT!