Harry Potter and the Founders Vault
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling
Facebook: Fanfiction Millma Verse
Note: I mentioned this in a comment but felt like I should address it officially in this chapter, but as an America I did want to make my own version of what an American wizarding society would look like and taking Harry away from Britain and growing up in a magical country was a good way to shake up the character and the story. As previously mentioned, my co-writer is British and so in future years we will be showing more downsides to the American wizarding life than in the first few; Harry and Harper are kids (well teenagers) right now and they kind of idolize their own country at the moment and can only see the positives a bit and ignore the negatives. This chapter doesn't reflect this in the slightest, but felt like I needed to explain that.
Hippogriffs and Apprentices
It was the first morning of classes and Harry and Hermione were waiting for Neville and Harper outside of the Great Hall for breakfast; Harper was first to join them, quickly joined by Neville.
"So, lunch?" Neville asked, his hand going to where he wore the Hufflepuff key.
"Yes," Harry, Harper, and Hermione said, agreeing lunch was the best time to open the book and see if it was Hermione or Harper's turn to find their House's key.
"What's going on during lunch?" It was Fred, followed by George.
"Your secret," George added.
"You two aren't giving up on that?" Harry asked as the entire group sat down at the Gryffindor table today.
"Never," they said together.
"Ginny said you mentioned a key," George voiced, eyeing Harper who almost groaned – after all, when the group had come out of the Chamber of Secrets, she had congratulated Neville on getting the key and Ginny had been right there.
"But a key to what?" Fred asked.
"Eat your breakfast," Harry said, and the twins sat down a few students down from them, but they were eyeing the four suspiciously. "We're going to have to be more careful with them."
"Maybe we should just tell them," Neville said with a shrug and then noticed the looks. "Just a thought…" he knew he was outvoted though, so didn't mention it again.
When Professor McGonagall came around with the class timetable, she gave Harper and Harry a smile. "Mr. Potter, we have you moving onto Advance Herbology and Astronomy, while Ms. Evans, you're just Astronomy," the Head of Gryffindor House told them as she handed the timetable over to the two – it seemed she had all four of their timetables, despite being in charge of Gryffindor, "and good job on your OWLs," the Professor added, seeming to be pleased with them as she handed the schedules to Neville and Hermione.
"Hey look," Neville said; included in their schedules was an invitation from the Flamels to have dinner with them in their rooms that night – the wording made it obvious that this wasn't optional for them.
"Guess we'll figure out who else is joining us tonight," Harry said, looking at his own.
"Mione, how are you doing all those classes?" Harper asked, catching a peek at the timetable. She seemed to have two or three overlapping.
Hermione gave a wry smile but didn't say anything as she stored her schedule away.
"I have Divinations first thing," Neville spoke out.
"Thank goodness we didn't go for that," Harper spoke at that, glancing at her brother.
"Yeah, Divinations pales in comparison to Native American Prophecies," Harry agreed.
"Native American Prophecies?" Hermione asked.
"Most of the United States don't put much into Divinations and other time magic, but Native Americans have a similar magic. It's a bit like Divinations, in that it uses elements to tell the future and predict stuff, but it uses nature and spiritual connection to see the beyond instead," Harper explained.
"I'd love to try that," Hermione stated.
"Well Native Americans keep some of their magics to the tribes, but we have connections. Come to America and Uncle Mato will give you some lessons," Harry smirked at Hermione at this, the girl now blushing. Harper rolled her eyes at the interaction.
"So, I don't have you or Harper in Divinations then?" Neville asked.
"Divinations, definitely not," Harper stated.
"I'll be there," Hermione pointed out to Neville though, who smiled gratefully at this.
"But hey, we all have Hagrid before lunch," Harry spoke up, noticing Care of Magical Creatures was right before lunch. "I've got Herbology first thing. I'll miss you there, Harper." Harper gave her brother a smile at this.
The group talked for a while, finishing their breakfast as they did. Time passed as students started to leave for their classes and the four stood, resigned to the start of their educational day.
"Mione, aren't you coming with me?" Harper asked when they exited the Great Hall.
"No, up to Divinations with me," Neville said, both friends looking at each other and wondering which Hermione was going to go with.
"Go ahead, I'll get there," Hermione said. "I just need to run back to Ravenclaw Tower quickly."
Both frowned at this but started to walk anyway. "Which one of us was she talking to?" Harper finally asked Neville.
"No idea," Neville shrugged, unsure as he headed towards Divinations.
-Harry Potter-
"I'm telling you Harry; she said I was going to die!" Neville implored as he and Harry made their way across the grounds and towards Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures. Harry sighed – it was all Neville had been worrying about since they met up after their first classes.
"I wouldn't put much stock into it," Harry said.
"If you're talking about what that loony said, I agree," it was Hermione walking up with Harper besides her; both heading the same direction of them. "Divination is more a soft subject if you ask me."
"How could you have even been there?" Harper asked Hermione. "You were in Arithmancy with me, anyway."
"No, she was with me," Neville said. "She sat right next to me when Trelawny told me I would die young."
"I know she was with me. It's the first class we have ever had together," Harper pointed out.
"That's not true," Hermione said, turning to Harper.
"Slytherins are with Ravenclaws for Herbology, Astronomy, and History of Magic. I am ahead in two and don't take History," Harper pointed out making Hermione pause.
"I spend so much time with you I never realized we're not actually in any classes together," Hermione bemused.
"So, who were you with. Me or Neville?" Harper asked.
"We better hurry up or we'll be late to Hagrid's first class," Hermione stated airily now, picking up the speed as she did.
"What is going on with her?" Harry asked, and the other two shrugged.
"What about the prophecy on me?" Neville asked.
"Nev, Harper and I had Transfiguration right after you had Divination and Professor McGonagall happily told the entire class that Trelawny is an old hack and not to believe anything she says – she doesn't even know why Professor Dumbledore keeps her on, or the subject of Divination, come to think of it," Harry said patting Neville back. "Just ignore it… and maybe see about dropping the class and joining us in Ancient Ruins instead. Those are a lot more useful."
Still seeming unsure, Neville moved onward, the three speeding up to catch up with Hermione, who had already arrived outside of Hagrid's hut. Several students were there as well, along with Draco with his two cronies Vincent Crabb and Gregory Goyle. Harper knew neither Daphne or Tracy had taken the class so didn't look for them; there were a handful of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, too. It seemed the topic had been popular among the Gryffindors of their year though, since nearly all of them were there.
Ron gave a smile when he saw the four enter and came towards them.
"Hi Harper," Ron called, and Harper gave a nod. The way Ron was overly friendly to her was a bit odd for Harper lately. "I can't wait to begin. I am hoping I can learn more about creatures I can gather feathers and other parts for wand cores. Maybe I could even get a unicorn hair. There are some on Hogwarts grounds, rights?"
"There are but you're going to need to change your sex to get near them," Harry stated, making Ron eyes go to him. "Unicorns tend to prefer females and back away from males."
"Harry could probably teach this course," Harper joked to Ron. "He wants to be a Magizoologist, just like Newt Scamander," Harry gave his sister a playful push at this but didn't deny it. He always loved his time when he went to work with Cassidy on the reserve and learning more about the creatures there.
"Well, then, maybe you and Harper can help me get some," Ron said, his eyes turning to Harper.
"We'll see," Harper said.
"You know, that book you gave me for Christmas says Dementor cloaks can be wand cores but no other information there," Ron said. "Apparently the writer didn't have enough knowledge on it."
Harry didn't have time to point out there were very few Dementors in America so that was probably the reason why before Hagrid came out from the trees beyond his hut.
"Ah, good, we're all here," Hagrid said with a big smile. "Did yer all read yer textbooks?"
"How?" The question was asked from multiple students as slowly everyone brought out the Monster Book of Monsters, the book assigned to them for this class. Many students had the books bound in string to keep them shut, some with belts, and in Draco's case, an actual chain.
"Oh dear," Hagrid sighed. "Yer didn't know yer had ter stroke the spine, right?" He looked to Harry, Hermione, Harper, and Neville at this.
"Of course, that one's obvious for a book that literally bites you," Draco groaned.
"Just because it's not obvious, doesn't mean it's not clever," Harper stated to Malfoy as she stroked the spin of her book, which stopped wriggling in her hands and opened like a normal textbook. Draco fell silent at this as the other students followed suit and Hagrid smiled thankfully at Harper.
As much as he loved Hagrid, Harry had to admit his first class hadn't started all that well. The book was a bad idea to begin with, especially without giving instructions beforehand, and so Harry hoped Hagrid had a better plan moving forward and as Hagrid brought them around back to a clearing behind his hut and Harry had to smile – Hippogriffs were going to be the first lesson, he could tell.
"'ippogriffs!" Hagrid announced to the class, most of who looked in awe at the half-horse, half-eagle-like creatures. "What yer need ter know is 'ippogriffs are proud creatures. Don't insult 'em," Hagrid explained. "Who wants ter try ter pet 'em?"
Harry looking around at this, noticing the surprise on everyone's faces as everyone but him and Harper seemed slightly nervous, too. Even Hermione and Neville seemed worried; probably remembering when Dobby had scared them last year and the group got hurt with Harper being dragged out to the Quidditch Pitch.
"I will," both Harry and Harper said together, smirking at they had spoken at the same time.
"Ah good on you 'arry and 'arper," Hagrid said with a smile as the two stepped forward. "What about Buckbeak and… oh, Rosie?" Hagrid moved over to the two majestic creatures as Harry had to smile at the Hippogriff which he'd rode on to save Harper last year.
"Now class, 'arry and 'arper have a relationship with these two already, so it will be quicker for them to approach than others," Hagrid explained to the class. "Yer see, one needs ter bow to the 'ippogriff, but keep eye contact with 'em," Hagrid stated as Harry bowed to Buckbeak and Harper to Rosie, both keeping eye contact with the creatures as Buckbeak and Rosie both bowed to the students, allowing them up to pet them.
After a moment of petting, Rosie using her beak to pick up Harper and drop Harper on her back; Rosie then taking to the sky almost right away and Harper only had a moment to get herself properly sitting on the back.
"Oh no you don't!" Harry said a smirk on his face. "Come on Buckbeak, we can't let the girls outclass us," Harry managed to jump onto Buckbeak's back effortlessly, easier than he had the year before, since Arthur had trained him on how to jump onto the back of horses and other animals in his dreams. Buckbeak lifted off in a moment and chased after Harper and Rosie – the two teenagers laughing as Buckbeak came up to the side of Rosie, the two hippogriffs flying over the forest before heading back to where Hagrid and the class were.
The class were clearly in awe as Harry jumped off and Hagrid helped Harper down by picking her up. "How's me firs' class?" Hagrid whispered to the two.
"Brilliant," Harry said with a smile, patting Buckbeak's side.
"Oh, come on," it was Draco Malfoy groaning. "I bet these things are harmless," Draco marched close to the two Hippogriffs at speed, the two creatures closer to the students than the other Hippogriffs, before anyone could stop him. "You're just a little pussy cat, aren't you?" Draco went to pat the Hippogriff.
It happened too quickly as the sudden interference scared Buckbeak, who raised on his hind legs and gave a loud screech, knocking a surprised Draco the ground as Buckbeak's talons found Draco's arm, scratching him deep as the boy called out and the class gasped in shock.
Hagrid ran forward as Harper and Harry didn't know how to react, both jumping backward from the sudden movement as the gamekeeper and new teacher forced the poor animal back, along with a scared Rosie, as Harper and Harry now found in themselves to respond, running forward, and grabbing one of Draco's arms to pull him away from the frightened Hippogriff, but not helping him up.
"Hagrid!" Harper called to Hagrid now, who looked over to realize that Draco was injured. Now he marched forward to grab the boy, picking him up as he simply called, "Class dismissed!" Before running him in the direction of the castle.
"Are you two, okay?" Hermione asked now, going to Harry and Harper the rest of the class started to move away quicky. Hermione, Neville, and Ron staying behind to check on them.
"I'm good," Harry said, looking over to the Hippogriffs, most of whom had scattered into the forest besides Rose and Buckbeak.
"Mostly good, I think my ankle is twisted," Harper said, only now feeling the pain as Neville came up and let Harper lean on him. "It would be much worst without Harry's fast reflexes though," Harper gave her brother a smile and Harry gave a nod, the boy looking to Buckbeak and Rosie who were looking at Harry now. He nodded to them, too, letting them know that it was okay.
"You should go to the hospital wing," Ron suggested.
"A simple healing spell would handle it," Harper said. "I got to start looking them up. I can only use spells and muggle medicine anyway."
"Why?" Ron asked, confused.
"Harper has an allergy to some potions – especially healing potions," Harry explained.
"You know, I read all about Episkey," Hermione said. "I think I can perform it, but never have."
"Go for it," Harper decided, and Hermione took out her wand and moved it in the air and said the incantation, clearly pointing her wand at Harper's ankle. There was a small glow, indicating the spell did something and then Harper stopped leaning on Neville. She put weight on her ankle slowly and took some steps. "Nice job, Mione."
"Well, we're done with class early," Ron said. "And I have been planning on looking for a yew tree. Rowan mentioned there were some on property once."
"Yew?" Harry asked as the group started to head back towards the castle.
"Want to try a different wood than my normal maple or oak," Ron said. "Yew are perfect for wands – Rowan grew up in a Yew woodland. Want to join?"
"Actually, we've got plans," Harry said, giving the other three a look. It was time to open the book and read the new clues. "Good luck, Ron," the four waved a slightly disappointed Ron their goodbyes and headed into the castle as Ron stayed outside. "I think Ron likes you, Harp," Harry added once out of earshot.
"Shut up," Harper snapped.
"First Cedric and then Ron," Harry said.
"How's Enola?" Harper countered as they walked.
"Let's forget it," Hermione said, a little too fast, and making Harper stop. The group instead chatted about their classes as they walked until they were right near Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
Harper stopped Neville and gave Harry a nod. Harry taking something out of his backpack and tossing a small ball on the ground. A fog started up in the hallway and the four used it to get into the bathroom.
"What was that all about?" Neville asked.
"Classic prank shop item," Harry said. "With Fred and George trying to track us we are taking precautions."
"Not a bad idea," it was Rowan, the ghost giving the two a smile and Myrtle jumped from her toilet. "Welcome back."
"Hello Harry," Myrtle said with a smile. "Did you have a good summer?"
"Yeah," Harry said, and Harper elbowed him. The ghost fancied Harry, but there was no reason to tell her Harry has a girlfriend right now.
"Good luck this year," Rowan said with a smile, noticing the book and knowing why the students were in here. The two ghosts were the only ones who knew what they were doing, after all.
Harper opened the book to a momentary blank page. Words started to gorm almost immediately
"Welcome back to Hogwarts," Harper read aloud. "You four have come far; two keys in your possession, but two more to go. The quest just gets harder as we continue. The Ravenclaw key is your objective this year. To find the key of smarts you must venture where no student is allowed. To where centaurs, acromantulas, and a Ford live in peace and harmony.'
"A Ford?" Hermione asked.
"What's a Ford?" Neville asked.
"A muggle car," Harry said, "I think."
"American company too," Harper added.
"There is a British branch," Hermione added in.
"For the magical world, though?" Harper asked back and Hermione gave a frown and nod knowing Harper had a point. "Even in America, car companies are muggle completely."
"Very few wizards and witches drive," Harry said with a nod. "And the ones who do usually do magical enhancements on their own or pay a specialist to do them. Magical taxis coming to mind, but they're not Fords and as far as I'm aware, not a thing in Britain, what with the Knight Bus about."
"We'll have to think on this one," Hermione said taking the book.
"But you're up Mione," Harry said giving Hermione a smile.
"You've got this," Neville agreed. "If I can do it Hermione, you'll breeze through it. We'll have it done before Christmas."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I think it will take longer than that," Hermione pointed out. "Now we…" Hermione stopped as the group was surprised by the door opening and Ron walking the bathroom.
"Does everyone just walk right into a girl's bathroom now?" Harper asked, looking at Ron who seemed shocked to see them.
"I was looking for Rowan. For help with the Yew tree. So, this is where you four go to be sneaky?" Ron asked
"Ron, keep this to yourself and don't tell Fred and George," Harper snapped, and Ron gave a nod.
"Don't worry. Fab Four secrets are safe with me," Ron said. "Rowan, mind helping me look for Yew trees?'
"Absolutely," Rowan said, going through the wall and Ron left after her.
"I'm going to see if I can get an early lunch," Neville said now, giving the three a smile and backing away.
"Me too; then I can spend lunch getting ahead on homework," Hermione decided, leaving Harper and Harry alone with only Myrtle.
"Should we…?" Harper asked, looking at the sinks.
Harry looked at them too and then gave a nod.
"Open it Harp," Harry said, and Harper smirked, switched to Parselmouth as she told the sinks to open.
"You're going down?" Myrtle asked, surprised.
"Mind keeping everyone out?" Harry asked giving Myrtle a smile.
"Not a problem," Myrtle said as the two jumped down the hole to get to the Chamber of Secrets.
-Harry Potter-
That night, during dinner, the group of four were walking to where the invite from Flamel said had to go; Harry and Harper looking at each other. Sasha had been thrilled to see the two and been willing to answer questions, but she seemed to know little about the Founders. She only called Salazar 'Master' and his second wife 'Mistress'.
"So, who else do you think is showing?" Neville asked as they stopped outside the statue they were told to wait in front of.
"I guess we'll…" Harper didn't finish her sentence before someone shocked her from behind, putting arms around her. Harper nearly punched him but stopping when she saw it was Ron. "What…?"
"I'm the other Gryffindor," Ron said with a smile.
"We've been with you all day and you didn't think to mention this?" Harry asked, nearly having summoned his sword at his sister's shock.
"I thought it would be a fun surprise. Professor McGonagall said she was impressed about me making a wand," Ron said as Padma arrived along with Susan Bones. The group had known Padma was the other Ravenclaw but were shocked to see Susan. Neville giving her a hug now.
"I guess we're all spending more time together," Susan said with a smile.
"That just leaves one more House left," Hermione said looking around. "Where's the…?"
"Urgh. I should have known," a familiar voice droned, and Draco Malfoy came walking up to them. His arm was in a sling. The group tried not to sigh – everyone else in the group was a friend besides him.
"What's with the sling?" Harry had to ask.
"You saw that monster attack me!" Draco said. "My arm is broken."
"Madam Pomphrey would have fixed that in seconds," Harry said, knowing that for a fact. His wrist had been broken last year and had been healed in moments, but they didn't have more time to talk about this as an elderly couple were walking toward them.
"Ah good!" It was Nicholas Flamel, his wife Perenelle beside him. "Merci." Nicholas spoke to the statue, and it moved aside.
"Thank you?" Hermione asked, confused on the password meaning.
"Do you speak French?" Nicholas asked as the other students followed Perenelle into the room.
"No, but I know several words. Always wanted to learn," Hermione said.
"Maybe we'll see if we can add it into your apprenticeship," Nicholas said, giving Hermione a wink as she walked in, Nicholas being the last. The room inside was big and a table was set up for them already.
"Master Harry!" A voice squeaked, and a small House Elf jumped to hug Harry.
"Dobby!" Harry said putting an arm around the small elf.
"Mistress Harper," Dobby said, hugging Harper as well. "And friends..." Dobby gave Hermione and Neville a hug too. "So, good to see you again."
"Ugh," Draco said, glaring at his family former Elf, but Dobby ignored him.
"Albus let us borrow his Elf to get dinner ready. Sit," Perenelle said as everyone went to take a seat at the table.
Dobby soon served them a three-course French dinner, which was delicious, and the group did some small chat during it. Throughout, Draco didn't speak much although tried to talk about his family tree with Nicolas, who was more interested in Harry and Harper this time around – Draco didn't quite know what he was doing here.
After dessert, Nicholas stood up along with Perenelle. "Now that you are all fed and watered," Nicholas said with a smile, "it's time to talk about what you all will be doing this year! As you know, my specialty is Alchemy."
"But we have been alive for so long, we have become masters of many topics," Perenelle added for her husband. "We want to specialize what each of you learn from us based on your interests, your abilities, and your needs. We have had conversations with your teachers to get some ideas, but we also want to see for ourselves before finalizing anything."
"Over the next week, we will randomly be taking each of you individually by one out of a class to assess and test you," Nicholas said. "Except Harper and Harry – we will be taking you two together. As we understand it, you are a package deal," Nicolas smiled as she said this, but Harper and Harry looked at each other and then shrugged. They weren't going to argue with that.
"After we assess you, we will decide what topic we will be teaching you and set a schedule around your classes," Perenelle explained.
"This is the last chance any of you have to change your minds – we don't go lightly on students we teach. It will be hard, and you might find out things about yourself or others you might not like," Nicholas said.
"So, is anyone leaving?" Perenelle asked at this; all the students looked at each other, but no one got up. Not even Draco, Nicholas gave a nod.
"Okay, go rest up, you have an interesting week ahead of you," Nicolas stated.
This has been most enlightening.
Post Chapter Note: As usual, I hope you all enjoyed! Next chapter NEXT MONTH. I'll give an exact date later on this month on our Facebook page.
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Karry Master OUT!