Harry Potter and the Founders' Vault

Disclaimer: As usual, I'm not JK Rowling so I own nothing but the idea – and Harper's family.

Year 3: A Rat in the Tower

"So, the Weasley twins got us a few times," Harper said to Edward, Ginny, and Luna – since discovering the three Second Years were also working with Harper, the twins had more targets and the two had taken advantage of it. "We're getting them back."

"And this plan is fool proof," Cedric came up behind Harper. The four students were in an unused classroom they had taken as headquarters of their prank war, as they were all in different houses.

"Since when are you into pranking?" Edward asked, smiling at his big brother.

"Well, Harper's taken a step to be interested in things I do, so I thought I would return the favor," Cedric shrugged.

Harper held up a hand telling them to be quiet. "Esme, are you here?" Harper asked out, having heard a hiss.

"Yes, young one," Esme, Edward's own snake, said, appearing from the ceiling making Ginny jump – the poor girl was terrified anytime she saw a snake lately. "I placed the objects you gave me in the tower."

"You didn't get seen?" Harper asked. She had been wondering if she should switch to asking Dobby instead of the snake lately.

"The only thing in the tower was the rat who is not a rat," Esme said back.

"Good I... wait, what rat who is not a rat? What do you mean?" Harper asked, noticing the eyes on them.

"There is a rat in that tower who looks like a rat but smells like a human," Esme said back, and Harper had to pause. The only rat she knew in Gryffindor Tower was Ron's pet Scabbers. Her mind went wild at this as a sudden realization came to her.

"Ginny, odd question but is Scabbers missing a toe?" Harper asked, now in English.

"Yes," Ginny said. "How did you know that?"

Harper's eyes went wide as her theory was all but confirmed, but had to take deep breaths. She didn't want to scare her younger pranksters and she also didn't want to rush into this the way Harry would.

"Eddie, you can take Esme back. Everything is set. Maybe you three want to brainstorm some other pranks? Cedric, come with me," Harper instructed.

Harper took Cedric's arm and practically dragged him out of the classroom as she heard the three chatting happily about what pranks they could pull next. "Where are we going?" Cedric asked.

"I need to tell Harry something and I need you to be there to make sure my brother doesn't become a murderer," Harper said making Cedric raise an eyebrow but shrugged to himself as Harper lead the way.

-Harry Potter-

Harry, meanwhile, had taken to trying to get certain topics done before Hermione so he could help lessen her workload. He had gotten Harper and Neville in on this too, each choosing topics to do first. Now Hermione wouldn't copy work, but she was more than willing to do a collaboration and go over each other's work. Due to this, Harry, Hermione, and Neville were all in the library.

"Hey, did you figure out more on the newest clue?" Neville asked as he looked over one of the papers.

"I think it's a word scramble, but my head is ironically, too scrambled to get my mind around it. I'll work on it over the Christmas break. There's no rush," Hermione said.

"That's cool. We don't seem to get these House Tasks complete until after Christmas anyway," Neville pointed out.

That was when all their communication notebooks shook, indicating a message was waiting. "Must be Harp. Must be late," Harry said, taking the notebook. "She wants us to come to her in Myrtle's Bathroom."

"Then let's pack up," Neville said, and they all went to put their books away to head out.

The three of them went for the bathroom and when they finally got into it they were surprised to find Cedric waiting there too.

"What's Cedric doing here?" Harry asked.

"You didn't tell him about the Vault," Neville said, a little annoyed another Hufflepuff could be in on the Founders Vault now.

"Vault?" Cedric asked.

"That's a no," Harry chuckled at Cedric's reaction.

"This isn't about that," Harper dismissed, sounding urgent. "Harry, do you mind moving a bit closer to Cedric?" Harry raised an eyebrow but did as asked, moving closer to the older boy who smirked now. "Okay… well, I know why Sirius Black is at Hogwarts and trying to get into Gryffindor Tower and, as we expected, it has nothing to do with Harry."

"Okay…" Harry stated as Cedric frowned at this statement.

"Harry… it's because Ron's rat Scabbers is Wormtail," Harper addressed this to her brother.

Harry stared at his sister for a moment and then his hand balled into a fist. He looked about to head for the door, but Cedric took hold of him, practically wrapping his arms around Harry to stop him from leaving.

"Let me go! I need to get to the rat. He needs to pay," Harry said, struggling in Cedric's firmer grip.

"And that is why Cedric is here," Harper said.

"Scabbers… when Harry yelled at Arthur, he said something about a rat and Scabbers reacted badly to it. I totally forgot," Hermione voiced, thinking back to Diagon Alley. "If I had put two and two together back then…" but Hermione didn't finish – if she had realized the minute Harry and Harper told her the entire truth about Sirius Black then Peter Pettigrew would be in Azkaban and Sirius Black a free man right now.

"I'm sorry, but who's Wormtail?" Neville asked.

"I'd like to know too," Cedric said releasing his grip on Harry just a bit as the boy had stopped struggling.

"Harry's father had a group of friends when he was here, and they had nicknames for each other. Harry's dad was Prongs, Sirius Black was Padfoot, Remus Lupin – yes, our defense teacher – was Mooney, and Peter Pettigrew was Wormtail," Harper explained.

"And you're saying Peter is Ron's rat? That would make him an Animagus," Neville said.

"He is," Harper said with a nod.

"That's why you asked Ginny if Scabbers was missing a toe! Because the only thing found of Pettigrew was a finger," Cedric realized. "Oh damn, I just realized. Scabbers belonged to Percy before Ron. Percy is two years ahead of me, but I know for fact he had it in first year. MC told me a story once about Percy blackmailing her in his first year to get help finding Scabbers when he went missing. That was six years ago! Rat's life spans are like 3 years and from what I know Percy had him even longer than that."

"I'm getting that rat," Harry said, about to move but Cedric grabbed hold of him again.

"Harry, I will stun you if I have to!" Cedric snapped.

"Harry, please let's play this out the Slytherin way," Harper said to her brother, putting a hand on his shoulder and Harry took a deep breath. "We have to be cunning. Okay Cedric, Harry, go get Mooney. Let him know that we know where the rat is. Hermione, Neville, go to Dumbledore and let him know the same."

"And what are you going to do?" Neville asked.

"I'm going to see if I can trick Ron into handing the rat over to me peacefully," Harper said with a smirk.

The other four knew better than to ask further and all went out to do as Harper suggested, leaving Harper alone in the bathroom for a moment.

"That boy who was holding Harry… he is really good looking," Myrtle spoke up, looking over her stall.

"Down girl, he's mine," Harper said giving her ghost friend a smirk before heading out herself.

-Harry Potter-

Cedric and Harry walked toward Remus's office.

"I don't really need a babysitter," Harry said.

"You're the only one with the password to get into Gryffindor Tower and the only one who might actually just go and kill Scabbers… Wormtail… Pettigrew… what do we call him now?" Cedric asked.

"Wormtail," Harry said as they got to the office and knocked.

"Come in," Remus's called, and Harry opened the door to see Remus there – but he wasn't alone. Standing in the room with him was a pale girl Harry had never seen before, with shoulder-length white hair and wearing an unusual necklace. "Harry, Cedric," Remus smiled at time. "Chiara this is Harry Potter – and I think you know Cedric."

"I do," Chiara said smiling at the man.

"What are you doing back here?" Cedric asked, surprised at the appearance of an old school friend.

"Penny and I have a little place in Hogsmeade. She's having a conversation with the headmaster right now, and I decided to tag along and see Remus. We're old friends," Chiara said with a smile.

"Oh. Um… Professor we have a little rat problem we need to discuss with you," Harry said, not in the mood to be too friendly right now.

"Rat prob…?" Remus trailed off his question as he realized what Harry meant. "Chiara, it was lovely to see you again, but I need to have a private word with my students. We'll meet again maybe at the Three Broomsticks."

"Come over for dinner one day," Chiara said with a smile. "You can see Borf again."

"I'd love to," Remus said, and Chiara went for the door. After she was out Remus shut the door.

"Who's Borf?" Cedric asked before anyone could say anything.

"Chiara's… dog," Lupin stated, for lack of a better word to his students. It seemed Cedric hadn't met the animal in his time knowing Chiara. "Harry?" He looked to Harry now though.

"Okay, first off, Cedric knows," Harry pointed out. "Harper let him in so he could stop me from going and killing the rat," Harry added.

"It was not easy," Cedric sighed.

"Good job," Remus said with a nod. "You found the rat?"

"He's been in this school all along. Ron's pet rat Scabbers is Wormtail," Harry explained.

"Harper figured it out by talking to a snake," Cedric added.

"A lot to unpack in that sentence, but… Oh," Remus paused, going to look through his desk and a pile of newspapers he had before dragging one out. Remus pointed at the cover of it – a picture of the Weasley family with Scabbers on Ron's shoulder. "The Minister told a story about the last time he saw Sirius in Azkaban and how Sirius asked for a paper. I guarantee it was this one. I never really looked at the photo before." Remus moved closer and stared at the photo for a moment. "I recognize that form anywhere… Yes, that's Peter. How did I not notice that before…?" Remus tossed the paper aside, but Cedric moved to catch it.

"Don't beat yourself up, Professor. Sirius Black had nothing to do but look at this paper," Cedric pointed out.

"Thank you, Mr. Diggory. Where are Hermione and Harper?" Remus asked.

"Hermione and Neville went to tell Professor Dumbledore. Harper is going to ask Ron to take his rat," Harry said and Remus gave a nod.

"Come you two. We get Peter, we get the proof to save Sirius," Remus said.

-Harry Potter-

Hermione and Neville knew by now that Professor Dumbledore used various sweets as a password, considering they had been sent to the office many times, after all.

"Candy hearts," Hermione tried this after the first two attempts failed.

As they got up to the door of his office, they didn't think before coming in.

"Professor Dumbledore, we…." Hermione stopped as she realized the Headmaster wasn't alone; a blonde woman with bright blue eyes who turned around; there were cups and teas and biscuits in front of them. "Sorry. We shouldn't have barged in."

"It's alright, Ms. Granger, we were done here," Professor Dumbledore said. "Dobby?" the House Elf popped in. "Could you please clear the tea?"

"Yes, master," Dobby said, snapping his fingers and the teacups were gone.

"Please, I've said to just call me Albus," Professor Dumbledore addressed his Elf.

"Oh, I couldn't do that, Master," Dobby said, a little sheepishly as Professor Dumbledore shook his head at this.

"Ms. Heywood, these are Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Two of our very clever Third Years. Ms. Granger, Mr. Longbottom, this is Penelope Heywood." Dumbledore made the introduction.

"Penny Heywood?" Neville asked.

"Yes. You're a fellow Hufflepuff," Penny smiled at Neville at this, "you must know my sister."

"Beatrice?" Neville asked.

"That's the one. Headstrong but nice enough. Had some trouble in her first few years here, but thanks to MC she did better in her later years," Penny explained.

"She excelled in her OWLs last year," Professor Dumbledore pointed out.

"Very strange to think she'll be finishing school next year," Penny mused.

"Anyway, Ms. Granger, Mr. Longbottom, I have just hired Beatrice's sister here to help keep the Hospital Wing's potion better stocked – there's only so much Professor Snape can do for us between classes," Professor Dumbledore explained. "It seems Madam Promfrey is going through the potions quicker than we can provide them. Ms. Heywood will also be offering extra potion lessons for students who struggle as well."

"Where and when?" Neville asked and Penny gave a laugh. "I'm not kidding. It's my weakest subject… but that's more to do with Professor Snape," he turned a little red at this admittance.

"Oh, there will be a message on each House's boards," Penny said to Neville. "But I'll see you later, Headmaster," Penny moved passed the two and out the office, knowing her time was up.

"Now, you two, what did you charge in here for?" Professor Dumbledore asked the two Third Years.

"Oh yeah, that," Neville stated.

"We know where Peter Pettigrew is," Hermione explained. "He's in this castle posing as Ron's pet rat."

The Headmaster looked at them for a moment as if he was looking through them, his eyes almost like x-rays, but then he gave a nod. "Where are Harry and Harper?" He finally asked.

"Harry went with Cedric to tell Professor Lupin. Harper went to try to get the rat from Ron," Hermione said.

"Dobby, go and watch over Ms. Evans and Mr. Weasley without them knowing. Only interfere if the rat becomes human and attacks them," Professor Dumbledore said to his House Elf who was still waiting silently.

"Of course, master," Dobby said and popped out in a flash of light.

"Now, let us go ourselves," Professor Dumbledore told the two as he got up.

-Harry Potter-

Harper went to the Great Hall to find Ron; he was sitting at the Gryffindor table eating lunch with fellow Gryffindor Lavender Brown as Harper decidedly sat across from them.

"Hey Ron," Harper said. "I need…"

"Hey Harper, you know Lavender, right?" Ron asked.

"Only by reputation," Harper stated, taken aback – she obviously shared classes with Lavender as she did with Ron, but hadn't interacted with the girl beyond a couple of introductory words back in First Year.

"Well, I was leaving my lesson with the Flamels and bumped into her, and we got to…. chatting," Ron said.

"Good to meet you again," Lavender said. Harper noticed was holding Ron's arm.

"Yeah, very nice. Um Ron I need a guinea pig." Harper said.

"I don't have one," Ron said.

"What?" Harper asked. "No, it's an expression. It means I need a test subject. Could I borrow your rat? I promise he won't get hurt."

"I don't know. Scabbers hasn't been well lately," Ron said, looking sad at that.

"It might make him feel better and I can make it worth your while," Harper said, wondering how to make it worth Ron's while but then she knew. "A phoenix tailfeather."

"What?" Ron asked.

"From my mom's phoenix. I can convince her to give you one. Wouldn't it be great to do a phoenix wand while the Flamel's are mentoring you?" Harper said.

"And you promise Scabbers won't be hurt?" Ron asked.

"You have my word no rats will get hurt," Harper said with a smirk at her wording. Scabbers wasn't a real rat, after all.

"Okay, he's in my dorm. I can go get him. See you later Lavender," Ron said, getting up and Harper followed him. "She's nice."

"Hum… yeah sure," Harper said, not really caring about the other girl.

"So, you and Cedric good?" Ron asked.

"We are," Harper confirmed, and Ron gave a nod, and they walked in silence until they reached the corridor and the portrait hiding the Gryffindor common room. Harper stepped back when she realized the insane knight painting, Sir Cadogan, was protecting Gryffindor Tower. Ron tried a few different passwords before getting it right and going in.

"Cadogan keeps changing the passwords every few hours!" Ron explained. "Back in a minute…" with that, he retreated back into the common room as the painting of Sir Cadogan swung back to cover the entrance.

Harper moved down the corridor at this, not wanting to hear the knight's calls for a challenger as she waited and then started pacing, realizing this was taking too long. Harry, Cedric, and Remus had appeared. "Where is he?" Harry asked and Harper pointed at the portrait.

"Ron's brining me the…." Harper started, but Harry said the password and jumped in.

"I'll follow," Remus said, going in as well leaving the no-Gryffindors on the outside.

"Well, this is nerve racking," Cedric said, putting an arm around Harper. Harper gave a nod at that.

Soon Hermione, Neville, and Professor Dumbledore appeared, leaving all four non-Gryffindors outside as he, too, went into the common room. It wasn't long later before Remus, Lupin and Albus Dumbledore came out with Harry, who was carrying a familiar cat.

"Daisy?" Harper asked. "How did she get here?"

"Not a clue. She was with Lucy," Harry said handing the cat to Harper. "And it seems Scabbers has been killed. All Ron found was blood and some hair. He's blaming your cat by the way…"

"What?" Harper's was shocked by that.

"Ginny's consoling him in the corridor," Harry smirked at this.

"I told him not to act in anger," Professor Lupin added.

"But now it's time for a talk. Come along, all of you," Professor Dumbledore spoke, indicating the five students as he began to head back to his office.

-Harry Potter-

Once back in the Headmaster's peculiar office, Professor Dumbledore had conjured four more seats for the extra visitors, telling the students to take them as they all sat.

"Well now, can we all agree your cat didn't eat Wormtail?" Professor Dumbledore asked, nodding to Harper who was still holding Daisy.

"It's very obviously ridiculous," Remus said with a nod. "If Daisy had managed to kill the rat, we'd have a human body on our hands. She literally couldn't digest the man too."

"I wish Daisy had," Harry mumbled and Hermione gave him a push.

"Do you think he's still in the school?" Hermione, however, asked.

"It's possible. Keep your eyes open, but do not engage if you see him. Alert either Remus or myself. You all have other responsibilities to work on this year and Mr. Diggory, you're an OWL student, you cannot neglect your studying," Albus said.

"Of course not, Headmaster," Cedric nodded.

"Now, let's not waste this glorious, albeit cold Saturday morning. Please, go and enjoy the rest of this day," Professor Dumbledore addressed the students, they knowing this was his way of telling them to leave.

Harry, Harper, Hermione, Neville, and Cedric – along with Daisy the cat – left at this, leaving Remus Lupin alone with Albus Dumbledore.

"I'm going to do a run over the area. See if I can pick up anything," Remus said.

"Please do. Meanwhile, I will continue my efforts through the legal system to stop Sirius from the Dementor's Kiss, should he be captured. Remus, I have to warn you though, people know of your previous relationship with Sirius Black. Some eyes are on you. If you find him it might put him in danger," Albus said.

"I know," Remus said simply as he stood to leave.

-Harry Potter-

That night, Harper was in her dorm room, curtains around her bed as she watched Daisy play with a toy which she had brought with her.

"What were you doing there?" Harper asked, confused at her cat, and then shook her head. "You're a silly cat," Harper added as the cat meowed at her and jumped at the curtain instead, sending a claw through it. Harper sighed, taking the cat and putting her on the floor before fixing the curtain with a spell.

After that, put her head down on the pillow and let sleep fall over her. It had been an eventful day, after all.

"Hello, Harper," Hogwarts was taking the form of Helga this time as she talked to Harper in her dreams.

"Hogwarts," Harper sighed. "Did you know Pettigrew was here?" Harper asked.

"Regardless of my answer, I am here to guide you, not tell you," Hogwarts said.

"Did he leave the school?" Harper insisted, "Today, I mean?"

"No, he's too afraid," Hogwarts sighed. "Your Sirius Black is nearby, too. No, I believe Pettigrew will stay in the walls until Sirius is gone," Hogwarts said back.

"And you're not going to tell us where Padfoot is?" Harper took the guess.

"If I tell you, it's possible you can lead people to him. That stunt you pulled in Hogsmeade has eyes on you and Harry now. There are people out there who are not friends with this school," Hogwarts said back. "What I can tell you is trust your animals. They know more and can do more than you give them credit for."

Harper gave a nod at that, thinking it over. Esme had told her about Pettigrew, after all, and Daisy had been in Gryffindor Tower. The animals clearly knew something.

Post Chapter Note: Well, hope you like this chapter. The secret is out about Scabbers but the rat has vanished...

Please REVIEW.

Karry Master OUT!