Chapter Text
Harry had spent the last two weeks in Diagon Alley. Well, not exactly Diagon Alley but The Leaky Cauldron. It had been two weeks since he fled from his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia’s house. That amount of time since he’d been picked up by the Knight Bus and brought to the only place, he could think to seek refuge.
When Aunt Marge, Vernon’s sister, visited and began spouting hateful comments about his parents, Harry slightly lost it. His intent hadn’t been to blow her up like an inflatable animal, but it got her to shut up all the same. The only thing that it didn’t shut up was his uncle who began sputtering as his face reddened to the point Harry thought he’d pass out. Demanding that Harry bring her back and set her right.
Harry wasn’t having any of that. He’d put up with the Dursleys dislike and general mistreatment of him, but he drew the line at his parents. His parents whose memory had been tainted by his aunt before Harry could even know them. Without much thought, Harry took off towards his bedroom upstairs.
He quickly freed Hedwig from her cage, begging her to go on a hunt and find him later as she flew through the bars. He snatched his photo album of his parents from the drawer in his nightstand, securing it in the waistband of his pants. He hurried down the stairs to get his trunk and school bag from the cupboard under the stairs.
Harry had just finished undoing the last lock on the door when he felt a hand grip the back of his shirt. The hand yanked him backwards until his back thudded against the wall. The hand moved from his shirt to the curls on top of his head. “You think I’m going to let you leave here boy?” Vernon spat out, “You’re going to sit in your cupboard ‘til they come for you.”
Vernon’s grip tightened as Harry grinded his teeth, “I’m not doing anything but leaving.” Harry was thankful that Fred and George spent more time wrestling in the Quidditch locker rooms than anything when he saw his opportunity.
He braced his shoulders harder against the wall as he brought his knee up to Vernon. His knee met its intended target when Vernon’s grip loosened on his hair, and he let out a small cry of pain. With his uncle distracted, at least for the time being, Harry made his escape. He threw open the cupboard door and slung his school bag over his shoulders. Already guessing that he would be expelled for the incident with Marge, Harry risked the chance the shrink his trunk down and slid it into his pocket.
Satisfied that Vernon was still wheezing in pain and Petunia and Dudley were cowered in the corner together, Harry left out the front door without looking back. The instant he stepped out onto the street, a wave of relief washed over him, like he could breathe for the first time that summer.
As he walked down Privet Drive, the evening night darkened into the early hours of night. The air had a misty chill even though it was mid-August. A small amount of tension relaxed from his body the further he walked. With Hermione in France and Ron in Egypt, he wasn’t sure where he’d go but since Kings Cross was in London, that’d be the best place for him.
When he reached a park on the far side of Surrey, he paused to sit on the swings. He wasn’t sure how long he had been walking but as the moon was quite high in the sky, he’d wagered it was late. Harry didn’t have much Muggle money at all so he hoped he could sneak on a train or something. His thoughts were broken as the leaves on a nearby bush started to rustle. Harry didn’t need to wonder long as a black dog emerged from the bushes.
The dog had shaggy fur with light blue eyes. It panted slightly with its tongue hanging out of its mouth. Harry slowed his legs to a halt watching from the swing as the dog approached him. Harry hadn’t much experience with dogs, mostly only Ms. Fig’s cats. Once it was about two feet from Harry, the dog sat back on its hind legs and almost smiled at him.
Harry reached a tentative hand out, allowed for the dog to sniff it, and brought his hand behind the dog’s ear. He knew how much Hedwig enjoyed this, so he figured a dog would a well. The dog tilted its head, leaning further into Harry’s hand. Harry continued scratching behind each ear completely unaware that the Knight Bus had arrived.
When the driver honked, the black dog startled before darting away into the bushes again. Harry stared at the spot where the dog had just been before blinking to turn his attention to the bus. As he got closer, the conductor let Harry know that the Knight Bus would take him anywhere he’d liked.
Luck was on Harry’s side as the Knight Bus was already enroute to London. He asked that he be able to sit in silence for the rest of the ride. “Had a bad day,” is all he’d give the man when asked.
The trip surprisingly took only about twenty minutes if he were to guess. His surprise only continued when Tom from The Leaky Cauldron had been waiting outside for him. When Harry disembarked, he quietly asked Tom to resize his trunk before they went inside. He made up a lie that he always shrank his trunk before leaving Hogwarts and didn’t return it to normal until September.
Harry followed Tom inside and up to the first floor once Tom sent his trunk to the room where he’d be staying. He didn’t question the mention of him staying there but silently walked behind him. Tom led him to a door that opened to a small office. Inside were Professor Dumbledore and a man who Harry recognized to be Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic.
He gulped as he stepped inside and sat in the chair in front of the two men. Harry looked between the Headmaster and Minister, wondering who brought worse news. “Hello, Professor Dumbledore, Minister Fudge.”
“Mr. Potter, these are interesting circumstances to make your proper acquaintance. Before you worry, all matters with your uncle’s sister have been rectified. All her memories will be modified to only experience a deep nap after lunch. Your Muggle family will be aware of the events, but they will be assured that Marge will have no knowledge.” Fudge explained, as he offered Harry a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Harry brought the tea to his lips. He gathered his thoughts before asking, “Am I expelled from Hogwarts? Will I have to give up my wand? Do I have to go back to the Dursleys full time?”
Dumbledore raised a hand slightly to signal Harry to calm down. “Harry, it’s all right. You need not worry; you will still attend Hogwarts on the first of September like every other student. You will not have to return to your Muggle relatives this summer if you do not wish. Your options are rather limited due to the lack of other living family, but I suppose if the Ministry is amendable, you can remain here for the remainder of summer.”
Harry nodded, “I’d be okay with staying here. It’s only a few weeks, right?”
“Right,” Fudge agreed while Dumbledore nodded back. “Perfect, I believe Tom has already reserved a room where your owl should’ve arrived too as well. I suspect Dumbledore brought your school list, so you may get ahead of the crowds.”
Dumbledore pulled out an envelope with the Hogwarts seal that Harry knew held the list of supplies he would need for the school year. The headmaster handed it to him while mentioning that Harry may need to visit Gringotts. Dumbledore pulled a key that Harry had only seen once before when Hagrid took him to his vaults. “Return this to either myself or Hagrid when you arrive at Hogwarts.”
Harry took the envelope and his vault key, sliding both into his pocket. He bid the headmaster and Minister a goodnight, jokingly saying he hoped the three of them wouldn’t be meeting again soon. Tom had been waiting outside the office to show Harry his room. It was a corner room at the furthest end of the hall.
As promised Hedwig was already perched inside her cage, he wondered how her cage also made the trip to London but didn’t question it further. He greeted his owl with a scratch behind her ear and a promise to purchase more owl treats for her. She gave a happy chirp then nipped at his ear briefly.
Harry looked around the room. Bigger than his bedroom at the Dursleys, just as bare, but dustier for sure. It was shocking that wizards chose to stay in a place like this but since it didn’t seem like too big an ask to house him for multiple weeks, maybe most rooms sat empty for some time. There was a dresser with about six drawers, a nightstand with one drawer, a twin sized bed like his at school, and an attached bathroom. A small luxury for running away, unlimited access to a toilet. Harry snorted to himself at the thought.
As it had been the middle of the night when he arrived, Harry looked at the small clock on the nightstand. It read only two in the morning, so he turned on the lamp before shutting off the overhead room lights. Harry changed into a pair of pajamas before crawling into bed. Never being one to fall asleep quickly, Harry decided to read through his school list to plan his day of shopping. At the end of second year, students can choose their elective classes. With everything that happened with the Chamber of Secrets, Harry chose Divination and Care of Magical Creatures. Both seemed like the easiest options, and after the year he had, Harry thought he quite deserved easy.
The addition of two classes brought a book for each and a pair of leather gloves for Magical Creatures. Hopefully Flourish & Blotts had the books in stock so he wouldn’t have to come back after the rest of the lists had been sent out. He noted that he would need to get quite a few rolls of parchment, bottles of ink, and a spare quill or two. First stop would need to be Gringotts, like Dumbledore had said, as he and Ron had spent most of his Galleons on the sweets trolley.
He made a mental note to get more Galleons to last him well into next summer, just in case he wouldn’t have a chance to return. He would also need new robes. His last good set had been ripped in the Chamber of Secrets.
With a full itinerary for the next day, Harry shut off the lamp, slid his glasses off, and rested them on the nightstand. He called a quiet goodnight to Hedwig who responded with a quiet hoot of her own before getting under the covers.
~~~
The next morning, Harry brought his glasses back to his face to greet Hedwig. As he walked over, he opened the window to allow her to freely fly in and out as she pleased. “I’m going out today to shop. Don’t know how long I’ll be gone. Don’t get yourself into too much trouble.”
After changing into the smallest clothes of Dudley’s he could find, Harry set off to the bar main area of The Leaky Cauldron. Checking his pockets for his wand, sack for Galleons, school list, and vault key, Harry shut and locked the door behind him.
The bar had been noticeably livelier than when he arrived last night, but Tom looked surprised to see him up and about this early. “Just wanting to start my day. The shops are opens, aren’t they?” Harry asked once he got closer to Tom.
“Gringotts, definitely. Some of the other shops usually open in an hour or so.”
“Good thing I need money first,” Harry replied as he headed towards the back door.
The Leaky Cauldron entrance to Diagon Alley was more spacious without a half-giant also entering him. He tapped the specific brick that allowed him access.
Diagon was also quiet at this hour like The Leaky Cauldron which made Harry’s walk to Gringotts much easier than previous years. No one had even paid him a second look as he made his way to the far end of the alley. When he reached the front steps of the bank, Harry patted his front pocket to double check his key was there and went inside.
The bank was a flurry of activity, multiple Goblins sat at desks on either side while others bustled between the two sides and to doors behind the desks. Harry walked up to the same desk he and Hagrid had gone to and cleared his throat, “Hello. I’d like to withdraw some money, please.”
The Goblin at the desk looked over his half-moon glasses at Harry, “Key, please, Mr. Potter.”
Harry gulped a little at the Goblin knowing who he was. He reached into his pocket and handed the key over. The Goblin took his key, scanning it with his right hand, before looking back at Harry, “Is this the only vault you wish to access today, Mr. Potter?”
“My only vault? I didn’t know I had any others. Professor Dumbledore only gave me this.”
The Goblin returned the key, gesturing Harry to follow him around the desk to the right. He led Harry to a small office with a desk filled with parchment and a nametag that read ‘Frolug, Goblin Account Manager.’ Frolug made his way around the desk while Harry took a seat in the leather chair. “The Goblins of Gringotts Bank manage almost every account of every wizarding family, Mr. Potter. We have managed these accounts for centuries. Many of these accounts go dormant for periods of time. There are a handful or so of said accounts that we have suspected for many years belong to you.”
Harry gaped slightly at Frolug. “Exactly how many accounts do you think are mine?”
Frolug clasped his hands together, leaning forward in his chair to rest his elbows on the desk. “The exact number is undetermined at this moment. It appears that you have not completed the Inheritance Test which was an oversight by whoever helped access your vault in the past.”
Harry thought back to the first time he came with Hagrid. “When I came here the first time, Hagrid and I also retrieved a package for Dumbledore. Hagrid seemed to be in a hurry, so that might explain it.”
Frolug flipped through a few sheets of parchment, “Ah, yes, why did you not come to complete the test any time after that?”
Harry shrugged, “I haven’t been back to Gringotts. Mrs. Weasley collected the money I needed last year for me.”
Frolug looked slightly agitated at the mention of someone accessing his vault without him present. “Very well. If you wish, we may complete the Inheritance Test here. It will only take a few minutes. Five drops of blood are needed as well.”
Harry shifted uncomfortable with the idea of needing to produce his blood. “How will we do that, sir?”
Frolug chuckled under his breath. He vanished all the parchment covering his desk before producing a fresh sheet and a small silver dagger. “A small cut on the palm of your wand hand with the dagger. Allow five drops to flow onto the parchment. I will heal the cut as soon as you are finished.”
Harry sat forward in his chair as Frolug pushed the items closer. With his left hand he grasped the dagger, he expected the metal to feel cold, but it was slightly warm under his touch. He took a deep breath, bringing the blade to his palm, and making a slice across it. He winced as he pulled the blade away, setting it back on the desk.
Frolug cleansed the dagger at once as the first drop of blood landed on the parchment. Four more drops sank into the parchment before the blood vanished for a moment. It reappeared in the form of red ink. Harry sat back as the words continued to appear and Frolug healed the cut on his hand. The Goblin smiled as five neat lines appeared on the parchment.
Harry James Potter
Heir to House Potter
Heir to House Peverell
True Heir to the Noble House Slytherin
Named Heir to House Black
Harry read over each line carefully, more confused with each one. His only inheritance that made sense was House Potter. He had no idea who the Peverell or Black family were. “Surely, Heir of Slytherin is a joke.”
Frolug frowned, “Heir Potter, the Goblins at Gringotts Bank do not joke about inheritances. As for the True Heir part, I suspect the last person who attempted to claim they were the heir unjustly did so.”
“Who are the Peverell and Black family?” Bringing himself back to his original question.
“The Peverell family is an ancient house that was believed to be extinct. An heir has been claimed for a century or two. The Black family is a more modern house. Ancient in age, but many members still living.”
Harry thought the name sounded familiar, but he didn’t know where. He asked the difference between being a named heir, true heir, and a regular heir was.
“A True Heir denotes when there may be concession for the lineage. Named Heir means that you have been given lineage not by blood or marriage. Often done when one has no living heirs or younger family members. As for the Potter and Peverell lines, there is no living witch or wizard that can hold claim to these lines. They are solely yours. Until the time comes, if you have children.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to contact my assistant to retrieve the House rings. I suspect you will have no issue with them.” Frolug added before leaving his office.
Harry stared at the parchment. Heir to four houses. He didn’t even know what that meant. Hopefully if they had vaults, they left a guide or something for him. Did Dumbledore know that he would inherit so many? Why hadn’t he mention this to Harry when he first started, or had Hagrid do it?
Harry hadn’t had much time to ponder over his questions as Frolug reentered with a small wooden box. He placed the box to where the opening faced Harry. “We will start with the rings that should hold no resistance,” Frolug began, reaching to open the box. “You’ll find each ring unique in design.”
Harry looked at the four rings Frolug presented to him. The goblin was correct in them being unique. From left to right, the rings only increased in style. The first was a gold band that resembled a vine wrapping around a finger when worn, the next was all black with small round obsidian stones around the outside. The next one, Harry guessed was Slytherin’s ring. Emerald green metal shaped into the body of a snake. The tail of the snake fed itself to the snake’s mouth creating the circle for the ring. The last ring was also black, but it was speckled with tiny diamonds that flashed like stars in the light.
“Let’s start with the Potter ring,” gesturing to the gold ring on Harry’s left.
Harry reached out to pick up the ring, instantly the metal felt warm under his touch. He hesitated, flipped the ring over before sliding it onto his right ring finger. A gold flash of magic surrounded him briefly before it retreated into his chest. It felt warm, like a hug, so Harry guessed it was the Potter ring.
Frolug looked pleased as he pointed to the black ring with a smile. A similar thing happened when Harry placed the ring on the same finger. Only instead, the flash of magic was black and misty. He knew in his mind this was the Peverell ring. When Harry reached for the Slytherin ring, Frolug made a noise signaling that he wanted him to save it for last.
He then took the ring farthest to the right, the Black family ring. This ring did not accept him right away when he placed it on top of the others, with a slightly cold feeling Harry thought it would reject him. Finally, the cold retreated before Harry felt the ring tighten on his finger. Satisfied that the ring wouldn’t fly off his finger, Harry looked down at his hand. He looked a little ridiculous seeing three flashy rings stacked together, but he felt calm, nevertheless.
“Remarkable. This is the fastest an Heir has claimed rings I’ve seen in all my years.” Frolug exclaimed, breaking Harry from his thoughts. “The last ring I am personally most intrigued about. I am the personal account for House Slytherin.”
Harry took the final ring from the wooden box. He turned the ring around to follow the body of the snake. As he went to place the ring on the same finger as the others, he felt it repulse against him. He pulled the ring back for a moment until he felt the need to place it on his left pinky finger. Slytherin must’ve been a proud house because the second the ring sat flush to his hand, his entire body was bathed in a warm sensation and a wisp of green smoke swirled around his body before it settled curled around his left forearm.
“Seems like Slytherin’s ring wants its own attention.” Harry commented as he flexed both hands watching the light reflect over each ring.
Frolug explained that each ring provided Harry access to the corresponding vaults. He could also key the Potter ring to his personal vault if he wished. Harry agreed, allowing the goblin to perform the necessary spell. Once completed, Frolug mentioned that the rings can appear however he desired. Harry took a second to think before asking the rings to combine and allow only the Potter ring to show. The Slytherin ring seemed to protest concealing itself but only hid from view of others. Harry could still it faintly on his pinky.
Frolug led Harry down to the vaults, stopping at his personal one first. “There can only be certain things removed from the family vaults until you are of age, Heir Potter. Each vault should hold a gift of sorts left behind by the previous heir.”
The Potter vault did not have anything useful now other than a note from his grandfather mentioning artefacts are not meant to be sold. The Peverell vault contained a journal that described the history of the family. Harry didn’t know much about them, so he didn’t want to take something too early. “Could I owl you to request an heir related item from the vaults at a later time?”
Frolug nodded, “Yes. I, as your account manager, have a complete list of items. As well as which items may be removed early, sold, or transferred.”
“Since I don’t know who named me to the Black family, I want to keep that sealed until I know.”
“Very well. Follow me to the cart. We must travel down a few levels to Slytherin’s vault.”
The goblin underestimated how many levels they had to go, as Harry felt like they had to be on the bottom floor of the bank. He questioned how old this vault was and when the last time anyone came down here was.
“Salazar Slytherin’s and House Slytherin’s vaults were built when Gringotts first began working with the Wizards. All four founders of Hogwarts hold their vaults on this floor. I can only direct you to House Slytherin’s vault. Lord Slytherin’s personal vault remains sealed until you are of age.” The goblin answered.
When the pair approached the Slytherin vault, Harry brought his left hand up to the door allowing the ring the open it. Frolug motioned for Harry to enter stating Lord Slytherin prefers his heirs to visit the vault alone. He reassured Harry that he would be able to get out when he was finished, and he would be waiting outside on the cart for him.
He stepped through the doorway, looking behind him as the door swung close. Immediately, the vault was filled with green light as torches placed around the walls lit themselves. There weren’t as many artefacts as he expected but it was all as old as he expected. In the center of the room stood a pedestal, on top of a circular stone laid a singular journal. Emerald green dyed leather with a dark purple ribbon holding it closed.
Memories from Tom Riddle’s diary flashed in Harry’s mind as he walked closer to the center of the room. When he stepped close enough to grab the journal, he took a deep breath hoping that this didn’t hold a memory of Salazar Slytherin. With the journal in his hands, he flipped through the pages, relieved when there was actually ink filling the pages.
The journal seemed content to be with Harry, so he could take it with him, promising to return to the vault and return the journal. Frolug was waiting for him in the cart, like he said. The goblin confirmed Harry was good to go before they set off to the main level of the bank. Harry held on tight to the journal as he didn’t want to risk it flying out into the cavernous levels.
When the two returned, Frolug made Harry promise to come back to the bank more often. The goblin promised to owl Harry with any developments of the accounts and that he’d be available should Harry request anything from a vault. Ending their meeting, Harry thanked the goblin with a nod before he left to join the rest of Diagon Alley.
The sun was higher in the sky leading Harry to believe he was in the bank much longer than he thought. As he still needed to complete his school homework, he went to Flourish & Blotts to collect his books. The shop was calmer than last year, as there was no ‘celebrity’ book signing, which allowed Harry to roam the shelves undisturbed.
His core classes were easy to find the books he needed for third year, as they continued in the next volume of the series. The Divination textbook was easy to pick out. He couldn’t remember the title he needed for Care of Magical Creatures, so he pulled his school list from his pocket. He went down the list, mentally checking off each one, when he came to The Monster Book of Monsters. Not finding it on the shelf, Harry searched for a shop attendant.
When he found one, he asked the older wizard where the book was located. The man only grumbled mentioning that third years will need to ask for and purchase the book at checkout. They were to also immediately leave the shop and recommended finishing their shopping for the day. Harry raised an eyebrow at the man, confused as why a book for students seemed to be such a headache for the man. Without wanting to ask more questions, he checked his list for a final time.
Harry was shocked to see that two more books had been added underneath the one for Care of Magical Creatures. Lords and Ladies: Heirs of Society and The Complete Study of Serpents. He knew they hadn’t been on the list when he went to sleep last night. Why did he need to buy these books? As the thought crossed his mind, the Slytherin ring, still hidden from view to others, heated intensely. Salazar Slytherin must request all his heirs to purchase the books if they haven’t already read them.
Not having a clue where they would be, Harry asked the same wizard for help. With a small smile, he stated he’d collect the books Harry asked for and would meet him at the register. He wondered how he’d fit all these new books in his trunk with everything else. The wizard met him at the register where he placed the additional books on his stack along with the monster book off to the side. “Do not open this book until you’ve been properly instructed,” the wizard pointed a sharp finger at the cover of the book.
With all his books sent magically off to his room at The Leaky Cauldron, Harry continued to complete his shopping list. He stopped at the owl emporium to refill Hedwig’s owl treats. She’d be delighted to try the new varieties the shop released in the last year.
Next, he moved to Madam Malkin’s where he would be measured for new robes. His extra money provided the ease of mind to also purchase a set of thicker winter robes. Madam Malkin finished quickly and said to expect his new robes in his room at The Leaky by this evening. He thanked the witch for time once he paid and left the shop.
He also needed to get ingredients for Potions this year, but he knew Professor Snape preferred the freshest possible. Harry decided to wait until closer to the start of school. Parchment, squills, and ink were the last items he needed now. On his way, a bag shop caught his attention.
His school bag provided to be just fine, but it couldn’t hurt to look even if he didn’t buy anything. Stepping into the shop, he was immediately greeted by the saleswitch. “Hello, young man. What may I help you find today?”
Harry glanced around, “Probably just looking today. Is there anything special about these bags?”
“Besides made from the highest quality material, the collections also contain a variety of extension, locking, and protection charms. Certain bags, such as the ladies crossbody satchel, are created with the strongest extension and concealment charms.” She guided Harry to the wall of women’s bags, “They allow a witch to carry anything she could need. A small wardrobe of clothes, if she wished.”
Harry wanted to laugh at how hard she was selling him a purse, “Perhaps not my style.”
She gave him a once over before leading him to the back wall. An array of backpacks hung in front of him. Multiple sizes and different color patterns. The bag he had worked perfectly well, but for the right price, he might be swayed. He hummed in consideration at his options. A medium black canvas bag with gold trim caught his eye. “What can you tell me about that black bag?” He pointed out the bag in question.
“Ah, lovely choice.” She waved her wand, levitating the bag to her hands. “Medium weight canvas. Large pocket divided in two sections, one charmed to extend and hold three times the normal weight, and the other with a heavy protection charm to only be accessed by the owner. Convenient wand sleeve hidden in the arm strap. The front pockets on the bag also carry protection, concealment and mild extension charms.”
She handed the backpack over to Harry. His Slytherin ring grew warm once again as well as the Peverell ring on his right hand. Decided by two of his houses, Harry purchased the bag. He kept his face blank as he slid over the Galleons to the witch. It was slightly pricier than he wanted to spend, but he couldn’t disappoint the rings. It could be useful in the future.
Satisfied with all his purchases and discoveries that day, Harry returned to The Leaky Cauldron. When he returned, he greeted Tom and asked for the special that day be sent up to his room. Hedwig greeted him with an excited trill when he entered the room. “Hello girl, I got you something.” He held out the mixed bag of owl treats. He tossed a couple to her once she signaled, she was ready. Hedwig caught each treat flawlessly barely allowing Harry to hear her wings. “We’ve got to save them for school. I probably couldn’t trust you to owl-order deliver them yourself.” He winked at his owl while he gave her a scratch behind her ear.
He left a few treats in the bottom of her cage before he went over to his bed. His books and robes had been delivered. As he set his bag on his bed, he realized that he forgot to get writing supplies. He sighed, hopefully he had enough to complete his summer work. All his schoolwork was forgotten when Harry pulled out the journal from Slytherin’s vault. He carefully placed everything in his trunk. School could wait until he read a bit about Slytherin.
The journal started out a bit dry. Mainly discussing that Parseltongue was in fact a Slytherin family trait. It originally passed to more members of the family, but its inheritance dwindled as the generations went on. There were certain duties that Harry was tasked to complete as Heir to Noble House Slytherin such as protecting Hogwarts from outside threats, ensuring the proper education and treatment of Slytherin students, and promoting inter-house unity.
Harry smiled, the thought that Salazar Slytherin may not be as evil as rumored eased his worries. Afterall, he did spend the last year at Hogwarts denying he had any claim to Slytherin. He planned to keep his recent revelations secret from anyone he could. He would need to check how well his rings could stay hidden from view.
No one had mentioned the rings thus far, so he kept reading. The journal continued with directions on how to find the Chamber of Secrets, and how to subdue the serpent within. Harry snorted at that passage as he had already taken care of said serpent. Apparently, the serpent, which he knew was a basilisk, was a familiar to Salazar Slytherin. He shuddered at the thought someone could be friendly with a snake that large.
The journal mentioned that the truly worthy Heirs may acquire their own familiar and could have an easier time with an Animagus transformation. Harry had only heard about Professor McGonagall being an Animagus, but the idea of transforming into an animal intrigued him. He read that these gifts would come to an Heir once they’ve discovered ‘The Sanctuary.’ Harry guessed it was somewhere hidden within the Chamber of Secrets. He grinned as he possibly had a head start compared to the previous heirs.
Harry continued reading through the journal until he got to the section that was charmed to give a personalize duty for an Heir. Harry’s read: Rectify crimes of three, Save the souls of three. He had no clue what that meant, he wasn’t great at keeping himself out of trouble, let alone saving others. He hoped the Chamber would give him more answers to his personal duty to House Slytherin.
A faint pop broke Harry’s focus from the journal as a bowl of beef and vegetable stew with two rolls appeared on the nightstand. Along with a cup of tea. He forgot he requested his dinner be brought to his room, but he thanked his previous self for the forethought. He quickly tucked Slytherin’s journal into the protected pocket that only he could access. He tucked into his meal, relishing in the warmth the stew spread through his stomach.
With his meal finished, he collected everything onto his nightstand. The house elves should summon his empty dishes before he went to sleep. Deciding that he should shower, considering he barely slept last night, Harry headed to the connected bathroom with his toiletries. Not used to having a bathroom to himself, he spent a longer amount of time relishing in the hot water. The mirror had been fully fogged up before he stepped out and wrapped a towel around himself.
Harry quickly dried himself and let his hair dry naturally, as there was no helping it. Aunt Petunia allowed it to grow longer over the summer which allowed a soft curl to form. It also made more knots form in his hair. With a change of clothes, he walked out to notice that his dishes were gone. Smiling, he walked over to Hedwig’s cage to say goodnight.
He climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to his chin. He slid his glasses off his nose and onto the nightstand before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.