Chapter Text
It had been a few quiet weekends since Jacob Crusher's attack on Mallory, Harper, and Harry. Despite efforts by the auror department – and the centaurs, who searched at Harry's request – Jacob remained missing. The lingering uncertainty weighed on the school, bringing about heightened security and an undercurrent of unease.
On this Saturday, however, the atmosphere felt lighter; Mato had decided it was time for the Grand Canyon Academy students to host a dueling competition, inviting participants from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. With the Quidditch Club season now at it's end, the schools had been missing the spirit of competition, and this event promised to bring back some of that excitement. Mato had chosen not to let the four champions compete, however, reasoning that they already had their own challenges ahead.
Mallory Crusher had even come to watch, joined by the Auror, Diego Chaplan, whom Harry and Harper discovered occasionally took part in dueling tournaments during his spare time.
That morning, Mato pulled Harper aside and gently asked her to sit this one out, too; Harper understood immediately – Mato had recognized the bond she and Harry shared with the school, a connection that made their magic stronger here. She agreed with his judgment; although her training with Hogwarts had helped her control the unique magic she could wield at the school, she didn't trust herself not to tap into extra power instinctively if a duel became too intense.
Instead, Harry settled into the role of coach for Neville, who was thrilled for the chance to compete. In fact, Neville won his first duel with ease, showcasing some of the techniques Perenelle Flamel had taught him the previous year. Meanwhile, Harper found joy in simply cheering on Cedric, content to support her friends – and boyfriend – from the sidelines.
Harper was concerned when she saw Hermione get hurt and watched as she was escorted out of her duel and taken to the makeshift medical area.
Inside the tent, Hermione frowned at Nita helped her recovery.
"It's not too bad," Nita said, applying a potion to Hermione's skin; Harper kept her distance, listening in on their conversation.
"Nita, I've been curious about something," Hermione said, prompting Nita to nod while she continued tending to Hermione. "Is your tribe the Havasupai, Hualapai, or Hopi? I know those all have roots in the Grand Canyon."
Nita laughed softly. "None of those," she answered. "We're the Mitawin Tribe."
Hermione blinked in surprise. "I've never heard of that one..."
"That's not unusual, especially for muggle-borns. We're a magical tribe, though many of us have ancestors from other, so our customs are blended a little," Nita explained. "And there you go – all done. Enjoy the rest of the competition."
"I'd love to learn more about your tribe," Hermione said, not moving yet.
"Maybe another time," Nita replied with a friendly smile before standing up.
Hermione walked past Harper, who was lingering outside the tent now, and the two exchanged a glance. "Your spell work was flawless," Harper told her.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, curtly.
"But if you want to win a duel, you'll need to move around more. Sometimes being a bit less perfect and a bit more dynamic helps," Harper said. Hermione eyed Harper thoughtfully and then nodded. "Um… Can we talk? Like really talk?"
"I'm not sure…" Hermione began.
"I've given you space to think, but we're running out of time. I really want my friend back. Neville forgave me weeks ago. Please, let's sort this out," Harper said, remembering the Angel of Death's warning about what might happen if they failed.
Hermione looked at Harper and nodded. She missed her friends too – especially Harry.
"Let's go to the Room of Requirement," Hermione suggested, and Harper smiled softly as the two left the area and walked toward the castle.
-Harry Potter-
Hermione hadn't returned to the Room of Requirement since the day she found out what Harper had done to try and get the Slytherin Key. Although it had always felt like a spot for the four of them, in truth, it was more Harry and Harper's domain. Well, theirs and this Jaiden Blu, who had created this unique version of the Room of Requirement with it's four Vivariums.
"Hey, my last Alchemy Project is just where I left it," Hermione remarked, drifting toward her equipment and picking up a gleaming strand of gold she'd crafted.
"We didn't touch any of your things," Harper replied, settling herself onto one of the couches as Hermione checked over the project, smiling to herself before turning to Harper.
"Harp…" she began.
"You've had plenty of time to mull over everything, Mione," Harper interrupted her, and Hermione paused, "and I know you well enough to be sure you've thought through every detail. So, what's stopping you from forgiving me? All the fake clues and waste of your time?"
"Well, I'm not really upset about the fake clues anymore," Hermione surprised Harper at this, "as that was Hogwarts – and I'll be having words with her about that snake bite," Hermione said, glancing at the statue Hogwarts sometimes spoke through, though it remained silent. She looked back to Harper. "I just… I can't get past your choice of game. Quidditch is something I'm so uneasy with, and you decided to use that against me? You cheated your way to a win just to get closer to the Key, taking our friendship for granted."
"I actually considered Scrabble, but couldn't figure out how to cheat," Harper mused.
"Well there are a few ways there," Hermione began, but paused at the look on Harper's face.
"Anyway, with the Quidditch Club playing, it seemed like the perfect chance to make Quidditch one of my challenges," Harper explained. "You have to admit, half my task was getting you to accept without raising any red flags."
"Regardless, you went for something that would shake my confidence, Harp, a game I only joined because of some advice the Flamels gave me. And you let me believe you were helping me the whole time…" Hermione said, obviously wanting to look away at this, but determined not to.
"Oh, come on, that's nonsense!" Harper shot back, rolling her eyes and catching Hermione off guard. "We had fun that day, cheating or not, and honestly, I did help you. You bought the same broom me and Harry use. Your last few matches in Quidditch Club were some of your best ever, so what harm was done? No, you're just using this as an excuse, and we'll never get anywhere if you keep hiding behind a lie." Harper sprang up, closing the gap between them until they were nearly touching. Hermione took a step back.
Hermione's eyes flashed, and she shook her head, her voice trembling but firm. "It wasn't about the broom, Harper, or how well I played. It was never about Quidditch, not really. It's about trust! I needed to believe you were on my side, that you respected what mattered to me. When you turned it into a game – something that scares me, something you know I struggle with – it felt like you didn't care how I felt, just as long as you got closer to that Key."
"Oh, come on," Harper sighed. "That's a lie and you know it. Enough with the stories, Hermione. No more dodging. Why won't you forgive me?" Harper pressed. "And it has nothing to do with Quidditch."
"Well don't play dumb with me, Harper," Hermione snapped, angry now at Harper's own attitude.
"Me play dumb?" Harper asked, indignant.
"You've been in my home, you've seen my life before Hogwarts, before you and Harry…" Hermione stated.
"I'm not following," Harper paused now. "What has your life before Hogwarts got to do with all this…?"
"Because you were my first!" Hermione blurted out, her words quick and loud.
Harper stepped back, an uncertain frown creasing her brow at this, confused "Your first… what?" Harper questioned.
"My first real female friend," Hermione answered with a sigh.
"Seriously?" Harper said. "We met when we were 11…" Hermione let out a weary sigh at that, and sat down. "Maybe try explaining that a bit more," Harper asked more softly now.
-Harry Potter-
Neville took a slow sip of water. He glanced around, the tension in the air thickening as the competition grew fiercer; most of the weaker competitors had been eliminated in the first round of duels, leaving only the most capable wizards and witches. The gathered students murmured in anticipation, aware that the next matches would be even more intense.
Wiping his brow with the back of his hand, Neville now shifted nervously, Harry watching him with amusement.
"Where… where did Harp go?" Neville asked, scanning the crowd for any sign of her.
Harry, who was sitting beside him, shrugged. "I asked Cedric the same thing," he replied, sounding slightly distracted as he fiddled with his wand. "He said she walked away. Didn't say where."
Neville gave a sigh, wishing his friends were still in the running. "I really wish you both were competing," Neville said, grinning nervously as he gave Harry a playful wink. The memory of their past victories and narrow escapes always made him nostalgic. "But… hey, Susan, have you seen Harper?"
Susan Bones, lounging nearby with an air of relaxed confidence, looked up from her parchment. She flashed a sly smirk that made Harry and Neville exchange amused glances. "Saw her and Hermione walk away together," she said, the implication clear in her tone. She tilted her head meaningfully toward the castle, as if suggesting that the two girls had something important – or perhaps secretive – to discuss.
Harry chuckled softly, and Neville couldn't help but join in. "Do you think…?" Neville asked, raising an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued by the possibility of what Harper and Hermione might be up to.
"Let's leave them alone and hope," Harry said, his voice both reassuring and teasing. He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice as he changed the subject. "And that spell you used in the last duel was interesting, Neville. But it seemed to use way too much power. I wouldn't use it again so soon."
Neville nodded in agreement, replaying the moment in his mind. The spell, one of Pernelle Flamel's advanced techniques, had nearly drained him, leaving his hands trembling and his magic reserves dangerously low. It was powerful, yes, but he was unprepared for its intensity. He resolved to practice it more, to master its control before risking it again. There was still much to learn – and plenty of duels ahead.
-Harry Potter-
Back in the Room of Requirement, the silence between Harper and Hermione was palpable at Hermione's revelation.
"How am I the first girl you've ever been friends with?" Harper asked, sliding back into her seat as Hermione settled across from her. "Didn't you go to regular school before this?"
"I didn't have any friends at school before I came here," Hermione replied, and Harper waited for her to say more. "You remember how Dudley and his group treated me?" Harper nodded, recalling that her cousin, Dudley Dursley, had bullied Hermione as a child. "Well, they made sure no other kids wanted to be my friend – and anyone who wasn't afraid of them thought I was weird because of my accidental magic."
"You didn't know what it was or how to control it?" Harper said. Having magical parents had made things easier for her as a kid – they could fix any accidental bursts and taught their children how to manage it better. "Ridiculous British system for not helping you as soon as you showed signs of magic..." She added, knowing that in Britain, they waited until Hogwarts to approach muggle-borns, while back home, the government reached out at the first sign and informed both parents and kids.
"Yeah, well, I was the girl who ended up on the school roof, and the fire department had to get me down. Not to mention the time I turned a teacher's hair blue in my own embarrassment… Nobody wanted to be my friend," Hermione said.
"Seriously? You must've accidentally apparated. That's actually kind of amazing," Harper said, "and accidental transfiguration isn't easy – the hair thing," she mused, before catching Hermione's look. "Okay, not the point."
"Not it's not, but finding out I was a witch made everything click," Hermione continued. "And that day on the Hogwarts Express when I met you and Harry, you two became my very first friends. You were my first female friend. I thought the bond we made was something unbreakable. I imagined us being almost like sisters for life… But you managed to break that trust so quickly. It made me realize you don't feel the same way about our friendship as I do."
This realization struck Harper hard. She'd honestly not known, not having thought Hermione's life would be as different to hers, but she had met Dudley, and Hermione had explained some of her pre-Hogwarts life before, but it just hadn't clicked.
"That sounds like a really lonely childhood," Harper said, slowly now. "And you're right, you're not my first female friend. I've had lots of friends over the years – you've met some of them this year."
Hermione exhaled and nodded. "You don't share the same attachment," she said. "I understand, it's just…"
"Stop, Hermione," Harper interrupted, catching her off guard. "I let you say your piece. Now let me respond. Let me talk."
Hermione tilted her head but nodded. "Go ahead," Hermione said knowing that was fair.
"If you honestly believe I don't value our friendship, you're completely mistaken," Harper insisted. "Do you really think I don't care about Harry?"
Hermione looked puzzled. "What do you mean? What's Harry got to do with this?"
"Harry is my brother. Since my parents adopted him when we were both just one year old, we've always been partners in crime – inseparable. My greatest fear, and I have a Boggart to prove it, is losing Harry. I mean so much to him that I was even his hostage during the Second Task," Harper explained. "And yet, I did to him exactly what I did to you. I looked him in the eye, lied, betrayed him, and tricked him – to win my challenge against him. I even used my dagger to cut his hand. Would you say that means he means nothing to me?"
Hermione was left speechless.
"You know how close we are," Harper continued. "When I learned what my task was this year, it made me sick to think I'd have to betray you, all of you. But it was the only way – the only way to reach the Founders' Vault. That Vault represents years of effort for us. It's incredibly important to me and, dare I say it, even to the world..." Harper's thought went to the Angel of Death's warning, but she couldn't share that with Hermione. Not yet. She couldn't force Hermione's forgiveness by revealing what might happen if they failed. "I'm a Slytherin, Mione – a true Slytherin. Salazar Slytherin's real heir. So, I put my ambition, cunning, and cleverness before my feelings for all of you. That doesn't mean I stopped caring. It just means there was something even more important at stake."
"But… as Neville said, I couldn't have done it. Not even for the Founders' Vault," Hermione admitted, thinking their friendship couldn't come at the cost of this Vault.
"And as I told him, isn't that the whole point?" Harper replied. "These tasks were designed to prove we truly represent our houses, to show we're worthy of whatever's hidden away. I couldn't do what you did, or what Harry or Neville did. Could you?" Hermione thought back over the previous years' challenges and shook her head, realizing she couldn't have done the boys' tasks. "Remember the tent after Mallory and Bill's wedding?"
"The tent after the wedding, when you and Harry showed us your family tree and shared almost everything with us – well, except for the cat Animagus secret," Hermione said, prompting Harper to roll her eyes at this one. "What about it?"
"We promised we'd do whatever it took to get into the Founders' Vault," Harper replied. "Anything. Don't you see? This is exactly what we agreed to!"
Hermione paused, taking a breath. "I suppose… in a way… you betrayed us with our own permission," she admitted.
"Hermione, I would kill for you," Harper said, simply, sincerely.
"Most people say they'd die for someone," Hermione replied, frowning at Harper's choice of words.
"That's a Gryffindor thing. Slytherins kill, then blame someone else for it," Harper joked, making Hermione laugh, too. "What I mean is, you may not be my first female friend, but you're definitely the best. I'd happily call you my sister. Over the last four years, we've faced trolls, a Cerberus, Basilisks, Dementors, and so many other dangers together. I've always had your back, and I always will."
"And I'll have yours," Hermione said after a moment, moving closer to Harper and hugging her tightly. Harper hugged back. "Hand me the book, Harp."
Harper pulled the Founders' book from their bag and opened it to the correct page, where Hermione signed her name. Within seconds, her name turned green. She grinned.
"Congratulations," said a voice from the statue, making both of them look up. "You should go find Harry and Neville and get the Slytherin Key."
"On it," Harper didn't waste time as she took the book back, grabbed Hermione's hand and headed for the door.
"I'm going to have a word with you about that snake bite!" Hermione called out as the two rushed out of the Room of Requirement.
-Harry Potter-
Harry was standing at the edge of one of the duels, watching Neville face off against Cedric. Harper joined him on one side, Hermione on the other. Without a word, Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry, giving him a tight hug. She had missed him deeply – she'd even dreamed about him at times.
"Are we all good?" Harry asked, slipping his arm around Hermione and pulling her close. He didn't need to ask why she needed the hug; the gesture spoke for itself.
"We're good," Harper was the one to reply, holding up the book to show Harry Hermione's name glowing green on the page. "Now all we need is Neville."
Neville, catching sight of the group hug from the corner of his eye, hesitated for just a moment – long enough for Cedric to take advantage and stun him, winning the duel, much to everyone's surprise.
As soon as Cedric was declared the winner, Mato revived Neville, who sprang to his feet and hurried over to join his friends. Without hesitation, Neville threw his arms around them, and the four friends found themselves in a slightly awkward, but heartfelt group hug. The sight drew the attention of nearly everyone nearby, momentarily shifting the focus away from the remaining dueling matches.
"The Fab Four, reunited at last?" Cedric called out with a grin, clearly pleased to see them all together again.
"Yep, and now we've got to go," Harper said, briefly running over to Cedric and giving him a quick kiss. "Great job out there! Good luck in the next round. Love you!"
"Love you too!" Cedric called out as Harper ran back to her friends, he smiling as the four friends – known to many as the Fab Four – took off together, their energy and excitement unmistakable.
As they hurried away, Fred and George Weasley approached, both wearing identical smirks.
"Would you look at that," George began.
"The Fab Four back in action and probably up to more secret adventures," Fred concluded, both shaking their heads in mock disapproval, although the amusement in their eyes was clear; both twins were clearly delighted by the reunion, and the promise of whatever mischief might come next.
-Harry Potter-
The Fab Four sprinted through the castle's corridors at full speed, barely slowing down for anything or anyone in their path – not even Peeves' mischievous antics, Mrs. Norris's hissing, or the stern looks from passing teachers could deter them as they raced toward Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
Inside, their two ghostly friends awaited them; Myrtle was, as usual, in tears, and the bathroom floor was slick with water.
"Again, Myrtle?" Hermione sighed, pulling out her wand and expertly vanishing the puddles with a flick.
Myrtle looked up, her voice wavering. "Oh… hello," she greeted the four as they entered.
Rowan, hovering nearby, seeming surprised. "Are you four back already?"
Harper nodded, determination in their eyes. "We've got some important business to take care of," she said and, as if on cue, the secret passageway to the Chamber of where Slytherin key was opened. Without hesitation, the four friends leapt in, disappearing down the hidden tunnel and leaving their ghostly companions behind.
Rowan watched the passage close behind them, a look of awe on his face.
"They did it…" Rowan whispered, almost in disbelief.
"They did it," Myrtle echoed, her usual melancholy replaced by a glimmer of hope. Even her tears had dried up at this.
"Come, we must tell the rest of the ghosts," Rowan stated, and with that, the two spirits split up, gliding through the castle's walls to spread the news to every ghost in Hogwarts. The message would soon reach every corner of the ancient school: the Fab Four were on the move, and something extraordinary was about to happen.
-Harry Potter-
Once inside the Chamber, Harper approached the special snake statue, which nodded in knowing approval, allowing Harper to step forward to the case holding the Slytherin Key. She opened the compartment and retrieved the green, snake-shaped key, slipping it onto a chain around her neck.
"So, we've got it. What do we do next?" Neville asked.
"I'm not sure," Harry replied, truthfully. "Are there any more clues about where the Vault is? Hermione, maybe che–" before Harry could finish, they all noticed Harper's key floating from it's chain and pointing toward them. Looking down, they realized their own keys were tugging at their shirts.
Harry, Neville and Hermione pulled out their respective keys, and as soon as they did, the keys forced them together by the neck; suddenly, the keys connected, and they felt a powerful pull behind their navels.
In an instant, they found themselves lying on their backs.
"What just happened?" Hermione asked, looking queasy as she tried to get up.
"It was a Portkey," Harper explained, knowing them well given they used Portkeys to travel to and from England from America.
"Of course. When the four pieces of the key joined, they created a portkey," Harry concluded for his sister, each of them was still wearing their keys, but now separated.
"Might be the oldest portkey ever made," Harper added.
"And definitely the roughest," Neville concluded, rubbing his neck and getting up. Harper and Harry were already standing, so Neville held a handout to Hermione, who took it gratefully to stand. "Where are we?" Neville added.
"Are we even still in Hogwarts?" Hermione wondered, glancing around. They seemed to be in a corridor, like the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets, but different, older.
"We are," Harry and Harper answered together, sensing the familiar magic of Hogwarts through their unique connection as true heirs. Yet, this was a part of the castle none of them had ever seen before.
"Guys…" Neville said, now pointing. They turned to see a massive metal door set into the rock wall. There was no handle, or obvious way to open it, just the Hogwarts crest carved into its surface.
The four approached, and words began to appear around the door. Hermione read them aloud for everyone: "Congratulations, students. You have completed all the tasks and have been brought here, to the Founders' Vault. What is inside is yours to use as needed. This is both a treasure and a burden. Your last chance to turn back is now. You may return to the school and give up; the keys and books will be hidden again for the next group of students to try. If you wish to unlock the door, however, place your wands on the symbols of your respective Houses. Once opened, there is no going back. Your lives will be forever changed, and the four of you will be forever connected. Choose wisely."
"Well, there's no way I'm backing out now," Harper declared once Hermione had finished reading aloud, immediately drawing her wand and placing it on the Slytherin Snake.
"I'm with my sister," Harry said, placing his wand on Gryffindor's Lion.
"We've come too far to quit," Hermione said, putting her wand on Ravenclaw's Eagle.
"If you think I'm not with you, you're crazy," Neville chuckled, completing the set by placing his wand on Hufflepuff's Badger.
As soon as Neville's wand touched the correct spot, the door began to glow. The light traveled into their wands, up their arms, and enveloped their bodies, burning intensely. The four cried out, but they were unable to move until the glow finally faded.
"What was that?" Hermione gasped.
"Harper, your arm!" Harry said, noticing Harper's exposed skin. Harper looked down to see the Slytherin crest burned into her arm, with the word 'Slytherin' beneath it.
"It branded me…" Harper breathed in realization.
"It branded all of us," Harry corrected, pushing up his sleeve to reveal the Gryffindor crest and name. Hermione and Neville did the same, discovering their own house crests.
Before they could say more, a loud creak echoed as the metal door slowly opened. Harry stepped forward, easily pushing it open. He raised his wand, and the others did the same, entering the Vault together.
As soon as they were all inside, the heavy door closed behind them.
-Harry Potter-
Albus Dumbledore entered the Great Hall, accompanied by Mato, Nita, and Remus. The Beauxbatons and Durmstrang headmaster seemed to keep to themselves and their students, but Albus didn't mind this. In fact, he and those from Grand Canyon Academy of Magic were deep in conversation about the day's events.
As the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for Grand Canyon and some Hogwarts students now, Remus was overseeing the entire dueling competition. Dinner was underway, and students were eating quickly, eager to return to the final duels of the evening.
"This truly was a wonderful idea. Thank you for suggesting it," Albus remarked warmly of the Dueling Club.
"We ended up with more participants than we expected. We might need to extend the tournament into next weekend," Mato observed, happily.
"That can certainly be arranged," Albus replied, a familiar twinkle in his eye. At that moment, he noticed Amelia Bones and Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge approaching, accompanied by Diego Capan. He frowned. "Madam Bones, Minister, I didn't realize you would be joining us again."
"We actually just came to inform you there's been a sighting of Jacob Crusher. He's still in the area, but appears to be moving away from Hogwarts," Amelia reported.
"Any leads on who set him loose to target Harry and Harper?" Remus asked.
"We've questioned several people, but so far, it remains a mystery," Cornelius admitted, a little curtly to the headmaster. "We're here to discuss additional security measures for the upcoming Third Task with Madam Bones and the headmaster of the representing schools."
"Ah, but of course. We can–" Albus began, but was interrupted as a loud bell suddenly rang out, startling the adults and students alike.
"What on Earth is that noise?!" Nita asked, as everyone instinctively covered their ears.
"I'm not sure…" Albus said, drawing his wand and trying a spell, but it had no effect on the ringing.
Frowning, and looking up, Albus saw that the enchanted ceiling had changed; it now displayed a sky filled with fireworks. From outside the hall came the sound of clanging metal, and when Albus moved out to check, he saw the suits of armors banging their weapons in some sort of celebration. Even the portraits seemed to be joining in the festivities.
The ghosts soon captured everyone's attention; Peeves, the poltergeist, zoomed in with a cackle, followed by every ghost in Hogwarts, all swirling around the Great Hall in a jubilant procession. The song of a Phoenix also echoed through the hall, and Albus was amused to see his own, Fawkes, joined by Helia, both carrying the Sorting Hat, who was laughing with delight.
"They did it!" the Sorting Hat shouted. "After a thousand years, they finally did it!"
"What's happening?" Cornelius called out in anger over the commotion.
"You won't be able to stop the bell," the ghost of Helena Ravenclaw, known to students as the Grey Lady, said with a small smirk. "It signals that what was once locked away has been opened. The four have found, and entered, the Founders' Vault."
"By Merlin, they did it…" Albus Dumbledore echoed at this revelation, awe in his voice.
"Poppycock! The Founders' Vault is just a legend," Cornelius protested as Amelia Bones and Diego Caplan looked intrigued by all of this.
"I assure you, it's real. I searched for it myself as a student," Albus replied, loudly over all the commotion, a smile spreading across his face. "And now, it's been found. They did it!"
"Who, exactly, did it?" Amelia Bones asked, though she seemed to already suspect the answer.
"One Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, Harper Evans," Albus said, his eyes twinkling as he added, "and Harry James Potter."
With this revelation, Albus could clearly see the shock and fear etched on the face of Cornelius. The realization that Harry Potter and Harper Evans – individuals he had openly labeled as traitors – had not only discovered but gained access to a secret as profound as the Founders' Vault sent ripples of unease through him.
Yet, for Albus, this moment was one of pure joy and vindication. He felt a surge of pride for the students who had accomplished what generations before them had only dreamed of. The sense of hope and possibility filled him as he joined the jubilant celebrations, surrounded by a bemused Amelia Bones, Diego Caplan, along with Nita, Mato, and Remus Lupin.