Chapter 13: Haggling, Vault, Rings, and Portrait.

Grimsnarl, the goblin representative, cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses before explaining the details of the inheritance test to Solomon. "Now, young Solomon, let me shed some light on the matter of your mother's name. Aliyah's name being grey in our records signifies that she is in a state of unknown, neither fully alive nor completely departed from this world. It is a peculiar condition that occurs when the boundaries between life and death become blurred."

Solomon nodded, absorbing the information. The mystical nature of his mother's name being grey added a layer of intrigue to his mother's whereabouts. Grimsnarl continued, "As for your father, I regret to inform you that Gringotts does not possess the means to discern his identity. It remains a mystery hidden even to us. Some secrets are not within our reach."

Understanding the limitations, Solomon focused on the path ahead. Grimsnarl went on to explain the privileges that awaited him as the heir of the Ancient House of Mansa and the Royal House of Ravenclaw. "Solomon, as the heir, you will reach the age of maturity at 15, gaining access to your family's governmental seats associated with your noble lineage. This includes seats in both the local magical government in England and Africa. In addition to the International Confederation of Wizards (ICW), allowing you to influence important decisions and shape the magical world overall."

Solomon's mind buzzed with the possibilities that lay before him. As they talked more about government and so on. Solomon realized the responsibility that came with his newfound heritage, Solomon knew he needed someone trustworthy to handle both accounts. Looking at Grimsnarl, an idea struck him. "Grimsnarl, would you consider being the goblin to handle both the Mansa and Ravenclaw accounts? I need someone I can trust to keep everything under wraps."

Grimsnarl's eyes gleamed with interest. "Hmm, that's an intriguing proposition, young heir. What do you offer in return?"

The negotiation between Solomon and Grimsnarl commenced, with both parties haggling over the contract.

After much deliberation, they settled on a deal that would span a period of 10 years until Solomon turned 15. Grimsnarl would receive 2% of the estate's annual profits, in exchange for his unwavering loyalty and discretion. They agreed to revisit the contract at the end of the term to reevaluate the arrangement.

With the contract settled, Grimsnarl reached into his robes and produced an enchanted pouch from Gringotts. "Here, young Solomon," he said, handing the pouch to him. "This is a special pouch, sewn with stretching yarn. It is bottomless and can hold whatever you desire to take out of the vault. It will serve you well in managing your newfound wealth."

Solomon marveled at the pouch, appreciating its magical properties. It would certainly make it easier for him to transport his newfound treasures.

With the business settled, Solomon, Jooby, and Grimsnarl made their way to the vaults of Mansa and Ravenclaw. They hopped into a carriage, and with a wave of Grimsnarl's hand, it flew into the depths of the bank. The ride was an exhilarating roller coaster, and Jooby couldn't contain his excitement, his high-pitched voice filling the air with laughter. Solomon on the other couldn't help but curse the goblin who made this idiotic cart.

* * *

Arriving at Vault 25, they stepped out of the carriage. Solomon and Jooby followed Grimsnarl as he explained that the number 25 had a special meaning in African cultures, symbolizing prosperity and financial abundance.

The entrance to the Vault of House Mansa was an awe-inspiring sight, adorned with intricate golden carvings that told the ancient tales of the Mansa lineage. The enormous doors stood tall, fashioned from enchanted ebony wood with silver inlays, depicting the fierce silhouette of the mythical Nundu in striking detail. Its piercing eyes seemed to watch over all who approached, radiating an aura of primal power and authority.

Above the grand entrance, the crest of House Mansa was emblazoned, catching the light with its gleaming gemstones that sparkled like stars. The crest showcased the mighty Nundu in all its glory, claws outstretched, surrounded by symbols of strength, wisdom, and prosperity. Its predatory eyes appear to follow every movement, a silent warning to those who dare approach. Razor-sharp fangs protrude from its snarling mouth, emphasizing the creature's ferocity and power. The Nundu's muscular body, covered in spotted fur, is portrayed in a dynamic pose, ready to pounce with lethal grace.

Grimsnarl directed Solomon's attention from the entrance of the vault back to him. Grimsnarl then reminded him, "Remember, Solomon, only you, as the rightful heir, can move forward. Goblins, in general, cannot enter the vaults due to the rules and regulations set in place."

He continued, "When you enter the Vault, you must remember to grab the key for the vault and the heir ring. The heir ring in our records is silver with a Nundu Gem: The Nundu Gem is rumored to change colors based on the emotions of the person holding it. This means it can take on a wide range of hues, reflecting the emotional state of the individual. For example, it might turn fiery red when the person is angry or passionate, calming blue when they are serene, or vibrant green when they are joyful or hopeful. The heir ring will also have the crest you saw on the vault door."

Taking a deep breath, Solomon stepped forward and pressed his hand against the entrance, activating the ancient blood wards. The vault recognized his lineage and granted him entry. The doors opened with a resounding creak, revealing a hidden chamber bathed in an ethereal glow. A soft, golden light emanates from glowing crystals embedded in the vault's walls, casting enchanting patterns across the floor. The air carries a subtle hint of ancient incense, evoking a sense of reverence and solemnity.

* * *

Inside, he found a trove of wealth beyond his wildest imagination. Gleaming piles of galleons, dazzling jewels, and precious artifacts adorned the chamber.

Walking further into the vault Solomon and Jooby approached the raised podium, Solomon's eyes locked onto the shimmering treasures it holds. A delicate golden key lies elegantly on a cushion, whispering tales of hidden secrets and safeguarded riches. Its intricate design appears to have been crafted with the utmost care, bearing ornate engravings of magical creatures woven into the very essence of its being.

Besides the key, two rings glisten like stars amid the darkness. They are a masterwork of elegance and grace. A Nundu gem, vivid and vibrant, rests regally atop a silver band that seems to dance with moonlit reflections. The gemstone's allure is captivating, each facet capturing the essence of a thousand nights and untold enchantments.

The second ring is equally enchanting but in a different manner. Its foundation, a golden band, radiates an air of power and majesty, signifying its connection to the lineage of House Mansa. The Nundu crest, engraved on both with meticulous artistry, commands attention at the ring's forefront, a testament to the family's ancestral prowess.

As Solomon holds the heir's ring, he feels the weight of history and the echoes of the past pulsating through them. The ring seems to hum with the energy of generations as if they hold within it the stories of those who came before him. The Nundu gem, with its silver embrace, feels calming and serene. With reverence, Solomon picked up the key and slipped it into the pouch.

With a deep breath and a steady hand, Solomon slid the silver heir ring onto his finger. As the metal made contact with his skin, an electrifying sensation surged through him. It was as if the ring had been waiting for this moment, recognizing its rightful heir. A soft hum emanated from the ring, resonating with his very core, as if awakening dormant magic within him.

The room seemed to shimmer as an ethereal light enveloped him, casting a gentle glow around his figure. In that instant, he felt an undeniable connection to the House of Mansa, to its legacy and secrets, stretching back through time. The ring seemed to carry the weight of generations past as if the spirits of his ancestors were whispering ancient wisdom into his soul.

Images flashed before his mind's eye—battles fought, triumphs achieved, and a lineage of greatness stretching back centuries. It was a profound revelation, and Solomon was humbled by the legacy he had inherited. The ring's energy intertwined with his own, like a river merging with the sea, empowering him with a newfound sense of purpose and strength.

The heir rings, passed down through generations, held unique and powerful enchantments to protect and empower the heirs of each prestigious magical house. The heir ring has four potent abilities:

Firstly, as the ring settled onto his finger, he felt an invisible shield envelop his mind. The heir ring granted him the power of mental protection, a safeguard against external influences seeking to manipulate or control his thoughts. This potent ability acted as a barrier against mind-altering charms and intrusions, preserving the sanctity of his thoughts and emotions.

The second power, the gift of a truth revealer, awakened within him. When faced with deception, the ring would subtly glow, alerting Solomon to the falsehoods being spoken in his presence. It allowed him to discern lies from truth, guiding him through treacherous waters and revealing the honest intentions of those around him.

Moreover, the heir ring bestowed upon him enhanced reflexes, granting him uncanny agility and instinctual response in challenging situations. His movements became fluid, and his perception of the world sharpened, allowing him to evade danger and seize opportunities with remarkable precision.

Additionally, when presented with food or potions, the ring's power to analyze and detect hidden substances is activated. It became a vigilant guardian, ensuring that nothing malicious or harmful entered his body. This gift of discernment saved him from potential harm on numerous occasions, as it shielded him from accidental or intentional poisonings.

As the ring glimmered on his finger, Solomon understood the weight of his responsibilities as the Heir of Mansa. These ancient powers were both a privilege and a burden, calling upon him to wield them wisely and protect the legacy of his house.

* * *

Solomon and Jooby ventured deeper into the Mansa vault. The shelves were filled with an impressive collection of books, each holding untold knowledge and secrets waiting to be discovered.

Solomon's eyes scanned the titles of the books, which ranged from ancient African magical practices to the exploration of dark and light magic. Some of the titles included:

Light Magic:

Luminescence: Harnessing the Radiant Energies of Light by Nefertari Mbali

The Radiant Path: Mastering the Essence of Pure Light by Ifeoma Nwosu

The Healing Sun: Restoring Balance through Solar Magic by Nzambi Ekwueme

Ethereal Illuminations: Unveiling the Secrets of Luminous Enchantments by Zuriel Nkosi

Dark Magic:

Shadows of Power: Unveiling the Secrets of Black Magic by Nkrumah Akinjide

Whispers of the Night: Embracing the Dark Arts by Mirabella Chikwado

Obsidian Arts: Unleashing the Depths of Darkness by Asmodeus Ezeulu

Embracing the Void: Exploring the Abyss of Dark Magic by Lethabo Jengo

These books, penned by notable wizards and witches throughout various centuries, delve into the intricacies of both light and dark magic, providing valuable insights into the practices, spells, and philosophies associated with each branch of magic in the Wizarding World.

While Solomon was disappointed not to find any books specifically related to Ravenclaw, he knew that there was still much to learn from the extensive collection before him.

* * *

As they delved deeper into the vault, a voice boomed through the chamber, causing Solomon and Jooby to startle. "Who dares trespass in the realm of the ancestors?" the voice thundered with authority and curiosity.

Solomon turned towards the source of the voice, his eyes widening as he saw the ethereal figure of his great-grandfather, Kwame Tendai Maduka. The air crackled with energy as the generations connected in that timeless moment.

"What brings you here, young one?" Kwame's voice held a mixture of sternness and warmth. "Tell me, who you are? And where is my granddaughter, Aliyah?"

Solomon took a deep breath, steeling himself to deliver the painful truth. "I do not know her current whereabouts, Great-Grandfather, I am her son Solomon."

Waiting for his great-grandfather to nod, Solomon proceeded to tell the tale, "After the inheritance test, Mother's status was marked as Grey, signifying a state of unknown rather than being fully deceased. A few months ago, we were hiding from Voldemort, a new dark lord who seeks to promote pure-blood propaganda. Mother and I were ambushed by Death Eaters. She fought bravely, killing one and incapacitating another. Once the coast was clear, she sent me away with a portkey to protect me."

Kwame's features softened with a mix of pride and concern. "You have faced great challenges, my grandson," he acknowledged. "Tell me, how did you make your way to England?"

Solomon recounted the harrowing journey, starting from his use of Polyjuice Potion to assume the identity of another person and acquire a passport. He spoke of meeting Jooby, his loyal companion, who had guided him through the trials and tests leading up to this very moment.

Kwame listened intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and compassion. "You have shown great resilience and resourcefulness, Solomon," he said. "You carry the strength and determination of our lineage within you. I am proud to call you my descendant."

As the conversation between Solomon and Kwame continued, the great-grandfather shared stories of their family's history, imparting wisdom and guidance. He encouraged Solomon to honor his mother's legacy and fight for justice and equality in the face of darkness.

With their time drawing to a close, Solomon sought his great-grandfather's advice. "Great Grandfather, what should I do with your portrait? I want to keep your presence with me."

Kwame smiled, a twinkle in his eyes. "Take me with you, my grandson," he said. "Bring my portrait to the Ravenclaw vault, where we can find your Great-Grandmother's portrait, both your grandparents shall continue to guide and protect you. Together, we will forge a path of wisdom and enlightenment."

Solomon nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude and determination. He carefully removed the portrait of Kwame from the wall and wrapped it securely in a protective covering he found in the vault. With the portrait in his possession, he knew that he carried the wisdom and strength of his Great-grandfather wherever he went and another person to rely on.

Leaving the vault with Jooby by his side, Solomon's heart was filled with a sense of purpose. The journey to the Ravenclaw vault awaited them, promising further revelations and encounters with the spirits of the past. As they ventured closer to the entrance, Solomon held his great-grandfather's portrait close, knowing that this connection would guide him through the challenges that lay ahead, and together, they would ensure the House of Mansa and the Royal House of Ravenclaw thrived for generations to come.