Chapter 15: Bickering Part 2, Edith + Hugo Ravenclaw, and the Manor.

As they turned the corner of the bookshelf a beautiful woman with jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes caught their attention, her presence emanating an air of wisdom and elegance. This was Edith Mildred Ravenclaw, the portrait that bore the name of Solomon's great-grandmother.

Beside her stood a man who possessed the resemblance of a warrior, his silverish blond hair and purplish hazel eyes mirroring Solomon's own, albeit more vibrant. The man in the portrait was revealed to be Hugo Milstral Ravenclaw, Edith's father, making him Solomon's great-great-grandfather.

As Solomon and Jooby hesitated, Edith beckoned them to come closer. Her enchanting gaze fell upon Solomon, and she smiled with genuine admiration. "Oh, my! Look at you, my heir. So handsome and intelligent, just as a Ravenclaw should be," she said warmly.

Hugo, ever observant and quick-witted, interjected with a chuckle. "Ah, another book nerd in the family, I see! You've inherited your fair share of Ravenclaw traits, boy."

Edith turned to her father, giving him a reprimanding look, "Hush, Father. Remember, it's the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom that defines our house, not just bookishness."

Hugo, not one to back down, teasingly replied, "True, but there's also a time for action, my dear daughter. Remember, I was the only Ravenclaw sorted into Gryffindor for a century. A warrior's blood runs through his veins too!"

Edith gently chided Hugo, her voice laced with affectionate exasperation. "'Oh, father. You know that our family is not defined by warrior traits. We value intellect and wisdom as much as bravery."

Hugo couldn't help but tease further. "Well, my dear Edith, your husband Kwame, what did you call that warrior of yours?"

Edith's eyes sparkled as she recalled her beloved husband. "Ah, Kwame, my Lionheart. That's what I call him. A nickname that spoke of his strength and courage."

Hugo chuckled heartily, his warrior spirit evident in his voice. "A Lionheart indeed! But his last name is Mansa? How curious."

Hugo then shifted his attention to Solomon, his sharp gaze assessing. "So, you're the heir to the Ravenclaw legacy, huh? A Mansa by name, a warrior by blood, and with the mind of a Ravenclaw as it seems. A blend of Ravenclaw and Mansa. Quite the combination."

Hugo let out a hearty laugh, clearly amused. "Well, you have my eyes, I see that much. Though I must say, you got luck with black hair, this blondish hair of mine would have made you less manly,"

Edith chimed in, coming to her father's defense, "Oh, Father, don't be so harsh! Your hair is a reflection of your own uniqueness and charm."

Solomon couldn't help but smile at the banter between his ancestors. The portrait dialogue unveiled a glimpse into the vibrant personalities and familial bonds that spanned generations. He felt a sense of belonging and pride, knowing that he carried the legacy of these remarkable Ravenclaws within him.

As the conversation continued, Edith and Hugo shared tales of their time at Hogwarts, the triumphs and challenges they faced, and their shared love for knowledge and discovery. They offered guidance and encouragement to Solomon, reminding him of the greatness that lay within him, waiting to be unleashed.

Solomon listened intently, captivated by the stories and wisdom imparted by his ancestors. It was a treasured moment, a connection to his lineage that fueled his determination to fulfill the potential within him.

* * *

As the day drew to a close, Solomon and Jooby wrapped up the portraits of Edith and Hugo, their minds still buzzing with the encounters and revelations within the Ravenclaw vault.

"Great-Grandmother and great - grandfather" Solomon whispered, his voice filled with reverence. "I promise to bring you back to the Mansa Manor so we can all be together as a family."

Jooby nodded in agreement, sharing Solomon's sentiment.

With the portraits of Edith and Hugo wrapped safely, Solomon and Jooby made their way back to the entrance, and they saw Grimsnarl, awaiting their return.

Grimsnarl, ever helpful, shrank the portraits down to a more manageable size. "Keep these safe, young heir. They hold the memories of your ancestors," Grimsnarl advised, his demeanor softening ever so slightly.

Solomon nodded, holding the tiny portraits close to his heart. He could feel the weight of his heritage, a legacy to carry with pride. He carefully put them into his pouch. With the precious portraits secured, they returned to Grimsnarls office.

Back in the office, Solomon asked Grimsnarl how they could make their way to the Mansa Manor. Grimsnarl's gruff voice resonated as he explained to Solomon and Jooby the way to reach the Manor. "Look into the Nundu gem on the heir ring, lad. You'll see a clear image of the manor, the heir ring will guide you there."

With the knowledge they needed, Solomon peered into the Nundu gem, and before his eyes, a vivid image of the majestic Mansa Manor materialized. The grand estate sat amidst lush gardens, its impressive spires reaching up to touch the sky.

Beside him, Jooby jumped up and down with glee. "Oh, oh, Master Solomon, Jooby can take you there! I know the way!"

Grimsnarl chuckled. "Indeed, the little one has an excellent sense of direction. Listen to him, and you'll be just fine."

Grimsnarl added with a hint of pride, "A true heir of both houses can apparate to any of their family's properties. Use the gem as your guide, and you shall find yourself at the Manor in no time."

With Grimsnarl's assurance and Jooby's eagerness, Solomon felt ready to venture forth. But before they left, Solomon made sure to get all his last-minute questions answered, wanting to be fully prepared for this significant step.

"What about security at the manor? Will I need a password or something to enter?" Solomon inquired, his mind buzzing with thoughts of safety.

Grimsnarl nodded. "Aye, the manor is well-protected with wards. You'll need to speak your name and have the heir ring on your person at the entrance to gain access. The blood wards are the same as the ones on your vaults. Fret not, lad"

Jooby beamed at the trust placed in him and chimed in, "You can count on Jooby, master Solomon! I'll make sure we get in safe and sound!"

With gratitude, Solomon thanked Grimsnarl for all his assistance and for guiding him through the labyrinthine halls of Gringotts. He couldn't help but feel a newfound connection to the goblin, sensing a mutual respect that had developed between them.

With the portraits and valuable information safely tucked away, they exited Gringotts and returned to the hotel they had been staying in.

As they stepped out of Gringotts, Solomon and Jooby found themselves on the bustling streets of Diagon Alley once more. Jooby grabbed Solomon's hand, and with a confident nod, he apparated them back to the hotel room they had been staying in.

Solomon took out his wand in their hotel room and cast Tempus, confirming that it was now 5 o'clock in the afternoon. With a sense of urgency, he and Jooby gathered their purchases from London and the suitcase left to him by his mother, filled with treasured belongings and memories.

The room, once filled with their belongings and memories of their brief stay, now appeared empty and untouched. Solomon knew that this chapter of their journey had come to an end.

With a heavy sigh, he whispered, "Goodbye, little room. Thank you for sheltering us during our time in London."

Jooby, sensing the bittersweet moment, gave his master a reassuring nudge. "Don't be sad, Master Solomon. We bes going home now, to the Manor! It bes going to be fun!"

A smile spread across Solomon's face, appreciating Jooby's enthusiasm and unwavering support. "You're right, my friend. It's time to go home, to the Mansa Manor."

With the precious heir ring on his finger, Solomon focused on the image within the Nundu gem—the grandeur of the Mansa Manor beckoning him home.

In an instant, they apparated from the hotel room and found themselves standing before the majestic Manor. It stood tall and proud, surrounded by lush gardens and whispers of magic in the air.

"It's beautiful, Jooby," Solomon whispered, awe-struck.

Jooby nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. "Yes, yes! Master Solomon, this is your home now!"

"Our home Jooby," commented Solomon, as they approached the imposing entrance.

Solomon took a deep breath, steadying himself. He spoke his name with conviction, and the doors swung open, welcoming him back to his roots.

With Jooby by his side, Solomon crossed the threshold, feeling a surge of pride and belonging. The journey of discovering his heritage had only just begun, and the mysteries of the Mansa Manor awaited him, ready to reveal the secrets of his family's past.

And so, a new chapter began for Solomon, heir of both the ancient House of Mansa and the royal House of Ravenclaw…