Chapter 47: Little Heirs and Founders

The world spun violently around them as the portkey activated, pulling them through space in a rush of wind and magic.

The sensation was disorienting, even nauseating, for most newcomers, but as suddenly as it began, it ended.

The four of them landed, some more gracefully than others, on the cool stone floor of the Ravenclaw vault.

Alaric straightened his robes with a flourish, then shot Nero a lopsided grin. "To think you had all these secrets hidden away in your vault. Do you think we might have something similar in ours?"

Lilith, arms crossed, glanced around the cavernous room with a wary expression. "If we do, I doubt they'll be as accommodating as Rowena. Slytherin's legacy isn't exactly known for warm welcomes."

Nero chuckled, but he could sense their tension.

Even Alaric, usually the most easygoing among them, held himself with subtle stiffness.

He didn't blame them. In mere moments, their lives were about to change forever.

Before he could respond, a gentle hum of energy filled the air.

A pulse of ancient magic rippled through the chamber, and then, as if stepping through a veil of light, Rowena Ravenclaw materialized before them.

She smiled warmly. "We've been waiting for you."

The three newcomers stiffened slightly at the sight of the ghostly woman, but Nero took a step forward, already familiar with her ethereal presence.

Rowena glanced over the group before continuing. "As this is a special circumstance, there will be no tests for you. What belongs to you shall be restored without challenge."

A visible wave of relief passed through Alaric, Ember, and Lilith, though they tried to hide it. Nero smirked, so much for all their bravado.

Rowena then turned her gaze to him, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "However, before we begin, there is one matter I must settle."

Nero frowned. "What?"

Rowena's expression became downright mischievous as she clasped her hands together. "Tell me, dear Nero, which of these two is your girlfriend?"

A stunned silence followed.

Lilith and Ember blinked in unison, then turned to stare at him with matching expressions of disbelief.

"What?" Nero choked out.

Rowena feigned an innocent look. "Come now, surely one of them has captured your heart? Or perhaps both?"

Alaric burst into laughter first, followed closely by Ember and Lilith.

"Oh, this is priceless," Ember wheezed, wiping away a tear. "Nero, the most shameless Hogwarts student, completely speechless."

Lilith smirked, tilting her head in amusement. "Normally, you're the one making jokes at our expense. Must run in the family."

Nero groaned, his face burning. "I hate all of you."

Before his suffering could continue, a deep, rich chuckle echoed through the vault.

"That's a sight I never expected to see, Ravenclaw's heir at a loss for words."

The four turned as three new figures emerged from the shadows, each radiating an aura of unmistakable power.

At the forefront stood Godric Gryffindor, a man built like a warrior, his presence commanding yet warm. He had thick, golden-red hair that framed his rugged face, and a well-groomed beard of the same hue. His eyes, sharp and alight with mischief, gleamed like embers beneath strong brows. He wore a rich crimson tunic embroidered with golden thread, and at his hip rested a sword, the legendary blade that bore his name.

To his left was Helga Hufflepuff, a woman of gentle but unshakable strength. Her honey-brown hair was woven into an intricate braid that draped over her shoulder, and her soft, kind eyes radiated warmth. She wore robes of deep amber and earthy green, the fabric embroidered with intricate patterns of vines and flowers. Though she lacked the imposing stature of Godric, her presence was no less powerful, there was an undeniable steadiness about her, a quiet authority wrapped in kindness.

And finally, standing slightly apart, was Salazar Slytherin. His lean frame was wrapped in flowing dark green robes trimmed with silver. His raven-black hair was long, falling just past his shoulders, framing a face of sharp, elegant features. His piercing emerald eyes glowed faintly in the dim vault, his expression unreadable, yet edged with amusement. A silver serpent coiled around the hilt of his wand, which he held loosely in one hand, as though always prepared but never rushed.

Godric strode forward, his deep laughter still rumbling in his chest. "I must say, Rowena, I never thought you'd be the one to put a descendant of yours in such a predicament."

Rowena merely smiled. "I take pride in my mischief."

Alaric whistled under his breath. "Now I see where Nero gets it from."

Nero, still recovering from his earlier embarrassment, shot him a glare.

Salazar let out a quiet, knowing hum, his gaze sweeping over the group. "So, these are our heirs?" His voice was smooth, like silk over steel. "Interesting."

Helga clasped her hands together, beaming at them. "They certainly are. And they're about to embark on a journey unlike any before them."

Godric clapped his hands together, grinning. "Well then, let's not keep them waiting."

Nero took a steadying breath. This was it.

The moment had finally arrived.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd chapter of the day! (2/2)

75 chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 122: Echoes of the Abyss