At Gringotts, since the bank's primary function was to protect the treasures of its clients, the ward stones for the high-security vaults, in particular, were constantly replaced because of the high amount of magic used to power them. It went without saying that maintaining such high-security vaults was very expensive.
As for Muggle-borns, the only way for a Muggle-born witch or wizard to be born is if they had a magical relative somewhere in their bloodline. The DNA, dormant in the parent, might activate in the child. The pureblood philosophy was somewhat accurate, actually. Marrying Muggles would give rise to weaker wizards or squibs (there were a few exceptions, of course) but they were wrong in that marrying Muggle-borns would do the same.
Muggle-borns were just the same as any pureblood wizard - there was no difference in blood or power, with the original human DNA of witches and wizards having fully activated in their blood. Just like physical strength differed from person to person, magical strength also differed. Some purebloods were naturally weaker as compared to others while some Muggle-borns like Lily Evans were naturally more powerful than the rest.
The pureblood fanatics did not hate Muggle-borns only because of their Muggle heritage; they hated them because they were a threat to all witches and wizards. Harry, for one, truly believed that unless something was done, the knowledge of magic could not be contained in fifty years. There was also the problem that Muggle-borns bring their Muggle culture into the magical world, and some of them expect witches and wizards to change or adapt to suit their Muggle heritage. Naturally, the purebloods had been furious, which was why Voldemort had risen to power as quickly as he had. That is also why the Death Eaters would not care if their master was half-blood himself. Voldemort supported their goals and was ridiculously powerful, and that was enough.
Entering the chamber, Harry flicked his wand to his hand, just as ancient lighting charms activated. He frowned when he saw that the room was empty. Just as he took another step, another pedestal appeared with a sheet of parchment on it. He sliced his palm again and let several drops of blood fall on the parchment. The parchment absorbed the blood and words began forming in what was clearly Parselscript, being displayed in Harry's blood.
Dear descendant,
I am Salazar Slytherin, the last member alive of this once noble family. I am about to go confront my son, but before I do, I want to ensure that my true descendants would be able to access this place and know of their ancestor. If you're reading this, then Amarantha must have told you about the Chamber of Secrets. She assured me that once she and her family returned to Britain, she would tell her grandchildren about me securing the Slytherin fortune and titles here in my chamber at Hogwarts. I hope the time is right for you to reclaim what is your right by birth. But before you claim it, I would like you to know more about me.
I was orphaned when I was ten years old, my child. My family was murdered by a bunch of Muggles. I was devastated, as any child would be, but I also knew that I had to take care of myself. I didn't trust anyone on the Wizengamot to take care of me because there were many, even amongst the nobility, who were jealous of my family's wealth and knowledge and would have done everything possible to steal it from me, just as my father had always said. So I raised myself and grew up in the shadows, learning the most obscure forms of magic that interested me. I went abroad when I was old enough and learnt from various tribes who taught me more obscure rituals and magic. I have always been ambitious, and I wanted to achieve something great so that I would be remembered by many for centuries to come for my great achievements. That's when my life took an unexpected turn.
When I met Godric Gryffindor, he was in a bad shape. The man too had lost his family to those filthy Muggle barbarians and was doing his best to take care of his young daughter. We bonded over that and learnt different forms of magic from each other. Through Godric, I met Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff, two very gifted witches. Together, we created this school - Hogwarts.
I didn't marry anyone at that time, but I wanted a child of my own, so I blood adopted a young boy and gave him my own name - Salazar Slytherin. How I wish I knew that I was raising a boy who would be the cause of so much pain and misery! I showered him with love and affection but he grew up to be very arrogant and power-hungry, not to mention had an intense dislike for Godric and saw the rest of the students as beneath him. When Salazar was eighteen, he attacked a group of students, intending to molest them, and that's when I threw him out of the castle. We consider women to be sacred; the ones who are blessed by Mother Magic to be able to create life. The fact that he could even think of something so atrocious still makes my blood boil!
Several years later, there was a young student. Her name was Evangeline Noma, and after she finished her studies, she apprenticed under me. Though she was more than thirty years younger than me, I couldn't help but fall in love with her as we had several things in common, including the fact that we both were orphans. She too loved me, but she said that society wouldn't accept our relationship, given our great age difference, not to mention the fact that I was her mentor. If such a relationship were known to the magical public, they would stop sending their children to Hogwarts, fearing for their safety. So we got married in secret and pretty soon, she found herself pregnant.
We were very happy about that, but we were also scared of being discovered. She hid her pregnancy, but nine months later, she died in childbirth. I was devastated and heartbroken, but when I saw the beautiful baby girl who was in my arms, I knew I couldn't let my wife down. I named our daughter Amarantha and she also seems to have inherited my green eyes and so have her children. It is a trait in my family that all Slytherin children have vivid, emerald green eyes.
If you're reading this, my child, it means that you've passed the blood ward that my daughter and I placed around this room. Please do not disturb the basilisk unless the castle is under attack. Give her specific orders, but try to leave her alone. Call her to battle against the Muggles only if all is lost, as innocent witches and wizards could die in the attack as well. But I do have to say that it is better to die by the stare of a basilisk rather than being mutilated by those filthy Muggles.
My daughter grew up at Hogwarts under the watchful eyes of those faithful house-elves. Rowena discovered that Amarantha was my daughter, but she agreed to remain quiet, although I'm sure Godric suspects it as well. Amarantha grew up to be a fine young woman and I couldn't be more proud of her. She met a young man in Greece and fell in love with him. I'm happy that my dear daughter has found love and happiness.
But now, I have to go confront my son. Thinking of killing him makes my heart ache, but I shall do it. He has killed many witches and wizards in his bid for power, and I cannot let that happen. Salazar seems to have a family of his own, having married the daughter of the House of Gaunt, but what can I do? He is terrorising people using my name, and I have to put a stop to it. Godric has volunteered to come with me, but I can manage on my own. I am confident I shall return to Hogwarts triumphant.
My dear child, please accept the signet ring and magic of the Slytherin family. It shall help you in your future endeavours as I'm sure you'll go on to do great things. My blessings are with you always.
May Mother Magic always stay by your side and watch over you.
Salazar Slytherin.
Harry closed his eyes and dropped down to one knee in respect for his ancestor. Lily Evans was born to the Slytherin line. While the magic manifested in her, giving her the emerald green eyes of the family, Petunia still remained a Muggle. Harry placed his hand on the parchment and poured some of his magic into it. Immediately, a green glow surrounded him, as though judging to see if he was worthy. After several seconds, the aura seeped into Harry's skin, just as a ring appeared on the middle finger of Harry's left hand. It had a silver band with a large emerald with the basilisk crest.
When he opened his eyes, the area around him seemed to be shimmering. There was a flash of light and Harry took a step back in shock. Just like how it had been in Godric's chamber, there were mountains of gold and other precious metals and gems. Harry was now probably the richest wizard in the world! He noticed something else too. While all of Godric's books had been given to his daughter a thousand years ago, there were many books here in the Chamber of Secrets that belonged to Salazar Slytherin. Most were in Latin, but there was nothing a translation spell couldn't fix. Some other old tomes were in Parselscript which contained information on Parselmagic.
Harry smiled. This place contained information Voldemort could never get his hands on! Calling for his house-elves, now having the power to do so, he asked them to transport all the gold and books to Potter Castle. He also asked them to render the basilisk for all useful parts and store them at the castle. Merlin knows those parts were extremely hard to come by, if at all.
After exploring the chamber for another three hours, he found an alternate exit that led him to a passageway on the fourth floor. Donning the Invisibility Cloak over himself, Harry returned to Ravenclaw Tower. It had been a very productive night.
He wondered how people would react when they realised that he was now the official Heir Apparent of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Slytherin. Dumbledore's reaction would be absolutely hilarious!
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