The Life of Amelia Potter (WTM)

17

(Malfoy Manor)

"Her REAL parents wouldn't want her in Slytherin? He said that? He has some screws loose up there." Lucius seethed.

"Yes, however, it didn't phase me when he said that. I know that Mia is my daughter. She even looks to me as her real father. I am satisfied. Let's change the subject, shall we? Were you able to get access to the vault?"

Lucius sided. "I was. Narcissa is home from Paris and will watch the children. So let's go so we can be back for dinner.

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(Gringotts bank)

Lucius and Severus walked into the bank and approached the Goblin at the high table.

Lucius cleared his voice and pulled out a key. "Vault 12, please."

"Vault 12?! That is one of the original vaults!" Yelled Sirius Black.

The goblins eyebrows slightly raised. "Very well. Follow me."

They proceeded to the cart and took the journey down to the vault. When they finally stopped, the goblin opened the door to a bare room.

"Why would my mother have an empty vault?" Tom Riddle asked.

"Lucius, there is nothing here. Are you sure this is the right vault?" Severus asked.

Before Lucius could answer, the goblins said, "This vault was opened in 1474. It remained untouched and abandoned until 1929. Said instructions were to grant access to the holder of the key and shut the door."

James had conjured up some popcorn. "This is like a good suspense movie."

Before either wizard could respond, the door had been shut, and they were locked in.

"Damnit! How are we to get out now?" Lucius said.

Severus began searching. "There must be something around here. Help me look."

Lucius had been searching the shelves careful to make sure he didn't miss anything when he sudden bumped into....nothing?

"Severus, I think there is something here. It feels like a wall."

Severus pulled his wand. "Revelio!"

A door with the same symbols appeared.

"That is our way out, friend. Let's go." Severus said.

When they went through the door, they were greeted with a statue that resembled Penelope Gaunt née Lancaster.

"Severus, do you believe this is her? If this is scaled correctly, she was tiny." He laughed.

"I do believe so. This appears to be Penelope."

As soon as he said he name, the stone began to crack, and a light came out that turned into an apparition of Penelope herself.

A tear fell from Tom's eye. "Mom?"

Both men's jaw dropped. "You have found my vault. Congratulations. I am Penelope Gaunt, keeper of ancient magic. To access my memories, you must bestow a personal memory of mine to me."

Severus looked at Lucius and then back at her. "Can you hear us, Mrs. Gaunt."

"I can, sir. However, I am like a portrait. I only know of what my real self did upon my creation. What is it you wish to ask?" She said.

Lucius stepped forward. "We are here to get answers on where you are."

Her head locked. "I do not understand. Has my human self disappeared?"

He nodded. "Yes, back in 1929."

"I contain memories, but you provide what was asked to access." She said again.

"We don't have anything." Severus said. "We had a painting but did not bring it."

"Then perhaps the password?" She suggested.

"Password? There is a password?" Lucius asked.

"Indeed. You have 3 guesses, then I must destroy you. I am only allowed to suggest the password to worthy people. You seem worthy to me."

Severus thought for a moment and looked at her and said. "Aseop Sebastian Gaunt."

She smiled. "Password accepted." Her silhouette changed into a pensive.

"Good job, Severus. Now here we go.... hopefully, we will get some answers here."

Tom whispered. "I was the password. I know for sure now I wasn't given away."