Soul Bound 46

“Dora!”Hermione exclaimed in excitement. Nymphadora sighed as she turned to see Hermione rushing towards her. She was wearing the disguise of an old bald man in expensive unisex robes and was positive Hermione wouldn’t recognize her. It was a game the pair played since they were children. Nymphadora would change her appearance and Hermione would try to find her. Somehow Hermione always won. It didn’t matter what Nymphadora transformed herself to look like Hermione always knew it was her. It was actually kind of embarrassing that Hermione always had the ability because Nymphadora was a highly sought after Auror who was sent on all the most dangerous undercover missions due to no one ever figuring out she was in disguise. If the people in her department knew that an elven year old girl was never fooled they wouldn’t let Nymphadora live it down. Reverting back to her natural body Nymphadora held her arms open to catch a running Hermione in a hug.

“I thought I had you this time. What gave it away?”Nymphadora asked.

”You didn’t change your ears and your petite feminine ears looked funny on an old man’s bald head.”Hermione told her pulling out of the hug.

”I can’t believe you picked me out because of my ears. Who even looks at a person’s ears!?”Nymphadora would not be making that mistake again.

Andromeda chuckled as she gave Nymphadora a hug.”I don’t know why you play this game with her. You never win and only get frustrated.”

“In the beginning it was just for fun but as I started getting serious about my role it’s a way to train myself to be better. I didn’t even think about how my ears would stand out on a bald man’s head. That same detail could have caused someone to pay closer attention to me because of how odd it looked.”Nymphadora may be frustrated she couldn’t beat Hermione but the girl did make her better at her disguises.

“Come here you.”Bellatrix pulled Nymphadora away from her mother and gave her her own hug.”We didn’t know you would be here.”

Nymphadora released Bellatrix and gave a quick Narcissa a hug before turning back to the group.”I was planning on trying to get permission to visit you at Hogwarts today to surprise you but mom explained what was going on and suggested I come to the bank with you guys.”

“How much did she tell you?”Hermione asked.

“I thought she told me everything but I know that isn’t true seeing what looks like Fawkes landing on your shoulder.”Nymphadora was sure that was Dumbledore’s bird.

“We think Fawkes chose Hermione and is now her familiar.”Narcissa told her.

“He is very protective and flies around each room Hermione enters checking for danger before settling back on her shoulder.”Andromeda liked that the bird was protective.

Nymphadora shook her head.”Only Hermione would steal Dumbledore’s familiar’s loyalty.”

“I didn’t steal anything. I was just eating dinner when he landed on my shoulder unprovoked. I have tried to get him to go off on his own but he refuses.”In reply to Hermione’s statement Fawkes began rubbing his head on Hermione’s cheek.

“Alright we have said our hellos. Let’s go find out what Salazar left Hermione.”Bellatrix had barely slept the night before she was so excited and now that they were in the bank she didn’t want to wait anymore.

“I agree let’s go see what our founder left behind.”Andromeda like Bellatrix had barely slept and had gotten up well before the others due to how excited she was to visit the bank.

Narcissa took Hermione’s hand in her own and led her to the line for the tellers.”Do you want me to do all the talking?”

“Yes please. Thank you Cissa.”Hermione had never dealt with the Goblins personally before. She had only seen the sisters and Nymphadora deal with them.

“No problem darling.”Narcissa liked showing Hermione how good she was at taking care of the family assets and dealing with the different family goblins. It was Narcissa’s way of showing Hermione how valuable she was in their relationship.

“Next.”A female goblin called out.

“This is Hermione Black. She recently found out she is Salazar Slytherin’s heir and wishes to find out about the estate she inherited.”Narcissa told the goblin.

The goblin looked at Hermione with wide eyes.”Meet me at the half door and I will take you to Griphook immediately.”

“Why do we need to see the goblin in charge of the bank?”Hermione asked as she followed the group to the half wall.

“It’s obvious why. Salazar left behind some amazing shit for us to look at.”Bellatrix figured if they were meeting Griphook it was because Salazar left behind something important.

“Bella language.”Narcissa scolded.

“What was it like speaking to him?”Nymphadora was jealous she wasn’t there to witness the events of Hermione’s house sorting.

“He was very angry when he showed up but I never felt afraid of him because not only were Cissa, Andy and Bella protecting me but his magic felt comforting. As soon as I feel it I knew I was safe.”Hermione hadn’t been scared of Salazar at all.

“Of course you were safe with us pet.”Bellatrix liked that Hermione had so much faith that she and her sisters would protect her.

“Other than him being upset he spoke very kindly to me and told me that I should wear my ring proudly because he personally picked me to be his heir. That and to enjoy the accommodations and the other things he left me that I needed to go to the bank to find out about.”Hermione was very excited to find out what she was going to be receiving.

“You should wear that ring proudly. You are the first Slytherin heir and the first family member since Salazar himself. He personally chose you to carry on his line.”Andromeda was proud of Hermione.

“Follow me please.”The goblin told them when they met them at the half door.

Bellatrix held the door open for her group following in behind them.”I wish we could find out about your other titles today as well.”

“That would be amazing.”Nymphadora along with the rest of the family had been excited to learn what Hermione was going to inherit. The whole family including Hermione’s parents had spoken about it many times over the years each coming up with various guesses to what Hermione would get.

“I’m dying to find out about the Slywen and Shafiq estates.”Andromeda was positive they left behind something incredible.

Before anyone could reply the goblin stopped at a closed door and knocked. They waited a few seconds before opening and entering.”Griphook Salazar Slytherin has chosen his first heir and she is here to speak to you about his estate.”

“Send her in immediately.”An anxious male voice said.

The goblin stepped back into the hallway.”You may go in.”

“Thank you.”Narcissa took Hermione’s hand and after waiting for Bellatrix to enter the room first to make sure it was safe led the girl into the room. Narcissa had never been in Griphook’s office before as the goblin in charge of the bank didn’t deal with bank clients. It didn’t matter how wealthy you were. Looking around his office Narcissa noticed many shelves filled with different artifacts. Narcissa didn’t recognize most of them and figured they were of goblin origin. Other than the shelves there was wall behind a large desk that was lined with file cabinets that went from the floor to the ceiling. Other than those things there were two visiter chairs across the large desk where Griphook was sitting.

“Please have a seat.”Griphook motioned to the visitor chairs.

“Thank you.”Narcissa put Hermione in one of the chairs and took the empty seat next to her. Bellatrix and Nymphadora preferred to stand because they could protect everyone better and Andromeda relied on Narcissa to deal with their banking needs.

“Which one of you is Lord Slytherin’s heir?”Griphook asked.

“I’m Hermione Black his heir.”Hermione held up her hand to show off her ring. She wasn’t sure she was comfortable with the look of awe Griphook was giving her or the way the goblin stood and bowed towards her.

Griphook stood from his bow then retook his seat.”It is a great honor to have the chance to be in your presence.”

“We are here to find out what Hermione inherited with the title because she was only told to make a visit to the bank to get the information.”Narcissa was thinking that it was definitely something big based on how Griphook was asking.

Griphook turned his attention to Hermione.”Do you wish to speak about this in front of these people or should I have them escorted out?”

“I not only wish for them to be here but I want to give them permission to join the conversation and be allowed to ask questions.”Hermione wasn’t going to leave her family out.

“Of course you do.”Bellatrix wouldn’t have left even if the goblin insisted.

“Alright that being said what exactly would you like to know about the Slytherin estate?”Griphook asked.

“What is included in the estate? Is there a vault or any properties?”Narcissa was very happy they were finally getting answers.

Griphook nodded.”Yes to both those things. Lord Slytherin set up his vault with the other three Hogwarts founders when the bank first opened. They were the first four customers of Gringotts. The vault you inherited is his original vault that has not been touched since his death.”

“What floor is it on?”Nymphadora wanted to know how big it was.

“It is on the first floor.”Griphook told her.

“Shit.”Andromeda had expected a lower level but not the first floor.

“How many other vaults are on the first floor?”Hermione wondered who else was on the floor.

“Originally all four founders were on the first floor but over the years their heirs have emptied each vault enough that the Slytherin vault is the only one on that floor.

“Fuck pet. You have the only vault on the first floor.”Bellatrix took that as proof the vault is filled with priceless treasures.

“Bella language.”Narcissa scolded. She too was impressed but it didn’t mean they needed to curse in front such an important member of society.”You said there were properties. What would those be?”

Griphook stood from his seat and walked over to a file cabinet. Opening a drawer he riffled through it before pulling out a thick folder. With folder in hand he retook his seat. He held the folder out to Hermione.”These are all the properties that Lord Slytherin left behind that now you are the sole owner of.”

“Thank you.”Hermione took the folder and scanned through the papers. She wasn’t sure what a lot of it meant but she saw some she did.”I now own Slytherin Family Manor.”

“Yes. We got a family manor.”Bellatrix cheered. If they got a family manor that meant they got a family manor library.

“Was there anything else that Hermione inherited?”Narcissa took the folder from Hermione. She wanted to sit down and look through everything in detail later.

“Yes, Lord Slytherin invested his gold into many businesses that are still in business today. Including this bank. Which Lady Black is now a shareholder in.”Griphook explained.

“I own part of the bank?”Hermione didn’t think humans could own part of the bank.

Griphook nodded.”Lord Slytherin owned twenty percent of the bank. After he died his profits have been put directly in his vault as we knew that an heir would be born.”

“What the fuck?”Nymphadora like Hermione didn’t think a human could own part of the bank.

“Dora language!”Narcissa was really going to have to do something about the family’s language.

“Do other humans own part of the bank?”Andromeda wondered how much Hermione made from her percentage.

“In the beginning all four founders owned a percentage. The other three invested enough to own five percent each. Lord Slytherin invested the most. Though as the years have gone by and the other founder’s heirs have been born they sold off the percentages to the goblins. As of now Lady Black is the only person who isn’t a goblin who has part ownership of the bank.”Griphook told her.

“What other businesses does Hermione have an invested interest in?”Bellatrix hoped it was something as impressive as Hermione owning part of the bank.

Griphook stood again and went back to his file cabinet. Opening the same drawer he rifled through it and pulled out another folder. Handing it to Hermione he retook his seat.”There were other businesses of course but most no longer exist. Since his death the goblin in charge of the bank to include myself make sure that Lord Slytherin receives what he is owned from profits. It was written in every contract he signed to make sure his heir was taken care of when they came of age.”

“I like that he was looking out for you.”Narcissa appreciated Salazar thinking of Hermione when he was alive.

“Lord Slytherin was very keen on his heir having all the recourses they needed to thrive. Even his investment in the bank was so that Lady Black would have enough gold to be able to support herself all her life. That was the reason he gave for investing so much.”Griphook said.

“What else other than the properties and businesses did Hermione inherit?”Andromeda asked.

“Nothing else but the vault.”Griphook told her.

“A vault we would like to see now.”Nymphadora would ask about the other stuff later. Now she wanted to see the treasures she had been imagining since she read her mother’s letter telling her everything that happen since Hermione had started Hogwarts. Nymphadora was just happy that her mission ended when it did so she could join in on this adventure and didn’t have to wait until school break to see inside the vault.

“Before we do that. Can you please have a complete inventory done and send it to me personally at Hogwarts?”Narcissa wanted sent to her because she didn’t trust someone not to start reading Hermione’s mail.

“That’s a good idea Cissa.”Hermione agreed that not sending it to her would be better.”That won’t be a problem will it sir?”

Griphook shook his head.”It won’t be a problem at all. It just may take some time.”

“We understand.”Andromeda bet it would take twice the amount of time it took to inventory the Fawley vault.

“In the mean time let’s see the vault.”Bellatrix didn’t want to wait anymore.

“Of course follow me.”Griphook stood from his chair and led the group out of his office, down a hallway.

“What’s the lowest floor you have all visited?”Hermione asked.

“The third floor for the Fawley vault.”Nymphadora had visited all the vaults the family had access to. That was because she had access to the Fawley vault as well and used it to fund her lifestyle. She didn’t feel bad about using the gold because the family including the Grangers considered all gold the whole family’s property. Nymphadora even deposited her paychecks into her mother’s vault like the sisters did because she didn’t see the point in having a vault of her own.

“Us to.”Bellatrix didn’t know anyone who had been to the third floor let alone he first floor.

Stopping at the carts Hermione turned her attention to Fawkes who was still sitting on her shoulder.”Alright Fawkes it’s going to be a bumpy ride so if you are coming with us I recommend you fly.”

“It looks like he is coming with us.”Andromeda said as she watched Fawkes fly above the cart. Taking the opportunity go Hermione being free of the bird Andromeda pulled her into her arms and gave her a hug before helping her into the cart.”I like that he protects you but it is extremely annoying not being able to touch you when he is on your shoulder.”

“I’ll talk to him about it later.”Hermione thought she could reason with the bird.

“Of course you will.”Narcissa pulled Hermione to sit on her lap and wrapped her arms around her. She ignored the glare she got from Bellatrix who obviously was planning to do the same thing.

“Please keep your entire body in the cart and do not try to exit until the cart is completely stopped.”Griphook told them. Following his instructions the cart took off quickly racing on the rails going further and further down into the bowls of the bank. After it seemed like hours the cart stopped.

“That was a longer ride than usual.”Bellatrix got out first and helped Hermione. Once the girl was out of the cart she wrapper her arm Hermione’s shoulder and pulled her close to her body. She smiled when Hermione wrapped her arm around her waist.

“Follow me.”Griphook said as he led them down another hallway that was make of stone and looked to have been carved out of a mountain. Randomly spaced lanterns were hung from the ceiling lighting the way to a large door that had a Slytherin crest on it.”Your ring is the key. So all you have to do is pull on the handle and the door will open.”

Hermione gave Bellatrix a nervous smile before stepping away from her and moving to the door. Once she was close she grabbed the handle. Taking a deep breath she pulled surprised with how easy the door moved. Once she had it open she entered the room looking around shock.”Goddess.”

“Well what is it?!”Bellatrix pulled the door open more and making her way inside she was just as shocked as Hermione.”Fuck!”

“Merlin’s balls.”Andromeda exclaimed when she took a spot next to Bellatrix.

“It’s going to take a long time to inventory all this.”Nymphadora didn’t know how the goblins would start.

“Amazing.”Narcissa smiled when she got the first look of the contents. It was exactly like she had hoped. There were unending gold piles tall enough to reach the ceiling, hundreds of stacks of silver bars, large trucks and chests, paintings some magical, rows and rows of shelves containing books and other items Narcissa was going to take a closer look at. Plus like the Fawley family a wall full of wands. Making her way over the wall Narcissa felt faint when she saw the name of her house’s founder under one of them.”This is Salazar’s personal wand.”

“What the fuck?”Bellatrix pulled her attention away from a book shelf and hurried over to Narcissa. Looking at the wand on the wall Bellatrix’ mouth opened in shock.”Shit.”

“I almost feel unworthy to be this close to it.”Andromeda reach out to grabbed it but her hand was slapped away.

“Don’t touch it. It could have some kind of protection on it.”Narcissa warned.

“That’s a good point. We should be careful touching anything in here or in his other properties.”Bellatrix was going to check each item before she touched it.

“I think I found some of his Hogwarts uniforms.”Hermione called out.

“Now that’s interesting.”Bellatrix wanted to see that. Going over to Hermione who was kneeling next to a large truck Bellatrix picked up a Slytherin Hogwarts uniform sweater.

“There is other stuff like robes, ties, scarfs, hats, shirts and pants. I even found three pairs of Slytherin socks.”Hermione held up a pair of socks.

“You are likely right. These are probably his uniforms.”Bellatrix not being able to stop herself took a sniff of the sweater.”It smells like cologne. Which was probably his cologne.”

“I’m going to take a few things back to Hogwarts to wear.”Hermione wanted to wear some of her founder’s clothing.

“I think that is a great idea.”Bellatrix said.

“I’m going to move on to the next trunk.”Hermione set aside a couple things then closed the trunk.

“I’m going to look at the books.”Bellatrix wasn’t sure how much time they had and the only way to access the vault was if Hermione was with her so she wanted to see as much as she could. That being because it would be hard to bring Hermione for regular visits.

“Let me know if you find anything interesting.”Hermione wanted to know about everything the vault contained.

“I will.”Bellatrix gave Hermione a hug and made her way back to the bookshelves. The few books she saw so far were unfamiliar and Bellatrix wanted to look them over better. Silence settled over the group as each one looked through a different part of the vault. It was broken when Hermione walked up to Bellatrix.”What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong I just went through a chest that had a bunch of jewelry in it and I want to give you this.”Hermione held out her hand.

Bellatrix look at the necklace that consisted of a sold silver snake that had to ruby for eyes holding an elaborate Slytherin crest in it’s mouth that was made out of tiny rare and valuable diamonds and jewels. It was beautiful and exactly something Bellatrix would wear. She took the necklace from Hermione and pulled her into a hug kissing her hair.”Thank you pet. I will wear it everyday in honor of your house and you.”

“You don’t have to wear it everyday.”Hermione didn’t expect Bellatrix to wear everyday.

Bellatrix gave Hermione on last squeeze before releasing her.”I know I don’t have to. I want to.”

“I’m happy you like it.”Hermione was hoping Bellatrix would.

“I love it.”Bellatrix predicted it would be her favorite piece of jewelry for many years to come.

“I some stuff for Andy and Cissa so I’m going to go give them to them now.”Hermione had chosen something for each of her soulmates.

“I’m sure they will appreciate that.”Bellatrix said. She gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek smiling when Hermione blushed.

“Alright see you later.”Hermione rushed off before Bellatrix could tease her. Finding Andromeda looking over what looked to Hermione like a cricket ball she asked.”What is it?”

“I’m not sure. There is a book that explains how it’s made but it’s over two hundred pages and I haven’t gotten to the part about what it’s meant to do.”Andromeda was sure it was important if it was in the vault.

“Oh. Well I found a trunk with jewelry in it and I wanted to give you this.”Hermione held her hand out to Andromeda.

Andromeda looked at Hermione’s hand seeing a signet ring a lot like Hermione’s own but smaller. She took it from Hermione and examined it. It didn’t have the magic Hermione’s had but it had the rare and valuable diamonds and jewels Hermione’s did.”It’s lovely. Thank you sweetheart.”

“I don’t know if it will fit so you may have to resize it.”Hermione knew the sisters ring sizes she just didn’t know what the size of the ring was.

Andromeda tried it on each of her fingers smiling when it fit on her left ring finger.”It fits.”

“I think people will talk if you wear it on that finger.”Hermione was going to eventually propose to the sisters. It was just a long way into the future.

“Let them talk.”Andromeda didn’t care if people made comments about her ring. Hermione had given it to her and that’s the finger it was meant to be on. The fact that it was Salazar’s ring before it came to Andromeda made it even more special.

“I guess it’s only fair because Cissa and Bella wear rings on that finger.”Hermione wished that the pair didn’t but until the divorce the rings were magical stuck on their fingers.

“There you go.”Andromeda knew her sisters were going to be extremely jealous that Hermione gave her a ring. It make her feel extra smug wearing it.

“I have something for Cissa. I’ll come back and check in with you later.”Hermione told her.

Andromeda pulled Hermione into her arms and kissed her on the top of the head.”Thank you again for the ring. I love it and I love you.”

“I love you to Andy.”Hermione tightened her arms around Andromeda then released her.

“If you find anything you think I would like let me know.”Andromeda was going to focus her attention on the object she had been looking at when Hermione approached her.

“I will.”Hermione promised. Looking around she found Narcissa inspecting a glass jar with a look of concentration on her face. Walking over to her Hermione made sure to make noise not to startle her.”What did you find?”

“I’m not sure and likely won’t find out until we get the inventory of the vault from the goblins. I predict that will be the case with most of the things on these shelves that aren’t books.”Narcissa was hoping some would be potions ingredients but couldn’t identify most of the things she had inspected.

“I’m sorry Cissa. I know you were looking forward to rare potions ingredients.”Hermione had discussed the different ones that could be in the vault with Narcissa.

Narcissa took Hermione in her arms and hugged her.”It’s not your fault darling. If anything it makes me more excited to find out what they are because if I don’t know then they are extremely rare.”

“I didn’t think of that. I found a chest full of jewelry that I found something that I want to give you in.”Hermione told her.

“What would that be?”Narcissa loved when Hermione gave her gifts. Especially the many pieces of jewelry she had given Narcissa over the years.

“This.”Hermione pulled out of the hug and held out her hand.

Narcissa looked in Hermione’s hand and saw a silver cuff that had the Slytherin crest made out of rare and valuable diamond and jewels along with random diamonds and jewels decorating the rest of the cuff going all the way around it with snakes etched into the silver with small rubies for the eyes. The cuff was large and would cover Narcissa’s forearm like a gauntlet.”I love it.”

“Do you really? I worried it would be a little bit to much.”Hermione wasn’t sure if Narcissa would like it.

“Darling it’s beautiful and I am going to enjoy wearing it every chance I get.”Narcissa was going to wear it everyday even when she was running. The cuff being worth just as much if not more than her watch. Narcissa knew that many people would be jealous of her having it and she would be envied by others. Both those things Narcissa enjoyed very much.

“Good. When I saw it I knew it was to be yours.”Hermione had instantly thought of Narcissa when she saw the cuff.

Narcissa clipped the cuff around her right forearm because her watch was on her left wrist. It fit perfectly. Holding out her arm Narcissa admired the way the diamonds and jewels shined when they caught the light. The silver itself looked pristine and it was obvious whoever owned it before Narcissa had taken great care of it. Narcissa was already planning on getting some short sleeved outfits to wear in the future to show it off. She had some already that she wore to show off her watch.”Thank you so much Hermione.”

“I’m glad you like it.”Hermione was relieved that her soulmates liked their gifts.

“I don’t like it. I love it and I’m going to show it off to everyone.”Narcissa was also going to mention it came out of Salazar’s vaults. Pulling Hermione into another hug Narcissa kissed her on the top of the head.”Where did Fawkes go?”

Hermione shrugged.”He flew into the vault when I walked in and I haven’t seen him since. I think he is checking everything out for safety.”

“He is very protective of you.”That being something Narcissa liked. Any extra protection for Hermione she would take it.

“I want to get him some toys and other things to keep him busy when we visit the pet shop.”Hermione said.

“I think he would like that. We should also find out what he is supposed to be eating.”Narcissa and the others had no clue what to feed a phoenix.

“I hope it’s nothing gross.”Hermione didn’t want to deal with anything nasty.

“If it is we will make Bella feed him.”Narcissa like Hermione didn’t want to deal with anything nasty. Narcissa squeezed Hermione then released her.”Why don’t you go explore some more? There is a lot to see and we don’t know how often we will get to visit.”

“Alright.”Hermione did want to see more stuff.

“Don’t be afraid to put things aside to take with you. Everything in this vault belongs to you so it’s up to you what is done with it.”Narcissa wanted Hermione to start getting comfortable with having ownership of so much wealth because the next year she would be inheriting her houses.

“I will.”Hermione had already put some things aside.

“Let me know if you find anything dangerous or something that you think I will find interesting.”Narcissa told her.

“Alright.”Hermione gave Narcissa a wave then walked away.

Watching her go Narcissa smiled. She had no doubt Hermione would be giving she and her sisters more presents before they finished in the vault. Their beloved loved to spoil the sisters and Narcissa did all she could to encourage it because she loved got be spoiled. Looking at the cuff on her wrist Narcissa’s smile got wider. It was a beautiful piece and she truly did love it. It was flashy and expensive. Just like all of the other articles of clothing and jewelry Narcissa wore. This would be an eye catching piece. Not only because of how large it was but because of how it was made. With the sold silver and all the diamonds and jewels it was worth enough to fill a vault with enough gold to make a person on the lower size of wealthy. It was definitely not anything the other pureblood wives could afford. Even if they did have access to their family vaults. Narcissa already got a lot of attention for her watch when she went out and she expected that she would get even more if she showed off the cuff. Which she was going to do. Running her fingers over the crest Narcissa sighed happily. Her soulmate treated her so well and Narcissa would never stop thanking fate for matching her with Hermione.