Chapter 14: The Ravenclaw Vault, Mind, Riddle, and Bickering Voices - Part 1

The journey back was filled with a sense of wonder and excitement, as Solomon couldn't help but reflect on the treasures and knowledge he had inherited.

As they approached the entrance of the vault, a familiar figure stood waiting for them - Grimsnarl, his new account manager. He looked at Solomon's hand and noticed the gleaming heir ring, confirming the success of the inheritance test.

"Did everything go smoothly, young heir?" Grimsnarl asked, his gaze lingering on the heir ring. "Did you manage to obtain the vault key?" he continued.

Solomon nodded, showing Grimsnarl the heir ring proudly. "Yes, everything went well and I have the vault key right here," he said, patting the pouch containing the key. "As well as this," he added, carefully revealing the portrait of his great-grandfather.

Grimsnarl examined the portrait with interest, recognizing the significance of the portrait. "Ah, your great-grandfather," he said. "A fine connection to your newfound history."

Solomon then asked Grimsnarl if he knew a spell to shrink the portrait, as he wanted to carry it with him but the 'Reducio' spell he used before didn't seem to work. Grimsnarl nodded understandingly. "Ah, shrinking a magical portrait is a bit different from normal objects. Allow me to show you," he said.

The account manager then snapped his fingers and muttered an incantation, "Diminuendo Portraits!"

Slowly but steadily, the portrait of Kwame Tendai Maduka began to shrink in size. The transformation was gradual and proportional, making sure the portrait retained all its details. In no time, the portrait was reduced to a manageable size, small enough for Solomon to carry comfortably.

"Brilliant!" Solomon exclaimed, impressed by the magical feat. "Thank you, Grimsnarl. This will allow me to carry my great-grandfather's portrait much easier."

Grimsnarl smiled, pleased to have been of help. "You're welcome, young heir. Just remember, when you wish to enlarge the portrait again, use the counter-spell 'Magnificare Portraits,' and it will return to its original size."

With the matter settled, Solomon explained his plan to Grimsnarl. "Once we're done at the Ravenclaw vault, I'll bring back the portrait of my great-grandmother as well. I want them both to be together at the Mansa Manor in England, where we can all live together. It would be a lot easier to ask them questions with both of their portraits with me."

Grimsnarl nodded approvingly. "A noble sentiment, young heir. I'm sure your ancestors would be proud to see their portraits displayed with honor, they will be a great help to navigate the magical world in general".

They all boarded the magical cart once more, and with a wave of Grimsnarl's hand, they embarked on their journey to the Ravenclaw vault.

As the cart sped through the twisting and turning passages of the bank, Grimsnarl took the opportunity to share some fascinating insights with Solomon about the significance of the number three in magical lore.

"You see, Solomon, the number three has long held mystical significance in many magical cultures," Grimsnarl explained. "It represents balance and completion, often illustrating the harmony between the past, present, and future. In the case of the Ravenclaw vault, it is believed that three is the number of riddles."

Solomon listened intently, captivated by the lore surrounding the magical world he was now a part of. "And why is it particularly important for Ravenclaw?" he inquired.

"For Ravenclaw, the number three represents the threefold nature of knowledge - learning, wisdom, and understanding," Grimsnarl clarified. "Ravenclaw House values intelligence and wit above all else, and the number three symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge from multiple angles, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of the world."

As they continued their conversation, the cart came to a gentle stop in front of the entrance to Vault 3. Grimsnarl looked at Solomon and Jooby, his expression serious yet understanding, "remember lad, I can only bring you this far."

Solomon nodded, acknowledging the rules set in place. "I understand, Grimsnarl. Thank you for guiding us this far," he said, expressing his gratitude to his account manager.

With a nod, Grimsnarl stepped back, allowing Solomon and Jooby to proceed.

Solomon and Jooby stood in marvel as they observed the elegant Ravenclaw vault. The entrance was adorned with the majestic crest of Ravenclaw, a magnificent eagle with wings outstretched, eyes shining with wisdom, and its claws clutching a radiant diadem. The eagle's illustration was remarkably detailed, each feather meticulously crafted, and it seemed to hold a profound and knowing gaze.

Solomon placed his hand on the entrance, and once again, the ancient blood wards recognized him as the rightful heir, granting him access.

* * *

As they entered the vault, they noticed that it contained fewer Galleons compared to the Mansa vault. Nevertheless, the treasures within were no less impressive. Statues of scholars, weapons, and armor lined up against the walls, and artifacts of forgotten wisdom adorned the chamber.

Their eyes fell upon a raised podium at the heart of the vault. Upon it lay the coveted heir ring and lord ring. The heir ring, with a sleek silver band, held a Sapience Sphene gem that shimmered with an ethereal glow, like a swirling pool of knowledge and insight. The lord ring, on the other hand, featured a distinguished gold band encasing a Sapience Sphene gem that emanated a brilliant radiance, as if infused with the very essence of intelligence.

Curiosity overcoming him, Solomon slipped the heir ring onto his finger. As it settled, he heard a gentle and soothing voice echoing in his mind. The voice, he inferred, was that of Rowena Ravenclaw herself.

It encouraged him, assuring him he was worthy of the wisdom and power this heir ring held.

"With this ring, embrace the treasures of the mind, young one," the voice whispered warmly.

"Unlock the potential within and let your intellect soar." As the connection solidified, the ring revealed its gifts to Solomon:

It bestowed upon him the power of Enhanced Intellect, sharpening his mind like a finely honed blade.

Photographic Memory followed, allowing him to recall vast amounts of knowledge with impeccable clarity.

Next, a surge of creative inspiration flooded his thoughts. Ideas flowed effortlessly, and his imagination sparked with endless possibilities. This gift of Creative Inspiration bestowed upon him the ability to envision new wonders and innovations.

Finally, a profound sense of intuition enveloped him. The heir ring granted him Problem-Solving Intuition, enabling him to discern solutions to the most complex of challenges.

The Sapience Sphene gem gleamed brightly, symbolizing the profound wisdom and enlightenment that now flowed through Solomon. Embracing the legacy of Rowena Ravenclaw, he felt ready to face the unknown with newfound confidence and brilliance. The Ravenclaw heir ring had unlocked his mind, empowering him to embrace the full extent of his potential as a worthy heir to this remarkable house.

Encouraged by the ring, Solomon pressed forward, exploring the vault with Jooby at his side.

* * *

They moved further into the vault until he reached the back wall where a magnificent statue of an eagle stood. The majestic creature dipped its head, and with a graceful movement, opened its beak to present Solomon with a riddle that represented the core values of Ravenclaw:

"In realms of thought, I wander free, unlocking doors of mystery.

From curiosities, I unveil the boundless sea, what am I, the bridge to ecstasy??"

Solomon's enhanced intellect and problem-solving intuition came to his aid, and he contemplated the riddle carefully. The answer became clear, and with newfound confidence, he replied, "You are imagination, the curious mind that yearns to know."

The statue's eyes gleamed with approval as it responded, "Your answer is correct, wise heir. Step forth and unlock the path to greater wisdom."

With those words, the wall behind the statue shifted, revealing a hidden passage leading to a higher level of the vault. Solomon and Jooby ascended the gorgeous winding steps, each step seemingly carved with intricate designs, telling stories of old magical wisdom.

At the top, they found themselves in a vast chamber lined with bookshelves stretching as far as the eye could see. Jooby's eyes widen in astonishment as he gazes at the extensive collection of magical books before him. His little heart fills with wonder and excitement, and he can barely contain his happiness. With a big grin on his face, he turns to his master, Solomon, and stammers:

"Master Solomon, oh, so many books! Jooby's head is all fuzzy! Lots of magic, yes! Jooby loves! Can we read them all, huh? Jooby bes wanting to learn like you, master!"

His enthusiasm is infectious, and he tugs at Solomon's robes, urging him to explore the treasure trove of knowledge together. Jooby's eagerness to learn and be by his master's side stands evident in his sparkling eyes and excited gestures. Solomon can't help but chuckle warmly at Jooby's childlike wonder and passion for magic. With a gentle pat on Jooby's shoulder, he replies:

"Yes, Jooby, we'll read and learn together. You're a good companion, my little friend. Let's delve into these magical secrets and discover all the wonders they hold!"

Making their way through the shelves many book titles stood out to Solomon, the books in the collection spanned the whole earth as the authors were from different corners of the world:

"L'Art des Enchantements: Grimoires of Enchantments" by Étienne Dupont (French)

"Wonders of the Enchanted Continent" by Zuberi Akintola (African)

"Arcane Whispers: Unraveling Ancient Incantations" by Alessandro Rossi (Italian)

"Myths and Marvels: Legends of the Ancient World" by Seraphina Andreas (Greek)

"Secrets of the Mayan Glyphs: Lost Knowledge Unearthed" by Ximena Mendoza (Mayan)

"The Chronicles of the Jade Dragons" by Mei Ling (Chinese)

"The Serpent's Spellbook: Ancient Secrets of Snake Magic" by Kaida Fujimoto (Japanese)

"Aetherium Chronicles: Journeys Beyond the Stars" by Orion Swiftwind (English)

"Scrolls of the Sun God: Mysteries of Ra" by Thutmose the Scribe (Egpytian)

The array of books showcased rich and diverse magical knowledge from different cultures across the globe, honoring the pursuit of wisdom that Ravenclaw valued above all.

Solomon and Jooby eagerly explored the shelves, feeling humbled and excited by the wealth of knowledge that surrounded them. They knew that within those pages lay the secrets to unraveling the mysteries of the magical world, and they were eager to learn and grow through the wisdom of those who came before them. The Ravenclaw vault had opened its doors, revealing not just treasure, but the vast and boundless horizons of intellectual discovery that awaited them.

* * *

After what seemed like a long journey through the bookshelves they made their way towards the end of the vault. As they edged closer to the end, bickering could be heard.

As Solomon and Jooby cautiously approached the source of the bickering, their curiosity piqued by the heated voices echoing through the vast bookshelves, they found themselves drawn deeper into the labyrinth of knowledge. The endless shelves of magical tomes seemed to stretch infinitely, and the voices only grew louder as they ventured further.

Solomon's heart raced with excitement and trepidation. He was eager to discover the cause of the spirited argument.

Jooby clung tightly to Solomon's shoulder, his eyes wide with wonder and a hint of nervousness. "Master Solomon, do you think bes safe to go on?"

Solomon smiled reassuringly, though his own uncertainty was evident. "I believe we'll be alright, Jooby. Let's continue and see what we find."

The pair pressed on, their steps cautious and their senses alert. As they turned a corner, the voices seemed to converge, growing more distinct with every step they took…