Salazar Snape and the Cult of Morsmordre

After removing his snake and leaving it coiled before the fireplace in Severus' office, Salazar followed his father up many corridors before they arrived at the door leading into the Great Hall. Severus quickly cast a spell on Salazar, which tidied his robes and hair.

I'll definitely have to learn that one, thought Salazar wistfully.

Suddenly, the door opened to reveal a stern woman with prim grey hair. She surveyed Salazar rigidly. The boy was slightly taller than her, almost to the height of his father. He had a strong jaw, pronounced chin, slightly hooked nose, pale complexion and sharp, high cheekbones. His startling blue eyes were his most obvious facial attribute. He had a noticeable widow's peak hairline, and lengthy black hair. Salazar looked remarkably like his namesake, one of the ancient founders of Hogwarts. He was physically strong, but still quite thin.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Snape. My name is Professor McGonagall. I am the Deputy Headmistress, and Head of Gryffindor house. This way, please," said the woman briskly, pulling Salazar through the doorway, right in front of a huge chamber, packed with students. The teen's eyes snapped open in alarm. This school was even bigger than Sandswept Hills, which was the biggest magical academy in the southern hemisphere!

"Boys and girls, witches and wizards, students of Hogwarts, we have a new addition to our school this evening. May I introduce to you, Salazar Snape, from Sandswept Hills Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Australia!" called the woman above the hall.

A huge murmur of shock ran through the Great Hall. Some students actually dropped what they were holding in alarm. The table that was obviously Gryffindor, judging by their red-and-gold banners, seemed almost outraged. However the Slytherins grinned and whispered amongst each other eagerly.

"SNAPE?" cried a redheaded boy from Gryffindor.

"Indeed, Mr Weasley. Now if you'll all please calm down, we wont have to extract points from your houses," said McGonagall sharply.

The commotion died almost instantly, though many students still looked scandalised. It appeared to Salazar that his father was not the most popular teacher.

Humph. No surprise there.

"Mr Snape, this is the Hogwarts Headmaster, Professor Albus Dumbledore," detailed McGonagall, whilst waving her hand in the direction of a long-bearded old wizard. His blue eyes sparkled behind a pair of spectacles. The old man nodded at Salazar, who responded likewise.

"Bring out the Sorting Hat!" barked the strict woman suddenly.

The tension in the room felt almost suffocating now. Salazar had heard of this ritual, but information about it was scarce, so he wasn't too sure what he was in for. When his father brought out a scruffy old wizard's hat, patched in several places, Salazar became even more confused.

"Please be seated, Mr Snape," said McGonagall, pointing sharply at a stool near the staff table. Salazar did as he was told almost instantly.

The Potions master then placed the hat on Salazar's head, before turning to the crowd of students and saying, "The hat has not prepared a song yet, so we'll be skipping that whole ceremony."

The darkness inside the hat was comforting, but Salazar almost screamed when a voice rolled into his mind, saying, "Hmmm, this is a most peculiar situation. You've already been Sorted before, but now I have to find a place for you in one of our four houses. Well, onwards and upwards, I suppose, eh?"

Uhhhh, I suppose so, thought Salazar, confounded.

"Let's forget Hufflepuff completely, because you have absolutely no place there. You'd make an excellent Ravenclaw, with that sharp, calculating mind of yours. You're also a bold and daring young wizard, which would fit you nicely in Gryffindor, yet I sense here your attraction to Slytherin. True, your ambition and cunning would do you nicely in such a house, but are you sure that's what you want? Of all four houses, Gryffindor is probably the most similar to Bauregor, in its ways of courage and power," explained the Sorting Hat carefully.

Salazar, however, had seen the Gryffindor reaction to the son of Snape. There was no way in hell he'd ever let himself get stuck with that lot.

"I see. If you're quite sure about that, I think you'd fit nicely in..."

The hat paused for effect, then opened its "mouth" widely. "SLYTHERIN!"

Almost the whole school groaned or hissed, but the entire green-and-silver table full of Slytherins jumped in pride, clapping, whistling and cheering as loud as possible. Gryffindor seemed almost warlike with hatred and contempt.

What a bunch of jealous gits!

With a graceful, rolling stride, Salazar left the Sorting Hat's seat, entering the fold of Slytherin students. The first boy to shake his hand had silver-blonde hair, pale skin and steel-grey eyes. He looked a lot like Arnold Green, the Chaser from Bauregor.

"Welcome to the pure-blood house. You should be glad you didn't get stuck in the Mudblood pack over there," drawled the boy, gesturing towards the Gryffindors.

"My name is Draco Malfoy. If you're wise, you'll stick with me. If you're foolish, like that Potter moron, you'll end up with those poor wretches, the Weasleys, for friends," explained Draco airily.

"I have no intention of consorting with Mudbloods or Gryffindors, I can assure you," replied Salazar, seating himself between Draco and a very large Slytherin.

"I'm Vincent Crabbe. So, you're from Australia, huh?" boomed the muscle-bound student.

"Indeed," replied Salazar. This Crabbe fellow reminded him of Gregory Reid from Sandswept Hills.

Across the table, a pretty--but nasty--looking girl glanced at him for a moment. When Salazar smirked at her, she raised her chin disdainfully, then returned to her meal.

She likes me, thought Salazar knowingly.

"So, why have you come to Hogwarts?" asked a sinister, smug boy, who was seated next to the girl.

"My father, Professor Snape, has recently become my legal guardian. I had no choice in the matter," replied Salazar.

"Oh. Well, my name's Blaise Zabini," drawled the black-haired, brown-eyed Slytherin. "I notice you're named after our Hogwarts founder," he commented, seemingly unconcerned.

"Yes," was Salazar's curt response.

As the evening meal drew to a close, Salazar noticed that a lot of girls were trying to get him to talk endlessly. Several of them commented on his accent. The girl across the table, Pansy Parkinson, even went so far as to say it was a very attractive accent, before blushing and looking away. Most of the males just said it sounded primitive, obviously jealous of the attention Salazar was receiving.

When at last dinner was over, Headmaster Dumbledore climbed from his chair, walking before the gathered mob of students. He raised his wand hand for silence, which promptly followed. His eyes seemed drawn to Slytherin table as he spoke.

"Well, the Triwizard Tournament has been going superbly, and with a new student among us, things are coming along quite well for Hogwarts this year. Now, I'd like for all students to return to their dormitories, with the exception of Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter and Salazar Snape. Good night, everyone!" announced Dumbledore, his eyes now plastered onto Salazar.

The young Snape swallowed nervously. That powerful gaze made him feel completely insignificant, however he still climbed to his feet and walked over to the staff table, directly behind Draco, who was glaring over at a black-haired, green-eyed Gryffindor. Suddenly recognition of the name struck Salazar heavily. Harry Potter! The Boy Who Lived!

"Hello, boys. Draco, since Salazar is new here, I'd like you to show him around, get him used to things. No mischief, mind you," warned Dumbledore kindly, yet firmly.

Draco nodded, then once more glared at Potter.

"And Harry, I'd like you to make sure no Gryffindors make life miserable for Mr Snape. He's a new student at our school, and he deserves a fair go. Let's not pretend there's no animosity between the Slytherin and Gryffindor houses, because we know there is. If I hear reports that Salazar is being harassed unduly, I will be most displeased," explained Dumbledore.

Harry grimaced, but smiled and nodded in agreement. He then turned his attention to Salazar, who noticed the lightning scar on his forehead. So it really was the true Harry Potter.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, Salazar. I'll try and keep my housemates off your back, but I probably can't stop Fred and George Weasley. If I were you, I'd just ignore them if they pull any pranks on you," offered Harry, though he looked uncomfortable speaking to a Slytherin this way.

"Ummm, thanks, I guess," was Salazar's uncertain reply.

With that, Harry left the Great Hall, heading up a large staircase outside. Draco abruptly grabbed Snape's sleeve, pulling him back towards the dungeons.

"Stay away from Potter, Salazar. Oh, and do you have a nickname or something?"

Snape nodded. "Zar."

"All right, Zar, where's all your gear?" queried Malfoy.

"I left it in my father's office. We should go grab it," Salazar said thoughtfully.

So Draco led him into Professor Snape's office, knocking twice for admittance. The gloomy Head of Slytherin allowed the two students to enter, and they collected all of Salazar's possessions. Draco looked quite frightened of the snake, though, and steered clear of Zar as they walked deeper into the dungeons.

"Unforgiven!" barked Malfoy once they reached a blank, dark wall. Salazar guessed this was the entrance password.

The whole barrier inched open, allowing the two to enter. As Snape stepped into the common room, he felt a momentary pang of guilt, feeling as if he'd betrayed Bauregor by joining a new house, foreign or not.

A mystical green glow spilled from dozens of large candles. A crude chandelier above the hearth sent waves of sparkling, emerald light around the room. Paintings of silver snakes clung to the walls, and portraits of great Slytherins throughout history loomed here and there. A rich, thick rug of a green shade adorned the cold floor, and luxurious leather armchairs--also green--were positioned in a ring about the fireplace.

"Come. I'll take you to our dormitory. They've probably put in a new bed by now," said Draco, leading Salazar toward a steep, tight staircase. They both grabbed a small green lantern each from some hinges on the wall before descending. A chilling sensation ripped into Snape's very essence as they dropped further and further down. Suddenly the foul sensation was explained when a huge, vile ghost hovered through the dormitory entrance. Silver blood was splattered all over his translucent clothes.

"The Bloody Baron," noted Draco, almost impassively.

Salazar nodded understandingly. The Sandswept Hills Academy also had ghosts for each of its three houses. Bauregor's had been an ancient Aryan king, who was also a powerful warlock in his lifetime.

"As I said, there's your new bed and trunk," sighed Draco, stifling a yawn. The young Malfoy quickly changed into his nightwear, which consisted of a black shirt and dark green trousers.

Salazar opened his suitcase, then realised the majority of his robes and cloaks were orange, black or brown coloured. With a quick Transfiguration spell, Snape changed all the colours to silver, green and black. His nightshirt was made of a fine silver silk, and his pants of dark green, like Draco's.

A few moments after they were both dressed, Draco jumped into his bed, closed his curtains and went to sleep almost instantly. Just as Salazar was organising his blankets, Blaise Zabini and the other Slytherin boys walked into the dormitory.

"Hello, Snape," hissed Blaise, sounding a little too aggressive for Salazar's liking.

Zar simply grunted, then covered himself with his thick black sheets. His snake now slithered to the end of his bed, coiling itself into a sleeping position by Salazar's feet.

What should I call you, anyway? wondered Salazar dreamily.

"My name is of your choosing, masssster!" whispered the serpent.

Salazar did a double take. You can hear my thoughts?

"Of coursssse! You are the Sssserpent King, are you not?" asked the snake, incredulous.

Perhaps I am. What is this Serpent King, though? queried Salazar. He abruptly worried that his housemates would hear the hissing of the snake. Hopefully they'd just disregard it as light snoring.

"The Sssserpent King's word will command all Parsssseltongues!" hissed the snake, writhing with excitement.

I see. So, back to names. How about Terra? Terra, which means 'earth', is the colour of your scales, offered Salazar.

"Call me what you will, masssster. All I wish issss to sssserve you!" said Terra.

Well, in that case, I'd like you to explore the school, find passages, and listen for secrets. Spy on the other houses, especially Gryffindor. Tell me everything that happens, understood? Salazar asked with his Parselthoughts.

"Very well, masssster. I shall return to you before you wake," replied Terra, before he slid from the comfortable bed, down onto the cold stone floor.

Salazar allowed himself to relax once more, closing his eyes peacefully. Finally some purpose was coming back into his life, at long last. A bit of mischief and troublemaking would do him good, especially with a whole school to explore. And with lessons beginning tomorrow, Salazar decided this adventure wasn't as bad as he'd first foreseen. His father was turning out to be quite interesting, and the discovery that was he was a Parseltongue--no--a Serpent King, held a lot of new possibilities.

Salazar's last thoughts before he drifted to sleep were a remembrance of the Quidditch match earlier that day. It seemed as if years had passed since that game. His eyelids fluttered, drooped, then finally shut tight, with images of Quaffles and Golden Snitches racing through his mind.

* * * * *

When Salazar did wake up at last, the only other boy who stirred was Zabini. To Snape, Blaise looked like a troubled, angry, obnoxious teenager. He had faint Middle-Eastern appearance, with very defined facial features. To the female race, Salazar supposed Blaise would be attractive, but all Snape could see was a potential rival... or enemy, perhaps.

"Morning," said Zabini, yawning.

Salazar nodded, grunting in recognition. He then closed the heavy drapes around his bed again and started changing into his proper clothes. Once fully dressed, with his semi-long hair sorted, Snape remembered his conversation with Terra.

How did it go? he asked curiously to the serpent at his feet.

"The passssword for the eagle nest is 'Omnipotenssss'," replied Terra.

It took Salazar a moment to realise the snake was speaking of the Ravenclaw common room password. Salazar chuckled, knowing the English terminology for the Latin word, "omnipotens", was "all-powerful". All-powerful indeed. Salazar sneered.

And where is this nest located in the castle? asked Snape.

"Behind a sssstone man, who holds a long eye," hissed Terra in response.

Must be near the Astronomy Tower, if the 'stone man' is a statue, and if that 'long eye' is what I think it is, mused Salazar.

Suddenly, Snape was pulled from his scheming by Blaise's question. "You coming to early-morning Quidditch practise, Snape?"

"Oh, uhhhh, why not?" was the teen's muffled response.

He quickly changed once more, this time from his schooling clothes into some Quidditch gear. Zar grabbed his Blitz 9 from the large black trunk at the end of his bed, whilst also checking that Terra was well hidden underneath his blankets, out of Zabini's sight.

"That's an interesting model of broomstick. I've never seen it before," drawled Blaise, although he did seem to be rather impressed with its sleek, ravenous design. The Blitz line of brooms was popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and Romania, but weren't seen much outside of those nations. Zar's mother had purchased it for him whilst attending an Auror's conference in Berlin.

"It's called a Blitz 9. The first Blitz was designed by Grindelwald himself. This is the latest model, just released in southeastern Europe. Not as fast as a Firebolt, but for Chasers, it's the prime choice," detailed Salazar. He was immensely proud to be the owner of a Blitz 9. Years and years of engineering, spell casting and concentrated design had gone into this broomstick. There were only fifty of them in use around the world.

"Fascinating, I'm sure," replied Blaise, regaining his lordly persona.

The two left the Slytherin dungeon hurriedly, followed by one or two drowsy sixth and seventh years. When they finally reached the Hogwarts grounds, Snape noticed that the four different houses had each claimed different sections of the area. The Slytherins were flying along what Zar knew to be the Forbidden Forest, whilst the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were enjoying a friendly game of Quidditch against each other on the real pitch. The Ravenclaws were engaged in intense training above a huge lake, far from the other houses.

"What position do you play, Snape?" asked Zabini.

"Chaser," replied Salazar.

"Humph. I'll go Keeper then. Let's see if you can get through me!" hissed Blaise, sounding somewhat like Terra.

"Your funeral," replied Salazar, grinning broadly from ear-to-ear. He quickly opened the box he'd carried with him, which contained a single, beautiful Quaffle. The red ball sparkled lively in the crisp morning sunlight.

This will be fun... for me! thought Salazar, unable to contain his delight.