Hearts and Hourglasses

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 35 - Part One
Truth, Lies & Silence

Where returning to the familiar grounds of Hogwarts comes not without a price.

Autumn, Draco decided, was now his least favorite season. On a shielded ledge extruding from the walls of the highest tower of Hogwarts, the boy lowered himself to squat on the cold stone after spending too long a time just standing and staring at the faded scenery around him.

Faded. Grass had lost the green of life. Brown and orange leaves covering the landscape. Trees bare and naked. Even the sky seemed to lack luster; still blue, but with more than a tinge of gray in it. Faded. Deadened. Waiting for winter to cast clean white over the dying landscape.

He hadn't realized before how gloomy it was up here that first time Lord Slytherin had shown him this secret spot. He had been too concerned with how high they were above the ground, how vast and deep the precipice of the cliff below. How worried he was about the muted winds roaring all around them, frightened that the unseen barrier protecting them might fail. In addition, he had been struggling with shame over appearing cowardly in the older wizard's presence.

But Draco was alone now, confident that he was safe here. While waiting for Harry Potter to arrive, he brooded over the October vista, finding it bothersome to observe and feeling worried, though he didn't know the reason why. Perhaps because it marked the end of some things.

* * * * *

Harry stared at the painting in front of him suspiciously. It was a picture of mountains, a far-ranging perspective. Below the frame, its nameplate said, "As seen from Hogwarts." There was no artist signature, and Harry, as he continued looking at it, found himself becoming drowsier the longer he spend gazing into it.

It was life-like, real. Little puffy clouds moved lazily across the swath of blue sky. The fog crowning the mountains rolled in a wind that Harry couldn't see but could magically feel blowing gently across his face, bringing with it an unmistakable scent of autumn to his nostrils.

He felt as though he could fall into it, just as Alice had gone through the Looking Glass.

Obeying an impulse, Harry lifted his hand and touched his forefinger on a small cottony cloud. He felt not solidity but cool dew. He was touching a cloud. He pushed a little harder, and his hand went through the canvas, the frame and the wall behind. Expecting that, he wasn't surprised. In the next moment, he went inside the painting and found himself outside the castle, on a ledge way up high. Draco was already there, waiting for him.

"Took you long enough," drawled the silver-hair boy sitting on this none-too-safe-looking platform. He was leaning against the wall, his hands up and behind his head, supporting his skull while his legs were extending out, crossed at the ankles. Draco looked quite relaxed and didn't bother to look at Harry while commenting on his tardiness.

Harry chose not to reply and curiously peered over the side of the ledge, adjusting his glasses at the steep drop below. He didn't notice the irked expression that crossed Draco's face momentarily.

"This is great spot," said Harry with enthusiasm, enjoying the scenery of far away mountains and the forever sky dotted with winsome billowing clouds. He had quite forgotten the urgent reason for their meeting, his mind musing on what he felt was lacking about this secret place.

... Wind. That was it. There was only a slight breeze wafting all around them where strong gales should be blowing instead, especially at a spot this high on Hogwarts's cliff-side wall. He knew, because he had once tried to fly across the cliff on his Firebolt.

He heard the sharp clacking of heels hitting stone and glanced aside to see Draco standing up and adjusting the folds his robes to lie down properly. Harry remembered then why they were here and lost no extra time on the wondrous vista all around them.

"You weren't able to convince Lord Slytherin?" Harry asked, and his stomach felt as though a lead ball had been dropped into it when Draco shook his head with a tightly controlled worried and aggravated look on his pale face.

"He keeps on saying it's Gryffindor's decision," complained Draco, and he glared at Harry as though it was his fault that Godric was being stubborn and that Salazar was heeding Godric. Harry frowned at him, about to protest Draco's silent accusation then snapped his mouth shut, feeling quite peeved that though Draco was clearly pinning the blame on him, the other boy hadn't exactly declared it out loud and thus Harry couldn't very well defend himself verbally without appearing ridiculous.

Harry absolutely refused to say, "Don't look at me that way. This isn't my fault," for not only would it make him sound defensive, it would also acknowledge Draco's unspoken insinuation.

So instead, Harry kept stubbornly silent, just furrowing his brows, and after a while, Draco turned away, looking extra bothered that Harry hadn't taken the bait.

His patience was sorely tested when Draco muttered, "Dumb stupid Gryffindors." But still, Harry controlled his temper, seeing passed Draco's sullen exterior to the bleak worry underneath. It mirrored Harry's own.

The Founders were leaving tomorrow. Today was the thirty-ninth day of their visit to the present time. Thirty-nine days ago, Harry had gone to Dumbledore's office and found, not the Headmaster, but a mysteriously glowing Sorting Hat. Curiosity had caused him to place the Hat on his head.

Within the Hat, hand-writing had appeared to greet him, and had politely requested one of Fawkes's feathers. Harry had asked the phoenix, which had kindly provided one of its feathers, and Harry had dropped the feather into the Hat. The next thing the boy had known, the Hogwarts Four had appeared in Dumbledore's office.

Visiting, they were. Only visiting. These weren't the real Founders, long dead and gone, but their memories preserved for over a thousand years. With the power of the feather Fawkes had bequeathed, they had only a limited time to spend in the present. Forty days to be exact, Salazar Slytherin had just revealed a few scant days ago after he and the other Founders returned to Hogwarts after a successful expedition to find a long lost floating fortress called Hierthent.

"There has to be a way to keep them from leaving," Draco murmured in a tone that suggested he was only talking to himself and not to Harry, who found himself sympathizing with the other boy. Of all the people who knew that the Founders had returned, Draco was the one who had formed the strongest attachment to them, to Salazar Slytherin, in particular. Harry could see it quite clearly though wary he was still of the Slytherin Founder.

"... You should let him go, Draco," Harry said awkwardly, and he was irked when Draco gave him a furious look.

"... Well." Cold steely eyes regarded him. "Gryffindor loyalty has obviously degraded."

Harry gritted his teeth. "That is not true, Draco," he barely managed to say calmly. "I want Lord Gryffindor and the others to stay as much as you do."

"You are not trying hard enough to convince them to stay," snapped Draco.

"They don't want to stay-"

"Hah! Those three idiots might prefer oblivion, but I know Lord Slytherin wants to stay."

"You've already heard what he said."

"'It's up to Gryffindor. It's up to Gryffindor'," Draco repeated disrespectfully. "Gryffindor must have brainwashed him."

Harry clenched his hands. "Take that back, Draco. Lord Gryffindor would never do such a thing."

"But you're so eager to let him go, aren't you?"

"No, I am not!"

"Prove it then!"

Much later, Harry would find himself amazed that he hadn't come to blows with Draco on that high ledge. Somehow he had managed to overcome his anger at the other boy's taunting, unlike the summer before on the Hogwarts Express, when he had hexed Draco, Goyle and Crabbe with Furnunculus for expressing disrespect for Cedric Diggory's memory.

Control or acceptance? Was he finally accepting what he had done, for having inadvertently caused the death of another boy? The guilt he always felt every time he thought of Cedric hadn't disappeared entirely, just abated, now turned into a cold numbness, which though difficult, he could at least bear without losing to despair.

* * * * *

Of all the rooms in Wvelte, they usually stayed in Rowena's room.

Sleepy mid-autumn blue skies and soft clouds now cradled what was easily the largest private room. Rowena's room nearly matched the central room outside in size, and the clear transparent walls required that no windows would ever be necessary unless the room's mistress wanted solid walls instead.

But Rowena never did. Thomas Aquinas had designed a room, which she would never tire of even during dreary rainy days.

They were all here now. Rowena observed her three companions fondly from where she was sitting on the side of her bed. Salazar and Godric were slouched comfortably in the sofa. Salazar was playing with the Crysalis, which he had taken from the Hat while Godric was watching him curiously and carefully. In an armchair close by, Helga had also been eyeing Salazar's crystal manipulations, but now she appeared to have dozed off.

"What are you doing?" Godric finally asked after several minutes more of just watching the other wizard manhandle the seemingly fragile Crysalis, which contained their memories and Fawkes' feather.

"Irritating Godric Gryffindor," Salazar answered blandly, still twisting and turning the small crystal over and over in his hands.

"... Salazar."

"Yes, Godric?"

"Stop trying to irritate me."

"I am not trying. I am doing."

Rowena covered her smile that had formed at the utterly bothered expression on Godric's face.

"... Just what are you doing with the Crysalis, Salazar?"

"As I've said before, I am irritating you with it."

She bit her lip to keep from giggling as Godric tried in vain to seize the crystal from Salazar who had jumped off the sofa. As Godric went after him, Salazar ran behind Helga's chair and made certain that the chair and Helga was always in between him and Godric as a chasing game began between the two wizards.

It wasn't long before Helga was jostled out of her nap by their roughhousing. A few moments later, both wizards were cowed back into their seats by Helga, who was furiously brandishing the Crysalis that she had snatched from Salazar.

"Will you two ever grow up?!"

"Sorry, Helga," chorused Godric and Salazar, sounding just like two naughty boys caught doing a bad deed. Rowena shook her head at them and at Helga who continued to regard them suspiciously. How they enjoy teasing Helga.

There was a soft familiar and pleasant trill as Helga handed the Crysalis to Godric, and Fawkes appeared on Godric's shoulder. The wizard jumped, startled by the phoenix's unexpected appearance. As once before, the Crysalis began to glow with a brilliant inner light and floated up from Godric's hand.

Fawkes' song grew louder and more wondrous, and the Crysalis changed shape, turning into a phoenix feather... and three more. Like a fan, four crystal feathers spread apart, joined together only at their base points. As Fawkes finished his song, the Crysalis turned back into its former shape and landed gently on Godric's palm.

Fawkes trilled once more before leaving. As the phoenix disappeared in a shimmer of flame and gold, they all turned to Salazar, whose face seemed as though it was carved from stone.

His expression didn't change when Godric ground out, "You recharged it."

Helga breathed out tiredly as she sat back down in her chair. Rowena stood up, concerned. Godric looked ready to hit Salazar, who appeared expectant and ready to take a thrashing.

The air seemed to grow thicker, tension mounting as Godric just stared at Salazar, whose eyes never flickered or wavered from the angry accusation in Godric's eyes.

There was a barest flinch from Salazar when Godric finally stood up, picked up his Sorting Hat and stuffed back the Crysalis into it for safekeeping. Then, without another word, he turned away from Salazar and walked to the door.

No furious words were spoken, no doors slammed in broken temper. As the door closed with unnerving quiet behind Godric, Helga finally broke the heavy silence with a huffy sigh and a muttered, "I knew it." Reluctantly, she stood up and went after Godric.

When they were alone, Rowena walked over to the sofa and sat down in the space Godric vacated. She faced Salazar, who was still impersonating a statue. There was a tiny light of recognition in hard cold emerald eyes when he saw her. Rowena could feel his stubborn inner struggle against guilt for having broken his promise to Godric. Also, she could hear his anger, not at Godric's stubbornness, but at himself for feeling troubled at having betrayed the other wizard's trust.

I should not care. I should not. I should not. She could hear the short words mumbled silently again and again in his mind. She had heard them before in another time caused by a different set of circumstances.

And as before, no words would ease Salazar's inner torment. After long moments, Salazar finally relaxed and allowed his body respite from awkward stiffness. He laid back against the sofa, closing his eyes with a tired wordless regretful noise.

* * * * *

Slender fingers tenderly caressed his throbbing temples, and Salazar allowed a smile to form on his lips. The pressure from Rowena's fingers increased, becoming a firm massage, which eased away the pain of having to deal with two differing consciences. One insisted he had done wrong. The other praised his actions. The latter was losing ground, and Salazar found himself thankful that Rowena hadn't left him alone.

I don't want to be alone right now. Salazar opened his eyes to find Rowena's fair face mere inches from his own. She was frowning slightly, her eyes not looking at him, rather further up. She was concentrating on her healing ministrations, and Salazar felt warmed by her presence. His heart began to ache. Tightness, a feeling akin to the yearning he had to endure several times before when they were apart from each other. But why did he feel this way now, he didn't understand. She was with him now.

Blue eyes flickered with little surprise, focusing on him finally when he kissed her. Her hands fell away from his head, resting on his shoulders instead as he urged her nearer, closer against him. Regret and guilt drained away as both his mind and body wisely chose to concentrate on other matters.

* * * * *

The next day, Harry was surprised and bothered when Professor McGonagall informed him that the private gathering planned for the Founders' leaving was cancelled. He questioned his House Head as to the reason why, but McGonagall seemed as puzzled as he was.

As Harry, Hermione and Ron discussed what might possibly have happened, hope grew inside Harry. Perhaps the Founders were staying a little while longer. Surely, it wouldn't hurt for them to stay for a few more days. Weeks even, months, years… All in agreement, the trio decided to go up to Wvelte and look for them.

A wondrous yet disturbing sight awaited them. Floating in the very center of the Wvelte's main hall was a large ghostly flickering model of a white castle set upon a huge shard of dark earth. It revolved slowly, gracefully turning around its axis. This was Hierthent, a familiar sight to Harry, Hermione and Ron, since for nearly a week, every newspaper and magazine had displayed a moving picture of the floating fortress now stationed over Malfoy Manor.

Hierthent. Harry had only learned about the floating fortress recently when Godric explained about it before he and the other Founders left Hogwarts on a quest for it. A thousand years ago, Hierthent had been the citadel of the Thirteen, an infamous Dark wizarding coalition of that era, but one which was virtually unknown in the present. The group had been completely destroyed by none other than Salazar Slytherin, who had been a former member of the Thirteen.

But the Thirteen's castle survived, and not only Hierthent. Ghosts haunted it. The Founders had explained about the circumstances that lead to Hierthent and the Thirteen being trapped in a dimension where an hour equaled a year passing in real time.

"A thousand years in forty days," Hermione had breathed out in wonder, her eyes gleaming with great curiosity and hope as she impulsively asked the Founders if it were possible to visit Hierthent.

The reactions from the Founders varied. Godric had been taken aback, surprise widening his eyes, but he recovered quickly to smile with amusement at this request. Rowena hadn't looked surprised, the expression on her face said she had expected this. Helga merely looked faintly disapproving.

A chuckling Salazar had said, "You will have to ask permission from the new owners." The new owners, Harry was uncomfortable to find out, were the Malfoys.

It was in all the news. A week ago, a huge castle had been seen floating, flying as fast as one of those Muggle jumbo jets (Hierthent was far larger and quieter). The white fortress was moving so quickly that Ministry wizards on broomsticks had been hard put to keep up with it. All attempts to board the castle or communicate with its denizens had failed. Panic spread as wizards and witches were convinced it must be You Know Who's citadel, and Ministry officials had had their work cut out for them in having to wipe the memories of the Muggles who had seen the UFO.

Fudge had given the order to attack and to destroy Hierthent, which resulted in the disappearance of the taskforce sent by the Ministry. Fear had reached a breaking point. Civil disorder had been imminent in the wizarding community when finally the castle simply stopped at Malfoy Manor.

The official story given to the Ministry and to all the reporters was that an archaeological expedition headed by Lucius Malfoy had succeeded in recovering Hierthent, considered as the mythical citadel of an equally legendary wizarding coalition known as the Thirteen. Explanations were made. They consisted of how Lady Julia Ilias had hidden the castle away in a different space for safekeeping after Salazar Slytherin had assassinated the Thirteen; of how Lucius Malfoy had been allowed entry into the castle because of his Ilias heritage and bloodline; and lastly of him meeting his many-times-great grandmother, still alive because the time peculiarity of the dimension Hierthent had been taken to.

Basically there were a few crucial differences between the official story and the truth. The Founders weren't mentioned, of course. Not even by their aliases, and Draco's part was excluded. Indeed, it would be difficult to explain why a Hogwarts student was involved, even if it was Draco Malfoy. He should be in school, not gallanvantering about with his parents on archaeological digs.

In any case, Hierthent was currently overrun by Ministry wizards, researchers, historians and curious onlookers. There was great excitement in the recovery of such an important piece of history and greater interest in the chairs. These chairs, thirteen of them, around what was referred to as the Table of the Thirteen located in Hierthent's Council Hall, were being awarded by Lucius Malfoy, who was said to be the new Head of the Thirteen.

Seven of the chairs were already given. Six remained to be assigned, and quickly, because Hierthent depended on the Thirteen and vice versa. There was talk of Fudge gone acourting for a place. This didn't surprise Harry, though he was startled when informed that Dumbledore might be offered a chair. Though this was welcome news, Harry doubted it would come to pass.

Why would Lucius Malfoy want Albus Dumbledore to become one of the Thirteen?

Harry eyed the three dimensional representation of Hierthent carefully and was startled when he saw tiny wizards and witches flying towards it on equally tiny broomsticks. As he watched, they landed on a wide green lawn that went around the castle's base. Harry peered closer at them. One of Hierthent's large double doors opened, and more people appeared. He almost jumped. One of the tiny figures was unmistakably Lucius Malfoy.

... This isn't just a model then, Harry realized, his eyes widening. We must be actually watching Hierthent.

"That is correct, Harry," said a soft voice behind him, and he, Hermione and Ron turned to see Rowena behind them. She was alone, and they quickly went to her and asked what had happened. Why was the meeting cancelled? Would they be staying?

Harry nearly whoop for joy when Rowena answered they would be staying. When they pressed her for details on how this change of decision came about, she simply answered that with the Thirteen present in this time (regardless of the fact that they were ghosts), she and the other Founders decided to stay until such a time when they felt that Hogwarts would no longer be in danger from their old foes and Hierthent's arsenal.

* * * * *

To be continued.

Many thanks to the lovely people who left reviews for Chapter 34: Hufflepuff on my HnH story board, FF.net and by email.

FA reviewers: Ayla Pascal, Aurora, AVK, Dragon-chan, PennyRavenclaw, Susanr, Sara, Kirstin, Starpiper

Again, thank you very much, and I replied to your reviews on the Hearts and Hourglasses storyboard .

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 35 - Part Two
The Hogwarts Monster

Where not only man remembers what has passed...

Salazar finally found Godric in a clearing deep inside the Forbidden Forest. He was not surprised to find Godric there though he was startled that this same open space would still exist even after a thousand years. However, it was, after all, a special place where unicorns usually gathered to frolic.

Godric was seated in the very center, amidst dead yellow, orange and brown leaves, which rustled loudly and crackled as Salazar walked through them. The other wizard didn't stir at his approach, but he knew Godric knew he was there. If there was a location that Godric favored most in the world, it was this place. Salazar didn't know why, exactly, but he gathered it had something to do with unicorns.

"Godric," said Salazar when he was a mere three steps away. He couldn't see Godric's face, only his back. Not a single muscle moved or twitched at Salazar's call. After a long while had passed, he grew impatient with having to wait for Godric to acknowledge his presence. He had already made the opening move. It was Godric's turn at the board now.

He decided to wait a little while longer before turning to leave, but as he did so, he heard the sound of leaves being disturbed and turned back to see Godric standing up slowly, brushing the dirt, twigs and leaves from his robes.

Eyes, the color of chestnut, were calm and collected as he turned towards Salazar, who felt bothered as guilt surge again inside him and urged him to apologize, to say sorry, to ask forgiveness. With an inward growl at himself, he stubbornly pushed away the deprecating inclinations and simply gave a stiff short nod to Godric as a greeting.

Godric gave a slight tilt of his head as an answer, and Salazar relaxed a little. As always, he considered it strange how this Light wizard drew reluctant respect from him.

It was peculiar. Salazar eyed Godric carefully, seeing a wizard of ordinary height with flaming red hair and a properly trimmed beard hiding his youthful features. It was Helga who had suggested to Godric to grow a beard to make him seem as old as his age for the wizard had the misfortune (some would consider it fortuitous) to always appear more youthful than his years.

The beard did help somewhat though Salazar considered the extra facial hair cumbersome.

"What is it, Salazar?" said Godric, and much to Salazar's irritation, gladness made its presence known forcefully, nearly making him smile with relief that Godric was speaking to him. Salazar then realized he must have been worried that the other wizard would refuse to talk to him because of what had happened around a month ago when Godric had found out that Salazar's real self had broken his promise about Avada Kedavra.

Salazar opened his mouth to reply, and adding to his discomfort, he found that he had nothing to say to Godric. Rather than keeping his mouth open wordlessly, he shut it close, jaws snapping together. Salazar winced when he accidentally bit the flesh of his mouth. And there was an amused sound from the other wizard.

"Salazar Slytherin speechless," murmured Godric with a delighted chuckle.

He threw a mock glare at Godric. "Don't consider it a victory," he countered, ignoring the pain in his mouth and forcing himself not to stutter because of it.

"Not at all," returned Godric easily, "for clearly your lack of words was only unfortunately a temporary state of being."

Honestly, Salazar was taken aback by eloquence so rarely (in Salazar's case, never) heard from Godric, who frowned when Salazar expressed amazement.

"Salazar," a peeved Godric muttered, "just because I do not utter fanciful words, phrases and sentences all the time does not mean I cannot be a statesman when I wish to be. ... Oh, for the love of- don't give me that look!"

"They must have done something to you in Hierthent..." Salazar trailed off worriedly.

"Salazar..." growled Godric warningly.

"You're an imposter! I demand to know where the genuine Godric Gryffindor is- Oof!" Godric had tackled Salazar in midsection, and both wizards fell to the ground, laughing and pummeling each other in play. Autumn leaves scattered upwards and away from the wrestling duo. It was unclear who was winning as both were equal in strength and endurance though when the fraternal battle was through, Salazar looked worse off since Godric had managed to stuff more leaves into his robes.

"Eyuch!" Salazar was still grousing as they neared the portkey point in the forest. All the way, Godric pointedly ignored the other wizard's complaints about the worms, bugs, leeches ("Salazar, stop whining.") that inhabited in abundance dead and decaying foliage.

As they were about to reach their destination, Salazar suddenly stopped. Godric continued on for a few steps, then stopped. Curious, he turned back to Salazar, who, in spite of the twigs in his hair and leaves still falling out of his robes, conveyed seriousness.

"About the Crysalis, Godric-"

"Salazar, I know you're not going to apologize about breaking your promise, and neither do I want to hear your apology. Let us leave it at that. It is done."

"You are still angry."

"Of course, I am still angry!" Salazar almost stepped back from the hurt fury in Godric's face. Why can't he just be angry?! Salazar thought, struggling with the difficult emotion himself. He didn't know whether he was angry at himself or at Godric or both. All Salazar knew was that he didn't want to see hurt in those brown eyes.

Hurt. Betrayed. Trust broken. If only Godric did not trust so unconditionally. It was ironic that though he knew he might be betrayed, he still trusted wholeheartedly. Such faith in other people, such belief, so pure that no matter how he prepared himself to be disappointed, he was still hurt deeply. He possessed such high hope in others.

He believed in me... Salazar almost turned away. The disappointment in those eyes was terrible, as sharp as one of their owner's treasured swords. Even keener than shiny polished blades, for Salazar felt as though his self-respect was a tangible thing, which was being sliced away from him.

Do not look at me that way, he almost whispered and felt fiercely glad when Godric finally turned away and continued walking. Salazar had been close to making excuses, almost attempting to turn away blame by explaining that it would be foolhardy to leave now with the Thirteen in this time and Hierthent.

However good the reasoning be, Godric knew Salazar had recharged the Source before they discovered the Thirteen still existed in Hierthent. Salazar had planned to use the Thirteen as a reason in persuading Godric to allow him to extend the Source's power. If it hadn't been for Fawkes, his breaking Godric's word would have remained secret. Why had that idiotic phoenix appeared the way it did? Now, Salazar found himself wishing he hadn't immediately taken the opportunity to remain longer in this time when Draco showed him the feathers Fawkes had given the boy. Salazar had immediately used them of course. How could he have known then that he would come to regret it?

... Fool, Salazar berated himself as Godric disappeared into the trees ahead. What had you thought to ask of him? His forgiveness for breaking a useless fatal promise to him? How low you have fallen, Dark wizard, to start punishing yourself for breaking a silly thing such as a promise.

* * * * *

Lucius Malfoy arrived the next day with what seemed to be an army of reporters. Classes were cancelled and the entire school gathered in the Great Hall turned auditorium for the third time this year. Harry, Ron and Hermione managed to find seats in the third row, and the noise in the hall was deafening as everyone wondered out loud to each other as to why the Head of Hierthent had paid Hogwarts a visit.

"He has to be here to award Headmaster Dumbledore a chair," said Colin excitedly. He kept standing up from his seat to take picture of the VIPs in the front row. Lucius Malfoy was talking with Cornelius Fudge, whose squad of Aurors was scattered across the hall, keeping watchful surveillance. Harry was thankful that the Minister hadn't brought along any Dementors.

Finally, after what seemed too long, the hall fell silent as Lucius Malfoy climbed onto the stage. By the time he turned to face his audience, it was so quiet that a dropped pin could have been heard. There was breathless anticipation in the air, and Harry sat up attentively and eyed Mr. Malfoy, who was beginning his speech, with extreme wariness.

"I believe it fitting to dispense with formal introductions as I am certain you all know who I am. ("Oh, geez. What a show off," muttered Ron.) And of course, we have with us today, His Excellency, Minister Cornelius Fudge." There was polite applause as Fudge stood up and bowed in every direction. When the pudgy wizard was seated once again, Malfoy raised his hand and made a come-hither gesture. Puzzled, Harry followed the direction of where he was looking at and turning towards the main doors, he saw procession of six white robed wizards entering the Great Hall and bearing what appeared to be a shrouded litter upon their shoulders.

There was a collective curious murmuring all around as these wizards walked through the middle aisle, up the stage, where they carefully deposited their load. Malfoy nodded his head at them, and each of them reached out and took hold of the white sheet covering the object they had brought. In unison, they lifted the coverlet and revealed a block of black glass underneath. The entire audience seemed to hold their breaths when they saw it. Everyone knew what it was. It was one of the thirteen chairs, and a cold sinking feeling weighed down in Harry's stomach as Lucius Malfoy turned back towards them. Pale gray eyes swept across the room, and for an instant, they rested on Harry Potter, who flinched when the lightning scar on his forehead ignited in pain.

The next thing Harry knew, he was shoving and pushing his way through the row, bumping and crashing against knees and legs, landing awkwardly on other students' laps. He was desperate to reach the aisle. He barely heard his friends' worried questions. When he finally exited his row, he immediately rushed to the first row, heading for Headmaster Dumbledore.

"Harry, what is the matter?" Dumbledore's kindly bearded face was concerned and seemed to swim crazily in Harry's vision. He squeezed his eyes shut for several moments. When he opened them, Dumbledore's worried visage was steady.

"That's not Lucius Malfoy," Harry whispered urgently. "It's him." He thought his voice was low enough for only Dumbledore to hear, but in the corner of his eye, he saw Fudge shaking his head at him. Harry heard the Minister's mutterings clearly.

"Harry Potter again with his insane accusations. Really, has he not enough attention already? Fame has clearly turned his head."

I'm not trying to get attention! Harry wanted to shout, but only a hissed of pain emerged from his mouth as someone's bony fingers cut into his shoulders.

Before Harry could say anything more, insist that Lucius Malfoy, standing on the stage, was in fact, Voldemort, Professor Snape's harsh voice hissed into his ear, ordering him to be quiet. Harry then found himself being propelled away from Dumbledore by Snape. He resisted and stumbled often, the professor nearly always having to hold him up. He vaguely realized that hundreds of pairs of eyes were staring at him, and that there was a numbing roar in his ears. Snape was leading him to the door where he had entered once before as a candidate for the Triwizard Tournament in his fourth year.

The door opened before him, and Snape shoved him into the room.

Harry's shoes skidded on the smooth stone floor, and he fell forward, landing heavily on his arms and elbows. Instinctively, he pushed himself back up, turning to see Snape close the door behind him. The next thing he did would have made Harry laugh had the situation not been as dire. Snape began removing the paintings from the walls, practically ripping them off. Harry heard the pictures frantic cries and protests, and Harry turned worried when Snape headed to the fireplace. Its cold hearth burst into flame at the teacher's approach.

He struggled to his feet to rescue the hapless paintings, but Snape marched passed the fireplace to a cabinet into which he piled the pictures. As he turned back to Harry, the boy felt embarrassed that he had thought the Potions Master would throw the paintings into the fire.

Seeing the expression on Harry's face, Snape deciphered what he had been thinking and scowled heavily at Harry, who suddenly remembered-

"That's not Lucius Malfoy out there," he told Snape urgently. "It's Voldemort."

The angry irritation drained from Snape's face. His black eyes were unreadable, and Harry grew more uncomfortable as seconds passed, and Snape continued regarding him.

Then, much to Harry's horror, his scar again flared in pain. Automatically, he reached up the cover the old wound, stumbling away from Snape with a panicked cry. He landed heavily against a wall, now bare of paintings, his other hand reaching into his pocket for his wand.

"So you think I am Lord Voldemort as well," asked Snape softly, sounding very weary.

Harry swallowed hard before answering in an unsteady tone, "My scar hurt just now."

Snape nodded. "That's because every Death Eater is an extension of Lord Voldemort." He lifted his left arm and tugged down its sleeve until Harry could see the Dark Mark on his forearm. It was glowing, turning from bloody red to dead black and back, pulsing with malevolence.

"He is growing stronger, Potter," whispered Snape. "He is regaining his former strength, and I'm certain you have felt the summonings."

He had indeed. His scar throbbed in pain often these days, so much so that he had gotten used to the headaches, which mercifully only lasted the times the scar burned.

"Where is he now?" Harry finally ventured to ask, taking a leap at the chance that Snape might know and perhaps they would be rid of Voldemort sooner.

His hope died when the other wizard snorted with derision. "Even if I know, Potter, it would be useless," he answered dryly. "None dare go after him."

"... Voldemort is that powerful?"

"He is immortal, Potter." Snape grew impatient at the uncertainty in Harry's eyes. "You must have heard him speak of his experiments." When Snape said that, it was as though a hidden chest was unlocked in Harry's mind. A cold high-pitched voice began rambling.

I miscalculated, my friends, I admit it. My curse was deflected by the woman's foolish sacrifice, and it rebounded upon myself. Aaah... pain beyond pain, my friends; nothing could have prepared me for it. I was ripped from my body, I was less than spirit, less than the meanest ghost... but, I was still alive. What I was, even I do not know... I, who have gone further than anyone along the path that leads to immortality. You know my goal - to conquer death. And now, I was tested, and it appeared that one or more of my experiments had worked... for I had not been killed, though the curse would have done it.

Snape nodded with approval when understanding came across Harry's face. "Haven't you ever wondered why he named his followers Death Eaters?"

Harry answered slowly, "Because he was searching for immortality."

"Exactly, Potter," said Snape, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. "About twenty-four years ago, Voldemort began recruiting members for an elite group, whose main objective was to conquer death."

"... Not to cause death?" Harry was very dubious.

"Let me finish, Potter," Snape snapped, aiming an irritated glare at Harry who retained his doubtful expression. "Long before he founded the Death Eaters, Voldemort has already began experimenting with potions and elixirs which he had hoped would grant him immortality."

"Did he try to create a Philosopher's Stone?"

"He attempted, but those things are near impossible to make."

"I bet he tried to steal Mr. Flamel's stone even then."

"No, actually, Mr. Flamel was quite happy to share the stone with his apprentice."

"... What?"

"Little hard of hearing, Potter? Really now, and at your age-"

"Voldemort was Nicholas Flamel's apprentice?!"

"When he was still known as Tom Riddle," Snape said informatively.

"..."

"You look a little unsteady on your feet, Potter. Do sit down."

* * * * *

"As I have said before, Lucius, I refuse."

"You are a fool, Albus!"

In the Great Hall far below, a low rumble of shock, curiosity and discontent underlined the statements uttered by the three wizards upon whom every eye was focused and whose words every ear strained to hear.

Rowena stepped forward to the mirror showing to them the occurrences below. Helga glanced towards her as she raised her hand and rested her palm on the mirror's shimmering rim. At once, the picture changed, the mirror's eye moved forwards through the main aisle, passing rows of restless students and focusing instead on Albus, Fudge and Lucius Malfoy.

Albus was standing. Short Fudge was on his feet as well and berating the taller wizard for refusing Lucius Malfoy's gift. Albus remained silent to Fudge disbelieving and insulting words while on the dais, Lucius stood silently, his hand upon the back of the obsidian chair and watching Albus intently. Helga had difficulty interpreting the hard expression on Lucius' face. She thought the light in his eyes was that of relief, but why would he be glad that his offer was refused?

"Lucius is being forced to do this," Rowena murmured softly.

"What do you mean, Rowena?" Helga asked, knowing that Rowena must have heard the uncertainty in her mind.

"Lucius does not wish Hogwarts to be in the Thirteen's control." Receiving one of the thirteen chairs had its great rewards, but there was a price to pay upon becoming one of the Thirteen. Every member's land and holdings, family and belongings also belonged to the coalition.

"The chair must be removed at once," Salazar declared quietly.

Godric glanced at him sharply. "Why, Salazar?"

"It is a living part of Hierthent. If it stays here too long, a permanent portkey link will be established between Hogwarts and Hierthent."

"Then it must go now," said Helga. But before she could leave, there was a ruckus in the mirror as Fudge complained loudly that Albus would rather heed the words of famous Harry Potter.

Albus' eyes glittered like blue ice, and Helga was reminded strongly of Rowena's father, Regius Ravenclaw. Though he remained silent, Fudge was frightened by the cold terrible expression on Albus' face, and he almost took a step backwards away from the Head of Hogwarts.

But fear further loosened Fudge's tongue instead of stilling it. "So, Albus, you think Lucius here is You Know Who?" Helga frowned at Fudge's paltry attempt to regain his brave front.

Albus said somberly, "Cornelius, please calm your-"

"I am calm, Albus. I am." Fudge's small eyes were wide with a manic gleam in them. "In fact, never has my thoughts been as clear and unaffected as they are now."

"I've always wondered why you never went after You Know Who yourself. After all, Albus, you are considered as the greatest wizard in our time, the most powerful magician. You did defeat Grindelwad."

"Cor-"

"Do not interrupt, Albus." Fudge straightened proudly, regaining a sembleance of nobility. "Tell me," he told Albus in a sly voice, "Why do you not rid us of our greatest enemy once and for all? Why don't you simply defeat You Know Who as you did Grindelwad?"

Everyone waited for Albus to answer, but many long moments passed, and he didn't. He remained silent, steadily regarding Fudge whose twitching and fidgeting worsened.

His next words drew a gasp of indignation from the entire room. "You're in league with You Know Who, aren't you?"

Minerva McGonagall furiously stood up from her chair. "How dare you make such an accusation?!" But Fudge was not waylaid by the taller witch towering with rage over him. He raised his hand and pointed a trembling finger at Dumbledore. "You Know Who doesn't interfere with him, and he doesn't interfere with You Know Who! Why is this so?!"

"Your mumblings make no sense!" shouted Minerva.

"For nearly twenty years, You Know Who preyed on our community, caused unimaginable suffering, laid waste to our sense of security. No one was safe from him. No place a sanctuary from his evil, except for Hogwarts under the directorship of Albus Dumbledore."

"What exactly are you saying, Cornelius?" Albus' collected voice cut through the rising din and silenced it.

"I am saying that perhaps the reason why You Know Who never attacked Hogwarts was because you and he had a previous arrangement!"

"That's preposterous!" Filius Flitwick declared.

"Which is more ridiculous? An explanation for his inaction where You Know Who is concerned or his safeguarding a boy who is possibly the Heir of Slytherin?!"

"That old hat," Minerva snapped. "Harry Potter isn't Salazar Slytherin's Heir."

"But You Know Who is!" Fudge said with triumphant. The teachers defending Dumbledore were taken aback by this statement, and Fudge continued his attack on Albus. Helga could barely understand his ramblings.

"Yes, I know who You Know Who is. I've been informed only recently. Imagine my surprise when I was told that the greatest bane of our society once studied at Hogwarts, and that he was the one who opened the supposed nonexistent Chamber of Secrets over fifty years ago."

"Why are you bringing this up, Cornelius?" asked Dumbledore in a frozen tone of voice.

"Because I know the true reason why he doesn't dare attack Hogwarts!"

Fudge stomped to the door through which Severus Snape had taken Harry. He threw the door open and marched in, coming out a few moments later with the boy. Fudge dragged Harry out back into the hall and commanded him to show them where the Chamber of Secrets was.

* * * * *

"Do you know what the Philosopher's Stone can do, Potter?"

"Yes, Professor Snape. It can turn base metal into gold and can create the Elixir of Life."

"What else do you know about it?"

"That only one stone was known to have ever existed."

"Correct. Only Nicholas Flamel has ever succeeded in creating the first and only Philosopher's Stone."

"I know all this already."

"Be patient, Potter. The Philosopher's stone produces countless riches and immortality, and yet, there is little interest in it. Do you know why?"

"... I suppose if there is so much gold in the world, the metal would be worthless instead of valuable."

"Such insightfulness from you, I am stunned. What of the Elixir of Life? Surely, life will never lose its value."

"... I guess Mr. Flamel didn't want to share the Philosopher's stone."

"Wrong, Potter. He offered the Elixir of Life to many people, his family and friends, even strangers, much to their detriment."

"What do you mean?"

"The Elixir of Life grants the drinker immortality, but claims his ability to give life."

"... Huh?"

"In other words, Potter. Drink the Elixir of Life, and you cannot procreate."

"Oh."

"Centuries ago, Nicholas Flamel finally created the most sought after Philosopher's Stone. He was wise enough to realize that the stone's existence must be kept secret. However, he had a generous heart and secretly donated money to charities and to people he decided deserved giving to. He was always careful and produced gold only in small quantities as to not detrimentally affect the value of gold.

"At private gatherings in his home, he would slip little amounts of the Elixir of Life in the cups of his family and friends and even strangers he barely knew. However..."

"They couldn't have children after taking the elixir."

"Correct, Potter. When Mr. Flamel realized this unfortunate side effect, he had already given the elixir to all of his relations and his friends and countless strangers. Many families were doomed."

"That's terrible."

"Indeed. Guilty of his mistake, Mr. Flamel hid away the Philospher's stone and devoted his time to finding a cure."

"Did he find one?"

"Yes, in a matter of speaking, Muggles held the cure. He and his wife, the only other person who knew about the stone, played matchmaker and persuaded many wizards and witches to intermarry with Muggles. When the crisis had passed, he publicly revealed the Philospher's Stone and admitted the grave sin he had committed to our kind.

"Many forgave Nicholas Flamel, but many were incensed. The latter consisted of old wizarding families who didn't want their heritage sullied by Muggle blood."

"But they didn't have a choice."

"There is always another choice, Potter. A few chose extinction. Some chose to intermarry with Muggles. Some chose to breed with the giants, veela, merpeople, centaurs, vampires even with werewolves."

"... I never heard about this in history class."

"It is a time few wish to remember. There is no heroism as such would exist in times of war and strife. Only the indignities our kind suffered at the hands of a would-be god."

"Mr. Flamel only meant to help."

"Our kind almost died out because of his help."

"... What about Voldemort?"

"Ah. Such was his desire for immortality that he sought out Nicholas Flamel and the Philosopher's Stone. Mr. Flamel was still offering the Elixir of Life to whoever desired and asked for it even though very few individuals were made content by the elixir."

"Why is that so, Professor?"

"Someday, Mr. Potter, perhaps you will understand that it is not having a long life span or riches, which makes people truly happy. Now, let us go back to the story of Nicholas Flamel and Tom Riddle.

"Mr. Riddle partook of the Elixir of Life, but as expected, he was not satisfied. The elixir only extended life; it doesn't make the drinker invisible or invulnerable to death. Even having drank the elixir, Mr. Riddle was still susceptible to mortal wounding. So. He conducted experiments with himself as the guinea pig. And one or some of them were successful. He is as close to being a god as a human being can possibly be, but not close enough. Because of your mother's sacrifice, his own spell rebounded upon him and nearly killed him. Possessing Quirrel, he tried to contact his old mentor, Mr. Flamel, but the latter had hidden himself and his wife away with Albus Dumbledore as their secret keeper and safeguarding the Philosopher's Stone.

"The stone was bait, Potter. It was meant to draw Voldemort out into the open."

And what else Snape would have told Harry was left unsaid as all of a sudden Fudge burst into the room.

* * * * *

For the third time, Harry was in the Chamber of Secrets, and he would rather have been with the basilisk than having to deal with Cornelius Fudge, who was gripping Harry's elbow so tightly, his forearm had gone numb.

"All right, boy, summon it."

Summon what?! Harry almost yelled as he tried to free himself.

"This is madness, Cornelius," said Dumbledore who had accompanied them as well as McGonagall and Flitwick. The other professors had stayed above to keep other peoplpe from jumping down the secret pipeway in the third floor girls' bathroom.

Fudge pointedly ignored Dumbledore and again ordered Harry to summon it.

"Summon what?!"

"Don't play dumb, boy! Summon Slytherin's monster!"

... The basilisk? "It's dead," he told Fudge, who went purple.

"Do you think I'm stupid?!"

"But it's true!" Harry pointed the huge snake skull lying on the chamber floor a few feet away from them. "That's all that's left of it."

Fudge still didn't believe him and began shaking Harry so hard that he lost his balance and fell down hard on his backside.

"Enough!" shouted McGonagall, helping Harry stand up. As soon as she was convinced Harry was uninjured, she confronted Fudge, threatening to transfigure him into a toad if he ever manhandled a Hogwarts student again.

"Be silent, woman!" Wands were drawn out, but Dumbledore and Flitwick intervened, keeping an imminent duel at bay.

"Do calm down, Minister," an unfamiliar voice echoed sonorously in the chamber. Harry turned about frantically, trying to find the voice's owner. He stilled when a shrouded figure emerged from behind one of the serpent-ornamented pillars, and his scar began to burn when cool hazel eyes met his. ... A Death Eater?

Harry stumbled backward as Fudge rushed towards the stranger, shouting, "Tom," in a glad voice. But as the roundtound wizard neared the newcomer, Tom raised his hand, and Fudge suddenly slowed, stopped and tumbled forward, falling flat on his face.

"He is too noisy," commented Tom in a bored tone, and as an afterthought added that they shouldn't worry. "The Minister is only sleeping," he said.

"You." Dumbledore took a step forward. Harry felt as though he was trying to shield them. "Imperius?" the Headmaster queried softly.

Tom smiled slyly and shrugged. "What else? And not much of a challenge. He is ridiculously easy to manipulate."

"... Why have you brought us here?"

"I am not interested in you, Minerva or Filius."

Harry suddenly found himself flanked by McGonagall and Flitwick with Dumbledore in front of him. Tom chuckled. "Yes, I must admit I do have unfinished business with Harry Potter, but-" His eyes flicked past them. "He isn't why you are all here."

Harry turned to see what Tom was looking at, and almost choked in panic when the Founders entered into the chamber. Draco was with them.

McGonagall breathed in sharply and grabbed Harry's wrist. She pulled Harry towards the door. Flitwick ran ahead and took hold of Draco's arm as well. Both professors herded the two boys to wait by the chamber entrance before joining the others.

Salazar stepped in line with Dumbledore and addressed Tom, "Tell them it will not work, Voldemort."

A corner of Voldemort's mouth twitched. "I am assuming you are referring to the chair, Salazar."

Salazar nodded, and Helga moved forward, but Rowena held her back.

"Rachel, let me go."

"It's too dangerous, Hannah. He might attack them." Her blue eyes flicked to Harry and Draco. Helga's eyes followed, and she frowned, reluctantly heeding Rowena.

"I have told Lucius to remove the chair from Hogwarts," Salazar told Voldemort, who sneered, saying, "And I am certain he was most eager to comply with your request." His eyes settled on Draco, who remained still. "Your father was quite unenthusiastic in presenting the chair to your Headmaster."

"What about the chair?" Dumbledore asked Godric, who answered that if it stayed in Hogwarts longer, a portkey link would be set between the school and Hierthent.

Dumbledore frowned at this, turning his attention back to Voldemort. "You made Cornelius cause a scene so that we would be distracted, and so that the chair would have stayed a longer time in the school?"

"Sounds desperate, doesn't it?" Voldemort said lazily, and Dumbledore shook his head. "No," the headmaster muttered, "you are far cleverer than that."

"How flattering," said Voldemort. Dumbledore ignored him. "You are after something else."

"What else could I want other than this school?"

Salazar was also frowning. "You know any attempt to annex Hogwarts to Hierthent will fail as long as I am here," he said to Voldemort, whose eyes suddenly turned crafty.

"Very true, Salazar Slytherin," said Voldemort softly.

Rowena suddenly gasped, drawing all their attention. Her eyes were wide with shock. "He's after Sextus' students."

"What?!" Helga stepped past Salazar, and Voldemort, his expression now wary, backed away, raising both his hands peaceably. His eyes, narrowing, were locked on Rowena.

"... A mindreader," he muttered. "I hadn't expected this." He reached into his robes. Everyone did the same, thinking he was taking his wand out. However, he only drew out a large silver medallion.

"Here." He tossed it to Salazar, who caught the object easily. The metal had been fashioned into the coiled shape of a serpent, which was biting its own tail.

"What is this?" asked Salazar, puzzled. He fingered the piece of jewelry.

Voldemort answered, "It is yours. I found it here many years ago."

In Salazar's hand, the silver serpent twitched. Its thumb-sized jaws moved and let go of its tail. The slender foot long silver snake twined itself around Salazar's wrist like a bracelet and began to glow.

As did the entire Chamber of Secrets.

Long wisps of smoke blew from corners and cracks and the edges where wall met wall, floor and ceiling. They swirled about, going around and round, becoming more numerous with every passing moment until it felt as though they were standing in the calm eye of a short and slow moving tornado.

"They're snakes," Draco suddenly whispered, and Harry's eyes widened. The other boy was right. They were serpents, each long silvery wisp a sinuous reptile. There were hundreds of them. As Harry watched, they began to meld with each other. Two serpents formed a larger longer single serpent. The latter joining with another and another until finally there was only one huge ghostly serpent winding gracefully around the chamber. Once its formation was finished, it stopped in front of them, drawing its coils around it. Its enormous head lifted from the floor gracefully; its large shiny iridescent green eyes blinked at them. They seemed curious, not dangerous.

Thrice as large as the basilisk Harry had defeated in his second year and far more beautiful. It hissed softly, and Harry understood what it was saying.

What is your bidding, Masters?

To be continued.

Many thanks to the lovely people who left reviews for Chapter 35: Part One on my HnH story board, FF.net and by email.

FA reviewers: GAKED (You're absolutely wonderful! I'm touched that you also reviewed at FF.net. Thanks so very much.), Prongz (I'm happy you think it's the best Foundersfic you've ever read. ^^), Dragon-chan (Kawaii Ryuu-chan! ::glomps:: As soon as HnH is finished, I'm going to write a slash fic as a gift for you. There's also a longer reply from me in your post.) , AVK (Harry won't be getting a chair. It would be funny if he got one. And please check your post. There's a ramble there about Salazar's behavior.), Alpha Wolf (I'm happy you like HnH as always.), Ayla Pascal (I didn't think your review was disjointed at all. Thank you. ^^ I want a little figurine of Lucius too. Trio is not going to be part of the 13. I agree it would be cliched and corny.), Strangerwaters (Salazar was being selfish. He recharged the Crysalis before they found out that 13 were still at Hierthent. I'm glad you like the ficlets.) & 3 Unregistered-s (Thank you all very much for your comments and feedback. ^__^ I really appreciate them.)

Thank you also to: Sethan Riddle, Fwooper & Mabber for their reviews on previous HnH chapters.

Again, thank you very much, and I'll be posting when I can on the Hearts and Hourglasses storyboard

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 35 - Part Three
The Eyes of a Basilisk

A thousand years ago...

"She is beautiful, Salazar," Godric breathed out softly, his brown eyes wide with amazement. Before him, its long body slowly and gracefully undulating, was a huge ghostly serpent. Faint rays of sunlight arched into rainbows as they passed through it. Godric could see bent blades of grass underneath its massive form.

After a long while of just admiring Salazar's new creation as it slumbered in the warm sunshine, Godric began to worry that someone other then he and Salazar might see the made serpent though it was barely dawn. Godric suggested to Salazar that he dispell it and watched intently as the Dark wizard again raised the crystal globe from where he had summoned the serpent. With a few muttered words in Parseltongue, which Godric didn't understand, Salazar ordered the serpent back into it.

At once, the creature burst into wisps of smoke and flowed back into its crystal container.

"I suppose only you can control it," commented Godric as they headed back to the castle.

There was a pause before Salazar said, "Rowena as well." He smiled, adding, "because she knows Parseltongue."

There was a soft sigh from Godric, and Salazar chuckled. "I'm certain someday you'll be a Parselmouth, Godric."

"I doubt it," returned Godric dryly. He had been trying to learn for years.

Salazar hesitated for a moment before saying that there might be a quicker and surer way to learn Parseltongue.

"... You could have told me years ago," complained Godric, peeved as he recalled all those futile lessons he had taken.

"It's the Blood Compact, Godric."

"... But that is for merging bloodlines."

"It may also combine power," said Salazar, "though I am not certain. However, it is a feasible theory."

Godric was troubled by the idea of undergoing a Blood Compact. It was a dangerous procedure, and usually practiced only by wizards and witches who were effete. By merging bloodlines, heritage was ensured.

By the time they had reached the castle, Godric was still undecided. Salazar was amused that he was actually considering the idea and wryly told Godric that he shouldn't worry about not being able to control the creature.

"I am going to make a lion for you as well as an eagle for Rowena. To be fair, I'll even make Helga's badger."

"That is kind of you, Salazar."

"Think nothing of it, Godric. Besides, my creature cannot protect Hogwarts alone."

Protection against the Thirteen and Hierthent. Salazar planned to imbue the very stone of Hogwarts with a living protection spell. For years, he developed such a spell until finally he produced this creature, which had he had shown only to Godric thus far.

However there was a flaw, which he hadn't seen until Godric's offhand comment about him being the only one who could control it.

Salazar stared at the white mist swirling slowly in the globe, which he had set on his table. With a tired exhalation, he lowered himself into his chair, propped his elbows on the table and dropped his forehead into his palms. In privacy, he allowed himself the luxury of not appearing strong and unshakable. He would never let himself be weak and uncertain in front of others, save for Rowena. She knew him too well.

Another sigh escaped him as he raised his head. He heard a soft questioning meep, the flapping of wings. Salazar turned his head just as a little blue dragon landed on his shoulder. Bright yellow eyes blinked at him as their owner stared eye to eye at Salazar. After a while, Ryais meeped again, and Salazar chuckled, raising his hand to scratch below her chin.

Ryais meeped once more, this time in pleasure and nipped at Salazar's ear playfully before taking off again to land on her usual perch, an improvised silver bird stand beside Salazar's desk. She had been a gift from Godric several years ago.

He eyed the little dragon as it preened and groomed itself, recalling the circumstances that had caused Ryais to become a tamed dragon. Unfortunately, he couldn't do the same with his creature. Frustrated, Salazar turned his eyes from his pet back to the sphere and again brooded on what caused its failure.

He had completely forgotten about serpentine dislike of command. Unless, you were a Parselmouth, snakes would pay no attention to your wishes. Whether real or conjured, serpents would only respect and obey a master who could speak their tongue.

This disregard of rules was also the reason why he hadn't objected to the confiscation and limited use of house pins in Hogwarts. The Slytherin serpent pins were most unruly.

Idiot, he told himself wearily. This creature was little use as a protection beast for Hogwarts where currently only two of its denizens knew how to speak the Parseltongue. Despite all his efforts, only Rowena had mastered the skill.

... I will have to destroy it. However the idea was distasteful to Salazar though he knew it would be dangerous if he didn't. It was a beautiful thing.

... But what can I do with it then?

There was a sudden rapid and insistent tapping on the door, interrupting Salazar in his thoughts. For a few moments, he was tempted to ignore whoever it was but changed his mind and stood up from his chair reluctantly.

Moving towards the door, he called out, "Who is it?" even though he had a very good idea of who it was. Only three others were allowed in Wvelte. Helga never once knocked on his door. Rowena used only a single knock. Which left Godric.

"It's me," came the other wizard's voice, muffled by its passage through the door.

"Come in. It is unlocked." Immediately, the door swung open revealing an excited Godric. In his hand was a bejeweled box, which drew Salazar's attention. Godric closed the door behind him before marching to Salazar and handing him the box.

"What is this?"

"Open it!"

Inside was a silver armband in the shape of coiled serpent.

"This-"

"Llewewyn made it," informed Godric helpfully. Llewewyn was a master jeweler and magician, the finest there was.

"You commissioned it?"

"No, I saw it by chance in his workshop. Paid a king's ransom for it, but it was well worth it."

"Why?"

"It would make a better vessel for your creature than a fragile globe of crystal."

"But-"

"No buts, Salazar. I insist. Here, let's see you wear it." Godric lifted the band from its velvet cushion and held it over Salazar's left wrist. In Godric's hands, the serpent began to twitch, and without warning, it reared up its head, hissed sharply and lunged, burying its fangs in Godric's hand.

"Ah!" Instinctively, Godric flung his hand out, flinging the serpent away from him. Blood spurted from the deep wounds it had inflicted. There was a clatter as the band landed on the floor, sliding across the floor until it reached the wall. Angered by the rough treatment, the serpent unwound to its full length, raising its head and baring its fangs threateningly.

"Enough!" Salazar hissed at it furiously, cowing the silver snake into submission. As it slithered off to conceal itself in a shadowy place, Salazar turned back to Godric, who was as pale as a ghost and clutching his injured hand to his stomach.

"Godric-" He broke off, alarmed when the other wizard's eyes turned glassy.

* * * * *

A thousand years later...

What is your bidding, Masters? Large luminous eyes of forest green considered all of them curiously, but focused most of its attention on Godric and Salazar. Instinctively, they all backed away as the enormous serpent arranged its long body into coils that occupied the breadth of the Chamber of Secrets.

"Remarkable..." Harry turned his eyes to Voldemort, standing closest to the creature. Like the rest of them, his head was tilted up, and he was staring at the slowly swaying head many feet from the ground. The serpent heard him, and Voldemort smiled when it regarded him as well. It blew a strong breeze from its nostrils, and the wizard's hood fell back, revealing Voldemort's face.

Harry drew in a startled intake of air. Voldemort no longer appeared as he had in Little Hangleton cementary. He now had a full shock of hair on his head, black and silvering at the temples. His face was thin but not starved. Where he had had mere slits to breathe through before there was now a long aquiline nose. He was no longer monstrous. Harry could see he was Tom Riddle, a much older Tom Marvolo Riddle.

Tom laughed with delight. "Now," he declared loudly, causing the serpent still observing him to blink in surprise, "this is rightly to be called Slytherin's monster, not a Basilisk easily hatched from a chicken egg."

At these words, confusion beset Harry. Hadn't he killed the basilisk, which was Salazar Slytherin's monster? ... What was this creature, then?

Harry wasn't the only one confounded. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Flitwick were casting puzzled looks at the Founders while also keeping wary watch on the summoned serpent and Voldemort. Helga had a stunned expression that was quickly turning to fury, while Rowena was staring off into space, her brows knitted in concentration. Godric seemed tired. Salazar suddenly cried out.

"Ah!" He jerked his left hand up, and Harry was horrified to see that the serpent band had buried its fangs in his wrist. The Dark wizard reacted quickly even as others moved closer to help him. Furious, he commanded the serpent to release him. It obediently complied, loosing its jaws and settling its head back atop its coils still wound around Salazar's arm.

Helga examined the bite while at the same time conjuring a tourniquet to cut the blood flow in Salazar's arm from the rest of his body to keep poison, if there was, from spreading. However, even as the piece of cloth wound tight around the wizard's upper arm, Salazar drew away abruptly, his eyes turning blank.

"No." Rowena lifted her hand, extending it towards Salazar, who stumbled back and began to shake his head as if to loosen something upon it. He suddenly stilled, his green eyes still empty and staring at nothing in particular.

"He's under Imperius!" Rowena's urgent words galvanized them into action. Dumbledore immediately went after Voldemort, but serpent barred his path when Salazar hissed a command to it.

Hold them.

As though they were sheep, it gathered and herded them to the center of chamber. Within seconds, they were trapped within a circle defined by the serpent's coils. Spells cast against it were useless as McGonagall and Flitwick's attempts showed. Magic was simply absorbed into its shimmering skin, and the serpent paid no attention to Harry's commands to it in Parseltongue. After it had done its chore of imprisoning them, it lowered down its head and appeared to fall asleep.

"Sextus!" Godric shouted at Salazar who was standing outside the creature barrier with Voldemort. There was no sign that Salazar heard him.

Voldemort chuckled. "It's no use, Gryffindor. Imperius has him."

Harry hesitated before yelling, "Fight it, Sir!" Draco suddenly bumped into his side, nearly causing Harry to fall. Before he could berate the other boy, Voldemort said, "Liquid Imperius cannot be fought."

Liquid Imperius? Harry wondered.

Flitwick protested, "There is no such potion!" But Dumbledore silenced the little professor with a single shake of his head. As they watched, Voldemort gestured at Salazar, who extended his left arm towards them. The snake around it quivered when Voldemort hissed at it, ordering it to bare its fangs. It lifted its head and did so, and Harry saw a shiny silver drop drip down from one of its fangs.

Liquid Imperius...

Voldemort started rambling while eyeing Salazar as though he was a most valuable prize. "I gather you all have many questions, no doubt. I will be pleased to answer them, of course."

"Let us begin with this trinket," he murmured, laying a finger upon the serpent band. It didn't seem to enjoy his touch. Voldemort's voice turned reminiscent.

"When I opened this chamber many years ago, I found this bracelet." Voldemort seemed to want to take it off Salazar's arm but left it alone with a sigh. "I wore it, assuming it had powers. Of course it did, but it didn't like me. It immediately bit me, but fortunately nothing was left inside it to harm me."

Harry glanced to Dumbledore, his professors and the other Founders and saw that they were all listening intently to Voldemort rambling on. Beside him, Draco was also doing the same. He looked back to Voldemort who was saying, "When I commanded it to tell me its secrets, it did so with great reluctance. It told me of two other serpents inside the Chamber of Secrets. One, living. The other, sleeping."

"It told me I could command one of the serpents; however, the other could only be awakened by its masters or by their true heirs, which I wasn't." He smiled blithely at their stunned faces. "Surprised, aren't you? I was very disappointed when I was found unworthy because of my Muggle heritage." The last bit was spat out. "Slytherin had never abided Muggles, and it told me how careful he had been when he created his creature. Bloodlines and Parseltongue. I have both, but my blood is diluted!"

The frustration on Voldemort's face turned to rage, reminding Harry of how much Voldemort hated his Muggle father. He looked ready to turn on Salazar, who was the only person within reach, but quickly his anger drained away, and he laughed mirthlessly before continuing his story.

"I was very angry that I couldn't command the true serpent so I decided to have some fun with the Basilisk left in the chamber. I made a way out for it in the third floor girls' bathroom. I ordered it to go after Mudbloods. I was careful. I only wanted to scare them away, not to kill, not yet, but that idiotic Myrtle was in the bathroom in the dead of the night. Fortunately, she was a Mudblood herself, but her death nearly closed down Hogwarts. I didn't want the school to close. I didn't want to go back to that Muggle orphanage, so I let everyone think Hagrid was the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets."

His voice dropped down to whisper. "Afterwards, I became disgusted with myself. No matter what I did, I was always a half-blood. Dirty Muggle blood was inside me. Salazar Slytherin, himself, would never accept me. I tried many times to convince myself that indeed I was his true heir regardless that I couldn't summon his creature, and finally, I began believing it was true."

He shook his head, glancing at Salazar and saying, "I was very young then, desperately seeking for acceptance from a long dead wizard. When I left Hogwarts, I took the bracelet along with me as a keepsake. Imagine my surprise when Wormtail informed me that the Hogwarts Four had returned. I remembered the bracelet and the Basilisk's memories."

Dumbledore interrupted, "Basilisk's memories?" Voldemort nodded absent-mindedly and took out a small globe from his pocket. There was a thick grayish murk swirling around inside it. At the same time, Harry noticed that Salazar was shaking his head again. Sense was clearing away the blank haze in green eyes.

"Just in time," Voldemort commented, smiling. Salazar's eyes widened when he saw the scene before him, his friends, the professors and students surrounded by transparent tangible scales. He turned to Voldemort just as he threw the crystal globe to the floor.

Harry heard a fragile breaking sound. He saw smoke puff up as the ball broke, and then he heard-

Salazar, why are you doing this?

It was Godric's voice. Suddenly, everything became much brighter. Squinting, Harry looked up, finding himself standing alone. His teachers and Draco had vanished, Rowena and Helga were nowhere to be seen. The ghost serpent had disappeared as well. Only Godric and Salazar were left, facing each other in the center of the chamber, just a few scant feet away from where Harry was.

The two wizards looked older, and the Chamber of Secrets surprised Harry. It appeared as though the sun was shining into the chamber. Bright shafts of sunlight left only shadows in the spaces behind pillars where light couldn't reach. Everywhere, serpents sunned themselves, identical snakes with brilliant emerald scales. One slithered passed Harry with lazy grace, and he saw that its eyes were also green.

"You know why, Godric." Harry turned his attention from the baby Basilisks to Salazar, whose expression was stony. Godric breathed out an exasperated sigh.

"I'm not a MindReader," Godric complained gruffly.

Salazar countered in a quiet tone, "I want those Muggle-borns out."

"Salazar-"

"We've already discussed this before, Godric. I can no longer tolerate Muggles in Hogwarts."

"You can't just blame the Muggle-borns for those accidents-"

"Accidents?!" Salazar stared at Godric as though he was a stranger, not someone he had known for many years. "How long are you going to keep on defending Muggles, Godric? Those were not accidents. Are you going to wait until I'm murdered before you realize Muggles can't be trusted?"

"You're not going to be murdered-"

"Which word do you prefer? Killed, assassinated, obliterated, mangled beyond repair-"

"Calm down, Salazar."

"I will not calm down, Godric! Muggles murdered my family-" As quickly as he had lost his temper, Salazar regained his composure. He appeared very tired, worrying Godric, who came nearer. Salazar was embarrassed that he had lost control, and Godric, tactfully, chose to pretend he hadn't noticed.

"Rowena will question all the Muggle-born students, and she and Helga agreed as well as I that you will not have to teach any group with Muggle-"

Smirking, Salazar interrupted, "That would make me seem cowardly."

"Well, you are," Godric lightly countered, smiling as well. "It's a well-known fact that Lord Salazar Slytherin is frightened of Muggles."

With exasperation, Salazar lifted his eyes ceilingward, and Harry followed his gaze and realized that the ceiling was a bright blue sky, which suddenly turned dim. Startled, Harry lowered his eyes abruptly and saw that only Salazar was left in the chamber, which was now barely illuminated with a greenish glow. He was standing at the base of the statue. Harry looked around, but there were no serpents left except for one.

Coiled around the Dark wizard's neck and shoulders was a large Basilisk, which looked to be about a dozen feet in length to Harry. Salazar was murmuring to it in Parseltongue. He was telling it to keep its eyes away. Obediently, it turned its head from Salazar, and Harry jumped when its bright yellow eyes settled on him. It blinked sleepily at him before laying its head on Salazar's shoulder.

Salazar was also wearing the silver serpent band around his left wrist, and he was mumbling to himself.

I have to leave Hogwarts. I must leave. Tears glistened in his eyes, and uncomfortable, he dashed them away. ... I am sorry, he whispered to the Basilisk, who seemed ignorant of the torment in the wizard's voice. It was content to snooze on his shoulder. Salazar sighed at this and continued speaking to it, berating it actually.

Why did you not come when I called all of you? Now, you are the only one left. All your brothers and sisters are gone, and I do not have the time to take you to Scrimbles. I just cannot leave you here.

The Basilisk seemed to shrug at him. Salazar chuckled, but it was a hollow laugh.

I wish I could take you with me, but you are too dangerous. You might hurt one of my Slytherins even with your eyes bound shut. ... I will have to... Another soft sigh, and he ordered the serpent to lower itself to the floor. It did so with great reluctance and acted a bit displeased about it. Then, it settled its long body about Salazar's ankles and promptly went back to sleep, it seemed.

Salazar sighed for the third time and slowly took out his wand. Harry realized he was going to kill the Basilisk. Then, something made him change his mind. Instead, he pointed his wand at the mouth of Lord Godfrey Gloucester's statue.

Kaberna! The statue's mouth opened, revealing a deep gaping hole. Salazar pointed the wand at the slumbering serpent at his feet and levitated it to the hole. As the Basilisk slipped into it, everything went dark.

Eolas! Salazar's voice echoed as though it was coming from a far away place. Once again, brightness blinded Harry. When his eyes acclimated, he was nervous to find himself right beside the Basilisk, which was dozing on a sunny grassy knoll in the middle of a rich lush meadow.

A cool breeze blew against Harry's face. Sunshine was warm against his skin.

... This is the inside of the statue, he realized with difficulty.

Erul! Another spell was cast, and Harry wondered what it did. He soon found his answer when he heard squeaking. Mice and rats appeared in scores. Harry decided they were real and not conjured. Erul. He recalled. He had learned about the charm in Flitwick's class. It was used to lure rodents to traps, and Harry surmised that Salazar cast the spell on the statue so that the Basilisk inside wouldn't die of hunger.

Suddenly, it made sense to Harry why Tom Riddle had been upset that he could only command the Basilisk. Fantastic as the King of Serpents was, it was far too easily obtainable. Simply place a chicken egg underneath a toad. Hatch it, and you have a Basilisk. It was easy to be rid of as well, since all that was needed to kill it was the crowing of a rooster. A chicken could kill it.

As Harry watched the Basilisk lazing in the sunshine, it occurred to him why Godric and Salazar had picked an underground chamber to breed Basilisks. No chickens down here.

Then, he heard Godric's voice.

Salazar.

Go away, Godric.

Harry turned to the direction from which the voices were coming, but could only see a far away horizon and white clouds rolling by in the endless blue sky.

"You are leaving Hogwarts." Godric's voice was faint with alarm.

"Not only I. I am taking my Slytherins with me. We can no longer stay here."

"You cannot just give up Hogwarts."

"I did not give up the school. You made it clear you prefer Muggles over my counsel."

Godric turned angry. "You nearly killed him, Salazar!"

"He cast Ignis at me, Godric, and Effran will be bedridden for months for pushing me out of harm's way. I will not tolerate my students' lives in danger!"

"... He has been expelled."

"And the others?"

"They are staying."

"Then, I am leaving."

"Salazar-"

"No, Godric. I will not make compromises. If Effran had died, I would have petrified the lot of them."

"It is not right to judge one Muggle-born as the standard for the rest."

"It is just not one Muggle! They are weak-willed and envious of our powers. Muggles and wizards cannot coexist, Godric!"

"Listen to yourself! You speak as though the Muggle-borns we accept into Hogwarts cannot perform magic. They can, Salazar. You know that."

"They can do magic, because we teach them how."

"You are talking nonsense! They have magic as well. We cannot rightly ignore their potential."

"Salazar sneered, Is the Light so afraid of the Dark that they must recruit Mudbloods to fill in their ranks?"

"... Never say that word again, Salazar." Godric's tone was frozen.

Hearing the tension and anger so clear in their words, Harry was surprised when the argument didn't continue. Instead, Salazar's next statement was said softly as though he feared reprisal from Godric yet there was a clear steely steadiness in his words, and Harry knew Salazar wasn't afraid of the other wizard. Rather, he sounded as though he didn't want to hurt Godric.

"I am leaving tonight for Hierthent, Godric."

"... Salazar." There was anguish in Godric's voice.

Difficulty made Salazar's tone rough. "I received an message from them. ... They offer a place for my students."

"You know they only want your Slytherins, Salazar."

"I know. However, I am certain they will be safe in Hierthent even without me with them."

"... Your Slytherins will always have a place in Hogwarts, Salazar."

"Even if I leave?" Salazar's voice had turned dry with amusement.

"We do not want you to leave, Salazar. Please reconsider."

"I cannot stay, Godric. After what had transpired above, my remaining at Hogwarts will do us both injustice. The families of my students expect me to rid Hogwarts of all Muggle-borns. While you are expected to protect said Muggle-borns from Lord Slytherin and his Dark magic-practicing pupils."

Godric sounded exasperated. "I do not care what they think."

"Sooner or later, one of us will have to give way to the other, Godric," said Salazar somberly.

"... We could limit the number of Muggle-borns attending Hogwarts," Godric suggested hesitantly.

There was amusement from Salazar. "Compromises again," he said with a chuckle. "You, Light wizards, are such diplomats."

"It is the only way we can coexist with stubborn Dark wizards," said Godric wisely, and he added hopefully, "Will you reconsider now, Salazar?"

"... Perhaps," said Salazar slowly. Harry smiled at the light relief underlying the single word. He could just imagine Godric smiling as well. Then, Salazar turned serious again. "However, I still must go to Hierthent tonight. To be absent would be too great an insult."

"Yes, of course," agreed Godric. "They did lower their pride quite a bit to send word to you."

"Yes," murmured Salazar, sounding regretful. "I have no desire to cause an increase of their hatred towards me and to Hogwarts."

Again, all turned dark around Harry, but only for an instant. When sight returned, he was still standing in the meadow, and the Basilisk still sleeping nearby. Harry heard muttering. Frowning, he strained his ears to decipher words from the low jumbled jabbering, but it proved to difficult to make sense of it. He couldn't even identify who was making the noise.

Next, he heard someone running and Godric shouting furiously.

"You murdered them!"

There was a cold command from Salazar. "Leave." Harry backed away, utterly bewildered. Another voice shouted.

"Salazar, you bastard!" Helga sounded close to tears, her voice shook with fury. "How could you?!"

"... I had to do it."

"Salazar-" Rowena broke off unsteadily. There was only silence until Godric's tightly controlled request.

"Leave, Salazar. You cannot stay here, and we will not allow you to take your students with you. How can we trust you with their lives after what you have done?"

There was a soft chuckle from Salazar. "You should be pleased. Hogwarts is safer without them."

"We do not condone murder!" Helga shrieked. There was a sharp sound of something hitting the floor, rushing feet-

"Crucio!"

A scream tore from Helga. Harry heard her fall with something else hitting the ground with a clacking sound.

"Helga!" Again, the sound of soles striking stone. Harry could only assume Rowena was running to Helga's aid.

"Expelliarmus!" Godric yelled, but it sounded as though the spell had failed.

Helga coughed weakly, "The Hawthorn Charm..."

Again Salazar laughed. "I should thank you, Helga. It is indeed a most useful charm."

"... What do you want, Salazar?" Rowena asked.

"Can you not read my mind?"

Godric interrupted them angrily, "You are not staying in Hogwarts!"

"You'll have to kill me if you want me to leave," said Salazar silkily. Harry couldn't hear the others' reactions to this declaration as the Dark wizard's voice overrode them.

"If you don't stop me, I will destroy Hogwarts. I will kill all your precious students. I will burn this castle to the ground."

"Why you," Helga hissed, enraged. Rowena shouted, "Helga, wait!"

"Arretas!" screamed Helga, and what felt like a boulder struck the statue where the Basilisk was concealed inside as well as Harry. The ground shook underneath Harry's feet. Pieces of stone began raining down from above. They passed through Harry as the top of the statue collapsed down into itself. He heard a hiss of pain and turned to see the Basilisk disappearing, being buried underneath a pile of debris.

One blink, and Harry found himself staring at Draco's shoes. He looked up to see the other boy with a shaken expression on his pale face. They were back in the center of the chamber and surrounded by the creature. Harry turned from Draco to Dumbledore, McGonagall and Flitwick. They were dazed, and Harry knew they must had seen and heard the same things as he did.

Then, he looked over to Godric, Rowena and Helga. What he saw in their faces confirmed his worst fears.

Take my Slytherins to Hierthent. It was only a single soft hiss from Salazar, and the creature reacted with fluid instance. The true Serpent of Slytherin burst from a single mass to countless wriggling small snakes, which flitted towards the chamber entrance, draining into it like a flowing stream.

One of the serpents glided towards Draco, and before anyone could react, it wound itself around the boy's leg. There was only a startled cry from Draco before he disappeared.

Distracted, Harry didn't see the moment when Salazar and Voldemort vanished as well as every serpent in the chamber from the stone carvings running about the pillars to the emerald-eyed pair on the door.

To be continued...

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