Harry Potter and Gaining Momentum
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After
the new term began, Harry's January was a blur of quizzes, projects, and
classes. He didn't know why, but it seemed that he was doing more and working
harder in January than he had all of last term. Hermione reminded him that the
Professors were probably preparing the students for their N.E.W.T. classes, so
he didn't argue.
was delighted with their gifts. Hermione seemed to be the most ecstatic, to
Harry's surprise and no little relief. She seemed to take on a whole new
bearing of power and dedication when it came to magical creature liberation.
She actually loved the new name, and decided to create subdivisions that would
be devoted to special groups of magical creatures. She named one of
took out an ad in the Daily Prophet: 'Looking for individuals to head divisions
of the new non-profit organization, foundedHarrHarry Potter and under the
direction of Hermione Granger.' Hermione was highly surprised when almost a
thousand applications per day arrived in just the first week's post. Needless
to say, the division heads were chosen quickly. Even Dumbledore was giving her
recommendations. Not only did she find all the employees and volunteers she
needed, she also found new investors. Quality Quidditch Supplies decided to
make an annual donation, since Harry was a shareholder through both the Black
Family Trust and Potter Fortune. The same was true of the Daily Prophet itself.
The wizarding newspaper had pledged quite a good
amount in annual donation - until Hermione struck up a deal with them: they
could make a much smaller monetary contribution, and instead provide a free
allowance for advertising and feature stories, and simple media coverage on
future bills and debates. They agreed wholeheartedly.
made numerous changes that Harry would have never thought of. There were now
six major divisions of M.I.S.S.E.D., which included:
- Society for the Promotion of Elvish
Welfare, Director: Nedia Bellion
Elf liberation that Hermione had started in her fourth year. Harry knew that Hermione
considered this her baby, perhaps even top priority; so she was forever
sticking her nose in to make sure everything went as planned.)
0%'>
Liberation
a goblin of Gringotts, took care of Goblin liberation in relation to Goblin and
Wizarding laws. It also educated goblins on those current rights and liberties
concerning their race. When Griphook met with
Hermione, Harry realized it was the same goblin that had led him to his vault
the first time he wto Dto Diagon Alley. He must have been promoted.)
Education and Tolerance Society, Director: Remus Lupin (also Vice President and
Second in Command of M.I.S.S.E.D.)
President and assistant Chairperson of the organization, Remus Lupin. Harry had
talked him into taking the position, with the help of Tonks.)
Intelligence for Consultation and Education, Directors: Dedalus
R. Diggle and Aberforth
Dumbledore
consultation and education to the clientele that applied for jobs, or needed
assistance due to discrimination or job shortages. This division also provided
representation and researched for clients.)
Interaction for Liberation and Litigation, Directors: Minerva McGonagall, Ginny
Weasley
research and relayed all their findings to D.I.C.E. for approval and use.)
Admission for Clientele and Executives, Directors: Arthur Weasley, Molly
Weasley
that had to be the most trusted, which is why Hermione talked Mr. and Mrs.
Weasley into taking the directing positions. They would be the treasurers, and
the vital link between clients and executives, executives and other executives,
and executive/ministry law official relationships.
She
also found time to make a budget for each division, depending on the amount of
clientele they had, and court cost fees and such. By the end of January she was
beginning to form dark circles under her eyes, and Harry could tell she was
exhausted, though happy. He had to owl Remus to have him take over for her for
a week, so she could get some much-needed rest. He actually had to threaten to
forgo the organization if she let her grades or study time slip. She saw the
logic behind his demand and obeyed it, though Harry made Ginny watch out for
her to make sure she wasn't using a time-turner again (not that he suspected
it).
Harry
was surprised more than a few times to find out things about people he knew. It
turned out that Aberforth, Albus' brother, was a Law
wizard back in his time (so obviously he could read), as was
Order who had helped pick Harry up from Surrey in the summer before his fifth
year. Professor McGonagall had her nose in law while in University, and had
almost changed her course of study from Transfiguration before she realized
that she wouldn't have had as many opportunities to teach. And Harry was highly
surprised when Ginny Weasley came forth and told Hermione she had chosen
Wizarding and Muggle law as her course of study for her N.E.W.T.S. Hermione
immediately posted her with McGonagall so they would work together on their
common interest. The organization was doing well, and Hermione was now getting
daily letters for consultation from Werewolves and Goblins. Because laws were
changed slowly, Hermione decided that it would be easier to assist and help
individuals or small groups until she was able to get the freedom for everyone
that wanted or needed it.
also been meeting Ron privately to give him Animagus lessons. Neville had
expressed some interest in this field also, but had yet to ask him for help
with it. Hermione was too busy with M.I.S.S.E.D. to do anything extra, and
Ginny was too wrapped up in revision for O.W.L.S. Ron was making fine progress,
though not as rapid as Harry and Draco had made. Ron's form was going to be -
what else - a Golden Griffin: curious as any cat would be, and loyal to
everything good. Harry noticed that Ron also received special gifts from his
form too; but they were nowhere as vast as what Harry had received. The
was a natural Legilimens, at least as far as being able to tell who was good
and who was not. Ron also seemed to be developing strength that was surprising
for someone of his lankiness. Harry found Ron's gifts to be a bit supernatural,
though he never made mention about it. Like he had room to talk! He could see
magic, and could turn things to gold with his tears, due to the Alchemical
abilities of the Treasure Phoenix.
and Draco's relationship was doing better, though Harry still refused to kiss
him or anything beyond that. As he had told Draco, he refused to get his hopes
up if Pansy didn't break soon. They had two weeks left before Draco's birthday,
but Pansy hadn't realized this. Therefore, Draco could wait until she realized
that he hadn't come into his heritage, before he had to worry about her. Of
course she knew that he had to sire a child with someone to get past his
heritage; but Draco was hoping that once she realized it had never come, (for
obvious reasons,) she'd get mad and decide to burn the magical marriage
contract. To date, that was their best plan.
had also visited his Aunt Petunia, and found out that she had put the egg in a
safety deposit box in a large British bank, and then rented yet another deposit
box at a smaller bank to put the key into. If anyone wanted to get to that egg,
including Harry, they'd have to go through Petunia and two banks to get to it.
That is, of course, after they had managed to find out the location of the
actual safety deposit box at the larger bank, where Harry had put the
locking charm on the smaller bank's deposit box, which was locked with Will
Magic. Harry was surprised that Petunia went to so much trouble to hide the
egg; but she told him that it was probably the only grandchild she would have
if
to any lengths to protect it. Harry felt an immense amount of gratitude for his
Aunt that day.
dueling training was to begin in a couple of days, and Harry was starting to
get anxious over it. He knew Moody was a good dueler and he didn't know if he'd
be any match at all for the ex-Auror. Tonks, with the help of Moody, was also
going to teach him disguising methods, so he could conceal himself if he went
into the Wizarding world during the next summer. All-in-all, everything seemed
to be shaping up for the better.
one thing that Harry wasn't sure of yet was just what Volrt wrt was up to. No
one, even including the Order and the DA, had heard much about his plans; and
this made Harry extremely uneasy. Voldemort always had some type of scheme that
came to a climax at the end of the year. Could it have come early? Was the
Hogsmeade battle the biggest punch he was going to throw this year? Harry hoped
the Dark Lord was scared. After all, he, Hermione, and Draco had killed several
Dementors when they came onto the Hogwarts grounds; and he and Professor
Flitwick had killed even more when the battle of Hogsmeade occurred. Voldemort
had every reason to be scared; Harry guessed that if it were him, he would have
been.
parents had once again joined the Order, as one might expect. Neville never
seemed to stop talking about them, and Harry found himself feeling jealous more
than once. But when he thought about the way it made him feel to know he was
responsible for the change in them, he usually beat down that jealousy, and
then he brightened. As of right now, life was good.
put his potions homework away after finishing it, and joined Hermione at the
larger table in the corner of the
couple of nights here after the Christmas Holidays, because he felt that he
owed Hermione something for what she'd given both him and Draco on Christmas
Day evening - her egg. She told him it was no big deal because she still had
plenty; she was young, after all. But Harry brushed that aside, and told her
that not everyone would have been as giving as she was. He had mentioned
something about Mother's Day once; but Hermione had corrected him, saying that
she was in no way genetically related to the zygote: he was actually the
mother, because his genetic material was in the egg first, while Draco did the
fertilizing. Harry blushed at the implication, but didn't want to read that far
into it.
you almost done?" he asked, taking a seat next to her at the table.
I've been done with my homework for a while now. I'm trying to find a logging
charm, so I can keep efficient books for Molly and Arthur. Instead of having
loose scrolls and parchment, I thought it would be a good idea to have a book
that would log everything magically, so as to save us some time," she said
after she looked up from the book she was taking notes from.
don't you just write the manufacturers of the diary I got for Ginny? I'm sure
they know the charm, and if you tell them who you are, they'll probably donate
the charmed log book," Harry reasoned, putting his elbows on the table and
his chin in his hands.
"I
might just do that, if I don't find anything soon," she said. "I was
going to ask Dumbledore, because I know he has the Hogwarts log book in his
office; but I didn't want to seem nosy."
it has all the witches and wizards in the
in it. It's how they know whom to send a letter to, and when," she said.
didn't know that. Is it just a log of their names?"
magically logged so that if you tap your wand on a name it can tell you the
student's background, such as whether they were Muggle-born or not - and even give
reference to parents who are past students. It shows their O.W.L.s
and N.E.W.T.s scores, not to mention titles such as
Prefect or Head Boy or girl," she recited.
awfully personal for something like a log book," Harry said. Hermione
looked to be thinking for a moment before she nodded thoughtfully.
know, now that I think of it - it is, isn't it?" she said.
Muggle-born or not?"
have agreed with the Sorting Hat, I would have been the second half-blood in
Slytherin," Harry said.
first being Riddle," Hermione said. Harry nodded.
I'm going you-know-where to work on you-know-what; so come up when you can.
Draco and Susan should be there waiting for me now," Harry said.
I'm not busy now; take me with you so I don't have to walk all the way,"
she said. Harry grinned at her and grabbed her arm before disappearing in a
swirl of snowflakes and landing just outside the mirror, where the others were
waiting for them.
time; I almost thought we weren't going to meet today," Draco said, as he
followed Harry into the Suite. They had started meeting here during lunch
everyday because they could eat while they worked on their spells. The
counter-spell to the killing curse seemed to be much harder to create than it
had first looked. They hadn't intended on spending so much time working on it;
but after Draco shot the Killing Curse at Harry and he couldn't pull off the
intricate counter-spell in time, they had decided to go back to the books.
Harry had jumped out of the way, not particularly wanting to burn that evening.
It was bad enough that Harry could already slightly feel a burning coming on.
Harry, Hermione, Susan and Draco had worked for about three hours, they called
it quits for the night; and Harry's friends made their way to their dorms while
Harry stayed put. It was about
when Harry finally put the rest of his homework away and heaved a satisfied
sigh. Hermione had mentioned something about the Prophecy again tonight, and
Harry acted as if he hadn't heard. He had every intention of having Snape test
their Occlumency walls before Christmas break; and now it was going on
really asked him when he would tell them, they'd just mentioned the blasted
thing once a week. It seemed that when he didn't respond to the subtle
reminder, they didn't keep asking. Hermione was right, after all: they weren't
only doing it to hear the prophecy; they also needed the mental barrier so they
could forge a staff. The nagging feeling of his promise still lingered, though;
and before he knew it, he was in front of his fireplace throwing floo powder in.
"Professor
Snape?" Harry called into the grate. It took a second before Severus' head
came into view.
he said, inclining his head.
evening, Professor. Might I have a word with you?" Harry asked.
"You
may," he said, raising an eyebrow. Harry gave the man a curt nod before
entering the floo and being whisked to Snape's office. He practically fell out,
not being used to such short trips; but a strong arm reached out to steady him.
"How graceful you are, Potter," Snape said, smirking. He just grinned
back at the insufferable man. Harry cleared his throat.
was wondering if you… Professor, what's that awful smell?" Harry asked,
wrinkling up his nose.
looked at Snape with a critical eye.
"You
voluntarily make that stuff for Moony, knowing you'll have to stay down here
and smell it the whole time?" Harry said, trying to discreetly cover his
nose.
have an… agreement," Snape said cryptically.
"Besides, it's not the only one I'm making; it just smells the
worst."
else are you making?"
for the Headmaster. One that will last a month.
The only problem is, some of the ingredients are having negative reactions to the
others, and I don't have the resources here to find out why," Snape said,
sneering toward the room from which the sounds of cauldrons boiling could be
heard.
have an extensive library on Potions, if you'd like to access it," Harry
said, before he could stop himself. Snape must have seen his hesitation because
he merely lifted an eyebrow.
Potter, I assure you that if it can't be found in the restricted section of the
Hogwarts library, then…"
"Ancient
Potions, Professor," Harry interrupted.
where did you find these books?"
I showed you my library, you'd have to swear not to tell anyone where you saw
any of the material. I'll tell you the same thing I've told the other four that
have been allowed access to my quarters and my library: if you breathe a word
about it to anyone, I'll obliviate you so bad that
you'll be drooling on yourself and trying to say your first words again,"
Harry said, sticking his chin in the air.
very admirable threat," Snape said, raising both eyebrows.
terms stand, even with the Headmaster. You don't breathe a word to him, and you
can have access to a library that your mind can't even fathom," he said,
boring into Snape's eyes, looking to see if Snape's next statement were
truthful. Snape gave a curt nod, and Harry could tell he wasn't lying.
"Great, follow me," Harry said, grabbing floo powder once more and
throwing a dash into the grate. "Gryffindor Suite!"
Harry
fell back into his Suite, and a few seconds passed before Snape stepped gracefully
out. Harry rolled his eyes and grumbled something about 'too graceful to be
human' before leading Snape to the library. Snape was looking around curiously;
but if he was stunned by the lavishness of the quarters, he didn't show it or
comment on it.
we within Hogwarts Grounds?" he askeookiooking overhead at the chandelier
that hung between the library and the lounge.
"Yes,"
Harry said, not turning around to look at him. "What kind of potions text
do you need?"
"Potions
and Charms for disguise; and perhaps a text of herbology
ingredients used for transformations," Snape said, looking around at the
four walls that were stacked with books, up to about fifteen feet high.
Charms and Magical plants used for disguise and transformations," Harry
said out loud. Snape was about to make a comment when books started glowing
blue around the room. Harry held his hand out, and two of the books on the
closest shelf came to him. He continued this, turning in a circle, until he had
eleven books sitting on the table.
one catch," Harry said before he left the Professor to his work. "The
books can't leave the Suite. They're charmed to stay here, so trying to take
them out is impossible. Tea?" Snape smirked at
him.
Snape retorted and Harry gave a curt nod before leaving. He went to the kitchen
and tapped the pantry door with his wand before ordering what he needed, which
was a bottle of brandy and a Butterbeer, and left the kitchen.
"Harry,
what do you think you're doing with brandy!"
Godric's voice boomed from his portrait. Harry swore under his breath.
"And there's a different magical signature here…Who?" By the time
Godric had asked the questions, Snape had already entered the room to see who
was yelling. He laid steely eyes on the portrait before turning to Harry with
an eyebrow raised. Harry rolled his eyes.
this is Professor Severus Snape; Professor Snape, Lord Godric Gryffindor,"
Harry said blandly.
"Whatever
happened to a grand introduction?" Godric muttered.
Snape said, looking up at the portrait. "An honor, I'm sure," Snape
said with a slight bow to the man in the painting.
"Hello,
young man; Potions, correct?" he asked warmly. Snape gave a curt nod but
made no response. "You do know that you're the second Slytherin that's
been in these quarters since young Harry here took up residence here,"
Godric said, not really asking a question, merely musing.
well, he does seem to have been acquiring taste as of late," Snape said,
not looking at Harry. Harry just snorted, and handed Snape the bottle of brandy
and a small glass.
now that you've been here, and I've seen your magical signature, you're welcome
here anytime," Godric said. Harry cleared his throat and Godric scowled at
him. "That is if Harry gives admittance," Godric droned.
"You're
so kind," Harry told Godric sarcastically.
know, I think he may be suffering from some type of social anxiety. The boy
never has people around," Godric commented to Severus, who merely raised
an eyebrow at him once more.
are the only ones," Godric droned again. "I've heard about this Ginny
and Ron Weasley for months now, and still you haven't brought them here. And
what about that boy whose parents you helped… what's his name…
Neville Longbottom," Harry reminded, grinning at the mangled name.
asked, but then his facial features changed and turned darker. "It's me,
isn't it? You're ashamed of me… I'm nothing but a portrait! A simple canvas
that holds a mere memory of Godric Gryffindor!" he huffed, getting riled
up. Harry rolled his eyes again.
down, you're going to start peeling," Harry told him teasingly.
don't peel, there's a preserving charm on this canvas that is good for at least
five thousand years!"
"Well,
it was nice to meet you, but I must get to work if I can't take the books from
the Suite," Snape said, giving a half-bow to Godric and bidding him
good-bye. "Good day."
you throw a tantrum every time someone comes about?!" Harry hissed at him.
back. Harry scowled at him.
know, you're acting verildiildish," Harry said. Godric huffed. "Isn't
that something that Hufflepuffs do?"
have you know that Helga was a very admirable…" Harry burst out laughing
as he assumed the comment Godric was going to make. The old coot just loved to
argue. It was no wonder Slytherin turned evil. It surprised Harry that the
other two founders didn't follow Salazar's defection. Being around Godric could
really get on someone's nerves. Harry retreated to the library to see if he
could help Snape with anything, leaving behind a sputtering portrait.
"
stepped into the Library. Harry just snorted.
like to think so. He and Albus are so much alike it's unbelievable. Their only
difference is that Godric loves to argue, while Albus will do anything to
divert an argument. Sometimes I wish Albus would just have a screaming match
with me; I know I'd feel better," Harry said. He heard Snape snort at the
comment before returning back to his reading. "Oh, the reason I
you'd try to break into Hermione, Ron, Draco, Neville, and Ginny's minds. I've
taught them all Occlumency, but I'm still not comfortable with telling them the
Prophecy if I'm not one hundred percent sure they can keep it safe," Harry
said.
why am I doing this instead of you?"
as arrogant as it might sound, I know I can get in,
and probably without being noticed. I could tear Dumbledore's walls down, if I
wanted or needed to. I'd hardly put them through that. Besides, you've been in
the presence of Voldemort mthanthan anyone, and have still kept him blocked
out. If anyone can tell me they're ready to hear it, it's you," Harry
said.
"Very
well; have Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy stay after
potions tomorrow, and I'll test their skills. Have Mr. Longbottom and Mr. and
Miss Weasley visit before lunch and I'll test them also. I'll tell you my
results when I come here tomorrow to finish my research," Severus said.
Harry agreed, and told him he was going to turn in for the night. Snape bid him
a curt goodnight, before Harry returned to his personal master bedroom. He had
begun to really trust Severus over the last few months, and this was going to
be his small test for the Potions Master. He would know if Snape tried to take
books from the Suite.
woke the next morning, then showered and shaved before coming out of his room.
He bid Godric good morning, and the old wizard looked Harry over as if he were
going to make a comment on what he was wearing, before thinking better of it.
Harry went to the librao seo see if there were any books he needed to replace,
and was surprised to find Snape still there.
little surprised. "Have you been here all night?"
the texts are very informative, but there are still holes in my research,"
Snape said, sighing deeply. "I've told the headmaster time and time again
that I don't think this can be done."
you're just looking in the wrong place," Harry pondered aloud.
you showed me before how to locate books I needed. Was there something you
forgot to mention?" Snape said, sounding as if he were getting irritated.
available, but I've never been there. I shudder to think what would be kept in
that library," Harry said, actually giving a slight shiver.
Where is it?" Snape asked shortly.
"How
are you able to access that? I though you could only access this one because
you were the heir," Snape said, getting confused.
"Follow
me," Harry said, heaving a defeated sigh. He had taken so many precautions
to make sure no one found out that he had also been made a magical heir when
Voldemort tried to kill him; but it was now time to come clean to Godric. Snape
did follow Harry, though he looked as though he was doing so reluctantly. Harry
came to a standstill just in front of Godric's portrait as if presenting
himself. "Godric, would you happen to know how to get to Salazar's
quarters?" Godric seemed to do a double-take at his question.
"I
would," Godric said matter-of-factly. "But the better question would
be… why are you interested?"
need access to it," Harry said shortly.
you know that's not possible. Only the heir is allowed into the quarters,"
Godric said logically. Harry looked at Godric with a sad expression on his face
before he unbuttoned his robes and laid them on the sofa. He turned around so
that his back was facing Godric and lifted up the back of his shirt. Godric
gasped at Harry's exposed back. "How…?!"
Slytherin's heir tried to kill me as a baby, I was made the magical heir of
Slytherin. From what I can gather, heir-standing doesn't only come from the
passing down of blood, but also by magic. I've inherited some of the skills and
gifts that Salazar himself cherished for his own house," Harry said.
ground just in front of his feet. A snake slithered from the tip of his wand
and coiled, before hissing at Harry. "I mean you no harm, young one.
arm," Harry said, extending his arm for the snake. The snake complied.
did you hide this from me?" Godric said with a hurt expression. Harry cast
his eyes down but looked back up before answering.
to tell you that your line was now tainted with the magic of dark
wizards," Harry said, before banishing the snake.
Godric said sympathetically. "You said he tried to kill you, not the other
way around. There is no shame in survival. Give me a second to notify Salazar
that you are on your way, and you can take the floo. You will be returning to
these quarters, right?"
warmly down at him before disappearing from view, leaving only a Quidditch
pitch and a very young-looking Hogwarts behind in the picture.
"Yet
more surprises, Potter?" Severus said, smirking. Harry didn't know how to
respond to this, so he just tucked his shirt back into his trousers and put his
robes back on. By the time Harry made himself presentable again, Godric had
made his way back, and told Harry that Salazar was expecting him.
"Right,
Professor," Harry said, motioning to the floo. Snape stepped forward and
threw some powder from the mantel into the floo before he stepped in.
Suite," he said silkily, before the flames engulfed him and he was gone.
Harry followed suit, and before he knew it he was emerging into a dusty dark
room.
his head. Professor Snape came in from another room with his wand above his
head, using it for light. Seeing Harry's orb, he extinguished his wand.
"Well, I guess we really should clean the place up before we go rummaging
around. It wouldn't do to fill the books with all the dust that's lying
about," Harry said. He went and stood by the portrait that was above the
mantel, just like Godric's; but Salazar wasn't within it. Harry turned and
surveyed the rest of the room before taking out his wand. He did some minor
calculations in his head before pointing his wand at a certain part of the
ceiling and announcing, "Scourgify
light shot from his wand and hit the ceiling. The spot turned white, as the
ceiling should be; and then the white spot started to spread. Harry stood and
only watched as the white part began to spread like a wildfire around the
ceiling, until it finally met the walls and proceeded to engulf them with shiny
cleanliness also. It was soon making its way down to the carpet and cleaning
everything in its path.
you may want to move before the spell reaches you. You'll be cleaned from head
to toe by it," Harry said - perhaps a bit too late, because just as Snape
realized what he said, the spell had already sneaked up behind him and was on
his boots. Harry sighed and apparated to the other
side of the floor that was already cleaned, and watched as Severus shot several
spells to try and stop the charm from consuming him. Harry had the urge to
laugh at the man - like it would really hurt that badly to be cleaned. Snape
finally gave up trying and stood with his arms crossed, glaring at Harry while
the charm moved up the trunk of his body. Snape would twitch every once in a
while, but remained expressionless until the charm finally reached his face.
His facial expression twisted in disgust at the feeling, and it finally reached
his hair. Harry would have gasped or laughed (he wasn't sure which) at how nice
Snape's hair actually looked clean; but since he was in such close proximity
with the Potions Master, he chose to suppress any comment.
charm passed Severus and made its way to the library before Harry finally moved
from the spot he was standing in. The lounge, or living room, was completely
clean, and everything shone like new. Harry still had to keep his light-orb
above them, because it was far too dark in the Suite for his tastes. He guessed
it was in the dungeons, due to the all-stone walls and flat ceiling. The
Gryffindor Suite, by contrast, had stone walls from the floor up to the middle
of the wall, and wooden walls from there. The fireplace was, of course, stone
in both suites; but the Slytherin grate was not lit. Harry set it
before Snape informed him that the library was done. He suddenly remembered
that he had class - but then he also remembered: it was with Snape.
do know we're missing class?" Harry asked.
"So
it seems," Severus said, not even looking at a clock or watch.
you wish for me to pop down there and tell them it's canceled?"
you feel the need to," Snape said casually, as though it wouldn't bother
him to leave the students standing in the stone corridor for the next four
hours, due to it being a double class.
Harry
was turning to leave when Snape started requesting books of the room.
the library not enchanted?" Snape asked, peering at the rows and rows of
tomes with a hurt expression, as if they had deliberately ignored him.
not sure. You're the Slytherin. Would you have enchanted them?" Harry
asked.
"Yes,
I would have," he said, then put his finger to his mouth thinking.
"But… I do believe I'd be difficult about it. Especially if I were to make
sure that only my heir could read them."
have an idea, then," Harry said, walking into the library and looking
around that the old, dry, cracked tomes. "Potionssss
and plantssss of transsssfiguration
and dissssguisssse," Harry said in
lifted a hand and summoned them to him.
did you know?" Snape asked, surprised though not completely astonished.
broke the charms on the dorm stairs in the Slytherin tower by doing that. Not
to mention, the wall opened when I asked it to," Harry said. Severus just
nodded, signifying that it merely made sense.
Harry
had popped down and told the class that Professor Snape was indisposed, and no
one argued. Draco and Hermione both asked Harry where Snape was, but Harry
would only tell them that the Professor was in the middle of some very critical
research for the Order and could not be interrupted. He returned to the
quarters to find Snape almost drooling over some of the books that Harry had
laid out. It seemed that they had been some of the most dangerous and
long-forgotten potions of the millennium. Harry had never seen Snape rave about
anything; but this was the one time that the Potions Master looked like a kid
in a candy shop. Harry stepped out of the library to snoop around once more,
but was stopped by a silky voice much like Snape's.
you're my heir?" a man in the portrait above the mantel asked him.
Salazar's resemblance to Lucius Malfoy was uncanny.
"Magical
Heir," Harry corrected tersely. He didn't like the way the founder was
looking at him.
don't see the difference," Salazar said icily.
difference iat Iat I wouldn't have been your heir if your blood heir hadn't
tried to kill me when I was barely over a year old," Harry said just as
icily back.
"I
see. Pray tell, why did he try to take your life?"
I was the only thing standing between him and world domination," Harry
said, holding his head high.
domination? … you'll have to do better than
that," Salazar said, laughing somewhat derisively.
"A
prophecy foretold of Voldemort's fall by my hand. I was, or am, the means to
his end; and he thought he'd try to kill me early. My mother took the killing
curse for me; and when he then tried to curse me, it rebounded and destroyed
his corporeal form. He wandered the earth as a mere apparition for fifteen
years before he used my blood to return him to a corporeal being. Though to be
truthful, he's not much of a being, more like a demon," Harry said
sarcastically. "When the curse rebounded, I was endowed with several of
his gifts, many of which you yourself possess.
I entered Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat tried to put me into Slytherin house, but I
refused; so it put me into Gryffindor. Every year since then, Voldemort's tried
to kill me, and has failed. He possessed a professor, and tried to gain access
to a Sorcerer's Stone to make the Elixir of Life; but I stopped him. Then he
tried to come back by possessing a fellow student and very good friend, at
which time he opened the Chamber of Secrets. I destroyed the artifact that was
allowing him to possess my friend, andw thw the Basilisk with the Gryffindor
Sword, before returning to the surface. I don't know how much more proof you
want," Harry said.
what is his reason for world domination?"
0%'>
same as yours was. To rid the world of anyone who isn't a pureblooded wizard,
including Muggles," Harry said, getting irritated.
never claimed or founded such a cause," Salazar said. "It is the
truth that I didn't want Muggle-born witches and wizards in this school; but I
wouldn't have objected to them going to another school."
"Why
didn't you want them here?"
was important to me that all wizards observe true Wizarding tradition and abide
by Wizarding law. Muggle-born witches and wizards are not bound by the same
laws as pureblooded wizards," Salazar said in a lecturing voice.
"No,
they're bound by two different sets of laws: those of the Muggle world and
those of the Wizarding. I hardly think it would be fair to punish them for
simply not being born pureblooded," Harry returned.
"I
never wanted to punish them. Truthfully, Hogwarts seemed a failure to me. We
spent more time catching students up than actually teaching them anything. When
a Pureblood wizard came to Hogwarts, they already knew the ways of the
Wizarding world. They knew where magical herbs, spices and plants came from.
They knew about past witches and wizards of great stature. They came in knowing
the majority of spells we would teach; they just didn't know the origin or rune
work behind it. When Muggle-borns started coming in,
we spent more time getting them accustomed to the ways of the Wizarding world,
than we did actually teaching. Yes, I admit, we did put out fine wizards, but
they were not great; they were not as we the founders were. This was my
disappointment. So I petitioned for a school for Muggle-borns,
and for Hogwarts to teach only Purebloods, so that the Pureblood, who already
knew a lot about the magical world, would be challenged, and not be held back
to the same speed as a Muggle-born, who was being caught up in a different
school. Do you understand? I would never have hurt a child," Salazar said,
abashed.
"Tom
Riddle, or, Lord Voldemort, thought you did want all wizards with Muggle blood
punished. He believes he's carrying on your traditions by ridding the world of
ways of the Slytherin line, then," Salazar said, more to himself than to
Harry.
"He
was orphaned. He had no one to guide him. His mother died soon after birth."
"Does
that seem a bit hypocritical to you?" Salazar said, stunned.
"It
does."
"And
you are the means to his end?" Salazar asked again.
"I
am."
"If
you promise to defeat this demon, I'll give you the knowledge to do it,"
Salazar said. "You will be furthering my line, won't you?"
"Yes;
in fact, I've already made arrangements. Though truthfully, I'm not sure if the
magic Voldemort put in me by accident will be passed down. I just know that the
Gryffindor line will because that's my blood," Harry said, theorizing.
"Unless
the baby is a squib, the magic will be passed down as it is through all
generations," Salazar said. Snape stepped out into the living area and
cleared his throat. Harry turned to look at him and rolled his eyes.
"Salazar,
this is the Potions Master, Professor Severus Snape. Professor Snape, Lord
Salazar Slytherin," Harry introduced him. Snape bowed.
"A
true honor, my lord," he said.
"Oh,
I'll have none of that. Salazar will fit just as properly," Salazar said
wistfully, but still with great dignity.
"Of
course," Snape said.
"You
were a Slytherin," Salazar said, looking him over. Snape smirked at this.
"I
was."
"I
thought so. Always quick on the uptake and short in response," Salazar
said, laughing a bit more warmly this time. Snape resumed smirking.
"I'm
sorry we have to run, but the Professor has an appointment to attend to. Do allow
him to stay here as often as he likes. As a matter of fact - that is, if it's
all right with you - he may see to these quarters, as I am seeing to
"That
would be nice, yes. I'll have to change the password, though. I assume you
don't speak in Parseltongue?"
"No
sir," Snape said.
"That's
fine. Lap Root will be the new password. Just press a hand to the mirror and
say the password, and the mirror will allow you to pass through its
surface," Salazar instructed. "Would you mind just bringing a few
things though? I happen to like my Suite as it is."
shortly. Salazar nodded, and Harry gave him a curt nod before walking out of
the stone archway, followed by Snape.
Snape
said nothing until they made it out into a corridor of the dungeons that Harry
was sure he'd never been in before.
"Do
you mind telling me why you dismissed us so abruptly?"
"Oh,
well, you were supposed to test Draco and Hermione after class; and seeing as
how you didn't hold the class, I thought it would give you a short break from
research while you did it," Harry said, not looking at Snape.
"How
thoughtful, Potter; giving me a rest from work to do more work." Harry
didn't respond, just smirked.
Harry
rounded up the whole crew one by one while Snape tested them. Hermione went
first. Harry could tell she was nervous. She apparently kept her head, because
when Harry came back with Ron, Severus told him that she passed. Ron was looking
rather sickly at being left with Snape; but when Harry returned with Ginny,
Severus told him that Ron too passed. Ginny, Draco, and Luna passed with flying
colors, and Harry could tell that Snape was getting tired of looking into their
minds, or attempting to. The last person was Neville - and he looked very
nervous. Harry gave him a squeeze on the shoulder for good luck as he stepped
away and let Snape do his thing.
Harry
started for a moment when Neville fell to his knees, and Harry started to walk
forward to him when Snape stopped him. Snape continued for another minute or
two before he finally stopped.
"He
passed," Snape said curtly, "But barely. His walls are strong, but he
has a problem concentrating to keep them up. With practice, I'm sure he'll be
able to maintain it."
"But
did you see anything… anything at all?" Harry questioned.
Harry
thanked Snape, and told him he'd be by later to make sure Salazar wasn't giving
him any trouble. Then he took his friends off to the Room of Requirement to
finally discuss the Prophecy. When they entered, Ron looked ready to explode
with anticipation; but Harry made everyone take a seat on some plush chairs
before he began.
"What
I say doesn't leave this room," he said. They all nodded eagerly, though
Draco just chuckled at their anticipation.
"We
promise," Ron said excitedly. Harry nodded, then
recited the Prophecy.
"The
one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… born to those who have
thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies … and the Dark Lord will mark
him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not … and either
must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives
… the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh
month dies …"
Everyone
sat completely still, and not a word was uttered.
"Well?"
Harry said, trying to bring them out of their shock.
"It's you?" Hermione
finally said.
it was - that is, until Voldemort marked me with this," Harry said,
lifting his bangs for everyone to see.
"Me?"
Neville squeaked; Harry nodded.
"Both
my parents and both your parents were in the Order before they went into
hiding; and both couples had three encounters witm bem before he finally killed
mine."
"Power
the Dark Lord knows not?" Hermione said, thinking about the lines of the
prophecy piece by piece.
"What's
the power?" Ron asked, confused.
"Pick
one," Draco said sarcastically.
"No,
that doesn't make sense. Riddle knows that he can do wandless magic, and has an
Animagus form of a phoenix, because he's seen it - or has been told by a spy at
school, I'm sure. It will be one that Harry hasn't openly expressed in front of
anyone," Ginny said.
"Do
you have a power we don't know of?" Ron said
looking hurt at not being told something. Harry shook his head.
"No,
but we don't know yet. I've been 'gaining momentum', so to speak, for the whole
year," Harry said. "Anything could come next."
"That's
very true. Ever since you've gained your magical Animagus form, you've been
taking on their gifts," Hermione said.
"I
have too, so it has to be something else," Ron said.
"You've
been training as an Animagus?" Ginny asked, shocked. Ron grinned.
"Harry's
been giving me lessons. I'm a Golden Griffin, and I can use natural
Legilimency, and I have super strength," Ron said proudly; Harry just
rolled his eyes at his mate.
"I
can lift things that I shouldn't be able to, jump higher, even throw curses
harder," Ron said, puffing up his chest. Hermione and Ginny were now
openly laughing at him. Ron didn't seem to mind.
"So
when the day comes, do you think you'll know what this power is?" Ginny
asked, getting back to the subject. Harry just shrugged.
"I
can only hope," he said. The others frowned at this.
Each
one was thinking the same thing: "either must die at the hand of the other
for neither can live while the other survives."
But
no one said anything.
Don’t forget I have a yahoo group you’re more than welcome to join. I have Teasers
for the sequel, and its Post-Hogwarts sequel also up
on the group. The group can be found here:
) (If link doesn’t show up, see bio)
[Latest edit
April 10/04, David305]
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