Summary: During the summer before Harry's second year, he gets an unexpected visitor in his dreams, warning him of danger to come to Hogwarts. With his dad being more protective of him since last year, an incompetent DADA professor, trying to keep his parselmouth abilities a secret, and searching for the Chamber of Secrets, Harry is in for a rough year, once more keeping secrets from his father and friends. How is he going to get through this year?
Ch. 1
He looked around to see himself in a large chamber. On one end was a statue of a regal looking man, he recognized him as Salazar Slytherin from the history books. He was startled by the sound of something landing on the stone behind him. He was shocked to see a large, almost 20 ft snake. 'It's good to meet you, Harry Snape. I am Bast, familiar of Salazar Slytherin.' the large snake hissed.
'It's a pleasure to meet you aswell, Bast.' Harry replied to what he realized was a male Baskalisk. 'Where are we?' he asked looking around.
'You are in the Chamber of Secrets, where my master went after his brief spat with the other founders.' Bast began.
'Why are we here?' Harry wondered.
'Well, I live down here. You are here only in conscious.' Bast told him with a snake like grin. 'You need to find my chamber, Harry.'
'Why, what's wrong?'
'We're going to need to work together to protect Hogwart's students.' Bast answered.
'What's going to happen?'
'I don't know. But I sense a great evil heading here. It's not something that I want to take chances with. I refuse to have a child die if I can protect that child.' Harry nodded his agreement. 'I don't know where my chamber is, but I do know that you can find the answers in Riddle's diary. He was here 50 years ago before he went crazy and went after you. He was very kind and I believe that you could get some answers from it.' Bast explained.
'Oh. While Tom is getting stronger, he's not strong enough yet to keep up a mental connection for long periods of time. So I can't exactly ask him for the where abouts of the diary.' Harry said with a sigh. 'Will I be able to tell my dad about any of this?'
'It wouldn't be all that helpful. Only one with Parseltongue abilities can enter my chamber. Only an heir of Slytherin.' Bast said with an eye-ridge raised.
'H-heir of Slytherin?!' Harry squeaked in surprised disbelief. 'But my birth parents...my mother was a muggle-born!' Harry said weakly.
'The Evans family is part of a very long line of squibs from my masters line.' Bast replied. 'For a couple hundred years worth, actually. They lost hope of their part of the line ever being magical again and changed their names to a muggle one.' Bast answered.
'So James POTTER is married to a woman of SLYTHERIN blood?' Harry asked in surprised. Bast nodded with a hissing laugh. 'How can you be positive?' Harry asked cautiously.
'Because parseltounge is only a Slytherin trait, and can only be passed by blood. It's a sentient gift, and it choses it's possessor.'
'Could Liam have this gift? And how come Lily didn't recieve it?' Harry asked the large baskalisk.
'I don't know much on this, but I believe it didn't chose Lily because Lily's magical reserves were just enough for her to have strong magic, and it didn't accept the first of the line with magic in a long time. Liam has such low reserves that the gift could tell it'd be useless on the boy.' Bast answered the best he could. Harry nodded.
'But I can tell my dad and friends, right?' Harry finally reached the last point he had at the moment.
'My chamber is secret and I wish for it to remain that way.' Bast gave a deep sigh. 'Besdes, it's not like finding me and my chamber is dangerous.'
Harry smiled at that. That's true. It's what's heading to Hogwarts that would be. 'Alright I can keep it a secret for now. But if t gets too dangerous, I want to at least tell my dad.' Harry told the snake. Bast nodded.
'As for the location of the diary, see if that familiar of yours can locate it. He might know.' Harry nodded and said good-bye as he felt his conciousness tug at him. 'I'll try to leave you clues youngling. I will try.'
Harry awoke in bed at Spinner's End. 'Home.' he realized. He looked out the window as the sun rose on the horizon. He felt Nagi slither to his shoulders. 'Nagi, would you know where to find Riddle's diary?' Harry asked his friend quietly.
'Nagini told me that the Dark Lord gave the diary to Lucius to take care of.' Nagi answered after a long moment of thinking about it. Harry sighed.
'That answers about the where, now to talk to him with out letting my dad or the others find out.' Harry hissed to the silver velso. Nagi nodded and the duo continued to watch the sun rise.
hhshhshhshhshhs
Severus watched the sun rise as the week before the new term came on them. He was taking Harry shopping for his school supplies today, and he was hoping they could meet Lucius and his family while they were out. He was, after all, going back to Hogwarts tonight after their outting. Harry would be staying with Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco the last week of break. He went upstairs to his son's room, knocking on the door.
"Come in!" Harry's voice sounded sleepily. He smiled as he entered his son's bedroom. He couldn't help but chuckle. His son was still under the covers. Nagi he could see was on the pillows next to his son's head.
"Wake up son. We're going into Diagon Alley to do some school shopping today remember? And you'll need to tell Misky what you want to be packed for your week at the Malfoy's." Severus said, laughing as his son bolted from bed, throwing Nagi to the floor in his haste. He could hear the snake hissing in annoyance from the other side of the bed.
"Just give me a few minutes." Harry gasped out, rushing to get dressed.
"Just be down at the table in 20 minutes for breakfast son." Severus said with a chuckle.
"Yes dad." Harry said with a smile, slowing down a little. Severus shook his head, exiting the room. He was already dressed, so he sat down as Misky, the only house-elf in their home, popped in and gave him his normal cup of coffee before popping back into the kitchen. It was in 20 minutes that his son, in a pale blue shirt, black slacks, and black shoes arrived and sat down at the table. His hair went down to his waiste and was currently in a high tail. "Morning dad!" Harry said with a smile, looking refreshed and more awake than he did earlier.
"Morning son. How did you sleep?" Severus asked.
"Pretty well, you?"
"Very well." was the reply. The two ate in silence before getting up and flooing to the Leaky Cauldron. Their first stop was Gringotts. As it had turned out, Hermione and Theo were there. They were already leaving and promised to meet at some point during the day. Probably at Florish and Blotts. After a rough cart ride they were back out in the sun. They ran into Daphne and Neville outside the apothecary, before saying they'd probably meet in Florish and Blotts later with the others. They had run into Blaise at Madam Malkins Robes for all Occasions. A little bit of chatting and Blaise flirting with Harry, much to Severus's annoyance and amusement, they were agreeing to meet in Florish and Blotts with everyone else.
"Hey dad?" Harry began.
"Yes Harry?"
"I was wondering if I could get a broom, so I can try out for the house quidditch team this year." Harry told him, bringing it up for the first time that summer due to him being nervous. It was quiet between the two as they walked and got some treats for Nagi and Hedgewig before his dad finally spoke.
"How about this Harry, try out for the team on one of the older students brooms. If you can make it on the team on one of the older brooms, then we'll get you a Nimbus 2000. How does that sound?" Severus finally asked. Harry nodded his agreement. It would be a better way to prove to his house that he would deserve that place on the team. "That's good. Now I believe we should head off to Florish and Blotts. That's probably where the others are now." Severus told his son who nodded and they headed off. "What in Merlin's name?" Severus wondered, seeing the large line of witches and wizards.
"Book signing of Magical Me by Gilderoy Lockhart." Harry read, seeing the poster. "Wait, you mean that fraud?" Harry wondered aloud. Severus's felt his annoyance level raise a few more notches at that.
"We'll just have to order your books it would seem." Severus said conversationally, his face devoid of all emotion.
"Come on dad. We already told the others we'd meet them here." Harry laughed and dragged his dad through the crowd and into the shop. They both recoiled at the sight of Gilderoy in bright, gaudy purple robes. Harry shivered, "I'll be having nightmares about this for sure." Harry muttered, when the man smiled, and it seemed to sparkle and be too bright. He was startled out of his musings by being swept into two pairs of arms.
"Harry!" the owners cried happily, making Harry grin.
"Forge! Gred! Haven't seen you two all summer!" Harry hugged the twins, musing over how he could easily tell the two apart, yet others had trouble.
"Same here little snake." the trio of pranksters hadn't pulled there end of year prank due to Harry being in the infirmary. They were interupted by Liam Potter and his parents entering the store, causing everyone to look over in amazement before Lockhart called him to the front with his parents for pictures.
"I have a little anouncement to make!" Lockhart called, getting everyone's attention. "I would like to anounce that I, Gilderoy Lockhart, will be taking the position of Defense teacher at Hogwarts this upcoming school year." there was applause, and the Potters preaned.
"I can't believe this." Harry hissed quietly. The twins were nodding with him. The three suddenly looked at each other before grinning and the trio disappeared. Severus pretended not to notice as he spotted the Malfoy's and Harry's friends. Apparently, no one in that group was happy about the announcement either. He joined them, Lucius at once making a request of him.
"Severus, please keep an eye on our children this year." Severus nodded, smirking as all of the children looked around for Harry.
"I plan on it Lucius." he drawled.
"Uncle Severus, where's Hade?" Draco asked, seemingly accusing him of losing his friend. Severus snorted.
"Harry has disappeared with the Messers Weasley. I believe you'll understand here in only a few moments." he answered quietly. They all locked their eyes at the front of the store, where the Potters and Lockhart still were.
Suddenly, Liam was in a hot pink, glittering robes. James robes turned emerald and silverin color with snake designs and a brilliantly large sticker that reads 'I love Slytherins' attatched to the fron. Lily's robes turned a brown and black color, her hair stood up, making her look like a campfire as some locks turned yellow and orange. And Gilderoy's robes turned a dull, ugly, worn gray, his hair turned blue, purple, yellow, green, and pink. A large brown smudge appeared on his forehead. The store went into an uproar. And multiple cameras appeared and flashes and yells of outrage went through the shopping center. Harry and the twins easily joining their group in all the chaos.
"Hey you guys. How's summer been for all of you?" Harry asked as though nothing was happening behind him. He was incased in a tight hug from a laughing Draco. It took atleast a good 40 minutes before everything was under control. Safe to say though that the Potters and Gilderoy disappeared. The group of nine students were talking about their summers when the rest of the Weasleys came over to gather the twins.
"Oh, if it isn't Weasley. I'm surprised to see you here." Lucius began with a drawl. The twins and Harry just rolled their eyes.
The twins and Harry found the spat between the two patriarchs childish, but necessary for appearances. They say patrirachs, due to the matriarchs not really having any problems with each other. They just stood to the side to talk as the others seemed interested in the argument taking place. Nagi was currently around Harry's wrist sleeping but aware. "So Harry, we should discuss plans for this year. Especially against Boy Pompous and his parents. And Dumbledor I should think." Fred told the small boy, both having arms around Harry's waist, the easiest grip for them. Harry laughed, getting the two large groups attention.
"Well, I did find this one spell. It makes your target sing the words that you want them too. We could add with that a dress. Also I found a couple other spells and potions in this old book at Hogwarts last year. Madam Pince allowed me to bring it home with me this summer. I think we should meet at a later date, maybe on the train. We really need to plan this through. And I think we should do a start of term prank. We can do it at the Welcoming Feast." Harry and the twins were so into their conversation about pranks that they were oblivious to the wary looks they were recieving.
"Alright our favorite little snake, it's a date for the train one week from now." George said. Harry and Fred nodded. Then, after kissing either of Harry's cheeks, they ran off towards the door, leaving their Weasley family in shock, and an annoyed Severus, angry Draco, oblivious Harry, and amused everyone else.
"Bye you guys!" Harry called as the Weasley family followed the twins and left the shop. Safe to say, Draco wouldn't leave Harry's side and Blaise was laughing at the blonde slytherin's plight of obvious jealousy, but oblivious target of affection. After the group finished at Florish and Blotts, they ate lunch before having to say good bye to eachother. Harry saying good bye to his dad before he ended up leaving with the Malfoys. He was excited about staying with his friend, and it was agreed upon that all of the friends could stay the night at Malfoy Manor the night before leaving for Hogwarts, so they'd all get to leave together. Yes, Harry was very excited about going back to school. Even with the danger that Bast had told him about, which reminded him, he'd have to talk with Uncle Lucius before the week was over, when ever that was.
hhshhshhshhshhshhshhshhs
As it turned out, it was the morning their friends were supposed to come that Harry found the chance to talk to Lucius. It was early morning. He had woken up, gently left the bed he was sharing with Draco, and headed towards Lucius's office, seeing as Narcissa was currently in the dining room. Nagi was currently hunting, so Harry was alone on this. With a sigh, he knocked gently on his uncle's office door. "Come in." Lucius's voice was heard. Harry gently opened the door and entered. "Harry? What is it?" Luciusasked surprised.
"Uncle Luci, Voldemort gave you a small book a while back, before that night, didn't he?" Harry asked, a bit nervously. Lucius was startled, as only Narcissa and Severus knew about that.
"Harry, how do you know about that?" he asked, having Harry sit with him on the couch. Harry took a deep breath.
"Well, you see, something's come up. And I need this book to help me with it."
"What exactly?" Harry looked nervous at this. He honestly hadn't gotten that far here.
"As you know, I'm a parselmouth." Harry began. Lucius nodded. "Well, I had a dream a while back. And I was in the Chamber of Secrets." Lucius's breath caught at that. The chamber was a secret that wasn't often mentioned and definately shouldn't be known about by a child. "I met Salazar Slytherin's familiar, Bast. Bast wanted me to find him. It's Bast's job to protect the students of Hogwarts. And he's been nervous since what happened last year. Students got hurt last year, and honestly, having Bast would've been a big help! He told me that Tom's book would help me to find him. And Nagi told me how Nagini told him that Tom gave it to you. It's really important Uncle Lucius, and I'd like to look at it. I'll be careful! And I promise that it's nothing dangerous, just to look for it. Bast has been alone for over 50 years, and I know what it's like to be that lonely, uncle. And I don't think he should be alone like that anymore! So please can you give me the book? It's not like Tom'll mind." Harry finished, saying most of his speech in a single breath or two. Lucius looked at the small 12 year old boy.
'Small even after 6 years. Strong and independent. But would it be a good idea to give it to him. I mean, not even I've figured out how to use it. But maybe he can. I'm sure that, should I say no, he'd find away to get ahold of it anyways.' Lucius gave a deep sigh, making Harry's hope go up. Looking into the boy's eyes, he asked. "You're not doing anything dangerous?" he asked.
"No. Just looking for the chamber to find Bast." Harry promised. Lucius searched his face for any lie, but found none.
"I'm taking it, though, that you're not going to tell your dad or friends?" Harry shook his head.
"No. Bast's chamber is secret, and he wants it to remain that way. He especially doesn't want Dumbledore to find it. The Chamber of Secrets is the safe haven of many, well, secrets. And Dumbledore would probably kill to get a hold of them." Harry told Lucius earnestly. Lucius was in deep thought for a few moments before finally, and a little relunctantly, nodding. "Thank you so much Uncle Luci!" Harry said, hugging the tall blonde. Lucius gave a small chuckle, returning the hug.
"But Harry, I should let you know, I have conditions." Harry nodded, expecting that. "Good, now, I don't know how his diary works. You'll need to figure that out on your own. Next, you must becareful. You won't do anything reckless. You must also promise me that should anything take a sour turn, you will tell your dad and me. Those are my only requests for giving the diary to you." Lucius told him gravely and seriously.
"I promise Uncle Lucius." Harry told him. The Malfoy head nodded before going to a secret compartment in his desk and removing a small dark book.
"Here you are then, Harry. Remember your promises." Lucius told him. When the boy promised, he allowed the boy to take the diary. "Now, I expect my son is up and probably looking for you. Off you go and be down for breakfast in an hour. You guy's friends should be over around noon, a little before lunch time." Harry nodded. And with one last hug, the boy ran off. Lucius chuckled, going back to his work.
Noon arrived sooner than any one had planned and the Malfoy Manor had seven children in it. The group spent all day flying, exploring the gardens, and going around the manor playing explorers. Lunch passed by quickly and evening came on them where the two Malfoy adults and seven children were sitting down in the sitting room. "So what do you guys think or want for the upcoming school year?" Hermione couldn't help but ask. "I want to have more on hands experience in classes." she said.
"I want to join the quidditch team." Daphne and Draco said.
"I want to learn about something other than the goblin rebellions." Theo muttered.
"I want to discover new plants in the green houses." Neville admitted to the group.
"I want to get Harry into a leather outfit." Blaise said lecherously, making Draco bristle and Harry roll his eyes.
"I want to see new magical creatures. Like some centaurs or achromantulas!" Harry admitted wistfully, not noticing everyone's shared, knowing looks. Lucius and Narcissa made it a point to write Severus and tell him to keep his son away from the forest.
The group spent the rest of the night talking about everything they could get away with doing to the Potters and Ron Weasley before they finally went to bed in their sleeping bags in the large living room, the only light coming from the crackling fireplace. Once everyone was asleep, Harry looked into the diary he got from Lucius. After looking through it for a couple hours, he gave up, had Dobby put it in his trunk, and went to join the others in dream land. He was really looking forward to tomorrow.
