If you haven't read Half-Blood Prince, go read it now. Or I'll send zombies to your door…Swimming zombies…That have very sturdy legs…And will show up within 10 years… Somehow…
Disclaimer: This fiction deals with pre-existing characters from JKRowling's brilliant Harry Potter series. I am in no way able to claim ownership. If I could, I wouldn't be writing here, but instead plotting the demise of my readers by creating a cliché ending...
Summary: PostHBP. The Trio has left Hogwarts for the last time, in order to hunt down Voldemorts' weakneses. However, facing certain death can be quite a pressure, and soon enough, Hermione begins to find herself seeking council from the one person she shouldn't.
Prologue:
The glowing fire was the only thing to illuminate the room. The silver dragon that curled his left thumb glinted occasional, like one of the many dying ember. Indeed, the man sitting in front of this fire was fading quicker then the heat itself. Not physically, on the outside, but deep inside himself, beneath his sculpted face and cold demeanor.
He twisted the dragon, once, twice, thrice, again and again. It did little to ebb the hurt. Many at that very moment, were enjoying the pleasures festivities and celebrations often bring. He too, as a founder and supposed good friend, was supposed to be among the many guests in the Great Hall. However, he could not, for some reason, leave his quarters.
It was not for lack of confidence, or even proper wear. Salazar Slytherin was well known among the aristocratic for his good fortune in both wealth and blood. Many went as far as to say the founder was not even mortal, for no human could look so perfect. Or be as perfect.
He was far from perfect though. He knew it, could feel the imperfection growing inside him. After all, any normal being would be already downstairs, laughing and smiling with all the rest.
And he could not even bring himself to open the door.
Why was that, he wondered. If he could just attain the problem, then it would be easy to realize a solution.
But his heart beat too loudly...