Salazar's Challenge

Summary: Beware the cunning of Slytherin! A challenge set forth by Salazar, to test for the true. Knowledge shall be gained as one couple wreaks havoc on the beliefs of wizarding society as a whole, couple that history has erased. HG/DM & RR/SS

Freezing cold wind crashes against the castle's walls forcing it whip around making high pitch piercing sounds that is easily heard within. Torches flicker brightly as they give off just enough light for one to make out the hallway but not enough to really see into the shadows.

In the bowls of the castle resides one of the four great houses of Hogwarts. Hidden behind a simple stone wall resides the Slytherin dormitories. In the common room the only light comes from two torches on opposites sides of the room.

A lone man swiftly investigates his charges, making sure that each and every student is accounted for. As Severus finishes his inquiry a soft hisses sound causes him to pause. A low rumble of stones moving spurs him into action, thinking that a Slytherin student is out of bed.

Severus rushes into the common room coming to an abrupt halt. A blazing fire erupts in the fireplace, seconds after he enters the room. Within moments the room is unnaturally warm. Using one of his hands to wipe away some of the sweat the is pouring down his face, he hears the hissing noises again, only this time much louder.

Gritting his teeth, Severus notes that most of the dorm is flooding into the common room. The sounds of stones moving near the far wall cause the students to hastily back away from it. With one hand gripping the handle of his wand, Severus wonders if it is just the castle settling.

"Professor Snape! What's going on?" asks Toby, a scared first year that huddles closer to his older brother. The stones start to shift, slowly transforming into a large cobra's head. The cobra was integrally designed, eyes of the snake are pure silver and the fangs are made from pure white stone.

"Slytherin's my challenge is upon you," hisses the snake, softly. Inhaling sharply, Severus immediately squares his shoulders and straightens up. "Time to prove you cunning, and your worth."

"It's Salazar's challenge," whispers Severus as he slowly recovers from his shock. Not daring to take his eyes off the serpent, he gestures to the snake that is protruding from the wall. "I need all the males in Slytherin to write to their families directly, inform them that it's time for the challenge."

"What about us?" questions Amelia, a third year Slytherin.

"Females do not partake in this challenge," hisses the snake, as he winks at them. "Your challenge will come later."

"Smashing," squeaks Crystal, a second year as she clutches Amelia. "I didn't think it could hear us!" At this the snake starts to softly laugh as it flicks out its tongue at the girls. Several high pitched squeaks erupt within the common room.

"All females return to your dormitory this instant!" barks Severus. "Any female found in the common room after the next three minutes will be facing a month detention with Flitch." Not wanting to antagonize their head of house, the common room was clean of females long before the time frame was up.

"Ah… Sir, what is it exactly that we have to do?" asks Blaise as he puts the finishing touches on his letter. "You know for the challenge?"

"That is not for you to know," hisses the cobra. "For now you are to inform your families, as your head of house has stated." Blaise goes slightly pale as he hurries away from the common room.

"Bloody hell," whispers Goyle. "How did it know that? Sir! Someone needs to let Draco know so that he can write his father. I know he doesn't want to miss something this important."

"I will inform Mister Malfoy," said Severus. "After you have written to your families, everyone needs to take a shower! You are to wear dress shoes, your best black pants and the silver vest, only. Your hair needs to be combed back away from your face."

"Yes, sir," responses most the boys, as they speed down to their dormitories.

"Severus!" shouts Dumbledore as he storms into the Slytherin common room. "What is the meaning of this?"

"It's Salazar's challenge sir," states Tobin, a second year as he finishes folding a piece of parchment. "Sir! We're going to need to go to the Owlery, but it's after hours! I don't think there will be enough owls for all of us."

"Hmm, that does present a problem," mutters Severus as he pointedly ignores the headmaster. Pacing the common room, Severus ponders the problem before him. As he paces around the room, Severus notes that the cobra was intently watching the headmaster.

"There are enough owls in the Owlery," reassures the cobra. "Do not concern yourself with that."

"Thanks Mister …ah, Snake sir," shouts Tobin energetically.

"I will not have it," states Dumbledore. "Everyone back to your beds, there is to be no challenge!" At this statement, Dumbledore attempts to force the students back to bed by using magic. "Back to your beds!" shouts Dumbledore.

When no one moves Severus slightly coughs, gaining the headmaster's attention. "Headmaster, I don't think…" starts Severus until he notices that Dumbledore was not looking at him but behind him. Glancing over his shoulder, Severus gasps in surprise. The cobra had an evil smirk.

"Interesting trick," mutters Dumbledore as he stares at the cobra, seemingly in a trance. The eyes of the snake swiftly change color going from silver to a bright green before they narrow dangerously. "However this is my school and I am responsible for these students."

"Yes, you are the headmaster of this school," hisses the snake, gleefully. "You should know better than to think you can't not stop this. To even attempt it would be folly."

"I hardly think that," states Dumbledore. "It's not like you can really do anything..."

"Look into my eyes," hisses the cobra. "See what I can and will do. You are not of my house, leave these proceedings alone." The serpent's eyes go from bright green to charcoal black. With a startled gasp Dumbledore flees from the room. "Gone now that old fool. Prepare house of Slytherin, the challenge will began at dawn."

Until Later