A/N: Heyy, I am so sorry for the late update, buut, I went camping for a while and then a close friend of mine passed away, so I've been in a bit of a slump right now. But I can assure you all that this won't happen again, and I'll try to update more frequently, maybe once a week or so. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, more will be out soon!
Big or Little?
Chapter Two: New Quarters and New Friends
Harry wandered down the hall behind a small house elf, and reflected on what Dumbledore had told him. He was supposed to look after a four year old Draco Malfoy, who was currently snuggled up in his arms, staring around in amazement at the moving portraits and suits of armour. Dumbledore had given him new, separate quarters so he could look after Little Malfoy better than in the dorms, and he was currently being lead there by the little house elf, who had called herself 'Flicky'.
He was slightly miffed that his quarters would be closer to the dungeons than to the Tower, but he didn't complain. He was already in enough trouble; he didn't want to make it worse.
He skidded to a halt, almost slamming into the Flicky, who had stopped abruptly in front of a very large and well-preserved portrait. The man in the portrait had long-ish black hair that framed his pale face, falling into bright blue eyes. The man was wearing long green robes, with maroon trimming. He was tall and obviously muscled.
Harry gaped at the man for a while before said man chuckled and started to talk.
"Why hello, you must be the young Harry I have heard so much about. Albus has told me about your situation, and I have offered to keep you in the quarters I had when I…taught here."
When Harry only continued to stare at him, he realised what he missed.
"Ah, forgive me, I'm not usually so rude as to forget to introduce myself…" there was a cough and a snicker off to Harry's left, and the man in the portrait glared in that direction, before continuing. "My name is Salazar Slytherin, one of the Four Founders of Hogwarts."
Harry stared some more. And then stared some more.
When he was finally done staring, he mumbled something that sounded vaguely like "holy shit", before opening his mouth to speak. He was interrupted before he could say anything, by a small hand tugging on his shirt. He looked down into the big stormy-gray eyes that belonged to Little Malfoy, who stared up at him with a confused and questioning look on his small face.
"Did…did dat pitshur tawk?" He asked, pointing to Salazar, who was staring back with an amused look on his face.
"Yes, Ma-Draco, he did talk. Pictures do that in the magical world. There are a lot of other things too. Cool things. I'll show you them later, ok?" Harry said, adjusting Malfoy in his arms. The little boy beamed at him before nodding and snuggling into his chest.
Harry looked around for the house elf that had led them here, only to find that she was gone.
"Er…" He looked back at Salazar, and opened his mouth to ask for the password, before Salazar laughed heartily and said "The password is 'Dragan agus Nathair'(1)".
Harry thanked the man before he repeated the password and slipped into his new quarters. He stopped short and stared.
The room they were currently was, rather obviously the living room. The walls were a dark green, accenting the plush, red sofa and chairs that were arranged around fireplace that was currently lacking fire. The carpet was black shag and looked soft enough to sleep on. But the thing that Harry marvelled the most at was the ceiling to floor bookshelf that covered one wall. It was crammed with books; some were even strewn across the room, on the floor, chairs, coffee table. Most people thought that Harry wasn't into books, that he strongly disliked them. But the truth was that Harry loved books and would often take time out of his day to read.
"I see you like it." Said a voice from his left. Harry screamed and jumped, arms automatically tightening around Draco. He turned around slowly, drawing his wand. He let his arm fall to his side when he noticed who it was.
"So you have a portrait in here too…?" He asked the man who had spoken, who turned out to be Salazar. He frowned as he looked along the wall. "Who are the other…three…wait." Harry stared at the other three portraits. One, the one directly next to Salazar's, showed a tall man with russet brown hair that fell to his waist, and was tied bag in a leather strap. His eyes were a deep brown, almost black, and he was slightly tanner then his comrade. His robes were a deep maroon, with a green trim, matching the colour of Salazar's robes. He was smirking at Harry, a playful twinkle in his eyes that reminded the boy of a certain quirky Headmaster.
The portrait next to him showed a small woman with long blond hair, intricately braided and hanging over one shoulder. Her eyes were a luminescent green that reminded Harry of his own. Her robes were a bright yellow with blue trimming. She looked at him kindly, a small smile on her beautiful, pale face.
The woman who was in the portrait next to her had short red hair that fell just below her chin. Her eyes were a deep gold. Her robes were a deep blue with a yellow trim. She grinned at him, leaning on her frame.
"Allow me to introduce my comrades. The striking one next to me in the lovely maroon robes with the most breath taking e-"
"Don't be a suck up, Salazar. It doesn't become you." Said the man whom Salazar was introducing. He turned to look at Harry again. "Hello, Harry. I'm Godric Gryffindor, one of the Four Founders, the one who founded your house."
Harry gaped at the man. It wasn't how he had imagined Godric Gryffindor in the slightest. There was a giggle from the portrait next to Godric. Harry turned his head in that direction, only to be met with a grinning witch, the one dressed in yellow.
"Good day, dear. I'm Helga Hufflepuff. And this here" she pointed to the woman in the blue "is the lovely Rowana Ravenclaw."
Rowana smiled at him waving. A small tug on his shirt made him jump and look down. He felt slightly guilty. He'd forgotten Draco was there.
"What is it, Draco?" He asked the sleepy looking child.
"Imma seepy." He replied, rubbing his eyes with the hand that wasn't fisted in Harry's shirt.
"Alright, lets get you to bed, ok?" Harry said, his eyes softening a small bit, not enough for any passer-by to notice, but it didn't pass by our Four Founders, who shared a knowing look.
Harry walked towards the 4 doors he'd seen when they'd first entered the room, hoping one led to a room for the sleepy boy in his arms.
A/N: Alright, I know, it's short and not that good, but I promise I'll make the next one longer for all of you, eh? Don't kill me DX
(1)-'Dragan agus Nathair' means 'Dragon and Snake in Celtic. I thought it fit.
Did anyone notice the robes of the Founders? First person who guesses correctly which additional parings there will be gets a one-shot with what-ever pairing and rating they chose, sticking with the Harry Potter seires of course. (Hint: it does have to do with the robes of the Founders.)
I'm also not sure about a couple of things...I don't know if I want to make Harry dark (I adore Dark!Harry) or creature (as well as Creature!Harry) or just leave him as is...leave me a review and tell me what you think! Toodles!
Blessed Be,
BrainCandy.
