A/N: So I got a burst of inspiration and I have to admit the end of this chapter was not what I had planned, the boys did what they wanted and Snape decided to sneak his way in like they Slytherin he is. I hope you all like it anyways.
Disclaimer: Ugh.
Chapter 7
At the bottom Harry landed on his feet in a crouch, knowing what awaited him. Nott followed next landing on his feet first and falling to his rear end when loose bones threw off his balance, he barely managed to roll out of the way when Zabini appeared and his landing was just as graceless as Theo's.
They both stood and with expressions of disgust, wiped their hands off on their robes as they looked around the dark enclosed space; the only light coming from Harry's wand and casting an eerie greenish glow over everything. "I see why you told us to wear something we wouldn't mind getting dirty now because I'm pretty sure that we are going to have to throw these clothes out when we're done." Nott said offhandedly.
"This is the famed Chamber of Secrets?" Blaise said his nose wrinkling at the scent.
"No, this is something of an ante chamber and I'm fairly sure it's not the only entrance, just the only one I know of. Not only will we be cleaning down here but we will also be exploring a bit because I don't think that Salazar only built this place just to house his Basilisk."
Both of the boy's eyes goggled and Harry huffed out a laugh and motioned for them to follow. "I bet you've both heard every rumor and story of this place but what isn't ever said is that the Chamber is warded separately from the rest of the castle. It is unplottable and any magic used down here will never register with the castle wards so the Headmaster has no idea of anything that happens down here, also there is a very strong preservation charm or ward placed but I have no clue why that specific one." Harry explained as they walked.
Blaise audibly choked when they passed the shed skin and Theo became weary, eyes darting everywhere alert for any hint of danger. Harry eyed the skin speculatively and stopped abruptly. That could be useful since it was a rare potions ingredient and he could use it as a sort of peace offering, he was sure the Potions Master would appreciate. The only problem would be separating it for storage, he couldn't call on any of the castle House Elves but perhaps Blaise and Theo would be able to solve that problem.
The two stood behind him glancing between him and the skin when Harry turned back to them. "Would either of you have your own personal House Elves; one that answers only to you and no other and know proper handling of potion ingredients?" They both nodded and waited for an explanation. Harry hummed quietly thinking for a moment. "Alright, it might actually be faster and more helpful if you have them both do this but as a thank you for helping with this task if you wouldn't mind, have them take the skin apart. You each can have a quarter of it to sell or for your own private potion stores. If you decide to sell it go through the Goblins and have them put the other half in our room, I have plans for it."
Nott chuckled, "We may be good with potions but the ones that require Basilisk Skin are for someone with a Mastery so I think I'll just sell mine." Zabini agreed and they called their Elves with strict instructions on what to do and to keep closed mouth about the whole situation as well as their location. They continued on as the two creatures started working and that was one less thing that they had to worry about cleaning.
At the next door Harry hissed out the word for it to open and the boys weren't the only ones to be observing. Nidhogg, who had woken at the first hissed open, was now watching and anxious to meet the King of Snakes for the first time.
The door opened to reveal the cavernous room and Harry turned his head to look back at his companions only to find the both of them gaping. The cavernous room was slightly lighter than the tunnel but still bathed everything in an eerie green glow. Harry walked down the portion of the path not covered in water. He took the time to look around closely at the statues of snakes surrounding them and the giant face of Salazar himself and could help but to notice that they disappeared below the murky water. He wondered if there was anything down there and decided that when he opened the Basilisk's lair that he would ask. If anyone would know it would be the snake and hopefully it would listen to him and not be as insane as it had sounded previously.
Harry stopped halfway down the path. "Stay here and keep your eyes to the ground. If I tell you to run do so." He continued alone after assuring their obedience and stopped a couple feet from the statue. He took a calming breath, $Open Salazar Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts four.$
The mouth opened with the sound of stone grinding together. Harry kept his eyes lowered enough that he could see the snake pouring from the opening but didn't catch its eyes. He backed up a few steps and watched its tongue flicker through the air, tasting and smelling its surroundings.
He could hear Blaise and Theo breathing quick and shallow behind him and the sound of dry scales rubbing against the damp stone below the snake as it moved closer. It stopped before Harry, the snakes tongue flickering over his hair and ruffling it slightly. $You smell of snakes and taste of Salazar's Heir.$ It hissed out and Harry was slightly startled to hear that it sounded decidedly female. Nidhogg raised his body and lowered his head in a bowing gesture.
$Your Majesty. It is a pleasure to meet you, I have been named Nihogg and I am to be the familiar to this human.$ Harry smiled at the small snakes very audible happiness.
Harry made sure to bow low. $It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am called Harry and while I am not the Heir at the moment, I do carry a portion of his soul for safe keeping.$ He finished the sentence quickly not wanting to take the chance it would attack him.
$And where would my Master be?$
Harry blanched slightly. He had no idea if the Basilisk would understand exactly what happened to the Dark Lord but it seemed to be smarter than even a magical snake since it understood what he was or that was the impression he got. $I am sorry to say that at the moment he is currently bodiless, however I will be rectifying the situation in a few days. But the reason I am here now is to restore this Chamber to its former glory with the help of my companions$ Harry waved a hand behind him. $And if you would be so kind I could also use your help.$
$Yes I believe I would be agreeable to that. You may look upon me; I have decided that until my Master has returned to me I will not kill you. If you do not keep your word that will change.$
Harry bowed his head for a moment then glanced up at the snake towering over him. He knew he had no control over the giant snake but since he was a Parselmouth he was granted a small amount of respect as long as he showed the same back. $I will make sure you are present for his resurrection. What may I call you so that I may introduce you to my friends?$
$Salazar called me Angitia and you may as well.$
Harry cocked his head curiously. $May I ask how I am able to look at you without you killing or petrifying me?$
$That is because I am those like myself possess a second set of eyelids that allow me to see without using my abilities. Now come, introduce me to these friends of yours so that we may begin the restoration process.$
Harry was hard pressed to hold back the laughter that threatened at her haughty tone, but managed. "Yes My Lady." He spoke in English for the benefit of the other boys as he approached where they were still standing with their eyes lowered.
"Raise your heads, you're perfectly safe, and introduce yourselves to Angitia. She has graciously offered her assistance and can understand you perfectly, even if you cannot understand her."
They took their cue from Harry and bowed before stating their name to the great snake. They stood still and breathless with looks of fear and awe as she scented them with long flicks of her forked tongue. Angitia turned back to Harry, lowering her head so she could look into his eyes as he spoke.
"I have a few questions before we begin if you wouldn't mind." She hissed out a negative and held his gaze. "I know there a numerous tunnels but would you be able to tell me of any other entrances. You are able to travel the castle through the plumbing and exit into the castle from the way we came but there has to be a way for you to get outside to eat."
$You are correct. There is a tunnel leading out into the Forest and one other that Salazar used to bring promising students down here.$
Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really, do you know why he brought students down here and how he kept them from taking?"
$I believe he said something along the lines of a secrecy vow and a modified memory charm so that they knew they had been in the Chamber and what they had done or learned but were unable to remember where the entrance was.$
Harry tapped his finger thoughtfully against his chin. He would have to question her further, when he had time, to find out what she remembered of Salazar's teaching. He had a feeling it would be very dark if he had brought people down here to teach it.
"One more question then we will get started. Is there anything below the water?"
$Yes, Salazar had a small library and office one level below my nest. It was too small for me to enter but I used to rest at the entrance and watch Salazar work sometimes.$ Her tone was wistful and Harry couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her. She must have been lonely after being stuck down here alone for so many years.
"Really," Harry breathed out excitedly. "I know of the drying charm but there must be a way to get rid of large amounts of water." He muttered to himself.
"Potter…" Zabini interrupted his train of thought.
Harry turned his head and raised an eyebrow sardonically. "I think Harry would suffice now or if you really want to be formal, Harrison."
"Harry then, would you mind filling us in?"
"Oh yes, she was just informing me that Salazar had a small library and office that is now flooded and we are going to have to do some research tomorrow unless one of you know how to get rid of a large amount of water. I can't imagine that there isn't a spell or rune that can't do it because flooding does happen to wizard as well as to muggle areas."
They shook their head but resolve and excitement colored their reaction. "Well I guess we have much to keep us busy over the next few days, I just hope it's enough time, so let's get started. Angitia if you would be so kind as to show us where the students entered from and then the entrance to the Forbidden Forest, we can banish the bones and spiders as we go and also check for any structural damage." They stepped aside for her to pass as she led them to one of the tunnels branching off the main room.
Harry walked alongside Anigtia banishing what he could in front of her as Zabini held his wand high to light the way and Nott did the same behind, getting whatever Harry missed, all three of them tossing a quick Scourgify at spider webs as they went. They would need a more widespread cleaning charm for the rest though.
$This is the entrance.$ Angitia told Harry when they reached a dead end. The wall looked much like the rest of the Chamber with the exception of the snake engraved on it and Harry assumed that it opened the same as the rest of the doors minus the entrance to the Basilisk's Nest.
$Open.$ Harry hissed and the three waited with bated breath while the wall moved out slowly. Stone ground against stone and just barely heard was the sound of glass clinking together. Harry suddenly got the feeling that maybe he should have tried to find out what was behind the opening before he gained passage and that thought was reinforced when they finally stopped and they were faced with a dark figure towering over them wand in hand.
Harry's eyes closed in exasperation with himself. Once again he let his Gryffindor tendencies get the better of him and he was going to pay the price. He only hoped he could salvage the situation because that meeting with his Potion's Professor just got moved up.
"Bloody hell."
"Indeed Mr. Potter." Came the silky smooth reply.
