A/N: I cannot even begin to describe how terrible I feel for not writing for close to five weeks. I can never apologize enough, I just got an extremely bad case of writer's block and paired with school it proved to be a rough couple of weeks. Anyway, I promise this will never happen again. This chapter I finally bring Salazar's point of view into the story. I tried to show his thoughts on each important character, and why he feels the way he does about them. Also, this is where we begin to see his plan form and take shape. I hope you guys enjoy it, and once again I am so so so so so sorry! Please review, they keep me going! Let me know what you thought of it.
Salazar's POV:
Her scent still hung tightly to my clothes, it seemed that not so long ago she was here, in my arms. I had been sitting here for hours watching the muggles pass by, never once did any of them approach me. Although from time to time I would see a child glance at me as they passed by the window staring in sheer wonderment, but as soon as my eyes met theirs they ran back to the safety of their parents, but there was this one boy who did not run when my eyes met his. He was a small, scrawny boy perhaps around the age of five; but he had the unmistakable trace of magic around him.
A smile found its way to my face, this child was a wizard. I had no doubt he could feel the waves of magic that rolled off of my shoulders, although instead of being frightened he seemed completely perplexed. I waved at him and watched as a look of confusion crossed his face, but not before a rather round woman grabbed him tightly around the arm and pulled him into the café, ignoring his cries of pain. Watching carefully out of the corner of my eye I saw her approach a table in the far corner filled with a handful of London's upper-class. As she took her seat every occupant stared disdainfully at the boy, who remained standing at the end of the table, still occasionally stealing glances at me.
Although my attention was quickly drawn from him as the bell above the café door tolled loudly. Then he entered in all of his glory a golden aura surrounding him, not once did he pause in his action as he glided over to me. I inclined my head to acknowledge his presence as he sat down across from me, not saying a word. Dark, forest green clashed with melted honey as our eyes met, I raised an eyebrow questioningly, but kept silent, as I took notes of the dark circles under his eyes and the slight hunch of his shoulders. I took it upon myself to speak first.
"Godric, how delightful to see you again, I feared that you might be lost," the words fell from my mouth as my eyes scanned through the room. The small family eating in the back corner, the parents distracted as the kids tried to steal candy from the mom's purse, the woman surrounded by people, yet completely and utter alone. Oh, how I loved seeing the true side the muggles, it was a welcome reprieve from the perfection of the wizarding world. I chuckled softly and ran my eyes once more through the crowd before resting back on him.
"I truly wish I could say the same, slytherin," his voice quieter than usual cut through the silence between us, "somehow I am not surprised to find you here. As much as you claim to hate muggles you are more often than not surrounded by them. Such a curious thing isn't it?"
His voice was leveled, but the underlying tone of suspicion was clear. I chuckled darkly as a gestured to the room around us.
"It amuses me, to watch them go about their mundane lives day after day, without purpose. To see how they squirm when I so much as look their way. Yes, I surround myself with them, but only to remind them that they are merely puppets in our grand play," his eyes fell from my face, so I could not see the look of anger that crossed them. He sighed heavily and ran his hands through his hair.
"I did not come here to dispute your twisted beliefs, but yet I am left to question your motives when it pertains to Hermione. Your actions have always been questionable, but now I fear you may be crossing a line," a strong tone of warning was clear in his voice.
"Come now Godric, surely you know that a good magician can't reveal his tricks, especially not when the show has only just begun," his fists collided with the table as the wood splintered. His eyes were alight with a fire I had not seen in years as he leaned over the table.
"That is enough," he waved his hand through the air as we became invisible to the muggles, "this is not some game Salazar, these are lives you are playing with. I have always wanted to believe that we were still fighting for the same thing despite our differences, but this has gotten way out of hand. You know as well as I do that the future must be changed," his canines danced menacingly under the dim lighting of the café.
"You can rest assured that my intentions are not that noble, then again neither are yours. Just what is it that you want Godric, him to be saved? Don't make me laugh, question my actions all you like, but we both know that only way for the future to truly be saved is for him to be killed. Whether your foolish pride allows you to see this or not, either way it is not my concern," I responded calmly as he sank back and a look of defiance crossed his face.
"There is more than one way for this to end," his words quiet now as he seemed to be in deep thought, "I feel pity for you, if you truly believe in what you say. I didn't come here to fight, Salazar, we have played this game long enough. I have heard enough lies come from that silver tongue of yours, for once tell me the truth, what do you want?" I mused quietly on the idea of telling him the truth, but where was the fun in that? I shook my head slightly and brought the glass to my lips, it burned deliciously down my throat. I slowly lowered my glass down to the table; his eyes watched my every move.
"Funny I did not believe you knew the definition of the word pity," he muscles tensed, "I do believe your memory is slipping at your old age, Godric. Do you not remember why you threw me out of Hogwarts? Do you not remember betraying me?" I narrowed my eyes, but kept my voice calm. The memory was one that I had long since forgotten, but I knew full well Godric was haunted by it. I could tell my words struck a nerve as his eyes ignited once again with that same fire. He grabbed the edges of the table as the already splintered wood began to crack. I sat back amusement glistening in my eyes, as I saw the pain and regret in his.
"You know full well that is not what I am talking about, and you would be smart not to mention it again. Now I will only ask you once more what do you want from Hermione? Just what exactly are you hoping to gain?" I frowned slightly as my glass slipped through once of the growing cracks, shattering as it smashed against the cold floor. I sighed as I rose from my chair, but not before he pulled out his wand and pointed it at me.
"Put that away before someone gets hurt, Godric," I turned from him walked past the rows of tables. I glanced only once as the boy from earlier watched the whole ordeal with innocent brown eyes, he was able to see what the muggles could not. I simply gave him a knowing look and turned back to Gryffindor.
"To answer your question, old friend, Hermione reminds me so much of myself at her age. I do quite believe she would make a rather worthy successor, do you not? Now if you will excuse me I do believe I have a school to visit," I looked back to him once more, and somehow I felt a twinge of pity stir within me. The fire had disappeared from his eyes as he regarded me carefully before tucking his wand back within his robes, I had almost wished he would curse me just to prove that he was still willing to fight for what he believed in. Perhaps if he had not betrayed me then I would save him, but now he was just one of them. Useless and interchangeable, Godric Gryffindor died the day he betrayed me. I had long since stopped mourning him, although I found myself unable to stop the words that spilled from my mouth. I felt my facial expression soften as I looked at him.
"Godric, a last bit of friendly advice for ole' time's sake, you are spreading your magic too thin even we have our limits," with that I left the café once and for all leaving Godric behind. I brushed all rational thoughts from my mind as I walked down the crowded streets of London; making myself visible to the muggles. Godric's words echoed through my mind, but I quickly left all thoughts of Godric behind. I walked for three blocks before turning down an empty alley; I felt a slight tug on my stomach as I apparated into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The anti-apparating wards offered little resistance as I made my way through them, they were powerful, but I was stronger. It was true that my plan was not going as expected, but things can change so easily, all Tom truly needs is a push in the right direction.
It was dark out when I arrived the moon and the stars provided the only light as I slipped my way through the hallways. The school was quiet now; the halls abandoned save for a few students who whispered excitingly behind closed doors. A heavy silence fell on my shoulders as I made my way through the distantly familiar hallways, however it is not long before I came to the library. A rich, golden light pooled from underneath the door as a smirk graced my face. Silently I pushed the doors open to find him sitting alone, flipping angrily through the pages of a rather aged book. When suddenly a plan came to my mind, my eyes quickly scanned through the library making sure me were alone.
"Late night studying, Thomas? I do believe it is past your bedtime," the words seem to take on a life of their own as they reverberate off of the walls. His shoulders shake gently, he is laughing, the weight of the wand in my pocket suddenly becomes overbearing as my hand itches to curse him.
"Do you now, well forgive me I had lost track of time," he turns around and sure enough the smile falls from his face, "and who would you be, surely you are not a professor?" his eyes follow my every movement as I circle around him. I can see the muscles in his shoulder move slightly; he has his wand in hand, smart boy. I inwardly grin and make my way over to the window, I glance only once at the book sprawled open on the desk, The Basilisk's Glare. My eyes flicker to the sky there is a storm rolling in, how appropriate.
"Beautiful creatures basilisks are," I whisper my back still turned to him, "such a shame they cannot be controlled though. Imagine the strength of a basilisk in a war, killing your enemies with a single glance, perfection," my heart sank with the thought of my precious pet alone down in the chamber, although he would have company soon enough. The rain begins to pelt the window in front of me, I see Tom narrow his eyes and his grip on his wand tighten in the reflection.
"You seem to know a lot about basilisks have you read the book? Surely if you did you would know controlling one is impossible," his voice is thick with suspicion as I turned to him he raised his eyebrows and his gazed flickers to the open page.
"Ah, it appears that you have not done your reading. While true a basilisk can never be controlled, it will listen if it is begin instructed by a parseltongue. It is said the gaze will not affect those who are able to speak the language, although the descendants of Slytherin were said to have died off long ago," I turn to a picture on the wall depicting Hogwarts when it was first built, the thought left an unfamiliar pang in my chest as I ran over every detail in my mind, storing it for later. I smile as I can practically predict Tom's movements before he makes them as he nosily flips through the pages, trying to see how he could have missed that in the first place. I lightly trace over the painting every flaw and every detail only adding to my memory, I failed to notice the distant sound of a chair being pushed back. Only when I suddenly felt a wand dig into the back of my neck, I realized that Tom had gotten up from his seat. A familiar tugging sensation pulled at the corner of my mouth, he really was predictable.
"I have had enough of this conversation, who are you? I know you do not work here, neither are you a student, and how do you claim to know so much about basilisks?" this was starting to get tiring and I was getting bored, neither one fared well for Tom. I sighed heavily and turned around, and grabbed the wand steadfast and placed it at my heart.
"If you are going to curse me, then aim it at my heart, make it count," I wait a few moments, but the pain never comes, sometimes it was hard to believe that he was my heir. "I guess not then," I turned and brushed past him, "do not pull out your wand unless you intend to use it, boy. Now listen carefully, I will only say this once, I am nothing more than a ghost to you. In my lifetime I was much like you, I always wanted to know everything I possibly could. Over time I came upon this idea of a basilisk and the mystery surrounding it entranced me. I spent a better part of my school days in here until I came upon that book," I gestured to the book on the table, "and I found that will only listen to a parseltongue. Only the heir of Slytherin is worthy enough to look upon it and survive," it was impossible to miss the look of superiority that flashed through his eyes. With one more look at me he sheathed his wand and sat back down to read once more through the book.
"A ghost you say," he almost whispered, "then why have you come here?" He laid his head in his hands and rubbed his eyes, he was tired. I chuckled darkly and gave him a sideways glance.
"Curiosity I suppose is the true reason, but the question remains what is your interest in these basilisks what do you hope to gain through them?" I ask although I know full well his response, as he looks off into the distance and a look of purpose comes to his eyes.
"To continue the work of Salazar Slytherin, to return this school to the purity that it so desperately deserves," I pondered his answer silently in my head. I suppose it would not be wise to prove that he is no more pure than those he wishes destroyed, so I remained silent on that matter.
"And what is keeping you back from your goal?" I feigned ignorance as I sat down in the seat across from him as I flipped uninterestedly through a potions book that was left lying about. I felt his gaze on me, but I kept a blank expression and continued through page after page.
"Why should I tell you?" I stopped mid page, this conversation was beginning to wear thin on my patience. I never broke eye contact as I flickered my fingers and a small book came flying to my hand, Tom stared amazed at my use of wandless magic.
"You are a smart lad, Tom, I am sure you will find out eventually however for now I am becoming weary and I have other things to attend to," I got up from the table but left the book in front of him, "if you do not trust me then so be it. I will not lie to you, I have my own reasons for doing this, but I also believe in your views. The chamber of secrets is not a myth Tom, and the basilisk that resides there is real use this information as you will, this book is a map use it wisely," I rose from my chair and left Tom in the corner of the library.
"Wait," my smile broadens as I turn back to him, "you never told me your name," I nodded my head and turned and continued walking, but I called over my shoulder.
"You're right I never did," I pushed through the library doors and turned towards Ravenclaw tower. I still had some work to do, although on my way there I ran into an old friend. Dumbledore stood across the hall from me, watching behind his spectacles.
"Greetings, Dumbledore, if you would excuse me I would be on my way now," I turn the corner and the spiraling staircase is in sight when he suddenly appears next to me and places his hand on my shoulder.
"You have long since avoided this school Salazar, tell me what has made you come back," I remained silent and stared at him, even Dumbledore could not hold my gaze for long, "very well, just ensure that my students do not get hurt in the process. I normally do not make it a habit of trusting you, but Godric has told me that you might be coming. You have much on your mind Salazar, best save your strength," I ripped my arm back and with a final glance I continued my way to Hermione's room. I had never liked Dumbledore, the old fool; his notion of equality had corrupted my school. We have met only twice, but both times we had fought. I brushed the thought from my mind as I stand motionless at an old wooden door. A bronze eagle knocker looks back at me with piercing eyes.
"You heard me before, yet you hear me again. Then I die, till you call me again. What am I?"Amusement flickered in my eyes, these riddles were not even challenging anymore.
"An echo," I respond my voice cool and level as the door swings open revealing the Ravenclaw common room. It is empty, as I imagine most of the students, save for Tom, were most likely in bed at this hour. The blue and bronze fill me with memories from the past, but they are just distant remnants now. Although the colors are a welcome reprieve from the gold and red splattered throughout this school.
I quietly make my way up to Hermione's dorm, careful to stay in the shadows. I push the door open, and find her lying in bed a book lying in her lap, the covers bunched around her legs. The image brings a true smile to my face, the first one I have had in a while. Ensuring everyone is asleep; I slither up to her bed. I place the book on her nightstand careful to not lose her page, and gently tug up her blankets. Only then do I look at her face, her golden, honey hair pools over her pillow like a halo. Her heart shaped face and innocent features were enough to remind me of why I had come here. I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, dragging my hand once more along her neck as a smile began to form on her face. She truly was the aspect of innocence and beauty, and that made me want to corrupt her all the more.
I turned from her with one last contemplating gaze as I grabbed a piece of fresh parchment and scribbled down a note, and placed a black rose next to it. I walked to the window and once again felt the sickening tug apparition as I left this school and Hermione behind. My work here was done; she would never forgive him for this. Sleep well, my pet.