A/N: Special thanks to Will for helping me out with this chapter, and thanks for all my reviewers for their dedication and patience. You are the greatest!
Chapter 25: Athena and Loki
She was seven years old when she found her father dead, his body bleeding out onto the cashmere sofa, torn to ribbons by spiteful blades. Her father was a big man, several hundred pounds of cheer and affection for his only daughter, and now he would never speak to her again. Blaise took her father's huge palm in her own, dainty one and begged him to wake up, weeping profusely as she tried to revive him, her innocence and bright-eyed wonder pulverised into a thousand broken pieces…
Within the North Tower, Blaise sat in the eye of the storm, a tempest of memories screaming around her, projected by the illusionary powers of the energies of Slytherin. Her entire life was displayed around her, the sum of a human being shown for anyone who would care to watch and listen. Blaise let it be, content to let the magic wash over her, a mystical baptism to clean away all of her sins. She had made too many mistakes and too many bad decisions over her young life. Better to confront it now and forget it all…
She was eleven years old, skinny, timid and wilting under the gaze of the entire school, the Sorting Hat perched atop her head, searching through her mind in order to choose her House. She desperately wanted to avoid Slytherin House, seeing the way her mother reacted whenever the word was spoken, hearing the gossip and whispers from the other first-years on the train. In her anxiety, she imagined Slytherin House as a pit of horrors, brimming with Dark wizards and waiting to devour young girls alive. The Hat's voice boomed throughout the Great Hall, "Slytherin!" and her heart dropped into her chest. There would be no escaping it now.
The energies of Slytherin caressed her as a mother would a babe, whispering gentle reassurance, soothing the tug of conscience and responsibility. She felt safe, loved, protected from all the dangers and confusion of the world within the flames, purified of the nagging doubts that had pursued her all year. This was who she was, a force of nature, a dark storm on the horizon, capricious and beyond such human concepts as good or evil. One did not pass judgement upon the whirlwind, the earthquake or the ocean storm, but accepted it for what it was.
She was thirteen and in the local church, listening to the neighbourhood priest drone on about Abraham and Isaac in the sweltering heat of midsummer. Wearing a bright-yellow sundress, Blaise was shocked to hear the priest's comments directed at her, the old fire-breather ranting against temptations of the flesh and using the blonde girl in the front pew as an example. Her cheeks burned with shame as the congregation turned their attention towards her, their sibilant whispers stoking her anger to even greater heights. Storming out of the church, she had sat between the tall branches of a willow and wept for hours, cursing the Muggles and their God, rejecting their faith and resolving to embrace her magical heritage more fully. She never stepped foot into the church again.
Blaise let the magic dance in her hands, weaving and floating around her arms like silk sashes. It was a pleasing sight, knowing she possessed full control over the magic, tamed the furious power to her indomitable will. Who could doubt the power of Slytherin and the might of his Champion? Briefly, Blaise considered storming into the Slytherin dormitories and bending the House to her service. Let them submit themselves to a true leader, and the House would be reborn in her image, empowered by the might of Salazar's avatar! All the grand achievements she had dreamt when taking up her witch's robes seemed childishly easy now. Armies and nations would come crashing down at her feet, let alone boarding school factions, and her spells could reshape cities and bring terrible storms crashing down on the heads of her enemies. She imagined a parade of willing followers obeying her commands as one might obey a goddess, and the skulls of Malfoy and his goons mounted on pikes before the jeering masses.
She was fourteen and jealously seized her in its tendrils, leaving her bitter and spiteful. For some time now, she had possessed a secret longing for the Hogwarts Triwizard Champion, Cedric Diggory, even wearing one of the badges in support of him. The sight of that twit Cho Chang with him was more than she could stand, for she knew that Cho was kind and innocent and lovely while she survived by her wits alone, ignored by the rest of the school and betraying whomever she could to survive. It was this hate that led her to infiltrate Ravenclaw Tower late one night and attempt to hex Cho with a curse of Dark origin. It was a failed attempt. Seeing how Cho had not come out of her dorm that evening, Blaise took out her anger on a relaxing Luna Lovegood, firing off the curse and sprinting away before she could detect her, leaving the girl suffering from constant nightmares for a full week. When Cedric died, she lay in her room, beating herself up for her pettiness, and regret strangled her grief until there was nothing left.
However, even in the most glorious depths of her hallucination lay the seeds of rationality. Cho's words kept coming back to her, a splinter of compassion and reason wedged into her mind, driving her mad in their potency. Please, don't be a slave to the magic! You're stronger than this! Fight it! It was a nagging canker in her brain, competing with the irresistible lure of the magic, their collision leaving the Champion of Slytherin in a daze. Could Cho possibly be right? Is the magic out of control? she asked herself, grappling with indecision. No, it couldn't be possible. She was the Champion of Slytherin, and the magic bowed to her, not the reverse! She was the master here!
"It's alright, darling," the voice whispered from within, seductive and arresting. "She's just jealous of you, my sweet, they all are. She tried to trick you, but you solved that little problem, didn't you? Thieves and lairs to a man, they are. Put your trust in me, my sweet. Just let the magic flow over you. Feels good, doesn't it?"
"But I hurt Cho," Blaise replied. "I hurt her and Harry and Avalon, and I know I shouldn't have, they were only trying to help me, I didn't mean to hurt them…"
"Lies!" the voice hissed, becoming angry now. "They wanted to steal the magic from you, that which is rightfully yours! Ravenclaw would betray you as she did me! Traitorous little whore! You did the right thing in stunning her, my sweet. Kill her now before she can cause any more mischief."
Blaise paled. "No, I can't. She's my friend, she tried to help me, I didn't want to hurt her before and I won't do it again!"
A wicked chuckle sounded from her sibilant companion. "You wanted to hurt her before, my sweet, out of jealousy, out of anger. You didn't have any trouble striking her down earlier; don't loose your spine now. You wanted her to be hurt and it happened, now finish the job!"
"No…" Blaise whimpered, gazing at the flames contained within her palms. What had moments before seemed so beautiful and wondrous now filled her with horror and loathing. Cho was right. She had always been right. Trying to dam the rising panic she felt within her heart, Blaise attempted to bring the magic to heel, to enforce her will upon it. Her breathing quickened as the fire burned hotter than ever, rising in great plumes towards the ceiling, rendering her incandescent in its light. It wouldn't answer her, wouldn't obey, no matter how hard she tried…
She was fifteen and anxiously flirting with Terence Higgs down in the Slytherin dungeons, attempting to learn all that she could about the Inquisitorial Squad's plans. She had been sloppy that evening, letting slip an insult against the egotistical Slytherin Chaser, and being so arrogant not to see the violent response that came in reply. Higgs had beaten her bloody in his anger, raining down blows upon her beautiful, patrician face and leaving it marred with tremendous bruises. It had been a small slight against his supposed masculinity, and he had left her battered and brutalized in order to repair his flimsy ego. Her face a moonscape of yellow and purple, Blaise hardened her heart against men from that point on, disdaining the companionship of those who needed to injure a young girl in order to feel like real men.
The Champion of Slytherin felt the voice speak again from the darkest pits of her soul. "You will need to be stronger if you are to become my avatar. Use the magic."
Blaise wept.
On the western coasts of Wales, the cottage lay covered under a blanket of light, powdered snow, a cold sea-wind rolling from the depths to lash at the coastline. The five Muggles that dwelt within had been brutally murdered by the Dark Lord himself, using a bizarre curse that literally ripped their life-force from them and left them dead in moments. Snape had never seen a spell like it, and his eyes widened as Voldemort seemed to gain new strength from the attack, rejuvenated by the casual slaughter of his enemies. The Hogwarts Potion Master had remained on his knees, deliberately avoiding his master's cruel gaze to further reinforce his Occlumency shields. The Mark had burned like acid when he awoke, and only the permission of Dumbledore sent him to this rocky shore where the Dark Lord was waiting, impatient for his erstwhile servant. Powerful enchantments sealed away the area from outside attack or detection, the Dark Lord taking no chances with the Aurors now roused.
"Explain it to me then, Severus," the oily, hate-filled voice of Lord Voldemort asked, sending a frigid chill down Snape's spine. "Explain it to me why I should not kill you?"
Severus Snape, despite all his faults, was no coward. He had served as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix during Voldemort's first rising, and had maintained his cover in the years following the Dark Lord's defeat, always on the watch for a vengeful Death Eater who may have learned his secret. He was a master Occlumens, a necessity when dealing with a creature as powerful and cunning as Lord Voldemort. He was well-trained, professional and courageous, yet the hiss of his master's words froze him to the bone. "I can still be use to you, my Lord," he replied, licking his lips nervously as he sat kneeling before Riddle. "And my absence from your immediate service can be explained in due course."
"Can it?" Voldemort inquired viciously. "The summons of the Dark Mark cannot be denied upon pain of death, Severus. And yet you did not answer me upon my return, while the rest of my loyal Death Eaters complied unquestioningly. What desperate excuse can you muster to explain why you did not answer me for a full eighteen months, hmm?"
The First Death Eater Asmodeus was there as well, a brooding, lethal figure in black cloak and red mask. "Choose your words carefully, Snape," the assassin growled, weathered hands tightening their grip around his blades. "Disobedience to my Master is frowned down upon, as you are well aware."
"I am," Snape answered, steeling his anger against Voldemort's chief lieutenant. He had just encountered Asmodeus and was horrified by what he had seen; a pure-bred killer in the service of the Dark Lord, an uncompromising fanatic who could murder an infant and find justification. The red mask and various voice-altering spells obscured his identity, while his mind was well-fortified against a Legilimency intrusion, making identification all but impossible. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Snape uttered his excuse. "I did not answer your summons so that I might prove to be a more valuable asset to you, my Lord."
"Indeed?" The amusement in Voldemort's voice was plain. "I must confess, Severus, I am uncertain as to how that principle works, becoming a better servant through treason. Elaborate."
Snape continued. "Over the past fifteen years, I have steadily gained the confidence of Albus Dumbledore. I have become one of his closest counsellors and occupy a high position within the workings of Hogwarts. The fool trusts me, my Lord, trusts me as only a caring old man can. Yet, his mind is still quick for all his age. When you returned to us, a glorious day indeed, Dumbledore was able to guess your stratagem almost instantaneously. I am the asp at his breast, my Lord, but coming into contact with you would arouse his suspicions."
"Go on." Not a suggestion, but a command.
"I did not acknowledge your summons so that I might give the illusion of working for Dumbledore wholeheartedly. And it has paid off, my Lord. I know when he is most vulnerable, the passwords to various areas of the school, access to select enchantments that secure the grounds!"
The malformed voice of Asmodeus cut through Snape's explanation. "And what of the Order of the Phoenix? Can you give us any information on their movements, their numbers, their hideouts?"
Snape sighed as if in regret. "Unfortunately no. The inner workings of the Order are held by others, and I know little of their activity. All the same, I can deliver Dumbledore to you, my Lord. I can deliver Potter, or those he loves! Because I did not answer you earlier, my Lord, I can go into places that the mighty Asmodeus here can only dream of. I have stayed hidden and subtle as a well-trained hunter might, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."
A cruel smile lay branded over Voldemort's lipless mouth. "A most convincing argument, Severus. Yes, perhaps even a pathetic wretch like yourself as some value. Asmodeus, what do you think of our little snake in the grass?"
The rage in the First Death Eater's voice was palpable. "I would batter the walls of Hogwarts down with my bare fists if you so commanded, my Lord. I would raze that decadent edifice to the ground and butcher every single Mudblood and Muggle-lover within. I see no need to allow this traitor to live when you have such might behind you. Potter will die by my hands and no other! His treason will not go unpunished!"
"Enough, Asmodeus," the Dark Lord commanded, restraining his subordinate's choler. "Remember that you are mine, and will do as I command. Severus, you have proven your worth, for the moment. Tell me, how vulnerable is Potter inside Hogwarts?"
"For the most part, he walks to classes accompanied by several of his closest friends, and the student body is mostly supportive of him. Some dissension exists from factions supporting yourself or the former Minister Fudge in secret, but the students are either aligned with Potter or too apathetic to choose sides. I have learned that Potter has trained a force to defend the school in the event of an attack, the Army of the Marauders," Snape explained. From the corner of the cottage came a whimpering moan, as Voldemort's attendant Peter Pettigrew sat trying to shield himself from the mention of anything connected to the friends he betrayed, his rat-like features wrinkled piteously. "They number several score by now, and are both well-trained and disciplined. Beyond them, Potter is a trained warrior and an accomplished duellist, well beyond most of the student population. His lover is formidable as well, and not to be underestimated."
"Tell us about his lover, this Champion of Ravenclaw," Asmodeus demanded. "I remember her from the Forbidden Forest."
Snape paused for a brief moment, pangs of guilt tugging away at him. Cho Chang was a skilful brewer of potions and a decent, compassionate person, so Snape was finding himself hard-pressed to deliver an innocent girl into Voldemort's hands. "I unfortunately know little about her, my Lord. She is in her final year at Hogwarts, a member of Ravenclaw House obviously, the daughter of some trinket dealer or other. She's a threat, but not an insurmountable one."
"Wormtail, you killed her boyfriend, that worthless spare Diggory, correct?" Asmodeus asked, receiving a meek nod from the craven Animagus. "Your finest moment, Wormtail, killing that pathetic Muggle-lover, huh? Aside from restoring my Lord, of course," the First Death Eater amended quickly.
"She is in love with Potter?" Voldemort asked.
"Indeed, my Lord, deeply so. Potter will not suffer any harm to come to her, as Lucius' death amply demonstrated. I believe that it is a weakness we might be able to exploit."
Asmodeus laughed. "Love! A foolish, idiotic notion, an insipid construct of the weak and feeble. It's disappointing, my Lord, that your enemies should shackle themselves with such weak emotions, it makes them far less worthy adversaries."
"You have learned well, my apprentice," Voldemort said, receiving a bow from the First Death Eater. Turning his attention back to Snape, Riddle presented a malicious, stony face. "Severus, you have earned a reprieve, for so long as you continue to please me. I shall require you to keep your eyes and ears open at all times, and answer my summons promptly. When my plans come to fruition, you will be needed."
"My Lord," came Snape's devoted answer as he kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes. "Thank you for your mercy."
"Mercy?" Voldemort demanded, red eyes filling with hate. In the next moment, Snape felt the pain of a thousand hot knives digging his flesh, the Cruciatus Curse cast by the Dark Lord particularly potent. "Mercy is a weakness, and Lord Voldemort prides himself on his lack of weakness. You live because you are useful, Severus, your every breath is dependant on your successes. Disobey me again and you will regret it. Do you understand?"
Snape coughed out blood, his body quaking in agony. "Of course, my Lord," he replied weakly. "I shall not fail you."
"Good," the Dark Lord intoned. "Return to Hogwarts and be prepared to receive my summons to Hell Pit. Come, Asmodeus, Wormtail, let us return." Three whip-cracks later and the Dark Lord had disappeared with his servants, back to whatever dank hole he had claimed as a stronghold.
Snape groaned in pain, levering himself up off of the dusty wooden planks, the copper taste of blood welling up in his mouth. The sacrifices I make for the Order, he thought to himself, cursing Voldemort and Dumbledore in equal measure. He hadn't intended on returning to his duties as a Order spy, believing that the Dark Lord was aware of his treachery and it would be suicide to return. However, it seemed his skills would be needed here, all to ensure the world's survival. Limping upon the floorboards, Snape made his way to the Apparition point, shivering despite himself. Into the darkness once more. How fitting.
The whirlwind screamed around Cho with a banshee's wail, a million particles of dust and grit choking her lungs and blinding her eyes, each grain a life's memory. The young sorceress had awoken into the furious hurricane, surrounded by the eye wall of Blaise's memory-storm which occasionally drifted inwards and outwards, catching her within the barrier. Each time the wall hit, Cho was cast into the storm, hurtling into the visions like a drowning woman being smashed by the ocean's waves, before being tossed out again as it shifted. In her moments of lucidity, the Champion of Ravenclaw saw her companion's memories being displayed before her, and a pall of shame laid cast over her. She felt like some kind of voyeur prying into Blaise's personal life in such a fashion, even if the effect was unintentional. Still reeling from the vertigo effect caused by the willowy Slytherin's powers, Cho had little time to consider that, crawling on her hands and knees in an attempt to escape the memory-storm and find her. If she manages to breach into the rest of the castle in her state, there's no telling how many innocents could get hurt! she thought to herself, tough hands grasping the stone wall, levering herself up. As much as she wanted to check on Harry and Avalon, the situation had gotten too critical by this juncture. When properly wielded, the energies of the Founders were a useful tool, but were incredibly dangerous when control was limited, and the Champion of Slytherin didn't have a burning town full of Death Eaters to expend the magic on. The situation needed to be contained by any means possible, as much as the prospect of killing her friend horrified the beautiful Ravenclaw. Come on, Blaise, you need to focus! Just calm down and rein it in, or it's going to get ugly!
Resting her back on the firm stone of the tower wall for a moment, Cho took the opportunity to assess her status. Her wand was missing, seized away in Blaise's initial sparking, and it was unlikely that she would find it while the memory-storm persisted. The pockets of her blue-trimmed robe contained a few scraps of parchment and her favourite quill, little bits of paraphernalia with nothing of value in a duelling situation. Her only weapon was undoubtedly her most formidable; the energies of Ravenclaw, but even it had its limitations. It would do her no good to simply blast through the memory-storm like she would with a physical opponent; she would only show Blaise her movements, all the while potentially hurting Harry or Avalon in the process. How in the world I am going to stop her if I can't even figure out where she is? she asked herself, trying to stay focused, the cadence of her breathing calming down to a reasonable pace.
Raising her left hand, Cho let the energies of Ravenclaw burn in her palm softly, illuminating her as would a watchman's lantern. The memory-storm seemed to shrink away from the sapphire light, slowly receding and coalescing before her sight. "Blaise, it's Cho," she called out discreetly, chocolate-brown eyes glancing around the room with a hunter's keenness. "I know you're scared right now, but you can bring the magic under control. It's not impossible, and you are certainly strong enough to do it. Just try to calm down and everything will work out."
No response came to the beautiful Ravenclaw's words, but that was to be expected. By this point, Blaise was likely so enthralled by the magic that they went completely unheeded, the pleas of friendship drowned out by the thrill of power. Still no movement from within the memory-storm, though the cyclone itself continued to condense. Finally, it came together to reveal a bright chamber, illuminated by the light of a dozen torches and filled to the brim with sheets of parchment, tightly-bound scrolls and ancient tomes with yellowed pages. Daylight streamed in through the windows, and the plain oak table dominating the room was covered in various pages of notes. The insane tempest generated by Blaise had finally stabilized, and Cho looked upon a blood memory of Slytherin, the recollections of the dark Founder revealed to her view.
It appeared that the beautiful Ravenclaw had intruded upon a meeting of the Founders, their passionate debate echoing off the tower walls. Not that they could see or hear Cho of course, for like her memories of Ravenclaw, the process only went one way. She was an audience member watching a play upon the stage, the actors deaf and blind to her presence. All of the Four were there, and from the looks of it, trouble was brewing in the castle. Subconsciously, Cho knew that continued vigilance was necessary in the event that Blaise struck from the vision, but her love of knowledge decreed that she relax slightly and pay attention. Warrior-mage though she might be, she was a Ravenclaw first and foremost, and she would be damned before she missed seeing a slice of history such as this.
"I'm telling you, we have to respond!" Slytherin declared forcefully, slamming his fist upon the table. He was in his late twenties by this point, his hair and well-trimmed beard still coal-black, angular cheekbones and long pointed nose burning red with anger. "The Muggles are getting bolder, attacking our kind with impunity now! Three dead, Godric! Three young witches burned at the stake in Essex, and still their murderers walk free and unpunished."
"What would have us do, Salazar?" the noble Gryffindor inquired, his golden hair partially disguised beneath the moth-eaten wizard's hat adorning his head. "It's a tragedy, my friend, I agree wholeheartedly. But vengeance is not going to bring those girls back. What you are suggesting is an attack of retaliation, and I can't agree to that."
Slytherin gave an unpleasant sneer vaguely mirroring of the Malfoy brood. "So you would rather let their ghosts go unheeded, Godric, their murderers unpunished? When we established this school, we did so to ensure that our people could use their gifts wisely and never have to suffer this kind of persecution ever again. We should be defending ourselves against the Muggles and showing them the cost of hurting our people, not hiding within the castle like pitiful worms."
"I vote no," the kindly young Hufflepuff answered, her face glowing with the healthy flush of a woodsman and her eyes suggesting the great depths of her experience. "An attack now would only exacerbate the situation, and more lives would be lost on both sides. I'm sorry Salazar, but we cannot do what you ask. I will not allow the cycle of violence to perpetuate itself, no matter the cause."
The final speaker was unmistakably Ravenclaw, the elegant Founder looking exactly as she did in Cho's own visions. "We should also consider that a reprisal against the Muggles might heighten their watchfulness, and more innocents could get burned at the stake as a result. It'll send every Muggle within a hundred miles of Essex stocking up on torches." Her nails dug into the palm of her hand, signifying the tension of the debate. "No one deserves a fate like those girls suffered, but now is not the right opportunity to strike."
"But when, pray tell?" Salazar demanded. "How many victims will it take before we take action? I know these people, Rowena, and simply hiding from them and closing our eyes will not solve the problem. We must actively confront this bigotry and work to neutralize it."
"I know full well of the danger they pose, Salazar!" Rowena snapped, her lovely face flushed with anger and something akin to fear. "There is no need to remind me of that. All the same, I will not support you in this. This school is a place of learning and of hope; I'll not sully it through discussion of plots and vengeance."
"You accuse me of befouling this school? You were the one who suggested permitting Muggleborns be allowed admittance, Rowena, not I!" Salazar roared back. "You bring these spawn of murderers into the halls of Hogwarts, and yet you have the gall to accuse me of defiling it?"
"Please calm yourselves, everyone," Godric pleaded, raising his hands in a gesture of appeasement and conciliation, leaving Cho amazed at the diplomatic role he appeared to be taking. The way he addressed Slytherin seemed to indicate a great deal of respect and friendship between the two men, and to hear his fellow Founder speak in such a way left pangs of hurt colouring his voice. "We've put in several hours into this discussion, and I don't think we can break the deadlock now. Perhaps we might retire, so that we can bring afresh on the morrow?"
Hufflepuff nodded in assent. "Godric is right. We still have the school to run, after all, and we cannot afford to be distracted from our primary concern, namely educating the students. And I will not consent to murder, Salazar, no matter the justification. While your passions are well-intended, what you ask us to do is wrong, and I will have no part in it."
"So that's how you're going to disguise your cowardice, Helga, with the language of morality?" Salazar demanded wildly. "These were children, children that burned at the stake, the very people we have sworn to educate and defend. And you, Godric, I expected better of you. The youngest victim was a girl named Abigail, the miller's daughter. Thirteen years old and never live to see another day. I'm sure your moral impulses are of great consolation to her."
"Salazar, have done!" Godric shouted, rapidly losing patience with his friend.
"No, I will not be silent!" Slytherin snapped back. "There are times in which I wonder who you're really fighting for, Godric, and the answer doesn't bode well!" Leaving the harsh accusation hanging rank in the air like sulphur, the Founder stormed out, ignoring the protestations and calls for calm that followed in his wake. Cho found herself drawn towards Salazar, the visions and memories presented leaving her little alternative but to follow him. It was a bewildering sensation, despite her past experience with the blood-visions. No more than two hundred strides from the meeting, Salazar pressed his back against the corridor wall, rubbing the bridge of his nose to relieve the tension. "Why won't they understand?"
"Perhaps it is because you won't give them a chance," came Ravenclaw's soft voice echoing down the hall. Cho had been so focused on monitoring Slytherin that the arrival of her blood-kin was entirely unexpected. The burning anger that had infused her features had yet to fully subside, and she spoke to her comrade with a measure of disappointment in her voice. "Sometimes I mistake you for Godric with that fury in your heart, Salazar. The two of you are more alike than you might think. He tries so hard to defend you when you act like this, so it was quite a shock to hear you speak to him in such a manner."
"Attempting to guilt me into breaking my resolve, Rowena?" Salazar retorted angrily, instantly regretting the outburst. "My apologies, Rowena, I should not have let my temper get the better of me. It's just that…"
"It's frustrating sometimes, I know," Rowena said, taking a step towards her comrade. "But you must remember that the actions of a few Muggles are simply that, the actions of a few. The many should not have to suffer for their ignorance."
Salazar shook his head wearily. "I have tried to control my prejudices, Rowena, both for the sake of the school and our friendship, but every time I feel like peace is possible between both sides, Muggles commit another atrocity and I am forced back to my original position. We have to take a stand against them, or else we will all be overrun. Peace is worthless if it does not guarantee security."
"That is a fair argument," Rowena stated, "but consider the tactical implications. We do not have a force sufficient to protect the magical community of this country; we barely have enough able wands as it is. And for centuries now, our kind has survived against the Muggles by running and hiding, not by fighting. Perhaps one day, we will have that power, but even then, we must use it wisely. You are a good friend, Salazar, and your quick thinking has aided the school on many occasions." Her voice rose to a defiant pitch. "Still, what you argued for at the meeting is wrong on many levels, and the way you treated Helga and Godric only worsened the situation. As a friend and a peer in the study of magic, I'm asking you to soothe your choler before you do something foolish."
Cho half-expected Slytherin to explode in rage, but the Founder grimly nodded instead, a look of regret settling upon him. "For your sake, lovely Rowena, I shall do my best. Please, extend my apologies to the others. It would be best to repair the damage as soon as possible."
Rowena shook her head. "That's something only you can do, Salazar. If your friendship with Godric and Helga is so important, then you must take the opportunity to apologize yourself, to correct your mistake."
Slytherin gave a small bow, evidently deferring to his associate's wisdom. "Very well then. I shall bid you goodnight. And thank you."
Distinctly surprised, Ravenclaw returned the valediction. Once Rowena had turned the corner, however, Salazar returned to his grim mask, swiftly making his way down the corridor and entering the second-floor girl's lavatory, his feet splashing in a pool of stagnant water. The bathroom was nearly identical to the one in Cho's time, and the conditions had not improved over the past thousand years. A dank chill settled over the room, and the primitive plumbing established during the castle's construction was somewhat faulty despite the restorative magicks placed upon it. With a sudden, horrifying glimpse, Cho realized what Slytherin intended to do.
Approaching the central sink that dominated much of the chamber, Salazar began to hiss, the sibilant tones of Parseltongue sending a shiver down Cho's spine. A grating creak sounded, and the sink began to open up, the stone basin parting to reveal a pitch-black tunnel. Slytherin jumped in without hesitation and the vision dragged Cho along with him, the beautiful Ravenclaw crying out in shock and excitement as she slid through the tunnel, her elbows colliding on the cold stone. Landing with a solid bump at the bottom, she quickly recovered and pursued the Founder, ignoring the assorted rat bones and broken masonry that obstructed her path. The Chamber of Secrets was just like Harry had described it to her, a vast, cavernous series of catacombs, the walls slick with moisture and bioluminescent fungus, the echo of falling water sounding from a dozen different sources, and the air itself foul with Dark magic.
As Cho entered the main chamber, she recoiled at the Dark presence energizing the place, the taste of corruption and malice almost palpable. At a finely built altar of back marble stood Slytherin, weaving his wand in tight, detailed arcs, luminous green energy gushing from its tip. Placed upon the altar were two rather mundane and unimpressive objects; a simple chicken egg placed beneath the weight of a spotted green toad, common to any of the region's marshland. The toad, perhaps realizing what was happening, hopped away onto the chamber floor as the egg it had nurtured began to crack. Cho saw Slytherin's face light up with glee, and he redoubled his efforts, amplifying the spell cast upon the egg. "Arise, Lord of the Serpents, arise! Your master calls! It was I who raised you, and it was I who cast the spells that ensured your birth! Obey!"
The egg split apart, and out came a tiny snake, still covered in slime, its forked tongue tasting of the magic surrounding it. To Cho's astonishment, the creature grew under the influence of Slytherin's incantation, muscled coils bursting forth and twisting, becoming larger and larger by the moment. Its tail slapped the ground as would an angry dog, shattering stone beneath the awesome weight. Fangs the length of steak knives sprouted in its jaw, and its mouth opened wide in a furious, animal scream. Dark, obsidian scales covered the length of its body, and burning red eyes glared pupil-less and malevolent. In thirty seconds time, the Basilisk had emerged from newborn to full-grown, from a relatively harmless beast to a full-fledged monster, the aging process accelerated drastically by the spells of its creator. Cho stood awestruck and terrified in its presence; all of Harry's stories involving the Chamber of Secrets insufficient to depict the true horror of the beast within.
Shrieking in fury, the Basilisk reared up and leaned towards its creator, their gazes locked together in a primal test of wills. A single glance from the serpent was fatal, while its gaze reflected in a mirror or pool of water induced Petrification. By all rights, Slytherin should have been struck down instantly, horribly slain by the creature's fell stare. Yet, inexplicably, Salazar remained unharmed, the Founder no more affected by the Basilisk's ocular assault than he would by the gaze of a blushing maiden. The serpent screamed in frustration, its breath laced with the stench of rotting meat and Dark magic, causing Cho's stomach to curdle, but Slytherin remained unmoved.
At last, the creature relented, resting its head upon the stone floor, bowing before the greater power of its creator. A tremor of power entered Slytherin's voice as he spoke, mingling Parseltongue and English together, allowing Cho to understand every word. "This school faces many challenges, with foes both within and without. The threat of Muggle subversion is a constant one, and I fear that the gentleness and compassion of the others will be our undoing. Thus, I have created you, a weapon of last resort against the enemies that assail us. If ever this school should fall to outside invasion, or be overcome by treachery near to our hearts, you are to scour the interlopers from these halls and ensure they do not survive to enjoy their victory. Only those bearing my blood and my tongue may command you; the enchantments that I have cast will ensure that. Maintain your vigil, and be prepared to purge the unclean from this place!"
A loathsome hiss of assent reverberated from the creature's throat and it moved towards the deep pool at the end of the chamber, great coils scraping over the stone like sandpaper. Hissing and spitting as it went, the Basilisk entered the mouth of the great stone face etched and chiselled into the wall, moving sinuously into the nest prepared for it. Slytherin stalked out of the chamber and the vision swirled around Cho, turning and twisting into a new form.
Another vision, this time of the battlefield at Bohsenfels. Slytherin stood upon his horse, howling in exhilaration as he cleaved through the undead ranks with the Adder's Bite. His face was full of glee as he brought the energies of the Founders to bear, scattering the assembled horrors in the flames and leaving only dust behind. Around him, the other Founders and their assembled forces struggled ferociously against the undead, the light of spells and flaming arrows searing the darkened sky like a Muggle fireworks display. A cry of joy boiled out of his throat as he summoned a stream of illusionary swordsmen to distract Nehek's hordes using his newfound powers, and the look in his eyes told Cho that the addictive properties of the magic had firmly seized his mind. Decaying hands clawed at Slytherin's horse, dragging it under the sea of Inferius, but the Founder himself was not so easily brought down, his axe destroying an undead warrior with every stroke.
A hundred meters away, Nehek stuck Hufflepuff's mount with the Destroyer of Worlds, her shocked cries drawing Slytherin's attention. Leaping to the aid of his fellow Founder, Slytherin brought the Adder's Bite down in a massive stroke, aiming the battleaxe at the Lichemaster's dark helm. Nehek responded with the daemonblade, parrying the blow and replying with a powerful slash of his own. The runes adorning both weapons burned brightly as they collided, and Slytherin was thrown aside by the impact, catapulting a dozen feet away onto the blood-soaked ground, the impact driving the wind from his lungs. Immediately set upon by the undead, Salazar attempted weakly to fend them off, still stunned by the Lichemaster's attack and unable to bring the energies of the Founders to bear.
Then Hufflepuff appeared, bruised and cut by the numberless hordes but still fighting. Her twin blades flashed like quicksilver in her hands, cutting down Inferius as they approached, slipping under their clumsy guard and swiftly dispatching them. Cho's eyes widened as Helga used the energies of the Founders to accelerate her movements to superhuman speeds. Used in conjunction with the mystic flame and her versatile and powerful wand-based spells, Hufflepuff cleared a path towards Slytherin, who had gratefully taken the opportunity to recover. The battle raged on around them as the remnants of the keep's garrison joined in the fighting; Cho's sharp eyes catching the look of disgust that crossed Slytherin's face as he saw their Muggle allies carve through the undead ranks. The ensuing duel between Gryffindor and Nehek caught her attention for a moment, her apprehension dissipated by the fact she had already witnessed these events and knew the outcome.
"By the touch of Gaea, I had never hoped to see such a thing." Cho muted a gasp as Avalon came up behind her, the petite Spirit Walker looking somewhat the worse for wear after the incident began, but almost ignorant of her injuries. Instead, she remained wholly focused on the Lichemaster's zombified form, inhumanly bright eyes fixated on the dark magic of Nehek. "In the Temple, the Sages of the Cult often tell tales of the Lichemaster Nehek, the great necromancer who ravaged our old homeland in the time of Balthasar Firebrand. The annals of those Shadow Hunters who fell that day are still recorded in the Chamber of Life." She quailed for an instant as a lash of dark magic generated by the combat brushed past her, even the illusionary nature of the spell not enough to make her feel secure. "It's just as horrible as the stories say."
"Avalon!" Cho exclaimed, moving to check on the Spirit Walker. "When did you wake up?"
"Nary a few minutes ago," the yellow-eyed young woman replied, brushing off Cho's medical examination. "Don't worry, it's just a few bruises and scrapes. The psychic feedback left me stunned and disoriented for a while, but I'm alright now. I see that Slytherin's memories are on open display."
Cho raised an eyebrow. "Yes, they've been running for the past few minutes lately. Were you tipped off to this before somehow?"
Avalon nodded. "Unfortunately, that is the case. When the energies of Slytherin sparked, such was the power of the magic that all of my telepathic defences were shattered. In those moments, I felt him enter my thoughts, angered by our intrusion and the presence of Gryffindor's line. His presence was so invasive I was forced to seal myself off from Legilimency intrusions to survive the full blow of the feedback."
"Slytherin entered your mind?" Cho asked, horrified. "And he's been lurking inside Blaise this whole time, hasn't he? The energies of Slytherin preserved some of his mind when it was passed on to his descendants, and now that the energies have been sparked…"
"Salazar will likely attempt to manipulate or seize control of Blaise's mind, so as to use her as a host."
Recalling Blaise's hateful words immediately after the energies sparked, Cho could only nod in agreement. "I think he has already, to be honest with you. Doubtless he's taking advantage of the magick's unpredictable nature to help him seize control. He'll never get an opportunity as good as this one. If Blaise manages to bring it in check, she'll be able to resist his influence from now on or utterly destroy what remains of his thoughts. We have to find her and end this now, before Slytherin takes full control. Can you use your telepathy to find out where she is?"
"Not entirely. The illusion being generated is a reflection of her thoughts, thus my telepathy thinks she's everywhere. I'll have to focus hard to find the source, and that shall take some time."
"Then start immediately," Cho snapped, far more harshly than she would have liked. "If Salazar gains control or pushes Blaise in the direction he wants, we'll have no chance of stopping her unless…unless we kill her. I – I don't think I'm ready to do that, so speed is our ally here. There has to be some way of cutting through this shite!"
"Stay calm," Avalon's cool voice was a soothing balm on the frustrations of the beautiful Ravenclaw. "Believe me, Miss Chang; I have no intention of failing now."
As the Lichemaster exploded in a burst of white light behind them, and the vision began to fade away, Cho could only ponder Slytherin's dark glare as Rowena and Godric embraced.
Cho groaned as the vision shifted a third time, closing her eyes to reduce the sensation of vertigo that accompanied the evolving memories. Avalon sat behind her, eyes closed in concentration, trying fruitlessly to determine Blaise's location. Deciding it would be wise not to distract her, Cho allowed her to continue seeking telepathically while she searched the old-fashioned way. As much as the beautiful Ravenclaw enjoyed a challenge, particularly those of the mind, this was extremely frustrating. The chamber in the North Tower was a small, confined space, but thanks to the illusions Blaise was generating, Cho could walk for seemingly ten kilometres before reaching the limits of the room, if at all. Shifting reality, she thought to herself, permitting herself to walk through the illusion for a few minutes before returning back to Avalon, so as not to leave her unguarded for more than necessary. Isn't that what all magic does? Alter what is real and stretch those definitions? She'd have to consider the philosophical question later.
The first thing the Champion noticed when trekking through the illusion was the feeling of dead grass beneath her boots. Standing on a sizable hill overlooking a wooded vale, Cho witnessed a dying land. The nearby trees were covered in rot and fungus, withering the leaves and eating away at the trees themselves, while the birds and beasts that made them their homes either lay dead or had abandoned their nests. The position of the sun and general climate seemed to suggest summer, but the air was too cold and too dry, more of a winter's wind than that of midsummer. In the vale itself, the local village lay in ruins. Bodies had fallen in the mud-strewn alleys, cattle sickened in the fields and the crops stood rotten on the stalk. Many of the buildings were deserted, ruined places, their roofs caved in by hail and their doorways slick with blood. What appeared to be the old church had burned to the ground, a half-incinerated cross sat in a pile of damp ashes. Judging from the flickering lights of candles and quick flashes of movement, some of the villagers still survived in the remaining homes, though they remained barricaded behind boarded-up windows and sheltered themselves behind cloves of garlic and rosemary to ward off evil. Magic touched every plank and every blade of grass, foul in its corruption and rank with anger, signs of the Dark Arts through and through. Someone had cursed this town thoroughly, bringing about the multitudinous calamities that had befallen it.
Horse-hooves sounded on the nearby road, and Cho glanced to see Ravenclaw canter through the centre of town on a chestnut mare, dressed in fine-woven blue witch's robes and bearing the bow of Stormcrow across her chest. Her lovely brunette locks had been braided into elegant patterns, making her appear like a rich noblewoman or seeress. Blue eyes turned downcast as Rowena saw the devastation around her, and a cold frown descended upon her lips. Then a sound brought her attention to the hilltop, and she dug her heels into the horse's sides, sending it off at a gallop and throwing up clouds of dust from the primitive road.
Slytherin was waiting for her there at the top of the hill, shrouded in black robes with the Adder's Bite slung across his back. "I'm glad to see that you received my message, Rowena," he said with genuine warmth, extending a hand to the lovely Founder. "I hope your ride wasn't-"
"Spare me the pleasantries, Salazar!" Rowena hissed, slapping his hand away as she gazed upon him with contempt and revulsion. "What in the world are you trying to accomplish here? Murder, destruction, defilement of the land! I have seen all of the villages that lay within twenty leagues of this place, and everywhere I see your evil acts! What in the world could justify this madness?"
"Madness?" Slytherin queried, the angular lines of his face and the dark shadow of his beard giving him an even more haunting appearance. "It is not madness, Rowena. It is a Killing Curse to the brain of a corrupt and ignorant society! It is retribution for centuries of persecution, every witch-burning, every pogrom and every act of genocide committed against our people! I have suffered under your way for long enough, Rowena. Too many have suffered because you chose not to intervene! The words of appeasement have only emboldened the Muggles and many acts which would not have occurred did, thanks to your cowardice. The time for war has come, and Wizarding Britain looks to a new leader to guide it though the fires; me. You and the others will not stand in my way again."
Rowena was understandably livid. "How dare you. How dare you! So that's all we are to you then, Salazar, mere obstacles in your path? Helga loved you, Salazar, and you have taken her camaraderie and affection and torn them to ribbons without any consideration of what you mean to her. And as for Godric, he can barely speak your name, and then only with hatred. The bonds of friendship between you were unbreakable and beneficial, yet you cast them into the winds all the same. We gave you our friendship, our trust and our support, and you spat upon them without a second thought. If you shared in our dream whatsoever, you'll put a stop to this right now."
"And where were you when the Muggles rampaged through this region, seizing every witch or wizard they could find for execution? What were Godric and Helga doing when our people had no one left to defend them?" Slytherin's wild demands reached a fever pitch now. "Where were you when my family died?"
This proclamation definitely startled Ravenclaw. "Salazar, I had no idea…"
"Genevieve died immediately, or so I was told, trying to protect the children from the witch-hunters. By the time I returned from meeting the Hill-Shamans delegation, the Muggles had already started burning Katrina. She was barely alive after I slew the Muggles and freed her, a four-year old girl too young to use the magic and they killed her for it all the same. You have the healing power, you're the most experienced in medicine, so why weren't you there?"
"If I had known, Salazar, I would have come straight away," Ravenclaw protested, somewhat frightened by the turn of events, and how they had affected her former friend. "When you left the school with Genevieve three years ago, we completely lost contact. It's almost as if you didn't want to be found."
Salazar gave a wistful, yet humourless smile. "Thomas is gone, possibly fled and I can't seem to find him. My gaunt little one, probably so terrified after what happened he's taken flight to the ends of the earth. You ask me as to why I assault them? I must ask you, my darling Ravenclaw, as to why you defend them after all their misdeeds and sins, crimes of the Lichemaster's calibre or of the Dark wizards I have faced in the past. Your inaction and your appeasement have let this evil spread for far too long, so unless you have any intention of aiding me, then stand aside."
"But the villages!" Rowena gasped. "They've been cursed with Dark magic, Salazar, the very thing you once said you loathed. You've gone beyond simply studying the Dark Arts to find ways to combat them, haven't you? You are using them openly now, despite our attempts to warn you. Salazar, any form of magic is corruptive when misused, but the Dark Arts poison everything they touch, regardless of intention!"
"I will use any weapon necessary to defend our people, woman!" Salazar screamed back, causing Rowena to jump in shock. "Do not judge what lies beyond your power, Rowena. Yes, I do use the Dark Arts in the defence of our people, as I use the energies granted to us from the grotto! The magic granted to use on that day is a living thing, full of passion and intelligence, as well as a hatred for all things Dark. When I started using the Dark Arts more often, I thought that the energies would kill me for they were so enraged! Yet I have mastered both powers, wielding the Light-based energies of the grotto and the Dark Arts in conjunction where a lesser wizard would find himself destroyed by the reaction! This power is mine, Rowena, you have no claim to it. Nor do you have any claim to the moral high ground here. The Grand Crusade is about to begin, and I will not be dissuaded from my task."
Slytherin mounted the crest of the hill, extending his arm over to the west. "I have received word that Godric has marshalled an army against me, this Order of the Phoenix; his pet Muggles, those Shadow Hunter fanatics and whatever blood-traitors he's managed to scrape together to fight for him. They've made camp about ten miles from here and I am fully aware he's going to try and stop me, but it's a doomed effort. I know that he has some four thousand all told; Muggle knights and men-at-arms, local trappers, goblin warbands, Shadow Hunters and some of the Aurors given to him by the Wizengamot. Do you know how many warriors I possess, Rowena darling?" When the lovely Founder did not reply, Slytherin answered his question. "Somewhere in the range of ten-thousand, my dear. Mostly beastmen and werewolves, creatures that have long been persecuted and hunted by the Muggles just as we are. As for wizards, I have perhaps four score? Maybe more, but certainly enough to match whoever Godric's bringing. I'm surprised he did not empty Hogwarts of its students and press them into service against me."
"He tried," Rowena croaked, the tears now spilling forth. "Helga and I, however, were able to talk some sense into him." She cried for a moment, casting aside decorum, too overwhelmed with emotion to even consider it. "Please, Salazar, for the love of Merlin, you must stop this! We're your family! We've taught and lived and worked and fought together, and accomplished so much in so short a time. Please do not abandon us."
"My family?" Salazar shouted. "You were never a part of my family, Rowena! Family members trust each other! Respect each other! Defend each other above all else! Yet, from my time at Hogwarts, I never experienced those things. You and Godric were too busy rutting like hogs in the summer heat, and Helga was too concerned with molly-coddling every stray Mudblood brat that darkened our doorstep! I have a new family now. Care to meet them?"
Rowena's bright blue eyes widened as dark-cloaked figures emerged out of thin air, surrounding the two Founders, dozens of them materializing in the space of a few moments. With all the bearing and emotion of statues, Slytherin's followers assembled around their leader, bowing before him respectfully. "Behold, Rowena, the Knights of Walpurgis!" he crowed, laughing heartily at the sight of his comrades-in-arms. "With the power of the Dark Arts at their command, nothing can stop them, stop me. We are going to defend our people, not matter the cost." He paused for a moment, as if considering his words. "You might consider joining us in our Grand Crusade."
"Me?"
"Yes, Rowena, you," Salazar replied, taking her hand in his own, ignoring her discomfort. "A new dawn is rising for Wizardkind, and I will not have you left behind without proper warning. You are too knowledgeable and powerful to be wasted, and we shall need every resource we can muster to fight back the tides of Muggle filth. Submit to the Grand Crusade, Rowena, and I will make you a member of my High Council, to rule over the lands I give you and aid my in directing my empire. Your efforts at training the next generation of spellcasters have been squandered on a pack of Mudblood wretches; I will give you the pureblood students you so rightly deserve, those worthy of receiving instruction. With our combined skills and guidance, our magical power will grow fivefold, tenfold! All this can be yours. All you need to do is assent and obey, Rook of the West."
"Salazar…"
"You deserve the world, Rowena, not a life as Godric's whore and the matron of a school full of ungrateful brats!" Slytherin insisted ferociously, caressing her cheek with a gloved hand. "And I can give it to you," he said, leaning forward and kissing her with uncommon softness, seemingly unaware of the tears that poured down her face. Monitoring the vision, Cho fumed angrily, disgusted that such a vile wretch would even consider accosting her ancestor in such a fashion. "What say you, Rowena?"
Ravenclaw sighed remorsefully. "It appears I have no choice," she said, gazing deeply into Slytherin's eyes for a moment. The moment passed, and then she struck.
Slytherin screamed in agony as the energies of Ravenclaw slammed into him with full strength, throwing him a dozen feet like a hay bale. A second attack caught the rogue Founder before he recovered, hammering him into the dirt, leaving his flesh scalded and his robes burnt. Hovering on an energy thermal, Rowena's eyes glowed inhumanly blue as the fire raced around her, waves of anger emanating from the sorceress. A casual observer might mistake her for some ancient Greek Fury, and Slytherin's followers backed away in shock at the surprised attack, stupefied by her incredible powers. "I suggest you submit now, Salazar, or face the consequences!" she demanded in a voice capable of commanding God. "I will not let you destroy all that we have accomplished! I will not let you throw our people into the darkness of ignorance, never to emerge again!"
The Knights of Walpurgis rose up, wands blazing with green light. Rowena cast them aside with a devastating wave of force, scattering them like fallen leaves in a gale. "Stand aside!" she screamed, sending the energies of Ravenclaw lancing forth, devouring the closest of Slytherin's followers in blue flames. Drawing her wand, Rowena cast a complex enchantment over another three Knights, transfiguring them into sheep, their cries of panic warped into bleating as the spell took effect. One of the more adventurous Dark wizards took aim at the Founder, discharging a Killing Curse. Ravenclaw propelled herself to one side, the words of power spilling from her lips. The skies darkened above her and the Knight screamed in pain as a murder of crows descended upon him, clawing and tearing at his vulnerable face and eyes. She seemed more like a force of nature than a witch, desecrating the enemy ranks as might a hurricane, giving no quarter or respite. Cho marvelled at her ancestor's strength and prowess, and thought for a brief moment that she might actually win this fight.
Then Slytherin came to his feet, green fire striking Rowena and ricocheting off her magical shields, forcing the Founder back and blowing a small crater in the soil. A Cruciatus Curse followed, penetrating through the woman's weakened defences and striking home, leaving Ravenclaw writhing on the ground in agony. His face twisted in rage, Slytherin stood over the prone Founder's body, reapplying the curse and savouring her shrieks of pain. "You had your chance to aid me, Rowena! You could have been given power and taken your rightful place as a true leader of the Wizarding World! But now, thanks to your treachery and your faithlessness, you shall suffer all the punishments given out to blood-traitors! You will die screaming, and Godric will-". Salazar's enraged ranting was cut short with a bellow of pain as Ravenclaw thrust the spear of Stormcrow into his right leg, cutting through the tough leather and digging deep into the flesh. Distracted by the pain, Slytherin was caught completely unawares by his foe's Blasting Curse, and was catapulted away. Drawing the Adder's Bite, Slytherin just managed to parry her spear-thrust, the clash of their weapons sending up bright sparks. "Leave her to me!" he commanded to his followers, dozens of black-robed Dark wizards cautiously approaching the battle like vultures after a kill. "It is well within my power to deal with one lone woman."
"Very well then, Salazar; let that be your epitaph!" Ravenclaw retorted, swinging her spear about her and etching a line in the soil, much as Cho did before battle. Slytherin took the invitation, charging forth and bringing his axe in a crushing blow, hoping to cleave her in half with a single stroke. Ravenclaw brought the spearhaft up across her body, the enchanted weapon absorbing the blow where a mundane spear would shatter instantly. The fury and passion of Slytherin's attack forced her backwards, unable to properly bring the spear to bear as the rogue Founder pressed the offensive. Raising a hand, Rowena discharged a flare of blue light into the eyes of her enemy, causing him to reel in agony, temporarily blinded. Capitalizing on this manoeuvre, she struck, arcing the blade of the spear towards Slytherin's neck. By some twist of fate, Slytherin managed to avoid the attack, hands blazing with power. Rowena leapt aside as snakes sprouted at her feet like grass, fangs dripping with venom as they lunged for the sorceress. Cauterising the area with the energies of Ravenclaw, she weaved a countering incantation, solidifying the air hanging over Slytherin's head and literally dropping the sky on him. Letting his shield absorb the attack, Slytherin pushed the assault, hacking and cleaving away with the Adder's Bite. Rowena evaded his wild attack easily, a harsh, mocking smile appearing on her lips. "For all your disdain of Muggles, my dear Salazar, you're certainly not above using their weapons and tactics. Your Crusade has barely begun, and it's already mired in your hypocrisies."
His face burning with anger, Salazar maintained his offensive, each subsequent blow striking only air, enraging him even further. "The Adder's Bite is a weapon of mages, imbued with the power of the grotto and wielded by a master wizard! The Muggles have no claim to it!"
Rowena side-stepped Slytherin's next strike, driving Stormcrow deep into his side with a practiced, professional lunge. Unheeding his wounded cries, Ravenclaw twisted the blade in the injury before unleashing the energies of the Founders a final time, engulfing Slytherin in a cyclone of fire. Rowena grimaced as the flames began to consume her enemy, and maintained her focus, hoping to finish him off for good. "To think that I would debase myself by siding with you! You're a monster, Salazar, no different than-"
Without warning, the Cruciatus Curse struck Ravenclaw hard, breaking her concentration and causing the energies to die down. As Slytherin staggered away, badly burnt by the magic, his saviour stormed in, sending another Cruciatus Curse to strike home. Dressed in the black robes of the Knights of Walpurgis, the woman faced Ravenclaw with a zealous glare on her well-formed face, her gossamer blonde hair caught in the wind and her wand burning harshly under the magic's light. Examining the figure closely, Cho was amazed at the resemblance between the woman and Blaise, and knew that this was the Slytherin girl's maternal ancestor. "You will not harm my master!" she screamed, unleashing a Blasting Curse that cast Rowena to the wind. "We are the true scions of the Wizarding World, and none may defy our wrath! We're through with your pacifism and your cowardice, for it has aided no one. Tonight, we take back what is rightfully ours!"
Stunned and weakened from the surprised attack, Ravenclaw was forced down on one knee, somewhat overwhelmed by the ranks of Dark wizards who moved in for the kill. "The path of the Great Crusade will only end up destroying the Wizarding World, not liberating it!"
As the energies of Ravenclaw built up within her, the Founder suddenly collapsed, rendered senseless by a blow from Slytherin, the solid oak haft of the Adder's Bite falling upon her skull. Salazar laughed, spitting on his fallen foe and seizing her by the hair, letting her unconscious head dangle in his grasp before letting her fall to the ground. "As you can see, Rowena, darling, these Muggle weapons do have some purpose after all!" he chuckled, accompanied by the cackling of his Knights. "My thanks, Marian. Truly, you are the most loyal and powerful of my servants, a witch of true greatness."
The woman Marian bowed her head low, kneeling before the first of the Dark Lords. "I merely did my duty, Lord. It requires no praise or acknowledgement, and knowing I have helped to preserve the Grand Crusade is enough for me. You freed me from the vile confines of that Muggle dungeon, and many others besides! I still owe you a great debt and this does not balance the scales."
"Perhaps," Slytherin said, lifting her chin up so they faced each other, a wicked, deceitful smile materializing and making the black-bearded wizard seem like the Devil himself. "But doubtless your actions today deserve some manner of reward, perhaps at my tent tonight?
As the girl's eyes widened, another Knight knelt over to examine the fallen Ravenclaw. "What shall we do with this one, my Lord?" he asked, running a hand through her brunette locks. "It would be a shame to simply kill her…"
"Enough, Lestrange," Slytherin replied sharply, the tone of his voice causing the Dark wizard to back away. "Leave her on the road where Gryffindor's pet Muggles might find her. The Dark Lord Slytherin is capable of displaying mercy when needed, and Rowena's abilities may yet be needed in the future. Should she deny me fealty again, then we shall destroy her. Besides, we have nothing to lose by letting Godric know something of our strength. It will only serve to weaken the resolve of his forces, fan the flames of his temper and provoke him into rashness, all of which service our cause."
The man addressed as Lestrange nodded, binding Ravenclaw with a complex spell and throwing her over his shoulder like a sack of grain. Turning his attention back to Marian, Salazar grinned broadly. "It is a good omen indeed. A foe routed, an army assembled and the most faithful of my followers here at my side. Yes, my victory is fast approaching, and I would like to take the moment to celebrate our good fortune with you, my dear. The wizarding messiah has come, and tomorrow will see our enemies crushed like the insects they are."
Gloom settled around Cho, capricious and unforgiving, as the vision transmuted a final time, worn limestone blocks assembling around her rapidly, forming into walls, towers and archways. This was not Hogwarts though; the warmth, comfort and security that defined the school were entirely devoid from this place. Here was not a place of learning, but of punishment and imprisonment, the sea air bringing the taste of regret upon Cho's lips. Raised voices sounded down the corridor in a chorus of argument, signalling discord and imbued with anguish. Stalking down the hall, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw argued furiously, overcoming the dread stillness of the fortress and injecting chaotic life. "I don't understand why you are so opposed to this, Rowena!" Godric declared, fixing her with a cold stare. "You refused to allow me to kill him on the battlefield, so why is this alternative so distasteful for you?"
"Death would be a mercy to what you have conceived, Godric!" Rowena hurled back. "Slytherin deserves punishment, yes, but these creatures that you have created are simply beyond the pale! They reek of the precise evil that he engaged in, Dark magic and other horrors! Do not throw aside your code of honour now, especially when his threat is past."
"It is precisely because he engaged in such Dark acts that I created them," Godric defended himself. "The spellwork is fuelled as a result of his crimes. I thought it perfectly reasonable that those he murdered and persecuted should find their way back to haunt him."
"Reasonable?" It was plain as day that Rowena was disturbed by whatever retribution Godric had in mind. "These…things don't care whether they feed off of the emotions of Slytherin or others! They can't distinguish between guilty and innocent, and that's that makes them so dangerous!"
Hufflepuff took the opportunity to speak her peace. "I share some of your misgivings too, Rowena. But remember that Salazar brought this fate upon himself, and for the good of the Wizarding World, he must be contained and imprisoned. Every tool at our disposal must be used, whether it is the Null Stone you recovered, or Godric's Dementors."
"But the Null Stone already cripples Salazar's magical powers, reducing him to the state of a Squib! He's already become what he despises, and this prison has been built stoutly, so he shall not escape. Let him sit here and rot for the rest of his life; there is no need for your creations."
Hufflepuff looked aghast. "Have you forgotten what he did, Rowena? The battles, the pillaging, the campaign of annihilation? Perhaps we are acting in bad faith here, and if that is the case, then I will accept the cost to my soul. But the fact remains that we have barely recovered from the damages he inflicted, and the Muggles are more wary than ever of our presence. Should Salazar escape, he'll raise another army of fanatics and begin his Grand Crusade again, at the cost of even more lives. We must take every precaution to prevent that from happening, as distasteful as these Dementors are."
"Enough!" Godric barked, drawing incredulous glares from both women. "It's been decided. I will use the Dementors to guard over Slytherin, both as punishment for his monstrous crimes and to ensure his continued imprisonment. Do not presume to override me, Rowena, for I have devoted myself to defending the Wizarding and Muggle worlds from whatever threats assail them, Slytherin included, and nothing shall sway me from this course!"
"Interestingly enough, Godric, I heard Salazar spout quite similar rhetoric during his campaign," Rowena snapped back. "You're becoming just like him; engaging in the foulest of acts for what you think are the noblest of goals, neither of you capable of considering your actions or allowing the slightest dissent. You're letting your zeal override your reason and the Dementors are the result."
Godric faced his lover with rage in his heart, leaving Cho to suspect that violence was inevitable. Rowena was right; Gryffindor's actions were motivated by the best of intentions, but it did not excuse the drastic and immoral steps he had taken. "You dare compare my works with his, insinuate that I am in the wrong!" the Founder shouted indignantly, stung by her words.
"You've taken the spirits of Slytherin's victims and warped them into weapons who feed off of the souls of others. By Merlin, you're in the wrong!"
A harsh, demented cackle emerged from a nearby cell, interrupting Gryffindor's rebuttal. "You should really listen to her, friend Godric," Slytherin said, giving another burst of crazed laughter. "These creatures you've created are just so monstrous and foul; hardly becoming of a noble wizard like yourself. I'm actually surprised you had it in you. I clearly underestimated your resolve."
Godric rapped the cell door soundly. "Be silent, Slytherin. You should be thanking us for our mercy in imprisoning you. Your new jailers are on their way, so I'd advise you hold your tongue. They will not pay heed to your sarcasm or trickery."
"For Merlin's sake, I'll not stand by and watch you do this," Rowena declared, choked with grief for their lost and shattered brotherhood. "I'm not going to stay in this hellhole for an instant longer!"
This outburst of emotion incited another chuckle from the imprisoned Dark wizard. "And Rowena, always the weak one. I'll grant you a swift death once I've escaped from this place, my dear, since you're no longer necessary. You haven't won this battle, Godric, I've been in worse places than this and still gotten out, and the seeds of another Grand Crusade have already been sown. You won't be able to stop us, Godric, not if you were to resist for a thousand years!"
"That's enough, I'm sending forth the Dementors," Godric said, his noble brow tensed in anger. "Damn him for forcing me to do this."
"Merlin grant that we are doing the right thing," came Hufflepuff's reply.
Dark shadows emerged from down the corridors as the Dementors arrived, poisoning the air with a sense of despair and hopelessness. The two remaining Founders began to move off and the inhuman sentries moved to take their place, sending screams echoing throughout the dungeon as their dark auras began to take effect, conjuring Merlin knew what manner of horrid visions. Cho flinched at the presence of the Dementors, her discomfort interrupted by the voice of Avalon in her mind. I have found her, Cho Chang, the Spirit Walker declared, the sudden telepathic intrusion a sizable shock to the beautiful Ravenclaw. She stands but two metres to the left of your position, at an angle of thirty degrees. Her thoughts are conflicted, so it seems she is struggling against Slytherin's presence, and her reserves are almost drained. Sheer exhaustion may quell the energies of Slytherin in the end, but she may not survive the process. I'm going to stun her with a non-lethal psychic attack in order to give you an opening. You must help her to bring the energies of Slytherin in check, Cho, or the consequences will be dire for all of us. Prepare yourself.
Complying with her unseen companion's suggestions, Cho eyed the indicated position with trepidation, beckoning the magic to her, calling it awake. It amazed the intelligent Ravenclaw that Blaise could create so much detail in such a small space, and that her powers hadn't burned out from the strain by this point. The time for history lessons was over, however. Time to stop being a student and start being a Champion.
The quickly-conceived plan was executed with tremendous speed, so swiftly that Cho would have missed it had she blinked. In the position Avalon had indicated, Blaise cried out in pain and the illusions dissipated around her, allowing the harsh stone walls and floor of the tower to emerge, chipped and shattered by the competing spellwork. Cho rushed forward, the distance between them shrinking to nothing in an instant, her hands shielded with the energies of Ravenclaw. Sparks crackled as she seized Blaise's wrists, the magic colliding and reacting violently against each other. "Blaise, it's me!" Cho shouted, maintaining her firm grip as the girl twisted and struggled, her beautiful blue eyes wide with fright. "It's alright, I'm not going to hurt you. I just need you to take control before you get yourself killed."
"He's in my mind!" Blaise wailed, only intensifying her attempts to escape the beautiful Ravenclaw's hold. "I can't keep fighting him, Cho. The magic is so…beautiful, and he's so cruel and I want the power. I need the power. I want to feel strong again, better than what I am now."
"I understand what you're feeling," Cho stated. "But you can take control, Blaise. We have known each other for some time by now, and I know that you're stronger than you give yourself credit for, and that you never back away from a challenge. Salazar Slytherin is a phantom, a shade of a dark past, not a living person. You can do this."
Blaise gave a small sob. "You don't understand, Cho. I know who and what I am now. I'm a predator; it's in my blood, it's in my history. To deny this power and the will to use it is to deny myself and who I am." Her voice lowered to a deadly whisper. "Now step aside or suffer the consequences."
"So you intend to kill me then? Have you sacrificed your reason and free will so quickly to become a puppet of Salazar?" Cho shot back, her powerful mind working fast, conjuring a shrewd, if hasty plan. "I truly believed you were better than that."
"My apologies for disappointing you, sweetheart. Again, I ask you to stand aside."
Relinquishing her hold, Cho stepped back several paces, but remained in Blaise's path, holding her arms at her sides in a relaxed fashion. Letting the flames of Ravenclaw die out, the young woman engaged her risky scheme. "You know I can't let you into the greater castle while you're in this state, so I guess you're going to have to kill me. Bend over for Grandpa Slytherin and do it; otherwise, quit wasting my time."
The seconds oozed away like Muggle cement without a move from Blaise. Swiftly, Cho realized by deliberately lowering her defences and making herself vulnerable to attack, she was having an effect on the willowy Slytherin's psyche, forcing her conscience and personality to resist Salazar's control. "Well, I'm not going to stop you, Blaise. If you're such a bad person, trapped by the weaknesses of your lineage, then you should have no trouble killing me. A single strike from the magic you so adore is all that it will take."
"Cho!" A single glance told her that Harry was up and moving again with Avalon at his side, channelling the energies of Gryffindor within himself and preparing to strike.
"Wait!" came Cho's hiss, raising a hand for restraint. Turning her attention back to Blaise, she continued her verbal ministrations, hoping to capitalize on these gains. "Do you know why you haven't killed me at this point? Because, Blaise Zabini, you are a better person than you realize; a woman of strength, of courage, and great force of will. You've already beaten him, Blaise, even if you don't even realize it."
"Cho!" Harry spoke again with a terrified urgency. "You need to get out of the line of fire, Cho; I won't be able to stop her while you're there!"
Inwardly, Cho just wanted to scream at the young Gryffindor for jeopardizing her efforts through his tender concern. While she normally considered herself fortunate to have such a caring man at her side, now was definitely not the time for his puppy-love. "Harry, stand down. Now. Don't argue with me; don't tell me how it's necessary for my own protection, just do it. The same with you, Avalon, don't disrupt this. Blaise deserves better than to be ambushed, even by those with the best of intentions."
Blaise's eyes, glowing vibrantly with the inner fire of Slytherin, widened as Harry and Avalon took Cho's warning to heart, assuming a non-threatening position and lowering their guard. Harry's breathing was heavy with tension and fear, and the beautiful Ravenclaw could see that he was wound almost as tight as Blaise, albeit with a stronger grip on reality. "See, Blaise? We trust you enough to let ourselves die if we're wrong. For all the power and dark cunning Slytherin offers, he can never give you friendship or love. The energies of the Founders are a useful tool, but only that; a tool. Please come back to us, Blaise. We need your help if Voldemort is to be defeated. Help us forge the future we've only dreamed of."
A tremendous shudder passed over the girl and tears blossomed like flowers after a summer rain. Deep within the willowy Slytherin's mind, Salazar screamed in anguish and despair, the wretched splinter cursing Blaise Zabini for all it was worth, wailing and gnashing in vain. Emboldened and reaffirmed by Cho's words, Blaise reclaimed control over herself, spitting angrily at her malevolent ancestor: I will not be one of your pawns!
And then it stopped; the fires of Slytherin flickered out and extinguished themselves, and Blaise collapsed in an exhausted, drained heap, saved a harsh fall by the arms of Cho that enveloped her in a cradling hug. Burying her face in the beautiful Ravenclaw's shoulder, Blaise wept unashamedly, ground down so much by the experience that even her determined psyche was reaching its limits. "Oh, Cho, I'm so sorry," she sobbed despondently, quaking in shock. "I honestly didn't mean it, but it just feel so good to have that much power all at once. I didn't want to hurt you or Harry, you must believe me!"
"Well, you could have fooled-" Harry snapped intensely, only to be silenced by an ice-cold glare from Cho that would have flayed the skin of his back. Tonight, mister, you and I are going to have a talk, Cho thought in the young Gryffindor's direction. "Could someone please send for Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey?" she asked sweetly, becoming somewhat crestfallen when Harry swiftly volunteered.
Avalon walked up to the pair, kneeling before Blaise with hands raised. "May I perform a quick analysis?" she inquired with incredible tact and gentleness, receiving an affirmative nod from the willowy Slytherin. Closing her eyes, the Spirit Walker lightly touched the girl's face, the physical contact aiding her to an extent in scanning through her mind. "No trace of Salazar Slytherin's memory-fragments remain to pollute your mind, Miss Zabini. My theory was right; this was his only opportunity to seize control over you and he failed. I am certain that he will not be able to trouble you further, even when you use the energies of Slytherin again."
"That is most definitely a relief," Blaise sighed, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I'm getting kind of tired now," she said in a little girl's voice. "Mind if I take a rest?"
"You've earned it, Blaise," Cho whispered, stroking the girl's hair as she started to drift off. "There's nothing to be ashamed of; we're all safe and the day has been won. No one blames you for anything."
Blaise gave an uncertain, resigned smile. "If you say so…" she muttered, falling asleep almost instantly.
Moments later, and far more quickly than expected, Madam Pomfrey bustled in, fretting up a storm and almost shoving Cho out of the way as she moved to administer her care to the unconscious Champion of Slytherin. Dumbledore followed, almost serene in his benevolent majesty, radiating waves of concern for his young charges. "It appears that your experiment did not progress as planned, Miss Chang. I hope that none of you were seriously injured over the course of the evening."
"Fortunately not," Cho informed him, noticing Harry standing over by himself and looking quite miserable. Resolving to check in on him when time permitted, she asked, "Personally, Professor, I expected it would take some time before you arrived to assist. Not that I'm ungrateful, of course…"
"In truth, we were on our way here long before Harry approached us with word of the sparking," Dumbledore explained. "The castle's wards detected the energies of Slytherin sparking almost immediately, though our progress was hindered by Blaise's magical illusions extending beyond the confines of the North Tower. We had a battle between illusionary Inferius and the enchanted suits of armour raging throughout the castle, but you managed to stop her before anyone was hurt. For that, you must be commended, Miss Chang. The experience was a disorienting and confusing one, but you kept a level head and prevented the situation from turning violent. Poppy, how is Miss Zabini holding up?"
The often imposing Infirmary Matron snorted angrily, conjuring a stretcher for her newest patient. "For the most part, she's simply exhausted. I understand little as to how the energies of the Founders work, but she should be up and about within the day or so. The magic seems to replenish itself over time, so I doubt there will be any permanent effects. Now if only I could keep Mister Potter and his associates out of my care! It's fast becoming a pattern with him."
"Be still, Poppy," the elderly sage chided her. "If you could bring Miss Zabini under your care for the length of her recuperation, I would greatly appreciate it. As for you, Miss Chang, Harry has already informed me of the night's events, so there is no need to keep you up further. Rest, and you may more thoroughly brief me in the morning. Avalon, if you would like to share your thoughts with me now, I will be in my study. Good-night."
Bowing to the Headmaster's wisdom, Cho watched as the teachers made their way out of the North Tower, levitating Blaise between them. Avalon paused to thank the two Champions for their efforts and return Cho's wand before shooing them out of her chamber, the Spirit Walker's sleeping quarters a mess thanks to the night's activities. Harry and Cho decided to take their leave, escaping the discord that permeated the Tower for some solace in the quiet halls. For a time, neither spoke, each too tense and disappointed, both with themselves and with their efforts to awaken the magic within Blaise. Certainly not our finest evening, Cho thought to herself, glancing shyly over at Harry. It hurt her to speak to him like she did in the Tower, but it was entirely necessary during those circumstances.
Harry spoke first, lowering his gaze deferentially, as if he was ashamed to look upon her. "I screwed up tonight, Cho. You were absolutely right back there; I had no business confronting Blaise the way I did. Your instincts were better than mine, I guess." He looked Cho in the eye and his voice grew thick with regret. "I almost killed a friend tonight, even when the threat of Salazar had passed. How can I look at Blaise again, knowing that I nearly murdered her out of my own fear and prejudice?"
Any anger she held in her heart began to evaporate, and Cho moved to soothe her lover's misgivings. "You made a mistake, Harry, but not an irreconcilable one. Remember that, at the end of the day when all has come and gone, we are still here and still healthy. The energies of Slytherin have sparked, and while tonight's adventure was something of a disaster, she'll be able to control it more effectively now. No one was hurt or killed, and while I thought your course of action tonight was foolish and stupid, I can respect your efforts to protect me. If anything, it was your lack of trust that upset me."
"I'm sorry, Cho. I know you're a strong woman, capable of defending yourself; I simply let my own fears get away with me. Ever since I arrived at King's Cross for the first time, I've heard all these horror stories about Slytherin, how he was one of the greatest Dark wizards of all time and how every single member of his House turned out rotten. When I saw Blaise out of control like that, all the children's tales and gossip swelled to mind and I could only react. If I've offended you tonight, I'm sorry. I'm quite upset with myself right now, following partisan smears over your dependable insights. If I've shamed you, then I will accept whatever punishment you desire, but I will trust you from now on. You have my word, but if that means little to you after tonight, I understand."
Rather struck by the sincerity of his words, Cho gently squeezed Harry's shoulders to reassure him. "I accept your apology, my love, and your word means the world to me. Just, from now on, think before you act. I don't always need a man to come to my rescue, as grim as a situation might seem on the surface."
"Point taken," Harry said, the vapour of a smile coming to him. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it," Cho replied, kissing him softly, grinning like the Cheshire Cat as the contact ended. "After all our time spent together, I know that the desire to improve yourself is strong within you. I have faith."
"Thanks," the Champion of Gryffindor stated, drawing her into a more passionate, forceful kiss, moaning lightly into her mouth. "I'll visit Blaise later in the Hospital Wing as well, for she deserves an apology too."
Cho gave a joyous laugh, throwing her arms around Harry's neck. "Always the thoughtful one, my love. That being said, Pomfrey's probably only just got her into bed by this juncture, and she honestly does deserve an uninterrupted night's sleep. When she's rested and fully recovered, then it would be best to see her."
"In the meantime…" Harry whispered coyly, filling her ear with his warm breath.
Cho chuckled softly. "I guess I can't just stay mad at you, can I?"
This declaration caused Harry to stop and address Cho with far less levity, the creases of his brow furrowing with loving concern. "Cho, listen, I didn't say those things earlier simply to get into your knickers. I honestly meant what I was speaking, and if you're not up to it tonight, I'll respect your wishes."
"Harry, I know you were being truthful and speaking with integrity. That's why I'm willing to spend the night with you," Cho elaborated, tracing Harry's jawline with a gentle touch. "Couples fight sometimes, it's perfectly natural. I hold it as a source of pride that we're able to communicate and compromise with each other to nip these problems in the bud before they fester. Regardless, we've had a long night, and since I don't have any class in the morning, we can take some time off to…enjoy ourselves." Taking his hand in her own, Cho led her lover into Ravenclaw Tower, allowing herself, for one small moment, to feel carefree and human again.
Several hours later, Harry left the sensual comforts of Ravenclaw Tower shrouded under the arcane weave of the Invisibility Cloak, carrying with him the sensation of Cho's warm, responsive flesh and the memory of her luxurious bed. Ravenclaw Tower had become something of a second home to the young Gryffindor over the past few weeks, for he had found a great deal of solace and kindness within the spindly edifice. When not making love to Cho, Harry often glanced through the impressive collection of literary and academic texts that dominated the huge Common Room, or discussed Quidditch, politics and school life with his Ravenclaw peers. Yet, it was Harry's desire to make amends to Blaise that led him to abandon the warmth of Cho's bed and walk through the halls of Hogwarts at five in the morning. His behaviour towards the willowy Slytherin had been entirely unacceptable, and he had promised to apologize for it. Besides, when she awoke, Blaise would undoubtedly want a friendly face nearby as consolation after her terrifying experience.
And so it was that Harry set out towards the Hospital Wing with a heavy heart and some magical camouflage, not before stroking Cho's naked back and informing her of his intentions. Ravenclaw Tower and the Hospital Wing were nearly adjacent to one another, so the walk went swiftly. He received no trouble whatsoever from the sleeping portraits, and both Filch and Snape appeared to be sulking through different haunts, leaving him unhindered. Shivering under the Cloak, Harry cursed himself for not bringing a sweater. The night had taken on a vicious, numbing chill that seeped through the castle walls, and Harry was still dressed in the casual jeans and polo shirt he had worn through the evening, certainly nothing winter-worthy. Resolving to grin and bear it, Harry walked stealthly into the Hospital Wing, expecting to see Blaise suffering from Madam Pomfrey's ministrations.
Much to his panic, the Hospital Wing was empty, with no Blaise to be found. One of the beds appeared to have been used, with the sheets flung in disarray and the pillows scattered. Had one of Malfoy's supporters abducted her? It seemed unlikely, given that her latent powers had sparked, but Harry could not shake the thought regardless. It was almost immediately that Harry realized what was happening, and moved to intercept. Quickening his pace to the extent that it woke up every portrait he passed, Harry rushed down to the Slytherin dormitories, taking the steps from the Entrance Hall three at a time. The entrance to the dorms was unsealed, product of a laughing Slytherin seventh-year staggering back towards his domain with a girl on his arm. For the flash of an instant, Harry wondered of the consequences that would occur if Snape found him sneaking through the dungeons of his House, but he shoved aside such thoughts quickly. Blaise was a friend and a fellow Champion, and he wouldn't abandon her simply because that greasy bat might discover him. He was no frightened child to be scared off by the unpleasant Potions Master, and Snape would find that at his cost if he tried to stall the Champion's path.
Folding the Invisibility Cloak more tightly around him, Harry stepped towards the section of the Slytherin dormitories reserved for the girls, his heart pounding in his chest. Each dormitory was labelled with the appropriate year, simplify the Gryffindor's search immeasurably. Licking his dry lips, Harry stepped forward, the tips of his fingers lightly brushing the doorknob, and a tremor of surprise ran over him. He had assumed that the girl's dormitories in Slytherin House would be charmed to prevent the entrance of boys, as per the other Houses. The absence of such countermeasures led him to assume that either such spells were not universally present, or that Slytherin House held women in lower regard than he considered. How typical of them, Harry sneered inwardly. Blaise was right about the House, for it was in desperate need of reform, if this was any indication. Mentally prepared, Harry turned the knob and silently entered.
In the centre of the now-vacant room, Blaise Zabini, still haggard and worn from the night's events, was preparing herself for flight, using her wand to pack a large leather trunk with blinding speed. The dormitory itself was a tattered warzone, beds ripped to shreds and furniture hacked into kindling, doubtless by the 1796 Pattern heavy cavalry sword hung at her side. Throwing a green winter coat over her shoulders, Blaise levitated the trunk and set it following after her, only to be halted by the presence of Harry. "It's a bit late to be going for a stroll, Blaise," Harry said, shucking off the Invisibility Cloak and facing her with melancholy. "Blaise, I'm sorry for the things I said tonight, but you don't need to leave the school like this, especially not based on my mistakes."
"And since when did everything become about you, Potter?" Blaise lashed out, her beautiful face flushing with rage and shame, the words spilling out faster than she could make them stop. "Get out of here, Potter, and go back to your little Ravenclaw squeeze-toy. I'm sick of your Merlin-damned petty Gryffindor moralism, and I won't stand it any longer. Now get the hell out of my way; your presence here is offensive to the extreme."
"So that's your plan, Blaise, to run away?" Harry queried, seeing her body tense up and shake in response. "There's no need to all for this. You don't need to flee from your problems. We can help you, and we do want to help you. You're not responsible for what happened in the North Tower tonight, no one believes otherwise, and I'm sorry if I made you think that."
Blaise gave a harsh, sarcastic laugh. "Do you honestly believe that?" she snapped, tears coming to her deep blue eyes. "I almost killed you tonight, Harry, almost murdered you and Cho and set the castle ablaze. I knew exactly what I was doing, when I was doing it, but didn't care in the slightest. How you even look at me after what I did? How can any of you?"
"I nearly made the same error too, so I'm in no position to be angry at you," Harry replied. "Cho has forgiven you, and this evening only showed me how much her judgement is better than mine. Things happened that were beyond your control, and we deserve as much blame as you for letting the experiment get out of hand." Gently taking hold of her wrist, Harry conjured a handkerchief for the blue-eyed spy, wiping away the tears that continued to fall. "Please don't cry, Blaise, you were stronger than you give yourself credit for. The worst part's over now."
The Champion of Slytherin gave a defeated sigh, setting her trunk down before taking a seat herself. "I can't do this anymore, Harry. Not the fighting or the killing or the magic or the secrets or the lies or the fear. I quit. You and Cho can go save the world as much as you please, but I'm done."
Attempting futilely to stifle her tears, Blaise continued on, heedless of Harry's comforting arms. "No matter what happens, Voldemort will have won. Even if we beat him and scatter his bones to the wind, we'll still be corrupted by our actions. I'm sixteen, Harry, and I already have more than enough blood on my hands, and there are times in which I enjoy the fighting and yearn for more of it." Her voice cracked and she began to break down again. "And then there are the energies of Slytherin. When they sparked tonight, Harry, I was so consumed by the magic that I could not breathe! I couldn't get enough of that power, no matter how many people might have been hurt in the process." The beautiful Slytherin wept with shame before turning to face Harry. "I just don't think I'm cut out for this kind of stuff!"
Harry made certain to keep his voice level and appeasing as he replied, "We all feel that way sometimes, Blaise. You're absolutely right; this war is a terrible, vile thing and never a day goes by when I don't wish it was over. You deserve better than to experience such times and be forced to live your life in fear. That being said, there are a lot of people who depend upon us, Blaise, both inside and outside of Hogwarts, and the only way the fighting is ever going to stop is if we finish it. It's a horrid solution, but I certainly can't think of a better one."
Blaise turned bitter at Harry's words. "You mean those mindless sheep who joyfully sold you up the river last year? Those arrogant, complacent fools would don't give a damn about anything beyond their own comfort? Let the bastards rot, Harry, I'm not going to kill people just so some craven who calls himself a wizard can read his post in peace." Her voice fell despondently. "I'm just so exhausted now, Harry; of keeping my cover within Slytherin House, of always looking over my shoulder, of Weasley's hatred and distrust, of the stupid guys that hang around and make comments about my legs. Sometimes I dream that Malfoy's back to finish what he started and I can't fend him off, or it's you dying at the hands of Voldemort. And then the magic speaks to me and offers me a way out, a chance to be free without the burden of responsibility, without the restraints of conscience, and it's comforting in its own twisted way. I'm simply too weak to control the magic like you and Cho can."
"That's not true," Harry retorted empathically. "You're probably the strongest girl I know, Blaise; your determination and cunning aren't an act but qualities that you strongly possess. The energies of the Founders can be frightening, but I promise you that you'll be able to get a better handle on them from now on. It's good that you're looking at the magic seriously, but don't fall victim to doubt either."
"Is this the part where you ask me to keep a stiff upper lip and buck up for the cause?"
Harry sighed. "It's the part where I tell you that we could use your aid. You're your own person, Blaise, I can't make this decision for you. If you are utterly convinced that you can't stand another moment spent in Hogwarts, then I'll be the first to help you move your things. If you decide to hang up the Adder's Bite for good, I'll accept it and give you my blessing. If you chose to retire and watch the rest of the war from the sidelines, I'll understand your desire to do so. Merlin's beard, do you think I haven't considered taking Cho and fleeing the country before? Now, with that said, I can honestly tell you that we need your help to finish this. Voldemort is not going to stop until he either wins or dies, and all our strength is demanded so that our children can live free of this fear. I'm not asking you to fight for the Ministry or even the Wizarding World, just fight for the better days to come. I'm begging you, Blaise, please don't leave us. We are so much less without you."
"What about the Weasels?"
"Ron and Ginny will come around to you," Harry answered, ignoring her pejorative. "They reacted in a similar manner when Cho and I got back together, but they've accepted us. They'll do the same for you, I swear it."
Blaise looked at Harry with wide eyes, letting her head rest in the crook of his shoulder, gently brushing the knuckles of his left hand. Harry felt his ardour grow in such close proximity to the willowy Slytherin, and only began to notice then how truly lovely she was. "Remind me why you're doing this again," Blaise asked as her breathing returned to a healthy tempo. "You've sneaked through the halls in the dead of night and broken into the Slytherin dungeons despite the risk to your academic career, and you've probably vacated Cho's dormitory in the bargain. And for what? A worn-down, two-faced Slytherin bitch?"
"Don't you ever say that!" Harry snapped firmly, receiving a confused look from Blaise in return. "You're not a two-faced Slytherin bitch, you're a human being and a decent, independent one to boot. I consider you to be a friend, as much as Hermione, Ron, Neville or Luna, and if they faced this situation, I would assist them as I have assisted you. You're an amazing young woman, Blaise. Never forget that."
For the first time in a long time, Blaise Zabini was completely stunned and left speechless by Harry's words, which struck her with all the force of a Killing Curse. Part of the reason for her continued survival in Slytherin House was her skill at wordplay, enabling her to deflect suspicion and encourage others to reveal their secrets. But here, such skills failed in the face of Harry's overwhelming kindness and integrity. A warm, glowing blush suffused her cheeks, making her appear all the more attractive. "Again, I understand what Cho and the Weaslette see in you, Harry Potter. That is perhaps the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me."
"It's the truth, Blaise. You don't win any medals for telling the truth."
"Perhaps," Blaise said, stroking the stubble of Harry's jawline with two fingers, forcing his head into position so their eyes met. "Of course, a small token of my regard is in order…"
Harry gasped in surprise as Blaise drew him into a tender kiss, the sensation of her firm and generous lips against his inducing a pleasurable moan from the Champion of Gryffindor. The girl tasted of cream and the barest flavour of mint, and Harry found himself enjoying it far more than he should have, burning in shame. The kiss ended and the Champion of Slytherin beamed at the object of her affections. "A kiss of gratitude, dear Harry, but…but nothing more. I know you love Cho, and regardless of my…feelings for you, my desires, I respect you and Cho too much to impede on what you've created between yourselves. Sometimes, you know, you have to give up the ones you love in order for them to be truly happy." At this declaration, tears began to emerge in her deep blue eyes, but the girl cuffed them away sternly. "I can't make any guarantees, Harry, but I will consider what you have said. Besides, it's far too early to be heading into Hogsmeade now. You should get some rest; you look like you need it."
Blaise loves me? Harry gaped at the thought, still shocked by her earlier display of affection. For his part, he found the willowy Slytherin to be quite attractive, both physically and in terms of her fiery temperament, but he loved Cho too much to consider betraying her in such a fashion. The passionate emotional bonds he shared with the beautiful Ravenclaw were absent with Blaise, and Harry was not a man to discard a woman on some selfish whim. He felt loved and happy with Cho, but could not consent to a relationship with Blaise and expect the same feelings to emerge. Remembering how he had felt the pangs of unrequited love for a time, he felt a harsh surge of pity for the girl. As much as he loved Cho to the ends of his existence, a sour pit formed in his stomach despite it. "Blaise, I honestly don't know what to say, other than I simply can't leave Cho for you, no matter how you feel about me."
"Say you'll go back to Cho and enjoy the rest of the day," came her response. "What the two of you have is special, and while I find myself caring for you, certainly Cho's concern for you surpasses mine. As for my feelings…It's the truth, Harry. You don't win any medals for telling the truth. You deserved to know regardless." She gave Harry an annoyed look, fragments of the old Blaise coming to the fore once again. "Trust me, I'll be alright, you certainly saw to that."
"As you wish," Harry said, bowing before his companion, somewhat placated by her calm, accepting attitude. He'd inform Cho immediately upon his return, she deserved that much, and if she was upset with him, then he'd accept the consequences. "Good night, Blaise."
"Good night, Harry," the willowy Slytherin answered, hearing the door close behind Harry's passage. Flopping herself down on her bed, Blaise savoured the contented moment before drifting off to sleep.
Next Chapter: The Army of the Marauders takes to the field, Minister Bones pays a visit, and Voldemort gets one step closer to his ultimate victory