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A/N: Thanks for the reviews :D

Questions Concerning:

Centaurs: Will come in after a few more parts at the very latest.

- - - Book 3 — Part 4: Salandra's Master

It was September first. Sirius and Lupin had taken Harry to the Burrow, because they had Custosae business to take care of at Gringotts due to some more funds that had come in.

Harry didn't mind, and was happy to stay over with the Weasley's, Teddy riding on his foot the entire time.

It was early in the morning, and Harry couldn't sleep (Ron's snores aside), so he quietly went downstairs, a sleeping Teddy in his arms.

He just wanted to be in a quiet place to think. Think about the coming year, and the plans of the Custosae and of what Voldemort might be planning.

Sitting on the couch in the living room, he didn't notice Molly and Arthur in the kitchen at first, until he heard their voices.

"How do you think he is, really?" Molly asked.

"I don't know, Molly. He seems to be doing much better, I mean, from what Sirius and Remus had told us how he was earlier…." Arthur said.

Molly sighed.

"I just hope his magic continues to settle. We were lucky the thing during his birthday turned out to be a good thing, as well as that nightmare at Diagon Alley with the dementors. I just hope nothing happens at Hogwarts, the lad has enough on his shoulders, no need to add guilt," Arthur continued.

"I agree, but I also wish others wouldn't add to what he feels may or may not be his responsibility," Molly muttered.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…" she sighed. "I mean, I know Albus means well, but… should he be so honest with Harry? Harry is just a boy."

"Albus knows what he's doing," Arthur stated. "Besides, I think Harry has a right to know about things concerning You-Know-Who."

"Arthur, he knew more about the attack on Diagon Alley than we did!" Molly snapped.

Harry couldn't take it any longer. He hadn't meant to overhear, he just wanted to get away from Ron's snores to be able to think, since he couldn't get to sleep. He hadn't meant to overhear what was quickly sounding like a fight about him. He got up, intending to just ignore and forget what he had just heard, and sneak back upstairs.

Well, that just wasn't to be.

"I still don't think it's right. That poor boy has been through more than all of us, I dare say put together! Why is Albus adding to it by informing him of details he ought not to know. Harry knew more about Severus' injuries than we did, and I have no doubt that has as much to do with Sirius and Remus as it does Dumbledore," she said, her back to the living room.

"I'm sure Harry was just worried, so they told him to put his mind at ease," Arthur said. "It's better than keeping him in the dark."

"That's not keeping him in the dark. All he needed to know was that Severus would be alright, not a list of the injuries he is now recovering from."

"He is not our son."

"He is as good as."

"Albus has his reasons."

"He is still just a boy!" her voice going up a few notches, just barely below what would be heard upstairs.

Arthur's eyes suddenly focused onto what was beyond his wife, movement having caught his attention.

"Harry?" he asked.

Harry cringed. He had really hoped he wouldn't get caught….

He heaved a heavy sigh, slowly turning and facing him, though still fairly hidden in the darkness.

"How much did you hear?" Arthur asked softly, Molly turning around now.

How on earth was he supposed to answer that? All of it? Too much? Everything from 'How do you think he is'?

"Sorry, I didn't mean to overhear…" he muttered as something suddenly came to mind.

There was an awkward silence, none of them wishing to break it.

"Why don't you come out of the dark, and come in here," Arthur suggested softly.

Harry obliged, slowly stepping out of the shadows and into the kitchen, Teddy now awake with Harry's arm wrapped around him.

To Molly and Arthur, he looked far younger than a third year now. He looked ten. With his blue PJ's and clutched teddybear….

"We're sorry, Harry. We are not good hosts, talking about our guests…" Arthur said after a moment. Molly stayed silent. Harry shrugged.

"I understand," Harry said. "You're not bad hosts… just…" he went out on a limb, "overly concerned ones." He gave them a small soft smile.

"Harry, I think our concerns are well warranted," Molly finally spoke up. Harry looked at her, and for some reason she couldn't help but feel the way she did in front of Dumbledore and his power. Perhaps it was Harry's eyes that did this to her.

"We shouldn't worry about things that can't be changed or prevented," Harry stated, wondering why he was being so bold today. Maybe it was because he was finally feeling better after the incident with the dementors, or maybe it was because he wanted to show them a little bit of who he truly was, and not just a 'poor boy'.

"Harry, there are certain things that should and can be," Molly said.

Harry didn't say anything at that; instead, he decided to guide the conversation elsewhere.

"When I was in the Realm," Harry began. Molly tried to hide the tiny start she had given, but Harry saw it. Arthur was still. "I met several people. Some younger than others, others older. Some had died in times of peace, others in war... I met two brothers who had fought and died in a terrible war."

"Where are you getting at, Harry?" Arthur asked.

Harry looked directly at Molly, Teddy watching their every move.

"They are exceedingly proud of the two of you with how you are raising your family, and they wanted me to tell you a few things. Your work will be made evident in your children's actions soon, and, I dare say it, some of it already has. However, they also wanted you to know that though protectiveness is understandable and warranted, over-protectiveness can be dangerous and a hindrance. Children are meant to grow up, and in certain situations, grow up sooner than we would like. This can be said of myself, them, and you, their baby sister, Mrs. Weasley. I'm sorry I haven't been able to give you their message sooner," Harry said, taking a few steps back before leaving Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in stunned and teary silence.

O o O

"Ready to—" Fred stopped short, peeking into Harry and Ron's room.

"Ah, Harry is ready, oh brother of mine," George said, finding Harry all set with Teddy, his suitcase and all.

They ignored the fact Ron was sleeping and drooling in his sleep.

"So, Harry, care to let us in on the secret?" Fred asked, closing the door behind them.

"Huh?" Harry asked.

"Mum isn't already up here and on our cases about packing and getting ready," George said.

"What did you do?" Fred asked.

"Just spoke to them this morning is all," Harry said, not wanting to get into it.

"Fine, don't tell us," Fred said, feigning annoyance.

"Fine…. You know the message I gave to Fudge, you know, from his grandfather?" Harry asked, giving in.

"Yeah…"

"I had a message from your mum's brothers," He said, now very quiet. "I told them."

"Oh," Fred and George replied.

"Yeah."

"Well, I guess we should get Ron up before he drowns himself," Fred said after a moment.

"I'll take my stuff down now," Harry said, floating his suitcase with a wave of his wand, the improved wards preventing the Ministry from detecting underage magic.

O o O o O

They finally got on the train, and to Harry, this didn't happen fast enough.

The last hour at the Weasley's had been difficult, mainly because it was clear Mrs. Weasley was near the point of bursting into tears at any moment. Ron, the twins, and Ginny didn't really know what to think, but had gotten ready in record time (which hadn't been hard to break, but the new one they had set would be).

It was obvious that Molly and Arthur didn't know what to think of Harry, but they had both bid him goodbye before he and their children went onto the train.

Harry hoped this sort of awkwardness with Ron's parents would end, but then, he didn't know of anything else with them….

"I can't believe we're back," Ron said to Harry as they claimed a compartment. Draco, Vince, Greg, Hermione, Ginny, Neville (with Revlis), and the twins were with them. It was a little crowded, but they made it work.

"Yeah. At the beginning of summer, I wasn't even sure I would be able to," Harry admitted, patting Teddy on the head.

"So Teddy will be staying with you from now on?"Greg asked.

"Yup, Dumbledore gave the okay," Harry said.

"That's good," Hermione said, looking at Teddy with eyes that wanted nothing else but to see what made him work.

"Harry…" Teddy whispered, making those not used to stuffed animals talking jump.

"Yeah?" Harry asked.

"She's not going to try to steal my stuffing…is she?" Teddy asked, staring at Hermione.

"She's just curious, Teddy," Harry said, smirking at Hermione's expression.

"I would never steal your stuffing!" she said, horrified anyone would suggest such a thing.

"Oh, good, because if you tried, I'd have to stop you," Teddy said, quite seriously.

:Is this teddybear really talking?: Revlis asked, having heard of him from Neville, but still intrigued to hear the bear's voice for himself as he peeked his head out from Neville's sleeve.

:Of course I'm talking! You hear the words coming out of my mouth, don't you?!: Teddy asked, slightly offended. Did the snake think he was stupid?

Everyone froze for a long moment, until the twins started laughing.

"Teddy, the parseltongue speaking teddybear!" Fred declared.

"How?" Ron asked.

"Well, Harry made him, and he's a parselmouth, so Teddy must have gotten it from him," Hermione said.

"Makes sense," Neville said, and before they knew it, the ride to Hogwarts was over.

O o O o O

Harry and the others entered the Great Hall, Ron and the others silently forming a guard around Harry as Draco, Vince, and Greg headed off to the Slytherin table. Neville and Ron were first, then Harry, then Hermione and Ginny, and then the twins.

Harry could feel dozens of eyes staring at him, and could hear whispers sparking throughout about him.

"So he is alive."

"Did you see his eyes? Wicked."

"He sort of looks different."

"Is that a teddybear on his foot?"

"Wow! The teddybear moved!"

"Aww, it's adorable."

He felt Teddy hug his leg a little bit more before they took a seat, where Harry lifted Teddy up and placed him on his lap. The others took their seats around him, no one questioning why Harry was surrounded by obviously protective friends.

Dinner and announcements went by quickly, and though Harry could tell everyone was wondering what was up with the talking bear, no one asked him about him. Of the announcements, Harry only listened to the important ones. The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was an American Auror named Stephanie Somac. Harry definitely approved of this news, knowing that she was the one who had saved Snape.

Glancing at Snape, he found him staring at Professor Somac without the common glare he usually had on his face when looking at the new DADA teacher. Apparently he approved of this as well.

The other announcement was that Aurors and people trusted by the Headmaster would be patrolling Hogwart's borders and entrances. Harry knew this was primarily due to the Custosae, but the Ministry had supplied some Aurors to help out, which was a pleasant surprise, especially since the Minister had allowed Dumbledore to hand pick them. Things were certainly looking up there.

Finally they all left to their dorms, though Harry wasn't tired at all.

"It's good to see you again, Harry," Dean said, Seamus nodding in agreement.

"Thanks, it's good to be back," he said, Teddy now jumping on the bed behind him.

"Uh, just curious, but, what's up with the bear?" Seamus asked.

"Teddy? He's sort of…um…"

"I go with him everywhere, Albus Dumbledore told me to," Teddy said, not missing a beat in his jumping.

"Why?" Dean asked.

"I uh…"

"Is it about what happened?" Seamus asked. "What happened last year?"

"Yeah…. I'm doing much better, but Dumbledore figures it's better to be safe than sorry," Harry said, glad he didn't have to go into an explanation. "Teddy will be going to all of my classes with me. Dumbledore has already spoken to the teachers and stuff."

Dean nodded.

"Well, we should go to bed now," Seamus said, already pulling the curtain around his bed for privacy.

They all agreed and tucked in, though Ron and Neville could tell Harry wasn't going to go to sleep any time soon.

"What's up Harry?" Neville asked after Dean and Seamus had fallen asleep.

Harry and Teddy were laying on the bed, but neither were even trying to fall asleep.

"I'm going to go visit Salandra tonight," Harry said. "We don't have classes tomorrow, and I feel that I need to talk to her as soon as possible."

"You sure about this, Harry?" Ron asked. "I mean, the last time…"

"There was no other way, and she knew that. Her intention wasn't to kill me, but the horcrux. I just need to talk to her, let her know I don't blame her or anything," Harry said.

"Do you want one of us to go with you?" Neville asked.

"No, Teddy will be with me, besides, the more of us who go, the more likely someone will notice," Harry said.

"Okay, Harry, if you're sure," Ron said. "But take the mirror with you, just in case. If something goes wrong, contact us."

"Right," Harry said, pulling out the mirror and the cloak that he had previously stashed under his pillow.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," Harry said, placing a silencing charm on himself before wrapping the cloak around him and Teddy.

"We'll cover for you if anyone asks," Ron said.

Harry nodded before going completely invisible, and then left for the girl's restroom with the secret entrance.

O o O o O

Dumbledore couldn't sleep. At first he didn't know why, but then he figured it out. Hogwarts wasn't sleeping.

It wasn't as though she actually slept, she would just rest, but this night, she seemed anxious and eager about something.

Dumbledore decided to patrol, maybe then he would figure out what was making Hogwarts restless.

He got onto the second floor, mainly because the stairs seemed to be having a one track mind and continued leading him there. Continuing down the hall, he quickly realized he wasn't alone. There was another presence (or was it two?) in the hall with him. They were concealed very well, and appeared to be moving towards the girl's bathroom, or at least had been before they had undoubtedly noticed him.

His hand moved towards his wand a little, just in case. Allowing Hogwart's magic, as well as his own, to guide his attention fully onto the presence, what he found surprised him a little, but then didn't surprise him at all.

"It is a little late to be wondering alone at this hour, Harry," he said into the seemingly empty hall.

Harry's head suddenly appeared, his body still invisible.

"I-I… I'm sorry, I was just… um…"

He had just been caught, and he was a little frazzled.

"Why don't you tell me what is so important for you to be out after hours on the first day back within Hogwarts?" he asked, though it wasn't exactly a question. "And not only that, going towards the entrance to the Chamber."

"I need to go talk to Salandra, sir, please," he said. He didn't know why, but he had been feeling this unforgiving urgency to go visit her.

"Very well then," he said gently.

Harry looked up, understandably surprised.

"However, I'm going with you," he added after a pause. "I too have been unable to sleep, and I think this, for whatever reason, may be the cause. After you Harry, you know the password after all," he said with a smile.

Harry couldn't believe it, but who was he to argue?

He nodded, taking his cloak off and putting it under his shirt as he led the way.

It was much like it was before the summer, and the memory of what had happened within was making Harry have second thoughts about what he was doing, but he pressed on, Dumbledore walking beside him.

Teddy was quiet, looking around and searching for possible threats as they continued in. After a few more minutes, they were in the main chamber.

"Well Harry, I suppose you will need to call her," Dumbledore said, as if it was completely normal to call a fifty foot basilisk out to chat.

:Salandra? Are you here? Can I talk to you? The Headmaster is with me so…: Harry looked up at Dumbledore before continuing. :If you could not look at him, I'd appreciate it:

:I am here, Young Harry. I had been afraid you would not return: she said, her voice echoing about them, though Dumbledore couldn't understand it.

:Well, I'm here, and I want to let you know I don't blame you for what happened. I understand why you had to do what you did: he said, Dumbledore still standing confidently beside him.

:You do?: she actually sounded hopeful, for a snake that is.

:It worked. I am no longer a horcrux:

:But you were sick for a long time because of what I did, and I sense….: she trailed off, and they could hear her coming closer.

Harry saw her nose peeking out of Salazar's open mouth. It had never been closed back up. Dumbledore closed his eyes, not sure if Salandra would look at him or not.

:You are different child. Your magic is different. It is no longer tainted with the horcrux, but there is something new with it: She slithered out, Dumbledore able to visualize the fact she was a few yards in front of them.

He was itching to open his eyes to look at her, to see the familiar of Salazar Slytherin, but he dared not to. He was also certain Harry was either closing his eyes or looking down, but he knew Harry knew how to handle himself here.

:I am so sorry, child. I had not meant to cause such a rift within you, but I am glad your magic was able to mesh with it. I had known there was the possibility that the magic in my venom would conflict with the phoenix tears, but I had hoped….: She actually gave a hissy sigh. :But once the house elf came and retrieved what I had left, just in case, I knew something like that had occurred. I'm glad your friends were able to save you:

:Thanks, Salandra: he said, glancing up at Dumbledore to find him closing his eyes.

:You can tell the Headmaster he can open his eyes, I will not look upon the two of you: she said.

"Professor, you can open your eyes now. She told me she won't look upon us," Harry said.

Dumbledore opened his eyes without hesitation, before blinking at the sight before him. A long, thick and slick body, with marvelous scales was coiled before them.

"So this is Salandra," he said. "Wicked."

Harry smirked. Only Dumbledore….

:Harry… I have something I must ask: she said.

:Yeah?:

:I have been thinking… and after what has happened… I think I am in need of a master: she said, a little hesitantly.

:A master?:

:I understand that you can't become the master, under the circumstances I wouldn't advise it, but… if I had a master, I would be able to go out onto the grounds of Hogwarts and even further, instead of just inside the Forbidden Forest or within her walls. For example, I would be able, if I ever needed, to be in front of the gates of Hogwarts, or even to Hogsmeade. Of course, I would only be able to do so if my master told me to, but for me to be able to be ordered, I would need a master. Can you help me?:

Harry looked up to Dumbledore, wishing Dumbledore could understand parseltongue.

:They would need to be extremely magically strong, and had it not been for how your magical state is right now, I would suggest you, but…:

Harry paused thinking.

"What is going on, Harry? You seem to be hard pressed for an answer."

:I know who Salandra's master should be!: Teddy shouted, his sudden and random hissing actually surprising Dumbledore.

:Who Teddy?: Harry asked.

:Three hints…. He's very powerful, he's on our side, and he's veryveryvery old!:

"Dumbledore?!" Harry asked, falling back to English.

Teddy nodded triumphantly.

Salandra looked pleased (well, as far as Harry and the others could tell without looking into her eyes…).

:I agree, and will happily accept, if he so chooses to take the position: Salandra stated.

Harry looked to Dumbledore, who was actually between alarmed, amused, and utterly confused.

"What did I miss?" he asked.

"Salandra wants and feels that she needs a…master, so Teddy suggested you. Salandra likes the idea," Harry summed up.

"Me? And why does she need a master?"

"She said she would be able to leave the walls of Hogwarts then, if her master said so of course, and so, if anything were to happen, like in Hogsmeade, she would be able to help. Or at least that's what I think she was getting at."

:Yes, that's exactly what I was getting at: she said.

"I see…" Dumbledore said, thinking.

He was not exactly fond of snakes, having had a bad experience with one when he was a child, but this was an opportunity he would be insane to pass up. Well, maybe not insane, just utterly brainless, until he recalled how one becomes a master.

"Sir?" Harry asked.

"A bond with a snake calls for a bite, does it not?" Dumbledore asked.

:Just a prick of the finger by one of my fangs. I do not use any venom: Salandra said, Harry quickly passing on the message as she continued. :Harry will continue being my Stewart, but final authority will rest with you. My agreement I made with him cannot be broken, so any orders you give me that conflict with it are null and void, but that should not be an issue, since it concerned the protection of the inhabitants of Hogwarts. Also, like every bond, your magic will be affected, just as mine will be. I cannot be completely certain with how your core will respond, but it will not be harmful at all: she said.

Dumbledore suddenly looked thoughtful.

"Mr. Longbottom and Revlis are bonded," he stated suddenly. "I don't know why I hadn't noticed before, but it makes sense now."

Harry looked up hesitantly, not sure how Dumbledore was going to react after coming to that revelation.

"Splendid! I wonder if Augusta knows? No matter. So, what about these effects?" he asked, moving on as if it was no big deal. "I'd like to know a little bit of what to expect. How did your previous masters respond?"

:My last master was Salazar Slytherin. Because of the bond, his life was extended, his physical condition greatly improved as did his magical strength, and his glare was like no other. His gaze was nothing like mine, but it struck fear in the hearts of any he was particularly livid with: Salandra replied proudly with Harry translating.

"How will I feel immediately afterwards?" he asked.

:Well, after the Pact I made with Harry, Harry was magically exhausted, but that was not a bond. I am certain, if my memory serves me, you will feel both magically drained and magically charged, since some of your magic will have left you to join mine and some of my magic will have entered you. In simple terms, we are forming a link, a bond, and with it, these feelings are to be expected:

"Well then, I suppose now is as good a time as any," Dumbledore said. "What do I do?"

Salandra turned her body, lowering her head before them with her eyes closed.

:Place your wandhand on my nose as I open my mouth, and then with your other hand, take hold of my fang and allow my fang to prick your thumb. Once this is done, our magic will respond. It will last for a few seconds: Salandra instructed.

Dumbledore slowly placed his wandhand on her nose, privately wondering if he was as crazy as most people said.

:Do not fight my magic. Welcome it, Master: she said as she opened her mouth, revealing her row of teeth and long deadly fangs. Harry repeated her words, Dumbledore giving a start at the new title she had given him.

Harry looked at Dumbledore with some concern, hoping he was sure about this. He agreed Dumbledore becoming Salandra's master was a good choice, but he couldn't help but feel that Dumbledore had entrusted his life to him. And in fact, Dumbledore had.

"I trust you, Harry," Dumbledore stated, seeing Harry looking at him.

Harry nodded as Dumbledore moved his left hand into Salandra's mouth, and grabbed her fang.

I'm holding the same fang that had nearly killed Harry before the summer, Dumbledore couldn't help but think, slowly moving his thumb to the tip.

"Ready?" Dumbledore asked Salandra, though it was more of a delay tactic for himself.

:Yes: Salandra answered.

Hearing Harry give her answer, Dumbledore raised his thumb and placed it firmly as he had been told.

It was amazing. Magic pulsed from them both, waves of power rippling across them. Dumbledore's robes were waving outwards, as was his hair.

Harry stared in wonder as he could actually see their magic swimming between them, streaks of green, gold, red, silver and purple.

And then it was over. Dumbledore moved his hand away from Salandra's mouth, but kept his other hand on her nose. He wasn't sure if he would be able to continue standing if he didn't, but he quickly felt Harry beside him, obviously helping him stay up right.

He allowed Harry to help him, which, if someone were to see them, looked a little odd. A third year trying to help a tall older man from falling on his rump….

"Sir, are you okay?" Harry asked with Teddy holding onto the front of his robes as he helped Dumbledore keep his balance.

Teddy somehow managed to pat the side of Dumbledore's arm in concern from his position.

"Your stuffing okay?" he asked.

"Yes. I now understand what Salandra meant by feeling drained and charged. I'll be okay in a moment, I can feel it," Dumbledore said, touched by their concern and assistance.

After two minutes of standing there, trying not to fall and squish poor Harry and Teddy, Dumbledore felt his strength returning, a lot more strength actually.

:You are well now, Master?: Salandra asked.

"Yes, I'm feeling much better now, thank—" Dumbledore stopped, suddenly realizing Harry hadn't just relayed what Salandra had said.

He had heard her himself.

He looked down at Harry, who was looking quite amused by it all.

"It would appear some effects are already showing themselves," he noted, before turning his attention back to Salandra. "Yes, I'm feeling much better, thank you, my lady."

Salandra bowed her head in reply.

"Well Harry, I think we have stayed out passed curfew long enough now. I will visit you later, Salandra. I look forward to getting to know you better."

With that, Harry, Teddy, and Dumbledore left the chamber, all of them happy they would be able to sleep in the next day.

Next part: Equivalent Response