Parseltounge

"Speech"

Thoughts/Telepathy

CHAPTER 5

SERPENT'S CHOICE

During the next week routine set in among all the students. The serpentine quartet went to all their classes together. After the initial overtures to Neville, he became a companion for the walk and free hour before charms. The quartet talked Theodore Nott into partnering with Blaise in potions while Kira made herself Neville's partner by that Friday. The Gryffindors shifted their partnering because of this; Hermione Granger had to work alone in potions.

Kira apologized to her after class Friday and invited her to accompany them before charms. Hermione agreed and after that became as much a companion as Neville. The betrayal of the two lions caused the rest of their house to alienate them further. Hermione and Neville proved their Gryffindor bravery by ignoring the sneers of their house mates; they proved their loyalty by sticking together. Routine made the weeks pass quietly.

The last Saturday in September found the quartet entering Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. The ghost girl glared at the two boys and said, "This is a girls' bathroom! What are you doing here?"

Kira looked at her and said, "We are here to head down to the Chamber of Secrets. That must remain unknown to everyone else." I bind your soul now and forevermore. You will speak of the chamber and us nevermore.

The magic flowed within Kira's hisses. Myrtle felt something binding her and screeched, "You're mean!" She then plunged head first into 'her' toilet. Water flooded onto the floor.

Harry shook his head and glanced at the sinks. The small serpent carving caught his eye and he said, "Here it is, sis. Now what did father say makes the stairs appear rather than the hole?"

Kira smirked and hissed Stairway open for the heir.

The wall next to the sink slid open to reveal a narrow staircase leading deep under the castle. Harry put his foot on the first step and the walls began to glow a soft blue-white. Draco and Blaise followed behind him as he began to descend. Kira stepped down last and hissed Close as she followed. The wall slid back into place and the parsel-wards rose back around the entrance. Kira smiled at the feel of Slytherin's ancient magic.

The stairs continued down into the depths of the castle's foundation. The quartet could feel when they had moved beneath the dungeons because the air became cooler. The walls beside the stairway opened periodically to reveal the tunnels leading into the plumbing of the castle. After descending quite some distance, Harry stopped before the door directly into the Chamber.

The blue-white light from the walls illuminated silver, gold, green and red snake carvings which formed an archway with their interlinking bodies. The hundreds of small snakes were woven over a single slab of pitch black marble. Above the doorway were some scribbled markings which made no sense to non Parselmouths. It read Meet the eyes of the Serpent and Know your self. Proclaim your Right and Enter.

Harry studied the serpents and finally saw the one he sought. The snake was almost in the exact center. It was half a meter of golden-green, emerald-green, silver-blue, and sapphire-blue bands, each barely a quarter centimeter thick. Its head was crested, somewhat like a cobra, with a crimson outline. Its eyes were golden-yellow with a molten quality which was unnerving in its intensity. Harry met its eyes unflinchingly with his own and hissed Unlock and open.

The serpent's eyes blinked and small crimson pupils appeared in the molten gold. It stared deeply into Harry's emerald eyes as if weighing his worthiness. It hissed Enter and then began to move toward the top of the archway. The other snakes all began to migrate to the edge of the black marble so that they formed a glistening slithering outline for the door. The surface of the entrance rippled slightly and Harry stepped through.

The other three followed. Kira smiled at the lead snake and hissed Hello before entering. The Chamber was huge. The single room was at least half the size of the great hall. It was semi-divided by what it contained and the material on the floor. They entered through the south wall; to the left was a mini library in disrepair, to the right was a potions work area caked in grime behind which four doors hung from rusted hinges, directly across the large room was a vault-like door rusted shut beside which a grime covered portrait hung. The very center of the room had a large pit filled with black gunk and surrounded by broken furniture.

Kira whispered to Draco and Blaise, "Stay by the entrance." Brother lets attempt the bonding.

Harry stepped with his sister. They moved to the pit, two meters in diameter, and stood to either side of it. Harry was to the east and Kira to the west of the pit. They held their hands toward one another, palms out. Together they hissed We are the heirs of legacy. We are the heirs of Slytherin and Gryffindor. We call on the legacy and the right of our blood to fully restore the Chamber of Knowledge and Power. We ask that the secrets of our blood be imparted to us. The chamber was engulfed in light.

Draco and Blaise cowered against the entrance and covered their eyes. The light burned brilliant white before cycling through every color in the spectrum. While the light dazzled hissing could be heard. It sounded like hundreds or thousands of snakes and Parselmouths were conversing. The radiant display vanished and was replaced by soft ambient silvery light which was being cast by the mage flame now dancing in the central pit.

Four incredibly large couches surrounded the fire-pit. The fire-pit itself was encased by a white marble ring which was half a meter wide and a not quite a meter high. The four couches were situated back from the pit, all facing inward. They each could have easily held three men the size of Hagrid. The first couch, to the north, was of a deep forest green hemmed and embroidered with luminescent silver thread. The second couch, to the east, was a dusky black with creamy yellow embroidery and hem work. The third couch, to the west, was dark blue with bronze embroidery and hemming. The last couch, to the south, was a deep crimson with golden hems and embroidery. Behind each couch was a mahogany table whose surface was even with the height of the couch.

The library section was restored to a glory equal to the private libraries of many pure-bloods. In addition to the wall shelves repairing themselves and the books being restored to them there were also thirteen new free standing bookshelves. The wall shelves, which stretched up to the ceiling, also gained a sliding ladder for easy access to the upper shelves. The free standing shelves were less then two meters high, but they were each three meters long.

The potion area had also become immaculately neat and clean. The equipment was well organized and the shelves filled with empty vials and jars. There were potion books sitting on the work table. The ingredient shelves stood empty and waiting. The doorways next to this area had all become repaired. Each door proudly bore one of the Hogwarts houses' crest. Each crest was slightly different from the current one, but the differences were minor. Next to each fully restored door was a plaque of silver or gold with the same scrawled parsel-language writing.

The northern side of the room had changes slightly as well. The vault-like door was now a beautiful shade of shimmering bronze while the silver serpents encircling it looked alive. The portrait revealed itself to be Salazar Slytherin and beside it a second portrait appeared. The second framed form was of a beautiful auburn haired hazel eyed woman. She was smiling at Salazar with intense love. The northwest corner also had a unique eight pointed star within a circle appear inlaid in the floor.

The entire floor was of different marble colors depending on location. The center was a circular slab of black marble no less then thirty meters in diameter. The marble was cut with straight white veins to form a perfect compass rose, using the fire-pit as the exact center. The white extended from the black into the other colored marble floor pieces. The north floor was a vivid emerald green marble. The east floor was a light yellow veined gray marble. The south floor was a dark reddish gold marble. The west was ocean blue marble.

Kira and Harry smirked at Draco and Blaise from either side of the mage flame. Harry said, "Help me check out the books while sis goes to speak with the basilisk."

"Sure," replied the other two students.

Kira nodded at Harry and then headed toward the large vault-like door. Kira bowed to Salazar and his wife. She then walked over to the door and hissed open to the snakes. The door opened and she entered the catacombs under the grounds and Lake of Hogwarts. The quartet now had a private place to meet. They decided to call the Chamber of Secrets simply their 'clubhouse'.

The quartet spent quite a bit of their free time during the next week in the clubhouse. Kira and Harry both read through some of the Parseltounge books. The quartet used it as a quite place to study and practice magic. The dark heirs introduced Blaise and Draco to the Basilisk. Vorla met them and learned the scents of the two students she was to protect within the school. The ancient serpent was very happy to begin fulfilling her purpose again.

Monday October twelfth saw the flying lesson schedules being handed out, Slytherin and Gryffindor were Friday 7-9 am. As Slytherins and Gryffindors alike grumbled about the unfairness of another class together, the morning post arrived. Kira nodded her friends toward the Gryffindor table. Neville Longbottom had received a small crystalline sphere a little larger than a golf ball.

A muggle born boy asked, "What's that?"

"A Remembrall from my grandmother," replied Neville.

Before he could say or do anything else, Ron Weasley snatched it out of his hand. He taunted, "What's this? A new trinket for you to loose or break, maybe a real wizard should hold it for you."

"Give that back to him," commanded Hermione.

"Make me, snake wanna-be," responded Ron with a sneer.

Hermione squared her shoulders and purposefully strode toward the head table. Ron glared at her back with a look that could kill. He then threw the ball with all his might over Neville's head. "Catch," he taunted as it sailed over the boy's startled countenance. Hermione whirled in time to see it fly at an incredible speed straight for the Slytherin table. Harry snatched it out of the air milliseconds before it would have smashed into the corner.

The boy-who-lived-to-become-a-snake walked around the Ravenclaw table and over to Neville. "Here, Neville," he said loudly, "You might want to keep a closer eye on your things and not let weasels borrow them. Vermin have a tendency to destroy beautiful things." He handed the small Remembrall to Neville.

"Thank you, Harry," Neville said as Hermione smiled her thanks from beside the chubby boy. Harry nodded and headed back to the Slytherin table. His comments had caught the attention of the rest of the Gryffindors as well as Minerva McGonagall. The sever lady pressed her lips together in disapproval for the youngest Weasley boy. Percy and the twins had also heard the comment about vermin and bristled slightly themselves.

Harry approached the Slytherin table and noticed his sister had her hand pointed at the Gryffindor table palm out. She was staring intensely at Ron Weasley. Itsy bitsy red and gold dot bikini, hot pink in a wink hair affair so is your fate on this date. Harry felt the power she put into the parsel-spell. He sat down.

The great hall burst into laughter. Ron Weasley's robe had become a tiny red with gold polka-dot female bikini. His hair had become hot pink. The Slytherins laughed with everyone else as Ron ran from the great hall in shame. Neville and Hermione looked around trying to figure out who did it. The Weasley twins glanced around; they had competition. Percy stood up with dignity and walked out; the twins followed. The three brothers went in search for their git of a younger brother.

After that eventful breakfast, Ron Weasley had to walk around with hot pink hair. He also was unable to take off the bikini and change. He was however able to wear an additional robe over the bikini. He threatened Kira and Harry because he "knew" they had pranked him. Professor Snape heard the threat and took twenty points from Gryffindor for it. Classes continued as usual the rest of the day. Ron woke up in normal robes and with normal hair the next morning.

Friday morning found the first year Gryffindors and Slytherins out on the quidditch pitch. Seventh year Slytherin Marcus Flint was also present, having permission to watch the lesson. Madame Hooch arrived and told them to stand beside a broom. She told them that anyone goofing off would be punished severely.

Once everyone was beside a broom they were told to hold their hand over the broom and say "up". The Slytherin quartet were the only ones to succeed on the first try. Hermione's and Neville's just rolled on the ground. Ron Weasley got his to respond on the third try. Harry leaned toward Neville and Hermione and whispered, "Just relax, the broom responds to your nervousness and fear."

Once everyone managed to summon their brooms into their hands, Madame Hooch had them mount. She corrected grips and then told them to kick off on her whistle. Neville's fear caused him to kick off early. He rose unsteadily into the air about ten meters while Madame Hooch yelled at him to come down. As he tried to point the handle down the broom seemed to go crazy. It shot around the yard slamming into the stands and stone walls a few times.

The broom finally dumped Neville off at a height of about twenty meters up. Hermione screamed, "Neville!" in fear for him. Harry darted forward on his broom. Kira hissed with both hands facing him light as air hang right there. The second it took for that to happen Neville had fallen almost four meters. Suddenly he stopped falling and was suspended in the air.

Harry reached him two seconds later, "Here, get on behind me," he said as he held out his hand. The frightened boy allowed himself to be settled on the broom behind Harry. He gripped Harry tightly around the middle. Harry felt the parsel-spell release from around the other boy as they descended to the ground. Neville and Harry dismounted from the broom.

"MR. POTTER!" began Madame Hooch.

"Kira!" screamed Harry as he darted past the irate teacher. Draco and Blaise caught Kira as she fainted. All eyes turned toward the quartet as Harry screamed his sister's name. Draco and Blaise gently lowered Kira to the ground as Harry reached them.

"What happened?" asked Draco.

"She just collapsed," defended Blaise when Harry knelt beside them.

"She exhausted herself magically by holding Neville up there," Harry answered as he took Kira's hand in his own. "Sister, can you hear me?"

Yes she opened her eyes slightly

"Good, how much of your reserves did you use?" The students were moving closer, looking at the scene curiously. Madame Hooch stood still in confusion and minor fear, she had heard Riddle hiss.

Most

"Did it cause a trigger event?" Hearing Harry's question, Blaise and Draco stiffened. A trigger event was a shifting in the magic the dark heirs could access. It was very painful and without the proper treatment very dangerous for the heirs, that was why they were normally induced under controlled conditions. Draco and Blaise prayed that this had not become a trigger event.

Yes Kira closed her eyes. Blaise and Draco recognized the signs and prepared for what was next. Harry tightened his grip on her shoulder as her body stiffened. He felt the painful energy rip through her. A scream of agony was torn from her lips as her back arched, nearly invisible purple lightening danced over her skin. The scream caused everyone to back off. Cold seeped into the students around her, it was as if their warmth was being sucked away.

"Mr. Potter let me take her," commanded Madame Hooch as her fear turned into dread.

"No!" Harry snarled at her. "Draco, Blaise keep everyone away from her while I fetch what she needs to get through this. Comfort her as best you can." They nodded and Draco took Harry's place beside her, holding her as her body spasmed with pain again.

As Harry stood, Lavender from Gryffindor screamed. Everyone looked where she was pointing. A chill reached through those who hadn't already been touched by it. The students felt as if their happiness was being sucked away. The figure Lavender was pointing at was a black cloaked form floating down at them. "Stay back children," said Madame Hooch as she took out her wand.

"Stay out of this Madame Hooch," commanded Harry as he walked over to the newly landed Dementor. Everyone stood with baited breath as Harry approached the dark creature guardian of Azkaban. The Dementor bowed slightly to Harry and a rasping sound escaped its hood. Harry nodded and said, "Thank you." He turned and walked back to where Kira lay. The Dementor followed.

Blaise and Draco moved away from Kira as Harry and the Dementor stopped beside her prone form. Kira hissed help me and cried out again as her back arched. The scream was much quieter this time. Harry said, "Help is here."

The Dementor knelt down beside Kira and gently cradled her in its arms. A scabbed, dead looking hand was extended toward Harry who murmured an incision spell. Dark purple blood welled up in the wound. The Dementor then set its wrist to Kira's lips. It became appeared to everyone that she was drinking the creature's foul blood.

Her eyes opened. She licked the wound and hissed heal. The Dementor removed its wrist from her lips as the skin patched itself back together. She threw her arms around the dark creature and hugged it tightly. "Thank you," she whispered to it. The Dementor rasped quietly as it stood and gently set Kira on her feet. She nodded and smiled as it let go of her. It then bowed low to her before floating into the air and gliding away. The unnatural chill was gone, but everyone would require chocolate.

"Are you okay now?" asked Harry as he stepped up to his sister.

"Mostly, I sill need the threshold potions though. The new energy hasn't stabilized yet," Kira answered.

"In that case, Drake, Blaise let's get my sister back to the dorms," Harry said.

The two friends moved over and together the quartet headed inside, ignoring everyone. Fear and disgust were etched in the faces of every Gryffindor student. Madame Hooch released the class and went to find the headmaster.

As the Slytherins moved off Neville approached Millicent Bulstrode, "Excuse me, but could you please tell Kira and Harry thank you for me?" Bulstrode nodded and then left with Parkinson. Hermione joined Neville and they headed back to Gryffindor tower. Ron Weasley and his two cronies... ah friends went off to spread rumors about what happened. Marcus Flint went in search of Professor Severus Snape.

Review responses/answers (reviewer name/question in bold)

Kage Mirai: Thank you. I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from in regards to "dark"

SRAndrews: -smiles sheepishly- silly me I just paste review names and respond to the comment w/out always noticing it's the same person as an earlier comment, but thank you soooo much for both reviews(and this one of course and all future ones... okay I'll stop blabbing)

Jadzania: Thank you... I can't wait to reveal the twists myself... (smiles evily)

Shadowface: This Harry will most definitely be dark and Slytherin... but I am not going to promise evil... though I do guarantee he is not going to ever be the golden boy light hero of cannon story-line

Miss Lesley: Thank you and now to answer some of your questions.

Question:

1) Since James and Lily died on schedule why is Sirius not in jail?

Sirius was able to prove his innocence... it was mentioned in the articles in chapter one that not everyone believed his innocence... but he was released after the trial

2) Why did Harry not end up with Sirius since he is obviously his guardian?

Sirius was in jail at the time he was kidnapped... everyone (meaning Dumbledore) thought he was guilty and placed Harry with the Dursleys... and before you ask, yes Sirius is his legal guardian in the wizarding world... which is why Dumbledore needs to reach him

3) What is the dark lord's position on muggleborns?

You'll see (smiles evily)

4) Did Severus know the dark lord was alive, or did he learn with the headmaster?

Severus and Dumbledore both kind of knew Voldemort was still alive... because...um well I can't tell you yet.

5) Why did the Dark Lord stop the killing after Harry?

For one he was too weak... and two ... you'll see.

6) Dumbledork an ass, if he knew where Voldie was what would he do, but go get killed.

Get killed... yeah that's what he'd do. No wait that's not right... oh what was he going to do... oh yeah he was going to use Kira as a hostage and attempt to ambush Voldemort... yeah that was Dumbledork's master plan.

7) After seeing what Dumbledork did to Harry, why is Severus still loyal?

Severus' loyalty to Dumbledore is very complicated... it's not like in cannon because... well that will be revealed.

Comment, looking over their classes I would think that if they were up until 2AM (if you could get 11 years up that late) then on Tuesdays their classes would start later seeing as 4 -5 hours would make them tired and since DADA is important that would not be good

The first year classes the next morning are Herbology and DADA... the first will keep them busy(planting, pruning, whatever) and the other is taught by a stuttering fool... also when I figured out each of the teacher's class schedules(for all seven years) this was the only place the first years fit for astronomy without causing upper years to suffer... first year is foundational but its also the least stressful, plus they have more time for naps in the afternoon than the other years.

I hope that answers your questions and thanks again for the reviews.