Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns everything in this story except for Orlando Baragon, Anna Ominous, the Spiritus Apographon, and of course the plot.

The Filth in Purity
Chapter 11: The New Heir of Slytherin

Draco would have sighed heavily when he arrived back in Dumbledore's fireplace if he hadn't had the wind knocked out of him by falling the black oblong box he was carrying.

"Oh dear, are you all right?" Dumbledore got up from him his desk.

Draco held up a hand, indicating he could handle it, in the meantime trying to catch his breath.

"I had expected you tomorrow. Has something happened?" The headmaster inquired with some concern as Draco picked himself up.

"Not really. My Aunt didn't want me around, and I did not want to upset mother any more getting by getting in constant arguments with my father's sister." Draco said coldly, brushing the dust off his robes.

"That was very considerate of you, but it's most unfortunate you and your aunt do not eye to eye."

"She's the one who doesn't get a long with me." Draco spat, picking up the black box. "Every time she visits, her idea of being a family is to criticize me."

"Hm, most unfortunate indeed."

There was moment of silence than Draco turned to the door.

"May I inquire as to what is in the box?" Dumbledore said suddenly, but calmly. "As Headmaster I must ensure no dangerous articles enter the school, whether they are brought knowingly or not."

Draco froze, debating on whether or not to show Dumbledore exactly what he had. Sure he was dying to tell someone, but he couldn't trust this muggle-loving old coot! Or could he?

"Whatever it is you have, if you wish to keep it, I'm sure we can work something out."

Because Dumbledore was the so called saint of the school, he could be trusted, breaking a promise made would definitely be considered un-saintly.

"I will show you, only if you promise me you will not tell anyone it was I who showed it to you." Draco paused and took a deep breath. "If anyone found out, if You-Know-Who found out, I could be dead."

"Very well," Dumbledore took his seat behind his desk and motioned for Draco to put the box on it. "Please."

Draco carefully set the black box down. He waved his hand across the latches and they came undone as his hand passed by, he slowly lifted the lid, and braced for Dumbledore's reaction.

"So," A calm gentle voice came to Draco's ears. "Parilis has returned to us at last. And the blade is awakened too I see."

"My mother said that too. What do you mean 'awakened'?" Draco asked carefully, still a little surprised at Dumbledore's calmness over this.

"What was the condition of this weapon when you first came upon it?" Dumbledore inquired.

"Rusted and worn down." Draco answered slowly.

Suddenly Dumbledore's voice became low an serious. "Did your blood touch the blade in its rusted condition?"

Draco hesitated. He was piecing together what Dumbledore and his mother meant by 'awakening' the blade. His fingertips touched Parilis, and he found the courage to answer.

"Yes."

"And the blade became what it is now because of that?"

"Yes."

To Draco's surprise and confusion, Dumbledore smiled.

"Salazar and Parilis have chosen a new heir."

Draco's eyes went wide and his jaw dropped. He? The Heir of Slytherin? It wasn't possible. Lord Voldemort was the heir of Slytherin, not he.

"I.......I.......the heir?" Draco stuttered. "But.....but......but Lord Voldemort is---"

"Was the heir. Was! But remember Draco he died. Even though he has come back, apparently he was still dead to Parilis. It goes into that dormant, rusted looking state when the bearer dies, and it remains that way until another comes along. Did you stop to think that instead of you cutting yourself on Parilis, that Parilis cut you?"

Draco opened his mouth, but no words came out.

"Like wands, these weapons Parilis, and Fortis over there," Dumbledore motioned to the sword of Gryffindor in its glass case, "they choose the wizard. Apparently Parilis requires a blood bond to be sure, but that is understandable, being the powerful weapon that it is."

Dumbledore looked back at Draco who was staring blankly down at Parilis.

"Do you understand?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

"He'll kill me. He'll kill me if finds out. You can't tell anyone!" Draco shouted looking up at Dumbledore with frightened eyes.

"Do not fear Draco." Dumbledore held up a calm hand. "I shall not breath a word about you're connection to Salazar as long as you do not use this information or the power of this weapon against your fellow students. Do I make myself clear?"

Draco nodded, shut and sealed Parilis' box, and began to head for the door.

"One more thing," Draco tightened his grip on the handle of the box when heard Dumbledore speak. "Remember, help is always given to those who ask for it."

Draco did not answer, but headed out the door.

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Dumbledore sighed as the heads of the houses entered his office. He would not reveal Draco's connection to all of this, but the others had to be informed that the heir of Slytherin had risen again.

"Professors I have some important news." Dumbledore announced, "Parilis, has returned to Hogwarts, and in the hands of the new heir of Slytherin?"

Dumbledore watched with some amusement the jaw-dropped looks that came across the faces of the other professors.

"The new heir of Slytherin." Snape whispered looking on in a moment of wonder, but quickly regained his composure.

"Who is it!?" It was more of a demand than a question.

"I'm afraid Severus I cannot reveal that information." Dumbledore said calmly.

"What?!" A look of surprise and anger came across Snape's features.

"Yes, I know being the head of Slytherin house you have right to know, but I made a promise to the heir that I would not reveal their identity, for their protection. Though Severus, with your cleverness, I'm sure you will figure out who it is yourself. Though I don't want you harassing them about it, they have enough weight on their shoulders as is."

Snape still didn't look too happy about this situation, but he really had no choice.

"Now, " Dumbledore turned his attention back to the other Professors in the room. " as you know Harry Potter is the heir of Gryffindor, his use of Fortis against the Basilisk. This means two of the four heirs have arisen. We must now look to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff for the other two."

"Pomona, Filius." Dumbledore addressed Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick, the heads of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, "Keep your eyes open in your houses, particularly on your girls."

"We will not fail you Albus," Flitwick piped up excitedly, "I shall bring out Rowena's bow and arrow from its case right away."

"Oh this is so exciting! I never thought I would live to see this time. I'm going to find the heir of Hufflepuff." Sprout looked as giddy as Flitwick.

"Then you best be off to begin the search." Albus chuckled as the professors practically bounded down the stairs.

"With your permission headmaster I take my leave." Snape said coldly, not looking at Dumbledore.

"Of course Severus."

After Snape departed, McGonagall turned back to Dumbledore smiling. "To be honest, I was not sure if Harry was strong enough to take Voldemort alone, but with the help of the other heirs I know he can. It is good to finally have hope again."

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Draco? The new heir of Slytherin? Who would have thought?
I hope you read this, chapter because it is very important.

The "Fortis" is Latin for "brave," so I thought it would be a good name for the Sword of Gryffindor.

Please Review!

Till Next Time.
-Vega Sailor