Deal with the Devil

By: xxlostdreamerxz

The voice laughed. "As you wish, Lord Slytherin..."
Flashback: (Age: 7)
"I...I bet I can beat you at sword fighting, Salazar!" cried a small golden haired boy, as he clumsily wrapped his arm around his dark-haired cousin. "After all, I am a Gryffindor."

Salazar shot his cousin an annoyed glance, as he pulled himself out of his grasp. "I don't have time for this Godric," he complained as he quickened his pace towards the house. "Father wants me to study! I have to finish reading at least two more spell books before he'd even consider letting me out."

"So?" cried Godric, as he shot Salazar a puppy-eyed glance. "I'm bored!" he wined childishly.

The dark-haired boy sighed, "Go find something else to do than. I can't ditch my lessons, or else Father will burn me alive and use my remains for some potion of his."

Godric blinked. "Okkkayy," he said slowly, "But can you still practice with me?"

"No."

"But, why!"

"Because," retorted Salazar stubbornly as he crossed his arms and faced his pouting cousin. "I said so."

Godric frowned for a moment but quickly regain his composure. "But Salazar, you don't me you're going to stick yourself in that horrid library of yours again are you?" he complained. "You're always studying. You never ever do anything else!"

"I do too," retorted Salazar as he shot Godric a glare, one that the boy obviously missed. "I mean, Father teaches me how to perform spells and such and...and..."

"You don't do anything else," finished Godric with a smug smile, as he watched his cousin flush with something akin to embarrassment. It was always fun to get the better of his cousin from time to time, though for the most part, Salazar always won their little spats. "That's why you're as pale as a ghost," he finished. "My father always told me the outdoors were the best cures to everything."

The dark-haired boy shook his head in amusement. "Godric, your father is a knight of all things. Of course he'd love the 'great outdoors'" he finished abet a bit sarcastically.

"But...you don't want to become weak do you Salazar?" tried Godric, as he prodded his cousin hard in the arm, eliciting a loud wince. "I mean, you're skin and bone. You wouldn't be able to defend yourself, much less any one of your tenants, should you ever get into battle."

Salazar's emerald green eyes rolled heavenward. "Alright Godric, you win," he sighed with exasperation. "One battle and that's it," he said sternly and he reluctantly allowed his cousin to pull him towards the training grounds. However, Salazar's lips curled into a grin, "Remember Godric, you were the one that pulled me into all this," he finished smugly as an image of his father's angry face flashed across his mind.

His cousin, giddy with excitement, agreed instantly. Had Godric been aware of the infamous temper of Lord Aster Slytherin, he would have been quailing all the way down to his finely made dragon-hide boots.

Flashback: (Age: 19)

A/N: just ta remind you, this does take place in 'ancient times' so don't be offended by anything here.

"Godric, I must apologize for saying this but," Salazar paused for a second as he scowled darkly at the sparkling decorations that were hanging about the manor's main ballroom. "...your father has gone around the bend."

His cousin, who was currently dressed in a fashionable abet itchy set of velvet red and golden robes, nodded miserably. Godric leaned back against his chair, looking like as if he wished he could vanish away instantly. Speaking of vanishing..."Salazar? You wouldn't happen to know any vanishing spells do you?" he asked pathetically, as he ran his hand through his golden brown locks. "I mean, don't tell me all those years in the library were for nothing?" begged Godric.

A thin elegant eyebrow rose at Godric's desperate plead. "What makes you think I haven't already tried?" hissed Salazar, as his emerald green eyes glowed with anger. "My stupid father has placed anti-magic wards around the entire ballroom. The paranoid git."

Godric sighed as he looked longingly out the window. "Well, I suppose we might as well face it. They've outmaneuvered us this time." Slowly but steadily, he rose to his feet and faced Salazar with a determined look. "But, on the bright side, I definitely have no intention of marrying a gold-digging wrench for our 'family honor.'"

Salazar rolled his eyes as he prepared himself for Godric's usual lecture.

"So, why in the world are they still throwing us all these parties? I mean, normally parties are fine and all, but I for one have no intention of being sold like a...ah...vegetable to the richest girl..." continued Godric. "I...I'm...just too handsome to be married right now!"

"Shut it," commanded Salazar, as he shot his cousin a dark glare. "You, are rambling."

"But..."

The dark-haired man rubbed his temples as if hoping to ward off his headache. "Look, if you do not want to be married than just don't do anything stupid. Your father for one would definitely not force you to marry, after all, your mother would have his hide if he did," he said with a smirk. "Though, as much as you would prefer hiding out here instead of being at the party, I unfortunately, have to circulate among those fools," he ground out in disgust.

"Salazar," a soft musical voice called out from behind him, "You should know better than to insult our guests," she chided lightly as she placed a gentle hand on her brothers shoulder. "Father would have your head if he even heard a word that you just said," she teased lightly.

"Alcestis," greeted Salazar, as he tilted his head just slightly to face his older sister. "And Father would have your head if he found out that you were neglecting the guests," he retorted.

His sister smiled warmly and clicked her tongue. "Alright, don't say I didn't warn you," she said lightly as she motioned towards their Father whose eyes were darting about the floor as if searching for someone. Unfortunately, the 'someone' was probably none other than Salazar.

Godric burst out laughing. "God, 'Cestis' what would I do without you," he said with a fond smile, as he saw Salazar's eyes darken with anger. "You Slytherins are always so funny when you're together," he chuckled lightly.

Salazar shot a dark glare at his cousin, but thankfully kept his insults to himself. "Alcestis, may I ask who your two companions are?" he asked instead as he tilted his chin slightly towards the two figures standing behind his sister. "I wasn't aware that you made friends with these sort of people," he emphasized, obviously gesturing towards the simpering, fawning crowd of girls in the corner of the room.

The girl to his right, who was wearing a pretty set of sapphire blue robes with silver lining, scowled darkly at his words. "My Lord," she greeted frostily, as she sent him a furious glare. "If you will be so kind," she drawled, "I will appreciate it if you did not compare me to those bloody fools. I am my own person and, my dear man, I take it as an insult that you dared insinuate that I of all people am a petty gold-digger," she finished angrily, as she jabbed her finger at Salazar one last time.

Salazar's lips twitched in amusement as he saw the girl's friend, a short yet pretty girl with dark blonde hair, whisper something in her ear. It seemed as if tonight's ball would not be as boring as he'd first anticipated. "My apologies," he drawled out, as he reached out a slowly pushed away her hand, which incidentally was still prodding his chest in a threatening manner. "Then may I ask what you actually are?" he asked politely, pointedly ignoring his sister's groan of annoyance. "If you are not a gold-digger, than why are you at our ball? Unless I am mistaken, Father," he sneered lightly, "...is determined to have me marry the richest wrench in our country. Hence, he and my uncle Lord Gryffindor, decided to plan this...ah...gathering."

His sister frowned darkly and shot Salazar a glare, but nevertheless stepped forward to introduce her two companions. "Salazar, this is Lady Helga Hufflepuff," she said stiffly as she motioned towards the short girl with dark blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. She paused for a second, before saying slowly, "And this is Lady Rowena Ravenclaw, heiress of the entire Ravenclaw fortune and is famed for her articles on magic and other things..." she trailed off when she noticed Salazar's frown.

"You're a witch?" blurted out Godric, as he stared at the two women in disbelief. "But...but how? I thought the old families did not allow women to learn or practice magic."

Helga blushed slightly, "Well, things have changed, as of now most families are teaching all of their children the aspects of magic and helping them improve. And as the oldest in my family, I was taught magic first."

"Oh..."

"Though," added Rowena as she smirked towards Salazar. "I do have to admit, in my family, it is the females that show the most magical potential. And among them, I am the strongest."

Salazar's eyes sharpened with interest. "Oh? Have you read the new spell-book by Maria Enceladus, The Ages of Time, yet? According to my companions, it's a wizarding 'must have," he said casually as he eyed Rowena with piercing glaze.

The girl shook her head in amusement, as she gave Salazar the a slightly smile. "You know just as well as I do, Lord Slytherin that no such book exists," she said with a casual wave of her hand. "Not to mention, the surname of that author of yours, Enceladus was the name of a terrible giant who was defeated in the First Great Magical War," said Rowena, "And it is rumored that his clansmen took his remains and buried it in the depth of the Himalayan mountain range." She titled her chin up and smiled, "If you wish to test me, Lord Slytherin, I suggest you ask more difficult questions."

To Godric's surprise and utter disbelief, Salazar did not scowl nor glare, in fact his normally irate cousin smiled.

"Indeed, Lady Ravenclaw," conceded Salazar as he dipped ins head in apology. "I'll keep that in mind."

Flashback: (Age: 24)
"Bloody hell," cursed Salazar as he dragged his cousin off away from their two shocked companions. "What in the world were you thinking Godric? Bringing two ladies into such an establishment, a tavern of all things!" he hissed as his voice grew deadlier by the second. "And not just any two ladies for the matter, but our betroths!"

Godric pushed his cousin away and sighed in annoyance. "Look, I wasn't aware that this was a tavern. I mean, all my friends always come here and they aren't the type to play about," he said as he ran an agitated hand through his shaggy hair. "They always told me that the drinks here are the best and that nothing in the world can compare to it. So I thought it'd be a good idea to bring the girls here and celebrate..."

Salazar groaned, as he shot his cousin a dark glare. "Don't you ever think, Godric? If their parents ever got wind of us bringing their precious daughters to a whorehouse, they'll not only annul both of our engagements but also probably mutilate our hides," he hissed as he slammed his fist against the wall, "Not to mention, what do you think Rowena and Helga will feel? They'd probably help their parents torture us after this."

"Maybe they won't know..." said Godric hopefully, though a slightly crestfallen look appeared when he caught sight of the flagrantly-dressed women about. "...or maybe they will," he finished weakly.

Salazar's eyes darkened with rage, as he saw an old man approach Rowena. "If something happens to them," he whispered menacingly, "I will tear you apart piece by piece, until you are screaming for death," he finished darkly, as let go of Godric and moved quickly towards his betroth.

The golden-haired man gulped lightly, as he gave his cousin a last glance. "You don't have to be so mean about it," he grumbled as he moved in the direction towards the girls, but stopped mid-step. Salazar could probably managed to take care of both of the girls easily enough without him. Not to mention, he was definitely not in the mood to face his cousin's ire. Yes...it would be best to find something that would placate the girls as well as his cousin... His face brightened as an idea came to him.

Drinks.

And without further ado, he quickly made his way towards the bar and made his order.

"Let go of her," hissed Salazar, as he moved slowly towards the old, graying man. "If you value your life, you will do as you are told."

The old man, who was at least half-a head taller than Salazar leered at Rowena and Helga before turning towards Salazar. "Go find your own girl, boy," he sneered, "I found them first. They are mine."

Salazar's eyes darkened until it was almost a shade of pure black. "Very well," he said stiffly, as his lips twisted into a cruel smiled. "Don't tell me I didn't warn you..."

The man burst out laughing. "What are you going to do to me, boy? Throw a book at me or possibly a sack of gold,eh aristo," he cursed, as he spat at Salazar's feet."Your kind will never amount to anything. All you bunch have is money, nothing more nothing less. And money can't get you far in real life."

Salazar surreptitiously waved his left hand and transfigured a scrap of wood into an angry, hissing African Cobra Snake. "Attack him," he commanded softly, "Do not let him see or feel you until you are ready to strike."

"Yes, Master," hissed the snake, as he slithered off towards the old, towering figure.

"What did you say boy?" shouted the old man, as his face turned a disgusting shade of prune. "God damn it, if you were insulting me..."

"You'll what?" replied Salazar calmly, before smirking. "What can you do to me, old man? You're weak, and definitely no match for me. There are at least thirty ways I can kill you right now," he whispered in a dark voice, "And you'll be dead before you even realize it."

"Why you..." he snarled, as he released his hold on Rowena and made his way towards a smirking Salazar. The old man stopped mid-step when he found himself face to face with a glimmering sliver-edged knife.

"You were saying?" said Salazar in an even voice, though the only one that caught the sinister edge to it was Rowena who shuddered lightly. "Those who oppose me, will always pay a price for their foolishness. And you, old man, are an enemy." He dipped his head down slightly, and glazed at the man through hooded eyes. "Kill him..." he commanded to the serpent who was curled up around the man's thick overcoat, and within seconds, the old man was dead.

"Thank you," he hissed to the serpent, which nodded its head. "You may leave now if you wish." Salazar sighed, and slowly turned towards Rowena who was holding the trembling form of Helga Hufflepuff in her arms. "Are you alright?" he asked, this time in English. "Did he hurt you?"

Rowena glared, "What do you think?" she snapped. "You...you bastard."

He sighed once again. "Come on, lets get out of here," he said slowly, as he tugged gently on her arm. Salazar rolled his eyes when he saw the furious glint in his betroths eye. Obviously, she was getting herself ready for a screaming fit. "Once we're out of here, my ear if yours to chew," he grumbled, as he helped her and Helga up to their feet. "This place isn't safe for the likes of you."

Rowena opened her mouth to retort.

"Please Row," begged Helga, looking close to tears, "Salazar's right, let's get out of here."

Salazar nodded, though this time looking slightly guilty. "Come on, Rowena," he said softly, "I...apologize, for causing you distress. It wasn't...smart of me to take Godric's word as it is. I should have checked out the place before bringing you two here." He nodded towards Helga, "And my apology stands for you as well."

Rowena waved her hand dismissively. "There was no harm done," she said just as softly. "Even though I will admit, I was pretty shocked. I mean, I could picture Godric going to a place such as this...but you?" she shook her head sadly. "I wouldn't have believed it."

"That's because I don't," growled Salazar, all ounce of gentleness disappearing. "This was Godric's idea, he said that it was a great place to celebrate since they serve the best drinks here..."

"Celebrate?" echoed Rowena, as she shot Salazar a curious glance. "For what?"

At that moment, Godric entered the scene carrying a large tray of drinks. "Salazar, you didn't tell them already did you?" he said gapping in mock horror. "You..."

"Of course not," snapped Salazar, as he rubbed his temples in frustration. "I was just getting to it before you came stumbling in and interrupted everything."

"Oh," replied Godric, as his lip drew into a large smile. "In that case, Ladies if you will please take a seat and have a drink," he said imitating a court herald. "Salazar and I have some splendid news for the two of you..."

"We have decided to purchase the piece of land beyond this 'quaint' town of Hogsmade, and build a school," he said proudly, as he fixed his sparkling eyes on the two shocked women. "And not just any school, but a school that teaches children how to use magic..."

END OF FLASHBACKS
Harry groaned softly, and buried himself further into his bed sheets. Wait...bed sheets? Harry's eyes instantly snapped opened, as his left hand reached down to clasp his wand. Where in the hell was he? The last thing that he remembered was fainting dead away at the Department of Mysteries.

"You're at your house..." hissed a dark voice, causing Harry to jump out of his bed in shock. It was that voice, the voice that he'd summoned from beyond the veil. The one that he had traded a piece of his soul, in return for his past...

"What are you doing here?" asked Harry guardedly, "I thought you were suppose to disappear after our...trade was over?"

The voice seemed to shrug lightly. "Well, I figured that I might as well finish the deal off fully," it explained causally, "If the Ministry found you half-dead a few feet away from the veil, they'd probably be aware of your involvement with a summoning. Which I am fairly sure is illegal in your world."

Harry nodded, "But why did you help me?" he asked curiously. "You are not bound to do anything more than what our deal specifically states. Nothing more, nothing less. And yet, you chose to help me on your own free will. Why?"

The voice let out a soft chuckled. "Well, maybe I like you," it said mysteriously, "You're going to make quite a few changes in the world," it said in amusement. "There are so few things entertaining left in the universe...save for you."

"Alright, now that you're done helping me. Will you leave?" prodded Harry, as he leaned against the wall. "Though, I am thankful," he finished with a forced grin.

"So you wish to get rid of me so soon, eh Potter?" it asked in amusement. "Very well, I will leave you with these a precaution before I depart," it said slowly. "First of all, I will warn you that not all of your memories will return at once, as you've already experienced. The mortal mind is very weak; hence, not capable of absorbing so much information at once," it said casually, "Though I have to admit, it is quite entertaining to see what happens when a mind explodes..."

"Thanks, but I'll pass," interrupted Harry, "I am not in the mood for any gory details and such." He paused for a second and bit his lip worriedly. "What is your warning?"

"Remember that the only way to win is to fight fire with fire," it said with a smirk, when it saw Harry roll his eyes at the familiar phrase, "Though it will not do if you fall too far into the flames, child. Death will always follow you, as it had with your previous soul...Lord Slytherin. Heed my warning or pay the consequences when they come..."

Harry dipped in head in agreement. "I'll keep that in mind," he said slowly as he gave the spirit as a tense smile. "After all, who better than the devil to tell me about the dangers of corruption," he finished softly his lips twisting at the irony. With a sad glint in his eye, Harry nodded goodbye to the spirit and felt its presence leave the room.

Without further ado, he made his way towards the windowsill as he stared out blankly at the quiet street below. Harry's eyes darkened as he eyed the perfectly made lawns and the fancy cars that lined the streets. The very things that he'd always been taught to hate...

"Soon..." he whispered softly.

A/N: Yea! That was sure one freaking long chapter! P eh...or at least for me, since I'm such a LAZY writer and all. Well, either way, I'm just glad that I finished as it is. Anywayz, herez some stuff that I just wanted ta clarify.

1) About the 'past' soul and the present day soul thing that I mentioned in the last chapter, I suppose I wasn't being very clear and all. So here goes. Basically Harry and Salazar Slytherin are the same person and share the same soul. To put it simply, lets just pretend that soul's are 'made' and that somewhere out there, someone is creating them. And Salazar Slytherin and Harry's soul were both made from the same mold, so technically they are the same. The only difference being that the soul was placed in two different situations and grew up in different surroundings. Itz kinda like Darwin's evolution theory thing. They are the same soul, except that they were placed in different situation; hence they evolved differently. sigh I guess I'm not being too clear, but hey if you don't get my explanation, just think reincarnation. Its close enough that you'd get the story. -

2) This is going to be a Dark Harry story, NOT evil Harry.

Eh...I guess that's all I can think of at the moment. Well, thankz ta all those who reviewed!

Take care?

xxlostdreamerxz

p.s. sorry ta those whom I accidentally spoiled the book for. --; I'm a bit stupid at time.