Chapter 4: Rituals

I do not own Harry Potter

Authors Notes:

1) I am aware there is a lot in this chapter that is just dialogue for Slytherin. But don't worry, there won't many like this.

7:00| Gryffindor House Common Room| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| June 13th 1993

While Harry may have physically been on a sofa in the common room, his mind was on another planet, still delirious over what had just happened – he had become Salazar Slytherin's 'heir'. Huh, talk about irony. All this time the mere possibility of being the 'Successor of Slytherin' made the bile rise in his throat…. but when he was given the chance to take on the mantle by the man himself, he had jumped at the opportunity. He wasn't the 'heir' in just the sense that he possibly was descended from him. Salazar had explained that even if they later find out he is in fact not a descendant of his, he would be teaching him regardless. Salazar wanted his teachings to be passed on to another so that he may do the same one day. He did not want his legacy to die forever or only be associated with people like Voldemort. While history may never see him as the man he truly was, knowing he had played a part in restoring some sort of balance to the world would give him peace. This was not the last time Harry and Voldemort would cross paths, and he needed all the help he could get. No, he was the 'heir' in a much more significant way – he would practice the arts Salazar Slytherin himself specialized in – DADA, runes, parseltongue spellcasting, politics…... and blood and ritual magic.

"But isn't that, I don't know, dark?"

"You don't sound very convinced when you say that."

…

"Tell me Harry, if an art is innocuous or historically tends to be associated with 'dark' entities, does it make the art itself evil? I am not saying that there is no such thing as evil, or that there are no evil magics – just look at horcruxes. But did your own mother not use ritual magic at least once? And while tragic, was it not one of the most beautiful things in the world? If magic on its own was light and dark – then that makes you mother a dark witch. It also means 'love' is dark magic and that love is 'evil'. But that is not the case, is it? The only thing that decides 'light' or 'dark' is- "

"-the intent of the caster", Harry finished for Salazar. Salazar gave a smile.

"I-I get what you mean, Ron and Hermione have both gone on about how magics are dark by their very existence, and you're right, I wasn't really convinced by it. For instance, Hermione said that there is a curse that could powder the bones in the body part they connect to, and how barbaric and cruel it was. But I got to thinking, if I'm attacked by a dark wizard, a REAL one, and I know this curse, managing to hit his wand arm with this would end the fight and help me capture him and thus stop him from hurting others. If I'm surrounded by dark wizards and I know there is no way for me to win, I could fire this really destructive spell that kills all of us…. this isn't evil, Merlin, I would be lauded as a hero! If I really wanted to kill someone, I could use this 'liver-melting' spell Ron's brother Bill told him about once, or I could also do it with a tripping jinx of all things, something I learnt in my first month at Hogwarts! While I believe there are unjustifiably cruel spells, magics capable of causing serious injuries or destruction aren't 'bad' in itself - what makes it 'bad' is how and when I use it…... how I INTEND to use it."

"It is truly astounding how similar yet different you and Tom Riddle are – you both believe there is no such thing as simply 'light' and 'dark' magic, you believe it all comes down to intent, while Riddle proposed that there was only power, and those strong enough to seek it. A huge similarity, yet a world of difference…"

They hadn't been able to go over what he would be specifically learning, or even what all of those fields really were, as Harry had to go - Wood had scheduled a morning Quidditch practice. All Harry knew was that Ancient Runes was an elective they could choose to study in their third year, and that it was notoriously challenging. But to be honest, if you're going to be battling an undead and semi-immortal Dark Lord, the strain of a challenging subject was going to be worth it.

In parting, Salazar had given Harry a task – he said he wanted Harry to 'investigate' his invisibility cloak, without adding anything else.

Harry had one response – "What the fuck does that mean?!". Salazar simply told him that that was all he was going to say. Why did he need to 'investigate' an invisibility cloak? It's just something of his father's that Dumbledore had…... He was interrupted from his musings by a voice, one with a Scottish accent.

"Morning Harry! Good to see ye up and about already!"

In front of the passage that led to the fifth- and sixth-year dormitories stood a tall, burly and sandy haired boy – Oliver Wood, sixth year student and captain of the Gryffindor House Quidditch team.

"Morning Oliver, yeah I go up a few minutes ago. I guess I'm just excited that the cup has been reinstated." That wasn't a complete lie, he truly was excited to finish the Quidditch Cup.

"Me too!"

"You, excited for the Quidditch Cup? You're pulling my leg aren't you!" Harry said jokingly.

"Since you're up, why don't you help me? I'll go to the changing rooms and set up the strategy board, I've got a new manoeuvre for us to practice today. You go and get the twins from their dorm and make your way down there." Oliver said in a hopeful tone.

Harry being the helpful soul he was answered," Sure, I'll do that." Harry then saw Oliver almost sprint out of the common room. "Huh, must be some manoeuvre that's got him so giddy.". Harry was correct, the manoeuvre truly was a professional-level move, but that was not what made Wood shove the portrait door to open faster, as he would soon discover.

He made his way up to the fourth-year dormitories, and opened the door.

SPLAT!

Harry was hit in the face with a dungbomb. The fumes started getting caught in his lungs, making him cough violently.

"HA! Told you we'd get you back for tha-"Both twins began together before freezing

"Oh Merlin!" Said one.

"Harry!" Completed the other.

Harry by this time, had begun to sprint down the stairs and back into the common room, all the while being afflicted by bouts of coughing. A few seconds later, the twins joined him.

"It exploded into my mouth as well! *Cough Cough* I HATE YOU WOOD!" Harry said, now piecing together why Wood looked like Christmas had come early when he realized he wouldn't have to walk into the lair of Hogwarts' resident pranksters.

The twins apologized, though their smiles gave away their amusement. Apparently, Oliver had woken them up with an aguamenti charm once, and they had sworn revenge. A few moments later, they were joined by Angelina and Alicia, the former of whom looked to be physically dragging Katie down the stairs.

"Curse Wood for a morning practice! Its Sunday for Merlin's sake! I like to sleep in!" Whined Katie.

"Imagine if we lose against Ravenclaw, he would probably make us move into the changing rooms.", Harry said, and all six gave an involuntary shudder. Their captain BREATHED Quidditch.

"Domus Leonum"

Angelina called out at the Fat Lady, and the six headed down to the pitch, for another two hours in hell.

9:15| Great Hall| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| June 13th 1993

"Good morning, Harry, how was practice?" Hermione asked as the boy in question took a seat next to her, groaning as he sat down.

"There is no God."

"That bad, huh?"

"You've no idea."

"Well, I suppose I don't…. but cheer up Harry! Professor McGonagall will be giving us forms to choose our electives today!"

"Ah…. yes! Wow, Hermione, that does cheer me up!"

"I know right! I'm so excited that we will finally- Oh. That was sarcasm, wasn't it?"

Harry dropped the toast he had picked up and burst out with laughter, and Hermione swatted his arm." But seriously, think of all the wonderful new branches of magic we'll get to study! There are 5 new electives to choose from - Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Divination, Care for Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies. I'm going to apply for all of them! What about you Harry?"

"Hermione, I know you love to study, but can you can only choose a maximum of 3 electives.", Harry explained.

Hermione looked a little put out, "Well I'm sure I can talk to Professor McGonagall and maybe she will let me take all of them."

"What's this about muggle studies…. You're muggle-raised, aren't you!"

"Well, yes but it'll be so interesting to read it from a wizard's point of view, don't you think?". Harry's face gave away what he thought about that, but knowing how obstinate his friend could be, he decided to let the matter drop.

At this moment, Ron, who had slept in (surprise surprise) also joined them for breakfast. He got seated on the other side of Harry, and without acknowledging either of their presence, started piling sausages on his plate. "Merlin I nearly missed breakfast altogether!"

"And good morning to you too Ronald."

"MHm? O riee, morfin. Wa aayu guys taki abo?" Ron said through a mouthful.

"My troll's a little rusty mate, could you say that in English please" Harry joked.

Ron gulped and started again "I was saying, what are you guys talking about?"

"Electives for next year." Hermione offered.

"Which ones do you think you'll take?" Harry asked

"Divination and Care for magical creatures. What about you guys?"

"Hermione wants to take all 5 – don't ask, and I'm thinking Runes and Care for magical creatures, and maybe I'll take a third as well, I don't know."

Both of his friends were more than a little surprised at this bit of information. Apparently, they had both expected him to take the same things as Ron.

"Mate, Runes is the most difficult class! You're just voluntarily increasing your workload! You'd have to be mental or Hermione to do that!" Hermione gave Ron a scowl.

The urge to keep his friend happy rose up in Harry again, however, it was defeated by the worry in his mind for Voldemort, and more importantly, by his new apprenticeship to Salazar. "I've heard about Runes, and it sounds useful to me. I'm not changing my mind on this. I took Care for magical creatures because considering my luck with magical creatures, I think its best if I have some knowledge about them, when I'm inevitably faced with one trying to eat me or something…... Hell, I should get Hagrid to teach me this subject, he'll introduce me to all the terrifying creatures I'll meet in the future!" Harry finished jokingly, not knowing he had made a future prediction.

"You should have your third class as Divination. We'll be together, and from what I hear, Divination's an easy grade, and apparently the teacher is barmy."

"You're taking it because its easy to get grades in it? That is so wrong Ron, why would you want to do that!" Hermione butted in.

"Hermione, some of us have lives that go beyond being nose-down into a book, I don't want to study all the time like you do for Merlin's sake!"

Harry noticed Hermione getting a little upset by Ron's comment, and quickly changed the topic. "The teacher is barmy?"

"Yeah, apparently she acts like she's drunk all the time and her classroom is filled with incense smoke."

"Well Ron, then I don't think you should take the course, she seems like Lockhart or Quirrell, to be honest." Harry offered. To be honest, he didn't really have time for a third course. Aside from Quidditch, he now also had to consider his sessions with Salazar into his calculations. There was silence after that, occasionally broken by the sound of Ron's fork hitting his plate.

"I don't know, I'll think about it. Let's go get our forms." Said Ron, lapping up the last of his breakfast.

6:35| Chamber of Secrets| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| June 14th 1993

"So where would like to begin, my heir?"

"Well…. That's the thing, really. There's so much I want to talk about! My training is obviously one, then there's my curiosity about you and the founders, your 'travels' that you've mentioned…... There's just so much! Let's just take it one at a time – starting with where we left off yesterday, the subjects you plan on teaching me."

"Very well. while, I will most likely be touching up upon all your subjects, let's go over the ones that will be most prominent. I will be teaching you to cast spells in parseltongue. Have you ever wondered why most spells you are taught have Latin roots? This is because certain languages are able to 'draw out' your magic better than others – you could try using spells in English, but they will most likely either not work at all, or be extremely weak. Languages that can be used to cast potent magic are Latin, Sanskrit, Hebrew, Greek and one or two more. Each language can help cast some particular types of spells better than others. Latin is the most well rounded – it can be used satisfactorily and even impressively for all nearly all fields of magic, hence it is the preferred medium in schools across the globe. Parseltongue is of course, its own language. Its appeal lies in its ability to be able to cast powerful combat spells. The drawbacks are that it is extremely weak for arts like Transfiguration and non-combat Charms, hence limiting its use. We are blessed by the fact that Parseltongue is not our only language, you can think of Parseltongue spell-casting as a power-up in a fight. Of course, it will also drain you faster than if you were doing it in Latin, however, it is worth it in my opinion."

Salazar let Harry soak up the information, before continuing.

"DADA you are familiar with, though you will be moving to the more dangerous spells, and of course the more advanced defences. It is good that this is your best subject, we will be able to progress faster. Runes of course find usage in creating wards – like the ones here at Hogwarts. They can be used as defences and even offences, erecting an anti-portkey ward will trap your enemy into a fight, and if you are skilled enough, it will allow you to work as if they are not present. You will of course be taught to detect and dismantle them. The possibilities in this field are wide, you can create runes for creating an alarm or a 'microphone' to creating a protection around an object to making you aware if someone enters your warded region… truly marvellous. As for blood magic, it is something we will cover later, perhaps at the end of next year, once you are more grown up…. it is highly complicated, but once again, extremely useful. While it is not a branch on its own per se, it can be used across many fields for achieving fantastic feats. You will be able to read some of my works present in the study when you are older. Politics is something you'll pick up as we speak and discuss. And finally, rituals. While everyone knows what a ritual is, I doubt more than a handful, teachers included, in this entire school of nearly 500 know the steps to a single ritual. They are also the first field of magic we'll be looking at."

"Really? I'll do a ritual?"

"You will do multiple, remember magical numbers? Riddle told me they are highly restricted and considered 'dark' today. We of course, have had this discussion before, so I will move on. While rituals grant you boons, they also demand something in return. The bigger the offering, the better the payoff."

"They are extremely dangerous, as they require immense precision…. but since I am present to guide you, you will be able to do them risk free. As for how many, it should be a small number, as too much ritual magic will turn you into an abomination. Also, only the most potent numbers matter in rituals. Stopping at non-magical numbers is not advised, it leads to unforeseen complications – awakening ritual magic too many times and/or stopping arbitrarily will slowly disbalance you and/or lead to your already done rituals not working properly. It is theorized this is because you awaken some cosmic energies that balance out only at magically potent numbers, and that they overwhelm you if present in too much capacity. Arbitrary stoppages being harmful also mean that you should not take too much time in completing your ritual set, the unsettled energies may damage you by the time you are done. I mentioned only the most potent numbers, these are 3 and 7. So your stops are 3,7,21 and 49. I immediately want to rule out 49 and so on. Doing that many rituals will drive you insane. 21 is also incredibly risky. I suspect Riddle's collapse is also attributable to too much usage of ritual magic. I recommend doing 7, small quantity, and the most powerful number. The first ritual I have for you should be done at the full moon, so on the 17th. It is a purification ritual, to help erase any traces of your childhood malnutrition and any other deficiencies, vitamins or such. You were obviously underfed as a child, and this could hamper your full growth, which is unacceptable. I have planned out 4 rituals for you, and you many choose the other 3 on your own over the summer."

"But wait, how on earth will I do a ritual while I'm stuck at the Dursleys! And before you say it, I really don't want to blackmail Dumbledore, it will create a huge mess."

Yesterday, Salazar had proposed a plan to get Harry away from the Dursleys. Harry would strong-arm Dumbledore. The plan was simple – Harry would threaten Dumbledore that Harry would go public with the story of how Harry was treated at the Dursleys and that Dumbledore was forcing him to go back to them. This would undoubtedly let Harry free of the Dursleys, as Dumbledore would be overruled regardless of the blood ward defence he would give the media. But they both also acknowledged that is an extreme option. For one, Dumbledore, for all his obstinacy, only had Harry's well-being in mind, as contradictory as it may seem. This would also mean that Harry would potentially create an enemy out of Dumbledore, or at least lose his friendly terms with him. Dumbledore also served as a sort of de facto Regent of House Potter, as Harry's magical guardian. In that time, he had worked for the family's betterment. When Dumbledore had explained these things to Harry in the first year, Harry had only thanked him without understanding the full extent of things.

The Potters were an "Ancient and Noble" house, or a family that had been present in ancient Britain, and had made the formation of Wizarding Britain possible, and helped in its prosperity and survival. They were entitled to a permanent seat on the Wizengamot, something extremely valuable, not to mention influential; These seats had 3 votes, while all others had only one. (A/N 2). After Harry's death, with no immediate magical relatives, Dumbledore had been appointed 'magical guardian'. It was someone who had less powers than a Regent, but still held some control over the family. With whatever amount he could control, he had given full reign to the goblins, signing off on their investment plans. He had done a good job, as Harry saw from the financial statements on his 11th birthday. If he hadn't, he would have been fired, as his handling was subject to a bi-yearly review by a panel composed of Wizengamot members. Of course, the members were oath bound to keep the exact details confidential. He also served as the proxy to their seat on the Wizengamot, and would continue to do so till Harry chose to replace him, which could only happen once Harry became at least head of house.

There was also the chance that this could create a scandal leading to Dumbledore's political career ending, or his clout significantly waning. This would create a power vacuum which would most likely be filled by someone pushed forward by the traditionalists, a faction currently led by Lucius Malfoy. So going through with this plan was extremely risky. While Harry was still extremely uninformed about the politics of the Wizengamot, he had gotten better. Finding out as much as possible about the wizarding body was one objective of his before the end of term.

"No, no, that will not be necessary anymore. But rest assured, you will not be going back to those filthy muggles this summer."

"And how am I going to do that?"