The Chamber of Secrets was nothing like Harry was expecting. The room he entered into through the passageway that the castle gave him was very large. The ceiling was twice as high as the Great Hall's. The stone arches were in immaculate condition. There was no mold or musty smells or dust or webs. It was surprisingly warm for being made entirely out of stone, and no fireplaces to give any heat. The only flames were the torches that were placed along the walls. §Salazar?§
§Who are you to call my master's name?§ This must be Asha. She was fifty feet in length. Harry looked away quickly but he could hear her slithering out of her hiding spot to get closer to him. §Speak if you understand the Snake's Tongue§
§I do. Great basilisk, familiar to Salazar Slytherin, Eldest of the Hogwarts Four§
§A true speaker. How is it that you have come to find this glorious chamber?§
§I am the Hogwarts Heir. A portrait of Lord Slytherin told me how to visit you and this chamber§
§Is there something you desire Heir?§
§There is, but is it possible for you to lower your killing gaze so we may talk face to face?§
§The moment you were recognized as the Heir of Hogwarts, my gaze lost its effect on you. You may look upon me freely.§ Harry lifted his head to meet Asha's gaze. She was beautiful. Her plumage was a fiery red, almost the color of phoenix feathers. Her eyes were covered with a cloudy film, stooping her petrifying gaze.
§Asha, there is a danger to Hogwarts and I fear that you may unwillingly become an accomplice to a false Heir.§
§I would never injure a member of the Hogwarts body.§
§You may not wish to but it may happen. I have discussed with the Founders and we have agreed that if you do become a threat, I will have to stop you and save the students. I hope you understand that I do not wish to do so§
§ I hope to prove you wrong. If you still desire to visit Lord Slytherin, his portrait resides in his study. § Asha moved her head in the direction of another passageway.
§Thank you great basilisk. May we talk again soon§
§We shall see young one, we shall see.§
"Hello Harry, how did your talk with Asha go?" asked Salazar as Harry entered the Study.
"Fairly well Salazar. I must leave soon, but do you think it is alright for me to send Azula down here? I feel like both of them may like some company."
"I am sure Asha will agree. Now go Little Bird. I believe it is time for dinner."
Dinner was as usual. Harry sat near the end of the Ravenclaw table. It was the designated quiet side of the table. Ravens would sit there if they wished to be left alone, whether it be because they wished to read or study or just didn't feel like talking. As the main course was removed and replaced with a wide variety of desserts, Harry pulled out a sheet of parchment. On it he wrote,
The House of Potter would like to invite you to a Samhain celebration.
Same place as our Ostara celebration? You may invite your three closest, and trusted companions.
Harrison James Potter
He charmed it so only Draco could open it. Draco looked up from his plate when the note arrived and nodded slightly towards Harry.
Harry sent a similar letter to Artemis and Neville. They both accepted. Harry smiled and finished his meal. It was a new moon tonight. Perfect for finalizing his Animagus transformation.
Harry walked to the Room of Requirement using the Peverell cloak that had sat in a hidden compartment of his trunk since he got it last Christmas.
'I wish for a place to fly' thought, Harry, as he pictured his Animagus form, walking past where the door for the ROR would appear three times.
The Room of Requirement gave him a lake with tall trees surrounding it. The air was warm and fresh. Nothing like the cool, slightly dusty air that filled the halls of Hogwarts.
Harry closed his eyes, took a deep breath and began his change. His eyesight improved. His lips became a sharp beak perfect for catching and eating fish. Harry's arms grew feathers and powerful muscles. They grew in length as he shrank. During his transformation, he had the thought that he'd have to get someone to take his measurements in his new form.
His feet became sharp talons for holding onto his prey and gripping branches. The rest of his feathers grew in, changing his dark black hair into dark brown and white feathers.
He finally did it! His transformation into a Pandion haliaetus, also known as an Osprey was complete. Flapping his large wings, he took off into the sky. It felt so similar and yet so different from changing into his Siren form and swimming. He felt so free. The air rushing through his feathers, whistling in past his ears, letting him hear every noise the forest made, every rustle of the leaves, every splash of the water lapping onto the shores that surrounded the lake.
There were no fish or other creatures in the room with him. While he thought it would be fun to practice his mobility and skills in this form, it was time to head back to his dorm. He had some letters to write.
What do you think? Does an Osprey fit Harry? I need ideas for a nickname (like Prongs or Padfoot)
The next chapter is something a little,,, different. I felt compelled to write it due to some plot planning for the future.
Until next time! _