Defenses
Salazar Slytherin defends a new addition to Hogwarts. Written for the prompt "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"It's a basilisk, Sal." Helga crossed her arms. "Exactly why did you think it would be appropriate to keep it in the bowels of Hogwarts?"
Salazar tutted gently. "Now Helga, where's that compassion of yours? The creature was all alone when I found it. Just a baby fending for itself."
Rowena rolled her eyes. "A baby that becomes a slavering monster which just happens to kill horrifically."
Salazar smiled. "Precisely. Think of the strategic value - who would dare attack Hogwarts when such a beast could slither to our defense and devastate any invaders?"
Helga harumphed, but Rowena tilted her head thoughtfully.
Godric cleared his throat. "Yes, but how do you propose to keep it from devastating us, Sal? Basilisks aren't exactly known for their loyalty."
Salazar's smile curved higher. Victory was nigh. "At its core, it's a snake, Ric. You know how well snakes and I get along."
Godric narrowed his eyes. "A very large, very powerful snake."
Sal's eyes sparked. "Think of the challenge of taming it, Ric. We'd be the first in the history of the world."
Godric inhaled slowly. "That would be rather glorious, wouldn't it?"
Salazar turned back to Rowena and Helga. "So then, agreed? The basilisk stays?"
Rowena nodded. Helga's lips remained pursed.
"Hel?" Salazar crossed to her, taking her hands in his. "What can I do to calm your worries?"
She closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Can you guarantee it will only be accessible when needed? And only by someone who can...control it?"
Salazar glanced at Godric, who winked. "I'm sure we can come up with something."