Author's Notes: Hey, I'm back. Seems like the guess was too easy; most of you guessed correctly. Anyway, going through the last chapter, I realised that a twelve year old declaring he'd revolutionize the whole wizarding world sounds a bit too mature – I mean, he hardly knows the wizarding world! So, for now, Harry is merely concentrating on Voldemort and Dumbledore; revolution will come a bit later. I've made the appropriate changes – if you want, you can go through the last few paragraphs – I'm not posting them here this time. I've also corrected the mistakes that were pointed out.

That said, read, review and most importantly, enjoy.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and associated characters are NOT mine! So lawyers, keep away!

"I can help you with that," said a voice from a shadowy corner.

Harry and Ginny jumped and turned around, wands in their hands, "Who are you? Show yourself!"

A handsome young man – about six feet tall, with shoulder length jet black hair and piercing green eyes – stepped forward. Only, he wasn't solid. He looked like Tom Riddle did – when he had called the basilisk.

Chapter 6: The Disgraced Founder

"When I was alive, I went by the name of Salazar Slytherin," replied the newcomer.

Harry and Ginny were shocked beyond belief. This was the most famous dark wizard in the history! Harry was the first to regain his wits. He sneered, "So, you came to avenge your heir?"

Slytherin laughed, "If I had wanted that, you wouldn't have woken up. I am not too fond of taunting my victims before killing them."

"What do you mean?" asked Ginny, putting a brave face – internally, she was terrified.

"You have nothing to fear from me, little one," replied Slytherin.

This was enough to rile Ginny up. She hated being called little. "Don't you dare call me little one!" Then she realised what she had done – she had threatened Salazar Slytherin himself! She blushed scarlet and tried to hide behind Harry.

"Aren't you the feisty one? Threatening the one you are afraid of! I like your spirit." He laughed again; but it wasn't unpleasant. "Anyway, as I said, I can help you."

"How do we know you aren't luring us into a false sense of security?" asked a cautious Harry.

"You are quite right to be cautious – after all, you were always told that I was the evil one," he said bitterly. "I'll tell you this – when I came to this form, I was solid enough to wield a wand and cast some curses. I could've finished you anytime within the first hour into your unconsciousness. Did you not notice that you were quite warm for someone lying on a cold stone floor? Or that your wounds are healed?"

"Wha-" began Ginny, but Harry cut her off, "How long were we out for?"

"About five hours."

Harry swore. "We need to get out of here quickly before we are declared dead." He looked at Slytherin, "I still don't trust you, but I'll give you a chance to explain. Better make it quick, we are in a hurry."

"Right you are. So what do you want to know?"

"What are you? You can't be the real Salazar Slytherin! And why do you want to help us?" asked Harry.

"When Hogwarts was founded, all four of us decided to leave imprints of ourselves here. It was Rowena's idea – she was the one who worked out the required magic. We had foreseen that someone – probably one of our descendants – would need our help at some point in the future. When I left the castle, Gryffindor tried to remove mine." He smirked, "It was quite funny – watching him get the shock of his life. However, he did manage to put some restrictions upon me..." he trailed off. "I always come here when I sense the Chamber being opened. And no, I couldn't do anything to stop Riddle," he added before Harry could say something. "Thanks to Gryffindor's restrictions; I can't draw magic from Hogwarts to take a corporeal form. What you did to wake her up," he inclined his head towards Ginny, "caused a lot of raw magic to build up around you. I somehow managed to absorb some of it and gain this form." He paused, "I am impressed by the way you fought. I had never imagined Aisa –" he looked at the basilisk's corpse sadly "– being defeated by a twelve year-old!"

"Err – shouldn't you be angry? I killed your basilisk!" Harry blurted out.

"She was gone the day Tom Riddle performed those rituals – to increase her primal killing instincts to a maximum and bind her to himself; basically turning her into a mindless killer. That day, I lost the only friend who had never betrayed me!" replied Slytherin with a hint of anger in his voice. "You merely put her out of her misery."

"But why did you put her in the school?" asked Harry.

"To protect the students. Before I left, I instructed her to defend the castle against any invasion. Why do you think that the castle was never breached; despite several attempts – by muggles and self proclaimed dark lords?" Slytherin replied. "Before Tom Riddle came along, she was a very intelligent creature. She could destroy an entire army without being seen!"

There was a moments silence while the children digested the information. It was Ginny who broke it.

"Err – Mr. Slytherin?" Ginny spoke hesitantly.

"Call me Salazar, little one!" replied Slytherin.

Ginny blushed but didn't retort, "Why do you hate the muggleborns?"

Slytherin's face darkened, "I don't hate muggleborns. I pity them. Imagine being the perfect little angel of your parents for the first few years of your life; and then – with the first bout of accidental magic – it's all gone – you are the incarnation of devil himself – meant to be tortured and killed – by your own parents too – who keep saying how much they regret it! No, it's the muggles I hate. They are like animals – most of them anyway. They took away everything I held dear to me."

He looked at Ginny with scrutinizing eyes, as if debating whether or not to say any more. "When I was seven, my mother was burned at the stake by the muggles. My father had already been killed in a duel – about a year earlier. I was left to fend for myself – along with a two year old sister – Selviya. An old wand-maker – by the name of Julius Ollivander – helped us. He gave us food and shelter – took me as his apprentice – taught me wand-making and magic. Slowly, my fame as a wand maker grew. By the time I was sixteen, it rivalled that of Octavius Ollivander – the most well known wand-maker of the time – Jullius' grandson – who had abandoned him to die of old age. Julius himself had been a master wand-maker in his youth. Anyway, I learnt quite a lot of magic from some of my regular clients. All in all, I was happy."

He sighed, "Apparently, the Fates didn't like it. It was the eve of my seventeenth birthday when the tragedy struck. I was out delivering some wands and Julius was visiting an old friend in a neighbouring village. When I returned, I found Selviya tied to the stake near the village square, bloody and naked. Later, I found out that she was raped by at least twelve men – one for each year of her sinful existence!" Slytherin eyes were blazing with anger. "In my rage, I killed them all; but I couldn't save her. She died hours later."

It took a while before Slytherin calmed down. "After that there was nothing left for me in the village. I left most of the money I had earned from wand-making for Julius and departed – a few days after Selviya's funeral. During the next few years, I travelled different parts of the country and continent, learning different types of magic. By the time I turned thirty, I had earned a quite a reputation for myself." He smiled, "I had killed several muggles whom I found attacking witches and wizards, defeated five self-styled dark lords and showed no qualms about using so called dark magic."

He paused, "I met many famous witches and wizards during my travels – including the remaining three. At first, they had some reservations against me – a supposedly dark wizard. But we became friends pretty quickly; especially me and Godric. The idea of a school for magic came from a joke Godric had told; but it stuck – and became our dream. After four long years of hard work, we were able to acquire the castle and make it usable as a school. And thus Hogwarts came into existence. Over time, it gained fame all over Europe and in some parts of Asia too. It was going pretty smoothly. I had even regained some semblance of happiness."

He sighed again, "Forty-two years had passed since the founding of Hogwarts. I had had many arguments with Godric about some of the controversial topics – like the use of dark magic and killing of muggles who attacked witches and wizards. You see, I was not a cold blooded murderer; I never advocated mass muggle killing – however, I did advocate killing anybody – wizard or muggle – who had killed an innocent being for a something they had no control over – this includes witches and wizards, werewolves, vampires and muggles themselves – for the lack of magic. I could put my hatred for muggles at bay if they were willing to cooperate. I merely believed in 'fighting fire with fire' as you yourself put it."

He continued after a moments pause, "One night, I was out of the castle on an errand when I found another witch – about fifteen or sixteen years old – about to be burned after she had faced the same fate as my sister. I hadn't meant to kill them – not because I didn't want to – but out of respect for Godric – but when I saw her like that – I just lost control. When I returned to the castle with the girl; Godric was waiting for me in the entrance hall – I tried to explain myself, but he wouldn't listen. It turned out that the youngest of my sons – who had accompanied me – whom I had forgotten all about in my rage – had returned before me. He had told Godric all about the incident, in great details – and everything else I had kept hidden from him – things like the Chamber, Aisa, a special wand I was working upon and many others... Apparently he was terrified of me – my own son!" He said sadly.

"I tried to explain everything – how I hadn't meant any harm, but he would have none of it. As soon as the girl was taken to the hospital wing, he started throwing insults; accusing me of treachery, backstabbing and Merlin knows what else. I was barely keeping my anger at those muggles in check; and the words my best friend was sprouting… they were just too much – he had thrown away nearly fifty years of friendship without even listening to my side of story! I snapped; I said some things I shouldn't have. Before I knew it, our wands were out and we were dueling."

He shook his head, as if trying to shake away the bad memories, before speaking, "Despite my anger, I didn't lose my head – I never aimed to kill him – something that can't be said about him; he was coming at me with everything he had – aiming to kill me! Had I wanted to, I could have easily finished him off – I had a basilisk, a huge collection of spells and most importantly an extremely powerful – supposedly unbeatable – wand at my disposal! Needless to say, I emerged victorious! But looking at the faces of other two, who had arrived sometime during the duel – I realised I wasn't welcome here anymore – so I decided to leave. What hurt me most was that even my wife was looking at me with contempt. When my eldest son heard about what had happened, he killed his brother in a fit of rage and disappeared; I never saw him again. He was probably the one who started the anti-muggle sentiments – which were later twisted into anti-muggleborn sentiments. He is probably the one whose line produced Tom Riddle."

He paused again, "I, on the other hand, resumed my travels – learning more magic and helping witches and wizards. I also helped found the Durmstrang Academy of Magic; I even taught there for a few years – but it never felt the same as Hogwarts. I used to come here from time to time – in secret – to takes a look at how things were going and to impart the additions to my knowledge to the imprint. Last time I came here was when I was one hundred and forty eight years old. I still wonder how I died – it was definitely not from old age – for I was perfectly healthy at that time…." Slytherin finished with a look of great sadness on his face.

Harry's brain was reeling; so this was what had happened all those years ago! Harry didn't know how he knew it, but somehow, he knew that Slytherin wasn't lying. Ginny was merely staring at him with wide eyes. Nobody spoke for some time. Again it was Ginny who broke it.

"You have gotten more transparent," she remarked.

Slytherin smiled, "It's expected, little one. I, unlike Tom, am not sucking at someone's life force to maintain this body. I am made of leftover magic from your bonding. I have a few more hours before I completely disappear."

"Wait, what bonding?" asked Harry.

"I'll explain later. But first, I'll answer your original question. I'm not too sure why I want to help you. To some extent, you remind me of myself." He paused, as if waiting for Harry to say something. When he didn't, he continued, "Then there is the fact that I don't like my dear heir anymore than you do; he destroyed Aisa, for Merlin's sake!" He took a deep breath, "And besides everything, I want someone to know that I wasn't as bad as I am portrayed!" His voice carried a hint of desperation.

Harry thought for a moment. "Alright, I'll accept your offer of help. But how will you help us? You said you only had a few more hours?"

"Don't worry about that right now. For now, think of a nice cover story and get out of here. When your magic levels are restored, go to the seventh floor; opposite the tapestry of depicting an idiot trying to train some trolls for the ballet, you'll find a stretch of blank wall. Place your palm near its centre and say that you want to find my office, in parseltongue. Make sure nobody follows you, except for her." He said, nodding towards Ginny.

"Wait, didn't you say Dumbledore read your mind? What if he finds out we are lying?" Ginny asked Harry. "I mean, there is a very good chance that he's come back, isn't there?"

"Hmm... that can be a problem." Slytherin said thoughtfully, "I can shield your mind; show him false vision supporting your story, but you'll have to let me possess you." Harry looked alarmed, "Don't worry; I won't take control of you – except when you are attacked – mentally or physically. Besides I'll be able to determine what spells and potions are being used to control you." At Harry's questioning look, he added, "I'm made of magic – I can sense magic." He continued at Harry's nod, "But we'll have to do it quickly – I have merely over two hours left; after that I'll be too weak to help you – you don't have enough magic left to sustain me without killing yourself."

"And what about Ginny?" asked Harry.

"You can play the distraught little girl." He said to Ginny. At Ginny's smirk, he added, "Make sure to avoid eye-contact with anyone – eye contact is essential for Legilimency – the mind-reading thing." He added quickly, at Ginny's questioning look.

"So, for the cover story…" Harry began.

About twenty minutes later, Harry was leading a sobbing Ginny towards McGonagall's office when they were greeted by a strange sight. Lockhart was pinned against wall with Fred and George's wands pointed at him.

"Now look here boys – as I told your brother, I'm trying to find the entrance to the Chamber." Lockhart was saying.

"That was hours ago. Didn't you say…"

"…you already knew where it is?"

"Err – it seems – I mean – I was mistaken – now if you'll leave me alone, I'll go find it." Lockhart tried to get away, only to find Harry and Ginny blocking his path.

"Really Professor," Harry pulled out his wand, "then what are those doing here?" He said, pointing towards the two trunks lying about twenty feet away in the corridor. "Hmm….seems like someone's trying to run away." Fred and George – who were gawking at Harry and Ginny – turned around to look at Lockhart, murderous glares in their eyes.

"Now look here boys, this is no way to treat a Professor…" Lockhart was trying to regain some of his dignity, but was silenced by the looks on the students' faces.

"I always knew you were a fraud, Lockhart. How did you write those books? Don't tell me it is all fiction!"

"My dear boy," said Lockhart, frowning at Harry. "Do use your common sense – no one wants to read about some ugly old Armenian warlock, even if he did save a village from werewolves. He'd look dreadful on the front cover – no dress sense at all. And the witch who banished the Bandon Banshee had a harelip. I mean, come on –"

"So you've just been taking credit for what a load of other people have done?" said Harry, outraged.

"Harry, Harry," said Lockhart, shaking his head, "it's not nearly as simple as that. There was work involved. I had to track these people down – ask them exactly how they managed to do what they did – modify the details to suit my personality. Then I had to put a Memory Charm on them so they wouldn't remember doing it. If there's one thing I pride myself on, it's my Memory Charms. No, it's been a lot of work, Harry. It's not all book signings and publicity photos, you know. You want fame; you have to be prepared for a long hard slog. Look at yourself! Who would want to see a skinny, twelve year-old boy on the cover of a book dealing with the adventure in the legendary Chamber of Secrets? No, they'd want to see me, the great Gilderoy Lockhart, saving the day again. Now, I'm sure we can reach a compromise – how about…"

Harry couldn't take it anymore. Fury was building up inside him. The stupid idiot wanted to make money out of the ordeal they had suffered. Forgetting Fred and George were still there; he pointed his wand at Lockhart and cried –

"Petrificus Totalus! Crucio!"

Lockhart fell to the ground, his body rigid. Only his eyes betrayed the pain he was feeling. But Harry couldn't hold the curse for long. Soon, he was panting from magical exhaustion. Looking around, he found Fred and George still looking murderously upon Lockhart. Ginny was doing the same. They probably didn't know about the Cruciatus Curse. "Fred, could you tie him up and silence him? We'll deal with him later." He said. Fred nodded and proceeded to do so. George went on to hug Ginny, who was trying to get the distraught little girl look back on her face. "What happened? We thought you were dead for sure!" He asked.

"We'll explain later! We need to get to McGonagall's office first!" said Harry

"We should go to Dumbledore's office – yes, he has returned," said George, mistaking the look on Harry's face for confusion. "Mum and Dad are there; and the Professors too."

Fred had returned after binding Lockhart and chucking him in a broom closet – along with his trunks. "Listen Fred, George – I'd be grateful if you don't mention the curse I used upon him…"

"No problem, Harry, the filthy git…"

"…deserved more than whatever…"

"…you did to him! We never saw…"

"…you cast any curse other than…"

"…the Full-Body-Bind!" The twins finished.

"Don't look into Dumbledore's eyes for too long, he can read your minds!" warned Harry.

The twins laughed. "Don't worry young Harry…"

"…we already know that…"

"…What you don't know is…"

"…old Slimeball can do it too. So we know…"

"…how to protect ourselves!"

"What! Snape can do it too?" Harry was shocked. Now he'd have to look out for two mind-readers.

At last, they reached the gargoyle guarding the headmaster's office. Fred gave the password – Fizzing Whizzbee – and it hopped aside to reveal the spiral staircase that was moving smoothly upward, like an escalator. After they had stepped onto it, they rose upwards in circles, higher and higher, until they reached a gleaming oak door, with a brass knocker in the shape of a griffin.

Stepping off the stone staircase, Harry knocked on the door. A grave voice said, "Enter!"

Author's Notes: I really didn't want to end it here, but I'm simply too tired to type any more and I don't want to delay posting it anymore!

Despite putting my best efforts, I'm still not fully satisfied with this chapter. I'll come back and improve it if I get a brainwave. If someone has some ideas, please let me know.

And finally – I really don't want to say this – but after 11k+ hits, 5k+ visitors, 84 favourites and 141 alerts – I'd expect a lot more than 93 reviews. While I write for fun, it's always good to know that your work is appreciated. It can't be that difficult to click a button and type a couple of sentences, can it?

Anyway, the ones who reviewed – you have my unending gratitude!

Do you think Dumbledore should die in this story? If yes, who should do it? Harry, Ginny, Snape, Voldemort or someone else? If no, what should be his fate?

Hope you enjoyed it. Please Review!