A/N. For those of you reading this for the first time, you have my many thanks for you time. For those of you reading once again, you may notice that I have rewritten many parts, and have added to the story. Which of course made me redo where the chapters ended. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your patience. Vbollman.

Disclaimer- don't own them, don't want them (except for Snape) Just like playing with them.

Thanks to Kei and Sandra for their Betaing job. Much luv to both of you.

Chapter Five.

Harry used the map to make sure that the three of them didn't meet up with any of the other students. After all It wouldn't do for them to see their Potions Master, acting like a human being. He had finally managed to work his way out of the daze he fell into when Severus had kissed him, and whispered the words 'My Harry', just as they reached Severus's office door.

It was a good thing he did manage to shake it off when he did, as they found in the office waiting for them, everyone who was last in the Headmaster's office. Including Professor McGonagall. Not feeling ready to deal with his Head of House, Harry made sure that Severus was the first one to enter the room, and he stood slightly behind Severus, hiding, or trying to anyway. He knew it wouldn't really work, but if it kept him from dealing with McGonagall, then it was worth a try.

Taking a chance Harry glanced at McGonagall's face and groaned in dismay. Nope, there was no way he would get out of dealing with the Witch, and his only hope was that the others would protect him from her wrath. Following Severus across the room, Harry waited as he tapped a sequence on a section of wall, and watched as the wall slide away to reveal a passage leading to the Potions Master's personal rooms.

Upon entering his rooms Severus carried Galahad to one of the new rooms that had recently been added, and motioned for Harry to follow. "I need you to go back into my office and bring a vial of calming potion and one of Dreamless Sleep. You'll find both in the cupboard above my desk. I don't have the password set for it as of yet, so you should have no problems."

Harry nodded his head in understand and left the room and headed for the passage leading to Severus's office. Making sure to keep someone between him and his Head of House at all times. It didn't take long for him to find the potions needed, and by the time he returned with them, Severus had Galahad stripped, cleaned, and redressed in clean clothing once again. Harry handed over both potion vials and went to leave again when Galahad called him softly from the bed.

"Kitten?"

"You should be resting."

"I know, but my head is all fuzzy, so I can't call Morgan-Rose. And I really need her here." Galahad rambled.

"Alright Gali, I'll let her know. You just sleep."

"Alright Kitten. Papa, will you stay also?"

"I'm not going anywhere My Knight. Rest. Harry will get Our Rose for you." Severus said wrapping his arms around his son.

Harry left the room and walked to Morgan. "Morgan, your brother wants you. He's wrapped around your father at the moment." He said, and then added for her alone:He's the one looking like a kitten at the moment. I don't like seeing him that way:

:I know Harry. But Papa will make sure he's back to his old self in no time.:

:I hope so My Rose, I truly do hope so.: Harry replied, unconsciously imitated her father, and tilted his head up to accept the kiss she placed on his cheek.

Looking over at Professor McGonagall as Morgan walked away, he barely managed to suppressed the flinch that wanted to come out and waited for the verbal on slot that he knew was coming, just like he knew the Headmaster wouldn't be willing to head off for him. 'Here we go' he thought to himself, and meet her gaze.

"Mr. Potter." she started in a voice every student in her house learned to dread in their first week if not sooner, "Would you explain to me why you are on such friendly terms with a student you just met today, and why you are calling one of your Professors by their given names?"

Ignoring the snickering coming from Draco, Harry started on an over simplified explanation. "I met the twins early yesterday morning when my Uncle dropped me off at the station before 7. As I already told you, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to do any of my school shopping, and Gali and Morgan convinced Professor Snape to take me with them, when they did their own shopping. A few things came up while I was in Gringotts, and I found myself unable to return to the school before the feast started. I have Professor Snape's permission to use his first name while we are in private, and since we will be sharing quarters for this school year at least, I am well within my rights to use his first name. As to my friendly relationship with Morgan, I can assure you that nothing is going on, and nothing will be going on between us. The twins and I have a trust bond, which allows me to speak my mind and not worry about anything I tell them ending up on the front page of the Prophet." he explained, and then added. " I do believe that I have covered everything that you need to know. And I will not answer any more of your questions about the things that have happened before this term started."

"Very well Mr. Potter. I assume by your attitude, that you have been informed of the decision, to remove you from Gryffindor Tower for your own safety. I still fully expect you to live up to the rules governing my House." Disapproval for Harry's answer and attitude that she didn't bother to mask laced her voice.

"No Professor, I was thrown out of Gryffindor Tower, because your House believes it will be to stressful to deal with my demanding personality, and the danger it involves. Your House has shown on more then one occasion that it would rather turn it's collective back on one in need. On those grounds, I would rather be resorted to another House, then deal with a bunch of cowards who refuse to stand with one of their own.

Harry watched in satisfaction as McGonagall went red with fury to the insult of her house. Albus was also not pleased with the turn of events, but unlike McGonagall, he was angry on Harry's behalf.

"Harry, My Boy. Is that truly your wish?" He asked doing his best to make sure that Harry understood that he was not angry at him.

"No Headmaster, it's not. I would rather not be in any House, for one simple reason, I refuse to deal with House Rivalries, when we have a larger war to fight. The only reason I would consent to be in any House, is for quidditch. But that really doesn't matter, as I am under a life time ban for playing."

"Your ban has been lifted. If you wish, we can have you placed in the Sorting Hat's first choice for you."

"I believe that will be best Headmaster. Unless of course by know the Sorting Hat has changed it's mind about where to place me."

"That is an easy matter to discern. I will need to call in all of the Heads, for this though."

"Of course Headmaster. If you would be kind enough to point me in the direction of my room, I will unpack my belongings, while I wait for the other two Heads to arrive."

"I have taken the liberty of placing you in the room next to Severus's. It's the second door on the left."

"Thank you Headmaster."

Harry left the living room, and went to check on Galahad. Looking into the room, he found both twins asleep, with Severus watching over them. Smiling when Severus looked up, Harry walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. "How much of that did you hear?" he asked softly

"Enough to know that I wish I would have been in the room to see Minerva's face when you told her off. Do you expect to be placed in any other house, other than Slytherin?"

"Not really. But I figured it would be easier this way, with no one being able to say that I was being favored."

"Indeed. I'll show you to your room. I believe that Albus had an ulterior motive in placing you there." He said as he led Harry out of the room.

"And that would be?" Harry questioned.

Severus pointed at a seascape on the wall. "through that portrait, you will have direct access to my bedroom."

"The Headmaster is throwing us together in other words."

"Yes, I believe that, that is his intent. Does it bother you?" Severus asked softly, not looking at Harry.

Harry wrapped his arms around Severus from behind, and placed his cheek against his back. "No Severus, it doesn't bother me. I was just hoping that for once, the meddlesome old coot would keep his twinkling eyes out of our lives." he said just as softly.

Severus smiled and turned around to wrap his own arms around Harry. The two of them stood silently for a few minutes, each feeling as if they had come home.

Albus Dumbledore watched the two of them from the doorway before making himself known. Clearing his throat softly, he walked into the room. "I see I was not mistaken in putting Harry in this room. I just ask that the two of you use the utmost discretion. I will be reviewing Harry's potions work so no one can call foul play." He told the two of them. And not giving them a chance to respond he continued, "The other Heads have just arrived so we can go on with Harry's resorting."

"Thank you Headmaster. When we are done, I would like to request the time to speak with Fawkes. I am going to need his permission to turn the feather from my first wand into a protective amulet."

"Of course Harry. He has already made it clear that he will answer your call at anytime." he said, before walking out of the room.

"I'm not sure which is worse, a meddling old coot or his bloody bird." Severus muttered.

"The bird. He has a habit of changing everyone's mood to suit his own needs." Harry laughed. He stepped back far enough to look up at Severus. "Do I really want to know why Fawkes will answer to my call?"

"I'm sure you'll find out when he wants you to." Severus told him, before releasing Harry and starting for the door. "Come, lets go see what the Hat has to say about you now."

"Nothing I haven't heard before, I'm sure." Harry pointed out laughing, as he followed Severus out the door.

The two of them walked into the room, and Harry saw the beat up old hat sitting on a side table, next to a large winged back chair.

"Ah, Mr. Potter. I see you have finally come to your senses. Do you really need to me to go through your head once more."

"I believe it would be best for you to go through my mind again. This way no one can call favoritism."

"Very well, Mr. Potter. I just need to know if you will fight my decision once again."

"No, I won't. I will willing go where you place me, as long as it's not in Gryffindor."

"As you wish, come and let me enter your mind.

Harry settled into the chair and placed that hat on his head. 'Do you plan to drop another sword on my head?' he asked.

'No Mr. Potter, I do not. Though I must say only the heir of Goldric Gryffindor would have been able to pull that sword out. So in truth I could leave you in Gryffindor House.'

'I think not. I was removed from the Tower, by those to afraid to stand up and face their problems.'

'Good point. How about Ravenclaw? You have some of her blood in your veins.'

'Would that be the best place for me?'

'In truth Mr. Potter, you could be placed in any House. The blood of all four Founders runs through you.'

'Interesting. Is there a way I can use that to my advantage, and remain out of all the Houses?'

'I am unsure. Would you be willing to bring me the portrait of the Founders so this can be discussed?'

'Where would I find it?'

'In the Chamber of Secrets.'

'Ugh. I suppose that I could go down there again. I would prefer to have Goldric's sword before I go this time though.'

'Remove me from you head. I will summon the Sword for you.'

Harry did as he was told, and placed the Hat on the table once more, and looked at the others. "He needs to discuss my situation with the Founders." he told them, just as a metallic clink sounded from under the hat. Harry placed his hand under the brim, and grasped the handle of the Sword before lifting the hat up.

"And what are you doing with that Sword this time, Mr. Potter." Mr. Malfoy inquired.

"I prefer to be armed before opening the Chamber of Secrets this time. I was informed that the only place I will be able to find the required portrait would be to retrieve it from Slytherin's Lair." Harry responded. "Since you missed the trip last time, would you like to join me this time. I'm sure the snake is dead, but you never know what other creatures you will find down there." he asked snidely.

"You plan on reopening the Chamber? Are you mad?" Severus demanded.

"Not really. I already told you I would consider going back down. Just think of all the potion ingredients that are available from a 60 foot basilisk."

"You are not going down alone this time." Severus told him, as his fury began to grow.

"I never said I was. In fact I do believe I had just asked Mr. Malfoy to join me. Did you wish to join us also? Besides I wasn't alone last time, it's just that the Professor who joined me last time was unqualified for the job." Harry retaliated while doing his best to hide the shudder of fear that passed through his body at the visible sight of the Potions Master's fury.

"I believe Harry, that we will all go with you. I must confess that I find myself wishing to see the private workrooms of one of the Founders." Dumbledore said, cutting off Severus's angry response.

"As you wish Headmaster, the entrance to the Chamber is located in Moaning Myrtles bathroom, I will wait for all of you that are going there." Harry told him, and stalked out of the room and slammed the portrait closed behind him.

Dumbledore once more cut Severus off before he could follow the teen out of the room, by placing one hand on his arm, "I would be very careful in what you say to him at the moment Severus and remember that he can read emotions and body language extremely well. Keep in mind his years with the Dursley's, where that knowledge was a necessity for his survival, and think about what kind of treatment he had at their hands no matter what." He said softly to Severus, before walking out to join Harry, calling over his shoulder. "I will ask him to open the Chamber in 10 minutes. All of you that are going should be there at that time, or risk getting lost. Severus, I suggest that you call Poppy to watch over the twins."

Severus stared in shock after the Headmaster, before giving his head and a shake and walking towards the fireplace, he was just about to contact the nurse to have her keep an eye on his children, when the twins stumbled out of the bedroom. "Papa, why is Harry so mad? He won't answer us." Morgan asked in concern.

Severus ignored the question and instead leveled a glare at the two of them. "You are both supposed to be asleep, and should have stayed that way even without the Dreamless Sleep potion." he told them.

"By your avoidance of the question, we will assume that you are the reason Harry is upset." Galahad replied matter of factly, " besides it's really hard to sleep when someone is cursing in your head in two different languages." Galahad continued.

Severus closed his eyes and breathed deeply before looking at the twins again. "If you can get through to him, tell him that I'm sorry. And ask him if we need anything to bring down to the Chamber." he told him softly.

Morgan maintained her glare at her father, while Galahad contacted Harry, blocking out his father's emotion riddled eyes. :Kitten? I have a message from father for you.: he sent softly.

:What the hell does he want now? Planning on ordering me not to live my life?: Harry snarled, turning his fear into anger in order to hide it from Galahad.

:Not exactly. He says he's sorry.: Galahad replied, hoping that Harry would open up a little, over what happened between him and his father.

Galahad winced at the deep silence in his mind, and snapped his eyes open to join his sister in glaring at his father. "What the hell did you do?" He snarled, and had the satisfaction of seeing his father step back away from him.

:He did nothing to me Galahad, don't take this out on him.: Harry came back finally, his mental voice quite.

:I'm not sure if I believe you or not Kitten.:

:Believe what you will. I only telling the truth." Harry said, before continuing, "tell Draco that he will need his broom if he's coming down to the Chamber, unless he's scared of course. It will be easier to get around that way. In fact all of those coming should have a broom." Silence fell for a moment before he continued, "also tell your father that he may bring something to collect parts of the Basilisk in, but keep it small. If he plans on taking back any of the venom, make sure that whatever he brings is highly protected. The stuff is extremely potent and will kill in just over a minute.:

Galahad turned to Draco and started to relay the message. "Harry says to bring your broom, unless your too scared to go down with him. He says it will be easier for all those going to be on a broom." Looking at his father he relayed the last of the message, "he also said father, that you may bring what you need to collect ingredients, as long as it's small, and that if you want any of the venom to make sure the container is highly protected, since it will take a little more then a minute to kill." He finished only to hear Harry once more.

:Gali, don't forget your wand this time. I don't feel like having to save your arse like that again.:

:Thanks Kitten.: He said sarcastically.

:Your very welcome Gali. Do hurry though, I don't want to be sitting around all day.:

"Kitten is getting impatient, he says to hurry, because he doesn't want to sit around all day." Galahad told everyone, before walking back to his room to collect his and Morgan's brooms. He was just about to go and collect Harry's broom, when his father walked out with it. Placing a hand on his arm, Galahad stopped his father from walking away. "I'm still not sure what happened, but he said it wasn't your fault. Don't give me a reason to doubt his word." he told him, and then joined the others.

It didn't take long to find Harry, who was sitting on one of the sinks in the second floor girl's bathroom with the sword resting across his lap, talking with one of the school ghosts. When Harry saw them, he jumped down and smiled. "Everyone ready to go?" he asked cheerfully, doing his best to hide his true feelings, and received nods in return. "Good." he replied before throwing a small smirk towards Draco, "Scared Malfoy?" He asked slyly.

You wish Potter." came back the instant reply.

"Ah, second year all over again. All that's missing is watching Lockhart get blasted across the hall in a duel." Harry commented a small grin on his face. "But I'm sure I can arrange to have it happen again. It would be nice to keep the idiot in St. Mungo's for an extra few years."

"What did happen to the buffoon anyway Potter?" Draco asked.

"He tried to oblivate Ron and myself, with Ron's wand, and just like when Ron tried to curse you, had it backfire. I'm glad it happened though, at least I didn't have to worry about getting killed by someone supposedly on my own side, while I was facing off against a young Tom Riddle." he said, and walked over to one of the sinks. Bending down, he focused on the snake carved on the plumbing, and hissed at it to open. When it had opened as far as it would go, Harry looked back at them all. "Alright then, there's about a 4 foot drop at the end of the pipe, it's going to be a slimy and fast trip down, so try not to break anything when you land." he told the group before stopping, "and watch out for the smell it's really bad, and I doubt it's gotten any better over the years." He told them as an afterthought. He was just about to jump into the opening when he looked back at the Professors, "I'm going first! There will be no arguments about this, for the simple reason as I can talk to snakes and will be able to tell any that are around to stay away, none of you can." And then he was gone.

The twins both glared at their father and followed right behind, and Severus was left muttering about turning his children and Harry into potion ingredients. Albus just chuckled before he to, stepped into the opening, followed by everyone else.

When Severus landed at the bottom, Harry had his wand lit, and was examining a section of wall. Walking over, he lit his own wand and held it up so he to could see what Harry was looking at. Harry gave him a small grin, and with a hissed word, a steady glow lit up the tunnel.

"Salazar Slytherin left instructions for the next person who came down here. It's basically a list of commands on how to light up the tunnels." He explained to the Headmaster's curious look.

"Well that's handy." Albus commented.

"Yes it is. I'm afraid we will have some work to do further in, part of the tunnel collapsed, so we are going to have to make a passage way through the rubble. Ron managed to clear a big enough of space for Ginny and myself to get through, but it won't be big enough for any of us now." Harry said as he led them deeper into the tunnels.

It didn't take long for all of them to clear a way through the rock slide. And when they came to the other side, they all got their first look at just exactly how big the basilisk was.

"If this skin is any indication, then the basilisk was over 60 feet Harry." Professor Sprout told him.

"I wasn't really paying attention to how big it was at the time. I was more worried about getting Ginny and myself out alive." He replied back, "we're almost to the main chamber, I'm not sure what kind of condition the carcass is in, but I figured I'd warn you before we got there. I am asking that you don't get to close to the snake. I'm not sure if there is any residue venom from the fang that broke off, when it bit me."

"You survived a bite by that monster?" Mr. Malfoy asked in disbelief. "And were coherent enough to free that house elf afterwards?"

"Fawkes showed up and decided to save me from the venom." Harry shrugged. "I used the fang to destroy the diary first though."

"Remind me to thank that bloody bird later for saving your life." Severus murmured from beside him.

"I will."

When Harry opened the main chamber, he ignored the gasps of shock from those with him, and concentrated on finding the opening to Salazar's inner chamber. A flash of silver heading towards the Potion Master, broke his concentration and almost stopped his heart.

Stop he commanded, and was instantly obeyed by the snake, Severus and Mr. Malfoy, with everyone else followed the other's two mens example. "No one move, I'm not sure if he will attack or not." Harry told them in English.

The only movement in the chamber came from the small snake as it moved closer to Harry, but stopped about five feet away and lowered itself into a nonthreatening position.

You speak. The snake hissed in delight.

Yes. Harry answered hesitating only slightly

The last speaker who entered here killed the King. You smell like him The small creature continued

I am he. Harry said cautiously, getting ready to defend himself just in case.

Then I and the others here owe you our thanks. The King was brought here to kill all who entered. Including other animals The snake explained.

This was not the beast left here by Salazar Slytherin? Harry asked taking a few steps closer to the snake.

No. Lord Slytherin only left my kind here. We where created to guard the Inner Chamber.

I see. Will you attack those who are with me?

I was not attacking. The Dark Man smells interesting and I was only trying to get closer

I see. Would you like me to introduce you to him?

What would you require in return? came the suspicious question.

We are looking for a portrait of the four Founders. A problem has arrived with the placement of a student of the school. The Sorting Hat wishes to ask for their advice. Harry replied, his mouth twitching with the effort not to laugh. 'I guess not only human snakes are suspicious.' he thought.

My name is Slyth. I will bring you to the Inner Chamber, if I have their permission to do so. Was the answer to his un-voiced question.

As the snake disappeared into a crack of the statue, Harry faced the others. "It's alright. He wasn't going to attack. His name is Slyth, and he is asking for permission to allow us into the Inner Chamber." Everyone sighed in relief and Harry wondered over to where the two older Slytherins stood talking. "You both understood the command to stop, didn't you."

"Over the years a number of us learned to understand a few commands in Parseltongue." Severus answered for them both. "I'm not sure about Luc, but I also understand my name."

Mr. Malfoy gave Harry an unreadable look before replying, "Knowing a few commands along with my name has saved my life a few times over the years." He told Harry.

"I can see where that can diffidently come in handy." Harry replied, and watched as Severus walked away to where the King of Serpents lay.

It didn't take long for an answer on wither or not they would be allowed into the Inner Chamber came. Instead of the verbal reply Harry was expecting, part of the statue of Salazar Slytherin, rolled away, and Slyth waited on the other side.

Lord Slytherin, Lord Gryffindor, Lady Ravenclaw, and Lady Huffflepuff, wish for all of you to come forward. He announced.

Harry looked at the surprised faces of those who came with him. "We've been summoned." he said with a shrug of his shoulders, as he followed the silver snake into the Inner Chamber of Salazar Slytherin's private workshop.