Descend to Darkness

By: Kyuubi04

HARRY POTTER FANFICTION

Chapter 2: Discussions and an Insight towards Real Events

Summary: Harry defeated Voldemort through some unknown magic and has been in a coma for months. Upon waking up, he had somehow change, in both attitude and stance, and was confusing everybody. During a visit to the infamous Chamber of Secrets, he discovered the reason behind this change along with the confirmation of one Albus Dumbledore.

Warnings:There will be slash... Harry is Salazar Slytherin and will be calmer and colder than before. It will be a Dark Harry but he's not evil. There will be Ron and Ginny Bashing as I don't like the two of them and they will be the main antagonists along with Seamus Finnegan and Lavender Brown. Pairings would be HPDM, SSRL, LMSB, NLLL, DTPP, BZHG, and TNPP. This will probably a short series and updates will probably range from twice to once a month.

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The sun rose brightly on the horizon and it signalled to Harry that it was time to wake up. The young man smiled at himself and decided to do a scan on his body. Once he was sure that he had no further damage aside from the cuts that resulted from carelessly using his magic, he decided to sneak out of the hospital wing and head towards the headmaster's office. His ascent towards the headmaster was uneventful and soon, he was face-to-face with the stone gargoyle guarding the staircase to the tower. He ordered the guardian to move aside and it gladly answered to his command.

Inside the office, he waited for Dumbledore to make an appearance. He sat on the chair ready for anybody wishing to meet with the headmaster. He didn't wait for long since Dumbledore, expecting his visit, came down as soon as he felt the opening of his office. He greeted the young man with a soft smile and said, "Good morning, Harry or should I say Lord Slytherin?" The young man inclined his head and answered softly, "Hmm, Harry is fine, Headmaster Dumbledore. But I'm curious, how did you know that it was me and not someone else?"

"Well, I assume that you recall what had happened in the Department of Mysteries?"

"Yes, I do recall it. Why? Does it have any relevance to your knowledge?"

"Actually, during your conversation with Voldemort, you have indicated that you are a Slytherin and when he said that he was doing your wishes, you have implied that he was a Slytherin heir but not yours, so I guess it is safe to assume that you are indeed Lord Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of this magnificent school."

"I see. Well, I guess I should not dally any longer. I am here to prove to you that I am no threat to the school."

"Why would you do that, Harry?"

"Apparently, I am considered to be a bigoted bastard encouraging the persecution of muggleborns so I just have to set the records straight, so to speak."

"Is that so? Then be my guest and regale me with your tale."

"Where would you like me to start, Headmaster?"

"The beginning would be appreciated, my boy."

"Very well. As you have already guessed, I am Salazar Slytherin, reigning lord of the Slytherin line. I am the second son and my brother who is Tom Riddle's ancestor, Solivan Slytherin is supposed to be the next lord. But, this didn't come to pass because my father, after sending me away to give him some free time to teach my brother of his duties, deemed him unworthy to be his heir. The reason may be his tendency for self-indulgence, cruelty and prejudice. So, soon after my return, which has been ten years since I was sent away, father gave me the title as the new lord. At the same time, I was made the Gate Keeper of Souls which gave me the chance to grow not only in body but in magic as well. During my training, I have met Godric Gryffindor and his cousin, Lady Rowena Ravenclaw. Both of them were three years older than me. The three of us spent many times together as we were training under the same master. We encountered Helga Hufflepuff two years after I was made into an apprentice. It seems to me that our master Lady Marianne Moonhaven has actually opened her ancestral home in order to teach young wizards and is accepting children who are no younger than six to teach them the different branches of magic. When all of us reached the age of fourteen, we were tested to see whether we have an affinity over an element. Godric has the affinity over fire while Rowena has can control water. Helga can manipulate sound in some degree but she is more connected to earth. I, myself, have an affinity over darkness and the psyche. From there, we were trained to use our magic in coordination with our corresponding elements and our education ended only when we reached sixteen. We were given our own titles with regards to our own well-honed abilities. Godric is the Battle Master. Rowena is the Enchantress. Helga is the Sonic Maker. And I am the Soul Keeper or if you want to be long-winded, the Gate Keeper of Souls. We parted ways for about five years until I saw Helga by chance. We talked about old times and then, we decided to send an invitation to the other two. I found out the my good friend, Godric, wishes to set up a school similar to my master's so I offered this castle which, as far as I know, still belongs to the Slytherin Line. He agreed on the pretence that the four of us have to collaborate in setting up the school. And thus, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry came to be. Actually, the name "Hogwarts" was given as a joke by Rowena when Helga mentioned something about owning a pig that looks like it has warts. We taught our students the same subjects that we were taught. There were no houses then, but due to the sudden popularity of the school, we were forced to set up dormitories for the children and separated them under our guidance. We decided that it best segregate the children based on the most prevalent characteristics that they possess which are "Courage", "Intellect", "Loyalty", and "Cunning". The school prospered however there was this event that almost ruined everything that we've strived for. It seems that demons have decided to invade our realm and in order to prevent these beings; our master and her colleagues sacrificed themselves. We were made their heirs with the request that we continue in educating the young witches and wizards of today. Then, when I was twenty-three, I was suddenly called to an urgent meeting and was forced to leave the school. As I can't leave my students without a guardian, I foolishly asked my brother to take my place. Upon reaching my destination, I realized that I fell into a trap set up by my very own kin. I fought against my captors until I escaped. I tried to return but the journey was long and my body can no longer handle the burden of my injuries and magical depletion so I died while trying to go back home. As I have used soul magic for so long, my soul itself latched onto this earth and refused to pass on. In my astral form, I returned to Hogwarts without my friends' knowledge. They must've realized that I died for they were in mourning. Years passed and I witnessed my brother ruin everything that I have strived to cultivate in my children's minds. They were turned into bigoted people who believe themselves above any form of authority. My brother discovered by chamber and addled my basilisk's mind. He turned her from being the school guardian into a weapon against the school. I was only thankful that I have locked the other quarters of my chamber through soul magic and Solivan was unable to infiltrate it. Then, everything happened according to the history books with the exception that it is not I but my brother who was banished."

"Well, that's settles it then. You are to remain here as a student and finish the curriculum. Do you anything to say?"

"Actually, I do. I'm just wondering as to how I regained my memories when during my other reincarnations I didn't even realized that I am who I am."

"I have no idea but maybe you have in your chamber any manuscript regarding your case. The only thing that I learned from one of my books is to how to recognize a reincarnated being."

"Hmm, I may do just that, headmaster."

"Finally, now that the facts are already laid out, I think it's time that we had breakfast. Blarkie! " The headmaster snapped his fingers and a house-elf popped into the tower. The creature bobbed its head in a curtsy and asked, "Blarkie asks you's sirs what you's needing..."

"We would appreciate it if you would kindly bring us some breakfast, Blarkie." The aged man told the elf kindly. The elf bobbed its head once again in ascent and answered, "Blarkie's gonna serve you's sirs you's breakfast. Blarkie'll be back with you's foods." With that, the creature popped out of the room and returned to deliver two trays of hot breakfast instantly.

Harry examined the tray and noted that his contained mashed potatoes, some eggs, bacons, ham and four pieces of bread while the headmaster's breakfast contains of some soup, salad, and bread. He shook his head wryly and asked, "Is there a reason why we have different sets of food. I find myself looking at a highly fatty breakfast while you are served with something so healthy?"

Dumbledore laughed at his remark and brushed it off with his reply, "Oh, don't you worry yourself to much. I am only served this type of breakfast because our resident healer told me to mind my food intake since I'm already getting on in age. Come now; let's enjoy our breakfast while chatting."

The two ate in silence until the eccentric old man broke it with a question, "I'm wondering, are you still just Harry or are you Salazar?"

The young man scrutinized him for a moment before answering, "I am Harry still but I guess when I recovered my original memories, I have somehow merged my two personalities together."

"Understandable. It only shows that your passionate nature nurtured as Harry is now tempered with the calm wisdom of a grown man."

"Hmm... It's only natural that I act upon the changes that I have felt in myself. As Harry, I have been exposed to neglect and am quite starved in affection so I tend to be passionate in defending those I have marked as my family as well as in retaliating against my oppressors such as Professor Snape and Draco Malfoy. As Salazar, I am inundated into harsh training, discipline and politics so I learned how to act and counteract against people in a more subtle manner. It is therefore inevitable that with recovering my memories, my passion will be toned down by my discipline while my passivity will be incensed by my exuberance. It is a very forthcoming change and I am very enthused by these events."

"I am glad to hear that. Another thing, you've said that you've been made heirs by your previous masters. Can you enlighten me as to what these inheritances are? I am really quite curious about them."

The young lord scrunched his faced in contemplation but decided that answering would cause him no harm so he said, "Well, I am made heir of the Moonhaven line. Godric is given the Sagebryne Estates. Rowena is gifted with the Rozenheim inheritance. Helga, on the other hand, is made heir of the Inflares Line. The Shaldyes inheritance was distributed among us. That's all of it I guess."

Dumbledore scrutinized him for a moment before replying, "You do know that the Potters are the direct descendant of Godric Gryffindor, right?"

"Really? So that makes me his only living heir and that means that I have now in my possession five lordships to claim. Let's see, I already have the Slytherin ring, then there's the Potter ring, the Moonhaven ring, the Gryffindor ring as well as the Sagebryne ring. I see now that I am quite rich. But now, headmaster, do you know about the other heirs?"

"I've been waiting for you to ask that particular question, Harry. Well, I have discovered that the Grangers are actually a line of squibs that lived on as muggles ever since the death of the only remaining witch in their family. It seems that they are somewhat descended from the line of Helena Ravenclaw's brother, Aberlain. So basically, your friend Hermione Granger is the only heir to the Ravenclaw Line. As for the Hufflepuff Heir, I believe that Neville Longbottom is to be considered as the most legitimate one."

"Intriguing. Well, I guess I no longer have to wonder where our fortune has been allocated. I hold four, Hermione has two and Neville has the other two. It comes down to it that the Shaldyes Fortune, upon my death, has been specifically used to fund the school throughout the years. So, you asked me that question about my fortune so that I will ask you about the others, correct?"

"That would be precise. Now, before I let you go, would you care to tell me what subjects have been taught at Hogwarts during your time as Lord Slytherin? I seems that the curriculum have degenerated as the years went on and I want to at least restore some of it back now that I have one of the great four to give me the information I need."

"I guess that it wouldn't hurt to inform you. We have some basic subjects like Etiquette, General Linguistics, Latin, Oratory and Writing. These five are necessary for people to learn in order to be able to acquire satisfactory jobs. Then we have the core subjects such as Astronomy, Charms, Defense, Dueling, Herbology, History, Magical Theory, Potions and Transfiguration. These are taught to give some useful knowledge about being witches and wizards. Then we also offered some electives like Arithmancy, care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Healing, Magical Crafting, and the Study of Ancient Runes. Those who have the skills to perform in these classes were taught all they have to know and were made to research other facts that we may have overlooked. That's all about the original curriculum that we've offered."

"Fascinating! I may not be able to suggest the return of the basic subjects that you've enumerated but re-establishing subjects like Dueling, Magical Theory, Healing and Magical Crafting as either a core subject or an elective may be possible."

"Is that so? Then, I'm glad to be of service."

"Thank you, again but if you would, what is Magical Crafting all about?"

"As the subject implies, it is creating anything and imbuing it with magical properties. But unlike the end-products that are usually produced through today's means, Magical Crafting is creating artefacts that are semi-sentient. For example, wand-crafting is a branch of magical crafting for it gives a wizard's wand to have enough power to "sense" its rightful owner. During our time, all wizards are supposed to craft for their own wands themselves. Another one is music-crafting. This one involves making instruments to be able to act either as conduits of magic or as a power-source to either offend or defend against a group of people. Weapons crafting is another. You remember Gryffindor's sword? The old boy had goblins made it and then, he used the crafted weapon as a basis to craft blades of similar characteristics. I myself crafted my very own weapons. Lastly, there's Shield crafting. It's exactly the opposite of weapons crafting. It is about how a magical entity could create different types of protection that are geared towards a specific type of danger. At the same time, they can also be used to create shields for general attacks but these ones are not as strong as a specified shield. All shields come in different form, depending on its crafter. All in all, those are what the students learned in Magical Crafting. There are other branches but they are quite inconsequential and tedious to teach to a large group."

"I see that it's quite useful as a subject. Well, I have so much to think about and prepare for the next school year. I'll see you later, my boy."

"Thank you for a very enlightening conversation, Professor Dumbledore. I'll take my leave now." With their goodbyes said, the young wizard stood up and went down the tower. He decided to go to his dormitory to check on his things and began to plan for a trip to Diagon Alley.

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As he was walking through one of the winding corridors headed towards the left wing of the castle, he suddenly came face-to-face with none-other-than Draco Malfoy. The blond aristocrat stiffened for a moment before entering into a relaxed posture representative of every pureblood child. He sneered at the boy in front of him before saying haughtily, "Potter, are you sure you can afford to walk around the school without your glasses? We sure don't want the "Great Savior of the Wizarding World" to die because he failed to see where he's going."

Harry, now noticing that he hadn't wore his glasses during his meeting, cursed silently at himself for being careless. Inwardly, he was thinking up plans as to how to avoid a major confrontation while outwardly, he is giving Malfoy, who was getting perturbed by the obvious lack of violent reaction, a cool look filled with consternation. After a while, he finally answered his year-mate, "It's seems that I no longer have a need for them so I opted to leave my glasses back at the infirmary, Malfoy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am heading towards my dormitory for I have a trip to arrange."

"Why? Can't wait to see your dear fans at Diagon Alley? Eh, Potter." The blond continued to taunt. However, he was stunned by the brunette when he was suddenly told, "My business in the alley is my own but if you wish it, you could join me in my venture."

Malfoy could only gape in bewilderment at his rival's response. He was so shocked that he failed to notice that he became somewhat slack-jawed. He was snapped into attention when Harry asked him formally, "So, Malfoy, are you going to accompany me today? After all, I don't think that you appreciate being cooped up in this place for so long without any form of reprieve." Never before had this happened to him. He, Draco Malfoy, is in a quandary. He could choose to decline the offer since he and Potter were not friends or he could accept it and show the wizarding world that he is affiliated in some form to their hero in order to boost his family's reputation, but it will also ruin his reputation in Slytherin and make him look like a big suck up. Choices, choices, choices...

As if sensing his thoughts, Harry told him offhandedly, "I am going to wear glamour to hide myself from the public eye so you don't have to worry about your family reputation or your own. And as for us not being friends, it's not like I'm asking you as friend. I just thought that you might want to go out for some time without any adult supervision. So what's you answer." The pureblood was a bit peeved by the offhand response but nevertheless, he began to weigh the pros and cons of coming with the boy hero. Finally, he gave a hesitant nod along with a curt, "I am going to inform my godfather of this expedition so you'll have to meet me at the Great Hall with an hour. Don't you dare make me wait." Harry inclined his head sideways and answered, "Don't worry about something so trivial, Malfoy. I guess I'll see you in an hour." With that, the reincarnated Slytherin walked off towards his dormitory wondering why he actually invited his rival to go with him.

-o-o-o-

Draco, on the other hand, retraced his steps and stalked off towards the dungeons. He entered his godfather's office and waited for the man to appear from the other side of the room. As soon as the man came out, he immediately retold about his newest encounter with the Potter heir. As soon as he ended his tale, Severus Snape eyed him inspected him for any trace of a lie before saying, "You may go, Draco but be sure to always be cautious."

"I'm always cautious, Uncle Severus. You need not worry about me. However, I am wondering about Potter's sudden change in behaviour. He has been so civil today when he usually flies off the bat every time I make a remark about him or his group of friends. Do you know anything about it?" The young man said in quick succession. Severus looked deep in thought but he answered his godson truthfully, "I do not know about the reason of this sudden change in Potter, Draco. But I know that he is somewhat calmer now than he was before. It is as if he was turned from being a reckless Gryffindor into someone with one of the basic traits of a Slytherin. Yesterday, I almost expected that he'd blew up in front of my colleagues but he surprised me when he replied at my snide remarks calmly and honestly. And if you really want to know, I suggest that you observe him for now."

"Okay, I will use this opportunity to observe him. Very well, I have to change into something more suitable. See you later, Uncle Severus."

"Later then." Severus replied before heading towards his personal laboratory.

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In the Gryffindor dormitory, Harry was checking all of his belongings. When he was satisfied that his books from first to fifth year, any extra literary paraphernalia, his Firebolt, his father's invisibility cloak, the marauders map and his wand were all accounted for, he began to transfigure one of his cousin's cast-off into some suitable robes. He was thinking of fixing his fortune at Gringotts and then ordering a new wardrobe for himself. Now that he remembered the ways of the elite, he realized that he could no longer allow himself to look so shabby compared to his peers. He had to make them respect him not only because he was a powerful wizard but because he himself was a wizard to be respected. He planned to visit the Grangers and the Longbottoms to inform Hermione and Neville of their inheritance in the form of a bank inquiry for a search for the rightful owners of those fortunes. With his plans in place, Harry took a shower and began to change into his transfigured robes.

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Greetings to all readers,

I am Kyuubi04 and I am writing this story due to a sudden inspiration about Harry being the reincarnation of Salazar Slytherin.

From this chapter, I have indicated that Harry is going to be rich as well as influential. This is not to make him unbelievably powerful but to give him the ability to do some of things that are going to happen in the future.

As for his powers, he is a soul mage and has an affinity for darkness so it is safe to say that he's going to be strong. But his strength also has a downside to it for he cannot use them extensively or he will suffer from magical backlash, depletion or exhaustion like what happened to him in the first chapter.

He is going to further his friendship with Hermione and Neville because the Salazar part of him thinks that it's the only way to reconnect to his friends.

As for his plan at Gringotts, I would say that he will ask the goblins to do this fake inquiry in order to keep the public from knowing the true extent of his influence.

I would say this now; the only ones who will know that he is the reincarnation of Salazar would be Dumbledore, Sirius, and Remus for he the first already realized it while he will have to tell the other to as they are his guardians. Draco, Hermione, and Neville may or may not know in the near future.

As for Ginny and Ron, here's the gist of the reason for their attitude:

Ron will once again be jealous of his friend's fame. And since this time, Harry actually know how he did it, Ron won't have the opportunity to take back his actions unlike in Goblet of Fire.

Along with reason number 1, since he won't be able to alter his actions, he'll have no choice but to continue acting like a prat. He may or may not be redeemable.

Also, I think that he is a very shallow friend if he could be swayed by the public opinion against his own friend.

Ginny, on the other hand, already has a crush on the Boy-Who-Lived even before she met Harry so it becomes her obsession to be Mrs. Potter now that Harry is more famous than ever.

She will also be quite desperate so she will act in unacceptable ways that will make the others repulsed or disappointed.

The two would drag in Seamus Finnegan and Lavender Brown in their vendetta against Harry.

If ever you're wondering why his godfather isn't there at the moment, remember that he too was recovering and since Remus is the only one patient enough to put up with the childish man, he too isn't with Harry at Hogwart. They're worried about the boy but since they know that he is safe with Poppy, Albus and the other professors having an eye on him, they are satisfied to leave him at the school for the moment.

To njferell: Yes, he is indeed Harry with Salazar's memories. But there's also the fact that those memories would surely leave an impact on him so some changes would be inevitable. I hope you find my answer satisfactory.

That's all for now...

Until next time...