Chapter 3: Return to the Chamber. The Head Serpents

Harry laid on his back, relaxing by the black lake as the warm air passed over his face. Enjoying the brief silence, he slowly closed his eyes and let his mind drift to parts unknown. This had been a difficult year, yet at the same time, it was informative as a part of him felt drawn to the Chamber of Secrets. It was as if something deep inside was telling him to return to the chamber, as if someone or thing else was waiting for him. His thoughts also drifted to the sixteen-year-old form of the madman who killed his parents. He wanted. . . No, he needed to know how Voldemort became so powerful. Perhaps the answers lie within the chamber as it was so massive that it could have had several other uses than housing a basilisk. If what he suspects is true, he'll learn how to defeat his enemies and, finally, get the life he prayed for in his dreams.

After spending some time outside, he eventually got up and headed to the castle as the sun vanished over the horizon. Upon reaching the castle, he took out his wand and cast the tempus charm to check the time. Seeing that dinner was being served, he stepped through the halls and reached the Great Hall, where he took a seat at the Gryffindor table next to Neville Longbottom. For the most part, neither of them said a thing, though Harry could tell he was nervous as they had rarely ever talked before.

"You do not have to be scared," Harry decided to break the silence. "I hope you don't mind me sitting here. . ."

"No, no." The pudgy boy said. "It's just that you're always surrounded by Ron and Hermione, and I figured you wouldn't want to be seen anywhere near me." He spotted the two other Gryffindors sitting at the end of the table. Hermione was trying to cast subtle glances their way, though it was noticeable to anyone who knew her well enough to know that she was mentally asking questions about why Harry was sitting with someone like him.

Casually shrugging his shoulders, "I figured a change of company was needed. Plus, I wanted to ask you something important. Did you know your mother was my godmother?"

Neville immediately went stiff, with his breath getting caught in his throat. That reaction said it all, in Harry's opinion. "Y-Yes, I've known all my life. And your mum was my godmother."

Harry thinned his lips, "if you knew this, why didn't you ever tell me? I would have liked to get to know you better."

Looking down at his lap in shame. Neville responded after a minute, "I wanted to. . .but whenever I tried to approach you, Ron and Hermione. . .would push me away. It was also because after You-Know-Who was defeated, my Gran tried to get custody of you, but Professor Dumbledore would block her at every turn, claiming you were happy and safe with your muggle relatives and that he was your magical guardian. I really am sorry."

Harry's eyes softened, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, "it was never your fault, Neville, and believe me when I say that. I am not happy with them, especially after discovering what they did to me. As for happy and safe with my muggle relatives," scoffing at that notion. "Given the chance, I would have preferred to be raised by your grandmother than those assholes."

A wave of anger flashed across his face as his eyes burned with hatred. If the plan was successful, then he would no longer have to remain under their care.

Taking a second to calm himself, "to be fair, this is partly my fault. Had I known what Ron and Hermione were doing, I would have stopped it if I could. In all sincerity, I would like to get the chance to know my godbrother. That's if you let me?"

A small smile tugged at Neville's lips when he looked up. "That would be great!"

The two Gryffindors talked throughout most of dinner, discussing their favorite classes, things to do when they had time off, goals for when they leave Hogwarts, etc. When the subject came to the elective classes they would be taking for third year, Neville revealed he'd signed up for Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. Though he questioned his choice when Harry pointed out that just because it was an easy grade did not mean it would do him much good in the future. Thus he urged him to speak with Professor McGonagall to have his schedule changed, swap out Divination for Ancient Runes, and add Arithmancy. Explaining they would help in his future endeavors.

"Do you really think she'll let me exchange Divination for those two classes?"

"Positive. The choice is yours, as it affects your future as the next Head of the House of Longbottoms." Harry said. "However, I do it sooner than later before she finalizes them," pointing to where their head of house was speaking with the other professors. Likely talking about the upcoming year.

Sucking in a breath, Neville stood up and went to the Head table. The professors, especially McGonagall, could tell he was nervous, yet he was able to ask if he could change his class schedule for next year. Minerva thought about it for a couple of minutes and agreed but warned him she would pull him out if his grades faltered. Though hardly visible, a ghost smile appeared on her lips as she told him to be in her office before curfew. Returning to his seat, the young Longbottom said she agreed to have his timetable changed.

Then, after they finished dinner, the two and a handful of other students vacated the Hall, heading back to their common rooms. Or, in Neville's case went to McGonagall's office. From there, the rest of the evening passed with little complications as the students finished whatever homework assignments they might have had before going to bed.

Thursday, however, was different because when Harry awoke, he found a large package on his nightstand; opening it to find two different journals and a note. The handwriting belonged to Professor Flitwick, who explained that the journals belonged to his parents. A lone tear fell down Harry's face as he tightly held the journals to his chest. This gift meant more to him than anything else, as he now had more memories of his parents. Placing them in his bag, he grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the shower before heading out for breakfast.

During the first half of the day, he read his father's journal whenever he had free time in his classes after completing the work. Throughout it all, a sense of pride and horrification swelled inside. While he was happy to have the chance to learn who his father was when he was at school. A wave of horror emerged as he discovered what he and his friends would get into; the pranks they'd pull painted them as bullies. Their pranks were humiliating and hurtful. What truly got Harry was that their main victims came from Slytherin, especially Professor Snape, who bore the brunt of several of their pranks. One prank, in particular, caught Harry's attention as Sirius thought it would be a good laugh if he sent Snape to the Whomping Willow during Remus's monthly werewolf transformation.

However, that was anything but funny, as Snape could have been either killed or bitten. What's worse is that Sirius endangered one of his best friends for a practical joke. If it came to light that Lupin had been successful, the ministry would have killed him the next day. Despite his animosity towards Snape, he respected him on some levels as he was better at some areas of magic than him and was close to Lily.

In many ways, Harry saw much of himself in his Potion Professor as he knew what it was like to be ostracized, humiliated, and bullied. Having to endure his relatives' treatment of him, more notably Dudley and his gang's endless bullying, was not pleasant. Perhaps a peace offering along with an apology would go a long way.

Heading to lunch, he quickly stopped when his senses told him two people were coming from behind. In a fraction of a second, he drew his wand from his pocket and whirled around, pointing his wand at the two people behind him. "Woah, easy there, Harry. We're friends, remember," Fred put his hands up, with George following suit.

"Yeah, mate, we just wanted to see how you were doing and to thank you for saving Ginny's life," George added.

Slowly lowering his wand, "sorry for being jumpy. This year has been stressful."

"No worries, Harry. . ."

". . .we understand. This year has taken. . ."

". . .a toll on all of us."

"Especially you," they said in unison.

The two pulled him into a hug, catching him off-guard while repeatedly thanking him for saving Ginny's life. Harry told both of them they were considered even, much to their surprise, eliciting an explanation that he saved their sister in return for springing him from his relatives before term. He would have said more, but a familiar yet faint trace of familial magic was felt from George's bag. From reading his father's note, he learned that he and his friends created a map of Hogwarts that enables them to avoid the Professors after pulling a prank or to sneak out of the castle. Then remembering how the twins would disappear after one of their pranks went off in the common room, classroom, or Great Hall. Almost every time, they would disappear during the day and return hours later.

Deciding to take a gamble, "do the two of you have something that belongs to me? A map by any chance?"

Fred and George snapped their eyes wide. Harry mentally smiled, realizing that he had just scored. "I would appreciate having it back."

Fred put a privacy charm so no one would hear them. "How do you know about the Marauders Map?" The look on his face was priceless.

"And why did you say it's yours?" George asked, equally in shock.

Answering in a firm voice, "Messers Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers are proud to present the Marauders Map. My father, James Potter, was Prongs. He and his three friends created the map when they were students."

The shocked expressions on their faces quickly became big smiles. "Since your father created the key to our success, it's only right that the map is returned to you. George, if you will," Fred inclined his head.

Thinking the same thing, George removed and opened his bag to retrieve a large, square, very worn piece of parchment with nothing written on it. "By right, this map belongs to you as the sole heir to one of the greatest pranksters to ever walk through these halls. We humbly return what was lost."

Harry took the parchment, pressed the tip of his wand to it, and spoke. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." The map revealed every inch of Hogwarts; even areas outside the castle were listed.

Tearing his eyes away, "this map is a Potter family heirloom. Last I checked, it was supposed to be in Filch's office. How did you two get it?"

They put on their best innocent looks. Fred went to explain. "Well. . . when we were in our first year, Harry—young, carefree, and innocent—"

Harry snorted. He would never believe that Fred and George had ever been innocent. The two were young, mischievous, and enjoyed pranking people far too much. But, listening carefully to how they came into possession of the map, Harry could not stop himself from laughing as Filch got exactly what he deserved. The grouchy caretaker took special joy every time he got in trouble and made his detentions this year especially taxing. When his cat was petrified, the man immediately blamed and threatened to kill him. Why he singled him out? He didn't know at the time. . .but now it made sense. The marauder must have pulled so many pranks that made the school so chaotic and messy that Filch believed he would do the same.

Well, it was time for some payback. If the crotchety bastard wants to see him in trouble for things done by a man who's been dead for over eleven years, then maybe it's time he got some retribution. "Can the two of you do me a favor?"

"What kind of favor?" They asked together. The mischievous look on Harry's face intrigued them.

"You two like pranks, correct?" They nodded. "Filch has made it well-known how he feels about the students—us in particular—I think it's time for a little payback. Send him a special gift, courtesy of the Marauders."

Fred and George readily agreed and burst out laughing. They started thinking of ideas as Filch was long overdue for a prank; what's more, it would be in the memory of their idols.

Harry tapped the map with his wand again, "mischief managed," deactivating the map making it appear blank, and put it in his bag.

Going to lunch, the three took their seats at the Gryffindor table, where they talked about Quidditch with the team's Chasers and Neville. When Ron and Hermione eventually came in, the former asked or rather demanded that Neville move so he could sit next to Harry. Yet that failed as Fred and George threatened to make him their new test guinea pig for pranks. Ron instantly paled as he knew their pranks would be embarrassing. However, Hermione was a different story as she sat opposite Neville so she could face Harry. She wasted no time in asking questions about how he was becoming the best in their classes. When he didn't respond, she said she would go to Professor McGonagall and have her question him. In response, he gave her a dark look and told her to stop acting like a mother and to fuck off. He had no desire to be near a teacher's pet who had no friends when entering Hogwarts.

That had left her shocked as he had become so cold to her. In addition, his comment about her not having friends before arriving at school hit her hard like a rogue bludger to the stomach and reminded her of their first year. The memory of that and what she went through in primary school caused tears to drop down her face. Trying to spare any further humiliation, she raced out of the hall, crying her eyes out. The people listening were shocked to see Harry be so cruel to who they assumed was his friend.

"That was too far, Harry. She was only looking out for you. There was no reason for you to be such a git to her," Ron said after swallowing his food.

"This is coming from the same person who gets into an argument with her every week and is too lazy to do his homework without someone helping him." Harry retorted sharply. "Also, you eat like a pig," gesturing to the crumbs on his robes.

Ron looked between angry and embarrassed as he brushed the food crumbs from his robes. Then, peering to his right, he saw a few of the other students laughing at him. Unbeknownst to the youngest male Weasley child, Harry no longer considered him a friend and was considered an enemy by his former friend. Meanwhile, Harry started speaking with Fred and George about what they intended to do with their sister. After what happened in the Chamber of Secrets, she would require time with a mind healer. While the idea was sound, their family couldn't afford it; Harry reminded them that since this happened at Hogwarts, they wouldn't have to, as this was a school incident. Thinking about it further, they agreed to speak with Madam Pomfrey when classes were over for the day.

At the end of today's classes, Harry ditched the other students and ventured to the girl's bathroom on the second floor. He needed answers, answers he hoped to find in the Chamber of Secrets. Entering the bathroom, he slowly walked toward the sink, "here goes nothing."

Taking a minute to suck in a breath, 'open,' he said in parseltongue.

A split second later, the sinks moved apart, revealing the entrance. Before taking a step forward, a thought occurred to him. 'Stairs,' almost instantly, stairs were formed. Then, walking down them, he went to the base of the outer chamber, where he stepped on the piles of bones. Flickering his wand out, he cast the lighting charm, "lumos."

Going through the tunnel, he walked past the basilisk's shed skin; running his hand over it, he could feel small traces of magic around it. "This might prove useful. Maybe Borgin can get some money off the skin." Harry thought.

Leaving the thing behind, he proceeded forward but was astounded to feel the amount of magic. Last time he couldn't feel any magic, but now it was. . .abundant. Like it was calling him. Whatever magic had been used to build the chamber, the place was, without a doubt, protected well. Seems like Salazar Slytherin put up some obscure magic to keep anyone he felt unworthy out. Moving along, he approached the familiar snake-like vault, the entrance to the inner chamber.

'Open,' he hissed. Upon his command, the vault opened. Once it was fully open, he slowly entered the chamber. Part of him was glad to see the chamber hadn't changed much. The chamber was cold, a little creepy, and dimly lit. Towering stone pillars entwined with more carved serpents rose to support a ceiling lost in darkness, casting long, black shadows through the odd, greenish gloom that filled the place. However, the only two things that were different were that Ginny was not lying near the large pool of water having her life force drained, the dead basilisk was still here, and he wasn't risking his life for anyone.

Oh, he hoped there wasn't another basilisk lurking around the chamber. One was enough, and it nearly cost him his life. Walking through the chamber past the deceased king of snakes till he stood before the head of Salazar Slytherin. Whatever answers he might find must have been where the basilisk had lived for a thousand years. Remembering what Voldemort said to release the beast, he took a breath. 'Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four.' he hissed. The mouth then opened.

"Wow! Seems like old Salazar made this entire chamber adherent to parseltongue. All right, that's done now to get up there," he spoke again in parseltongue. 'Show me a path.'

A split second later, a narrow walkway rose from the pool, and a set of steps leading up to the mouth formed. "Lumos," waving his wand again to get some light. Walking forward, he stopped after coming upon a wooden door with a set of parseltongue words written above it. 'Destroy an Enemy by Exploiting their Weaknesses' reading the inscriptions.

"Well, it's about damn time," a sharp voice came from the opposite side of the door. "Whoever is out there, you better not be that miserable, bloodthirsty, power-hungry swine or that insane basilisk. By Merlin's name, that girl has forgotten her true purpose."

Then another voice came, yet was less severe, "you had better be sane and not anything like that swine, Tom, or by the mother of magic. I will find a way to jump out of this portrait and strangle you with my bare hands."

Summoning his courage, Harry reached for the doorknob. The moment he touched it, a burning sensation entered his hand. Strange enough, it didn't hurt if anything; something within him awoke. Then, twisting it, he opened the door to find a decent-sized apartment with a burning fireplace in the corner, a large four-poster bed, a nice enough desk, a long sofa, and two other doors. A large canvas with two distinct individuals was hanging on the wall above the fireplace. Dressed in black robes with silver linings was a bald man with a long, thin silver beard, green eyes, and a severe expression on his face. Standing beside him was a man of similar height, though with more muscle on his arms, dressed in red-brown robes, brown eyes, and a lion-like mane.

"Are you going to keep gawking like an imbecile, or are you going to speak?" Salazar narrowed his eyes.

"U-Um, sorry, sir," snapping out of his shock. "I'm just surprised, is all."

"That's obvious," rolling his eyes. "By entering this chamber, you are my descendant, yet your badge indicates you were sorted into this man-child's house," gesturing to a grinning Godric. "What is your name, and what year are you in?"

"My name is Harry Potter, a current second-year student," answering the man. "As you said, I am your descendant—much to my shock, I discovered that my mother hailed from the squib line of your House."

Salazar observed him with critical eyes, then releasing a sigh, "it is as you say. You may resemble Godric to a small degree, but your eyes are indeed attributed to my line. Tell me, do you speak the language of snake?"

Harry hissed, 'Destroy an Enemy by Exploiting their Weaknesses,' repeating the words he saw on the door.

Salazar's eyebrows became nonexistent as his eyes snapped wide. 'You are my heir.' Responding in parseltongue. "I certainly hope you are better than my last heir. That miserable brat was a disgrace to our house. Worst of all, he tried to slaughter those he felt were unworthy."

"Forgive me. But wasn't that why you put a basilisk in a castle? To get rid of all muggleborns? Also, weren't you the one who helped him become stronger?" Harry questioned.

"Damn the people to hell who spread those lies about me," Salazar roared. "I never hated muggleborns; I hated muggles. Those vicious murdering cunts tried to kill children who could perform magic. Ursa was placed here to protect the students within the castle in case the muggles discovered this school." He paused for a second. "Wait a minute, where is she?"

"She's dead. I had to kill her with the sword of Godric Gryffindor." He immediately took a step back when the two shouted.

"What?!" Angry and confused looks were plastered across their faces.

"Okay, clearly, there's a story to tell. So why don't you sit down and tell us everything?" Godric recommended. "Start at the beginning. If you are the heir to houses, then I think we need to know what's been happening."

Mm," Salazar nodded and motioned the boy to sit on the couch.

Harry sat down and explained everything he knew. How Tom Riddle, aka Voldemort, created Horcruxes, started a war in the 70s leading a group of Death Eaters, and killed hundreds if not thousands of wizards, witches, and muggles. His parents fought against him three times, and when he was fifteen months old, he killed them and then tried to kill him. But for whatever reason, he survived, though not unscathed, as Voldemort accidentally turned him into a Horcrux. From there, he told them how Albus Dumbledore, the current Headmaster, had him placed on the doorstep of his muggle relatives with nothing but a note.

"That Motherfucking piece of shit." Godric roared in anger. "How dare he discard my heir like a bottle of milk."

"What happened after you were placed at their doorstep?" Salazar seemed just as angry, but his green eyes darkened with rage. If possible, he was even angrier than his friend. Not only did Riddle succeed in creating a Horcrux, but managed to create multiple ones.

Harry hated talking about his life with his muggle relatives as it was unbearable shame and anguish, yet he preserved. He told them about his home life with his so-called relatives. They treated him like a slave, worse than a house elf; he had minimum to no food, was locked in the cupboard for days, sometimes weeks, and had frequent beatings at the slightest mistake or accidental magic from his uncle. His fat fuck of a cousin and his friends loved to play Harry hunting which they would chase and usually beat him up. This was a frequent thing until he turned eleven when Hagrid, the groundskeeper, came to deliver his letter of acceptance to Hogwarts and told him he was a wizard and that his parents were instead killed by Voldemort, not in a car crash. Then, finally came his overall experience as a student in the castle. He made sure to fill them in on everything that had happened.

By now, the two founders were beyond angry; their faces were red with anger, and their eyes burned with a vengeance. Salazar started swearing in parseltongue as Godric cursed the school's current Headmaster and the boy's relatives to the depths of hell. Yet, as angry as they were, Salazar's anger felt like unbridled fury that would scare a full-grown dragon. The former head of Slytherin's house was beyond furious.

"I knew it! This is exactly why I said magical children do not belong in the muggle world," Salazar ranted. "At least you won't have to go back there ever again."

"Yeah, lucky me," Harry sarcastically remarked. The two founders looked imperiously at him. "As long as Voldemort and Dumbledore are around, they'll try to kill or use me like a weapon. That's why I'm here. To become stronger, so I can have a life free from their machinations and controls." The anger and venom dripping down his voice would have scared anyone else.

"Careful child. If you allow your anger to consume you, you will be no different than Riddle," Salazar cautioned. "When he first came into this chamber for the first time, he was full of anger, rage, and resentment; not an ounce of compassion was in him. Even before I started to teach him, the darkness within him was abundant. . .it was more evil than I had ever sensed before in anyone."

"What about me?"

"Hm," stroking his beard. "While there is darkness in you, it is not as malicious nor uncontrolled as his. However, if you are to be the future head of my house, then you must prove your worth."

A beast inside him roared as it screamed for him to not disappoint. Deep down, he wanted to prove himself and be the best at what he could do. "I will do everything I can to be worthy of your teachings. Please show me the path so that I may avenge my parents and finally obtain my freedom."

Godric admired the boy's determination as the look in his eyes showed he was sincere. "If your intentions are just, we must fix your body first. You are far too short for your age."

"The goblins at Gringotts have set me on some nutrition potions that have been slowly helping me. Moreover, Professor Flitwick has agreed to take me under his wing and train me in the Dimension Zone."

"Oh, yeah, I've been to the Dimension Zone a few times in my youth. Training there was extremely difficult," Godric commented. "The goblins are a notoriously underestimated race; they're more than accountants. They're warriors who are skilled in many different branches of magic. Martial magic and Healing are two of them." For as long as he could remember, his family had had a good relationship with the goblins, which was rare as they only considered a few people to be true allies.

"But, I was not thinking potions," shifting his gaze to give Salazar a knowing look. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Rituals!" Salazar bluntly replied without taking his eyes off Harry. "If you are to become stronger and worthy of being part of our families. Then you'll need to perform a couple of rituals," he raised a hand when the boy was about to protest. "I know what you are thinking, and no, unlike Voldemort, who performed so many, they have turned him into a monster. For you, I say this as nothing more than a necessity if you choose to do them. But it must be no more than seven. I trust I do not have to explain why?"

"Seven is the most magical number in the wizarding world, and doing more will result in dire consequences," Harry answered. "When do we start?" Determination in his voice.

"Hold it, my heir," Godric halted the conversation. "Keep in mind that undergoing rituals can be risky. They may grant you additional abilities and strengthen you, but they always demand a price in return. Remember this, as I cannot stress this enough. . . Rituals are not to be taken lightly! To obtain the powers and abilities, you must be willing to sacrifice something of equal or greater importance."

"I understand. That's why I want to read about them first. The more I know about the sacrifices and rewards, the more I can protect myself from falling down the same path as Voldemort," responding in an even tone.

A light chuckle came from Salazar, "glad to see you are not like this man-child. You actually have a brain and know how to use it." Ignoring the glare from his colleague, he continued, "quality will always triumph over quantity. To come out on top, you will need more than just magic. You will have to out-think your opponents and have contingencies in place. Strategies and preparations will always be a necessity. Do not. I repeat, do not jump into something without analyzing the situation first! Be smarter than your opponents, as might isn't always right. Knowledge is power!"

Harry nodded his head.

"All right, to start things off, you'll need to take control of the wards around this chamber so no one on the outside can detect your presence or find out you're using magic. . ." instructing the child on what he needed to do. "You will need to take up the Lordship to gain access to the wards."

Doing as instructed, he took a breath and started channeling the magic of the House of Slytherin. "I, Harry James Potter, scion of the House of Potter, hereby claim the title of Lord Slytherin through blood and right of conquest. So, mote it be." He was enveloped in a blinding flash of green and silver when he finished. The magic was judging if he was worthy of the title, and after a few minutes, it accepted him as the new Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Slytherin. On his right hand, next to his heir's ring for the House of Potter, appeared the Lord's ring for the House of Slytherin. The ring had a gold band with a green emerald and a snake inside that hissed. In his mind, he recited the Slytherin family motto, "Destroy an Enemy by Exploiting their Weaknesses." Then, reaching out, he felt the magic within the chamber and altered it to suit his needs.

"It's done. But I have a question. Can the Headmaster enter the chamber?" He asked. "I'm asking because Ginny Weasley was able to get in, and she's not a member of our House."

"No. The only people who can enter are those who share my blood, and if you decide to bring them personally." Salazar coolly answered. "When I created this place, I keyed it to my magic and bloodline; it was a security precaution so no one on the outside would get control over our family's magic."

"Now, back to the previous topic. If we're to fix your body, you will have to perform a restoration ritual. Grab a piece of parchment and write down the essentials. It'll be painful, but short-term pain equals long-term gain. Tomorrow, after your classes have ended, we'll perform the ritual."

Nodding his head again, he started writing down the ingredients for the ritual. Twenty minutes later, he called for Kreacher and Bucky to see if either the Potters or Blacks had the ingredients in stock. If not, he would send them to get the necessities from one of the many companies his family owned. When they left, he spent some time talking with the two founders. Salazar was overjoyed to learn that in addition to discovering his hidden chamber and taking up the mantle of Lord, he discovered the Room of Requirement before locating Godric's private quarters. Naturally, he took great pleasure in rubbing it in. Much to his annoyance, the former Head of Gryffindor made Harry swear that he would take the Lordship of his House during the summer.

Chuckling at the man's brazen attitude, he agreed. However, as nice as that was, he wanted to. There was another Lordship he wanted to claim. His birth family. The problem was that he couldn't until he was sixteen or until magic recognized him as an adult.

In the end, he decided to leave the two for the night. Salazar told him to pull the torch against the wall as it was a secret passage to the fifth-floor corridor. Pulling the torch, he watched as the wall slid apart and ascended the stairs. He quickly took the Marauders Map from his bag to see if anyone was waiting on the other side. The entire time they walked up the stairs, the torches lit up. That was until they stopped at a brick wall with the same torches. Looking at the map to see if anyone was nearby, he was pleasantly pleased to see no one around. Harry pulled the torch, and like the wall back in the chamber, the wall slid apart; arriving on the floor, he deactivated the map, walked onto the floor, and lifted the torch back up, sealing the entrance.

Tomorrow, he would take the first of several steps to becoming stronger.

(0^0)

The next day came by fast, with the classes being a breeze. Ron and Hermione tried to confront Harry about yesterday to make him see the error of his ways. The only responses they would get were grunts and rolled eyes. To them, they assumed he apologized so things could go back to normal. When they tried to talk about current events with him, Hermione wanted to know the classes he selected for the next school year, while Ron tried to get him to play a game of chess with him. Mostly, he ignored them, opting to speak with Neville and Padma Patil. Padma was the older twin sister of Parvati, yet unlike her sister, who was vocal and outgoing. She was more silent and reserved. Strange enough, he found her company to be much more pleasant as she was one of the few people in the school who didn't ostracize or believe he was the one attacking the muggleborns. When the opportunity arrived, he headed for the secret passageway to Salazar's private chamber.

Upon his arrival, the house elves from Potter Manor and Kreacher checked to see if they got everything on the list. When they spotted him, Bucky said, "good evening, young Harry. We have prepared everything for you to undertake the ritual."

"Thank you, Bucky! Thank you all," smiling at the house elves. "This means a lot to me, and I promise to become a Lord who is worthy of your loyalties."

"The respect and loyalty you have for your elves is admirable," Godric praised. "It is something the wizarding world has long forgotten."

"Let's get this show on the road," Salazar recommended, though his eyes shined, showing he agreed with Godric. "Take us down and have them bring the ingredients outside. The ritual circle is ready."

Harry complied, flickering his wand from his pocket. He cast the levitation charm, lifting the portrait off the wall, and directed the elves to follow him outside. Entering the chamber, he saw the circle had been drawn up. Descending down the stairs, he lowered the portrait on the last step and went to stand in the center of the circle as the elves placed the ingredients in their required areas. A restoration ritual was meant to cleanse the body of any malnutrition, defects, injuries and restore it to what the body should be, so it would require healing ingredients like bezoars, dittany, essence of Murtlap, mandrake leaves, a dragon's liver, and strands of unicorn tail hair.

"Before we begin, let's go over the responsibilities," turning to the house elves. "The aftereffects of this ritual might put me out for an unknown number of days; under no circumstances are any of you to tell what has happened or where I am. If any of the school's professors, students, and Dumbledore's phoenix come looking for me, turn them away, as you don't know. Also, tell the elves who live in the castle to remain quiet. Again, no one is to know where I am."

"Yes, young Harry," they all said.

"Good," he turned to Dobby and two other elves from his house. "The goblin's sent a chest this morning. It's back in the quarters. On top of it are two letters. Deliver both to Professor Snape tonight and make sure no one sees you except him. He should be either in his office or quarters after dinner."

"We understand," the three said.

"Then let's begin," taking a seat on the floor as the elves spread around him.

Together, they began chanting in their native language, channeling their magic with each word. The runic circle glowed violet, showing the ritual was taking effect; even though they weren't being harmed, the same couldn't be said for Harry, as his entire body felt like it was on fire. All of his internal organs and muscles felt like they were set ablaze due to the ritual. When it was over, he fell unconscious on the floor as the light from the runic circle disappeared.

"It worked," Godric quipped. "He must rest. Put him in Salazar's bed."

The elves levitated him off the ground and returned him to the bed so he could recuperate.

(0^0)

Later that day, Severus was back in his office grading papers for the fourth-year Hufflepuffs. Despite not wanting to be a teacher/spy for Dumbledore, the man kept him out of Azkaban. If it was one of the few things he hated in the world, it was the thought of owing someone and being treated like a slave. Oh, how he wished he could go back in time and undo his mistakes. His worst was when he lost Lily's friendship at the end of their fifth year. She was practically his only friend. . .the only person who saw any good in him even when he couldn't.

Just as he finished putting the grade at the top, he was soon on his feet with his wand out as three house elves appeared before him. The one to the right he recognized. "I thought you were looking for work after Lucius set you free," he enquired why Dobby was still here of all places. Lucius told him how Potter tricked him into freeing the house elf. He had to admit that it was a little entertaining how a grown man like Lucius could be outwitted by a twelve-year-old. A Gryffindor at that. He may not like Potter, but Lucius was not on the list of people who he liked or would call a friend. The man was arrogant, manipulative, and a coward, not to mention he had a duplicitous streak. He puts on the face of a respectable Lord, but it's all for show to disguise his true actions. If he couldn't use money or his family resources, he would subtly threaten people into doing things that would benefit him.

What's more, his son Draco was, above all, a spoiled brat whose arrogance exceeded his father's. The boy had none of his charisma and only a little cunning. He would threaten and run to his father whenever something didn't go his way. How the boy made it into Slytherin, he would, as only his family's name kept him from being an outcast. If not for his place as an advisor for the Malfoys, he would teach the boy some manners.

"We have come to deliver something on behalf of the House of Potter," one of the elves said. "Young Harry says you should read these letters as well as have the contents in this chest from the late Lord James and Lady Lily Potter." After that, they apparated away with a pop, leaving a surprised Severus Snape.

On the one hand, Severus was tempted to just burn the letters and destroy the trunk, but something in him said to take the chance. Being a man of caution, he rand some diagnostic spells over the chest and letters to see if they were traps. When the results turned up negative, he waved his wand, summoning the items to his desk. His eyes snapped wide when he saw some familiar words written on the chest; it was something he and Lily called themselves while they were at Hogwarts. Red Snake.

Reaching for the first envelope, he opened it to see the letter was from her son:

Dear Professor Snape,

I know this seems strange coming from me, as I'm sure you would like nothing more than to burn this letter and give me as many detentions as possible. But please read this entire letter. Look, I wanted to apologize for what my father and his friends did to you while they were in school, and while I know some wounds heal, others remain. What they—my father did to you was wrong as he pushed you too far, and I know you would retaliate with just as much force. While I was glad to learn he was a good man, it does not excuse the wrongs he's done. Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore only told me he was a troublemaker in his youth and a good person, though it doesn't do justice to what he and his friends like to do. Truthfully, I feel cheated as I should have known the good and bad side of my late father.

My mum, however, I know she was your friend until the end of your fifth year, as something happened, and my dad and his friends were involved. I only know pieces of what happened. But from what I understand from reading her diary, she wrote about you a lot and mentioned how you were the one who told her she was a witch and about the wizarding world. I'm not asking for you to be my friend, but to be treated fairly, as I'm sure there is some good in you. Please know that I am not my parents. No matter my physical appearance, I am me.

Sincerely,

Harry James Potter of the Most Ancient and Noble House of the Potters

For the first time in many years, tears came rolling down Severus' face as he put down the boy's letter. His cold heart cried in regret as he remembered how he had treated the boy since he arrived. Potter may have his father's looks, but he was not him. How blind had he been? To put his hatred on a child who didn't know his own father made him sick and, worst of all, angry. But not only at himself but at Albus and Minerva. The two kept some important things about who his parents really were. He expected that from Albus, but Minerva, of all people. . . He expected better.

Struggling to reach the last envelope, he opened and pulled out the letter to see it was a copy of the Potters Will. Most of it was hidden except the part written to him. It shocked him to see that James Potter had apologized to him, that Lily forgave him, and their request to look after their son. By now, he couldn't hold it in any longer and allowed his emotions to surface; he was sobbing freely. He owed it to them to look after their child.

"Lily, I'm so sorry for everything! I promise I will look after your son and do my best to protect him from Dumbledore!" He vowed. "Even though we hated each other while in school, Potter, I did respect you on some levels. You have my word that I'll look after your son."

A/N: Harry is starting to open up his circle of friends. Personally, I'm a little upset that he and Neville waited so long to become friends in the book. They should have grown up together in my opinion. That way, they could have understood and helped one another from the start.

He's returned to the Chamber of Secrets and discovered the portrait of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin. The latter is not the muggleborn hating douchebag like he thought he and so many others believed him to be. Honestly this is an insult as I don't like it how he was painted in a bad like in the movie and book. To me a person should study all aspects of magic while also hold onto their principles. A lesson Harry will surely learn in this story.

In addition to performing a ritual, despite the fact that he's taking nutrition potions I feel as if the rituals he will do will greatly help him and no I will not make Harry and OP. He will need to work hard like everyone else. Also, he will soon have a new ally as Severus will play a crucial role in helping him along the way.

Sidenote: The first poll for this story has been completed if you would like to have the opportunity to vote more in this chapter or in my other stories then you can sign onto my Pa tre on.

Next Chapter: A change and new ally