Disclaimer: I do not own any character's objects or anything else that comes from J.K. Rowling'sHarry Potterseries.
Warning: This story will contain scenes of violence, bad language, and maybe other themes that some audiences may find unsuitable. You have been advised.
The True Heir of SlytherinChapter 9:
Harry Potter, Salazar's Heir!
Delores Umbridge, the current and very accomplished headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, last night discovered and crushed a growing threat inside the school of a dark magic. Apparently, Harry Potter had started an entire organization reminiscent of the Death Eaters, who he tried to claim were back once more, under his true name: Slytherin. Mr. Slytherin Potter had organized his group, called the Order of Slytherin, with the goal to gain more and more power. Fortunately, two brave students inside the Order informed Headmistress Umbridge of his disloyalty, aims, and past transgressions, such as massacring multiple innocent species inside the Dark Forest on the grounds of the school. Aurors were dispatched into the school, and through a clever trap formed by Umbridge, Harry and his coconspirator, Daphne Greengrass, whose family has condemned her actions already, were forced to relent their mind control over all members of the group, who later also condemned Harry and Daphne's actions after being freed, except for a Seamus Finnegan. The three dark wizards fled the school but only after emptying their hideaway, the Chamber of Secrets, of its contents. Many now believe Mr. Slytherin himself perpetrated the opening of the very same chamber three years prior almost killing a first year at the time. The Ministry of Magic now is hunting Harry Slytherin Potter, Daphne Greengrass, and Seamus Finnegan. If you see any of them or have any information on their whereabouts, please report it to the DMLE by owl or the Ministry of Magic immediately. Be warned, they are dangerous, so do not try to apprehend them.
Harry set the Daily Prophet down on the table of the patio table at a café in Diagon Alley. He had placed illusion charms on himself so he looked completely different than normal. He had already finished his morning tea before reading the paper. Now, he left the money for the waiter and left the little restaurant in the late morning light. It was 11:30.
Slowly he navigated the street, examining each shop he passed by until he arrived at the old wand shop he had visited over five years prior. He stood outside the shop, hugging a shadow beside the shop so that he went unnoticed by all whom past. Finally the time reached twelve and two other people coming from opposite ends of the street stood came to a stop outside the door of Ollivander's.
"Hello, you two; I hope you both rested well." Harry said, emerging from the shadows.
"Hello, sir. How are you?" Seamus asked.
"As well as I can be. Are you both ready to go?" Lord Slytherin asked.
"More than ready. I can't wait to get to our new home." Daphne whispered, pain creeping into her voice.
"Well then, who am I to deny you?" Harry smiled bitterly before grabbing the both of them and disappearing. The people around them just passed through the area, as apparation was an everyday occurrence.
In the northern part of Ireland, three figures appeared in the midst of a chilling mountain range and on a flattened top of mountain.
"Where the fuck are we, mate?" Seamus asked, pulling his cloak around him tighter.
"The Blue Stack Mountains, in North Ireland. Seamus, welcome back to your home island, and everyone, welcome to our new home." Harry said indicating a nearby mountain face.
"No offense, milord, but it's pretty fucking cold, and I'd rather not deal with the theatrics if it includes me freezing me arse off." Seamus commented, seeing nothing.
Harry shook his head. "There are no theatrics, Seamus; we need to go to that mountain face. By the way, have you not considered using a heat charm on yourself or your clothes, so that you do not face the problem of being cold?"
"Oh."
"Typical." Daphne rolled her eyes before turning to Lord Slytherin. "What are we waiting for though, Harry?"
"There is a reason why we were to meet at midday."
Suddenly, the face of the mountain Harry had just pointed to began to glitter and gleam, sensing the Slytherin magic of old that presided in Harry's ring. The rock face projected out, forming a bridge. Without another word, Harry comfortably walked out and across the bridge and through the glittering rock. Daphne and Seamus were close behind with Daphne quickly catching up to him so that they had locked arms before entering the mountain.
After disappearing, the mountain returned to its previous, ordinary state so that none who passed could spot the hidden castle of Slytherin.
"You know… I know am about to be surprised, but I always am beyond surprised and impressed." Seamus commented.
Inside the mountain, light shined as if they were just on top of the rock surface. A series of stone steps wound up, slithering much like a snake from the left to the right and back multiple times. This large staircase ended, however, at the most impressive sight inside the cavern with a see-through ceiling.
The towering castle was almost as tall as the mountain. The entrance the three had entered through teleported them to the bottom of the actually hollow, fake mountain that was only a disguise for the castle inside that Salazar's and Harry's ancestors had built centuries ago. The castle had multiple towers and was made of a dark stone with emerald wisps swirling within the brick. At the top of each of the seven towers, battlements protected the castle with other defenses like loopholes (arrow slits) spread across the walls of the castle. Two visible stone basilisks and two stone giant knights with dual swords and bows and arrows blocked the gatehouse off from the stone steps. Behind them, the gate was fully down and blocked off the castle from the guards. The Slytherin Crest was imprinted and coloured above the gate.
As Harry, his fiancé, and his friend reached the guards and the top of the staircase.
Suddenly, the guards animated. The basilisks blocked the three from escaping by flanking them, and the knights presented their arms forward, ready to attack.
"Who goes there?" One asked while each battlement filled with an arrow notched on a bow.
"Your master: Harry James Slytherin Potter." Harry pushed forward his fist, showing off his Slytherin ring and the defenders. The Basilisks recoiled, as if bit, the guards kneeled, and the other, unseen defenders' weapons disappeared once more.
The gate rose, and the stone defenders returned to their previous positions except now beside the gate. Rows and rows of house-elves emerged from the gate and presented themselves. Each one wore some sort of uniform. There were butlers in suits, chefs in cook outfits, maids in their uniforms, and others wearing the appropriate uniform to correspond with their job. Each one bowed in their assigned formation and said, "Master Slytherin," before looking up at him expectantly, as an elf in a full black suit with emerald and platinum stitching and an emerald green pocket square tucked into his coat.
"Lord Slytherin, we are so happy that you have finally arrived back here at your ancestral home. We have been waiting a long time for you, sir. My name is elfin Rhys. I am Slytherin Castle's head butler and elf."
"Did you serve Salazar?" Harry asked out of curiosity, examining the elf and the rest of the staff.
"Yes, milord; we happily entered stasis upon his loss. Upon your discovery of your ancestry, we awoke, knowing what had occurred and have since started preparing for your arrival. I just hope that all of it pleases you, sir." Rhys bowed before being followed by the rest of the staff.
"Thank you, Rhys. I'm sure my guest, my betrothed, and I will find everything satisfactory. Are there rooms available for them?"
"Yes, of course, master. We have enough rooms in the castle to house a small army if needed. In fact, some of your first ancestors actually occupied it with such a force." Rhys informed him.
"Good. I want Daphne Greengrass here put in the very best room we have with my loyal friend, Seamus Finnegan, in a room of the greatest quality as well." Lord Slytherin indicated each person as he mentioned them.
"Of course, sir. Would you still like to occupy the master, though?" Rhys asked, walking alongside him as everyone entered through the grand gateway.
"That is my natural place."
"Very well then, milord. Would you like me to give the three of you a tour of your grounds?"
"Good. The rest of the staff may return to their duties if they have any as of the moment."
Hearing this the staff disappeared to return to their individual jobs, except for the head chef.
"Pardon me, milord? What would you prefer for dinner?" The pudgy house elf asked humbly.
"Whatever you believe is your best, chef. I would love to have a family dish preferably, however." Harry informed him.
"Yes, milord." He popped away, too.
After crossing through the long arched gateway, the four came out into a spacious courtyard filled with trees, bushes, flowers, and ponds linked together by small streams that were crossed by small stone bridges. There were many obvious vantage points defenders had against invaders such as from the walls that surrounded the entrance courtyard. Stone steps led into the wall in front of the group, and this seemed to be the only way to enter and exit the castle from this gate. Rhys, however, informed the trio that there were multiple secret passages that allowed troops to enter the courtyard from throughout the castle. Excluding the sealed off passageways meant for just the Lord and Lady of the castle, the entire castle was linked by secret passages that had multiple locks and defenses that were deadly to any who meant the occupants harm and hugely advantageous to defenders of the castle, wishing to quickly and easily move to different parts of the castle while encountering no resistance and remaining undetected.
"Each of your ancestors were highly concerned about the safety of the family as well as the castle and the rest of the occupants. Throughout Slytherin history, all of us have been hunted due to your family's natural keen insight, wealth, and effectiveness. Whenever a Slytherin desired something, they achieved it, which evoked a feeling of jealousy from others quickly. That is why we are so well defended. We never know if another assault will be launched, so we have had magic enchantments set to dispose of intruders while your family was away. Nobody besides this castle's staff could be trusted in your absence." Rhys.
"Good. I am glad to know that this location is secured away from society. Magical Britain currently has posted the three of us as the most wanted people in Britain, and I would rather not be disturbed."
"No worries, sir. Would you like me to have ancient vows awoken to further secure the castle?" Rhys offered.
"No, Rhys. I want space for now to plan our next move. Before we finish the tour, could you escort us to a comfortable sitting, so we may converse?"
"Harry, we are safe." Daphne finally spoke, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Rest your mind. You obviously have already been thinking about everything since last night, so relax. Let's finish the tour then head to dinner. After dinner, we can then discuss our next course of action." She squeezed his shoulder after he didn't respond for a second. "Is that okay with you?"
"Yes. That is fine. You're right. A distraction would be nice." Harry nodded, his body visibly relaxing, revealing his previously tense state.
"Very well, milady, milord, as you wish. Please follow me." Rhys replied realizing Daphne definitely deserved to be Lady Slytherin due to her strong and assertive presence in the house. Lady Slytherins throughout the years always were not like the typical ladies of other past families, oftentimes being found equal to their lords, creating an unstoppable pair, who could conquer whatever they wished. Already Daphne was starting to prove this trend in the family once more.
The rest of the castle was filled with a barracks, a dungeon, an impressing armoury filled with still workable weapons of old, a mine for minerals and metals as well as a forge to craft them into tools and other necessary objects, and an empty stable for creatures to ride upon out in the vacant pasture at the rear end of the castle filled only with grasses and secret traps only set upon an invasion. Rows of bedrooms and baths occupied the central building of the castle, which also housed a private armoury and barracks for the guards but left much room for a large family as well as the servants of the castle and many visitors if need be. The servants' quarters, kitchens, and other specific rooms for the servants to work in were underneath the entire complex so as not to take up any needed room.
"The Slytherin family when the castle was first built was enormous, so room was a necessity and a key factor in this castle's design. The castle was never changed in anticipation of a time when the Slytherin family would once again be dominant and enormous, both in size and in its impression on the world." Rhys explained.
There was a huge study/office meant for the lord of the castle and every grand bedroom was also equipped with one as well though of a lesser quality. There was also another study attached to the master, although it was meant more for the Lord and Lady's more private business while the separate office was designed to accept visitors. In another tower, there was a training room, designed for the practicing of experimental spells as well as already designed spells by both the Slytherin family and the guards although Rhys assured the three that they had precedence over any guards' practice as they were above them in rank.
Through the dungeons or a secret passage, a den was created for basilisks, and three little ones, barely older than a hatchling, were slithering on the floor, already the size of a grown man's arm. Harry happily released Salazar's previous pet into the den, but the four left before witnessing the creatures' happy reunion to provide them privacy, and continued on with the tour.
Three other rooms presided in Slytherin castle.
There was a type of throne room that's intention was of hearing visitors, who wished to speak with the head of Slytherin house, though it had been left mostly unused except for assembling troops since the decline in the Slytherin line.
"What happened, Rhys, to cause the decline?" Daphne asked, broaching the subject.
"I am afraid you will have to look in the library to discover that for yourself, milady. No servant is allowed to share that information with a single soul to protect the family from further damage. I wish I could share it with you, but any who does inform another will die a painful death for just attempting to break the secrecy."
The library, unfortunately, was a giant room, over twice as large as the entire Hogwarts library, so it was clear that finding out the history of the Slytherin would take at least a good few days of searching.
The final room besides the inner courts' rooms such as the master bedroom and where Daphne and Seamus would be staying: the dining room, where meetings most often occurred.
"May I present the Grand Dining Room, milord." Rhys bowed, sweeping a hand through the dark mahogany doors and into the pine green with the complimenting silver coloured room. The room was filled with a giant oval oak table surrounded by chairs made of the same tree. Literal silverware decorated the table and was set for three. Paintings of ancient family members and landscapes covered the walls in between lit sconces, which brightly illuminated the room. This was helped by the enormous wrought iron and glass candle chandelier, hanging much above the middle of the table.
"This table set was selected personally by Salazar himself to represent his time as the head of the house. Every head must select what wood according to the characteristics of the Druid tree they select. You will be charged with selecting the wood of the next table in a few days after you are properly instructed in the druid ways of your ancestry." Rhys informed the group as they sat down.
"You mean the Slytherin line actually was among the druids?" Daphne gasped.
"Yes, Madam Daphne. That is part of the reason why Slytherins have been hated and treated so differently over the course of their existence. On top of being extraordinary goal setters and achievers, they also stood apart due to their Irish and, more specifically, Druid roots."
"There is much more to the Slytherin line than most know."
"I know that you know something about where they are, Miss Greengrass." Umbridge paced in front of her desk. Astoria was sitting in a chair with two seventh year students in Umbridge's student force standing on both sides of her, ensuring no escape.
"No, I don't, Headmistress Umbridge! I know nothing about where that crazy Potter stole my sister off to!" Astoria pleaded. Her clothes were very disheveled and her brown hair was a mess around her.
"Bring her down to the dungeon." Umbridge ordered the two guards nonchalantly. As they started bringing her out, though, she spoke again. "Of course, this never happened, but for your behavioral excellency and services to the school, you will be rewarded."
"Thank you, Headmistress."
"Goodnight, you two." Umbridge nodded her head at them before they walked Astoria out, closing the door behind them.
"What has that boy become?" Dumbledore shook his head, pondering to himself, sitting at the head of the table in Sirius Black's ancestral home.
"He's turning into what he believes is necessary, Dumbledore. You remember what we were starting to head towards before things calmed down the last time?" Sirius sat down.
"Yes, but there is quite a difference between doing what is right, but necessary, and going dark. Tell me, what possibly could his plan of action been to help fight Voldemort without contacting us?" Dumbledore sent his compatriots into thought.
"We never really gave him an opportunity to contact us, did we, and did we really contact him?" Remus spoke up.
"That still doesn't explain why he acted so aggressively towards Ron and Hermione! They are his best friends, and he just abandoned them!" Molly retorted.
"Well, obviously, there is more going on than we know, now, isn't there?" Sirius asked sarcastically. "I say we don't assume anything but try and get in contact with him."
"We could owl him." Remus added."
"Please, obviously, Potter is not so much of an imbecile to allow himself to be tracked by owl." Snape rolled his eyes.
The table then sat quietly in thought before Remus spoke up again.
"Who is to say he will not get the message at least? Let's immediately owl him a letter saying to meet in front of Gringotts in four days time."
The table was silent until Sirius stood up, asking, "any objections?" The table then regained its silence. "Good. Then, I say, as his Godfather and fellow fugitive from the Ministry now, that I meet him there."
"That is more than fair, Sirius." Dumbledore first spoke to stop any objections that were already brewing from some members of the order. "I will insist, however, that you return here from Diagon Alley right afterward and try to get Harry to come with you."
"Of course, Dumbledore." Sirius replied, sitting back down and sparing a glance with Remus, who nodded in return.
"Now, any other matters that we need discuss tonight?" Dumbledore asked as the two exchanged these subtle movements.
Over an hour later, the Order of the Phoenix concluded its business for the night with most, excluding Dumbledore, Sirius, and Remus, leaving the Black ancestral home to return to their own places of rest.
While Dumbledore afterwards climbed the stairs to his temporary bedroom, Remus and Sirius left the dining room and diverted into the kitchen to talk privately, their old marauder ways apparent in their body language. The two checked around to ensure that they would not be overheard before Sirius began rushing out every word he could as quick as he can, worrying over his godson.
"Remus, Harry can't have turned evil. You know him; I have not by any means seen him as much as I would've liked, but I know him. He's too good; he's every bit as courageous and bold as his father and just as clever and kind as his mother. I know the evidence is against him, but I need to know that you are on my side with this, on Harry's side."
"Sirius, calm down. I'm with you and with Harry. No matter what is said I know Lily and James's son is good. If we do discover, though Sirius, that he has gone bad, what are you going to do?" Remus stood calmly.
"Moony…" Sirius sighed. "I couldn't go against him; could you?"
Remus then followed in his friend's footsteps and sighed as well. "No… I couldn't, but what do you suppose we do? What if the Order decides to go against him?"
"To bloody hell with the Order then!" Sirius exclaimed in a hushed tone. "If he goes dark, I'll join with and try to change him."
"Sirius, we will need more of a plan than that." Remus shook his head. "If he goes dark, yes, we join and try to change him back to his good self, but we can't just go against our old friends."
"Why not?"
"Well… you'd lose your home. It wouldn't be safe here." Remus tried grasping for some reason to counteract Sirius's brashness.
"What do I care about this old place? Too depressing for my taste. Besides, I already ran from it once. They can have it for all I care." Sirius shrugged off Remus's question.
Remus realized his long time friend was right. There was no good way to be there for Harry but keep updated with information on the Order of the Phoenix, and there was no good reason not to just join Harry. "Okay, then. Get all your stuff read by four days from now, and I'll do the same. When you leave for Gringotts, bring your stuff with you; I'll be waiting for your call. Make sure you don't have any spy charms on you, though, when you meet Harry. He would probably not like that in the least."
Meanwhile Harry and his friends were just finishing up the desert from their supper.
"So what do you want to do, Harry?" Daphne asked, turning to the young man as their plates vanished from the table. She knew he still was focusing on their next move.
"I think that this would be a wise place to ground our effort. What do you two think?" The Lord asked his two most trusted people.
"Harry, I think we would be fools to pass this place up. I suggest we start training here and gaining as many tools as we can before hitting back at the Ministry and old Voldemort." Seamus grinned.
"I too believe staying here is for the best as well as training and gaining tools as well as followers and allies, but maybe we should wait to attack anyone. We could be in a better position to assault the imposter if we let the Ministry fall first." Daphne voiced her opinion.
Harry sat, mesmerized in deep thought about what their best plan of action would be before finally speaking. "I see advantages and disadvantages with both plans of attack. I say we wait and keep deliberating until the time comes to finally make the decision. Until then I agree with you both. We need to get as many resources as we can before we emerge in this upcoming war. There is no telling how long we have until it breaks out."
"Master Slytherin, an owl has just arrived for you, carrying a letter." A house elf butler popped into the dining hall, carrying said owl on his arm and hand.
"Thank you." Harry replied as he took the bird and letter. "I'd like it ensured that it is wiped of all memory and tracks before it leaves the grounds."
"Yes, milord." The house-elf bowed and popped away.
"Who is it from, Harry?" Seamus asked impatiently, as Harry stared at the front of the brown envelope.
"The Order of the Phoenix."
"Who?" The red-haired boy asked.
"Basically Dumbledore, the Weasley's, Moody, Sirius, Remus, and a few others who fought against the Death Eaters in the last war. They came back together due to Voldemort's return but kept me out of the loop in favor of keeping me 'safe.' Needless to say, I don't exactly feel too fond towards most of them." Harry explained to Seamus; he had already once before informed Daphne.
Without another word, Harry opened the envelope and removed the parchment from inside before unfolding it and reading:
Dear Harry,
We have heard from our sources and through the news of what Umbridge is claiming you did. We want to believe you are innocent and give you the chance to tell your side of the story. On Tuesday please meet with me, Sirius, in front of Gringotts at 11a.m. so we may talk in person. Don't worry, it will just be me, and there are no tricks. You need not reply if you don't want to although I would love to hear from you, pup. I hope to see you soon.
Hoping to See You Soon,
Sirius for the Order
"Do you think they would be stupid enough to try to entrap us?" Daphne asked, inquiring into Harry's unsaid thoughts.
"They are quite moronic, I will admit, and much crueler if they have pitted my own Godfather against me, but it does not matter. If they are against me, I will merely disappear from Diagon Alley in an instant, and we will fell this Order of the Phoenix along with the Ministry and the imposter. If they turn out to truly be seeking an alliance, then we will have more fighters rallied to our cause." Harry then let the bird loose from his arm, and it began to fly out of the Hall before being caught by an elf, who popped away with it.
"Now, let's rest. Tomorrow comes at us with much to do. The three of us will need to be ready for it." Harry stood from his chair and began walking out.
"What's wrong with him?" Seamus asked Daphne who had just stood and begun to follow after him.
Daphne turned around to look at the young man who had returned to his homeland. "Sirius means quite a deal to him. Besides, he probably will not follow his own advice. He wants to care for us, but he won't sleep tonight. I imagine he will spend his time tonight in the library." Daphne turned back towards the door and left Seamus with her last words of the night. "Go to bed, Seamus. I'll be sleeping in the library tonight."
"Hello, milady." Harry greeted the woman as she entered the library.
"Harry, as you prefer me not to call you milord, I prefer you do not call me milady." She walked up to man, who sat in a comfortable black leather chair with a book on strategies of war throughout the ages.
"What are doing?" The young lord asked, as Daphne sat in his lap, grabbed his book from him, and tossed it onto the side table beside the chair.
"Answering your goodbye from last night."
Daphne then began kissing her future husband passionately for a few seconds before breaking the interaction momentarily.
"I love you, too, Harry."
Before the lord could reply, Daphne resumed their kiss.