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 Slytherin

"Regular speech or spell"

"Parseltongue"

Text

'Thought'

Chapter 14:

"You're sure about this? This is completely experimental, Seamus, and once we start we can't undo it."

"For the third and hopefully final time, Harry, yes. I'm sure. I've already told you I trust you. Though you're really starting to get on my fucking nerves asking me again and again."

Harry couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he sat across from Seamus in an abandoned room in the castle. Finding a room such as it, as much as it was harder than when Lord Slytherin had first arrived with Daphne and Semaus, was still extremely easy. As large as the Order of the Basilisk was starting to grow, Slytherin Castle could still house ten times as many people comfortably if not more.

Shaking his head at his friend's antics before growing somber, Harry replied, "Besides your loyalty, your courage, and your skill, have you ever thought about why you're my best mate?"

Seamus knitted his brow in slight confusion, seeing his friend get so serious. "I have my ideas, but it sounds like you have something in particular in mind."

Lord Slytherin nodded. "I do. Did you know you're one of only a couple in this world who seem to be able to reconcile being friends with both sides of me? The respect we share is mutual, but you're one of the only people who can just be my friend, and Seamus…" Harry drifted off for a moment as if in another world before returning his gaze back to the Irishman. "I cannot tell you how much that means, which is why I keep asking you."

Seamus's eyes widened in realization. "Don't worry, Harry. I wouldn't be letting you do this if I didn't have every confidence in your abilities. Knowing you, you've already gone over everything more than a hundred times, so don't start thinking you're about to kill me."

The teen lifted the sleeve off his left forearm and rolled the material up to his elbow. "Now, let's do this. I can't wait to test everything out." A cocky grin plastered Seamus's face.

"You're right." Harry nodded and removed his wand. "Let's do this."

He then pressed the piece of wood against the interior of his friend's forearm and began his spell.

"Surge basiliscus, et da potestatem istam. Fides eius me perduxit ut hoc illi donum donaret."

A yellow spell shot out his wand and immediately hit Seamus's skin. Immediately lines started to appear, changing and molding until a pattern emerged. After only a few moments, the image of a basilisk was cemented into his arm. The king of snakes was coiled with its head raised above its body.

To Seamus's surprise though, the basilisk actually uncoiled and started moving across the skin, disappearing underneath his robes. He then looked up with wide eyes at Lord Slytherin, who was studying him for any ill effects.

"You didn't mention that."

"I wasn't sure if yours would do the same as mine. Besides, you should already know how magical tattoos work." Harry shook his head and stood. "So, first test."

Seamus grinned. "Hit me with it."

Harry rolled his eyes, then smiled. "Maybe I should hit you. It might fix that fucked up face of yours."

Seamus's eyes immediately widened in surprise. "You, gobshite!"

Harry just smiled. "It worked. If anything else, you, my friend, are now a Parselmouth. Congratulations."

"Holy, Merlin." Seamus gasped before whooping. "What next?!"

"What happens when I do this?" Lord Slytherin tapped his wand against his own forearm after revealing his own inked basilisk.

Seamus narrowed his eyes. "I can tell you're calling me."

"Any pain? How intense is it? I need to know, Seamus, so don't hold back."

"It's not painful at all. Not annoying even. Just… there. I feel like I could easily ignore it if you're wondering." Seamus shrugged.

Harry smiled. "Good. Very good. And now?" He tapped his wand again.

Immediately Seamus's eyes widened. "It's hard to ignore. Still no pain, but it feels… urgent. Like before was a whisper and this is a call."

Again, Harry nodded. "It's working as intended then. Once marked, any of us can call everyone or a specific person by tapping their wand on the tattoo with the intent on who to call. That first version you felt should normally be how we call to each other with minimal effort needed… The latter call-"

"Is the 'oh, shit' version." Seamus chuckled. "Makes sense. Always good to have an emergency button. Gonna guess you just gotta push in the intent?"

"Exactly right."

"So… what next?" Seamus couldn't help the excitement reach his voice. "And how do I switch to parseltongue at will?"

Harry chuckled and shook his head. "When I first started I would imagine a snake in my mind. It gets easier with practice. As for the next test, how do you feel about a proper introduction to my ancestor's familiar, Deus?"

The brave Gryffindor gulped a little. "What about its stare?"

"That is actually the test. Parselmouths have been shown to be immune to the stare through the magic of Salazar. Being granted the gift, you shouldn't have a problem, but we are going to start small." The young lord soothed his friend.

"Define small."

"Do you remember what I told you about our second year? The basilisk petrified them because they indirectly looked into its eyes. I already have the potion with me. You wouldn't be out for an hour if the worst comes to pass."

"Couldn't we start with spells?" Seamus almost whined, which was lost in the language of snakes.

"Those will take much more time and practice, both with Daphne and me as well as in solitude. I purposefully have kept everyone away from the basilisks for their safety as well as our friends'. I'd rather make sure I was there."

"Fine, but you owe me if I get petrified." Seamus stood and pointed a finger at Harry.

Lord Slytherin for his part just lowered the teen's hand and rolled his eyes after getting up from his own seat. "You know if you want anything, all you need to do is ask." The two started making their way out.

"Well, now that you do mention it… I hope it's not rude of me to ask, but-"

"Seamus. I just told you I appreciate your blunt honesty. Don't hold back on me now."

The red haired teen nodded but rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, would you mind if we put up a quidditch pitch on the grounds?"

Harry laughed and clapped a hand on his friend's back. "Not at all! Sounds like a great idea, but let me get the house elves to find a spot for us. From what I've been reading, they would be the best ones to build it."

Quickly transitioning to the topic of quidditch, the two made their way down to the lower levels of the dungeons and into the large entrance cave that led to the rest of the basilisks' den. The cavern was pretty barren, carved smoothly into the surrounding stone with the adjoining cave impossible to see as it was clouded in shadows. Harry quickly covered the entire floor in a layer of water, immediately creating a mirror across it.

Lord Slytherin turned to his friend. "Ready?"

Seamus nodded and looked down at the floor. "Ready."

"Deus, familiar to Salazar and symbol of all Slytherin, hear my call! Your lord summons you!"

A minute passed until Seamus could hear the sound of the ancient creature at the other end of the cavern.

"Harry, you have brought another. Are you not worried about him seeing my eyes? I do not wish to kill any but our enemies." The basilisk spoke.

"Deus. Our Lord Slytherin has spoken highly of you. It is an honor to meet you." Seamus kept his gaze only at the water.

"Another speaker? I was unaware!"

"A new speaker, Deus. I have been practicing my ancestor's magic and believe I have learned to grant the gift. Would you please reveal yourself? Seamus here will only stare at your reflection at first to make sure it is safe."

"Impressive, Harry. Most impressive…. Very well." Slowly the basilisk emerged and Harry couldn't stop a smile from his face, observing his ancient companion.

Seamus, despite every urge, did not dare to look up. Slowly, Deus approached and Seamus froze at the sight. In the reflection of the water, he saw the bright yellow eyes of the eighty foot long snake.

"You are an awe-inspiring creature, Deus." Seamus kept his head low in respect.

"Flattery will get you everywhere." The old beast almost chuckled.

"Do you feel confident enough to look up, Seamus?"

Seamus, instead of answering with words, lifted his head and looked straight at Deus. Its gaze did not affect him.

Harry couldn't stop the smile on his face. "How many of our people do you think will want this?"

Seamus scoffed. "To be able to access a language all our own and magic that has been only shared with a chosen few? I doubt any of them would mind exchanging their already unwavering loyalty."

Throughout the next few days, the Order of Slytherin or the Order of the Basilisk, as its people had also started to call themselves, all took up their mark, now named the Mark of the Basilisk. Sirius and Remus took it as their final step to joining, and even the Greengrass family volunteered themselves to further prove their loyalties. Harry and Daphne found themselves quickly with a new idea that they shared with no one, dedicating hours away to their next project. It was here in their study that Rhys appeared with a letter in his hand.

"My Lord and my Lady, a message for you from Dumbledore."

Harry stood up from his desk and slowly took the small piece of folded parchment before opening it up and analyzing the ink upon it.

"Dobby!" He called, his face impassive.

"How may Dobby's be serving the greatest master, Harry Potter, sir?" The house-elf asked after popping in.

Harry let out a soft smile at the exuberant elf who he knew would always be at his side. "Can you go let Seamus, Tracey, Pansy, Anthony, and Susan know that I need them immediately. I'll meet them in my office."

"Right away, Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby quickly popped away.

Rhys shook his head in amusement, still unable to grasp its distant cousin's rabid devotion even as he accompanied his Lord and Lady to where they would meet their lieutenants. "It truly is remarkable to see one so eager to serve. House-elves, for all their fervor, are normally not even so enthusiastic."

Harry couldn't help but laugh a little. "Dobby is one of a kind, and I am grateful to call him my friend. There's nothing he wouldn't do for me, and I can't help but say the same with me for him." He suddenly grew solemn. "I suppose those who have escaped torture and imprisonment tend to flock to one another."

Daphne, who already was holding onto his arm, squeezed it attempting to comfort him. "We can always go back and finish the job if you need."

He laughed with a snort, immediately losing track of his dark thoughts. "No, I'm okay. They're not worth the time or trouble."

After a couple more minutes they arrived, seeing Harry and Daphne's lieutenants gathered about the room. Seamus and Tracey were lounging on a pair of chairs to their left with Parkinson standing in the corner nearby. Susan and Anthony sat in another set of chairs on the right side of the room.

Rhys took his spot next to the door after closing it behind Harry and Daphne. A twin pair of stone snakes coiled up at the top of the frame outside the door. The lord and lady quickly sat down in a pair of chairs behind his desk.

"Pansy, please take a seat. No reason to remain standing. I've already given up on convincing Rhys, but that doesn't mean you should follow his example." Harry waved his newest lieutenant down into a chair while Rhys let out what would almost be called a huff at his lord's statement.

"I do it as a sign of respect, milord."

"I know, I know, and I am grateful. I'm not arguing, just stating my opinion." Harry waved his arms in mock surrender before straightening up as Pansy sat down.

"Now, I've called you all here for a reason. Dumbledore has requested a meeting. I think he assumes I will be going alone or with only Daphne, possibly one more. I intend to bring more. He is our ally right now, but that does not constitute complete trust. Seamus, I am leaving you behind with the troops. If something goes wrong, we're going to need you to bring the cavalry."

"Har-" Seamus was cut off by an "Ahem" from Rhys.

Lord Slytherin sighed. "Rhys. My lieutenants may address me however they wish. They are amongst those closest to me. Now, you were saying, Seamus?"

"Harry, why are you leaving me behind? I don't like you going in without me."

"I know you don't, but you're my most senior lieutenant. If anyone is to lead everyone else in, it's you. Besides, I doubt anything is going to happen, but it's better not to take a chance, not to mention the fact that somebody needs to make sure that this lot behaves themselves." Harry tried to give his friend a smile.

Seamus shook his head with a smile. "Fine. Fine. You convinced me, but don't think you're leaving me behind from now on."

Pansy couldn't help stare in shock at the Irishman's informality with Lord Slytherin. This was a side she hadn't seen since his rise to his title.

"I promise. Don't worry. Just experimenting." Harry waved his hand dismissively.

Seamus raised a brow. "What kind of experimentation?"

Harry chuckled, realizing how his words sounded. "Just want to see how well you do leading so many. There may come a day when we may need it."

The redhead nodded, and Tracey gave his hand a squeeze. "Thank you, Harry."

The young lord shook his head. "No need to thank me. Now, everyone go get dressed in your combat robes. We'll meet you at the central floo. Seamus, get to work setting our people through their paces."

"Harry, one question." Susan spoke up, and continued after a quick nod from him. "What has you on such high alert with this? It's not like you to get everyone ready for a meeting."

"Dumbledore told me in his letter that 'it is time for us to discuss everything I haven't before. It is needed if we have any hope of defeating Tom.'" Harry sighed. "Knowing the old man, this could be a trap or a genuine meeting, but he has been hesitant with the truth before. I also want to ensure if the information he has is of enough tactical importance, we can quickly act on it. We have fought the Ministry out of necessity, but now we need to fight our true enemy if we are to win the hearts of the people."

Susan nodded in understanding. "We'll keep our heads on a swivel. If they try anything we'll be ready for them."

Harry smiled. "I trust those in this room with the utmost confidence. I know your loyalties are true and not just by our shared mark. Anyone else have any other questions?"

"Milord, if I may have a moment of your and your Lady's time before departing?" Pansy spoke after a few moments, seeing everyone rise from their positions when silence had previously answered his question.

"Of course. Everyone else is dismissed. I will see all of you soon." Harry waited for everyone excluding Daphne, Rhys, and Pansy to leave. When the door closed again, he looked at his newest lieutenant. "What is on your mind, Pansy?"

"Lord Slytherin, I am not sure if I am up to the task of defending you or being one of your lieutenants. I… am not good enough." Pansy started to weep, and Daphne gave her fiance a sad look before standing and making her way over to her old dorm mate, hugging her.

"Pansy, I would not have invited you to join the ranks of the inner circle if I did not have confidence in you. Don't put yourself down. You have grown much since I first revealed my heritage to Slytherin house. I trust in your skill, loyalty, and decision making. You have continued to prove yourself with each."

The young woman started nodding, her tears drying up. "Thank you, milord."

Harry sighed with a groan. "How many times do I have to say it? Harry. My name is Harry. You don't have to call me Lord all the time. You're one of my lieutenants. If anyone has the right to use it, it's you. Well, obviously you and the rest of those close to me. My future wife, for particular instance."

Daphne blushed for a moment. "Snake charmer."

He smiled with a bit of a devious grin. "Guilty as charged."

"Ahem."

"I swear upon my ancestors, Rhys, you are doing that just to annoy me!" Lord Slytherin groaned.

The tall elf merely shrugged in response, his face as blank as ever.

Daphne chuckled. "Serves you right."

"Aren't you supposed to be on my side?" He sighed in mock exasperation.

"I think you'll find it in your heart to forgive me."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head before looking back up. "See, Pansy? This isn't like the pureblood camps. You can relax. It does not demonstrate lack of devotion; it shows trust."

"I understand, Harry. Thank you. I will see you at the floo." Pansy did still bow before exiting.

Another sigh escaped the lord's lips. "I'll call it a work in progress."

Daphne laughed before grabbing his arm and dragging him up towards the door. "Come on, Mr. Dramatic. We need to get changed as well."

Voldemort meanwhile was residing in one of the many manors of his followers. His raid on Azkaban had been successful, and his numbers had been bolstered but now it seemed a new problem was arising.

Harry Potter, or how he called himself now, Lord Slytherin.

He was Salazar's heir! How dare the boy take his title! Not to mention starting his own camp! What was next? Would Potter start using a mark on his followers as well? No, that would be ridiculous and clearly copying him.

"What do we know of this Order of Slytherin?" Voldemort spat out the name with disgust.

"I'm afraid, not much, milord." Lucian spoke. "From what intelligence I've been able to gather inside the Ministry, he has a large force of his fellow students and has used them to eliminate both centaurs and acromantulas in the Dark Forest. As far as they're other activities we are not sure. Umbridge had her suspicions that Dumbledore was backing their group, but it is doubtful, considering how much more brutal they are in their approach."

"No… The old fool, Dumbledore, would never condone the boy's actions… It is no matter. We shall crush them. Are any of your children amongst his ranks to get us inside information?" The twisted figure asked.

Many in the room, including Malfoy, Nott, and Parkinson, glanced at each other in fear.

"Milord…" Lucian Malfoy said slowly, unsure of how to break the news.

"Spit it out!"

Malfoy nodded hurriedly. "It appears Potter has taken all of Slytherin house under his control. We have already tried reaching out to our children but have received no reply and have lost all ways of tracking them. We have no idea where they are for the time being."

"WHAT?!" Voldemort screamed, rising from his chair as he banished it behind him straight into the wall behind him, the wood splintering across the room. "How can all of you fail me so?! Did you not raise your children properly?!"

The entire room averted their eyes down in shame, unable to look at their lord, let alone in the eye.

"Well?!" Voldemort shouted into the silent room.

Still, no one spoke. Voldemort snarled. "You're all pathetic! Leave me at once! Except you, Wormtail! Bring me one of our prisoners! "

Voldemort stewed as his servants carried out his orders, ruing the name Harry Potter.

The young man in question arrived alongside his fiance at Grimmauld Place and was quickly followed by his lieutenants.

"Anthony, Susan, would you please stay here and guard the floo for us?" Lord Slytherin asked as he entwined his arm with his wife's.

"Of course."

Both quickly stepped back and stood still in the corners of the fireplace, blending with the shadows.

"Nobody here to greet us?" Tracey frowned in dismay.

"We may be a little early." Harry chuckled. "Just follow me. Remember what we talked about earlier."

Right as they exited the room, Tonks scrambled down the stairs. She tripped a bit towards the bottom but managed to catch herself before she hit the floor.

"Dumbedlore had said you wouldn't be here for another half hour; what are you doing here so early?"

"Oh, we just had a little spare time and figured we could wait if needed. Hopefully, we're not interrupting anything." Lord Slytherin half asked his last statement.

Tonks seemed to not be able to decide for a moment what to do with his answer but realized she needed to provide one of her own. "As far as I know, but I'll have to check with Dumbledore to make sure."

"That sounds perfect. Is there anywhere we can wait for him?" Daphne asked.

"Um, the kitchen should work…" Tonaks replied.

"Very good, if you want to go check with Dumbledore, we'll be there." Harry nodded before leading his group to the designated room. Tonks could only look back at him, his new personality still throwing her through a loop. After a few moments, however, she collected herself and made her way to get Dumbledore.

Ten minutes later, the old wizard walked into the kitchen and observed Harry and Daphne sitting to the left across from of all people, Pansy Parkinson. Dumbledore had an idea of the loyalty of almost all of the Slytherin house from Hogwarts to Harry, but to see such a change in character from one who the old man knew actively had opposed the boy was shocking. Sirius had warned them that Harry and his followers were close, but this was something else. He also quickly noted young Miss Davis, one of Miss Greengrass's closest friends if he recalled correctly, standing in the corner cloaked in the shadows. She was obviously trying to hide her presence, but, despite her valiant efforts, there was a reason Dumbledore had survived as long as he had.

"It seems you have taken us by surprise. It is good to see you doing so well, Harry, my boy." Dumbledore waved his hands as his eyes twinkled.

Instantly, Albus realized he made a mistake when he saw the young lord's face drop from a cold stoic mask into a snarl. "Dumbledore, we have been over this. You will address me as Lord Slytherin, and I am not 'your boy.' You have lost that right." Lord Slytherin paused and collected himself, his face becoming impassive once more. "That is not what we are here to discuss, however, so I will drop the subject as long as it is not repeated."

Dumbledore nodded intently. "Quite right. Would everyone besides Lord Slytherin please give us some privacy?"

Lord Slytherin's eyes narrowed. "Whatever you have to say to me can be said in front of them. Daphne is my most trusted confidant, and Pansy is one of my lieutenants. As much as I trust all in my ranks, there's a reason she has her position."

He gave Pansy a nod when he noticed her looking at him with gratitude. Daphne had entwined her right leg with Harry's left at the ankle in a show of solitude.

"Can I assume Miss Davis is also one you trust, considering she seems to be trying to get the drop on me?" Dumbledore asked lightly, his eyes twinkling and a small smile on his lips.

"I can assure you that she had no instructions to try to ambush you. We both know that dark times are approaching. The prepared are the ones with a better chance to live." Lord Slytherin placated.

"Surely, you don't think that Tom could attack us here? You should know, Har-"

"I said don't call me that!" The teen snapped, a green aura appearing around him. "And to answer your question, why should I not? Weren't my parents safe from him, Dumbledore? Didn't you cast the fidelius charm at Godric's Hollow? I don't trust your version of safe, so spare me your assurances.

"Now. What do you have to reveal?" Lord Slytherin leaned back in his chair and rested his left hand on his chin as he faced his former headmaster, his aura fading.

Seeing no point in continuing the debate, the old wizard sat with a sigh, forced to reflect on his age. "First I need you to answer some questions for me, Lord Slytherin, before we continue any further. It is for everyone's safety."

Harry scoffed but motioned for the old man to continue. "We'll see what happens when you ask."

"Very well." Dumbledore nodded. "First, I need to understand your intentions. You murdered the entire centaur village. Why? It does not seem like a move a purveyor of the light would take."

Again the teen scoffed. "I never said we were light, Dumbedore, but I can promise you we aren't dark either."

"Ah, so you are what many of the dark claim to be as grey." Dumbledore realized.

"We are grey, but I can truly assure you that the only times we act outside the light are in our own defense."

"Like the women and children you killed in the centaur village?" The old wizard countered.

"You act as if we killed them for no reason, but you have yet to let me elaborate on the situation." Lord Slytherin replied. Seeing Dumbledore stay silent and just indicate his hand towards him, Harry continued. "One of my followers found the village but remained hidden and was able to gather some intelligence for us."

Dumbledore frowned. "What intelligence?"

"The centaurs planning to attack the school kind. Umbridge and her actions were riling them to war. It was clear they wanted blood, and they didn't care how much extra was spilled on the way.

"When this news reached me, Daphne and I realized we had very few options. We could say nothing and allow the centaurs to attack the castle, most likely allowing many students to die but keeping our secret safe.

"That was immediately discarded."

Dumbledore seemed to sigh in relief.

"Option two: we eliminate them before they attacked. We knew we could not leave any witnesses, so we were hesitant to go with this choice." Harry and Daphne shared a quick look.

"Then why did you choose that option?" Dumbledore asked, trying to connect the dots.

"Option two ended up as our plan B. Originally we had attempted option three: negotiate." Harry steepled his hands together as Dumbledore's brows shot up. "It was the most risky for our identities and made the choice to not leave any witnesses all the more important, though they never heard our names. Despite our attempts at placating them with various offers, none of it was enough. We even offered to grab Umbridge for them, just to see if that would assaude them… It did not.

"The centaurs wanted blood, and we were forced to give them blood." Harry looked down for a moment. "Do I wish there had been another way? Yes, but you and I both know that isn't always another choice. Sometimes you do what is necessary. Any single one we would have left would have been an ember of vengeance. Are you satisfied that we're not dark lords and ladies in training?"

Dumbledore sighed and seemed to have aged five years since the conversation began. "I wish I could criticize further, but hearing the full story… I understand… I don't like it at all, but… I understand."

Lord Slytherin nodded. "Good."

Dumbledore nodded back and regathered himself. "Next, for the sake of secrecy, are you and everyone else in this room well trained in Occlumency?"

Lord Slytherin stared at him for a moment, obviously thinking but not giving a hint what about. "Yes. Well enough to withstand most who would attempt an attack."

"May I test each of you to make sure?" Dumbledore looked around at each of them.

"Anyone have any objections?" Albus noted that Harry seemed almost bored with the way he asked, and what was more stupefying to him was that his companions merely shrugged.

"I'm willing to go first."

Dumbledore looked around the room at the teenagers and, despite his eyes still twinkling, he seemed a bit nervous as he looked at their stoic faces and then the blonde who volunteered.

'Something isn't right here.' He thought. 'But it is not like I have any other choice.'

His mind made up, Albus took his wand, pointed it at Daphne, and whispered, "Legilimens."

Almost as soon as he entered her mind, he found himself opposite a massive basilisk and frozen, staring into its yellow eyes. As quickly as he entered, he was ejected. Returning to his own mind, Dumbledore couldn't help but reel back in his chair slightly. He noted Daphne seemed no worse for wear.

"Surprised, Dumbledore? Why don't you try the others?" Lord Slytherin smiled in an almost mischievous manner.

Still seeing no choice, Dumblrdore continued, first with Pansy, then Tracey, and he found much similar results, excluding the fact that Daphne ranked above her fellow female Slytherins in speed and skill.

Sighing, he turned to look at Harry and noticed a grin that reminded him much of James. It was that same devious look that indicated he was up to nothing good.

'Let's get this over with.'

"Legilimens."

Dumbledore was shocked when he emerged into Harry's mind but found only darkness and seemed to have lost his way out. Unlike the three times prior, it seemed Harry had something besides a basilisk in store.

"Thank you for this opportunity, Dumbledore. Since I believe a continued relationship is necessary between us and our Orders, I thought it best to capitalize on this by making my views of you clear. I'm sure you expected me to immediately eject you like the others did, but I feel you should also bear witness to one of my more… effective defenses…" The voice was all around the old wizard, coming from nowhere and everywhere all at once.

"What do you mean?" Dumbledore turned around but could not see anything in the darkness.

"I learned from Salazar's journals that it is not always enough to merely kick an invader out of one's mind. Sometimes you need to make sure they can't try it again, and what better way than to trap them, show them bone-chilling horrors, and torture them?"

Dumbledore blanched, speechless.

"Now, don't worry." Harry's voice spoke, still drifting. "I'm not employing it to that great of a level, and I will release you once I am done. That being said, you are still going to experience one part of my defenses. How do you think someone would feel being forced to live my memories from my own point of view? Feeling every single bit." Harry enunciated every word of his latest sentence.

"I find it quite ironic, don't you? Someone invades my mind looking for my memories, and I willingly give them, just not what they are looking for." Harry's wide smile appeared in front of Dumbledore, but the man could not spot any other part of the boy.

"Time for you to see what you forced me into, Dumbledore. Just who you left me with and who you kept forcing me back to despite my many protests."

Harry's smile started to fade, but he managed two last words before it fully disappeared.

"Good luck."

Five minutes after casting the spell on Lord Slytherin, Albus Dumbledore finally opened his eyes, gasping and reeling so far back, the chair tilted, spilling him onto the floor. Harry merely opened his eyes as if merely resting previously.

He then nodded to Pansy and Tracey, and they helped the old man back into his seat. With him sitting back up, everyone noticed tears rolling down his cheeks. "I- I'm sorry. I failed you…"

Lord Slytherin remained as stoic as ever. "Yes. You did." He paused. "Now, do you have anything left to ask before we finally get to the point?"

It took a minute for Dumbledore to fully collect himself, but finally he shook his head. "No, nothing left but the truth, now…"

The entire room watched him patiently.

"Do you remember Tom's diary in your second year?"

"How can I forget? That thing almost killed me." Lord Slytherin replied coolly.

Dumbledore nodded. "Well, after you brought it to me and the events of the past year, I had a realization. You are aware you are connected to Voldemort?" Harry merely nodded, remaining silent. "Have you accessed it at all recently, or felt him try to?"

"No. I have not felt anything for months. Not since…" Harry's eyes widened in realization. "I cleansed away his connection to me towards the beginning of the year. What did he leave behind inside me, Dumbledore?" The young lord leveled his gaze at his former mentor.

Dumbedlore pursed his lips. "A piece of his soul. Do you know what a horcrux is?"

Harry was stunned. "No… no, no, no. No. What you're telling me should be impossible. It's never succeeded before." Harry was able to maintain his composure for the most part but was coming apart slightly. Daphne grabbed his hand in her own.

"Don't worry, love. Nothing is going to happen to you. Together, nothing can stop us." Daphne tried to calm him down. Pansy and Tracey, behind Dumbledore, both nodded. They didn't need to let anyone know of their latest gifts.

Finally Lord Slytherin seemed to smooth himself again and speak. "How?"

Dumbledore sighed, his heart breaking for the boy. "You were the last, but I surmise that Tom created multiple. What do you know about horcruxes?"

Mentally Harry sighed. 'He loves answering questions with questions, doesn't he?'

"Not much, admittedly, just that it involves the murder of an innocent to fracture the caster's soul. After that, I couldn't tell you… Wait… Making multiple turned his soul unstable didn't it? … How many are there?"

The old wizard sighed deeply. "That I do not know, but I am in the process of figuring out a way to find out."

Harry turned to Daphne. "Do you think those rituals I did could have cleared it out?"

"Cleared it out?" Dumbledore gasped. "What rituals?"

Lord Slytherin glared for a moment. "Family magic. Can't disclose."

"Can't or won't? It could be very useful in eliminating the others."

"Both, and I assume you already know of ways to dispose of others, not including basilisk venom." Harry grinned a little at the end.

"Very well. It appears I am unable to convince you otherwise for the time being." The old wizard relented.

"Is there anything else?"

Dumbledore sighed once more, heavier than before. "Yes. One last major thing for the evening.

"Do you know why Tom targeted your family that night?"

Harry crossed his arms. "Well, despite how little you or anyone else told me as I grew up, I do know that they opposed the pretend lord very strongly."

"They did." He nodded. "Specifically, they opposed him in person three times, which in a way is part of the reason but not the entire by far. In fact, most misunderstand who his target was. It… was not your parents. It was you."

The room froze, and everyone stared at the old wizard. Finally Harry spoke, his arms now at his side. "Why?"

"A prophecy."

"From who?" Daphne demanded, her ice blue eyes sharp and clearly observing everything.

"Sybill Trelawney, right inside the Hog's Head during her interview to be the Divination professor all of you know her as."

Daphne furrowed her brows. "Why would you conduct a professor's interview inside a nearby pub? Surely the castle has a lot more space and you can talk more freely."

Dumbledore smiled. "Of course we could, but it is not like we were going over any secrets. Besides, I find it quite beneficial to conduct some interviews in a much more social manner."

"Yes, but who else was there when she foretold the prophecy?" Pansy chimed in. She had caught on to what Daphne was trying to accomplish, time for Harry to collect himself and ask the inevitable question as well as find out everything else they could in the meantime."Seers aren't known for their discretion when they prophecize."

Dumbledore's brows raised in surprise. "You both are certainly a credit to your house with your cunning, Miss Greengrass, Miss Parkinson." He then grew somber. "Unfortunately one was confirmed having heard the prophecy, and he did tell the dark lord, as he was one of his followers already."

"Who?" Daphne demanded.

Harry was silent but his eyes were steeled and his aura had returned, rolling around his skin continually. The scariest part to Dumbledore was that he realized Harry was containing his magic to just that. Albus could only imagine if the boy snapped, how his magic would react but knew they would not accept anything but the truth and any lie would eventually come out.

."Let me first preface this that he did not hear but two lines and was unaware of who it would affect. If he had, I know for a fact that he wouldn't have shared it with Tom, as he cared deeply for your mother."

"She said, 'who,' Dumbledore. Answer her… Now." Lord Slytehrin's voice was dripping with venom.

The old man looked down and sighed once more, not able to look at what he was about to cause.

"Severus Snape."

In an instant, Harry stood, and Dumbledore was pushed back along with every single object in the room. Only Daphne, Tracey, and Pansy were unaffected by Lord Slytherin's wrath unleashing.

"SNAPE? The one who has made it his life's work to make my life a living fucking hell is the one responsible for my parents dying?!" The green around him started to spark and twist, creating an electrified vortex in the room. "THAT SNAPE?!"

"I know you're angry, and you have every right to be." Dumbledore tried to placate. "But, you need to calm down before you lose control. Can't you see what you're doing already?!"

Suddenly, the entire phenomenon stopped, and everything swirling around the room dropped. The three Slytherins with him had not been touched by any of it.

Harry started moving to turn away from his former headmaster but halted. "One last question. What did the prophecy say?"

Dumbledore gulped, having noticed how the others in the room had not been hit. "She said, 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies… and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…'

Lord Slytherin merely nodded and started leaving but stopped in front of the closed door. "Tell that slime that I know and that I am awaiting word from him." Harry put his hand on the door knob and turned it. His three companions, behind him. As he swung it outward to leave, he left one last piece of advice.

"Clean up my godfather's kitchen, Dumbledore. It's about damn time you start taking responsibility for the consequences of your actions."

Without another word and without looking back, the four left, passing by a stunned Molly Weasley, Tonks, and Kingsley Shacklbolt. Tracey had eliminated the privacy words Dumbledore had wandlessly constructed when he first walked in. They heard everything and couldn't even attempt to stop the four.

"Everything okay, guys?" Susan asked her friends as they entered the room.

"Let's just go. I'll explain everything when we get back." Harry sighed.

Everyone nodded, and Harry left first, arm in arm with Daphne. They arrived back home shortly after making several diversionary stops to prevent anyone from following their trail.

After Anthony arrived last, Harry finally spoke again, his mood still dark. "Dobby."

Despite Harry's quiet tone, the normally exuberant house-elf appeared, although obviously sensing his master's feelings through their bond. "Master Harry, how can I help?"

A soft smile crossed the lord's face, realizing the cause behind his loyal friend's mood. "I'm sorry, Dobby, but I'm afraid it may be a little bit until I feel better." Dobby started to move to speak, but Harry held up his hand. "I know you want to help me, my friend, and I truly appreciate it but there's not much to be done right now to cheer me up, okay?"

Dobby nodded sadly, his eyes downcast.

"Hey, look at me." Harry called softly and continued when he saw Dobby's eyes. "It'll all be okay. I'll be fine. Don't worry."

"Yes, Master Harry Potter." Dobby nodded with more confidence, clearly assured.

"Now, would you go get Seamus and have him meet the other lieutenants in the lounge we had made for them?"

"Of course, sir! Anything else, Dobby's can do?"

Harry couldn't help but smile. "Nothing except continuing on being the great friend you are."

Dobby could only nod in reply, tears in his eyes, before he popped away.

"Not your office?" Anthony asked.

Lord Slytherin shook his head, his smile gone and his dark mood back. "Tracey, Pansy, would you mind waiting for Seamus and filling the other lieutenants in on what we learned over there? I need some time to myself."

"We gotcha covered, Harry." Tracey replied as nonchalantly as she could to try and help ease any fears he may have.

"Do you want company?" Daphne asked, squeezing his arm.

Harry let out a slow breath and nodded. "Please."

Daphne nodded in understanding before leading them out, a place already in mind. Both stayed quiet as they made their way. Daphne giving nods of acknowledgement to those they passed while Harry could only stare off into space.

Finally, though, they arrived at the top of the astronomy tower, and Daphne activated a rune. The cylindrical cone opened up into several triangles before retracting, exposing the top of the tower to the elements. Being the tallest point of the castle to allow for ease of observation, the two of them could observe the entire grounds.

"Fresh air, helping?" She asked, and he couldn't help but chuckle.

"You know it always does, just like you know that seeing all of this helps remind me of what I have become, in spite of… well, everything." He sighed, conjuring a chair and sitting down right as it arrived. "Thank you for caring so much and trying."

Daphne turned to face her future husband and shook her head as she walked over to him. With a flick of her wand, Harry's seat transformed into more of an armchair, allowing her to make her next move of sitting in his lap comfortably. She wrapped her arms around his body and held him tight.

"I'm always here for you. I love you, Harry James Slytherin Potter. I mean it. I'd do anything for you."

Harry kissed the top of her head and smiled, her hair still in his face along with its vanilla smell.

"I love you too, Daphne Isabelle Greengrass, with all of my heart and magic."

AN: Well, this one ended up being much longer than I meant, but I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised by that. Hope everyone enjoyed. Starting to look for a beta to pre-read my chapters before releasing them so let me know if you're interested and leave a review if you'd like.

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