Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the intellectual property associated with Harry Potter.

Hi all,

Here's the next chapter. Harry wakes to the aftermath of the fight and finds himself being forced to accept a title.

Chapter 43

The sound of voices nearby awoke Harry from his slumber. He listened carefully and recognised Madam Pomfrey's voice. With a tired yawn, he shifted in bed, drawing the attention of the girls seated beside him.

"Harry!" Two girls threw themselves at him, taking him by surprise. Despite his half-open eyes, he could detect their familiar scents and recognised them right away.

"Hey, Daphne. Susan. This is definitely a pleasant way to wake up."

"You had me worried," Susan said, kissing his cheek.

"I was just as concerned," Daphne admitted, kissing her lips. "It wasn't until I recovered from my magical exhaustion that I realised you had become involved in another incident.

"I am completely innocent," Harry declared with a serious expression.

Daphne snorted with amusement. The two girls positioned themselves on either side of him, their heads resting on his shoulder. A broad grin spread across his face. Despite the chaos he had experienced over the previous two days, he could not help but feel that it was all worthwhile. He was pleased with his current position.

A familiar call from a pair of birds drew his attention. He looked up to find Hedwig and Fawkes perched on the headboard behind him. He smiled as he caught sight of Fawkes. His companion responded by cooing at him.

He addressed Hedwig first. "Good day, beautiful. I sincerely appreciate your assistance with the gargoyles. "I couldn't have escaped them without your help."

Hedwig preened, proudly puffing her chest.

He shifted his attention to Fawkes. "I hope you've managed to avoid getting into any mischief. "So, where have you been staying?"

Gabrielle poked her head through the curtains. "He has been staying with me."

"Gabby, what are you doing here?" Harry asked, surprised.

"I was able to take time off from school after learning that the crisis at Hogwarts had ended."

Harry braced himself again as she threw herself on top of him.

Susan and Daphne protested as they jostled, but Gabrielle ignored them. She showered him with kisses before planting a lingering kiss on his lips. "Do you realise how worried I have been about you for the past month?"

"I am starting to get an idea," Harry said, smiling as she nestled her head against his neck.

He was completely content with his three girlfriends snuggled up against him. Just as he was about to doze off, he was interrupted.

Madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtain and sighed as she noticed the three girls cuddling up next to him. "I see you aren't suffering from any lasting effects, Mr Potter."

"Nope," Harry said, nuzzling Gabrielle's hair and making her giggle. "I couldn't be feeling any better than I am right now."

Madam Pomfrey was flanked by his grandparents. Although his grandmother frowned at the three girls in the bed with him, she appeared relieved that he was awake.

"You girls should give us some privacy so I can check on Mr Potter's condition," Pomfrey told them.

"I have nothing to hide," Harry replied, too content with his current position to move.

"We aren't leaving Harry," Gabrielle declared, and the other two girls nodded in agreement.

Pomfrey rolled her eyes in exasperation. She took out her wand and began casting diagnostic spells on Harry while working around the girls. One of the results prompted her to frown and recast the spell.

"What's the matter?" Minerva asked, noticing Madam Pomfrey's expression.

"There is something off with his magical reserves," Pomfrey observed.

"What about them? Harry asked, despite already knowing what she was referring to.

"I have noticed a significant increase in your magical reserves since the last time I measured them," Pomfrey explained.

Daphne's forehead creased. "I thought that magical reserves couldn't be accurately measured. Is this not the case?

"We usually can't," Pomfrey said, "but we can make reasonable estimates because magic is automatically cycled through a witch or wizard's body to keep certain functions working."

"How much have they increased?" Charlus asked.

"They have increased significantly," Pomfrey said, frowning. "The increase is so large that it cannot be attributed to natural growth. It had to have been triggered by an external source. His channels are slightly strained as a result of the sudden influx of magic."

His grandparents exchanged concerned glances, which were mirrored on the faces of his girlfriends.

"There's nothing to worry about," Pomfrey reassured them hurriedly. "The damage is minor and can be easily repaired. It might even heal itself."

Minerva leaned close to her husband and whispered. "Do you think this might be related to the ritual?"

"What ritual?" Susan asked, having overheard her. "Did something happen to Harry?"

"That is not your concern," Amelia said as she arrived to overhear her niece's question. "When exactly were you going to tell me about your relationship with Mr. Potter?

Harry winced as he received a cold stare from her. The fact that she addressed him as Mr Potter was also a clear sign of disapproval. She appeared surprised to learn that Susan was involved in a four-way relationship.

Susan quickly got out of bed, her face turning red. "It was something that happened recently," she said. "It's not like I could send you a letter about it with the lockdown."

Amelia raised her eyebrow. "I look forward to the conversation we will have upon your return home. Mr. Potter, I trust I don't have to inform you about the consequences if my niece is hurt by you."

"No, ma'am."

"Good. That being said, I would like to thank you for your assistance in ending the lockdown and ensuring Susan's safety.

"Well, I am glad the lockdown is over," Harry said. "What else has been happening?"

"A lot has happened," Amelia sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "I have a lot of things to discuss with you, but I will wait until you have fully recovered before we get into it."

There were so many questions and thoughts racing through his mind that he didn't know what to focus on first. Concerns about the whereabouts and safety of the others who had been in the chamber with him arose. He questioned whether Merlin had truly been defeated forever and what that meant for the Hogwarts wards. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he decided to start with the most basic question that came to mind.

"How long have I been out?"

"Just a day," Daphne said. "You slept for the entire night. Madam Pomfrey believed that you needed to rest after what you had gone through. However, no one has bothered to inform me of the details of your ordeal. The only thing I know about is your escapades on the broom."

She sounded irritated at being left out, so Harry took her hand to reassure her. "I will explain it to you later."

Daphne's face brightened, and Susan and Gabrielle nodded, as if expecting that response. Harry sighed. He had a daunting task ahead of him because he needed to explain everything to them while also carefully selecting which information he could reveal. Certain things were prohibited, while others required permission.

"Harry," Charlus said, clearing his throat and catching Harry's attention. "There are far more serious consequences to this situation than you realise. The Minister has obtained certain details about the incident and is insistent—"

"There he is," a voice announced, and the Minister of Magic appeared at his bedside. "Heir Potter-Black, how good to see you awake and looking none the worse for wear!"

The Minister of Magic didn't seem bothered that Harry had three girls cuddling up to him on the bed.

"Hello, Minister," Harry said. "I appreciate your visit, but may I inquire about the reason?"

Fudge removed his bowler hat and gave a gracious bow. "I thought it was my responsibility to personally notify you. I discovered that you are primarily responsible for resolving the Hogwarts crisis, so I have decided to bestow the Order of Merlin First Class upon you."

Harry's mouth dropped open. "I don't think that—"

"Thank you, Minister," Charlus interrupted, "for bestowing this great honour on my grandson. Can we wait for the summer break before we hold the ceremony?"

"That is fine," Fudge chuckled, placing his hat on his head. "Please do not think my reaction is excessive, Heir Potter Black. The reality was that the entire next generation of wizards and witches was in danger. If anything had happened to them, it would have devastated our community."

Fudge walked out, leaving Harry speechless in his wake. Amelia said goodbye to everyone before following behind him.

Harry looked accusingly at his grandfather. "Why did you have to interrupt me? "I don't want any recognition for what I did."

"Harry," Daphne said, grabbing his arm to get his attention. "Do you realise how much prestige comes with holding the Order of Merlin First Class title? It will provide several long-term benefits and have a significant impact on how others think of you."

"I already get a lot of attention," Harry grumbled. "Besides, Merlin is a fraud, and I don't want to be associated with that name."

"What do you mean?" Gabrielle asked curiously.

"That is enough about that," Charlus declared firmly. "Harry, I understand that you're not interested in accepting the award, but declining it could potentially harm your reputation. It would be prudent to simply accept it."

Harry reluctantly agreed, grumbling under his breath. At the very least, he could take comfort in knowing that he wouldn't have to worry about it for several months. "I still think he has an ulterior motive,"

"Of course he does," Daphne scoffed. "He is a politician. First and foremost, you did him a huge favour by ending the crisis, as he was under public pressure to resolve it. Furthermore, awarding you the title earns him some brownie points with you and the public."

"So you think I don't deserve the title?" Harry asked, pretending to be offended. "Is this just a political move to make the Minister look better?"

"Of course not," Daphne exclaimed, crossing her arms and raising her nose in the air. "I am certain you deserve it. I just wish I knew what it was all about."

"We will talk with Harry about what he can reveal," Minerva said, sharing a glance with her husband.

Harry looked at them with suspicion. It appeared that they were attempting to conceal the true story. What exactly did they tell the DMLE and Ministry?

"Where are the others?" Harry asked, changing the subject. "Hermione? Tracy? Blaise?"

The latter was especially important to him because he could understand how his friend felt. According to his understanding, Merlin only possessed Blaise when he needed the boy to do something for him; otherwise, he was his own self. He was most likely feeling guilty and confused because he couldn't remember what Merlin had made him do. This probably applied to Professor Babbling as well.

"Everyone's fine," Susan assured him. "They came here earlier to see how you were doing, but they were eventually chased away. Blaise is resting in another bed, but he appears to be fine, but he isn't speaking with anyone."

"Okay," Harry sighed. "So what happened when the lockdown ended?"

"Pure chaos," Minerva remarked dryly. "As soon as it was announced, it seemed like every parent descended on the castle to see if their children were safe. A lot of them still haven't left."

"Even the Muggleborn parents?" Harry asked with scepticism.

"Well, I didn't think it was fair to exclude them from knowing about their children's well-being, so I decided to inform them about the situation in person," Minerva said. "Most of them had no idea their children had been in danger. Some insisted on coming to see if their children were okay. Hermione's parents are currently spending time with her in the castle.".

"Probably took them straight to the library," Harry snorted. "So, everything is returning to normal now?"

"No," Charlus said, "there will be a strong Auror presence until the end of the school year due to the ongoing situation with Master Karlsson's disappearance."

That reminded him that Pettigrew and Quirrell were still out there. But he would save that worry for another day.

"So, when do I get out of here?" Harry asked. "I feel fine."

"You may leave during lunchtime, but under the condition that someone supervises you," Pomfrey ordered. "You must return tonight and spend the night here so that I can monitor your condition. Given how much time you have spent here, I might as well get a plaque with your name affixed to this bed."

"I could make it for you," Harry offered helpfully.

Madam Pomfrey huffed and walked away. Harry settled back down with his girlfriends, wanting to spend some more time with them before he left the infirmary.

"Godson!" Sirius shouted. "Where are you?"

Harry drew the sheet over his head.

After Sirius, Remus, and Lauren had visited, Harry was ready to go downstairs with his girlfriends to meet up with his friends. However, his grandparents requested a private conversation with him first. They explained that he should keep the true events of the past few days a secret until they determined what could be revealed.

Harry wasn't happy about it but he said he would delay telling his friends for the moment. As he was about to leave, he remembered something and shared his idea with them. After hearing his request, they agreed, but only after he ensured that his friends kept it to themselves.

He tried to speak with Blaise before leaving, but he didn't respond. He was certain his friend was pretending to be asleep, but he wasn't going to push the issue. They could speak later.

Harry and his girlfriends embarked on a search for his friends. He frowned when he noticed a lot of the male students ogling Gabrielle, but she assured him not to worry. Only then did he realise how brave she must have been to come here, knowing she would attract the wrong sort of attention. He kicked himself for not realising this sooner.

"Did your parents bring you here?" Harry asked, wrapping his arm around her waist and glaring at the student, who had been staring at Gabrielle. Startled out of his trance, the student quickly averted his gaze in embarrassment.

Susan and Daphne laughed at his possessive gesture but didn't comment on it.

"Maman did," Gabrielle said. "She was speaking to the headmaster about something the last time I saw her."

When his friends saw him, they all hugged him tightly. Even Terry, who was usually more reserved. Hermione was the last person they found, as expected, exploring the library with her parents.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. She pounced on him and gave him a crushing hug. "What happened yesterday? Why were those gargoyles chasing after you? Are you alright?"

"I will be after you let me go," Harry gasped.

Hermione released him, and her parents stepped forward to greet Harry. After some small talk, her parents wandered off to explore the library further.

Everyone sat down at a table, and Padma cast the Muffliato spell to offer them some privacy.

"Are you going to explain what happened yesterday?" Neville asked, getting straight to the point.

"My grandparents have asked me not to reveal anything right now," Harry said, grimacing. "There are many secrets involved, but I won't keep them from you for too long. They simply need some time to figure things out.

"That is totally unfair," Daphne huffed. "I thought you said you would tell your girlfriends at least?"

"How is that fair to the rest of us?" Hermione protested.

Harry raised his hands. "I understand that this may not be what you want to hear, but I am willing to share one secret with you, as long as you promise to keep it to yourselves."

"What is it?" Susan asked.

"How do you feel about having a picnic for lunch?" Harry smiled.

"Why are we here?" Hermione asked impatiently as they stood in front of the portrait of a lion and a badger.

Harry paused before answering, relishing the chance to tease Hermione. "What if I told you that behind this portrait are the secret chambers of Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff?"

Everyone gasped, and Daphne grabbed his hand with excitement.

"Now way!" Hermione shook her head. "I don't believe you. Remember the last time you pulled a prank on me? I'm not falling for your lies any longer."

"You may as well put her out of her misery," Tracy sighed, "or we will all feel the wrath of Hurricane Hermy."

Hermione summoned her wand and grinned wickedly. "Oh, I know a few spells that will blow you away!"

"Hey, Godric," Harry whispered, leaning close to the portrait as his friends continued to argue. "Would you mind letting me in again? It's the least you can do after I helped get rid of Merlin."

"What is all the commotion?" The lion opened its eyes sleepily, noticing that he only had Harry's attention. With a thunderous roar, he startled everyone, making them jump in surprise. They quickly turned around to stare at the portrait.

The lion spoke to Harry after he had captured their attention. "So you have finally gotten rid of the nuisance. Good for you."

"I am amazing like that," Harry said, "Are you going to let me in?"

"Harry, who is—" Hermione began, but was cut off when the wall slid back to reveal a corridor.

Harry led the way into the chamber, with the others following close behind. As they walked inside, their gaze was drawn to the breathtaking sight before them. Each person felt the same astonishment that Harry had when he first entered the chamber.

"Mr Potts has returned!" Turf appeared and slammed into Harry's legs, staring up at him happily.

"Who is this?" Gabrielle knelt down and smiled at Turf.

"I be Turf," the house-elf said, bouncing up and down.

"There are so many different plants here," Neville said, looking around in wonder.

"This is amazing, Harry," Daphne said. She appeared equally interested in the plants arranged within the chamber. "I understand why you wanted to have a picnic here."

"Picnic!" Turf squeaked. "You be's wanting a picnic now?"

"If it isn't too much of a bother," Harry said."And I have brought some more friends along, if you can accommodate them."

"It 's no problem," Turf informed him. "With the lockdown gone, I have access to the kitchens once again."

Turf vanished with a pop.

"Is there anything else besides the garden here?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Not really," Harry replied, causing the girl's shoulders to slump with disappointment. "Only those bookshelves in the corner of the room."

After he pointed out their location, the majority of them ran in that direction, leaving only Gabrielle and Susan behind.

Harry raised an eyebrow at Susan.

"What?" Susan asked. "I may be a Hufflepuff, but Herbology is one of my least favourite subjects."

"There are no magical creatures here," Gabrielle pouted.

"Let us go find a place where we can eat lunch," Harry said, grabbing both of his girlfriends' arms.

After spending the day with his friends, Harry was left alone in the infirmary later that night. The majority of the day had been spent browsing through the books and plants. Harry forbade them from removing anything from the chambers for the time being, but they could return at any time. Neville and Daphne appeared to be at ease while assisting Turf with the gardens.

Classes would resume tomorrow, so they would have less time to spend in the chamber. The headmaster insisted on preventing further disruptions to the school year.

Harry tried again to speak with Blaise, but he still refused. Hopefully, he will come around soon.

After he returned to the infirmary, his grandparents spoke to him again. They went on to explain what happened after he took a nap in Merlin's chambers. They had successfully accessed and destroyed Merlin's body. It came as a surprise that the Hogwarts wards were still operational and hadn't collapsed in Merlin's absence. Salazar didn't use his method to save the wards, so they were confused as to why they were still working properly.

His grandparents kept giving him strange looks while telling him about the wards, as if he had something to do with it. He could see why they might be suspicious of him, given that he had pretty much absorbed Merlin's conscience into himself through the Sapient Array. He still had no idea what long-term effects it would have on him, other than the fact that it had doubled his magical reserves.

His grandparents kept giving him strange looks while telling him about the wards, as if he had something to do with it. He could see where they could be suspicious of him, considering that he had absorbed Merlin's conscience into himself. He still didn't know what lasting effects it would have on him, besides the fact that it had doubled his magical reserves.

To conceal the events in the chamber and any other important information, his grandparents and the headmaster decided to fabricate an alternative version of the events. The only person they fully informed was Amelia, who agreed to keep the secret. Croaker would be informed of the situation as well. They planned to shift the blame to an unidentified wizard who had managed to get past the Hogwarts wards, and who initiated the lockdown. Harry wasn't concerned with the specifics because he trusted the adults to handle it. Everyone who knew the truth was bound by a vow of silence.

Whatever story they concocted, why was he still at the centre of it all? Surely, they could have made his grandfather or grandmother out to be the heroes in this situation. They probably thought that they would be stealing his achievements, but he honestly didn't care. He was only able to defeat Merlin because of the Source.

Harry was stunned after learning that the Source came from the fae realm. He had always suspected a connection, but now he had unmistakable proof. The thought of being bound to such a powerful being capable of changing him without his permission was unsettling. Anything with the potential to challenge a group of deities was not to be underestimated.

Now that he was alone, he retrieved the Source and opened it up to read the new message.

The host has gained a new skill!

****Warden [xxxx] - The host bears enormous responsibility as the foundation that binds together the wards of a prestigious institution. The host is currently unable to interact with the wards. Nevertheless, as time passes...

That was slightly underwhelming, but it answered his question about how the wards were still functioning normally. He had no idea what it meant for the future, but he didn't need to worry about it right now. After putting away the Source, he lay down in bed. Opting to gain some clarity with a good night's rest, he shut his eyes and allowed himself to drift off to sleep.

Harry was on the verge of falling asleep when he was startled by a shuffling step. He sat up in bed. The sound also drew the attention of Fawkes and Hedwig, who opened their eyes. Although they didn't appear overly concerned, Harry wasn't about to take any chances. He quickly grabbed his wand and held it at the ready. Salazar's familiar figure emerged from behind the curtain. If Harry hadn't been fully alert, he could have mistaken the encounter for a nightmare.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, not lowering his wand.

Rowena phased through the curtain, startling him. "We need to talk to you, Harry. Apologies for it being so late, but we couldn't do it earlier for obvious reasons."

Harry lowered his wand, retaining a sense of caution towards Salazer. In contrast, he found Rowena to be deserving of his trust. Reflecting on the situation, Harry wondered if it was fair to judge someone solely on their appearance. Nonetheless, overcoming his reservations about Salazer's frightening visage proved to be a challenge.

"What do you want to talk about?" Harry asked.

Salazar sat down on the chair and got straight down to business. "How is it that you survived the ritual and turned it against Merlin? Why is it that you have power that can contend against a deity?"

"How am I supposed to know? I thought I was a goner when I found myself bound in the ritual."

"I believe you know more than you're telling me," Salazar replied. "But I suppose it's none of my business. Merlin is gone, and I am too weary to care about anything else."

Rowena floated over and stood on the other side of his bed. "Harry, you are now part of Hogwarts wards. You inherited whatever Merlin used to bind himself to the wards. As long as you are alive, the wards will continue to function as normal."

"How would you know? I don't feel any different."

"I can feel it inside me," Rowena said, touching her chest. "Just like I could feel Merlin over the many centuries. His foul presence is not something I will forget easily. Yours, on the other hand, feels lovely by comparison."

Harry blushed. "Good to know."

"Technically, you have the authority to remove me as guardian of the school because you have complete control of the castle."

"Even if I wanted to, I have no idea how to do it," Harry responded. "So, I believe you are safe for the time being. I have no desire to be the castle's caretaker. So, think of me as a more accommodating Merlin, where I only serve as the foundation to keep things running."

Rowena nodded, looking relieved.

"Does the headmaster have full access to the wards now?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Rowena replied. "I have been working with him to strengthen the castle's defenses. With the Aurors' assistance, Hogwarts should be safe from further incidents."

Harry nodded and spoke to Salazer. "So I didn't ask my grandparents, but is there anyone else besides the people down in the chamber who knows about you?"

"No," Salazar stated. "The others have been sworn in secrecy. Obviously, I expect the same from you."

"I don't know," Harry replied, rubbing his chin. "Salazar Slytherin the Inferi sounds like an exciting story to share with my friends. I am not sure I can keep you a secret."

"Do as you will," Salazar shrugged. "I will not be here much longer, so it won't affect me."

"Going back to your chamber for your beauty sleep?" Harry snarked.

"I am going to be leaving this world behind once my Horcrux is recovered and destroyed."

Harry nodded, feeling a twinge of sympathy for Salazer's current circumstances. However, he couldn't ignore the fact that it was ultimately Salazar's own choices that had landed him in this unfortunate predicament.

"There is something I don't understand," Harry said, "why you had to take that step right after capturing Merlin and imprisoning him. You mentioned making a Horcrux and dying shortly after. Couldn't you have waited until you were old and on your last legs? It seems the outcome would've been the same."

"You must have read my journals," Salazar said.

"Some of them."

"Well, the truth is that the four of us used extremely dark magic to empower ourselves and overcome Merlin," Salazar confessed. "He possessed a formidable level of magical power that could not be underestimated. Despite our collective efforts, we came perilously close to defeat. The sacrifice we made shortened our lives, and mine in particular."

"What do you mean?"

"I was already dying," Salazer said. "The ritual to empower me only hastened that process. So, when I created a Horcrux, I didn't have any regrets."

That made a lot more sense, although he didn't know if he agreed with his methods, he could applaud his determination to get rid of Merlin.

"You said something about penance?" Harry asked hesitantly. He regretted it after seeing the dark expression on Salazer's face.

Salazar sighed, "During the process of constructing the castle, Merlin was performing many inhumane experiments on some students. We had been aware that some students were disappearing, but we didn't know who was responsible. One of them was my apprentice, Morgana. She was like a daughter to me and an amazing witch that rivalled Ravenclaw in intelligence and her aptitude for magic."

"So Merlin killed her?" Harry asked, "I'm sorry that you suffered that loss."

Slytherin waved a hand dismissively. "It no longer matters. Little did we know that one of the professors was aiding Merlin, and he was the one who kidnapped Morgana. But I got my revenge in the end, and used him as the catalyst for my Horcrux."

"What was his name?"

"Arthur," Salazar replied. He abruptly changed the subject. "Before I get to the main reason why I came tonight, I want you to know that everything in my chamber now belongs to you."

"I was going to take it anyway," Harry said. "I didn't expect that there would be a thousand-year-old Inferi lurking around to lay claim to it."

If an Inferi could ever express outrage, Salazer would be doing so right now. "Audacious brat."

"We don't have much time left," Rowena said.

Salazar nodded. "Listen carefully. There was another compelling reason why I willingly subjected myself to a dreadful existence—a reason that drove me to meet and convey a message to you. This message cannot be written down; it can only be conveyed through spoken words."

"What?"

Salazar leaned close to Harry and began whispering in his ear. His words sent shivers down Harry's spine.

So, what do you think? What message does Salazer need to deliver that's a thousand years out of date?

Patrons get access to advanced chapters for all of my stories. Read my profile for information on how to join if you are interested.

Thanks for reading.