Chapter 15: Heritage
Kiba sat on the Hogwarts express, it was again time to enter the world of wizardry. The world that was still quite unknown to him, as were his roots. Over the course of the summer, thoughts of his ancestors and who they might have been crossed his mind, making him realize how little he actually knows of himself. He stared absently out of the compartment window at the passing trees and fields thinking of any way that he could find out what it means to be the heir. As many had told him his previous year, it had to do something with Slytherin.. what if he couldn't find out because of the sorting? A finger snapped close to his face and shook him out of his trance.
"Kiba?" it was Hermione, the only other person in the compartment "what's on your mind? you've been stareing out of that window for an awfull long time"
"it's nothing," Kiba replied "just mentally preparing"
"preparing?" Hermione echoed with a chuckle "how about a bet then?"
"what are you thinking of?" he asked finally turning his head to look at the girl
"let's say, between the two of us, whoever scores lowest at the end of the year buys the other… umm.. Candy?"
"sounds fun, I'm on board" Kiba replied. He kept talking to Hermione as the train ride went on. Together they wondered who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would be, where Harry and Ron were and what new things they might learn that year. The thoughts of being the heir of Slytherin finally completely fled the young wizards mind when Hermione and him spotted something in the sky. A Blue Car was flying alongside the train, and worst of all, someone was dangling from the opened passangerside door.
"it's that… Harry?" Hermione asked, but neither of the two could really see. A Red haired head suddenly looked down from the drivers seat and reached out his hand, and it was the face of none other then Ronald Weasley.
"i think that's Ron," Kiba said "So the other is most likely.." Hermione gasped when Harry's hand slipped from Ron's as ity looked like he would certainly fall to his death, but he still held on to the door. And after a long while he grabbed Ron's hand once more and climbed back into the car, Hermione and Kiba both breathed a sigh of relief when Hermione said something that would once again give Kiba the worst pain in his stomach.
"Harry, defying death every year" she said, Kiba grunted as silently as he could as he held his hand to his hurting stomach. It seemed like that would happen every time someone mentioned Quirrell or death. But Kiba wasn't the only one who was reminded of something at that moment, Hermione suddenly looked at Kiba and leaned in closer. "Kiba, do you remember the forest.. Last year?" she asked. The boy knew exactly what this would lead to, and nodded as he looked to his feet. "when You-Kno-Who chased us, you said something"
"it was Parseltongue," Kiba replied "Snake Language" Hermione didn't reply, all she did was nod. "and before you ask, i didn't even know i could speak it. I think it somehow happens automatically when i try to talk to snakes"
"it did sound like you were furiously hissing" Hermione replied with a chuckle. Kiba relaxed, it seemed to him like Hermione thought nothing of Kiba's rare gift, or ability. Maybe she didn't know what it meant, not that Kiba really knew himself..
"but don't tell anyone.. alright?" Kiba said as soft yet as serious as he could. Hermione nodded quickly and returned to reading a book she had with her. Kiba once again stared out of the window at the now darkened land, the sun had almost set completely which ment that Hogwarts wasn't far anymore. Kiba closed his eyes in the hope of falling asleep, so that he could drown out his sinister thoughts and be ready once they reach the Castle, but to no avail. The sinister thoughts that now circled through his head were keeping him awake, and a voice echoed through his head repeatedly.
'Slytherin's heir'
He had to know the truth, what it meant, and quickly. Kiba wouldn't and couldn't handle the voice or those thoughts for another year, he had to find a way even if it got him expelled. But Kiba had no idea where to start looking other then the founder of Slytherin house, but there was nothing detailed, let alone anything about the Heir in the library. Kiba brainstormed ideas. 'Wait! We have a book of Godric Gryffindor in our common room.. what if Slytherin had one too? But how would i get in… Draco!'
"Kiba, come on! We're here" Hermione said snapping her finger in front of Kiba again. Kiba quickly got up and followed Hermione out of the train. They watched as the huddled group of first years followed Hagrid down to the boats while they walked towards the self-moving carriages that would take them to the great gate. But something bothered Kiba as they got on, he was visibly confused. "What's wrong?" Hermione asked
"Well, look" Kiba said pointing to the front of the carriage "that's what's wrong"
"what is?"
"don't you see it? they're not moving by themselves. they're being pulled"
"nothings pulling the carriage, Kiba" Hermione replied, "are you feeling alright?"
"what are you?" Kiba asked leaning forwards to place his hand on the boney, black horse that pulled the carriage along the path. The winged creature didn't respond and continued walking at its steady pace. Kiba suddenly felt a hand press against his forehead which made him jump and almost fall of the carriage.
"i think you're a bit ill, are you really feeling fine?" she asked with concern written across her face.
"yeah… I'm fine," Kiba replied. Kiba turned his attention to the sky in the hopes of spotting that blue car again, but he couldn't see it. "Maybe they're already inn the castle"
"Harry and Ron?" Hermione asked in return "i hope so, they're probably already in trouble for just flying they car here, wouldn't want to be late then and get into more trouble" Kiba agreed with the witch quickly as they made their way from the gate to the Castle and into the great hall. As always, they me seventh years sat closest turned the door, followed by the classes lower then theirs and ending with the second years. There was enough space left for any new Gryffindor's that would be sorted, but Hermione and Kiba sat at the very end of the second year rows but nowhere did they see Harry or Ron, as a matter of fact Snape wasn't at the teachers table and Filch was nowhere in sight. They great doors swung open as McGonagall came walking in with the new first years.
Like she had done the previous year, she stopped the children in front of the steps that led to the chair with the old sorting hat on it. Kiba was got with a wave of nostalgia when the hat sang it's song, and when the students were sorted. But there was none that stood out from all the students like Harry, well maybe one. A Girl with long Silver hair stood out visually, but Lovegood wasn't a Wizard surname Kiba had heard of. The girl in question, Luna, was sorted into Ravenclaw, probably the only house that had colours that matched with her hair. Dumbledore stood up from his chair and all the chatting and greeting of the first years stopped immediately.
Dumbledore began speaking and, like last year, reminded students of rules and regulations in Hogwarts. And afterwards he summoned the feast for all to enjoy. But, while Kiba happily munched on his roast and drank his pumpkin juice, Hermione looked displeased. Harry and Ron had yet to appear, and they did, but not physically. Kiba spotted a few newspapers along the table and one caught his attention, on it he could see a flying blue car with the fitting headline 'flying cars over London' Kiba was sure that it was the same car that flew next to the train. "they're in big trouble" Kiba said showing the article to Hermione, she also recognized the car and knew it was them.
"Seven Muggles?!" Hermione burst out. They looked at reach other worryingly, they knew that Harry and Ron weren't just in trouble at school, no, with the Ministry as well.
"what an excellent feast this has been, but now it's time for bed" Dumbledore said loudly "First years will stick with their house prefects, a good night to all" Hermione and Kiba remained seated for a while to wait for the doorway to clear since everyone would be trying to get through. As they did though, they saw Dumbledore and McGonagall leave through the door by the teachers table, they must've spotted that Harry and Ron were missing too.
But those two wouldn't be missing for long, before Kiba knew they entered the common room to a thunderous applause. Furthermore, they didn't even look sad, they looked happy. But Percy and Hermione looked less then pleased that the two rule breakers were getting so much attention. Percy was about to grab them by their ears and drag them off but they were fast up the spiral staircase and inside their dorm, closely followed by Seamus, Neville and Dean.
"Idiots, the lot of them" Hermione sighed as she also proceeded to their dorm, Kiba followed close behind her and saw that their door no longer had the First years sign, but instead the second years sign. He entered the room where Harry and Ron were still being applauded.
"ever famous" Kiba said loudly before happily greeting the boys. Harry went on to explain everything, how a house elf appeared in his bedroom and dumped a cake on a guests head, how it told Harry not to go to Hogwarts, that the gateway to platform 9 3/4 sealed itself and how the big tree on the Castle grounds almost smashed them to pieces.
"my dad's gonna kill me" Ron whined as he recalled the damaged blue car driving off into the forbidden forest.
"but why weren't you at the feast?" Kiba asked "you should've arrived at almost the same time as us"
"Filch caught us on the way to the great hall.." Harry replied "took us straight to Snape"
"and your not expelled?" Kiba asked in disbelief
"Nope" Harry replied proudly
"big fat detentions though" Ron added. They didn't talk much longer then that, all of them were excited to start their second year of Hogwarts.
Kiba however, barely slept that night. As her lay in his four-poster he remembered his plan, his plan to find out about his heritage, and who he was. That morning Kiba felt happy even though he barely managed to get some shuteye, at least he didn't have to deal with Snape or the yet to be introduced Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. As Kiba sat at the Gryffindor table with Hermione, Harry and Ron he spotted Draco entering the great hall, he quickly excused himself approached him.
"Hey Draco," Kiba said, Draco's friends didn't waste time and took their places on either side of the Slytherin and crossed their arms. They were slightly taller then Kiba even though Kiba was already considered as tall for his age "can i ask you something?" Draco waved his hand at his two friends
"I'll be right there" they obeyed and left the two "yeah, what's up?"
"well, i was wondering," Kiba began "we have a book about Godric Gryffindor in our common room, and i wanted to know if you had one about your founder in yours"
"Maybe, I'm not sure" Draco replied "i don't go near that bookshelf"
"could you look, for me?" Kiba asked "i know it sounds weird, i just want to know more about the founder of Slytherin house"
"yeah, i get it" Draco responded, "i can check during lunch, and if your lucky and i find it I'll give it to you"
"that would be great" Kiba said with a smile "i won't keep it to long either, I'll read it quickly"
Draco smiled back at the Gryffindor and went to take his seat at the Slytherin table, Kiba returned to his seat as well while the other three just stared at him. Hermione's look though, asked the question that the others were thinking "he owes me a favour" Kiba lied quickly, Ron was unconvinced he looked a bit disgusted and Harry just looked worried, worried that Draco's hate towards him would drive Kiba away from him too. "and to be honest, i think the reason Draco doesn't like you is because his father told him so"
"his father tells him to hate others?" Ron asked
"you should see the way he treats Draco," Kiba replied, he saw Draco hat the Slytherin table telling stories to his friends while looking as smug as he always did "i kind of feel bad for him"
A loud noise suddenly drew their attention towards the centre of the table where an Owl had just crashed into a bowl of fruits sending them across the table, or the floor. Suddenly Seamus broke into an uncontrollable laughter "Weasley's got himself a howler" Ron looked terrified, the sealed red envelope before him surely contained the angry words of his father.
"What's a howler?" Kiba asked leaning over to Hermione
"it's a talking –" Hermione began as the letter began forming into the shape of an angry looking mouth
"RONALD WEASLEY!" it shouted in a female voice
"letter" Hermione sighed
"HOW DARE YOU STEAL THAT CAR?! I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED! AND WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DRAG HARRY INTO IT? YOUR FATHER IS NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK! LET THIS BE A WARNING RONALD. IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE WILL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME!" by the time the letter finished shooting at the redhead he was already hidden underneath the table with nothing but his forehead and eyes popping up. He nodded throughout the message, and before anyone knew what had happened the envelope ripped itself into pieces and scattered over the table. The hall remained quiet but for a few snickers and laughs from the Slytherin table... there was the consequence of their glorious entrance..
Hermione looked pleased even though she was probably not happy with the fact that Harry had no parents who would yell at him for what he's done.
The first week of school began smoothly, Hermione and Kiba hadn't forgotten their bet and were trying their hardest to get good oral marks right off the bat. Draco had found the old book of Salazar Slytherin and promised to give it to him at lunch on Thursday. Thursday was their freest day, just double Herbology with Slytherin and Kiba was excited to finally find out about his ancestor and bloodline.
"Welcome to Green-House three Second years, now gather round everybody" Madam sprout came into view at the end of the table, pulling Kiba out of his thoughts and into the lesson. "today, we'll be repotting Mandrakes" she turned around and grabbed a big pot which, like the smaller ones on the large table they stood at, had green leaves sticking out of it. "Now, can anyone tell me the properties of the Mandrake root?" Hermione and Kiba shot their hands up high and Professor Sprout picked Hermione to answer.
"Mandrake, or Mandragora is used to turn those who've been petrified back to their original state," Hermione said, Sprout nodded telling her to keep going "it is also quite dangerous. The Madrake's cry is fatal to anyone who hears it" Even without looking, Kiba knew that Hermione was smiling at him with an overjoyed look, she had started the year of strong with some perfect answers.
"Splendid! Ten points to Gryffindor" Professor Sprout explained that they would be using baby Mandrakes, as using adult ones would be far too dangerous. Everyone was told to grab a pair of earmuffs from the back, which created a rush for the ones that didn't have mud or crusty slime hanging off. Kiba managed to salvage a clean looking pink one with little dirt on the outside. They all snapped them on as they watched the teacher pull out what looked like a deformed baby covered in mud squeal at the sudden change of environment. It writhed around as Professor Sprout held it from its green leaves above its head. She then carried the Mandrake to another empty pot and dropped it inside before burying it in compost and mud. It looked like it was comfortable with being under the mud as it stopped squirming about. "Everyone get into groups of four! Make sure that your earmuffs are properly fitted and be careful of the surrounding plants. Nobody wants to be horribly poisoned today now, do we?" Everyone shook their heads and made groups of four under a minute flat. "Alright then, plenty of Pots to go around"
Kiba chose to work with Neville, Dean and Fay, the latter of which did nothing but stare at Kiba as he and Neville worked on repotting the baby like plant. Dean stood by idlely since he was to disgusted to even touch it while he was wearing gloves. Kiba was impressed with Neville who, unlike in other subjects, showed exceptional skill in Herbology. He pinched the Mandrake's back to make it let go of Kiba's finger and then tapped it's forehead to stop it from resisting, Kiba helped him cover the root with mud and soil and they were the first excused from the lesson. The others watched them leave with little to no dirt on them while they were practically buried in it, and their Mandrake wasn't even in the pot yet.
"well done, Neville." Dean said placing his hand on the shoulder of the insecure boy "you looked like a pro in there"
"Thanks Dean," Neville said nervously
"he's right," Kiba added "i bet you could one day even replace sprout as Herbology professor" Neville's face turned red like a tomato at the praise he received.
"well I'm off, stuff to do" Dean said as he quickly dashed out of sight
"yeah, I've still got potions homework, I'll be in the common room" Neville sighed as he also began trotting off. Kiba stood alone in the hall, or so he thought
"uh, Kiba?" a girl behind him shyly
"yeah?" Kiba said turning around to face Fay who had seemingly followed him. She brushed a few of her brown hairs out of her face and put them behind her ear as she looked up at the boy
"i was wondering if you'd, um.. if you could help me, if you want of course" She said as her cheeks began heating up rapidly
"what with?" Kiba replied
"potions, it's not my best subject"
"yeah, okay why not.. I've got nothing to do until lunch" The two headed to the library and sat down at one off the tables, where to Kiba's surprise Hermione and Harry were already seated. Kiba sat down beside Hermione who looked slightly annoyed that Kiba had brought somebody else, but greeted him normally nonetheless. "Hermione, what are you drawing hearts on your timetable?" Kiba suddenly asked
"no reason" she shot back quickly
"Alright. No need to get angry" Kiba replied quickly
"don't you have fangirls to keep you busy?" Hermione hissed as she hid her timetable from view
"calm down, okay? Sorry, i didn't know you needed my attention that much" Hermione blushed visibly and quickly turned away
"i don't 'need your attention' you said that you wanted to work with somebody else" Hermione slammed her book shut and turned back to the Wizard
"fine. I'll work with you in every lesson from now" Kiba replied raising his shoulders slightly
"Alright, that sarcasm needs to go" Hermione said through gritted teeth, she was about to continue when the four were blinded by a bright flash and a squeaky voice that began to speak
"heya, I'm Collin Creevey! Do you mind if i take a picture of you for my album? I mean, another one, i know i already took one just now, but a second one can't hurtHow about it? Please?" Colin was breathless as he said all of that in under four seconds. Harry looked at him blankly, completely unaware of what was happening as did the others. The first year was elaborating quite quickly, about how he entered the school as he was a Muggle-born and how he learned everything about Harry, his birthday, the colour of his eyes, all of it.
"Thanks, i guess but no. I don't want to"
"please, just one good picture, you could even sign it"
"yeah, let's have Harry give out signed pictures, what could possibly go wrong?" Kiba began
"I-" Colin tried to intercept but Kiba kept going
"bloody brilliant that is, just fu-"
"watch it!" Hermione growled as she poked him with her elbow.
It took a while but eventually they managed to make Collin leave and got back to their work until lunchtime finally came. But Kiba was stopped just outside the great hall by Draco who handed him a thick handbook sized book, which was simply called 'Salazar Slytherin' he quickly thanked the blonde wizard and followed after the angry Hermione.
The anticipation of finding out what was written inside the book made Kiba eat quickly as he stuffed sausage after sausage into his mouth. When Hermione asked him why he was in such a rush he lied and said that something urgent came, and that it had nothing to do with Draco. As soon as his plate was clean and his goblet empty he jumped up and ran out the hall avid around the corner, up the stairs and straight into McGonagall. "Mr. Scamander, don't run through the halls like this" the Witch said quickly
"sorry Professor," Kiba apologized
"as it happens, our 'run in' is most opportune" McGonagall spoke "Professor Dumbledore requests that you visit his office tomorrow during lunch"
"i will, thank you Professor" Kiba said as he continued running for the Gryffindor common room. He sat down in one of the armchairs and opened the book he carried, and began reading.
'Salazar Slytherin…' he read for what felt like hours, but wasn't even half way into the book which made him worry if there was anything about the Heir in there. He had already been laying in bed while he read because of the students that started rushing into the common room after their lessons, he drifted off to sleep quickly and proceeded his reading between breakfast and his first lesson the next day. he flipped to the next page and had finally reached a chapter that peaked his interest
'Slytherins view…
Salazar Slytherin was of course one of the founders of Hogwarts. Together with Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff, he forged the foundation of what Hogwarts is today.
But, a severe clash between Slytherin and the other founders was what ultimately lead to him leaving the school. Salazar believed that…'
Kiba looked at the watch that hung from his wrist and realized how the time had passed, he was late for his first DADA lesson. he burst in through the door and blurted out an apology which interrupted the teachers speech, and only then did he realize who it was. Gilderoy Lockhart. "Ah, Mr. Scamander, i was wondering when you'd show up. let's not make this a habit of being late, yes?"
"if you keep smiling like that, i just might" Kiba said under his breath "of course, sir" he added loudly
"there's a good lad" Lockhart replied, Kiba sat down next to Hermione who quickly rephrased everything that Lockhart had said when he wasn't there. "now, let's see how much you all know" Lockhart began rambling some nonsense as he handed out quiz papers. "Begin"
'time to get some points back' Kiba thought as he flipped the paper, confident that he would ace the test since he had read all of Lockhart's school books. But that is not what he found 'what is Gilderoy Lockhart favourite colour? Favourite food? What is this, a quiz about himself?' Kiba didn't seem to be the only one confused, as a matter of fact all of the boys were confused while the girls scribbled on their parchment, determined to show how much they knew Lockhart. Eventually, he began answering the questions so everyone could check if they had them correct. Hermione's quiz was flawless and every answer was correct, while Kiba sat there with two correct answers which he knew from the supply books. 'whatever,' Kiba thought 'i don't need to pay attention anyway, if a real quiz comes up I'll ace it anyway' he grabbed the small handbook out of his bag and flipped back to the page he had been on earlier.
'Salazar believed that magic should be kept in all-wizard families, or in other words; Pure-Bloods. This had led to confrontations with the other founders, particularly Godric Gryffindor, which resulted in violent disagreements.
Many believe that Salazar Slytherin acted under prejudice towards the Muggle-born witches and wizards but others believed that he acted under caution, since Magical prosecution was prominent during that time. Alas, the arguments with the other founders were what led to Slytherin leaving the school for good, never to return. Salazar went into exile, and was never seen it heard of again, not has his body ever been found. However, a rumour spread through Hogwarts, a rumour that turned into a myth through the centuries that followed. The rumour that, before he left the school, Slytherin had build a hidden roo-'
"Hey!" Kiba was suddenly hit on the head by a book and looked around to see who had thrown it, but instead all he saw was chaos. Neville hung from the chandelier while Harry, Ron and Hermione were fighting of the Cornish Pixies that flew around the room. Everyone but they had fled the classroom in a panic, and Lockhart rushed back into his office with a final request for the four of them to 'nip the rest of them back into their cage' as he had said it.
Harry and Ron were protecting themselves with books while Hermione tried to hit the Pixies with harmless spells. Kiba ran over to Hermione and drew his wand as well "Hermione have you ever heard of the Freezing charm?" he asked, the girl nodded quickly as she created a gust of wind to blow away a few of the tiny blue creatures. They laughed menacingly due to the apparent weakness of the spell "together, 1… 2… 3!"
"IMMOBULUS" they yelled out together sending a magic pulse across the entire room stopping all the Pixies, they floated through the air, unable to move anything but their eyes. Ron began collecting the Pixies that were close to the ground white the other three used the summoning charm to collect their others, and afterwards they made sure to get Neville down from the chandelier.
"why is it always me?" Neville said in a pitiful tone as he looked at his torn clothes. The Pixies had hung him by the collar of his robes and then proceeded to tear them as much as they could.
The rest of the day went better then that first lesson with Lockhart, but the annoyance of the man that came with his method of teaching stuck. With everybody. Many complained to their head of house, and called Lockhart a fraud. Especially the fifth, sixth and seventh years were furious, they of all students were to have important exams at the end of the year, but how could they prepare without proper teaching.
Lunchtime rolled around finally and Kiba headed for Dumbledore's office like he had promised McGonagall the previous day, he walked up to the Gargoyle statue, tapped hit with his was and spoke the password which allowed him to enter. The office was still the same from last year, including of course the magnificent Phoenix, Fawkes. Fawkes looked better then when Kiba had last seen him and greeted the young wizard with a respectful nod. "ah yes, Kiba. Please have a seat" Dumbledore said appearing at the top of the staircase like he'd done every time. "how good it is to see you again!"
"Hello, Professor" Kiba replied turning away from the Phoenix to sit down in the chair opposite to Dumbledore. The headmaster wasn't wearing his half-moon spectacles and his pointy hat was rested on the edge of the desk.
"i hope your first week had treated you well?"
"Mostly, yes. Allot of homework, especially in Potions and Transfigureation. But I'll manage, after all i did last year" Kiba replied, Dumbledore chuckled lightly which forced a smile on to Kiba's face.
"ah, how wonderful. How a young mind can grow" the old wizard said "you know, Professor Kettleburn told me there's a student sneaking into the reservoir for Care of Magical Creatures, you wouldn't happen to know who that is?" Kiba sensed in Dumbledore's word that he might know it was him. Kiba was visiting Lancelot almost daily, and tried to get acquainted with the other creatures as well but Kettleburn would always come back before he could.
"No sir," Kiba replied "though i think i understand the reason someone might do it. I'm really excited for Care of Magical Creatures next year"
"you really go take after your grandfather" Dumbledore said with a smile "you might even be able to meet him one day"
"Maybe…" Kiba sighed "May i be excused? I've got allot of work"
"of course, study hard! I can see you passing your N.E.W.T.'s with outstanding grades"
"Thank you Professor, it was nice talking to you" Kiba left the office and headed for the common room and then his dorm. He rummaged through his bag to find the book he was longing to read and flopped into his bed. 'where was i?'
'Slytherin had build a secret room which was named, The Chamber of Secrets. The Chamber was a testament to those that belonged to his bloodline. It was said that it could only be opened by his heir and his heir alone, using their heritage as a key. Slytherin tasked his heir to open the Chamber of Secrets, and to use the very mystery that he left behind to cleanse the school of those who, in his eyes, were unworthy to study magic. What lies inside the chamber has remained unknown to all, but speculation has said that Slytherin planted a beast of such terrible nature, that only his heir can control it.
However, there has been no attacks within the school since his time away from Hogwarts, proving that the Chamber of Secrets will remain a myth. Furthermore, the school has been searched several times and boo such chamber was found.
If the legend of the Chamber of Secrets is true however, then students and staff can only hope that Slytherin's heir doesn't find it'
'I must find the Chamber. What ever lays inside belongs to me… It's my birthright'
--
A/n: OMG... this chapter took me so long to write, i am still a bit unsure how i want CoS to play out but if got some ideas, stay tuned.. Kiba might just discover something incredible soon.
Ps: Review and Serbs in your OCs
PEACE
