Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope all of you are having such a great break from work and stuff! I want to give each of you a big hug and some tamales. But I ate them all. Sorry.

Now, this is going to be the last update for the year! Amazing, eh? One year has gone by so fast! And I truly feel so happy with it. There were some problems, but I am overjoyed with my accomplishments. Also, to all of you who have stuck with me for a long time!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Now, the next update is going to be...!

-From Thedas to Westeros! (One Chapter!)

-The Overlord Geass! (One Chapter!)

-The White Wolf of Winterfell (One Chapter!)

See you all next year, and happy holidays!

Also, thank you all for the donations. They have helped me keep up the pace of updating chapters weekly. As well as to allow me to use it to create some of the artwork for some of my works. Thank you all. It truly helps me a lot.

If anyone wishes to support me, please donate to my page. It will allow me to focus more on these works.

(paulydppal (at sing) hotmail . com)

Chapter 28

The seconds passed, and excitement couldn't be more appropriate to represent what Harriet felt, yet she knew it would soon reach the climax; she had waited so long. Gilderoy was apprehended and was trying to use his natural charm to appease a quite angry set of people, who were only watching him with disgust and scornful eyes. The teacher's actions and sudden revelation of his true self didn't sit well with any of them, especially Dumbledore. The old headmaster reflected disappointment at the highest level and also shamed with his eyes.

"Please, Severus, don't let them take me to Azkaban!" Gilderoy implored, pathetically. "I'm too handsome and young to go there!"

Severus glared down at him, ignoring his pleas for mercy.

"Please...! Amelia, oh, sweet Amelia! Do you want an autograph for your dear niece?! I can give you all my collection signed by me!"

Amelia's cold expression was one of the scariest things Harriet had ever since. Only beside her mother, Lily. She was starting to believe redheads had something in them that made them terrifying to look at while angry. Nevertheless, the head of the Auror department just glared down at him.

"I'll find, the darkest and watery cell in all of Azkaban, just for you. Probably next to some of your most lovable fans," Amelia replied snarkily. "Like Bellatrix Lestrange?"

Gilderoy whimpered pathetically.

"Yeah, you tell him," Sirius added quietly, still quite ashamed of being knock-down by someone like Gilderoy Lockhart. And he knew that while Snape wasn't saying much as of now. The potion master would make sure to remember his misfortune tersely in the upcoming future.

"Well, the Daily Prophet will surely love this," James sighed deeply. "One of the favorite authors of the decade... a Death Eater in disguise."

"His fandom in shambles," Snape stated sarcastically.

"Can I still keep his books?" Harriet asked innocently.

"Harriet..." James breathed deeply. He wanted to avoid having a conversation about that now.

However, soon enough, entering the room with some kind of condescending regalia was no other than Lucius Malfoy himself. He sneered at everyone but had a surprised look on his face. Lucius wasn't expecting to see them all there, and it was clear. However, Harriet was a bit amused, if not surprised, to see Dobby walking behind Lucius's long and unnecessary overcoat. The house elf whimpered before her but remained silent. Yet, now, it made all sense for Harriet. Those warnings, Dobby's relentless pursuit to take her away from Hogwarts. It all made sense now.

"Well, well, what do we have here...?" Lucius said slowly, carefully looking at the group of people there. "Dumbledore, you called for me?"

Albus sat on his chair and stared at Lucius briefly before nodding. "Yes, I have. As you can see, the board has reinstated my position again."

Lucius hid his disgust behind a scowl but tried to keep calm. "I see. No doubt the board knows what is doing."

Dumbledore remained quiet before slowly showing up the half-burned diary on his desk. Everyone noticed Lucius' expression of shock. And it was silent proof that he did know what it was, or at least that he knew about the diary purpose.

"I do believe this is something you recognize," Dumbledore didn't ask, he just stated, and Lucius truly tried to play it cool by puffing his chest.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Dumbledore," he replied, slowly gazing around at the group.

"Oh, please, Lucius! They know everything!" Gilderoy suddenly exclaimed. "About our master's plan and the diary's true purpose!"

Lucius was completely taken aback by Gilderoy's words. He truly didn't even know why he was there at all, and neither seemed knowledgeable of Lockhart's true intentions. Although true be told, no one knew about Locktharts true intentions.

"What are you talking about?!" Lucius exclaimed, enraged and stunned.

"Please, Lucius, our charade is over! Lord Voldemort's plan has failed! We have failed!" Gilderoy yelled, in such a dramatic voice, that it was quite hilarious to hear. Especially since Lucius' face was contorted into different types of expressions. Shock, confusion, fear.

"Stop this nonsense! I have no idea what you are babbling about!"

"Oh, truly?" Amelia hissed. "Then, you know anything about this?" Amelia then showed the Death Mark on Gilderoy's arm, and Lucius' looked like he sucked into a very sour lemon.

Lucius Malfoy has never been so shocked in his life before. No, shock wouldn't be the word he would use. Lucius was stunned, stupefied, agape, utterly dumbfounded. Gilderoy Lockhart, a Death Eater? A flying pig with two blue tails and seven head that granted wishes was more believable than him being one of them. Yet, there he was, showing up his mark. And Lucius simply believed he was dreaming.

And for everyone there. Lucius' silence was an admission of his guilt.

"Nothing to say to your friend?" Sirius mocked. "Nothing to add?"

Lucius snapped back to reality, and his red face was now visible. "Never! I don't know this fool or what he's talking about!"

"Please, Lucius," Lockhart whimpered and then started to sob. "What about our relationship?! Our love?!"

A shocking revelation to everyone there. "You promised me that you would never leave me!"

Harriet gasped as if she were watching a love drama unfold before her. "A Lover?!" She whispered, shocked and filled with dramatic surprise. "The plot thickens!" She gossiped to herself.

"What kind of nonsense are you saying?!" Lucius' face was just boiling in shock and humiliation. "We are nothing!"

Lockhart sobbed again. "You promise...!"

"I promise nothing to you...! You... you bloody pillow bitter! Cunt...! How dare you to speak such nonsense!"

James put his hand over Harriet's ears as he didn't want his daughter to his such foul language.

"Whoah, I never expected you to be... on that side of the road, Lucius," Sirius added, and he wasn't even joking. Sirius sounded incredibly surprised. "Now, I understand how you only have one child. Especially with a woman with Narcissa."

Sirius had to admit that Narcissa was an incredibly gorgeous and seductive woman. And he has always wondered why she and Lucius only had one child. Truthfully, he does recall Narcissa saying how many babies she wanted to give Lucius. A big pureblood family and whatever. Yet, only Draco was born out of their marriage. Now, he understood why.

Poor Narcissa. Sirius thought sadly.

"I am surprised as well," Dumbledore said, watching Gilderoy sobbing. He empathizes with the poor teacher now. "Love is truly a cruel joker."

"I followed you because I love you!" Gilderoy cried.

"Silence! I don't know what you're talking about?!" Lucius replied, now incredibly heated.

"But we made love during our trip to Spain!" Gilderoy whimpered like a princess. "Oh... how it felt when you fill my-"

"Enough!" Amelia screamed, noticing Harriet's open mouth. It looked like she wanted to hear more. "Lucius Malfoy, you're under arrest as of this moment."

"I will not be made of a fool!" Lucius hissed dangerously. But before he could do or think of something else. Gilderoy's hand moved in a strange way, no one saw it. Not even Dumbledore. Then, Lucius' demeanor changed a bit. A bit of confusion too.

"I... uh?" He muttered, a bit perplexed, but soon enough he found his anger again. "I AM LORD MALFOY!"

"Lord Malfoy, or not. You're coming with us," Amelia warned hissingly.

Sirius and James quickly pointed their wands at him, and Lucius saw that he was not in a position to resist. Especially when Dumbledore was glaring at him, almost daring him to do anything. Lucius' embarrassment would never be equal to what he felt at that moment. But he was capable of taking a deep breath. He hissed at them but kept his cool.

"If you think you're going to get away with this...! You're wrong... Minister Fudge will ensure you're living on the streets when I through with all of you."

Amelia approached him, and it was clear she wasn't threatened by him. "Of course, Lord Malfoy."

Could you give me more? Please take it to court, you fool. Give me an excuse to show everyone the evidence I'll gather. I'll take you to Azkaban and that idiot of Fudge too.

Amelia thought hissingly.

"As a lord of a Most Noble and Ancient House. I have my rights and privileges. I want my counsel."

Lucius hissed, trying to look intimidating to the red-haired woman slightly taller than him.

"Of course... milord," Amelia replied but held a smile. She wanted him to say just that. Because now, she can take him to court with a large sum of evidence against him. "Auror Black, please escort lord Malfoy to his cell, where he will call his lawyers. As well... mister Lockhart. I think they have something to talk about."

"Right on," Sirius smiled. "I love when you get all serious," Sirius whispered slowly, showing his usual playboy smirk, winking at his lover. Amelia rolled her eyes but had to admit she was feeling quite elated right now.

"Wait," Harriet called first. "Dobby, the elf, has been warning me all this time about what was going on."

Lucius then shot daggers at the elf, who whimpered in fear. Right now, Lucius wanted to throw a killing curse at someone. He glared at the Girl and clenched his teeth.

"I think you don't need such a house elf, don't you think?" Harriet said, smiling brightly. "He has shown that he had no qualms about betraying you. So, why not give him up to me?"

"Harriet?" James asked while looking at his daughter, wondering why she was demanding such a thing.

She wanted the house elf for some reason. Harriet wasn't sure why, but something told her that Dobby, that annoying house elf, would prove useful shortly. Also, having a house elf on her side was always adequate. There were things only a house elf could do, and she wanted to have one for herself.

Lucius wanted to simply leave before he started to throw curses all over the place. And while furious and barely keeping it together. He was at a disadvantage there. Yet, no one noticed, not even Harriet, that Gilderoy smiled slightly and waved his hand again quickly. And soon, Lucius didn't seem to mind giving Dobby away. In fact, he finds himself relief from that. Strangely.

"I don't care," Lucius muttered angrily. "I would have got rid of him in anycase."

Lucius then gave his wand away, and Dobby just held it close. "Master has given Dobby a piece of clothes... Dobby is free!"

"Aw!" Sirius stated before pushing away Lucius. "Keep walking, Malfoy. A good action is not enough to keep you out of trouble."

Harriet raised an eyebrow, wondering why Lucius let the house elf go so easily. Maybe he was too stressed out? She thought but shrugged it off. She approached Dobby and smiled at him. Kind of, Harriet still recalled, how he almost killed her during the Quidditch game. But she was an angelic girl, filled with forgiveness in her pure heart.

"Dobby, I know we didn't start on the best foot, but," You tried to kill me, you, little..! "But, I wonder if you wish to come with my family and me?"

Dobby gasped loudly. But jumped in excitement. "Truly, wonderful you're! Dobby will love to serve miss Potter! The one who triumphed!"

Harriet rolled her eyes but kept on a smile. However, she could feel Dumbledore staring down at her. He seemed to be happy with what Harriet had done. She didn't care what Dumbledore thought. She wanted to gain something more than just a Basilisk.

James took a deep breath but couldn't help but feel proud of his child. "You did good, Harriet," he stated.

Harriet smiled. "So, is Lucius Malfoy going to Azkaban?" She asked, intrigued.

"Oh, most certainly. Lucius will kick and fuss around during his trial, no doubt. But... we do have a lot of evidence. And that's not counting what we may find on his property."

"A dangerous task, but one will prove useful," Dumbledore added. "But... yes, and no doubt. Amelia was expecting Lucius to use his status as a lord to bring it to the Wizengamot. She wants to bring everyone linked to Lucius down."

James then looked at Dumbledore and noticed a sparking light in his eyes. Now, James wasn't a master politician, but even he knew what he could Lucius trail bring. And Dumbledore would surely try to take advantage of it. The fact that they couldn't bring Dumbledore to a public trial last year proved how far his meddling and reputation go. And it was infuriating, nevertheless. They must maintain focus on what was a stake.

And Harriet knew it as well.

"Ah... Dad, how will we tell mom about what has happened so far?"

James shivered in fear and anxiousness. "I'll... write a letter."

Harriet nodded and sighed. "Well... the year hasn't ended. Maybe, I could just enjoy the rest of it?"

"I do hope so," James muttered.

Ginny's parents arrived at the school not too long ago. And so Alice and Dorcas. Both healers, already told of what had happened, began to do what they knew best. Harriet felt for the poor Girl; having Voldemort controlling her mind wasn't something Harriet envied. Ginny's mental state quickly fell apart when she heard about the Basilisk, the many attacks, and that she could be sent to Azkaban. Of course, Dumbledore assured her that such a thing wouldn't happen. Yet, such words weren't enough for a young child, who was beyond traumatized about having a Dark Lord playing with her mind.

Still, truthfully, the worst has passed. Ginny's trauma won't go overnight of that, Harriet was sure about.

Harriet tried to ease the Girl's pain by talking to her. It was both out of sympathy and a bit of accountability, perhaps. After all, Voldemort was her responsibility; that was what Harriet felt in anycase. Besides, childhood traumas were something she's been dealing with all her life. No child deserves to live with those things.

It would take time, but Harriet saw Ginny as someone who could pull off a great recovery. It would take time and patience not only from within her but her family.

However, putting that aside, Harriet was currently busy doing something else.

"So, anything new?" Harriet asked as she walked through the Chamber of Secrets beside Blaise, who hummed deeply.

"Not much, I am afraid," Blaise sighed. "Besides the obvious, of course. Tom Marvolo Riddle was an excellent student, popular with the girls, perfect head boy. A spotless record."

Blaise sounded annoyed but quickly calmed down. "But, something has brought my attention."

"Oh, what is it?" Harriet asked.

"The Horcrux. The items used are close to him. Diary, his mother's ring, and the locket, which I believed it's Salazar Slytherin's locket."

Harriet frowned but recalled watching the details on the locket; it wasn't a far-fetched idea to think it was related to Salazar Slytherin in some ways.

"True," she muttered back.

"So, I am starting to believe that Voldemort chose items that are already magical and mythical to use as Horcrux. Items that have some history and are believed to be lost to the world," Blaise stated with a rather surprising smile. "If I could say so myself. If I were Voldemort, I'd hunt down items that represented the things I hated the most. Items that belong to my enemies or people I hated, and corrupted them with my taint. A very vindicated way to represent my hatred for them."

Harriet raised an eyebrow. "Truly? Can you be that vengeful too, Blaise?"

"Indeed. It would also be an ego stroke to know I have done what no one else could and found said items. I can only theorize, but Voldemort seems to be a childish villain."

Harriet scoffed but had to give it to Blaise. He was good at putting thoughts together. "So, what kind of items would Voldemort hunt?"

Blaise hummed and smiled. "The founder's items, perhaps?"

"Founders items?"

"He already has Slytherin's locket, right? Maybe he went on the lookout for the rest. Since, in his mind, the rest of the founders betrayed Salazar Slytherin by allowing filthy mudbloods to enter the school."

"And using their precious items as Horcrux does sound like the perfect retaliation in his eyes," Harriet added with a smile. "But what items would the founder hold most important to them?"

Blaise scratched his chin and hummed. "Now, that's the question. But I do believe we should find them soon enough. And I'll uncover where our dear Dark Lord has been since it would also allow us where he may have hidden them."

"I trust you with that," Harriet said, and Blaise smiled proudly. "Now, I need to see what else I can find here."

Harriet looked at Tina, happily on top of the Basilisk's head, riding with a big smile.

"S-sister, be careful!" Rofl muttered nervously.

"Hello!" Tina jumped down and ran towards Harriet, filled with excitement. "Harriet! Aine is a very healthy specimen! I have never seen a Basilisk before. This is amazing!"

Harriet chuckled. "I am glad you're overjoyed, but remember not to look her in the eyes."

"Don't worry, young lady. I shall never hurt the children of magic."

Aine stated proudly, and from what Harriet could hear, the Basilisk looked quite happy to interact with them. She has been living a lonely life, so it may be time for her to roam freely.

"I trust you, Aine. So, do you eat something?" Harriet asked.

"If you allow me, I can hunt my meal near outside Hogwarts. I can hunt big prey and only need to hunt once a month."

"Alright, but before that, let's see what else I can find there. To protect you from anyone who would want to control you."

Harriet then looked at Nymphadora and Fleur arriving from one of the many tunnels.

"Puff! Those tunnels go forever!" Nymphadora stated.

"It seems that they do not only connect to all of Hogwarts but also all the surroundings," Fleur added.

Harriet wondered why they bothered to build such a complete pipe system and so large. Surely, a Basilisk roaming around didn't need kilometers of pipes to move. They could be for something else. It was one of the reasons the rest of us were looking for any other information about Hogwarts they could find. Hermione seemed to remember something and was reading a large book in the library in quite furiously manner. Nevertheless, Harriet was now focused on that strange writing on the wall.

"I wonder what is hidden there," Harriet muttered.

"Uhm, H-Harriet, are you sure it is safe?"

"Don't worry, my dear Rolf. It's going to be just fine," Harriet said, but Fleur and the rest were not so sure of it. "Just... follow me."

Harrie then looked closely at those strange words and wondered why they were so weird to read, but she would still understand them. A peculiar thing but one she would have to wait to comprehend. Harriet allowed herself some time before allowing her voice and mouth to hiss like a snake, pronouncing the words she read on the wall. Suddenly, a mechanism was heard, and the wall started to shift before her. It was the like the entrance of Diagon Alley. And gradually. The access to what Harriet would consider a secret room appeared. A studio of sorts, frozen in time.

"Mmhm, interesting," Harriet said, taking her time to enter the room. It was rather smallish and quite cozy at the same time. There was a large book shell with lots of books and old scrolls. A potion shell and a desk, with a quite comfortable old chair. Harriet could see that the place was made by someone who liked his privacy and wanted to feel comfortable while working.

"Quite small," Harriet muttered.

"Fascinating. It has been ages since I have encountered someone in this place of mine."

Everyone then looked at the corner of the room, where a large portrait was hanging. It was an old bald man with a long gray beard and a permanent scowl. Harriet recognized him immediately, and so did everyone else.

"Salazar Slytherin?"

Salazar scoffed softly but didn't have any malice in his voice. "Children." He only said, scanning each one of them carefully.

"A portrait... of Salazar Slytherin? Interesting," Blaise whispered, getting up close to him. "And you speak modern English."

Salazar seemed mildly annoyed at the somehow condescending tone of voice. But noticing Blaise's uniform colors, he could only expect as much.

"I have a lot of time on my hands. I learn," Salazar only stated, as if it was the most obvious thing ever. "Too much time to wonder and think of my past actions as well."

"Oh, so, it is true that you hated muggle-borns?" Harriet asked inquisitively. Salazar looked troubled and a bit tired but nodded slowly.

"I didn't hate muggle-borns... that term is new. What I hated were non-wizardling folk. I detested them and everything they stood for. I wanted to remove those children born with magic once they were located and to completely cut the Wizarding World from the rest of the world."

"I believe there is more than just that," Fleur added, and Salazar nodded painfully.

"I was young, arrogant, and resentful. I saw horrible things during those years. Lived things that no child should live. Fought in many wars against the non-magical. And honestly, back then, I truly saw the non-magical folk as nothing but vermin. I thought pureblood families were better than everyone else, yes. But I didn't hate those children born out of muggle families. In fact, I wanted them to live with us and renounce their other half, to embrace the pagan life," Salazar then looked uncomfortable, as if he recalled horrible memories.

"That's why you left Hogwarts?" Blaise asked. "They say you left because the other founders wanted to bring more Muggle-borns into the school, but you were against it?"

"No," Salazar replied. "That's a lie. The reality was that muggle-borns were the minority back then. Not even a dozen at most during the first Hogwarts years. And I enjoyed teaching them. However, the reason why I left had nothing to do with them. It is complicated. A private matter."

Harriet was sure surprised by such a thing and wondered how the rest of Hogwart reacted when they heard the truth of one of the founders. It would surely be an interesting sight.

"Well, this surely changes things," Harriet stated as she approached the founder. "Hello, my name is Harriet Potter. My dear friends are Blaise Zabini, Nymphadora Tonks, Porpetina Scamander, and Rolf Scamander. And Soul mate and wife, Fleur Delacour."

Salazar raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the Girl's presentation but, more importantly, her name. "Potter...? And a soul mate?" Salazar whispered, especially the last part. And it seemed as if the old man was furiously thinking of something, like remembering a vital part of his past.

"A Potter...? I don't know any Potter family... unless it is from that side of the family. But that would mean... then you're related to him," Salazar muttered, then he glanced at her green eyes. "You were the one who opened this place, didn't you?"

"I did, yes. Sorry for intruding."

"A lion with the snake's blood," Slytherin murmured gradually.

"I see... so, it did happen. Rowena was right about her, and I was wrong. She did love him," Salazar rumored sadly, but there was a sense of acceptance and happiness in his voice. "Then you're truly different from him." Harriet noticed a voice of relief in his voice as if something heavy was lifted out of his shoulders.

Harriet tilted her head, wondering what he was talking about. "By him, you mean Voldemort? Your heir?"

Salazar's body tensed up, and suddenly, hatred became visible. "He may be my descendent, but let me be clear. He is not my heir!" Salazar exclaimed angrily.

"Oh, how so?" Harriet asked the enraged lord of the Snakes. Salazar took a deep breath and glanced at her. "What's the difference between a descendant and an heir?"

"It's not the same; for example, Voldemort, that child, just has the same blood as me but has no affiliation to the Slytherin family," Salazar then pointed his finger at her. "You, him, and I speak Parseltongue. But only the two of us can read it. Meaning you're a direct descendant of the main branch of the family. A true Slytherin family member."

"Me a Slytherin...? That's... cool," Harriet replied, stunned. Ah, shit, this means more titles to my name!

"Wait... what does it mean... reading Parseltongue exactly?"

Harriet then frowned, wondering what does that exactly mean. Salazar taught for a long time and knew exactly what type of face Harriet was making.

"You see, Parseltongue is not an ordinary language. It has no terminology or an alphabet. Not quite. And while they are some who can grasp it to an extent. They can't learn it. It's, after all, a magical language that is hereditary."

"Yet, you say there are people who can understand it? Like who?" Harriet was now surprised and intrigued by such a notion. Salazar smiled at the young Girl.

"I knew of one, only. Merlin," Salazar responded cheerfully. "He could sense the rhythm of the words thanks to his magic. And even understand full sentences as if it was a humming song. But he could never speak it, and he tried. A lot!"

"Whoa," Harriet gasped. Now she wondered if someone could understand her when she spoke. Maybe, the likes of Dumbledore.

"But, like I say, it's a hereditary trait. And while Voldemort can speak it since he is a descendant of mine, he can't write it or read it. The Slytherin family magic sees him as unworthy, as a foreign; he would never be a true Slytherin, no matter how much he pretended to be my heir. He will never learn the full power of our abilities. Unlike yourself."

"Me?" Harriet pointed at herself, cutely tilting her head.

Salazar leaned forward and grinned at the Girl with green eyes. "Indeed, You are my true heir, after all. I must educate you in Slytherin's ways of magic. Especially the writing aspect of it."

Mm, well, this is quite the revelation. Harriet thought, a bit surprised. "But, why writing Parseltongue and reading it is so special?"

"It's a magical language. You saw it in the walls, yes? The symbols, and the writing, didn't make sense. They aren't words or sentences that you recalled. Only scrawls, in a sense. However, you're still capable of reading them. And that's because the essences of it linger within you. Voldemort and us may share some distant blood. But only you and I share a magical bond. Parseltongue is just more than speaking with snakes. It's a powerful soul magic. The writing is not just my words but the thoughts I left behind. That's why, even though we are centuries apart. You're still capable of understanding it."

"Soul magic...? I... didn't know that," Harriet replied, a bit shocked by that. "Now that's amazing!"

"Do not take Soul magic slightly, young lady. It is a powerful and dangerous type of magic," Salazar warned her gently.

"Whoah, yes, I mean," Harriet coughed awkwardly. "Of course, my lord. I knew that."

Salazar chuckled at the sudden change of voice coming from the young lady. He was starting to like his heir.

"But wait, why did it sound like Shakespearean English to me when I read it?" Harriet now asked.

"Mm, Shakespearean?" Salazar hummed. "It was to be expected."

"Uh? What do you mean?"

"It was your first time reading Parseltongue, or as I like to call it. Soul writing. When I inscribed those words in the chamber, I used the language I spoke. Old English. The real old English. However, you don't know it. And, Soul Writing is quite hard to comprehend at first since it uses your mind and magic to translate them."

"Use my mind and magic?" Harriet muttered, confused.

"Think of it this way," Salazar said gently. "It's done very briefly and without you knowing. You saw my writing, and because you didn't know what it was at first glance, you thought it was a sort of old language when you read it. But since you don't speak Old English. Your magic unconsciously operated like a translator and chose a language close to Old English. Hence, the Elizabethan English, or Shakespearian as you call it."

"Ah... I don't get it," Harriet admitted quietly. "I just know Shakespearean because I read some of his works. And some of my uncles truly like to mock each other for speaking like that. But, I don't know much."

"That's alright, young lady," Salazar replied softly. "I could explain it to you later on. It's simple. Imagine you were using a translator when you read or write Soul Writing. But with a little work, you won't need the translator or even read it, just... feel it."

Salazar smiled at her. "You will learn centuries of knowledge I have saved here by just looking at it."

"Looking at it... that sound amazing. Although, I still have no idea how that work."

"Don't worry, you will," he replied, smiling.

Well, that's nice. But how do I tell mom about this now? She whined secretly. "So, a descendant of yours married a Potter?"

Salazar looked at her sadly. There was regret and shame in his eyes. A strange look for a portrait, no doubt. "Please, my child. Come and find me later. When you're alone. The history of our families is quite painful for me. It is one of the reasons why I left Hogwarts in such a disgrace."

"Alright, Lord Slytherin," Harriet replied, wondering what type of can of worms she was about to open. "That seems to be a very heavy talk for another time."

"Thank you, my child."

"There quite a lot of things I'll like to ask," Harriet looked around and saw the piles of books. "But first. Voldemort used Aine to cause mayhem. Something I believe you already know. She told me you knew about a spell to ensure such a thing never happened again."

Salazar clutched his fist and felt like he was about to jump out of the portrait to seek Voldemort personally. Yet, such a thing could never happen.

"Yes, I'll teach you the spell... and more. So much more."

Harriet smiled. Well, this day is going to be quite insightful.

The days went by, and it was quite surprising how calm and peaceful the days at Hogwarts could be when no one was trying to kill people. Harriet felt finally at peace.

"So... Salazar Slytherin is not really a muggle-born hating wizard?"

Harriet hummed at Hermione, who was slowly looking at the lake before her, while the Girl who lived rested her head on Fleur's comfortable thighs. After almost a week of stress and investigation, everyone settled for the day. Harriet wanted to just enjoy a day out near the lake.

"A twist like no other," Harriet replied.

"I see," Hermione muttered as she slumped her feet on the sand. "And this Soul Writing? How does it work?"

"Mmhm, it's like... pouring your thoughts into words you only need to feel to comprehend them."

"Uh, what?"

"Hermione, I have no idea. That's what Salazar told me," Harriet huffed, still having trouble understanding the whole Parseltongue writing. "The best example I can give you is focusing on something other than writing it with words, but with thoughts and emotions. Use your magic to inscribe with your essence. Or... something. Like, I sort of get it... but at the same time, I don't."

"At least reading it is easier," Fleur chimed, gently caressing Harriet's head.

"Yeah, reading it is now easier. I just needed time to get my eyes used to that fluorescent thing... and stop trying to think of it as if it was an old language. Instead, I just need to think of it as if it was modern English, and boom! There you have it. Although Salazar told me with more practice, I won't even need to... read it in any language. The knowledge there will just... fill me in, and I'll understand it. Like I say... I have no idea what that mean, but yeah..."

"But do you feel it...?" Hermione asked slowly, trying to get it.

"Mmh, it's like... when I read some of Salazar's books. It felt... easier to understand. Like it's speaking to me, in a way. It didn't matter how complex some of his spells looked on paper. I just... get it."

"I guess that's why it is called Soul magic," Hermione stated. "But, will you tell your dad about it? About Salazar Slytherin's secret chamber and portrait?"

Harriet rolled over and faced Fleur's belly. She snuggles it, causing Fleur to chuckle.

"Salazar asked not to. He doesn't want people to know he is still around... for now."

"Why is that?"

"Well, did you know the founders have their portrait at Hogwarts?"

Hermione's eyes were wide at that statement. "Truly?!"

"Yes, they are... somewhere. I want to find them, but that's for another time. But long story short, Salazar's guilt and shame won't allow me to let people know he is... there. Especially since it would lead to him eventually meeting the other founder's portraits."

Harriet then stood up and looked at the wave ahead of her. "It's a very long and truly sad history... and I understand why Salazar feels ashame even after such a long time."

Harriet was glad that she would keep Salazar's secret for a while. Especially since Harriet was sure that Dumbledore would try to hide all of those books written by Slytherin himself somewhere, with the excuse that they were dark.

Well, they do dwell on a very... sensitive topic. Harriet admitted, but she would like to keep them for herself.

"Well, there are things to do still," Harriet then simply exhaled and stretched her body, moaning slightly. "And honestly, it's good that this year's adventures are over."

"It was a very long year, hasn't it?" Fleur added. "And it's not over yet, technically."

Fleur then hugged Harriet tightly. "There is still the Quidditch's house final games."

"And exams!" Hermione added quietly.

Harriet whined as she rolled her eyes. "Well, I do hope it's over soon. I really want to know what will happen to dear Uncle Lucius."

Harriet smiled as she started to take her clothes off, much to the surprise of everyone. And before anyone could stop her, she jumped into the water and sighed content.

Enjoying the blissful water.

I want to take a small break.

Harriet thought, allowing the sun and water to take her worries away.