Chapter 15. Parselmouths
Harry and Anissa decided it was time to introduce Draco to Hagrid. Draco was leery of the giant, positive he would not like him since he had been such a prat before, but Anissa assured him that Hagrid was very forgiving.
Harry knocked and they waited through Fang's usual mad barking until Hagrid opened the door. Fang jumped up on Harry and knocked him to the ground, licking his face and whining happily. Harry laughed out loud as he wrestled with Fang for a few moments. Draco stared at him in shock.
"Sorry 'bout that. Yeh know how he –" Hagrid broke off when he saw Draco. Anissa put her arm through Draco's, causing him to blush and Hagrid's eyes to widen.
"This is Draco Malfoy, Hagrid. He is a friend of ours and we wanted you to meet him." Anissa stated.
"Friend, eh?" Hagrid looked Draco over, making Draco squirm a bit. "Well, if yer friends with Harry and Anissa, then yer a friend o' mine."
Draco sagged and Anissa squeezed his arm and whispered, "Told you so."
Once inside, Hagrid set out the tea and rock cakes. Hagrid's tea was to die for, the rock cakes however, were as hard as their name. Harry and Anissa politely refused the cakes, just having some tea. Draco followed their example and politely refused the cakes as well.
Anissa and Hagrid did most of the talking, then Hagrid started talking about the creatures he takes care of as gamekeeper. He told them about his hippogriff named Buckbeak, and asked if they would like to meet him.
Of course they said yes, who would not want to meet such a cool animal, so Hagrid took them to a smaller building just inside the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid carried a bucket of dead ferrets with him to feed the hippogriff.
The doors to the building were wide open and standing just inside of them was the most interesting animal Harry had ever seen. Part horse, part eagle, he was truly magnificent. He was different shades of grey with white and black accents across his hide.
"This here is Buckbeak. He's very smart but easily offended. He will have ter give yeh permission to touch 'im." Hagrid tossed a ferret, which Buckbeak easily caught and swallowed. "We'll do this one at a time." Hagrid motioned to Harry. "Harry, I want yeh ter stand there in front of 'im and give 'im a bow. Then make sure ter keep eye contact as yeh wait for 'im ter bow back. As I said, he's easily offended and won't trust yeh if yeh look away."
Hagrid pointed to a spot about five feet in front of Buckbeak. Harry moved to where Hagrid had pointed and looked Buckbeak in his fierce yellow eyes then went into a bow. He stood back up but made sure he kept his eyes on the beast and wondered if he was about to gat mauled. He had seen those sharp six-inch talons, but he trusted Hagrid. Buckbeak studied the young wizard, then bowed his head back.
"Yeh can come over now, Harry. Bucky seems to like yeh. Walk slowly an come pet 'im."
Harry slowly walked forward and stretched out his hand. Buckbeak inclined his head and pressed it into his palm. Harry smiled as he began to pet the hippogriff, he was surprisingly soft and the different parts of him were fascinating.
Anisa had been holding her breath the whole time Harry stood there. It came out in a woosh when Harry finally pet the hippogriff. She completely forgot that she would be doing that same thing too until Hagrid spoke up.
"Your turn, Anissa. Jus' as Harry did." encouraged Hagrid.
Nodding, Anissa took a deep breath and moved to where Harry had just been standing. She bowed, then stood looking at Buckbeak, and waited, and waited, and waited. Harry and Draco were holding their breaths as they watched.
Buckbeak watched Anissa long enough to cause her to worry he would not accept her. Finally, he bowed his head, and Hagrid told her she could come pet him. Anissa really liked petting Buckbeak, the feel of the feathers to fur change was interesting to the touch.
"Alrigh' Draco, you next," Hagrid motioned him forward.
"Ah, Mr. Hagrid," started Draco.
"Jus Hagrid, Draco. I'm no Mr. anything."
"Um, I don't think he'll like me," Draco saw how the hippogriff had looked at Anissa. He was scared that Buckbeak would refuse and attack him.
"Nonsense. Yeh'll be fine. Come on." encouraged Hagrid.
Draco stiffened his spine, and using his Malfoy pride, moved in front of Buckbeak. He made his bow stiffly but elegantly, then stood tall and kept his eyes stubbornly on the beast. Buckbeak tilted his head then closed the distance between them.
A shiver of fear went up Draco's spine at the hippogriff's approach. At the sight of that sharp beak near his head, Draco yelped and stumbled back. Buckbeak and Draco looked at each other, then Buckbeak leaned forward, and Draco raised his hand to pet him.
"He's never done tha' before," Hagrid said in awe.
"I think Buckbeak has a new best friend," said Anissa.
Harry and Anissa joined Draco in petting Buckbeak and exclaiming over his awesomeness, much to Hagrid's pride. After a couple minutes of them petting and scratching Buckbeak, which he seemed to really enjoy, the trio got a surprise.
"I think he'll let yeh ride 'im now," stated Hagrid.
"What?" The three gasped.
Hagrid gestured to Buckbeak, who had already lowered himself into a position for easy mounting. Harry looked at a shocked Draco and smiling Anissa. He would not be passing up this opportunity.
"You game?" Harry was excited.
Draco nodded, "Of course,"
"Try and stop me,"
Anissa was already getting on Buckbeak's back. With a smack to his hindquarters from Hagrid, Buckbeak took off. Harry and Draco heard a whoop from Anissa and shared a grin. That girl was such an adrenaline junkie. That was when Harry heard another voice complaining.
"Alwaysss ssshaking the ground. Doesssn't care if it sssmassshesss my nessst. Who caresss about little ol' me dying out in the cold."
Harry looked around and found a small black snake slithering past his foot. Harry remembered the python he had talked to at the zoo once and wondered if he could talk to this one too.
"My apologiesss. We didn't mean to disssturb you." hissed Harry, crouching down to speak with the snake. Harry did not notice Draco and Hagrid staring at him in shock. The snake stopped and lifted its head quickly to look at Harry crouching behind him.
"A ssspeaker!" The snake slithered up onto Harry's shoe, lifting itself higher. "It isss a rare treat to ssspeak with a ssspeaker. I only converssse with one here, but another ssspeaker isss a welcome change." The snake seemed excited.
"Oh, are there more at Hogwartsss that can talk to sssnakesss?" asked Harry. It would be nice to talk to someone about talking to snakes. He had many questions.
"Only one, but he isss not able to come outssside to sssit in the sssun with me. He isss ssstuck in hisss tiny box. Would you sssit and basssk in the heat with me?"
Harry was confused. A man stuck in a box? Maybe the snake meant a portrait. He would have to ask if there was a portrait of someone who could speak to snakes.
"I would love to but there isss little sssun today. I promissse to on another sssunny day though." said Harry.
Harry gestured to the sky. The snake tilted its head at Harry, then started to climb up Harry's leg. Harry held out his hand and the snake curled up in his palm.
"Would you like to sssee my nessst? It wasss a good one before the ssstomping bird." said the snake.
"I would love too, tell me the way. My name isss Harry, it isss an honor to meet you."
"I am Archimeledulus."
"A ssstrong name for sssuch a ssstrong sssnake. Would you mind if I called you Archie for ssshort? That isss quite a mouthful."
Harry started to walk in the direction he was told as he awaited Archimeledulus' decision.
"I think I like it. A persssonal name chosssen by a ssspeaker. I will be the envy of all sssnakesss." Archie nodded in pride.
Harry shook his head with a smile. Archie guided Harry to some tall grass on the side of the clearing they were in. Harry could see right away the flattened grass and collapsed hole in the ground. That was hardly a safe place for a snake burrow.
"Ah, I sssee. I can make you a better home to pay our debt for ruining your old home." Harry looked around. "Would you mind if I moved you clossser to that tree? It would be sssafer for you and lessss likely to be trampled again."
Harry pointed to a tree a few feet away. Archie lifted himself up to look at the tree and nodded. "Ssshow me."
On the way to the tree, Harry looked for a sturdy stick to be able to dig with. Luckily, he found a nice flat one. Harry knelt at the base of the tree, set Archie down and cleared out a spot. Archie slithered into the area, looked around, then nodded at Harry. Harry smiled and started to dig.
Draco froze in shock when Harry started hissing at a small black snake. Harry was a Parselmouth? Draco did not know what to think. Only Dark wizards spoke Parseltongue. Draco knew Harry had a Dark side, they all did, but Harry was too Light to be truly Dark. Or maybe Harry was more of a Grey wizard.
Draco watched Harry, crouched in front of the little black snake, as they hissed back and forth. Harry nodded, picked up the snake, and walked over to some tall grass. Draco followed, intrigued, and could see the ruined snake den. More hissing occurred and Harry pointed to a tree. He was surprised when Harry walked over, knelt, then started digging with a stick.
"Uh, Harry? What are you doing?" asked Draco.
"Buckbeak destroyed Archie's nest. Since it's our fault, I am making him a new one." said Harry, like conversing with a snake was the most normal thing to do. "He will freeze if he doesn't have a home come winter."
"Archie huh? Hmm. I didn't know you were a Parselmouth." said Draco. He wondered who else knew. By the look on Hagrid's face, he sure did not.
Harry turned to Draco. "A what?"
"Someone who can talk to snakes. It's very rare." explained Draco.
"Oh, yeah, I once talked to a python at the zoo. She was really nice."
Draco did not know what a zoo was, but before he could ask anything more, Anissa returned. Anissa walked to their group, and seeing Harry in the dirt with a snake, raised an eyebrow at Draco.
"Buckbeak ruined Archie's nest, so Harry is making him a new one." said Draco.
"Ah." Anissa nodded. "Well, it's your turn. I think Harry is going to be a while. Have fun, it's really brilliant."
"We'll need to talk more about this later." Draco pointed at Harry, then he mounted Buckbeak and was gone.
"Need some help?" asked Anissa.
"Can you find me some little stones?" Harry pointed to an area covered with rocks.
"Sure, anything for this little guy."
Anissa moved off to accomplish her task. Hagrid slowly came over to watch. He was happy that Harry was helping the snake but hearing him speaking Parseltongue made him nervous. He could remember the last time he heard Lord Voldemort speak it.
"Blimey Harry. Yeh'd better be careful who knows yeh can talk ter snakes." said Hagrid.
"Why?" asked Anissa, as she placed a pile of pebbles next to Harry. "What's wrong with speaking to snakes?"
"It's Dark. Only Dark wizards can speak it. You-Know-Who was known for speaking to snakes and setting them on Muggles." stated Hagrid.
Anissa rounded on Hagrid. "You don't think Harry is Dark, do you Hagrid?"
Harry was hurt that Hagrid would assume he was Dark just because he had this ability. He kept his head down, focusing on his task, as that hurt rolled through him. Even in the magical world he was a freak.
"No, no," Hagrid backpedaled. "I was jus' sayin' be careful who knows 'bout it. Not many would take kindly to a Parselmouth."
Harry thought about Hagrid's words as he finished digging the hole, using magic to widen out the back and using pebbles to strengthen the sides. Was he really a Dark wizard? Did his Obscurus make him Dark as he had feared? Was being a Parselmouth another indicator that he was Dark?
Harry's mind was whirling, reminding him of the words his relatives always told him, 'You destroy everything, you freak. The world would be better if you were dead'. Were they right after all? Was he a Dark wizard that needed to be stopped?
Unaware of Harry's spiraling thoughts, Anissa, thinking ahead, had found some of Buckbeak's feathers and had torn them apart, getting rid of the hard pieces. She handed them to Harry, who placed them inside.
"Thank you." Harry said softly to Anissa then gestured to the hole. "Sssee if you like it. Will it do?"
Archie slithered into the hole, then poked his head back out. "It isss perfect. I will tell the other ssspeaker what you have done for me. He will be pleasssed."
Harry smiled then stood, brushed off his pants and moved back over to where Hagrid was standing. Anissa walked beside him and noticed that Hagrid looked nervous and fidgeted when Harry drew nearer. They stopped a good distance away as they waited for Draco's return.
"That was nice of you." Anissa smiled at Harry.
"It was the least I could do after Buckbeak trampled his old home." Harry pointed to the grass.
"Oh, definitely." agreed Anissa.
They watched Draco return and then it was Harry's turn. Harry walked over to Draco, and while petting Buckbeak, asked Draco the question that was burning in his mind.
"Draco, do you think I'm Dark?" asked Harry quietly, staring at his hand moving along Buckbeak's side.
Draco, shocked at the question, raised an eyebrow at Anissa and she nodded towards Hagrid and rolled her eyes. Hagrid looked embarrassed and quickly found something to occupy him. Draco scoffed in disgust.
"I think everyone has darkness in them, Harry. It's what you do with that darkness that defines who you are. You are kind to animals," Draco pointed at the tree and Archie's new home, "and disgustingly loyal to your friends. Although you do have quite the temper." Here Draco fingered his nose and smiled. "I have seen both Light and Dark in you Harry, but the Light outshines the Dark. You get to choose which side you are on, and I think you have already chosen."
Harry nodded, giving Draco a small smile. He felt much better after hearing Draco's words, and mounted Buckbeak for his turn. He hoped Draco was right.
"Thank you, Drake." Then Harry was gone. Draco huffed at the nickname.
"That was very well done, Draco, thank you. I know he was worried about it since Parseltongue is considered a Dark gift. With everything he's been through, he probably thought he deserved it because he was Dark." said Anissa.
"Harry helped me when I was in a dark place. I'm just returning the favor. Hopefully he realizes how much he is wanted and needed." said Draco.
Anissa took Draco's hand. "We'll make sure he knows.
Harry loved the feeling of the wind rushing through his hair. The free feeling was addictive and was probably why he loved flying on his broomstick and as a raven with Hedwig so much. Which he had not done in a while, so he made a mental note to do it again soon before Hedwig became angry with him.
Buckbeak flew low over the Black Lake, dragging his claws in the water and Harry put his arms out wide. It was so invigorating that Harry could not help but let out a whoop like Anissa had. This was completely different than flying as a raven or on his broom.
Up they flew, far above Hogwarts and Harry looked around. From this height Harry could see for miles. Hogsmeade looked like little toy houses, the people like ants. He looked back at Hogwarts and sighed, the castle was beyond breathtaking, and it drew Harry to return.
Every time Harry walked through her doors, he felt like he was being welcomed home. Like the castle was giving him a warm hug. Harry loved everything about Hogwarts. This is home, he thought. This is where I belong.
Buckbeak tilted downward and Harry knew they were heading back. Their time in the sky was done. Harry never saw Professor Dumbledore standing in the Astronomy Tower smiling, his eyes twinkling merrily. Albus had watched the joy in all three flights of Buckbeak, and he was happy they had been able to find a moment of happiness. Those three have a rough, dark road ahead of them.
Two days later, Harry met the other Parselmouth at Hogwarts. Harry, Draco, and Anissa were practicing in the room that Harry and Draco had shown each other their scars in and that Harry's Obscurus had once destroyed. The room seemed to have become their go-to room for meetings and practicing spells.
Harry had grown rather fond of this room, especially since Lady Hogwarts had helped him fix it, their bond had strengthened during that time, and now he could really feel her presence there, where their magic had combined. Each time they were in this room, Harry's bond with Lady Hogwarts grew just a little bit stronger.
Harry was trying to wandlessly and nonverbally cast Depulso at a chair when he heard a throat clearing behind him. Harry turned to let the person know that they had permission from Professor McGonagall to practice here, when he found himself looking at a man in a portrait.
"That wasn't there before," said Anissa.
"The man in the box," stated Harry, studying the man who was looking down his nose at them.
The man was tall and skinny, his face ancient and monkey-like with pale green eyes and dressed in elegant dark green robes. His head was bald, but he had a grey mustache and beard that went beyond the portrait frame. The beard was tied with a delicate silver snake to keep it tidy.
Draco, who had turned along with Harry, gasped and quickly bowed to the portrait. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. No one had seen any of the Founders in centuries. His portrait was said to be in the Slytherin common room, but he was never in it, and many thought it was a fake.
"Salazar Slytherin," greeted Draco in awe. "It is an honor."
Salazar acknowledged Draco with a sharp nod, ignored Anissa completely and focused his strong gaze on Harry. Salazar's sharp eyes took in the skinny boy. 'He does not look like much,' Salazar thought.
"I have been told that thou underssstandeth me, child," hissed Salazar.
"Yesss sssir," responded Harry. This was one of the founders of Hogwarts! "It isss an honor, sssir," Harry bowed as Draco had.
Salazar studied Harry and Harry looked right back at him, meeting his eyes straight on. He was not about to show weakness in front of someone so powerful. Salazar nodded, satisfied with what he saw. He may not look it, but the boy might be exactly what he needed.
"Good, thou art ssstrong. Thou wilt need to be." Salazar said cryptically.
"I'm sssorry?" said Harry.
"Sssnakesss are ssstubborn an opinionated. They art hard to control unlessss thou art ssstrong mentally. Art thou ssstrong Mr. Potter? It wasss easssy to find out thy name. Now anssswer mine quessstion." demanded Salazar. He had seen the shocked look on the boy's face when he said his name.
Harry stiffened. He did not like being addressed like that. It reminded him of his uncle, and it made him uncomfortable. But Harry was not going to let anyone intimidate him again. He straightened his spine and stood tall before him.
"I am ssstrong enough to keep my friendsss sssafe." Harry stepped in front of Draco and Anissa. Shielding them from the man's view. "I am ssstrong enough to ssstand againssst any evil that threatensss me and mine and I will learn to be ssstrong enough to defeat it. Isss that what you wanted to know?"
Draco stepped back when Harry took up a defensive position in front of them. His eyes jumping to the portrait, wondering what Salazar had said to put Harry on guard. Draco felt Anissa's hand on his arm, and she pulled him back. After two steps, Draco stopped.
If something was going to happen, he would face it by Harry's side. He was not a coward, and he was not leaving Harry to face whatever it was alone. Draco tilted his head to Harry then moved to stand on Harry's left side and Anissa moved to Harry's right, forming a united front.
Salazar looked at the three students standing up to him and he was pleased. These three would do well together. The boy would need all the help and support he could get. Things were changing and they would need to be strong.
"Calm thyssself, child. I wanted to be sssure thou wouldssst be able to handle what I am about to asssk of thee. I am in need of your asssissstance." When Harry nodded, the founder continued. "Mine familiar isss ssstill alive in the depthsss of thisss cassstle, and ssshee isss in danger. Only a Parssselmouth can sssave her and the lassst ssspeaker to come to Hogwartsss only usssed her for evil, then locked her away. I asssk thee to bond with her to sssave her life."
"I take it that your familiar isss a sssnake, yesss?" asked Harry.
Salazar chuckled. "Ssshe isss more than a sssnake child. Sssaleena isss the Queen of Sssnakes. The lassst of her kind, and I would rather not sssee an old friend die, and her kind become extinct."
Harry's eyes widened in understanding. Salazar was pleased that the child was quick in his thinking. That would serve him well.
"A basssilisssk!? There isss a basssilisssk here in Hogwartsss?" hissed Harry in surprise. How had no one known this? First a troll, then Fluffy and now a basilisk. What next, a giant spider?
"There isss indeed. Ssshe hassst been here sssince the beginning."
Harry stared at Salazar as he contemplated his request. To save a basilisk whose whole purpose was to weed out those unworthy of studying at Hogwarts. Harry was not about to kill Muggle-borns, if that is what Salazar wanted from him, like Tom had done. That would never happen.
"I thought you hated Muggle-bornsss. Isssn't that why you built your sssecret chamber and apparently hid a basssilisssk in it? I will not kill anyone for you."
Salazar scoffed, shaking his head sadly. Oh, how history had been skewed. It was horrible how anger and fear could ruin the unity he and the other founders had strived for.
"I didssst not hate Muggle-bornsss, nor didssst I want them dead. I wanted to protect them. That isss why I built mine chamber. To houssse the creature that wouldssst bessst protect them. During mine time, the witch huntsss were ssstill prominent, and the Muggle-born children were the mossst prosssecuted. Their accidental magic wassst the caussse of many unfortunate deathsss. The toll wassst unfathomable. I wanted to protect them from that, to bring them to Hogwartsss asss sssoon asss we found out they were magical.
We wouldssst keep them sssafe, give them a home and a family who wouldssst love and protect them. We wouldssst teach them about our world and the magic they wielded, and to know they were ssspecial, not evil or possssessssed by demonsss. The other foundersss wanted that asss well. There wassst no fight between me and the other three. They did not banisssheth me. We were the bessst of friendsss, brothersss and sssissstersss of the heart, to the very end. I loved them more than anything.
I had to leave the ssschool to sssave mine ssson, asss any loving father wouldsst do. I returned from mine travelsss extremely unwell. Neither Helga nor Rowena couldssst sssave me. The four of usss are buried alongssside each other here on the groundsss. My legacy hassst been torn apart by rumorsss and hatred, by thossse who wouldssst sssee my family'sss good name dessstroyed. No one wassst left here to fight for mine honor, though mine friendsss did try, ssso mine name wasss ruined and turned evil.
Hogwartsss isss sssentient because her foundation and creation isss basssed on the four of usss being untied asss a whole – together. Our love for each other keepessst her ssstrong. Ssshe wouldsst crumble otherwissse, and not be able to keep the ssstudentsss sssafe asss ssshe hassst. Thisss wouldsst not be home."
Harry stared at Salazar. If what he was saying was true – and he had no reason to lie – then their history books were completely wrong. Harry felt bad for Salazar's family and his ruined legacy. He had accomplished so much and it was cruel to have that tainted by jealousy.
Harry was proud to be a Potter and could imagine the fury he would have if someone tainted his family name. He decided he would help Salazar, he would help his familiar, and he would help bring the Slytherin family back their honor.
Draco was getting tired of not knowing what was going on. He was not used to being completely ignored and he also wanted to speak to Salazar. He was the founder of his House after all. It did not help that they were speaking in a different language.
"Sir." Draco stepped forward. Salazar's eyes snapped to Draco's and flashed in irritation.
"It is rude to interrupt the conversation of others. Know thine place, child. If thou canst wait patiently for acknowledgement, then thou wilt leave."
Draco looked down, his cheeks turning pink in embarrassment. He knew better than to do that, had been taught by his father to wait patiently, and he took a couple of steps back. Anissa touched his arm and gestured to the tables. They could sit there and wait for Harry. Draco nodded and they moved away. Harry watched them go, then turned back to Salazar.
"Pleassse excussse my friend, sssir. You are the founder of hisss Houssse. He wasss clearly not thinking ssstraight in hisss awe in ssseeing you." said Harry.
"Never apologize for another'sss missstakesss, child, though I do commendessst thee on thine loyalty. That provessst thou wilt not abandon mine familiar. Wilt thou do asss I have asssked? Wilt thou sssave her?" asked Salazar, a hint of hope in his voice.
"I ressspect your loyalty to your friend, asss I too would do everything in my power to sssave my friendsss. What do you offer me in exchange for thisss ssservice?"
Harry boldly met Salazar's eyes with a little smirk. If he was going to bond with a basilisk, he was going to get something out of it as well. Salazar chuckled. He had a feeling he was going to really like this boy.
"Very Ssslytherin of thee, Mr. Potter. I wonder why thou wassst not placed in mine Houssse. If thou wilt do asss I asssk, then I offer to teachessst thee thingsss that are not taught at Hogwartsss. I wilt only do thisss for thee, asss thou wilt have to learn thisss in mine chamber."
Harry thought it over before he nodded. "The Sssorting Hat did sssuggessst I go to Ssslytherin, but I wanted to ssstay with my sssissster." Harry smiled and gestured behind him, then his face and tone turned serious. "I accept your requessst and will do asss you asssk. I will alssso do what I can to help bring the Ssslytherin name back itsss honor. The world needsss to know the truth. Maybe then we will ssstop fighting amongssst ourssselvesss."
Harry could see gratitude and relief fill Salazar's eyes, along with his shock, though his face never changed. Salazar had not thought to ask for help with his name and was touched that the young wizard had.
Saleena must really be in trouble for Salazar's relief to be strong enough to show. If Hedwig were in trouble, Harry knew he would have done anything to save her, so he understood perfectly. It made Harry feel good that Salazar Slytherin thought he was worthy of this honor.
"I sssuggest thou ssspeaketh with thine friendsss, tell them what thou mussst, ssso they can leave. Thisss next part isss for thee, and thee alone." Salazar said, gesturing to Draco and Anissa.
"Sssir, will you ssspeak with Draco? I know he would be deeply honored to have the chance to apologize for hisss rudenessss." smirked Harry.
Salazar's lips quirked slightly as he nodded curtly at Harry. He liked this cheeky boy already. He was going to be a joy to have around, and Salazar missed having someone to talk to. Someone who was not afraid to speak their mind.
'This boy would have done well in mine House.' Salazar thought. Harry returned the smile then turned to joined his friends at the tables. As soon as Harry was close enough, Draco jumped right in.
"What did Salazar say? Is he really angry with me? Will he talk to me too?"
"Hold on, Draco," Harry laughed. "Let me explain what he wants from me first. After, he agreed to speak with you again. Though I suggest apologizing before you ask him anything."
Draco blushed and nodded. He would do anything to be able to speak with Salazar Slytherin himself. His portrait was in the Slytherin common room, but he was never there and had never spoken to anyone before, that he knew of.
"So, what did he want?" asked Anissa.
"He has asked me to bond with his old familiar that is in some secret chamber. Apparently, she is in danger without that bond and only a Parselmouth can bond with her. With me being the only one here at Hogwarts…" Harry trailed off suggestively.
"Wait," Draco held up his hand, looking shocked. "Are you telling me that the Chamber of Secrets is real and there really is a bloody monster in it?"
Harry just shrugged and Draco about-faced and marched over to Salazar's portrait. Harry and Anissa shared a confused look and followed him to listen. Draco again bowed to Salazar.
"Sir, please forgive my atrocious manners earlier. I do not know what had come over me and I apologize for my foolishness." said Draco.
"Very prettily said child. Remember this lesson. And to answer thine questions, aye, there is a chamber, no, thou canst see it at this time without dying, and aye, Saleena is there but the Regina is no monster." answered Salazar. "I wilt speak with thee for a moment, then thou shalt leave. This next part Mr. Potter must do alone."
Harry and Anissa moved to the door to allow Draco time alone with Salazar. Anissa was afraid of what Harry had agreed to do. She too had realized what Saleena was and she did not want to lose Harry.
Anissa gave Harry a tight hug and said, "Please be careful. One look from her and you are dead."
"I'm sure there is a way around that, or Salazar would have died long before he did. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, and I'll see you tonight in the common room, yeah?" comforted Harry.
Draco and Anissa soon left, leaving Harry alone with the founder of Slytherin House. Harry stood in front of the portrait and waited for his instructions.
"Thisss wilt take a while, I sssuggest thou bringessst a chair over. Thou wilt need to memorize thessse ssspellss to requessst the bond with mine familiar and to sssave her life. They mussst be ssspoken asss Latin in Parssseltongue."
"Why Parssseltongue?" asked Harry intrigued.
"Ssspellsss in Parssseltongue are permanent and can only be removed by another Parssselmouth. It isss consssidered highly dangerousss by the Minissstry, ssso do not cassst any ssspellsss with Parssselmagic until thou art taught properly by me." instructed Salazar.
Salazar placed a giant book on a stand at the front of his portrait. It was open to the spells that Harry had to memorize. Harry gaped at the size of the spells, sighed, and got to work. It took two hours, and many corrections from Salazar, for Harry to perfect them enough to gain Salazar's approval.
One spell was to receive Saleena's permission and one to save the great serpent's life. Harry turned to Salazar with a determined look in his eye. It was now or never. He would never be more ready than he was at that moment.
"I am ready, sssir."
Salazar nodded. "Sssay open and the portrait wilt reveal a tunnel to mine sssecret chamber. Do not look directly at her until ssshe hasss accepted that I have sssent thee. Her eyesss are only lethal when ssshe wantsss them to be."
'So that is how he has lived with her and not been killed. I'll have to tell Anissa,' Harry thought as he nodded, then said, "Open."
Harry was very nervous as he walked along the tunnel, and as soon as he reached the end, he looked down and shakily entered the large chamber. Harry caught a glimpse of the great serpent curled up in the far back of the chamber, and taking a deep steadying breath, walked slowly towards her. Harry spoke loudly so she would be able to hear him and not be startled. He did not want to be eaten today if he could help it.
"Saleena, Queen of Ssserpents, Ssslytherin sssendsss hisss greetingsss, and hasss sssent me to ssspeak with you. Will you consssent to ssspeak with me?"
The giant serpent moving across the chamber was loud in Harry's ears and he froze. From the corner of his eyes, he could see her getting closer, and he realized just how massive she was. His instincts screamed at him to run, but he made himself stay and stand tall.
He had to show her that he was strong and would be able to take good care of her. The voice that spoke was far older, more tired, and much sadder than Salazar's had been. But it was also beautiful and lyrical as well, the sound drawing him in.
"Sssalazar? My old friend hassst sssent thee? It hasss been a long time sssince I have ssspoken to a human. I ssshall ssspeak with thee, youngling. If he hassst sssent thee, it meansss thou art under hisss protection. Thou can look upon me youngling, I wilt not hurt thee."
Harry raised his eyes and beheld the Queen of Snakes. "Merlin, your magnificent," Harry breathed, staring with his mouth hanging open.
Saleena proudly lifted her head and preened. She was truly breathtaking, majestic and had such beautiful colors. A bright venomous green showed throughout the darker green scales along her body, and around her head were streaks of yellow, red and orange, with a few feathers of the same colors protruding from the back of her massive head. She lowered her head to gaze at Harry with her beautiful yellow eyes.
"Thank thee, youngling. Why did Sssalazar sssend thee, young ssspeaker? He mussst have had a reassson."
Harry snapped out of his awed state, closed his mouth with a snap, and blushing he replied, "He hasss asssked me to sssave you, he sssaid you were in danger."
Saleena squeezed her eyes shut. If basilisks could cry, Harry thought she just might do it. Through his magic, Harry could feel her pain but also her relief. Saleena spoke softly.
"Oh, Sssalazar, my friend. Yesss youngling, I am in danger. I mussst obey any who knowessst the sssacred language of my ancessstorsss. The lassst ssspeaker wasss evil and usssed me to kill a ssstudent. He sssent me back here until hisss return. I do not want to be helplessss like that again. If Sssalazar hassst ssshown thee a way to end that, I ssshall listen."
Harry felt bad for Saleena. He knew what it was like to be helpless, to be forced to do things against his will. Harry would never force anyone to do anything. He held out a hand, looking her right in the eye so she knew she had a choice.
"May I have the honor of touching your beautiful scales, Sssaleena?"
The serpent's eyes sparkled. This was the first time someone had asked for her permission since Salazar Slytherin himself. She was touched by the understanding and thoughtfulness of one so young. Saleena flicked her tongue out to taste the air.
The boy's intentions were pure, but she could also taste the sorrow and pain in him as well. She cocked her head to the side in contemplation and decided she would like to learn more about this brave child that had gained Salazar's trust.
"You may, youngling. I thank thee for giving me the option to refussse."
"Everyone dessservess to have a choice. I would never force you to do sssomething that you did not want to do. I underssstand what that isss like and I would never do that to sssomeone elssse."
Saleena studied Harry as he bowed his head in respect and slowly took the steps forward to be able to reach her coils. He placed his hand on her and felt her warmth seep into his hand. He smiled as he looked at his hand lying on one of her scales, it was five times the size of his hand.
Harry dragged his hand along her side and raked his nails across the scales, causing a rumble to come from the snake. He jerked his hand off, fearful of angering or hurting her, and quickly looked up to see her reaction.
"That felt good, youngling. I have not been ssscratched in many a year and these wallsss can only do ssso much."
"Then I will be sssure to do it often." Harry smiled, running his hand along her scales once more.
Harry moved back to face Saleena again, he really hoped this worked, for Saleena's sake. He then presented Saleena with the idea that Salazar suggested, hoping she would not be disgusted and would agree to bond with him. Saleena searched Harry's eyes for a while before she nodded her acceptance.
Harry smiled widely, then began the ancient words of bonding:
"O, Regina Ssserpentium, te oro. Ego iure benedictionisss de Capite Domusss Ssslytherinae vinculum vobissscum peto." (O, Queen of Serpents, I beseech you. I, by right of blessings from the Head of Slytherin House, request a bonding with you.)
Saleena responded in Parseltongue, as was proper. "I, asss Queen, accept thine requessst. From herewith I ssshall follow thy inssstructionsss asss thine familiar."
A white light engulfed Harry and he staggered, the bonding was very draining but he could not stop now. He steadied himself and moved on to the next part that would free her from her Geis and save her life.
"Cum potessstate nossstra vinculo donate, ab omni coacta obediential vosss libero. Vosss liberi essstisss sssequi ordinem quemlibet sssequi vultisss. Concedo tibi praesssidium ab omnibusss veneficiisss, qui absss te illam libertatem tollant. Sssic fiat fiat." (With the power given me by our bonding, I free you from all compulsory obedience. You are free to follow any order you wish to follow. I grant you protection from all spells that would take that freedom away from you. So mote it be.)
When the last word was spoken, Harry's world tilted. He felt his magic slip away and darkness was taking over his vision. He had no strength to catch himself and would have hit the ground if Saleena had not caught him.
Softly she said, "I thankessst thee ssspeaker and friend. I felt the Geisss break asss thou finissshed and I can feel our bond. Ressst now. Asss thine familiar, I wilt be here to watch over thee asss thou recoversss."
Harry smiled, he had done it, Saleena was safe. He would have to tell Salazar the good news. Harry closed his eyes, he was exhausted.