CHAPTER 26: TAMPERED BLUDGER
Harry breathed in the thick, foul air of the underground cavern, feeling its dampness cling to his skin like a heavy cloak. Each step he took echoed through the labyrinth of large pipes, the sound foreign and unsettling in the stillness.
"Selena, reveal yourself," Harry's voice slithered through the darkness, his eyes scanning the vast chamber. His fingers brushed against the cool surface of one of the serpent statues, their sleek forms coiled in a silent dance. There were twenty-one of them in total, each depicting a different species of snake, except for one solitary figure near the entrance, its resemblance to a python striking.
A scraping noise, like scales on stone, announced Selena arrival from behind Harry. He turned, a rare smile touching his lips as he met the gaze of her large, yellow eyes. She moved with a grace that belied her immense size, her serpentine body undulating through the tunnels with fluid ease. When she reared up to her full height, her spines flared, adding to her imposing presence as she regarded Harry.
"It is Master Shadow, accompanied by the esteemed serpent Coilis," Selena voice was a soft whisper, tinged with disappointment. "I have failed you; the foolish feline has managed to survive."
Harry's brow furrowed at the news, his mind already racing with plans to rectify the situation. "Do not dwell on past failures, Selena. We shall deal with the feline in due time," he reassured her, though his tone held a hint of irritation. "For now, we must focus on the task at hand."
Remarkably, Selena voice held a feminine allure, reminiscent of a young woman in her prime, despite her age spanning centuries. It was a comforting melody, akin to the gentle cadence of Carpatha's voice, evoking memories of distant times.
"Rest your worries, Selena. Your actions have sown seeds of discord and struck fear into the hearts of our enemies. You've exceeded my expectations, and for that, you deserve more than mere praise," Harry's hiss carried a soothing undertone as he caressed the spines on her face. Selena leaned into his touch, her eyes glimmering with amusement.
"I am deeply honored by your words. It has been an eternity of solitude down here, with no companionship, no one to share the darkness with. Master Salazar was the last to grace these chambers, and though Master Riddle was formidable, his thirst for power consumed him," Selena voice resonated with a hint of melancholy.
"Master Riddle, my father, now goes by the name Lord Voldemort," Harry replied, his tone carrying a mixture of pride and reservation. Selena reaction was unexpected; her wide yellow eyes bore into him with surprise.
"Ah, Master Riddle succeeded then? He attained the pinnacle of dark magic, the very essence of life itself?" she inquired, her gaze intense as she scrutinized Harry. He smiled, though Coilis averted his gaze, unwilling to meet her eye.
"I was raised in a family of light, but I endeavor to walk a different path," Harry admitted. Selena nodded understandingly, her massive form coiling comfortably on the cavern floor.
"I'm certain you've made your mark, little hatchling," she acknowledged, her words carrying a sense of respect as she settled into a figure-eight position, preparing to rest.
"And you, Serpent Coilis," Selena voice held a note of reverence, causing Coilis to raise his head in surprise. "You are not what you appear to be. I see beyond the surface, the darkness hidden beneath this new skin. I see the essence of your being, the blood in your veins, and the gleam in your fangs."
Coilis's eyes widened in astonishment. "You see me, esteemed Selena? You peer into my very soul?"
"I was bestowed the title of Noble Serpent by Master Salazar," Selena explained. "He deemed it fitting for my extraordinary eyesight, for I possess a gift few basilisks are blessed with. But with this gift comes a heavy burden."
"The burden of death," Coilis murmured, his scales rippling with a mixture of sorrow and understanding. "To see beyond the veil of mortality, yet to be shunned from the light of life and knowledge."
Selena nodded solemnly. "Times have indeed changed. Basilisks, once plentiful, are now rare and hunted for their exquisite scales. Few remain, perhaps fifty at most, and no new ones are created, for the knowledge of our kind has faded from the realms of magic."
Harry observed the exchange in silence, recognizing the depth of the connection between the two ancient beings. He took a step back, unwilling to intrude upon their moment of communion.
"In my youth, Diamondcross basilisks were revered," Selena continued, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "Their scales shimmered with silver and brown hues, and the darkness of black was unknown. There was one among them, a dear friend named Tanith. Thirty feet in length, with jade eyes that sparkled with pride and beauty. Master Salazar held her in high regard, but Godric's enmity led to her downfall. In a tragic accident, her once vibrant scales dimmed."
Selena voice was barely a whisper, laden with sorrow as she recounted Tanith's fate. Coilis, sensing her melancholy, gently flicked his tongue against her snout, urging her to continue.
"Master Salazar preserved her legacy," Selena resumed, her tone carrying a mixture of reverence and grief. "With his immense power, he transformed her remains into cloth and parchment, integrating them into the very fabric of his crest."
Harry's astonishment was palpable as he processed this revelation. 'So the emblem of Slytherin house bears the essence of a silver Diamondcross,' he mused, his gaze fixated on the ancient serpents before him.
Selena voice regained a semblance of composure as she spoke again. "Each of these mighty serpents adorning this passage shares a bond with Master Salazar and me. But at the end of this chamber stands a solitary statue, unmatched by any counterpart."
Coilis nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing the significance of the statue Selena referred to. "That statue represents the young Nagini, a hatchling when I first encountered her," he affirmed. "But what lies across from her, Selena?"
Selena gaze shifted toward Coilis, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. She awaited his response, eager to unravel the mysteries hidden within the depths of their shared domain.
Harry's eyes widened in astonishment as the statue materialized before them, its form reflecting the sleek and deadly elegance of Coilis. Each detail, from the angular head to the smooth scales, was captured with uncanny precision.
"It is you, Coilis," Harry breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. Selena nodded in affirmation, her eyes gleaming with approval.
"You shall stand here as a testament to your legacy for as long as I draw breath, Coilis," Selena declared, her voice resonating with pride. "May your scales shimmer under the cloak of the midnight moon."
"And may your fangs gleam with the promise of swift justice," Coilis responded, his own voice filled with reverence as he acknowledged Selena words.
With a graceful movement, Selena slithered away, disappearing into the shadows of the passage. Her destination: the Forbidden Forest, where she would hunt the unwanted Acromantulas and pesky four-horned deer that threatened the tranquility of the grounds.
For Harry, the specific prey mattered little. As long as Selena thrived, he found contentment in the knowledge that his loyal companions, both serpent and human, remained by his side.
As Selena ventured into the depths of the Forbidden Forest, her senses heightened, attuned to the subtlest movements of her surroundings. The forest echoed with the whispers of ancient magic, and the rustle of leaves stirred by unseen creatures.
With silent determination, Selena slithered through the dense undergrowth, her sinuous form weaving effortlessly between the trees. Her keen eyes scanned the shadows, searching for any sign of her prey.
Suddenly, a faint rustling caught her attention. Selena froze, her senses honed as she detected the presence of an Acromantula lurking nearby. With calculated precision, she maneuvered closer, her movements as fluid as a whisper in the wind.
As she approached, the massive spider emerged from its hiding place, its eight legs skittering across the forest floor. Selena coiled herself, ready to strike with deadly accuracy.
In a swift motion, she lunged forward, her fangs sinking deep into the creature's flesh. The Acromantula let out a piercing screech, but Selena grip was unyielding. With a final, decisive blow, she delivered the fatal strike, vanquishing her foe.
With the Acromantula defeated, Selena continued her hunt, her determination unwavering. Whether it was the elusive four-horned deer or any other creature that dared to threaten the sanctity of the forest, Selena would stand vigilant, a guardian of the shadows.
Meanwhile, back in the depths of the chamber, Harry watched with a sense of pride as Selena fulfilled her duty. He knew that as long as she roamed the forest, protecting their domain, a sense of peace would prevail.
As the cold and dampness of the forest enveloped them, Coilis remained steadfast by Selena side, aiding her in the hunt. Together, they moved with silent grace through the dense foliage, their senses attuned to the slightest disturbance in the air.
Meanwhile, in the bustling atmosphere of the Quidditch pitch, Slytherin and Gryffindor clashed in a fierce match. Harry's surprise was palpable as Draco Malfoy, of all people, took to the skies as the Slytherin seeker. Despite his initial skepticism, Harry had to admit that Draco showed impressive skill, outmaneuvering even Daemon Potter, who was rumored to be the Heir to Slytherin.
As the quaffle was released, Harry watched with a mix of interest and confusion. The snitch hovered tantalizingly close to Daemon, yet he made no move to capture it. Instead, Draco seized the opportunity to taunt his opponent, their brooms weaving in and out as they engaged in a high-stakes aerial dance.
But amidst the excitement of the game, a sudden danger emerged. Theo's sharp observation drew Harry's attention to a Bludger hurtling through the air with deadly precision. It wasn't just a rogue Bludger; it had been hexed, specifically targeting Daemon.
"The Bludger's been cursed!" Harry exclaimed, his senses on high alert as he watched Draco narrowly evade the deadly projectile. Even Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle, usually preoccupied with their own pursuits, were now riveted by the unfolding danger.
With a surge of determination, Harry focused on the task at hand. He couldn't let Daemon fall victim to such treachery, not when the stakes were so high. As the Quidditch match continued to unfold, Harry knew that he had to intervene, to protect his friend from the sinister forces at play.
As tension mounted on the Quidditch pitch, Daphne's voice trembled with concern, her eyes fixed on Draco's perilous situation. "Can we do something to stop it?" she implored, her worry for Draco's safety evident.
Theo's gaze shifted to Harry, seeking reassurance. "Harry, can you intervene?" he asked, his tone tinged with urgency. Harry's response was measured, his expression unreadable.
"We could, but I think it's best to let this unfold," Harry replied cryptically, his eyes never leaving the tumultuous scene playing out before them.
Draco's expert maneuvers kept him just out of harm's way, narrowly dodging the Bludger as it whizzed past Daemon. The Gryffindor seeker's startled exclamation drew Fred and George Weasley's ire, their annoyance evident as they exchanged glances.
With a calculated flick of his wrist, the cursed Bludger rebounded, striking Daemon's broom with brutal force. Draco, seizing the opportunity, expertly captured the snitch, his victory tinged with a hint of satisfaction.
As the students rushed onto the field in a frenzy of excitement, Draco landed gracefully, tension coiling in his muscles as Pansy enveloped him in a tight embrace, her fear for his well-being palpable.
Harry approached the scene with a composed demeanor, his gaze fixing on Daemon, who lay crumpled on the ground, his cries echoing across the pitch. It was evident that the fall had not been without consequences; Daemon's ankle hung limp and twisted, fragments of bone protruding through the skin in a grotesque display of injury.
As the cursed Bludger looped back once more, Harry's resolve hardened. He knew he couldn't allow Daemon to suffer at the hands of a mere object, no matter how dangerous. With a resigned sigh, he raised his wand, prepared to take action.
But before Harry could cast a spell, Gilderoy Lockhart interjected with his usual flair, brandishing his wand dramatically. "Allow me, Mr. Obsidian!" Lockhart declared, his voice tinged with false confidence.
Snape, however, was quick to dismiss Lockhart's offer, sneering at the notion. "Please, Gilderoy, you lack the expertise to handle such matters," he retorted, his wand at the ready.
Meanwhile, the Bludger seemed to hesitate for a moment, emitting small chirps as it recalibrated its target. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, it charged straight at Harry.
Knowing that the Bludger was programmed to target him due to his blood, Harry acted swiftly. "Reducto!" he shouted, narrowly missing the Bludger as it veered off course. However, in its erratic flight, the Bludger collided with Harry's arm, snapping bone and eliciting a cry of pain.
Gritting his teeth against the agony, Harry shifted his wand to his left hand, his movements surprisingly fluid despite the injury. "Calusses Siege!" he snarled, casting a spell that enveloped the Bludger in a web-like net of purple energy, causing it to dissolve into a sticky tar-like substance.
As Daphne rushed to his side, Harry couldn't help but chuckle darkly, though the pain threatened to overwhelm him. "You're left-handed?" she asked in astonishment, her expression one of both concern and curiosity.
Harry's chuckle turned into a grimace as he nodded. "Looks like it," he replied, his voice strained but determined to maintain his composure in the face of adversity.
Harry's revelation about his ambidextrous skills elicited a nod of understanding from Daphne, who listened intently. However, her attention quickly shifted to Lockhart's clumsy attempt at healing Daemon, resulting in a disastrous outcome.
"I see what you mean," Daphne whispered, her gaze fixed on Lockhart's ineptitude. Harry nodded grimly, his distrust for the incompetent professor solidifying with each passing moment.
With Ron and Hermione's assistance, Daemon was carefully transported to the Hospital Wing, the weight of his body requiring additional help from a few fifth-year students. Harry and Daphne followed closely behind, their minds preoccupied with the events that had transpired.
Once they were settled in their respective beds, Harry beckoned Daphne closer, his voice barely above a whisper amidst Daemon's sobs. "Don't let anyone visit me, take charge of my responsibilities, and inform Morsus of my whereabouts when he arrives at the common room. And above all, stay out of trouble," Harry instructed, his tone firm and serious.
Daphne nodded in understanding, her commitment to Harry's directives unwavering. With a brief affirmation, she turned her attention to comforting Daemon, her presence a source of solace amidst the chaos of the Hospital Wing.
As the sounds of Daemon's distress filled the air, Harry closed his eyes, his mind racing with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead. Despite the uncertainty and turmoil surrounding him, he found reassurance in Daphne's quiet determination, knowing that she would remain steadfast in her loyalty to him.
As Madam Pomfrey efficiently ushered out the uninjured students, Harry remained behind, his mind churning with ideas to improve the safety of the Hospital Wing. Her rant about the violent nature of Quidditch games didn't go unnoticed, prompting Harry to offer a suggestion.
"Why not implement a ward on the door to alert you of the severity of the threat when a student enters?" Harry proposed smoothly, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. Madam Pomfrey, taken aback by his sudden presence, turned to face him with a start.
"Oh! You're awake," she exclaimed, her surprise evident as she gestured towards the slumbering Daemon. Harry resisted the urge to snort at the comparison between Daemon's pain and the Cruciatus curse.
"No, I have a high pain tolerance," Harry replied with a wry smile, leaving Madam Pomfrey momentarily flustered. Unable to refute his claim, she redirected her attention to her duties.
"Mr. Obsidian, I'm afraid you must drink this. It will taste horrid," Madam Pomfrey warned, offering him a cup containing a lilac-colored potion. Harry raised an eyebrow, knowing that the potency of a potion often correlated with its unpleasant taste.
"The worse it tastes, the more effective it is," Harry remarked before downing the potion in one gulp, suppressing a shiver at the bitter flavor. Madam Pomfrey watched in impressed silence before a smile spread across her face, acknowledging Harry's resilience in the face of discomfort.
Madam Pomfrey's smile softened as she observed Harry's compliance with her treatment, a rare occurrence among the students she tended to. Harry, sensing the shift in atmosphere, sat up and took her left hand in his own.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Madam Pomfrey. I am Obsidian, Harry Obsidian," he introduced himself with a polite nod before pressing his lips to the back of her hand in a gesture of respect, a traditional Pureblood greeting. It was a gesture Harry was sure she hadn't experienced before.
"The pleasure is all mine, Harry Obsidian," Madam Pomfrey replied, her voice touched with genuine warmth as she returned the gesture.
Later that night, Harry was roused from his slumber by a soft hissing in his ear. As he blinked awake, he recognized the voice of Coilis, his loyal companion.
"Master, awaken please... I have returned," Coilis's voice resonated with a sense of urgency. "Selena sends her regrets. She feels it's time to resume her hunt after the encounter with the cat. She ventures out tonight."
"Understood, Coilis. Be swift," Harry responded, his mind already racing with thoughts of Selena return to the hunt.
"As you will," Coilis acknowledged before slipping back into the shadows, leaving Harry to contemplate the events of the night and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.
As the silent infirmary embraced the tranquility of the night, Potter lay in deep slumber, his mind drifting amidst dreams and whispers. A cold breeze brushed past him, barely stirring his sleeping form, as Coilis slithered silently out of the room, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.
When Harry finally stirred awake, it was to the hushed murmurs of teachers gathered around a bed, their voices barely audible. For once, the attention wasn't focused on Daemon, but rather on another patient.
"Do you think he managed to capture an image of his attacker?" Professor McGonagall whispered, producing something from her pocket that emitted a foul odor as it quickly dissolved.
"The chamber has indeed been opened. I trust you to find a cure, Severus?" Professor Dumbledore's voice was tinged with concern as he addressed Snape.
"Cured? Another petrification case. I don't blame her; troublesome children are difficult to kill nowadays," Snape muttered, his tone laced with disdain.
Harry observed the scene with a mix of curiosity and detachment. His thoughts briefly turned to Daemon, whose wide brown eyes flickered in the darkness. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for his role in the incident, despite his intentions.
As the conversation continued, Harry feigned sleep, his eyelids closed as he listened intently. Suddenly, a loud exclamation shattered the silence, causing Harry to almost cringe.
"Ronald! Be quiet, you might wake him!" Hermione Granger's voice scolded, her annoyance palpable. Harry suppressed a smirk, knowing full well the consequences of Ron's outburst.
"Too late," Harry interjected, flicking his eyes open and sitting up, his gaze locking with the startled trio. Indeed, Harry slept like the dead, a trait he had possessed since childhood, much to the chagrin of those around him.
As the realization dawned upon them, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement at the spectacle before him. Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding him, he found solace in the familiarity of the infirmary and the camaraderie of his friends, even amidst their bumbling antics.
As Harry glanced over at the overflowing bedside table, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of the meticulously arranged gifts from his friends. The tidiness and organization were unmistakably Slytherin traits, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards them. Meanwhile, Coilis snoozed contentedly around the bedpost, his form resembling more of a stuffed snake than a living creature.
"Looks like the snakes have a heart after all," Daemon sneered, his tone laced with bitterness as he observed the scene. Harry rolled his eyes at Daemon's remark and turned his attention to Coilis.
"So, what brings you here?" Harry mused, his fingers tracing the contours of Coilis's twisted back.
"What's he doing? Playing with a toy?" Ron whispered to Daemon, who shrugged in response, oblivious to the true nature of Coilis's presence. Hermione, however, recognized the serpent immediately.
"Oh, that's... Morsus, if I remember correctly," she stated tentatively, taking a hesitant step forward. At that precise moment, Coilis lifted his head, his golden eyes locking onto hers.
"Master? Oh, you're awake, master!" Coilis yawned, his voice filled with excitement as he uncoiled himself from the bedpost.
Hermione recoiled slightly at the sudden movement, only to blush and step forward again, her curiosity overcoming her initial hesitation. Meanwhile, Daemon and Ron engaged in hushed whispers, their conversation veering towards morbid topics in Hermione's absence.
Harry observed the interactions between Coilis and Hermione with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. As Coilis received a gentle stroke on his head from Hermione, he blinked lazily, clearly enjoying the attention. Hermione's cautious touch on his back earned her a nod of approval from Coilis, much to Harry's surprise.
"Well, she has tough hide. I like her," Coilis remarked, his voice filled with admiration. Harry blinked in astonishment as Coilis settled his head on Harry's lap, seemingly content in Hermione's presence.
"...He likes you," Hermione exclaimed with a radiant smile, her joy evident despite the scowls from Ron and Daemon in the background.
Meanwhile, Daemon seized the opportunity to engage Harry in conversation, attempting to catch him off guard. However, Harry remained unfazed, calmly responding to Daemon's inquiries.
"Ah, you mean the incident with another victim being brought in? This time, a human?" Harry replied casually, reaching for a cauldron cake as he spoke. The mention of a dueling club piqued his interest, sparking a new idea in his mind.
"A dueling club? That sounds intriguing," Ron interjected, attempting to steer the conversation towards lighter topics.
Harry's thoughts, however, were already elsewhere, his mind racing with plans and schemes. As he contemplated his next move, a sense of determination filled him, fueling his resolve to uncover the truth behind the recent events at Hogwarts.
"I need to send a letter to father," Harry thought to himself, his focus unwavering as he plotted his next move in the intricate game of politics and intrigue that surrounded him.
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