I wrote this for fun, nothing more.

"Hey, Mordred."

"What?"

"Don't look back now but the trio of dofuses are staring at you."

Dropping the sandwich he was eating, Mordred Murdoc Gaunt gave his friend, Theodore Nott, a disgruntled frown.

Theo however found it amusing. "Especially Potter - you'd think he fancies you." He smirks.

Swallowing his food, Mordred cleans his teeth with his tongue. "If he does than he better take me out first. I'm not that easy to win over."

Theo laughs and yet Mordred was none too happy about this. Carefully, he turns his head - as to not get caught, quickly glances over to the gryffindor table.

Damn.

Theo was right. They were staring right at him. It was like they weren't even trying to hide it.

"Do you think it has something do with the chamber being open?" Theo asks, causing Mordred to look back at him.

Looking down at his soggy bread, Mordred responds rather somber-like. "I don't see how it has anything to do with me."

Nott nearly spits out. "Are you serious? It has everything to do with you. You're the heir!"

"So?"

"So?" Theo repeats in disbelief. "So?" Saying it louder. "Two people are petrified and a ghost gets attacked and you're here pretending you had nothing to do with it."

A look of boredom takes over his face. "I don't." He said, picking up his food again, taking a bite.

"Then who else?" Rubbing his chin, Theo rests his elbow on the table. "You're the only one I can think of who can open the chamber - Not unless it was Potter, with him speaking parseltongue and whatnot."

The news had very little effect on him. "Weird, isn't it?"

He thinks for a couple seconds, raising a brow, Theo asks. "Are you sure you guys aren't related? You could be very distant relatives. Very, very, very distant relatives."

Wiping his mouth, Mordred reaches for his drink. "I'm sure. Now, will you shut up? I'm trying to enjoy my lunch."

In response, Theo growls, glaring at him and soon things get quiet between the two. But Mordred knew Nott still had questions - as did everybody in this bloody school.

There was a lot of confusion circulating.

All this time it was assumed that Mordred was only living relative of Salazar Slytherin. The name Gaunt gave it away. But ever since it was discovered that Harry Potter - the great chosen one - was a parseltongue, they were no longer sure who was telling the truth.

As Mordred chewed his food, he too pondered. He didn't want to admit it, but the location of the chamber was driving him crazy. He had no idea where in hell it was. He highly doubts Potter knows anything about it.

Speaking of which, Mordred could still feel their eyes on him.

They were curious about him. In fact, so was everyone. When he first arrived, no one could believe that a Gaunt actually existed. It was always believed that they had gone extinct. To their shock, his appearance was not one they expected. They thought him evil; they thought him cruel, they thought he shared his family's beliefs, how wrong they were.

Over time, they come to realize that their worries were misplaced. They'd soon find out the boy was harmless, he was very laid back, hardly causing a stir. He's often caught at courtyard playing Gobstones with children from the other houses, teaching muggles how to play Exploding Snap and overall, just being normal.

But, ever since rumors of the chamber of secrets being opened, things have gotten quite strain. It was like they were afraid of him, afraid of what he might do next.

It was actually funny.

However, now that it is known about Potter's strange new abilities, there were some that believed he was behind the attacks. Of course, there were others who thought Mordred was the one and was simply trying to frame the golden boy.

Regardless, Mordred wasn't about to indulge the public. They can speculate all they want, and he will just ignore it.

There was something odd about that Mordred boy.

It didn't have to do with him being a Gaunt - Well, not entirely. There was a strange aura around him, it left many people confused. It couldn't be described, the feeling wasn't good, but it also wasn't so bad. Harry was led to believe that the house of snakes were nothing but pompous purebloods, or at least that was the impression he got from Malfoy. Hermione described them to be the ambitious sorts. Very cunning, developing high self-preservation and known for their determination. Ron, however, summed them up as 'house of death eaters'. Regardless, Mordred seemed to have tossed out those ideas to the trash. He was strange, everything thing that made the house Slytherin, he was not.

For weeks, Harry has been keeping an eye on Mordred. Waiting to see what he does next. He was positive that it was Mordred who was behind the attacks. He, who attacked Colin Creevey and Justin Finch-Fletchley, it had to be him. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that Mordred had to have opened the chamber of secrets. He was a Gaunt. If anyone could do it, it was him - Well at least that's what he's been telling himself. Because what other explanation could there be? Everyone in the school practically hated him - or were afraid of him. The incident with the snake, made everyone see him differently. How was he supposed to know he could speak in Parseltongue? It didn't make any sense to him. Even he was beginning to question himself as a wizard.

No, he couldn't start thinking like that. It was all a mistake. He was being framed, set up by someone. But who? Well, the answer was obvious. It was the boy who was currently wiping his wet nose with the helm of his sleeves, Mordred.

So far, there hasn't been any activity from him. Other than going to class, Mordred spends most of his days laying outside in the courtyard, staring at the sky or taking short naps. Yesterday, Mordred was found sharing a box of Bertie Bott's Evert Flavour Beans with a group of first years. Strangely enough, Mordred was even noticed walking near Hagrid's hut, tossing breadcrumbs at some Jobberknolls and the last time anyone saw Mordred, he was seen playing Gobstones with one of his own housemates, Seamus Finnigan.

Since then, nothing has happened, and Harry was getting restless. He felt as though he was running out of options. If it wasn't Mordred wasn't the heir - who else was there? Harry thought he had the slytherin all figured out. He believed Mordred was the type to brag his accomplishments. Weren't slytherin's known for that? Especially for a Gaunt... - Going by Malfoy's example - Maybe Mordred would be inclined to spill the beans with those within his house. But even then, Harry was having a hard time hearing anything. They were all tightlipped, he could hardly find anyone that would speak ill about him, or anything for that matter. It was kind of eerie in a way. As though the entire slytherin house was keeping a secret, his secret. If only Harry could get inside, perhaps then, he'd get his answers.

It was his final resort.

Harry just had to wait for Hermione to get everything set up. They had planned everything out. All they needed now was time. Once everyone was out of the castle, maybe then, he'd get what he was looking for and his name would be clear from the spiraling rumors that were surrounding him. At this point, Harry was willing to do anything. The rumors were getting out of control to the point that students were beginning to hide out fear of running into him. At least Hermione and Ron were still willing to stick around. Hermione hasn't thrown out the possibility that maybe Harry was indeed related to one of its founders, but Harry refused to believe it, there simply was no way.

It has to be Mordred. It just has to be.

The Slytherin common room was in commotion the following morning, students rushing and doing last minute packing. Students were heading home for the holidays, those that were remaining sat back to witness all this hullabaloo.

One of those being Mordred. He could be seen laying on one of the couches.

"You know, you don't have to stay here." Theo approaches Mordred, dragging his trunk. He was wearing his winter coat while trying to adjust his scarf with his free hand. "You could always come to my place, I'm sure father wouldn't mind."

Mordred wanted to scoff. "I'm surprised you're even going in the first place. I thought you hated your father."

"I do." He admits without any hesitation.

"Then? Why are you going?"

There was a weary look forming in Theo's eyes. "He isn't giving me much of a choice."

Shifting his body, Mordred doesn't say more.

"Hey, why aren't you going home?" Theo asks.

Glancing up at the ceiling, Mordred lets out a small breath. "Too boring."

Tilting his head, Theo frowns. "What do you mean?"

"It means what it means."

"It means that Gaunt doesn't have anyone to wait for him."

That's when the two turn their heads in the direction of the sudden intruding voice. To no one's surprise, it was Draco Malfoy, sticking his nose in other people's business.

Folding his arms, he chuckles and walks towards them. "Ain't that right Gaunt?" His friends were nowhere in sight.

Malfoy wasn't wearing any outside apparel, his hands were also empty, which led Mordred to believe that he will have the misfortune of having him for company during the break. "Is that why you're staying here too? Did your parents forget about you?"

"No! They didn't." Draco spouts in annoyance. "Stupid aurors have been showing up at the manor nonstop and Mother doesn't want me there when they show."

"Ah," Mordred nods his head as he lays. "Father's trying to hide all his dark relics to avoid any suspicion that he is indeed a coward."

Draco's face instantly turns red and flares out. "Shut up! You don't know anything about my father. He could get rid of you with a snap of his fingers if you aren't careful. So I'd watch what I say, Gaunt."

Closing his eyes, Mordred sighs. They were all just empty threats to him. "Bold of you to say. Especially when you are speaking to the heir."

This hardly did anything to sway the blond. "As if! Everyone in slytherin knows you aren't actually the heir. If you were, you'd know where the chamber of secrets is - Which you don't."

"Even if he doesn't." Theo interjects. "It still doesn't change the fact that Mordred is a Gaunt and Gaunts are the direct descendants of Slytherin. He can't be discounted, Malfoy."

Rolling his eyes, Draco scoffs out. "Please, The name Gaunt carries no weight." Chuckling to himself, he thought to provoke Mordred. "They haven't been respected in years, they're irrelevant, just like Mordred. Besides, how do we know he's even telling the truth? Can you even speak Parseltongue?"

"Yes." Mordred said plainly.

"Let's hear it then." Draco challenges. Quickly sparing a glance at Nott, he can see that he was just as intrigued.

However, the request was instantly denied. "No."

Stunned, it took Draco a couple of seconds to process it. "No?"

"No."

"Wh-Why not?" Draco growls out in frustration.

He smiles, knowing it would further upset him. "I don't want to."

"That's because you can't speak!" He huffs out vehemently. "Admit it, you're nothing but a fake trying to pass as a Gaunt. All that talk - you can't even prove any of it!"

Pointing at him, Draco could see Theo shuddering from the side. Yet, His odd behavior didn't stop him from saying. "If you really were then you could easily rid the school of those filthy muggles but instead you have the audacity to associate yourself with them. If you really are a pureblood then you're nothing but a blood traitor. I don't know what's worse, being a fake or a traitor."

There was silence.

Gathering the attention of everyone in the room, there was a mixture of emotions surfacing inside around the area.

The older students looked at each other confused. They weren't sure if they should stop them or watch because honestly, they were equally invested in the conversation. Some of the smaller children shared a look of worry but knew to keep their mouths shut out of some strange fear of what might happen should they utter a sound.

Theo was nearly pale, looking at Mordred with apprehension.

Although there was something they had all had in common, they all wanted to know how Mordred would answer. It was like their only chance to see, to get the answers they were looking for.

Since hardly anyone knew anything about him (and he barely talked about himself) they were treating this as a rarity.

As the silence grew, it was shortly cut by a wheezing breath.

When their eyes went to Mordred, who laid there soundlessly, they were surprised to find him unmoving. His eyes were kept closed; his hands were resting behind his head.

The sound was coming from his slightly opened mouth.

He had been snoring.

Draco notices, to his shock and slight embarrassment, Mordred made no attempts to move or answer. He was stunned. "Hey! Are you listening to me?" Draco took a few steps closer.

Another second passes.

"I was waiting for you to say something important." He ends up mumbling whilst earning a chuckle from Nott. "If you're done being annoying, leave. I want to enjoy my break without having to hear your nonsense."

"Now listen here Gaunt -" Mordred's patience was getting thinner with every word. He abruptly stands and marches right up to the blond.

Malfoy was shorter in comparison to Mordred; it wasn't much but the difference was noticeable. "No, you listen Malfoy, I don't have to prove anything to you -" Pushing Draco back with a sharp finger, his tone gets darker. "or anyone. So I suggest you stop pestering me before I break that thin skull of yours and trust me when I say that I don't need a wand to do it. Parseltongue or not, I'll have snakes feeding on your bones after I'm through with you."

Mordred gives one final push that causes Draco to stumble back.

Rubbing the middle in his chest, his heated glare shoots straight towards Mordred. Any response Malfoy might have had was quickly shot down when Gaunt turned his back to walk to the couch where he was laying before.

The threat didn't go unnoticed. The common room remains quiet, and everyone begins to stare at the two. Even Theo had taken a few steps back, almost like he was afraid he might get tangled in the crosshairs.

Draco was trembling with rage, Mordred was sure he'd hex him, but was amused when he didn't "My father will hear about this." He seethed before walking away.

Draco's exit causes a shift in the room. When his presence was no longer felt, it was like everything had gone back to normal. The rapid commotion returns, and the students run back and forth, packing and retrieving goods that they might have forgotten. It was still fairly early, and the train wouldn't depart for another hour, it still didn't stop them from creating a loud ruckus.

At his departure, Mordred returns to his laying pose, inhaling deeply, he sighs. Ignoring a few onlookers, he asks Theo. "I think I might have upset Draco."

"You think?" Theo snorts, looking in the direction where Malfoy had disappeared. "You shouldn't have said that. Now, he's going to bully you for the rest of the year."

Consequences be damned, he didn't seem to care. "He's harmless."

"I don't believe you."

Mordred laughs, letting out another sigh. "Everything will be fine. Malfoy will forget about it in a day or two and move on. Besides, isn't he… like obsessed with Potter?"

"Yeah… I believe so." He said while scratching the back of his head. "He won't shut up about him."

"See? I have nothing to worry about then." Mordred said finally. "You should get going, I wouldn't want you missing the train back home."

Pressing his lips into a thin line, Theo says. "If you can even call it that."

"We're often given very little choice, remember?"

"Yeah, but unlike mine, your home probably loads better and at least your father doesn't hound you." He retorts, gripping the handle of his trunk. "Wait… do you even have a father?" He asks, suddenly remembering.

Silence was his only answer.

Theo might've been a friend, but that didn't mean they were that close. He hardly knew anything about Mordred other than the fact that he was a Gaunt. He wasn't even sure if Mordred had any parents. If he did, he wondered who they were. He thought they were all dead. - did his parents happen to be related? It was no secret that Gaunts were inbred and over the years it would show. Each member would show physical signs of deformities, if it wasn't physical, it was surely mentally.

Glancing down at his sleepy friend, Nott was surprised that Mordred came out looking normal.

It was like he suddenly popped out of nowhere. During their first year, when Gaunt's name was first announced, he came in quietly, sitting and waiting to be sorted. There would be a pause as the hat decided, but ultimately, Mordred would be sorted where he was always expected to be, in Slytherin.

Of course, the popular theory around the school is Mordred being the son of the dreaded wizard who terrorized the wizarding world, he-who-must-not-be-named.

Theo was more inclined to agree however, Mordred had insisted that he was by no means his father.

So, then who?

"Mordred…?"

"Happy Yule, Theo." Mordred said softly, turning his body to the side, he ended their conversation.

Theo took the sign, lowering his eyes. "Happy Yule, Mordred."

On Christmas morning, Mordred would wake up to silence. His roommates had left - which included Theo - leaving him alone in the room. Slipping into his bed robes he headed down to the slytherin common room that was heavily decorated.

There were bright colorful lights hanging from the walls, shiny rotating ornaments, large garlands that were pinned in different directions and small glistening crystals floating in the air.

Right in the middle was a very large tree, it had been enchanted so that snow would rain down, giving it a more lively appearance. Underneath it all were wrapped presents that caught his attention.

Aside from him, Draco and his pals - along with a few slytherins - had decided to stay at Hogwarts. By the time Mordred came down, everyone else had already awoken. Some were sitting in front of the fire, others lounged on the sofas, opening their presents.

He came in just as Draco was tearing off the wrapping paper. "Yuletide greetings, Draco." He said while waving his hand.

Draco was hunched over, sitting by the tree when Mordred had greeted him. His two goons, Crabbe and Goyle, were right next to him, digging into their own presents. Draco quickly gave a cold look before muttering happy yule.

Mordred smiles and proceeds to walk towards the tree, searching for anything that had his name on it.

"Who would send you a gift?" Draco asks.

Without looking at him, Mordred answered. "People."

"People? You don't know any people." Draco insists.

Ignoring him, he finds a flat box. When he picked it up, he gave a quick inspection. There was a small tag that was written in cursive, it read, Mordred Murdoc Gaunt.

"Of course I do." Without hesitation, he opens it to reveal a warm hazel knitted sweater. Removing his robe, he changes into his new gift. It was soft and fitted him just right. "Quite snuggy. I like it."

Draco was now looking at him. "Who sent that to you?"

"A lady."

"What lady?"

"A nice lady."

Draco growls at how vague he was being. "Fine!" Going back to his present, he didn't want to bother, now suddenly realizing Mordred wasn't going to say anymore.

Later on, they'd attend the Hogwarts holiday feast. The great hall wasn't that crowded, aside from students, there were also teachers where they would all end up sharing a table.

So much food in one place, Mordred was desperate to try it all. It was delicious and by the time he was done, his belly had been popping right out of his pants. He didn't think he could eat more. That is until dessert showed up. Looking at how good the pudding looked, Mordred knew he had to pull through, he wanted to keep fighting.

Besides, one bite wouldn't hurt.

How wrong he was. If he were to die now, it would be so worth it. He thought any minute now he'd go into a food coma.

It was a miracle he was able to walk back to the slytherin common.

Walking inside, he was cleaning his teeth with a toothpick. There are a few slytherins sitting in back, one of them offers Mordred a cup of tea - Which he gladly takes and soon, nonchalantly makes his way towards the fireplace with a cup in hand.

He plops down, taking a small sip of his tea. He was quite cozy, letting the fire warm him up. It was moments like these he enjoyed the most. The small luxuries, he didn't think nothing could ruin it.

Until Draco and his friends came in. They stood right beside him.

Malfoy turns to Crabbe and Goyle, telling them. "Wait here, I'll go get it…"

Hearing Draco run off, Mordred wondered what he was going to get and why he had to do it in front of him. A quick glance, both Crabbe and Goyle turned to each other and went over to sit on the couch.

"What do you think he's going to show us?" Goyle suddenly asked out loud.

Letting seconds go by, "Are you talking to me?" Mordred questions. He was quite surprised to hear any of them talk.

Nervously, Goyle nods and Crabbe's fingers were all fidgety. It almost made Mordred want to laugh at how weary they looked.

"Wow, I didn't know you could speak." Mordred's eyes got big. "What about you Crabbe? Can you speak too? Do you know how to use words?"

Noticing how Crabbe was clenching his fists, the noise of rapid footsteps interrupts them. In his hand Draco had what appeared to be a newspaper clipping. Of what? Mordred did not know. The blond shows it to his friends, waiting to see their reaction.

It must have been something hilarious as Draco starts to laugh. "Well? Don't you think it's funny?"

A dry laugh from Goyle, Draco couldn't tell the difference. "Weasley loves muggles so much, he should snap his wand and go join them - With the way they behave, you wouldn't believe them to be purebloods."

Taking another sip, Mordred ignores him as Draco would go on a spiel about purebloods and the attacks that had been happening throughout the year.

The subject about Potter comes up, after which causes a great fury within Malfoy. Clenching his fist, he vents towards Crabbe and Goyle. "And everyone thinks he's Slytherin's heir! Can you believe that? Potter? Really?"

Draco breaths out, the whole thing was beginning to annoy him. "I wish I knew who it was… I could help them."

"B-B-But you must have some idea on who it was." Goyle stutters out.

"You know I haven't Goyle! How many times do I have to tell you that!" Snapping out, Draco looks over to Mordred. "Father said the last time the chamber of secrets was opened, a mudblood died. It's just a matter of time before the real heir rids the school from the mudblood filth. Too bad you aren't one of them Gaunt, I'd hope he'd get rid of you too."

Taking a long sip, Mordred watches the fire.

"Isn't Gaunt the heir?" Goyle slips out, he seemed stunned at how Draco was treating Mordred. "Doesn't he know where the chamber of secrets is?"

"For the last time Goyle, Mordred is not the bloody heir! He's a fake! Pretending to be something he's not - he can't even speak Parseltongue and everyone knows to be a Gaunt, you must have that gift, which he doesn't."

"I so do…" Mordred mutters, pouting his lips like a child.

"You know very well that you don't!" He snaps back. "I also know you aren't behind the attacks."

Shaking his head, a mischievous smile spreads across his face. "Don't listen to him Goyle, Draco is jealous."

"I'm not!"

Goyle appeared at a loss, glancing between the two, it was strangely funny how undecided he was. "Wh-why would he be jealous?"

Mordred was finding his behavior odd, this the most he's ever heard him speak. It was still fun though. "Draco's just mad because I won't let him in on my plans."

The strangeness only grew when the once thought to be mute, Crabbe abruptly asks. "What plans?" He said it with such force, he knocked Goyle a couple of steps forward.

Mordred was stunned by his sudden question that he didn't immediately answer. His own friend Draco seemed to share the same sentiment, "What has gotten into you two?" Scowling out, Mordred sat back and watched.

"No-Nothing." Goyle sputters at his own words. "I - We want to help… you know?" Trying to sound as convincing, Mordred wasn't really falling for it. "To get rid of mu-muggles…"

"Oh, you do?" Mordred cackled; his smile only grew with time when an idea came to mind. "Do you really want to help?" Their heads nod feverishly that it nearly made him laugh. "Wonderful! You can start by getting rid of Draco."

"What?" Draco wailed out, it looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets.

Mordred smiles at the group. "I hate competition, getting rid of you - Slytherin will thank me for it."

"Don't you dare lay a finger on me Gaunt or I swear -"

"That's why they're here... To do it for me."

Going back and forth, Mordred and Draco hadn't noticed Goyle and Crabbe running out of the common room.

Teasing Draco was simply too much fun, Mordred could care less about them sneaking off to who knows where.

It was the second week from break that Mordred started to notice he was being followed. At first, he thought it was just his imagination - that his eyes were playing tricks on him. Little by little, he could spot one - Correction - Three shadowy figures trailing him from behind.

What on earth?

Mordred could never recall interacting to them, not even during their first year. He wasn't sure why they'd be interested...

Mordred just stood there and laughed. Who was he kidding? He totally knew why and the simple fact that they were doing a horrible job at hiding made it all the more hilarious. No subtly at all... he could virtually see Weasley's tousled red hair sticking out from the sides and Granger's horrid nest of hair. Were they waiting for him to perform some ritualistic sacrifice in the middle of the crowded hall? Use blood magic in front of hundreds of witnesses?

Shoving his hands inside his pocket, he sighed. They really were stupid. Regardless, he'd proceed to make his way towards Potion's class. They could follow him all they want. Honestly, he wonders if they stayed around long enough, something exciting would happen. What that was, he was looking forward to it, it was starting to become quite boring here. The attacks died down and there were no signs of those responsible. Mordred was starting to believe nothing else would come of it.

Still, he crosses his fingers. He wanted to know how the story ends. He hates unresolved stories and unanswered questions, but that's not to say he wasn't willing to wait patiently. He could do it, besides there wasn't much to do around here except go to class and sleep. Aside, from that, he had time to himself and sitting back, watching it unfold, he was curious to see who really was behind it all.

From the library to the outside of the clock tower, Mordred could easily see the trio of goofballs walking behind. At some point, Mordred had asked them if he was walking to fast for them. "I could slow down, if you want." He'd go on to say.

Their cheeks would get redder as the day goes by and towards the end of the night, they stop following Mordred once dinner was being served.

"Right behind you, are they?" Theo asks with a slight grin.

Sharing Nott's amusement, Mordred begins to sit across from him. "They've been going nonstop. It's getting kind of annoying." He sighed and reached to grab a plate. "I'm not really sure what they're looking for."

There was a small look of disbelief as his brow slowly rose up. "Are you kidding me, Gaunt? Do you really have to ask?"

Mordred was genuinely confused. "What?"

Theo's eyes were filled with disbelief that he starts flapping a hand in front of his face. "Slytherin heir? Hello? Don't be dense."

It seemed to come together when Mordred eyes got a little wider. "Oh!" Thumping his forehead, he blurts out. "The heir... right... the heir." He said with narrow eyes.

"You know, there are times when I do start believing Draco." He said in a lower voice. It took Mordred all strength not to roll his eyes, but he lets Theo continue. "that you might not actually be the heir."

Grabbing a plate of his own, Mordred appeared unperturbed. "Who knows, really?"

"You might." Picking up his fork, Nott chews his food. He was trying to avoid making the conversation any more awkward. "But you're hiding it."

"Maybe I am." Grabbing a piece of bread. "Maybe I'm not, there's no way to know." Taking a bite, he smiles when he notices the wrinkled forming in his forehead. "Besides, it's all part of the fun."

"Fun? What's so fun about this?"

Mordred takes a minute to answer, his eyes become narrow and mischievous. "Everything will soon come together and when it does, it's going to be great." He takes this moment to look over shoulder where the golden trio were sitting. They haven't stopped looking at him since he entered and with that idea in mind, he smiled at them and waved.

They did not wave back.