Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Giving A Chance	By : Leania07 Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 17356 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I make money from this fic.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
A/N: Thanks for the review; I literally gave a squee when I saw more reviews. I hope I continue to keep this story as original in my idea as I can, it's difficult though. I also hope to keep everyone interested; in a few more chapters there will be a time skip, more than just a few weeks. Don't worry, it won't always be a "day by day" story.
Meechypoo: Yes Albus is at fault, to blame for a lot, yet he's not the only one. Those letters helped, a lot, in releasing guilt; however Harry still doesn't know Severus' role. ~.^ As for the descendants, oh I hope you all love the twists I'm putting in. >:D
autumgold: Thanks; they will be able to start, but change takes many years not to mention they have a lot of prejudice to get through.
Chapter 9: Travel To the Chamber
Dinner passed uneventful, Harry pretended to ignore the Slytherins so he wouldn’t have to fake hating them, Ron actually ate with a bit of decorum, and Hermione had her ever usual book out. They each made a stop at their respective rooms before meeting up in the second floor girl’s bathroom. Severus was the last to arrive and after ensuring Myrtle would leave them be and not say anything, he motioned for Harry to open the path.
“Open” Harry hissed at the sinks and they pulled back and dropped as they did in second year. He noticed a brief movement to his side and looked; Snape seemed to stare hard at the opening.
Severus took a moment to compose himself; the way those sibilant sounds rolled off the young man’s tongue sent a shudder down his spine that he would evaluate later, much later.
“Is there no lighting or path down, Mr. Potter?” He glanced to the side and into green eyes; he raised a brow.
“Oh, um, I never tried. ‘Lights, steps.’” Small orbs lit up along the sides of the tunnel and a grinding noise revealed some steps. “Well that works; I’ll have to be the last down to close the entrance.”
Severus nods and began his decent leaving the order of those behind him to the others. When he stepped out of the tunnel he sneered; animal bones littered the floor. He swished his wand and vanished the bones, dust, and other things on the floor. Then came Draco, Hermione, Blaise, and Harry, who hissed something that made the orbs darken and the steps vanish; Snape looked at him with a raised eyebrow in question.
“Well if anyone goes in there, they won’t see light coming out from under the sinks, now would they?” Harry led the way to the cave in. Massive boulders were interspersed with smaller rocks, and Harry wondered how Ron created that hole without causing a landslide of rubble.
“You and Miss Weasley came through that hole? It’s a wonder the pile didn’t collapse as Mr. Weasley was shifting the rocks around.” Severus said what the others thought; amazed that this all took place beneath their feet and not one teacher knew.
He waved his wand and shifted the pile, reinforcing the ceiling and walls to prevent another such issue in the future. He followed behind the group, eyes darting around and ears listening for any other sounds than their footsteps. He shuddered again as Harry spoke to the metal door, the snake language affecting him in ways he never expected.
They followed him into the room, torches lighting up and illuminating the serpent pillars along the path; it didn’t take long for them all to see the massive beast and Severus felt a chill down his spine. It looked as if it could raise up at any moment.
“Must have preservation charms on the room, it looks just like the day I killed it.” Harry walked over to the creature and put a hand on the side of its body, feeling the scales. He felt a pang of guilt that he couldn’t reason with the creature; it had lived for so long and could probably have told him so much.
The three others stared at him for a moment before they decided to get to work.
“Draco since you wish to become a Potions Master, you shall help me and learn how to cultivate dangerous and deadly ingredients properly. Miss Granger and Mr. Zabini, if you could make sure Mr. Potter stays out of trouble.” Severus removed a shrunken bag from his pocket and enlarged it.
“We’ll try, however trouble always finds Harry.” Hermione laughed at Harry’s affronted look, “Well it is true; if there’s trouble to be had it’ll find you.”
“Hey it’s not my fault, ‘Mione. I want to explore where the Basilisk came from, you have those charmed mirrors?” Harry led the way to the large head of Slytherin.
“Charmed mirrors?” Blaise accepted the one he is given with a curious glance.
“Well I looked up what could live in the same den as a Basilisk, besides their offspring, and there was a few other snakes that could. We know their killing stare is neutralized to petrifying when glimpsed in a mirror; these will reflect their stare back in their direction while giving us a yellow flash. If it goes across a living creature it’ll flash blue for cold-blooded, like snakes, and red if warm-blooded, like rats. You don’t look into the mirror, but we set it afloat before us and around corners. Harry, please make sure you send the mirror out first; I know you won’t let either of us lead.” Hermione smirks and handed him his mirror.
“Well if we come across a snake I’m able to speak to it rather than have it lash out.” He smiled and faced the giant head, “Speak to me Salazar, wisest of the Four.” Again Harry thought either Slytherin was egocentric or Riddle changed the password though he shrugged it off having no way of knowing for sure. The stone mouth opened, grinding loudly and echoing throughout the chamber.
“Potter! Give warning if you’re going to open something!” If not for his years of a spy, Severus would’ve dropped the knife and container in his surprise.
“Sorry Sir. We’re going inside; Blaise if you can take the back and leave that light trail Professor Snape showed us? We’ll decide what to do when or if we come across multiple paths.” They each nodded and Harry led the way, casting a lumos while his mirror floated a foot in front of him.
They followed the wide and smooth tunnel, no doubt for the Basilisk’s ease, until they saw a smaller doorway that looked human-sized. Hermione cast a few detection spells and saw that while there was no curses or harmful spells on it, the door would only open if one had the password or submitted a blood sample. She couldn’t find where, until Harry stepped up and hissed at the door. She looked at Blaise and rolled her eyes as if to say, of course.
“Greetings guardian serpent; my friend tells me I must submit a blood sample to gain entrance since we do not know the password. Where may I do that?”
The serpent door knocker released its tail and looked at Harry, “Greetings Speaker; your companion speaks true. A small prick of my fang and a drop on my tongue is where the test is done. If you have the proper bloodline, you may have entrance. My creator said only his bloodline will contain Speakers, but this is a safety check to ensure only those of his blood enter to his library and chambers.” The snake opened its mouth and waited.
“Harry!” Hermione grabbed Harry’s arm as he lifted it to the door, “What are you doing?”
“The Guardian Serpent says I am to prick my finger on its fang and place a drop of blood on its tongue to give it a blood sample.”
“How do you know which fang to use? My spell can’t tell if there is a hollow fang that will inject venom if you use the wrong one.”
Harry looked at her serious eyes and nodded; Slytherin seemed like the type to take every precaution he could, and if someone tried to bypass the test they may pick a wrong fang. There were four fangs after all.
“Guardian Serpent, is there a fang I can use safely? My friend worries one or more of your fangs contain a venom to do harm to those unworthy.”
“Your companion is wise; the top two and bottom left,” the tongue tapped the one on Harry’s right, “contain each a different venom. Allow me to give you further advice, Speaker. There are many door traps where access to anyone can reach; Lord Slytherin made sure his private sanctuary was protected. Once inside these rooms, all is safe with no more than a check of blood or magic.”
Harry nodded and relayed the message to Blaise and Hermione before pricking his finger on the fang to his left and letting a drop fall on the tongue. As he cast a simple healing spell on his finger the snake grabbed its tail and turned, the door made a click and opened a crack. Harry opened the door and sent his mirror forward. After no colors showed he opened the door all the way and the three entered wide eyed.
The room was a sitting room with cushioned chairs and couches, tables and desks. The walls held bookcases with spaces where the books on the large table would fit. There was a painting above the mantle of the fireplace, which Harry lit with a flick of his wand, as the air was damp and cool, and there was two other doors. One was a black shade, Harry guessed it was ebony, and the other was a dark walnut. The sconces lit when the door opened, and the candelabra was burning off the cobwebs; Harry made a wide sweep of his wand and vanished the dust, dirt, and cobwebs.
“Ah you must be Harry Potter, may I inquire as to your two friends who join you?” Harry had spun towards the fireplace with his wand drawn; seeing the fire was normal he looked up and blinked. There in the painting that was empty of a figure moments ago, stood a tall man in black robes, lined with silver and emerald threading, long raven black hair greying at the temples, green eyes like his, slightly tanned skin, thin nose with the slightest upturn, square jaw and slim but toned physique. Beside him rested a dark colored snake with green eyes.
“Of course, Sir; my best friend, Hermione Granger, and a new friend, Blaise Zabini. Am I correct in my assumption that you are Salazar Slytherin?” Blaise gasped and Hermione looked at Harry puzzled.
“Indeed, Mr. Potter; other than being in my Chambers was there anything else that made it apparent?” Salazar was pleased; no matter how often he heard about the boy’s lack of intelligence, he could understand he would hide it as it would make others underestimate him.
“A few things Sir, not many people would be so comfortable, even posing for a portrait, beside a viper type serpent unless they could speak to him or her. You also have green eyes and hold yourself with much importance; not to mention you wear the Slytherin colors of green and silver on the trim of your robes.”
“You have good observation skills, Mr. Potter. By your robes and those of Miss Granger you are from Gryffindor and Mr. Zabini wears my House colors. From what I have witnessed Gryffindors and those of my House seem to be quite a prickly mix, I am pleased you three seem to work together. How is it you three can where others cannot?” Salazar sits in his chair and motions for the three to sit as well. Blaise sits on the couch to one side and Hermione takes the chair and turns it more to face Slytherin, while Harry takes the chair facing the painting.
“We, along with a few others that did not join us, came to an understanding. You do not seem upset to see a Gryffindor here in your Chamber, may I ask why?”
Salazar raised an eyebrow, “Ah, Severus has not spoken with you yet.”
“Professor Snape…OH!” Harry smacked his head, “That’s where I saw you, you guard his door. Was he aware of who you were?”
“No Mr. Potter, I only just informed him of whom I am. There is much I need to speak about, though I wish he had come along and brought the others you trust. So much knowledge needs to be spoken of.”
“Professor Snape is in the other part…err…” He looked down; how would he tell Slytherin he killed his Basilisk?
“I am aware of what happened to Salana, Mr. Potter, and I am sorry you had to do that. She was not in a healthy state if she attacked a living speaker. Severus told me that you had to slay my Basilisk, and the circumstances behind it. Do not think I am angry with you for it; it had to be done if she was a danger to the school. Perhaps you can raise one of the eggs, they are in my bed chambers. A large cherry wood box contained three eggs; there should be only one left, but if not, one will rattle when you get close if it is ready to hatch.
“Keep the egg at a temperature of 100-110 degrees and it’ll hatch in five days. The box has spells on it to keep the hatching cycle from starting, so if you are unable to care for the hatchling leave it in the box. Five days to hatch, for a week after hatching it will require you to feed it small creatures, live or freshly killed, no larger than a rat. 3 mice or 1 large rat in the morning, 6-8 mice or 2 rats in the evening before bed; a warming basket kept at 100 degrees with a small pool of water for it to bathe in. You will need to assist it in bathing for the first week, but he or she may ask for your assistance at any point after. Bathing is a good time to ensure the bonding will hold; after 2 weeks the Basilisk will be able to care for itself fully. It does have a third eye lid that it can put over its eyes to cover the killing stare and even change the color of the eye. It is slow to mature, taking 4-6 years to reach full adulthood. By that time it will reach 2 feet in length as its growth is slowed to a near stop; 6 inches every 100 years approximately. If you plan on keeping the Basilisk into old age, you must either ensure it bonds with each generation of Parseltongue descendants, or have a place for it to call its own territory. Like most familiars who lose their first bonded, it may take many years before it will claim another Master or they may never bond again and only tolerate those who carry the bloodline of their Master. Over their maturity they may lay 1-6 eggs depending on how many worthy Masters there are, though they won’t lay them all at once. It may take years between, and the Basilisk may only ever lay the one if there is no need of more.”
“Excuse me, Sir, but why would there be a need for more than one Basilisk at a time? Not to sound rude, but as terrifying as they are, isn’t one enough in the world?”
“Miss Granger I understand your concern, however Basilisks do not always live above ground or easily accessible areas. Nor is there only one Parseltongue in the world; two right now if I understand things correctly. Many other cultures can have Parseltongues and even a few worship Basilisks who reward those humans, usually a village, by protecting them from harm. They also have different names in different cultures, Chinese akin them to a Wyrm with a killing stare, Egyptians consider them a Nile Serpent from the Gods. They can live in various areas as long as there is a source of heat and food, and as they are long living, can go undetected for many years if they so choose. Do not make the mistake of thinking Basilisks are only of Britain, young lady.” He smiled at the contrite young lady and waved away her apology, “I understand not much is known anymore of these creatures, but remember what your culture finds taboo, terrifying, or evil, other cultures may think it normal, comforting, or sacred.”
“Lord Slytherin, what is behind the other two doors?” Harry wasn’t sure what to think of having his own Basilisk, the one he faced in second year was bad enough. Though with as slow as they grow, it wouldn’t get too big until he was out on his own anyway, and no one outside of their group needs to know he has one.
“You may call me Salazar, Mr. Potter. The ebony door leads to a room that has four other doors; library and study, dueling and practice room, my potions lab, and the fourth door leads to a small room with three doors leading to guest rooms. The walnut door leads to my bed chambers. Each room of course has their own bathroom; occasionally the other Founders would meet with me down here to discuss strategies to keep our Realm safe from the others.”
“Please call me Harry then; are there any more safe guards on the doors? I know ‘Mione would love to look at the library and if we wish to inspect the other rooms, with your permission of course, it would be best to know what to expect.”
Salazar nodded with a chuckle, “Are you sure you weren’t meant for Ravenclaw House, Miss Granger? You seem more eager than most Gryffindors I have heard of to read books of all types. Yes, that reminds me, in the library there should be a copy of Magica’s Law by Morgana Le-Fey; I do not know why you are not given a copy of your own if your family does not own it anymore, but that is one of the first books you are meant to read as a first year. Do you know the charm to copy a book? If so, you may make copies of that book for you four…”
“Five, Salazar; there is another student, a Slytherin, who is assisting Professor Snape. There are more that we are close with, but we didn’t bring them with us.”
“Very well, five of you, for now. You can copy more from one of your own, I ask that you either leave the book in the library here, or Harry can put it in the vaults.” Salazar frowned as the young man shook his head.
“I can’t right now, I’m sorry; Riddle is you Heir and has first rights to claim the title of Heir.” Harry blushed as Hermione and Blaise both looked at him puzzled. He didn’t want to let everyone know, just yet, but perhaps the small group he brought with him would be alright.
“Riddle is my Heir? Then are you his descendent then?”
Harry choked on a quickly drawn in gasp mixed with a laugh, “No, as far as I know Riddle was never married nor sired any offspring.”
Salazar looked at Harry a moment, “You are my descendent though, you have the family eyes and hair color, though it was never quite in such a disarray. I only had one son, Atreus, who had two sons and one daughter. If Riddle is from the eldest son, or the second if the eldest sired no children; only male Heirs of the daughter can claim the title, through the female offspring if there is no male offspring of the sons’ lines. Have you seen your Ancestral Line tapestry?”
Harry blinked having followed some of what Salazar said, comparing to what he read from the books, but looked to Blaise. “Ancestral Line tapestry?”
“He means your family tree tapestry; sometimes it can be a book if the family line is really long. Are you really a descendent of Slytherin?”
“Apparently, though I don’t know by whom; I’ll have to check the vaults to see if a tapestry or family book is there.” Harry cleared his throat, “Perhaps we should look for that book in the library and see if there are any other interesting books. ‘Mione, you know that charm, right?”
Hermione nodded and they got up and went through the ebony door. After trying a few doors they found the library and went in. There was two levels of shelves, filled with books and scrolls, a few tables with chairs and a few plush chairs one could read for a long time comfortably. Hermione used a spell to locate the recommended book and summon it to the table. She did the copying charm and made five copies, to leave the original in the library. They also begin looking through the books, using parchment and ink to notate which ones sound interesting to read later.
They heard a voice calling their names and conclude Draco and Professor Snape finished harvesting. They head back to the main room where Draco and Professor Snape were waiting.
“We should head back up, it is nearly time for curfew. We shall come back down another day; Miss Granger you should leave those books.” He blinked as he noticed they each looked identical, “Miss Granger, did you copy those books?”
“Yes she did, Severus, with my approval. That is Magica’s Law; she will make copies for each of the students as needed. The original?” Salazar looked at the three teens.
“I put the original back on the shelf; safest place for it as only two people can get down here and I doubt Riddle will be concerned about coming back down here should he gain entrance.” Harry waited for the nod of acknowledgement before taking the four books from Hermione and giving one to Blaise, Draco, and Snape, keeping one for himself.
Severus was impressed the two Gryffindors knew how to disguise the books as something else and wonders how often they have done so. He raised an eyebrow; Granger blushed and Potter smiled with a shrug.
“Gryffindors have their own nosy dorm mates and House mates.” Harry left it at that and the group started to leave.
“Harry, how did you get down here?” Salazar looked at the group as they turned around.
“Second floor girl’s bathroom; why?”
Salazar chuckled, “I imagine that would not be a good thing to come and go from there; many of the females would be quite upset should you males just appear.”
“The girl’s don’t use it since Myrtle haunts it. She was killed by Salana over 50 years ago; that’s how I figured out where the entrance to the Chamber is.”
“I see; that entrance is mostly…was mostly for Salana to use to get in and out; the other founders used the stairs.” He chuckled at the faces they each made. “Go to the far bookcase to the right and pull the statue with the Hogwarts crest. The stairs will take you up and you will arrive in one of the dungeon corridors.”
Harry walked over to the bookcase and pulled the statue forward. The bookcase shifted forward with a slight click and he pulled it open. The path was dark and just the glimpse he saw had cobwebs; he flicked his wand and lit it with a lumos and went to step forward. Snape placed his hand on his shoulder and pulled him back.
“I shall go first, if we do encounter someone, no one will think twice if I appear in the dungeon corridors, however two Gryffindors in the dungeons, unescorted by me, will gain a lot of attention.”
Harry nodded and stepped back. He followed behind his Professor and was followed by Hermione, Draco, and Blaise at the end. They each held their wands aloft with a soft lumos as Professor Snape vanished the dust and cobwebs; the path was thankfully dry as the stairs up were a bit steep.
They emerged in an empty corridor with no tapestries and after they all came out from the tunnel the door shifted closed and looked like a normal stone wall. Harry smirked.
“How are we supposed to know how to get back down there?!” Draco huffed and glared at the wall.
“The stone here has a serpent engraved on the bottom left corner.” Harry pointed to it and they each leaned down.
“Okay, but how do we know how to get back here, Harry? There’s no portraits or tapestries, and I don’t recognize these halls.” Draco tried to keep himself calm but he didn’t know how they would meet here, secretly, if they’d end up just wandering the halls.
Harry looked at his Professor and leaned over to Hermione, “Should I bring out the Map? Do you think he’d take it away?”
“He might; it wouldn’t help us to find this corridor anyway. We need to find some way of marking this hall for us and only those who have been down to the Chamber. I don’t think it would be recommended to take everyone down there anyway.” They leaned back and had 3 pairs of eyes looking at them.
“Something to share with the rest of us?” Severus fought to keep from crossing his arms as he wanted.
“We were discussing how we could find our way back here, Hermione brought up a good point that perhaps we shouldn’t let everyone know of this path…everyone who took the oath I mean. Obviously we wouldn’t want the school to know…”
“POTTER! Stop rambling and get back to the topic.” Severus was feeling a bit tired, having harvested a lot from the Basilisk and wanting to bathe and remove the sweat and dirt from his body.
“Right, well, I couldn’t think of much other than leaving orbs tuned to our particular magical signature; however that wouldn’t prevent anyone from following us.”
“No but perhaps we can see where this hall brings us and where it merges with the main hall put up an illusion of a tapestry that we can recognize as the entrance to the path. Then we can leave the orbs to light the path to this wall.” Severus nodded and led the way.
The rest followed with Harry bringing up the rear; he lagged behind enough to pull out the Map and whisper the password. Opening it up, he locates their names, the ink slowly filling in as they walked. Remembering how Moony and Padfoot told him how to add information, he quietly whispers the incantation and marks the entrance on the map. He folded it back up and put it in his pocket, keeping it active so that the magic can record the path they walk. At the very least he has a way to find where they are if they get lost. He quickened his steps and caught up as they started slowing down. He soon hears why as voices travel down the corridor before them.
Snape turned to face them, motioning them to move closer. “Wait for me here, stay in the shadows and turn off your lights.” He waits for the hushed nox and the lights go out. He quickly made his way down the hall, noting the paintings along the way.
“Is there a reason you two are standing so far from the Common Room this close to curfew? Granted none of the other House Prefects make their way this far into the dungeons, but there are other teachers beside me whom make their paths through here. I would hate to have to give someone from my house detention.” Severus nodded as the two properly chastised Slytherin third years scurry back to the common room; he waited until their footsteps no longer echoed before making his way back down the hall.
“Quickly, I’ll not be the reason you four are out past curfew unless it is because of a detention.” As the four moved out of the hall, Severus waved his wand and chanted. A ‘wall’ appeared and on it was a tapestry with a scene of the Black Lake with the Forbidden Forest off to the side. He turned to face the four students.
“Blaise, you need to hurry back to the common room; I shall ensure these two get back to theirs without issue. Draco, you need to begin your Head Boy duties.” The two Slytherins nodded and made their way out of the hall. Severus turned to the two Gryffindors.
“Miss Granger you’re Head Girl so you should get to that.” He waits for the young woman to leave before addressing Potter.
“I shall ensure you are out of the dungeons before I let you find your way back to your common room. I trust you can get there without incurring a detention?” Severus raised an eyebrow and Harry nodded.
The two men made their way down the hall and at the entrance of the dungeons Severus waved him on.
“Good night, Professor.” Harry made his way up the steps, a lot of information going through his mind.
“Good night, Harry.” Severus waited until he was up the stairs before he turned in a swish of robes made his way back to his quarters. There was still some time before he had to make rounds.
- 8
- 9
- 10
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Giving A Chance