Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Hairy Snape
Hairy Snape By BertaS Jan. 2007
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them. I know I don't own them. JKR knows I don't own them.
Description: A potions accident starts unusual circumstances happening for our favorite Potions Master and those around him.
Warnings: Slash, language, adult and sexual situations. Harry is in the later part of his seventh year and is 17 years old which in the Wizarding world is an adult.
A/N: I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have reviewed. I realized I have a continuity error on what day of the week it is/was. The last part of chapter 9 really should have been on a Thursday, but... author shrugs, oops, oh well. On with the story.
Chapter. 10 - Down to the Chamber
As it turned out Harry did not sleep for three weeks, just several days. His sudden magical exhaustion caused great consternation in those that did not know about the midnight excursion of The-Boy-Who-Lived and his friends. The Headmaster was concerned that he was being attack by Voldemort.
Madam Pomfrey kept him in the Hospital Wing until Tuesday morning. Poking and prodding mercilessly before allowing him to go to breakfast and classes, with a strong warning not to overextend himself again. Even going so far as to threaten a 'ruing of the day' if she saw him again before the end of the year.
At breakfast Neville whispered cryptically, "I need to talk to you alone after DA this evening," before sauntering off to his first class.
Hermione looked at Harry oddly wondering what that was all about. Ron of course was incensed that they had gone off with out him and was once again giving both Harry and Hermione the silent treatment. They knew he needed time to get over it so that he could admit to being a prat and things could go back to normal.
Potions class after lunch was the first Sev and Harry had seen each other since Harry had led them on their adventure and they were both a little anxious. "Potter what are you doing?" snapped an already irritated and stressed Severus Snape. He had only seen something move out of the corner of his eye just before the boy's hand, fist clenched, shot into the air. They really did not need flying ingredients when working on the Felix Felicis potion.
Part of Severus' irritation was that Dumbledore had made his displeasure known, loudly and repeatedly when Severus had privately confessed to not only knowing about the after hours activities, but actively participating in them. He had not revealed the total extent of what they had done, who was involved or why, letting the man think it was some kind of prank that would be sprung at a later date. He had been trying to think of something to do that would lend credence to his story.
He was also concerned the Headmaster would find out about Harry meddling with the wards and be angry. He didn't realize that most of the wards that Harry now held had not been active for several centuries.
Harry opened his hand to see what it was that he had caught before answering, "Just returning Malfoy's misplaced flux-weed, Sir," as he tossed it in the direction of the blond. He hadn't intended for it to land in the prat's cauldron. There was an additional series of plops as several unidentified items flew through the air as apparently the whole class decided to throw something. Most of the items landed in various cauldrons, all of which started to fizz and boil violently especially those that had received multiple additions as Malfoy's had.
One word escaped the Potion Master's lips as he drew his wand extinguishing all fires, "Leave," as Malfoy's cauldron shot a hot sticky mass on to the ceiling, most of the class was out the door before the his cauldron melted into a puddle of foul smelling goo.
All but five students were able to follow that order. Harry and four of the girls where trapped on the wrong side of the room along with the Professor. Two of the cauldrons were belching copious amounts of smoke, one a lurid purple and the other an acid green. They sparked like red, yellow and blue fireworks as they combined. Even though Severus had spelled all the fires out many of the chemical reactions were still violent and quite spectacular.
They all backed up in to the corner behind the free standing chalkboard while Severus held the strongest shield he could in an attempt to protect the students from flying debris as several cauldrons exploded violently but they were starting to cough from the various fumes and smoke in the room.
Harry lay his hand on Sev's shoulder pushing magic into the older man, assisting him in holding the shield. Sev had never had anyone that trusted him enough to lend him their magic.
With out allowing the shield to waver Sev ask, "Harry, have you figured out how to open a door like your friend does?" Sev coughed. Not that he really wanted Harry to let go of him but they needed out of this room, and they needed out now. There was no telling how harmful the fumes they would soon be breathing where.
Harry nodded, "I think so," and the four girls moved to support and lend their magical strength to their Professor. Sev felt a notable surge of power as the girls all touched his back before Harry released him. He was unaware that Harry and the DAG had been practicing what one book described as, power lending and another called, power sharing, which allowed all involved to cast spells that were considerably more powerful than they could alone. The thinking was that a team of three could have one shield holder and two offensive spell casters. A distinct advantage over a single opponent. Pairs also seemed to work well.
Pressing both hands to the wall Harry hissed several times asking the castle to open a passage to a safe haven. When the hole appeared in the floor he flailed slightly grabbing hold of Sev's arm as he fall, he pulled the others through behind him. They slid down a long dark tunnel in a single mass of tangled arms and legs.
It was dark and damp when they landed. As they tried to untangled themselves, Harry took full advantage and groped Sev a little more than necessary he earned himself a sharp reprimand of, "Whoever has their hand on my arse, had better remove it, now."
To which one of the girls replied, "Goodness Professor, you're not the only one getting groped," causing several chuckles as well as a few muttered apologies.
Harry laughed, "Whoever has their breast in my face may make me change my mind about liking girls."
A wand lit with a growled, "Lumos." Harry found himself face to double E breast with Millicent Bulstrode who was holding a lit wand.
Harry blushed, "Um... Sorry about that, I didn't mean to offend or anything." He really hadn't meant to be rude.
She raised an eye brow surprised by his apology, "I'm not offended Potter, merely trying to figure out exactly what you mean by that statement." She thought she knew but wanted confirmation. Besides she had cultivated the big dumb act and had to stay in character and pretend to not understand, even though it was pretty obvious.
"Uh..." he briefly glared at Sev and the other girls who were all sniggering as he moved a bit farther from her, "um... You have lovely breasts?" His smile was a bit sickly since he was expecting her to hex or maybe even punch him. He couldn't quite believe he had said that, and thought he probably deserved to be punched for such a comment.
She blinked several times as she looked down at her chest, shocked, as though she had never noticed her breasts before. She had certainly never had anyone tell her they were lovely. Stare at them, talk to them, yes. Complement them, oh no, that had never happened before.
Sev snorted quietly he was well aware of the way the ladies in his House were frequently treated by their male peers. They tended to treat them the way their Fathers treated their Mothers. A trend he was trying to counter but not having much luck as the girls expected and accepted the behavior as normal.
Susan Bones got to her feet laughing, "I don't think any of us would disagree with that Harry, she glanced down at her own, only small by comparison, breasts, "but I think it was the other half of that statement that was in question." The Patil twins both nodded as they finally untangled themselves and stood as well.
"Oh. I... Well..." he sighed, "It's not really a secret but, I'm not exactly prepared to have it printed in the Prophet," he looked away with his jaw set, determined not to say any more on the matter.
"Of course not," Severus sneered as he too rose to his full height, "the great Harry Potter certainly wouldn't want any more attention." He tried to continued acting the part of the greasy git as much as he could. It was becoming more difficult though. It was hard not to show the feeling that were rapidly developing for the younger man. And even harder to say thing he knew would hurt him.
Harry glared, "The fact that I prefer men is really no one else's business, Professor. But if it wouldn't endanger a certain bloke and he wanted it announced, I would take out a freakin' whole page advert," his voice rising until he yelled, "I'd shout it to the whole damned world." He stepped forward right into Sev's face staring him in the eye and growled, "Don't you ever think otherwise."
Severus swallowed hard before he nodded jerkily, opened his mouth then closed it with no idea what to say. He wanted to lean into Harry for comfort, to say he was sorry but was acutely conscious of the girls watching them.
Harry started to sway toward Sev reacting instinctively to the need for comfort he could feel from Sev, when a noise behind him startled them both.
The four girls were grinning at them, "Anything else you want to tell us, Mr. Potter?" drawled Millicent as only a Slytherin can. She had an almost predatory look on her face.
Harry turned toward her, the sarcastic retort dying on his lips as a familiar snakelike pillar caught his eye, "Yeah," he shook his head and hissed something making his companions shiver, "Welcome to the Chamber of Secrets."
His hiss also caused torches on the walls and huge braziers on the top of the short pillars to spring to life making the shadows of the snake shaped pillars appear to dance on the floor.
"Really?" ask Padma
"Are you certain?" Severus looked around in fascination.
"No way?" Parvati exclaimed.
Susan moved closer to Harry and whispered, "What about the Monster?"
Harry put his arm around her giving her a little hug, "No worries, I killed it during second year." She smiled slightly not surprised in the least that he knew that she needed a hug. It seemed to her that Harry always knew how others were feeling and what to do to make them feel better. Even when they themselves didn't know.
Millicent turned on Harry with eyes wide, "Then you really are the Heir of Slytherin?"
Harry grimaced, "Yes and no." Seeing he would have to explain he continued, "I did not open the Chamber. That was the shade of Vol..." his eyes slid briefly to Severus, "Tom Marvolo Riddle. That is the original name of the Dark Lord."
Susan pulled away from Harry frowning and said solemnly, "You used to say it, Harry."
"Yes but..." this time he looked at Severus seeming to as permission for something.
Severus spoke softly, "That name, Miss Bones, causes pain to any who bear his mark."
Susan just looked at him with open mouthed shock.
Millicent's eyes went very wide and her mouth made an O, "You're..." she whipped out her wand and holding it straight up in front of her face said, "I solemnly swear on my magic and my life that I, Millicent Marie Bulstrode, will never speak of, nor reveal in any way, anything that I see or hear while in the Chamber of Secrets without the express permission of all those now present." Her wand and body glowed brightly, "So mote it be."
The other three girls looked at each other in silent communication, before they all nodded to each other and then made the same vow.
They could hear the awe in Harry's voice as he thanked each of them before continuing his story.
"To summarize, when Voldy tried to kill me when I was little he technically died. His body was in fact no longer in existence, in other words, dead.
In first year, his spirit possessed Quirrell and tried to steal the Sorcerer's Stone from where it was hidden in the third floor corridor." He looked at them to see their astonished faces.
Second year we find he left a copy of his sixteen year old self in a diary. It took over," he shrugged, "again possessed seems to be the best word, a student this time and forced them open the Chamber. Don't ask who, it doesn't matter. We, that is Ron and I, finally figured most of it out and went all Gryffindor," he made a face, "charge off to the rescue, kill the monster, and save the girl, you know the usual." He was leading them along between the rows of pillars, trying to figure out where they were in the Chamber and how they would get out.
"Then, in third year, well lets skip third year," Harry said, "I..."
He was interrupted by Sev who muttered, "Dementors, Werewolves, and Sirius Black, oh my!" He snorted derisively. "Enough said, I think," he continued with a full sneer.
Harry smirked, "Yeah well, I think we'll go straight to the end of fourth year when Moldy Voldy, got himself a new body. In the, I don't know if it was a ceremony or a ritual, but it called for the bone of his father, a muggle named Thomas Riddle, which explains why we were in a graveyard. The flesh of his servant, Peter Pettigrew, and the blood of his enemy forcibly taken, mine," he shuddered, "which, and this kind of creeps me out, it kind of makes me like Voldy's ancestor or something." He shook his head, "I refuse to acknowledge anything closer. But, and this is the funny part, it also makes Pettigrew," his grin was malicious, "his Mummy."
He chuckled at the combination fascination and disgust on all their faces. "Oh, but there's more. He used nothing from his mother and that means that his only claim to Slytherin descendant through the few drops of my blood that he used."
Millicent and Parvati both said at the same time, "But you're in Gryffindor?"
Harry laughed, "Yes, but I could easily have been in Slytherin, it is where the Hat wanted me. If Malfoy hadn't been such a prat the first, and second, time I met him and a couple of people I trusted said some things that influenced me," he shrugged again. "Anyway as far as I can tell I'm only related through a convoluted series of infidelities and an adoption. But, apparently all the other branches of the family are gone now. Mostly Voldy's fault since he actively hunted and killed anyone known to be related." As he was talking Harry was trying to figure out why Hogwarts had brought them here.
Evidentially Severus was thinking the same thing because he ask, "That doesn't really explain why you brought us here Mr. Potter?" he paused a moment, "Nor do you say where all this information came from."
Harry shook his head, "This is the first time I've tried to open a door, and I haven't had a chance to talk to Sal about how to get a specific destination. I just ask to be taken to a safe haven, maybe that's what he called this area." He shook his head and mumbled, "If I hurt myself again Madam Pomfrey is going to tie me to a bed for the rest of the year. I just know she is."
Padma sniggered wickedly, "Don't worry Harry we'll come visit you." The other girls giggled.
Parvati nodded looking around, "Harry, this looks like it would be a great setting for one of those 'Free for All' duel like we have been doing in The Group."
Susan nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, there are tons of places to hide," she grinned, "and ambush people," she said causing the two Slytherins of the group to stare at her in shock. A Huffelpuff thinking like a Slytherin was almost too much for them.
"Are you insane?" Severus sneered, "Do you really think playing 'tag' in the Chamber of Secrets is a good idea?" he looked down his not inconsiderable nose at his students. Had they no concept of the danger they could be in? There was no telling how many dangerous creatures were down here.
Harry grinned again, "Maybe, if I can find an easier way in and out. You know a nice long set of stairs would be good. I'm sure there must be something other than a slide down a drain pipe. When we get back up there I really need to talk to Sal and find out about other options."
Severus snorted, "Oh Please. Just how would he know anything about it?" he almost sneered.
Harry looked at the Potions Master for a long moment before shaking his head, "And you call me dense," he smiled and nudged the taller man, "Think about it... Sev."
Severus stopped in his tracks and grabbed Harry's arm turning him so they were facing each other, "Harry James Potter, are you trying to tell me that that portrait..." he shouted a totally gob-smacked look on his face, "THAT IS SALAZAR SLYTHERIN?"
"I'm not trying to telling you anything Professor," Harry smiled sweetly his eyelashes fluttering, "But when I introduced you as the head of his house, I would have thought it might have been a hint."
Severus groaned almost whining, "Harry, how could you let me be so rude?" he must have been truly distressed to say something like that in front of his students.
Parvati leaned close to the other girls, "Who is he and what's he done with Professor Snape?" they all giggled. As representatives of each of the houses they were getting along extremely well. Of course Susan could get along with almost any one and the twins never fought over house loyalties. Millicent was the surprise, but then she was out numbered even if she did have Snape here.
Severus glared at them making them laugh harder even though they tried to hide it behind their hands.
Harry slid one arm around Severus waist, "Don't worry Sev. Sal thinks it's funny, he has a wicked, if a little odd, sense of humor," he pulled Sev a little closer.
"I will have to take your word on that." Sev bit the side of his lip, "Harry?" he touched Harry's elbow, "I..." he glanced at the girls and whispered, "I'm really uncomfortable with this." He ducked his head as though expecting Harry to be angry if he outright refused him. But Harry had made him promise to tell him if anything made him uncomfortable.
Harry immediately loosened his embrace looking intently in to his face, "I'm sorry." he whispered, "Do you need me to step back?" he could feel Severus's need to be told what to do, the level of dominance that Sev sometimes seemed to require was beginning to worry him in that he was not always as sure as he thought Sev needed him to be.
Sev took two deep breaths before shaking his head, "No." he whispered back, "It's just..." his eyes flicked to each of the girls, "we are being watched." He knew that they were supposed to be keeping their true relationship quiet but now four more people would know. Soon it would be common knowledge.
When Harry turned to look at the girls, only Millicent was still actively watching them. She had a calculating look on her face that neither Harry nor Severus had ever seen before. The others were examining the huge room they were in while still keeping an eye on the two men.
Padma and Parvati were quietly discussing what kind of snakes were used as the model for the pillars. It seemed they couldn't decide between the Cobra and the Black Mamba. Susan had wondered slightly away from the others.
Harry grinned at Sev and called, "Don't go too far Susan."
She waved and started to turn, "I won't Harr-eep!" she cut off causing them to all look at her, "Harry, what is that?" they all moved toward her looking where she pointed.
Harry wrinkled his nose as he led the group closer, "You would think that in five years it would have decomposed more." the great king of serpents was laying like he had left it half on it's side mouth gaping open.
"Great Circe, is that what I think it is, Harry?" Severus said in awe as he lay one hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry sighed and shrugged, "Well, if you think it's an ancient forty foot Basilisk, then yes it's what you think," he then grinned at the older man.
Sev scowled and muttered, "Brat," as he went to examine the carcass to ascertain of any of it was salvageable.
Harry chuckled, "Aw Sev, you say the sweetest things," causing the girls to giggle again.
"Continue that incessant giggling," Severus sneered, "and I will put all four houses in to negative points for years to come." He didn't even bother to look at the students, having only eyes for the treasure trove of ingredients laying in front of him.
Harry smirked, "Is any of that of any use?" he was pleased by the kid in a candy store quality to the was Sev was acting.
Sev actually smiled, slightly, "The skin alone is worth a small fortune as potions ingredients and a lightweight supple armor," he enthused in an not quite lecturing tone. "The fangs should still hold venom not to mention they make spectacular daggers and the Goblins prize the smaller ones for spearheads," he was moving around the beast, "We'll need to be careful of the eyes, they could still cause death if you were to look directly into them." He stopped near the head.
"That shouldn't be a problem," Harry said, "Fawkes blinded it. He is probably the only reason I was able to kill it."
Sev slowly straightened and turned, "Harry? Are you saying this..." he gestured incredulously at the dead basilisk, "This is the monster you fought and killed in your second year?" all the girls looked stunned. They of course knew the basic story but never what the monster was.
Harry looked around before replying sarcastically, "Well, I don't see any other big arsed snakes with their eyes scratched out and a hole in the top of their heads, so... Ouch!" he ducked forward turning to Padma who had just smacked him on the back of the head, blinking several times, "What was that for?" he smoothed his hair down in an attempt to relieve the mild pain.
She answered, "You needn't,"
"Be flippant," her twin continued as seamlessly as the Weasley twins.
"Harry," they said together.
"You were being pretty rude, Harry," Susan said disapprovingly.
Millicent snorted and cracking her knuckles said, "You're lucky it wasn't me," her shirt tightened across her bosom as she stood straight stretching and flexing her back, shoulder and arm muscles.
Harry gulped realizing she was actually quite a bit taller than Severus and most likely out weighed the two of them together. He had never noticed before that she was perfectly in proportion but there was nothing small about her. The term Amazon suddenly came to mind for some reason. He cleared his throat, "I apologize Severus. Yes this is the monster that I killed in second year."
AN: There you have chapter 10. In the next chapter we should be taking care of that pesky Dark Mark and they will need to find their way out of the chamber.
As always any comments are appreciated and I thank you for your reviews.
BertaS
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them. I know I don't own them. JKR knows I don't own them.
Description: A potions accident starts unusual circumstances happening for our favorite Potions Master and those around him.
Warnings: Slash, language, adult and sexual situations. Harry is in the later part of his seventh year and is 17 years old which in the Wizarding world is an adult.
A/N: I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have reviewed. I realized I have a continuity error on what day of the week it is/was. The last part of chapter 9 really should have been on a Thursday, but... author shrugs, oops, oh well. On with the story.
Chapter. 10 - Down to the Chamber
As it turned out Harry did not sleep for three weeks, just several days. His sudden magical exhaustion caused great consternation in those that did not know about the midnight excursion of The-Boy-Who-Lived and his friends. The Headmaster was concerned that he was being attack by Voldemort.
Madam Pomfrey kept him in the Hospital Wing until Tuesday morning. Poking and prodding mercilessly before allowing him to go to breakfast and classes, with a strong warning not to overextend himself again. Even going so far as to threaten a 'ruing of the day' if she saw him again before the end of the year.
At breakfast Neville whispered cryptically, "I need to talk to you alone after DA this evening," before sauntering off to his first class.
Hermione looked at Harry oddly wondering what that was all about. Ron of course was incensed that they had gone off with out him and was once again giving both Harry and Hermione the silent treatment. They knew he needed time to get over it so that he could admit to being a prat and things could go back to normal.
Potions class after lunch was the first Sev and Harry had seen each other since Harry had led them on their adventure and they were both a little anxious. "Potter what are you doing?" snapped an already irritated and stressed Severus Snape. He had only seen something move out of the corner of his eye just before the boy's hand, fist clenched, shot into the air. They really did not need flying ingredients when working on the Felix Felicis potion.
Part of Severus' irritation was that Dumbledore had made his displeasure known, loudly and repeatedly when Severus had privately confessed to not only knowing about the after hours activities, but actively participating in them. He had not revealed the total extent of what they had done, who was involved or why, letting the man think it was some kind of prank that would be sprung at a later date. He had been trying to think of something to do that would lend credence to his story.
He was also concerned the Headmaster would find out about Harry meddling with the wards and be angry. He didn't realize that most of the wards that Harry now held had not been active for several centuries.
Harry opened his hand to see what it was that he had caught before answering, "Just returning Malfoy's misplaced flux-weed, Sir," as he tossed it in the direction of the blond. He hadn't intended for it to land in the prat's cauldron. There was an additional series of plops as several unidentified items flew through the air as apparently the whole class decided to throw something. Most of the items landed in various cauldrons, all of which started to fizz and boil violently especially those that had received multiple additions as Malfoy's had.
One word escaped the Potion Master's lips as he drew his wand extinguishing all fires, "Leave," as Malfoy's cauldron shot a hot sticky mass on to the ceiling, most of the class was out the door before the his cauldron melted into a puddle of foul smelling goo.
All but five students were able to follow that order. Harry and four of the girls where trapped on the wrong side of the room along with the Professor. Two of the cauldrons were belching copious amounts of smoke, one a lurid purple and the other an acid green. They sparked like red, yellow and blue fireworks as they combined. Even though Severus had spelled all the fires out many of the chemical reactions were still violent and quite spectacular.
They all backed up in to the corner behind the free standing chalkboard while Severus held the strongest shield he could in an attempt to protect the students from flying debris as several cauldrons exploded violently but they were starting to cough from the various fumes and smoke in the room.
Harry lay his hand on Sev's shoulder pushing magic into the older man, assisting him in holding the shield. Sev had never had anyone that trusted him enough to lend him their magic.
With out allowing the shield to waver Sev ask, "Harry, have you figured out how to open a door like your friend does?" Sev coughed. Not that he really wanted Harry to let go of him but they needed out of this room, and they needed out now. There was no telling how harmful the fumes they would soon be breathing where.
Harry nodded, "I think so," and the four girls moved to support and lend their magical strength to their Professor. Sev felt a notable surge of power as the girls all touched his back before Harry released him. He was unaware that Harry and the DAG had been practicing what one book described as, power lending and another called, power sharing, which allowed all involved to cast spells that were considerably more powerful than they could alone. The thinking was that a team of three could have one shield holder and two offensive spell casters. A distinct advantage over a single opponent. Pairs also seemed to work well.
Pressing both hands to the wall Harry hissed several times asking the castle to open a passage to a safe haven. When the hole appeared in the floor he flailed slightly grabbing hold of Sev's arm as he fall, he pulled the others through behind him. They slid down a long dark tunnel in a single mass of tangled arms and legs.
It was dark and damp when they landed. As they tried to untangled themselves, Harry took full advantage and groped Sev a little more than necessary he earned himself a sharp reprimand of, "Whoever has their hand on my arse, had better remove it, now."
To which one of the girls replied, "Goodness Professor, you're not the only one getting groped," causing several chuckles as well as a few muttered apologies.
Harry laughed, "Whoever has their breast in my face may make me change my mind about liking girls."
A wand lit with a growled, "Lumos." Harry found himself face to double E breast with Millicent Bulstrode who was holding a lit wand.
Harry blushed, "Um... Sorry about that, I didn't mean to offend or anything." He really hadn't meant to be rude.
She raised an eye brow surprised by his apology, "I'm not offended Potter, merely trying to figure out exactly what you mean by that statement." She thought she knew but wanted confirmation. Besides she had cultivated the big dumb act and had to stay in character and pretend to not understand, even though it was pretty obvious.
"Uh..." he briefly glared at Sev and the other girls who were all sniggering as he moved a bit farther from her, "um... You have lovely breasts?" His smile was a bit sickly since he was expecting her to hex or maybe even punch him. He couldn't quite believe he had said that, and thought he probably deserved to be punched for such a comment.
She blinked several times as she looked down at her chest, shocked, as though she had never noticed her breasts before. She had certainly never had anyone tell her they were lovely. Stare at them, talk to them, yes. Complement them, oh no, that had never happened before.
Sev snorted quietly he was well aware of the way the ladies in his House were frequently treated by their male peers. They tended to treat them the way their Fathers treated their Mothers. A trend he was trying to counter but not having much luck as the girls expected and accepted the behavior as normal.
Susan Bones got to her feet laughing, "I don't think any of us would disagree with that Harry, she glanced down at her own, only small by comparison, breasts, "but I think it was the other half of that statement that was in question." The Patil twins both nodded as they finally untangled themselves and stood as well.
"Oh. I... Well..." he sighed, "It's not really a secret but, I'm not exactly prepared to have it printed in the Prophet," he looked away with his jaw set, determined not to say any more on the matter.
"Of course not," Severus sneered as he too rose to his full height, "the great Harry Potter certainly wouldn't want any more attention." He tried to continued acting the part of the greasy git as much as he could. It was becoming more difficult though. It was hard not to show the feeling that were rapidly developing for the younger man. And even harder to say thing he knew would hurt him.
Harry glared, "The fact that I prefer men is really no one else's business, Professor. But if it wouldn't endanger a certain bloke and he wanted it announced, I would take out a freakin' whole page advert," his voice rising until he yelled, "I'd shout it to the whole damned world." He stepped forward right into Sev's face staring him in the eye and growled, "Don't you ever think otherwise."
Severus swallowed hard before he nodded jerkily, opened his mouth then closed it with no idea what to say. He wanted to lean into Harry for comfort, to say he was sorry but was acutely conscious of the girls watching them.
Harry started to sway toward Sev reacting instinctively to the need for comfort he could feel from Sev, when a noise behind him startled them both.
The four girls were grinning at them, "Anything else you want to tell us, Mr. Potter?" drawled Millicent as only a Slytherin can. She had an almost predatory look on her face.
Harry turned toward her, the sarcastic retort dying on his lips as a familiar snakelike pillar caught his eye, "Yeah," he shook his head and hissed something making his companions shiver, "Welcome to the Chamber of Secrets."
His hiss also caused torches on the walls and huge braziers on the top of the short pillars to spring to life making the shadows of the snake shaped pillars appear to dance on the floor.
"Really?" ask Padma
"Are you certain?" Severus looked around in fascination.
"No way?" Parvati exclaimed.
Susan moved closer to Harry and whispered, "What about the Monster?"
Harry put his arm around her giving her a little hug, "No worries, I killed it during second year." She smiled slightly not surprised in the least that he knew that she needed a hug. It seemed to her that Harry always knew how others were feeling and what to do to make them feel better. Even when they themselves didn't know.
Millicent turned on Harry with eyes wide, "Then you really are the Heir of Slytherin?"
Harry grimaced, "Yes and no." Seeing he would have to explain he continued, "I did not open the Chamber. That was the shade of Vol..." his eyes slid briefly to Severus, "Tom Marvolo Riddle. That is the original name of the Dark Lord."
Susan pulled away from Harry frowning and said solemnly, "You used to say it, Harry."
"Yes but..." this time he looked at Severus seeming to as permission for something.
Severus spoke softly, "That name, Miss Bones, causes pain to any who bear his mark."
Susan just looked at him with open mouthed shock.
Millicent's eyes went very wide and her mouth made an O, "You're..." she whipped out her wand and holding it straight up in front of her face said, "I solemnly swear on my magic and my life that I, Millicent Marie Bulstrode, will never speak of, nor reveal in any way, anything that I see or hear while in the Chamber of Secrets without the express permission of all those now present." Her wand and body glowed brightly, "So mote it be."
The other three girls looked at each other in silent communication, before they all nodded to each other and then made the same vow.
They could hear the awe in Harry's voice as he thanked each of them before continuing his story.
"To summarize, when Voldy tried to kill me when I was little he technically died. His body was in fact no longer in existence, in other words, dead.
In first year, his spirit possessed Quirrell and tried to steal the Sorcerer's Stone from where it was hidden in the third floor corridor." He looked at them to see their astonished faces.
Second year we find he left a copy of his sixteen year old self in a diary. It took over," he shrugged, "again possessed seems to be the best word, a student this time and forced them open the Chamber. Don't ask who, it doesn't matter. We, that is Ron and I, finally figured most of it out and went all Gryffindor," he made a face, "charge off to the rescue, kill the monster, and save the girl, you know the usual." He was leading them along between the rows of pillars, trying to figure out where they were in the Chamber and how they would get out.
"Then, in third year, well lets skip third year," Harry said, "I..."
He was interrupted by Sev who muttered, "Dementors, Werewolves, and Sirius Black, oh my!" He snorted derisively. "Enough said, I think," he continued with a full sneer.
Harry smirked, "Yeah well, I think we'll go straight to the end of fourth year when Moldy Voldy, got himself a new body. In the, I don't know if it was a ceremony or a ritual, but it called for the bone of his father, a muggle named Thomas Riddle, which explains why we were in a graveyard. The flesh of his servant, Peter Pettigrew, and the blood of his enemy forcibly taken, mine," he shuddered, "which, and this kind of creeps me out, it kind of makes me like Voldy's ancestor or something." He shook his head, "I refuse to acknowledge anything closer. But, and this is the funny part, it also makes Pettigrew," his grin was malicious, "his Mummy."
He chuckled at the combination fascination and disgust on all their faces. "Oh, but there's more. He used nothing from his mother and that means that his only claim to Slytherin descendant through the few drops of my blood that he used."
Millicent and Parvati both said at the same time, "But you're in Gryffindor?"
Harry laughed, "Yes, but I could easily have been in Slytherin, it is where the Hat wanted me. If Malfoy hadn't been such a prat the first, and second, time I met him and a couple of people I trusted said some things that influenced me," he shrugged again. "Anyway as far as I can tell I'm only related through a convoluted series of infidelities and an adoption. But, apparently all the other branches of the family are gone now. Mostly Voldy's fault since he actively hunted and killed anyone known to be related." As he was talking Harry was trying to figure out why Hogwarts had brought them here.
Evidentially Severus was thinking the same thing because he ask, "That doesn't really explain why you brought us here Mr. Potter?" he paused a moment, "Nor do you say where all this information came from."
Harry shook his head, "This is the first time I've tried to open a door, and I haven't had a chance to talk to Sal about how to get a specific destination. I just ask to be taken to a safe haven, maybe that's what he called this area." He shook his head and mumbled, "If I hurt myself again Madam Pomfrey is going to tie me to a bed for the rest of the year. I just know she is."
Padma sniggered wickedly, "Don't worry Harry we'll come visit you." The other girls giggled.
Parvati nodded looking around, "Harry, this looks like it would be a great setting for one of those 'Free for All' duel like we have been doing in The Group."
Susan nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, there are tons of places to hide," she grinned, "and ambush people," she said causing the two Slytherins of the group to stare at her in shock. A Huffelpuff thinking like a Slytherin was almost too much for them.
"Are you insane?" Severus sneered, "Do you really think playing 'tag' in the Chamber of Secrets is a good idea?" he looked down his not inconsiderable nose at his students. Had they no concept of the danger they could be in? There was no telling how many dangerous creatures were down here.
Harry grinned again, "Maybe, if I can find an easier way in and out. You know a nice long set of stairs would be good. I'm sure there must be something other than a slide down a drain pipe. When we get back up there I really need to talk to Sal and find out about other options."
Severus snorted, "Oh Please. Just how would he know anything about it?" he almost sneered.
Harry looked at the Potions Master for a long moment before shaking his head, "And you call me dense," he smiled and nudged the taller man, "Think about it... Sev."
Severus stopped in his tracks and grabbed Harry's arm turning him so they were facing each other, "Harry James Potter, are you trying to tell me that that portrait..." he shouted a totally gob-smacked look on his face, "THAT IS SALAZAR SLYTHERIN?"
"I'm not trying to telling you anything Professor," Harry smiled sweetly his eyelashes fluttering, "But when I introduced you as the head of his house, I would have thought it might have been a hint."
Severus groaned almost whining, "Harry, how could you let me be so rude?" he must have been truly distressed to say something like that in front of his students.
Parvati leaned close to the other girls, "Who is he and what's he done with Professor Snape?" they all giggled. As representatives of each of the houses they were getting along extremely well. Of course Susan could get along with almost any one and the twins never fought over house loyalties. Millicent was the surprise, but then she was out numbered even if she did have Snape here.
Severus glared at them making them laugh harder even though they tried to hide it behind their hands.
Harry slid one arm around Severus waist, "Don't worry Sev. Sal thinks it's funny, he has a wicked, if a little odd, sense of humor," he pulled Sev a little closer.
"I will have to take your word on that." Sev bit the side of his lip, "Harry?" he touched Harry's elbow, "I..." he glanced at the girls and whispered, "I'm really uncomfortable with this." He ducked his head as though expecting Harry to be angry if he outright refused him. But Harry had made him promise to tell him if anything made him uncomfortable.
Harry immediately loosened his embrace looking intently in to his face, "I'm sorry." he whispered, "Do you need me to step back?" he could feel Severus's need to be told what to do, the level of dominance that Sev sometimes seemed to require was beginning to worry him in that he was not always as sure as he thought Sev needed him to be.
Sev took two deep breaths before shaking his head, "No." he whispered back, "It's just..." his eyes flicked to each of the girls, "we are being watched." He knew that they were supposed to be keeping their true relationship quiet but now four more people would know. Soon it would be common knowledge.
When Harry turned to look at the girls, only Millicent was still actively watching them. She had a calculating look on her face that neither Harry nor Severus had ever seen before. The others were examining the huge room they were in while still keeping an eye on the two men.
Padma and Parvati were quietly discussing what kind of snakes were used as the model for the pillars. It seemed they couldn't decide between the Cobra and the Black Mamba. Susan had wondered slightly away from the others.
Harry grinned at Sev and called, "Don't go too far Susan."
She waved and started to turn, "I won't Harr-eep!" she cut off causing them to all look at her, "Harry, what is that?" they all moved toward her looking where she pointed.
Harry wrinkled his nose as he led the group closer, "You would think that in five years it would have decomposed more." the great king of serpents was laying like he had left it half on it's side mouth gaping open.
"Great Circe, is that what I think it is, Harry?" Severus said in awe as he lay one hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry sighed and shrugged, "Well, if you think it's an ancient forty foot Basilisk, then yes it's what you think," he then grinned at the older man.
Sev scowled and muttered, "Brat," as he went to examine the carcass to ascertain of any of it was salvageable.
Harry chuckled, "Aw Sev, you say the sweetest things," causing the girls to giggle again.
"Continue that incessant giggling," Severus sneered, "and I will put all four houses in to negative points for years to come." He didn't even bother to look at the students, having only eyes for the treasure trove of ingredients laying in front of him.
Harry smirked, "Is any of that of any use?" he was pleased by the kid in a candy store quality to the was Sev was acting.
Sev actually smiled, slightly, "The skin alone is worth a small fortune as potions ingredients and a lightweight supple armor," he enthused in an not quite lecturing tone. "The fangs should still hold venom not to mention they make spectacular daggers and the Goblins prize the smaller ones for spearheads," he was moving around the beast, "We'll need to be careful of the eyes, they could still cause death if you were to look directly into them." He stopped near the head.
"That shouldn't be a problem," Harry said, "Fawkes blinded it. He is probably the only reason I was able to kill it."
Sev slowly straightened and turned, "Harry? Are you saying this..." he gestured incredulously at the dead basilisk, "This is the monster you fought and killed in your second year?" all the girls looked stunned. They of course knew the basic story but never what the monster was.
Harry looked around before replying sarcastically, "Well, I don't see any other big arsed snakes with their eyes scratched out and a hole in the top of their heads, so... Ouch!" he ducked forward turning to Padma who had just smacked him on the back of the head, blinking several times, "What was that for?" he smoothed his hair down in an attempt to relieve the mild pain.
She answered, "You needn't,"
"Be flippant," her twin continued as seamlessly as the Weasley twins.
"Harry," they said together.
"You were being pretty rude, Harry," Susan said disapprovingly.
Millicent snorted and cracking her knuckles said, "You're lucky it wasn't me," her shirt tightened across her bosom as she stood straight stretching and flexing her back, shoulder and arm muscles.
Harry gulped realizing she was actually quite a bit taller than Severus and most likely out weighed the two of them together. He had never noticed before that she was perfectly in proportion but there was nothing small about her. The term Amazon suddenly came to mind for some reason. He cleared his throat, "I apologize Severus. Yes this is the monster that I killed in second year."
AN: There you have chapter 10. In the next chapter we should be taking care of that pesky Dark Mark and they will need to find their way out of the chamber.
As always any comments are appreciated and I thank you for your reviews.
BertaS
Sign up to rate and review this story