Chapter 215: Heir of Slytherin
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For a moment, everything seemed to be going according to plan. The basilisk's deadly gaze focused on the illusion, giving Harry a brief sense of relief. However, just as he was about to move the creature's eyes snapped towards him, piercing through the cloak's protection. "Damn it!"
In that instant, Harry's mind raced through the possibilities. The illusion had failed, and he was now face to face with the basilisk. He quickly closed his eyes, relying on his other senses. He could hear the basilisk's hiss echoing through the chamber, feel the vibrations of its movements.
"Master Harry, it seems the basilisk has a way to see through our illusion," Nigel remarked dryly in Harry's mind.
"No kidding," Harry muttered, trying to keep his voice steady. "Got any suggestions?"
Nigel chuckled softly in Harry's mind, even his voice was more restrained, "Master Harry, you've seen those yellow eyes. If our scaly friend wanted you dead, you'd be dead already. It seems, much like the soul in the diary controlled the basilisk before, since you've come here as Slytherin's heir, it has no intention to attack you. Well, for now."
Harry took a deep breath, letting Nigel's words sink in. The basilisk wasn't inherently evil; it was merely a creature following the commands of its master. "So it recognizes me as a potential master," he murmured to himself, feeling a mixture of relief and tension.
"Indeed, Master Harry. However, I recommend proceeding with caution. One never knows how a basilisk might react to such recognition."
Harry nodded, stepping forward slowly. The basilisk's massive head turned to follow his movements, its yellow eyes watching him intently. He knew he needed to establish some form of communication, to understand its nature and purpose.
"Greetings, Guardian of Slytherin's legacy," Harry said in Parseltongue, his voice steady. "I am Harry Potter, descendant of Salazar Slytherin."
The basilisk's massive head turned towards Harry, its yellow eyes narrowed as if trying to understand his intentions. "Heir of Slytherin," the serpent hissed, its voice low and menacing. "What do you want?"
"I seek knowledge," Harry replied, keeping his tone calm and measured. "Salazar Slytherin placed you here for a reason. I want to know what that reason was."
The basilisk seemed to consider Harry's words, its body coiling and uncoiling slowly. "Salazar placed me here to protect the school, to guard it against those who would harm his legacy."
Harry nodded, understanding the gravity of the basilisk's purpose. "I understand. But many years ago, you were used to harm a student. Why did you follow those orders?"
The basilisk's eyes flickered with a hint of sadness. "I am bound to follow the commands of the Heir of Slytherin. I do not choose who controls me."
Harry's mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. "So, when Tom Riddle controlled you, it wasn't your will but his."
"Yes," the basilisk replied. "Riddle's commands were clear, and I had no choice but to obey."
Harry nodded, absorbing the information. "Did Salazar intend for you to harm students?"
The basilisk's eyes glinted with a mixture of sadness and anger. "I was meant to protect, not to harm. But when Tom Riddle controlled me, he used my power for his own dark purposes. It was he who ordered me to kill."
Nigel's voice broke through Harry's thoughts, "Master Harry, it seems the basilisk itself is not inherently evil, but rather a tool used by those with ill intent."
Harry reached the same conclusion. "I understand," he said to the basilisk. "Thank you for telling me. I wish to ensure that no more harm comes from this place."
The basilisk's massive head dipped slightly in what seemed to be an acknowledgment. "If you truly seek to protect Hogwarts and its students, then you have my support, young heir. But beware, for there are still those who would use my power for their own gain."
Harry felt a surge of sympathy for the creature. "I don't wish to control you in the same way. I want to understand more about Salazar Slytherin and the magic he used."
Nigel's voice interjected, "Master Harry, you might consider asking about the Chamber itself. Its secrets could be invaluable."
"Can you tell me about this chamber?" Harry asked, gesturing to the vast, ancient space around them. "What other secrets does it hold?"
The basilisk's eyes glowed with a mysterious light. "This chamber was built as a sanctuary, a place of power and knowledge. Salazar Slytherin infused it with ancient magic, spells that could protect and conceal."
Harry felt a spark of excitement. "What kind of spells? Can you teach me?"
The basilisk's massive head moved in a way that resembled a human nod, its ancient eyes reflecting a depth of knowledge and sorrow. "The legacy will reveal itself only to the true heir. I have no control over it; I am merely its guardian."
Harry felt a pang of disappointment but nodded in understanding. "I appreciate your honesty. Can you tell me anything more about this legacy or how I might prove myself as the true heir?"
The basilisk's eyes gleamed with a mix of ancient wisdom and a hint of sadness. "Proving oneself as the true heir is a journey of the heart and mind, not just of blood. You must seek out the knowledge and power left by Salazar Slytherin, understanding his intentions and values. Only then can you unlock the full potential of the legacy."
Harry took a deep breath, absorbing the basilisk's words. "I understand. Thank you for your guidance." He bowed slightly, showing respect to the ancient creature.
"Master Harry," Nigel's voice echoed in his mind, "it seems we have a quest ahead of us. Uncovering the true intentions and values of Salazar Slytherin will not be an easy task."
Harry nodded, agreeing with Nigel's assessment. "You're right, Nigel. But I believe it's a journey worth undertaking."
Harry pushed aside thoughts of the Slytherin legacy, knowing he wouldn't complete that quest soon. "I guess I won't be able to finish this before the year ends, Nigel," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"It seems so, Master Harry," Nigel replied with a helpless sigh as well.
Harry smiled helplessly, then turned his attention back to the basilisk. He took a deep breath and asked, "What do you normally do when you're not awakened?"
The basilisk's massive head turned slightly, its eyes narrowing as it considered Harry's question. "I slumber, young heir. For centuries at a time, I remain in a deep sleep, only awakening when called upon by a true heir of Slytherin."
Harry nodded, intrigued. "Do you ever hunt outside the chamber?"
The basilisk's eyes glowed faintly in the dim light of the chamber. "Every century, I venture into the Forbidden Forest to hunt. I consume enough to sustain me for another century of slumber. This is the second time I have been awakened since Salazar Slytherin placed me here, and it has been fifty years since the last time."
Harry processed this information, realizing the creature's existence was even more extraordinary than he had imagined. "Can anyone else control you, or is it just the Heir of Slytherin?"
"Any heir with the gift of Parseltongue can command me," the basilisk hissed, its voice echoing through the chamber. "However, your title as Serpent of the Crown gives you precedence over all other heirs."
Harry's mind raced as he absorbed this new information. "Was Tom Riddle also a Serpent of the Crown?" he asked, his voice steady despite the weight of the question.
"Indeed, he was," the basilisk confirmed. "Riddle's lineage and abilities granted him control over me. He used that control for his dark purposes, unlike the protective intent of Salazar Slytherin."
Harry took a deep breath, feeling the gravity of the situation. "Thank you for your honesty," he said, bowing his head slightly in respect.
"Proceed with caution, young heir," the basilisk warned, its eyes reflecting a mix of ancient wisdom and a hint of sadness. "The path you tread is fraught with danger, but the knowledge and power you seek are within your reach."
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