The Truth

Chapter 11: Chamber of Secrets

Quick note. I decided to try the non-American metric system. So instead of feet, I'm using centimeters. I'll put what it is for those that don't know the more universal metric system. I don't know it either, so I'm looking it all up. Enjoy the chapter and sorry for the lack of updates. I'll make a note to try to explain what all is going on right now.

It doesn't take Harry long to find a door with snakes on it. After inspecting it, Harry says "Open" the same way he did with the sink. He stands back and watches as another snake appears, slithering around the door and pushing the others back. Once finished, the door opens to a large chamber with statues of snakes bordering the path.

Harry climbs down the ladder and begins making his way to the giant statue at the back of the room.

He admires the large room as he walks. The ceiling seems like it could reach endlessly while the water on the sides of the path has no bottom. The snakes look down on the path as if they were watching Harry, looking for intruders as well. Harry knows that one would normally be extremely uncomfortable with the room, but it brings him great comfort. Like the room was made for him.

Harry finally makes it to the shallow pool of water in front of the statue that looks a lot like the head of Salazar Slytherin. He makes a note to ask the founder later when he decides to return.

Harry gets a feeling deep inside of him and calls out in parseltongue.

Hello?

INTRUDER!!!

A large snake comes out of the mouth when it opens. It had to be well over 15 meters in length.

Harry stumbles back, tripping in the process and falling on his butt.

A-a snake?!

The creature stares at Harry, wondering why the boy can speak parseltongue.

What is a snake doing in the school?!

I live here, hatchling.

Y-you can understand me?!

You are speaking the language of the snakes, hatchling.

What?

A regular witch or wizard would not be able to understand us, right now. Now if a witch or wizard could speak parseltongue, the language of the snakes, they would know exactly what we're saying.

Harry stares dumbfounded at the large creature.

How is it that you can speak parseltongue?

I-I don't know. I've always been able to, I guess.

A moment passes before the snake speaks up.

Well, I assume you're here to release me so I may continue to protect Hogwarts' students?

I'm sorry?

Salazar Slytherin raised me to protect the children that reside here and help Hogwarts keep their magic in check. I was released about fifty or so years ago to help, but someone made me hurt them. One of them died. I ended up being locked in here again. I would like to get back to protecting my hatchlings.

Harry sits and thinks for a moment, going over everything that he was just told.

I'm sorry but I can't.

What?! The snake rears back ready to attack.

Think! The last time you were released someone made you hurt the students. Who's to say that won't happen again?! We need a way to protect you from such things before you can return to the student body.

You can still release me. I know how to change size.

No. It would be odd if I were to suddenly return with a snake after going in the opposite direction of the Forbidden Forest.

Oh... The snake relaxes and lays down.

I'll talk to Slytherin and find out what's going on and how I can help you.

This catches the snake's attention and it perks up.

His portrait is missing.

There's one in my common room. It has all four founders. I was already planning on asking why their portrait is in our common room, so I can just add this to my list of questions.

I wish to see my master again.

And you will, just when it's safe to let you out.

Alright. The snake sighs, laying back down.

By the way, what is your name?

Beatric.

Beatric? Interesting name.

Master wished me to have a gender-... What were his words again? Those four were far ahead of their time.

Was it gender non-conforming?

Yes!

I like it. Harry smiles at the snake.

They continue to talk for hours. Eventually, Harry checks the time and realizes that he missed all of his classes, along with lunch, and if he didn't leave soon, and quickly, he would miss dinner.

Sorry Beatric, I gotta get going. Everyone's probably freaking out right now. I've been gone all day.

It is fine, hatchling. Be safe.

I will.

With that, Harry returns the way he came.

********

It doesn't take him long to reach the Great Hall. He hides next to a pillar and waits for a large group of students to enter, following behind them. He makes his way to his house table and sits next to Draco, surprising the blonde.

"Harry! Where the bloody hell have you been?! Everyone's been looking everywhere for you!" Draco asks, worry evident in his voice and face.

"I'll tell you later, Dray. It's not something I want to talk about in the Great Hall nor when the headmaster is around" Harry says quietly, his face showing just how important this is.

"Alright..." Draco sighs before returning to his food.

They eat and talk like Harry's been there the whole time.