FIC: Gelosaþ in Écnesse ~ Harry Potter ~ Chapter 10/18 ~ Harry/Salazar

[batsutousai]

Title: Gelosaþ in Écnesse
Chapter: 10 of 18
Author: Batsutousai
Rating: Teen
Pairings: Harry/Salazar, Harry/OFC (Original Female Character)
Warnings: OCs, OoC, minor cliché-age, character death, homophobia, racist actions and slurs (from secondary character), time travel
Summary: Caught in the backlash of Voldemort's Killing Curse, Harry is thrown through time to a world so very different from his own.

A/N: Harry lets slip that he's a Parselmouth in this chapter. Which pretty much everyone and their mum has been asking me about, so here you go.

Also in this chapter is an OC that you may all bash to your hearts' content. You'll know them when you see them.

-0-0-
I'll Breathe Again
-0-0-

Harry and Salazar had always been the last two to bed and the first two to to rise – a mix of their own personalities and the practice of Occlumency – so they had no trouble evading detection by the others who lived in the dorm. Things became even simpler once everyone had gone home for the summer holidays, giving the two wizards the chance to curl up on one of the couches together after dinner. Harry had pretty much moved into Salazar's room by the second day of the holiday, leaving only enough in his usual room to give the appearance of his continued residence there.

The only person Harry hadn't even bothered trying to hide his new relationship from was Ramona, figuring she'd catch him out within a few days of the end of term, anyway. Salazar had agreed, grudgingly, when Harry had brought it up, then left the whole thing in his hands, so he'd hunted her down on the first day of the holidays and spilled the news. She'd been ecstatic, but also a little sad to learn that, if their relationship lasted – and both she and Harry prayed it would – Salazar would be leaving with Harry in six years.

It had been a little odd for everyone to have Salazar around more often than not, but they got used to it, and it became common to hear Salazar and Godric snark at each other over a meal until Bernia or Harry elbowed one of them to shut them up.

Salazar had mentioned the additional teachers idea to the other Founders and their spouses. They'd all agreed it was an excellent idea and Harry had suggested to Alexander before he left that he might invite his tutor to join them next autumn. As such, in addition to hunting down prospective students, they also looked for mature wizards and witches willing to assist in teaching at Hogwarts.

The first story of success came from Godric some weeks into the holiday. He'd strutted into the Great Hall like he owned the place and, as soon as he'd taken his seat, announced, "I have found both a student and a new teacher for magical defence." He smirked down the table at Salazar. "And you can't have him."

"Why would I want anything to do with one of the students you chose?" Salazar replied coolly.

"Why, he shares your family name," Godric replied.

Salazar froze for half a moment before carefully setting the chicken he'd been about to eat back on his plate and requesting, "His given name?"

"Angus," Godric reported. "He told me his father is named Edrick. Why, Salazar? Afraid we'll learn some terrible secret about your past from someone in your family?"

Salazar relaxed. "I doubt it," he said drily, "as I have never met most of my extensive family. As for this Angus, you may certainly have him; if he's so much to your liking, I'll probably hate him." He flashed Godric a cool smile.

Godric huffed down the table and they all returned to their meals, Godric boasting about his new teacher to the others while Salazar sat in silence and Harry watched him out of the corner of his eye.

When they got to the common, Harry drew Salazar down onto the couch in front of himself and rubbed at tense shoulders. "Will you talk to me?" he murmured.

Salazar was silent long enough that Harry thought he was going to be ignored. Eventually, though, he said, "I told you about my father. That he had Mum and then left her to take care of herself without even a goodbye?"

Harry nodded. Then, realising Salazar couldn't see him, agreed, "Yes. You said he had a bit of a history of doing that, too."

Salazar sighed. "I'm not surprised I have siblings, or that they have children, but I hadn't expected to run into them at Hogwarts, though I should have."

"It's possible you've met a sibling before," Harry said philosophically, "but if you didn't exchange life stories or, at the least, the name of your father, you'd never know." He fell silent for a minute to work out a particularly angry knot curled to the side of Salazar's spine. "At least you have some warning, this time."

"True. And I know that Godric favours him, which tells me something of what he's like," Salazar agreed, relaxing against Harry and twisting to place a slightly awkward kiss on his lips. "What would I do without you?"

"You'd have knots in your back," Harry snarked. "Sit back up, I wasn't done."

Snorting in amusement, Salazar did as ordered.

-0-

A couple nights after Godric's excitement over finding a student and a teacher, Salazar and Harry were interrupted during a debate about something Harry had read during the reading time before lunch by the common room entrance slamming open and Ramona rushing in.

"Good evening," Harry said drily as the girl caught her breath. "Where's the fire?"

"Not fire," Ramona insisted, still a bit out of breath. "Sigrid, from Rowena's House, and his family just portkeyed into the Great Hall. Alive," she added when she saw the memories of last summer in their eyes. "Some wounds, though, so they sent me to get you two."

"Tanwen," Salazar called, standing from the couch, and the phoenix appeared in a burst of pale blue flame, resting on his extended arm.

"Come on," Harry called to Ramona as he stood, placing his hand on Salazar's shoulder and bracing himself for travel by fire – he hadn't done it many times, and he always managed to land on his behind unless well prepared.

Ramona hurried over and took hold of Salazar's other arm. Tanwen let out a trill, then the world disappeared in a flash of heatless blue fire before reforming into the Great Hall.

"Thank you," Salazar murmured to the phoenix as he started over to the wounded family, leaving Harry to help Ramona to her feet.

"The number of times I've seen Salazar flame into existence without even a wobble, you'd think phoenix travel was easy," Ramona muttered, dusting down her gowns.

"It takes practice," Harry replied, amused. "Come on, I need to see if I can help any."

While Harry and Salazar looked after the family and Rowena asked her student what, exactly, had happened, the others set about having rooms prepared for Sigrid's parents, aunt, and two brothers.

Sigrid's family wasn't the only one to seek safety in the castle that summer, but his was the largest, as well as the only non-magical. Another Ravenclaw, Monica, fled to the school with her father and sister, while two Gryffindors, Iven Jackson and Martina, both fled with their parents.

"It's a bit strange, though, that Slytherin and Hufflepuff have mostly remained unbothered," Duana commented one afternoon while the Founder's children, Harry, and Duana were clustered by Harry's usual tree, watching the other students staying the summer play with the two non-magical and one magical children.

"There was Mavis, last year, and we've had Fiona staying with us nearly as long as you and Harry," Ramona refused.

"Fiona doesn't count," Kenric disagreed. "It was her parents that threw her out, not her villagers. But, Mavis..." He looked sadly up towards where Harry was seated on his branch.

"Slytherins and Hufflepuffs tend to be the less noticeable of the Houses," Harry commented, eyes sad at the reminder of his dead friend. "You Gryffindors like getting into fights, and Ravenclaws will argue a point to death." He glanced over at Helena, who shrugged in agreement, not bothering to look up from her book. "That makes you noticeable to non-magicals, especially if you don't think something through before testing a spell or reacting to something in anger."

"So, what about Mavis, then?" Duana asked uncertainly. "Shouldn't she have known how to keep her head down?"

"She did," Harry replied, shaking his head. "They'd been having a string of bad harvests, and her sister wasn't so careful with her magic."

"We're going to run out of room if families keep coming to join us," Helena pointed out, snapping her book shut.

"No way!" Kenric said. "The castle's way too big."

"If the family of every student comes seeking the safety of Hogwarts, we will," Helena stated.

"We will," Harry agreed before Kenric could argue otherwise. "And this is supposed to be a school, not a refuge. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's great that we're willing to take in everyone's families, magical or no, but Hogwarts wasn't meant for that." He looked towards the gates of the school, which were nowhere as impressive as they would one day be.

"What are you plotting?" Ramona asked.

"Not sure yet," Harry replied, thinking Hogsmeade would be a good place to set up refugee families, but uncertain if he should act to see it a reality.

"If safety is the problem," Conrad piped up, "why not find them a safe place outside the castle? Maybe a village that's just inside the castle wards? Ollivander could set up shop there, so he's closer to the school, and people can come and move in, protected and in a community that welcomes magic."

"That's not a bad idea," Duana agreed, grinning.

"We could go suggest it to our parents," Kenric suggested, bouncing in place a bit.

"I don't know..." Conrad started, frowning.

"It's a surprisingly intelligent suggestion," Helena cut in. "Mother will approve, I'm sure, and the others would be fools to disagree."

"Come on," Kenric ordered, tugging on Conrad's arm and pointing towards the castle. "Let's go."

Harry watched the group go with a smile, leaving him and Ramona behind. "So, what was your idea?" Ramona wondered.

"Conrad said it," Harry admitted. "A village just on the edge of the wards, welcoming to magic and safe from non-magical prosecution."

"It'll work?" Ramona pleaded.

"Of course it does," Harry agreed, smiling down at her. "In my time, there's a sweets shop and a joke shop and a couple pubs. Third years and up get to visit once a month as a sort of break from classes. It's small, but it's nice."

Ramona sighed. "I wish I could see your time," she admitted. "You always speak so fondly of it."

Harry's smile darkened with memories of dementors and facing down Voldemort year and again. "I only tell you the good bits," he said, shifting on his branch so he could look up through the leaves at the sky. "No time is as peaceful as we'd like."

Ramona looked up at him, heart breaking at the grim smile he wore. "Tell me more about this village?" she requested, trying for a casual tone and mostly managing. "You said they've a sweets shop?"

Harry's expression lightened. "They make the best fudge," he insisted.

"Fudge?"

Harry looked down at her, wincing. "Oh, right. Doesn't exist yet. Uhm..."

"Could you make me some?" Ramona asked, curious. "I promise I wouldn't try re-creating it."

Harry looked torn for a moment before nodding and jumping down. "Sure. Let's see if the Room can't provide me with a little help."

Ramona let out a squeal of delight and they turned for the castle together, Harry listing more sweets at her request.

In the end, the Room had been able to provide him with an alternate kitchen, as well as the ingredients he'd need to make some fudge. Ramona taught him a spell to speed up the setting of the chocolate once it was all mixed, then he cut them both a piece.

"This," Ramona informed him, eyeing the rest of the fudge, "is exquisite."

Harry laughed and cut her another piece. "I know. I sort of hate that chocolate doesn't exist yet – well, okay, chocolate doesn't exist in this part of the world. I've been craving it for ages."

"You're teaching me this recipe so I can make it for myself after you've left," Ramona ordered.

Harry snorted, but nodded. "You have to promise not to let anyone but my snakes have any, though. And, even then, only if they swear not to share it around."

"I know." Ramona rolled her eyes. "You know none of us would betray you, not even for something this delicious."

"I'm glad you think so," Harry said, cutting them both a few more pieces before carefully wrapping the rest and slipping it into a bottomless pouch he kept blocks of wood, some potions, and his writing things in.

"Are you going to hoard that?" Ramona asked, amused.

"I thought I might let Salazar try some..."

Ramona laughed.

-0-

By the end of the summer, construction on the new village had begun, and each of the Founders had managed to find one new teacher to help with one of their subjects: Rowena had signed on Alexander's tutor, Russell, to help with transfiguration and conjuring; Salazar had found a surprisingly friendly man named Sprague Sherrard to assist with potions; Helga had hunted down a capable herbologist, Nairne, to help her with the plants; and Godric had the tutor of Salazar's nephew, Bundy.

All of the new teachers arrived on Mabon, eight days before the students would start arriving. Since he apparently lived with Bundy, Salazar's nephew came with him, and Harry decided he disliked him pretty much on sight, when he flipped back his hair like some future model. When he opened his mouth, Harry only disliked him more.

"I am Angus Slytherin, son of Edrick Slytherin, son of–"

"We know who your grandfather is, boy," Salazar snapped, giving the boy a glance over before turning away to speak with Sprague.

"Who is that rude man?" Angus demanded of Harry and Helena, the only two students who'd wanted to be around to see the new teachers.

"Your uncle," Harry replied drily.

"He's Salazar Slytherin, one of your teachers," Helena snapped, frowning at Harry. "He deserves your respect far more than you do his."

Angus sniffed. "This is the first I've heard of him. He must be illegitimate."

"Was there another sort of child Silvanus had?" Harry wondered. "I mean, goodness, the man slept with so many women, I doubt he knows how many children he's got. Sad, that."

"My father is legitimate," Angus informed Harry, staring down his nose at the slightly shorter boy. "And you are?"

Harry lips curled with a cold smile. "No one you'd be interested in speaking to, I'm sure," he said before turning his back on the other boy. "Helena, have fun with Git the Younger."

Helena let out a startled snicker. "Go away before you actually insult someone," she ordered in one of the variations of Gaelic they both knew. According to what Godric had told them of the boy and the area he'd been living in, the chance of Angus knowing any language beyond Englisc was slimmer than slim.

"I always know where to draw the line," Harry informed her, glancing back at Angus and taking great pleasure in his angry and confused expression. Then he made for Salazar and Sprague. "Hello," he offered.

"Are you baiting Angus?" Salazar wondered, recognising the gleam in Harry's eyes from when he'd been 'common-training' Morgan.

"I would never be so rude as to bait your family," Harry swore, putting on an insulted look. "Is your image of me truly so low?"

"I don't count him as family," Salazar pointed out.

"Oh." Harry grinned. "In that case, of course I'm baiting him. I think he's worse than Morgan was with that ridiculous entitlement nonsense; like how high you are on the social ladder really matters when it comes to casting spells." He rolled his eyes, then turned to the smiling Sprague. "Hello. I'm Harry."

Sprague offered him a hand and they shook. "Greetings. Salazar has made mention of you."

"All good, I hope," Harry replied, gaze flickering towards Salazar.

"It certainly sounded like little more than praise," Sprague allowed.

"Salazar? Praising me? Has the world come to an end?"

"Go outside and cheat at whatever game your flock is playing," Salazar ordered, pointing towards the doors of the Great Hall. "And take Angus with you so I don't have to look at him."

"You don't mind if I break him?" Harry asked, widening his eyes comically.

"No."

Harry grinned, then returned to where Angus seemed to be starting to get on Helena's nerves. "We've been ordered to leave the adults to their socialising," he announced. "All of us," he added as Angus puffed his chest to refuse.

"I don't listen to you," the new Gryffindor snapped as Helena made her retreat, leaving Angus to Harry.

Harry raised an eyebrow, then looked towards Godric, Bernia, and Bundy. "Godric!" he called.

The Founder turned to look at the two students. "What?"

"Do you want me to introduce Angus to the others?"

"Yes. Go, do," Godric ordered before turning back to his conversation.

Harry smiled innocently at the scowling Angus. "Now you do," he informed him before grabbing his arm and half dragging him out of the Great Hall.

"Unhand me this instant, beggar," Angus demanded once they were past the doors.

Harry smiled and continued dragging Angus along, humming to himself to cover up the other boy's orders. Once outside, he introduced Angus around, all obnoxious smiles and pointless small-talk that left Angus growling in disgust and his fellow students in stitches.

"You've met everyone, so you're free to mingle on your own," Harry said at last as he let go of Angus' arm.

Angus scowled at him. "And if I don't wish to...'mingle'?"

Harry's smile widened. "Then you can go inside long enough for the teachers to order you back outside because they're too busy to keep an eye on you; your choice." Then he turned and walked back over to where Ramona, Conrad, Duana, and Kenric were laughing together. "Kenny, Duana, you have Salazar's permission to do whatever you think necessary to make him lose the holier-than-thou attitude."

"Sounds like fun," Duana decided while Kenric's eyes took on a decidedly evil gleam.

The five of them threw around more and more evil plots for the new Gryffindor for a few minutes before they were interrupted by the hissing of Parseltongue and everyone looked over at where Angus had found a snake and was complimenting it. Desensitised by Salazar's regular conversations with himself, they all turned away, though Harry kept one ear open, well used to both processing Parseltongue and paying attention to others without seeming to be multitasking.

Within a few minutes, Harry was glad he had kept an ear on the conversation, as the compliments suddenly changed to Angus ordering, :There are unworthy ones here, ones who pollute this castle and her grounds. Inject them with your poison, my sweet, so they might be gone all the sooner.:

:Which ones, young Speaker?: the snake hissed.

Harry was already turning towards Sigrid's two non-magical brothers, having lived too many years with hatred aimed at those without magic, when Angus hissed, :The two in this direction,: and pointed the snake towards the two brothers.

:Don't you dare,: Harry spat, fury in his hissed words, and everyone turned to stare at him in shock while both the snake and Angus froze, Angus paling. "Benedict, Derwin, come over here," Harry ordered of the two non-magicals in Englisc, eyes narrowed at the Parselmouth sitting in the grass. Once the children were safe among the many scents of the other students, Harry stepped towards Angus, green eyes burning with fury. :You dare to threaten my nestlings?: he demanded of the other boy.

:They are an aberration!: Angus spat. :Polluting Hogwarts with their magic-less breath, staining her land with their poisoned sweat and blood. And you would claim them as nestmates?:

:I claim them as my nestlings because it's my responsibility to see to their safety, you fool boy,: Harry snapped. :Get up, we're going inside.:

:I thought the teachers would just kick us back out,: Angus hissed, smug.

:I said they'd kick you out because they're too busy to keep an eye on you,: Harry replied before gentling his tone and crouching down next to the snake, who had been watching and listening to the two Parselmouths intently. :Please return to the forest where you'll be safe from careless feet.:

The snake bobbed its head. :I won't harm your nestlings, Speaker,: it promised before slithering towards the forest.

Harry smiled after it for a moment before looking over at the students. "Angus and I are going inside for a bit to speak with Godric and Salazar," he told them in an easy tone. "Let the snake make its way back to the forest in peace, okay?"

"We'll be fine," Ramona promised, one arm wrapped comfortingly around Derwin's – the youngest of the brothers – shoulders.

"I know you will be," Harry replied before motioning Angus to precede him towards the castle.

Away from the students, Angus glanced back at Harry and said, "You must be another illegitimate son or grandson, then."

"I'm not related to your family," Harry said shortly.

"You're a Parselmouth," Angus pointed out, as if that should be all the proof he needed.

"So I am," Harry agreed, not bothering to say anything further to that.

When they slipped into the entrance hall, they found the teachers dispersing to lead their new additions to their commons, where rooms had been set up for them. "Salazar, Godric," Harry called, catching the attention of all the adults with his grim tone. "We need to talk."

"Of course," Salazar agreed. "Roscoe, could you show Sprague to my common?"

"Certainly, Salazar," Roscoe agreed, leaving Helga with Nairne and motioning Sprague along.

Godric had left Russell with Bernia and joined the two students with a worried frown. Once Salazar had joined them, he motioned for them to follow him past the stairwells to the grouping of empty rooms. Once the door had closed behind them, the tall man turned and asked, "What's happened?"

"Angus set a snake on Sigrid's brothers for being non-magical," Harry reported coolly.

Godric smiled uncertainly. "How can you be certain?" he wondered. "I know you might have picked up some of the serpent tongue from Salazar–"

"I've always been a Parselmouth," Harry said, one eyebrow raised.

"What?" Salazar hissed, eyes disbelieving. "How can you–?"

:You say some of the most interesting things when you think no one can understand you,: Harry hissed, lips curled with smug amusement at the shocked expression on the Founder's face. :You can't have expected I'd tell you, Salazar, just like I'd not expect you to tell me if you learned my language without my knowledge.:

:You're infuriating,: Salazar informed him. :And we'll be talking about this, later.:

:Of course,: Harry agreed easily.

Salazar looked at Godric. "That's not picked up," he informed the other man. "If Harry says he heard Angus tell the snake to go after those boys, I believe him."

Godric sighed and frowned disapprovingly at his new student. "Angus," he said, "at Hogwarts, we believe in treating everyone equally, no matter their social status or their ability to use magic; you cannot go around threatening other people in the castle just because they don't have magic."

"Those without magic shouldn't be in a magical school to begin with," Angus insisted.

"Helga's husband, Roscoe, is non-magical," Salazar cut in. "He's one of your teachers and a respected member of the staff of this school. More-over, he helped ready this building for use as a school; he has just as much right to be here as any of the rest of us, magic or no."

"I see," Angus replied in a tone that set Harry's teeth on edge.

Godric's eyes narrowed. "To continue residing in this school, I will require a magical oath from you," he said.

"A magical oath?" Angus demanded.

Godric inclined his head. "That you will never again try harming a non-magical."

Angus looked towards Salazar, as if hoping for an ally, but Salazar simply raised an eyebrow at him as if to say, 'Well?' Angus turned back to Godric, anger in his eyes, and pulled out his wand to swear, "I, Angus Slytherin, hereby swear upon my magic that I will never again purposefully harm a non-magical unless in self-defence."

There were some raised eyebrows at the clause, but none of them could deny him the right to defend himself, so they murmured, "So mote it be," and the magic snapped into place.

"You two may return to your peers," Godric told them, glancing towards Harry and asking with his eyes that the teen keep an eye on his new student.

"Of course," Harry agreed, motioning for Angus to precede him out of the room.

Outside, Angus was left to scowl to himself while Harry joined the other Founders' children and Duana, all of whom were watching the new student with frowns. "He'll behave himself," he told them. "He's given his oath."

"A magical oath?" Helena demanded, blue eyes hard.

Harry nodded. "Like any of us would have let him get away with anything less."

"What was he trying to do, anyway?" Duana asked, worried. "I mean, it looked like he was setting the snake on Benedict and Derwin–"

"He was," Harry allowed quietly. "He's of the belief that those without magic are a plague upon our world and, above all else, shouldn't be allowed on Hogwarts grounds."

"What about Daddy?" Ramona breathed while the other four shot the boy in question disgusted looks.

Harry offered her a grim smile and said, "It doesn't matter, he can't harm them again. Not unless he wants to lose his magic, and that would make him the same as a non-magical."

"We'll watch him, all the same," Duana said, Kenric nodding with a frown next to her.

Harry's smile lightened. "I know you will," he said and they both grinned. He glanced at Ramona. "Best to watch him around Wilda, though; I've found that these prejudices often come in sets, and Godric won't call him out about hating a werewolf."

"We'll make sure she knows and keeps someone with her," Ramona agreed quietly. It was the same thing they'd done the first half of last year, uncertain how people would react to the werewolf, especially given Godric's hatred towards her. "I hope it won't be necessary, though."

"Me too," Harry murmured, glancing over at the new boy.

They were all quiet for a moment, then Helena said, "Mother told me it was impossible to teach Parseltongue via the Translator's Charm."

Harry smiled. "I'm a born Parselmouth. I never mentioned it because it never came up. Also, I learn a lot more from Salazar through listening to him mutter in Parseltongue than I do listening to him speak a human tongue."

"Okay, that's not a bad point," Conrad commented. "I've always wondered what sort of stuff he keeps to himself. Anything interesting?"

"I suppose that depends on your point of view," Harry replied with a knowing smile. "I'm sure he's said all sorts of things that would be of interest to you."

"You're not going to tell us, are you?" Duana asked, resigned.

"No, sorry." Harry shrugged. "What's said in the House of snakes, stays in the House of snakes."

They all moaned and groaned a bit before talk turned, instead, to their hopes for the new year.

-0-

As soon as Sprague had retired for the night, Salazar crooked a finger for Harry to follow him and they retired to the man's room. As soon as the silencing wards were up, Salazar shoved Harry against the door, eyes narrowed. "You're a Parselmouth."

"So I am," Harry agreed, tugging one of his hands against Salazar's hold until it tightened, showing he was well and truly captured. "You're not truly angry with me," he pointed out.

Salazar's grip on Harry's wrists relaxed. "I'm not," he agreed. "If I'd found out before we got together, I would have been." He'd said all sorts of incriminating things about his feelings for Harry in Parseltongue, though Harry hadn't caught on until after Ramona had informed him about what was really going on with his and Salazar's feelings.

Harry smiled and slipped one of his hands up to brush a lock of hair behind Salazar's ear. "I know," he murmured.

Salazar's eyes glinted suddenly and he reached up to grab Harry's chin. "Fair's fair, my little serpent; teach me your language."

Harry took barely a breath to debate that – he'd long acknowledged that he would have to eventually, given that Salazar was coming back with him – before pulling out his wand, concentrating on his native English, and whispering, "Efengedæle geþéode."

Salazar let out a quiet gasp and rested his forehead against Harry's, eyes tightly closed, as connections were made in his mind and so many new words – words he didn't have anything to relate to – appeared in a flood. He knew, without question, that he would need to sink into his mind and let his unconscious deal with this information and he gasped out, "I need to sit," not even sure what language he was speaking.

Harry, frowning in concern, helped Salazar to the bed and settled in next to him as the Founder's breathing slowed into the state of meditation used for Occlumency. Knowing well enough not to disturb him, Harry remained seated next to Salazar, nervously flipping one of his knives between his hands and healing the occasional cut when he fumbled it without much thought.

As soon as Salazar's eyes opened, Harry said, "I'm sorry. I thought it might do that, because there's so much more to name in the future, and I should have warned you–"

"Harry," Salazar interrupted, his mind settled with the new language. "Given the number of times you've had to explain a concept that you need only one or two words for, I'm hardly surprised at the amount of information." He paused to watch Harry's expression relax. "Now, you're going to have to explain some of these things to me."

Harry shifted his eyes away, uncertain. "Salazar, they're future concepts. It's bad enough you have names for them, do you really think it's a good idea that I give you images and explanations for those words?"

Salazar sighed in regret. "No, I suppose not. But, as soon as we get to your time, you're explaining everything."

Harry smiled at him. "We'll make a date of it," he agreed.

Salazar smiled back, no longer needing to ask Harry to explain his odd words, though it did take a moment for his mind to make the connections. "I look forward to it."

-0-

Angus spent most of the next week sitting alone or with his ex-tutor. He was especially careful to avoid anyone he knew was non-magical, which earned him more than a couple frowns from Godric, but which his self-appointed minders amongst the children appreciated.

When the returning students arrived, those who'd spent the summer in the castle made sure to warn them about Angus' prejudice, as well as the revelation that Harry was a Parselmouth, which then forced Harry to, laughingly, turn down all questions about what Salazar muttered to himself when he thought no one could understand him.

The new teachers sat at the table of the House they were residing with and were quickly introduced around. For the most part, the Slytherins didn't seem to have anything against Sprague, but they were cautious around him, not quite as quick to joke and careful about what subjects came up.

On the way back to the common, Harry fell back from his usual spot with Salazar at the lead of their group to walk next to Fane at the end. Merlin, who had a bad habit of walking at Harry's heels, ended up walking just ahead of the eldest two students while the other three boys and Nuala filled in the gaps as if it was nothing unusual.

"What's going on?" Harry murmured to Fane.

Fane smiled innocently at Harry. "Going on? Why, nothing."

"That hasn't worked on me once in the year and a half that we've known each other, Fane, why bother with it now?" Harry asked, amused. "Come, now. Tell Mummy Harry what's the matter."

"You're a little messed in the head, Harry," Morgan commented from ahead of Merlin while the others snickered. "And I thought we weren't allowed to call you that."

"You're not, but I can call myself whatever I want," Harry said with a quick smile before narrowing his eyes at Fane. "Talk to me."

Fane sighed, but it was Merlin who said, "Our common has always been safe, a place to share secrets." He glanced back at Harry pointedly and Harry smiled in understanding. "But now we've got someone new getting in the way."

"Sprague is a fine person, though his sense of humour could use some help," Harry commented and they all smiled. "As for the secrets, you would have had this same problem starting tomorrow when the new students arrived. That Sprague is a teacher and not a student makes little difference, in that regard. You'll adapt, as you always have, and life will continue on."

"We don't have to like it, though," Morgan muttered as they reached the entrance to their common, Salazar giving the password to open it.

Harry tugged on a lock of Morgan's dark hair, smiling. "You don't," he agreed, "but nor do you want to irritate Salazar or myself by being difficult for the new teacher and students; we've enough trouble with Angus as it is."

"Are we allowed to torment him?" Alexander asked once they were all on the common.

"Nothing permanent," Harry declared. "And if you can't fix it yourself and bring him to me, I'll curse you."

"I second that," Salazar offered, staring at his students with only the faintest spark of amusement in his eyes. "Go put your things away." As the students, smiling, started towards their dorms, Salazar turned to Harry and said, :I assume whatever problems they had with Sprague have been handled?:

Harry shrugged and moved towards the Founder, noting the way his fellow Slytherins slowed their steps to observe him and Salazar conversing in the serpent tongue. :In as much as it can be,: he replied. :They weren't comfortable with a newcomer, having become used to the freedom to talk about my past in the common. It will take time, but they'll move past it.:

Salazar sighed and dropped into one of the couches. :I hope they move past it sooner, rather than later; I have no interest in finding a new teacher for potions.:

Harry snorted, curling up on the far end of the couch Salazar had claimed, needing the space to keep himself from leaning against the Founder. :Once Sprague sees them act just as uncertainly around the new girls, he'll figure out it's not just him they've a problem with and wait it out. I hope.:

"This is fascinating," Alexander commented as he claimed one of the couches for himself and Fane, who usually sat with him.

Harry and Salazar traded raised eyebrows, then Harry said, "Hush, Mummy and Daddy are talking."

The students grinned while Salazar reached over and smacked Harry's leg. In the chair he'd dragged over from the table, Sprague choked a bit and asked, "Mummy and Daddy?"

"Harry," Salazar hissed, a hint of panic in his voice that the students noticed, but went right over Sprague's head.

:Trust me,: Harry said, smiling calmingly at Salazar before turning to Sprague and explaining, "Beginning of last year, I got likened to this lot's mum, since Salazar was never around, so they came to me with their problems. After debating a bit about whether or not that made Ramona, who I was courting at the time, their dad, Morgan decided that, if I was their mum, Salazar had to be their dad."

"Harry threatened to curse any of us if we used it, though," Nuala piped up. "Can't we call you mummy?"

"No," Harry said, scowling.

"If you're going to refer to yourself as our mum, we have the right to call you that," Fane pointed out with an easy smile.

"I will turn you pink," Harry threatened.

"Pink isn't so bad," Merlin decided with a grin. "Mummy."

"Coloro puniceus et malum," Harry snapped, pointing his wand at Merlin. Everyone sort of stared at Merlin – who's skin had turned a mottled neon pink and neon orange – then burst out laughing, Merlin joining in after a moment of blinking at his hands.

"I want red and purple!" Nuala declared. "Mummy, red and purple!"

"I'll take blue and green, Mummy," Fane added, grinning a bit madly.

Rolling his eyes, Harry shot the Colouring Charm at them, more amused than irritated. It helped that he was in a relationship with Salazar, now, rather than courting Ramona or pining after the Founder.

Nuala turned hopefully towards Salazar, her pale hair and eyes a sharp relief against the mixed purple and dark red Harry had turned her skin. "Can we–?"

"I will curse your tongue out and use it in a potion," Salazar interrupted.

"You need more fun in your life," Harry informed the Founder. When Salazar's frown didn't lighten, Harry sighed and switched to Parseltongue to say, :It's only a bit of fun, Salazar. No one's taking it seriously.:

:Godric might,: Salazar muttered.

:You spend far too much time fighting with Godric over stupid stuff to start worrying about what he'd think if he heard our students referring to us as their parents. If he's going to be disturbed by anything, it's going to be me allowing them to call me Mum, not the fact that they're treating the two of us as their parents.:

:Good. So you can worry about his prejudice,: Salazar spat. :You think I want–:

:I'm not afraid of Godric!: Harry snapped. :I've faced far more terrifying wizards than Godric Gryffindor, and I've faced them alone. Unless you're planning to abandon me to deal with his ridiculous homophobia alone–:

:Of course not! What do you take me for?:

Harry smiled. :It's only fun,: he promised. :They're stressed at having a new face in their safe space and they want something to laugh about.:

Salazar snorted. "I won't answer to any form of 'Dad'," he declared, looking over the staring students. "However, 'Father'..."

The Slytherins smiled, relaxing in their seats. "It fits you better," Morgan agreed.

"Can I make a complaint about you two being able to have entire, secret conversations while the rest of us are in the room?" Vail requested. "Because, uhm, not fair."

"Your complaint has been noted and ignored," Salazar replied drily and the students let out exaggerated groans.

"So!" Fane leant forward, blue eyes highlighted by the rings of darker blue around them. "New students?"

"Is this going to become a yearly thing?" Harry wondered. "You pestering me for information about the new students?"

"This time, Mummy, I'm asking you and Father," Fane said, grinning.

"I'm going to regret this rather quickly, aren't I?" Salazar muttered, rubbing at his eyes.

Harry rolled his eyes at the Founder. "Fane, if I wouldn't tell you last year, what makes you think I'd tell you this year?"

"An eternal spring of hope?" Merlin suggested.

" 'Hope springs eternal'," Harry corrected, having muttered the phrase around his Housemates in the past. It wasn't the first time one of them had bastardised it, but, then, Harry was starting to get used to people bastardising phrases he'd grown up with.

"Are there any girls?" Nuala requested, hopeful. She'd ended up sleeping in Harry's room on a conjured bed more than once last year when the girl's hall got too quiet for her. Harry had almost suggested she move into the last room on the boy's hall to feel less lonely, but hadn't been sure how Salazar or the other boys would react to it.

"Yes," Harry agreed.

The students leaned forward, a bit expectant, then let out groans when Harry didn't say anything further.

They spent the next couple hours pestering Harry and Salazar about the new students and getting comfortable around Sprague. Eventually, though, the students started yawning.

"Bed," Harry ordered. "Go on."

They sighed and, with minor grumbling, made for their rooms, Merlin, Vail, Nuala, and Fane all calling, "Good night, Mum. Good night, Father." Salazar snorted in response, but Harry grinned and called back good nights at them.

Sprague lasted another hour, discussing potions lessons with Salazar while Harry whittled and occasionally made a comment.

Once Sprague had turned in, Harry and Salazar made their way to bed, curling up together in Salazar's room.

"I don't want Godric to hurt you," Salazar whispered in the uncertain light of the lake water.

"I know," Harry replied. "But I'm really not afraid of him."

Salazar ran a hand up Harry's bare back, smiling at his shudder. "I know," he said. "That doesn't mean I don't worry."

Harry pressed a kiss to Salazar's lips. "I never said you couldn't," he murmured. "Now, let me work on my Occlumency."

Salazar let out a quiet laugh and settled in to sleep while Harry lost himself in his mind.

-0-

-0-

A/N: Probably be a bit of a time-jump next chapter. There won't be a whole lot more time spent during this time-period, since all the main things I needed to happen have. (Well, okay, not all of them. XD)
Because you likely won't see much – if any – of them, I'm not going to bother putting a note in about most of the newer teachers or students. Angus is in there 'cause he's a bit important to the story, and Sprague's there only because he kept getting mentioned.

~Bats ^.^x

Translations:
puniceus et malum -- pink and orange

Who's Who:
Angus Slytherin -- Black hair, brown eyes, Harry's age. His father's name is Edrick and he's Salazar's nephew. Anti-non-magical, and the one who coins the term 'mudblood'.
Sprague Sherrard -- Stringy black hair, dark brown eyes. A potions master of some repute and one of the eldest of the Hogwarts staff members. Is capable of enjoying a good joke, but is dreadful at telling them.

Chapters:
01 - Impossible Distance || 02 - Layers of Harmony || 03 - Breaking Inside
04 - Let It Flow || 05 - White Horses || 06 - Disturbs Your Slumber
07 - Heart Worth Breaking || 08 - Keep It Inside || 09 - Like the Stars
10 - I'll Breathe Again || 11 - Set Fire to the Rain || 12 - Generation Built on a Lie
13 - In Defence of Our Dreams || 14 - Night Falls In || 15 - Nobody Knows Our Names
16 - I'm Not Drowning || 17 - Beating of the Storm || 18 - Let Me See Your Fire

.

Comments

[larawander5.livejournal.com]

Okay, I just needed to drop a line and tell you that I am vastly enjoying this story. I love that you are posting every night again. It remind me a lot of the old days. I've been rereading old HP stories for nostalgia lately and I just looked at your AO3 profile and you have over 140 stories which boggles my mind. Even more so was that I remember every single one of them. I remember for instance going what is Dr. Who, then trying the story anyway because it was you and being exposed to a wonderful quirky fandom. Looking at your stories have brought back so many memories.

Now, I'm very passive participation in fandom and do not often leave comments because I had so little time to read over the years. I just really needed to this now. I can trace back reading you back to 2005 when you were starting abandon and I've decided to reread it again for the first time in ten years. That just amazes me that you have taken me on so many wonderfully imaginative stories over the years even when your life was not as happy as it should have been. I just find my self so thankful for your gifts and how much it has helped me over the years and had even taken me to the moon. I just needed to let you know that you are amazing and how much I've appreciated all that you do.

Thank you!!!

Wow that turned out a lot more serious than I wanted it to be and I almost deleted most of it so that I didn't seem like a creepy stalker but I thought better of it and thought would like the unedited mess of thoughts from my phone. You deserve to know that there are a lot of people still here like me years later that are silently thankful for you.

[batsutousai]

It's a bit sad, but my first response upon seeing the email about your comment was 'I knew there had to be someone reading on LJ!' ^.^"
♥♥♥

Ahahaha... Admittedly, LJ's the only place I'm really posting at night. (Or, well, night for me.) And that's mostly because it takes extra time – I have to go back to every previous chapter and add a link to the newest one – and I tend to have more time in the evenings than I do in the mornings, so... XD
I suppose that's good for you, since it means you get the chapter before anyone else. (Which reminds me, you'll get the last, like four chapters all at once, because I've got a convention during that weekend and no patience to fuss with posting at LJ in the middle of it. So.)

I was actually just doing a reread myself – it's what got me to finish Gelosaþ in Écnesse and write Stand Against the Moon – and it was a bit amusing to walk down memory lane. And horrifying, because Merlin, I abused English. I was super sad, though, every time I went looking for a fic that I fondly remembered from someone else, only to discover it had vanished. :(
(But, yes, 142. Or, well, 165, if you add in the Digimon & Yu-Gi-Oh fanfic I have under my old pseudonym. ^.^" I'm a prolific little bugger, aren't I?)

BUT YES. I'm just going to sit here in a puddle of blushing goo, now. Excuse me... ♥♥♥