How to tame a Basilisk

Severus is seething. Right after his sudden visit to Malfoy Manor, back in the safety of his own chambers, he tries to regain control over his emotions. He had suspected that Bellatrix might have taken refuge with her sister and her brother-in-law, but suspecting something and seeing the immediate aftermath of just the thing you were fearing are two very different things.

He knows Lucius and Narcissa, not at least due to their time spent together during the war, and he would have never expected them to allow Draco to be hurt like this. Bellatrix is known for her insanity and cruelty, but Severus has always thought Narcissa to be much more sane and empathetic than her older sister. He supposes he sees her reasoning for not getting involved by kicking Bellatrix out of their home, what with the possible wrath directed towards Narcissa's family this would lead to. But in his opinion that still isn't an excuse. Draco should come above all else to his parents, and the state he just saw his godson in makes it clear that he sadly doesn't.

Having grown up with and abusive father himself and always wishing someone would see his pain and intervene, Severus just can't shake the anger he is feeling towards Narcissa, not to mention his hatred for Lucius. If Severus is correct, and he usually is, the man had just allowed this to happen in his own home, to his own son and heir.

At least Severus is in the position, with the connections, to actually do something about Draco's situation, to help the boy. Severus doesn't need to fear the wrath of a delusional husband or deranged sister. So, after using the rest of the day to brew a new batch of anti-nerve-damage draught, in preparation of whatever else might come, Severus falls asleep with the resolve to use his position as Albus' confidant and get his godson the help he needs and deserves.

The morning after his return from Malfoy Manor, Severus immediately goes up to the headmaster's office to tell the man of the new intel he gained and to fabricate a plan on how to get Draco out of the claws of his torturing aunt.

Knocking on the old wooden door, he waits for the affirmative reply, which comes soon enough, and enters to tell Albus about Bellatrix living at Malfoy Manor.

''Severus, my boy!'' Albus twinkles at him from his seat behind his desk, ''To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this early in the morning?''

''Albus.'' Severus nods in greeting ''I have information which I believe we need to act on, sooner rather than later.''

With a wave of his hand, Albus signals him to go on, so Severus continues ''I have reason to believe that Bellatrix Lestrange is living at Malfoy Manor.'' if Severus had hoped for a reaction in the old man's face to those news, he would be disappointed. ''Yesterday I was summoned by Narcissa Malfoy to administer an anti-nerve-damage draught to her son Draco. The boy had been tortured with the Cruciatus Curse, and from what I saw it must have been a powerful and long one too.''

Severus pauses, gauging for any sign that Albus might find this as terrible as he does, but the old headmaster just raises one eyebrow, as if to encourage him to go on.

''We need to do something. We need to alert the Ministry to Bellatrix' whereabouts and we need to get Draco out of that house. He is not safe and if Bellatrix isn't put back into Azkaban, he probably never will be.'' Severus can hear the slightly pleading tone his voice takes on, but this is important! This is his godson they're talking about and Severus just needs to do something.

Albus eyes him up for a long while, then he frowns and shoots Severus a sad smile, making him know what's about to come out of his mouth. ''Severus, I understand your fervour and concern about this matter, but surely you must know that there is nothing we can do, my boy?''

It takes all of Severus strength not to openly gape at the old man in front of him. He had apprehended this as soon as Albus had turned his face into that damned lamenting half-smile, but surely he can't be serious!

''Albus, I know you can't mean that.'' Severus grits out ''Surely you can't! The Ministry is looking for Bellatrix, if we just alert them...''

Albus raises one hand to still Severus' rambling and with no little amount of pity says ''I wish we could do something, my boy, I truly do. But alerting the Ministry about Bellatrix living at Malfoy Manor won't do anything but put Draco in harms way even more. Lucius Malfoy is one of the most influential people in our government, he will do anything in his power to stop them from investigating those claims, and then he will also question where these claims came from in the first place.'' Albus explains solemnly, ''That would not only put Draco in danger, but also you as well as Narcissa Malfoy.''

''Well, we could just assemble some people to get Bellatrix then ourselves!'' Severus bursts out, ''Surely you must have some contacts for this sort of situation, Albus!''

But the old man just shakes his head pityingly ''Oh Severus, the wards surrounding and protecting the Manor are too strong for anything a little group of vigilantes could do. I am sorry my boy, but there is just nothing in my power to help the boy. I suggest that you keep on doing what you do and provide the family with your potions. And perhaps the boy should not go home for any other break apart from over the summer.''

Severus can't believe the man in front of him. Albus Dumbledore is supposed to be the leader of the Light! He is supposed to want to save a child in imminent danger. But here he is, refusing to even lift a finger for one of his students. If he isn't willing to help Draco, at least he should be able to see that Bellatrix freely roaming their world again will most certainly result in even worse damage than what she has already caused.

Albus had been occupied with something more than usual over the last few weeks, but never in a million years would Severus have thought the man to just put a blind eye to the danger of one of the Dark Lord's most loyal followers.

Severus tries to inconspicuously look around the headmaster's office, trying to find any explanation for the man's unusual behaviour. But nothing he sees makes any sense to him nor does it seem out of the ordinary. Albus has his usual delicate little instruments lying around, some books stacked upon tables as well as some vials behind his desk which Severus doesn't recognize. He tries not to let his gaze obviously linger on the small glass bottles, but Severus is immediately suspicious about where Albus would even receive any potions if not from Severus himself. And these are definitely not his, he doesn't recognize their label nor their contents, the dark purple colour not being specific enough to determine exactly what kind of potion the headmaster possesses. Severus files those away for later, if Albus continues to behave strangely, then he may have to intervene in sometime in the upcoming months to save the headmaster from whatever trouble he might be in.

***

Christmas has left Harry feeling much calmer and content than he had in a long while. Spending the holidays with Sirius and Remus, his friends all visiting them at Grimmauld Place, was more than he had ever hoped for in any Christmas past.

As soon as the Hogwarts Train arrives back at Hogsmeade Station and the Thestral-pulled carriages deliver the returning students back at the castle, Harry hurries up to the 7^th floor, Slytherin's locket clasped tightly in his hand. He sends Malfoy a quick note, after depositing the locket inside the mole-skin trunk in the Room of Requirement.

'Got another one, safely stored'

There's only three left now, as soon as they find a way to destroy the already collected Horcruxes.

The first two weeks back go smoothly and Harry spends his time between classes, homework and finishing the second notebook attending Ron's chess club. T's been an overwhelming success, with even some Slytherins having joined. Malfoy though still doesn't show up, even if Zabini from their year is one of the few players that have come even close to matching Ron's skill. Harry is kind of disappointed at not seeing the pointy blond Slytherin at the club, probably because even though Harry and Malfoy now kind of get along, it would still be fun to see him get absolutely wrecked at chess by Ron. Even the upper years have not managed to beat him yet, which leads to quite the frustration and even more students showing up to try and be the one to beat the 'chess genius Weasley'. Ron has flourish quite the bit at all the attention and praise he receives and Harry can't help but be proud of his friend and his steadily improving self-esteem.

The second weekend being back after Christmas, Harry can't wait to get back onto his broom. The Quidditch season is in full bloom again and their match against Ravenclaw is just around the corner. Gryffindor had beaten Hufflepuff before the holidays and Harry is looking forward to an uninterrupted Quidditch season this year, unlike last time. He spends all of Saturday afternoon playing mock games with Fred, George and Ron, though Ron really only plays well as keeper.

After hours spend happily chasing the Snitch, throwing Quaffles and just having fun with his friends, they are all in desperate need of a shower and some change of clothes before they can go to dinner. Fred and George skipping freshening up for some kind of prank they have planned. So Ron and Harry make their way up to Gryffindor tower on their own.

As they come to the top of the stairs leading up to the second floor, Harry suddenly gets an intense feeling of unease. He turns around, gazing across the hallway and spots a figure lying completely still across the floor.

And suddenly he is back in Lockhart's office, hearing the Basilisk's voice longing to kill, he's back at being stared at in the corridors, hearing whispers about him being 'the heir'.

Harry snaps out of it and runs over towards the motionless figure, hoping against hope that this is not what it looks like. As he comes to a halt in front of the body of Colin Creevey, he almost sinks to his knees at the feeling of utter despair. He did everything he could to prevent this! The diary is safely stored, and the basilisk... Well, okay, Harry may have procrastinated taking care of the Basilisk. But still, this can't be happening! There's just no way!

Ron squeaks from behind him and Harry turns to see his friend staring at the wall above Colin.

'The chamber of secrets has been opened – enemies of the heir beware' glares threateningly at him, once again written in blood.

Okay, just, what the fuck?!

Harry looks around himself, expecting the crowd of students to come and find them, blaming Harry for Colin's petrification. But as nobody comes, since it's a Saturday and there are no classes, Harry makes to gather up Colin's body, determined to get him to the Infirmary. But Colin isn't stiff like he expects him to be. He isn't petrified like he once was. He just seems to be in some sort of deep sleep, his chest rising and falling evenly.

Harry settles the young boy in his arms and call for Ron, who is still staring at the message on the wall ''Come on Ron, we've got to take Colin to Madam Pomfrey!''

That at least seems to shake his friend out of his stupor and they both hurry down the stairs towards the Hospital Wing. Arriving at the room, rows of empty bed's lined up next to each other, Harry calls for Madam Pomfrey, who soon emerges from the adjacent chamber.

''What is this ruckus?'' she frowns, clearly annoyed at the commotion. But when she sees Harry standing there, cradling Colin Creevey's unmoving form to his chest, she immediately hurries into action. The matron rushes to motion them over to one of the empty beds, where Harry gently layers Colin down. She then hurries to the floo, calling for Professor Snape and Albus Dumbledore to join them.

As soon as the two professors emerge out of the flames right after each other, Dumbledore comes over to Ron and Harry, after checking in with Madam Pomfrey and examining Colin's still form.

''Mister Potter, Mister Weasley.'' he nods, ''Please tell me what happened.'' the headmaster enquires sternly, while Snape joins them, alert eyes staring at Harry.

''We- we just came back from Quidditch and then we found... him.'' Ron starts, still shuddering at the scene the just witnessed.

Harry nods and adds ''Yeah, we found Colin and immediately took him to Madam Pomfrey, we have no idea what happened, but there was a message on the wall where he was laying.''

Snape eyes the two of them suspiciously, but Dumbledore asks ''What message? please take me there.''

And Harry and Ron hastily depart the Hospital Wing again, leading the two Professors towards the second floor. Snape quickly checking with Madam Pomfrey that she doesn't need their help yet, as she is still casting diagnostic charm after diagnostic charm.

When they arrive back at the spot where they found Colin, which Harry just now recognizes as being right in front of Myrtle's bathroom, a crowd has gathered around the message on the wall. It being dinner time, many students have been on their way to the Great Hall, when they found the bloody script. Dumbledore frowns and Snape startles as they both take in the message scrawled upon the stone. Harry gazes over the assembled students, darting over children to find a familiar white-blond head. Malfoy stares at Harry in shock, clearly wondering where they have gone wrong.

***

His badge heats up during dinner, while everyone around Draco is talking about the spectacle they have just come about. It just says '8 pm' and Draco has to force himself to concentrate on his meal, anxious to get up to the room and confront Potter about what the hell just happened.

Draco arrives at the same time as Potter and they hastily make their way inside, hurrying towards the moleskin-trunk. Potter opens the lid and they both gasp in relief at the sight of the diary still safely laying amongst the two other Horcruxes. Even though it is relieving that everything is still where it's supposed to be, it leaves the question as to how this is happening.

''Potter, you said that the monster in the chamber was a Basilisk, right?'' Draco asks.

''Um, yeah?'' Potter frowns. ''But this time it's different, Colin didn't seem petrified, he just seemed to be in a deep sleep or something''

''Okay'' Draco tries to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach as he imagines having to face a fucking Basilisk. ''And where is the chamber?''

''It's in Myrtles bathroom...'' Potter states, avoiding Draco's eyes. Fuck, okay, so it's at the same place where Potter almost killed him, no big deal.

''Right.'' Draco clears his throat, ''So how do we fight a Basilisk?'' he asks gulping.

''Well,'' Potter starts, ''Last time Fawkes, that's Dumbledore's Phoenix, came in and blinded it and then I pulled the Sword of Gryffindor out of the sorting hat that Fawks brought and stabbed the Basilisk.'' Potter shrugs, as if that is just a normal occurrence in a twelve-year-old's life.

''You what?!'' Draco gapes ''You mean to tell me that you slayed a fucking full grown Basilisk in our second year and survived?'' he stares incredulously at Potter.

''Well, I mean, I had help.'' potter infuriatingly shrugs again, ''Fawks scratched his eyes out and when the Basilisk bit me, he cried and healed the wound.''

''You- you were bitten by that thing?'' Draco feels all of the colour draining out of his face.

Potter doesn't seem fazed at all about that fucking unbelievable thing he did as a child and that he came that close to death at only twelve-years-old. But then again, Draco remembers, he mentioned something about accidentally killing Quirrell in first year, so maybe Potter really isn't aware of how fucking crazy his life seems to be.

Gathering his thoughts, Draco frowns ''Wait, so Dumbledore sent his bird to help you, but couldn't be bothered to show up himself?''

Potter immediately gets defensive and starts defending the old coot ''Well, by then your father got him fired you know.'' He crosses his arms in front of his chest. ''He wasn't able to come.''

Though it hurts Draco to be reminded of his father's failures, he pushes on ''Potter, if he could send his Phoenix, he could have come himself'' he rolls his eyes.

Potter seems to contemplate that for a second before he visibly closes off again and persists ''Dumbledore would have come and helped me if he would have been able to.''

Draco sees it as the lost cause that it is for now, he will have to convince Potter that Dumbledore is manipulating him later. Why exactly the headmaster seems to have done so, Draco has no idea. It is all very weird. Dumbledore is the leader of the Light side, of course he would have come to aid the boy-who-lived.

Whatever the reasons, Draco still insists that they have to go to the chamber and take care of the

Basilisk to make sure that it isn't responsible for Creevey's state. Harry reluctantly agrees but persists that he wants to check on the Weaslette, just to make sure she isn't affected this time. Draco barely manages to bite back on the scathing remark lying on the tip of his tongue at the mention of the Girl-Weasel. Of course Potter would be worried about his sweetheart, it shouldn't come to his surprise, and it certainly shouldn't hurt him like it does.