He had explored 75% of the dungeons simply by a mix of getting lost and learning the routes to his common room and classrooms, knowing each corridor like the back of his hand- something he was rather attached to- and as long as he had not missed anything, meant that Salazar was located in the unchartered 25%. And he was rather eager to find him.
The sun had most likely set by the time Harry came across what he thought to be a clue into finding the portrait. It was barely noticeable and if his suspicions were correct, no use to anyone but a Parselmouth. That was, truthfully, what led him to originally believe it to be a way to the fourth founder. Fingering the engraving of the basilisk lightly, he took a step back, preparing himself for any surprises, favorable or otherwise, to be thrown his way.
*Open, * he hissed.
*Give me reason why hatchling and I might just, * the engraving replied, the markings writhing as it slithered round to see him better.
*I wish to speak with Salazar Slytherin and reason has led me to believe that you guard a doorway to him. *
*Why would Lord Slytherin agree to speak with you? *
*That is for me to know and him to find out, mighty serpent. *
The engraving gave what Harry imagined to be a laugh. It came out as a mix of spitting and hisses, as the carved scales shook. *The master shall speak with you, silver-tongued human. *
*Thank you. *
An area of the wall shifted back with a sprinkling of dust. He reached out a hand and pushed firmly, not to his surprise, the doorway swung in to reveal a long tunnel with only darkness in sight. Slipping out his wand, he flicked it- a silvery light bursting out of the end. Summoning his need to speak with Lord Slytherin, he delved into the passage, hardly flinching as the doorway closed shut behind him. He had been patient for far too long than to back out now.
The walk was of an incalculable time. It could've been a matter of minutes or a series of hours for all he knew, but none of it mattered now. Perhaps when he returned to the surface to meet with angry teachers that were forced to fake caring about whether he was safe or not. It was far more likely they were worrying about whether or not they were safe from him. Funny how being declared innocent made no difference to the minds of the majority. He was still a murderer; a dangerous one at that.
When it finally did end, he came into a sparingly furnished room that was lit only by the silver flames within the black marble fireplace. The floor was of dark wood and the walls a forest green; two plush leather armchairs sat at an angle to each other, mirroring the deep black of the marble. There was no portrait to be seen. Instead, sitting in one of the chairs, appeared to be a very much alive Salazar Slytherin.
He had dark chocolate hair that was cut to a short length and styled into an almost quiff atop of his head. His skin was pale and his eyes were of an olive color; the facial structure was of high cheekbones and a strong, aristocratic jaw. Long nimble fingers rested upon the arms of the chair in which he sat, and his lithe bodied was adorned in a shadowed turquoise robe. None of the stories did the beauty nor power of this man justice. Despite himself, he was a little awed at the mere presence of this man.
"Do sit, I am quite eager to discover just what you wish to speak to me about," Salazar called to him.
He stepped forward and sat, making barely a noise; his eyes on Slytherin at all times. He knew the man should be dead, and was dead, considering the idea of Horcruxes had not been made until a century after his death and The Philosopher's Stone until much later. So it was only relative that he was a phantom, rather than a ghost. They appeared alive, much like a poltergeist did, though they were not and held much different aspects of power. It was intriguing to say the least, but he would not allow the distraction to divert him from his purpose.
Olive eyes turned on him. "Well, what is it you wanted to ask me?"
The corner of Harry's mouth quirked. "I wish to know where I can find the Chamber of Secrets."
....
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