Unexpected Mates

Changing Portraits

Harry slowly counted to one hundred once the door had closed behind the Headmaster before leaping to his feet.

The door swung open and Draco only just managed to squeeze through before it slammed shut again. Now outside, Harry glared at the portrait.

"How did the Headmaster get in? I thought the password had been changed!"

"Indeed it was," the knight replied, removing his helmet and smiling jovially at the boys. "But that was our dear headmaster Dumbledore, so I naturally allowed him entry when he asked."

"So being the headmaster means you don't need a password to enter private chambers?" Draco asked hotly.

"Why no! One must always have a password to enter private chambers. It would be the hight of rudeness to enter a private room unannounced." The painting appeared shocked that he had to explain this to the boys.

Draco was incredulous, "then we ask again, how did the headmaster gain entry to the rooms?"

"Oh 'tis a simple thing. I gave him the new password when he expressed his wish to parley with you. Such a grand and wonderful man is headmaster Dumbledore, and that he should deign to speak to me, a humble knight. An honour indeed. I can hardly contain my excitement and I am sure the Lady Violet....."

Harry didn't wait to hear the end of what promised to be a long and tedious speech. He turned on his heel and marched down the corridor. No wonder the wards had failed, if all the man had to do was ask for the bloody password to have it delivered on a silver platter. It was unacceptable and Harry wasn't willing to leave himself open to the headmasters visits whenever the meddling fool thought necessary. Thankfully he knew of at least one portrait the Headmaster would have difficultly sweet talking, and Harry knew exactly where to find it.

"Umm, Harry? Where are we going?" Draco asked, having to hurry to keep up with the other boy. He might be a few inches taller; but Harry could move very swiftly when motivated, and right now, he was motivated.

"We are going to find a portrait who knows how to guard a door!" Harry fumed, turning around a corner. Draco decided to wait and see what would happen as they went deeper into the castle, taking twists and turns he swore he had never seen before, and by the look of it, neither had many other people; if the thick layers of dust and the copious spider webs which decorated the corners.

After about 15 minutes of walking in the dark, Draco was so thoroughly lost he knew it would be a miracle if he ever found his wait out again. And vowed to pay more attention to the castle and do some adventuring in the future. Though it was some small relief that Harry did not appear worried. Finally, Harry seemed to
find whomever he was looking for.

"There you are! Was it necessary to move to the deepest, darkest corner you could find?" Harry complained, coming to a halt in front of a large portrait.

"Why of course, young speaker," a voice replied. "How else will I be able to keep in touch with those who do not walk in the light?"

Draco walked around a little to get a better view of whomever was in the portrait as the light from his wand only carried so far. When the subject of the painting came into view Draco was shocked. Two dark eyes flicked over to him,

"I see you have brought a friend. Care to introduce me?"

"My apologies Sir, Meet Draco Malfoy. Draco, I want you to meet a friend of mine, Salazar Slytherin."

"A Malfoy, eh? How delightful, I have not had a conversation with a Malfoy in centuries. If one ever has need of someone with intelligence, dry wit, and sarcastic humour they need look no further than the Malfoy's, and the Prince's if memory serves. I don't suppose you should be so lucky as to know any of those as well Harry?"