HARRY POTTER STORY: Lions in snake den

Part 21

A few days after the Yule Ball, Hadrian made his way to the Chamber of Secrets library, the heavy door creaking as he entered. The air was thick with ancient magic, and shadows flickered around him, hinting at secrets long buried. "Grandpa Sal," he called out, his voice echoing in the dim space. Salazar Slytherin materialized, his ethereal form commanding yet welcoming.

"Hadrian," Salazar replied with a faint smile. "What brings you here today?" "I need your help," Hadrian said, a sense of urgency in his voice. "I've been thinking about how to breathe underwater for the Triwizard Tournament. Luna mentioned that the task would take place underwater and I thought that maybe I might be able to use my Parseltongue abilities for my own advantage." Salazar's eyes lit up with interest. "Indeed. Parseltongue is a powerful tool that can connect you to the magic of the waters. It allows you to communicate with the spirits of the lake." "How exactly do I do that?" Hadrian asked, eager to learn.
"To breathe underwater, you must commune with the water itself," Salazar explained. "Find a secluded spot by the Black Lake, where the surface is calm. There, speak to the water, expressing your desire to understand its depths. The water will respond." Hadrian nodded, absorbing the information. "Is there a specific incantation I should use?"

"Invoke the ancient words that bind your lineage to the water," Salazar advised. "Something like, 'Serpent of the depths, I seek your wisdom; grant me the breath of your realm.' This will create a connection between you and the spirits of the water."
"What if I encounter creatures of the lake? Will they be hostile?" Hadrian asked, concern creeping into his voice. "Not if you approach with respect. The spirits will recognize your bloodline and intentions. Just remember to remain calm and confident." Feeling the weight of the task ahead, Hadrian straightened. "I'll do it. I'm ready to face this challenge." Salazar smiled, pride evident in his gaze. "Good. Trust in your abilities. The magic of Slytherin runs deep in you." With gratitude, Hadrian left the library, his mind racing with possibilities. He envisioned the serene surface of the Black Lake, the reflections dancing like secrets waiting to be uncovered. The thought of using Parseltongue to connect with the water filled him with excitement.

The following day, Hadrian set out to the Black Lake, the sun casting shimmering rays over the surface. Finding a secluded spot, he knelt by the water's edge, the tranquility of the surroundings calming his nerves. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the gentle lapping of the waves, feeling the pulse of the lake. "Serpent of the depths, I seek your wisdom; grant me the breath of your realm," he spoke in Parseltongue, the words rolling off his tongue with an ancient familiarity. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the water began to swirl, and a soft voice resonated beneath the surface. "You speak our tongue, child of Slytherin. What do you seek?" Hadrian's heart raced as he felt the connection deepen. "I seek the ability to breathe underwater, to navigate the depths and face the challenges ahead."

The water shimmered, and he could feel a current of energy enveloping him. "To breathe the waters is to understand them. Accept their magic, and you shall be granted what you desire." With a surge of determination, Hadrian embraced the connection, feeling the magic coursing through him. In that moment, he knew he was ready for whatever lay beneath the surface of the Black Lake, armed with the power of Parseltongue and the wisdom of the water, ready to face the trials ahead.

Later that evening, Hadrian gathered his friends in the Slytherin common room. The flickering candlelight cast warm shadows as they settled into their usual spot, eager to hear what he had to share. "Hey, everyone," Hadrian began, his voice steady but excited. "I've been working on a way to breathe underwater for the Tournament tasks."
Hermione looked up, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What did you find out?"

"I spoke to Grandpa Sal," he replied, a grin spreading across his face. "He mentioned that using Parseltongue could help me connect with the spirits of the Black Lake."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Parseltongue? How does that work?" Hadrian leaned forward, animated. "I went to the lake today and found a quiet spot. I used my Parseltongue to communicate with the water, asking it to grant me the ability to breathe underwater. The water responded—it was incredible." Daphne's expression brightened. "What did it say?" "It told me that to breathe the waters, I need to accept their magic. It's about understanding the depths and respecting the spirits," Hadrian explained. "I felt a surge of energy when I spoke. I think it's going to work."