Ch. 33 Worm

I take deep breathes as I follow the trail of water. My blood is boiling with excitement, and my temper is firmly reined in.

Seeing the trail of water lead to a girls' bathroom, I don a smile that promises pain.

Striding into the bathroom, I move to the center of the room. The room is quite large, with a dozen stalls and two massive hexagon pillars wrapped with six porcelain sinks.

The water seems to end into the side of one of the pillars.

As I move to inspect the sinks, the crisp voice of a young girl calls out from a stall.

"Who's in here?!" Turning towards the voice, I watch the ghostly image of a Hogwarts' student float out of the stall door. With a ponytail high on the back of her head and thick glasses, the girl looked to have been around fourteen years old when she died.

"Oh! A professor. Do you need something, professor?" The girl seemed eager for conversation, but I didn't have the patience to speak with her right now.

"No, child. You need not worry about me." Turning back to the sinks, I begin to scan over them, as the specter ramblings on about how boys aren't allowed in a girls' toilet.

On one of the copper pipes, an image of a small snake was etched into the metal.

With a voice filled with authority, "Bex!" (Open!)

The pipe shuddered a bit before going still.

Releasing an annoyed sigh, "Fine. We'll do it the hard way."

Taking several steps back, I raise both hands to the sink. Casting an overpowered Bombarda Maxima spell, the entire pillar bursts into thousands of pieces as a deafening explosion echos around the room.

Ignoring the startled screech of the ghost, I move in to inspect a large hole in the floor, where the pillar once stood.

The ghost's screeching comes to a halt, as she noticed the gaping hole in the floor. Floating so that she is looking over my shoulder, "What do you think is down there?"

Staring down into the darkness, I step to the edge.

"Your killer," I tell the ghost before stepping over the edge and disappearing from view down the dark pipe.

With my night-vision from the Heart-Shaped Herb, I have no need for light as I speed through the darkness.

I finally burst out of an opening to a decent-sized tunnel intersection.

I hover above the skeletal remains of dozens of rodents. Judging by the smell, this must be the remains of the basilisk's meals.

Refusing to touch anything, I float through the room and down a long and winding tunnel. Unsure if the basilisk is locked away, or freely roaming, I prepare a few spells in case of an ambush.

The thought of fighting the basilisk has my adrenaline pumping!

As I'm slowing flying down the stone tunnel, it suddenly opens up into a natural cavern. I weave my way around large stalactites hanging from the low ceiling, and wide stalagmites on the cavern floor.

After a few moments of traversing the natural obstacles, I reach my destination.

I'm a bit surprised I haven't run into Ginny. Tom either fled back to Gryffindor Tower, or he sealed Ginny inside the Chamber of Secrets with the basilisk.

That last possibility doesn't bode well for Ginny.

I take a moment to stare at the smooth, solid wall stretched across the cavern. Two entwining serpents were deeply carved into the wall. Four glistening emeralds stood in place as eyes for the carvings, strangely making the massive snakes seem alive.

Inspecting the wall for a moment, I move to stand in the center. With a bit of Magicka stored in my throat, I command, "Bex." (Open)

The wall gave an expected shutter before it stilled.

The dovah language does have some relation to parseltongue!

Channeling a large amount of Magicka into my throat, "Zu'u uth hi wah bex!" (I command you to open)

With a piercing screech, a small gap opened in the center of the wall, before it stilled again.

Losing all patience, I take a peek through the small gap. Taking note of a clear area on the other side of the wall, I step back.

Slipping on my Sling Ring, I create a crisp white portal leading into the Chamber of Secrets. I should have done this in the first place!

Stepping through the portal, I find myself in a very long and oddly lit chamber.

Entwining serpents wrapped around towering stone pillars, from the chamber floor to the ceiling high above.

At the end of the long chamber, was a roughly carved statue of Salazar Slytherin.

Even standing close to ten meters tall, I didn't focus on the crude figure for long. Coiled at the bottom of the statue's feet, was a huge mound of scales.

With a massive grin, I slowly walk towards my target.

I was nearly halfway to the massive snake when two bright yellow orbs appeared among the scales.

My body seizes up, and piercing needles began stabbing into my brain, over and over. A pain-filled groan escaped my lips as the agony in my head continued.

I can just barely make out the faint scraping of scales on stone as the giant serpent uncoils itself.

Even as the basilisk draws near, I'm unable to move my body. All I see is those great yellow eyes, getting larger as they approach.

Already I can feel the pain dimming from what it was, and my rage rises to fill the gap. I won't be able to fight by the time the basilisk reaches me, I need more time!

Ignoring the mind-shattering pain as much as possible, I focus on gathering my Magicka.

"FUS RO DAH!"

The basilisk twists and bends, uncontrollably, as it's launched to the back of the chamber!

Without the Killing Gaze boring down on me, I quickly heal. An odd feeling runs through my eyes and head as my rage returns in force.

"You will pay for that, Worm!"

In a twisting coil, the basilisk rights itself and loudly hisses at me!

I don't think it likes being called a worm. And it's not showing any damage after getting hit with Unrelenting Force!

That is such bullshit!

Meeting the gaze of the basilisk a second-time results in a dull ache running across my head. Taking a step towards the giant serpent, it launches itself at me a second time.

I cast spell after spell at the scaled worm, to no effect. Even my Skyrim spells appear to skip harmlessly off its thick scales.

As the King of Serpents lunges the remaining half dozen meters at me, another Thu'um comes to mind.

"TIID KLO UI!" (Time Sand Eternity)

The world seems to come to a near stop. The basilisk is slowly moving through the air in its lunge towards me.

Before I step out of the basilisk's path, I send a lightning bolt into its unprotected mouth!

I watch with a satisfied smile as the bolt of electricity disappears into the soft tissue of the snake's mouth.

Out of its path, I'm finally able to get a real look at the beast.

The basilisk is nearly three feet thick and close to sixty feet long. Several horns are protruding from its angular head, and its fangs are half a foot long.

The basilisk truly is the King of Serpents.

Walking to the side of the basilisk's head as it inches its way through the air, I rear back and punch the side of its head with all my might!

As the concussive force begins to push the serpent's head to the side, I follow it with another powerful fist.

Before I can draw back my fist for a third strike, the world unfreezes, and the basilisk resumes its lunge!

The massive serpent roughly lands and immediately begins shaking its wounded head. I'm not sure if the lightning or my fist did the most damage, but it quickly coils itself into a defensive position.

With a predatory smile, "Did that hurt, little snake?"

A rattling hiss is all the warning I get before the enraged basilisk launches another attack!

As the serpent closes the distance between us, my body begins to morph as I start to spin around.

With its mouth opening wide, the basilisk is struck aside by a long spiked tail.

Coming around in a full circle, I look down on the tumbling snake, as it crashes through a stone pillar.

Quickly coiling itself, the basilisk stares up at the massive dragon standing over it.

With immense power in my voice, "Tiid wah dir, Lir!" (Time to die, Worm)

Drawing in a deep breath, "FO KRAH DIIN!" (Frost Cold Freeze)

Before the Frost Breath shout can freeze the basilisk, it unexpectedly launches at me with great speed and anger!

The basilisk hits with far more strength than I expected possible, and we crash across the chamber from the force of the attack!

In a furious heap of scaled violence, we twist and roll across the chamber! We hold nothing back as we attack each other with all our might.

Catching the basilisk behind its head in my teeth, I pin its coiling body under my clawed foot. As I sink my fangs deep into its neck, an echoing snap is heard around the chamber as I break the basilisk's neck.

With a blood-filled mouth, I drop the basilisk and look to the ceiling. Releasing all my rage into a triumphant roar over the dying snake, the very chamber trembles at my thunderous shout!

******************

Casually flying up the pipe to the girls' bathroom in my human form, I feel much better. I'm calm and relaxed.

My emotions are well within control again.

Taking on my dragon form felt liberating and satisfying. As if I finally achieved a long-term goal.

I occupy my time by reviewing my battle with the basilisk. It was far stronger and weighted far more than it should have. I'm positive it had enhanced strength.

After thinking about it for a moment, I don't believe Soul Trap would have had an effect on the basilisk if I had cast it.

I am definitely stronger after adapting to the Killing Gaze and the basilisk's venom. I might have even increased my durability, but I have no way of measuring that.

As I approach the mouth of the pipe, I can sense multiple people ahead.

Interesting. Did Dumbledore know where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was hidden?

Even more, interesting, the thought of Dumbledore no longer sends me raging.

Floating out of the pipe, I find nearly half of Hogwarts' staff pointing their wands at me. They make no move as I silently land on the edge of the hole.

A ghostly head pops up above a stall, "That's him! That's who wrecked my bathroom and said those awful things!"

Guess Dumbledore didn't know. I was just outed by a ghost.

"Thank you, Miss Warren. That will be all," Dumbledore softly replied.

Aurora suddenly rushes around Dumbledore and grabs me in a fierce hug. I imagine it would be quite painful if I was a regular human.

I wrap my arms around her as she leans the side of her face into mine. Aurora softly whispers into my ear, "Your eyes are glowing."

Quickly closing my eyes, I form an image of my eyes in my mind and will it to happen. Once I think I have it, I take a peek at Aurora.

She gives me a slight nod and whispers, "You and I are going to have a very, serious conversation about the stupidity of men." Giving me a hard peck on the lips, she releases me from her embrace before taking a step back.

A quick look back at the surrounding staff members, their wands are no longer in sight.

Taking the initiative, "I, Xavier Dovahkiin, claim the remains of the basilisk by Right of Conquest."

As shocked whispers break out among the staff members, I turn to Severus Snape. "Professor Snape, if you are willing to assist me in harvesting the remains of the basilisk, I will pay you with a portion of the remains for yourself."

Snape glances towards the hole before looking back to me. "I will need to make some preparations."

"Tomorrow afternoon, then?" With his nod, "You may want to bring a broom. It is a long way down."

Stepping forward, a tired-looking Dumbledore asked, "So, the crisis is at an end?"

"Slytherin's monster is slain, yes, but it is not over." With the confused looks, "One of our students is possessed. Judging by the tracks I found, it is a first or second-year girl."

Dumbledore quietly asked, "Are you sure?"

Meeting his gaze, I confirm his fears. "Yes. The magic is dark and complex. I can't think of a single student that would possess the knowledge required to pull it off."

Seeming to age before my eyes, Dumbledore nods in acceptance. "Tomorrow morning, each House will be simultaneously searched for dark artifacts. Tonight, I will have house-elves watching over the students to prevent any harm coming to the possessed child. And Professor Dovahkiin, I wish to speak with you after the situation is handled."

I nod my head in agreement and respectfully state, "Of course, Headmaster."

After Dumbledore gives a single nod of his head, I turn my attention to the Chamber entrance. With a wave of my hand, I completely seal the large hole. "I have had a long night. Shall we call it a day?"

With all in agreement, everyone begins to shuffle out of the bathroom.

Alone with Aurora, I wrap an arm around her shoulders as she slides an arm around my waist.

Walking out of the bathroom together, I completely seal off the bathroom entrance to prevent anyone from entering. A few of the staff members should be able to bypass my defenses, but I doubt any student is capable enough to force their way past the ward.

Walking towards Aurora's apartment, it doesn't take her long before she breaks the silence. "Who taught you to become an Animagus?"

A bit confused by the random question, I ask, "You can tell I'm an Animagus?" Receiving a pointed stare, I answer truthfully, "No one. I learned the process in a book."

Nodding her head as if she expected that answer, "And when was the last time you transformed?"

"Not counting tonight... Nearly five months ago."

With a knowing smile taking shape on her beautiful face, "Your animal must be an apex predator, isn't it?"

I don't see a point in not telling her, she is the one human I trust most right now. Trixie doesn't count, she's the best.

I had thought of showing Aurora my Animagus form soon, so there's no point in not telling her now. "I am a dragon."

Snapping her head towards me, Aurora stares at me with wide eyes. "You mean, like a komodo dragon?"

I laugh aloud for a long moment! The look on her face is priceless! I need to find a Pensieve, so I can cherish this memory forever!

In much better spirits, I correct Aurora's misunderstanding. "No. No, I mean a flying, fire-breathing dragon!"

Enjoying the first bit of humor since this night started, I curiously ask, "Why do you ask?"

Still appearing somewhat shocked, Aurora looks at me before she tries to painfully pinch my waist.

Letting out a huff when my smile never wavered, "You're lucky I love you."

I miss a step at her admission! I have feelings for her, yes, but I wasn't sure where we stood. With a wide and goofy grin, I happily state, "Yes, I am."

With a smile of her own now, "Fine, I'll tell you." She pauses for a second before explaining. "When we become an Animagus, it is not just 'something' we can do when we feel like it. Our spirit animals are a part of us, almost to a physical level, and not just when we transform.

"We bring out something that is already inside us." Touching my chest with her other hand, "It lives in here, before and even after the ritual is complete."

Seeing me nod, she goes on. "Once your spirit animal has tasted freedom, it will continuously seek to be released. When it is denied the freedom it desires, it will rage against its cage. You."

Aurora glances at me before she finishes her explanation. "The longer you go between transformations, the more your behavior will reflect your spirit animals'."

Seeing the realization on my face, "For a dragon, that could include..."

"Anger. Pride. Possessiveness." I quietly state.

With a snort, Aurora patiently stares at me until I turn my head to her. Looking deep into my eyes, "You forgot arrogance."

As I'm thinking of a reply, I'm hit with a realization. "Wait, you said when 'we' become Animagus... You're an Animagus as well?"

Aurora has a wicked smile on her face as she softly whispers, "If you want to find out, you'll have to catch me."

In a startling burst of speed, Aurora pushes off of my chest and sprints down the hall!

With a wicked smile of my own, I give chase. Looks like I'm not done hunting tonight!