Rowena stormed into the large room, surprising the other three founders. Godric and Salazar flashed a look at each other, each wondering, 'What was wrong now?' Calm Rowena almost never losses her cool. For her to be this angry had to be the result of something big.

"Rowena?" Helga asked. "Is something wrong?'

Rowena turned to her before she exploded. "SOMETHING WRONG! I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S WRONG! HARRY'S DYING!"

"WHAT?" Salazar jumped up. "What's wrong with Harry?"

"I just got a message from Fate and her sister. They say that Harry is dying due to blood loss, not to mention emotional depression. And thosethose imbeciles think that there's a chance he might live!"

"How did it happen?"

"I'm not sure, something about suicide though, according to Destiny. They're trying their best to allow him to live, but really, they can't do much if he doesn't WANT to live. What he needs is a proper healer (a natural one, mind you, and those are so rare that you can barely find them anymore), and a nice, strong Sanatio Potion.

"Sanatio Potion?" Godric gave a start. "But... isn't that Salazar's specialty? Not to mention that I think only Salazar's descendants are able to make it, no one else."

"That's the problem!" Rowena threw up her arms, exasperated. "That's why there's no way they can heal him! They have no healer and no potion."

"Wait a minute..." Godric interrupted. "I've got an idea."

Salazar groaned. "What kind of crazy idea have you come up with now?"

Godric have him a glare before answering. "I was thinking, Rowena, why don't WE go and help him?"

"EXCUSE ME?" Salazar turned to Godric. "I don't even want to THINK about where you came up with that one. Don't you know by now it's virtually impossible to dimension travel?"

".. Wait a second..." Rowena interrupted, her eyes sparkling in a way that showed she had an idea. "It might just work..."

Salazar whipped around. "How?"

"If we combine the effects of the Vectorium Spell and the Peregrinatio Potion, we should be able to Apparate Cross-Dimension, because of their special properties."

"But... we can only transport two people," Salazar interjected. "Peregrinatio Potions takes months to make, and I only have two bottles on handy at the moment."

Rowena sighed, before making up her mind. "Then two of us must go in order for Harry to live. But the question is, who shall go?"

"I demand to go!" Salazar said immediately. "It is my right to go since Harry is MY heir."

"Then I will go too," Godric retorted firmly. "He's every bit my heir as he is yours!"

Before a fight could start out, Rowena cut in. "Quiet, Salazar, Godric. First of all, Helga must go, as healing is her specialty, and she is one of the only natural healers left. And I'm sorry, Godric, but you can't go. We need a Potions Master who knows what he's doing, and Salazar's the one." She saw Godric open his mouth to complain, but she quickly cut him off. "I know you don't like this, Godric, but in order to save Harry, this must be done. You DO want to help him, don't you?"

Godric opened his mouth before closing it again, sighing in defeat. Rowena, ever the wise one, had once again managed to manipulate him into agreement. "Fine, fine," he said finally. "But you," he turned to Salazar and Helga. "You better make sure Harry's alright and punish whoever hurt him!"

"That will be done, be reassured, Godric," Helga said smoothly. She checked the clock. "Now, we better leave as soon as possible if we want to help Harry. Sal, do you have the potion with you?"

"One second, I'll be right back." With that, Salazar walked out of the room.

A minute later, he came back, two clear bottles in his hand. They were both filled with lavender potion to the top. "This is it," he said, motioning.

Helga raised her wand, holding it up in such an angle that she managed to point it at both of them at the same time. "Ready?"

Salazar nodded.

Helga swirled her wand in a circular motion, calling out loudly, "Vectoria!" At the same time, Salazar handed her one of the lavender potions, and as one, both tipped it towards their lips, downing it in one gulp. As they disappeared from their home dimension, Salazar thought he heard Godric's soft "Good Luck, Sal, Helga," ring out behind him.

And in a swirl of emerald flames, they disappeared.

Hogwarts was, for once, a gloomy place. Students sat quietly at their house tables, each keeping their voices down quietly, almost as if they had entered the house of a dying man. Which, in a way, it was true. Even the Slytherins seemed unusually quiet and respectful. The teachers talked less than usual, each content to focus on their own thoughts.

The ceiling of the Great Hall was a rumbling black, reflecting the cheerless weather. Outside, a deluge of rain fell down upon the school while lightening flashing dangerously in the sky. The loud boom of thunder rang through the air, making everyone jump.

Severus sat at the teachersf table, keeping his eyes on his food and trying to not look at the others around him. Guilt and regret ate at his insides, knowing that even as he sat there, Harry was in danger of dying. He could feel the looks of anger Eliza shot him from time to time. The girl had been especially cold towards him since the "incident", as he called it.

He bit down on his lips, heart clenching. Really, he had deserved this, doing what he had done to Harry. The boy had never meant any harm at all. It was his doings that caused the child's depression, all his fault. And he knew that he deserved every bit of the loathing Eliza showed him.

Sighing almost inaudibly, he went back to eating his dinner, carefully avoiding eye contact with a certain Slytherin girl.

Helga and Salazar appeared in a ring of green flames, just outside the door of the Great Hall. Dusting herself off, Helga tucked her wand into her robes before turning to the man beside her.

"Ready, Sal?"

Salazar nodded, allowing a small smile. "I'm ready, Helga. Let's go."

Stepping forward, she pushed open the door of the Great Hall.

SEVERUS' POV

Severus stuffed a mouthful of potatoes down his throat before turning back to his almost untouched plate. He really didn't have the appetite to eat at the moment.

He was about to forget dinner and leave when suddenly, a loud clanging drew his attention.

The door of the Great Hall banged open, revealing two people with their hoods pulled up to cover their faces. Severus was relieved to see that neither of them were wearing the black Death Eaters robes, although their outfit was certainly strange, to say the least.

The one on the left, presumably a man, wore long robes, which went down to his feet. They were a dark, dark green, so dark, in fact, that it could almost be mistaken as black. His entire being radiated confidence, much like Albus. However, unlike the kind Headmaster, there was an air of darkness about him. What surprised Severus the most about his attire, however, was the sheath that hooked into his belt, the handle of a sword clearly seen.

The other, clearly a female, was a different matter entirely. She wore pale yellow robes, so pale that it almost seemed to be white. An eerie glow radiated off of her, beautiful as the luminous moonlight. She wore high-heeled boots; honey colored hair tumbling down her back. Delicate blue lace would clearly be seen at the neck and wrist. Unlike the man, there was something about her, a sense of hidden wisdom that most people ignored.

Suddenly, the female looked up, pulling her hood off in one swift motion. Beside her, the man did the same. Severus looked into those lush green eyes. For a second, they reminded him uncannily of Harry's emerald green ones.

Beside him, he sensed a sudden movement. Looking around, he realized that all of the professors had pulled out their wands, training them at the strangers.

McGonagall raised her wand, a binding spell on her lips, when suddenly the lady raised her arm. She whispered something inaudible, and suddenly every teacher's wand other than Albus' flew to her. She closed her hand around them with a snap.

Severus watched, almost in slow motion, as Albus stood up, raising his wand, clearly about to curse the unexpected arrivals. Suddenly, a voice cut upon his thoughts, stopping the headmaster.

"Salazar! Helga!"

Eliza sat at the Slytherin table, picking at her dinner. She occasionally shot a few angry looks at the Slytherin Head of House, watching in satisfaction as Severus lowered his gaze in shame. She was still angry with the Potions Master for causing Harry so much pain.

She was about to give up eating when suddenly, the door of the Great Hall banged open. Two people stepped through, hoods pulled up high.

Eliza frowned. There was something familiar about these two figures, although she couldn't determine what at the moment. There was something about the way the figures stood confidently, about the powerful aura that clearly radiated from them...

Her eyes wandered over the first stranger, a female. Honey-colored hair, pale yellow robes, delicate blue lacing, a glass-globed necklace, and high-healed boots...

Wait a minute! A necklace? Re-examining the pendant that hung around the woman's neck, she saw that it was a small, marble-sized glass globe. Inside the globe was a small, badger, the sign of the Hufflepuffs. The letter "H" was engraved on the outside of the glass.

Eliza's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. She had seen that necklace on only one person before. But it couldn't be, could it?

She watched as suddenly, the lady raised her arm and summoned the teachers' wands. Then, at the same time, both figures swept off their hoods in one smooth motion.

Eliza gasped. She would know those clear, green eyes of her mentor anywhere. Before she realized what she was doing, she raised her voice and called out, "Helga! Salazar!"

"Helga! Salazar!"

Eilza's face lit up with a grin as she flew forward, ignoring the whispering that was occurring around her. Without another thought, she launched herself at Helga, pulling the older woman into a hug.

"Eliza!" Helga hugged her back enthusiastically before letting go. "I'll speak with you later, little one, " she said quietly in her ear.

By now, Dumbledore had stood up, wand raised, although no spell came from the tip. The old wizard's eyes were narrowed, and the usual twinkle could not be seen. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" There was no hint of the usual kindness in his harsh voice.

Helga spoke up first, and her voice was clear and confident, easily bringing the attention to herself. "I am Helga of the Badgers, daughter of Demenor and Serenity of the Clan of Fedalitas."

"And I am Salazar of the Snakes, son of Satanus and Celesta of the Clan of Callidus." It was Salazar who spoke this time, his voice commanding and majestic. "We are here to heal the one you know of as Sebastien Frostpine."

Eliza smiled slightly as she realized that they had stated their proper titles, although they had left out their last names. And judging by the twinkled that returned to the Headmaster's eye, Dumbledore too had recognized the names.

The Headmaster immediately lowered his wand. "I welcome you, Lord Salazar and Lady Helga. Sebastien is currently resting in the Hospital Wing. I trust you know your way there?"

Helga gave a nod, curtsying slightly. "I thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore. Your hospitality shall be noted." With that, she turned, Salazar and Eliza by her side. Together, as one, they walked out the door and headed in the direction of the Hospital Wing.

Severus watched as the three unlikely trio walked out of the Great Hall. Who were those strangers? They had obviously managed to convey their identity and purpose to Albus somehow, but how, he didn't know.

As soon as the three disappeared out and the door clanged shut behind them, students began to whisper to each other. Severus watched as Minerva swooped onto the headmaster, an outraged look on her face.

"How could you just let them go, Albus? They could have been Death Eaters, for all we know!"

Albus just smiled that annoying smile of his. "Don't worry, Minerva," he said reassuringly. "They are trustworthy."

Before the Transfiguration professor could go on, Dumbledore turned and began speaking with Filius, conveniently ignoring her.

Severus watched in amusement at the indignant look on Minerva's face. Turning, he went back to his own dinner.

Eliza and the two founders headed in the direction of the Hospital Wing with Helga leading the way. Wordlessly, they stepped into the room, looking around for Harry.

Madam Pomfrey stepped up, hands on her hips. "Excuse me, Madam, but this is the Hospital Wing. You are not allowed in here if you are not a patient or a professor."

"We have the Headmaster's consent." Although Helga's voice as soft, her tone was piercing.

The nurse, looking flustered, tried again. "I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid I can't allow this. My patients need"

She was abruptly cut off as Helga gave Salazar a pointed nod. Salazar waved his arm once, and Pomfrey was pushed against the wall by an invisible force. Her lips had also disappeared, preventing her from speaking. Eliza knew that this was serious Dark Magic. Not that the Ministry could do anything to Salazar though.

"He's in there," she said, pointing to the curtained-off bed at the end. Rowena quickly walked over, pulling open the curtain.

Neither her, nor Salazar's face showed any emotion when they saw the dying child lying on the cot, although Helga's green eyes softened slightly. She quickly checked his temperate and condition. Seeing that he was extremely weak, the female founder quickly sends some of her own energy into the child.

Turning to Salazar, she spoke. "His condition is extremely fragile, and he's lacking healing energy. You need to make the Sanatio Potion and the Impentus Potion."

Salazar frowned. "I can manage the Sanatio Potion myself, but the Impentus Potion requires at least two Potions Masters to be successful."

Helga turned to Eliza. "Is there another Potions Master in the school?"

Eliza nodded, a scowl on her face. "Severus Snape. But he's the reason why Harry's here in the first place."

Salazar gave a start at this. "What do you mean?" His voice was dangerous, vengeful. "If he did this to Harry, I'll kill him..."

Eliza quickly explained what had happened, beginning with when she had met the boy. She talked about all of the unusual occurrences, the capture, the rejection, and finally, the suicide attempt. "... Anyways, I thought he was fine until he went to see Severus for the Potions lessons."

Salazar nodded. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes. Helga, noticing this, turned to him. "Remember that we need Severus in order to help Harry, Sal. Don't do anything you'll regret later."

Salazar nodded, and with that, left the room, heading in the direction of the dungeons.

Salazar headed in the direction of the dungeons, walking down the stone staircases with ease. He, as one of the Founders, knew every nook and secret passageway in Hogwarts. In fact, Hogwarts herself obeyed him so that he would be able to get into any room he wished. With these thoughts in mind, he felt very at home indeed.

Walking through the rooms, he found himself outside a row of doors. Without pausing, he walked directly towards the current Potions Master's office. Knocking on the door, he paused for a split second before pulling the door open and walking in.

After Severus had finished dinner, he quickly went back to his office to work on a new potion he was experimenting with. He had been in the middle of mixing the foxwood roots into the cauldron when suddenly, there was a knock on his door.

Before he could answer, however, the door opened by itself. In stepped the man he had seen earlier in the Great Hall. Severus was both surprised and annoyed. "What are you doing here?" He snapped. "And how did you open the door without a password?"

However, Salazar, unlike other people, would not allow such attitude directed at him. "You watch whom you're talking to, young man," he said pointedly. "I will not permit such rudeness around me. And I must say that how I opened your door is none of your business."

Severus gave a start at this. His bad mood increased as he turned to Salazar. "Just who do you think you are, storming into my office without warning and demanding I behave? This is MY office, for heaven's sake, and I can do anything I want."

Salazar's eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't be talking like that if I were you, Severus." His voice was harsh and dangerous. "If it weren't for Helga, Ifd kill you for what you've done to Harry."

Severus froze at the name. "Harry? How is he?" His annoyance was gone, now replaced with concern. "IHas he woken up yet?"

Salazar sighed inwardly, closing his eyes for a few seconds before opening them again. Judging by the way Severus was reacting, he probably hadn't MEANT to hurt Harry. And he knew he wouldn't be able to find it in himself to punish someone for something they hadn't done on purpose. "Harry will not wake. Not until we make the potions that Helga needs so she can heal him."

"We?" Severus raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, we, and what's going on here?"

"We, as in you and me, are going to make the necessary potions so Helga can heal Harry. Got that?"

Severus, a bit unsure, just nodded. "Okay... so what potions are we making?"

"Sanatio and Impentus."

"Sanatio and Impentus?" Severus echoed, thinking that his ears were betraying him.

Salazar rolled his eyes. "Yes, Sanatio and Impentus. Gotta a problem?"

"ButBut no one knows the recipe! It was lost in the age of Salazar Slytherin!"

Salazar stared. "You mean that you don't know how to make the potions?"

"Of course not! The potion recipes has been lost for centuries!"

Salazar sighed. "And here I thought this would be simple," he mumbled. "I wish Sebastien was here."

"Sebastien? You mean he knows how to make the potions?"

"Well, of course," Salazar replied, his voice full of sarcasm. "I taught him myself. Any more stupid questions?"

"Who are you, exactly? How is it that you know the recipe? Where did you find it? How did you"

Salazar cut him off with a hand. "I can't answer any of those questions yet," he said. "For now, we have to hurry up and make the potions. Just gather these ingrediants: wormwood, phoenix feathers, asphodel, elven hair"

"WHAT?" Severus interrupted. "ELVEN HAIR? Where in nine hells do you expect me to get elven hair?"

"From the elves, or course." Salazar said, rolling his eyes. "Don't you modern Potions Masters know ANYTHING?"

"THERE ARE NO ELVES! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

"No elves? No elves?" Salazar's eyes widened in disbelief. "What has the world come to?" he mumbled to himself. "Well, never mind. Just come with me, will you?" With that, he swept out of the office.

Severus quickly followed, locking the door behind him. Clearly, the man in front of him was off his rockers, but if he knew how to help Harry, then he would do whatever was necessary.

He followed him all the way to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Severus watched in shock as the man hissed something in parseltongue and a large tunnel appeared.

"You speak parseltongue?" he asked as he was pulled down the tunnel.

"Just noticed?" came the sarcastic reply. "Come on, no dawdling."

Together, they walked through tunnels after tunnels until they came to a stonewall. Salazar placed his hand on it and muttered something in parseltongue.

The rock slid to the side, revealing a small room. Stepping in, Severus couldn't help but gape. Inside was the most sophisticated potions lab he'd ever seen. There were all the rare equipments necessary, and cauldrons made from every kind of metal lined the shelves. What shocked him the most, however, were the small drawers labeled with potions ingredients. He did a double take when he saw a few labeled "werewolf hair" and "vampire fangs". Such ingredients were now considered museum artifacts! Potions Masters would die for such ingredients.

"Surprised?" Came the voice behind him. Turning, he saw Salazar.

It took him a while to come out of his daze. When he finally did, however, Severus felt that he had had enough of not knowing what was going on. "What on earth is going on here?" he asked, sighing. "Just tell me who the hell you are and where we are right now. I demand to know!"

Salazar sighed. "Don't tell me you still haven't figured it out? I was hoping I wouldn't have to explain."

Seeing Severus' puzzled look, he finally looked up.

"I am Salazar Slytherin, and we are in the Chamber of Secrets."