All It Took

Chapter 2: Darkness

A/N: Thanks to all my readers. I see over 300 people have been on the page, but only 3 reviews for it. Please review! To Anthony37: I like the idea of Harry getting angry at his parents, but I will definitely get Hermione and Harry together. Please tell me what you think of the next chapter!

Harry opened his eyes to see darkness. Nothing, a world of blackness that completely enveloped his senses and confused his sense of direction. Turning around, he saw a door in the blackness which light was pouring through. Taking hesitant steps towards the door and felt a tug at his navel that felt remarkably familiar. Before he had time to ponder this however, he fell face first into the ground. Checking his pockets for his wand, he noticed it on the ground in a nearby hole in a wall. He took a good look at his surroundings, and gasped. He recognized this place! It had been in a picture in one of Hermione's books, one called Camelot: Fiction or fact? It was made of marble that gleamed in the sunlight. It had 3 turrets and a huge hall in the center, with two wings off to the side. Turning back to the wall, he crouched down and reached to grab the wand, only to realize his hand was too big. Cursing, he mentally wished he was smaller. Then, to his utmost surprise he felt himself shrinking, growing smaller and feeling scales harden over his skin. Twitching round in his new form, he took in the long, black body behind him. He had managed to transform into a snake! Darting forward, he curled himself around the wand and dragged it out. Once his wand was in his possession, he willed himself to transform back into a man again. As he stood there, pondering this new development, he decide to see what else he could do. Focusing on the nearest tower, he wished that he could fly there. This time, he felt feathers forming, and his shape shrinking once again, though not as much as last time. He spread his wings wide and kicked off, testing out his muscles as he soared higher. As he looked down on the castle, he took a quick glance at the surrounding countryside, not that surprised to see Hogwarts nearby. Knowing the genius of the four founders, they probably just extended the wards to cover it, believing their magic in no way could equal merlin's. Swooping down to the tower, he flew In through a window and perched on a table. Quickly surveying the room and adjoining staircase for threats, he transformed back into a man and looked at the room itself. On the desk was a small box and a book. Picking both up, he gave them a brief check for curses before slipping them into the back pocket of his jeans. Casting a Homenum Revelio, he detected no life forms anywhere in the tower, much less the castle. Not one rat or spider dared take up home inside the walls. He transformed into a snake again, making sure he kept his wand and everything in his pockets. Slithering down the stairs, he noticed how the castle was still spotlessly clean, even after centuries of neglect. Not one speck of dust had fallen on a windowsill, there was no mold and no spider webs hung in the corners. Even the marks from his muddy sneakers vanished off the floor as he lifted his foot up. It must be some serious cleaning charm. A small part of his mind mulled over the fact that if no living things could reside inside the walls, then surely he should have been forcibly ejected the moment he set foot inside the castle? As he was wondering he started in the realization he know stood in the hall he had seen from outside.

He stood, transfixed, watching the ceiling. Like the Hogwarts one, this was also enchanted but under a different spell. The tales of heroes, new and old, were painted on the roof. The pictures constantly changed, showing an image of Hercules one moment, and one of King Arthur the next. Harry even caught glimpses of his own escapades; slaying the basilisk in his second year, the Hungarian Horntail in his fourth and Voldemort most recently. He absent-mindedly thought Hermione would have loved to see this, then stiffened. In all the action of testing his newfound animagus abilities and exploring the tower, he had completely forgotten the reason he had fled to fight Voldemort in the first place. He figured the two were either snogging each other's brains out or planning a wedding. It was probably the former, giving Ron's inability to concentrate on anything for more than ten seconds. As much as he should have hated Ron at the moment, he had already forgiven him in heart. He was his best friend after all. Caught up in memories of the time they had spent together, he was forced back into reality by the owl that flew through the window carrying the daily prophet. Slipping a few Knuts into the pouch tied to the owl's leg, he unfurled the paper and gazed In amusement at what he saw.

The headline read "Morning of revelations." Intrigued, he carried on.

Morning of revelations

Rita Skeeter

The wizarding world has never been more shocked! The first piece of news is the one people have been hoping for with baited breath for the last few years. You-know-who, scourge of the wizarding world for many a year is dead, corresponding directly with our other bolt from the blue, Harry Potters disappearance. The man known to have killed Voldemort, proved by a team of highly skilled wand forensics, disappeared from Diagon Alley yesterday, shortly after achieving victory over the group of death eaters assaulting the shops. Apparating records show he went from there straight to Riddle manor, and never walked out. A personal appeal from best friend Hermione Granger ask for whoever has him to please present a ransom. Our last bit of news is the most surprising is to do with Ron Weasley and Hermione granger. A long predicted couple, Ron was arrested yesterday for possession and use of amorentia, a love potion on the "love of his life", Hermione Granger. When asked why, he simply said " Harry gets everything; the fame, the money. I simply tried to stop him getting the girl." More on his trial is included on page four.

Harry smiled like a cat that got the cream, then frowned. The wizarding world thought him kidnapped or dead. Maybe it was better that way. Going to sit down, something in his pocket got wedged against his leg. He pulled out the box and the book he picked up on the top of the tower. Opening the box, he pulled out a black wand with red runes carved into the side. He was shocked when a jet of black sparks shot out the end. The book fell open with a clunk, allowing Harry to read the contents. They read "To become a perfect wizard knight, just follow the instructions below." Harry smiled a sinister smile; this could keep him occupied.

A\N: Substantially longer than the first chapter. Please review!