Harry woke up slowly the next day. Shifting in discomfort Harry wondered why he'd fallen asleep in a chair. He hadn't done that in a while preferring the safety of his warded bed.

"Eyesss closssed massster," Venentrios hissed. Harry stilled fighting the urge to open his eyes and look around. Waking up without opening his eyes was disorienting unable to see where he was. Feeling a large body slide across his lap Harry relaxed. That was right, he'd gone down to the Chamber after arguing with Ron last night. The stupid git had finally let his jealousy get the best of him. Still feeling rather bitter about it Harry straightened from the chair. The basilisk stirred from around him.

"Ssspeaker," Bellasina murmured sleepily. Harry stroked her scales affectionately as he untangled himself and scooped up his bag. He wandered towards the entrance Venentrios still settled comfortably around his body.

"Sssafe?" Harry asked Venentrios. The rattler hissed agreement before letting Harry open his eyes. Briefly he hissed the password to open the entrance and exited into Myrtle's bathroom. The ghost could be heard wailing in her stall, but luckily she hadn't heard him enter over her own cries. Shutting the entrance he stood in front of the mirror. For once he was grateful for his hair constantly being wild. It was impossible to tell he hadn't combed it. Straightening his robes the best he could Harry headed down for breakfast letting Venentrios slip away.

The tension from last night hadn't eased. The Gryffindors seemed torn between cheering that someone from their House was in the tournament and bitterness that once again Harry was being given special treatment. His appetite seemed almost nonexistent poking at his food. He almost didn't notice Hermione slide in a seat next to him the usual book in her hand. They both ate in silence before Harry looked over at his friend. She seemed worn as if she'd spent all night without sleep. Thinking back Harry realized he hadn't seen her in the common room when he'd entered.

"Hermione? Are you alright?" Harry asked. Hermione looked up sharply curly hair even frizzier than usual. She smiled softly at Harry.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Harry chuckled weakly.

"Perhaps," he agreed, "last night wasn't my best." Hermione frowned her forehead creasing slightly in thought.

"I spent last night in the library trying to figure out what happened. I couldn't find a single mention of the Triwizard Tournament having four champions anywhere!" Harry blinked. He hadn't expected that.

"You believe I didn't enter myself into the tournament?" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I highly doubt you could pass the age line, no matter how powerful you are. Even if you did manage that, there should only be three champions. The magic involved to force four champions would be impossibly advanced. You couldn't do it." Harry listened to Hermione's tirade in amusement. Her reasoning was sound, even if Harry was unsure if he should feel offended by Hermione's belief that he couldn't pass the age line.

"Thanks," Harry said, "wish Ron believed me. Seems everyone believes I did it somehow. I wasn't even interested in entering." Hermione bit her lip.

"I'm sure Ron will come around."

"Maybe. It'd just be easier to deal with if both of you are with me." That's how it had always been: Ron, Hermione, and Harry fighting whatever evil attempted to invade Hogwarts. Hermione smiled softly.

"Well I'm here. I'll help you learn whatever you need for this stupid tournament." Cheered to have one of his friends on his side Harry grinned.

"Know any good dueling spells?" Harry asked.

"Did you even need to ask?" Hermione pulled out a book Harry's grin widening.

"Awesome."

Some of the spells Hermione 'taught' Harry he'd already learned on his own, but there was a huge influx of spells Harry hadn't previously learned that was being added to his list. In some ways it was far easier than what he'd been doing before, as Harry struggled learning the theory despite having an instinctual understanding of the spells he did use. Hermione's explanations sped up the process somewhat, allowing him to spend more time studying defense of his mind. He'd finally found out the proper name of what he was studying too: occlumency.

The school was slowly adjusting to having four champions instead of the traditional three. Malfoy had created badges that supposedly were to support Cedric but really served to mock Harry. Gryffindor was divided between ignoring Harry and being angry at him, with Ron unbudging from his position. Of course this just made Harry angrier as Ron turned people against him and generally made Harry's life worse than it had to be. At least Ginny and Neville agreed with Hermione, though Harry wished this hadn't meant Neville deciding to partner with him in Potions.

Harry settled down in a small room sandwiched between walls. He supposed it had originally been to observe the class without bothering the students while they worked but it seemed that it hadn't been used in some time. It was a comfortable nook, a large squashy armchair set with a low side table and lamp. Harry had taken the current break between classes to work on his Occlumency shield. He'd been progressing slowly, clearing his mind until it was mostly blank. That had probably been the most difficult part, finding little worries and impulses constantly plaguing his mind.

Now he felt ready for the next step. Venentrios curled up on Harry's books ready to alert Harry when the bell for class sounded. He couldn't seem to bring himself out when he meditated. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes. In. Out. In. Out. Don't think. Don't focus. Only the moment mattered. In. Out. In. Out. The room was quiet Harry's heartbeat filling his ears. Harry listened letting the sound drown everything else out. When only his heartbeat remained Harry pushed away. For a moment his awareness spread out into the school. He could feel Venentrios and the bond tying them, the large magic that was Hogwarts dimly pressing on his mind still too large to fully comprehend, even students walking in the halls. Harry pushed it away. It was tempting to focus on it, but that wasn't his aim this time. He needed to focus in.

His awareness slowly faded replaced by a comfortable darkness. He pushed through, worried that he wouldn't get far enough to actually view his mindscape. Since he hadn't viewed it yet it would still be unformed and raw, difficult to access. His worries faded as the darkness took shape. Harry blinked as a familiar stone layout formed. It was hard to tell, the stones not quite clear and the statue smudged of all familiar features, but his mindscape had formed the Chamber of Secrets.

Eagerly Harry drank in the sight. It was different than he'd expected. The book had described the mindscape as taking on a layout that was familiar and safe to the being, the interior decorated with aspects of his personality. It was easy to see that, the colors brighter than anything he would have personally chosen to decorate with. Large windows showed the Quidditch pitch with crowds cheering as a memory chased after the snitch about to make the winning catch. A warm sense of belonging filled the room, comfortably set up for a group with plenty of chairs available. Two extra doors that didn't exist in the real Chamber caught his attention. The first one was simply closed. The second sent a chill through him. The door was partly cracked open but it was obvious that Harry didn't want whatever was there coming through. Furniture had been shoved hard against the door trying to keep it shut.

A tendril of dark green light slipped out from under the door leading to a sphere of light contained behind a force field. That looked like it was his magic from what had been described in the book. Surprisingly it was mostly red the green twisting into it. A crack in the force field created the leak leading to the door. A silver light twisted around the sphere as if on guard, almost serpentine in it's movements. Harry debated what it could possibly be before pushing that to the back of his mind and looking further. The basilisk's nest in the statue had another large sphere, this one filled with orange and green. A dark blood red tinged the edges. His emotions center, he supposed.

Taking the stairs Harry looked down. Pillars lined the short hall to where the library was, names at the base of each one. They varied in thickness and color, Hermione's a large white with a small charcoal one for Malfoy. Harry glanced into the library Harry stared in wonder at the glittering shapes flickering through the room. They were mostly round, but kept changing almost like clouds. He could see glimpses of scenes inside. All his memories, moving around and jostling for position. Even as he watched a new one formed reflecting the current moment. Two memories were wrapped in gold secured near the front. Peeking into one Harry was surprised to see the first year when they'd won the House Cup, pride flooding through him. He brushed against the second, jerking back at the reckless need to get to Ginny and stop Riddle no matter what.

Those weren't the memories he'd thought he'd keep near the front. Heading back to the main room Harry looked at the walls. They weren't as solid as they appeared. Perhaps that wasn't the barrier that Harry had thought it was to keep out anything harmful, just something added to give a firmer layout. A partly formed stone carving moved along the walls. Tracking it Harry frowned. He'd thought the barrier would be obvious. Somewhere in here was a natural shield against spells. He needed to find it before he could truly start working on Occlumency shielding. Harry tested the wall, barely catching himself as he fell forward. There was nothing solid blocking the way. Shouldn't there be at least something?

A hiss told Harry that his time was up. Snapping back out of the mindscape Harry shook his head clearing away the dizziness of suddenly being back. Venentrios slithered over to Harry curling around his arm.

"Time for your defenssse classs," Venentrios hissed. Harry grabbed his stuff and stuffed it back in his bag. He stepped out of the room and hurried toward Moody's classroom. He was exempt from exams this year but was still graded on attendance. Just as well, since Harry didn't have the time to study up what he was supposed to learn this year on his own. He paused near the stairs and lowered his arm letting Venentrios crawl off.

"I'll sssee you in the dorm," Harry hissed. The rattlesnake vanished quickly through the hall having rapidly learned how to hide in plain sight. Harry had refused to bring Venentrios along to any of his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes since he'd been chosen as a champion. Part of him still suspected Moody had noticed his familiar, and he wouldn't risk the snake being taken to prevent Harry going 'dark'.

The lesson as always focused on spells that could easily be adapted to wherever they might duel. Moody was demonstrating a hex deflection spell, not as useful as protego as it covered a limited area and didn't reflect the spell back, but useful since it didn't take as much energy to cast. They were paired off for mock duels Harry tensing as he again faced Ron. He'd enjoyed it at the beginning when they hadn't been fighting. It was far better than facing a Slytherin. Now that they were on the outs the playful duels had turned into a contest Harry concentrating on making sure to not go past what he 'should' know. Harry was grateful Ginny had been his duel partner over the summer rather than Ron. He had the advantage right now, and dealing with Ron's rage would be much more difficult if Ron had been training with Harry and could keep up.

They barely bowed to each other neither fully willing to look away. Harry barely straightened before Ron had cast a body bind his way. Harry dived out of the way sending a stinging hex back at Ron. Ron successfully blocked it returning impedimenta. Harry cast the shield and moved dodging a 'stray' shot from Goyle.

"Stupefy!" Harry shot the spell quickly and followed it with the Jelly Legs Jinx in case he missed. Ron managed to dodge it with his usual grim determination set on teaching his former friend a lesson.

"Expelliarmus!" Harry cast the shield spell quickly absorbing the disarming charm. Casting an immobilizing spell Harry wasn't quite quick enough to dodge both another spell as he'd wandered into someone else's duel zone and the body bind sent his way. Toppling Harry glared at Ron as the redhead marched over. He looked like he wasn't about to stop even with Harry frozen.

"Weasley!" Moody growled. Ron snapped around looking at the professor.

"Well done, but you need to dodge more." Moody waved his wand releasing Harry from the bind. Rapidly Harry scrambled to his feet hand tight around his wand. He wouldn't be surprised if the duel resumed as soon as Moody turned away again. Ron scowled and stomped off Moody's magic eye following him as his normal one trained on Harry.

"Class dismissed. Potter, stay behind. I need to talk to you." Harry nodded his head feeling his mouth dry. It was never good when a professor wanted to talk to him. Either he was in trouble or they had bad news. He wasn't sure which to hope for. Grabbing his bag Harry moved over by the wall where he could see the entire class. He watched the students file out until only him and the professor were left in the room. Harry edged closer to the door eager to get this over with and leave as quickly as possible. The ex-auror watched him move and chuckled.

"Wary of being alone with someone you don't know Potter?" Moody said, "Good! Constant Vigilance! It'll keep you alive." Harry flinched slightly at the shout. Watching him Harry itched for his wand. He didn't have much luck with Defense professors. Lupin had been the only good one, and he had turned into a werewolf and attempted to maul him. At least he could count on Moody not asking him to help answer fan mail. His lips twitched as he pictured the scarred auror reading a fan letter with the same gusto Lockhart had.

"You're not in trouble Potter," Moody growled, "I want to check on you. It can't be easy being the youngest champion with someone trying to kill you." Harry nodded his head cautiously unwilling to say anything until he figured out what Moody was aiming for. The professor watched him, waiting for an answer before continuing.

"The other champions will know spells you don't. You can study but it's difficult alone, and no one can help you pass the tasks." Harry nodded again. He knew he was at a disadvantage already. Harry knew spells most his age didn't, but Harry doubted he could match the others, especially with his studying specialized around helping him survive Voldemort.

Moody stared at him in frustration. Finally he slammed down his hand. "I'm offering to train you, boy!" Harry had his wand out and pointed at the professor as soon as the hand slammed down. It took time for the offer to sink in. Moody watched Harry uneasily his own hand itching for his wand. It couldn't be comfortable for the old auror to be held at wandpoint by a student. Harry blinked and lowered his wand.

"You want to train me?" he asked.

"Course I do! I wouldn't have offered if I weren't serious," Moody growled, "Your name coming from that goblet was wrong. Someone means you harm, and I aim to make sure they don't succeed. It's why I'm here."

Harry frowned. Private lessons would be nice. Moody couldn't tell him what the tasks were, but he could no doubt specialize what spells Harry learned to match the tasks. Did he trust the auror to help him though? Dumbledore trusted him. Dumbledore had trusted Quirrel too. If anything was going on the headmaster would surely be alerted and step in. Still, he hadn't noticed Ginny being possessed, or realized a basilisk was causing the petrification. Dumbledore had never failed him before. Then again Dumbledore had only ever stepped in to clean up the mess after Harry almost died. Dumbledore took what happened seriously. It's why he'd hired Moody, an extra precaution on top of the others to prevent a repeat. And now Moody was offering him training. Except he wouldn't need training if Dumbledore's precautions had worked. Dumbledore was powerful. If he wasn't worried about Harry he shouldn't either. Unless Dumbledore had planned this.

Feeling a headache quickly growing Harry groaned. Rubbing at his scar he glared at Moody.

"Tell the headmaster I don't need your help," Harry snapped. Moody's eyes widened as Harry stormed off. A thoughtful expression crossed Moody's face altering the auror's countenance. That had not been what he'd expected.

His head aching Harry stumbled into his room. He barely focused long enough to mutter the words activating his wards before he collapsed on the bed. Curling up Harry rubbed at his head. What was going on? This wasn't from his scar. The pain was different, more of a deep ache as he analyzed what happened with Moody.

"Harry?" Venentrios hissed. Eyes closed Harry moaned.

"Head hurtsss."

"What happened?" the serpent asked.

"Moody offered tutoring. Head ssstarted hurting." The rattlesnake hissed in anger.

"He attacked you?"

"No," Harry muttered, "wasss jussst thinking about offer and headache formed." The rattler stilled.

"Ssstop thinking about it," Venentrios suggested. Harry paused. That wasn't a bad idea. If he cleared his head perhaps the headache would abate. It could just be stress from the tournament. Moody had brought up that someone was trying to kill him. Not news, but usually he didn't have time to dwell on what was going on, just working on surviving. Breathing deeply Harry worked on clearing his mind. Thoughts of the conversation drifted apart as he entered the calm meditation he used as he practiced occlumency. The headache faded letting him relax. Taking a deep breath Harry smiled.

"It worked," he hissed, "the headache'sss gone." Venentrios curled up happily.

"You work hard," the rattler hissed, "you need to ressst." Harry stroked Venentrios softly tracing the diamond pattern over his back. The snake shifted in pleasure turning so Harry scratched a sweet spot.

"Perhapsss," Harry hissed. Venentrios flicked his tongue out.

"No," Venentrios hissed, "I am right. I am alwaysss right. Ressst." Harry snorted at Venentrios' mothering tones.

"Yesss mother," Harry mocked. Indignant Venentrios nipped Harry.

"No cheek!" Harry snickered and laid back down. In peace the pair stayed enjoying the relative quiet of his wards.

Moody didn't bring up the tutoring again. Harry was grateful to be allowed to slide into the background, well, as far as he ever did. His self study slowed some taking Venentrios' advice though he continued at the same speed as before with his Occlumency work. It seemed to be taking effect as well. His mind felt clearer, and the headache didn't come back. Each week found his reaction speeding up, making quicker decisions and his tongue more cutting than before. It was as if he was discovering an entirely new side to himself, one more sly and cunning.

Potions had been going well. Harry had revealed to Neville his shield charm for his cauldron protecting it from anything extra a Slytherin might choose to thrown in. Malfoy hadn't been pleased as he no longer could mess up Longbottom's potions but Harry couldn't be bothered to care about the Slytherin's reaction. It was hard enough keeping Neville on track without dealing with anything extra being added in.

Heading out from Potions Harry was suddenly shoved from behind. Stumbling he caught himself on the wall and whirled around. His wand slipped into his hand ready to face whoever had hit him. Malfoy grinned at him lazily leaning back his two goons flanking him.

"Sorry Potter didn't see you there." Harry clenched his teeth.

"No worries. I've heard it can be hard looking out your own arse." Hermione snorted and slapped a hand over her face. She wasn't supposed to be encouraging this. Malfoy glared at Harry.

"Big talk for someone who's gonna die. We have a pool going for how long you'll last in the first task. Just do me a favor, and make it nice and gruesome. Should give us some entertainment." Taking a deep breath Harry turned away.

"I don't have time for your stupidity Malfoy," Harry snapped. He was trying to not think about dying. He didn't need the Slytherin bringing up how likely it was for him to die. And a betting pool? That was surprisingly bloodthirsty. Harry'd have to work to make sure no one ever earned anything from it. Actually, he might just place in a bet for himself on his survival. That'd shock them. Hermione looked grateful as they walked away. If Ron had been there with them wands would have been drawn for sure.

"Diffi-" Harry whipped around at the sound of the hex already casting his shield.

"Oh no you don't!" Moody roared. His wand flicked out and Malfoy vanished. Shocked Harry looked around. Hermione gasped drawing his attention to a blond ferret squeaking in terror. Desperately the beast twisted searching for a place to hide. Moody grinned maniacally.

"Attack someone when their back is turned, would ya?" Moody flicked his wand at the ferret bouncing it off the floor. The ferret squealed as it bounced in the air struggling to break the spell. Harry snickered watching as Malfoy the Ferret was bounced around the hallway. Harry smothered his laughter as McGonnagall rounded the corner not looking too pleased. She paused looking at Moody.

"Moody, what are you doing?" McGonnagall asked.

"Disciplining a student," Moody said.

"Disciplining a-is that a student? Turn him back right now! Transfiguration is not an appropriate punishment!" Moody grumbled but flicked his wand. A shaken Malfoy reappeared his normally perfect hair mussed. Harry grinned at the professor. McGonnagall grabbed Malfoy and dragged him after her muttering about irresponsible professors and how the headmaster would hear about this.

"That was great," Harry blurted. Moody grinned.

"Thanks for helping professor," Hermione chipped in.

"Anytime. Sure you don't want training Potter?" Harry shrugged. Training was sounding better and better the closer it came to the first task. Would it really be that bad to get help?

"Know anything to protect against memory charms?" Moody blinked taken back by Harry's blunt words.

"Come to my office later," Moody said. Stumping back up the hallway Moody retreated. Harry tilted his head. He hadn't exactly agreed to the tutoring. Still, if it would help Harry would check it out. He'd just make sure to have his wand drawn when he went to see him.

Harry didn't head to the office right away. It was much later when he knocked at the door.

"Enter," Moody's gruff voice ordered. Harry stepped inside looking around the office. A strange mirror was set against the back wall filled with fog. Rune stones set wards for the room with a bookcase on curses and warding on one wall. Harry watched Moody dig through his trunk. It was filled with potions, strangely. Was that just for potions, or had he just put all his stuff away? Harry watched Moody select two dark potions and close and lock the trunk. Surprisingly he unlocked the second of three locks and reopened the trunk. The interior was more of what he'd expected this time, and Moody just pulled out a notebook before closing and locking it. That seemed useful. Harry's trunk would be easier to handle if he could have separated what was in it. Perhaps Moody could tell him how to spell his trunk like that.

The old auror straightened up and looked at Harry. He returned the gaze refusing to flinch under the scrutiny.

"You want to learn how to prevent people from tampering with your mind," Moody said, "why?" Harry fought the urge to shrug. He couldn't say he was looking for a way to block Voldemort from getting into his head. Digging through his memories he found a suitable excuse.

"Someone's tried to wipe my memories before," Harry said, "I don't want to ever be helpless against that again." Moody frowned studying him closely. Harry shifted uneasily. It had been a while since Lockhart had tried that on him, but it should still hold as a reason. He felt uneasy inviting the professor to look into his mind. What if the professor decided to mess with him? Harry would just have to check himself for any spells after he left.

"I'll help," Moody finally said, "but it won't be easy. It will hurt." Harry nodded. He didn't care if it would hurt. Making sure no one could mess with him was worth whatever pain Moody inflicted him with. Moody pointed his wand at him Harry just managing to suppress a flinch.

"Finite incantatum."

Harry felt something rip from his mind. Wavering slightly he blinked. What was he doing? He couldn't trust Moody. He could never trust an adult. They always brought trouble.

"Finite incantatum," Moody barked. More painfully this time another layer around his mind was ripped off. His doubts about Ron came flooding back. He'd never fully trusted him. Why had he been so shocked when Ron betrayed him? He should have realized. Ron had turned against him and Hermione before.

"Finite incantatum!" Wincing Harry bit his lip to keep from screaming. His head felt ready to split in half. As if for the first time he was seeing things clearly. He couldn't trust Dumbledore. The man lied to him. He ignored when Harry was in danger. For the life of him he couldn't understand why anyone would trust him to run a school. The only reason why no one was dead was because of Harry, and really he had half a mind to take off and leave the wizarding world to save itself. He didn't want to be their savior, and he didn't intend to be it.

"Finite incantatum!" Harry couldn't suppress the scream this time. His head felt like it had been ripped open, even worse than when Voldemort was nearby. At least that pain remained in his scar. He felt as if his very core had been ripped out. Stumbling Harry fell to the ground unable to think through the pain. Dozens of memories crowded forward begging for his attention.

...Harry sat in Dumbledore's office picking at the fabric. He hated the feel of the old headmaster's gaze on him as if he could see through to his soul. He just wanted to hide.

"Do you understand Harry?" The normal jovial tone Dumbledore used was gone, the twinkle in his eyes cold. Harry stared at the desk.

"Yes sir," he muttered.

"You must never run into Siruis Black. He will kill you." Harry nodded. He knew Black was heading to Hogwarts. He just didn't understand why. The man had to be insane to continue a task given by a dead man...

..."Potter!" Snape roared. Defiantly he glared at the irate potions professor. Snape seemed even angrier than normal this year. Probably ticked off that they had a werewolf on staff.

"How dare you go traipsing about after curfew! The rules are for your safety Mr Potter, not challenges set for you to break! The dementors would kill you as easily as Black, if he doesn't find you first. And what if it had been a full mo-" Snape choked on his words. Harry straightened watching him closely. Had Snape been about to tell him about Lupin? Why had he stopped? Snape turned red struggling to speak. Glaring at Potter he snapped, "Hoping to find Black? He won't hesitate to kill you boy! Detention!"...

..."Look mate, I'm real sorry 'bout Scabbers. But you can't take it out on Hermione. She's our friend. Surely that's worth more than a fat rat? You didn't even like him." Ron glared at Harry.

"Bugger off. Scabber's worth far more than that...that...mudblood!" Harry gaped at Ron in shock. He knew Ron was upset but he'd never thought his friend would go that far. He was grateful Hermione wasn't there. She would have broken down in tears again, and it was hard enough trying to cheer her up right now. He knew Ron missed Scabbers, but that wasn't worth losing Hermione over...

...Harry studied Lupin. He liked his professor, he really did. But if he was such a good friend of James', why wasn't he there when Harry was growing up?

"Why did I never meet you before?" Harry asked. Lupin turned grey his expression jumbled.

"Dumbledore said the death eaters would expect me to have you. He told no one where you were. I set off in the hopes of keeping them thinking you were with me. Stupid really, I should have checked in..." Dumbledore kept him away? Why? Surely it would have been better to grow up in the wizarding world. He kept messing up right now. It would be easier if he had grown up understanding things. It seemed he had Dumbledore to thank for sticking him with his rotten relatives as well. Another reason not to trust him...

...Harry carefully traced his uncle's signature. As it had the last few times it came out perfectly. Learning to forge his uncle's signature had been a stroke of genius. He'd never need to rely on his relatives for permission ever again. As silently as he could Harry folded his Hogsmeade permission slip and tucked it under one of the floorboards. It'd be safe there until it was time to leave...

..."You must have shown incredible loyalty to me to call Fawkes to you Harry," Dumbledore said. He smiled patronizingly at the young wizard. Harry squirmed in his seat. He hadn't really shown loyalty to Dumbledore. He'd just wanted to get out alive. It had been nice of Fawkes to heal Bellasina at least.

"It's a shame for such dark magic to exist in the world," Dumbledore said. Harry frowned. Dark magic? So there was something more to the diary! If he could just get a good look at it he was sure he could solve it.

"Parseltongue, Harry," Dumbledore said, "very dark magic. You must be careful. It may seem that Voldemort has given you a gift, but you saw for yourself the darkness it brings." Harry frowned. Bellasina wasn't dark-a gentle nudge touched his mind relaxing him. Dumbledore was right. He was lucky the headmaster could warn him. He didn't want to turn bad...

..."Kill him!" Tom shrieked. The basilisk twisted in confusion unsure who to follow.

"Clossse your eyesss Harry," Venentrios hissed. Harry fumbled for the diary eyes shut tight against the basilisk. Lifting it up he listened for the basilisk.

"Ssstrike thisss!" Harry called. The large basilisk turned and lunged forward. Just in time he twisted out of the way the basilisk biting into the diary. He hit the ground hard feeling his skin scrape open. Harry straightened listening in satisfaction as Tom shrieked in agony. The basilisk had hit the diary!

"Massster?" the basilisk cried softly, "massster, where are you?" Harry stood up.

"He'sss gone," Harry hissed. The basilisk wailed in despair.

"I'm sssorry massster! Don't leave me alone!" Harry felt a twinge of pity in him. The basilisk didn't sound vicious anymore, just lonely. Just like he had been.

"Hey, it'sss okay. I'll look after you," Harry put his hand out hesitantly reaching for the killer serpent...

Harry pushed himself up. This wasn't right. The memories were wrong. That's not how he remembered it! Feelings of disgust and anger flooded him looking back at what he'd done. Foolish, trusting Dumbledore. Idiotic, asking for help. He had to get out of here. Still more memories crashed against him as he ran stumbling, desperate to reach the Chamber and the safety it brought him. His head still pounded almost blinding him. He had to escape. He had to think. He had to figure this out!