Ninja Wizard 08
A Harry Potter Fanfiction
By David
Author's Notes: See disclaimer in chapter one.
Ninja Wizard 08
"Changes and Reflections"
Harry felt better about himself as he sat down for breakfast in the main hall. As he ate, he looked around the hall at various people. He could see what Tino meant by different stages of development in various kids. He knew now that he was normal in the sense of growing up and maturing. He watched various people during the day and observed how they acted and carried themselves. At the end of the day he wrote out his observations and showed them to Tino.
"Ah, well done, Harry. Yes, I've noticed this too. It's just the way they are," Tino said as he read the parchment Harry handed him. "I'll put this away somewhere. We can use this for reference should the need arise."
Harry nodded agreement and they started their daily workout. Today Snape was observing, having shown an interest in the martial arts. Tino and Harry explained things as they went. By the time they were done with their workout, Snape had gained a respect for both Harry and Tino.
"I am impressed," Snape said at last. "Both of you are truly skilled, and I sincerely believe that when the time comes, Harry can and will defeat Voldemort for good. However, I must maintain my public dislike for Harry, but he has my full support. I will work you very hard in potions, Harry. There are things there you have to know."
Harry smiled. "I understand, Professor Snape."
"Good. Now having said that, I must go prepare for a class the headmaster insists I teach," Snape growled.
"What class is that?" Tino asked.
Snape hesitated for a moment and then Harry realized which class it was to be.
"Sex ed?" Harry guessed.
Snape blushed and turned dark red. "I think you are too young to know about that kind of thing, Potter."
"I'm twelve, Professor Snape. I am starting to change and I want to know about these changes I'm experiencing. I want to know what is going on inside my body as well as what is going on outside my body. I know about things like erections and orgasms and everything else connected to it. The more I know about these things the better I will be prepared to deal with it all," Harry argued the point.
Snape nodded. "You definitely have given me something to think about, Potter."
Harry smiled. "Good luck, sir."
"I'm definitely going to need it," Snape grumbled.
Tino nodded. "Can I assist you in any way?"
Snape looked up. "I'd appreciate that."
Harry grinned. He had the feeling this would be an interesting class.
Dumbledore stood up at breakfast the next Saturday morning. "Good morning everyone. So nice to see you all. I must discuss a very important subject this morning. This morning around eleven o' clock, there will be a very important class that all are required to attend. Each House will report to their commons room at ten 'o clock and your Head of House will tell you more. The class to be taught today is sex education."
All of the kids reacted to that announcement with loud chatter.
"SILENCE!" Snape roared. "This is far too important. This is your lives we will be discussing. This is a subject not to be joked about, or belittled. There is nothing funny about this."
Dumbledore nodded. "I must agree with Professor Snape. Everyone will report to their common rooms at ten. No exceptions."
Harry turned to Ron. "God, I hope Lockhart doesn't teach us."
Every male at the table echoed that sentiment.
Right at ten o' clock McGonagall appeared. She looked around the room to make sure all of Gryffindor House was there.
"Good. All of you are here. Excellent. The girls will follow me and all of the boys will follow Professor Flitwick."
"Not Lockhart?" Ron asked nervously.
McGonagall smiled at that. "I wouldn't trust him with that responsibility, Mr. Weasley."
Every boy gave a sigh of relief. Professor Flitwick appeared at that moment and led the boys to another classroom and locked the door behind him. He turned to see Harry and Ron stacking books up so he could climb up on the table.
"Thank you boys. I appreciate that," he said, climbing up.
Ron set down a glass of water and a cup of tea next to the man and then sat down.
"Now then, let's get to it," Flitwick said.
As the class progressed, Harry learned a little more and watched as many of his classmates blushed at some of the descriptions given and shown, and the condom demonstration was quite effective. Some of the guys got bold and began asking questions as the class went on. Then more and more guys lost their embarrassment and joined in the discussion.
"You know, if this is such a big deal, I'd rather wait for the right girl to come along. This is something special to be shared," Lee Jordan piped up.
Quite a few of the guys immediately agreed with that. Harry knew he would wait for the right girl to come along for that. He wanted to save himself for her. It was too special a thing to do and his feelings were quite strong on the subject. Finally the class ended and the boys were dismissed. But it had been a success. Everything had been covered, even gays had been discussed. Harry observed two first years in the back row looking a bit nervous. Harry knew right then they were gay and that was okay with him. It was their business and nobody else's. He wondered how many more there were. He really preferred girls. There wasn't any particular girl that had caught his fancy just yet and Harry really wasn't in a hurry to find one yet. Time enough for that.
The talk in the hall at lunchtime was subdued. Lockhart was sitting at the staff table, looking put out at not having been consulted over the subject. Harry felt relieved about that. He wasn't sure how he could have handled Lockhart teaching them the facts of life. He briefly wondered how Draco Malfoy had taken the class.
"Oh God! Malfoy in sex ed? That's a real scary thought," Ron said later when Harry expressed his thought.
Lee Jordan grinned. "I have it on good authority that Snape put him in his place and then he fainted during the STD (sexually transmitted disease) part when he showed those graphic pictures."
Ron smiled a little. He'd run to the bathroom after the fourth picture. Flitwick had stopped on the sixth one when he saw the boys turning pale. All of the boys had gotten the message. Use protection or else.
"Looking at Malfoy is enough to turn any girl off," another boy hooted.
There was laughter at that. Harry had to smile at that.
"I did learn a lot," Harry said. "I know what to expect as I turn into a teenager and then an adult."
All of the guys agreed with Harry on that.
October came around and brought with it wet rainy weather. That didn't stop the Quidditch practices. Harry wished Oliver would let up just one time. It was one such evening that Harry was ending a practice. It had been raining most of the afternoon and he was soaked through and muddy to boot. He had just entered the Grand Foyer and was about to go up the stairs to his commons room when he felt something behind him. He turned to see an enraged Filch behind him. The man was about to explode. He pointed to the trail of muddy footprints Harry had left behind on the stone and carpeted floor.
"Mr. Filch, I'm really sorry for messing up the floor. If you'll let me dash up and get cleaned up, I'll come back down and clean up the mess," Harry said.
Filch wasn't easily swayed. He pointed in the direction of his office. Harry sighed and followed the man to his office, dripping mud and water all the way. The man's office reminded Harry of Snape's dungeon. Chains and manacles hung on the wall behind his desk. The place gave Harry the creeps. As Filch started to write down Harry's information, there was a loud crash from the floor from above them. Filch jumped out of his chair and ran out the door, screaming.
"I have you now, Peeves!" he yelled.
Harry decided to make his escape while he had the chance. He was out the door and headed off to Gryffindor tower in seconds. Once he was safely in the tower, he sighed with relief. He headed for the showers and took his time under the hot water, getting himself warmed up again. He dressed in a Hogwarts sweatshirt and jeans, and then headed back down to get a bucket and a mop to clean up the mess he'd left behind. He was halfway down the stairs to the Grand Foyer when Filch appeared. The old man started to say something but stopped.
"Well, well, well. You are a man of your word," Filch conceded.
After that day, Filch and Harry had an understanding with each other. They were neither friends nor enemies, and Harry would nod at Filch in passing and Filch would return the greeting. Dumbledore was pleased.
"You are the only one besides the staff to have gotten through to him, Harry. Well done," he said.
Later that evening Harry lay stretched out on his bed, listening to Metallica on his portable CD player that he had charmed to work inside Hogwarts. Dudley had introduced him to rock and roll during his summer holiday with the Dursleys. Harry was slowly building up a CD collection with Dudley's help. Dudley would send something to Harry and he would listen to it and decided if he liked the group. Then Dudley would start sending the group's CD's to Harry. At the moment Harry was listening to the Black CD, one of his personal favorites. He reached for parchment and a quill and started writing a letter to Dudley. He was long overdue on a letter to Dudley. He finished it and sat up, pulling his trainers on his feet. Harry reached for the big bag of very special owl treats and took a few out for Hedwig. He hadn't talked to her in some time and he figured now was the time to make the peace between them. He walked up to the Owlery and found her on a perch.
"Hello Hedwig," Harry said as he walked up to her.
She blinked at him and didn't say anything.
"I need to talk to you and tell you I am sorry for what happened back in September. I shouldn't have gone along with Ron's crazy idea. I should have had you take a letter to Dumbledore and I didn't. I'm sorry you got hurt. Forgive me?" Harry asked, sitting down next to her.
Hedwig climbed onto his shoulder and gently nipped at his ear. Harry smiled and felt relieved. He held up the special owl treat and Hedwig hooted with joy. She took it in her talon and nibbled it slowly. Then she saw the letter in Harry's hand and took it. He rubbed her head and she cooed delightedly.
"I'll leave another one in your dish for when you get back," he told her.
Hedwig spread her wings and was gone. Harry turned to leave and found Dumbledore standing there with McGonagall next to him.
"Well done, Harry. I am glad to see you have fixed things between Hedwig and yourself," Dumbledore nodded.
Harry smiled. "It was important to me."
He stood up and left the owl treat in her dish and walked out the door. The three of them walked down the corridor.
"Is everything well?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry nodded. "For now, yes. I know I can knock on your door anytime and I thank you for that. Everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes."
"Well said, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "Professor Dumbledore and I want to make sure you are okay."
Harry smiled. "With both of you looking out for me I am."
Dumbledore smiled and hugged Harry. "Thank you Harry."
Harry smiled and the three of them headed down to the Hall for dinner.
The end of October brought Halloween, and the anniversary of Harry's loss. Harry spent most of the day sitting in one of the smaller towers overlooking the grounds. He slowly flipped through the photo albums he had of his parents, smiling at each photograph that he saw. He reached up to his neck every now and then to touch the locket he wore that his Mum had passed to him. He hadn't taken it off since then. Even Aunt Petunia asked him about it and he had shown her the pictures contained inside. She had had cried bitter tears and they both consoled each other. During the course of the day, various people approached him and offered their condolences and Harry accepted them all. Dumbledore even spent an hour talking to Harry and telling him more about his parents. It was later that afternoon did Harry emerge from his seclusion. Malfoy saw him coming down to the Great Hall.
"Oh there you are, Potty. Been crying over dear old Mummy and Daddy? Too bad they pissed off the mighty Lord Voldemort. All they had to do was surrender to them," Malfoy hissed.
People backed up as Harry turned to face Malfoy. He felt an icy cold calm come over him and he looked at Malfoy.
"Have you no respect? Have you no Honor? But I forget that you are a dog with no honor. Never speak ill of the dead. They have a way of haunting you forever," Harry said coldly.
Malfoy went red with fury. "You have insulted a Malfoy for the last time!" he yelled.
"Fighting you is a waste of my time, and I have better things to do with it and much better people than you to spend it with," Harry said softly.
He turned around and walked away from an extremely angry Malfoy as people applauded. Ron and Hermione caught up to him.
"You okay mate?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded. "Yes. Spent time with my folks and that means a lot to me. I want to ask Dumbledore where they have been laid to rest so I can go and pay my respects."
"Harry, I would be honored to take you there," Dumbledore said from behind him. "It is not too far from here. I will even show you where the house once stood."
Harry turned around to face Albus Dumbledore. "Thank you sir."
"Come to my office tomorrow afternoon at one," he said.
Harry nodded. "I'll be there."
Harry arrived at Dumbledore's office right at one the next afternoon. The door opened and Harry walked in. He was surprised to see the Weasleys there, along with Ron and Hermione.
"A man needs his friends in times like this mate," Ron said, putting his hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry nodded as tears came up to his eyes. "Thanks Ron."
Molly stepped forward and hugged him tight. "Don't be afraid to show your emotions, Harry. It's a part of the grieving process."
Dumbledore stood up and picked up a long staff. "Everyone take hold. It will take us there in a few minutes."
Harry took hold of the staff and then a moment later felt something pull on his navel and suddenly the view changed from Dumbledore's office to a graveyard. Harry blinked to get his bearings once more. He saw Tino at a distance and nodded. Tino waited for the group to approach them and then turned, pointing to a mausoleum.
"The Potter Clan's resting place," he said softly.
Harry hesitated for a moment and then turned to Tino. [Thank you brother.]
Tino bowed. [I am always here for you, little brother.]
Harry turned and went inside. The place was lit with floating candles. There were markers in the walls and Harry read each one, knowing they were Potter relatives. Finally he came to the ones of his parents. He reached out and touched them, expecting them to be cold. The marble was warm. Harry smiled as he traced each letter with a finger, committing to memory each word and number. He backed up and sat down on a little bench and just looked at the markers. Finally he rose ten minutes later and walked outside. Strangely enough he felt glad and he wasn't sure why. Dumbledore nodded at him and patted him on the shoulder. Harry took hold of the staff once more and then so did everyone else. He felt himself pulled on once more and then the scene changed to an empty field. The only clue to the house was the foundation. Harry felt something pull him towards the house. When he stepped onto the cement foundation, something happened. He felt a rush of power run through him and rings of different colors passed over him, from his feet to his head. He felt himself being lifted off the ground so he closed his eyes and opened himself to it. In a flash he knew what it was. The Potter Ancestors were passing to him power beyond power. He felt the strongest Magic build up inside of him until it literally overflowed from him. Harry knew for sure he was destined for great things, but he had to learn just what this power was and how to effectively control it. Next thing he knew Dumbledore was leaning over him.
"Harry?" he called.
Harry blinked and sat up. "I'm all right now, Professor Dumbledore."
"Perhaps we should return to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said.
Harry stood up and faced the group. "Not a word to anyone about what happened. Make up something if you must, but never tell about this. I need to learn what it is that happened to me here."
People nodded and they returned to Hogwarts through the portkey staff.
For the next week or so, Hermione took it upon herself to research it at the library. Harry spent a lot of time in meditation to explore the new power he had gained. Professor Dumbledore had sessions with Harry to help Harry to understand why it happened. Harry wondered if it was too soon for him to gain so much power.
"Wizard's Puberty," Hermione announced one evening.
Harry blinked. "What's that?"
"That is when a young wizard or witch discovers their magic and it discovers them," a voice said.
Harry turned to see McGonagall standing there. "Would you like to join us?" Harry asked, pulling a chair out for her.
McGonagall sat down. "Thank you, Mr. Potter."
"But the book describes it differently. What Harry experienced wasn't a normal one," Hermione said.
"Well done, Miss Granger, twenty points to Gryffindor," McGonagall said.
"So what made mine unusual, Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed. "I'm not sure, Harry. I need to do more research before I can conclude anything."
"I am puzzled as well, and so is Professor Dumbledore. It has been decided to monitor your training sessions closely until further notice," McGonagall said.
"That is a good idea," Harry said. "However, the less people know the better."
McGonagall nodded. "I agree."
That having been agreed on, McGonagall left the library. Things were about to get crazy once again, taking the Hogwarts Trio, as Ron, Hermione, and Harry were known, on another wild and crazy adventure.
Halloween came around, and with it, the announced Halloween Feast. Harry had promised Nearly Headless Nick that he'd come to his death day party along with Hermione and Ron. The three agreed to stay part of the time and then go to the big feast in the main hall. The three friends stood in a corner and watched the events in the room and when they judged the time was right, headed for the stairs and out. The Harry heard the voice once more.
"Rip... tear... kill," the cold murderous voice said, making Harry stop in his tracks, Ron and Hermione piling into him.
"What the hell?" Ron said, backing up.
"It's the voice again. Shut up," Harry snapped.
"So hungry... for so long," the voice moaned.
"Listen damn it!" Harry snapped, cutting off Ron and Hermione.
Both of them watched Harry, worry now evident in their faces.
"Kill... time to kill," the voice said faintly, as if it was moving off away from them, almost in an upward direction.
"This way!" Harry shouted, and started to run up the stairs, and into the entrance hall, hoping to track it in there.
He cursed, the noise from the feast blocking his ability to hear it. He sprinted up the stairs to the first floor, Hermione and Ron right behind him.
"Harry," Hermione began but Harry silenced her.
He strained his ears, and then slipped into Getsumi no Michi. Now he could hear the voice at a distance from the floor above him and growing fainter.
"I smell blood... I smell blood!" the voice called out.
Harry reacted, whipping out his Wakizaki and racing up the stairs, and then raced around the whole of the second floor, searching for the voice.
"Harry, what is going on? What voice?" Ron said, wiping sweat from his face. "What in hell is going on?"
Hermione gasped, and both boys looked down the final corridor. Something was shining on the wall ahead of them. They approached slowly, Harry in the lead, his senses wide open and Wakizaki at the ready. Foot high words had been painted on the wall between two windows, shimmering in the light cast by the flaming torches.
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN
OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE!
"What's that underneath?" Ron asked, pointing to the wall.
As they edged nearer, Harry almost slipped, there was a large puddle of water on the floor, and eyes fixed on a dark shadow below the message. Then they realized what it was. Harry felt himself go cold. It was Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat. She was hanging from her tail from the torch bracket. She was as stiff as a board, her eyes wide and unblinking.
"Let's get out of here," Ron said nervously.
They turned to leave when they heard footsteps coming from both ends of the corridor. It sounded like they were running. Then the hall was filled up with students from every house. Everyone came to a halt and started pointing to the cat.
"Enemies of the Heir, beware! You'll be next, mudbloods!" Draco Malfoy's voice called out as he forced his way to the front.
Harry saw the pale blond's face flushed, his cold eyes alive, as he grinned at the sight of the hanging immobile cat.
"Malfoy, shut you yapper," Ron snarled.
Harry turned to Ron. "He can't, Ron. He has to parrot everything his dear precious daddy preaches to him."
Malfoy turned purple red with rage. "I'll kick your ass for that!"
Harry shrugged. "Promises, promises. You couldn't keep a single one."
Before Malfoy reacted, Argus Filch arrived on the scene and went nuts when he saw his cat hanging from the torch bracket.
"MY CAT!" he screamed in rage. "MY CAT! WHAT IN HELL HAPPENED TO HER?"
Then he turned on Harry, his eyes popping out in a murderous rage. "YOU! YOU KILLED MY CAT! I'LL KILL YOU!"
"Argus!" the powerful voice of Albus Dumbledore rang through the hall.
He had arrived on the scene, followed by a number of the teachers. He swept past people, quickly removed Mrs. Norris from the wall.
"Come with me, Argus. You too, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger."
Lockhart eagerly stepped forward, much to Harry's annoyance. "My office is nearby, just up the stairs. Feel free..." he said.
"Thank you, Gilderoy," Dumbledore said, cutting him off.
The look on his face sent the message not to push his buttons and Lockhart stepped backward, gulping nervously. The crowd parted to let them pass as Lockhart led the way to his office, with Snape and McGonagall behind them. Once in the office, Lockhart lit a bunch of candles and stepped back. Dumbledore laid the cat on the desk and began to examine her while Lockhart danced around the desk, rattling off all kinds of gibberish. Snape leaned against the wall, wearing a strange look on his face, like he was barely smiling. Filch was sitting in a chair, crying. He could barely look at his cat. Harry reached for a tissue and handed it to Filch. Filch looked up at Harry in surprise.
"I didn't do anything to her, sir. It goes against everything I believe in. I'm sorry. Wish there was something I could do," Harry said softly.
Filch calmed down and then everyone turned to Dumbledore when he straightened up.
"She is not dead, Argus. She has been petrified. How, I do not know," Dumbledore spoke at last. "I am curious at why Harry was there."
"Perhaps, Headmaster, Potter and his friends were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time," Snape said. "But we do have a suspicious set of circumstances. Why were they in the hallway? Why weren't they at the feast?"
Harry explained about being at Nick's death day party.
"But why not join the feast afterwards? Why did you go up there?" Snape's black eyes glittered.
Harry didn't know what to say.
"It is late. We shall resume this tomorrow," Dumbledore said, his eyes on Harry. "You three may go."
The three of them escaped the office and walked down the hall.
"Do you guys think I should have told about the voice I heard?" Harry asked.
"No," Ron said quickly. "Hearing things that nobody else can isn't a good sign, especially in the Wizarding World."
"You do believe me," Harry asked.
Ron turned to Harry, the three of them stopping in the hall. "Of course I do. It's just this whole thing is getting very weird."
Harry sighed. "I think things are going to get worse very soon."
Little did he know he would be right.
For the next few days the episode in the hall with Mrs. Norris became the hot subject. Filch prowled the halls more than usual, putting people into detention for "being too happy" or "breathing loudly". Ginny seemed to take it very hard.
"She's a cat lover," Ron explained. "She takes in stray cats at our house and feeds them."
Harry nodded. This whole business also affected Hermione. It was quite usual for her to spend a lot of time reading, but now she was doing almost nothing else. She wouldn't say anything when prodded. It wasn't until Wednesday did they finally find out. Harry was walking down the hall when he crossed paths with another boy, a Justin Finch-Fletchley, a boy from Hufflepuff House. Harry was about to say hello when Justin caught sight of him, wheeled about and sped off in the direction he'd come from. Harry was puzzled. He continued on and found Ron in the library.
"Hey, what are you doing?" he asked Ron.
Ron looked up from his parchment. "I'm eight inches short on this thing."
Harry had to smile at Ron. "So where's Hermione?"
"Right here," Hermione appeared, looking frustrated. "All of the copies of Hogwarts, A history has been checked out, and there's a two week waiting list for it."
"What do you expect?" Harry chuckled. "Everyone wants to know about the Chamber of Secrets."
Hermione sighed. "I was hoping to be the first at it."
Harry then told them about his encounter with Justin Finch-Fletchley. Ron brushed it off.
"Always thought he was a bit of an idiot," Ron remarked.
Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead. He was getting a headache from listening to Ron moan about his essay. As Ron turned to Hermione, the bell rang and they left the library, Ron begging Hermione into letting him read her essay.
History of Magic had to be the dullest class there was. Everyone who went to this class used the period as a naptime, Professor Binns was notorious for putting classes to sleep. Harry used the time to meditate. Professor Binns appeared and opened his notes, started reading in a flat drone like an old vacuum cleaner until nearly everyone was zoned out, and then something extraordinary happened. Hermione put up her hand. Binns looked up in that moment and stumbled in his lecture.
"Ah, Miss Granger?" he said in surprise.
People immediately woke up. Harry blinked and brought himself back to hear Hermione's question, knowing what it was she was going to ask.
"Sir, can you tell us about the Chamber of Secrets?" Hermione asked.
Binns blinked. "My subject is History of Magic, dear lady, not myths and legends."
"Please sir, don't myths and legends have a basis in facts?" Hermione asked.
"Well," Binns slowly conceded, "yes, one could argue that, I suppose."
The entire class was now hanging on his every word, and Binns hadn't seen this much attention in years. He sighed and closed his notes with an audible snap.
"Oh very well," he sighed once more. "You all know how the school was founded by the four founders. For years they worked together in harmony, bringing students to the school who showed talent. But then Salazar wanted to bring just certain students into the school. He believed that magical learning should be kept in all magical families, and not students who belonged to Muggle families, believing them to be untrustworthy. After a time the argument between Salazar and Gryffindor became intense, and Salazar left the school."
"So that would explain the rivalry between us and Slytherin," Harry thought to himself. "The fight has been passed down for centuries."
"As to the Chamber of Secrets, the story goes that Salazar built a hidden chamber in the castle, of which the founders didn't know anything of. He then sealed the Chamber until his heir arrived at the school. This person would open it himself, unleash the horror inside, and use it to purge the school of those unworthy to study magic," Binns finished.
There was a silence in the room. Harry turned the information over in his mind, wondering how this could be related to Dobby, the barrier at King's Cross closing, and then Mrs. Norris being found. It all was somehow related. Binns rattled his papers, and within five minutes, everyone had passed out again.
Later that afternoon Harry, Ron, and Hermione went back to the corridor to have a look around for clues. Harry saw a chair at the end of the hall where his cat had been found. He knew from talk around the school Filch had been standing guard there. Harry got on his hands and knees and began searching along the floor.
"Scorch marks," he said as last. "Here and here."
"Hello, this is peculiar!" Hermione exclaimed, pointing to something.
Harry looked at what Hermione had found. There were about twenty spiders fighting to get out through a crack in the windowpane.
"Spiders don't act like that," Harry said. "This is getting very weird."
They turned to see Ron standing from them at a distance. "There is one thing that isn't very mature about me and that's my fear of spiders. When I was three, Fred turned my teddy into a great big filthy spider because I broke his toy broomstick. "You wouldn't like them either if you'd been holding your teddy and it suddenly sprouted too many legs..." Ron shivered at the memory.
"Where did all that water go?" Harry said, changing the subject.
Ron shook himself and walked a few paces past Filch's chair. "It was level with this door," Ron pointed.
Ron was about to open the door, his hand on the doorknob, and then he backed off.
"What's up, Ron?" Hermione asked.
"It's the girls' toilet," Ron said. "Hermione will hafta go in."
Hermione sighed. "Won't be anybody in here, Ron. It's Moaning Myrtle's place."
"Moaning Myrtle?" Ron and Harry looked at each other.
"Long story guys," Hermione called.
Harry and Ron shrugged their shoulders and followed Hermione inside.
It was the gloomiest bathroom the guys had ever seen. Harry shivered despite himself. Under a large spotted cracked mirror was a row of chipped sinks. The floor was damp, the doors to the stalls were flaking and one of them was dangling off its hinges.
"Peeves would feel right at home here," Ron muttered.
Hermione silenced Ron and went to the end stall. "Hello, Myrtle, how are you?"
Moaning Myrtle was sitting above the tank of the toilet, picking at a spot on her chin.
"This is a girls' bathroom," she said. "They're not girls."
Hermione smiled. "I know. They wanted to meet you. This is Harry and Ron."
Harry smiled. "Hello, Myrtle. This is where you hang out?"
"Yes," the soft voice came back. "It's where I died."
Harry nodded. "I am wondering if you saw or heard anything out in the hall on Halloween. A cat was attacked."
She shook her head. "No. I was in here crying because Peeves was being mean to me. I wanted to kill myself, but then remembered that I..."
"Was dead?" Ron supplied helpfully.
She let out a loud wail, turned and dived back into the toilet with a splash. Hermione sighed as she turned around. "Come on, let's go."
Harry had barely closed on the door when a loud voice made them jump. Harry spun around very fast and a very surprised Percy Weasley found himself looking at the razor sharp point of Harry's Wakizaki.
"Ah, Harry, ah, sorry about that," he said, face completely white.
Harry slid it back into his cloak. "I've told you Percy, not to sneak up on me. I could hurt you by accident, and that's the last thing I want."
"What were you doing in there?" Percy asked, having regained his composure.
"Searching for clues," Ron replied. "It's time somebody got down to the bottom of this business."
Percy swelled up in a manner like Molly Weasley. "Get away from there. Don't you realize how bad this could look if you were caught here while everyone is at dinner?"
"Why shouldn't we be here? We never touched the damn cat!" Ron snapped.
Percy sighed. "That's what I've been telling Ginny. She seems to have this wild idea that you're going to be expelled over this whole thing."
Ron grew angry, along with Harry. "Bull! You're just worried I'm going to mess up your chances of being Head Boy!"
"FIVE POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR!" Percy roared in anger.
Harry turned to face Percy, trying to keep his temper under control. "You would do that, strip your own house of points. Now you have shown me your true colors. I no longer consider you a friend. You have no honor, therefore you are not a man. Get out of my sight before I lose my temper and do something I will regret for the rest of my days."
Percy towered above Harry, the snarl on his face getting more pronounced. He turned on his heel and marched off, the back of his neck as red as Ron's ears.
Harry sat in the commons room late at night long after everyone had gone to bed. He slowly worked the whole problem over in his head from different angles. He was wondering if he should say something about his suspicions to anyone. It would be the right thing to do. He sighed and leaned back in the overstuffed chair. So much had happened in the last few weeks. He decided to let things be for now and let Dumbledore deal with things, but if they got any worse then he'd step in with what he knew and let Dumbledore take it from there. Having made the decision, he went to bed.
Hermione corned then the next day between classes. The smile on her face made Harry uneasy.
"What are you plotting now, Hermione?" he asked.
Hermione smiled. "A recon mission inside Slytherin territory."
Harry blinked while Ron's mouth dropped open in shock.
"How do you propose we pull that off?" Harry asked.
She smiled again. "The Polyjuice Potion."
"The what?" Harry asked.
"Polyjuice Potion. Changes a person into another person," Hermione explained. "I'll make the Polyjuice Potion we need to change us into three of the Slytherins. Then once we're changed, we go into Slytherin territory and find Malfoy. Chat him up for information."
Harry grew interested at the idea. "Can this stuff work?" he asked.
"If made right," Hermione said.
Ron sighed. "Why not sneak into Slytherin territory with the invisibility cloak and snatch Malfoy? Harry's got the skills."
"No. Too dangerous for one, and kidnapping another student would get me expelled, and Snape would love that."
"I know of a book in the library that has it. We need a note from a teacher to get it from the restricted section," Hermione said.
Harry grinned. "Lockhart. All you have to do is bat your eyes at him and he'd sign anything, including his soul to you."
Ron howled in laughter as Hermione looked at Harry.
"Oh yuck it up, Ron. Please do," she said sarcastically.
"Ten pounds says he'll do it," Harry said.
Ron and Hermione perked up at that. "Muggle money?"
Harry dug the ten-pound note out of his wallet and waved it. Hermione smiled.
"Done deal," she said. "It's good as mine."
At the end of Lockhart's class, Harry sat at his desk tired from acting out various creatures for Lockhart to pummel. He watched as Hermione approached his desk and Lockhart sit up and begin to preen.
"Sir, there's a book in the library I need to research something from one of your books," Hermione said.
Lockhart was too busy staring at Hermione's chest. Harry suddenly realized that Lockhart was a predator.
"Ah, but of course, my dear. Need the note signed?" Lockhart asked with a smile.
Hermione smiled. "Please."
He didn't bother to look as he signed the paper. Hermione took it and all three left the room. Out in the corridor Harry sighed and handed her the ten-pound note.
"Thank you Harry," she said.
"Do me a big favor, watch yourself around Lockhart. He's bad news," Harry said as they walked down the hall.
"You're just jealous of him," Hermione snapped.
"No I'm not. I'm saying that because he was staring at your chest the entire time you were talking to him," Harry stated.
Hermione looked at him. "I'll pretend you didn't say that."
Harry sighed. "Okay, I don't want to argue with you. Let's do this thing."
Madame Pince, the librarian, held the note up to the light to see if it was a forgery. She grumbled and went after the book after depositing it inside her desk and locking the drawer. She returned with it and Hermione slipped it into her book bag. Five minutes later they were inside Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. They ignored her crying and settled down to work. Hermione read the recipe through and then started making a list of what they would need.
"How long will it take to make?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked it over once more. "I'd guess about a month."
Harry sighed. "Anything could happen between now and then."
"A chance we have to take," Hermione said. "Let me worry about the potion."
Harry nodded. "At least you are the one making it."
Hermione smiled. "Thanks for your vote of confidence."
Saturday morning was cloudy. Harry looked up at the dark sky as he ran around the pitch on his morning run. His mind was focused entirely on the game and he was running possible moves through his head. Tino helped him as he did his usual workout, noting his mind was elsewhere.
"Worried about the match with Slytherin?" he asked.
Harry looked up as he racked a pair of fifty-pound dumbbells. "A little. They have much faster brooms to ride now that Malfoy got on the team thanks to his Dad's interfering."
Tino nodded. "I'm not so sure I like that. Be careful, Harry. Be more alert than usual."
Harry had always heeded Tino's advice, knowing full well the man had much more experience at life than he did.
"I will. Something doesn't feel right to me either. I try to corner that feeling but it escapes me. I'll be very alert," Harry promised.
Down on the field, Harry watched the students heading for the stands. He turned his attention back to Oliver Wood.
"You ready, Harry?" the older boy asked.
Harry grinned. "Let's rock and roll."
With that, the Gryffindor team flew out and up into the air as they were introduced. Then Slytherin was introduced. Harry watched as they shot out of their locker room and up into the sky. Malfoy wore a smirk on his face as he stared down at Harry. Harry looked up at him.
"You don't intimidate me, Malfoy. Fancy broom won't help you," Harry said calmly. "I'll win today."
Hooch's whistle blew, starting the game. Harry flew up and around the stadium as he looked for the Golden Snitch. He had the feeling something was coming up behind him and he looked behind him. It was one of the big Bludgers, coming up on him fast. Harry leaned to one side and it sped past him and then made a fast u-turn and headed back for Harry. Harry didn't hesitate. He dived for the ground very fast, the Bludger racing behind him. Harry pulled up at the last second and the Bludger plowed into the ground and disappeared from view. A moment later it came back up from the ground a few feet away, showering players in mud and wet grass, it had started to rain. Harry no longer had any doubts about the Bludger, it definitely was out for him. He raced past George and he whacked it with his bat. The Bludger went a few feet and then set off after Harry once more. Harry crouched down and tried to get more speed out of his broom.
"Rouge Bludger!" Fred exclaimed to his brother. "We gotta cover Harry!"
They certainly gave it their best until Harry called a time out.
"Forget the Bludger, I'll deal with it. Maneuvers, not speed, will decide this thing," Harry said once Oliver Wood joined them.
"You sure? That Bludger is very one minded today," Oliver said as George whacked it back into the sky.
"Trust me," Harry said.
Oliver nodded. "Go."
They all got. Oliver, Fred, and George passed the word as Harry started doing maneuvers, flying in different directions as the Bludger chased him. At one point, Harry ran straight at Malfoy. Malfoy didn't see him until nearly the last second. Harry made a very sharp right turn, revealing the Bludger right behind him. Hermione later told Harry that Malfoy was heard clear up in the nosebleed section when he screamed at the sight of the Bludger bearing down on him.
"Too bad it didn't connect," Ron said sourly.
It hadn't. At the very last second, it went right around Malfoy and continued chasing Harry. Harry decided to run close to the Slytherin players, spook them out a bit. Flint was his next target, considering the ugly git kept popping up in front of him. Flint fell for it just as Malfoy had, and Harry continued doing it to all of the Slytherin team until they started staying clear of Harry. Harry was getting worn out and tired. He knew sooner or later he'd screw up. He had to finish the game before he got really hurt. Then he spotted the golden Snitch and dived for it. Malfoy was unaware it was behind him and Harry weaved through the players, sneaking up on Malfoy. He zoomed past Malfoy, plucking it from behind his left ear. Malfoy made a quick right turn as Harry went left. The Bludger had disappeared and then Harry felt a terrific bolt of pain zip up his left arm. The Bludger had gotten him. Harry had turned a little too slow and it hit him, shattering his elbow and forearm. Harry tumbled to the ground, his good hand gripping the broom in an effort to steer it and the Snitch was in his left hand. He landed roughly and then looked at the Snitch struggling in his hand.
"Ah," he said. "We won."
He looked up and saw the Bludger racing towards him. Suddenly a bolt of light touched the Bludger and it exploded into shards of wood. Harry held up the Snitch and then sank to the ground, tired and in pain. He was aware of a voice above him and focused on the face. It was Lockhart.
"No!" he yelled, trying to push Lockhart away, but it was too late.
Lockhart muttered a spell and he gaped in horror as he felt his arm bones disappear.
"You jerk off!" Harry hissed at a confused Lockhart. "You made my arm bones disappear, damn you!"
Lockhart blinked, mumbled an apology, and then slipped away. Naturally Madame Pomfrey had a few choice words about the situation. Harry sighed as Ron helped him into pj's and into the hospital bed as the matron came over with a bottle of "Skele-Gro".
"You're in for a rough night," she said.
Harry made a face as he downed the potion. "This is one drink I'll try to avoid."
He lay back and sighed. "Tell the others we'll party later, okay?"
Hermione nodded as Harry went to sleep.
Harry woke up with a start in the pitch-black darkness. His senses told him there was something sitting on his chest and he reacted, throwing whatever it was onto the floor and then jumping on it. The torch on the wall closest to the bed came to life, revealing Dobby on the floor. Harry's left arm felt like it was on fire it hurt so badly. Harry closed his eyes for a moment and dealt with the pain and then turned to deal with Dobby. He stood up and put dobby up on the bed.
"Please don't scare me like that," he said crossly.
Great big tears rolled down his face. Dobby is surprised to see Harry Potter here, sir. Dobby warned Harry Potter, sir! Dobby closed the barrier at the train so Harry Potter wouldn't go to Hogwarts!"
Everything clicked in Harry's head. "It was you."
Dobby hung his head in shame.
"Closing the barrier. The Bludger breaking my arm. Why?" Harry asked.
Dobby looked up. "Dobby wants to protect Harry Potter, sir. Dobby thinks Harry Potter is the greatest Wizard ever."
Harry sighed. How could he stay angry at Dobby? Before he could answer, there were noises outside the double doors into the hospital wing. Dobby immediately disappeared and Harry jumped back into bed, feeling an unformed bone break. He closed his eyes to slits and listened carefully. Dumbledore was the first in the doors, moving backwards, carrying what looked like one end of a statue, while McGonagall followed, carrying the feet. Harry had the sudden feeling there had been another attack.
"Please get Poppy," Dumbledore asked McGonagall.
She went past Harry's bed into Madame Pomfrey's room and emerged a moment later with the school nurse. She turned pale when she saw the person. Harry raised his head to see who it was. To his horror it was Colin Creevey.
"Petrified?" whispered Poppy.
McGonagall nodded. "Yes. If Albus hadn't gone down to the kitchen for hot chocolate," she didn't finish the sentence.
"Minerva thinks that Young Creevey was sneaking up here to see Potter," Albus said as he pulled the camera from out of Colin's hands.
He opened the back of the camera and a puff of smoke came out of it, the smell of burned plastic wafted through the room. Dumbledore snarled in anger and slammed the remains of the camera down on the table next to him. That shocked Harry. He'd never known Albus Dumbledore to have a temper.
"Easy, Albus. We will find this thing and stop it," McGonagall said.
Dumbledore turned to her, the light on his face. Harry could see his face, and he looked very old in that moment.
"The Chamber is open. There is no longer any doubt in my mind," he said.
Harry froze. So there was a Chamber of Secrets.
"Who?" McGonagall asked.
Dumbledore sat down on the bed next to Colin. "The question in my head is how. Then we shall know the who."
Harry thought that sounded very logical. He settled down once more and added tonight's events to the timeline he kept in his head. Tomorrow morning he'd head to his training room and write a timeline on the wall. He rolled over and went back to sleep.
The next morning his arm was completely back. Madame Pomfrey examined it and dismissed Harry. She disappeared into her office and Harry slipped into the curtained off area where Colin lay. He examined Colin for a moment, and nodded. He had been Petrified. He looked at the remains of the camera and wished he could have gotten something from it. He slipped out and then set off to find Hermione and Ron. First stop was the library. Percy walked out and passed him without looking at him, which suited Harry fine. He asked a few people and then left when they told him they hadn't seen them all morning. Harry closed his eyes for a moment and relaxed, letting his spirit loose to find them.
"Moaning Myrtle's bathroom," he smiled.
He jogged up there and after making sure man or beastie wasn't following him, he slipped into the girl's toilet.
"Ron? Hermione?" he called out.
Ron popped out of a stall. "Right here, mate. Sorry we didn't come to see you. Right after we heard of the attack on Colin, Hermione went right to work."
Harry nodded and walked into the stall. He drew a black marker from his pocket and began writing on the wall a timeline of events, starting with Dobby's appearance at the Dursley house up to last night. Hermione watched what Harry was doing.
"Very nice, Harry. That helps. But you need to fill in some blanks for us," Hermione said.
Harry leaned against the post and began talking while Hermione worked on the potion. Once he finished, Hermione nodded thoughtfully.
"A house elf named Dobby visits you. You and Ron couldn't get through the barrier at the train station. You start hearing voices. Mrs. Norris is petrified, the first victim. The message on the wall. Dobby sics the Bludger on you. Colin Creevey is the first human victim. You get another visit from Dobby. There is definitely something going on. It all ties in together, but we need to find the common denominator to really tie this whole thing together," Hermione summed it all up.
Harry's respect for Hermione's reasoning and logic went up another few notches.
"Hopefully that will help some," Harry said.
Hermione sighed. "I still need two vital ingredients. Boomslang skin and bicorn horn. Snape has them in his private stores."
Harry nodded. "Someone needs to do the sneaking and the other two need to create a diversion of sorts."
Hermione smiled slyly. "Harry, you do the sneaking. You're best at it. Ron and I will handle the diversion end."
Ron's eyebrows lifted. "Should I ask what?"
Hermione just smiled.
Harry hummed to himself as he stirred the potion he was making later that afternoon. The color was nearly spot on, and he watched Snape move around the room inspecting caldrons. Neville looked nervous as Snape approached. He looked in and moved on, not saying a word. Harry kept an eye on Hermione and then she looked directly at him. This was it. Harry was ready to react, palming a smoke ball that would pop on contact with the floor and produce lots of smoke, one of his favorite Ninja tricks. He lifted his eyes just in time to see something slash into Malfoy's caldron. A second later the potion exploded, sending potion everywhere and onto the floor. Harry tossed his little smoke ball onto the floor and seconds later the room was filled with thick choking smoke. Harry moved quickly into Snape's storeroom, located the items (he knew where they were, having seen them from his spot in front of Snape's desk while picking up his potion ingredients), and got out after slipping them under his robe. Harry moved quickly to Hermione's spot and dumped them in his bag. He moved back to where his caldron was, whipped out his wand and conjured a breeze to clear the room. Snape nodded as the smoke cleared.
"Three points to Gryffindor for the use of a wind charm to clear the room," he managed to croak out.
Harry moved over to the desk and poured Snape a goblet of the restorative potion and handed it to the man. Snape sipped a bit of it and passed it to Malfoy as Harry filled up a few more goblets and started passing them around.
"Are you all right sir?" Harry asked.
Snape nodded. "For now, Potter. When I find out who was responsible for that I will kick their behind up to Dumbledore's office!"
Harry nodded. "Good luck sir."
Inside he was smiling. The mission had been a success.
A Harry Potter Fanfiction
By David
Author's Notes: See disclaimer in chapter one.
Ninja Wizard 08
"Changes and Reflections"
Harry felt better about himself as he sat down for breakfast in the main hall. As he ate, he looked around the hall at various people. He could see what Tino meant by different stages of development in various kids. He knew now that he was normal in the sense of growing up and maturing. He watched various people during the day and observed how they acted and carried themselves. At the end of the day he wrote out his observations and showed them to Tino.
"Ah, well done, Harry. Yes, I've noticed this too. It's just the way they are," Tino said as he read the parchment Harry handed him. "I'll put this away somewhere. We can use this for reference should the need arise."
Harry nodded agreement and they started their daily workout. Today Snape was observing, having shown an interest in the martial arts. Tino and Harry explained things as they went. By the time they were done with their workout, Snape had gained a respect for both Harry and Tino.
"I am impressed," Snape said at last. "Both of you are truly skilled, and I sincerely believe that when the time comes, Harry can and will defeat Voldemort for good. However, I must maintain my public dislike for Harry, but he has my full support. I will work you very hard in potions, Harry. There are things there you have to know."
Harry smiled. "I understand, Professor Snape."
"Good. Now having said that, I must go prepare for a class the headmaster insists I teach," Snape growled.
"What class is that?" Tino asked.
Snape hesitated for a moment and then Harry realized which class it was to be.
"Sex ed?" Harry guessed.
Snape blushed and turned dark red. "I think you are too young to know about that kind of thing, Potter."
"I'm twelve, Professor Snape. I am starting to change and I want to know about these changes I'm experiencing. I want to know what is going on inside my body as well as what is going on outside my body. I know about things like erections and orgasms and everything else connected to it. The more I know about these things the better I will be prepared to deal with it all," Harry argued the point.
Snape nodded. "You definitely have given me something to think about, Potter."
Harry smiled. "Good luck, sir."
"I'm definitely going to need it," Snape grumbled.
Tino nodded. "Can I assist you in any way?"
Snape looked up. "I'd appreciate that."
Harry grinned. He had the feeling this would be an interesting class.
Dumbledore stood up at breakfast the next Saturday morning. "Good morning everyone. So nice to see you all. I must discuss a very important subject this morning. This morning around eleven o' clock, there will be a very important class that all are required to attend. Each House will report to their commons room at ten 'o clock and your Head of House will tell you more. The class to be taught today is sex education."
All of the kids reacted to that announcement with loud chatter.
"SILENCE!" Snape roared. "This is far too important. This is your lives we will be discussing. This is a subject not to be joked about, or belittled. There is nothing funny about this."
Dumbledore nodded. "I must agree with Professor Snape. Everyone will report to their common rooms at ten. No exceptions."
Harry turned to Ron. "God, I hope Lockhart doesn't teach us."
Every male at the table echoed that sentiment.
Right at ten o' clock McGonagall appeared. She looked around the room to make sure all of Gryffindor House was there.
"Good. All of you are here. Excellent. The girls will follow me and all of the boys will follow Professor Flitwick."
"Not Lockhart?" Ron asked nervously.
McGonagall smiled at that. "I wouldn't trust him with that responsibility, Mr. Weasley."
Every boy gave a sigh of relief. Professor Flitwick appeared at that moment and led the boys to another classroom and locked the door behind him. He turned to see Harry and Ron stacking books up so he could climb up on the table.
"Thank you boys. I appreciate that," he said, climbing up.
Ron set down a glass of water and a cup of tea next to the man and then sat down.
"Now then, let's get to it," Flitwick said.
As the class progressed, Harry learned a little more and watched as many of his classmates blushed at some of the descriptions given and shown, and the condom demonstration was quite effective. Some of the guys got bold and began asking questions as the class went on. Then more and more guys lost their embarrassment and joined in the discussion.
"You know, if this is such a big deal, I'd rather wait for the right girl to come along. This is something special to be shared," Lee Jordan piped up.
Quite a few of the guys immediately agreed with that. Harry knew he would wait for the right girl to come along for that. He wanted to save himself for her. It was too special a thing to do and his feelings were quite strong on the subject. Finally the class ended and the boys were dismissed. But it had been a success. Everything had been covered, even gays had been discussed. Harry observed two first years in the back row looking a bit nervous. Harry knew right then they were gay and that was okay with him. It was their business and nobody else's. He wondered how many more there were. He really preferred girls. There wasn't any particular girl that had caught his fancy just yet and Harry really wasn't in a hurry to find one yet. Time enough for that.
The talk in the hall at lunchtime was subdued. Lockhart was sitting at the staff table, looking put out at not having been consulted over the subject. Harry felt relieved about that. He wasn't sure how he could have handled Lockhart teaching them the facts of life. He briefly wondered how Draco Malfoy had taken the class.
"Oh God! Malfoy in sex ed? That's a real scary thought," Ron said later when Harry expressed his thought.
Lee Jordan grinned. "I have it on good authority that Snape put him in his place and then he fainted during the STD (sexually transmitted disease) part when he showed those graphic pictures."
Ron smiled a little. He'd run to the bathroom after the fourth picture. Flitwick had stopped on the sixth one when he saw the boys turning pale. All of the boys had gotten the message. Use protection or else.
"Looking at Malfoy is enough to turn any girl off," another boy hooted.
There was laughter at that. Harry had to smile at that.
"I did learn a lot," Harry said. "I know what to expect as I turn into a teenager and then an adult."
All of the guys agreed with Harry on that.
October came around and brought with it wet rainy weather. That didn't stop the Quidditch practices. Harry wished Oliver would let up just one time. It was one such evening that Harry was ending a practice. It had been raining most of the afternoon and he was soaked through and muddy to boot. He had just entered the Grand Foyer and was about to go up the stairs to his commons room when he felt something behind him. He turned to see an enraged Filch behind him. The man was about to explode. He pointed to the trail of muddy footprints Harry had left behind on the stone and carpeted floor.
"Mr. Filch, I'm really sorry for messing up the floor. If you'll let me dash up and get cleaned up, I'll come back down and clean up the mess," Harry said.
Filch wasn't easily swayed. He pointed in the direction of his office. Harry sighed and followed the man to his office, dripping mud and water all the way. The man's office reminded Harry of Snape's dungeon. Chains and manacles hung on the wall behind his desk. The place gave Harry the creeps. As Filch started to write down Harry's information, there was a loud crash from the floor from above them. Filch jumped out of his chair and ran out the door, screaming.
"I have you now, Peeves!" he yelled.
Harry decided to make his escape while he had the chance. He was out the door and headed off to Gryffindor tower in seconds. Once he was safely in the tower, he sighed with relief. He headed for the showers and took his time under the hot water, getting himself warmed up again. He dressed in a Hogwarts sweatshirt and jeans, and then headed back down to get a bucket and a mop to clean up the mess he'd left behind. He was halfway down the stairs to the Grand Foyer when Filch appeared. The old man started to say something but stopped.
"Well, well, well. You are a man of your word," Filch conceded.
After that day, Filch and Harry had an understanding with each other. They were neither friends nor enemies, and Harry would nod at Filch in passing and Filch would return the greeting. Dumbledore was pleased.
"You are the only one besides the staff to have gotten through to him, Harry. Well done," he said.
Later that evening Harry lay stretched out on his bed, listening to Metallica on his portable CD player that he had charmed to work inside Hogwarts. Dudley had introduced him to rock and roll during his summer holiday with the Dursleys. Harry was slowly building up a CD collection with Dudley's help. Dudley would send something to Harry and he would listen to it and decided if he liked the group. Then Dudley would start sending the group's CD's to Harry. At the moment Harry was listening to the Black CD, one of his personal favorites. He reached for parchment and a quill and started writing a letter to Dudley. He was long overdue on a letter to Dudley. He finished it and sat up, pulling his trainers on his feet. Harry reached for the big bag of very special owl treats and took a few out for Hedwig. He hadn't talked to her in some time and he figured now was the time to make the peace between them. He walked up to the Owlery and found her on a perch.
"Hello Hedwig," Harry said as he walked up to her.
She blinked at him and didn't say anything.
"I need to talk to you and tell you I am sorry for what happened back in September. I shouldn't have gone along with Ron's crazy idea. I should have had you take a letter to Dumbledore and I didn't. I'm sorry you got hurt. Forgive me?" Harry asked, sitting down next to her.
Hedwig climbed onto his shoulder and gently nipped at his ear. Harry smiled and felt relieved. He held up the special owl treat and Hedwig hooted with joy. She took it in her talon and nibbled it slowly. Then she saw the letter in Harry's hand and took it. He rubbed her head and she cooed delightedly.
"I'll leave another one in your dish for when you get back," he told her.
Hedwig spread her wings and was gone. Harry turned to leave and found Dumbledore standing there with McGonagall next to him.
"Well done, Harry. I am glad to see you have fixed things between Hedwig and yourself," Dumbledore nodded.
Harry smiled. "It was important to me."
He stood up and left the owl treat in her dish and walked out the door. The three of them walked down the corridor.
"Is everything well?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry nodded. "For now, yes. I know I can knock on your door anytime and I thank you for that. Everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes."
"Well said, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "Professor Dumbledore and I want to make sure you are okay."
Harry smiled. "With both of you looking out for me I am."
Dumbledore smiled and hugged Harry. "Thank you Harry."
Harry smiled and the three of them headed down to the Hall for dinner.
The end of October brought Halloween, and the anniversary of Harry's loss. Harry spent most of the day sitting in one of the smaller towers overlooking the grounds. He slowly flipped through the photo albums he had of his parents, smiling at each photograph that he saw. He reached up to his neck every now and then to touch the locket he wore that his Mum had passed to him. He hadn't taken it off since then. Even Aunt Petunia asked him about it and he had shown her the pictures contained inside. She had had cried bitter tears and they both consoled each other. During the course of the day, various people approached him and offered their condolences and Harry accepted them all. Dumbledore even spent an hour talking to Harry and telling him more about his parents. It was later that afternoon did Harry emerge from his seclusion. Malfoy saw him coming down to the Great Hall.
"Oh there you are, Potty. Been crying over dear old Mummy and Daddy? Too bad they pissed off the mighty Lord Voldemort. All they had to do was surrender to them," Malfoy hissed.
People backed up as Harry turned to face Malfoy. He felt an icy cold calm come over him and he looked at Malfoy.
"Have you no respect? Have you no Honor? But I forget that you are a dog with no honor. Never speak ill of the dead. They have a way of haunting you forever," Harry said coldly.
Malfoy went red with fury. "You have insulted a Malfoy for the last time!" he yelled.
"Fighting you is a waste of my time, and I have better things to do with it and much better people than you to spend it with," Harry said softly.
He turned around and walked away from an extremely angry Malfoy as people applauded. Ron and Hermione caught up to him.
"You okay mate?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded. "Yes. Spent time with my folks and that means a lot to me. I want to ask Dumbledore where they have been laid to rest so I can go and pay my respects."
"Harry, I would be honored to take you there," Dumbledore said from behind him. "It is not too far from here. I will even show you where the house once stood."
Harry turned around to face Albus Dumbledore. "Thank you sir."
"Come to my office tomorrow afternoon at one," he said.
Harry nodded. "I'll be there."
Harry arrived at Dumbledore's office right at one the next afternoon. The door opened and Harry walked in. He was surprised to see the Weasleys there, along with Ron and Hermione.
"A man needs his friends in times like this mate," Ron said, putting his hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry nodded as tears came up to his eyes. "Thanks Ron."
Molly stepped forward and hugged him tight. "Don't be afraid to show your emotions, Harry. It's a part of the grieving process."
Dumbledore stood up and picked up a long staff. "Everyone take hold. It will take us there in a few minutes."
Harry took hold of the staff and then a moment later felt something pull on his navel and suddenly the view changed from Dumbledore's office to a graveyard. Harry blinked to get his bearings once more. He saw Tino at a distance and nodded. Tino waited for the group to approach them and then turned, pointing to a mausoleum.
"The Potter Clan's resting place," he said softly.
Harry hesitated for a moment and then turned to Tino. [Thank you brother.]
Tino bowed. [I am always here for you, little brother.]
Harry turned and went inside. The place was lit with floating candles. There were markers in the walls and Harry read each one, knowing they were Potter relatives. Finally he came to the ones of his parents. He reached out and touched them, expecting them to be cold. The marble was warm. Harry smiled as he traced each letter with a finger, committing to memory each word and number. He backed up and sat down on a little bench and just looked at the markers. Finally he rose ten minutes later and walked outside. Strangely enough he felt glad and he wasn't sure why. Dumbledore nodded at him and patted him on the shoulder. Harry took hold of the staff once more and then so did everyone else. He felt himself pulled on once more and then the scene changed to an empty field. The only clue to the house was the foundation. Harry felt something pull him towards the house. When he stepped onto the cement foundation, something happened. He felt a rush of power run through him and rings of different colors passed over him, from his feet to his head. He felt himself being lifted off the ground so he closed his eyes and opened himself to it. In a flash he knew what it was. The Potter Ancestors were passing to him power beyond power. He felt the strongest Magic build up inside of him until it literally overflowed from him. Harry knew for sure he was destined for great things, but he had to learn just what this power was and how to effectively control it. Next thing he knew Dumbledore was leaning over him.
"Harry?" he called.
Harry blinked and sat up. "I'm all right now, Professor Dumbledore."
"Perhaps we should return to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said.
Harry stood up and faced the group. "Not a word to anyone about what happened. Make up something if you must, but never tell about this. I need to learn what it is that happened to me here."
People nodded and they returned to Hogwarts through the portkey staff.
For the next week or so, Hermione took it upon herself to research it at the library. Harry spent a lot of time in meditation to explore the new power he had gained. Professor Dumbledore had sessions with Harry to help Harry to understand why it happened. Harry wondered if it was too soon for him to gain so much power.
"Wizard's Puberty," Hermione announced one evening.
Harry blinked. "What's that?"
"That is when a young wizard or witch discovers their magic and it discovers them," a voice said.
Harry turned to see McGonagall standing there. "Would you like to join us?" Harry asked, pulling a chair out for her.
McGonagall sat down. "Thank you, Mr. Potter."
"But the book describes it differently. What Harry experienced wasn't a normal one," Hermione said.
"Well done, Miss Granger, twenty points to Gryffindor," McGonagall said.
"So what made mine unusual, Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione sighed. "I'm not sure, Harry. I need to do more research before I can conclude anything."
"I am puzzled as well, and so is Professor Dumbledore. It has been decided to monitor your training sessions closely until further notice," McGonagall said.
"That is a good idea," Harry said. "However, the less people know the better."
McGonagall nodded. "I agree."
That having been agreed on, McGonagall left the library. Things were about to get crazy once again, taking the Hogwarts Trio, as Ron, Hermione, and Harry were known, on another wild and crazy adventure.
Halloween came around, and with it, the announced Halloween Feast. Harry had promised Nearly Headless Nick that he'd come to his death day party along with Hermione and Ron. The three agreed to stay part of the time and then go to the big feast in the main hall. The three friends stood in a corner and watched the events in the room and when they judged the time was right, headed for the stairs and out. The Harry heard the voice once more.
"Rip... tear... kill," the cold murderous voice said, making Harry stop in his tracks, Ron and Hermione piling into him.
"What the hell?" Ron said, backing up.
"It's the voice again. Shut up," Harry snapped.
"So hungry... for so long," the voice moaned.
"Listen damn it!" Harry snapped, cutting off Ron and Hermione.
Both of them watched Harry, worry now evident in their faces.
"Kill... time to kill," the voice said faintly, as if it was moving off away from them, almost in an upward direction.
"This way!" Harry shouted, and started to run up the stairs, and into the entrance hall, hoping to track it in there.
He cursed, the noise from the feast blocking his ability to hear it. He sprinted up the stairs to the first floor, Hermione and Ron right behind him.
"Harry," Hermione began but Harry silenced her.
He strained his ears, and then slipped into Getsumi no Michi. Now he could hear the voice at a distance from the floor above him and growing fainter.
"I smell blood... I smell blood!" the voice called out.
Harry reacted, whipping out his Wakizaki and racing up the stairs, and then raced around the whole of the second floor, searching for the voice.
"Harry, what is going on? What voice?" Ron said, wiping sweat from his face. "What in hell is going on?"
Hermione gasped, and both boys looked down the final corridor. Something was shining on the wall ahead of them. They approached slowly, Harry in the lead, his senses wide open and Wakizaki at the ready. Foot high words had been painted on the wall between two windows, shimmering in the light cast by the flaming torches.
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN
OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE!
"What's that underneath?" Ron asked, pointing to the wall.
As they edged nearer, Harry almost slipped, there was a large puddle of water on the floor, and eyes fixed on a dark shadow below the message. Then they realized what it was. Harry felt himself go cold. It was Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat. She was hanging from her tail from the torch bracket. She was as stiff as a board, her eyes wide and unblinking.
"Let's get out of here," Ron said nervously.
They turned to leave when they heard footsteps coming from both ends of the corridor. It sounded like they were running. Then the hall was filled up with students from every house. Everyone came to a halt and started pointing to the cat.
"Enemies of the Heir, beware! You'll be next, mudbloods!" Draco Malfoy's voice called out as he forced his way to the front.
Harry saw the pale blond's face flushed, his cold eyes alive, as he grinned at the sight of the hanging immobile cat.
"Malfoy, shut you yapper," Ron snarled.
Harry turned to Ron. "He can't, Ron. He has to parrot everything his dear precious daddy preaches to him."
Malfoy turned purple red with rage. "I'll kick your ass for that!"
Harry shrugged. "Promises, promises. You couldn't keep a single one."
Before Malfoy reacted, Argus Filch arrived on the scene and went nuts when he saw his cat hanging from the torch bracket.
"MY CAT!" he screamed in rage. "MY CAT! WHAT IN HELL HAPPENED TO HER?"
Then he turned on Harry, his eyes popping out in a murderous rage. "YOU! YOU KILLED MY CAT! I'LL KILL YOU!"
"Argus!" the powerful voice of Albus Dumbledore rang through the hall.
He had arrived on the scene, followed by a number of the teachers. He swept past people, quickly removed Mrs. Norris from the wall.
"Come with me, Argus. You too, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger."
Lockhart eagerly stepped forward, much to Harry's annoyance. "My office is nearby, just up the stairs. Feel free..." he said.
"Thank you, Gilderoy," Dumbledore said, cutting him off.
The look on his face sent the message not to push his buttons and Lockhart stepped backward, gulping nervously. The crowd parted to let them pass as Lockhart led the way to his office, with Snape and McGonagall behind them. Once in the office, Lockhart lit a bunch of candles and stepped back. Dumbledore laid the cat on the desk and began to examine her while Lockhart danced around the desk, rattling off all kinds of gibberish. Snape leaned against the wall, wearing a strange look on his face, like he was barely smiling. Filch was sitting in a chair, crying. He could barely look at his cat. Harry reached for a tissue and handed it to Filch. Filch looked up at Harry in surprise.
"I didn't do anything to her, sir. It goes against everything I believe in. I'm sorry. Wish there was something I could do," Harry said softly.
Filch calmed down and then everyone turned to Dumbledore when he straightened up.
"She is not dead, Argus. She has been petrified. How, I do not know," Dumbledore spoke at last. "I am curious at why Harry was there."
"Perhaps, Headmaster, Potter and his friends were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time," Snape said. "But we do have a suspicious set of circumstances. Why were they in the hallway? Why weren't they at the feast?"
Harry explained about being at Nick's death day party.
"But why not join the feast afterwards? Why did you go up there?" Snape's black eyes glittered.
Harry didn't know what to say.
"It is late. We shall resume this tomorrow," Dumbledore said, his eyes on Harry. "You three may go."
The three of them escaped the office and walked down the hall.
"Do you guys think I should have told about the voice I heard?" Harry asked.
"No," Ron said quickly. "Hearing things that nobody else can isn't a good sign, especially in the Wizarding World."
"You do believe me," Harry asked.
Ron turned to Harry, the three of them stopping in the hall. "Of course I do. It's just this whole thing is getting very weird."
Harry sighed. "I think things are going to get worse very soon."
Little did he know he would be right.
For the next few days the episode in the hall with Mrs. Norris became the hot subject. Filch prowled the halls more than usual, putting people into detention for "being too happy" or "breathing loudly". Ginny seemed to take it very hard.
"She's a cat lover," Ron explained. "She takes in stray cats at our house and feeds them."
Harry nodded. This whole business also affected Hermione. It was quite usual for her to spend a lot of time reading, but now she was doing almost nothing else. She wouldn't say anything when prodded. It wasn't until Wednesday did they finally find out. Harry was walking down the hall when he crossed paths with another boy, a Justin Finch-Fletchley, a boy from Hufflepuff House. Harry was about to say hello when Justin caught sight of him, wheeled about and sped off in the direction he'd come from. Harry was puzzled. He continued on and found Ron in the library.
"Hey, what are you doing?" he asked Ron.
Ron looked up from his parchment. "I'm eight inches short on this thing."
Harry had to smile at Ron. "So where's Hermione?"
"Right here," Hermione appeared, looking frustrated. "All of the copies of Hogwarts, A history has been checked out, and there's a two week waiting list for it."
"What do you expect?" Harry chuckled. "Everyone wants to know about the Chamber of Secrets."
Hermione sighed. "I was hoping to be the first at it."
Harry then told them about his encounter with Justin Finch-Fletchley. Ron brushed it off.
"Always thought he was a bit of an idiot," Ron remarked.
Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead. He was getting a headache from listening to Ron moan about his essay. As Ron turned to Hermione, the bell rang and they left the library, Ron begging Hermione into letting him read her essay.
History of Magic had to be the dullest class there was. Everyone who went to this class used the period as a naptime, Professor Binns was notorious for putting classes to sleep. Harry used the time to meditate. Professor Binns appeared and opened his notes, started reading in a flat drone like an old vacuum cleaner until nearly everyone was zoned out, and then something extraordinary happened. Hermione put up her hand. Binns looked up in that moment and stumbled in his lecture.
"Ah, Miss Granger?" he said in surprise.
People immediately woke up. Harry blinked and brought himself back to hear Hermione's question, knowing what it was she was going to ask.
"Sir, can you tell us about the Chamber of Secrets?" Hermione asked.
Binns blinked. "My subject is History of Magic, dear lady, not myths and legends."
"Please sir, don't myths and legends have a basis in facts?" Hermione asked.
"Well," Binns slowly conceded, "yes, one could argue that, I suppose."
The entire class was now hanging on his every word, and Binns hadn't seen this much attention in years. He sighed and closed his notes with an audible snap.
"Oh very well," he sighed once more. "You all know how the school was founded by the four founders. For years they worked together in harmony, bringing students to the school who showed talent. But then Salazar wanted to bring just certain students into the school. He believed that magical learning should be kept in all magical families, and not students who belonged to Muggle families, believing them to be untrustworthy. After a time the argument between Salazar and Gryffindor became intense, and Salazar left the school."
"So that would explain the rivalry between us and Slytherin," Harry thought to himself. "The fight has been passed down for centuries."
"As to the Chamber of Secrets, the story goes that Salazar built a hidden chamber in the castle, of which the founders didn't know anything of. He then sealed the Chamber until his heir arrived at the school. This person would open it himself, unleash the horror inside, and use it to purge the school of those unworthy to study magic," Binns finished.
There was a silence in the room. Harry turned the information over in his mind, wondering how this could be related to Dobby, the barrier at King's Cross closing, and then Mrs. Norris being found. It all was somehow related. Binns rattled his papers, and within five minutes, everyone had passed out again.
Later that afternoon Harry, Ron, and Hermione went back to the corridor to have a look around for clues. Harry saw a chair at the end of the hall where his cat had been found. He knew from talk around the school Filch had been standing guard there. Harry got on his hands and knees and began searching along the floor.
"Scorch marks," he said as last. "Here and here."
"Hello, this is peculiar!" Hermione exclaimed, pointing to something.
Harry looked at what Hermione had found. There were about twenty spiders fighting to get out through a crack in the windowpane.
"Spiders don't act like that," Harry said. "This is getting very weird."
They turned to see Ron standing from them at a distance. "There is one thing that isn't very mature about me and that's my fear of spiders. When I was three, Fred turned my teddy into a great big filthy spider because I broke his toy broomstick. "You wouldn't like them either if you'd been holding your teddy and it suddenly sprouted too many legs..." Ron shivered at the memory.
"Where did all that water go?" Harry said, changing the subject.
Ron shook himself and walked a few paces past Filch's chair. "It was level with this door," Ron pointed.
Ron was about to open the door, his hand on the doorknob, and then he backed off.
"What's up, Ron?" Hermione asked.
"It's the girls' toilet," Ron said. "Hermione will hafta go in."
Hermione sighed. "Won't be anybody in here, Ron. It's Moaning Myrtle's place."
"Moaning Myrtle?" Ron and Harry looked at each other.
"Long story guys," Hermione called.
Harry and Ron shrugged their shoulders and followed Hermione inside.
It was the gloomiest bathroom the guys had ever seen. Harry shivered despite himself. Under a large spotted cracked mirror was a row of chipped sinks. The floor was damp, the doors to the stalls were flaking and one of them was dangling off its hinges.
"Peeves would feel right at home here," Ron muttered.
Hermione silenced Ron and went to the end stall. "Hello, Myrtle, how are you?"
Moaning Myrtle was sitting above the tank of the toilet, picking at a spot on her chin.
"This is a girls' bathroom," she said. "They're not girls."
Hermione smiled. "I know. They wanted to meet you. This is Harry and Ron."
Harry smiled. "Hello, Myrtle. This is where you hang out?"
"Yes," the soft voice came back. "It's where I died."
Harry nodded. "I am wondering if you saw or heard anything out in the hall on Halloween. A cat was attacked."
She shook her head. "No. I was in here crying because Peeves was being mean to me. I wanted to kill myself, but then remembered that I..."
"Was dead?" Ron supplied helpfully.
She let out a loud wail, turned and dived back into the toilet with a splash. Hermione sighed as she turned around. "Come on, let's go."
Harry had barely closed on the door when a loud voice made them jump. Harry spun around very fast and a very surprised Percy Weasley found himself looking at the razor sharp point of Harry's Wakizaki.
"Ah, Harry, ah, sorry about that," he said, face completely white.
Harry slid it back into his cloak. "I've told you Percy, not to sneak up on me. I could hurt you by accident, and that's the last thing I want."
"What were you doing in there?" Percy asked, having regained his composure.
"Searching for clues," Ron replied. "It's time somebody got down to the bottom of this business."
Percy swelled up in a manner like Molly Weasley. "Get away from there. Don't you realize how bad this could look if you were caught here while everyone is at dinner?"
"Why shouldn't we be here? We never touched the damn cat!" Ron snapped.
Percy sighed. "That's what I've been telling Ginny. She seems to have this wild idea that you're going to be expelled over this whole thing."
Ron grew angry, along with Harry. "Bull! You're just worried I'm going to mess up your chances of being Head Boy!"
"FIVE POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR!" Percy roared in anger.
Harry turned to face Percy, trying to keep his temper under control. "You would do that, strip your own house of points. Now you have shown me your true colors. I no longer consider you a friend. You have no honor, therefore you are not a man. Get out of my sight before I lose my temper and do something I will regret for the rest of my days."
Percy towered above Harry, the snarl on his face getting more pronounced. He turned on his heel and marched off, the back of his neck as red as Ron's ears.
Harry sat in the commons room late at night long after everyone had gone to bed. He slowly worked the whole problem over in his head from different angles. He was wondering if he should say something about his suspicions to anyone. It would be the right thing to do. He sighed and leaned back in the overstuffed chair. So much had happened in the last few weeks. He decided to let things be for now and let Dumbledore deal with things, but if they got any worse then he'd step in with what he knew and let Dumbledore take it from there. Having made the decision, he went to bed.
Hermione corned then the next day between classes. The smile on her face made Harry uneasy.
"What are you plotting now, Hermione?" he asked.
Hermione smiled. "A recon mission inside Slytherin territory."
Harry blinked while Ron's mouth dropped open in shock.
"How do you propose we pull that off?" Harry asked.
She smiled again. "The Polyjuice Potion."
"The what?" Harry asked.
"Polyjuice Potion. Changes a person into another person," Hermione explained. "I'll make the Polyjuice Potion we need to change us into three of the Slytherins. Then once we're changed, we go into Slytherin territory and find Malfoy. Chat him up for information."
Harry grew interested at the idea. "Can this stuff work?" he asked.
"If made right," Hermione said.
Ron sighed. "Why not sneak into Slytherin territory with the invisibility cloak and snatch Malfoy? Harry's got the skills."
"No. Too dangerous for one, and kidnapping another student would get me expelled, and Snape would love that."
"I know of a book in the library that has it. We need a note from a teacher to get it from the restricted section," Hermione said.
Harry grinned. "Lockhart. All you have to do is bat your eyes at him and he'd sign anything, including his soul to you."
Ron howled in laughter as Hermione looked at Harry.
"Oh yuck it up, Ron. Please do," she said sarcastically.
"Ten pounds says he'll do it," Harry said.
Ron and Hermione perked up at that. "Muggle money?"
Harry dug the ten-pound note out of his wallet and waved it. Hermione smiled.
"Done deal," she said. "It's good as mine."
At the end of Lockhart's class, Harry sat at his desk tired from acting out various creatures for Lockhart to pummel. He watched as Hermione approached his desk and Lockhart sit up and begin to preen.
"Sir, there's a book in the library I need to research something from one of your books," Hermione said.
Lockhart was too busy staring at Hermione's chest. Harry suddenly realized that Lockhart was a predator.
"Ah, but of course, my dear. Need the note signed?" Lockhart asked with a smile.
Hermione smiled. "Please."
He didn't bother to look as he signed the paper. Hermione took it and all three left the room. Out in the corridor Harry sighed and handed her the ten-pound note.
"Thank you Harry," she said.
"Do me a big favor, watch yourself around Lockhart. He's bad news," Harry said as they walked down the hall.
"You're just jealous of him," Hermione snapped.
"No I'm not. I'm saying that because he was staring at your chest the entire time you were talking to him," Harry stated.
Hermione looked at him. "I'll pretend you didn't say that."
Harry sighed. "Okay, I don't want to argue with you. Let's do this thing."
Madame Pince, the librarian, held the note up to the light to see if it was a forgery. She grumbled and went after the book after depositing it inside her desk and locking the drawer. She returned with it and Hermione slipped it into her book bag. Five minutes later they were inside Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. They ignored her crying and settled down to work. Hermione read the recipe through and then started making a list of what they would need.
"How long will it take to make?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked it over once more. "I'd guess about a month."
Harry sighed. "Anything could happen between now and then."
"A chance we have to take," Hermione said. "Let me worry about the potion."
Harry nodded. "At least you are the one making it."
Hermione smiled. "Thanks for your vote of confidence."
Saturday morning was cloudy. Harry looked up at the dark sky as he ran around the pitch on his morning run. His mind was focused entirely on the game and he was running possible moves through his head. Tino helped him as he did his usual workout, noting his mind was elsewhere.
"Worried about the match with Slytherin?" he asked.
Harry looked up as he racked a pair of fifty-pound dumbbells. "A little. They have much faster brooms to ride now that Malfoy got on the team thanks to his Dad's interfering."
Tino nodded. "I'm not so sure I like that. Be careful, Harry. Be more alert than usual."
Harry had always heeded Tino's advice, knowing full well the man had much more experience at life than he did.
"I will. Something doesn't feel right to me either. I try to corner that feeling but it escapes me. I'll be very alert," Harry promised.
Down on the field, Harry watched the students heading for the stands. He turned his attention back to Oliver Wood.
"You ready, Harry?" the older boy asked.
Harry grinned. "Let's rock and roll."
With that, the Gryffindor team flew out and up into the air as they were introduced. Then Slytherin was introduced. Harry watched as they shot out of their locker room and up into the sky. Malfoy wore a smirk on his face as he stared down at Harry. Harry looked up at him.
"You don't intimidate me, Malfoy. Fancy broom won't help you," Harry said calmly. "I'll win today."
Hooch's whistle blew, starting the game. Harry flew up and around the stadium as he looked for the Golden Snitch. He had the feeling something was coming up behind him and he looked behind him. It was one of the big Bludgers, coming up on him fast. Harry leaned to one side and it sped past him and then made a fast u-turn and headed back for Harry. Harry didn't hesitate. He dived for the ground very fast, the Bludger racing behind him. Harry pulled up at the last second and the Bludger plowed into the ground and disappeared from view. A moment later it came back up from the ground a few feet away, showering players in mud and wet grass, it had started to rain. Harry no longer had any doubts about the Bludger, it definitely was out for him. He raced past George and he whacked it with his bat. The Bludger went a few feet and then set off after Harry once more. Harry crouched down and tried to get more speed out of his broom.
"Rouge Bludger!" Fred exclaimed to his brother. "We gotta cover Harry!"
They certainly gave it their best until Harry called a time out.
"Forget the Bludger, I'll deal with it. Maneuvers, not speed, will decide this thing," Harry said once Oliver Wood joined them.
"You sure? That Bludger is very one minded today," Oliver said as George whacked it back into the sky.
"Trust me," Harry said.
Oliver nodded. "Go."
They all got. Oliver, Fred, and George passed the word as Harry started doing maneuvers, flying in different directions as the Bludger chased him. At one point, Harry ran straight at Malfoy. Malfoy didn't see him until nearly the last second. Harry made a very sharp right turn, revealing the Bludger right behind him. Hermione later told Harry that Malfoy was heard clear up in the nosebleed section when he screamed at the sight of the Bludger bearing down on him.
"Too bad it didn't connect," Ron said sourly.
It hadn't. At the very last second, it went right around Malfoy and continued chasing Harry. Harry decided to run close to the Slytherin players, spook them out a bit. Flint was his next target, considering the ugly git kept popping up in front of him. Flint fell for it just as Malfoy had, and Harry continued doing it to all of the Slytherin team until they started staying clear of Harry. Harry was getting worn out and tired. He knew sooner or later he'd screw up. He had to finish the game before he got really hurt. Then he spotted the golden Snitch and dived for it. Malfoy was unaware it was behind him and Harry weaved through the players, sneaking up on Malfoy. He zoomed past Malfoy, plucking it from behind his left ear. Malfoy made a quick right turn as Harry went left. The Bludger had disappeared and then Harry felt a terrific bolt of pain zip up his left arm. The Bludger had gotten him. Harry had turned a little too slow and it hit him, shattering his elbow and forearm. Harry tumbled to the ground, his good hand gripping the broom in an effort to steer it and the Snitch was in his left hand. He landed roughly and then looked at the Snitch struggling in his hand.
"Ah," he said. "We won."
He looked up and saw the Bludger racing towards him. Suddenly a bolt of light touched the Bludger and it exploded into shards of wood. Harry held up the Snitch and then sank to the ground, tired and in pain. He was aware of a voice above him and focused on the face. It was Lockhart.
"No!" he yelled, trying to push Lockhart away, but it was too late.
Lockhart muttered a spell and he gaped in horror as he felt his arm bones disappear.
"You jerk off!" Harry hissed at a confused Lockhart. "You made my arm bones disappear, damn you!"
Lockhart blinked, mumbled an apology, and then slipped away. Naturally Madame Pomfrey had a few choice words about the situation. Harry sighed as Ron helped him into pj's and into the hospital bed as the matron came over with a bottle of "Skele-Gro".
"You're in for a rough night," she said.
Harry made a face as he downed the potion. "This is one drink I'll try to avoid."
He lay back and sighed. "Tell the others we'll party later, okay?"
Hermione nodded as Harry went to sleep.
Harry woke up with a start in the pitch-black darkness. His senses told him there was something sitting on his chest and he reacted, throwing whatever it was onto the floor and then jumping on it. The torch on the wall closest to the bed came to life, revealing Dobby on the floor. Harry's left arm felt like it was on fire it hurt so badly. Harry closed his eyes for a moment and dealt with the pain and then turned to deal with Dobby. He stood up and put dobby up on the bed.
"Please don't scare me like that," he said crossly.
Great big tears rolled down his face. Dobby is surprised to see Harry Potter here, sir. Dobby warned Harry Potter, sir! Dobby closed the barrier at the train so Harry Potter wouldn't go to Hogwarts!"
Everything clicked in Harry's head. "It was you."
Dobby hung his head in shame.
"Closing the barrier. The Bludger breaking my arm. Why?" Harry asked.
Dobby looked up. "Dobby wants to protect Harry Potter, sir. Dobby thinks Harry Potter is the greatest Wizard ever."
Harry sighed. How could he stay angry at Dobby? Before he could answer, there were noises outside the double doors into the hospital wing. Dobby immediately disappeared and Harry jumped back into bed, feeling an unformed bone break. He closed his eyes to slits and listened carefully. Dumbledore was the first in the doors, moving backwards, carrying what looked like one end of a statue, while McGonagall followed, carrying the feet. Harry had the sudden feeling there had been another attack.
"Please get Poppy," Dumbledore asked McGonagall.
She went past Harry's bed into Madame Pomfrey's room and emerged a moment later with the school nurse. She turned pale when she saw the person. Harry raised his head to see who it was. To his horror it was Colin Creevey.
"Petrified?" whispered Poppy.
McGonagall nodded. "Yes. If Albus hadn't gone down to the kitchen for hot chocolate," she didn't finish the sentence.
"Minerva thinks that Young Creevey was sneaking up here to see Potter," Albus said as he pulled the camera from out of Colin's hands.
He opened the back of the camera and a puff of smoke came out of it, the smell of burned plastic wafted through the room. Dumbledore snarled in anger and slammed the remains of the camera down on the table next to him. That shocked Harry. He'd never known Albus Dumbledore to have a temper.
"Easy, Albus. We will find this thing and stop it," McGonagall said.
Dumbledore turned to her, the light on his face. Harry could see his face, and he looked very old in that moment.
"The Chamber is open. There is no longer any doubt in my mind," he said.
Harry froze. So there was a Chamber of Secrets.
"Who?" McGonagall asked.
Dumbledore sat down on the bed next to Colin. "The question in my head is how. Then we shall know the who."
Harry thought that sounded very logical. He settled down once more and added tonight's events to the timeline he kept in his head. Tomorrow morning he'd head to his training room and write a timeline on the wall. He rolled over and went back to sleep.
The next morning his arm was completely back. Madame Pomfrey examined it and dismissed Harry. She disappeared into her office and Harry slipped into the curtained off area where Colin lay. He examined Colin for a moment, and nodded. He had been Petrified. He looked at the remains of the camera and wished he could have gotten something from it. He slipped out and then set off to find Hermione and Ron. First stop was the library. Percy walked out and passed him without looking at him, which suited Harry fine. He asked a few people and then left when they told him they hadn't seen them all morning. Harry closed his eyes for a moment and relaxed, letting his spirit loose to find them.
"Moaning Myrtle's bathroom," he smiled.
He jogged up there and after making sure man or beastie wasn't following him, he slipped into the girl's toilet.
"Ron? Hermione?" he called out.
Ron popped out of a stall. "Right here, mate. Sorry we didn't come to see you. Right after we heard of the attack on Colin, Hermione went right to work."
Harry nodded and walked into the stall. He drew a black marker from his pocket and began writing on the wall a timeline of events, starting with Dobby's appearance at the Dursley house up to last night. Hermione watched what Harry was doing.
"Very nice, Harry. That helps. But you need to fill in some blanks for us," Hermione said.
Harry leaned against the post and began talking while Hermione worked on the potion. Once he finished, Hermione nodded thoughtfully.
"A house elf named Dobby visits you. You and Ron couldn't get through the barrier at the train station. You start hearing voices. Mrs. Norris is petrified, the first victim. The message on the wall. Dobby sics the Bludger on you. Colin Creevey is the first human victim. You get another visit from Dobby. There is definitely something going on. It all ties in together, but we need to find the common denominator to really tie this whole thing together," Hermione summed it all up.
Harry's respect for Hermione's reasoning and logic went up another few notches.
"Hopefully that will help some," Harry said.
Hermione sighed. "I still need two vital ingredients. Boomslang skin and bicorn horn. Snape has them in his private stores."
Harry nodded. "Someone needs to do the sneaking and the other two need to create a diversion of sorts."
Hermione smiled slyly. "Harry, you do the sneaking. You're best at it. Ron and I will handle the diversion end."
Ron's eyebrows lifted. "Should I ask what?"
Hermione just smiled.
Harry hummed to himself as he stirred the potion he was making later that afternoon. The color was nearly spot on, and he watched Snape move around the room inspecting caldrons. Neville looked nervous as Snape approached. He looked in and moved on, not saying a word. Harry kept an eye on Hermione and then she looked directly at him. This was it. Harry was ready to react, palming a smoke ball that would pop on contact with the floor and produce lots of smoke, one of his favorite Ninja tricks. He lifted his eyes just in time to see something slash into Malfoy's caldron. A second later the potion exploded, sending potion everywhere and onto the floor. Harry tossed his little smoke ball onto the floor and seconds later the room was filled with thick choking smoke. Harry moved quickly into Snape's storeroom, located the items (he knew where they were, having seen them from his spot in front of Snape's desk while picking up his potion ingredients), and got out after slipping them under his robe. Harry moved quickly to Hermione's spot and dumped them in his bag. He moved back to where his caldron was, whipped out his wand and conjured a breeze to clear the room. Snape nodded as the smoke cleared.
"Three points to Gryffindor for the use of a wind charm to clear the room," he managed to croak out.
Harry moved over to the desk and poured Snape a goblet of the restorative potion and handed it to the man. Snape sipped a bit of it and passed it to Malfoy as Harry filled up a few more goblets and started passing them around.
"Are you all right sir?" Harry asked.
Snape nodded. "For now, Potter. When I find out who was responsible for that I will kick their behind up to Dumbledore's office!"
Harry nodded. "Good luck sir."
Inside he was smiling. The mission had been a success.
