Hello everybody. My internet seems to be working well now, so cross your fingers for me in hope that it stays that way. School just got underway so writing might get shifted to a lower priority, but I will try to keep it up. Enjoy.
Chapter 7: Secrets Revealed
School started normally. Well, as normal as Hogwarts ever was. First years got lost, Peeves pranked students, students learned magic, and Lockhart made a fool of himself. The four second years made their way to the Defense classroom for their first lesson. They walked in to see pictures all over the room of Lockhart smiling back at them. They shook their heads in disgust before taking seats in the back of the room.
"At least you didn't outline all of Lockhart's lessons on your schedule with little hearts this time," Ron said with a grin to Hermione. She promptly smacked him on the arm as other students walked in. Soon everyone was seated and the Great Fake himself walked in. He had his usual charming smile on as he walked up the row. After his usual rant about how good of a wizard he was, he handed out the quizzes, which the four didn't bother to even touch. Instead, Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes, miss…" he said, looking to her.
"Granger sir. I was just wondering. I read all of your books, and it clearly states in Gadding with Ghouls that you were in Turkey from July 29th to August 7th of 1986. However, in Break with a Banshee, it states that you were in the United States from July 15th to August 3rd of the same year. How is that possible?" she asked, a smug look on her face. Lockhart paled at the question but smiled anyway.
"Really? I will have to have a talk with my publisher," he said, waving the question off. Hermione looked mildly annoyed before raising her hand again. Lockhart looked hesitant but called on her again.
"In Wanderings with Werewolves, you wrote how you wrestled the werewolf to the ground with your bare hands. However, werewolves are known for many things, including their enhanced physical strength. The strongest man in the world would have trouble wrestling the weakest of werewolves. How did you do that?" she asked. Lockhart turned white and looked around the room at all the curious faces before walking back to his desk.
"We all have our secrets Miss Granger. I cannot divulge them all," he said, regaining some of his confidence. Hermione merely smiled sweetly, which seemed to scare Lockhart even more. He shook his head before pulling out a cage covered with a cloth covering it. Harry rolled his eyes at seeing his dramatic pose. "It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizardkind. You may face your worst fears in the room. Know that no harm will come to you while I am here. Please remain calm. Do not scream, it might provoke them!" he yelled before pulling the cover. The electric blue pixies zoomed around the cage, giving Lockhart rude hand gestures. Harry smirked before discreetly waving his hand at the cage.
"Right, let's see what you make of them!" he yelled before pulling on the cage. The door didn't open. He looked back at the students, some of which were holding back their laughter. He gave a weak smile before pulling on the door again. The pixies were now making faces at Lockhart as he struggled with the cage. Some students were openly laughing now.
"Well, it appears to be stuck, but no matter," Lockhart said, pulling out his wand. He tapped the cage door. "Almora!" he said, causing his wand to launch from his hand, causing Seamus to duck. Harry caught it in his hand, before throwing back at the front of the class. Lockhart picked it up before laughing weakly.
"Um, class dismissed," he said, before running to the back of the room where his office was. The students laughed as they exited the room. Hermione turned to the other three before giggling.
"That was fun," she said, before leading them out of the room.
ooOooOoo
School continued much the same way. The six time-travelers made it their mission to humiliate Lockhart as much as possible. By the third week, very few students took the man seriously anymore. Harry, Ron, and Neville also kept tabs on him to make sure he didn't do anything underhanded. They knew he was gifted with Memory Charms, and didn't want to think about what he would do to some of the more star-struck girls in the school.
Halloween had quickly approached, and Harry and his friends were sitting in the Great Hall, enjoying the feast that the elves had prepared. Only Ginny was missing, and was hidden in the Room of Requirement. They had to leave the clues of her "guilt" at opening the chamber. They tried not to think about what they were going to have to do later that night. The feast ended and the students made their way to their houses. Harry and the others made their way to the second floor, outside of Myrtle's bathroom. The floor was flooded, and in front of them and the rest of the students, was Mrs. Norris, obviously petrified, hanging from one of the torch brackets. 'THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED, ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE,' was written in red on the wall. Many students gasped, and a few even screamed.
"My cat! What happened to Mrs. Norris!" Filch yelled as he arrived, looking wildly around for someone to blame. His eyes landed on Harry, who was standing in the front of the group of students. "You! You killed my cat!" he roared. Harry merely quirked an eyebrow at the accusation.
"Argus!" Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall. Everyone turned to see him and several other teachers stride into the hall. Dumbledore flicked his hand, causing Mrs. Norris to float off the bracket and into his hand. He turned to the students. "Back to your common rooms. Mr. Potter, stay here." Harry shrugged at his friends who left for the common room. When the students were all gone, he turned to Filch. "She is not dead Argus," he said softly. Filch looked at his cat with disbelief. "She is merely petrified. How, I do not know."
"Ask him!" Filch yelled, pointing at Harry. "He did it!"
"I was at the feast the whole night. I could not be in two places at once. That's not possible," Harry said with confidence. He wouldn't back down to Filch. Snape spoke up then.
"He is speaking the truth Headmaster. Potter, as much as I loath to admit it, was in the Great Hall the whole time and could not have done this," he said, a sneer settling on his face. Harry looked at his Potion's Professor. Snape gave him an almost imperceptible nod, one that Harry returned. Dumbledore nodded, not noticing the silent communication between the two.
"You may go Harry," he said, turning back to Filch, who looked red with rage at Harry getting off free of punishment. Harry quickly left and walked up a flight of stairs to a classroom he knew was never used. He looked around, and seeing nothing, pulled out a Time-Turner from under his robes. He turned it twice, before the world around him spun in a whirlwind of color. He hid the necklace again before transfiguring his robes back to his Unspeakable colors. He lifted his hood, and waved a hand at the door, releasing all the wards he erected on it that morning to ensure no person, animal, or ghost was in here when he came back through time. He used an invisibility charm and a silencing charm and left the room. He went down a floor and into the girl's bathroom. Opening the chamber, he slid down the pipe. He made his way into the chamber and smiled. Salashra was curled up in a rather large pile in front of the statue. Since their bonding, he grew very fond of the large reptile. She knew much about Hogwarts, such as history or secret areas. She was his familiar, and he was quite proud of it. They grew with each other. Their magic influenced each other's, strengthening it. She was stronger physically, as well as being more spell resistant while Harry was stronger magically and even more agile.
"Hello Salashra," he hissed to her. She lifted her large head to see him.
"Hello Harry. I take it our task is now?" she asked. Harry nodded. "I dislike this. I was not meant to harm the inhabitants of this castle," she said to him. He rubbed her nose gently. They had spent many nights talking. He knew she was here as a defender. This went against her duty. However, she understood the need to keep the timeline straight. He had told her about that. The large snake slithered to him and he climbed onto her back. She quickly made her way to the entrance of the chamber, which opened when she hissed at it. He slid off her and onto the floor with a little splash. The toilets were overflowing. He turned invisible again and creeped out the door. He could see Mrs. Norris, walking down the hallway toward the door, looking at the water. He backed into the bathroom and canceled his spell. He nodded to Salashra, who slithered out of the door. He now understood why basilisks were feared not only for their strength but their ability to hunt. She was completely silent as she moved, and Harry could sense her magic keeping the little noise she made at bay. She loomed over Mrs. Norris and opened her eyes. The cat looked down into the water, and suddenly became still, and fell over, as stiff as a board.
"Thank you Salashra," Harry hissed quietly. She quickly made her way back to the chamber as Harry waved his hand, causing the petrified cat to float and get stuck on the bracket. Harry sighed and made his way back into the chamber. He still had to wait for the right time to go back to the classroom. As much as he disliked that cat, he hated what he had to do, and what he had to make his friend do.
ooOooOoo
Severus Snape stepped into his personal rooms later that night. He took off his cloak, carelessly tossing it onto the sofa in front of the fireplace. A quick flick of his wand, and the fireplace lit. Another flick of his wand at a cabinet and a bottle of firewhiskey and a glass floated to him. He poured himself a large measure and downed it quickly. He poured another before sitting in front of the fire, staring into its depths.
Harry Potter. As much as he tried, he couldn't understand him. It was infuriating. When they arrived on the scene just a couple hours earlier, it only fueled that fact. Filch had quickly dropped blame on the boy. Nearly every twelve year old would have instantly gotten angry and repeatedly denied it, without dropping very plausible and obvious evidence against it. Potter did the exact opposite. He kept a calm demeanor, almost seeming bored. He confidently denied the charge, and offered the evidence of being in the Great Hall. He didn't seem overly surprised at what had happened either.
He also wondered why Potter chose to pass through that hallway to Gryffindor Tower. There were quicker ways to the tower. It was almost as if he wanted to be seen. Snape took another small sip of his firewhiskey before he furrowed his brow in determination.
"I will figure out what you are hiding Potter, one way or another," he thought out loud.
ooOooOoo
Harry walked out onto the pitch, ready for the start of the game. They were playing Slytherin, and it was going to be a challenging game again. Malfoy Sr. had bought Draco's way onto the team again, although the blonde Slytherin didn't seem to flaunt his position that much. The two teams walked up to each other, and Marcus Flint and Oliver Wood shook hands. Harry looked over to Malfoy, who looked back, and gave a small nod. Harry was surprised by the gesture, and returned it with a nod and slight grin.
"And there off! Johnson grabs the Quaffle first, over to Bell," Lee yelled over the microphone. Harry shot around the pitch, causing Malfoy to streak after him. Harry looked at the Weasley Twins as the two smashed the bludgers. He grinned, knowing Dobby didn't charm one to chase him. He started searching for the Snitch in earnest.
"Spinnet scores! Forty to twenty, with Slytherin in the lead," Lee called out. The game was closer this time through, as Fred and George didn't have to focus so much on the rogue bludger. The Slytherins however were very overbearing with their Nimbus 2001's. Harry looked around the snitch a foot over the ground next to the Gryffindor goal posts. The Slytherin chasers were also making a run at the hoops, so Harry shot forward, Malfoy trailing behind him. He flew through the small formation, causing them to scatter. George was then able to knock the Quaffle free which Angelina caught. Harry then dove, grabbing the snitch as he pulled out. The crowd, minus the Slytherins, roared their approval as he landed.
The party in Gryffindor Tower was going strong several hours later. Fred and George as usual visited the kitchens for food and drinks for everyone, which the house elves happily provided. Harry was sitting with Ginny and Luna on the coach when McGonagall walked in. The students went silent when she did. She merely quirked an eyebrow at the silence.
"Continue," she said briskly before walking up to Harry. Most of the students were staring at her with incredulous looks. They expected her to scold them and tell them to stop. "Mr. Potter, I have this for you," she said, holding out a small note for him. Harry took it with a grin.
"Thanks professor. Why don't you grab something to drink?" Harry said, pointing to the table at the other side of the room. McGonagall's lips turned slightly, just hiding a smile.
"No thank you, I must get back to my quarters," she said, walking back out of the portrait hole, but not before flicking her wand, causing a radio to appear and start playing music. The older students cheered as she left. Harry laughed as he opened the note. His eyebrows rose a little when he read the message. He got up and nodded to Ginny before quickly leaving the room. She saw what was written through their bond and explained to Luna.
Harry quickly exited the portrait hole and made his way down the marble staircase. He walked into the Entrance Hall and down the stairs to the dungeons. He stopped in front of a familiar office door. He knocked.
"Enter," he heard Snape bark. Harry opened the door and took a step into the room, only to have the door snap shut behind him. He ducked and rolled, just in time for a stunner to shoot over him and hit the door. He came out of the roll on his feet, his wand in his hand. A shield snapped into place around him, causing two more stunners to splash harmlessly against his shield in a flash of color. He looked up into the eyes of his attacker.
"Is there a reason you are attacking me Professor?" Harry snarled dangerously, his burning emerald gaze looking into Snape's cold obsidian eyes. Snape sneered.
"Who are you?" Snape asked quietly, his voice cold and his wand still pointed at Harry. "You are not Harry Potter, you are too strong, too knowledgeable. No twelve year old would have been able to stop that ambush, nor know this shield. No eleven year old would be able to blast a mountain troll of its feet. No, that is impossible. Who are you?" he repeated. Harry narrowed his eyes before his shield dropped. His wand was still at the ready, but it seemed Snape was willing to let him talk. Besides, he could already sense Ginny on her way, and knew the others were right behind her.
"That's rich, coming from the Death Eater turned spy," Harry said mockingly. Snape was unable to reign in the surprise that statement caused. "Oh yes, I know much about you Severus. Joined the Death Eaters right out of Hogwarts. Heard half of a prophecy telling of Voldemort's end. Turned spy for Dumbledore when your only love was marked for death." Snape fell back into his chair, unable to comprehend how Harry knew all this information.
"How… how do you know this?" he gasped out. Harry smiled grimly as he lowered his wand.
"We have much in common Severus, whether you want to admit it or not. We both had hard childhoods, both talented in the dark arts, potions, and mind magic, and are in love with beautiful redheads," he said with a smile. Just then the door blew off its hinges, flying clear across the room, slamming into a bookcase. Ginny stormed in, her face a mask of fury. The others were arrayed behind her, wands out and ready. Snape was surprised again that a first year blasted his door, which had numerous charms and wards, across the room. He looked at Ginny, seeing her expression rapidly losing its anger. She looked to Harry, nodded, and lowered her wand. What he didn't know was that Harry talked her down.
"Please, explain," he said quietly, looking pleadingly back to Harry. Harry sighed.
"I had planned on telling you eventually, just not this early. However, I know you are worthy of my trust," Harry stated. Snape's eyes snapped up to his.
"Why? Why do you trust me so much?" he asked. Harry had never seen Snape so vulnerable. Most of his life secrets were just brought out in the open, by the son of his most hated rival and only love nonetheless. It was enough to shake up anyone.
"There are many things I need to tell you Professor, and I am willing to make an oath to their truthfulness, as much of what I am going to say is quite unbelievable," Harry said. Snape nodded. Harry looked at Ginny. "Ginny, go to the chamber. You know what to do." Ginny nodded and quickly left. Snape looked on, wondering what went between the two of them. Harry waved his hand, conjuring a glass and summoning some firewhiskey. "I suggest you take some, as you are going to need it." Snape poured himself some before looking back to the five students in front of him. Neville and Hermione were walking around the room, casting privacy charms as Luna and Ron left to put notice-me-not charms on the door and alarms on the hallways. They could not let this get out to anyone else. Harry started after they finished.
"Professor Snape, my name is Harry Potter. The one who just left is Ginny Potter, my wife. This is Ron and Hermione Weasley, and Neville and Luna Longbottom. We have come back through time in order to change the past for a better future."
ooOooOoo
Ginny quickly made her way up to the second floor. She was invisible and silent, and had to move around several teachers on her way. She finally reached the bathroom. She dropped her charms and walked up to one of the sinks. She opened her bond with Harry before looking at the sink. "Open," she hissed in Parseltongue. She then jumped down the pipe that emerged.
It was an added benefit of their bond. Ginny was able to use Harry's mind to influence her and vice versa. Parseltongue was a mind gift, a magical ability that allowed you to change the way you spoke to the hissing of serpents. Ginny was able to tap into that ability. She soon walked into the chamber.
"Salashra?" she called, keeping her eyes closed. Salashra slithered out of Slytherin's mouth, and looked down at the little girl.
"Hello Ginny. Harry has told me much about you. You speak, why do you not open your eyes?" she asked curiously. Ginny smiled.
"I may speak, but only through Harry. I do not contain the gift myself, so I would still die if I opened my eyes," Ginny explained. "We have to continue with what we started before," Ginny said sadly.
"I understand. Harry told me of where it would be. I will close my eyes. Please get on my back," the large snake hissed. Ginny opened her eyes to see the giant basilisk sitting perfectly still with its eyes closed as promised. Ginny still couldn't believe this is what Harry fought for her, all those years ago. She quickly climbed on Salashra's back, who then quickly made her way through a pipe off on the side of the chamber.
