Beta'd by Emerald Ashes
Harry stood frozen, gaping at the grisly sight. "The Chamber of Secrets? Enemies of the Heir?" Slowly he backed away. He needed to get out of here, find a teacher, find Snape; Snape would know what to do.
The sound of footsteps rang out. The feast must be over. Harry didn't even have time to duck into an empty classroom when the friendly, excited chatter died as the first group of students saw the message and the cat. For a moment there was silence, Harry felt increasing nervous, and the other students stared at him and the cat hanging on the wall. He could pick out Ron and Harmonies' horrified faces. Then a familiar drawl split the air,
"Enemies of the Heir? You'll be next Mudbloods."*
Pandemonium broke out immediately. There were shouts and screams. Harry was forced to back against the wall to keep himself from being trampled by the sudden wave of panicked students.
"QUIET DOWN! What's all this fuss!? 'll 'ave you all in detention!"
Argus Filch, the caretaker, brandished his broom and forced his way through the crowd of students. Then, he saw Harry.
"Potter!" he spat. "Wha' are you doing—Mrs. Norris!?" the caretaker's eyes bulged as he spotted his beloved cat hanging stiffly from the torch bracket.
"My cat! My cat!" he cried, and a hush fell over the crowd. "What's happened to my cat?! What's 'appened to Mrs. Norris?!"
Filch limped forward, arms outstretched, toward the still cat. Once more, his eyes fell on Harry.
"YOU!" he snarled, lurching forward and taking Harry's shoulders in a bruising grip. Filch was surprisingly strong, managing to slam Harry's back into the wall, knocking the breath out of him.
"You murdered my cat! You killed her! Now I'm going. To. Murder. YOU!" Filch screamed inches from Harry's face, spit flying.
"N-no, I-I didn't," the terrified Gryffindor choked out, vainly trying to escape from the caretaker's painful grip.
"Unhand him, man! Have you taken leave of your senses?!" hissed a dark voice. Snape, in all his towering glory, appeared at Filch's side. Strong hands broke the grip on Harry's neck and shoved Filch back.
Harry took deep, gulping breaths, more than shaken by the encounter. The incident reminded him of Uncle Vernon's fits of rage, which always culminated in something unpleasant for Harry. He was grateful that Snape remained in front of him, not only protecting him from the deranged caretaker but also allowing for Harry to recover.
"He killed my cat! He killed her!" Filch was still screaming and gesturing wildly at Harry.
"Argus! What are you . . . oh dear," boomed another voice. Dumbledore, followed closely by the other teachers, had arrived. The students parted to allow them through. The headmaster approached the cat, peering at her keenly.
"Prefects, please escort the students to their dormitories."
For a moment, no one moved, and then the prefects scrambled into action, rounding up the students.
"Gryffindors over here! Nothing to see, come along! Where's Ginny? Ah, there you are," called Percy Weasley, tucking his very wide-eyed sister under his arm.
Harry took a trembling, unsteady step towards them, but Snape caught his arm.
"Not you, Harry. I'm afraid I'll need to ask you what happened," said Dumbledore apologetically.
Harry nodded, even as he gazed longingly after the group of Gyffindors now trailing behind Ron's brother. Ron and Hermione were the last to leave, lingering with worried faces until McGonagall shooed them out.
"Perhaps we should move to a more private venue," the headmaster suggested, gently levitating the body of Mrs. Norris.
"My office, Dumbledore, it's just right over there!" said Lockhart.
Still shaking, Harry followed, grateful for the steadying hand Snape laid on his shoulders. Filch still looked murderous, and Harry made sure to stay as far away as possible.
"She's not dead, Argus," said Dumbledore once they'd gathered around Lockhart's desk, where the stiff cat now lay. Around them, the many pictures of Lockhart shifted in their portraits to get a better look.
"Not dead!? What do you mean she's not dead? Why's she all stiff and not moving!?" snarled the caretaker.
"She has been petrified, but how, I do not . . ." answered Dumbledore as calmly as if they'd been talking about the weather.
"Ah yes!" cut in Lockhart. "Just as I thought!"
The self-absorbed professor had chosen to stand next to Harry and now tried to put a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"I'm sure young Harry here didn't mean anything by it. Just a harmless joke. Perhaps a few detentions with me—"
"It is highly unlikely that Mr. Potter is responsible for either the message or the cat seeing as how this would require incredible dark and advanced magic!" sneered Snape, shoving Lockhart's hand aside. Just as in the bookstore, Harry moved closer to the Potions Master.
"I know he did it!" shouted Filch. "E's was the only one down that corridor! E's the only on that knows I'm a . . . squib!"
Harry flinched and shook his head in denial.
"I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for Mr. Potter's leaving the feast early" defended McGonagall.
Dumbledore nodded, turning to Harry with softly twinkling eyes.
"Harry, can you tell us what happened? Why you left the feast?"
Harry swallowed, mouth dry, "I . . . was full and didn't feel like watching Ron eat so I left. I was heading for Gryffindor Tower when I came across Mrs. Norris."
He felt guilty at omitting the part about the voice, but something told him that admitting to hearing bodiless voices wouldn't go over well. He didn't want to give Filch any more reason to strangle him. Even now the caretaker's face twisted in disbelief.
"A likely story!" he spat. "What student doesn't remain to stuff themselves full of sweets? Disgusting, the lot of you. No respect!"
"Argus! That is enough. If you continue in such a manner, I'm afraid I will have to ask you to leave the room," scolded the headmaster. Immediately, Filch fell quiet.
"Thank you, now, we will be able to cure her, Argus. I believe Professor Sprout currently has a healthy batch of Mandrakes," continued Dumbledore. He looked over at the Herbology teacher, and she nodded.
"Right you are, Headmaster. They'll be mature in a few months' time."
"Jolly good, jolly good! Once they are ready I'll whip up the necessary potion to cure her. You'll have your Mrs. Norris back in no time," Lockhart beamed.
"Excuse me, but I believe I am the Potions Master at this school," growled Snape. Harry tried not to laugh hysterically at the scornful expression on his teacher's face. Harry realized a giggle had escaped when the hand on his shoulder gave a slight squeeze. He leaned into the touch, tired from the night's events.
"Headmaster, I believe it would be wise to continue this without Mr. Potter's presence. He's hardly required and should be escorted to his dormitories," said Snape as Harry felt his eyelids droop.
"Ah, yes, forgive me, Harry. Please, Severus, if you would?"
Once again, Lockhart interjected, "I'll take him, Dumbledore, He'll be more than safe with me!"
"Yes, so long as nothing more menacing than a Cornish Pixie appears, he'll be perfectly safe with you," Snape drawled.
Lockhart flushed and didn't speak again.
"Come, Mr. Potter, back to your dormitory, before you find even more trouble."
Harry found himself steered out of the office before he quite knew what was happening.
"Sir," he murmured, "Sir, it really wasn't . . ."
"I am well aware that you didn't have anything to do with the cat, Mr. Potter. However, I also don't believe you told the entire truth," said Snape.
Harry stumbled but felt comforted when Snape quickly steadied him. Nerves quickly replaced the feeling. How did Snape always seem to know when he was lying, or at least not telling the whole truth?
Snape smirked. "You fidget even more than usual when telling a falsehood, Mr. Potter."
Harry flushed. If he told Snape he was hearing voices, Snape would think he was crazy, which was the last thing Harry wanted. He'd as Snape was starting to like him, he had to go and muck it up.
"It's nothing, sir," he answered finally, trying hard to keep from fidgeting. His refusal to meet the Potions Master's eyes gave him away. Harry didn't even notice when the long fingers gently turned his head. Snape's black eyes bore into his.
"Anything you have not mentioned could be of vital importance. I insist you tell me."
Trapped, Harry squirmed only to freeze when Snape's fingers tightened on his chin.
"I heard a voice okay!"
"A voice? What voice? A student's?"
Harry shook his head. "Not it was hoarse, and I don't think anyone else can hear it. Ron was with me one of the times but he said he didn't hear anything!"
Slowly, Snape released his chin.
"What does this voice say?"
"Awful things. It was talking about killing someone, so I followed it—" Harry broke off, Snape now looked thunderous.
"You followed? You idiotic child!"
"I didn't know what else to do," Harry said, but Snape just seemed angrier.
"You get a teacher! You do not follow potentially murderous voices!"
"They'd think I was lying!" Harry cried out and Snape stopped.
"Last year we went to McGonagall about the stone, and she didn't believe us! Now, I'm hearing voices, and people will think I'm crazy and lock me up in a loony bin just like my uncle said they would!" Harry babbled, breaths coming in short quick gasps.
From a great distance, he thought he heard his teacher curse. A vial was pressed to his lips in between his short breaths. As the liquid trickled down his throat, calm came over him.
Harry's vision cleared, and he realized Snape was leaning over him, encouraging him to breath. A few deep breaths filled his lungs, pushing back the lightheadedness.
"Very good, Harry. Now, let me assure you; you will not be sent to a "loony bin," nor do I believe you are not in possession of all your wits. Given the correlation between this voice and the attack, it would suggest that it is something only certain people can hear,"
Harry swallowed. "S-so you don't think I'm losing my mind?"
"No, Harry. I want you to promise me that you will find the nearest teacher or myself the next time you hear this voice."
Harry hesitated, unsure if he could make such a promise.
"This is nonnegotiable. I will find you a keeper if you don't agree," Snape threatened.
"Okay, I promise I'll come to you if I hear it again, all right?"
Snape sighed. "Close enough, I suppose."
He pulled Harry to his feet. The two headed off, but it was several floors before Harry spoke again.
"Sir, what is the Chamber of Secrets? Who's the Heir?"
"It's an old legend pertaining to my house. Some say that, when Salazar Slytherin split from the school, he left behind a chamber that only his true heir could open. It is speculated that a monster resides there," Snape explained. "As for the Heir, if I knew that we wouldn't be having his conversation."
Shuddering, Harry said, "So the Chamber does exist, then?"
A strangely tired look came over his teacher's face. It unnerved Harry to see him so worn.
"I'm afraid I do not know. There are many secrets in this castle. Perhaps the Chamber exists; perhaps it does not."
They reached the portrait hole, and, dutifully, Harry gave the password.
"Thank you, sir, and goodnight."
Severus nodded. Harry climbed through, but, before he could shut the portrait hole, Snape called him back.
"Oh, and Mr. Potter?"
Harry looked up.
"Do not stay up talking to your friends. There will be time for that in the morning, understand?"
"Yes, sir."
Quietly he drew the portrait shut, only to stare at it blankly. He wondered how many people would believe he hadn't attacked Mrs. Norris. So far, Snape was the only person besides Ron and Hermione that Harry felt he could trust.
"Harry!"
He turned in time to catch Hermione as she threw her arms around his neck.
"Oh, Harry! We were so worried!"
"What happened, mate?"
Closing his eyes, Harry leaned against his best friends.
"Not now, I'll explain in the morning." Snape was right and he was too exhausted to think straight. Besides, they had Potions in the morning.
"Severus? You wished to speak with me?"
Severus turned from the flickering fire in his dungeon room. He wished that he had dared a glass of firewhisky, but he had class tomorrow. Harry's class. Strange how the boy was now Harry in his mind.
"Yes, Albus," he replied, settling in an armchair.
"I presume this has to do with Harry?"
"Who else would I ask to speak with you about but the Gryffindor golden-boy?" There was no malice in his voice and the headmaster didn't scold him. Severus rested his elbows on his knees and his chin on his steepled fingers.
"Mr. Potter heard something – a voice. Apparently it's not the first time, either"
Dumbledore sat heavily in a chair across from him, withered hand on his temple.
"I see. Do you know why Harry neglected to mention this?"
"Yes," Severus snarled. "He was afraid we would think him crazy, or send him to the mad house like his deplorable uncle has threatened!"
Dumbledore straightened sharply. "The mad house? Harry told you his uncle has threatened to have him sent to a mad house?"
Severus leveled him with a penetrating stare. They held each other's gaze until Dumbledore looked away, covering his face with his hands.
"Madam Pomfrey has a list of injures that Harry acquired over the summer. It is extensive and points to a potentially life threatening situation if he is not removed from the home. I can give you a pensieve statement of what the child himself has told me and the statements of Healer Davis," Severus informed him quietly. Before his eyes, the usually strong headmaster seemed to wilt.
"I see," Dumbledore murmured, "and when did you make this discovery, Severus?"
Severus hesitated, considering his options.
Finally, he admitted, "Over a month ago, Mr. Potter collapsed within his first detention. I became aware that he did not go the Hospital Wing as I ordered several days later and escorted him myself."
The headmaster stood at his words and paced, hands clasped behind his back.
"And why did you not inform me of your discovery immediately?" asked the older man as he stopped in front of the crackling fire.
"I lacked any definitive proof . . ."
Dumbledore whirled to face him. "Proof? Severus, my dear boy, what have I done to make you believe so ill of me? Had you brought Madam Promfreys report, or even you observations. I would have trusted you." cried the elder, face stricken.
Severus flinched, he couldn't deny that the thought hadn't crossed him mind.
"I know you. Severus, you would not have hidden something as serious as this from me, no matter what your personal feelings about Harry were," continued Dumbledore when Severus didn't respond.
"Of course not!" Severus snapped, incensed by the mere thought. "I simply intended to gather all the facts before I approached you, but, given the current situation and Harry's involvement . . ."
"Ah," cut in the headmaster, blues eyes once again sparkling. "I believe I understand now."
"Understand? Pray tell, what exactly do you understand?" Severus demanded. He glared at his mentor, hating the compassionate, yet knowing smile. Severus was not a child and an old coot would not patronize him!
Dumbledore returned to his seat.
"You did not tell me, Severus, not because you did not trust me, but because you had discovered that the Harry Potter you thought you knew did not exist."
Severus clenched his hands. "Preposterous." he responded coolly.
"Severus, if there is one thing you cannot stand, it is to be proven wrong," – Dumbledore smiled – "I'm sure you have managed to convince yourself that the only reason you decided to investigate is because Minerva and I are old fashioned, but the truth is you wanted to, as they say, crack the puzzle that is Harry Potter."
Now Severus stood, agitated. He had considered that his response to Harry Potter's abuse was not logical. He paced, clenching his jaw, while the Headmaster watched.
"That might have been your motivation, either consciously or not, at first, but now . . ."
Severus looked over when Dumbledore stopped, and their eyes met again.
"I saw how you responded to his distress, how you protected him not only from Argus but from Gilderoy as well."
Breaking eye contact, Severus resumed his furious pacing with slightly more vigor.
"Once more," continued Dumbledore despite Severus's agitation, "I saw how Harry responded in kind, with more trust than he has ever bestowed on me."
Severus stopped, back stiff and reeling from shock. Dumbledore rose and came to stand next to him.
"I give you my word that Harry shall not return to the Dursleys. In the mean time, I leave him in
your capable hands."
"Mine?" Severus spluttered, voice returning. "Have you finally gone senile?"
Patting Severus on the shoulder, Dumbledore continued to smile, "I can assure you I am in excellent mental health, as sharp as I ever was."
" And yet you want to leave the wellbeing of Harry Potter in my hands? Harry Potter, the boy I spent all of last year loathing, with the Death Eater who got his parents killed?!
"Ah, Severus, you underestimate the capacity of others to forgive and your own worthiness of that forgiveness. I urge you to continue as you have with Harry," said Dumbledore.
"So you are refusing to foster your own relationship with the boy?"
"If that is what it takes to encourage yours, then, yes, I am."
Severus snarled at him in disgust. The headmaster laid a hand on his shoulder.
"I shall take my leave of you, but, Severus, think on what I have told you and know there is no shame in admitting you're human. Goodnight."
Without another word, Dumbledore swept out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Severus cursed, struggling to recover from the headmaster's parting words. He hated how Dumbledore always looked deep into the part of his heart he kept under lock and key. However, he couldn't deny any of the headmaster's observations. After all, he'd taken cases like Harry's to the headmaster before with far less evidence, and Albus his best to fix the situation.
He shook his head. It was late, and he was tired. Harry Potter, and all the headaches that came with him, could wait until morning.
Authors note
First and for most I would like to mention that changes have been made to chapter 3 to include Ron when Harry first hears the voice. So go back and check out that scene in chapter 3 if you haven't already. Now on the authors note.
I hope you have all enjoy this chapter, I admit I was a bit conflicted about it at first, but I think the chapter (with the help of my Beta) turned out better than I expected. I know that some fanfics fall flat when Snape admits that he's fond of Harry, but he's only kinda of admitting to his feelings and we still have the Basilisk and Lockhart to deal with, this story is far form over.
Thank you to all who have reviewed.
Until next time
Zx14ninja
