Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger!
"Annie! Wait up!" I call after my friend. She giggled softly spinning around. "Want to have lunch with me?" she nodded her head as we linked arms walking into the Great Hall. It was Friday afternoon. I was to have my detention at eight o'clock sharp with Professor Snape.
I don't think it will be that bad. I mean I've worked with him before and I liked being around my Professor. "So what was up with Professor Lockhart Monday? What did the twins do?" I giggle and explain "Well when I first found out about Professor Lockhart I had to beg the twins to let me prank him with them. So they created a laxative potion and I coated his favorite goblet with it."
She gasped "You did a prank with Fred and George Weasley?" I giggle "I'm not that good you know. Our last day at the Burrow I got George to help me create some art on Fred's face. Oh you should have seen it. It was so funny!" We giggle together entering the great hall and seeing Seamus, Dean, Harry, and Ron. Hermione was missing I don't know where she is.
"Hey guys!" I call out taking my seat beside Harry. Ron on his left, I'm on the right. "Hey Lizzy, hey Annie." Ron spoke smiling softly. "Are we okay?" Ron asked worried. "Yeah, we're fine." I was still miffed that they were going to try and blame Draco but I guess that is to be expected. Draco was a little git and did have a reputation for hating anything not pureblooded.
Yet I'm not pureblooded. My mom was a Muggleborn. I'm not sure about my dad but I know I'm not a pure blood. My mom was a witch she got in when she was eleven. Draco, he and his family have had nothing but purebloods since the first Malfoy. I don't know. I don't really ask about his family much.
I jumped in surprise hearing a loud explosion go off. I got to stop thinking so hard. I turn my head and start laughing. Seamus being the silly person that he is blew up his homework sheet for charms. Annie was stifling her laughter, her face was getting rather hot as she was holding it in. "Not again!" I giggle with the others. Well I giggled. The boys they were laughing at his black soot covered face, his hair pushed back, also he was trying to pat out some flames on his shirt.
"Shut up!" He blushed out but you couldn't really tell under the black soot. I smile at my friend "Aww Seamus its okay." He rolled his blue eyes at me "Whatever." So the conversation changed. "Do you think Snape will kill Lizzy?" I blink confused "Why would Professor Snape kill me?" I ask Dean confused "Well Ron and Harry were saying how you have detention with Snape tonight…"
I glance at Harry who was looking away distracting himself with some food and staring intently at his fork. "And Snape is the worst person to have Detention with…" I laugh cutting the boys off from their talk.
"I'm not that worried about detention with Professor Snape. I spend the majority of my time in the dungeons with him anyway. I'll probably just be doing the same thing I usually do." They stare at me as if I had two heads. Ron and Harry weren't and Annie was just rolling her eyes.
"What is the matter with you!" Seamus demanded very loudly. "What? I don't mind his company. I love potions, and I like to help him out! It's not like I'm helping him create a potion to kill the entire school." They stare at me wide eyed. Wrong choice of words. Even Harry and Ron were staring at me shocked.
"Wrong choice of words. I mean I'm not that weird for liking potions…" Dean spoke up "But willingly spending your time with Snape? That's just crazy." Harry rolled his eyes "He likes her." They stare at me shocked again "How! How did you get him to like you?" I shrug my shoulders and laugh.
"I don't know, I just was myself…" They continue to stare. That night at eight o'clock sharp I was in the dungeon's potions room staring at Professor Snape waiting for my jobs. He smirked softly and gave me my list. It was twice the things I usually did but it needed to be done.
"That was a quite amusing prank Elizabeth." I blush slightly and smile sweeping the floors "Thank you, I'm sorry if I had upset you sir." He didn't speak as he graded many new papers. I got to work on scrubbing the desks free of dried up potion.
By the time my detention was over. I was dead tired. I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep. Well it was past midnight so I suppose that is why. "I'll walk you to your common room so you do not get in trouble." I nodded my head and yawn running my fingers through my red hair brushing my bangs away.
"Thank you sir." We walked in silence to the Gryffindor common room. Perfects who would see us looked away. I glare at Percy. God he was such a bloody idiot. He always had to mess with Ron and the twins.
"Is everything alright?" I nodded my head "Yes Professor, Percy and I have just…have not been getting on the best of terms with one another." He seemed interested. "I see, and why is that?" I blush to myself and look at the floor "Well he was yelling at Ron the other day for no reason afraid that being his brother would cost him head boy. And he kept making up lies about his little sister to make Ron feel guilty..." I clench my fist in anger. That smug prick thinks he's so special, I hate it.
"I still do not see how this has gotten the two of you to be not at the best of terms." I sighed and run my fingers through my hair "Well I called him out on it. He took five points from Gryffindor because we were by a girls bathroom!" He nodded his head.
"Understood. How many points?" I glance up at my Professor "Five." He nodded his head and we stopped at the portrait of the pink lady. "I shall see you Monday morning Miss Potter," I nodded my head and smile brightly "Goodnight Professor Snape, I hope you enjoy your weekend." I mutter the password and step inside waving to Professor Snape one last time before bounding up to my bed and fall asleep. I didn't even bother changing.
Saturday I spent the day doing homework and hanging out with the twins Harry, Ron, and Hermione have been acting weird hiding something from me I don't know but I think I should be worried. Fred and George were making me look at their outfits. Mostly George. Fred was sitting beside me his right arm lazily draped over my shoulder.
"Hey Lizzy and er…" I giggle she still had trouble figuring out who was who with the twins. "Fred." I pipe in. Annie smile and sat beside me on my left on the floor. "What are you two doing?" I giggle to myself "George is making me go on a double date with him and modeling outfits for us."
I saw her eyes widen and sadness ripped through her blue orbs. "Oh?" I nodded my head and sighed "Yeah Fred already got his outfit ready." I motion to the boy dressed in a red shirt to match his hair and some blue jeans. He was quite handsome.
George rushed down and held his hands on his hips. "How about this one?" I look him over his hair was slightly messy, he wore a purple and black. "Nice right?" I make him spin around and look him over "Yeah you look quite dashing." Annie's eyes were glazed over; her jaw had dropped slightly as she stared at her crush.
"What do you think Nini (Nee-Nee)." Annie jumped staring at George "What?" I giggle softly "The boys have given you the nickname for the nickname!" She giggled and smiled up at George "You look great!' he smiled brightly "Thanks Nini!" Fred smirked and pulled me closer to him.
"Took us awhile to get Brighteyes her nickname, it started with Lizzy, then Izzie, then lily which is her mom's name, next was Bassy, Lizard was next, and finally brighteyes." I giggle at Fred.
"But why is it brighteyes?" George flopped down on the couch behind us "Well she is quite smart." George started smiling at his twin brother "And her eyes are very pretty from what we've seen those little beauties can pull boys in like that!" Fred snapped his fingers to emphasize it.
She giggled at the two boys. "Lizzy was quite picky when it came to her nickname she kept calling us Tweedledee and Tweedledumb." I giggle at George "But you two were so annoying with it came to picking out one! I mean honestly what is wrong with Lizzy?" They smirked.
"We wanted to have our own little nickname for you, your special so you don't have to just be Lizzy. You are our brighteyes." Annie made a cute little noise. "Awww!" I giggle at her "Well now you are in the mix aren't ya!" she giggled with me before scooting her potions homework my way.
"Could you help me? I don't like Potions very much." I nodded my head "Sure thing this could be a review for me." So Annie and I worked on her homework while George kept commenting on Jessica Donnie.
Fred's Pov:
"The way her hair sways as she walks, her eyes oh have you ever seen a pair of greener eyes?" I roll my eyes I have. And they belonged to the girl in front of me helping Nini with her homework. "Yeah I get it you love the girl you don't have to rub it in." George has had a small crush on Jessica Donnie since he first met her in second year.
He always said how he wanted to be with her. But the look in Nini's eyes when she found out he had a date, it was just sad. "You're just jealous that I have a date with her and not you." I roll my eyes again. Jessica wasn't the smartest witch if you catch my drift. She just barely passes her classes; she's from one of those long lined wizarding families.
She also had the more annoying laugh you could hear! I really didn't like her like he did but George is love struck. There is no changing his mind. He'll see later tonight. Also Jessica is kind of mean. The entire family is. Hufflepuff is supposed to be nice but there have been a fair share of mean Hufflepuffs.
I've met a Slytherin sweeter than that family. Sure they aren't as bad as the Malfoy's but they aren't the best. "What are you thinking so hard about Fred?" Lizzy asks me cocking her head to the left. It was so cute!
Some of her stunning red hair fell in front of her beautiful green eyes "Nothing really just sitting." She giggled up at me her little nose crinkled in the adorable way that happens when she laughs. She was trying to hide her smile but I didn't like that. I loved her smile.
Reaching out I brush it out of the way and felt tingles go through my fingers as I touched her soft skin. I always go those though when it came to Lizzy. She really does have bright eyes. She captivated me and pulled me in and now I'm hooked.
"Where are you guys going on your date?" Annie asks after a bit of silence. I guess I was just lost in her eyes. "The Three Broomsticks. Then we'll just be looking around Hogsmeade." Lizzy smiled softly "I can't wait till I get to go to Hogsmeade!" I chuckle at her "Well I'll take you next year how's that?" she let out an adorable squeal and hugged me tightly.
She smelled so nice.
Lizzy's Pov:
"So you guys want to explore the castle while we wait?" George asks getting up rather bored "Sure!" Annie jumped up excitedly "I've been wanting to do that for a while now." I giggle and let go of Fred "Alright lets go! Come on Fred." I grab onto his hand and drag him off the couch.
He didn't put up quite a fight, instead he just laughed at me and let me pull him around. "Well there are seven secret passageways in this school. The first one we found was behind the statue of Gregory and Smarmy." I nodded my head.
"Where does that lead?" Fred smiled "Oh we used that one to sneak into Lockhart's office remember?" I gasp slightly "Really?" They nodded smiling "There are three passageways that Filch knows about so we tend to avoid those areas." I nodded my head with Annie. "Where are they?"
George pointed to a rather large portrait. "This is one. The next is on the seventh floor, and the last one of the three is in the dungeon. They all meet up so that you could dash into the third floor one and end up in the seventh floor, or in the dungeon." I nodded my head.
How did they have the time to learn all these passageways? Then again where did I have the time to sneak around the school and try and help protect the philosopher's stone with Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
After a wonderful time exploring the boys soon left for their date, my heart ached. "I can't believe he has a date…" Annie sighed out frowning against the wall as we just stopped and sat in silence.
"Me either…I'm not a huge fan." We shared a similar look. Sadness we both liked the twins and wanted to be with one of them. Annie of course wanted to be with George and me…well I wouldn't mind being with Fred. "Hey Lizzy." I look up and smile softly "Hey Draco." Annie rolled her eyes at Draco walking up.
"Why so sad?" I blush slightly and shrug "Just thinking…" Annie interrupted me "What's it to you pureblood scum?" I smack my head "None of your business, I was talking to Lizzy not you." I pinch the bridge of my nose "Draco want to go on a walk with me and Annie?" She looked horrified at the thought.
"What? I don't want to be anywhere near him! He thinks he's better than everyone else!" I shrug my shoulders "Well maybe so but he is my friend and I can't just ignore him all the time." Draco smirked "See and I would love to take a walk with you." I nodded my head and extend my hand to Draco.
"Shall we take a walk around the black lake?" he suggested. "Lizzy how can you even stand being in his company?" I look him over and shrug my shoulders again "Eh, he isn't that bad. He has his moments when he's really nice." Draco smirked and pulled my hand to his lips brushing them over my skin "Mother told me to always behave around a beautiful lady."
I laughed and shake my head "Come on." Annie shook her ehad "I got some charms homework I only stopped to be with the twins I'll talk to you later." I shrug my shoulders and we walk out. The air was kind of chilly where we were just talking about our classes, Quidditch, and the Chamber of Secrets mostly.
"No doubt your brother thinks its me." I nodded my head and look out at the distance "Yeah…I told him it was stupid of him to think that. As evil as you are you don't seem the type." He chuckled. "Oh yes I'm so evil. I have the power to overthrow the whole wizarding world." I giggle at his sarcastic tone.
"Oh yes you are just so horrible." He laughed at me and squeezed my hand tighter. I shift my hand so that our fingers are interlaced. I don't mind this. It felt nice. I liked these moments being able to see Draco all carefree and happy.
After a bit he grew quiet. "Father is coming to see me preform our first quidditch game. That's right next Saturday was the first quidditch match of the year. "I'm sure you'll be fine Draco, you do have an impressive broom." He smiled at me warmly yet his eyes held worry.
"Just relax okay? It's just a game it doesn't matter who wins or who loses…" he scuffed and looked away "Not to my father. He said I better win and if not I don't deserve to be on the Slytherin Quidditch team…" I gasp softly and stare at Draco sadly "That's horrible! He can't honestly expect so much out of you Draco, you are still a kid…" he shook his head "It doesn't matter; Malfoy's are supposed to be great at everything." I stopped walking staring into his gray blue eyes "Your father needs to lie off and stop being an arse to you." I snapped frowning. He didn't smile he held no emotion on his face. "I need to be ready to be head of the Malfoy house and that means I need to be top of my class, strong; I can't be distracted by you." I cock my head confused.
"How do I distract you? I try to help you with your studying…" He pulled me into his arms holding me tightly, my head tucked under his chin protectively. "I know you do." I look up at him and saw sadness in his eyes "I don't understand…"
He pulled away and looked into my eyes. I was trapped. I couldn't look away. My heart was fluttering in my chest as I stare at him. "It's nothing. Never mind lets keep walking…" I didn't move like he did. "Aren't we friends?" He nodded his head "Of course we are." I frown "Then why won't you talk to me about this?" He sighed and gave me a small smile.
"I'll tell you one day. I can't today I'm not ready to talk about it yet." I nodded my head "Okay…but you know I'm always here for you right?" he nodded his head squeezing my hand tighter. "Yeah I know." We went back to our walk.
It was quiet for a while we would often get a few stares from a few students but besides that nothing really. "So…why did you give me your cape?" He laughed at me "I thought we went over that. I had a spare." I shake my head.
"So? You might need it…" he laughed again "I like you wearing it. You look pretty in green." I blush and look away "H-how so? I just look ordinary…" he shook his head "Nope, not really. You look beautiful." I giggle at him "I say I think a Mr. Malfoy liiikes me." He started laughing with me.
"Want to take another walk tomorrow?" I stare at him and shrug my shoulders "After we study for a bit, your fault for wanting me to be your tutor." He nodded his head "It's a deal." We walked back into the castle and went to get some dinner parting our ways to go to our different tables.
"How was hanging out with Malfoy?" Annie spat out annoyed "You were hanging out with Malfoy?!" I groan in my seat. What was up with me hanging out with Draco? They should know by now! "Yeah we went on a walk…" the boys were staring at each other "Man maybe she should be in Slytherin…she's been spending way too much time with those heartless creatures."
I glare at Dean. "And she likes Professor Snape what's up with that?" Seamus whispered to Neville. "She isn't mean like the Slytherin's though, Lizzy is really nice." I smirked to myself "Thanks Neville at least someone is nice to me. So what if I hang out with Malfoy?" Harry sighed shaking his head "Guys she's helping us out when she hangs out with Malfoy." He explained annoyed.
"How so?" They ask in unison "Well how much has he taunted you Neville this week?" he counted on his fingers "Only three times. Usually he taunts me all day…" I sighed he was still being mean to Neville? "Malfoy hasn't gotten his goons to bother me when I'm trying to study either…" Seamus continued. "And I haven't gotten hexed by him in the past month!" Dean explained finally realizing what Harry was talking about.
I cross my arms over my chest "When Malfoy is around Lizzy he doesn't seem to be as evil as he usually is. My guess is that he's trying to woo her." Ron explained glancing over at me. "Woo me? Eh, we're just friends really. Why would he try to woo me?" Annie looked confused "Wait Malfoy likes Lizzy? I thought he hated anything that wasn't pureblood?"
I shake my head "That's his father your thinking of. Draco doesn't usually like anyone out of Slytherin…Malfoy doesn't like me! We're just friends." Ron snorted. "Please Malfoy likes you. He got you that weird necklace last year for Christmas didn't he?" I frown.
Oh yeah that necklace that was enchanted to make the user fall under a love spell. "So?" he pointed to my wrist "And where did you get that?" Harry laughed "You haven't taken that thing off all summer." I roll my eyes "So? Dudley usually destroys anything I like." Harry laughed.
"Well he probably thinks you like him back." I roll my eyes annoyed "Well shut up. So what if he likes me? You've been saying he's had a crush on me since we first met him." Harry hated Malfoy and he was trying to be happy but I could see the annoyance in his eyes. "I still hate that you hang out with him." He huffed out. Annie giggled holding my arm in hers "I'm sorry about my attitude, my father tends to say I get my temper from my mother." I smile softly.
"It's okay, I don't care as you can see these people think I'm crazy for being around Slytherin's too much." She shrugged her shoulders "Well you kind of are." I think it over "Well I guess I can be…I blame the twins." We giggled and ate our dinner together chatting about things.
Sunday came and Draco and I spent the majority of the day studying he would make me laugh every now and then and by the time we were done it was around three in the afternoon. We started around nine. I'm surprised we lasted this long!
But somehow the time seemed to just trickle away quickly. I didn't get to talk to Fred and George till later. But from what I've seen George looked like he was miserable. "You okay?" I nodded my head and smile at Draco "Yeah of course." We walked to the Quidditch field where he was telling me all the new things he could do and how fast he was.
"That's amazing!" He nodded and pulled out a nimbus 2001 "Want to test it out?" I blush a bright red "O-Oh no I'm good I'm not a very good flyer." He chuckled and hopped on just hovering in the air like a pro.
"Well would you like to ride with me?" I stare up at him and smile softly "Well I um…" He held out his hand "I promised to give you a ride one day didn't I?" I blush slightly and look around to make sure we were alone. "Draco I don't know should we? What if someone see's?" He smiled and leaned closer "Then I get caught being around one of the most beautiful girls in school."
I blush a bright red grasping onto his hand waiting for him to pull me up. Yet I couldn't "Draco!" He froze staring at me wide eyed. I felt my blood run cold. I knew that voice. I remember when I was getting my books. It was Draco's father.
"What on earth are you doing?" He snarled out hatefully. He jumped down from his broom staring up at his father. "I was going to…" He glared down at him. Draco sighed and looked at his feet "Lizzy this is my father Lucius Malfoy, Father this is Elizabeth Potter…"
He stared down at me, his cold and icy eyes made me feel on edge. "Potter hmm? I have heard many things about you." I blush a bright red glancing at Draco, he had to look away rubbing the back of his neck.
"What are you doing here Father?" He gave a blank stare looking down at his son "I have decided to drop by and check your grades." I feel Draco squeeze my hand tighter "Oh?" he looked disgusted "I am not impressed." He kept his head down frowning "Mr. Malfoy, Draco hasn't done anything wrong. We have been studying since nine this morning and decided to take a break." He stared down at me.
"Is that so?" I nodded my head staring up at him with bored eyes. "And why is it that a young Gryffindor like you take the time to help my son study." I held his gaze even if I was scared I wouldn't let him talk down to Draco like that. "Because I asked him earlier in the year to be my study partner. After our classes we go to the library and study till it's time for dinner. Your son is doing better then you give him credit."
He seemed slightly impressed "And why would you ask him that?" I clench my fist slightly why did he have to ask me so many questions!? "Because I did, I'd rather spend time around Draco then the people in my house." He nodded his head smirking "I will see you soon Draco." And he left.
When he was out of sight I let out a sigh of relief "How can you be around him over the summer?" he laughed softly "I'm just used to it…you lied to him...about me." I nodded my head giving him a small smile "Well if figured he would say some smart comment saying it is 'pathetic' to ask for help." He smiled at me.
"You are the best you know that?" I giggle and nodded "I know." I lean over and place a kiss on his cheek giggling at the smile on his lips.
Third Pov:
Since the disastrous episode of the pixies, Professor Lockhart had not brought live creatures to class. Instead, he read passages from his books to them, and sometimes reenacted some of the more dramatic bits. He usually picked Harry to help him with these reconstructions; so far, Harry had been forced to play a simple Transylvanian villager whom Lockhart had cured of a Babbling Curse, a yeti with a head cold, and a vampire who had been unable to eat anything except lettuce since Lockhart had dealt with him.
Arriving to Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson that Friday Lockhart had decided to reenact a werewolf. Harry had been reluctant but if he hadn't had a very good reason for keeping Lockhart in a good mood, he would have refused to do it. "Nice loud howl, Harry –exactly- and then, if you'll believe it, I pounced -like this- slammed him to the floor- thus with one hand, I managed to hold him down- with my other, I put my wand to his throat- I then screwed up my remaining strength and preformed the immensely complex Homorphus Charm –he let out a piteous moan –go on, Harry –highter than that –good- the fur vanished –the fangs shrank- and he turned back into a man. Simple, yet effective- and another village will remember me forever as the hero who delivered them from the monthly terror of werewolf attacks."
Lizzy watched confused as to why Harry would even let this happen to him he's explained why he hated Lockhart so much. The bell rang and Lockhart got to his feet. "Homework- compose a poem about my defeat of the Wagga Wagga Werewolf! Signed copies of Magical Me to the author of the best one!" Elizabeth slumped in her seat slamming her head on her desk that had to be the worst homework ever.
The class began to leave as Harry returned to the back of the room where Ron, Hermione, and Lizzy were waiting for him. "Hey you don't have to wait for us, Hermione wanted to talk to him more on something." Lizzy looked very confused.
"I don't mind waiting…" Harry cut her off "I think Fred and George wanted to talk to you about something. They said they wanted to see you after class." Elizabeth cocked her head to the side. They were hiding something from her she just knew it.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione didn't want Elizabeth to know what they were up to thinking she might spoil their little plan. "Um…okay? I'll see you guys later." She said unconvinced but went along with whatever they were planning and left the room.
Harry looked at the two "Ready?" He muttered.
"Wait till everyone's gone," Hermione said nervously. In a matter of seconds the room was clear of students "All right…" she whispered making her way to the front of the room to Lockhart's desk, a piece of paper clutched tightly in her hand, Harry and Ron right behind her.
"Er…Professor Lockhart?" Hermione stammered out. "I wanted to, to get this book out of the library. Just for background reading." She held out the piece of paper, her hand shaking slightly. "But the thing is, it's in the Restricted Section of the library, so I need a teacher to sign for it, I'm sure it would help me understand what you say in Gadding with Ghouls about slow acting venoms."
"Ah, Gadding with Ghouls!" Lockhart said taking the note from Hermione's hand and smiling widely at her. "Possibly my very favorite book. You enjoyed it?"
"Oh, yes," Hermione said eagerly. "So clever, the way you trapped that last one with the tea strainer…" he cut her off laughing to himself. "Well, I'm sure no one will mind me giving the best student of the year a little extra help," he said warmly pulling out an enormous peacock quill. "Yes, nice isn't it?" he said misreading the revolted look on Ron's face. "I usually save it for book signings."
He scrawled an enormous loopy signature on the note and handed it back to Hermione. "So, Harry," Lockhart said while Hermione folded the note with fumbling fingers and slipped it into her bag. "Tomorrow's the first Quidditch match of the season, I believe? Gryffindor against Slytherin, is it not? I hear you're a useful player. I was a Seeker, too. I was asked to try for National Squad, but preferred to dedicate my life to the eradication of the Dark Forces. Still, if ever you feel the need for a little private training, don't hesitate to ask. Always happy to pass on my expertise to less able players…"
Harry made an indistinct noise in his throat and then hurried off after Ron and Hermione. "I don't believe it," he said as the three of them examined the signature on the note. "He didn't even look at the book we wanted."
"That's because he's a brainless git," Ron said. "But who cares, we've got what we needed…"
"He's not a brainless git," Hermione said shrilly as they half ran toward the library. "Just because he said you were the best student of the year…" They dropped their voices as they entered the muffled stillness of the library. Madam Pince, the librarian, was a thin irritable woman who looked like an underfed vulture.
"Moste Potente Potions?" she repeated suspiciously, trying to take the note from Hermione; but Hermione wouldn't let go. "I was wondering if I could keep it," she said breathlessly. "Oh, come on," Ron said, wrenching it from her grasp and thrusting it at Madam Pince. "We'll get you another autograph. Lockhart'll sign anything if it stands still long enough."
Madam Pince held the note up to the light, as though determined to detect a forgery, but it passed the test. She stalked away between the lofty shelves and returned several minutes later carrying a large and moldy looking book. Hermione put it carefully into her bag and they left, trying not to walk too quickly or look too guilty.
Five minutes later, they were barricaded in Moaning Myrtle's out of order bathroom once again. Hermione had overridden Ron's objections by pointing out that it was the last place anyone in their right minds would go, so they were guaranteed some privacy. Moaning Myrtle was crying noisily in her stall, but they were ignoring her, and she them.
Hermione opened Moste Potente Potions carefully, and the three of them bent over the damp spotted edges. It was clear from a glance why it belonged in the Restricted Section. Some of the potions had effects almost too gruesome to think about, and there were some very unpleasant illustrations, which included a man who seemed to have been turned inside out and a witch sprouting several extra pair of arms out of her head.
"Here it is," Hermione said excitedly as she found the page headed 'The Polyjuice Potion'. It was decorated with drawings of people halfway through transforming into other people. Harry sincerely hoped the artist had imagined the looks of intense pain their faces.
"This is the most complicated potion I've ever seen," Hermione said as they scanned the recipe. "Lacewing flies, leeches, fluxweed, and knotgrass," she murmured, running her finger down the list of ingredients. "Well, they're easy enough, they're in the student store cupboard, we can help outselves…Ooooh, look, powdered horn of a bicorn- don't know where we're going to get that- shredded skin of a boomslang- that'll be tricky, too and of course a bit of whoever we want to change into."
"Excuse me?" Ron said sharply. "What d'you mean, a bit of whoever we're changing into? I'm drinking nothing with Crabbe's toenails in it…" Hermione continued as though she hadn't heard him. "We don't have to worry about that yet, though, because we add those bits last…" Ron turned speechless to Harry who had another worry.
"D'you realize how much we're going to have to steal, Hermione? Shredded skin of a boomslang, that's definitely not in the students' cupboard. What're we going to do, break into Snape's privet stores? I don't know if that is a good idea…" Hermione shut the book with a snap.
"Well, if you two are going to chicken out, fine," she said with a huff. There were bright pink patches on her cheeks and her eyes were brighter than usual. "I don't want to break rules, you know. I think threatening Muggleborns is far worse than brewing up a difficult potion. But if you don't want to find out if it's Malfoy, I'll go straight to Madam Pince and hand the book back in…"
"I never thought I'd see the day when you'd be persuading us to break rules." Ron said very shocked at the girl in front of him. He was starting to feel butterflies go off in his stomach as he stared at her. He has never felt this way toward Hermione before. Whenever Hermione and him get together they usually get into a fight because Hermione says something Ron doesn't understand or Ron starts feeling inferior to Hermione.
"All right, we'll do it. But no toenails, okay?" He smiled softly at his best friend. What was wrong with him? Oh nothing my dear reader, our dear Ron here is experiencing what is called a 'crush' he just doesn't know it yet. "How long will it take to make it anyway?" Harry asked Hermione, who was looking happier by the way. She opened the book again.
"Well, since the fluxweed has got to be picked at the full moon and lacewings have to be stewed for twenty one days…I'd say it'd be ready in about a month, if we can get all the ingredients."
"A month?" Ron said "Malfoy could have attacked half the Muggleborns in the school by then!" But Hermione's eyes narrowed dangerously again, and he added swiftly, "But it's the best plan we've got, so full steam ahead, I say."
Harry sighed. He wished his sister could help them. They all knew that Elizabeth was the potions expert of the group even if Hermione was the smartest witch at this school, Elizabeth spent more time than anyone with potions, cleaning, studying, examining, creating, just harnessing her power to be able to work around the potions.
She would always be so excited for class and always help Harry and Ron out with their potions homework when they were incredibly stuck. Hermione wanted Elizabeth to be here and help them but she knew that it was too risky as it is. Also she was too close to Draco Malfoy and if Elizabeth was working with them then she could accidently tell Draco the plan and ruin everything.
It would be quite difficult to stay away from her because she was usually always with the trio. While Hermione was checking to make sure that the coast was clear for them to leave the bathroom, Ron muttered to Harry, "It'll be a lot less hassle if you can just knock Malfoy off his broom tomorrow."
Lizzy's Pov:
I wonder what my brother and those two are up to…it was strange Friday they were hiding something from me. I don't' want to be snooping in on them but why would they hide something from me? After class I just was studying with Draco when Fred and George picked me up saying I was needed as a cheerleader.
George gathered all my stuff as Fred was dragging my chair away. Draco looked so mad! I had given him an apologetic smile before I was whisked away to the Quidditch field.
On Saturday around eleven o'clock I made my way toward the Quidditch stadium. It was a muggy sort of day with a hint of thunder in the air. I had rushed over with Ron and Hermione to wish Harry luck. I look all around and could see Mr. Malfoy clearly in one of the stands with a few of the Professors.
He stared down at the field with distaste as if he was so much better than anyone here. It was clear on his face. I felt my stomach churn, why did he have to be so mean? Draco was just a kid. Then again so was I but I know that he wasn't a good person. It just had that vibe to him.
I just hoped it would be a good game. One team would win and that it would be that. Oh how bad does it sound that I hoped Gryffindor won? I want Draco to win just…not against Gryffindor because I wanted Harry to win too…God I sound like a bad person right now.
Why did they both have to play today? Why couldn't Mr. Malfoy come another day to watch his son play quidditch? I shake my head and watch as the Gryffindor team walked out onto the pitch. A roar of cheer surrounded me. The Slytherins in the crowd made their boos and hisses when they saw Gryffindor. Madam Hooch, the Quidditch teacher asked Flint and wood to shake hands.
'On my whistle," Madam Hooch said "Three…two…one…" I watch all fourteen players rise into the air, Harry higher than anyone in the game. I cry out when a heavy black Bludger almost pelted him in the face. He just barely missed it. Another Bludger made it's way toward Harry, thankfully George knocked it away.
Why is it every time I watch a quidditch game against Slytherin Harry almost gets killed?! I thought angrily I look through my binoculars and saw Mr. Malfoy smirking to himself I let out a huff of annoyance. "Stupid Malfoy." I growl out glaring at him even though I know he couldn't see it.
Fred and George were trying their best to keep the Bludgers from attacking my brother. Oh I hope he would be okay…
The rain had started, heavy drops of water had drenched my body to the bone soon Lee Jordan was commenting on the score now. "Slytherin lead, sixty points to zero…" Slytherin really did have the superior broom but I really wasn't paying any attention to the game I was more worried about Harry! That Bludger kept trying to knock Harry out of the air. Fred and George were now just flying as close as they could on either side of Harry.
What was going on? What was going on? A Bludger doesn't usually attack just one person! Someone had to of tampered with it! Madam Hooch's whistle rang out letting Harry, Fred, and George dive to the ground still trying to avoid the evil Bludger that wanted to kill my brother!
I needed to know who did it.
"Malfoy…" I cut Ron off "Draco isn't that smart." I snapped annoyed "Then who could have done it?" It seems my two friends have caught on to what was happening to Harry. They Slytherin team was cheering happy that they were winning of course but those bloody gits must have tampered with it. "It has to be someone on the Slytherin team. My best bet is Flint. He's been a pain since year one!" I say looking down at the Slytherin team.
"That's impossible, Madam Hooch keeps the equipment locked in her office till the games and after practice." Hermione said smartly. I was stumped then. Who could have the power to control that Bludger?
It didn't make sense, actually this whole year has been strange. First Harry not being able to get on the train, then the Chamber of Secrets note being opened, and now Harry was being attacked by this Bludger. I don't know what to think really. It wasn't possible. Could a Professor have done this?
The teams went back to the middle and waited for Madam's Hooch's whistle. Harry kicked off and was just going all around trying to avoid getting hit. I felt my nerves growing more and more each time the Bludger tried to hit Harry. Even though it was heavy and couldn't change direction as quickly as Harry could. There was a lot of laughter around us.
I cover my mouth in fear as it barely missed his head tears were falling down my face, no one noticed it mixed with the rain. Sure I could have brought something to keep dry but I didn't want it. I scream out in fear as it hit him!
That Bludger hit my big brother! It rammed right into his elbow "Harry!" I cry out I saw his body started to slide sideways, one of his knee still crooked over it, his right arm dangling useless at his side. That bloody Bludger was coming back! It almost hit his head!
He dived forward toward Draco, Draco swerved away thinking Harry was attacking him but when Harry took his remaining hand off his broom and made a wild snatch, I knew it was the snitch. "Oh no! Harry! He's hurt…" I sobbed out clutching onto Hermione as Harry hit the mud and rolled off his broom.
Oh god his arm was hanging at a very strange angle. He wasn't moving. He laid motionless on the ground I felt my body just shut down. I had to get to him. I had to make sure he was okay. It was all I could do.
So that's what happened. I made a dash pushing people out of my way tears blurring my vision as I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. No one seemed to stop me. I was glad. I saw Lockhart looking him over and the Gryffindor team looked worried.
I slide to a stop falling to my knees staring down at my brother. "No…" I whispered "Not to worry dear he's only fainted." Lockhart's word didn't make me feel much better. He was hurt. I was glad he wasn't dead but he wasn't moving.
"H-Harry?" I stuttered out brushing some of his messy soaked black hair out of his eyes his glasses hanging askew on his face. He had a pulse, his breathing was normal; he just needed to wake up. I needed to see those green eyes of his.
"Oh, no, not you," His pain filled voice was brought to my ears. "Doesn't know what he's saying," Lockhart said loudly to the anxious crowd of Gryffindors pressing around us. "Harry!" He looked up at me and gave me a small smile "Hey Lizzy, did I scare you?" I glare at him through the tears.
"Do it again and I'll break your broom." He laughed nervously "It wasn't my fault…" I nodded my head and gave a small smile "I know. Bludger was rigged." He sighed and closed his eyes in pain clutching his arm. "Not to worry, Harry. I'm about to fix your arm."
"No!" Harry exclaimed staring at the man wide eyed. Fear in his green eyes. "I'll keep it like this, thanks…"He was trying to sit up but it looked like the pain was the worst type. I scoot closer and pull Harry's head into my lap so that at least he could see the people around us.
"I don't want a photo of this, Colin," he said loudly and with a slight hint of annoyance. "Worry not, Harry," Lockhart said soothingly. "It's a simple charm I've used countless times…"
"Why can't I just go to the hospital wing?" Harry said through clenched teeth. "He should really, Professor," Wood said grinning but it was clear that he was trying not to be too chipper about us winning. "Great capture, harry, really spectacular, you're best yet, I'd say…"
I saw Fred and George wrestling that rogue Bludger into a bod. It was putting up a great fight to leave, I cling to Harry's good hand terrified I didn't want my brother hurt anymore. "Stand back," Lockhart said rolling up his jade green sleeves.
"Professor Madam Pomfrey is an excellent healer! You don't need to prove that…" I started Harry was clutching onto my arm terrified "No, don't…" He said weakly but Lockhart wouldn't listen, he was twirling his wand and a second later had it directed at Harry's arm.
Harry's eyes had shut and his head turned into my lap to look away from his arm. I gasped staring at his arm. It looked like a rubber glove, nothing was in there. No bones. "Ah," Lockhart said. "Yes. Well, that can sometimes happen. But the point is, the bones are no longer broken. That's the thing to bear in mind. So, Harry, just toddle up to the hospital wing, ah Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, would you escort him? And Madam Pomfrey will be able to er...tidy you up a bit."
I felt my heart ache in my chest staring at my big brother being hauled away to the hospital wing. I wanted to go and see him right away and I also wanted to hex Lockhart into another district! He was so stupid! How can he even think he was trained or even skilled to handle healings?!
Annie was at my side as I stare at Lockhart murderously. "Come on, you need to calm down." Annie dragged me away with the Twins in tow. "I'm going to kill him. I'll do it!" I snapped harshly as we walked alone on the grounds.
"Don't talk like that Elizabeth." Fred snapped. I stare up at him, he hasn't called me Elizabeth in a long time. "Lockhart is stupid but if you talk like that then you will get in trouble or worse expelled." I growl at the ground clenching my fists as tightly as possible "I don't care." I felt my tears pool over as I stare at the ground "That idiotic git…he shouldn't have…Harry." I started to sob holding onto my body.
Arms wrapped around my body in a warm hug "Hey it's okay, Harry's alive, he's not leaving you." I sobbed into Fred's chest clutching onto him for dear life. Annie and George joined in holding me comforting me as my anger cooled down.
"If he even tried to touch George I'd have picked him up and ran. I would never let that man touch George." Fred said glaring back at Lockhart who was smiling away taking pictures for Colin. "Same goes with Fred." Annie nodded her head, water droplets dripped down her skin. "I wouldn't trust him around my little brothers."
That's right she has two little brothers still very young to go to Hogwarts but soon they would join us. "Why does he just have to ruin everything?" I sighed out running my fingers through my wet locks. "He's a bloody git that's why."
I sighed and lean against Fred taking a deep breath. "I'm going to go see Harry I'll talk to you guys later."
Fred's Pov:
Elizabeth. She sounded so broken, she sounded as if her world was destroyed.
Over the rest of the summer I found out why Lizzy is so protective of Harry and he her. She was her best friend and her hero. She would always say how he was her knight and shining armor or something like that.
Their cousin Dudley hurts her, her Aunt abuses her, and her Uncle neglects her. She said that Harry was her only family, the only person she could rely on…she was wrong. She could rely on me and George. Ron and Hermione. Anyone from our family. She was more than just Harry and Elizabeth Potter, she was my little brighteyes. My beautiful little brighteyes. She would be okay.
I know she would. "Have you ever seen her this sad before?" Nini asks shocked her bottom lip trembling "Once…it was last year and Harry, Hermione and her had somehow cost us a hundred and fifty points." Her eyes widen in shock. "Elizabeth and Harry cost Gryffindor a hundred and fifty points?" George nodded his head.
"Yeah, she was trying to look after her brother, anyway we kind of…" George cut me off. "You don't have to talk about it Fred, I know you hate that memory." I sighed I really did. I hated that I had caused her to feel so depressed.
"What happened?" Nini asks confused "Well Fred and I…we didn't talk to her for two months…" she gasped covering her mouth in shock. "Yeah…Ron was the one who made us open our eyes and see what damage we've done. Lizzy didn't eat, she didn't sleep, she just studied…"
I felt a sharp pain in my left arm "Ow!" I cry out glaring down at the little brat. "You two are so stupid! How could you ever do something like that to Elizabeth Potter!" George laughed at me "Well Freddy here has a small crush on Lizzy so hush you."
She gasped very dramatically "What!" I roll my eyes and look away "I don't have a crush on her." I loved her. Being in love and having a crush is two completely different things.
"Oh…"
Lizzy's Pov:
I walk through the rain and ran into Draco. "Hey you okay?" he whispered looking down at me "Yeah…Harry scared me." He lifted my chin staring down at me. I stare into those gray blue eyes. "He'll be okay right?" I sighed shaking my head "I don't know, I hope Madam Pomfrey can get his bones to grow back."
His eyes widen in shock "His bones? What happened when I left?" I shake my head "Lockhart happened, he used a charm and made Harry's bones disappear. Now it's just disgusting to look at…what happened after the game." He was quiet for a bit "Nothing to worry about alright…" I stare at him and wipe my face free of tears.
I didn't need to cry anymore. Everything was going to be okay. So why did my tears keep falling? "Are you sure you're okay?" I nodded my head and gave a small smile "Yeah…I'm just gonna go see Harry okay?" He sighed but nodded "I'll walk you." I feel him wrap something around my shoulders "You'll catch your death out here."
I blush softy as he wrapped his arm around my waist pulling me the way to the hospital wing. "Sorry you didn't win the game…" He nodded his head "Me too…" I frown leaning my head against his shoulder "Father wasn't pleased with me." I stare at the ground "Ignore him. You played wonderfully, I bet he couldn't play like you did." He smiled softly.
"Thanks Lizzy." We walked in silence for a while till we made it to the hospital wing. I pull the cape off and hand it to Draco "Thank you for walking me here Draco." He nodded his head and did something daring. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my cheek "Please give me a smile, I hate seeing you sad." I smile up at him and laugh softly.
"I'll see you tomorrow okay Draco?" He nodded his head and left a smile on his lips. I dash inside and see Harry on a hospital bed. "Lizzy!" He sat up and let me tackle him into a hug. I clung to his body in fear. His one hand held me tightly "Madam Pomfrey says I'll have to spend the night."
I nodded my head and look him over. Ron had left to get Harry his pajamas "You look a mess." I gave Harry a small laugh "and you don't?" he laughed "I'm sorry I scared you."
I nodded my head "It wasn't your fault." Ron returned and helped Harry change. Hermione and I waited outside the curtain around Harry's bed. "How can you stick up for Lockhart now, Hermione, eh?" Ron called through the curtain. "If Harry had wanted deboning he would have asked."
"Anyone can make a mistake," Hermione said. How can she stick up for that arse! "And it doesn't hurt anymore, does it, Harry?" she called out. I clench my fists in anger "No," he called out "But it doesn't do anything either." I glare at Hermione.
"That man doesn't know what to do at all. I don't care if he's a professor or not he's an idiot." Hermione huffed "You're only saying that because he deboned Harry by accident." I sat on Harry's bed looking him over as Madam Pomfrey brought over a bottle of Skele-Gro. "You're in for a rough night," she said pouring out a steaming beaker full and handing it to Harry. "Regrowing bones is a nasty business."
I watched as Harry took the medicine but in the end it made him cough and splutter I decided that it was my job to make sure Harry stayed hydrated the entire night. Stupid job and not needed but eh he was my big brother so I really didn't care.
"We won, though," Ron said grinning like crazy. I sent a small glare at Ron. Stupid game hurting my big brother. "That was some catch you made. Malfoy's face…he looked ready to kill…"
"I want to know how he fixed that Bludger," Hermione said darkly. "Guys he didn't do it. I mean I could ask him since he trusts me more then you three but I'm telling you he didn't…" They glance at one another "Don't worry about it Lizzy." I sighed what were they keeping from me? The door to the hospital wing burst open at that moment. Filthy and soaking wet, the rest of the Gryffindor team had arrived to see Harry. "Unbelievable flying, Harry," George said smiling softly.
"I've just seen Marcus Flint yelling at Malfoy. Something about having the Snitch on top of his head and not noticing. Malfoy didn't seem too happy." So that's why he looked upset. The guys had brought cakes, sweets, and bottles of pumpkin juice and gathered around Harry's bed. It looked to be the beginning of an amazing little party but Madam Pomfrey came storming over, shouting. "This boy needs rest; he's got thirty three bones to regrow! Out! OUT!" I watch as everyone rushes out.
I gave Harry a small smile "Get some sleep alright?" he nodded his head and held my hand in his good hand smiling at me softly "Miss Potter!" I giggle softly and lean down giving Harry a small kiss on his forehead "See you tomorrow." He nodded his head and I rushed out of the room with a small sigh. I wish I could stay with him but he would be fine. I know he would be.
Third POV:
Harry was left alone, with nothing to distract him from the stabbing pains in his limp arm. He cracked a smile he loved his little sister to death she always was worrying over him and was just the sweetest thing at times. Heck she was a cute even when she was mad.
Hours and hours later Harry woke quite suddenly in the pitch blackness and gave a small yelp of pain. His arm now felt full of large splinters. For a second, he thought that was what had woken him. Then, with a thrill of horror, he realized that someone was sponging his forehead in the dark. "Get off!" he said loudly, and then, "Dobby!"
The house elf's goggling tennis ball eyes were peering at Harry though the darkness. A single tear was running down his long, pointed nose. "Harry Potter came back to school," he whispered miserably. "Dobby warned and Harry and Elizabeth Potter. Ah sir, why didn't you heed Dobby? Why didn't Harry Potter go back home when he missed the train?"
Harry heaved himself up on his pillows and pushed Dobby's sponge away. "What're you doing here?" he said. "And how did you know I missed the train?" Dobby's lip trembled and Harry was seized by a sudden suspicion.
"It was you!" he said slowly. "You stopped the barrier from letting us through!"
"Indeed yes, sir," Dobby said nodding his head vigorously, ears flapping. "Dobby hid and watched for Harry Potter and sealed the gateway, Dobby didn't have time to stop Elizabeth Potter and Dobby had to iron his hands afterward…" he showed Harry ten long, bandaged fingers "but Dobby didn't care, sir, for he thought Harry Potter was safe, he was going to do something to get Elizabeth Potter safe, never did Dobby dream that Harry Potter would get to school another way!"
He was rocking backward and forward, shaking his ugly head. "Dobby was so shocked when he heard Harry Potter was back at Hogwarts, he let his master's dinner burn! Such a flogging Dobby never had, sir…"
Harry slumped back into his pillows. "You nearly got Ron and me expelled," he said fiercely. "You'd better get lost before my bones come back, Dobby, or I might strangle you." Dobby smiled weakly. "Dobby is used to death threats, sir. Dobby gets them five times a day at home." He blew his nose on a corner of the filthy pillowcase he wore, looking so pathetic that Harry felt his anger ebb away in spite of himself.
"Why d'you wear that thing, Dobby?" he asked curiously.
"This, sir?" Dobby said plucking at the pillowcase. "'Tis a mark of the house elf's enslavement, sir. Dobby can only be freed if his masters present him with clothes, sir. The family is careful not to pass Dobby even a sock, sir, for then he would be free to leave their house forever."
Dobby mopped his bulging eyes and said suddenly, "Harry Potter must go home! Dobby thought his Bludger would be enough to make…"
"Your Bludger?" Harry said his anger rising once more. "What d'you mean, your Bludger? You made that Bludger try and kill me?"
"Not kill you, sir, never kill you!" Dobby said shocked. "Dobby wants to save Harry Potter's life! Better sent home, grieviously injured, than remain here sir! Dobby only wanted Harry Potter hurt enough to be sent home!"
"Oh, is that all?" Harry said angrily. "If Lizzy finds out you did that she'll probably try to kill you herself despite what you were trying to do. And I don't suppose you're going to tell me why you wanted me sent home in pieces?"
"Ah, if Harry Potter only knew!" Dobby groaned, more tears dripping onto his ragged pillowcase. "If he knew what he means to us, to the lowly, the enslaved, we dregs of the magical world! Dobby remembers how it was He- Who- Must- Not- Be-Named was the height of his powers, sir! We house elf's were treated like vermin, sir! Of course, Dobby is still treated like that, sir," he admitted, drying his face on the pillowcase. "But mostly, sir, life has improved for my kind since you triumphed over He-Who- Must-Not-Be-Named. Harry and Elizabeth Potter survived, and the Dark Lords power was broken, and it was a new dawn, sir, and Harry and Elizabeth Potter shone like a beacon of hope for those of us who thought the Dark days would never end, sir…and now, at Hogwarts, terrible things are to happen, are perhaps happening already, and Dobby cannot let Harry Potter stay here now that history is to repeat itself, now that the Chamber of Secrets is open once more."
Dobby froze, horrorstruck, then grabbed Harry's water jug from his bedside table and cracked it over his own head, toppling out of sight. A second later, he crawled back onto the bed cross eyed, muttering, "Bad Dobby, very bad Dobby…"
"So there is a Chamber of Secrets?" Harry whispered. "And did you say it's been opened before? Tell me, Dobby!" He seized the elf's bony wrist as Dobby's hand inched toward the water jug. "But I'm not Muggle-born- how can I be in danger from the Chamber?"
"Ah, sir, ask no more, ask no more of poor Dobby," stammered the elf, his eyes huge in the dark. "Dark deeds are planned in this place, but Harry and Elizabeth Potter must not be here when they happen, go home, Harry Potter, go home. Harry and Elizabeth Potter must not meddle in this sir, 'tis too dangerous…"
"Who is it, Dobby?" Harry said keeping a firm hold on Dobby's wrist to stop him from hitting himself with the water jug again. "Who's opened it? Who opened it last time?"
"Dobby can't, sir, Dobby can't, Dobby mustn't tell!" squealed the elf. "Go home, Harry Potter, go home!"
"I'm not going anywhere!" Harry said fiercely. "One of my best friends is Muggle Born; she'll be first in line if the Chamber really has been opened…"
"Harry Potter risks his own life for his friends!" Dobby moaned in a kind of miserable ecstasy. "So noble! So valiant! But he must save himself and his sister, he must, Harry Potter must not…" Dobby suddenly froze, his bat ears quivering. Harry heard it, too. There were footsteps coming down the passageway outside.
"Dobby must go!" breathed the elf, terrified. There was a loud crack and Harry's fist was suddenly clenched on thin air. He slumped back into his bed, his eyes on the dark doorway to the hospital wing as the footsteps drew nearer.
Next moment, Dumbledore was backing into the dormitory, wearing a long woolly dressing gown and a night cap. He was carrying one end of what looked like a statue. Professor McGonagall appeared a second later, carrying its feet. Together, they heaved it into a bed.
"Get Madam Pomfrey," Dumbledore whispered, and Professor McGonagall hurried past the end of Harry's bed out of sight. Harry lay quite still, pretending to be asleep. He heard urgent voices, and then Professor McGonagall swept back into view, closely followed by Madam Pomfrey, who was pulling a cardigan on over her nightdress. He heard a sharp intake of breath.
"What happened?" Madam Pomfrey whispered to Dumbledore, bending over the statue on the bed. "Another attack," Dumbledore said. "Minerva found him on the stairs."
"There was a bunch of grapes next to him," Professor McGonagall said. "We think he was trying to sneak up here to visit Potter." Harry's stomach gave up a horrible lurch. Slowly and carefully, he raised himself a few inches so he could look at the statue on the bed. A ray of moonlight lay across its staring face. It was Colin Creevey. His eyes were wide and his hands were stuck up in front of him, holding his camera.
"Petrified?" whispered Madam Pomfrey. "Yes," Professor McGonagall said. "But I shudder to think…if Albus hadn't been on the way downstairs for hot chocolate who know what might have…" the three of them stare down at Colin. Then Dumbledore leaned forward and wrenched the camera out of Colin's rigid grip.
"You don't think he managed to get a picture of his attacker?" Professor McGonagall said eagerly. Dumbledore didn't answer. He opened the back of the camera. "Good gracious!" Madam Pomfrey said. A jet of steam had hissed out of the camera. Harry, three beds away, caught the acrid smell of burnt plastic.
"Melted," Madam Pomfrey say wonderingly. "All melted…"
"What does this mean, Albus?" Professor McGonagall asked urgently. "It means," said Dumbledore, "that the Chamber of Secrets is indeed open again." Madam Pomfrey clapped a hand to her mouth. Professor McGonagall stared at Dumbledore.
"But, Albus…surely…who?"
"The question is not who," Dumbledore said, his eyes on Colin. "The question is, how…" and from what Harry could see of Professor McGonagall's shadowy face, she didn't understand this any better than he did.
So sorry I haven't updated lately! I'v e been very busy with school and I seem to have forgotten about this story for a bit. Also there won't be another update till the end of next week I have to worry about my finals for school until then I hope you enjoyed this extra long chapter of Harry and Elizabeth Potter and the Chamber of Secrets later my creatures thank you for being with me and reading the story!