Ninja Wizard 10
By David
Author's Notes: Just a reminder that this fiction is AU. All characters except for "Tino" belong to the great Mrs. Rowling. Thanks for all the letters and reviews!
Ninja Wizard 10
"Aunt Marge, Christmas Celebrations, and a Return to Danger"
Harry sat down with a cup of tea and to think over things. He knew he had to tell his story to Aunt Marge and he wasn't really looking forward to that prospect, but it had to be done. She deserved to know. Aunt Marge walked into the kitchen at that moment and sat down in a chair across from Harry.
"Would you like a cup of tea, Aunt Marge?" Harry asked.
She smiled. "How kind of you to offer, Harry. Yes please."
Harry stood up and went to the stove and poured her one. He set it in front of her and then took his chair once more. He now knew what he was going to say. For the next half hour, Harry explained his past to her. She said nothing until he was finished.
"If not for those skills, my brother could have been harmed, along with Petunia and Dudley. If not for your lifesaving skills, Dudley would have died. You are indeed a very unusual young man Harry Potter," she said.
Harry smiled. "Thank you for saying so. Not very many people know about me and I need to keep it that way."
Aunt Marge nodded. "I agree. I don't think people would understand."
"Thank you," Harry said, sipping his tea.
"Now to other matters. I see you don't have much of a wardrobe, so I plan on fixing that today," she said. "A well dressed young man says much about him."
Harry nodded. "Actually, that was one of the items on my to do list while I am here."
Aunt Marge smiled. "Good. We need to coordinate with Petunia, Dudley, and Vernon on when to go."
Harry nodded. "I'm not sure what they have in mind for today."
Vernon walked into the kitchen at that moment. He went and made a cup of tea for himself and sat down at the table.
"Having a talk?" he asked.
"Harry was just telling me about himself," Marge replied.
Vernon nodded. "I am assuming you still want to go out?"
"Yes. Is there an Edwin's of London here in town?" Aunt Marge asked.
Vernon blinked. "Marge dear, that is a very exclusive and upscale store. One doesn't wander in from the street."
Marge smiled. "Did I ever tell you about Henry?"
Vernon's eyebrows rose. "You're dating?"
"Yes. I am not going to sit around and wait for a man to pick up on me," she said. "I know it has been a few years after Nigel passed on, and I was starting to get a little lonely a few years ago. Well, I met Henry and we hit it off. Henry sits on the governing board for London Boy Clothes, and Edwin's of London is the exclusive shop for them."
Vernon sighed. "Marge, bless you dear sister. You are just too kind."
Harry had to agree. "Thank you Aunt Marge."
"Then shall we be off?" Marge said.
Harry grinned. "Sounds like fun."
It was. Harry really never had been inside a big shopping mall before and he looked at everything possible. The ninja part of him took loads of notes on the vulnerability and places to hide in if he were to get into a fight in here. He turned to Aunt Marge as she approached the London Boy shop. Harry looked at a few of the suits in the window and admired them as he opened the door for Aunt Marge. Almost immediately a salesman swooped down on them.
"How can I help you," he said, standing there with a smile and putting on an air.
"I need my two nephews kitted out proper like," Aunt Marge said, her take charge attitude coming out.
The man didn't even blink. "Well now, that may take some... doing."
He turned and sashayed off. Harry didn't even have to look at Aunt Marge to know she was steamed. He could feel the anger roll off her. Another man walked up and he seemed to be much more relaxed. He looked at Harry and Dudley for a few minutes as he scratched his chin. Then he smiled.
"You'll have to forgive us for that old bat. Apparently he forgot to remove the hangar from his ass this morning," he said. "I'm Adam, and let's see what I can do for you gents and the lady."
Harry grinned at Aunt Marge's expression. Harry followed Adam to the back area of the store as Marge and Dudley followed.
"Now let's see," Adam said as he looked Harry up and down. "Five foot three, roughly hundred fifty pounds, muscular build?"
Harry grinned. "Right on the money, sir."
"Please don't call me sir. I'm not that old yet," Adam cracked as he smiled. "You strike me as being a spring kind of person."
Harry thought about that for a few minutes. "Yeah, I guess I am."
"I'm thinking a tan, brown, bone white, and a blue suits would fit you well," Adam said. "It's best to have more than two. Wearing the same color gets tiring after a while and you do want to look your best."
Aunt Marge nodded. "Four suits for each nephew then. The London Boy line, please."
"There is only the best here, and for these young men London Boy is top of the line, "Adam said. "So now let's get busy."
Four hours later, a taxi deposited them at Number Four Privet Drive with their load of clothes. While Harry preferred jeans and t-shirt, there was something to be said about dressing up really nice. After he showed off his clothes and new suits, he put everything into the closet for now. He felt relaxed in his tan slacks and a nice peach colored button up shirt. He came down and relaxed over a cup of tea and played cards with the Dursleys and Aunt Marge for most of the evening. Tomorrow he planned on going to Diagon Alley and buying gifts for his friends. Then he'd shop for the Dursleys and Aunt Marge. Christmas was Saturday, and it was now Wednesday evening. Harry looked up from the hand he was playing and smiled. He felt so comfortable here, and he was happy his life was good. Hogwarts was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment. The clock bonged ten, and Dudley yawned.
"Tired, Duddykins?" Petunia smiled as Dudley blushed a deep red.
"Mum!" he complained, much to everyone's amusement.
Harry stood up after playing his final hand. "I'm kind of beat myself. I'll see you all in the morning."
Harry headed up to bed. Tomorrow would be a long day.
Harry strolled out of Diagon Alley around one in the afternoon, his shopping done for his friends and teachers. Now he needed to get things for the Dursleys. That proved to be easy as Harry walked into the Asian community. He recognized the Japanese language and smiled. It brought memories of Anjiro village back to mind. He wished he could go back for a visit. He decided he would send a few tins of tea to his friends there. As he walked down the street, he became aware of someone tailing him. He relaxed and acted casual as he drifted into a small store. The person followed him in. He looked up in front of him and the man in front of him casually pulled his shirtsleeve up to reveal a Dragon tattoo on his forearm. Harry recognized it at once. It was the Neko Ninja Clan emblem. He casually scratched at the left side of his shirt and as he got close to the man, revealing his own tattoo. The man smiled.
"Good afternoon, brother. You are well?" the man asked.
Harry smiled. "I am. There is a stranger following me."
"That would be Elder Brother. We heard you were here," he said to Harry.
"I am honored to meet all of you," Harry said. "I hope all of you are well."
The man that was following Harry spoke. "We are. The Master sends his greetings and wishes you well."
"He is well?" Harry asked.
The man nodded. "He is. Would you like a cup of tea?"
Tino walked in a moment later just as Harry was taking the cup of tea. "Harry!" he grinned. "I see you found family."
"I sure did," Harry smiled.
For the next two hours, Harry talked with the men in the back of the shop as the lady was getting the things Harry wanted for the Dursleys and Aunt Marge. He hoped they would be well received. After everything was ready, Harry paid the lady and he was off back to the Leaky Cauldron to floo home. Arriving back at the house, Harry smelled fish cooking and knew Aunt Petunia was baking Salmon in the oven. He grinned as he headed up the stairs.
"Harry? Is that you?" Aunt Marge called out.
"Yes Aunt Marge, home from the shops. Dinner smells good, I'll be down in a moment," Harry called out.
"Good, because we have something funny to tell you," Aunt Marge called back.
Harry smiled. "Okay!"
He hid his packages in his room and then went down to the kitchen after changing into something casual. Harry smiled when he walked in and found Petunia and Marge giggling over something. Harry leaned against the doorframe and listened to the funny story of a distant cousin twice removed. He had to chuckle at the incident.
"That is funny! He had no idea that he was about to get pranked?" Harry asked.
Marge laughed. "No, and that made it all the better!"
Harry shook his head and smiled. He turned to the dining room table and saw that nothing was set out yet. Harry got busy and set the table proper just as Vernon walked in the door. He had a huge smile on his face.
"There you are, Harry. Anyone around?" he asked.
Marge and Petunia emerged from the kitchen and Dudley came down the stairs.
"Dinner is almost ready so everyone take your place," Petunia called out.
Harry helped carry things out and then he sat down with them.
"Got my Christmas bonus today dear. I put it in the bank on the way home," Vernon announced. "I'm being moved up first of the year to worldwide VP sales."
Harry grinned as Petunia cried for joy. "That is good news, Uncle Vernon."
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly.
Christmas Eve came. Harry stood at the window overlooking the back lawn and watched the snow gently fall to the ground. He wished his parents were here to see this and his heart ached. Dudley came up behind him.
"Are you okay, Harry?" he asked.
Harry turned from the window to see Dudley. "Just thinking of my parents. Hang onto yours as long as you can with all the strength you have inside you. You never know what could happen."
Dudley nodded. "My heart attack has taught me a lot about life lately and I'm planning on sticking around for a very long time. Mum and Dad have become very important to me and I know I need them just as much as they need me."
Harry smiled. "Good. You're on the right track then."
Dudley moved up to the window on Harry's left side and they didn't say anything else for a bit until Vernon appeared.
"Snowing again, eh?" he said as he came up behind them.
"Yes it is, Dad. Sure looks so nice out there," Dudley said.
Vernon smiled and rested his hands on Dudley and Harry's shoulders for a moment. "Come on, the program is starting."
Harry turned to Vernon. "Program?"
"The Christmas Eve Mass from the church in London," Dudley replied.
Harry joined Dudley on the floor as the three adults sat on the couch. The program took about an hour and Harry decided he liked it.
"Maybe next year we could go there," Harry suggested as he got up off the floor.
Vernon thought about that for a moment. "We can consider it. In the meantime it's late, so up you two go."
"Good night," Harry smiled as he went up behind Dudley.
When he entered his room, there were a couple of owls perched on the windowsill outside. Harry let them in and gave them warm food and water. Then he looked at the packages and letters they brought. Molly had sent him a sweater with his initials on the right chest. Hermione sent him a Quidditch book. McGonagall and Dumbledore each sent him a very nice card. Ron sent Harry a couple boxes of candy from Honeydukes with a letter as well.
"No changes, Crabbe and Goyle doing serious detentions. Didn't think Snape would be cruel to his own house. Both still claim they know nothing," Harry read.
The rest were cards and letters from people in Gryffindor House. Harry read them all and then put them into his duffel bag. The owls settled down and went to sleep. Harry eventually climbed into bed as well.
Tino gave Harry his gift the next morning after their exercise run. It was a small Jade Dragon on a leather string. Harry smiled when he saw it.
"Thank you brother," he said as he put it on.
Tino smiled. "I had it blessed by a Shinto priest. It will ward off evil and protect you."
Harry stepped forward and hugged the older man. Harry gave Tino his gift and watched him open it up. It was a pocket watch on a chain. Tino smiled when he saw it.
"Thank you my brother. I shall treasure this," Tino smiled.
They bowed and then headed off to their respective houses. Harry slipped inside the Dursley house and went upstairs. He cleaned up and then put his gifts for the Dursleys underneath the tree and went into the kitchen to start breakfast. Pugsley the dog was the first down the stairs. Harry let him out and warmed a bit of milk in the microwave for him when he returned. Pugsley wanted back a few minutes later and Harry let him in, placing the bowl of warm milk on the floor for the dog. Pugsley did like it and Harry felt a bit better. Aunt Marge was the next person down.
"Has he been out, Harry?" she asked.
Harry looked up. "Yes he was, and I gave him a bit of warm milk to warm him up."
"Thank you dear," Marge smiled.
Harry continued to set up breakfast on the dining room table as the Dursleys came down. Petunia smiled when she saw the table.
"Thank you Harry dear," she said.
Harry grinned as they sat down and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Then it was to the tree for presents. Harry gave each person a formal kimono, each one different from the other. Vernon's was a deep burgundy, Petunia's was a sea green color, Dudley's was sky blue, and Aunt Marge's a light yellow. Each one had been done in gold threads, the designs unique to each one. Harry smiled at their reactions. He wondered how the Weasleys, Hermione, and McGonagall would react to theirs. Harry already had something special in mind for Professor Dumbledore.
"Harry, these are incredible. Thank you," Vernon said.
Harry looked up. "Glad you like them, Uncle Vernon."
"How do they go on?" Dudley asked.
Harry showed them how and they put them on. Harry smiled.
"They look good on all of you," Harry said.
"They feel comfortable," Aunt Marge said.
Harry got a matching pen and pencil set from Uncle Vernon, a Game Boy and a couple of games from Dudley, and a thick leather bound book from Aunt Petunia.
"It's a journal, Harry. Something to keep your private thoughts and feelings in. It can be helpful sometimes," Aunt Petunia said.
Harry smiled as he turned it over in his hands. "Thank you Aunt Petunia."
Aunt Marge handed Harry a gift from her. "Just a little something," she said as she handed Dudley an identical box.
Harry and Dudley opened them at the same time and found two hundred English pounds in there. Harry smiled.
"Thank you so much, Aunt Marge," Harry smiled.
He kissed her on the cheek and stepped back as Dudley gave her his thanks. Harry smiled and then picked up his gifts and put them in a pile in the corner by the tree. He wasn't ready to take them up to his room just yet. Dinner was a grand affair, the food good and the conversation entertaining. Harry enjoyed it all. Going up to bed, he lay there for a time and counted himself lucky that life with the Dursleys had turned out better than he ever hoped for. He smiled as he thought of how Professor Dumbledore would react to his gift tomorrow morning.
Harry flooed into the Great Fireplace the next morning holding the long dark Oakwood box in his arms. Inside them were four swords that were companions to each other, a Dai-Katana, the Katana, the Wakizaki, and a Tanto. Harry had dressed in a very formal kimono for the occasion. He wanted to do this properly. He smiled as the soot flew off him as he used the cleaning spell on himself. He headed up the stairs to where Dumbledore had his office. Dumbledore was inside, sipping tea and listening to McGonagall, discussing the rest of the year once the students returned. He paused for a moment and then smiled.
"Harry Potter is here," he said simply.
McGonagall looked up. "How do you know that, Albus?" she asked.
Dumbledore merely smiled.
"Oh right, I keep forgetting," McGonagall sighed.
Harry approached the gargoyle that protected Dumbledore's office, wondering how he would get in when the gargoyle came to life and stepped to the side. It bowed to Harry and motioned to him, letting him know he could go up. Harry returned the bow.
"Thank you," Harry said.
Harry stepped on the moving stairs and they carried him up to the office. He stopped before the solid oak door and knocked. Dumbledore himself opened it.
"Come in Harry," the old man greeted him. "It is a pleasure to see you."
Harry walked in and saw McGonagall sitting in a chair by the great desk.
"Harry, thank you for the lovely kimono. I adore it," she said.
Harry smiled. "Glad you liked it."
Dumbledore came around to stand in front of Harry. Harry turned to face Dumbledore, and then held out the oak box in his hands and then bowed.
"Master Dumbledore, a gift to you from a grateful student," Harry said.
Dumbledore took it from Harry and returned the bow. "I am truly honored to accept this gift from you, Harry."
He set it on the desk and opened it. He saw the four swords inside and turned to Harry.
"Thank you, Harry. I shall treasure them," he said.
Harry smiled. "You are welcome, sir. Inside the box is a parchment detailing their history. They were created in 15th Century Japan by a master sword smith in the service of Clan Neko. A few of his creations still exist."
Dumbledore smiled. "I take it all is well with you and the Dursleys?"
"Yes sir. I am truly enjoying my holiday with them," Harry smiled.
"Good, very good. I am glad to hear that," Dumbledore smiled.
"Can I go and say hello to Ron Weasley before I head back?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore smiled. "Of course. We shall see you in the New Year."
Harry bowed once more and then left the office. He headed up to Gryffindor Tower and found Ron and his brothers and Ginny sitting around in the commons room.
"Knock knock," Harry called out.
He grinned as the Weasleys got up from their chairs and turned to see Harry standing there. Harry was pleased to see the kimonos he sent fit.
"Harry!" Fred grinned.
Percy nodded. "Harry, these kimonos are very nice, much more nicer than robes. Thank you for them."
"Thanks mate," Ron grinned.
Ginny skipped over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you Harry."
"I sent some to your folks, Bill, and Charlie. Hope they liked them," Harry said.
Ron grinned. "I'm sure they did."
"Certainly very unique and colorful," George said.
Percy nodded. "That they are. I do need to go and study for a class, excuse me."
Harry nodded. "Happy New Year!"
Percy turned and left. Harry turned back to the remaining Weasleys. He noticed that Ginny was looking rather pale but he didn't ask. Later perhaps.
"So what's going on?" Harry asked.
All of them sat down and talked for a bit. Harry learned nothing new had happened and he sighed in relief.
"Maybe this thing is over," Fred suggested.
Harry scratched his chin. "I'm hoping it is. We'll see what happens when everyone comes back."
All of the Weasleys present nodded. Harry checked the time and stood up. Two hours had flown by and he needed to get back to the Dursley House.
"I need to get back. I'll see all of you in January," Harry said.
Ron stood up. "I'll walk you out, Harry."
Both of them walked down to the Great Fireplace deep in conversation about the situation and other things. They shook hands and then Harry flooed back to the Dursleys. Stepping out of the fireplace, he looked around and noted everything seemed to be okay and in place. Dudley, Aunt Marge, and Aunt Petunia were in the dining room playing Scrabble. Uncle Vernon obviously had not returned yet.
"Come on Harry!" Dudley called out. "Come and play with us!"
Harry grinned. "Okay. Be right down."
Vernon walked in just as the game was ending. Aunt Marge smiled as Harry totaled up the points.
"Marge clean up again?" Vernon asked as he walked over.
Dudley nodded. "Harry got close to beating her."
Vernon laughed. "Good job, Harry!"
He sat down and joined in the next game.
The next few days were quiet and relaxing ones. Harry would go out on his morning runs and workout with Tino, then come home and join Dudley in the basement for weight training and boxing. Harry enjoyed the sparring with Dudley and noted how much Dudley had improved. Harry and Dudley hung out together and the adults upstairs would have their own conversations. Evenings were spent playing board games and such. Harry enjoyed the time he was spending here. He was starting to feel comfortable here but a part of him deep down wished his parents were still alive. Harry would reach into his shirt from time to time and touch the locket he wore around his neck and when he felt it he felt reassured that it was still there.
New Year's Eve finally rolled around and Harry was excited. He was looking forward to starting a new year and felt hopeful that it would be a very good year for him and everyone he knew. Vernon had gone out and gotten a very expensive bottle of champagne to ring in the New Year with. They would go to New Year's Day Mass the next morning and then sit down to a big meal and watch the footie games on the TV. Right at Midnight, Vernon handed out a glass to everyone and then they toasted the New Year, hearing all kinds of noise outside right at the stroke of midnight. Harry was feeling giddy, the moment getting to him and making him feel joyful. He smiled as he watched Vernon kissing Petunia and Dudley making a face before Aunt Marge giving him one. Before he knew it, Aunt Marge had him in her arms and was kissing him too! Harry blushed as Dudley howled in laughter. But he didn't mind, feeling good about it all.
New Year's Day dawned bright and clear. The snow lay fresh on the ground and Harry closed his eyes as he breathed in the crisp cold air. He followed his cousin to the Escalande and got in for the trip to church. He listened to the priest and meditated on what he had heard, deciding they were good and wise words to live by. Deep down Harry believed there was a greater being that watched over everything and cared for people. He wondered if his parents were in heaven like people said they were. He decided if they were then it was a good thing.
"Harry?" Dudley nudged him.
Harry snapped to. "What's up?"
"Come on, we're leaving now," Dudley said.
Back at the house, Harry forgot about his thoughts in church once he smelled the good food he was helping set out on the table. Aunt Petunia had outdone herself with the honey glazed ham and the Cornish Hens. Harry had to smile at the name, reminding him of the Cornish Pixies Lockhart had unleashed in class at the start of the school year. Harry couldn't decide what he liked best, sitting on the couch after the dinner. Vernon and Dudley joined him for the footie games. As Harry watched, he couldn't help but compare it to American football.
"Close enough, Harry. But this version of football as you call it is much more exciting," Vernon explained.
Harry had to admit Uncle Vernon was right. This version was much more exciting. Rugby was a lot more action packed than American football. They watched the games until late and then retired for the night.
The next morning Harry was lying flat on his tummy in the snow as Tino attempted to find him. Harry was working on his concealment skills in the snow and he watched Tino move to the left of him. Once Tino was out of sight, Harry moved out of his place and moved forward to the safe zone they had agreed on in the park long ago. Just before Harry reached it, his feet were knocked out from under him and he did a back flip to confront the enemy. Tino stood there grinning.
"Moved way too soon, Harry. Should have waited a bit longer," Tino grinned.
Harry sighed and shook his head. "I'll remember that when we start up again back at school. I'm looking forward to going back."
Tino smiled. "So am I. Be nice to see a group of kids again."
"I'll see my friends again," Harry smiled.
Tino patted Harry's shoulder then turned to look off in the distance. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, I heard them too. Let's get out of here," Harry said.
Back at the house Harry came out of the bathroom drying off after his morning shower. Dudley came out of his room already dressed. "Going back tomorrow?"
Harry nodded. "Yup. Need to get back to school."
"Would it be possible for me to see it?" Dudley asked.
"I'd have to ask first," Harry said. "Please don't get your hopes up."
Dudley grinned. "Be a load of fun exploring the place, I bet."
"You have no idea," Harry laughed.
Both of them headed downstairs to start the day.
Harry slipped through the barrier right at ten thirty the next morning and saw the Hogwarts Express at rest on the rails. Leaving the Dursleys was hard, Aunt Marge tearing up a little.
"Do be careful, Harry. Have a good time and I shall see you in the summer," she said, hugging him and giving him a peck on the cheek.
"I will, Aunt Marge. I was really happy to have met you," Harry said.
She patted his cheek and moved out of the way. Dudley shook his hand and wished him well. Aunt Petunia gave him a box full of food for the trip. Uncle Vernon came in from the cold, having carried Harry's bag out to the Escalande.
"Ready there, Harry?" he asked.
Harry nodded. "Yes sir."
Then they were off. Harry got through the barrier unseen and was now standing on the platform. Many of the Gryffindors made their greetings as they walked past Harry, getting on the train. Harry had reserved a compartment for himself and a few friends, including Hermione. Then he saw her coming and smiled.
"Hermione!" Harry called out.
Hermione looked up and smiled, waving to Harry. "There you are!" she exclaimed.
Harry grinned. "Enjoy your holiday?"
"Yes, it was quite splendid. Harry, thank you for the kimono. It was wonderful!" Hermione said with a smile.
"I got them for my relatives and McGonagall too," Harry said.
"Harry, you look very sharp!" she exclaimed.
"My Aunt Marge got me the suit," Harry said.
Hermione smiled, and Harry got a funny feeling deep inside of him. He wasn't sure what to make of it and he decided to talk to Tino or Dumbledore later.
"I have a compartment reserved for us and a few friends," Harry said.
They got on board and went to the compartment. The others showed up in time. Lee Jordan was the first, followed by Neville Longbottom, then Oliver Wood, and then last was Seamus Finnegan. They settled down into their seats and a few minutes later the train pulled out of the station and back to Hogwarts.
The ride back to Hogwarts was full of talk and speculation. Everybody in the compartment told Harry they were behind him all the way, and that they believed he wasn't responsible for anything. That reassured Harry somewhat, but he couldn't help but feel that he was headed into serious danger this time. He shrugged it off and decided to deal with it when it happened. He turned back to the festivities in the compartment.
Arriving at Hogwarts, Harry had the feeling he'd come home. He relaxed considerably and greeted people he knew that were still talking to him. Many people were amazed at the change in Harry and he received many complements. Malfoy just sent evil glares at Harry.
"Someone's a bit pithed off," Harry chuckled as Malfoy slinked out of sight.
Many of the Gryffindors chuckled at the joke. Harry turned and headed back up to the Gryffindor dorm and found Ron and his brothers minus Percy sitting in the commons room. Ron grinned when he saw Harry.
"Harry!" Ron hollered. "Just get in?"
Harry grinned. "Yup, and even received the typical Malfoy welcome."
Everyone laughed at that. Harry sat down on the couch and talked with his friends until it was time for dinner. Percy popped out of nowhere and led Gryffindor House down to the Great Hall for dinner. Everyone settled down as Dumbledore rose.
"I am glad to see all of you back for more learning. I trust your Holidays were pleasant, and all of you ready to go. There is nothing to announce at this time, so tuck in and enjoy your meals," he said.
Food appeared on the tables as he sat down and the feast began.
It was a few evenings later that something significant happened. Harry and Ron were passing by the floor where Moaning Myrtle's bathroom was when they heard Filch shouting hysterically. Harry and Ron looked at each other and leaned over the fourth floor railing just in time to see Filch go stomping down a flight of stairs to Dumbledore's office, muttering all the way.
"What's got him steamed up?" Ron wondered.
Harry went down the stairs to the third floor, Ron racing to catch up. The corridor was flooded with water coming from underneath the bathroom door. Harry blinked.
"Something's up," he said just as Myrtle started wailing.
Ron sighed. "What's got her going?"
Harry pushed his way in and waded over to her stall.
"Myrtle? Are you alright?" Harry asked.
She popped out from the stall." No!" she screamed, making Harry shiver. "I was just minding my own business when someone threw a book at me down the toilet. People always think it's so much fun to throw things at me!"
Harry backed up a step. "I'm sorry you were bothered, Myrtle. Some people just don't have any kind of respect for the dead."
That took a little steam out of her rant. "You are different from other people, Harry Potter. I've always liked you and respected you."
Harry smiled. "Thank you, Myrtle. Where is the book that hit you?"
"It's over there by the sink," Myrtle said. "I washed it out over there."
Harry went to pick it up and he examined it carefully. "T. M. Riddle," he read out loud.
"I remember that name," Ron said with a sigh. "He got an award for special services to the school fifty years ago."
Harry turned to Ron. "Oh? How did you find that out?"
Ron smiled glumly. "If you were made to spend over an hour polishing it after belching slugs all over it, you'd remember it too."
"You'll have to show it to me sometime," Harry said.
He lifted his head and listened intently to something. "We better roll out of here. Filch is coming, and I don't want to get caught in here."
Ron nodded and headed to the door as Harry turned to Myrtle. "I'll see you later, Myrtle. Don't let people get to you. They just don't know you like I do."
Myrtle smiled. "So sweet of you to say so."
Harry turned and speedily exited the bathroom just in the nick of time. He heard a clatter of buckets as he raced down the second hall to a classroom and inside of it. He heaved a sigh as the door closed. Ron was sitting at one of the desks and Harry sat down next to him and examined the book.
"It's a diary," Harry said a moment later. "But there's nothing written inside of it. I wonder why."
Ron took it from Harry and examined it. "Invisible printing?"
Harry smiled. "We'll ask Hermione for the spell to make it appear."
Harry noticed something written on the back and asked Ron to turn it over. He read the name of a variety store on Vauxhall Road in London.
"A muggle store?" Ron exclaimed, puzzled. "Why not a Wizarding diary?"
Harry sighed. "Good question, Ron. But there's nothing inside of it, nothing written on the pages. Come on, let's show it to Hermione."
Harry picked up a tattered copy of whatever book was on the table next to him and read the cover. It was a Transfiguration book. Harry grinned as he walked out into the hall and came face to face with Filch.
"Good evening, sir. How is Mrs. Norris?" Harry inquired politely.
Filch's eyes narrowed at Harry. "No change."
"I'm sorry to hear that, sir. I have heard that Professor Sprout is close to having the main ingredients to the potion needed almost ready. I'm sure she'll be back to her normal self in no time," Harry said.
"Why are you up here?" Filch demanded.
"Misplaced my Transfiguration book, and came up here to borrow a classroom copy. Working on an essay for Professor McGonagall," Harry replied.
Filch nodded. "Off with you now."
Harry motioned to Ron and both of them walked off.
Up in the Gryffindor Tower, Ron turned to Harry. "You got to be the smoothest talker I'd ever met. You been taking lessons from Fred and George?"
Harry smiled. "I'll take that as a complement. One of the things I've learned is to always have an escape ready. Second is to never let them see you leave."
Ron nodded. "I'll remember that."
Hermione walked in at that moment, carrying a stack of books in her arms. Ron rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Doing some light reading again?" Harry joked.
Hermione sighed. "Oh very funny, Mr. Potter."
"Well I need you to take a look at something for a moment," Harry said as Hermione dropped the books on a nearby table.
Harry showed her the diary and she examined it from cover to cover. She pulled her wand and worked a few spells and charms on the book to no avail. She handed it back.
"This is an unusual book, Harry. Best you be careful with it," she said.
"I will," Harry nodded.
He tucked it away inside his trunk for a more careful examination later.
The next day at break, he went to the Trophy room with Ron and Hermione to look at the Riddle Award. As he stood there looking at it, he couldn't help but get the funny feeling they would be crossing paths very soon. He decided on extra training sessions in his room. He'd been listening to the spirits of the Potter Clan as they taught him about the powers he had acquired recently, and now he understood them more and more. They let him have a little access to them as he learned to control them, but he knew it would be a long time before he would have full control of them. That was fine by him, he wasn't in any hurry to take control of them just yet. It would be time before he would have them all, and when he did, it would be the day he would confront Voldemort and end the man's rein of terror once and for all. Everything he was going through now was a test of his character, spirit, and soul.
"Ah, so that is the true test of the steel that lies inside of us," Harry mused out loud as he sipped his tea while sitting in his training room.
"Congratulations brother," Tino's voice came from behind Harry.
Harry didn't hesitate. He was out of the chair, in midair doing a back flip and then landing on his feet combat ready with Katana in hand.
Tino grinned. "Very nice reaction, Harry. Your training has served you well."
Harry relaxed when he saw it was Tino, Dumbledore, and McGonagall standing there.
"Would all of you like some tea?" Harry asked.
"Later perhaps. We wanted to stop and make sure you are settled in for the rest of the year and to also find out if you know anything about what is going on," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry.
"All I know is that there is something running loose around here attacking people. Could you please ask Ernie McMillan of Hufflepuff House to stop following me all the time? It's getting downright annoying. He's gotten fixated on the idea that I was responsible for the attack on Justin," Harry said.
"I shall talk to him, Harry. Please let me know if you discover anything," Dumbledore said and then left.
Somehow Lockhart became convinced that he was the one responsible for scaring off the attacker when nearly a month went by with no attacks and no further clues.
"What we need is a morale booster!" he winked to McGonagall one afternoon.
"Dare I ask what it is?" Ron said as they approached the Great Hall one February morning for breakfast.
His question was answered when the two of them entered the Great Hall. They stared in shock at the sight.
"Somebody pinch me," Ron muttered.
The walls were covered in huge pink flowers and hearts, while tiny red and pink heart shaped confetti rained down from the ceiling. Up at the staff table, Lockhart himself was wearing pink robes and a silly moronic smile. The House tables had bright red and pink heart shaped centerpieces. But the expressions on the faces of the teachers and the staff were anything but happy. McGonagall looked grim. Snape's expression suggested a slow and painful death. Harry had a hard time trying to decipher Dumbledore's expression. He joined his housemates at the Gryffindor table.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart crowed. "Today I have arranged a special surprise for all!"
At that, the girls in the hall swooned, much to the annoyance of the boys. Even Malfoy was furious as he watched Pansy sigh in admiration. The doors in back opened and a group of dwarfs trudged in. They were wearing togas, angel wings, and holding harps.
"They will be delivering Valentines to your special person today!" Lockhart smiled brilliantly.
"Oh God help us all," Seamus Finnegan moaned.
For the rest of the day, Harry managed to keep a low profile as the dwarfs would go into classes, disrupting them to deliver Valentines. One finally caught up to him as he headed upstairs to his last class of the day.
"Potter!" the dwarf yelled, racing to catch him.
Harry moved faster, trying to lose the dwarf in the crowd. The dwarf weaved through the students until he caught up with Harry and brought him down with a tackle that would have made a Rugby team proud.
"What's going on?" Malfoy asked as he strolled into the hall.
Malfoy grinned wolfishly as the dwarf sat on Harry and sang a song about eyes greener than fresh pickled toads and so on. It finally ended and the dwarf moved on, his mission accomplished. Harry stood up and to his dismay, discovered he was covered in ink, his ink bottle having broken in the crash with the floor. He gathered up his belongings into his now torn book bag and walked off to the catcalls and whistles. He went into his training room and pulled off his robe, his shirt, his t-shirt, and grabbed a pair of sparring gloves and went to work on the punching bag in the corner, practicing his kickboxing techniques. The next time he looked at the clock it was late. He pulled off the sparring gloves and sat down in a chair, wiping the sweat off him with a towel. He looked at the pile of ink drenched books and sighed. He needed to clean all that off for the next day. Harry reached for one book and discovered it was Riddle's diary. What was more puzzling was the fact that the diary didn't have a drop of ink on it. Now Harry's curiosity was aroused. He quickly loaded up a quill and dropped a blot of ink onto the page and watched in amazement as the ink blot disappeared. Harry loaded the quill once more and wrote his name.
"Hello, Harry Potter. My name is Tom Riddle," the page replied when ink appeared on it.
Harry was excited. "I found your diary," he wrote.
"I wondered how you came by it," Riddle wrote back.
"Someone tried to flush it down the toilet," Harry wrote.
"Someone doesn't want the diary read," Riddle wrote. "Is there something happening at Hogwarts?"
"Yes. It's fifty years later and something is attacking the students here, and something called the Chamber of Secrets is supposedly open again," Harry wrote.
"That happened here in my time. I could tell you about it, but I can show you and you can see it for yourself," Riddle wrote.
Harry hesitated for a moment. He didn't know what was going to happen. "Okay."
The book started flipping it's pages right to the middle of July, and a tiny square grew to the size of the book page, and streams of energy reached out for Harry and pulled him in. Next thing he knew he was standing in what was the Headmaster's office. It was radically different from Dumbledore's. The smaller older man stepped away from the window and folded up a piece of parchment and slipped it into his pocket. Harry blinked as the man walked past him.
"I must be a ghost to him if he can't see me," Harry thought.
A knock sounded on the door and the man that Harry recognized as Professor Dippet turned to the door. "Come in."
The door opened and in walked a sixteen year old Tom Riddle. He looked nearly like Harry, same black hair except Tom's was cut very short whereas Harry wore his long in a loose ponytail. Tom was much taller than Harry.
"Ah, good evening, Tom. I just read your letter. I am afraid I cannot allow you to summer here. It is much too dangerous right now," Dippet said.
Tom sighed. "I understand, sir."
"Even now the Ministry is talking about closing Hogwarts due to the death of the poor little girl. I do not know what shall become of all of you if that happens," Dippet sighed. "We are no closer to solving this mystery."
"What if someone were to find the source and stop it?" Tom suggested.
Dippet immediately sat up. "What do you know, Tom?"
"Nothing, sir. I am sorry," Tom said.
Dippet slumped back into his chair. "It is late, Tom Best you get on to bed."
Harry watched Tom go and then followed him out and down the stairs. As he followed Tom Riddle down the staircase, he heard a familiar voice call out. Tom and Harry turned to see a fifty years younger Dumbledore standing there.
"You are out late, Tom. It is not safe for you or anyone to be out this late," Dumbledore said.
Tom turned to face Dumbledore. "I was up to see the Headmaster, sir."
Dumbledore nodded. "Off to bed with you then."
Tom turned and went down the stairs towards the dungeons, Harry following him. Tom stopped and concealed himself behind a post and settled down to wait. It wasn't long before both of them heard a noise. Tom jumped out when the noise was close enough.
"Evening, Rubeus. What brings you down here?" Tom asked.
The boy he spoke to turned around to face Tom. Harry recognized a younger Hagrid.
"Nothing," he snapped.
Tom sighed. "Rubeus, he needs to be caught and killed to stop all of the attacks. He killed the poor girl in the bathroom."
Hagrid drew himself to his full height, towering over Tom. "He didn't kill anybody!"
"Out of the way, Hagrid. I must do my duty," Tom snapped.
He tried to push past Hagrid, and then things happened. Harry saw something low to the ground, a mass of hair and legs suddenly jet out of hiding and bowl Tom over as Hagrid leapt onto Tom, stopping him from using his wand. Then the scene went haywire and Harry found himself back in his training room. He sat up in his chair and blinked. Hagrid had been the one to open the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago and got expelled from Hogwarts because of it. He needed to find Ron and Hermione.
All three of them sat in the commons room the clock having gone past midnight. Rom sat still, not saying a word while Hermione rubbed her chin, a sure sign she was thinking hard.
"Too much of a coincidence," Hermione said at last. "But you have to admit the facts fit. Hagrid has always liked strange creatures."
Harry sighed and stood up, stretching. "I know. But I'm not convinced it was him then, and now."
"I agree," Hermione nodded.
"Let's sleep on this," Harry said.
Harry never got any sleep. He tossed and turned all night long, the mystery eating at him. He rose at his usual time and went through his usual morning routine, finding Hermione in his training room writing on the wall the events of last night. She had charmed the timeline so that Harry, Ron, and her would be the ones to read it and nobody else. She sat down as Tino entered the room. Hermione watched as Harry went through his routine with Tino. Nothing was said on the way down to breakfast, the three of them working the problem from their own viewpoints. The word now was the Mandrakes were starting to get restless, something Professor Sprout said would be happening now. Harry crossed his fingers and hoped the potion would be made in time. Then those who had been attacked could tell who or what it was. The day got started.
The next thing that happened was that the second years were given a list of classes available next term and told to choose classes that would guide them to their chosen careers. Naturally Harry chose to be an Auror. With his ninja skills he'd be perfect for the job. Hermione had to agree.
"Harry, you're a natural for it. I've signed up for a bunch of classes next year towards that goal," she said.
Ron grinned. "So have I. With time spent in here I will improve greatly between now and then. Your skills would be perfect."
Harry nodded. "I promised my Master long ago that I'd use my skills to help people. I've done the same with Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall. I think all of them would approve of my career choice."
"I approve of it myself," Tino said from behind them.
Harry turned to face the man. "Thanks, Tino. I appreciate your vote of confidence."
Tino smiled. "Good. That means a lot more hard work on your part, and I shall do what I can to teach your two friends self defense."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you Tino."
The next event to happen was the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Wood was working everyone a lot harder than usual. Harry had very little free time between the classes, homework, and Quidditch practices. So it was a tired Harry that trudged up to his dormitory room to drop off his broomstick one evening before heading off to the library. He met Neville at the commons room. The teen looked frantic.
"Harry! I've been looking for you. Someone broke into your trunk," he said out of breath.
Harry pushed past Neville quickly and entered the room. Neville had been right. The contents of his trunk was scattered all over the room. Seamus and Dean Thomas were picking things up carefully and placing them on Harry's bed.
"We just walked in here, Harry. Saw the room like this and started picking things up for you," Dean explained.
Harry nodded. "Thanks guys. I appreciate that."
Harry started going through everything on the bed. The robes had been torn apart, the pockets inside out. Pages from books ripped out. His trunk had been emptied and searched completely. Harry discretely checked the places he's hidden his swords and knives and they were still in place. Then it struck him as to what the person was looking for that he'd not found. Riddle's diary. It was gone. He swore to himself. He spent the next hour going through everything as he repacked his trunk carefully. The only thing missing was the diary. As Harry repacked the trunk, his mind worked on this latest incident. The only person capable of doing this would be a Gryffindor. That was a logical conclusion. Nobody else knew the password, and the Pink Lady wouldn't let anyone else in except for Gryffindor. In fact, anytime someone from another house came visiting, she would find out who it was the visitor wanted to see and then she would go into a painting in the commons room and announce the visitor. Ron sat on Harry's bed after the others left.
"Riddle's diary is gone," Harry told Ron.
Ron looked at Harry. "You sure about that?"
"I know exactly where I put it, Ron. It's not there," Harry sighed.
Ron scratched his head a moment and then he looked up at Harry. "Do you think that it's possible that someone is leading you into something?"
Harry nodded. He had considered that fact after he'd witnessed the events in Riddle's journal. He'd been feeling like the events were happening just to lead him into something, and he was bothered by it all. He decided to make a list of suspects and then see where that would get him. Ron followed him to the training room and then watched Harry write names on the wall and his reasons for listing them as suspects.
Gilderoy Lockhart. Con man, very flashy and likes to put on airs. He also has a tendency to stare at the better developed female students. He likes to make himself look good at the expense of others.
Severus Snape. The potions master. Ex Death Eater.
Draco Malfoy. Son of Lucius Malfoy, a suspected Death Eater and he definitely hates me. Why I have no idea other then the fact that I turned down his friendship and that I am a part of Gryffindor House.
Harry stepped back from the board and Ron handed Harry a cup of tea.
"Three names. Not much of a list, Harry. I'm really starting to get worried here," Ron said as Hermione came in.
Harry told her about the missing diary and she read the list on the wall. She didn't say anything about Harry's comment about Lockhart.
"I do have to agree with Ron. I am getting worried, too. This is starting to get way out of control," Hermione said.
Harry sighed. "I know. If we don't get a break soon, I'll go to Dumbledore. I hate to admit defeat."
Ron sighed. "Well hang in there, Harry."
Harry nodded. "Got to."
Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. Perfect Quidditch conditions. Harry met his teammates at the breakfast table. Oliver Wood nodded to them.
"Like we planned, okay?" he said.
Harry smiled as he walked into the Grand Foyer with Ron and Hermione.
"Kill this time... let me rip... tear..." the disembodied voice said once more.
Harry jerked as if he'd been shot. "The voice!"
Hermione clapped her hand to her forehead. "I'll see you guys later, I've got to get to the library! I think I just understood something!"
Ron and Harry sighed as she dashed off back up the stairs. Harry turned around and headed out to the Quidditch pitch for the game. He saw Hufflepuff huddled up for a last minute discussion. He joined his team and as they prepared to start the game, McGonagall appeared.
"Attention all students! The game is cancelled! All students report back to your dormitories!" she called through a hastily conjured megaphone.
Harry walked up to her. "What's happened?"
"A double attack, Potter. Follow me," she said.
Harry and Ron followed her back to the castle and up the stairs. Ron realized they were headed for the hospital wing.
"Oh God," he groaned.
Harry swallowed hard as they walked in. Then he closed his eyes and clenched his fists as Ron moaned. There on the bed in front of them was a frozen Hermione.
End Chapter Ten
Next episode: Hagrid is arrested, Dumbledore suspended, Harry visits Aragog and Moaning Myrtle, finds Hermione's clue, and enters the Chamber of Secrets. As always, thanks for the reviews!