Ch. 10
September came to a close and October was welcomed in by almost constant rain. Susan couldn't help but worry about her friends as they practiced hard out on the Quidditch pitch. As October continued Harry started to look more and more haggard. She wasn't too surprised by that with all the things that Harry was involved in while still keeping ahead of his homework but she still worried. With the charms club, the potions club, and the gardeners while still seeing Madam Pomfrey and Quidditch practice Harry was getting very little sleep. During the second weekend in October though Susan finally decided that enough was enough and something needed to be done. Saturday morning dawned and Susan and Hannah were once again entering the common room to meet Harry for breakfast but for the first time that year, he was nowhere in sight..
"I wonder were Harry is. He usually beats us down here." Susan said looking around for their friend.
"I'm not sure Suzy." Hannah looked around and saw Justin just coming down into the common room. "Hey Justin, was Harry still up their?"
"Yeah he was still asleep. He is the only one left up there."
"Thanks Justin, do you mind if we go up and check on him?" Susan asked.
"Nah go ahead. He should be decent."
Together the girls went upstairs to go check on their friend and they found him still in his four poster bed still fast asleep. "Should we wake him Suzy?" Hannah whispered.
"No let's just let him sleep. He's been pretty busy this year and he could do with a lie in. We can bring him some breakfast later if he sleeps through it."
Hannah nodded and together the girls made their way up to the Great Hall. When they sat down they were greeted by Megan and Ernie who had been there for a while already. They piled their plates full of eggs and bacon and then put some bread and bacon in a napkin to take to Harry later.
"Hey you two," Ernie said. "Did you guys hear what happened last night? Apparently something got into Hagrid's chicken coop and killed all the chickens. Some Gryffindor overheard him asking Professor Babbling if she would ward the coup when he fixes it and gets some more chickens."
"A fox must have gotten through the chicken wire." Megan said. "We used to keep chickens when I was younger and that happened to us a few times before we got the coop warded."
"That's the thing though," Ernie said lowering his voice in a conspiratorially tone. "None of the chickens were eaten and it looked like they were killed with cutting curses. Even the roosters had their heads cut off."
The other second years looked at Ernie in disbelief. "Are you saying a student killed those chickens?"
"That's what I heard. The Gryffindor who told me overheard Hagrid telling Professor Foote about it while he was talking to Professor Babbling." Conversation died down after Ernie's news and the Hufflepuffs ate in silence. Finally breakfast ended and Susan and Hannah headed back to the common room with the food for Harry. They knocked on the door and when they didn't receive any response opened the door to find him still asleep. Quietly the girls walked over and sat on the edge of his bed and Susan nudged Harry's shoulder gently and he slowly woke up.
"Morning Harry, are you feeling ok. You never sleep this long."
Harry blinked away the sleep from his eyes and peered up at Susan and Hannah. "Oh what time is it? Did I miss breakfast?"
"We brought you a bacon sandwiches and it's almost ten."
"Wow thanks. I can't remember the last time I slept this late." Harry said as he covered a jaw cracking yawn.
"Are you ok? You've been looking a little pale lately and I don't think you've been getting enough sleep." Susan asked with concern.
"I'm fine. I'm probably just working too hard. I was thinking of giving up one of my clubs but I can't decide on which one."
"Ok, but promise me if you start to feel sick you will tell Madam Pomfrey right away." Harry smiled and nodded at his best friend and Susan smiled back.
"Thanks for worrying about me you two. I really appreciate it."
"Well Harry, we can't have our best Chaser out of action now can we." Hannah teased. "I fully expect you to be the top scorer this year."
Harry laughed. "The competition is going to be steep for that. Between Heidi and the Gryffindor Chaser line, it's going to be tough. Now if you two would please excuse me so I can get up and get changed that would be greatly appreciated." Both girls blushed and left the room. The rest of the weekend was spent happily with their study group alternating between working on homework and playing games and just chatting. Harry decided to skip the potions club and instead opted to continue working with Poppy on potions during their weekly sessions. Susan wasn't too surprised by that after their first club meeting and also decided to quit the club after seeing that it most likely would not help her.
HC
The Wednesday before Halloween Susan and Hannah were sitting in the common room putting the finishing touches on their Transfiguration homework when Ernie ran into the common room. "You guys aren't going to believe what just happened." Ernie said in a rush getting the attention of all the Hufflepuffs in the common room. "I was returning to the library when I heard shouting from the Entry Hall. When I got there I saw Filch screaming at Harry. Apparently Harry was coming in from Quidditch practice soaking wet and Filch laid into him for tracking water and mud all over his floor. He then dragged him off to his office still yelling. I already told Sprout and she is making her way there now." The whole house went silent at the news. Susan sat their worried for her friend but confident that Professor Sprout would sort everything out. She never fails to look after her Badgers.
A few minutes later Harry walked in still soaking wet and looking rather dejected followed closely by Professor Sprout. Susan wasted no time in meeting him with Hannah close behind.
"Harry what happened? Ernie said Filch went psycho on you." Hannah asked.
"Close enough." He chuckled. "I didn't have a chance to change out of my robes after practice and I was soaking wet when I got back into the castle. He took me down to his office to lecture me some more and there was some envelope on his desk. When he saw me looking at it he got even madder if you would believe it. I didn't even see what it was. It wasn't like I was reading his mail or anything, but I swear he was about to whip me. Luckily Professor Sprout came in and took over." At this Harry smiled at their Head of House. "I still have to serve a detention and lost 10 points but it could have been worse."
"Just remember the drying spell I showed you Harry." Professor Sprout said. "That way we can avoid these situations in the future."
Harry nodded. "I will Professor and thanks again." Professor Sprout bid the rest of the house goodnight and left the common room. Harry went to get showered and change before returning to the common room to work on his homework with Susan and Hannah.
HC
Susan noticed that Harry started to look a little better now that he had given up the Potions Club. He was getting more sleep and not having to stay up so late working on his homework. Even with all these changes though the last week of October came and Harry was once again looking like he hadn't slept much and was getting a little pale.
"Harry, I really think you should go see Madam Pomfrey." Susan said on the 29th. "You're back too looking a bit pale again. Have you been sleeping ok?"
"I've been having some strange dreams lately and have been having some trouble sleeping, but I think they are just triggered by this time of the year. If I'm still having problems in November then I will go and talk to Poppy." Susan gave him a nod in acceptance and they continued walking. When Halloween came Harry was looking even paler with dark circles under his eyes.
"I think I am going to skip the feast again this year and just go curl up in bed. Maybe I can get some sleep." Harry said after the last class of the day.
"Want us to come and keep you company Harry?" Hannah asked.
"No you go enjoy the feast. I promise to go straight to bed and not leave my dorm. No troll to deal with this year." Susan chuckled a little at his attempt at a joke then bade him good night. The two girls walked to the Great Hall and took their normal seats at the Hufflepuff table. The feast was once again wonderful. While looking around the Great Hall Susan noticed that many of the ghosts were missing. She wondered to herself where they might be as they hardly ever missed a feast. When she looked at the head table she couldn't help but laugh. Lockhart was sitting at the Head Table dressed in garish orange and black robes. If made him look like a skinny jack-o-lantern. When she tried to point it out to Hannah she would just sigh dreamily. "He is such a fashion innovator. Just wait Susan; I'm sure that by the end of the month you will see everyone wearing those colors. Just look how they bring out his hair." Susan had to restrain herself from smacking that gooey look off her friends face.
The feast ended with a spectacular performance by the Hogwarts suits of armor and some of the large pumpkins that Hagrid had been growing. When the feast ended Hannah got up in a rush. "Susan I need to head to the loo." Hannah grabbed Susan and dragged her off to the bathroom.
"Hannah what's wrong?"
"I think I had too many sweets at the feast. I'm not feeling too well."
"Wait Hannah, why are you taking us to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom?"
"It's the closest one Sue and I can't wait." True to her word, Hannah started to turn a little green. When Hannah rounded the last corner onto the corridor with Myrtle's bathroom she stopped in her tracks and let out a loud scream. Susan looked around her and saw what made her scream. Their hanging from one of the candle holders was Mrs. Norris, stiff as a board eyes wide open in shock. Hannah seemed to forget all about her tummy problem as she stared at the cat.
"Hannah, we have to get out of here. We don't want to be found here when this is discovered. We need to go to Professor Sprout." Susan tried to drag Hannah away but the other girl wouldn't budge. Susan heard the pounding of hundreds of feet heading their way no doubt drawn by Hannah's scream. Susan tried one more time to pull her friend away before they were swept along the hallway with the crowed. When the crowd stopped advancing they found themselves only a few feet away from the cat. They could see above the cat someone had written something in what looked like blood. From somewhere in the crowd came a familiar drawing voice.
"'The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir Beware'. You'll be next mudbloods."
"That's 50 points from Slytherin and another week detention Mr. Malfoy." Professor Foote had arrived and he and a group of the teachers made their way to the front of the crowed. Unfortunately Filch was with them and when he saw his beloved cat his eyes bulged in rage.
"Who did this? I demand to know who did this." His eyes focused on Susan and Hannah at the front of the crowd. Something from the students' reaction must have tipped him off. "YOU! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY CAT!?"
"We didn't do anything to your cat. We found him like this. We just left the feast."
"Mr. Filch, I can vouch for them. They were at the feast and left only a minute before the rest of the students. There is no way that they could have done this." Professor Sprout defended.
"I want justice. Someone killed my cat. If it wasn't them then it must have been someone who wasn't at the feast." He seemed to look around the gathered students looking for someone. "POTTER! He wasn't at the feast and he wanted revenge for what happened earlier in the week. He found out I was a squib and now he is out to get me."
There was a loud gasp from the crowed. Susan though was unsurprised. It explained a lot about why Filch was the way he was. How cruel to have to work around students learning something that you would never be able to learn.
"Where is Mr. Potter? I do not recall seeing him at the feast." Professor Foote asked.
"He is in his dorm. He chooses not to attend the feast due to personal reasons." Professor Spout said.
"Ah yes, I suppose that is understandable given his situation. Never the less, we should go talk to him as he is the only student unaccounted for."
"There is no way that Mr. Potter had anything to do with this." Professor Sprout said.
"Never the less, we must talk with him. Poppy, if you would take Mrs. Norris to the hospital wing, we will come as soon as we are done speaking with Mr. Potter. I would say that she is just petrified and not dead by the looks of her. I think we shall be able to revive her. Professor Spout, you are growing a group of Mandrakes if I am not mistaken? With those we should be able to brew the potion to revive her.
"I would be happy to brew the potion for you Headmaster. There have been numerous times I have had to brew that particular potion." Lockhart stated and a group of girls swooned around him including Hannah. Professor Foote just returned a flat stare and turned to Professor Snape.
"Severus if you would brew the potion when the Mandrakes are ready that would be most helpful." He received a nod in return. "Now, Pomona, if you would please lead the way to Mr. Potter. Everyone else, please make your way back to your common room, we will make announcement when we have more information."
Together Susan, Hannah, Professor Sprout and Headmaster Foote made their way back to the Hufflepuff Common Room in silence. When they arrived the group made their way to the second year boy's dorm. They found the room empty saves for one bed that was occupied by a sleeping boy. "He has been having trouble sleeping for the last week. This usually happens during the anniversary of his parent's death." Susan whispered to the Professors. "His upbringing never gave him a chance to grieve for them and my Auntie and I think that might be part of the problem."
"Good observation Ms. Bones. Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey have told me a little bit of Mr. Potter's history. I am pleased to see that overall he is doing rather well now." The two professors walked over to his bed and sat on the edge of the bed. Professor Sprout nudged his shoulder and Harry slowly looked up.
"Professor Sprout, did I sleep past class? Is something wrong?" Harry asked through the haze of sleep.
"Harry, someone attacked Mr. Filch's cat tonight. Unfortunately you are the only one who wasn't at the feast." Professor Sprout began. "I need to ask if you left the common room at all tonight."
"No. After I said goodbye to Susan and Hannah, I returned to the common room. After a quick shower I crawled into bed. I wrote in my journal for a few minutes before going to sleep. Writing in my journal helps me to go to sleep. The next thing I know you are shaking me awake."
Professor Sprout and the Headmaster looked at Harry for a few seconds weighing his words. "Thank you Mr. Potter. We will let you go back to sleep." Professor Sprout and Professor Foote stood up from the bed and headed out of the dorm room leaving the three alone. Susan walked up to Harry and took a seat on the bed. Together Hannah and her filled Harry in on what happened and what they found. They left when Harry could barely keep his eyes open and headed for their own bed.
HC
The two educators made their way to the Hospital Wing deep in thought. Professor Foote prided himself on being able to read people especially when they were lying without the use of Legilimancy and all the signs pointed to Harry telling the truth. Not to mention that petrifying a living thing is quite advance dark magic that no second year would be able to perform. There was also the matter of the Chamber of Secrets. He would have to ask the staff about that. He remembered something vaguely about it but could not remember the full story.
The two professors entered the Hospital Wing and were immediately approached by Filch. "Well where is the little whelp. Did you arrest him? Is he going to cure my cat?"
"Argus, I do not believe that Mr. Potter is responsible for Mrs. Norris's condition. The boy claims that he was in bed the entire time and there is no proof to the contrary. His friends say he has not been sleeping well lately and when we arrived we had to wake him from a rather deep sleep." He turned to Madam Pomfrey. "Was I correct in assuming that Mrs. Norris was petrified?" At her confirmation nod he returned his attention to Mr. Filch. "The only known way for a wizard to petrify someone requires a lot of power and experience in the Dark Arts. Mr. Potter might be powerful for his age but nowhere close to the level required for this to happen."
Mr. Filch did not look over pleased by this but he could not argue the facts. Poppy chose this time to give the status report on the cat. "It appears the Headmaster was correct. Mrs. Norris is indeed petrified. I will be able to revive her once the Mandrakes are fully grown."
"That will be about 6 months I believe Argus." said Professor Sprout. "They need to be mature in order to be used in the potion."
"Very good, in the meantime, I will contact the DMLE and inform them of the events and they will probably send someone here to investigate just to be on the safe side. If there is nothing else, then I will wish you all a good night." With that Professor Foote turned around and left the hospital wing and went to go make his Floo Call.
A/N So it begins.