A/N: These last three chapters have been written and rewritten over the past few years. Now over 15,000 words have been uploaded in the last week, hopefully making up for the lack of updates over the last year. Don't worry, the second year will be up within a short period, stay tuned!

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Harry found himself wondering the hallways alone, not for the first time. The conversation he had with his friends about destiny had stuck in his mind. He didn't necessarily have a problem with destiny, but didn't realize that it was a way of saying that your life was somehow planned out for you. He was a little bitter at his friends for even arguing about it, it was a big question he wasn't quite ready to ponder.

"You looked confused Harry." Somehow, he ran into Luna at very opportune times.

"Hey Luna," Harry waved, "Just busy thinking is all. How's your day?"

"Just fine. My roommates have given me the honor of going on a quest." Luna responded with a grim smile.

"What kind of quest?" Harry asked.

"They have sent me on a scavenger hunt for some of my things," Luna said, "However they have forgotten to make an atlas or clue page."

"You mean they are bullying you." Harry said indignantly.

"Bullying is in the eye of the beholder Harry," Luna sagely responded, "You can't choose life's problems, only how you respond."

"I thought you believed in destiny." Harry snapped, a bit unfairly.

"Reaction isn't destiny. Just because you choose your path, doesn't mean it wasn't already chosen."

"Luna, aren't we too young to worry about all of this stuff?" Harry felt a prickle of a headache at the conversation. "I don't think it really matters."

Luna shrugged, "Maybe, but if we don't plan for our future then we could live it wrong."

"Um, okay Luna." Harry looked for a subject change. "Has enough time passed that you can think about switching houses now? Hermione is more than enough to be a mental challenge if that's what you're worried about."

Luna smiled, "I believe that Hermione is growing tired of me in the friend group, I'm afraid."

"Hermione isn't tired of you, she's very committed to thoughts. She's not overly fond of discussion that isn't entirely logical." Harry soothed, not really knowing where his words were coming from, "She doesn't particularly like faith statements unless you can back it up."

"If you can back it up, then it isn't a faith statement." Luna breathed as she walked through the corridor.

Harry felt like they were talking in circles, and he decided to let it drop. He walked silently next to her down the corridor. "I hope we don't miss Halloween dinner. Did you see Hagrid's pumpkins?"

"They were quite massive. I'm excited for the animated bats as well."

"I certainly don't want to see any bats down there, last year was bad enough." Harry's grimaced as he remembered chasing Hermione into the forest, fighting Acromantulas, and finding the Obsidian Jar.

"Harry James!" Ginny called from down the hallway as she ran to catch up. "I've been looking everywhere for you. Hermione's saved us seats at the feast."

"Have you?" Harry fidgeted, "I guess we can go down now, then."

Ginny stopped her excited response at Harry's oddly downtrodden look.

"I think he's sad because his parents died on Halloween." Luna tried to help.

"Luna!" Ginny took offence on Harry's behalf.

"Um, yeah that's part of it." Harry avoided the eyes of the girls and began walking again, "Just one floor away, let's get down there."

Ginny shot silent daggers at Luna as they walked silently behind him towards the Great Hall.

Harry stopped suddenly, "Do you guys hear that?"

Ginny looked at Luna uncertainly and back at Harry, "Hear what, Harry?"

"I heard a faint voice… it said 'rip'" Harry shook his head, I must have imagined it."

They fell in line as he led them down the corridor as Harry led bullishly ahead, eager to reach the Great Hall.

'Rip… tear… kill'

Without another word, Harry took off after the voice.

"Harry, wait!" Ginny pulled out her wand as she ran after him.

They heard the joy filled voices float through the air as they turned the corner. Harry immediately knew something was wrong when he heard the water splash beneath his feet. His hand immediately went to his wand as he saw what dangled from the lantern ahead.

"Oh my word! That's Filch's cat." Ginny exclaimed as she held her wand in front of her.

Luna seemed more serious than Harry had ever seen her as they quietly walked forward with their wands extended. The cat seemed clearly dead as it hung still from the wall.

"Who would have done this?" Luna asked, the air of aloofness absent from her voice.

"I don't think that's what we should worry about…" Ginny trailed off as she finally got a clear look at the wall. "Someone spelled that with blood."

"We have to find Dumbledore. Now." Harry commanded as he led them to the Great Hall. "Stay together, whoever did this may still be here."

Dinner must have gotten out, as footsteps and chatter flooded the hallway. Harry breathed a sigh of relief, knowing they would be safer with all the numbers. Hopefully Dumbledore wouldn't be too far behind the crowd, he would certainly sort this out.

"Harry, we need to go." Ginny said urgently, pulling on his arm

"Why?" Harry asked confused

"They are going to think we did this." Ginny pleaded, "Luna, go back to your dorm, quick."

Luna nodded as she retreated the way they had come.

"Harry, come!" Ginny pleaded, "Just trust me."

Harry reluctantly followed Ginny back up the hallway to avoid the crowd. A few floors up, he was finally able to slow her down, "Ginny, wait."

She turned to look into his eyes, brown meeting green. She felt her stomach begin to knot at the sight. "Do you not realize how it would look if the whole school finds us in front of Filch's cat?"

"Gin, no one is going to jump to a dumb conclusion, as if we had done it." Harry rationalized.

"They find us at the scene of the crime, and we are known to frequent detention based on our pranking, and we had our wands out." Ginny explained. "Location, weapon, and motive."

"I guess you're right." Harry conceded as he broke eye contact. "Let's had back to the Common Room and try and blend in."

"Good idea," Ginny nodded, "And Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for trusting me."

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Harry walked into the Gryffindor common room, with Ginny in tow. What followed was complete silence from a room full of their peers. Harry felt the sting of accusatory glares over him as he mentally groaned. Ginny was proven right by the look in some of the faces of his peers.

"And where have you been?" Percy stood above the crowd, "And dragging Ginny along, no less."

"What?" Harry shook his head in confusion.

"I have reports you left the common room hours ago and haven't been seen. Ginny had just gone to look for you before the attack." Percy accused. "What exactly were you doing?"

"It's personal Percy." Harry responded, unknowingly thrusting his chest out a bit.

"I just want to know where you were while the attack happened." Percy stepped forward.

"I was just walking the castle, perfectly within my right."

Ginny watched the two boys slowly escalate. She took a deep breath, hoping Harry would forgive her. "Percy, don't be an idiot. You know what todays significance is."

"Of course," Percy scoffed, "Every wizard knows what happened on Halloween… oh…"

Ginny looked at the emotions play across Harry's face before he crunched his lips together and silently walked up to his dormitory.

Hermione stepped forward to console Ginny, "I'm sorry Ginny. I can't believe they thought he would be part of that. You probably don't even know what happened."

"Hermione, we need to talk alone," Ginny pulled Hermione into a corner away from the other students and began to whisper. "We were walking Hermione, we saw it."

"You what?!"

"Keep it down," Ginny shushed, "Yeah, we saw the cat, the water, and the blood. I convinced him to run when we heard footsteps coming. I didn't want what just happened to happen. Some help."

"No, you made the right decision." Hermione affirmed, "This way the rumor is contained, and almost no one believes it. Much better than the whole school talking."

"I guess you're right." Ginny trailed off, "I hope Harry forgives me."

"I think he'll understand." Hermione reached to pat Ginny's shoulder, "I think you could accidently Cruciatous him and he'd forgive you."

Ginny snorted, "That's a bit over the top."

Hermione shook her head in disagreement, "Of course I'm presuming you can accidently cast that curse. Impossible of course."

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Harry kicked a rock as he stomped down to the Quidditch Pitch. He knew the rock had nothing to do with his troubles the past few days, but it made him feel better. He had been gawked and gaped at over the past few days in a way that made him feel like a snake behind glass at a zoo. He simply couldn't believe how frosty his own house had been at him over the whole mess as well. He had been unfairly cold to Ginny as well, leaving Hermione sit between them at meals over the last couple of days. He didn't know why he was giving her such a cold treatment, and he knew he had to end it soon. It wasn't her fault that Harry was an orphan, or that his parent's murderer was still alive and likely out for revenge. It certainly wasn't Ginny's fault that almost the entire school had been looking at him suspiciously since that day. Snape had even insinuated that he should have been taken to the Aurors and questioned about his whereabouts.

The pitch loomed large ahead as he saw the sun barely starting to rise above the castle. Harry decided he was tired of walking and jumped on his broom to fly the rest of the way to the pitch. The pure feeling of bliss washed away the uncertainty he faced on the ground. Flying was his true form of escape and he reveled in the feeling of the wind whipping past him. Settling into the center of the field, he saw he was only beaten by two people. Oliver seemed to be lecturing Ginny about some fault she had made in their last practice. It was typical of Ginny to go right back at the captain, but today it seemed she was content to nod and look at the ground with an air of downheartedness. He came to a rest as Oliver finished his speech and gave Ginny a single pat on the back. When she looked up confused at him, he gave her a confident smile.

"Potter, glad you made it." Oliver resumed his upright stance. "Now in today's practice, I would like you to focus on the snitch and not our chaser. There are no bludgers out here to distract you."

Harry shot the man a boiling look as Oliver reached down to grab the snitch. He would still not apologize for letting the Quidditch Cup go for the purpose of catching Ginny as she fell. Oliver was the only one who had not let him forget that the snitch was feet from his hand.

Ginny watched Harry take off after the snitch minutes after Oliver released it. She sighed as Oliver began his speech again. "Hey Oliver, I think you need to stop pestering Harry about the Cup."

Oliver looked affronted, "He needs to understand what's important in life. If I can't trust him to keep his eye on the snitch, I can't trust him to be our seeker."

"If he hadn't caught me I could have been killed or paralyzed." Ginny explained.

Oliver shook his head, "You would have been caught. His job isn't medical, it's to catch a snitch."

"Oliver, it's just a sport. Falling from a broom is life and death."

"Just a sport!" Oliver cried, "You need to have your priorities straightened. Quidditch injuries are actually rare."

"Tell that to Angelina." Ginny scoffed, Angelina had finally come back, but her spinal rehab had still not been completed. Fred often made a quiet practice of helping her about, or picking things up for her.

"Kids, play nice!" Fred yelled as he, George, and Katie approached the practice. "I saw the Slytherins coming behind us. They're in uniforms."

Oliver looked confused, "I booked the pitch weeks ago."

Oliver scowled as he marched forward to meet the group of Slytherins. "Flint, what are you doing here, I had this pitch booked weeks ago."

Flint held up a note, "We have a note from Snape. We have permission to use the field today to train our new seeker."

Draco Malfoy stepped forward with his shiny broomstick leaned onto his shoulder.

Harry landed behind Oliver as he watched the tense exchange. He had a sneaking suspicion Draco had bought his way onto the team, but he didn't want to outright embarrass him. "Hey Draco, how about a race for the snitch? That will be a good practice won't it?"

Draco smiled, "There is no way you'd really want that Potter, being embarrassed in front of your girlfriend? I'll pass."

"He sounds scared, Harry." Ginny goaded from behind him. "They need to teach him to fly first. We did both already beat him last year."

Draco's team looked unsurely at him before he spoke up. "Okay Potter, a race to the top of the astronomy Tower."

"Gentlemen line up!" Fred called as George began taking bets from the crowd. "Under the bridge, around the Great Hall and to the top of the Astronomy Tower. 3-2-1-GO!"

Harry and Draco kicked off simultaneously as the raced to the bridge. Harry went straight for the bridge as Draco lagged behind. Harry couldn't deny the superior speed of the broom, but Draco didn't seem to know the full power of his instrument and Harry knew he would get ahead on the turns.

Harry pulled ahead as he turned around the bridge, realizing what the twins had set up for them. The quickest way to the Great Hall would be to cut around towers and courtyards. He bobbed and swerved through the columns while Draco rocketed up and tried to beat him on a straightaway. Harry feared Draco might have him beat if he didn't beat him to the Great Hall. He was underestimating his own speed as he pulled around the hall as Draco was starting the turn. He pushed his Nimbus for all it had as he rocketed to the top of the Astronomy Tower. Draco caught up near the end but landed just a few seconds after him.

"Well Draco, I guess that settles that." Harry smiled in triumph

Draco shook his head. "The hide us in the dungeons, I don't know the layout as well as the more fortunate house."

Harry shook his head, "I disagree that we are more fortunate, but it is much better being a Gryffindor. Come on, let's fly back down and break the news."

Draco smirked as Harry turned, "Is it really so much better being a Gryffindor? I see the way they looked at you the last few days. It even makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Thanks for your concern Draco, but I can handle my own house." Harry snapped

Draco shrugged as he walked closer. "Can you? Only a fool would look at 'Perfect Potter' and think he could ever get so much as a drop of blood on his hands. It's those judgmental Gryffindors that are willing to turn on their own."

Harry was given pause by the conversation, "And the Slytherins would be better? I'll disappear in my bed at night for having a muggleborn mother."

Draco scoffed, "You really have been drinking the lies of the other houses. What do you think pushes so many snakes to join Dark Lords? Expectations." Draco saw that Harry was confused and he reengaged in a different way. "Slytherins have been lied about and mistreated for so long, it's natural for them to stick together. Gryffindors don't have that."

"What are you selling me Draco," wishing the blonde boy would cut to the chase.

"I'm not selling you anything Harry," Draco used his first name, "Just inviting you to educate yourself past the old stereotypes."

Draco hoped on his broom and flew steadily back to the pitch, leaving Harry a bit confused as he got onto his.

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"I can't do it!" Hermione cried dejectedly as she threw a large book on the table between the two.

Harry took a quick look at the old book and grimaced. Ginny opened the book and skimmed some of the pages. "I don't know Hermione, you're being hard on yourself. It seems to be in English."

Harry took a quick look as well. "'Avarice', no I don't think it is Gin."

"We may just not know that word." Ginny responded with fake deflation.

"Guys this is serious. If you could stop this cute little speech thing you do for just a single second and listen." Hermione huffed as she gave eye contact to each of them separately.

"Sure Herm"

"We can be serious." Ginny smiled.

"I've looked everywhere, I can't even find a reference to the Chamber of Secrets. I've seen a reference here and there, but only pegging it as a myth." Hermione explained dejectedly.

"Don't give up Hermione, we can figure this out." Harry offered

Hermione lit up, "You'll go to the library with me!"

"Of course we will Hermione!" Ginny said, ignoring the glare from Harry.

Hermione smiled as the two drifted away. She was distracted by the prophet arriving, as she gave the tiny owl a Knut and began to read.

Historic Law May Change the Relationship with Muggles

By: Artie Schaeffer

Onlookers packed the outside of the Wizengamot court as the news broke of the landslide vote. The much debated Muggle Protection Act is now law in the country, and wizards are scrambling to understand the political meanings for the future. Lucius Malfoy, respected pureblood leader of the charge against the bill, could not be reached for comment. However, a statement his office prepared has been given, reading: "This act is a clear and unequivocal push to place blame on muggle hardship squarely on wizarding shoulders. Proponents will have you believe we are holding the muggles down, while disregarding our superior birth-right based on the blessings of our magic. On my return, I will fight very hard to repeal this forsaken law and restore the power to the hands of the common witch and wizard." Arthur Weasley, chief architect of the bill had some differing words, "These are by no means a push towards reparations, but giving the muggle people the same dignity we expect for ourselves." Many in the Wizengamot have expressed the belief that the bill is beholden to an overly emotional argument, and the Weasley bill was not yet ready to be voted for. Robert Owen, lead whip for the DMLE, has expressed concerns as well as hope over the bill, but has chosen not to issue a statement until the bill can be seen in action.

Hermione sat the prophet down. This was an historic day for muggle's in the wizarding world, and they couldn't even celebrate it. She couldn't believe wizards didn't already have laws like this on the books. She took special interest in Robert Owen's name. He had just emerged a month before and was already the whip for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in the Wizengamot. History has shown that quick rising political stars were the most dangerous, but this one was in the middle if not the right side of every issue. She was deep in thought when she sat down and wrote out a letter to the politician.

Dear Legislator Owen,

My name is Hermione Granger, a second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have taken a particular interest in your career, and you have risen quickly to a position speaking for the DMLE, which shows you have a particular intelligence on the Department. I am sure you are quite busy, but I would love to know any pointers you have about me pursuing a career in the DMLE. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Hermione signed with her most loopy signature and spelled the ink dry before folding it. She went to find Harry to ask if she could use Hedwig. As she walked down the stairs, she saw Harry sitting with Ginny in a corner. 'Good, it was about time they made up.'

"Hey guys."

"Hello again, long time no see."

"Hey Hermy." Harry goaded, obviously in a good mood. "You have the 'I need something look.' I knew you needed my help in Potions. Sit down and I'll be happy to give you some pointers."

"Please Harry, the only pointers I need are on green dye for my school robes" Hermione defected his sarcasm with some of her own, "Actually, I do need a favor. Are you using Hedwig?"

"I was about to send a letter to Pettigrew, yeah." Harry admitted.

"Oh how is he!" Ginny asked, having not heard about him for a while.

"Boring," Harry admitted, "I feel guilty for feeling this way about one of my parents only surviving friends, but he barely knows any stories. I'm starting to wonder how close they actually were."

"Just stop writing, I'm sure he'll just think you're busy." Ginny advised.

Harry shrugged, "I'll go ahead and send this one. You can use Hedwig as well Hermione."

Hermione smiled, "Thanks Harry. Don't worry, it's only London."

"Sure thing Hermione, I'll run and grab that letter." Harry bolted up to his dormitory.

Hermione smiled as she looked at Ginny, "So Ginny, are you excited for today?"

A slight blush crept into Ginny's cheek, "What's today again?"

"The test of course, aren't you curious to see who you're most compatible with?" Hermione leaned forward suggestively. "I have a feeling I know what your results will look like."

"I don't know what you're talking about, as long as I don't get Draco I'm happy." Ginny didn't quite meet Hermione's eyes as Harry came down the steps.

"Gin, are you feeling a little cold? I can run and get you a cloak." Harry offered, seeing the pink on her cheeks.

"Um, n-no thanks Harry, I feel fine."

Hermione chuckled to herself, "Boys."

"What's wrong with boys?" Harry asked.

"Nothing." Ginny said quickly, shooting a glare at Hermione.

"Come on guys. I don't like being teamed up on." Harry said, "I need to get another guy for this group."

"What about Ron?" Hermione suggested as she looked across the room at him.

"Um…" Harry didn't really have a problem with Ron, his hero worship made him uncomfortable, though it had ebbed as the year went along.

"Come on Harry, he's a young guy who just met his hero." Hermione reasoned, "He'll get used to you."

"Hermione's right," Ginny admitted sadly, "We were always so close growing up, and now it's like he avoids me."

"He doesn't seem to have any friends, He's always stuck in a book." Hermione observed.

"Which is unlike him."

"Okay guys, maybe you two are right." Harry said. "Ginny, ask him to write a letter to your mum and I'll walk to the Owlery with him."

Ginny's face lit up as she turned to him and gave Harry a quick hug, "Thank you Harry! You have no idea how much this means to me."

Hermione found herself unable to pass up the joke, "Do you need a scarf Harry? You're looking a little pink. I could run and get you a cloak."

Harry scowled at Hermione as Ginny casually walked over to Ron and mentioned she was writing a letter to their mum and he should send one too.

"So you're going to take the compatibility test today right?" Hermione needled Harry once Ginny walked away. "I've been excited all year."

"Um, I actually wasn't going to take it." Harry admitted

"Well I understand that decision, most of these girls I've talked to are going to try and match your answers Mr. Boy Who Lived," Hermione leaned closer, "However I know someone you might disappoint if you don't take it."

Harry shrugged, "You don't need a test to tell if you and someone are alike; a conversation works just as well."

"Maybe, but girls are different. They need a couple of different sources of affirmation to feel justified."

"What are we actually talking about Hermione?" Harry questioned uncomfortably, "Is there a hidden meaning to this conversation I'm not understanding?"

Hermione sighed, "No Harry, just making conversation."

"I need to get more string if I'm going to send Hedwig on so many runs." Harry shuffled his feet towards the stairs.

Hermione watched as Harry walked away to his dormitory. Devon had been sitting near them and he took the chance to walk up to her.

"Hey Hermione, you look pretty today." Devon smiled suggestively.

"Thanks Devon, I'm sorry you and Lavender didn't work out." Hermione turned to make conversation. Devon had been flirting her up since the break-up.

"They can't all make it. I noticed you've been trying to do a little matchmaking yourself." Devon inched forward towards her. "You know that if you push people together, they'll fly apart."

"I'm not trying to match make my friends. I don't even have to try." Hermione explained, "We both know it's the predictable outcome."

"Of course it is, why do you think I stay away from Ginny? I respect me and Harry's friendship." Devon admitted with a cocky smile.

"Wow," Hermione could not believe his gall, "Are you so arrogant that you think you could have any girl you wanted?"

"It isn't arrogance if you earn it Hermy," Devon winked, "You had a thing for me if I remember correctly."

"I can't believe you even noticed that," Hermione grew pink, "That was last year, until you fell in love with McGonagall."

"Excuse me, there is nothing wrong with seeing a beautiful, smart woman who knows what she wants and desiring her." Devon said, trying not to be too loud with his outburst, "I see a lot of her in you actually. Smart, ambitious, beautiful."

Hermione felt her face heating up as he spoke, she was saved when she saw her friends making her way back. "It looks like they've finished their letter, I better go get mine."

Devon looked downcast, "Okay Hermione, have a good day. And about what we spoke about earlier."

"Yeah?"

"If it's inevitable, maybe it's best to leave it alone and let it happen." Devon offered.

"Maybe." Hermione said as she turned to her approaching friends. "I'll be right back Harry, I'll go get my letter."

"You left it down here Hermione." Ginny reminded her.

"Oh you're right." Hermione said a little frazzled, "Let's go then."

"Actually Harry, could you carry me and Hermione's letters to the Owlery? The girls are taking their test in the Great Hall first." Ginny gave him a calculating look, "You are taking one aren't you?"

Hermione gave Harry a piercing look before he finally sighed, "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it."

"I'm not." Ron said, "I don't need a stupid test to set me up."

"It's not really a set up test, it's more of a friend thing." Hermione corrected.

Ron scoffed, "That's what they tell you, but I know what it is."

"Okay Ron," Ginny tried to calm the situation down before it got hot. "Come on Hermione, I know a shortcut!"

"If it involves another slide, I am going to be infuriated." Hermione said with some bite to her voice.

"That was one time!" Ginny exclaimed, "We got to potions early."

"We slid from here to the dungeons!" Hermione rebutted, "I don't even think it was a shortcut. I think it was a laundry chute."

"House elves don't need laundry chutes." Ron said as if it was common knowledge.

"House elves?" Hermione said as Ginny led her away.

"Don't worry about it, we're gonna be late."

Harry smiled as they left, "Ginny has been trying to keep house elves away from Hermione. She thinks she'll react poorly if she knew about them working here."

"Why?" Ron said genuinely confused.

"We'd be in the library for years if she knew about that 'servitude'." Harry explained.

"The library?" Ron said with horror, "I'm glad I don't hang out with you more."

Harry took that in as he walked with Ron towards the Owlery, "Who do you hang out with?"

Ron looked at the ground with obvious insecurity, "I did have one friend at the beginning of the term."

"Really?" Harry held open the door to the Entrance Hall, "What happened with him?"

Ron looked fearful, "I found out something about him I didn't like."

Harry gave Ron a penetrating look. Something had changed in Ron since the summer and he had missed it. Ron had gone from outspoken and brash to introverted and almost docile. "What was their name?"

Ron shook his head, "Don't worry about it, he won't be a problem. He just wasn't the kind of friend I needed around."

"I can understand that," Harry tried to hide his worry in his voice. "You should hang around me and the girls more often."

"I don't know about that. You and my sister seem to be super close, and Hermione is always with you guys."

"Your sister would love to have you around," Harry argued.

Ron shrugged, "If you guys want me around, maybe I'll eat with you."

Harry nodded, that was a good start. Hedwig flew down to him as they walked in the Owlery. "Hey there girl." Hedwig nipped a treat from Harry's hand, "I've got a lot of letters for you today."

Hedwig stuck out her leg with her usual confidence, as if insulted he thought she would be unable to carry the load. "London may be closer, so take that one first."

Harry watched as Hedwig flew off, and he began walking back with Ron. A sudden thought came to his mind, "Play your cards right Ron, and Hermione may be dragging you to the library for study breaks. I almost guarantee she still has her first year notes."

Ron's look of horror gave him considerable joy as they walked back.

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Ginny sat down a seat away from Hermione. No one was allowed to sit next to anyone, as if they would cheat on a test that wasn't even a test. She looked down and skimmed the parchment. Some of the questions seemed a little silly.

'Are you punctual? Always Sometimes Maybe Rarely Never'

Ginny noticed every question had the same five answers. She didn't know how these could be scored but she ran through the questions anyways. She quickly circled the 'Sometimes' box. There seemed to be a couple of variations of the same question. The most occurring was along the lines of how important rules were, or how important your set of values were to you. There was a question about destiny, which she quickly circled 'Always' to. Ginny shook her head, 'this makes no sense.'

Hermione was having a much different phenomenon. 'This is almost exactly like a Myers-Briggs test.' She quickly circled boxes, knowing her test would end up looking like a natural logistician. She smiled as she finished before anyone else and sat quietly. She scowled after a few minutes, did the people around her not know themselves very well? She could have done Ginny's test for her by now, the obviously would have looked like the Adventurer, and when Harry took his he would be either an idealist or the Artisan. When they did the compatibility measurement, they could not do it based on similar answers. Two similar people would be a terrible match. Of course, the Adventurer and the Artisan where a natural match now that she thought of it. Maybe Devon was right after all and she should leave them be.

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Neville slumped in his seat as he looked at the test. He came in with the idea to answer very similarly to Ginny. He found her very attractive and caring, but she would never notice him. He wasn't confident enough to assert himself into her view either, so this was his only shot. He looked down at the parchment. How punctual was Ginny? He grimaces as he circled 'Always', he had never known her to be late. He felt slightly assured as he finished the test and sat in silence while the last few finished up. He used the time to imagine the conversation he would have once she saw the results and he gave himself a faint smile. He watched as Harry was one of the last people to finish before the parchment was taken up.

"Thank you all for coming today," Professor Burbage said from the front, "My hope is when this all comes out it brings you all closer together. Have a fantastic day!"

Neville filled out of the Great Hall as the time allotted ended and began to walk back to the common room.

"Hey squib, why you would take that test, I would never know. Who would want to be like you?"

"Leave me alone Th-theodore." Neville said as he turned to the boy.

"M-m-make me" Theodore laughed, he was flanked by Draco's old cronies, Crabbe and Goyle.

"I will." Neville said uncertainly as he tried to puff out his chest, halfheartedly pushing him away.

"You'll regret that blood traitor." Theodore lunged after him in the empty Great Hall.

Recognizing his poor odds almost instantly, Neville jumped aside and ran up the stairs away. He turned corners, went up and down two flights of stairs, around another corner, and through a tapestry back route. He finally lost them by diving into a girl's bathroom that was out of order. He felt a sense of fear as he recalled this bathroom from where the attack took place. He was about to go outside and face his attackers when he heard a voice in the back of his head. 'You're too weak to deal with them'

"Who said that?" Neville said as he turned around, seeing no one in the empty bathroom.

'Someone willing to speak to you, unlike this Ginny you are thinking of.'

"W-what are you?"

'Someone who can help you become who you should have been.' The voice whispered in his head.

"How" Neville was curious now, and he shut off his fear as he searched.

'If you want to become all you could be then you have a decision to make. I can promise you, you will be the most skilled wizard in this school, confident enough to face every enemy, and I can promise you this 'Ginny' will be yours'

"What do I need to do?" Neville said warily, he would never hurt another human who didn't merit it. These deals were never made without great sacrifice.

'No sacrifice, no death, only power. I am your true friend. Open the second stall on the right.'

Neville stepped forward, slowly reaching for the stall door as he opened it. No one was standing there, but when he looked down; he saw a small, black, leather-bound book.

HPHPHPHP

Harry made it back to the common room with a frustrated feeling. Taking that test had been like ripping his brain out and examining it. It took a real sadistic woman to think a twelve year old should do tests like that. He certainly wasn't signing up for Muggle Studies as an elective. He returned to see a crowd of students chattering excitedly around the announcement board. Ginny pushed her way to him.

"What is that about Gin?" Harry asked.

"It's a dueling club!" Ginny said excitedly, "Because of the attack, they have gotten together to stage a dueling club to teach students to defend themselves against whatever is doing this."

"That's… That incredible!" Harry replied ecstatically. "I can't actually believe we never thought of that. We should have been practicing ages ago."

"You're right Harry," Hermione said as she walked up, "We should have started studying ages ago."

Harry's enthusiasm was dampened. He realized why they haven't been practicing. Hermione preferred to learn in an academic manner, while he and Ginny really preferred a hands on approach.

"Well, we should go see how the teachers set it up, and maybe learn from that and do some things." Ginny offered, sensing Harry's discomfort.

"I heard Flitwick was a Champion dueler back in the day." Harry mused.

"I think Dumbledore will be there."

"No way Hermione, there's only two people." Ginny added, "Either that ponce Lockhart is pumping his ego, or it's Snape."

"Snape?" Harry said incredulously, "Even if he did want to train students, it wouldn't be open to the whole school."

"I bet he is a gifted dueler." Hermione said confidently, "He doesn't seem like he has a conscious."

"Wow Herm, that was pretty insensitive towards authority." Ginny needled. "My you have changed."

Hermione looked indignant, "It's not like you two are good influences."

"No argument!" Harry held his hands up in defeat

"Bad influence?" Fred cut in, "Now that is our job around here!"

"Thievery." George joined in. "After we teach them everything they know, they turn Hermione."

"Honestly George, I was hoping to be the one to corrupt Hermione" Fred admitted with a cocky grin.

George comically bucked out his chest, "I don't think we've quite decided who gets to go after her."

"Well you better hurry, dear brother." Fred counseled, "She has the whole gaggle after her already."

"I am not being chased by a gaggle of boys, thank you." Hermione blushed

"Really?" Fred asked, "Besides us?"

"Devon has said some things." George added.

"Ron has looked your way a few times."

"We never know about Ginny."

"Too right," Fred nodded, "And I'm sure Draco would love a piece."

"Draco most certainly will not be getting a 'Piece' of anything." Hermione said with a bite, "Wait, did you say Ginny?"

"Hermione, I guess now is a good time to tell you," Ginny laughed

Hermione threw up her arms, "You're mad! The whole lot of you."

HPHPHPHP

Harry walked into the Great Hall behind Ginny. The room was filled with students of all years, centered around a large stage. "Oh god, no."

"Shh..." Hermione quieted him as her eyes lit up, "He'll probably teach us all the things he couldn't in this year's class."

"Yes, everyone" Lockhart's amplified voice came from up front, "I see you all made it safely to tonight's Dueling Club. Now that you have, you will learn more than you ever dreamed. Whoever impresses me tonight, I will mention you quite favorably in my next interview with Rita Skeeter."

There was a dull murmuring from the crowd as he began.

"Now thankfully, I have been given a wonderful volunteer for this evenings activities. One of your most beloved professors." Lockhart motioned to the greasy haired professor, "Professor Snape everyone!"

There was polite clapping, and uproarious clapping from the Slytherin students. Harry watched as he went through the explanation for 'expelliarmus', he even tried to silence a whoop when Snape knocked Lockhart off the stage. Shaken he had paired them into groups. Harry tried to figure out how his three friends could face each other.

"Maybe we can just spell the person to our right?" Harry thought out loud.

"I'll duel you, Harry." Luna said as she walked forward.

"Okay," Hermione said, noticing that Ron had been creeping up to try and be part of their group. "Me versus Ginny, Luna versus Harry."

Ron took a look at the nervous boy he knew as Neville. "Hey Neville, want to duel?"

Neville hid a confident, feral grin, "I would love to Ron."

Ron blinked at how confident Neville sounded. He smiled, he had been stealing his mum's wand to practice magic for years. He knew some doosies that Neville would never see coming. "Rictems…"

Ron found himself on his butt almost immediately. He never heard Neville cast a spell. He shook his head as he pulled himself up for another round. He looked to see Luna roll out of the way of Harry's spell and hit him with a disarm. 'Wow' he thought. He had not seen that coming.

"Stop, stop stop!" Lockhart halted the chaos, "I saw two very adept casters in the crowd. I think they shall face off. Harry Potter."

Harry looked confused, he had been beaten. What was Lockhart playing at? He shook his head as he walked forward.

"The other is, Neville Longbottom."

Snape chuckled out loud, "Gilderoy, you have picked the two least adept wizards here. I would be surprised if Longbottom could even make sparks appear. Might I suggest…"

"Now now Severus," Lockhart cut off with a smile, "I know what I saw. This will be a good match."

Snape glared murderously at the back of Lockhart's head, wand arm twitching. "Of course Gilderoy, I forget the great fame that is before me."

"You're too kind Severus," Gilderoy smiled, not sensing the sarcasm, "Now boys, nothing above a stunner."

Neville nodded as he strode to the center, dropping his eyes to gaze across the stage.

'Stunner?' Harry thought as he raised his wand and paced. Harry knew a few useful spells, but Luna had shown him the use of dodging. He had been dodging his whole life, first from Dudley, then on the Quidditch Pitch. He smiled confidently, he wouldn't even fire a spell, he would just tire Neville out. "All right Nev, good luck mate."

Neville raised his wand and waited for the signal, "Yeah, mate."

When Lockhart gave the signal, Neville moved his lips. It had happened so fast, Harry had barely seen it. Harry jumped to the side and rolled, immediately having to dodge another one.

"What's your deal Nev?" Harry asked as he rolled forward and jumped sideways. Neville was trying to predict his movements and cast accordingly. Harry could see him getting less and less patient, but he couldn't cast fast enough to capitalize. He needed to learn something like a shield charm.

Neville gave a final sneer before yelling, "Serpensortia!"

Harry watched in horror as a giant serpent flew from Neville's wand. Neville seemed content to watch the thing toy with Harry, and lowered his wand.

Snape had been watching with growing concern. This boy was not Longbottom, he seemed like a completely different human being. He was confident and gifted. He took out his wand, unwilling to let a student die in front of him in any way that could prove his negligence.

Harry caught the snake with a disarming charm and it flew into the sky, angrily rushing the closest student, Luna, who had moved up to help him.

Harry flung himself forward, begging the creature to stop. "Stop!"

Harry did not recognize the words that came out of his mouth. As if one ear heard his true words, another heard an odd hissing sound. The snake had heard it and turned to him, "I was made to destroy, what would you have me do."

Harry stared gobsmacked, "Um, go be free."

The snake peered at him before nodding, preparing to slither away before he burst into flames. Snape stood with his wand out and a look of open fear. "Potter."

Afraid Snape would attempt to curse him, Harry ducked off the stage and sprinted out of the Great Hall. His friends finally caught him halfway to Hagrid's, Ron trailing behind them.

"Harry!" Ginny called after him, "Wait up!"

Harry felt obligated somehow to stop and let his friends catch up. "I don't know what that was. You guys should stay away."

Having caught up, Ginny gave him an odd look, not one of fear. "You can't decide what we do. I will be around you if you start mumbling to clouds."

Harry sighed, she was right in a way. He would never put them in trouble if he couldn't. "Sorry Gin, I'm just really confused right now."

"We're confused too Harry" Hermione admitted, "but we will figure this out."

"How long have you known you were a Parselmouth?" Ginny directly asked, "And did you hide this?"

Harry felt his insides twist at her tone, "I don't even know what that is. I've been able to talk to snakes my whole life. It just hasn't happened for a long time."

"And you never mentioned it?" Hermione asked skeptically, still trying to wrap her head around the new development.

Harry shrugged, "I just thought it was accidental magic, at least, once I found out what accidental magic was."

"Parseltongue is only spoken by evil wizards," Ron interrupted confused, "but you aren't evil…"

"Um, thanks Ron" Harry said unsurely, "real helpful."

Ron shrugged, "I guess things you hear growing up aren't always right. Only descendants of Salazar himself are supposed to be able to speak to snakes."

"He's right Harry," Ginny sighed, "This isn't going to help the rumors."

Harry groaned, "I had almost forgotten about those."

"The Slytherins will treat you better this year, at least." Hermione tried to cheer him up.

Harry thought for a moment, "They've actually treated me better than any house this year. I think Draco has them in line somehow."

Ginny scoffed, "Why would Draco try to keep the Slytherins away from you?"

"I forgot to tell you this, but when we raced to the top of the tower, we talked." Harry recalled, "He told me that Slytherins were the house that stuck together, and didn't hold false ideals of morality on a person."

"What do you think he meant by that?" Luna asked, appearing behind Ron.

"Isn't it obvious?" Hermione said with urgency.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Only to the smartest witch of the century."

"I think he's setting you up, it's a gambit." Ron suggested, using his familiar chess lingo.

"No," Hermione corrected, "He wants you to switch Houses."

The revelation was met with silence as they pondered her words. Harry took a deep breathe before responding, "You might be right Hermione. Every opportunity he gets, he tries to talk up the loyalty of Slytherins."

"There is no loyalty with Slytherins Harry," Ron tried to convince, "It is definitely a trap."

"I'm not considering it Ron," Harry said uncertainly, "Once the Gryffindor's hear this, and we will come together. We always do."

"Let's go back up to the room Harry, it's getting late." Ginny advised as she turned towards the stairs.

"I would actually like a little time alone by the lake if that's okay guys." Harry asked, a tone of pleading hidden in his voice.

They all agreed, Ginny leaving last, after giving him a quick hug. Luna watched them all leave her as they rose to the Gryffindor Tower, she however had some shoes to look for.

HPHPHPHP

Harry let out a final breathe before turning from the lake to walk inside. He stopped when he saw Hagrid's cabin, and the smoke rising. Hagrid wouldn't care if he was out after hours. He walked up to the door and knocked.

"Jus' a minute!" Hagrid's fearful voice came. Harry stared confused the door flew open, crossbow pointing at his face. "Dear Lord Harry, get ur tush in here!"

Harry's breathe caught inside his chest when the crossbow had faced him, "Who were you expecting Hagrid?"

"Never you min' that. Wha are you doin' out so late?" Hagrid had a face that demanded answers.

Harry sighed, "There was an incident, and everyone thinks I opened the Chamber of Secrets now."

Hagrid gave a booming laugh, "I wouldn' wurry about that Harry. No one is openin the Chamber."

Instincts flared as Harry dissected what Hagrid had said, "You know about the Chamber of Secrets!"

Hagrid's face slid back into terror, "I've said too much."

"Hagrid, if it can clear my name I have to know."

"I wouldn wurry about it," Hagrid explained, "The person who open'd it last times long dead."

"What do you mean last time?" Harry questioned

"I shouldn be tellin you any of this. Dumbledore'd have my job."

"Hagrid, I have to know. Who opened the Chamber."

Hagrid gave a big sigh, "You can' tell no one, 'cept Ginny course, and Mione." Hagrid took a big pause. "The Chambr has been a legen. Says Slytherin himself put a monster in it. It was opened fifty years ago ta kill the muggleborns."

"What happened?" Harry was on the edge of his seat.

"No one," Hagrid reiterated, "Some'n was wrongly accused, their wand was snapped. The culprit got away."

"Who was the culprit?"

"A boy named Tom Riddle," Hagrid said with disgust.

"I've seen his award in the Hall, are you sure."

"Overherd Dumbledore himself sayin it." Hagrid comfirmed.

"And you're sure he's dead, he may be back, he may have faked it." Harry said very quickly.

Hagrid shook his head, "No way."

"How are you so sure he's dead."

"No one," Hagrid said for the third time, before pausing, "He grew up, chang'd his name."

Harry stared, he almost knew what Hagrid was about to say, but had to ask anyways, "What was his name."

"I shouldn' be tellin you this."

"Hagrid," Harry pleaded, "Was it Voldemort?"

Hagrid gave him a look before looking at his clock. "I'll walk ya back to the castle Harry."

Harry walked back with Hagrid, fear filling his heart. Somehow, Voldemort was back on campus this year. He thanked Hagrid as he skirted the walls, choosing his favorite passages as he climbed the stairs to his tower. He had to warn his friends that Voldemort had found his way back to the school. He thought of warning Dumbledore, but he must have already known.

'rip… tear… kill'

"Oh no!" Harry said audibly as he ran, following the voice. He had to catch whomever it was before Slytherin's monster caught them. He rounded the corner and sprinted up a flight of stairs, not noticing the glowing yellow orbs in the next corridor, before it finally stopped. He stooped as he tried to catch his breath, looking around. He had been too late. He flinched as light engulfed him.

"My my Potter, out of bed so late… What the…!" Snape's jaw dropped, aghast as he looked behind Harry. Without words spoken, Harry found himself bound and falling to the ground.

Gagged, Harry had fallen in a way that let him turn around and see behind him. Holding an open locket, stood the petrified form of Luna Lovegood.

A/N: Next Chapter: Lockhart's interview is interrupted, and Robert Owen stops by Hogwarts.