A/N: A line in bold without quotation marks is something written. Special thanks to my beta Shygui and thanks to all who are reading and especially reviewing. My story recommendation is Kissed by Sasansan1 and although it has just started, it has an interesting premise.
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you. - Jean-Paul Sartre
Harry had just settled in a chair after Dumbledore sat behind his desk when the headmaster decided to get right to the point.
"I would very much like to hear the story of today's adventure from your perspective, Harry."
Harry had to be careful, he wanted no hint of Daphne to come up in his story. "Yes, Sir. It actually all fell into place for me when they announced that a student was missing and then asked for all of the Weasleys to be brought to Professor McGonagall. Ginny had been acting strangely and I realized it must be her. I had wondered if the strange behaviour of Lord Malfoy in the bookstore might be related as he held one of her books for over a minute. Anything could have happened in that time."
"As you know, the girl's loo on the second floor has been a key location both times the chamber has been opened. It only took a little questioning of Myrtle to discover where the basilisk that killed her had entered the loo. All I had to do is ask it to open in Parsletongue and there was an open pipe down to a tunnel that leads to the Chamber of Secrets. With your stone, it was easy to kill the basilisk. The shade of Voldemort was a little harder."
"However, I played dumb and he liked to talk about how clever he was a bit too much. I eventually realized the diary was the key. He admitted that he was taking Ginny's life force to reanimate himself but the process was not near completion. I knew he'd still be dependent on the diary. He didn't realize I knew until it was too late, he was too busy trying to distract me into attacking his shade with the sword. I knew that wouldn't work."
"When I first got the sword, I was wearing the hat, hoping it might speak to me again. Anyway, the sword announced itself by banging into my head." Harry paused and felt the lump on his head. "Still have a bit of bump up there. Then when I was trying to get the hat and sword off my head, the sword fell into the mouth of the basilisk and I saw it absorbing the venom. I think that is why it was so good at destroying the diary. The thing sizzled like it was being fried and a lot of ink came pouring out of it. That's why it looks like such a mess."
"I see, that was quite intelligent of you, Harry, you showed great cunning today."
"Thank you, Sir. The sorting hat had wanted to place me in Slytherin."
"Indeed?"
"Yes. Voldemort also remarked on our similarities. Both half-bloods, both orphans, the only two Parselmouths since Slytherin himself, even that we resembled each other."
"And how did you feel about that?"
"I can't say I liked being compared to the wanker that made me an orphan. I'll never act like him as I don't want to rule the world, I don't enjoy others' pain. I was curious about the Parselmouth part though. Is it really that rare? Were either of my parents Parselmouths?"
"Very good, Harry. I'm glad that you understand that. It is your choices that make you who you are. It would be hard to imagine you making the same choices that he did. As for Parselmouths, it is a very rare talent that tends to run in families. To my knowledge, neither of your parents had the gift."
"Then how did I get it?"
"I suspect that he gave you some of his power that night, not on purpose of course."
Harry nodded, deep in thought. He wasn't sure what to make of that but he was very curious about the enchantment of the diary so it was time to see if he could get Dumbledore to let anything slip. "He said he put a memory of himself in that diary but it was more than a memory. It was piece of himself in there. He was talking like he could come back to life and continue his plans."
Harry saw him peering at him but he continued to avoid looking him in the eye for any length of time. He'd heard enough about Legilimency from Daphne to know that would be a bad idea. He pretended to look down as if tired.
"There are things we don't know about the night he tried to kill you, things we may never know. Tom travelled the world to learn very dark and dangerous magic. Magic that is better left alone."
He was being put off again. He decided to take a shot and see if he may have guessed right.
"Is there magic involving souls?"
If he hadn't been looking at that moment, he would have missed it. A very slight reaction in his eyes and a short hesitation in his answer.
"Magic can be cast on just about anything Harry. Perhaps even on things we have not yet imagined. I think we are done for now, Harry. You will receive an award for special services to the school and say, 200 points... Yes, I think that is appropriate. You had best get on back to your common room. I imagine your friends are anxious to see you."
"Thank you, Sir."
Harry was about to open the door when he heard, "Where is your invisibility cloak?"
He threw what he hoped was a nonchalant look back over his shoulder as he answered, "It's in a safe place."
"Just a moment Harry. You may wish to get away from the door. We are about to have a visitor who is in a hurry."
Harry could not imagine what he was talking about but he did step back and was very glad of it as the door suddenly opened violently to admit a very irate Lucius Malfoy. The woebegone house elf hurrying to keep up with him while attempting to finish shining his shoes was also startling. Dobby may have gotten him hurt and in trouble, although he had to admit the second time he got him in trouble was more his fault than the elf's, but he had tried to protect him so Harry thought he owed him a favour back.
Harry wanted to repay the elf but also possibly gain himself a useful ally. Based on how easily Dobby could come and go, he'd be able to run all sorts of errands for him. Since the only way to free an elf was to trick Malfoy into giving him clothes, he needed some clothing and decided that a sock would do.
As the two older men discussed why Dumbledore was back, Harry took off one of his socks and got his shoe back on before anyone but Dobby could see. When he looked up, Dobby pointed to the diary that the men were now discussing and then at Malfoy. Harry nodded, he already knew and he didn't want to get the poor elf in needless trouble if Malfoy caught him at it. He also noted how Lucius reacted to the diary so that was just the thing he needed.
As soon as Malfoy had stomped out of the room, he hurried to the desk. "Professor, I'll bring this back. I just need it for a couple of minutes." He ran after the irate Lord Malfoy and the scurrying house elf before Dumbledore could even answer.
He caught up to them in the corridor just beyond the gargoyle as Malfoy was wasting some time kicking at Dobby, which just made Harry angrier. He nearly took out his wand but it wasn't time for that. He forced that inclination away as he shouted "Malfoy!" as he approached.
Lucius spun back and gave Harry a look of loathing. "I have no time for your schoolboy antics, Potter."
He thrust the diary into Lucius' free hand and quickly stepped back. He then did take out his wand but kept it pressed against his leg so it wasn't obvious. As he expected, Lucius had reflexively closed his hand on the diary and he was now glaring at it with distaste. At that moment, Harry mouthed 'take it' to Dobby and pointed to the book.
He'd taken a split second too long as Lucius was now glaring at him suspiciously. "What are you doing?"
"That's the wrong question. The question is 'what did you do'? You gave a dangerous dark artefact to schoolgirl. You put the students of Hogwarts in danger for political gain."
"You don't know what you are talking about. You have to prove I gave it to the Weasley girl, giving it to me now proves nothing!"
"I never said who you were supposed to have given it to. I just said schoolgirl."
In that moment, Lucius' face gave it all away and he was obviously guilty. Then his face cleared as he responded. "Dumbledore mentioned her name, I just repeated it. Now, unless you have more proof…."
Lucius held the book out towards Harry and he took a step back as he tried to act with some fear. "I don't want that cursed thing back!"
Harry's eyes flicked to Dobby as he mentally pleaded for the elf to take it. Dobby was looking at him and slowly raised his hand toward the book to grasp it. Lucius looked down and shoved it towards him and let go. "Dobby can dispose of that trash. It has nothing to do with me."
Dobby was still looking between the book and Harry and looked surprised when Harry mimed opening the book. Dobby then did just that and it opened to a sock. Harry grinned as Dobby stared at it in shock.
Lucius then looked down and saw Dobby as he lifted the sock in awe. Dobby spoke with a voice filled with wonder, "Master has given Dobby a sock. Dobby is free."
Lucius turned a look of hatred towards Harry who promptly brandished his wand and prepared to cast a shield charm. Meanwhile, Lucius pulled his wand free from the top of his cane as he snarled, "You cost me a servant, boy. Now you will pay!"
Before either of them could do anything, a pulse of magic threw Malfoy back and the two pieces of his cane fell to the floor separately as the man himself fell back further away.
Dobby stood between the two facing Malfoy. "Former master will not harm Harry Potter! Former master must go now!"
Harry was astonished, he had never imagined the slightly dotty creature was capable of such anger. Apparently, Malfoy hadn't either. He looked cowed as he recovered and put his cane back together and started to leave.
After taking a few steps though, Malfoy turned back. "Mark my words, Potter. Some day you will meet the same sticky end as your parents. I will enjoy that day very much."
"Threatening a student of the school you are on the board of governors for? Whatever would people say if they heard that?"
"It will be my word against yours, fool. Nobody will believe a delusional child like you." With that, he turned on his heel and stalked away.
Harry watched him as he disappeared. He wasn't sure he had enough to get him on the diary charge, but that last exchange should be enough to get him booted from the board of governors. At least, it would if there was any sanity left in the magical world. Sometimes he had doubts about that.
"Harry Potter has freed Dobby."
Harry looked down and smiled at Dobby. "I would like you to work for me, Dobby. I need help with doing errands and stuff. Are you interested?"
"Dobby could be Harry Potter's elf? Dobby would be honoured!" Dobby now looked as ecstatic as he could be.
"How much should I pay you?"
Dobby looked embarrassed. "There is no need for paying."
"I'd like my elf to be properly dressed. That pillowcase isn't good enough. I want my elf to look good. I can't give you clothes but you could buy clothes with the money or maybe buy the cloth and make your own."
"Dobby can make clothing. Dobby could make his own!"
Harry reached into his pocket and found two galleons and some change he had on him. "Here. I hope you can get what you need with this. Also, I will need a clothing catalogue from a store with high quality goods. Could you do that for me, Dobby?"
Dobby opened his hand but when Harry tried to drop the coins, Dobby grasped his hand instead. "Dobby wants to serve House Potter. Does Harry Potter accept Dobby?"
"Of course I do."
Harry was surprised to feel a pulse of magic from their joined hands. Dobby smiled shyly and finally accepted the coins. "Dobby is serving House Potter! Dobby will bring your catalogue master!" He then popped away before Harry could tell him to stop calling him 'master'. Harry decided there would be plenty of time for that later. Harry grinned, he thought he'd done pretty well just now. He hoped Daphne wouldn't find any flaws. He saw the diary abandoned on the floor but Dobby had kept his sock, oh well, he had more.
Albus wasn't quite sure what to make of this new version of Harry Potter. He was much more deliberate, observant and yes, cunning. He and Miss Greengrass must be in more contact than he ever imagined. He was also quite certain that Harry was no longer going to be as forthcoming from now on. He'd seemed careful about what he revealed and he had avoided his eyes as if he suspected Legilimency. That might have been a coincidence but he doubted it.
This new Harry was also more mature and self-aware than before. He was not worried about his common characteristics with Voldemort, he knew that those didn't matter in the long run. That was good for Harry but perhaps not good for what had to happen in the future. His plans were falling apart before his very eyes as they'd been designed for a more fragile and dependent version of Harry.
It would require drastic action to put his plans back on course and he was reluctant to do that. The poor boy had been through enough and he already bore enough responsibility for what Harry had suffered. The basic willingness to put his life on the line was still there, he had just demonstrated it yet again. Harry might just find his own path to what must be done so that was another reason to wait and see.
He also suspected that Harry was not as alone in his adventure as he pretended. He would have needed his invisibility cloak to sneak away and it seemed apparent that he no longer had it with him although he had no way of checking magically. He surmised that Miss Greengrass had used it to sneak back to her common room.
He hoped that he hadn't given Harry too much of a hint of what he had thought happened that night and he feared that this new Harry might figure it out too soon. That question about magic and souls had been quite deliberate, he was sure of that but he didn't think Harry had connected the two subjects yet. Giving him any more could result in revelations coming out much too early. He would have to watch Harry and Miss Greengrass more closely.
Just then he was alerted that Harry was on his way back up so he settled back in his chair in order to look properly at ease, especially when that was not the case. He barely got out the 'enter' after the knock and a rather pleased looking Harry Potter entered and came over to put the diary back on his desk. "Thank you, Professor. That worked out quite well. Oh, by the way, I'm going to have the basilisk harvested for potions ingredients and the like. I just wanted you to know."
He was so surprised that by the time he felt ready to ask a question, Harry was at the door. He decided to wait, whatever it was would eventually come to light. He was more curious about whatever he must have done with Lord Malfoy than the basilisk. He knew he couldn't interfere with right of conquest, Harry must have learned that from the Greengrass heiress as well. He'd be watching them very, very closely from now on.
He sighed and pulled out some parchment and a quill. In the meantime, he had a gamekeeper to get back from Azkaban.
Harry gave the password and stepped into the common room. What he saw made his good mood vanish. Why was everyone looking at him like hungry dogs look at a piece of meat? In that frozen second of silence, he began to wish Dobby was there so he could Apparate him away from this. Then all hell broke loose as everyone came at him shouting questions.
He had just managed to get everyone to calm down so he could tell them something when they all froze at hearing an announcement from McGonagall informing them that the emergency was over and all restrictions were lifted. She also announced that there would be no more classes that day and a celebration feast would happen that evening. It seemed like everyone decided to start the celebration right that moment.
To Harry's great relief, everyone left except his friends Hermione and Neville. They went over to a corner to sit down and talk. He reassured them that all of the Weasleys were fine although Ginny was badly shaken and they were probably still in the hospital wing with Ginny. He was very careful about eavesdroppers when he told them what happened, he refused to risk Daphne's part in it getting out. Fortunately, they saved a couple of sandwiches for him so Harry was able to tell the story while getting a slightly late lunch.
Nobody seemed surprised to see Daphne when she came out for lunch so she seemed to be in the clear. She knew Harry would keep his promise but she didn't know the youngest Weasley at all. The one in her year didn't inspire confidence and she was a little afraid of the twins. They enjoyed pranking Slytherins too much for her taste and she did her best to escape their notice. The one who was a prefect seemed honourable if a bit too full of himself.
She stuck with Tracey as usual but for some reason, Pansy seemed a bit more hostile than normal. She wondered what that bint had up her arse now. She wanted to get in touch with Harry anyway so she didn't hang around the common room long, she just brought the rest of her lunch with her.
When she had finished and got out her parchment Tracey made a comment that earned her a glare.
"Tell your boyfriend to leave you out of the next adventure."
"He didn't encourage me to come along, it was my decision to join him."
Tracey looked a little contrite as she murmured, "I just got worried."
"I know and I'm sorry. It's just that he's impulsive and things like this just seem to happen here."
Tracey huffed but gave her a small smile. "From what you told me, he seems to care about your wellbeing."
Daphne did her best to stifle a blush as she responded, "He does." She wrote when Tracey seemed to have nothing else to say.
Are you there?
She had to wait over a minute, enough time for her to start to worry. She was relieved to finally see a response.
Yes. Sorry, I was still in the common room and had to head for the dorm.
Have you had to face a lot of questions?
Only at first. When McGonagall made her announcement most people were satisfied. I have only told Neville and Hermione what happened. Nobody else knows. I left you out of what I told Dumbledore but I think he knew I didn't have my cloak with me. It's possible he suspects.
That can't be helped. I went with you to his office, we can't expect him to forget that.
That may have been a mistake, sorry.
I don't blame you so don't blame yourself. You didn't force me and I enjoyed using your cloak. I may just keep it.
She added a smiley face so he'd know for sure that she was joking. She got more serious as she saw what he wrote next.
I ran into Lucius Malfoy after the talk with Dumbledore. I'm not sure I have anything to use against him about the diary. For a second he thought he'd made a slip, you should have seen the look on his face. Is there a way to share a memory with magic?
Yes. My father has a pensieve, they're rare and expensive but they can store and show memories.
Then we might have something for that. However, I'm pretty sure we can get him off the board of governors, he threatened me and was a right bastard.
In front of Dumbledore?
No, we were alone in the corridor outside his office. By the way, I have a house elf now.
What? How?
I tricked Malfoy into giving Dobby my sock. I hired him as soon as Dobby sent him on his way.
A house elf made Lucius Malfoy leave?
He sure did.
I have GOT to see that!
It was a sight to see, I'll say that.
What do you mean you hired him?
Well, I thought he wanted to be free but maybe he only wanted to get away from the Malfoys. He asked me if I accepted him and when I said yes, there was this burst of magic from our hands.
That's how a house elf binds himself to serve a family. You didn't hire him, you own him now.
Don't tell Hermione that!
She let a chuckle escape that earned her an inquisitive glance from Tracey.
Your secret is safe with me. A house elf can be really helpful. I just hope he calms down, he seems like a bit of a nutter the way you've described him.
He's OK – oh, he's here!
What did he want?
She had to wait about a minute but he eventually responded.
Same old Dobby. I gave him some change to get some fabric to make himself some clothes. You should see the dirty pillowcase he's been wearing. Anyway, I imagine whatever he makes for himself is going to be colourful based on what he showed me. I have a catalogue from Twilfitt and Tattings now too. I need more clothes.
That's where I got the shirt and pants for you. They have good clothing. Do you want some help picking things out?
Sure. You have good taste. I couldn't believe it when I opened that gift. It's the nicest clothing I've ever seen.
You deserve it, Harry. Also, clothes help people form their opinion of you. How you dress is how you introduce yourself to the world. That's what my father says.
I guess he's got a point. In addition to the catalogue, I also want to talk about what I learned from Dumbledore and Voldemort. I think there's some things we need to look into.
You're right. I don't know what I missed that Dumbledore said but father is going to be very interested in what Voldemort said. Now we know we have the right man, he can try to learn even more about Tom Riddle. We probably can't get together today though. I hope things will be more normal tomorrow and we can meet at the old location, just you and I.
I'd like that.
Daphne couldn't help it, she had a smile that wouldn't go away. From Tracey's snicker, she had noticed but at least she wasn't teasing her.
Ron didn't miss how Hermione maneuvered herself to sit between him and Harry. He was sorry about how he'd reacted last night and he was pretty much over it. He wasn't sure how to make it up to Harry yet but she didn't have to separate then, he wasn't going to start anything, especially in public. She should give him a little credit.
As he was adding some bangers to his plate, he noticed some rather pleased discussions about points going around the table. He wondered about it for a moment when he remembered that Harry had earned 200 points yesterday. They must have a comfortable lead now, they hadn't been that far behind the leading Slytherins the last time he had noticed. He also noted some Daily Prophets being shared but had no interest in what they printed.
He checked the head table and saw that McGonagall looked as pleased as Snape looked sour. As much as he enjoyed that, he had to check for Malfoy's reaction. Oh yeah, he was in a right state, glaring at pretty much everyone, he was. Then he saw him throw a look of loathing his way but then he realized it was probably aimed at Hermione, not him. He looked over at her and saw that she wasn't paying any attention to the Slytherins, she was busy chatting with Parvati about something. That was good, she didn't need to see what that git was up to.
It wasn't until later that Hermione pointed out that someone was missing: their DADA professor. That did seem odd but he certainly wasn't going to miss Lockhart if he was gone. He was surprised when Dumbledore rose to make an announcement.
"If I could have everyone's attention for a moment." The headmaster paused for the students to quiet. "The board has reversed my suspension so I am back. Our Defence Against the Dark Arts professor seems to have disappeared…." He had to pause as a mixture of reactions came up from the crowd.
Suddenly one of the doors flew open and as Ron gazed that way in surprise, a slightly out of breath Lockhart walked in and made an announcement as if he was at a gathering in his honour. "Never fear! Your Defence professor just had to tidy up some things in chamber after vanquishing the basilisk! I will be available for classes and if anyone wants a signed photograph, well, all you need to do is ask."
Ron saw him pose with a big smile and couldn't believe it. Didn't everyone know that Harry had taken care of the basilisk? What was that berk playing at? There were a mixture of groans and sighs in reaction and Ron wondered why nobody called him on taking credit for what someone else had done.
He was surprised when he noticed that Hermione was muttering and looked even angrier than she had last night, and that was saying something in Ron's opinion. Then he noticed that Harry was holding her back from using her wand! He knew why she was angry, why wasn't she shouting at him though?
"Hermione?"
She abruptly turned her head to glare at him and he leaned back and raised his hands as if to protect himself. She huffed and then managed to get out a somewhat less angry response, "What is it, Ron?"
"Doesn't everyone know that Harry did it?"
Her glare hardened then she looked around while Ron finally began to realize he must have missed something. "What?"
Her response was a hissed whisper. "Nobody knows, Dumbledore kept it quiet. The Prophet only printed that the threat was over and the basilisk was dead. There was nothing on who did it."
Great. Ron reckoned that their next class would consist of him acting out how he slew the basilisk. "So Harry didn't tell anyone else?"
"Of course not!"
She was getting angrier again, he knew he'd better drop the subject so he didn't respond.
"The slimy berk will probably write a book about it too."
Ron looked at Hermione in shock at what she'd said. Apparently her crush on Lockhart was over. She looked like she wanted to kill him.
Other than the feast, Harry hadn't enjoyed much since Ron returned from being with the rest of his family. He had whined about missing the 'adventure' and was especially angry that it had been Daphne who'd gone with him. Harry was sorry he'd told him the story. He had stopped complaining when Harry had gotten tired of it but he was still giving Harry wounded looks that were driving him spare. It wasn't his fault that Snape took him away! What was he supposed to do about it?
Hermione had realized that Harry needed a break so she distracted Ron with a discussion of how far behind he was with his homework and Harry slipped away on his own. He headed to the hospital wing hoping to catch Ginny alone. He was afraid that he had misjudged her and wanted to give her another chance and help her if he could. He couldn't imagine having Voldemort in his head for months like that, the very thought of it made him shiver.
He made it to the doors and quietly opened the door and peered in. He saw Ginny's red hair about halfway down and she appeared to be alone. However, she might be sleeping and in that case he'd have to find something else to do. He quietly made his way over and just when he was about to decide that she was resting and he would leave, she turned and looked at him.
Her eyes had a haunted look and it made Harry's heart drop. This was exactly what he'd feared and he didn't really know how to make it better. Hermione always thought you needed to talk about stuff so that was one thing he could try.
"Would you mind a visitor?"
She just stared at him for a moment and he began to wonder if anything had changed. Then she gave him a rather unconvincing smile and murmured, "Hi Harry. How are you?"
He came over and sat in a chair that was already near her bed. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" That got him a slightly more genuine smile.
"I'm OK."
"You don't have to pretend with me Ginny. I met Voldemort, even the older version of him, and he was quite a piece of work. Being only 16 wouldn't make it any more pleasant and I only talked to him for a few minutes."
She looked away and he almost didn't catch what she said. "I was so stupid."
"Hey. He fooled lots of people. He was a student here and he killed someone and made that diary what it was and nobody knew! Did you hear that they thought it was Hagrid? I can't believe they thought that. He was already fooling everyone Ginny, including adults. Don't just blame yourself, learn from this."
"What if I learned I was stupid and weak?"
Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. Why had they left her alone while she was feeling like this? "Then I think you are trying to learn the wrong lesson, Ginny. Everyone is afraid of just his name and they probably never even met him much less having him in their head! He told me himself that you were strong, Ginny, and that you ruined his plans. That isn't stupid or weak, that is strong and brave. You're in Gryffindor for a reason, Ginny. The hat must have seen how brave you can be. You even proved it to Voldemort himself. I won't put up with anyone calling you stupid or weak, not even you, Ginny."
While he was speaking, Ginny had slowly turned her head back to him and stared at him in surprise. When he stopped talking, she hesitantly responded.
"You really believe that?"
"I don't just believe it, Ginny. I know it."
She looked down at her hands clasped in front of her. "I still remember stuff from him. Spells, all of the things he told me. I'm afraid that he'll come back. I thought I hid him away and I was free but he was still there. I have nightmares…."
She closed her eyes and Harry could tell she was fighting tears. Harry was starting to get accustomed to this whole touching thing and it seemed now was an appropriate moment. He reached out and covered her hands with one of his. "You just need time. Don't try to hold it all inside. Talk to people like Madam Pomfrey or even me if you want. I will listen and I won't judge you, Ginny."
She had startled when she felt his hand but kept her eyes on their hands even when she answered him. "I'm sorry how I treated you before, Harry. I was trying to protect you. Tom was getting very interested in you and it scared me. I didn't want you hurt."
"That tells me a lot about you Ginny. You care about other people and that's a good thing. That's something that Voldemort would never understand."
Ginny started to give him a grateful look when her eyes widened and she stared behind him and began to blush. Harry almost went for his wand but turned around first and was glad he'd done that. Pulling his wand on his head of house would have gotten him into more trouble than he wanted.
Her expression was bland but her eyes looked like she was pleased. "Sorry to interrupt. I came to speak to Miss Weasley but I'd like a private word with you first, Mr. Potter."
"Certainly, professor."
Harry's mind was in overdrive, wondering how much she'd heard. He couldn't think of anything he'd said that would get him in trouble and she didn't look angry so he tried to relax. He followed her away from Ginny but they didn't go that far before she stopped and with a quick wave of her wand, she turned to face him. Harry was already impressed, that must have been a silent privacy charm.
She actually had a small smile when she began to speak. "This is the second time I have found you being a good friend, Mr. Potter. You also give very good advice. Miss Weasley and I will have regular meetings over tea, I intend to take good care of her. I want to take good care of everyone in my house."
He felt proud at first but then became uncertain when she gave him a significant look at her last sentence. "Is something wrong, professor?"
"That is my question for you, Mr. Potter. Has the headmaster been treating you fairly? Has he been putting any pressure on you? Is he forcing you to do things you don't want to do?"
Those were such loaded questions. He was beginning to have doubts about the headmaster's motives but he had nothing substantive he was willing to point at for complaint. He was very glad that the question had been raised but he had no answer for it or not yet, anyway. "I have nothing to complain about now, Professor. However, if you ever had some time, I'd love to hear stories about my parents." Harry was fairly shocked when that brought a chuckle out of his normally stern head of house.
"I can tell you right now that your mother would be proud, very proud of how you treat your friends. I can tell you a lot about your mother's achievements and you might want to speak with Professor Flitwick as well, she worked closely with him on a charms mastery. Most of my stories about your father would not be as favourable. He got in a lot of mischief while he was here and I have no idea how many times I had to give him detention. I can tell you though, that he grew up to be a fine man. He gave the ultimate sacrifice that a man can give for his family. Never forget that, whatever else you might hear about him."
"Now, I will need some privacy with Miss Weasley but I will be in touch, Mr. Potter. I would very much enjoy having tea with you, as often as would be practical with our schedules."
"Thank you, professor."
Harry looked at Ginny, whom he caught staring at them. She blushed as he waved goodbye and then turned towards the doors. That had been a very eye-opening conversation he'd had with McGonagall. He wasn't sure yet if he would approach her about the headmaster, but the fact that he could do that was now apparent. He might just have an ally that he might need someday.
Minerva watched Harry as he made his way to the door. Even though he had said nothing about Albus, she saw something in his eyes. It had been disturbing in two different ways. First, it confirmed that Harry did have some reason for grievance against Albus but that he was not ready to say anything yet. However, she had also seen that he was considering her as well.
She had let him down very badly last year, she saw that now. She had blindly followed Albus' directions to divert students from the third floor corridor at all costs. It was obvious to her now that he'd tried to do the right thing and bring a breach in security to her attention yet she had rebuffed him. She was now paying the price for her blind faith in the headmaster. She had let down one of her lions and she would not allow that to happen again. Sooner or later though, she'd need an ally if she was going to oppose Albus. She thought she had just the man for the job in mind. Time would tell.
She turned to a timid looking first year trying not to watch her too obviously. It was time to shed the stern demeanour. She let out one of her rare genuine smiles and saw the effect it had on young Ginny already. She had to focus on her for now but she would not forget Harry. Not again.
When McGonagall left, Ginny considered her last two visitors. Things had been looking bleak and now she had two people offering to help her. Her father had tried to do the same but he wasn't here and couldn't be away from his job too much. All her mother wanted to do is smother her and keep offering to take her home. If she left, she wasn't sure she'd be able to come back so that offer went nowhere. She had looked forward to coming to Hogwarts too long to go back in defeat, not even for this.
She thought she'd lost her chances with Harry completely. She'd seen him tending to that Slytherin and not looking at her. His priority was obvious but she couldn't blame him. Greengrass had been helping him and she was so pretty. Even in her Hogwarts robes, Ginny could see that Greengrass was starting to develop so how could plain, flat, uninteresting Ginny compete? She'd also felt him stiffen when she grabbed onto him to cry down in the chamber.
However, after she had pushed him away and endangered the whole school, he'd come to her and offered to help. In some ways, he was nothing like she expected but in the important ways, he was exactly what she had expected. He could be a very good friend and she'd try her best to be a good friend back. Who knows, maybe Greengrass would get tired of him one day. School romances usually didn't work out so maybe she'd have her chance again someday. For now, she'd be his friend and that was a very good thing.
Harry felt better as he went to dinner. First and foremost, he'd be able to see Daphne again soon but he had other reasons for optimism. His visit had gone well with Ginny and even better with McGonagall. Not only that, but Ron had come as close to apologizing as he could but he had a strong suspicion that Hermione had helped guide him to that point. Ron was trying to be a better friend, he'd give him credit for that. His marks for actually being a good friend would be rather mediocre though.
He pushed that aside and decided to linger over pudding to relax before heading for the room to meet Daphne. His friends eventually finished too so they followed him as he left. He glanced at the Slytherin table and was pretty sure he'd seen Daphne still there. He didn't want to be obvious that he was looking so he'd had to make do with a very quick glance.
He had a head start so he took his time getting to the room. It felt odd to not have his cloak so he was a little more self-conscious and alert. That's when he saw one of the paintings staring at him and when he looked back the person in the painting quickly looked away. Certainly not very subtle but he decided it was nothing to worry about. He was finally feeling in a good mood and didn't want to lose it over anything unimportant.
When he arrived in the empty room, he started to walk towards his usual desk but then stopped himself. He was feeling a bit restless so stayed standing and then wandered about the room taking his first close look at where they had been meeting. Other than the space they'd been using, it looked like this room hadn't been used in decades. Was this storage or did they actually use this room sometime in the past? Why were there so many unused rooms? Was the population of students declining? Did there used to be more classes and professors?
His questions disappeared from his mind as he turned towards the door that was opening. He was very pleased to see Daphne and she looked quite pleased herself. She only paused to send her usual two spells at the door and then walked directly towards him instead of towards her usual desk. He was wondering why right up until the moment that she gave him a hug.
Harry felt his face heating up. He was starting to like hugs but this was unexpected. Fortunately, some part of his brain was smart enough to return the hug while he was busy wondering why this was happening. When she let go, he noticed that she seemed shy and there was more than a little pink in her cheeks too. That only made Harry more confused though as why would she do something she found embarrassing?
She sat and turned to him and said, "So, what did I miss? With Riddle and Dumbledore I mean."
That was a much better subject than 'why did you hug me?' He knew how to deal with this subject. "You didn't miss much with Riddle. After he stunned you, he used Avada Kedavra on the rooster but then I noticed he seemed weaker. I tried to duel him but he was too fast. That's when I got desperate and remembered what Dumbledore said just before he left. I was silently asking for help and then there was Fawkes with the sorting hat. Riddle thought it was funny and I wasn't sure what to do."
"Anyway, the hat had talked to me during the sorting so I thought it might be able to help me that way but it never said a thing. I was starting to feel like an idiot wearing the hat and thinking 'I need help' when suddenly something heavy and hard hit me top of the head. I tried to get it off my head and it fell right into the mouth of the basilisk. That's how close that thing got before it died."
"I had no idea what it was then but I saw that it seemed to be absorbing the basilisk venom so I knew it was special. It was Riddle who told me what it was and this is one of the things I wanted to talk about. He called it a trophy and he said he could use it to continue his legacy, whatever that meant."
Daphne looked thoughtful and then responded. "That's interesting compared with something else we know about him but we can get into that later. Please finish the story."
"OK. It looked like he really wanted it so I grabbed it but I didn't know what to do with it. It's not like you can stab a spirit. Riddle was even taunting me, trying to provoke me into attacking with the sword and I remembered what you said about focusing on what is important and not what your enemy wants you to focus on. I knew I was missing something but then I remembered what he said about the diary."
Daphne gave him a brilliant smile that made something odd happen in Harry's chest. "Very good, Harry. I told you that you were getting better."
It took Harry a moment to recover from his reaction. "I stabbed the diary with sword and I was surprised how easy it was, it even went a little into the rock floor. The diary sizzled like the sword was hot but I thought it might be the venom and then Riddle disappeared. I woke you up as Ginny was waking up and you know the rest."
"Good, now tell me about Dumbledore."
"He was very intent on not talking about how the diary was enchanted. He not only cut off Mr. Weasley, he also avoided my question later. I brought up how Riddle said it was a memory but you can't recreate a person from just a memory but he avoided an answer. I wanted to try to bring up a suspicion of mine and he didn't like my question about soul magic."
"Soul magic? Harry, that was only mentioned to me as something that is better left alone. Soul magic is very dangerous. Maybe he was trying to steer you away from trouble."
Harry pondered that but was unconvinced. "Maybe but that isn't the impression I got. He doesn't want us to know anything about that diary."
"I'll have to discuss this with father. I really don't know what to think. If it involves soul magic, that makes this seem even more dangerous." She bit her lip in thought then turned to Harry again. "Anything else?"
"Well, there's the sword. It disappeared after I laid it down on the desk. Dumbledore said he'd heard it was able to be called by someone in great need either by a descendent of Gryffindor or someone who shared his ideals. He thought it went back to wherever it waited."
"We also talked about choices. He thought that my common characteristics with Riddle don't mean much since we make different choices and I agree with that. The other interesting bit was about being a Parselmouth. He said it's rare and tends to run in families but when I asked he said neither of my parents was a Parselmouth. He said that Voldemort accidently transferred some of his power to me."
Daphne looked stunned. "Really? Did he say how?"
"No. He acted like he didn't know but I'm not sure I believe him."
"That is odd." She pondered for a few moments more before asking, "Anything else?"
"Only the part with Malfoy that I already told you about."
"Oh! I forgot!" She dug into her book bag and turned back holding out his cloak and a stoppered vial.
Harry accepted his cloak with a smile but wondered about the vial. "What's the vial for?"
"Father wants your memory of your interaction with Malfoy. Only that part. He might use it for a trial or to show someone else so he doesn't want anything extra."
"How do I do that?"
"First you concentrate on the memory then you put your wand up to your temple and pull it back." She mimed doing that with her finger. "Then if it works, you drop it in the vial. Here, I'll hold it for you."
She removed the stopper from the vial and held it out to him. Harry hesitated so she spoke again. "You only take a copy of the memory so it will still be there, you won't forget."
Harry nodded and got out his wand and tried to focus on only his interaction with Malfoy. When he thought he'd succeeded, he put his wand to his head momentarily and then pulled it away to see a silvery thing dangling from his wand. He wasn't sure if it was liquid or gas as it seemed to act like both at the same time.
"You did it on your first try!" Daphne sounded impressed. "Here, put it over the vial and then tap your wand on the edge to make it let go."
Harry did just that and watched it continue to act strangely as Daphne put the stopper back on.
"Are you OK with someone else seeing this?"
Harry thought for a moment before responding. He wanted to make sure nothing too personal was in there. If he'd only copied what he'd thought about, he was fine with it. "Is there a way to check that I only copied what I intended?"
"No, sorry. We'd need a pensieve for that."
"It's OK. Making sure Malfoy pays for what he's done is important."
For just a moment, she looked embarrassed again. "So, ummm, I guess we should talk about what happened."
"Yeah, so what did you think?"
She looked very seriously at him. "First of all, you are nothing like Riddle. Don't ever think that."
"I know, I talked to Dumbledore about that. We make different choices so there are just some unimportant similarities. The difference is that I'm not the one who made him an orphan."
"Exactly. I thought the part about what your mother did was very important. I know what he's talking about and my father agrees. It is very ancient, basic magic. She sacrificed herself for you and that is very powerful magic. That's why touching you went so badly for Quirrell, the magic is still there, protecting you to this day. Your mother gave you a very potent gift, it can help you defeat Voldemort."
Harry understood all she was saying but he still felt the loss and stared down at his hands. He almost startled when her hand covered his. "I know it's not a pleasant subject, Harry, but it is important."
"I know and I agree with you. It is important."
Daphne's cheeks coloured a bit as she removed her hand and she looked away slightly as she continued. "As for the diary itself, my father and I had thought it was layered with compulsions to make her do what Riddle wanted. Destroying the diary also destroyed the compulsions but now I'm not so sure."
"I have the same problem with that as I do with Riddle saying it was a memory. How could he become great again from just a memory or a bunch of compulsions? It seems to me it would take a soul to do that. That's why I asked about soul magic."
'You mean he expected to live again?"
"Exactly. I mean, what could a spirit do with a sword? Why would it help him with his legacy?"
Daphne paled and appeared to be deep in thought. Harry knew she would come up with an answer. She was as intelligent as Hermione and knew even more about magic. She shook her head and sighed. "I have to talk to my father about this. I don't know much about soul magic and I'm not sure how much my father even knows. He may have to talk to his friend in the Department of Mysteries."
She gave him a serious look as she said, "I don't have an answer for you right now, Harry."
"That's OK, I don't expect you to have all of the answers. You've helped me more than I can ever repay already."
Daphne blushed. "Harry, we're friends! You don't have to repay friends!"
"I know. I just want to help you too."
"You do help me already Harry." She was giving him an unnerving look and then shook her head as if to clear it before speaking again.
"About the sword and his legacy, it may relate to the two other missing relics of the founders. I don't know why but he wants to collect them or use them somehow. I'm hoping that father may think of something."
Harry nodded so she continued.
"I have a couple of lighter subjects. First, Draco is in a real snit, he's been rude to everyone and got detention from Sprout of all people due to his attitude." She laughed along with Harry for a moment. "I knew you'd like that one. The other is the house points war between Snape and McGonagall. Did you hear about it?"
"As you know, I didn't have Potions today but I did have Transfiguration. I wondered why she was so generous with points today. Pavarti even got 20 points for her penmanship. I didn't get any for my penmanship though, a true travesty of justice, that."
That got Daphne laughing again and when she reached out and put her hand on his arm it made him flush again. Somehow it was embarrassing and invigorating at the same time, which made no sense to Harry.
"You may have to settle for getting points for your spell work, Harry."
"Ha. Ha. I did get 25, 20 for spell work and 5 for answering a question."
"There you go. You're a powerful wizard, Harry."
That look she was giving him was making him feel hot again. Maybe he needed to learn a cooling charm but for now, he'd settle for changing the subject. "There was something from first year that Dumbledore said that I'm still wondering about. Voldemort said he'd come to kill me, not my parents. When I asked Dumbledore why, he refused to answer and said I was too young." Harry felt is indignation rise when he said the last part.
"He came for you?"
Harry was surprised by the look on her face, she appeared appalled. He'd had an unhealthy interest in killing Harry all along, why was she so affected? He shrugged, "It's nothing new."
"Harry, that is new. He isn't after you because you defeated him, he was after you from the beginning. Why would he come after a baby? The only reason I can think of is a prophecy!"
"A prophecy?" He was vaguely aware of Divination as a course available to him next year but he'd never really thought about that branch of magic.
"The Department of Mysteries keeps copies of all prophecies and anyone named in them has the right to hear it. My father may be able to arrange that for you."
"I had no idea." Harry had no notion of what to think. Was there some prophecy about him and Voldemort? If there was, Voldemort certainly didn't like what it said.
"So, what was that potion you haven't told me about? Was a ghost helping you with it?"
"Oh, no! She was a pest and no help at all. Also, most of the credit for the potion should go to Hermione, I just helped out and finished it. We brewed Polyjuice Potion."
"Polyjuice? You do know that is a restricted potion, don't you? You Gryffindors are such rebels."
Harry blushed while she smirked at him. He didn't know what to say so Daphne spoke again.
"Why did you need it?"
"We were planning to go in as Slytherins to see if Malfoy was the heir. After what you told me, we abandoned the plan."
"You still have it then? It could be useful but you have to store it carefully."
"Yes and Hermione looked that up, we have four doses worth being kept fresh and no plan to use them."
Daphne pondered for a few moments but then huffed and dug in her book bag again. "Sorry, I almost forgot something else." She brought out a scrap of parchment and gave it to him. "Father arranged for someone to harvest the basilisk. Officially, they are working for you. Here is the information on them. They will contact you for arrangements for you to take them down to the chamber."
"Right, thanks." Harry looked at the names and they meant nothing to him.
"It's a company run by a Muggleborn. Father has used them before and they do good work."
"That's good."
"So, did anything happen since you wrote to me?"
"Oh! Right! I talked to Ginny and McGonagall. Ginny was a little depressed but I think I got through to her. However, the talk with McGonagall went great. She's going to be looking after Ginny and she asked me if Dumbledore is treating me OK. I think she's beginning to suspect that he might not have my best interests at heart. We may have an ally, Daphne."
"That's great Harry! As your head of house, she could have a lot of influence but she reports to the headmaster, you have to consider that too."
"She's pretty strong willed, she might go against him but you're right. She isn't the solution, not by herself anyway."
She seemed a little too stoic like she was hiding something when she spoke. "About Ginny, do you think she fancies you now?"
Harry suppressed a grimace, why were they on this subject again? "I'm not sure. Maybe."
"What if she does?"
He was way off into uncharted territory for him, maybe he should turn this back onto her. "I don't know. What do you suggest?"
"Do you think you could fancy her?"
This was getting worse! "I don't think I'm ready. I also am not sure how I feel about her. She was rude earlier but she says she was trying to protect me from Riddle, which makes sense. Plus, she's my mate's sister. I think that could be awkward. Do you think I need to do something?"
"No. If you're not ready then you don't have to do anything. If she makes things awkward, you can talk to me about it."
"Ok, I can do that." It was definitely time for a distraction. "I have the catalogue with me, want to help me out?"
She was eager for that plan and she brought their desks close together so they could both peruse the catalogue. He gradually got accustomed to how close she was as they discussed various options and he made a list of what he thought he should get. Fortunately, she got side-tracked on the women's side of the catalogue and found a jumper she liked. He made a note of that too. Chocolates were not enough for her birthday.
The distraction to clothing backfired on him though while they were looking at robes that he felt were too fancy for what he'd need. That led to a comment that floored him.
"They'd be great for you to wear when you meet my parents."
His mind ground to a screeching halt. Meet her parents? When was he going to meet her parents? "Ummm, Daphne…. When would I be meeting your parents?"
He saw her grow pale while her eyes widened, then she started turning red. When she covered her face with her hands, he began to become concerned. "Daphne, is something wrong?"
She groaned in response but finally dropped her hands and looked at him sheepishly. "This isn't the way I wanted to tell you. This summer, we want you to come to Greengrass Manor. You won't have to see those Muggles again."
Actually, that sounded promising to him. He was still a little stuck on the 'meet her parents' part though. "Not going back to the Dursleys sounds good. Dumbledore says I have to go back though."
"Dumbledore doesn't get to choose in this case. The headmaster can act as guardian for an orphan while they are at school but he has no jurisdiction when you are home. He was never officially appointed your guardian by the Ministry. However, father is afraid of what will happen if he tries to become your official guardian. Others could get involved and Dumbledore still has a lot of power. We won't ask permission. You'll just come with me."
"Do they really want me there though?"
"Absolutely! My mother is dying to meet you. My father is very interested in meeting you too. Harry, I want you to be with me this summer. Don't you want to be with me?"
"Of course! It's just that I know what it's like when people don't really want to be there and your parents shouldn't have to take me in." Harry tried not to tense up when she took his hand again.
"Harry, my mother could have been your godmother. She was as close to your Mother as Alice Longbottom was. They chose Mrs. Longbottom because of the familial alliance. My parents want you there, I want you there. Please come."
He was excited and scared all at once but realized there was one person she hadn't mentioned. "And your sister?"
"She'll love you too. She just didn't understand what was going on with our family. I'll make sure mother explains it to her before you ever see her. She'll be fine. Are you saying no?"
She looked hurt so he hurried to correct her impression. "No! I'm saying yes. I'm a little nervous about meeting your parents but I'd love to come and stay with you. I just… I don't want to be a bother."
"Harry, we will prove to you that not all families are like those Muggles you got stuck with. We want you with us."
Harry couldn't think of what to say. He felt like he was blushing but he also had what was probably a big goofy grin. This had to be one of the best moments of his life.