Disclaimer: It's JKR's universe of characters, settings, and the like. The plot is already fallen from the canon path, and it will only continue to diverge from here.

As always thanks for the polish of the chapter goes to my wonderful beta chem prof

'''''''''''''''''''''

Professor Snape strode into the Potions classroom looking even more agitated than normal as he flicked his wand and the directions for the calming draught appeared on the board.

In a clipped tone he simply said, "Due to the inevitable emotional collapse of various students during the OWL and NEWT examinations, Madam Pomfrey needs to keep her stocks full with this draught. Those students that manage medical grade work will receive extra credit for the assignment. Pair off, because the quantities on the board call for a double dosage and will need due diligence to complete."

Harry arched his eyebrow as he turned to Hermione and she rolled her eyes. "You go get the ingredients we don't already have, and I'll prepare the cauldron and fire."

Harry quickly scampered over to the ingredients cabinet, grabbing some of the dilute mandrake root before he hazarded a glance around the room, immediately noticing Snape as he rubbed on his left forearm. Frowning, he continued to scan the room and the only other face looking downtrodden was Draco Malfoy. Harry allowed these observations to sink into his head for a moment before he came to the inescapable conclusion that Voldemort was busy doing something.

Returning to the desk he casually stated, "Snape's forearm seems to be bothering him quite a bit, doesn't it?"

Hermione merely nodded, having observed as much and its inescapable conclusion. "Ok, I've already added the ashwinder eggs and now you need to add the nettle leaves. Then I'll stir it for fifteen minutes, alternating clockwise and counterclockwise stirring motions. When it turns a lavender color then you add the mandrake root."

Harry ran a hand through his hair and nodded. The calming draught was on the easy end of potions they might have to make for their OWL practical, but the stirring was very specific on this potion for a reason.

Hermione diligently kept her stirring up as she commented, "I doubt we'll know what Riddle wants until it actually happens Harry."

Harry nodded glumly. "I know, but it just seems so wrong to be here learning about potions when Riddle is planning to kill people."

Hermione's voice was soft and warm as she replied, "I know it seems that way Harry, and you're right it is wrong. But, just because you know he is going to do something, it doesn't mean you can do something about it."

"This has to end, before we destroy ourselves dealing with Riddle," Harry stated softly.

Hermione sighed, "Thankfully the rest of the magical world isn't so antiquated. I wouldn't be completely averse to moving to Australia, Canada or America after all of this is over, and keeping a seasonal home here so we can visit whenever we want."

Harry smiled slightly at the change of topic. "You've thought about this, have you?"

Hermione smiled. "Of course I have Harry; after all thinking is what I do best."

Harry arched his eyebrow. "I don't know, you were pretty good at doing something else at Christmas."

Hermione blushed brightly and made a point to avoid contact with Harry. "Anyways, think about how horrid it would be dealing with the media like they were at the station today. When you beat Riddle, it will only get worse for a while. I mean look at the crowds that Lockhart attracted, and he was a complete fraud."

Harry conceded the point with a shrug of his shoulders as Hermione continued to stir the potion in her typical clinical manner. Finally she spoke again. "You know, we do have career counseling coming up in February. Then we have to continue our OWL review, and I already know that Ron will start bugging me about copying my notes."

Harry chuckled and put the mandrake roots in as the potion turned the appropriate lavender color as Hermione had indicated. The potion bubbled for a moment as Hermione methodically changed the intensity of the flame before she commenced stirring again, "Now I just need to alternate five minute segments of stirring and sitting for the next thirty minutes and the potion should be finished."

Hermione sighed and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I wonder what the election of Minister Scrimgeour will mean for Professor Umbridge and how she teaches."

Harry looked down at his watch and grimaced. "This is just great, an hour listening to Trelawney predicting my death followed by the new and improved Umbridge."

Hermione smirked at Harry but refrained from saying anything; she couldn't berate him too much considering he was still thinking of taking the OWL exam for Arithmancy as an independent study. If he could manage a good grade in a class he wasn't even taking, the divination grade would be mitigated on his transcript.

''''''''''''''''''

After a typically dreary Divination class, the food at lunch didn't taste very good in anticipation of Umbridge in the defense classroom.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville all shuffled into the classroom five minutes before class was to begin. The Slytherins had not yet arrived and the other Gryffindors would wait until the last minute as well.

The four decided to take two tables in the middle of the room and after they sat down Ron groaned, "This is going to be horrible, I can already tell. How much do you want to bet Umbridge will be back to her old tricks when she gets here?"

Harry rolled his eyes at Ron before waving his wand idly and putting privacy charms into effect. "Brilliant Ron, did you ever think she might have listening charms up before class to try and catch someone saying something like that?"

Ron paled as Hermione laughed quietly. "Oh honestly Harry, I'm sure that's probably the nicest thing someone has said about her this year in this classroom."

Harry grinned at the thought and waved his hand, canceling the charms absently as others began to slowly file into the class. Malfoy sat in the back next to Blaise of all people, and for once the Slytherins looked as uncertain about what to expect from Umbridge as the Gryffindors present.

Sure enough Umbridge sauntered down the stairs from her office; surprisingly enough she was dressed in some bizarre outfit which was a mix between a dueling outfit and a pink cupcake.

Harry's eyes widened as he mumbled, "She looks like a pink nightmare."

Hermione covered her laugh with a cough as Umbridge began her spiel, ignoring the titters from throughout the class. "Today class, we are going to learn how to properly defend ourselves through practical experience. I will pair you off based upon skill level as evidenced in your coursework. I do not want to see anything more lethal than blasting, cutting or piercing hexes. Even then, you should only aim for the legs and nothing above it. If you aren't an accurate spell caster then I suggest you stick with a stunning spell and the disarming hex."

Most of the class was actually interested in what Umbridge was saying for once, and she appeared more unsettled by that than anything else. "When I call your names, pair off and line up for your turn." Umbridge waved her wand and a standard dueling platform flashed into existence along the far wall of the room.

Harry shared an interested look with Hermione before they both turned their gazes back up to Umbridge as she began to read off her list, "Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter."

Harry sighed and rose to his feet, going over to the dueling stage as he kept his ear open for which person Hermione would be paired against. "Hermione Granger, and Daphne Greengrass." Nodding to himself he couldn't disagree with Umbridge's pairing, Daphne had a lot of talent and she had been improving steadily since the defense study group had been launched.

As the pairings were read off, it didn't escape Harry's notice that the houses were divided right down the middle with a Gryffindor facing a Slytherin every time.

Umbridge walked over to the group with a clipboard in hand as she stated in an officious tone, "When I call off your pairing I want you to get on the dueling stage. Remember the rules as I indicated them, the magic of the dueling stage will prevent any spells from hitting spectators so the rest of you pay attention to what your classmates are doing. Dueling for competitive sport is a potential career for any witch or wizard with excellent reflexes, and a grasp of offensive and defensive spells."

Hermione raised her hand and Umbridge nodded to her. "Professor Umbridge, isn't Professor Flitwick a former dueling champion?"

Umbridge nodded. "He was the champion of the All England dueling competition many years ago Ms. Granger." Scanning the room she nodded once to herself. "Well, why don't we start with Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy? I've heard that you two put on quite a show as second years. Let's see how much you've improved since then."

Harry walked onto the stage and felt the tingle of a protective ward as he took his spot on one end of the platform. He honestly didn't know what to expect from Malfoy any more. It had been a poorly kept secret that Draco had surged to near the top in all of his classes this year and he hadn't tormented Harry or his friends at all. Who knew what kinds of magic he had time to learn during the summers, safely protected from Ministry magic detectors inside the wards of Malfoy Manor.

Almost instinctively Harry shifted into his own unique dueling position, the one he had taken over the break while working with Gryffindor's sword. Harry's exploits the prior year in Moody's dueling seminars were near legendary and many took note of his foot position.

Draco stood at the other end of the platform, his stance a traditional dueling one and without the arrogant swagger he had possessed as a second year.

Umbridge nodded and stated, "At the count of three the duel will begin. Standard dueling procedure states that more than two consecutive attacks from one dueler will result in being penalized. The other limitations have already been discussed, so I expect you gentleman to respect them. One, two, three!"

Draco quickly snapped off two spells, "Relashio, Expelliarmus."

Harry dodged the first spell and allowed the disarming hex to hit him, seemingly shrugging its affects off with a negligent shrug of his shoulders. Most in the class blinked at the display, and Umbridge in particular was gazing at Harry with very wide eyes.

Harry snapped his feet together and pointed his wand higher as he incanted, "Expelliarmus." Malfoy immediately cast a shield and Harry cast another spell in response aiming at Malfoy's legs, "Abrumpo."

Most in the class recognized the spell as the blasting charm Moody had attempted to teach in the dueling seminar.

The first spell was absorbed by Malfoy's simple Protego shield and they winced as Harry's second spell was only partially absorbed by the shield before it painfully slammed into his knees. The audible crack signified the spell had still served its purpose.

Malfoy grunted in pain as he fell down on the stage and he spoke through clenched teeth, "I concede the match."

Harry nodded and with a flick of his wand he began to levitate the Malfoy heir and simply said, "I'll take him to the hospital wing Professor."

Umbridge nodded, somewhat shaken. Draco's performance really was a good one, but Harry certainly outclassed him with his abilities. She was painfully reminded of what she had done to Potter's betrothed earlier in the year, and suddenly she wished she hadn't for now obvious reasons. She wasn't naïve enough to think that she would beat the other wizard on the stage either, as the Malfoy heir certainly had his share of fine tutors during the summers.

In most Ministry circles Potter was viewed as an impetuous young celebrity with more fans than actual ability. Of course it should have been a giveaway that the one group not in agreement was the Auror squads, but when did anyone listen to Aurors?

Pansy Parkinson broke her from her musings as she queried, "Professor, are we going to continue?"

Umbridge looked down at her clipboard for a moment and replied, "Of course, Ms. Parkinson I was just gathering my thoughts. Ms. Granger and Ms. Greengrass next please."

As the two witches stepped onto the stage, Umbridge's mind whirled with the possibilities that Potter was worth all of the hype after all.

''''''''''''''''''

Silence reigned throughout the halls as Harry Potter levitated Draco Malfoy effortlessly through the corridors of Hogwarts. As always, things that should remain unknown for some time were somehow percolating throughout the castle at remarkable speed.

Albus Dumbledore appeared around the corner leading into the hospital wing and he spotted the pair somewhat bemusedly. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy is there something you would like to share with me?"

Harry shrugged as he continued walking, passing Dumbledore with his cargo, "We were dueling in Defense, and I sent a blasting hex at him and his shield only partially absorbed it."

Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully as he followed Harry into the wing. "Very well Mr. Potter. If you don't mind, I believe I have something I'd like to share with you at your soonest convenience. I believe you already know the password to get into my office."

Harry furrowed his brow as Dumbledore shuffled out of the wing. Gently he sat Draco down on the nearest bed and grinned as Madam Pomfrey began to fuss over him despite his feeble protests. Harry's grin wasn't malicious in the slightest, but he couldn't help but think that it was nice to see it done to someone else for a change.

''''''''''''''''''''

Harry entered Dumbledore's office later that night, honestly curious about what Dumbledore might want this time. The lessons on Riddle had apparently ended before the holidays; their purpose seemed rather evident now after all.

"Hello Professor. I hope you don't mind, but I did promise to meet Hagrid later this evening," Harry greeted.

Dumbledore's face was an odd contradiction for once as he managed a small smile in acknowledgement. "Harry, thank you for coming at such short notice." Harry took his usual seat without being prompted; he wanted to get right down to business tonight because it had already been a long day and it was only going to get longer.

Dumbledore noted this and simply began, "While it may come as a surprise to you, I did not show you the memories of Tom Riddle and the Gaunts solely for the reason you may have first expected." Tenting his finger he leaned forward. "Tell me Harry, have you ever heard of a horcrux in your varied readings?"

Something tickled in his mind distantly at the word, but he recalled nothing and replied, "Not that I can remember sir. But, the word does seem familiar."

Dumbledore nodded. "Very well, then perhaps a bit of explanation is in order. Horcrux is the word used to describe a piece of soul, sheared away due to a ritual marked by a cold blooded murder. Typically the piece of soul is placed in a receptacle, and the host receptacle is referred to as the horcrux. For our purposes, we shall assume the same terminology."

Harry's eyes showed he was quickly puzzling this out before he stated, "So Voldemort used a Horcrux then, that's how he survived that night."

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "I've spent many years attempting to discover Tom's method of escaping the clutches of death that night Harry, and while the use of a horcrux had been an option I had considered, it wasn't one I had any proof supporting. That is, until a certain diary was brought inside the castle and you managed to dispatch of it by use of a basilisk fang. It was then that I realized the lengths that Tom went to, to ensure his immortality."

Harry shrugged. "Well, the diary is gone now so I guess he's mortal again."

Dumbledore frowned imperceptibly. "If only it was such Harry. I have reason to believe Tom made several Horcruxes. And the past two and a half years I have been searching in vain for some clue of their location or quantity. While I believe I have discovered the identity of four possible objects, I haven't a clue as to their location."

Harry nodded and motioned for Dumbledore to continue. "They are Hufflepuff's cup, the Gaunt family ring, Slytherin's locket, and Nagini."

Harry puzzled this for a moment before he commented, "So Founders' objects then? But, I'm curious how would a horcrux work with something like Nagini? I would assume it would possess the snake if it was part of her. I mean Ginny was possessed for periods of time and it wasn't even a part of her."

Dumbledore nodded. "Very astute Harry, Nagini is indeed open to possession at any time that Tom would wish it. But, this is due to her lack of a soul of her own more than it is due to the nature of the horcrux."

Harry swallowed thickly before he asked, "So, what about my scar then? I mean there has to be some reason I could see through Nagini's eyes in my dreams back before my fourth year. The visions I've seen, and my ability to sense his emotions would be explained also, wouldn't they."

Dumbledore looked very grave as he replied. "It is indeed a possibility Harry."

Harry narrowed his eyes as he looked at the headmaster. "Surely you know a spell to determine it one way or the other."

Dumbledore nodded and pulled his wand out. "Animus Invenio."

Harry's scar burned for a split second before a green mist seemingly drifted out from it, and he faintly heard his mother's pleading to spare him. It was a familiar memory, one that he seemingly shouldn't even have unless it was indeed Voldemort's memory.

Harry felt a similar crushing weight as he had when Dumbledore had told him of the prophecy, but that was banished after a moment, because he now knew that self pity wouldn't solve anything. Gathering his thoughts he remained silent for several long moments. Dumbledore was observing his reactions closely.

Harry quietly asked, "So, when did you plan on revealing this bit of information to me?"

Dumbledore opted for the full unvarnished truth for once. "It wasn't something I ever planned on telling you. The reasons for this changed after the conclusion of the Tri-Wizard tournament and Tom's return to corporal form. Initially, I hadn't wanted to burden you with the knowledge that your own death would be required to defeat Tom. After the ritual in which Tom used your blood to bypass your mother's protections however, he created another path for you. A path which would permit your own survival as an end result, should it come to pass. A scenario which I would do everything to ensure comes to fruition."

Harry arched his eyebrow. "What would this other path be?"

Dumbledore winced. "It would require Tom, and Tom alone to hit you with a killing curse. The blood connection that is now shared between you bypasses the primary defenses of the horcrux. Therefore he would destroy the horcrux embedded within your scar, and you would be purged of the soul piece."

Harry frowned thoughtfully. "If I've followed you to this point, it would tend to reason that the piece of soul in my scar could instead be transferred to an inanimate object if I found the proper ritual."

Dumbledore nodded, "It is a possibility, but one that I have yet to find a solution for." Harry sat in silence for another couple of minutes. Dumbledore outwardly remained calm, though inside he was beginning to get nervous at Harry's reaction.

Harry finally shook his head sadly. "How can you rationalize keeping information from me that would mean my death? Do you have such little faith in what decision I would make if it came down to it? Most of your mistakes come from this strange little personality quirk of yours to believe the worst of people who deserve better, and the best of people that don't."

Dumbledore's eyes dimmed at Harry's words. "I've never claimed to be a perfect person Harry, and often times I wonder why I chose the path in life I have. I could have been a world renowned researcher in all branches of magic, and discovered new spells that would have revolutionized magic. Instead I have settled for a short alchemic apprenticeship with Nicholas Flamel, as I've battled against dark forces for the balance of my adult life. There are many days when my heart yearns for nothing more than such a simple life."

Dumbledore removed his glasses and regarded Harry completely honestly as he continued, "But, events in my past have blinded me to certain realities others seem to see that I do not. I've found that as I gained influence that every decision I make seems to adversely affect people. What I endeavor to do, is to place burdens on the shoulders of those who can carry them, and to relieve the burdens of those people who can not."

Fawkes trilled a soothing note of phoenix song at this point, and it seemed to have the proper effect on the pair of powerful wizards in his presence. In a strange reversal of roles Harry was the one peering over the top of his stylish glasses. "Well, then for your sake I hope you can seek forgiveness from those that carry the loads that others are unwilling to."

Dumbledore swallowed the lump in his throat and he quietly asked, "Do I have your forgiveness Harry?"

Harry slowly rose from his seat and regarded his mentor evenly. "I'd say actions matter a lot more than words between us Professor. Actions have always mattered more to me than words, I would have thought you'd know that by now. I think you'll know when you've made good on my account."

With no sense of urgency Harry walked out of Dumbledore's office in pursuit of Hermione; he had a meeting with Hagrid in less than an hour.

'''''''''''''''''''''''

As luck would have it, Harry ran into Hermione just outside of the Great Hall, apparently she was on her way to visit Winky down in the kitchens. He was surprised in just how calm he felt at the moment considering he had just been informed he had a bit of Voldemort's soul floating about in his forehead.

"So, do you know what Hagrid wants to show us?" Hermione questioned with just a hint of nerves in her voice.

Harry's lips quirked, "Well, not exactly but I imagine lethal and cuddly will be the word of the day."

Hermione snorted. "Lethal and cuddly?"

Harry shrugged and gave her an impish grin. "Well, cuddly by Hagrid's standards anyways."

Hermione rolled her eyes as they walked out onto the grounds towards Hagrid's hut. There had been a bit of an early thaw, and the snow was scattered about the field.

The duo was approaching the cabin when Luna Lovegood of all people appeared from thin air next to them, "Oh hello, are you going to see the Thestrals like me?"

Hermione regarded the odd girl with a small smile. "Hello Luna, no actually we are going down to talk to Hagrid."

Luna nodded knowingly. "I like Hagrid, but he has Lisping Hackeysacks in his beard. Someone should really tell him. I've tried but no one listens to me, not even Ronald." She finished in a sad tone of voice. Neither knew how to respond the blonde girl and they watched as she floated away, heading towards the Thestral stables.

A single knock on Hagrid's door was all it took as their half giant friend greeted them brightly, "'Ey there you two. Looks like yer properly bundled up, we've got a 'ittle bit of a walk to go 'ere yet."

The trio entered the forest as the sun was beginning to set; thankfully the moon was already in the sky prepared to keep them out of the dark. The Forbidden Forest was not a pleasant place to be without any light.

Through various twists and turns they went deeper and deeper into the forest before they came upon a clearing. Although, this clearing looked to be more of the sort that came from a great deal of destruction as opposed to something nature had a hand in.

Hagrid glanced around for a moment as he held up his lantern. "I'll be righ' back, you two stay right here and you'll be alrigh'."

Hagrid trotted further into the clearing, the ground trembling as he went. Harry smiled wryly and turned to Hermione, who was looking a bit pale. "So, always exciting dealing with Hagrid, isn't it?"

Hermione tried to glare. "I'm glad this amuses you so much."

Harry chuckled. "I've been in the nest of a King Acromantula in this forest Hermione, after that not much else can compare."

Hermione had to grin a little in thought. "So I bet Ron was terrified, wasn't he?

Harry chuckled. "Oh man, I'm pretty sure he needed a change of knickers after that. Of course, that wasn't a terribly good year for seeing large beasts. The king of spiders and snakes all in the course of a couple of days is a pretty horrific combination." His expression turned thoughtful. "That reminds me, we should arrange to go down there with Professor Snape to harvest ingredients from the corpse. I was thinking we could get some armored clothing from the hide, and I'm sure the rare potions ingredients will be worth a pretty penny."

Hermione nodded almost absently. "Yes I'm sure we could bribe Professor Snape with a portion of all the potions ingredients for his help."

The pair lapsed back into a somewhat more comfortable silence as Hagrid finally came back into view, with something even larger following behind him. As Hagrid approached, the large creature behind him straightened up and was even taller in comparison. Hermione whispered urgently, "Harry, that's a full giant."

Harry merely nodded as he greeted Hagrid. "Hey Hagrid, who do you have there?"

Hagrid beamed Harry a smile. "Glad yer asked 'Arry. I met him this summer during Order business. Dumbledore sent me out to the Giant packs and I extended the branch of friendship to the Gurg. I met him there; he was being picked on by the bigger ones in his pack. After a few questions I realized he was my brother through me mum."

Harry arched his eyebrow as Hagrid turned and bellowed, "Grawpy get over ere, I've got er couple of people for you to meet."

The large figure lumbered into the light, and Hermione gasped quietly as she wrapped her arm around Harry's, squeezing painfully at the sight of the immense figure.

If Grawp was getting picked on by larger giants, Harry decided to make it a point not to deal with any more of them ever again. Even the ones in Hogsmeade that he had attacked were a bit smaller than this Grawp was.

Grawp looked at the pair without a hint of self consciousness before he turned to Hagrid in confusion. "Haggers, who is Grawpy meeting?"

Hagrid beamed with pride. "These are two of my friends, Harry and Hermione, Grawpy. You treat them like I taught yer, and I'll bring you some more meat tomorrow."

Grawp turned his gaze back to Harry and Hermione and grunted as he stepped closer. "Hermy pretty."

Hermione whimpered as she hid behind Harry, who now had his wand out, but not aimed at Grawp, waiting for the giant to settle down. Harry slowly inched Hermione back to his side before he spoke deliberately, "Grawp, Hermione is my mate, so I'd thank you to take a step back."

Grawp blinked at the small wizard before he frowned. "Hermy with puny wizard Harry?"

Harry nodded as he flourished his wand and conjured a large slab of meat. "Exactly Grawp, thank you for understanding. Have this meat as a present for using your manners."

Hagrid could barely contain himself as Grawp took the obliging step backwards before he bit into the slab of meat, and his eyes lit up with pleasure. "Puny Harry and pretty Hermy, Grawp's friends."

Hermione slowly relaxed by Harry's side and she asked in a clear but quiet voice, "Grawp, why don't you have a pretty girl giant of your own?"

Grawp tore a piece of meat from the slab, in an impersonation eerily like Ron during a meal, before he replied, "Other giants pick on Grawp because he too puny. Girl giants no want puny Grawp."

Hermione shared a look with Harry that clearly said 'Puny?!' but she consoled the giant, "I'm sure you'll find a girl giant that's right for you eventually Grawp."

Grawp grunted as he lost himself completely in the slab of meat. Hagrid looked mildly embarrassed but tried to cover it. "Right, well let's be getting the two of you back to the castle before it gets too late. Grawpy likes his meat a little more'n he likes visitors I'm 'fraid."

As the three exited the danger of the Forbidden forest Hagrid's voice was grateful. "Dumbledore, he's a great man he is. But you two and Ron, you er great friends to me, and don't worry about me forgettin' it any time soon."

Harry and Hermione smiled their thanks and began the long walk back to the castle. It wasn't quite time for curfew yet, and as Prefects they could afford to be a few minutes after it.

'''''''''''''''''''''''

It was nearly a week later when Harry finally managed to corner Professor Snape about an expedition down into the Chamber of Secrets. Potions class had just let out, and Harry stayed behind on the excuse that he had a question about potions ingredients.

Snape could see there was more to the conversation than that and just as he sealed the door and placed his standard custom made privacy charm over the room Harry asked, "What do you know about Basilisk parts for potion ingredients Professor?"

Snape arched his eyebrow at the question but replied, "Basilisk parts are much more common in the Southern Hemisphere, and as such are subject to tariff by the Ministry of Magic. Most of the potions Basilisk parts are ingredients in darker potions, but they also are found in powerful restorative draughts. Why do you ask Mr. Potter?"

Harry smiled slowly. "What do you know of my excursion into the Chamber of Secrets my second year?"

Snape's eyes widened momentarily. "Do you mean to tell me that all of the rumors about a Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets are actually true?"

Harry shrugged. "Actually, I'm surprised Professor Dumbledore never told you about it. The one down in the Chamber was around sixty feet in length, and due to the fact that I killed it, I lay claim to the carcass by right. However, I'm not an expert at extracting potion ingredients and I would like to offer you say 20 percent of the ingredients for your services."

Snape glanced at his watch and nodded. "I shall have time to aid you this evening; are your friends going to join us?"

Harry nodded. "Hermione is, I don't want to subject Ron or anyone else to that place again."

Snape gathered his robe around him as he pondered for a moment, "I assume there is more than monetary interest in pursuing this under such short notice."

Harry merely smirked and nodded. "Meet us outside of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom at 8 pm, I have no clue if the entrance is booby trapped now or not, so come prepared."

As Harry exited the Potions classroom Snape sighed miserably as he muttered aloud, "Joining a Potter on an adventure, who would have thought I'd ever look forward to the day."

''''''''''''''''''''''

Myrtle was floating about in her bathroom; the ghost appeared to be practically giddy at Harry's reappearance.

"Ooh Harry, I knew you'd be back for me. I've known ever since you went into the chamber you've had a soft spot for me." Myrtle cooed as she batted her ghostly eyes coquettishly.

Harry grimaced as Hermione laughed openly at his discomfort before he replied, "Well you are the only ghost to see me starkers." Hermione broke down into tearful laughter at that as she slid down on to the ground leaning against the sink next to the chamber's entrance.

Snape strode into the loo of the infernally aggravating ghost and the sight before him caused a moment of pause, Potter had his head in his hands as Granger, the straight laced know-it-all, was laughing hysterically on the floor.

Managing a half-hearted sneer he said, "I'm ever so pleased to see you taking this seriously."

Harry glanced up and grinned sheepishly at the potion master, a grin Snape had seen on James Potter's face a few times also. Granger stood up, caught halfway between laughter and mortification as she rubbed the tears of laughter from her eyes.

After the pair collected themselves Harry turned to Snape, "Could you put up a suitably powerful confundus charm on the entrance to the bathroom Professor Snape?"

Snape nodded and silently flicked his wand, as the proper spell took hold over the eve of the entrance to the room.

Harry nodded appreciatively, "Ok, please stand back as I do this. As I recall the sinks do expand a bit when the entrance is opened."

Snape watched dispassionately as Potter hissed something at a specific sink, and the whole series of sinks began to slide apart. He had seen some miraculous things in his life thanks to magic, but seeing a hidden entrance to a chamber long thought to be a myth ranked right up there. For a fleeting moment he wondered what the dark lord had felt when he first uncovered the chamber of his ancestor, but then the thought was gone as he concentrated on the task at hand.

Harry looked at Snape's fathomless dark eyes and he said, "This next part is bound to be a bit uncomfortable, so if you have anything breakable I suggest you keep a hand on it."

With that Harry jumped down into the exposed entrance, disappearing with a whoop that could only be described 'pure Harry'.

Hermione was a bit more sedate as she had pulled her hair back into a bun and closed her eyes as she took the plunge.

The first thing Hermione saw when she cleared the end of the pipe was Harry standing there with his wand in hand as he floated her gently to the ground. The frown on his face was disconcerting, but she didn't have a chance to question him as Snape popped out of the pipe, slowing his own decent with a flick of his wand.

Harry frowned in consternation, as the old Basilisk skin was missing, and that same instinct that had served him so well in the past was screaming in his mind. Slowly he turned to Hermione and Professor Snape and spoke in a concerned tone, "Someone else has been down here recently."

''''''''''''''''''''''

A/N: There it is, I hope you enjoyed the meeting with Grawp. Grawp won't be a major part of the plot or anything, but Hagrid's statement at the end very well might be. I'll endeavor to have the next chapter out some time next week, but I can make no guarantees as to when.

Question of the Chapter:

Looking back at the Harry Potter series, which one Plot Hole bugs you the most?

I'm looking forward to seeing some interesting answers for this one, so take your time and think about it. Thanks to all of you that have reviewed and thanks for reading.