Chapter 25: Renowned
Link entered his dorm room and quickly looked around to make sure he was alone. It seemed as though everyone had already left for lunch. Hurrying over to his wardrobe, he saw that his tunic had been cleaned and now hung neatly. Stripping out of the hospital pajamas, he changed while Navi took her time torturing him.
'Link do you have any idea how hard it was to stay composed during Lockhart's story?' she said, her voice full of mocking laughter.
'Mmhmm.' he grumbled as he checked his pockets.
Nothing seems to be missing...
'I had no idea you wanted a role model so desperately.'
'Mmhmm!' he growled, glaring up at the fairy that was wisely flying just out of reach.
'I mean, I noticed you were crying more than usual, but I didn't know all those bullies were getting to you! Maybe I-' Navi was interrupted as Link grabbed his pillow and started swinging at her. Laughing, she dodged away while continuing her taunting.
Their fight was suddenly interrupted by a knocking on the dorm door. Link and Navi paused mid struggle and glanced at each other. After a moment the knocking came again, more forcefully this time.
Link dropped his pillow and Navi dove under his bed. Walking over, he cautiously turned the door handle.
As soon as the door was cracked open, the door flew open. Stepping away, Link was forced back as Ginny stumbled into the room. Chest heaving, she sucked in air in great breaths and pointed at him.
'S-Stay there!' she gasped.
He watched as the dishevelled redhead slowly recovered. Wiping sweat from her eyes, she stood back upright and glared at him. He raised his eyebrows quizzically. Without warning she drew back her fist and punched him in the arm as hard as she could.
'Ow!' exclaimed Link, jumping back slightly.
'Where are running off to?! Didn't you know I wanted to talk to you?! Now the whole school saw me running around in pajamas!' shouted Ginny angrily.
'Eh-' started Link. But before he could do anything however she punched him again.
'Ow! Hey!'
'And what was with that story?! I'm your true love?! You and Lockhart are lying, admit it!' said Ginny, raising her fist threateningly.
Link sighed as she searched his face.
After all she went through she deserves the truth. Maybe not all of it, but enough so she won't hit me anymore at least.
He nodded, smiling roguishly.
'Why?' she exclaimed, slapping her sides.
Walking over to his desk, he grabbed a quill and some spare parchment and she waited while he wrote. Once he was finished, he passed her the note.
"Not everything Lockhart said was a lie. Most of it was just exaggerated." read Ginny in a flat tone. She paused for a moment before advancing on him with her fists raised.
'You expect me to believe that?!' she shouted, her face red with fury.
Link swallowed. He nodded slowly.
'Argh!' she cried in frustration. Punching him one last time, she stormed from the room, slamming the door shut behind her. After a few seconds Navi poked her head up from under his bed.
'I think that went surprisingly well.'
Link didn't want to go to lunch to hear Dumbledore's announcement, but Navi insisted he attend.
'Think how it will look if you don't go. You know how this school is with gossip. They'll be kicking down the door to talk to you.'
Link groaned as he dutifully left his room. Marching to the Great Hall, he spotted Luna sitting by herself as usual. Moving over to her, he sat down next to her.
'Hey Link. What's wrong?' she asked, noticing his forlorn expression.
He looked at her sadly.
Once I get labelled a laughingstock I probably won't be able to show my face around here anymore.
With effort he pulled his grimace into an insincere smile. Luna looked back at him with a bewildered expression as Dumbledore called for calm. He felt a cold pit of dread start to form in his stomach as everyone fell silent while Dumbledore beamed at the students.
'Everyone, I have an important announcement.' said Dumbledore, his voice carrying itself through the hall, 'Last evening the Chamber of Secrets was located and it has been resealed. Permanently.'
The hall was silent for a moment as everyone processed what they had heard before erupting into thunderous cheers and applause.
'Link! Is it really over?' said Luna excitedly grabbing his arm. He nodded, grinning nervously.
Dumbledore surveyed the hall as everyone cheered and hugged each other. Well almost everyone. There was a small cadre of students, Draco Malfoy amongst them, who looked distinctly upset.
'And that's not all.' continued Dumbledore and the hall grew quiet in anticipation of his next announcement. 'The person we have to thank for freeing us from the looming shadow of the beast of Slytherin is…' Dumbledore paused dramatically. Luna tightened her hold on Link's arm, mouth open in breathless anticipation as the whole hall waited on the edge of their seat.
'Gilderoy Lockhart!' shouted Dumbledore, extending his arm towards the grinning professor who popped out of his seat and did a sweeping bow. There were a few wild shrieks, but most people looked at each other in confused silence.
'D-did he say, Lockhart?' asked Luna, looking at Link like she must have misheard. She wasn't the only one. All across the hall people started wondering if this was some sort of joke.
He nodded sheepishly, a small pained smile on his face.
'Now, I know you all want details...' started Dumbledore teasingly, and Link dropped his head into his hands.
Here it comes. Oh God, I'm done for. I hope they don't make fun of Luna too. Maybe I shouldn't have sat next to her. As soon as its nightfall, I'm packing my bags and-
'But! Professor Lockhart has indicated to me that he would prefer his deeds be kept anonymous for now while he works with his publisher. However, rest assured that soon the whole record of what occurred here will be released for the world to read and enjoy!'
Link snapped his head back upright, his jaw dropping in surprise. He couldn't believe his luck! Though he was confused. No mention of him at all? What was Dumbledore playing at?
I guess it doesn't matter. By the time Lockhart's book is ready, I'll be long gone. Ha!
Slowly everyone processed what they had just heard. Eventually they got over their shock and a few people started to applaud. Lockhart bowed and the hall slowly filled with cheers, whoops, and shouts. After a few seconds of cheering the students started to rise, giving him a standing ovation while he kept bowing and blowing kisses.
The professors, who were still sitting, looked on darkly.
'I believe this calls for a celebration.' boomed Dumbledore, his voice barely audible above the crowd. 'Enjoy!'
At his gesture the tables suddenly filled with mountains of food. At its appearance the hall erupted into fresh cheers. With new found enthusiasm everyone began reaching for their favorite food and the hall quickly broke out into laughing conversation. The relief in the air was almost palpable as worried expressions dissolved into smiles and a long overdue feeling of normalcy returned.
While everyone celebrated around them, Luna turned to Link in amazement, 'Wha-What happened? Did Lockhart really-'
Link shook his head and stood up from the table. Beckoning for her to follow him, he led her out of the Great Hall. Everyone was so preoccupied with their feast that nobody noticed them leave.
'What's going on Link? What happened with the Chamber of Secrets?' asked Luna excitedly.
Link looked at her and held a finger up to his lips. Motioning her to keep following him, they jogged out of the Entrance Hall and into the castle grounds.
'What's going on?' said Luna once they had reached a safe distance, 'C'mon, I can't take the suspense!'
Navi popped out of Link's tunic and waved at her.
'Hi Luna. What Dumbledore just said is true, the Chamber of Secrets was sealed. Me and Link were able to recover the dark magic artifact and the plot against Hogwarts is over.' said Navi cheerfully.
'That's great! Why do you look so down then?'
'Well, Link had to do some embarrassing lying to make sure he wasn't caught…' said Navi. She explained the whole tale to Luna who listened patiently. To her credit she barely laughed.
'Well, what's done is done. What matters is you saved Ginny, Link.' said Luna, giving him a pat on the arm, 'Does she know?'
He hesitated before giving a half nod, half shrug.
'So Ginny suspects something is up. Maybe you should just tell her what you told me. I trust Ginny. She's a good person.'
'Yes.' said Navi slowly, 'But the more people who know a secret, the less secure that secret is. Trust is important, but right now our mission takes priority.'
'Mmm!' agreed Link, nodding seriously.
Luna shrugged, 'If you say so. Now that you stopped the plot and recovered the artifact, isn't your mission over though?'
Link and Navi glanced at each other.
'Maybe. We're going to need to talk to someone first. Once we know that our quest is over, Me and Link can go home.' said Navi happily. Luna stopped smiling and faced Link.
'Wait, what?' said Luna, suddenly alarmed, 'You're just going to leave?'
He coughed into the back of his hand and looked away from Luna for a moment before looking back into her face. She was looking into his eyes, visibly upset.
'Well, once our quest is complete, we don't tend to stay for very long. We have responsibilities elsewhere.' said Navi gently.
'But-but it's the middle of the school year! You can't just go! You won't be able to come back to Hogwarts next…next year…' finished Luna her voice cracking. Tears started to form in her eyes as realization started to dawn on her.
'I'm sorry Luna. Link doesn't belong here. He has a home of his own to get back to.' said Navi, a tinge of sadness in her voice.
'O-oh…' said Luna. She tuned away from Link for a moment and wiped her face with her sleeves before turning back to Link, 'I-I should be getting back to the feast.' she said smiling briefly before turning back around, 'Talk to me later okay?' she said shakily as she started to quickly walk back to the castle.
Link watched as her walk slowly turned into a running jog. He sighed and shook his head. After a minute Navi spoke up.
'We should speak with Kaepora Gaebora. If the crystal pieces are all secured, we can leave immediately.' said Navi calmly.
'...'
It always ends the same. He thought as he watched Luna disappear beneath the gatehouse.
Navi was silent as Link slowly climbed up the stairs to the Owlery.
Now that the crystal is in Kaepora Gaebora's care I don't see any reason why I should stick around...
As he climbed, he looked out a window into the grounds below. Off in the distance he saw Hagrid's hut and the frozen lake beyond.
I never did take Hagrid up on that fishing trip. Also, I wonder what happened to the squid? He must've survived. Do the Merpeople have to deal with him? Feels like a loose end to me…
He turned away from the window and resumed climbing up the stairs. As he climbed he thought about what else was going on in Hogwarts.
I guess I'll be leaving the dueling club behind. I really wanted to be the champion of the tournament Lockhart mentioned too. Also, I wanted to make sure that Colin, Justin, and Mrs. Norris and Nick recover…
He stopped and frowned.
The ghosts! I forgot about them. I can use the Song of Healing to lay them to rest. I guess they'll eventually pass on without my help, but still I could ease their suffering at least...
He began climbing again. Before long he reached the top of the staircase. Pushing the door open, he entered the pungent conical tower room. Moving to the centre of the floor, he pulled out his ocarina and played the Song of Soaring. With a rush of wind, he saw Kaepora Gaebora glide into being and settle down on a wooden beam, scattering owls in his wake.
'Ah-Hoo! Link! I am pleased to see you again. Hoo! And Navi?'
Navi flew out of his tunic and greeted the massive owl.
'Hello Gaebora. Are the crystal pieces safe?'
'They are. Once again you have prevailed over evil, hero. The crystal pieces have been taken to a far distant time where they can cause no harm to anyone. You have saved this land and its people from a future of darkness. Hoo!'
He nodded and forced himself to smile. He was still thinking about the look on Luna's face when she had turned away from him.
Kaepora Gaebora turned his head sideways as he regarded him, 'As promised I can return you to Epona and Hyrule now, hero. A reward earned a thousand times over. It is the least I can do.'
Link inhaled sharply as he looked up at the giant owl.
I can be with Epona again! I can visit the Kokiri forest and see the village and the Great Deku Sprout. Not to mention I can be catch up with Ruto, Malon, Zelda and…and Saria.
Navi faced him.
But what about all the people here? I can't just leave without saying goodbye. Luna still needs me. The least I can do is see her through to the end of the school year…
'So hero, shall I return you to Hyrule now?' asked Gaebora turning his head right side up.
He took a deep breath and shock his head.
'N-no.' said Link in a pained voice. He swallowed hard as Gaebora and Navi stared down at him in surprise, 'Uhm...I-I...'
He shot Navi a desperate look for help.
'Maybe not yet, Gaebora.' Navi piped up, looking back at the great owl, 'We've got some loose ends to tie up. You can still take us back when we're finished, right?'
'A-Hoo! Of course! I'll be nearby. All you need to do is play my song, and I will be at your service.'
With that Kaepora Gaebora spread his wings and took flight again; disappearing from time and space. As he watched the owl fade, Link scratched his chin. He thought he heard a distinct tone of amusement in the great horned owl's voice just now. Sighing, he turned to Navi and smiled gratefully.
'I think you made the right choice, Link!' she said landing on his shoulder and patting his cheek, 'Let's go find Luna. I'm sure she could use some company right now.'
Weeks passed and Easter Holiday arrived and the Gryffindor Tower was decorated in bright blue and yellow. The Commons was emptier than usual as a fair few students had gone home for vacation. However, many more had decided to stay at Hogwarts as compared to the Christmas Holidays. Now that Slytherins monster was defeated, there was nothing to fear but the upcoming exams. Amidst the sounds of pleasant conversation and relaxation Harry, Ron and Hermione had secluded themselves at one of the round tables. Despite the pleasant atmosphere, the three appeared haggard and despondent. There was no brevity to be found at their table.
Hermione's bag lined, watery eyes narrowed at Harry sharply.
'So that's it then? It's over, just like that?' spat Hermione bitterly. Harry gulped and nodded. He would have to chose his words carefully. These days it didn't take much to send Hermione rushing off to her room. He'd be lucky to speak with her again in a week if she had another fit.
'Well not necessarily.' said Harry delicately, ignoring the weary expressions of his two friends, 'Dobby just said that the plot is over. What ever the plot was it failed when the Chamber of Secrets was closed.'
At that Hermione let out an abrupt bark of shrill, mirthless laughter. The people seated nearest to them looked at her in alarm before standing up and scuttling away.
'So everything was for nothing then? We could have just stood around and let Lockhart do his thing and it wouldn't have mattered at all.' said Ron glumly.
Harry tried to muster the energy to argue, but couldn't. It felt so wrong. Everyone in school knew that Lockhart was an idiot and yet they all seemed to be blindly accepting what Dumbledore had told them had happened. Lockhart was, for better or worse, a hero.
Harry stirred, 'Maybe Link-' he started but Hermione and Ron groaned. They had listened to this a hundred times before.
'Oh, come off it!' snapped Ron. Harry recoiled in shock and Ron sighed.
'It doesn't matter anymore. You won't learn anything chasing Link around and he isn't talking.' said Ron desperately. Hermione drew her lips, her hands clasping together tightly.
Harry opened his mouth to argue before he clamped his jaw shut. It was maddening. Whatever had happened in the Chamber of Secrets, Link was at the centre of it he was certain. But neither Ron or Hermione seemed interested in pursuing the matter any further. For the last few weeks, he had been forced to investigate Link by himself.
The first person he had questioned was Ginny but for all her apparent animosity towards Link, she was actually quite defensive about him. Well, when he wasn't around anyway. All she had told Harry was that he "Wasn't a bad guy." This was a bit rich coming from her as all she seemed to do was badger him every chance she got. But no matter how much Ron and Harry questioned her she refused to talk.
With Ginny being a dead-end, Harry had questioned everyone Link had ever hung around with. His bunkmates, Luna, everyone! But nobody seemed to be willing to tell him anything. Harry winced as he remembered questioning Hagrid. He hadn't expected the friendly groundskeeper to react as angrily as he had to his questions about Link, but Hagrid seemed to have taken an odd personal liking to the green clad boy.
While he was hunched over in thought, he noticed Ron and Hermione share a look.
'Harry, you should give it a rest with the Link stuff mate. Seriously.' said Ron concernedly, 'People are starting to talk.' Hermione nodded in agreement.
Harry looked up at the pair, 'What do you mean?'
Ron swallowed, 'Well, just that you're always asking about him-'
'And he seems to be nice to everyone.' interjected Hermione tentatively.
'-people think you're a bit. I dunno, obsessed with him or something. Face it, if something happened we missed it, mate.' Ron and Hermione looked at him imploringly. Harry suspected his two friends had finally reached the end of their patience for him.
Harry sighed dejectedly, 'I won't give up guys. I can't! I have to know what he did down there.' Ron and Hermione looked at each other despairingly.
At that moment the group heard a door slam from the dormitories above them. Looking round, Harry saw Link slide down the arm rail of the spiral staircase, a carefree grin on his face. Rolling as he hit the floor, Link heedlessly sprinted past them and towards the portrait door, humming a catchy tune as he went.
'Link! Where are you going?' yelled Ginny angrily from across the room.
Link looked over his shoulder. Upon seeing her, his grin rapidly transforming to a look of horror. Whirling, he darted through the portrait door and disappeared.
'Link!' bellowed Ginny, racing after him.
Harry briefly thought about giving chase himself before he slumped back in his chair. He needed to pursue this. He needed his friends support on this. But how could he convince them when everything was a dead end? Harry stirred back up in his chair.
'How'd he get in the Common Roo-' he began before Hermione cut him off.
'Selective mutism.' she said instantly, 'Link isn't totally mute. His condition is caused by stress or emotional trauma that-'
'Yeah, yeah, yeah.' Harry said frowning deeply.
In the aftermath of the Christmas disaster, Hermione had done some research into mutes and discovered that Link likely suffered from a well documented psychological condition brought on by some traumatic past event. Whatever the case, if Link really wanted to, it was not unfeasible to believe that he could open the portrait door.
'What about the marking on his hand. That has to mean something.' said Harry feebly in a final attempt to motivate his friends.
Ron leaned in closer, his face firm, 'Harry, what if its just a tattoo? Not some mysterious, ancient, thing or whatever, but just a tattoo?'
Harry looked over at Hermione pleadingly but she just stared down at her hands, mumbling indistinctly. At last he finally relented. Taking off his glasses he wiped his eyes. It was over.