Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its character, those belong to J.K. Rowling.
Rated M For safe, and mature themes - Unsure Let if will contain 'lemons' since I'd rather not have my story removed. Nor do I know the final pairings let.
"Out loud"
'Thoughts' / internal thinking
Author Note: this is a long chapter to make up for the cliff hanger =) enjoy.
Midnight Gold, the Rise of the Forgotten Lord - Chapter 26:
A Murder within the Walls
Posted 2nd Feb 2013
Revised and Betad by slicerness
"Avada Kedavra!"
Ducking and rolling instantly, already expecting an attack but caught off guard by the lethal nature of the spell, he watched the radiant green spell smash into the wall, directly behind where he'd been standing seconds earlier.
Hearing another spell, he dived into cover behind a suit of armour. As this new spell, black in colour, impacted where he'd been standing moments earlier he was quite thankful for his reflexes.
His wand was drawn at the ready for a third attack, only to see a fleeing outline of a small man like figure, disappearing into a secret passage way he didn't know about. Since he had no knowledge of the passageway he decided against giving chase, lest he walk into a trap. Plus, now he was in a defensible position of sorts, with a classroom behind him to retreat into if need be. He could always jump out of the window if push came to shove, his logical mind processed as his heart beat raced.
'Just buy time, the paintings are wake and are getting help, just stay alert.' He mentally told himself while the paintings were shouting up and down the corridor doors. Their combined voices echoing, like a great beast, which left little doubt that the whole school would hear of attack within minutes.
"The teachers are coming! The teachers are coming!" Shouted a painting, "Do not panic! Do not panic! The Teachers are coming!" The guard wizard 'portrait' announced, obviously panicking, as he moved madly from painting to painting. Despite almost being killed minutes earlier, he couldn't help but laugh at the portrait antics. It reminded him of the Old Dad's Army episodes he had watched, and listen to from his cupboard doorway, relieving the tension in his muscles.
He moved out from behind the suit of armour, as he'd saw the outline of the all too familiar Deputy Headmistress approaching rapidly, "Mr. Potter, what happen here? And why are the portraits screaming that a Killing Curse as been cast." The Deputy Headmistress demanded in a no nonsense tone.
Composing himself, suppressing the shock he was feeling, he explained, "Madam, someone just tried to kill me." He pointed to the destroyed painting, as well the black spot on the floor, where the stones were cracked and broken from the second spells impact, watching the dawning realization appeared on her features.
Headmaster's Office
Sitting on the couch as the staff swarmed around the office directing the Aurors to the crime scene, he sipped on the offered tea. He was sure it was spiked with Calming Draught, since his emotions had settled down far more rapidly than normal, plus he could feel his mind reacting to it too. All of which was rather uncomfortable since he didn't like the idea of being drugged, but it had been offered by his head of house, and he doubted Flitwick would drug him with anything illegal. If it'd been anyone else he would have refused. Plus his ring didn't warm, meaning it wasn't harmful.
"Mr. Potter, you're taking this awfully calmly." The Headmaster said, after finishing talking to one of the Aurors.
"Why wouldn't I? Panicking wouldn't help the situation; emotions can wait until everything is sorted. Not to mention," He paused to meaningfully sip at his tea. "This tea is spiked with Calming Draught." He wanted them aware that he was being given something, since it would make him seem even more in control of himself. Someone who's panicking wouldn't be able to sense or detect the potion.
In truth he was rattled, but he needed to stay calm and collected as he processed the events. "I will admit I did expect someone would try to kill me after I freed Sirius from jail, but I didn't expect it to occur whilst inside Hogwarts. After all, this is meant to be safest place in Britain." He said to listening audience, "The question is who would want to kill me, and has the means to get away with it?"
"A fitting question," The half goblin stated, tapping his chin. "Who has the means and the motive to try such an attack, in middle of a school corridor of all places?" His Head of House asked the room from where he was sitting across the room.
"I got another question, has the Tonks family been informed? They are my acting guardians whilst Sirius is way on holiday," he probed, wondering where his aunt was.
"We were yet to be informed that Tonks family were your acting as your guardians. We were under the impression that the headmaster was your guardian of choice for this meeting," one of the younger Aurors stated, whilst sending look at the headmaster who was making himself busy talking with the deputy headmistress.
Taking a sip of his tea to help smother the urge to lash out at the Auror, Harry answered, "Next time don't assume, just ask. After all, I'm right here and does it look like I'm incapable of answering?" He really had to wonder if all Aurors at the ministry were incapable, not counting Madam Bones. "I'll contact the Tonks Family immediately." the Auror apologized.
"Headmaster, out of interest, how many attempted assassination attempts on average do you receive a year? After all, men in your position surely must receive their share. Also, what tips do you have on keeping the number to minimal?" He asked causally, now that they were in an exclusive club of sorts.
"Two on average, not counting cursed mail." The Headmaster added with bit of humor, breaking the tension in the air. "Hogwarts Ward Scheme filters any harmful mail, so don't worry about it."
"So one down one to go." Harry piped up humorlessly.
"The Tonks family has been informed, and are on their way here. Madam Bones is coming to oversee the investigation." The Auror announced to the room.
"Thank you." Harry said, beating the Headmaster to the punch.
Several minutes later his extended family arrived, "Andy, Ted." He said in greeting, giving them a short hug. "Did they tell you what happened?" He inquired, wondering what the pair had been told by the Aurors.
"Someone casted a Killing Curse and an Organ Liquification Curse at you, less than an hour ago," Ted replied, looking serious for change. "You okay?"
"I'm not surprised that there was an attempt on my life, but simply that it was in the school halls. I expected it when I freed Sirius that I could upset some well connected people, especially seeing the fall out. I'm rattled, but otherwise fine." He offered, "The Aurors are currently sweeping the building and the known passageways. Professor Sprout has gone to check on Tonks and tell her what happened. The Aurors are also going to be sweeping our rooms for any cursed items, in case this was aimed at the family rather just myself." He explained to the pair. "We're just waiting for Madam Bones to arrive for the official statements and questioning. I wanted you here to help protect my rights and act in Sirius' place since he's somewhere in the Caribbean with Remus."
"Alright, I doubt I'll be needed though. Have you told Sirius yet?" Andy asked, referring to the charmed mirror, since she had one to share with her daughter.
"No, I haven't had time. Besides, he can't do anything; he'll just worry and insist on returning. Even if I told him right now, he probably wouldn't be able to get a port-key back for a day at least."
"I'm going to check on my daughter if you don't mind." Ted stated, more than asked.
"Of course, Ted." The Headmaster replied, clearly watching and listening to the exchange. His voice was authoritative, likely an attempt to remind everyone here was present in his office in his school.
"Ted, tell her I'm fine. I know she'll be up in arms, but I promise to talk to her as soon as this is done." He requested, knowing Tonks was rather protective of him. His piece said, he dove into his mind, reliving the memory, looking for anything he missed, anything about his attacker that would be useful to the investigation. Only one thing was clear, it was an aged overweight man, based on the outline of the shadow.
But shadows were hardly reliable, and he knew a couple potions what could be used to change ones appearance, or it could be Metamorph like Tonks, but the ability was extremely rare.
At least it eliminated the Slytherin Quidditch team from his list of suspects, and Lord Malfoy, since the man may be killer, but he wasn't fat.
During his internal debate Madam Bones arrived, "Mr. Potter, it's nice to meet you again," The Head of Magical Law Enforcement said with smile, "So, shall we get down to business, it's already an awfully late hour," taking commanded of the situation with practice ease.
"Sure, I'd like to get this sorted. I'm sure the whole of Ravenclaw dorm has heard of this by now, so this isn't the only interrogation I'll be facing before I'll be able to get some sleep." He said, getting a chuckle from the stern lady. "I'll also have an irate cousin I'll have to help calm down, as well as pay a visit to our resident healer for another inspection, despite the fact I'm fine." He said, making it clear the prospect of another visit to Hospital Wing was the last thing he wanted.
Taking one of the free armchairs as the staff gathered around as witnesses, Madam Bones opened a box, pulling out an unusual quill, different from any he'd ever seen. Catching his curious look, she answered his unasked question, "This, Mr. Potter, is an official law enforcement quill, used to record statements, and shall be used to record this meeting. It's similar to a blood quill used for financial documents, commonly used by goblins."
Looking over at his Aunt, who just nodded and said, "Its fine, standard procedure."
"My Aunt here is acting as my guardian in place of Sirius Black, since he's on holiday overseas. She's also my legal representation in case it's required." He stated for the record, making sure the whole room knew, and reminding the Headmaster that he couldn't play either role as his Magical Guardian or legal consult.
"Lieutenant Moor, note that down." Madam Bones ordered, before activating the recording Quill, giving the standard information to head the transcript. "Interview of Harry James Potter, Heir to Potter Family, and Black family, survivor of a possible assassination attempt on the 17th October 1997. Witnesses present at interview; myself, Madam Bones Head of Ministry Law Enforcement... The headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Flitwick, Mr. Potter Legal consult and acting magical guardian Mrs. Tonks, in place of Harry's Godfather, Lord Black, Sirius Orin, Black, who is out of the country." She proceeded to list everyone in the room and any positions they held.
Watching as the head of Law Enforcement, checked the documents and quill, before turning her attention to him, "Mr. Potter, can you give us statement of what happened tonight," Madam Bones requested in stern tone.
Pulling up the memory, he started talking. "I was returning from one of the private potion labs, which had been given to me for personal use by the school so I can self study potions. However, during my return journey to the Ravenclaw Common Room I saw a flicker of in the shadows. I thought it could be a possibly be prankster, since I know the Slytherin Quidditch team is still bitter from earlier in the week, and has taken to pranking me."
"Or I thought it could have been Draco Malfoy, since he's taken to following me, I expect he'd been spying on me by orders of his father after the events of the summer. Naturally Draco is rather bitter with me at the moment, and has been looking for an excuse to get me into some trouble, either from his own making, or my own. Either way, I saw no one, no signs of a Disillusionment Charm, nothing. I thought I was getting paranoid from the pranksters."
"Why were you returning from a private potions lab, surely you would study under the resident Potion's master supervision?" Madam Bones inquired, already knowing the answer from summer, but asking for the sake of the record, and probably trying to gain some additional leverage over the Headmaster.
"Madam Bones I don't believe that is necessary." The Headmaster intervened, or at least tried to.
"I would like to remind you headmaster, that I am one who is trained law enforcement officer, not you," giving the age wizard a stern look, "And I am one leading this investigation, and questioning," Madam Bones stated forcefully, before turning her attention back to him, "Mr. Potter, please answer the question, and ignore the Headmasters remarks."
Deciding to walk the middle ground, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire, "There's a bit of bad blood between myself and Professor Snape, due to his behavior last year. As such I'm self studying for my OWLs and possibly my NEWTs, if I decide to take potions. Professor Snape's predecessor, the retired Professor Slughorn, is currently marking my work by mail," He offered, deciding it would be better for the foreseeable future to play nice with the Headmaster, rather than causing trouble by telling of Professor Snape's illegal activities.
Watching as Madam Bones check the quill again, clearly wanting the last comment on record.
"Please continue with your recounting of tonight events." The Head of Magical Law Enforcement instructed.
Harry nodded, "As I continued walking I continued to feel like I was being watched, but I was unable to spot anyone. Like I said, I thought it was the pranks getting to me. After all, there are quite a few pranksters in this school, but Slytherin Quidditch team has taken to trying to jinx me. Less than a minute later, I heard the incantation for the Killing curse. On instinct I ducked and rolled; I've been dueling since first year, so it was an automatic reaction that I'm now very thankful for. The Killing Curse hit the wall behind my former position, I dodged again and got behind a suit of armour, avoiding a second curse which I did not recognize at the time. After that I was in good defensive position behind armour, with a classroom behind me ready to retreat into if needs be, so I stayed in place and surveyed the area, looking for my attacker." '
"It was for nothing though, because my attacker disappeared into a passageway I've never seen before. After that I decided to stay put, since I didn't know the passageway or its layout, and could have easily walked into an ambush. Naturally by this point, the paintings were screaming and going for help, so I just waited. Eventually the staff started to arrive; the Deputy Headmistress was first on the scene," gesturing with a flick of his hand in her direction. "I am willing to provide a memory of event for your examination, if it helps catch my attacker." He offered.
"You said it was a man, can you give us a description of the attacker?" Susan's aunt inquired.
"Average height, not short or tall just under 6 feet, a bit overweight; likely middle aged, if I had to guess," He listed, remembering the hood falling as the attacker fled the scene, "Appeared to be balding on top, but it was hard to tell due to nature of the attack. I only really saw him flee, so I can't give a description of his face, sorry." He said to Aurors, feeling his description was lacking.
"That's more than sufficient Mr. Potter, we're glad to have that much." Madam Bones assured him, knowing it wasn't much to go on, but wanting to stay positive. "Now, the final question, do you have any ideas on who would want to have you killed?"
Harry snorted, easily able to think of several people, "Literally anyone who's lost money from Sirius Black being released from jail. I know for fact Lord Malfoy was hit the hardest, as well several ministry officials, have been harmed, past and present, who are already under an investigation lead by you." He didn't have to mention that the Chief Warlock was amongst them, but his significant glance was telling for everyone in the room.
"Then of course there's the Slytherin Quidditch team, but I doubt any of them are involved; they would prank me, maybe beat me up, like they did to Katie bell last year." This got a curious look from Madam Bones, but she remained silent and let him continue. "I don't believe they would kill me. Plus, none of their players are going bald on the top, yet." He joked.
"However," He said seriously, composing a more realistic mental list of people who wanted him dead, "There's one person who fits all this, now I think about it, Peter Pettigrew."
His answer stunned the room, and Harry continued before anyone could exclaim anything, "I exposed him. He'd disappeared, and now he's on the run with a bounty on his head. He would be the same age as the attacker in question, and would be capable of casting that curse." He explained absently as his mind latched onto the theory and ran with it.
"He's also an illegal rat Animagus, so naturally it would be in his nature to flee after his ambush failed. I find it hard to believe that this was work of a hired professional killer, it's too crude, too primitive." He said to room, letting them judge and process his analysis. "It would also explain why you couldn't find him; if he changed into rat he could have easily disappeared and been out of castle without detention. Mice and rats are rather common around the castle grounds; no one would question seeing one within the school walls since some students even have them as pets. It would also explain him being familiar with the passageway, because Peter was a 'Marauder' during his time at Hogwarts."
"Marauder?" Madam Bones inquired, clearly not familiar with the legendary group. Not that it was all that surprising since it must have been after her time at Hogwarts.
"A group of Gryffindor students lead by James Potter. They were pranksters that caused chaos throughout the school." The Deputy Headmistress answered with hint of affection and pride at her former students. "They pranked teachers and students alike on almost daily basis, but it doesn't explain how Peter became an Animagus. It's a very difficult ability to achieve, I assure you. It took me several long years to master, even with another Animagus helping me through it. Maybe he found a ritual of some kind?" She looked at the Headmaster for answers.
Harry snorted, getting everyone's attention. "My father was an Animagus too, he taught Peter during his time at Hogwarts. My dad mastered it in just a couple of years, but Peter didn't achieve his transformation until his final year. My father was a stag Animagus by the time he returned to the school in his sixth year." He told the room, since it wasn't like his dad could be fined for it, plus if the knowledge help catch his parent's betrayer, it be worth telling the secret. Besides, it didn't reveal that Sirius was an Animagus, something that never popped up in the court hearing. After all, Sirius was under effects of truth serum, and couldn't lie about it; none of them had stopped to question how Peter learnt it in the first place, all they had cared about was the political fallout and their own jobs.
"Impossible," The Deputy Headmistress protested shaking her head firmly, "I would have known," clearly rattled by the fact that she didn't know one of her prize students had managed to become an Animagus, and even taught another.
"Well if you don't believe me that's fine." He shrugged, not really caring since it meant she would never expect his own transformation. "My father was in middle of writing a textbook on how to become an Animagus. He believed that traditional texts overplayed the difficulty of it."
"Then why didn't he tell us, or resister?" The Head of House demanded, the recording quill continuing to do its job.
At first, he was going say, 'You would have to ask him,' however he bit off that childish response, but seeing the Headmaster about the speak, he answered, "Simple, his stag Animagus form gave him an additional means to escape if he was ever attacked by Death Eaters." His answer caused certain elements in the room flinch. "There were other reasons, such as one of his friends, and fellow Gryffindor, was a werewolf." He added, looking to the Headmaster and his Deputy, while the rest of the staff and Aurors looked questioningly at the Headmaster. "Plus, an Animagus form is considered a personal thing by some people because it reflects you at your core, at your soul."
"As interesting as this is, were getting side tracked." Madam Bones stated, looking at the Deputy Headmistress, and Headmaster. "I believe, Peter is a rather good suspect, Mr. Potter made a rather good argument supporting it with the available facts."
"Maybe, Madam," Harry supplied, knowing his argument wasn't a hundred percent. "It's just a theory, a speculation of known facts." He said seriously, not wanting to mislead the Aurors. "Let's work backwards and use the principles of Occam's Razor. Lord Malfoy, the man I did the most damage to with releasing Sirius, surely that man would have the contracts necessary if he'd desired to kill me off? Surely he would have hired a capable man, a man he knew would not mess up or risk revealing him, a professional, who would be discreet." He saw Madam Bones nod, agreeing with his assessment. "By this logic, it eliminates Lord Malfoy's involvement. The same could be said for alot of Lords who have had questionable past dealings. Besides, trying to kill me off so publicly so soon would be too dangerous."
"I agree with Mr. Potter." The Headmaster stated with certainty, capturing the whole audience, "Lord Malfoy and the other Lords Harry's actions hurt this summer, may wish him harm, but they would not act so boldly, or so soon. Plus as much as they hate to admit it, they have their own code of conduct; they would prefer to destroy him more personally, more hands on, after making an example of him." The aged wizard said with a sad smile.
He went on to add, "This fits what I remember about Peter, smart enough to pull something off, but lacks the finer planning or refinement." He said with clear disapproval, whether from the action, or the lack of planning like a teacher marking down a poorly planned project no one knew. "Whilst Lord Malfoy is cunning, and his actions are always planned out, this is too soon for him to act. He does not have enough allies in Ministry or the Wizengamot to protect himself, if it was ever traced back to him, he would not risk it so soon." He shook his head.
"If he could kill Mr. Potter with 100% certainly he could get away with the crime, he would. But everyone would expect him in this case. The Wizengamot would not stand for an underage dual Heir being killed so violently, they would demand that he be questioned. And from my own sources, Lucius believes I engineered his recent troubles this summer, with Madam Bones assistance; and we just used Mr. Potter as an unwitting tool." The Headmaster explained with some humour.
"So can I go now?" Harry asked, having already made similar arguments himself. Plus he knew it was Peter, it just fit too well, his gut was just telling him it was right, and his gut hadn't lead him wrong so far. If he stopped trusting himself, who could he trust in the end? He would end up questioning everyone, and everything. No he would trust his gut, he would trust his magic.
"You can go, but a protection detail will be arranged for you. I won't allow a child to be murdered in my school! Not for doing the right thing." The Headmaster said angrily to the room. Harry didn't know whether it was an act or not, but it seemed like the man took his assassination attempt as more of a personal insult.
It made sense, he supposed, the Headmaster was already under attack from last year's events, an attempted assassination of Heir of Harry's rank would be devastating beyond repair, and could very well seal the Headmaster's fate. Combined with the fact there were other Heirs within the school walls, like Neville Longbottom. The Headmaster would have to reinsure other Family Heads he was capable of guarding their Heirs.
Not to mention that, historically, Hogwarts was neutral ground. Killing Heirs outside school was fine, but inside was a no-no because that just opened the door for your own Heirs to be murdered in retaliation in the school halls.
"I'll escort you Mr. Potter, I'm your guard for this evening." The Auror said.
"Very well. What's you name by the way? Because I can't exactly call you 'Auror' for rest of night, can I?"
"Alexander Hide. Second grade Auror at your service, so where to? Ravenclaw Common Rooms?"
"No, I've got a cousin to calm first." Harry replied, wondering what he was about to walk into, as he opened the door.
"I'll join you also; I'd like some word with my daughter," Andy said seriously, "Words she can't ignore."
Midnight Gold
As soon as Harry left the room Dumbledore turned to Madam Bones, "I believe a protection detail is in order, as well several Aurors station around the school, we can't allow any students to be harmed due to one rogue killer."
"Do not tell me how to do my job." She said dangerously. "I have my niece here you know, I don't want her being caught up in crossfire anymore than you do. You know as well as I do Hufflepuff have most of their lessons with Ravenclaw." She shot back with a matter-of-fact tone.
"Good, we're in agreement then." He said, ignoring her comment. "I would like Mad-Eye to be on the security detail, his magical eye will see Peter a mile off, even in his Animagus form. And it would give Mad-Eye something to hunt, you know he's looking for one final good assignment before retirement, let it be protecting his old partner's son. He could always help cover DADA lessons as part of his cover, my recent teacher choice is turning out to be a mistake and disappointment." He admitted to Madam Bones as the Aurors started to leave the office to follow out their orders, the staff joining them.
"I'll see if he can be transferred from his current case." She said vaguely before leaving the office as well.
All too soon, only the Headmaster and his Deputy were left, "You really think it's Peter then?" Minerva inquired, clearly disappointed one of her lions had fallen even further in her eyes.
Smiling sadly as he answered, "Yes, it was revealed during Sirius trial this summer. Everything Harry said is true; Peter is the logical choice with our current evidence. And Lucius has other schemes in motion at the moment, and they don't involved Harry. Severus is certain that Lucius does not mean to harm Harry directly, at the moment. Lucius has convinced himself I'm responsible for his recent misfortune, even if it cost me a little."
"Are sure Mad-Eye is the best choice?" She asked, causing him to mentally sigh; at least it wasn't Severus this time she was questioning.
"He's the best Auror of the last century; I hope just having him in the same building will cause Peter to go to ground. Plus he was James's mentor; its fitting is it not? That he can help shape the next generation of Potters? He can keep one eye on the boy, and with the other eye of the lookout for any trouble." He explained. He didn't mention that Mad-Eye's magical eye would be useful for undermining Lucius current plot and hunting for the Chamber of Secrets as well spying on Mr. Potter. Peter's actions had given him a chance to reinforce the school, and he was going to take it.
Plus the public couldn't say that he was being indecisive, with a squad of Aurors under the command of legendary Mad-Eye Moody, how could they? Plus the Aurors could be used as back up teachers for DADA position if need be, since he was getting a feeling the curse was going to strike again this year.
"Minerva," He said, getting the Deputy Headmistress' attention, "James was an Animagus, and so is Sirius Black, I believe Sirius is a dog Animagus, from what Remus was telling me." He revealed, unsettling his Deputy even more than she had missed so much, and it explained why Sirius was always causing her problems.
"Then why didn't Harry say that Sirius was one? Why hide that?"
"Simple, Sirius is an illegal Animagus, and the fine is so small for being caught for person in Sirius' position that it's better kept a secret. No doubt Harry himself will be learning the skill in a couple years, or has already started. Since he said its 'personal' with far too much emotion for someone who never studied it would have."
"You think Harry is studying to be an Animagus already? The boy is good at Transfiguration, but there's no way he could achieve a form being so young. His form hasn't set, his mind is yet to be defined." The local Hogwarts Animagus argued.
"Maybe," Albus admitted, acknowledging her expertise in the subject area, but he wasn't convinced. Mentally, the boy was beyond his years, and his magical understanding was developing rapidly, if the continuous 'O's he got from his homework assignments were anything to go by, or the 97% average score he got across his end of year exams.
Then again, first and second year material was comparatively easy, so he would have to wait a bit. Then the boy was also learning Mind Arts, which was another sign of the boy being more than capable of getting the mental focus necessary for achieving his form as long as he had one. "Well, I need to get on with some work, as well as make a press statement about the whole incident. I'm sure you have you own duties to perform." He declared, dismissing the cat Animagus.
Elsewhere In The Castle
Walking into the Hufflepuff Common Room with his escort in tow, no sooner than he got through the door was he wrapped in a tight hug, "Harry! Are you alright?" She exclaimed, ignoring the rest of Common Room, who were either giggling, or watching with some concern, from their comfortable chairs.
Wiggling his way out of the hug he soothed, "I'm fine cousin, do you think I'd be walking about if I wasn't?" Harry absently wondering how long it would take before the entire school knew what happened. "I may have to visit the hospital wing for cracked ribs."
"Stop kidding about, someone tried to kill you!" Tonks scolded, while her parents looked on with amusement.
"Yes, I know, I was there." He joked with a hint of sarcasm.
She gave him a scolding look. "Harry."
"I'm fine, I just came here to show you I'm fine, so you don't have to worry. After all, you know how much rumors get hyped up." He said, entirely serious, "Now, I believe your mother wants to talk to you."
Before suddenly adding, "Don't worry, there's going to be several Aurors stationed at school for a while, I'll be fine." He assured her before leaving the Common Room.
"That was short." His bodyguard stated.
He shrugged indifferently, "Didn't fancy having a conversation with the whole population of a House watching and listening to what's going on." He said, scanning the corners as he made his way back to his common room, still on high alert. "What House were you in? Or did you go somewhere else for schooling?" He asked, noticing the Auror's eyes jumping all over the place.
"Durmstrang." Alexander replied simply.
"Ah, and what do you think? Does Hogwarts live up to its reputation?" He asked curiously, having never considered going somewhere else to learn, even if he had issues against the staff of his current school. Maybe he would consider a transfer, if things got worst.
"Don't know, though I admit, it's certainly more homely. Durmstrang is run more like a military barracks than a place of learning at times. Plus the snow is nice at first, but becomes a pain after a while." Alexander admitted. "It's always cold."
"Interesting, what do you learn there?" He asked, taking the steps casually as he made his way up a staircase, unlike the Auror who looked outright nervous as he looked down at his feet.
"Well, mainly the practical side of magic, rather than theoretical." Alexander said.
"I can see the appeal of that." The last Potter replied, seeing the advantages to that type of course scheme.
Answering the riddle at the door, Harry stepped inside and found almost his entire House staring at him. "Yeah, I'm not dead, though someone did try to make that declaration false." He announced before heading over to his friends. "What's up you guys?" He greeted, causing them to snap out of their daze.
"We thought you were dead, the paintings were saying you'd been murdered!" Terry explain hurried as Padma lunged at him, wrapping him in a tight hug, dried tear marks easily visible. "Only Penny believed otherwise."
The girl in question was sporting a smug expression.
Smiling, Harry said, "Nice to see someone has some faith in me, besides all of you should know better than to trust the paintings to give accurate recounting, they love to gossip." He scolding the group, still comforted by the evidence that they cared. He gently worked his way out of Padma's hug, "I'm fine Padma."
"I told them the same thing." Penny said from her armchair.
"Well, I need to write a letter to my Godfather now. We can talk more in morning." He said before turning the rest of Common Room. "What are you waiting for? An assassin to appear out of smoke and shadow?" He scolded, wondering why everyone was always listening to his business, before heading up to his dorm.
"Mr. Potter, I need to check your room for anything dangerous." His bodyguard said suddenly.
Moving to one side to grant the Auror access, he nodded. "Sure, go ahead, but I doubt you'll find anything," A couple minutes passed before he was finally allowed access to his own room.
Finally alone, he activated his charmed mirror, before throwing a silencing charm on the door so he wasn't overheard. A minute ticked by before the surface rippled like liquid metal, "Hey Pup, what's up?" His godfather asked cheerfully as his face appeared.
"Hey," he greeted back, wondering how to tell his godfather without causing him to rush back from his long overdue vacation. "Well, I'll keep this short, someone just tried to kill me."
It took less than a dozen heart beats for his godfather to recover, "Serious? No joke."
"Serious, Sirius, the Tonks are acting as my guardian in your place. I was ambushed in a corridor today on my way back to the common room. I think it was Peter." He said, before explaining the night's events. He had to calm his Godfather down, as expected, but Sirius promised not to come rushing back as Harry assured him he had everything under control.
Next Day, Breakfast
The whole school was gawking at him, "Yeah, I', fine, no I haven't died yet, no matter how much some of you may want me to." He smirked, sending a look at the Slytherin table. "So why don't you go back to your breakfast rather than staring at me? Haven't your parent told you how rude it is to stare?" He scolded them like children before sitting down next to Padma.
"Well, someones in a cheerful mood." Terry said, breaking the ice.
"Sorry, it's just annoying." He offered for his bad mood.
"Know who you tried to off you then?" Another Ravenclaw probed, clearly seeking some gossip.
"Peter Pettigrew is most likely suspect." He said to the table, since all of them were listening, some just more discreetly than others as he grabbed some fruit from the table, not feeling like cereal today. "The thing that annoys me is that for the foreseeable future I'm going have a guard following me around, I kind of like my privacy." He said, more for Padma's benefit.
"Hopefully whatever Auror who's assigned to guard me will be cool, I'd rather not have them hovering around while I bathe or shower, that would just be plain creepy." He said, getting a series of chuckles and giggles at the image he just made.
"Never know, you could get a hot blonde." One of the older boys said from up the other end of the table.
"Doubt I'll be that lucky." He said getting a playful twat on the shoulder from Padma, "What! Just trying to look on the bright side of the situation, rather than dwell on the negative Padma." He said in his defense.
"Nah, you got Mad-Eye Moody by the looks of it." His cousin announced, taking a seat next to him, pushing Terry away, who tried to protest, but was ignored by the Metamorph. "At least you'll be safe, he's put more dark wizards behind bars than anyone in the Ministry history. How are you coping?" She asked, grabbing some toast.
"I'm fine Tonks." He answered seriously, "How do you know it's Mad-Eye and not some ministry grunt?" He asked, wondering what his dad's old mentor would be like.
"Saw him talking to the Headmaster, along with good dozen Aurors."
"I feel sorry for Peter then, Mad-Eye will have an axe to grind. My dad was his partner for a bit during the war, and Mad-Eye knew Peter, and probably considered the turncoat a friend. I can't imagine how much Mad-Eye would want to gut the traitorous rat." He explained, wondering how the recent Aurors being deployed around school would affect Lucius plot. Would it be called off?
Sometime Later
Finally able to ditch his escort so he could meet up with his friends in secret in the 'Swan room', he walked through the door, addressing the group. "I'm sorry I'm late, had problems ditching my escort." he offered in explanation, seeing Blaise had joined them for first time, sitting close to Daphne, clearly marking his territory of sorts. "Nice to see you Blaise, what has Daphne told you of this place?" He said offering his hand, making a subtle power play.
Shaking his hand firmly, Blaise offered a noncommittal, "Bits and pieces," before he briefly looked at Daphne, as if she had sold him out. Daphne, not to be cowed, glared mildly right back at him, telling him to be quiet. At least that's the impression Harry got.
"Well, I'll give you a brief history, this room was a private study of Lady Swan, hence the swan door guardian. Tracy found this room for us so we could have a private meeting place to study without persecution or distraction from the rest of the school." He explained getting nods all around.
"We also use this room to discuss our own more private business, which we prefer not to be overheard by other students or staff. You could say this room is a place where we can plot and scheme without eavesdroppers. Naturally using our combined influence to help shape events in school to our benefit." He listed, "I'm sure you can understand the desire to have like minded people working together for mutual gain? Daphne, do you have anything you want to add?" He finished, wondering if the Slytherin wanted to add anything.
"No, you covered everything."
"Have I missed anything?" He asked, looking around, getting shaken heads from Padma and Tracy.
"Oh, by the way, Daphne chose the colour scheme of Black and Gold." He revealed, gesturing to the rug and the curtains, giving the girl credit. "Now onto business, first and foremost, I'm okay and alive, however I would advise you to distance yourselves from me publically until Peter is taken care of. I'd rather you guys didn't get caught in the crossfire. Also, by sounds of it, I'm going to have Mad-eye Moody watching over me, and frankly I doubt I'll be able to slip away from him like I did with my current guard. So I may have problems getting to these meetings and this place in general, so I'll ask Padma to relay anything important. I doubt you want Aurors listening in on our private business, especially any of the more sensitive stuff." He reasoned, getting a nod from Daphne.
"Now, Peter is also a rat Animagus. Yes, I know this for a fact, so be watchful. After this I plan to go to library and research any spells what can be used to detect Animagi, so if you want to join me, I won't pass up the extra pair of hands for researching. Also, as you've probably seen, Tonks and Penny have taken it upon themselves to escort me around." He said dryly, watching as smirks appeared on the other's faces. "Yes, I know it's funny, but it also prevents me from meeting as freely."
"We could just invite them to join us? Tonks is a perfect; she's popular within the puffs and the 7th years. Having her on our side would be useful, and could help us move about easier. Plus, it would be good to have someone in the Hufflepuff, and the upper years." Tracy suggested thoughtfully, getting a nod from Daphne.
"Penny would be useful as well. She's loyal to you, we all can see it. She's also one of the staff's favourites. She'll probably end up being the Head Girl next year, and it would be good to have that position in our pocket. Percy will properly be the Head boy, and he's an ass and a bully, we've all seen what he was like last year, so Penny could help keep him on a leash. The boy is crushing all over her, we can all see the puppy eyes he has for her." Hearing Tracy's description of Percy caused him to remember the drama from last year in the hospital wing after the whole troll ordeal. "On more personal note, the girl is smart, and I could use some extra help with my studies." Tracy admitted getting a giggle from Padma.
Faking a hurt look, Harry replied playfully, "So I'm no longer good enough for you?"
"Yup." Tracy said instantly, not falling for his banter.
"I won't object to having them around more, it would make my life easier if I didn't have to ditch to them, or lie to them." he admitted. "What about you guys? What you think?"
"Hmm..." Daphne hummed thoughtfully, "I'm fine with it. I just don't want to add too many people to group too fast, because we can't properly learn about their character or whether we can trust them fully. After all, we'll be discussing private issues between us, and don't want my business becoming common gossip. Tracy makes a good argument though; Tonks will be gone by end of the year, plus she's good at DADA, and you duel with her. So having her around would be logical, and would help us with our studies since Lockhart is dreadful. Tonks is Puff too, so she'll be loyal to you, both because she likes you, and you're part of her family. She would be loyal to us by proxy, so she won't gossip about what we talk about. Penny I have no doubt of, invite her, she will be useful, especially if she's Head Girl." She said simply, clearly already planning on how to use Penny for her own advantage.
"I agree," Padma added, "Both are talented and smart, and outside Hogwarts they should do well. So I'm all for having just older friends outside Hogwarts that I'm on good terms with."
She looked over at Blaise, who was just watching silently, "What do you think? You're a part of this group now, so feel free to add your opinion, even if you disagree with what's being said."
"I don't know them, never really cared to learn about them." He admitted coldly, "But the points made are valid, far better to have them friendly to us than someone else. Percy is arrogant, the Head Boy position would make him insufferable, that alone gives merits to the Muggleborn." He said, causing Daphne and Tracy to shoot venomous looks at the boy.
Ignoring the comment, despite it being dig at a couple of his friends, and indirectly at his mother, Harry sent a questioning look at Daphne, "Okay, I'll bring them next time. Daphne, I finished that potion you requested." He reached into his pocket and slid the vial over to her from across the table. "Tell me if you need anymore." He added, catching the curious looks Blaise was sending them both.
"My thanks."
"You're welcome."
"Oh, while I remember, here." Daphne said, taking out a couple pieces of parchment, "Notes from Tuesdays lesson." She clarified, handing him the notes.
"Thanks, you're a life saver." He said, looking over the Herbology notes.
He and Daphne eventually found themselves alone, so he took the opportunity to talk to her, "I hope your right about Blaise." He already had his own doubts about the other boy.
That Evening
Walking up through the steps to his dorm room, just grateful at finally being able to get some peace and quiet so he could start looking over the notes he made in the library, he was annoyed when a rough male voice sounded behind him."Potter."
Harry spun around, wondering who it could be before seeing an disfigured man in Auror robes with a magical blue eye, which span madly about scanning the corridor, before he limped forward, revealing a metal claw like leg. Putting all these things together, he realized this was the Mad-Eye Moody that his cousin had mentioned at breakfast, "Mad Eye."
"So you've heard of me, Potter." The aged Auror replied, his magical eye scanning him.
"Only by reputation. I also know you were my dad's partner for a while during the war, and a part of the Order of the Phoenix. My mother's journal spoke rather highly of you, and my cousin saw you earlier talking with the Headmaster." He listed, examining the Auror in turn, wondering what that magic eye could see.
"Good, now that that's out of the way. First things first, I ask you not to ditch your escorts. Second, tell us where you're going at all times, If I say no, it's no, that means no Quidditch, no walking school halls alone, you go where we can say we can go." The Auror said, listing off the rules.
Knowing it was stupid, but he wasn't about to quit Quidditch when he'd put so much work into getting on to the team. "No," He said sternly, causing the Auror to blink with his good eye. "This is my life, not yours, I never asked for this protection detail, the Chief Warlock did, because he wants to save face. Any more bad press and he'd get kicked out of Hogwarts because it would be proof he can't provide security for the students. Something the press has been braying for all year."
"Listen Potter, this isn't a game, nor a time to be stubborn." The Auror argued.
"If push comes to shove I can easily disappear and get home schooled. I don't want your help, and personally I want the son of a bitch to try his luck again. Now that I know he'd here I'll be ready for him. He took something from me, his actions cost me my family, and that's something I have no intentions of overlooking." He promised, already having a basic plan in place for of the assassin truly was Peter.
"This is no time for heroics, boy!" That word, that tone, caused him to see red, to see his uncle's chubby face, reminding him of his promise. Ignoring his rising anger, and the desire to hex the Auror, knowing that it was futile and childish - he could already see the man was outfitted with body Armour - he answered, his voice cold, "Remember this, I can either work with you, or against you, and at the moment I feel very much like causing you and your squad as much trouble as possible, now if you'll excuse me, I have work I need to handle."
He slipped into his room, having every intention of ignoring the man, who he could hear following behind him due to the metal limb's heavy impact against the stone floor. Inside he was confronted with a magical portrait, a door guardian, who happened to be an elderly scholar, reading an aged book, blocking access to his room.
"Password." The door guardian said, looking up from the book it was reading, sitting relaxed in an armchair next to a fireplace.
"How's about you let me in my room before I decided to break out the flame charms?" He threatened darkly, his patience running thin.
"Incorrect answer." The guardian replied, slightly uneasily, but not moving a muscle to suggest he was affected by the threat.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, you've met you door guardian for the duration of the danger." Mad-Eye said behind him smugly.
"I'm guessing this is your idea?" He demanded, seeing the Auror's smug smile.
"Indeed, boy." That word being used again caused Harry's eye to tick, his finger beginning to itch.
"You going to tell me the password? Or do I have to share room with one of my mates?"
"Oh I don't know." The age Auror said slowly, "This here's the Mage known as Drake Thornburg. Don't bother trying to threaten him, he's not like the school guardians, he's out of my private collection." The Auror explained with new levels of smugness "He's immune to most fire spells, and has a number of enchantments on it making it highly resistance against most spells, so if you want in, you're going to have to behave, and wear this." He offered, holding a ring out.
Looking at the rather plain silver ring, he noticed the faint Runes on it. "What does this ring do?" He probed, deciding not to make a joke about Moody not being his type, as well being too young to get engaged.
"This ring is enchantment with powerful health monitoring charms and locational spells, as well as a Portkey, just in case you're off grounds and need to flee. It only works if it's put on willingly. It can only be removed by me."
"That's no good, he'll just cut off my hand." Harry argued, causing the Auror to blink. "Besides, he's trying to kill me, not kidnap me."
"Potter it's done this way for reason." Moody insisted.
"The password is 'Horns are blown in the east, but my heart is in the ground'." Said a dreamy voice, causing the portrait to open, "If you want to change it, you have to say. "Sunflowers are a winter plant."
"Oh, thank you Luna." He said gratefully, noticing the usual girl, idly wondering how she knew it, before guessing she just overheard it. Without anymore hesitation he walked into his now opened dorm room.
"Sunflowers are a winter plant." He said as he shut the door and the painting before the Auror could recover his wits. "New password, is 'Pie three point one four one'" He announced, watching as the Portrait glowed faintly as the magic within accepted the new password.
He grinned like a mad men, thankful for Luna intervention, as well the private knowledge that no wizard would be able to work it out, especially not a average Pureblood student like Peter.
"Potter! Let me in right now!" Mad-Eye shouted from the other side.
"I said I could be a pain in the ass for you and your team, thank you for making that choice for me!" He called back before throwing up a Silencing charm on the door.
'I'll have to thank Luna somehow.' He thought to himself, sitting down for a peaceful read on the methods to detect and track Animagi.
Midnight Gold
The next couple days pass rather quickly, he spent most of it dodging Aurors and groups of students who seemed to be following him. Thankfully, he had Quidditch training, which he studiously ignored Moody demands to stop attending, and made it clear to Roger that he would play, and that if anyone tried to remove Harry from the team due to pressure from the Auror, he would pay the Weasley Twins as sizable bit of gold to prank him for next two and half years.
Of course, Tonks acting as an unofficial guard gave him a lot of extra time to train his duelling ability, as well as learn some new spells, which were a bit harder hitting in nature. He was already learning the Blasting Hex, a more powerful version of Banishing Charm, as well a Slashing Charm, which were both 4th year spells.
However, his Head of House deciding to join in on his unofficial training as well helped immensely.
"Please stay behind Harry, the rest of you are dismissed." The Charms Master said, sending his second year class mates away while he stayed seated. "Now, Harry, it seems you're ahead of your classmates and are clearly bored, if I'm any judge, and Padma is well ahead due to your help as well. I was wondering if you would be interested in some private lessons, working on more offensive charms, since they may come in handy?"
Grinning at the offer, Harry replied, "Sure, it would be more useful than the Aurors are. they seem to be dim witted, or plain lazy; I found one the other day asleep at his post, so now he's sporting yellow and pink poke-dot robes."
"Oh, that was you?" His Head of House chuckle, "He came to me asking me to fix it for him. I must say that was some a ingenious charm, did you make it?"
"No, my father and Sirius made it, with help from Remus." Harry explained, seeing no reason to lie, since he didn't know anything about spell creation, or the properties of the spell.
"Ah, why I am not surprised?" Flitwick said fondly.
"So when do you wish to meet up, I can't do Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays, due to Quidditch practice." Harry requested, hoping this wouldn't be a problem.
"Of course, of course, how do Saturday mornings work for you, after breakfast at... half 9?" The Charms Master offered.
"Sure, I'm looking forward to it."
"Good, now, I must be serious for a moment Harry. I've heard you've been skipping DADA lessons on a regular bases, any reason why? Especially now, when being able to defend yourself is even more important." Flitwick asked, concerned for one of his favourite students.
Deciding once again to be honest, he explained. "Simple, the teacher is a fool, surely you've read the text book by now, after I pointed out the errors with it at the start of the term?" He asked.
The Ravenclaw Head shook his head, a frown on his face. "No I haven't Harry, I haven't had the time. The Headmaster said he would look into it."
The reply caused Harry to almost instinctively roll his eyes, "Well they're rubbish, close to useless, and so is the man. He couldn't even cast an Unlocking Charm. Lockhart is more interested in how his hair looks while teaching than actually teaching the class anything useful. So I'd much rather spend my Monday mornings self-studying rather than having to endure his presence, especially first thing on Monday morning when I also have history to deal with."
"Harry, I know you consider the man a fool, but at least get a sick note, or something so I can overlook the whole issue of you skipping DADA." The Head of Ravenclaw house argued.
"Are you saying that I should intentionally fake sickness?" He probed, wondering truly whether the man was serious.
"No, of course not, I just want you to at least try to hide the fact you're skipping the man's lessons. As well some of your history classes to self study, or duel with your cousin." The Charms Master pleaded, "If you don't, at least make an attempt to hide what you're doing, or you'll have the deputy headmistress on your backside, which I can't ignore without encouraging other students."
"You could always give me the detentions instead? We could use that for the extra charms work?" He asked, but received a stern look from the half goblin, "I guess not then?"
Harry sighed, "Sitting in that room, listening to that idiot drone on about what colour robes go best with different colour dragonhide amour, I almost feel myself getting dumber. Having to watch him act out scenes from his book is tiresome beyond measure as well. Even if it's funny watching Neville having to act the part of a banshee, or a vampire," He admitted.
"Harry, I must insist you go, even if you think the teacher isn't qualified. If you don't, I can't offer to teach you on Saturdays." His Head of House said. "Plus, you can't be on Ravenclaw Quidditch team either."
"Fine, I'll go." He agreed reluctantly, but a couple hours with the Charms Master's tutoring would more than make up for having to endure Lockhart's company.
'Unless, of course, Lockhart had problems attending lessons...' Harry thought with a devious smirk.
Midnight Gold
Harry walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, which had already started, before taking a seat next to Padma and getting out his Charm's books to read to read instead of DADA material.
"Harry, I thought you were skipping?" Terry said, having no subtly.
"Why, this is my most favourite class!" He said with good measure of sarcasm, "Especially when I get to watch you play the part of a mummy." He remarked, flipping the pages to read up on the Arrowhead Hex he was learning, which shot a arrow head like dart from end of his wand. The charm itself had elements of Transfigurations in it, due to the creating of a physical arrow out of molecules in the air, rather than direct magic like jinxes and curses.
After a couple minutes of reading he asked the room, "Any idea where ol' goldilocks is?" Giving voice to everyone's muttering.
"No idea, he wasn't at breakfast either." Hannah said with clear concern.
"Maybe Peter got him?" Justin offered, getting a round of chuckles from the boys before Susan and Hannah slapped him." Don't say things like that, the man could be hurt or in danger!"
"Maybe we should tell a teacher?" Susan said, from behind him.
"Okay, you go and find one then." He said, before flipping the page of his book casually. "However, I'm going to catch up on my reading. Why don't you use the chance to catch up on your own work?" He suggested, seeing a few students getting out their own pieces of work at.
"You know, if a professor doesn't turn up by the half the hour mark the lesson is canceled." Antony said a few minutes later. From behind him, Justin added to the mix. "Why can't Snape be late then?" Getting chuckles from everyone in the room.
Elsewhere in the castle, the man known to the world has Professor Lockhart was flicking his wand madlyat the storeroom door he currently found himself locked in for the hundredth time. Cursing for all his worth, his inability to cast a simple Unlocking Charm on the storage room door. It wasn't until he calmed down enough, did it suddenly occur to him that he could just summon an elf to help him unlock the door allowing his escape. By that afternoon, a grand story cycling the castle of the famous DADA professor doing battle with evil Peter, before getting trapped in a storage room.
However another story went around about the school, about the man's inability to cast a second year Unlocking Charm on the cupboard door. Which resulted in a number of older students asking the Professor to recap the Locking Charm for them. All the blond Professor did was refer them to the resident Charms Master and flashing a smile. "My dear colleague Filius would be able to teach it better than I ever could." He excused.
Only a couple teachers suspected what really happened, and one of them being the resident Charms Master.
Halloween Feast
The Great Hall was buzzing with celebrations as the ghosts gathered around to celebrate the holiday. The security around the school had started to relax a bit, since it seemed that Peter had gone to ground. While it did help him relax a bit, the threat was always there in the back of his mind.
"Smile Harry, you've made it to another Halloween!" Terry joked.
"Hard to do when you got a murderer after you." He said lightly, forcing a smile, as they walked through the great doors, narrowing avoiding a distressed Ron Weasley, who wasn't watching where he was going.
"Ron, seriously, why are you worried? It was just a rat, so what if it's gone missing, it's not like it did anything special, it just slept, ate and shat all over everything." Dean said to the devastated Ron.
"It's been in my family for years, Percy found it one day in our backyard, and it was his pet until he started Hogwarts." Ron shot back.
"I find that hard to believe. Rats only have life span for 3 to 4 years. Are you saying that your rat was over 5 years old?" Hermione argued in a factual tone.
"No, it's been in my family for over a decade." Ron protested heatedly, causing Harry's interest to peak at the unfolding argument.
"Impossible," Hermione said, shaking her head with finality. "The only way that could of happen is either your parents replaced it when it died with new one so you wouldn't be upset or you have familiar bonded with it magically, which is extremely rare due to the time it takes."
'Or it could be an Animagus.' Harry thought to himself, wondering if it was possible that Peter had stayed hidden with the Weasleys for over the last decade by acting as a pet. He would have to investigate, as well tell his theory to Mad-Eye later, even if the Auror was an ass. After all, it would mean he would have his freedom again to move around the school freely.
"What are you thinking?" Padma asked, sitting down next to him, returning from her sisters table.
"Did you hear Ron and Harmonies' little exchange?"
"Yeah, I think half the hall heard it." Padma stated dryly.
Harry leaned closer so no one overheard. "Well, a rat Animagus could pretend to be a pet. After all, I doubt an average rat would live for ten years. Plus the Weasleys were fighting against You-Know-Who with my parents, so why couldn't Peter hide within their home as rat? Everyone believed he was killed by my Godfather. So he wouldn't have been removed from their wards. And since the Weasleys are light sided, and if rumors are true are favourites of the Headmaster," He listed, thinking over Penny's remarks about how Percy boasted about the prestige, "Peter could stay hidden right under everyone's nose and have a means to eavesdrop on any magical developments that could expose him." He whispered quietly in Padma ear.
"Your right, it would explain why Peter was within Hogwarts as well, if he came with Ron, and why there was no trace of him escaping from the grounds. You should tell Mad-Eye." His friend suggested. "Do you think Peter would willingly stay hidden as pet for over a decade? It seems desperate."
"Maybe?" He admitted uncertainly, "But what could he do? He faked his death, and if he turned up alive, people would question him on where he's been, and why he ran."
"True..." Padma said thoughtfully before she gave him a stern look. "Just don't do anything rash or stupid."
"Don't worry, I'll tell Mad-Eye the theory after dinner. Besides, Mad-Eye appears to be busy with something." He said, gesturing to the aged Auror limping out the Great Hall doors in a hurry. "It can wait. Anyway, let's just enjoy the feast."
"I guess you're right."
"Yup. Besides, what good would it do? Ron said it himself that the rat's gone missing, far better to keep the theory quiet until the rat turns up then spring the 'trap'." He explained, feeling better now that he had another plan of sorts in place.
He enjoyed more of the feast before small talk pulled him in, "So Harry, you think you'll win the upcoming match against Hufflepuff?" Antony asked between bites.
Thinking over the question while reaching for a piece of steak and kidney pie, he eventually answered. "Yeah, no reason why I shouldn't. It'll be their Seekers first game, plus the Puffs will play fairly, unlike other teams." Subtly gesturing to the Slytherin table. "Terry, how was history lesson today?" He asked back, wondering if he missed anything important, since he had skipped so he could duel with Tonks.
The blond boy gained a confused expression, before saying, "I don't actually remember." Which answered Harry's question nicely, since it was clear that the second year had fallen asleep again.
"Murder! Murder!" The shout went around the Great Hall, causing the students to stir and the staff to rush from the head table with the Headmaster leading the dash out of the doors, with the Aurors following behind him. It took the student body an initial moment to recover, before they too started to flood out the room after the staff. Placing his hand on Padma shoulder to keep her rushing way, he instructed, "Slow down, I'd rather not be shouldered and bumped." He lowered his voice as the other students rushed past, "This is either Peter's work, Malfoy's plot, or a stupid overreaction by a portrait."
Walking causally out of the Great Hall, noticing that several Slytherin's were hanging back as well, trying to put on a display of indifference. It was all for naught though, Harry could easily see how eager they were to see what had happened. Letting himself be taken with the crowd, he eventually got close enough to hear frantic whispering amongst the students.
Pushing his way through the crowd, he saw Mad-Eye frozen like stone with the caretaker's cat similarly frozen solid beside him.
Upon the wall the words, "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir beware!" were written in blood red dripping letters.
"That means you, mudbloods!" Draco cried smugly.
"Enough, Mr. Malfoy! Another word you'll be in detention." The Headmaster snapped, breaking his attention from examining the two statues.
His attention was stolen again as the caretaker arrived, shouting over the whispering crowd. "What have you done to Mrs. Norris you brats!" Before centering his attention on Neville, who was standing closest to the statue.
"Enough! Control yourself!" The Headmaster yelled, actually raising his voice, taking control of the situation. "Prefects, please escort your Housemates back to your Common Rooms. Neville, stay behind."
Shooting a look at Daphne and Tracy, since they too saw the message, he drifted away with the rest of the Ravenclaws.
"Well this year just got far more interesting... What are odds that Neville will be somehow involved for a second year running?" He asked sarcastically to his fellow Claws, since it seemed once again the Lion's golden Boy was involved.
End of chapter
Yeah I'm a Dad's army fan so thought I play tribute to it, I have to say, I wrote that part before the actor died, (Clive Dunn age 92). I also thought I'd introduce Peter as well, to mix thing up a bit. So two plots, one year, let fun begin... evil chuckle
Chapter is 11.6k words, I think this is my longest chapter written to date.
Did you know on HP website Lockhart was a Ravenclaw? I thought he'd be a Slytherin, personally.