…Somewhere Within the Pipes, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The large creature moved through the castle to the rendezvous point. It was excited as it was time for the masters plan to be enacted. Many times in the last months as the master insisted that they hold while he made arrangements, the large snake considered whether it was time to kill its master as it had planned. But not only had the master been smart enough to never leave himself open to an attack but the master was able to convince it that the plan was working rather well.
Listening to the master tell of the fear and disorder caused by the killing of the two children excited the large snake. Pleased that it was finally completing his first masters final revenge against the fools who would allow the unworthy within the castle. As it moved, it passed two students walking together. The red hair reminded it of his first master's most hated enemy and so it used its gaze on the student and their companion before moving on to the ambush point where the last victim was found. After completing the kill, the Snake slithered back to the chamber pleased.
…Changing Rooms, Quiditch Pitch, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Ron and Harry received the signal from Athena, who had watched over Hermione until she had been petrified. They nodded solemnly to each other before exiting the changing rooms and moving on to the Quiditch pitch. The Bludgers had just been released when Professor McGonagall arrived. After a quick word with Madame Hooch and a Sonorous spell cast upon herself, the deputy headmistress announced that the match had been cancelled and all student were to report to their common rooms.
When the stadium was clear except for Harry, Ron and the Professor, she turned to them and said "Your plan might have worked a little better than expected, Mr. Potter. Not only was Hermione petrified but so was Percy Weasley and Ms. Clearwater. The two boys looked at each other before following the Deputy Head who had briskly started walking away.
…Hospital Wing, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
By the time they reached the hospital wing they had been joined by all of the girls and they silently entered the large room together. They quickly moved to Hermione's bed which was set up with a curtain around it and looked down at Hermione's face which was stuck in a smirk. The look on her face caused Tracey to snort. "Only Hermione would face a giant snake with a smirk on her face."
No one was able to return a comment as Tracey's snort had drawn out Madam Pomphrey from her office. Typically she would not allow that many students to visit at the same time but even the noise she had heard, had been quiet and when she saw Ron and Harry move on to look at Percy she decided to leave them be and go back to her office.
Harry looked over at the still forms of Percy and Penelope. They had not been part of the plan, but he was pleased that they had been involved. They were both considered part of his group and Percy was a member of the family sworn to him. His response would be more than justified. He looked over to see Ron take Hermione's hand. Lavender broke the silence by saying "I wonder how turned on she is from being so completely restrained"
That caused everyone to laugh. Hermione and Ron's bondage games had become the stuff of legends. Harry recalled the time he helped Ron secure the great hall and tying Hermione to the headmaster's chair. Or the time his invisibility cloak had been brought out of retirement to leave her naked in Charms class. Hermione truly loved to be tied up and restrained and it only just occurred to Harry that when Ron volunteered her he was being both a good aid to Harry and a good master to Hermione.
After having a chuckle and discussing some of the things he should do to her while she was in that state to tell her about later, the group put their game faces on. It was time to move to the next phase. Harry called an elf to bring their dueling robes and when it arrived, they all changed into them. Next, all their dragons were called forth from the various tattoos where they rested. Karli along with Isis and Sarah would stay to guard Hermione but the remainder moved toward the door of the hospital wing.
Madam Pomphrey returned before they took two steps and screamed at the dragon like creature in her medical wing. Harry turned to her and before she could complain said, in the most authoritative voice she had ever heard from him, "The House of Potter is obviously under attack and it shall not stand. Isis will stay to guard our fallen comrade." The mediwitch could not bring herself to do anything but nod.
Harry nodded in return and said "She will not stop you from treating her, but only you or a member of House Potter will be allowed near her. Is that clear?" After another nod, the eight students and eight Drakes marched out the room looking to Madam Pomphrey like they were going to war. After looking over at the still girl in the bed and the muggle girl who looked ready to take all comers, she decided to check her potion stores. She was afraid she might need them before the night was out.
…Office of the Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Albus Dumbledore was very pleased with the events of the day. Not only did it confirm once again that he was getting accurate information from Severus but it meant his own plans could likely continue on. He had not expected a dual attack but on reflection it made sense. A lot of time had passed since the last attack so it made sense that the resumption of them would increase the stakes.
The only disappointment was that once again no one had been killed. He knew that it would take an indirect viewing of the Basilisk's eyes to cause petrification instead of death and Hermione was found carrying a mirror. It was evidence that the girl was too smart for Albus' liking that she had even come up with that defense. What was worrying was that no such method was found on Percy Weasley or Penelope Clearwater. He could not figure out why they were not dead and he hated unanswered questions.
A chime sounded and Albus smiled to himself. He waited a moment still trying to decide if he should act surprised at the guest he was about to receive through his flu or try to throw them off with how knowledgeable he was. He decided to go with surprise as a second chime rang through. Severus did not have enough deniability and no matter that there would be a myriad of places that he could have become aware, the dour head of Slytherin would be the assumed source.
He rose and slowly moved to his fireplace and sat in the low padded stool that was there. He waited for the third chime and then waited a further 15 seconds before calmly answering it. "Oh, Minister Fudge, Can I help you?" The irritated face floating in green flames barked "Move back Dumbledore, we're coming through" Albus chuckled to himself as he moved out of the way. Not only could they not come through if he chose to prevent them but it was always clear when the minister thought he had an upper hand because he would call him by his last name. When the table turned, it would be back to Albus.
Albus settled back in his comfortable chair behind his desk and rose an eyebrow as eight people came through the flu and into his office. He recognized all of them and was unsurprised by who the minister chose for this adventure. Four of the men were Aurors assigned to the Minister's security detail. Of course there was the minister himself and Lord Ogden. Lord Ogden was the most traditionalist member left on the Board of Governors since the house cleaning caused by the Sirius Black scandal.
The seventh person was a reporter with the Daily Prophet. The newspaper had become disturbingly reliable recently but Joseph Baker was still known to Albus to be someone the Minister could count on to pen stories that had a spin favorable to him and his desires.
The last man was not a complete surprise but Albus was impressed that he had managed to find a way to come. Lucius Malfoy was once again in his office and he wondered how the Minister was going to justify his presence. He looked at the group of men arrayed in his office and decided it was time for the show to start. "How can I help you gentlemen?" he said simply.
Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic could bluster with the best of them but he was currently in a position that he did not often find himself. He had all the cards. The headmaster had obviously lost control of the school and there were likely children dead after another attack on the school grounds. An attack that the man had not reported to the DMLE. The Minister rightfully did not like the amount of power the old man in front of him held but his dislike was more out of jealousy than any "good government" position.
For years he had been convinced it was only a matter of time before the man took the position of Minister of Magic as well and Cornelius was determined not to relinquish his fiefdom. So it was with an unusually calm and determined voice that the Minister said "Dumbledore, this is serious. It is clear that you have lost control of this school or worse are unable to protect the students."
He took a breath to relish the surprised look on the man's face before he continued "We are here to take steps to protect the students and the first one is to remove Rubeus Hagrid as he was the perpetrator the last time this happened and is the likely culprit this time as well" At the end of his speech, it was clear the minister was pleased with the look of shock and horror on the face of the headmaster.
Minister Fudge truly believed, as did most people, that Hagrid was one of Albus Dumbledore's favorites and to be able to take the large man away to Azkaban right from under the Chief Warlock's protection was to be a coup for the Minister's office. Even when Albus eventually secured the man's release Cornelius was sure he would be seen as elevated to the political level of the man in front of him.
"May I ask why Mr. Malfoy is with you?" Albus asked after enough time passed to "get over his shock". The minister rushed to answer before Lucius recognizing that Albus was baiting the man by not referring to him as Lord Malfoy. "LORD Malfoy is here at my request as an impartial witness. WE would not want there to be any sign of impropriety from the minister's office"
Albus stood with a resigned sigh and a defeated demeanor. Everything was going as he had hoped but he found himself impressed at Malfoy's addition. No one with any sense would consider Lucius Malfoy impartial but from a political perspective it was clever. The minister, a member of the school board and an impartial Wizengamot member made for a formidable group. Albus led the men out of his office.
…Gamekeepers House, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Rubeus Hagrid answered the door to find an odd group of people standing at his threshold. He, of course, recognized the Minister and Professor Dumbledore but was also familiar with Lord Malfoy and Lord Ogden. The other five men were not familiar to Hagrid. "Can I help you?"
Albus watched as the Minister gleefully explained that they would be arresting the large man on suspicion of attacking students as he was the culprit the previous time. Despite knowing that he was sacrificing a pawn, Albus felt something shift fundamentally when Hagrid looked to him for moment in expectation before turning away. Before Albus could think on it too much Mytsi arrived. Pondering that mystery later, is when Albus would recognize that Hagrid was now speaking in more cultured tones.
Mytsi's presence was not part of the plan but she would not force Hagrid to endure this travesty alone. She knew that his fear and anxiety would not last long but that was more than she was willing to allow for the man that she was falling quite deeply for. Her appearance, especially among the group of bigots, created a great deal of consternation. The Minister threatened to have her staked and she laughed at them. She was pleased to see Hagrid laugh as well and more pleased to see how unsettled the two of them laughing made the visitors.
After promising him that he would not be alone Mytsi kissed Hagrid before standing next to him, daring someone to stop her. Even Lucius was surprised and grudgingly respectful at the grace and dignity Hagrid used to draw himself together and follow them. The Malfoy head had come not only to watch more of his plan unfold but to witness Hagrid fall apart. He was angry that the man had denied him that as they led him to the front gates of Hogwarts.
As they moved off Albus announced that he would leave them now. He would later realize that Hagrid had neither been surprised nor disappointed at him leaving. But for the moment the man was eager to get back to his office. With Hagrid arrested, Albus knew the next attack would be the most devastating and meant to be viewed as retaliation. He would assign patrol duties and it would be sad when certain teachers died on those patrols.
…Hogwarts Gates, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Lucius Malfoy was irritated. No he was angry. His mission had started marvelously, highlighted by the chance to see the pathetic Minister actually score points against Albus Dumbledore. It had started to go downhill when they confronted the obvious half-breed and instead of cowering, the man had remained calm. There had been a moment when the man had recognized that he would get no help form the headmaster that Lucius saw panic almost start to rise but then the Vampire bitch arrived.
He seriously considered killing her right then but it was clear that despite her obvious concern for the pathetic man child, she was poised and ready. Attacking a 600 year vampire at night and without preparation was beyond stupid and so Lucius had been forced to watch her ease Hagrid's fears.
Albus had left them at that point suggesting that he was going to start making calls on Hagrid's behalf. Something about the interaction did not ring true and he noticed the Vampire scowling at the back of the headmaster as he moved quickly toward the castle. He imagined that his machinations were causing more problems than they had imagined. He had just completed that thought when they passed through the gates of the castle grounds.
Cornelius was terrified. Lucius had assured him that this would go smoothly and that by the time anyone found out about it he would have good press coverage to protect him from any real fall out. But he didn't think that was still true as standing in front of him was Sirius Black, Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour, the head of the Auror Office, and they were accompanied by Remus Lupin and an additional nine Lycans.
The minister had met Lycans before but it wasn't until he stood facing them in what was a very tense standoff that he realized how daunting it would be to have to fight even one of them. That two of them were in their fully transformed state had nearly made him piss himself and when he looked at his supposed body guards they didn't look in any shape to guard him should this confrontation go pear shaped.
Cornelius looked over to Joe Baker and winced at the look in the man's face. Since the Daily Prophet had been purchased it had become almost impossible to control the media as he once could. The Minister could still count on friendly reporters to paint him in a good light but even he knew that Joe could not pass up the scandalous story that was developing in front of him.
Hagrid was actually not surprised when he was told the Minister of Magic intended to have him arrested for the attacks happening in the school. From the moment the Chamber of Secrets was mentioned he was sure he was on borrowed time. He had expected the headmaster to make sure he was not arrested though and expected to instead be fired. He was not really bothered by the thought. He hoped to be able to explore the world with Mytsi.
He had been hurt to see that the headmaster did not stop his arrest from happening. Since he had started dating Mytsi, he had been considering his relationship with Albus Dumbledore. Mytsi was generally ignorant of the modern wizarding world. Despite the truth of her existence, she was still 50 years removed from the world. Hagrid had acted as a guide for her and Mytsi had asked some pointed questions about Albus Dumbledore's positions and why he never used any of that power to help Hagrid past getting him the job at the school.
Hagrid had no good answers to those questions but still considered the headmaster an ally. Standing in his doorway looking at the man and seeing him making a half-hearted attempt to stop his arrest brought those questions back to the fore for Hagrid. Hagrid knew that as Headmaster, the man could not help him but he was also Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, which meant he was also a justice of the court. Something changed for Hagrid right then and he would never see the headmaster the same again.
He had felt himself about to give up again when Mytsi arrived and re-anchored him. Just her presence reminded him that he had friendship and love in his life and that was something to fight for. The fact that she had quickly accessed the situation and instantly stood with him made him feel good. In the end he agreed to go peacefully telling his girlfriend that it would work out and he didn't want her risking herself for him.
Now Hagrid found himself in a crowd of people and by the way he was being looked at, apparently he had powerful friends within the group. It was clear that at the very least Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were outraged that he was being taken away. When Mytsi supplied that the plan was to deliver him straight to Azkaban, Augusta and Amelia joined in the outrage and Sirius blew his top.
...Office of the Director, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Ministry of Magic
Director Amelia Bones was not a member of Harry's council. She was fiercely independent and was one of the few members of wizarding society that thought it important that departments like hers remain unaligned in a political sense. For Amelia that was particularly difficult in the case of the rising power that was Harry Potter. Partially that was because she agreed with everything he was trying to do. He and Neville Longbottom, along with their Vassals, Retainers and allies, had been like a Pepper Up potion for all of magical Britain.
Britain had, in less than two years, re-established itself as a major player on the international stage, no longer resting on only its long history. The Potter Group, The Longbottom Group and the Grimmauld Commons had also shown the British magicals the power of the Prima Potentia Magicae and they had brought a pride back to the wizard in the streets.
For Amelia Bones, none of that made her political independence difficult. She was a committed public servant and despite being happy that Magical Britain was doing well, it just made her more committed to match the efforts of the private sector with exemplary good government. What made her independence difficult was that her niece was in a relationship with the boy and would not stop singing his praises.
Susan's letters had painted a picture of a young man that any woman would love to be with. Amelia had been worried that with five other girlfriends, that Susan would eventually be hurt by lack of attention or hurt because of the arrogance that could easily develop in a young man with multiple girlfriends and a fortune. But Harry had been nothing but the perfect boyfriend to her niece.
She had had the opportunity to watch them interact during the summer and was impressed with not only Harry but his retainer, Ron. Both boys moved within and around their group of girlfriends easily and with care. Amelia was envious that her niece had found a boy that was so good at having six girlfriends when she had seen so many men fail at having one. Her own failed love life was a testament to that.
It had been while she was visiting Potter Castle that Harry and his council had invited her to sit and speak with them. Sitting in the large office she was sure she was finally to be disappointed. All of the adults were present including Minerva McGonagall and Harry was the only one of the children present. She was already thinking of how she would break it to Susan that the boy was only using her for her connections within the ministry when she had been struck dumb by what they were saying.
Harry Potter had assured her that he did care very much for her niece but was aware that his relationship with the red head could create rumors of impropriety between his House and the Ministry and especially her department. He promised her that despite the fact that a person of his financial and political station could and would normally seek aid and favors from within the ministry he would never ask her for such a favor. Nor would anyone attached to him.
Amelia had been very impressed with the young boy. It was true that backroom deals was the way of politics and that despite feeling wrong, was actually not illegal. To say that he would not engage in that type of dealing with her to protect both her and her niece from rumors was greatly appreciated. At the same time it was a great disappointment because he and his group were exactly the type of Wizengamot member she liked working with.
As the director sat looking through a file she had to admit that the day she was currently caught in was the closest they had come to breaking her promise to keep her separate from their dealings. But even she would admit that projecting propriety had its limits. It had started when word reached her that another attack had occurred at Hogwarts. In short order she had Augusta Longbottom and Sirius Black in her office.
It was decided that it was long past time that Albus Dumbledore be confronted on his failure to protect the students. Amelia agreed and called for the head of the Aurors before the four of them left by flu to the Auror office in Hogsmeade. Walking up to the castle they were met by Remus Lupin and nine Lycans. Two of them in full wolf form.
Amelia knew it would never happen but she would love to have a couple of them in the Auror ranks. Having one in her bed might not be too bad either, an annoying voice whispered inside her head. The six men and three women looked incredibly powerful. But they were there because Remus was a Vassal to the House of Potter and sworn to protect it and he considered the House under attack.
It wasn't until they reached the gated of the school and ran into the Minister of Magic that her day truly went to shit. The Minister along with Lord Ogden, Lord Malfoy and four Aurors were arresting Rubeus Hagrid for being responsible for the attacks. One look over to Rufus allowed Amelia to confirm that no arrest order had been issued for Hagrid and that meant that the Minister was in the process of kidnapping and being aided by the Aurors to do it.
Director Bones looked up from the report she was reviewing when there was a knock on her door. She took a breath before saying "Enter". Rufus Scrimgeour entered her office and sat down across from her. After a moment of silence the man reported what he had discovered.
The Head of the Auror Office was surprised at how far Director Bones had authorized him to go investigating what was going on. It had been Sirius Black's recommendation to uncover every stone. In his angry rant he had reminded all present that he had been a victim of an overzealous demand for closure that ignored the cause of justice. He had appealed to Amelia personally that she interview everyone with veritaserum and publish the transcripts to avoid any conspiracy theories.
Rufus was surprised that the Director had agreed with him. It was typical to be very careful about what was shared with the public so as to avoid panic but the idea that someone was once again to be put in Azkaban without a trial had pissed of Amelia Bones. If Rufus was honest with himself, he was deeply disturbed as well.
Rufus reported on what was found. He had picked up on his boss's anger and been exceedingly thorough. The next day's paper would report that Lucius Malfoy was the culprit behind the attacks. He had been in possession of a dark artifact left by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and had secretly given it to Ginny Weasley. Here Rufus paused to say that he had already sent a detachment to the school to try and save the girl from the cursed object.
Amelia nodded, suppressing her worry for one of her niece's girlfriends, and indicated to Rufus to continue. Rufus went on to outline that the four Aurors that were assigned to the Minister's security detail were also arrested. This had not been the first time the Minister had used them to violate someone's rights. They had basically been acting as the Minister's enforcers.
Amelia made a note that the Ministry detail would be put back into a rotation. She was unsure why that had changed but it would be done. Rufus continued by reporting on the arrest of the Minister of Magic. He paused to look at Amelia and she nodded in acknowledgement of how big a scandal it would be. He nodded back and started to outline the list of crimes the Minister had committed. Her eyes opened wide at the depth of the corruption and how far back it had gone.
Rufus ended by saying that Lord Ogden was not to be charged with any crime. He was guilty only of being easily manipulated. Unfortunately for him, Amelia's insistence on total transparency with the media would mean a great deal of embarrassment for him. Rufus completed his report and handed a written copy across the desk. He stood to leave but at the door he was stopped by Amelia's voice "Rufus, I want them all alive and well at their trials. Assume that there are parties, within the ministry, that will try to stop that from happening and plan accordingly." Rufus nodded before exiting the room.
…Office of the Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Long before all of the secrets of the Minister would be discovered, Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk content. The game had started and he had been prepared. His opponent undoubtedly thought he had scored some major victories against him but Albus knew it was more of a feint devised by greater knowledge of the field of play.
He called Severus to his office and told him about what happened. The man was as pleased as Albus had seen him in a long time. Albus warned that the major attack would likely come within the week and they should be prepared to act quickly. As soon as he said that, two things happened almost simultaneously.
The first was the wards telling him that twelve people had just crossed the wards and were heading toward the castle. The fact that the wards let them in meant that they had no ill intent for the students and had legitimate business on the grounds. Albus only had time to wonder who they were when the wards announced that the Basilisks was moving through the halls.
Albus looked to Severus and said "Apparently Tom is impatient. He attacks now; get to your position, I will send Minerva your way shortly." With an equal parts gleeful and sinister expression, Severus left Albus' office. Albus followed the man out and sent a patronus message to all the teachers to meet him at the main doors. He needed to see who the intruders were. He didn't think it was Tom's supporters but he thought it better to not leave unknowns at his back.
…Main Doors, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Albus Dumbledore was surprised at the group he found at the entrance to his school. Sirius Black, Augusta Longbottom, Remus Lupin plus nine very dangerous looking large men greeted him when he arrived. The Lycans were a rising political power in the wizarding world which was surprising to people like Albus Dumbledore since it was obvious that the beings were not completely human. Albus had to admit that, with the obvious help of the Potter alliances, Remus had led what amounted to a political coup within magical Britain.
Albus Dumbledore was a very powerful wizard and could recognize the contained power in the man across from him. He refocused, promising himself to give greater consideration to the Lycans once he had more control of Harry Potter as it was clear that they could be more than just a political danger to his long term plans. For now he wondered how the group's presence would affect his current plans for the evening. His thought was interrupted by a loud scream and a monstrous sound. Before he could react all the adults, including the teachers who had just arrived in response to his patronus, rushed toward the sound.
Upon arrival the adults found Susan and Luna all leaning next to one of the drakes that Harry Potter had created. Standing over them was a crying Tracey who had her face buried in a stoic faced Daphne. In addition to the four girls, where and additional five drakes, all of whom were pacing the hall way and acting as guards for the group.
Albus was about to demand an explanation when he heard first Minerva then Augusta Longbottom gasp. That was followed by low growls that Albus figured came from the Lycans. He turned to see what they were reacted to and frowned. On the wall, written in what looked like blood were the words. "Her Skeleton Will Lie in the Chamber Forever"
It was Daphne who answered the many unanswered questions they all had. Albus listened intently as the Slytherin girl explained that Harry had declared the House of Potter under attack and they were marching back to the common room when Ginny attacked her own Drake and then ran off.
The young girl somehow got far ahead of them and when they caught back up they found the words on the wall and Ginny's drake was lying on the floor hurt. Harry said he had figured out where the Chamber was and He, Ron and Lavender ran off to try and save Ginny.
Daphne had been chosen to deliver this part of the story to the adults as she was the most believable. Susan could not convincingly lie and Luna thought the whole thing was great fun and could not get the words out without giggling in delight or being overly ominous, which since the message was that Harry had gone into the chamber of secrets after a monster, was amazing.
Before Albus could speak, Augusta turned and shot off a Patronus to the DMLE. The headmaster had to stop himself from cursing the woman. The last thing he wanted was the Aurors on site until after the events had concluded. He was distracted by that anger when all the Lycans vanished down the corridors. For such large beings they moved like ghosts and Albus was once again reminded that these Lycans were based on apex predators.
Albus was once again stymied when instead of awaiting his directions, the teachers also vanished down hallways and Remus and Minerva had appointed themselves as the communication center for the "Search and Rescue Operation", as Remus called it. Sirius and Augusta also moved to the children to try and comfort them and Albus felt adrift in his own school. He was angry but not sure how to regain control of the situation. He finally suggested everyone move to his office and spent the whole time traveling their trying to salvage his plan.
… Guest Teacher's Quarters, 2nd Floor, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Gilderoy Lockhart finished packing his things. He had already come up with a plausible, if a bit weak, excuse for why he did not stay to fight whatever beast was attacking the school. He would wait for the details to come out about it and then claim to be injured in a one on one clash with it that occurred before the main fighting. He knew it would not hold up to too much scrutiny but hoped that in the chaotic aftermath of whatever was to happen he would be believed.
That is when he heard footsteps hurrying past his door. Lockhart was not a particularly brave man when it came to direct confrontation but he had a bravery all his own. He was always willing to skulk into semi-dangerous situations and spy. Many of his stories came about this way, where he either witnessed the actual confrontation or heard the story as it was told in the immediate aftermath. It was important that he got to the story as soon as possible to limit the amount of people who knew about it.
He followed the noises to a girl's bathroom and peaked through the door. Inside he saw four students as they walked into a hole in the wall. His instincts told him that this would likely be the story that catapulted him into the next level of fame and stardom so he waited a minute before following. He showed himself to be decent spy and relatively competent wizard by silencing his feet and casting a masking spell on himself that hid his smell.
…Outer Chamber, Chamber of Secrets, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
At the bottom of the stairs he found a spot to hide as he looked at the four students as they prepared themselves for whatever they would be doing. Gilderoy was pleasantly surprised to see that one of the students was none other than Harry Potter. They reviewed the plan and Gilderoy found himself impressed. They were going to trick the "snake", apparently that was what the beast was and then craft a much more imaginative story about the fight.
Gilderoy figured he would wait for them to do the work then obliviate them and craft a similar story but with him as the hero. Saving Harry Potter would not only increase his stardom by an additional factor but the book he was already planning on writing would make him a fortune. Unfortunately for him, despite being a competent wizard, he was operating with semi-professionals. He suddenly found himself lifted from his hiding spot and dumped in front of the students.
He surprised turn to fear when he turned and saw that it was a Drake that had dumped him before his future victims. The four people looked at him with frowns and he decided to try to convince them that he was on their side. He did not even have to lie much as he explained that he had heard them in the corridor outside his rooms and decided to follow them. He suggested that he followed them as part of his duty as a professor and was just about to confront them when the Drake found him.
Unfortunately for Gilderoy, Harry Potter was a relatively good Legimencer and he had only learned enough occlumency to hide the fact that he was lying, never having the patience to continue past his basic needs. He was trained enough to know when Harry Potter entered his mind and discovered his secrets, though. It had happened to him before and so he reacted as he normally did in such situations and snapped off a surprisingly fast "Obliviate".
Gilderoy had fought for his life and career in similar situations before. He was not a very good writer and was not always good at fully covering his tracks. So he had been confronted in many ways and at many times about the truth. In every case his obvious laziness and pompousness had worked in his favor and the person or people confronting him had underestimated him.
His Obliviate spell casting, if such things were measured, would have been in the top ten percent of strength and precision in the world. With time he could cast a spell so thorough that the victim would not even recognize they were missing time or memories and with such power that a Master Legimencer, like Albus Dumbledore, would not even recognize that the mind had been tampered with.
There was no doubt with his speed and precision, had the four students underestimated him, that he could have snapped of four spells in more than enough time to tag them all. Unfortunately for him the four students were not in the habit of underestimating anyone. More unfortunate for him, Ron and Lavender took their duties toward their future Lord with supreme seriousness and Ron especially had a loyalty toward Harry Potter that was actually scary.
Three shield spells combined in front of Harry Potter in the same instant Lockhart's spell left his wand. Ron, Lavender or Harry's shield alone would have been enough to stop the spell, but Ron was vindictive about people attacking his Lord and his shield was purposely designed to not absorb the spell, as was typical, but instead reflect it. It was a testament to Ron's personal power that he could cast the harder spell with the same speed he cast the easier one and it have enough power to reflect such a powerful Obliviate.
Gilderoy Lockhart had been moving instinctually and did not have the presence of mind to even recognize that his spell had backfired. It was only deep down in his subconscious in a place he did not have access to nor would ever had access to that his soul recognized that he had made the mistake that had always worked in his favor and had underestimated his opponents. Not because they seemed weak or incompetent but because they were students.
As the shields dissipated, Harry looked at the downed man and then over at Ron. Ron looked back him with defiance and determination. After a moment of tense silence, Harry smiled and then he and Ron burst into laughter. Lavender looked at the boys and then at Ginny. They both said "boys!" at the same time and then started to giggle as well.
Harry cast "Legimens" on the groggy professor and discovered that the spell that hit him was all power and no precision and thus had erased a good chunk of the man's memories. Harry did not do a deep check but it seemed like the man had lost at least seven years of memory and past that his mind had become more muddled than Harry had seen in the most unorganized mind before.
Harry stunned the man and decided that he would just add the man to the story they would fabricate, exposing the man for all his crimes. Harry had all the details from his earlier scan and it would make for good secondary coverage. He looked over to Ginny and a plan started to formulate in his mind. He turned to his crew and they nodded. It was time for the main event.