Saviours of the School

They had done it. Against all odds, they had entered the Chamber of Secrets, defeated the Heir of Slytherin, and rescued Ginny Weasley. Now they stood in the second floor girls' bathroom, the three of them all grimy from their journey beneath the school.

"What now?" said Harry.

"We're gonna need help," said Sadie. "Where's Snape? Or Dumbledore? Maybe one of them has come back. Check that wonderful map."

Harry removed the Marauders Map from an inner pocket and tapped it with his wand. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." Ink lines spread over the parchment. "Let's see… is Snape here?"

At that moment, Ginny started sobbing loudly and clutching her face. "I'm going to be expelled. What'll Mum and Dad say?"

"Ginny, you're overwhelmed. Take a deep breath," urged Chip.

"It's alright – the basilisk didn't kill anyone," said Sadie, putting a hand on Ginny's arm. "They can all be cured. Professor Sprout's mandrakes will soon be mature."

"Yes, then they'll all say it was me!" said Ginny irritably. She stopped sobbing and shrugged Sadie's hand off. "Weren't you listening?" She threw her arms around Harry. "Help me, Harry."

Wow, this made Harry uncomfortable!

"I – uh – Professor Snape should know best what to do. Or Dumbledore. Best just ask one of them."

Sadie peered at the map. "Lockhart's still there. Good. We can turn him in when we find someone."

"Let's go!" said Harry, leading the way out of the bathroom.

Ginny folded her arms and glared at him. "After all I've been through, you won't pay attention to me?"

"Don't worry," squeaked Chip. "We're your friends."

Ginny glared at Chip. "Is that your face?" she asked, pointing at his smiley paper mask.

"No, silly, this is a mask," laughed Chip. "Mummy fixed it, didn't you Mummy?"

"Yes, darling, I did," said Sadie.

"Weird," said Ginny.

The Map showed that Professor Lockhart was still in his office.

Harry led their little procession to Professor Lockhart's office. Lockhart was still paralysed and on the floor. Sadie reached into her satchel and drew out little jar of purple glass from her satchel and unscrewed it, tipping out a beetle with a leering skull face. She held it up to Lockhart. Lockhart's eyes bulged.

"Cute, isn't it?" said Sadie. She put it on Lockhart's neck, and it bit him, piercing the skin.

"What'll it do?" asked Harry eagerly.

"It's just the antidote to the paralysing agent," said Sadie. "It works immediately, so c'mon Lockhart – you great fraud! You can get up now. But don't try anything, or I'll trigger the paralysing venom again."

"He should be punished!" Said Harry, raising his wand. "Think what he's done! A serial liar and mind molester."

"Shouldn't let my mum here you say that," said Ginny smirking. "She fancies him."

Harry winced. His own mother not only fancied Lockhart, but even thought he would marry her. Lockhart proved his duplicity by trying to flee from Cora and her unborn baby.

Sadie grimaced, causing her masked to ripple. "Lockhart must answer for his crimes. First, he must be given the chance to tell the truth. How about it, Lockhart? Will you tell Snape or Dumbledore the truth? About everything?"

With a flick of her wand she performed the counter charm to 'silencio' so that Lockhart could speak freely again.

"I most certainly will not," said Lockhart indignantly. "That is, I don't know what you're talking about. If I were a fraud, why would I suddenly confess to a couple of second years for no reason at all instead of making up a plausible excuse for fleeing?"

Sadie tutted. "I'm quite sure I don't know the answer to that one. But you really must tell our teachers the truth. And tell them of your own free will."

Lockhart hauled himself stiffly into a seating position. The paralysing venom was beginning to wear off. "I most certainly will not."

"You should do what Mummy says, Lockhart," squeaked Chip.

"I've had more than enough of strange single mothers," said Lockhart.

Sadie shook her head so that her purple hair rippled and bounced. "A pity you can't cooperate."

She reached into her satchel for another little purple jar. She opened it and tipped out a long, hideous centipede with segmented legs.

"Eugh!" said Ginny, wrinkling her freckled nose in disgust.

Lockhart shrank bag as Sadie held the wriggling centipede above his head. "Hold still…"

She dropped it on Lockhart and it scuttled down his back. Lockhart gave a scream and jumped into the air, flailing his arms.

"The little guy won't bite if you just do what I say, OK?" said Sadie. "If you don't tell the truth he will bite."

"How many bugs in jars do you carry around?" Harry asked her.

"Collecting negative feelings is a hobby of mine," she answered, turning her green face to Harry. "Gotta keep them somewhere."

"You certainly think of the important things," said Harry, lightly touching her shiny green nose.

Sadie grinned while Ginny huffed and folded her arms. "Don't you think I'm pretty?" she demanded.

"Of course you are, Ginny," said Harry, not looking at her.

"You sure are pretty," said Sadie, glancing at her.

"I didn't ask you, McIntyre," said Ginny waspishly. "Do you really think for one moment that I care if you find me pretty?"

"Ginny, do be calm, we just want to help," squeaked Chip. "You've been through a lot."

"I'm the pretty one, here!" said Lockhart indignantly, even forgetting the centipede down his back. "Don't you forget it."

Harry rolled his eyes. What a vain fool Lockhart was!

"Where are Snape and Dumbledore then?" demanded Ginny. "If you have to turn me in."

"Good question," said Harry. "How can we call them? Wait… I don't believe it." As he looked at the map, two dots appeared in Snape's office. Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. "So now they turn up. In Snape's office?"

Sadie peered at the map. "Great! Let's go guys. Lockhart – don't you dare think about running away, or my sweet little bug will bite!"

Lockhart groaned as Sadie forced him along at wand point. He didn't look remotely handsome anymore. In fact, he looked weak chinned and weedy.

Harry led the way down to Snape's office, knocked, and pushed the door open. Snape was there, and so was Dumbledore. Snape gave a start at the sight of them – Harry and the girls were covered in muck and grime. Dumbledore however smiled and opened his arms in a gesture of welcome. "My fine, brave Slytherins, welcome! Do tell us all."

Harry and Sadie looked at one another and nodded. They told everything – the visitation from the Bloody Baron, their conversation with Moaning Myrtle, the Chamber of Secrets, and T. M. Riddle. When Harry said that he had taken control of the basilisk, Snape sat down in his chair with a stunned look. Sadie grinned at him. "Isn't it cool, Professor?"

Snape frowned at her.

"Yes, McIntyre, it is wonderful to have such a beast as an ally," said Dumbledore. "I will have to investigate the Chamber myself and put up more effective wards so that it is no longer accessible simply by speaking Parseltongue. But a basilisk is a real boon and blessing. Harry will have to help us with the interpreting. But think of the help such a rare magical beast could provide in research for potions and healing."

"Yay!" Sadie danced an awkward little jig, still encumbered by her satchel.

"You'd like to dance, Mummy?" squeaked Chip, his head poking out of her bag.

Ginny was sniffling. "Never mind the dancing. I'm going to be expelled and I was hoodwinked by Tom Riddle. I was took!"

"There will be no punishment," said Dumbledore calmly. "Much older and much, much cleverer wizards than you have also been hoodwinked by that vile creature." He glanced at Snape. "Don't you agree about that, Severus."

A faint frown line appeared on Snape's brow.

"We forgave Quirrell," said Sadie, nodding. "You Know Who hoodwinked him."

"I doubt the headmaster was referring to that dunce when he stressed much, much cleverer," said Snape.

"But Ginny was also possessed by that evil parasite and we cured her," said Sadie.

"No, you were really the one who cured them both," said Harry, giving her a one armed hug and making her grin.

"What do I have to do to get your attention?" demanded Ginny. "Paint my face green or something?"

"Your parents should be arriving at any moment," Snape told Ginny. "They were called when we learned of your abduction." He tossed a handful of powder into the fireplace and placed a folded note into the flames. Harry saw a hand suddenly appear in the fire and pluck the parchment out.

"I have informed Professor McGonagall," Snape identified the hand, "and asked her to bring them here directly."

"Thank you, sir."

"You appear to have suffered no serious injuries, but I believe Madam Pomfrey will want to have a look at you. I won't send for her until you see your parents."

"But one of us is keeping very quiet about his part in this dangerous adventure," said Dumbledore. "Why so modest, Gilderoy."

Sadie turned to Lockhart. "Haven't you got something you'd like to say?" she asked, an edge to her voice.

Lockhart trembled. "I – I was planning to leave rather than face the Heir of Slytherin. Uh… I was going to run away."

Snape curled his lip at Lockhart. "I had already guessed as much."

Sadie was glaring. Lockhart went on in a rush: "I have not really done the feats I wrote about. My books wouldn't have sold half so well if I hadn't taken the credit. Who wants to read about ugly warlocks or witches with no grace? I tracked twelve heroes and heroines down, interviewed them on their accomplishments, then performed a slight memory modification so they would no longer remember doing it."

"This comes as no surprise," said Snape. "Lockhart, you are a third-rate charlatan. It has been awful having to think of you as a colleague."

"You have played a dangerous game of deception, Gilderoy," said Dumbledore. "A trial before the Wizengamot is in order. Take him away, Severus."

Snape nodded and grabbed Lockhart by the scruff of his robes.

"There's a bug on him," said Sadie hurriedly. "Take care."

"Thank you, McIntyre, I can deal with any bug you could dole out," said Snape drily. "Miss Weasley, come with us. I'll take you to your parents."

"Thank you, sir."

Snape took Lockhart and Ginny away.

"It is a strange thing," said Dumbledore. "I once knew and loved a fair, blue eyed wizard, who turned out to be a real villain. Much more evil than Lockhart."

"More of a villain than Lockhart? I doubt," said Harry.

"Indeed he was," said Dumbledore. "He tore apart my family and broke my heart and that was just the beginning. Just be glad that you still have your mother, Harry."

There were tears in Sadie's blue eyes. "Oh, Professor, I'm so sorry to hear that. I had absolutely no idea."

"There are many mysteries in this world, and many things still beyond your comprehension, you good, brave girl," said Dumbledore.

"A villain hoodwinked you, Professor?" squeaked Chip. "I've heard so much about you and how clever you are. I'm amazed you were hoodwinked."

"It goes to show that even the best of us are not infallible," said Dumbledore. "And that life goes on. Cora's heart will heal. Harry, you need not worry for your mother. She and her child are better off without that villain Lockhart. As are we all."

Sadie sniffed. "Well said."

Harry nodded. "You're right. I suppose we can just forget Lockhart."

He actually started feeling elation. Lockhart would definitely not be his dad! Lockhart was out of the picture!

"One thing, Professor," said Sadie. She still sounded like she had a lump in her throat. "Riddle has a special award for services to the school. That really has to go. It's a disgrace that it's still in the trophy room."

"I suppose you're right," said Dumbledore. "I must see that Riddle's shield is melted down. More importantly, you will both receive such awards. You both have earned them."

00O00

The other students and staff were beginning to return to Hogwarts in a phased manner. The Slytherins returned first. Harry and Sadie went to the boys' dorm. Harry wanted to collapse on his bed, but his plan was foiled when the other girls piled into the room, followed by Draco and Theo. They were all demanding to know where Harry and Sadie had been.

Sadie grinned. "Hey guys!"

Harry groaned. "Sadie can tell you. I'm tired out."

At that moment, Tracy squealed and scooped Sadie up in her arms, kissing her fiercely on the mouth, regardless of the fact that she was so mucky after being in the Chamber.

"Sadie's tongue is busy, Harry," said Daphne. "Can't you tell us?"

Yawning through parts of it, Harry told the whole story again. This time, when he told about the basilisk and how he had taken control of it, Harry left out the part about Riddle being Voldemort. Their friends wouldn't know this.

"Riddle wasn't solid yet, and Sadie came up with the idea of letting the diary absorb some basilisk venom, and there was a pretty spectacular light show as Riddle disintegrated. Ginny came back to normal, and that's pretty much it." Harry yawned. "Can I sleep now?"

"Take a bath first," said Daphne.

00O00

"Harry? Harry, wake up."

As a voice dragged him out of the darkness, Harry gradually realized who its owner was. With a grunt, he rolled onto his back and mumbled a reply.

"G'way, Draco."

Sadie had gone to sleep with Tracy in the girls' dorm after going for a bath and hair dyeing. Harry needed rest too! Couldn't Draco respect that?

"Harry, Percy is here. He wants to thank you."

"Send him in." He pulled his pillow over his head.

"Theo and I have been talking," Draco continued. "Have you realized what's gone on tonight?"

"I saved the school?" Harry's voice was muffled.

"You saved a witch's life. She owes you a debt, and so does Percy."

"Eh?" Harry woke up when he heard that.

"He said to you that if the Heir needed a life that it should be his, right?"

"Something like that."

"If he would give his life for hers, and you saved her, then his life now belongs to you," Theo interjected. "Next year's Head Boy is bound by magical law, and his own word, to repay you for Ginny's life. We… I mean you, should take full, full advantage of it. Harry, next year we could own this school."

Harry was fully awake now, but his brain was still fuzzy. "To what end?"

"To the only end!" Draco answered. "Power!"

Theo rubbed his hands together. "Just think, if you had the sworn loyalty of the Head Boy, just imagine: bathing in the prefects' bathroom; he could get books from the Restricted Section and make Sadie happy, you could sic him on the other Quidditch teams! The possibilities are endless!"

"Plus there's after he leaves school," Draco added. "Think about the future, Harry. Percy is going to go far in life, with Father's help. He might even be Minister for Magic someday. He's the sort you want to have under your thumb."

Harry was troubled. He had never even thought about these sorts of things. After he finally undid the last vestiges of Voldemort, he had thought he just wanted to go back to live with his mother. But his friends had been raised to take their places in wizarding society. If Harry wanted to join them, he needed to play by those rules. He thought about it. He could do it for his mother too. Improve her social standing.

"So what should I do?" he asked slowly.

"Ceremony," Theo said immediately. "Call him in, tell him to bow down to the Heir of Slytherin, and demand his loyalty. He won't like it much; he's four years older than us, and no prefect wants to acknowledge a younger student as his superior. In the end, though, he'll do it. He's got too much honour to refuse."

"And then?"

"Then you wait until you need something from him, something real."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning it would be amusing to be able to order him around like a slave, but futile," Draco told him. "He's a resource to be exploited prudently. Ronald we could order around for fun, but Percy should not be wasted."

Harry turned it over in his mind.

"Ok," he said finally. "Let me get dressed."

He chose his clothes with care, instinctively knowing that he was about to set in motions events that would have severe ramifications. How things would change, Harry didn't know. His hair refused to stay groomed, as usual, but otherwise he looked neat. While he dressed, Draco directed Crabbe and Goyle in the rearrangement of the room.

Harry's chair was set in front of the picture window that had such the wonderful view of the night sky and the moon shining down on the rippling lake below. Draco and Theo stood behind him, while Crabbe and Goyle flanked the door. Draco nodded that all was in readiness, and Theo's spell sent a beam of white light to touch the door with a quiet "click".

Percy's head poked in. "Harry? Finally awake?"

"Come in."

The older boy closed the door behind him. "I wanted to say my thanks," he began. "I was wrong about you. Ginny told us how you saved her." Percy swallowed. "I don't know why you would do that for Ginny, but I thank you beyond what my unskilled tongue can express. I'd been forbidden to leave the common room, and Snape set the lads to keep me prisoner. He also took my wand, and even magicked me to make sure I couldn't go wandering. I was madder than an angry hornet, but he told me if I even stepped into the corridor that I'd go twitching with pain, and the anchor spell would keep me from getting five steps. Harry, you did what I would have died to do, and I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"I want your pledge of loyalty."

Percy started. "Excuse me?"

"I want to know that I can call upon you at some point in the future. I'm sure someone as bright as you will wind up in very influential places."

"You want me to owe you a favour?"

"Not just one favour," Draco told him. "Nor any finite number. Fall down on your knees, Percy Weasley. Swear your loyalty to the Heir of Slytherin."

"The Heir of Slytherin!" Percy gasped. "So it was you that kidnapped my sister!"

"I did not!" Harry said in a firm tone. "I killed the former Heir, and I am Slytherin's Heir now. I saved Ginny's life. You wanted to give your life for Ginny's. I accept that offer. I have returned her to you, and now you will give me the payment you so freely offered."

"You'd better pledge your life to the will of the Heir," Theo advised. "Unless you're prepared to welch on a magical debt. Make your choice."

"Accept your fate and pay your debt," Draco said.

Percy's face was a study in confusion. He looked back and forth from Theo to Draco and back to Harry, who kept a stern look on his face, mimicking Professor Snape as best he could. Harry could read all the thoughts running through Percy's mind.

"Kneel," he commanded softly.

Percy let out a shuddering breath, bowed his head, and sank to his knees. "I made the deal, and I will keep it. My life is yours."

"You're a good student," Theo said. "Give the oath of used by the Order of Merlin."

"I swear by the magic in my soul and the blood in my veins that I will be faithful to the Lord Potter, to loyally serve his will, and never cause him harm. Let my life be an instrument of his will now and forever. Upon my life, I will observe my homage to him as vassal completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit."

Well that certainly was elaborate. Harry slowly exhaled the breath he'd been holding in. This little ceremony was turning out to be far more intense than he had thought it would. He hadn't been fully prepared to accept this new mantle; he'd only been the Heir of Slytherin for a few hours. He was still only Harry, not this Lord Potter. But he would be, someday.

"Rise." Percy stood. "Tell no one of this."

"I won't."

Harry had had enough of this play-acting. "Keep my secrets. You may go."

Percy bowed his head once more, turned, and exited. When the door had shut behind him, Draco let out a brief laugh.

"Looks like you were right, Theo."

"Of course I was right," Theo retorted. "When are you going to realize that I'm always right?"

"Ooh! Theo, pride cometh before a fall," said Draco sniggering.

00O00

After a few more hours of sleep, Harry felt much better. He was perky at breakfast and so were the other Slytherins.

"Such a relief," said Sadie, as she poured honey onto a bowl of yoghurt. "The Chamber business is over, and no one died! It could have been so much worse."

"Yeah, yeah, what really matters is that the school didn't close," said Pansy.

Theo poked her. "You're so morbid, Pansy."

They began to scuffle.

"What's got you lot so lively?" Miles Bletchley the Quidditch captain asked over his coffee mug. "I can barely keep my eyes open."

"You should be getting plenty of sleep with Quidditch practices being cancelled," Harry retorted. "I just hope we're ready for Ravenclaw in two weeks."

Bletchley raised an eyebrow. "How did you know that matches are back on? I only heard a few minutes ago from Madam Hooch."

"So that means we have practice today?"

"Yes, it does. Well?"

"Well what?"

"Are you going to answer my question?"

"What question?"

Bletchley snorted. "Just for that, I'm going to work you hard today."

"As opposed to any other day?"

"Shut up, Potter."

Professor McGonagall stood up.

"Attention everyone! I have a very important announcement." The Great Hall quieted. "Last night, one of our students was kidnapped into the Chamber of Secrets by the Heir of Slytherin."

Gasps arose from all corners as those who hadn't known were shocked to the quick.

"But the Heir blundered!" the Deputy Headmistress trumpeted. "His path to the Chamber was traced. The Heir and the Beast were killed. The threat to Hogwarts is lifted!"

Riotous cheering erupted. Months of tension and pressure were released all at once in an explosive display. It was like celebrating a Quidditch match, but for the whole school. Harry joined in, even as he wondered how old McGonagall could lie to them with such a straight face.

"While the Mandrakes will not be ready for another few weeks-"

"Three weeks," Professor Sprout interjected.

"-three weeks, we can at least rest easy knowing that the threat is ended."

Cheers came from those Houses of Petrified students.

"Back to normal," Pansy sighed with relief. "Which means classes."

"All of the new security measures are hereby rescinded, and Quidditch practices may resume as normal."

More cheering, louder this time, as Gryffindor and Slytherin cheered loudest.

That day of classes seemed as light-hearted and carefree as the first day back from holiday. Professor Snape even seemed almost cheery as they brewed up some Pest Repellant Potion. Professor Flitwick smiled as he lectured, and his voice was once again chipper. Even Professor McGonagall wasn't nearly as curt with the Slytherins as she usually was. Collectively, the castle breathed one huge sigh of relief.

Professor Snape called the house together in the common room that night. After returning from dinner, all Slytherins loitered around making small talk while they waited. After only a few minutes, their Head of House came through the wall.

"As you are all now no doubt aware, Professor Lockhart has been exposed as a fraud and a villain. We are left without a Defence teacher. As the school year is nearly over, there is little point to bringing in someone new, so I will be taking over your lessons, Slytherins."

"Prodigious!" Tracy clapped.

Draco whooped.

"This is wonderful!" said Sadie, grinning.

Scattered applause echoed their sentiments.

"The other Heads of House will be teaching their own students. As you all ought to know by now, I will be no easy taskmaster. Some of you have already come to me in preparation for the OWLs and NEWTs given Lockhart's…"

"Uselessness?" Lawrence Derrick, a sixth year, suggested.

"Yes," Snape smiled. "I suggest you catch up on your reading. My evaluations begin tomorrow. Good night."

"Snape knows the subject," Sadie enthused, as she followed the boys down to her dormitory. "Finally. A teacher who appreciates the Darkness."

"You like the Darkness a lot, Mummy?" squeaked Chip.

"Yes. It gave me you, Chip," said Sadie, kissing his smiley mask.

00O00

The next day, the rest of the students and staff were moved back into Hogwarts. Cora would be back too. Professor Snape called Harry and Sadie aside to give them the message. "Your mother is in the Hospital Wing, Potter. I'm sure she will be suitably displeased about your hunting for danger. Despite that, I daresay she'll just want to hug you."

Harry and Sadie hurried up to the Hospital Wing where Cora was in an enclosed private room. The hag was lying on the one bed in that room. The sunlight streaming in through the window shone off her green nose and cheeks. Her bright red hair was loose on the pillow. Her belly was really big now. "You mustn't over-exert yourself, dear," Madame Pomfrey was telling her.

Cora turned to look at them and Harry felt a twinge of guilt when he saw that her eyes were green tinged – her version of being bloodshot (she had green blood after all – her bloodshot eyes would not look red). Her face was stained with tears.

"Harry!" Her voice sounded hoarse, like she'd been crying a lot.

Harry ran forward with Sadie following behind. His mother scooped him into her arms. Her belly got in the way as she hugged him. "You went … into … danger again?" she said, and it sounded like she was choking.

"Please Cora, Percy Weasley was desperate for help," said Sadie. "His little sister was in mortal danger. Harry's too kind to refuse such a cry for help."

"That's right!" squeaked Chip, his head poking out of her satchel.

"I disapprove of blundering into danger as much as anyone," said Madame Pomfrey. "But the headmaster says they've proven to be real heroes yet again. I suppose we have to defer to the headmaster and say 'congratulations.'"

"The messy Chamber of Secrets business is over," said Harry. "And don't worry about that slimy Lockhart, he's not worth it. We're together now, that's what matters."

"And you've got me as well, if you need a shoulder to cry on!" said Sadie, touching Cora's shoulder.

"I want to help too," squeaked Chip.

"And just think… I'm getting a baby brother or sister," said Harry. He thought Cora ought to just think about this part.

"Sister," said Madame Pomfrey. "Hags give birth to girls. Cora, you must be strong for both your children. Who cares for that no-account Lockhart?"

"This is wonderful, Harry's gonna have a sister!" said Sadie.

Cora gave a wan smile. "Yes. Her name will be Goldie."

At that moment, a distraction arrived in the form of Hagrid, the huge groundskeeper.

"Just wanted ter say, thank you," said Hagrid. "Dumbledore tol' me. If yer hadn' been such ruddy young heroes, I'd still be… you know where." He shuddered.

Sadie grinned. "Soo glad you're back, Hagrid. We got to meet a real live basilisk. It's a friendly basilisk now. We're gonna get to visit her. Dumbledore will need Harry to interpret for her when we go down there for special potion ingredients. Wish you could come."

"Ar, I wish too. Yer lucky things," said Hagrid wistfully. "Never min'. I c'n make your lives really fun as a was of sayin' thank yer."

"Just inviting us to tea will be enough thanks," said Sadie hastily.

00O00

Sometimes it felt like Harry's head was spinning with all hexes, curses, and jinxes they were learning. There were three important characteristics of a spell, according to Professor Snape: You must possess the words; You must know the effects; You must have the counter. He drilled the words into them like a mantra. Harry's respect for his Head grew enormously.

Professor Snape came around several weeks later with the forms for the new classes.

Harry's choices had been effectively made for him, but he didn't mind. Sadie and Draco had signed up for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes without any hesitation at all. Theo, Pansy, Tracy, and Daphne likewise opted for "Double A's", as Slytherin House called the two challenging classes. Harry would be in good company.

Which was not to say that the other classes would have a lack of Slytherins. Crabbe, Goyle, and Millie all signed up for Care of Magical Creatures. Each was also taking one of the "A's" (Ancient Runes for Goyle, Arithmancy for Crabbe and Millie).

Daphne had been very insistent that she would not sit up in the Divination Tower by herself. The funny girl was taking a third class, and she teased Crabbe and Goyle into putting their names down as well. Harry thought it quite ambitious of the trio.

Since the Chamber of Secrets had been closed, the terror of the past year had begun to fade in the minds of the students. Easy laughter could now be heard in most corners of the castle, chasing away the shadows of fear. With the Mandrakes harvested, chopped, and stewed, the petrified Muggleborns had been returned to normal with Professor Snape's Restorative Draught. Each one confirmed for the school that the legendary Beast had indeed been a basilisk; each was greatly relieved to learn of its supposed demise.

00O00

"Harry, I've got a favour to ask of you." Percy approached Harry one evening.

The last time Percy asked a favour, he had wound up with far more than he bargained for. What might Harry get out of him this time?

"So ask."

"It's Ginny," Percy confessed. "She came to me crying yesterday that the Gryffindors flat-out told her they think she's weird and want nothing to do with her. She's only a first year; she's got to live with these people for the next six years."

"Aw. So sad," said Sadie shaking her head.

"It is sad," squeaked Chip.

"What's this got to do with me?" demanded Harry.

"Could you maybe be friends with her?" Percy asked. "It's like she said. Nobody else could possibly understand what she's been through."

"I'd be her friend," said Sadie. "It's just sad that we can't get the Hogwarts Togetherness Society going again. All this bad feeling the Chamber of Secrets created…"

"Ginny's not interested in Hogwarts Togetherness, nor does she like members of her own gender much," said Percy, talking over her.

"What about your brothers?" Harry wanted to know. "Don't they care?"

Percy made a rude noise. "The twins just told her to perk up. They've been tormenting her with hissing noises and snake jokes. Ron is furious that you saved her. He said she should have died rather. He's twisted."

"Ugh! How twisted!" said Sadie.

"Ron is basically evil," said Percy. "I've only got a year left, and what happens when I'm gone?"

"Everyone needs friends," Harry agreed. "If she's willing to be seen with us awful Slytherins, I'll let her hang around. But she has to get on with all my friends. I've got seven. Two awesome boys and five great girls! And then there's Chip too, don't forget him."

Percy bowed his head. "Thank you, that will be marvellous. Ginny will get on with your friends. I bet she'll say it's a small price to pay in order to get her arms around Harry Potter."

"A strange thing to say," squeaked Chip.

"Ginny's nothing if not determined," said Percy.

Sure enough, Ginny wasted no time in seeking out Harry's company. The red-haired girl joined the second year Slytherins at dinner that very night. With an admirable sort of directness, she held her chin high as she walked straight to the Slytherin table, not even glancing towards her house.

"Hey!" said Sadie. "Don't be shy."

"Look what we have here," Pansy smirked. "A lost Gryffindor."

"Not lost, Parkinson," Ginny replied coolly, "just adventurous."

Theo snickered as Pansy blushed. "She's witty."

"Not as witty as me!" said Pansy poking him.

"Witty enough," Ginny retorted. " Potter, I'd like to join your little group here."

"Are you brave enough to sit with Slytherins, little Weasley?" Daphne asked with a touch of a lilt.

"We're a rough crowd," said Theo.

"I grew up with six brothers, Nott. It doesn't get much rougher than that. By Merlin, have you forgotten the chaotic twins, or the spiteful Ronald? You're a soft touch compared to them."

"I'm sorry you feel so badly about your brothers," said Chip, peeping out of Sadie's bag.

"Why do you want to join us?" Draco inquired. If anyone would have objection to this, he would.

"Because I don't think you'll judge me, Malfoy," Ginny said bluntly. "And my hero is sitting here. He's an acquaintance worth cultivating!" She thrust herself onto Harry's seat and put her arms around him!