Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter/Merlin or any other recognizable characters from other franchises. This fanfiction is not for profit.

Chapter 17

Within the span of a week, Harry found himself summoned to the Headmaster's office again.

"What did you want to see me for, Professor?" Harry asked, after they exchanged pleasantries.

"I wanted to let you know of the conclusion to the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets, Harry." Dumbledore gestured at a notebook in front of him.

Harry frowned, focusing his attention on the battered looking notebook. He almost immediately felt the magic from the diary, dark and pulsating in a manner similar to a human heart. He felt that the sensation was identical to the Horcrux present in the ancient headgear that Dumbledore had destroyed earlier. An artifact he later learned was probably the lost diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw.

He gulped. "Is that a Horcrux, Professor?"

Dumbledore sighed. "Indeed, it is. I had hoped that the Horcrux we found in the Room of Requirement would be the last we would see. But it seems Tom was unreserved in delving into the blackest of magics in his quest for immortality."

"Tom?" Harry asked.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle," Dumbledore explained, "Later known as Voldemort, descendant of Salazar Slytherin through his mothers' side, and of non-magical origin from his fathers' side. Although he took considerable pains to emphasize the former fact and bury the latter one."

Harry was wide eyed. "Did you know him, Professor? Before he became Voldemort, I mean?"

"Unfortunately, yes. He was a student here at Hogwarts, more than fifty years ago. The Chamber of Secrets first opened at that time, and a student, Miss. Myrtle Warren whom you saw the other day, died as a result. However, Tom successfully blamed another student for the ordeal and caused his expulsion, while he himself was lauded the hero who found the perpetrator."

Harry was horrified. "What happened to the student who was expelled?"

"Hagrid did not take it well. It had crushed him, but I was able to offer him a job as Hogwarts gamekeeper later on, when I was named headmaster."

"Hagrid? He was blamed? Who'd ever suspect Hagrid?!"

"Unfortunately, he landed himself into suspicion by raising an Acromantula inside Hogwarts while the attacks were taking place. Tom found a convenient scapegoat in him."

Harry grimaced. He had seen Hagrid raise a dragon, so that sounded just like him.

"Can we clear his name now, then? Now that you know Voldemort did it?"

"That is my hope." Dumbledore sighed. "I'm afraid the Minister of Magic himself may not be very open to the idea that Voldemort had means to outlive death, but there are still competent people in the ministry I can rely on to set the records straight."

Harry sighed in relief. It had always pained him that Hagrid was forbidden from using magic.

"Professor, how did that book cause all this?"

Dumbledore sighed. "I'm afraid the book possessed one of our students, Miss. Ginerva Weasley."

"Ginny?!" Harry exclaimed. "Is she okay?"

"She is recovering." Dumbledore informed him. "We found her trying to open the chamber today morning in a possession induced trance. She lost consciousness when we removed the diary from her person. She has since then regained consciousness, although traumatized by the entire ordeal. She is in Poppy's care in the hospital wing. Her family, including her brothers who study here, were informed today afternoon. You're the only one apart from her family who was told, after getting their permission to do so."

"How did Ron take it?"

"He's still quite shocked. As are they all." Dumbledore said. "I have advised her to take a short break from school and return after Christmas if she feels well to do so by then. She needs the support of her family now more than ever."

Harry nodded, understanding. "How did she end up with the diary?"

Dumbledore's face darkened. "Ginny tells me she found the diary among her books after their shopping trip in Diagon Alley. Arthur was quick to point out their run-in with Lucius Malfoy during that trip."

"He had some of Ginny's books when I saw him!" Harry exclaimed, remembering the encounter. "Won't he get arrested now that we have proof?"

"That might be difficult." Dumbledore sighed in frustration. "A lot of the Wizengamot members are tied either by Lucius' purse-strings or his threats."

"You're telling me he can get away with this?" Harry almost shouted.

"He will not." Dumbledore said firmly. "I have invited him today to have a little chat."

The way Dumbledore said chat clued Harry in on the fact that it might not be as amicable as the word suggested. He grinned, which Dumbledore returned with a smile.

Harry trusted Dumbledore to settle the matter. His gaze returned to the little book as he vaguely became aware of the book's magic reaching out to him.

"Um, Professor, you might want to get rid of that as soon as possible." Harry gulped. "I felt it's magic trying to reach into mine."

Dumbledore straightened, a little alarmed. He whipped out his wand and made some complicated movements, muttering a long incantation all the while. Harry watched, fascinated, as a golden circle formed in the cover of the book. The circle was filled with runic inscriptions forming intricate patterns. From his limited knowledge, he recognized it as a magic circle and that its purpose was to isolate magic.

"Forgive me, Harry. I should have done this sooner. I did not think it capable of such fast actions. Usually one's mind needs to be ensnared by such dark artifacts slowly and steadily." Dumbledore smiled at Harry. "But I am admittedly more surprised at someone so young picking up on such intricate magic."

Harry blushed. "It was exuding magic from the Old Religion."

Dumbledore looked surprised. "Did you read about the Old Religion from the book Ignotus gave you, Harry?"

"Yeah, but I learned to sense it from Morgana." Harry confessed. He had earlier talked to Dumbledore about his first and second meetings with Morgana, and he had the pleasure of seeing the Professor dumbstruck momentarily. He still grinned at the memory.

"Oh?" Dumbledore looked amused. "Has she become a good friend?"

Harry smiled. "Um, yeah. I suppose so."

"What else did you learn?" Dumbledore asked interestedly.

Harry extended his right hand, and a reddish flame flickered into existence. He could now do it without the incantation.

"Impressive!" Dumbledore praised. "I believe there are not many people on our good Earth who wield spells of the Old Religion."

"You're one of them, aren't you, Professor?" Harry asked with a grin. He could feel the faint traces of the magic of the old religion from the aging Professor. Besides, he recognized the spell Dumbledore used to get rid of the Horcrux in the Room of Requirement as Old Magic.

"Guilty as charged!" Dumbledore smiled. "Unfortunately, it seems so is Tom Riddle." He said, waving at the notebook.

"Yeah, I gathered." Harry frowned. Voldemort was indeed powerful, if he could do the soul severing ritual of the Old Religion multiple times to create Horcruxes. Ignotus had given a small lecture about this to Harry so that he could be informed enough about them.

"What is the highest order of flame you can materialize?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

The flames of magic were divided into five orders. The primary fire spells in these orders are the ordinary flame, the purifying flame, the purging flame, the divine flame and the eternal flame. Fiendfyre was a fourth order fire spell, called the hellflame or cursed fire.

Harry smiled. "Fflam Glanhau!" He uttered. The fire in his hand morphed into a brilliant golden yellow.

"Incredible." Dumbledore whispered. "The purging flame, if I'm not mistaken. A third order fire spell."

Harry blushed at the praise. "I just managed it last week."

"Have you learned the other elements?"

Harry nodded. "I can do second order spells in all of them, but I can do a third order spells only in fire among the primary elements. But I was able to make a third order light spell."

"A third order spell in light as well?" Dumbledore looked surprised. "Could you show me?"

"Golau Nefol!" Harry exclaimed with cupped hands. A light shone between them, its intensity increasing by the second. But rather than blinding the observer, it soothed them and gave them a feeling of protection.

"Celestial Light." Dumbledore said, smiling. "It seems you have a gift for the magic of the Old Religion, Harry."

"I think it's mainly because of Morgana teaching me and the book." Harry said modestly.

"Ah, even if you have the best teacher, magics such as the Old Religion takes more than skill and talent to manifest. It must allow you to wield it."

Harry extinguished the light as maintaining it began to tax his magic. "Thanks, Professor."

"The next time you meet Lady Morgana, please convey my gratitude for her help in warning us of the Basilisk." Dumbledore said. "We are truly indebted to her, and of course, you."

"Of course, I'll tell her." Harry assured him. He was now meeting Morgana at least once every week, since Morgana had gained better control over her Foresight. They exchanged spells and knowledge on magic freely, and Harry had even begun teaching her of the Great Inscriptions.

After some more small talk, Harry left the Headmasters' office. As he exited the staircase, he could see Lucius Malfoy striding towards the staircase. He was not altogether surprised to see Dobby following him. Dobby's ducked his head low when he caught sight of Harry. He kept silent and ignored the duo as he moved towards the exit of the corridor.

Just as Malfoy entered the staircase, Harry muttered an old spell that Morgana had taught him.

"Rwy'n eich melltithio ag anffawd, Lucius Malfoy"

It was considered something akin to a prank spell in her time, a curse that inflicted misfortune on the target. It was quite easy to counter back then. Times had changed, however, and very few studied the Old Religion now. He did not feel an ounce of the magic of the old religion from Malfoy, although Dobby was brimming with it. He was certain Malfoy would have to go to some trouble to get rid of it, since he wouldn't even recognize it as a curse. The curse would hound him for quite some time.

Slightly satisfied, he left the corridor with a smile.

Harry was visited by Dobby the day following Dumbledore's chat with Malfoy. The little creature was positively overflowing with happiness. He had waylaid Harry and Hermione in the corridor after their classes for the day were done. They did not see Ron the whole day, and Harry had explained to Hermione that it was something concerning Ginny that Ron might explain when he got back. She understood and didn't press him for answers.

"Mr. Harry Potter Sir! Dobby thanks you from the bottom of his heart!"

"Thank me, why?" Harry asked, confused.

"Dobby is free, sir!" The creature exclaimed with wide eyes. "Free at last from the tortures of my terrible old master."

"How, Dobby?" Harry asked. He was sure Dumbledore had something to do with it. "Oh, and can we speak somewhere a little more private?"

They found an abandoned classroom. Dobby followed them, bouncing with happiness all the way.

"The terrible master freed me after he talked with The Great Professor Dumbledore, sir. I do not know what they spoke of, for Dobby was told to wait outside. But my master… no, my old master, the terrible Malfoy," Dobby grinned viciously at his freedom to insult Lucius "was very pale when he came back from the meeting. He gave me his handkerchief and asked me to get out of his sight, sir. Dobby did not stay long after that, sir. Though I did see him falling from the top of the spiral staircase all the way to the bottom."

Harry smirked. The curse was starting to work, then. Although he was sure it was Dumbledore that led to Dobby getting freed.

"Why are you thanking me then, Dobby?"

"The Great Harry Potter caused vicious Malfoy to fall!" Dobby exclaimed in glee. "The Great Harry Potter sir has taken revenge on my behalf!"

Harry did not have the heart to tell him that he had his own grievances against Malfoy. "Um, that was nothing. Please don't mention it. To anyone."

"Dobby's lips is sealed, sir." Dobby smiled, mimicking sewing his lips shut. "Although the Great Harry Potter sir has done me a great favour, I have one more request for you, sir."

"What is it, Dobby?"

"Professor Dumbledore sir told me that the Great Harry Potter sir might be needing a house elf, sir. I was wondering if you would consider Dobby for the position, sir?" Dobby winced. "Although Dobby wishes to remain free and would like payment for his services."

Harry was amused, and Hermione was nodding approvingly at Dobby.

"How much would your services cost, Dobby?"

"A galleon a week, if it wouldn't trouble you sir."

"That's quite low!" Hermione exclaimed. "You should pay him more if you hire him, Harry!" she said sternly.

"That is enough for me, Young Miss." Dobby bowed low. "Dobby thanks you for your concern. But house elves get a portion of their master's magic as payment. Although the terrible Malfoy barely gives me enough to live."

Harry nodded, deciding. "I'll pay you ten galleons a week." He offered. "It's still much less than muggle help, they would get paid an equivalent of around twenty galleons a week at least, I think?" He asked, glancing at Hermione. She nodded.

"T-ten galleons a week, sir?!" Dobby's eyes bulged. "I would be robbing you blind then!"

"Not at all, Dobby." Harry said kindly. "It wouldn't hurt me. Besides, I have enough work for you."

"You should accept it." Hermione advised. "You should know what you're worth."

Dobby beamed. "If you both think so, then Dobby agrees!" He bowed low. "Please accept this Dobby as your servant, Master Harry Potter."

"First, please just call me Harry. Second, you'll be more like my assistant, not a servant." Harry said.

"Harry Potter truly is great, he lives up to his name!" Dobby said, almost tearing up. "I will do as the great Harry Potter sir… -Harry, wishes."

"How do I share my magic with you?" Harry asked.

"If master Harry Potter would be so kind-" Seeing Harry shake his head, Dobby corrected "If Harry would be so kind as to place his hand on my person and express his willingness to share a fraction of his magic with me, it would do. Then Harry must say the words Felly cytunir to complete the agreement."

"How much is the usual?" Harry asked.

"The Terrible Malfoy would give me a hundredth of his magic, but I'm afraid that wouldn't suffice for me. Other House Elves tell Dobby that a twentieth is the norm from kinder masters."

Harry nodded thoughtfully, and placed his hand on Dobby's head.

"I, Harry Potter, hereby willingly share with Dobby the house elf a tenth of my magic, for so long as he is in my service. Felly cytunir."

Dobby's eye widened. Harry felt a surge of his magic flowing to Dobby. He was shocked as the magic healed many of the bruises that were on Dobby's body and marginally made him look less skinny.

Dobby opened and closed his mouth, too shocked for words.

Harry grinned. "So… um, what can you do for me?"

Recovering from his shock, Dobby looked at Harry with tears of gratitude. "Anything that is possible for me to do, H-Harry." Dobby said, struggling to address him by his name.

Harry thought for a moment, and had an idea of what to do. "Tippy!"

Another house elf popped up next to Dobby. This was the one Dumbledore assigned to help him occasionally.

"Harry called Tippy?"

"Yes. Tippy, this is Dobby. He will be helping me with the house from now on, so that you can go back to your works at Hogwarts."

Tippy smiled and nodded at Dobby.

"Can you just show him around the house at tell him what you do for me?" Harry requested her. "Like watering the plants, pruning the bushes, cleaning the house and the like?"

"Of course, sir." Tippy nodded. "If Dobby would come with me?"

"Wait." Harry pulled out some galleons from his pocket, counted and handed ten to Dobby. "Payment for your first week."

"I cannot take this before my work, Sire!" Dobby protested. Tippy looked on, frowning disapprovingly at the word payment.

"I insist. Use it as you like. I'm sure you need something to start with." As an afterthought, he added a few more Galleons. "And get yourself a nice set of clothes."

Dobby started to sob. "Dobby does not deserve such kindness." He wailed. "To think I have caused you only grief when we first met!"

"Hey, you were just trying to help me." Harry consoled. "I owe you for the warning."

After a few more words of consolation, Dobby cheered up and vowed to do his best in his job. Tippy looked at Harry admiringly and both disappeared with tiny pops.

=ooo=

Author's note: To the guest reviewers and those whom I haven't been able to reply individually, thank you so much for your reviews. They are much appreciated.

I have received some constructive criticism, and I thank the guest reviewer who took time to give that. Unfortunately, I'm typing this up while on a rather busy schedule, so I don't have much time to spend on the story to polish it. So I'm afraid this is as good as it gets with regards to my writing.