Shoutout to Sonia25 for some help on this chapter!
October 31, 1991
Great Hall
Voldemort had to give the old man credit. Dumbledore was still a force to be reckoned with. The Great Hall, was now littered with broken furniture and random spell residue. The other teachers had left a long time ago once the two wizards began dueling.
He ducked as Dumbledore transfigured the nearby table into a large net and cast it at him. He responded with several killing curses, all of which were intercepted by the tables.
Dumbledore flourished the Elder Wand, and caused the tables to throw themselves at Voldemort, with the intent of knocking him down.
He snarled and with a precise wave of his want, incinerated them.
"You've gotten weaker Tom.", said Dumbledore calmly, his face still serene, power still radiating from his very frame.
Voldemort ignored him, and swiped his wand sending several cutting curses in the direction of Dumbledore.
Dumbledore flicked his wand, and a large jack-o-lantern fell from the ceiling, and intercepted the curses.
"I do not wish to kill you Tom. Feel some remorse for what you've done.", stated Dumbledore as he cast a charm causing the suits of armor from the hall to run in and attack Voldemort.
Voldemort blew them up without a second glance and replied, "I see you still believe yourself to be above killing, Dumbledore. Don't lie to yourself, we both know you're not as light as you portray yourself.
Dumbledore's face tightened and he sent an ancient charm at Voldemort, that would bind his magic permanently.
Voldemort's eyes widened at the dark spell and intercepted it, by conjuring a large shield in front of him. "Well Dumbledore, I think that you have just proved my point."
Dumbledore responded, "You know very well Tom, that it is not the spell, but the intent. Not the wand, but the one wielding it."
With that, the two continued. They exchanged powerful spells, their wands almost blurring, at the speed of their casting.
Voldemort felt his body weaken, as Quirrell's body began to fail him. He knew he had to act quickly if he were to escape.
Then things went from bad, to worse. The doors to the Great Hall opened up and a squadron of Aurors, led by Professor McGonagall, burst through and surrounded Voldemort (still possessing Quirrell).
"Quirinus Quirrell, you are under arrest for the assault of Filius Flitwick, destruction of property, and the suspicion of treason.", shouted Auror Dawlish. The aurors then gaped at the sight of the massive basilisk corpse in the hall and the sight of the damage that the two wizards had done.
The two wizards ceased their duel and Voldemort looked at the squadron of aurors who all had their wands pointed at him.
"It's over Tom.", said Dumbledore as he kept his wand trained on him.
Voldemort flicked his wand back into its holster.
"Hands on your head and on your knees!", said Dawlish, as Auror Savage approached him with magical suppression cuffs.
Voldemort slowly got to the ground on his knees and put his hands on his head. When Savage got there, he wandlessly stunned him, flipped his wand back out then pointed it at Savage's head.
Everyone froze as Voldemort slowly got to his feet, and kept his wand trained on Savage.
"If anyone so much as moves towards me, I will blow his head off.", whispered Voldemort in a dangerous tone.
Dumbledore spoke, "Tom the game is up. You are surrounded and you cannot escape. Don't kill the man. We can handle this separately."
Voldemort laughed as he slowly pulled Savage up to the teacher's table, so that his back faced the large windows.
"Alas Dumbledore, I do believe that I can escape." As he spoke to Dumbledore and the aurors, Voldemort began tracing an explosive rune, with the blood that was dripping from a cut on his hand. He finished as he reached the top and had his back pressed up against the window.
"Freeze! Don't move another step!", shouted Dawlish, as sweat lined his upper lip. The other aurors also looked nervous at the sight of their fellow auror in such a precarious situation.
"This is not over Dumbledore, we will meet again.", hissed Voldemort.
With that, he banished Savage forward, channeling his magic into the rune, igniting it. He then turned and shattered the glass that was behind him, with a sweep of his wand.
Dumbledore saw Savage's skin grow fiery red and immediately cast a protective charm over all the wizards present. As Savage exploded, Voldemort jumped backwards, and flew out of Hogwarts, with the Sorcerer's Stone in his pocket.
When the explosion ended, Dumbledore let out a sigh at the dead man, and the escape of Voldemort.
"What was that? McGonagall said that we would be arresting Quirrell when she floo called the auror department. I went to school with him. He couldn't do that!", asked Dawlish with anger and worry etched in his face. "And what the bloody hell, is a basilisk doing in the middle of the Great Hall?!"
Dumbledore placed his hands in his face. It was going to be a long night.
~~o0o~~
Snape stumbled into his room. He rummaged around his drawer before pulling out several potions. He downed them all and sighed as his body stopped spasming. The Dark Lord's cruciatus was nothing to mess with.
He sat down, and pulled out the flask of calming draught that he always carried around. He took a sip and slumped into his chair.
The Dark Lord had returned. This he knew, had been inevitable, but he had not expected it to happen so soon. A sudden woosh alerted him to the presence of a large phoenix, with a note on it.
Severus, grab hold of Fawkes. I need to speak with you immediately.
Snape sighed, and grabbed hold of the phoenix. He felt himself move, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself sitting in front of an exceptionally weary Dumbledore.
Dumbledore spoke first. "I assume you are aware that Lord Voldemort has returned?"
Snape nodded. "I met him when I tried to stop him from taking the stone. I must admit, he caught me by surprise when he revealed that he had taken full control of Quirrell's body."
Dumbledore let out a great sigh. "Severus, tomorrow we will be closing Hogwarts until at the very least until Yule."
Snape raised his eyebrow. "I assume that the ministry is interfering?"
Dumbledore inclined his head. "I spoke briefly with Cornelius and Amelia. Cornelius refuses to believe that Voldemort has indeed returned. He wants to close the school for a period, stating that it must be an unfit environment, if there are and I quote "mad men and basilisks roaming around the school." Amelia agrees and wants her aurors to investigate the school thoroughly. She wants many answers."
Dumbledore let out a great sigh, and Snape saw how weary the old headmaster was.
"Do you believe that the ministry will eventually take action against the Dark Lord."
Dumbledore shook his head. "The minister firmly believes that I have lost my mind. He thinks that this was the act of a teacher who had finally lost it. However, Amelia will hear the accounts of tonight's events from her aurors. I think that they may convince her, that there is something much larger at play. I will meet her and Cornelius again later, hopefully then I can lay out a more convincing case."
Snape opened his mouth to speak again, when he felt his arm burn excruciatingly. "The Dark Lord is calling me."
Dumbledore looked at him carefully. "Do you believe that he will kill you?"
Snape shook his head, as he grasped his forearm. "No, if he wanted to, he would've done so earlier."
"Then go. I trust that you know what to do?"
Snape nodded.
Dumbledore looked at him with concern in his eyes. "I bid you good luck Severus. I will wait for your return."
With that, Snape turned and left the room.
~~o0o~~
A couple hours before
Voldemort jumped out the window, and flew as fast as he could. He had prepared a safe house in advance, and headed for it. Once he was past the anti-apparition jinx placed around Hogwarts, he apparated there directly.
He entered the small shack and pulled out the infamous Philosopher's stone. He grinned as he felt the ancient magic seep out of the softly glowing stone. He retrieved the notes he made on the ritual he created, and went over them one more time. He then gathered the prepared ingredients, stepped out of the shack. A flick of his wand burned it to the ground, then he left the area.
He apparated into the cemetery of Little Hangleton. He looked around, before finding his father's grave. He retrieved the skeleton of his deceased father, then began preparing for the ritual. He drew the appropriate runes into the ground. He then stepped into the middle of the ritual circle. He placed the ingredients around the circle appropriately. He then gathered some elixir from the stone, and drank it. He then placed the stone at his feet.
He pulled out Quirrell's wand, then began chanting. The magic of the runes activated, and the runes began to glow, bathing Voldemort in an ethereal light. Suddenly, the rune he stood on fired, and he felt Quirrell's body burn away. He felt immense pain, as the body stripped away, and as a new body was slowly created in its place. Then the stone at his feet cracked and magic rushed over the entire area. Voldemort closed his eyes as he felt the magic wash over him, ceasing his pain.
When he opened his eyes, everything in the cemetery was completely gone. The ground was completely bare, and the tombstones had all disintegrated. The stone was destroyed as well. He looked down at his body and saw that he was completely naked. He waved his hand and conjured a simple black robe. He grinned, when he felt his magic run freely.
Voldemort then drew his magic in, and focused on the connection between his magic and the dark mark of his followers. He flared his magic, and smirked in satisfaction, when he felt several jolts of pain, through the mental connections.
He conjured an elaborate throne out of the ground, and waited for his followers to show.
~~o0o~~
Severus Snape left Hogwarts. He conjured his Death Eater mask, and put it on. He then pressed his aching mark, and found himself in a cemetery. He looked around and saw the Dark Lord reclining on a white throne. To his surprise, he saw the handsome man, who had recruited him years ago, rather than the more serpentine figure that he had possessed right before his fall. The Dark Lord once again had his dark hair and his face still possessed a youthfulness, that made him look forty, rather than the sixty-five that he was in reality. The only feature that remained, was the eyes. Lord Voldemort still had his piercing red eyes.
Snape looked to his right and left, and found himself surrounded with other Death Eaters, about twenty.
They all began to crawl to the Dark Lord, and began kissing the hems of his robe. Snape followed suit, not wishing to be cruciated for the second time that evening.
"My Death Eaters, it has been a decade since we all saw each other. Yet you all answer my call as though it were yesterday. It pleases me that we are united under the Dark Mark still."
He then paused. "Or are we?" Snape saw those around him shudder.
Voldemort raised his handsome head and swept his gaze over the collected Death Eaters. "I am most very disappointed by those who swore their life and magic to me. Not one of you, looked for me after my "demise". All of you swore eternal loyalty to me, but you all have your powers intact, and are in good health. Those who were truly loyal to me, reside in Azkaban currently, but they will be rewarded for their true allegiance. However, I find myself wondering, what I should do with you all."
He rose from his throne, and began circling the kneeling Death Eaters. "I ask myself, how such loyal followers, could have doubted me, the greatest wizard alive. They knew that my powers were greater than that of any wizard alive, and knew that I had taken steps to insure my immortality. Yet not one of them came to my aid when I needed it. Perhaps they believed that a baby boy truly defeated me."
The gathered Death Eaters grumbled and shook their heads.
"I find myself, most disappointed."
Avery stood and ran to the feet of Voldemort. "Forgive us Master! Forgive us all!"
Voldemort backhanded him in the face. "I do not forgive nor do I forget. All of you returned out of guilt and fear. But I give you all the opportunity to redeem yourselves. Although you all owe me great debts, I will give you the opportunity to redeem yourselves."
He began to walk down the line of his followers.
He stopped at his first follower.
"My, my, isn't this a shock. Wormtail! I find myself surprised that you answered my call. I would've thought your cowardice would have prevented you.", laughed Voldemort mockingly.
Wormtail shivered and bowed deeply to Voldemort. He began speaking weakly, "My Lord, I returned out of my deep loyalty to yo-."
Voldemort cut him off. "Silence. You returned out of fear and nothing more. I'm sure that the news that Sirius Black escaped reached you, and scared you into looking for help." Voldemort paused suddenly, when he felt a familiar magical presence on Wormtail. "But what is this? What is it that you have in your possession?"
Wormtail plunged his hand into his robes and shakily pulled out the pale white wand of Voldemort. "My Lord I have brought you your wand."
Voldemort took it, and rejoiced internally, as he watched sparks fly into the air as the wand celebrated its reunion. "Well Wormtail, you have done me a favor. It seems that I will not kill you after all."
Wormtail nodded and bowed gratefully and Voldemort continued down the line. He saw a gap between Wormtail and the next death eater.
"Well, what is this? It seems that our slippery friend Lucius, has indeed turned. Maybe he was under the imperious after all.", drawled Voldemort.
"My faithful followers! If any of you see Lucius Malfoy, I want him brought to me immediately! He will learn that one does not just turn their back on me and escape without consequence."
The Death Eaters all shouted in agreement and Voldemort continued walking. He continued, until he reached the last Death Eater, Severus Snape.
"Severus, I see that you have seen the error of your ways?"
Snape sturdied his Occlumency and replied, "My Lord, my deepest apologies for trying to stop you earlier today. I did not know that it was you. I thought it was Quirrell trying to be the greedy man that he was. My loyalty to you, remains as strong as ever."
The Dark Lord stood in front of Snape, appearing to be in deep thought. "Severus Snape. You are a brilliant wizard, but I do not know, whether or not I can trust you."
Snape started, "My Lord you can-"
Voldemort waved his hand and cut him off. "Severus, I will offer you a final chance to prove yourself. Will you take this offer?"
Snape bowed, "Of course my lord. I will do anything you ask of me."
"Good".
Voldemort then swiped his wand and erected a privacy ward that covered just him and Snape.
"Listen carefully Severus. You will bring Harry Potter to me by the end of the current school year. He and I have many things to discuss."
Snape began to panic internally, and put on a façade of confusion.
"My Lord? What do you want with the Potter boy? He is nothing but an arrogant boy with above average magical abilities."
Voldemort stared at him coldly. "Do not question me again Severus. My business with Potter, will remain my business. It is not of your concern."
Snape bowed apologetically. He would have to get this news to Dumbledore immediately.
As if he read his mind, Voldemort began to speak, "Severus, there is one more thing I require of you. You will take an oath swearing that you will not reveal my secrets to Albus Dumbledore, without my permission."
Snape thought quickly, whether or not he would be able to escape, but buried that idea quickly. With deep reluctance, he took an oath swearing that he would never betray the Dark Lord's secrets, without his express permission.
After he did so, Voldemort took down the privacy ward and walked back to the front of the group.
"My Death Eaters, my most loyal followers are currently locked up in Azkaban for their devoutness to me. We will break them out, and so show the Wizarding World our powers once more. However, for those that have not showed their faces today, they will be found and punished most severely. Igor Karkaroff and Lucius Malfoy are now excommunicado. They are to be brought before me, and I will sentence judgement upon them. Anyone found warning them, or attempting to aid them in any form, will face my severe displeasure."
The crowd of Death Eaters shivered at the last word.
Voldemort began to circle his followers.
"Now on to a happier topic. We will be needing a base of operations. Does anyone offer their home to be used by your Lord?
The Death Eaters kept their heads down and avoided eye contact.
Voldemort tsked and began circling the group once more. He studied the group for some time, before making a decision.
"Yaxley.", he whispered.
Corban Yaxley jumped at the sound of his voice.
"Yes, my Lord?"
"Your family has an ancestral home, no?"
"That would be correct, my Lord."
Voldemort smiled. "Then I am sure that your home will be suitable in hosting me for an indefinite period."
Yaxley smiled weakly. "I would be honored my Lord."
Voldemort smiled coldly. "Excellent. Leave and key me as well as your fellow Death Eaters into your home's wards immediately."
Yaxley nodded and left at once.
Voldemort made his way back onto his throne and sat down.
"My dear followers. Today marks the start of a golden age in Wizarding history. Our return to power will be spectacular!"
The Death Eaters cheered loudly.
"However, my return must remain a secret for now. Undoubtedly Dumbledore will try to tell the world that I have returned. You all, must refute his efforts and block him in every way possible. Frame him as a man who has finally gone senile. Do what you must, but my return must remain a secret. Am I understood?"
The Death Eaters nodded and vocalized their understanding.
"Then be off. I will call another meeting shortly with you all my friends. Do not fail me."
With that, the Death Eaters all apparated away, leaving only Lord Voldemort and one Severus Snape.
Snape approached Voldemort carefully.
"My Lord, what am I allowed to say to Dumbledore? He is undoubtedly awaiting my report."
Voldemort sat there stoically, then replied, "You may inform him everything that you saw today, except the location of our headquarters, and the task that I have given you. It is imperative that you remain in the good graces of Dumbledore."
Snape bowed. "Thank you, my Lord."
Voldemort stood from his throne and vanished it with a lazy wave of his wand. He looked down from the hill the graveyard was on, and overlooked the sleepy town of Little Hangleton.
He stood there for a bit, contemplating his plans. He then concentrated, and apparated down the hill, towards the edge of the forest that was nearby the village. He walked down a beaten path and stopped in front of an old shack.
He stepped forward and began whispering in parseltongue. The wards responded, and he walked into the tiny house safely. He stepped inside and undid the many protections that surrounded a small box that was underneath the table. He opened the box and pulled out the old ring. Another whispered parseltongue password, disabled the powerful curse that was on the ring. He slid the ugly ring on his finger and smirked. It was time to take another approach.
~~o0o~~
Hogwarts
November 1, 1991
1:00 AM
Severus Snape strode quickly down the halls of Hogwarts. He headed up a flight of stairs and stopped in front of the stone gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office.
"Chocolate frog.", he said disdainfully.
The gargoyle jumped aside dutifully, and Snape began ascending the stairs. He had reached the door, when Dumbledore called out, "Come in."
Snape entered and found that Dumbledore was in meeting, with Minister Fudge and Amelia Bones.
"Ah Severus, I was just finishing a conversation with Madam Bones, and Minister Fudge.", said Dumbledore with a tired look.
Fudge spoke up, "Look Dumbledore, I'm going to say it one last time. He can't be back! It was just another wizard who had finally lost it. Poor Quirrell probably broke down after that encounter with the vampires in Albania."
Dumbledore sighed. "You have to trust me, Cornelius. That was Quirrell under the possession of Voldemort."
Fudge flinched. "Well I will not have your fear mongering scaring our good citizens."
Madam Bones spoke up as well, "I think that this warrants further investigation, but it will not be necessary to put out word that the Dark Lord has returned."
Dumbledore frowned. "Well then, it appears we have reached a parting of ways."
Fudge blustered, "Was that a threat Dumbledore? I have the head of the DMLE right here in front of you."
"No, no Cornelius, I was merely stating that if you refuse to believe that he has returned, we are at a disagreement. I am not your enemy."
Fudge stood to shout once more, when Snape cleared his throat awkwardly.
The minister reddened and stood from his seat. "Well I will be off. I hope you will come to your senses Dumbledore. Good bye."
With that, he strode over to the floo and disappeared.
Madam Bones also got out of her seat. "I think this conversation has reached a goof place to stop. I will not count out the fact that he-who-must-not-be-named may have returned. I will conduct a thorough investigation and see to it that our aurors are prepared in the case of another conflict."
Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you, Madam Bones. I hope that you will uncover the truth quickly."
She nodded, and also headed over to the floo and went off as well.
Dumbledore then looked at Snape wearily, and gestured towards the now vacant seats in front of him.
Snape sat down, then Dumbledore spoke first.
"How did your meeting with Voldemort go?"
Snape struggled for a bit, before responding.
"The Dark Lord, has indeed returned. All that were marked, returned as well, except for Karkaroff and Malfoy."
Dumbledore looked surprised at this information. "Are you aware of why Lucius has chosen not to return."
Snape shook his head. "No, this concerns me quite a bit. I fear for his life and that of his family."
Dumbledore looked down in deep thought.
"Was there anything else that I should know Severus?"
Snape found the oath he took binding him, and shook his head.
Dumbledore sighed. "Very well Severus, I thank you for all that you are doing. I hope that one day, you will be able to be free of Voldemort completely."
Snape nodded and left Dumbledore's office. He headed down to his room and felt a headache come down. He immediately went over to his liquor cabinet. As he opened a bottle, he sighed deeply. As much as he loathed the Potter spawn, he truly did not want the Dark Lord to get his hands on him. He took a deep swig of the alcohol.
Severus whispered softly, "I'm sorry Lily."
~~o0o~~
Dumstrang
Several hours previously
Igor Karkaroff was throwing a right fit. He felt the mark of the Dark Lord burn deeply on his arm. He ran around the castle searching for the only man who could solve the problem he currently was dealing with.
He quickly went towards Grindelwald's quarters, but found them locked and inaccessible. He cried out in desperation, and went back towards the entrance. As he rounded the corner, he slammed into somebody.
Karkaroff yelped in pain, as he felt a banisher strike his chest.
"The hell is wrong with you Karkaroff. Watch where you're going.", spat out an annoyed Vinda Rosier.
Karkaroff almost shouted with joy. "Wait Vinda! Do you know where Lord Grindelwald is right now?"
Vinda eyed him disdainfully. "Where our Lord is does not concern you."
With that, she continued on and went off towards her quarters.
"Wait please!", cried out the desperate headmaster. "It is of upmost importance!"
Vinda stopped and sighed. "He is currently away on business in Italy. He should be back shortly, I arrived shortly before he did, because he had a quick stop to make."
Karkaroff thanked her, and rushed off to the apparition points. He had just reached there, when Gellert Grindelwald apparated in.
"Lord Grindelwald! I am in need of great assistance!", shouted the headmaster of Dumstrang.
Grindelwald raised an eyebrow at the disheveled appearance of Igor Karkaroff.
"What do you need Igor?"
"My Lord, the Dark Mark is burning powerfully, on my arm. The Dark Lord is summoning me and has been for the past hour."
Grindelwald strode forward and inspected his arm. He cast several spells and this time; he removed the mark entirely. Then he grabbed him and dragged him back to the apparition points.
"Keep up Igor. This needs to be dealt with quickly."
Grindelwald took Igor, and the two apparated in front of the Malfoy Manor.
Grindelwald stopped at the gates, and announced, "Lucius, I have Karkaroff with me, we need to meet immediately."
The enchanted gates swung open, and Grindelwald strode forward, with Karkaroff in tow.
Lucius met them at the door. "My lord, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Voldemort has been calling, and I am sure that he has been calling you as well. I give you a choice, you can either return to Voldemort and serve as a spy, or you can choose to remain and take on extra protections."
Lucius looked surprised and stood in the doorway. He truly did not want to return and face the wrath of the Dark Lord. Returning to his service, could be quite ruinous for both the Malfoy name and fortune as well. And of course, a dosing of the cruciatus curse was normal when in the service of the Dark Lord.
"I will not return, as long as you can provide my family protection from the Dark Lord."
Grindelwald nodded. "I will be more than willing to have some of my men to protect you and your family. I doubt that Voldemort will dare strike you directly."
Grindelwald stopped, and pulled out a small pendent from his pockets.
"In the event that you need me, use this. I will be able to apparate to your location. Only use it, when you are in a dire situation. I would be most displeased if you called on me for something unimportant."
Lucius took the pendant and looked at it carefully. It was a pendant of Grindelwald's mark, the deathly hallows.
"Can I get one as well, my Lord?", asked Karkaroff greasily.
Grindelwald looked at him and shook his head. "Igor if you need me, you can contact Grimmson or Rosier. You are usually in close proximity with either anyways. It's a shame I can't use you as a spy. Undoubtedly, Voldemort would kill you on sight. You are to remain in Dumstrang at all times, if you value your life."
He then turned back to Lucius. "Be on your guard. It would not do, to be lax in these dangerous times. I will send a squad over to protect your home tomorrow, be on look out for them."
Lucius nodded, and Grindelwald left, with Karkaroff in tow.
He sighed heavily, and shut the door. He walked up the stairs into his study, and went over to a fake bookshelf. He pulled the secret lever, and opened the safe that was behind it all. He reached inside and pulled out the book that the Dark Lord had told him to protect with his life.
"Property of T.M Riddle.", he read aloud.
He sat down at his desk with the book in hand.
"What should I do with this?", he thought to himself.
~~o0o~~
Hogwarts
November 1, 1991
Harry entered the common room and headed for the Heir's chair. He had just come back from the big announcement that the Headmaster had given, and had some things that he wanted to do before he left.
Flashback
Harry sat with his friends at the Slytherin table, eating their breakfast. The teachers had cleaned up the Great Hall quickly, and all the damages had been cleaned up. The current rumor that was going around, was that the basilisk had been claimed by Dumbledore and sold to help with the repairs. There was also a rumor that Professor Quirrell had gotten drunk last evening and had dueled Dumbledore, only to commit suicide after losing.
Harry snorted when he heard that one from Tracy, and nearly choked on his pumpkin juice.
Last night, they had been immediately locked into their dorms, and all the prefects made sure that they all went to bed.
Harry looked up, when he noticed that Dumbledore was getting out of his seat.
The Great Hall quieted down when Dumbledore reached his stand.
"Students! I regret to inform you that, due to last night's events, Hogwarts will be closed indefinitely."
The entirety of the Great Hall was mixed between reactions of cheering and booing.
Dumbledore raised his hands for quiet, and continued. "Last night as you all know, there was a basilisk that attacked us during our feast. I am happy to inform that only one person was seriously injured last night. That person will be making a full recovery shortly. All those who petrified will be revived shortly when the shipment of mandrake restoration that we ordered arrives."
The Hall cheered at the news.
Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor table, a nervous Ronald Weasley turned to Seamus Finnigan.
"Hey Seamus, did you happen to see Hermione last night?"
Lavender cut in. "Didn't you hear? She's still in the hospital wing. Apparently, she got attacked by the basilisk when she was in the bathroom crying. Parvati and I went to visit her, but Madam Pomfrey stopped us. Poor girl, I wonder why she was so upset."
Ron looked down at the breakfast he had been eating and felt a small pit of regret grow in his stomach.
"What's with the long face Ron?", asked Dean.
"Oh nothing. I'm just, um, sad that Hogwarts is closing.", finished Ron weakly.
Dean looked at him skeptically before turning his attention back to Dumbledore who resumed his announcement.
"The ministry does not wish for me to tell you this, but I believe that the truth is generally preferable to lies. Last night, Lord Voldemort returned."
There were a couple shrieks.
Back at the Slytherin table, Harry noted that although most people in the hall had shocked or horrified expressions, a few at his table, were struggling to hide small smiles.
"So much for being a Slytherin.", thought Harry as he rolled his eyes.
Dumbledore continued. "The basilisk was a work of Lord Voldemort. I repeat once more, that Lord Voldemort has truly returned. The ministry in either ignorance or fear do not want this news to spread. Undoubtedly many of your parents will disapprove of me telling you all this, stating that you are too young. However, I believe that it is essential that each and every one of you know what we will be facing. Now more than ever, we must find strength in one another, and stand united against the forces of darkness."
Dumbledore paused, and looked over the crowd of students.
"There are difficult times ahead of us. Know that we will all have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy. I want each and every one of you to know, that Hogwarts will always help those who ask for it. That is all.
Dumbledore went back to his seat, and Professor McGonagall stood.
"Students! The train will be leaving at noon. I ask that all of you return to your dorms and pack your things. Do not worry, the school will likely open back up at the end of winter break. Prefects please do your part aiding any younger student that will need help."
With that, the prefects and the rest of the teachers stood, and began ushering the students back to the common rooms. Harry got up when Snape came up and grabbed his arm.
"Potter. The headmaster requires a meeting with you right now."
Harry looked back at his friends, who assured him, that they would help him with packing when he got back.
"After you then, sir.", said Harry to Professor Snape.
Snape sneered, and the two headed up to the Headmaster's office.
Harry and Snape found that the gargoyle that usually guarded the entrance had already sprung to the side, leaving the entrance wide open.
"Ah, Harry, please sit down. Would you like a lemon drop?"
Harry looked at the headmaster in surprise. "Sir, how did you get up here so fast?"
The headmaster smiled genially. "Being a headmaster, has its perks."
Harry looked around the office. The room was filled with the portraits of past headmasters, and also had assorted trinkets throughout.
A phoenix trilled in the corner of the room and Harry took it all in with a small sense of awe. Harry then shook his head and focused on the matter on hand.
"Why have you called for me Professor Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Harry my dear boy, I have asked you here because I find myself worrying for your safety."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "What do you want Headmaster?"
Dumbledore straightened up and looked Harry dead in the eyes. "I do not want you with the Malfoys over this "extended break". Although there are many reasons, the most important one is my concern of your safety."
Harry repressed the anger that rose in him.
"Headmaster, I appreciate your concern, but I think it is quite unnecessary. I have found that the Malfoys are a good family, who have treated me with nothing but the upmost kindness and respect. Unlike the Dursleys whom you placed me with originally."
Dumbledore winced. "Harry, I apologize again. I truly did not believe that the Dursleys would mistreat you. Whatever that you have suffered at their hands is entirely my fault. And for that, I apologize."
Harry waved him off. "I have heard your apologies, and I think that one day I may be able to forgive you."
"You insolent whelp.", growled Snape. "Show the headmaster some respect."
Harry ignored him, but Dumbledore did not. "Severus, it is quite okay. I do wish that you would be able to be kinder to Harry here."
Harry laughed sarcastically. "Oh Professor, the day that Snape treats me with respect, is the day the world ends. He has been nothing short of a menace to me since the day I got here."
Dumbledore tried to talk, "I'm sure that he has his rea-."
"I'll stop you right there Headmaster. Professor Snape has been quite awful to me and not just me, but everyone else as well. I do not know why you decided to hire him as your potions master."
Dumbledore frowned. "We are getting quite off topic Harry. We are not here to discuss Professor Snape. We are here to discuss your accommodations for the near future."
Harry pretended to think, then shook his head. "I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore, but I think that I will be just fine with the Malfoys."
Dumbledore shook his head. "I'm sorry Harry, but it is not safe there. Today you will be headed to the Burrow with the Weasley's. They have graciously opened their home for you to stay."
Harry shook his head. "No sir. I will be heading to the Malfoy Manor. I don't know why you think that you can make me go anywhere."
Dumbledore looked stern. "Harry, as your guardian, I can force you to go. I ask that you come without the hassle."
Harry laughed. "I don't think I will Headmaster. You are correct in the fact that you are my CURRENT guardian. However, if you wish to keep that title, I would not press the issue any further."
"How dare y-."
Harry interrupted Snape. The anger that he had felt since the beginning finally boiled over.
"I have endured your insults and pettiness since the beginning of the school year. That ends now. I am aware that you hated my father, but that should give you no excuse to hate me by extension. You are a petty man who holds grudges far too long. Your insults end today. Anything further, and I will charge you both legally and publicly."
Snape opened his mouth to speak, when Dumbledore stood and gave him a stern look. Snape shut his mouth and chose to sneer instead.
"I apologize that you feel so harassed from Professor Snape, Harry, I will discuss that with him at a further time. But right now, I believe that you will be going with the Weasleys and that is the end of it."
Harry stood up as well. "Lord Malfoy and I have discussed our options on what we could do in a situation similar to this. If you wish to face legal inquiries on child negligence and abuse, you will continue down this path. The Malfoys and their allies are prepared to go before the Wizengamot and challenge you for my guardianship."
Dumbledore sighed and sat back down. "Harry, I only have your best interests at heart. Could you please just trust me and do as I say?"
Harry pretended to think and then shook his head. "Nope."
Dumbledore shook his head softly. "If you wish Harry."
He then reached into his drawer, and pulled out a cloak and a small trinket.
"Harry, this cloak belonged to your father. I was saving it for Christmas, but I think it will be more prudent to give it to you now. It is an invisibility cloak, and should you get into any danger, I ask that you use it to its fullest capabilities. As for this, if you are in danger, merely wrap your hand around it and say "phoenix". It is an emergency portkey that will take you straight to the hospital wing here at Hogwarts. I ask that you keep both on you at all times."
Harry took the unexpected gifts and nodded at the headmaster.
"You are free to go, Harry."
Flashback ends
Harry sat down in the chair, and felt himself enter the Chamber of Secrets once more. He placed the cloak and portkey in his back pocket. He would inspect them at a later time.
He walked forward, and greeted the "ghost" of Salazar Slytherin.
"Ah, Harry you have returned. Have you come to learn more about the basilisk? I should add that she left last night and has not returned."
Harry shook his head. "No, she's dead. Did you not see anyone come down here last night?"
Salazar looked shocked at the news of the dead basilisk, but replied nonetheless. "No, I did not. What do you mean that she's dead?"
So, Harry recounted the events of last night and proposed his theory that Voldemort had come down and used the basilisk.
Slytherin shook his head. "So, the school is closed, and the basilisk is dead. This is quite terrible. As for Voldemort, I did not see him last night. I am not sure how he controlled the basilisk without me noticing, but stranger things have occurred."
Harry eyed him suspiciously, but let the matter drop.
"So, I assume I won't be seeing you for a bit then, Mr. Potter?"
Harry nodded. "Not until the start of the next semester. Which brings me to my next question. Since I won't be able to meet with you for some time, any suggestions on what I should do during my free time?"
Salazar replied, "You haven't got a snake familiar yet, have you?"
Harry shook his head.
"Then begin with that. Find a magical serpent and bond with it. This will help you with the Parselmagic that I spoke of last week. Do you have a book on Parselmagic?"
Harry nodded. "I acquired one from Knockturn at the beginning of the school year."
With that, he bid Salazar farewell and returned back to the common room.
"Where have you been Harry? The train leaves in thirty minutes!", shouted Draco.
"Its fine Draco. The meeting with Dumbledore took longer than expected. I will be able to pack in a minute."
Harry packed his bags, and he headed back to the common room. After several tense moments of rushing around the common room, looking for missing items, they eventually all headed out of Hogwarts with all their belongings. He and his friends boarded the train, and enjoyed a fun ride back to London.
When the train reached King's Cross, they all bid each other farewell.
"Bye Harry!", said Tracy as she hugged him.
Harry awkwardly hugged her back, as Blaise and Draco snickered.
"I'll see you next semester Tracey."
Harry then turned to Daphne.
"Write to me?", she asked coolly.
"Of course, Daphne. I will be with the Malfoys obviously."
"Then I will see you Christmas Day.", she said mysteriously. Then she and Tracy headed off to their respective parents.
Harry shook his head and laughed as he and Draco headed over to where the Malfoys were standing.
"We'll see you later Blaise.", said Harry.
Blaise smirked and the three shook hands.
"We better be off boys. Dobby will get your belongings.", said Lucius Malfoy.
The two boys grabbed Lucius's arm, and they apparated into Malfoy manor.
They were met with a slender man, with dark hair. "Hello Harry, I'm your godfather."
A/N: As always please review! If you catch a mistake, I'll shout you out in the next chapter. If you're interested in being a beta, PM me! Thanks to everyone for reading! :)