Charma1219: You're review didn't come in time! So you're first here!
Emily Snape: It's Salma Hayek in the bar. She's a muse you know.
Charlie YuY: I see that, but I also see ff.net is down until the 16th. Other stories? Have you read Not Myself? Really good Severitus challenge fic. Ummm…there's Tortured if you don't mind a little slash.
Mikee: Actually, I found them, and my friends have helped me come up with some. A sequel? Probably not, but I won't stop writing stories. There will be more.
Saimhe: I love riddles. It's a great way to pass time.
Tareth Dragonstar: I'm always up to something…always something up my sleeve.
Saavik: Somebody knows something yes.
Kateri: AWWW…yes, I can do sweetness on occasion. Last lines and cliffhangers. Yep, wait and see.
Moonlight: Good gravy, have you seen it before?
Lei Dumbledore: So soon, here's another.
Littletiger: I've seen them as dedication tools (answer the riddle, get the chapter dedicated to you), but they've never been used in a story. I do so love to be original.
Takari4ever7: H/Hr-ness may be awhile. He has to find her first.
Little Suzi: lol…you are ever so special. I love riddles, they're so confusing!
Tantz: I am being productive. This one was done V-day morning!
Alecatq: lol…it's ok. A lot of people forget the item.
Chaser: You'll just have to wait and see.
Fanfiction fanatic: Moon kitty? Haven't heard. Guess she never reviewed. Thank you whoever you are!
Pineapplehead: You have a guess? Is it a good one? Hehe…sorry. You have the most interesting items ever.
Sparrow: Yes, cliffhangers. Aren't they wonderful!
Xing@fanfiction.net: Thank you much! I'm not telling where I got the riddles, that would spoil them. I'll let everyone know when they're over, though.
Radcliffe-Lover: I love riddles! They are the coolest.
Frankie the Wonder Weiner Dog: Named after the dog huh? And yes, that was a great scene, I loved writing it.
Mystic aura: As I've said, I love riddles. And come on, this is Harry. It's not that he's "taking it" per say, but he knows that if he doesn't do something about it quickly, they'll die. First off, he's probably in some sort of shock, but as he said in earlier chapters, he has to be the "perfect savior of the world." Draco is a might ticked at his father being put away, and he probably blames Potter for the sake of blaming someone. And that "rock?" It's called a thunderstone. Nifty thing I borrowed from D&D. Upon impact, it creates a sonic blast in a 10 ft radius, effectively knocking Harry off the table. Of course, when his head impacted the stone step, he was knocked unconscious. And by the way, here's a little spoiler. What makes you so sure it was Draco?
Jenwaa1981: Welcome to the story and thanks for the praise! I actually found that riddle and worked it in. I can't come up with them for the life of me, but I can solve them pretty well.
Ok, I'll tell y'all this much. Someone who reviewed either Ch 29 or Ch 30 guessed correctly. I don't know how you did it, but hey, that just means when it comes to light, you won't be as surprised.
And on a different note, I'm going to have to make these riddles harder. If you have a guess as to the answer of the remaining three riddles, email me. If you want an answer, say so, and I'll tell you, but that would spoil the surprise in the chapter.
This one's for Lady Lightning, a loyal and loving fan. Thank you.
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Harry was offered the chance to be excused from classes, but kindly told the Headmaster he'd go crazy if he had to work on the riddle non-stop. So after classes, he went straight to the Headmaster's office. He walked in and took the seat next to Snape, which surprised everyone there. Harry realized his mistake, but noticed it was the only seat anyway. The Headmaster was there, as well as McGonagall, Professor Vector, and Damon Sonati, the Ravenclaw Head Boy. Harry smiled at them all, silently thanking them for their help. He pulled out the parchment and read it again, so everyone could hear.
When he finished, every brow in the room was furrowed in confusion. McGonagall cleared her throat.
"I must say whoever it is has a keen mind." The others nodded and Harry looked back down at the parchment.
"Why don't we take it one at a time," Sonati suggested, coming over to Harry and grabbing the parchment. "Let's see…'My first is of water, fluid and fast, reflective and wanting, ageless I'll last.'" Damon began mumbling to himself and Harry stared, wondrously.
"Is he always like this?" he whispered to his father, who merely nodded.
"He's been tested as a genius by both Muggles and Wizards," Snape responded. Harry watched as Vector joined him and the two began to work out the meaning. Harry stood and tapped Damon on the shoulder.
"Yes?"
"Why don't we split up? I mean, each of us could take a piece of the riddle." Damon's eyes lit up.
"Why didn't I think of that?" He smiled and looked back at everyone, who seemed to be waiting patiently. So each took a part and work futilely for three hours until Harry jumped out of his seat.
"I need to take a walk, clear my head. I'm getting a headache." He stuffed his piece of the riddle in his bag and walked outside. It was near dusk now, and he realized he hadn't done his homework. He stepped out onto the grounds and looked out. He could see the Dark Forest behind Hagrid's hut, and the squid surfacing in the lake every now and then. He pulled his homework out of his bag and sat on the cool grass. He had completed his Charms before his father came looking for him.
~Won't you be seen?~
~Invisibility charm~ Harry shrugged and pulled out Transfiguration. He only had one more change to make, and with a wave of his wand, the quill became a dove. Harry scooped it up and placed it in the box they were given with food and drink for the bird. Then it was time to finish potions. His father remained silent throughout, but as he pulled out his essay on the Confusion Draught, he heard his father's voice.
~Don't bother with it, I know you know it. I'll make up some nasty excuse and use it against you~ But Harry didn't offer so much as a snort in reply. Snape laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, but Harry didn't turn.
~Appearances, Professor~ was all he offered as an explanation.
~Then perhaps telling you that I am talking with Mr. Malfoy and the Headmaster tomorrow will cheer you up~ Nothing. ~We will solve the riddle, Harry. None of us are giving up. You should see Mr. Sonati in there~
Harry sighed and tucked his essay back into his bag and stood. It was dark now and he trudged back into the castle.
~Goodnight, Harry~
~Goodnight~ Harry was greeted by the twins and a few of Ginny's friends as they consoled each other until Harry couldn't take it anymore. He excused himself and laid down on his bed, falling into a restless sleep.
The next few days went by much the same. Malfoy insisted vehemently that it hadn't been him who had attacked Harry. He even had an alibi with a Ravenclaw. Dumbledore offered the possibility that someone had been posing as Draco, but Snape was not convinced. Minerva wanted him expelled, but as there was really no way to absolutely prove it had been Malfoy, she had to settle with his Hogsmeade privileges being stripped for the rest of his time at Hogwarts, or until they could prove it hadn't been him. He had also been banned from the Quidditch team for the same, and removed from the running for Head Boy.
Harry was almost unapproachable, and the only person who would speak to him was Snape, whether it was scathing comments in class or simple worried statements through the stone. Harry sat in the library Friday night, reading a book for History of Magic when Damon came bursting in.
"How simple!" The others, disturbed from their work, looked up.
"What is simple Damon?" Harry asked exasperated but hopeful.
"I was looking at my part in comparison with the rest of the riddle. If you look at the wording, it all makes sense!" Harry jumped up and grabbed him by the sleeve, pulling him to Dumbledore's office. He told his father, who dropped everything and made for the gargoyle. They made it at the same time. They bolted up the stairs and met Dumbledore and McGonagall in the office.
"Sir, Damon's figured out the riddle!" Harry's sudden mood swing worried them all, but they had more important things to discuss.
"Do share, Mr. Sonati, and do not keep us waiting. Unless you want the students to die." Harry grimaced at his father; he could have worded that better.
Damon swallowed, mildly intimidated, and continued. "It says 'My first is of water,' so I took a wild guess and wrote down a 'w'. Then I looked at the others and did the same. 'My second in time and in riddle as well, the second in difference between heaven and hell,' so I wrote down an 'i.' Then 'My third is in the first part of serpent's own chord,' at first I though of hiss, but this thing is being literal, so it had to be 's.' 'My fourth is the first in line for the dead, the beginning of decades and the end of all read.' Well that had to be a 'd'. Then, 'My fifth is the onslaught of innocent tears, the first in omitence of everyone's fears.' That's an 'o.' Finally, 'My final is mercy and both malicious intent, last in their forum, reversed where it went.' That's 'm.' When you string them all together, it spells 'wisdom.' That's the answer to the riddle." They all stood, dumbstruck. "But I don't get it. What does wisdom have anything to do with where they are?" Harry thought for a moment, then furrowed his brow.
"What's another word for wisdom?"
"Understanding."
"Knowledge. It could be Miss Granger!" McGonagall shrieked.
"Insight," Snape said calmly. Harry's head snapped around.
"Insight? In sight…the forest!" He bolted out of the office with the four others on his tail. The students were still milling about, but Harry was so small, he darted in and out of them easily. The others had a much more difficult time, though Damon strode behind the potions master. The students scattered as they saw him barreling down the hall, and he smirked. There were advantages to being feared and hated. By the time they reached the doors, Harry was at Hagrid's hut. He stopped for a moment to let Fang out and he took the dog into the forest.
~Wait! Don't go in alone!~ But Harry paid him no heed as he sprinted into the canopy. He heard the Headmaster instructing Damon to fetch Covial, and McGonagall to get Poppy.
"Severus, go after him, but be careful!" He nodded and bolted through the grounds, not caring who saw him. Once under the cover of the forest, he transformed.
Harry slowed to a jog, but kept Fang beside him always. "You know what Ron, Hermione, and Ginny smell like boy, find them!" Fang looked at him quizzically, but began sniffing the ground just the same. "Oh! Just find something that doesn't belong here!" Fang slobbered and bolted through the brush. Harry followed quickly, not wanting to lose the black dog in the dark forest. Suddenly, a sleek black form jumped in front of him and Fang bared his teeth. Harry's heart pounded in his chest as he strained to make out the creature. Before Fang pounced on the form, Harry grabbed his collar.
"No, Fang!" Snape transformed again and stormed up to Harry, grabbing his shoulders.
"What were you thinking charging into the Forbidden Forest alone? You could have been hurt!" Harry looked up at his father and was about to respond when a noise got Fang's attention.
"Harry Potter," a deep voice came from the bush. Harry smiled.
"Firenze. Am I glad to see you." The centaur came out of the bushes and nodded at Professor Snape.
"Why have you returned to the forest? It is not safe, for you especially."
"I know, but…I don't have time to go into the story right now, and I'm sorry. Have you seen Ron or Hermione? Or another student?"
"I have, but I cannot tell you where he is. The man who took them has rendered me unable to do so."
"He charmed you to be unable to tell us?" Snape asked.
"Yes, Professor. I cannot even tell you who he is."
"Well, it's either Blaise or Ron," Harry said, and looked deeper into the forest. "Let's go Fang." They started, but Snape grabbed his arm.
"You will not continue unabated. What did I tell you about having to go it alone?" Snape transformed back and bounded ahead of them, using his keen senses to detect anything he could. They walked for what seemed like hours, until they came into a clearing. Blaise was tied to a tree and looked up thankfully at Harry. The boy bolted over and tried to untie the knot, but was thrown back. As he was, an hourglass appeared in the air, along with the words "Congratulations on finding your first prize. You have three minutes to get him off the tree alive."
Harry groaned and picked himself up off the ground as the hourglass turned over. He looked between the panther and the dog, trying to formulate some sort of plan.
"Oh, this was always Hermione's strong suit!" he yelled in frustration. He looked at the tree, trying to find any weak spot, but unable to do so. It was a thick tree with many branches. Harry looked around in the forest and in the surrounding area, but could find nothing helpful. Fang bellowed in pain, and Harry bolted over to find him struggling with some sort of plant. Wait! That was Devil's Snare! Harry pulled his wand and freed Fang, then jumped at the plant. Predictably, it reached for him, and he jumped back. The plant followed. He repeated this a few more times until they were a mere foot from the trunk. Harry lunged one more time and the plant shot out, but Harry dodged and it wrapped around the tree. Finally glad to be latched onto something, it pulled. Blaise struggled under it, which made it pull harder, and soon, it uprooted the tree. Harry saw his chance and took it.
"Lumos Solem!" The devil's snare screeched and let go, freeing the boy. Harry rushed over and sat him up.
"Are you okay, Blaise?" The boy coughed, breathing in deeply, and nodded. Harry helped him stand and Blaise brushed himself off.
"What happened Harry?"
"I don't know. I found a black rose with a note telling me someone had kidnapped you all and I had to solve riddles to save you. You're the first."
"Who else is missing?"
"Hermione, Ron, and Ginny," Harry said softly. Both boys began walking and the two animals joined them. Blaise looked at Fang, then at the panther.
"Uh, Harry? Why is there a panther following us?" he asked nervously. Harry sighed, knowing he was going to have to explain some things.
"Listen to me, because what I'm going to tell you will seem unbelievable and ludicrous, but it's the truth. Certain, er, facts came to light this summer about my parents, specifically my father."
"You know, not all Slytherins hate James Potter."
"Not all Slytherins hate my father either." Blaise stopped cold and stared at Harry.
"What are you talking about?" He caught up with the Gryffindor who was smirking at him. "Whoa, you look like Snape when you do that."
"So I've been told."
"Harry, are you telling me that James Potter wasn't you're father?"
"Yes, that's what I'm telling you."
"Then who—"
"Harry, what have I told you about being discreet?" Blaise jumped out of his skin as Snape appeared beside him where the panther had been. "Mr. Zabini, I must caution you about telling no one what transpired here. No one is to know Harry is my son and that I am an animagus." Blaise gaped like a fish out of water, and Harry had to laugh.
"Sir? How—"
"Surely you know how people are created?" the boy nodded sheepishly. "As for my being an animagus? There are several reasons, the foremost being it is easier to escape Azkaban as an animagus." Harry smiled.
"Like Sirius did!" Snape shot him a glare.
"That's enough, Mr. Potter." They walked the rest of the way to the castle, and Snape cast an invisibility charm on the three of them and deposited Fang into the hut. He didn't lift the charm until they were alone in the Hospital Wing, and Pompfrey sat Harry and Blaise down on a bed and examined them from head to toe. Blaise was released after he talked to the Headmaster, and Harry and Snape were left alone in the Hospital Wing.
"Don't you ever go into that forest alone again," Snape scolded.
"I had Fang with me. And I've been in there before."
"And do not argue with me, Harry, I will not have a disobedient son. We still have three more students to find, and I don't want to see you hurt. I will not stop in helping you find them, but I will not have you risking your life. You're too important to—"
"That's all anyone cares about isn't it?" Harry yelled. "I'm the savior of the wizarding world, nothing more! You were right before, Professor! What will happen to me when I serve my purpose? When Voldemort's gone and you're free, I'll find myself living under the cupboard again!" Tears sprang to his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. Snape's eyes hardened considerably, and Harry saw his old greasy git of a potions master staring back at him.
"Mr. Potter, I think you've taken up far too much of my time as it is. If you are done playing boy-hero, I will report to the Headmaster that you are safely tucked away." He stood and swept out of the room, leaving Harry behind.
~Behind you~ Harry whirled and came face to face with McGonagall, who enveloped him in a hug.
"Harry! Thank Merlin you're alright! We saw you running into the Dark Forest! I can't believe Albus sent him after you! Merlin knows what he might have done." Harry squirmed out of her hold and jumped off the bed.
"I'm alright, Professor, just a little shaken." He began to walk out when her hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Not so fast, Mr. Potter. I have some things I'd like to discuss with you. Like your outburst at Professor Snape?" Harry groaned inwardly. She'd heard. He sighed and sat back down. "Now what makes you think that you're just a tool? Why don't you believe that we care about you?"
"Do you know what it's like to be me, Professor? To know that everyone expects you to be perfect because of something you can't even remember? I can't go out into the wizarding world without someone asking to see my scar, or someone wanting me to take a picture with their children. The only pictures I have of me come out of textbooks or magazines." His voice had risen, and he didn't realize he was yelling at his head of house. "No one cares about Harry, they all just want Harry Potter. But all I want are my friends back!" He stormed out, leaving a dumbstruck McGonagall behind, and ran up to Gryffindor Tower. It was dinnertime, so all the students were in the Great Hall. Harry collapsed on his bed, ensuring that the door was locked, and cried alone.