It was well into the evening hours once Faukes broke through the top of the chamber; the cool night air felt wonderful on their sweaty and tired faces. Lockhart was holding onto the fiery songbird with great exuberance, not having any clue about what happened or who he even was. Ron was anxiously holding onto the waist of his professor, praying that he wouldn't dare let go. Harry was wrapped around his best mate and his mind was reeling with what had just taken place, but it kept circling back to the tiny red-head he had clutched in his arms. Harry presumed the weight of the situation had yet to catch up with her, or rather, it was far too traumatizing to even process.
Harry desperately tried to steer his thoughts away from Ginny's presumed lifeless body, lying at the head front end of the chamber, but how could he? It was something that he wouldn't forget for a very long time. What if he hadn't gone? What if he had been too late? He couldn't imagine seeing the devastation on the faces of the Weasley's, especially since they were such a good and loving family. Nobody deserved to have their child or family member taken or murdered, particularly the Weasley's, who had been the most loving family Harry had ever known. He didn't know if he could live with himself knowing now that he could've prevented it. But… he did prevent. A small feeling of relief brushed over him, and he had an even fainter upward twinge at the edge of his lips as he admired the innocent form he held onto. Harry made a mental note that he would do whatever takes, from this point on, to not only protect Ginny, but ensure he did all that he could to help her cope with all that happened.
Why would anyone ever attack someone so sweet and innocent? How could they possibly live with themselves knowing the damage that they could cause. A fire started to swell inside of Harry. There was only one person in the entire world who could ever do such a thing. How fitting was it that the same dark wizard who took everything from him, attempted to take so much from someone else last night? Harry won't soon forget meeting the 16 year old memory of Lord Voldemort. As he stared into the eyes of the once handsome Hogwarts' school boy, Harry shuddered as he recalled the close resemblances to Tom Riddle had to himself. He could see the wicked red flash in Riddle's eyes when he spoke of how he possessed Ginny; how an evil smirk cursed his face as he recounted everything he made her do. Then, the most gut wrenching thing of all, how Riddle took advantage of Ginny's fragile emotions in order to get to Harry.
It was watching Riddle's facial expressions, and hearing the boy's delight in what he had done, that had caused Harry's fear to flee. That fear was then replaced by courage. He stood up to Voldemort, something that Harry was certain only one other wizard in history had ever done. At least, only one other wizard that did do it, then lived to tell the tale. Though he may not have succeeded at finishing off Voldemort, he knew that he destroyed the evil remnants of the dark wizard's memory.
Fawkes gave a joyous cry as he made his descent over the courtyard and towards the giant oak doors of the Entrance Hall. Harry was shaken out of his reverie by the song bird, and he quickly realized just how late, or early, it was. The first signs of dawn began to show over the horizon, and Harry breathed his first true sigh of relief, knowing that the chamber was nothing more than a distant and traumatizing memory. Fawkes dropped them gently at the oak doors, and with another soft cry, flew gracefully into the castle.
"Absolute marvelous." Lockhart breath in astonishment. "Is this where live?"
"We go to school here you twit!" Ron shot back in disbelief, his irritation of spending the last few hours with the confused professor ever apparent.
Lockhart went to reply in his confusion, but Harry interrupted. "Never mind the now." Harry said, waving his arm to bring them back to the moment. "Let's just get into the castle."
Harry was making his way past the two of them when he noticed that Ginny still had a tight hold him. She was practically shadowing his movement. He paused for a brief moment and made a faint attempt to get out of her grasp, but all Ginny did was hold on tighter. He did just save her after all, and she's probably just scared beyond belief. In some weird way, Harry seemed to like it. Albeit it wasn't the most ideal of situations to be held in, it was still something that Harry just thought was right. Ron seemed not to mind either, though he was probably just as exhausted and ready for this to all be over with as the rest of them.
Harry wrapped his arm tightly around her shoulder, and lead the way, following the soft cry of Fawkes. It didn't take long before they turned down a familiar corridor, and they heard one final cry from Fawkes issuing from the only open door in the hall. Harry quickly realized that the bird had lead them to McGonagall's office, but why would Fawkes take them to McGonagall's study? Harry got his answer as he anxiously steered Ginny through the door. Behind McGonagall's desk, sat a beaming Dumbledore stroking Fawkes idly with his hand. He was wearing a maroon set of robes with gold lettering on the front pocket. His long white beard flowed softly into his lap. His half moon spectacles lay gently atop his crooked nose, and behind them sat a pair of twinkling bright blue eyes. Harry was taken aback by his calm and somewhat happy demeanor. He'd only hoped that the elders would refrain from scolding them until things settled down, but he never imagines that Dumbledore wouldn't appear to be the least bit concerned.
As the group of them slowly approached the desk of the Headmaster, he began to speak. "Ah yes. I've been expecting you. Gave us quite the scare, you all did."
"When did you get back?" The question escaped his lips without warning. Harry didn't know where it came from, but his brain must've been able to work past his confusion. Harry wasn't only confused about Dumbledore's calmness, or his somewhat jovial greeting, but he knew that the Headmaster had been gone for quite sometime.
Dumbledore lowered his head to study Harry over his glasses, and he allowed a grin to streak across his face. "To the point as always Mr. Potter." Dumbledore called admirably.
"I'm sorry." Harry replied quickly as the heat rose to his cheeks. "I- I just didn't know you were back." Harry's words trailed off as he studied the floor nearest his feet.
Dumbledore smiled softly. "Well yes. Once word got out that someone had been taken down into the Chamber, the Board found it most necessary to reinstate me."
Harry looked up to meet his Headmaster's gaze, and awkwardly stood there for a few moments. He had so much to say. So many questions to ask, but nothing was coming to him. That 's when the silence was broken by bustling noises coming from down the hall. Harry and the others turned expectantly towards the doorway, and as the source grew nearer, he knew who that had to be.
Mr. & Mrs. Weasley came hurrying into the room behind Professor McGonagall. McGonagall was her usual stoic self, but she did have a sense of urgency about her. Harry had never seen Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in a worse state. Mr. Weasley's horned rimmed glasses were askew, his face was pale, and the top of his bald patched head was glistening in the lamp light. The color in Mrs. Weasley's face had nearly vanish, the only color present was due to the exertion of having sprinted across the castle. Her eyes were still glistening, and there were visible tear stains on her rosy cheeks.
When the mother and father laid eyes on their children, they released a breath that they seemed to have been holding since they entered the castle. They looked as if a gigantic weight had been lifted off of their shoulders.
"Ginny! Ron!" The mother and father both exclaimed as they cleared the distance between them. Ron and Ginny met them halfway, and the four of them held each other in a tight embrace. Ginny had been a little reluctant to peel herself away from Harry, and Harry immediately felt a tension well up inside of her as she held onto her family. Well, her parents and youngest brother. He saw her break as soon as she squeezed tight around her mum.
Harry didn't make out much of what was said through the muffled voices, the sobs, and the strain of being held in a bone crunching hug. He was sure there were some 'I'm sorrys' and 'thank goodness your alrights', but Harry knew what he saw was more than just a tender moment for a family. This family had nearly been ripped apart last night, and while he couldn't help the empty feeling of never having a family of his own, he understood that starting with nothing had to be better than having it ripped away from you.
Arthur lifted his head up and met Dumbledore's gaze, the Weasley patriarch was gobsmacked. "How did this happen, Albus?"
The group of red heads slowly let go of their embrace. They were all looking at the Headmaster expectantly. Ron looked a little uncomfortable and stirred in his place. Molly was on one knee, comforting her crying daughter, but she too was listening for an explanation.
Dumbledore drew a deep breath, preparing himself to break the news to the already anxious family. Instead of beginning his explanation, however, Dumbledore turned to Harry.
"May I?" Dumbledore asked Harry while indicating Tom Riddle's destroyed diary still clutched in his hand.
Harry handed over the book, and he noticed Ginny shudder as she watched the exchange.
"This book." Dumbledore explained firmly yet softly. "contained hidden dark magical powers. Let me be very clear when I say that it could've happened to anyone, child or adult."
Mr. Weasley turned to Ginny and attempting to watch his tone asked, "Ginny what have I told you? If you find something that can speak for it's own, then you need to get rid of it!"
Ginny was now sobbing again, and she struggled with her answer. " I-I'm s-sorry. I-I d-didn't know." She took a deep breath before continuing. "A-am I e-expelled?"
Dumbledore replied quickly but calmly. "No Ginny. You are not expelled. This could've happened to anyone regardless of age or student or non-student."
It was true, Harry thought, Ginny didn't deserve to be expelled. It wasn't her fault. It could've happened to anyone, but unfortunately, Harry also knew that this would be something Ginny will have to bear for a while.
"Who saved her Dumbledore?" Asked Mrs. Weasley shakily.
"Look no further." Dumbledore smiled and waved his arm to indicate Harry & Ron in front of him.
Mr. & Mrs. Weasley's eyes went wide. Given the situation, it made sense that they paid no attention to anything else around them. The only thing that mattered to them, at that moment, was the fact that both of their children were safe. Their heads jumped from Dumbledore to Harry. Harry appeared to be soaking wet. He was covered in dirt, mud, and some not so shallow scrapes around his face. There also appeared to be blood stains on his robes, though they couldn't find any severe cuts or gashes. The pair of them also seemed to have taken in Ron's state for the first time as, even though Ron was only a little filthy.
"Harry?"Arthur finally managed to breathe in astonishment, then he turned to his youngest son. "Ron?"
Dumbledore was about to respond when Ron cut in. "Actually Dad, it was Harry." Ron clarified. Harry jerked his head and looked to protest, but Ron continued. "We both went looking for her. We found out how to get into the Chamber. We got separated, but Harry continued on. He's the one that slayed the basilisk to save her."
Harry really wished that Ron didn't give him the spotlight. Ron had been right there with him the entire time, and Hermione is the one who figured it out. He just prayed to Merlin that what was just said would never leave this room. He has spent the past 2 years living in the spotlight, and he hated all of the attention. This year had been even more difficult for him considering everything that has happened. Harry wanted to protest, but the the heat was rising steadily in his neck and cheeks, so he bit back his reply.
A few stunned moments passed by before Mr. Weasley spoke. "Harry how d-"
"It's okay." Harry interrupted quickly, almost out of reflex. He didn't want to draw anymore attention to himself, so he softened his voice before speaking. "Ginny needs to see Madam Pomfrey first, we can explain later."
Mrs. Weasley immediately sprung up and went to hug Harry, but it was Ginny who beat her to him. She wrapped Harry into a tight hug, which Harry returned, and Harry could instantly feel the tension not only leave him, but leave Ginny as well. Harry felt as if he was feeling Ginny's emotion, and that, somehow, he was giving her emotions to comfort her. She was still crying, but she started to feel better as they hugged. "Please come with me." She whispered into his ear.
Harry really wanted to go with her. He felt as if he needed to go with her, but he knew he couldn't right now. That wouldn't stop him from seeing her, as soon as Madam Pomfrey would allow him.
"I can't right now Ginny." Harry whispered back. "I have to talk to Professor Dumbledore first, then I'll come visit you later."
Ginny squeezed him a bit tighter. "Promise?"
Harry let a faint smile crease his face. "Yes Ginny, I promise."
Ginny hugged him for a few more seconds before reluctantly pulling away. Then it was Mrs. Weasley's turn, and she wrapped Harry up in one of her signature hugs. "Thank you Harry." Mrs. Weasley breathed in between great sniffs. When she finally released him, Harry felt as though she had only let go just moments before he started turning blue. Harry's cheeks went a little red, either from embarrassment or lack of oxygen. He heard Ginny giggle faintly as he struggled to maintain his balance and breath. Hearing that made Harry feel better than he had in some time. Mr. Weasley gave his first genuine smile of the morning and nodded his thanks to Harry. McGonnagall then lead the Weasley's, minus Ron, out of the room and up to the hospital wing.
While this tender moment was taking place, Dumbledore was observing with great interest. He had to blink away the pooling of tears in his eyes. He couldn't be more proud of Harry(and Ron of course). This is the second year in row where the boy who had lost so much in his life, had once again fought a battle he had no business fighting, and he did so selflessly. Dumbledore only wished he could keep him as safe as he wanted to while at school, but Harry had an unexplained way of always being in the thick of it. Come to think of it, Dumbledore was quite certain as to why these strange occurrences were coming to the forefront of Harry's life, but he was so young. He shouldn't have to deal with these problems now. He is not ready, but it will only be a matter of time before Dumbledore has to come to terms with the fact that Harry needs to know the truth. And that truth may need to be revealed, whether or not Dumbledore deems Harry ready to hear it. Dumbledore pushed the idea of such a thing happening out of his mind. He would prevent it as long as he could. Harry was going to have the childhood he deserved to have, and Dumbledore will personally see to that. The safest place away from school is with the Dursley's, whether or not anyone actually agrees. And so far, Dumbledore has done a pretty poor job of keeping him just as safe here at Hogwarts, as he had done by leaving him with the Dursley's.
Those thoughts can wait...
What Dumbledore had just witnessed unnerved him. It was quite the peculiar behavior put on display by both Harry and Ginny. Dumbledore didn't think it was too odd that Ginny had been holding so tightly onto Harry as they entered the room, or even as they all stood there waiting for her parents. After all, it had been Harry that rescued her down in the Chamber, so naturally Ginny would feel secure with her savior. But something about their interactions after the fact, that didn't sit right with the Headmaster. Why did Ginny seem so calm with Harry, but when she pulled away from him, she started becoming unsettled? It was almost as if she was more comforted by him, than she was her own mother. That just didn't make any sense for a girl of her age. Unless... No. It couldn't be. It was so rare, and it required certain powerful circumstances, along with even more powerful magic.
This had to wait. It was too soon to know for sure. There were more things to settle at the moment, it would serve no good to muse now in the presence of others. And as Dumbledore watched as his Deputy Head Mistress leave the room with the three Weasley's in tow, he turned his attention to the two boys in the room.
"So-"
"You know this place is remarkable!" Lockhart interjected suddenly.
Harry, Ron, and Dumbledore all snapped their attention to the other man standing in the room. A man that they had completely forgotten was there to begin with.
"You know I have never seen anything like this." Lockhart carried on. "What is this place?"
Dumbledore turned back to the boys with a 'care to explain' look. Obviously there was something a bit off with their Defense professor.
"Oh." Harry said suddenly, realizing that he hadn't told Dumbledore about what happened to Lockhart, or why he was even there. "Sorry sir, but we brought Lockhart down with us." Harry's voice trailed off. He was unsure of how to explain how he disarmed a professor, then forced him into taking part in a suicide mission. Luckily, Ron helped finish the explanation.
"He tried using my wand to obliviate our memories, but it backfired and now he doesn't have a clue who he is." Ron's reply was quick and a bit defensive.
"Ah, I see." Dumbledore chuckled. "Why don't you, Mr. Weasley, escort Professor Lockhart up to the hospital wing."
"I'm sorry, but were you talking to me?" Asked Lockhart to clarify.
Ron let his head hang slightly. He thought the worst part of tonight had been worrying about Ginny, but he had been given Lockhart duty. Looking out for a nutter was exhausting, and Ron didn't quite have the patience for it.
"Yes sir." Ron agreed finally, walking over and tugging on Lockhart's arm. "Let's go, Professor." He took the happy, yet confused Lockhart from the room, and lead him to the Hospital wing.
Dumbledore then turned his attention to Harry. Harry started to study a bit of the floor by his feet. Now he was one on one with Dumbledore, and he was sure this was when the scolding will commence. That wasn't the only thing on Harry's mind though. Tom Riddle, or Voldemort rather, had once again attempted to come back into his life, but it wasn't just Harry that was effected this time. He had to keep reminding himself that Tom Riddle, or the memory of Tom Riddle, was gone for good. Harry had destroyed it when he destroyed the diary, but that didn't mean he didn't leave his mark. Riddle enabled the basilisk to attack Harry's peers and friends, and the mental strain it will put on them will be unimaginable.
"Before we begin, I need to send Faukes to retrieve Hagrid from Azkaban" Said Dumbledore as he tied a scroll to the outstretched claw of his fire bird. With one final stroke from Dumbledore, and a fine soft cry from Faukes, the Phoenix took off out of the room. Harry was trying hard to be cheerful that Hagrid would be coming back. He loved his giant friend, and he knew that Hagrid had been wrongfully accused. But no matter how cheerful the prospect of Hagrid retuning was, there was something deeply troubling going on in Harry's mind. Dumbledore seemed to have noticed this.
"What seems to be the matter, Mr. Potter?" Asked Dumbledore.
Harry met Dumbledore's gaze. The Headmaster bore a curious look on his face, but if he was concerned, then he was hiding it well. Harry didn't know exactly how to explain it, but it's been something that has troubled him all year long. He hadn't trusted Dumbledore earlier in the year when he probably should have, and now Harry felt as though he had no choice. Besides, it had been Dumbledore who was able to explain things so well after the events of last year. Maybe Dumbledore would have answers for him again this year.
"Well - Sir." Harry started unsurely. "It's just something that Tom told me last night in the Chamber." 'That's not it'. Harry argued with himself. Nothing Tom told him was actually bothering him at that moment. Harry then shook his head and continued. "Not something he said, but something I saw. Something I've been noticing all year."
Dumbledore nodded and gave Harry a soft reassuring smile. "Yes Harry. I thought that there were things that had been troubling you this year. And I suppose after the events of last night, you have become unsettled by what you saw and heard." Dumbledore spoke softly and in a manner of understanding. Harry couldn't quite explain it, but he felt comforted by it.
Dumbledore then leaned forward in his chair towards Harry before explaining further. "There are similarities between you and Tom Riddle. Both of you are resourceful, determined, and have a certain aspiration for neglecting the rules. However, it is not how similar you are, but how different you are."
"But sir." Harry began quickly. "I'm a parselmouth. My favorite things about magic are the Dark Arts. Well, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and the sorting hat even wanted to put me in Slytherin house."
Dumbledore didn't respond to the troubled child in front of him. Instead, he gave Harry a smile, sat back in McGonagall's chair, and gave his reply. "Yes Harry. You are a Parseltongue. But why?"
Harry shook his head. This is the one thing that had been bothering him all year. For all he knew, it must mean that he was a descendent of Salazar Slytherin, but the mere thought of being related to a dark wizard made him nauseous.
"Well." Dumbledore began softly. "If I am not mistaken, then the night that Voldemort came to Godric's Hollow, and his own curse rebounded, he gave you some of his powers."
"Voldemort gave me some of his powers?" Muttered Harry confusedly. Harry was sure that the lump in his throat that he just swallowed was louder than the words he spoke. Harry stiffened and rooted himself to the floor like he was a statue. There was no hiding how troubled the poor boy looked.
But for some bizarre reason, Dumbledore's smile widened. "Yes. Although I'm sure that was not his intention, some of his powers were transformed over to you."
"But, what other powers do I have?"
Dumbledore let his head hang slightly. "I'm afraid that I do not know. It could be that the only power you have is being a parseltongue."
Harry expected Dumbledore to carry on and explain more, but when his words stopped, Harry just stood there. He was growing more and more confused by Dumbledore's explanation. A part of him wondered if Dumbledore really knew the truth, but another part wondered whether he knew the truth but didn't want to share it.
"Now." Dumbledore started again, breaking Harry out of his reverie. "The sorting hat didn't put you in Slytherin house. Why?"
Harry went thoughtful for a moment. "Because I asked for it not to."
"Exactly!" Dumbledore responded emphatically. "It is important that you understand this Harry. It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. You are similar to Riddle. Not just in look or ability, but also in your pasts. Despite what you have gone through, you continuously make the choice to do what is right."
"And if you need anymore proof that you are vastly different." Dumbledore continued as he stood slightly and leaned further over the desk. "Might I suggest taking a closer look at that." Dumbledore stared down at the bloodied and ornate sword Harry had slipped through a loop on the side of his robes. Harry had completely forgotten it was even there.
Harry drew the sword from his side and held it out in front of him with both hands. He studied the double edged sword from the tip downward. Harry marveled at how the blade was perfectly sharpened and balanced. As his eyes traced slowly down the length of the sword, his eyes came to rest on the name that was emblazoned into the sword between two rubies.
"Godric Gryffindor." Harry breathed in admonishment.
"Yes. Only a true Gryffindor could've pulled that sword out of the hat." Dumbledore explained genially.
"Now Harry." Dumbledore pronounced, wanting Harry's full attention. "I would like to thank you first and foremost for your unyielding bravery, but I also want to personally thank you. You must have shown me great loyalty in order to summon Fawkes. No other thing would've called him to you."
Harry locked eyes with his Headmaster, and he could see the first sign of tears shining in his bright blue eyes. Harry then realized that he had a lot to be appreciative for when it came to Dumbledore. Though he didn't seem to tell Harry everything, he told him enough to make him feel better about the situations he had been put in. Not only that, but every time Harry thought Dumbledore was going to scold him senseless, Dumbledore always remained calm and understanding. Harry was about to give his thanks when the door to the classroom burst open and hit the wall with a bang.
"Mr. Malfoy?" asked Harry in shock.
Mr. Malfoy strutted fiercely into the room. He had his nose up, and Harry glared at him as he walked through the room and up to Dumbledore. Malfoy paid little to no attention to Harry as he made his way past him, but there was something small cowering at Malfoy's side. Harry looked around the pompous man, and he was shocked at what he saw. Standing next to Malfoy was a small house elf with bat like ears, a pencil nose, and great big tennis ball eyes. Harry went to say something, but Dobby held up a bony finger to lips to shush him. Harry understood why, Dobby had been working behind Malfoy's back all year trying to keep Harry safe. But wait a minute…
Dobby was trying to keep Harry safe from what was happening or going to happen at school, meaning that Dobby knew something bad was going to happen before it even happened. The only way he could've known is if someone apart of the family he served was involved. That means Dobby knew of the diary, which means the diary belonged to…
A heavy weight dropped into the pit of Harry's stomach, but it quickly ignited into hardly containable fury. Harry couldn't focus on what was being exchanged between Malfoy and Dumbledore. He thought it would be nearly impossible to loathe someone as much as he did Mr. Malfoy. 'He's one of them'. He's one of Voldemort's followers, but he walks around pretending like he's some great servant to society. Now Harry knows the truth, and now Harry knows why Draco is such a sniveling, pompous little prat. Oh the amount of evil that it takes to slip something so vile into an innocent little girls cauldron was beyond sickening. Harry stared into the back of Malfoy's head. He was very glad the conversation seemed to have come to an end, because he didn't know how much longer he could contain himself.
"Well let's just hope that Mr. Potter is always here to save the day." Mr. Malfoy sneered.
Harry brought himself up to his full height, which was kind of silly considering he was still over a head below Mr. Malfoy, but Harry wasn't going to cower in front of this bully. This act must've caught Malfoy off guard, because his sneer left his face, and he tilted his head in bewilderment at the young boy. There was a fire roaring in Harry's emerald eyes. The kind that shouldn't be possible in the eyes of a child.
"Don't worry, I will be." replied Harry calmly yet firmly.
Malfoy turned on his heel and made his exit. "Come Dobby!" He demanded. "We're leaving".
Harry stood there for a few moments and watched as Malfoy stormed out of the room with Dobby in tow. He never thought he could feel so harshly towards one person. Harry knew that there wasn't any way for him to get back at Malfoy, at least not when he's in cahoots with people at the ministry. Unless…
"Professor." Harry called to Dumbledore as a thought struck him. He walked up to the desk and picked up the destroyed diary. "May I have this? I'd like to return it to it's proper owner."
Dumbledore beamed at Harry, but he didn't say anything. He simply nodded his head, and he watched the young boy hastily kick off one of his shoes and peel off a dirty sock. He placed the sock in the diary and quickly put back on his shoe. Once Harry had regained his balance, Dumbledore watched proudly as he ran out of McGonagall's office. When the door shut behind Harry, Dumbledore made sure Harry was out of earshot before he got up, and set himself at a steady pace.
Back and forth Dumbledore paced, desperately trying to wrap his head around everything that happened.
The diary is not an ordinary diary, that much is obvious. This diary does not just contain ordinary magical properties, nor does it contain ordinary dark magical properties. This diary contains, or rather contained, the darkest of dark magic. It had the ability to possess a girl and force her to do its bidding. Not only did it force her to do it's own bidding, it spoke to her, and it gave her detailed instructions on how to do each task. It was even able to grant her the ability to do things that she would not have normally been able to do. And of course, this diary didn't belong to just anyone, it belonged to none other than Voldemort himself. Something told Dumbledore that this wasn't the diary's only purpose.
Dumbledore's mind was racing. What kind of object is this? This is beyond anything that Dumbledore has ever heard of, much less witnessed with his own eyes. Is this the only one of its kind in existence? No. It's seems too plain and vulnerable to be one of its' kind. It held the memory of a 16 year old Tom Riddle. No, it was more than a memory, and it was more than just the 16 year old Tom Riddle. Tom recognized Harry. He knew him. How?
Oh Harry. He is so young. What more must he put up with? Perhaps, it is time I tell him? No, he is still too young, but the bravery he possesses is beyond that of any full grow man, let alone a 12 year old boy. He has faced Voldemort twice now since being at Hogwarts. Both times it was brought to Harry's attention of the desire Voldemort has for him. This time, Voldemort went as far as targeting Harry. He knew that Harry would do it. He knew that Harry would willingly go into the chamber to meet his death. Ginny had all but told Tom specifically that Harry would risk his life for anyone. He knew Harry wouldn't be able to help himself if he knew someone had been taken into the Chamber. And Tom knew that Harry would be the only one capable of getting into the Chamber, because Ginny must've shared with him that Harry was a parselmouth.
Dumbledore paused for a moment to release a long and drawn out sigh. 'If only that was the end of it.'
Harry saved Ginny Weasley. He saved her. What could we possibly expect to come from such a powerful act? Poor Ginny was practically glued to him as they entered the room, but that isn't too abnormal. He did save her life, but her brother was there as well. A brother in a very close family of loving people. Why wouldn't she be looking to him for comfort? She was also rather calm when she was with Harry, then almost immediately started crying again when they split apart. She appeared to calm down quite a bit when they held onto each other. She was also able to speak without sobbing, asking him to come with her. The most abnormal part about it all though, was the fact that it is was well known that Ginny Weasley had always been a nervous wreck when it came to being in the presence of Harry. How did she go from being too nervous to even be around him to relying so heavily on him, overnight?
Dumbledore paused again as a thought struck him.
'No. It can not be so. Oh the repercussions!' Dumbledore threw up his arms and let them fall down to his sides without resistance. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, then he set off to pacing again.
This one thing can cause the entire plan to fall through. Curse Malfoy! And curse the cowardly members of the School Board! Harry has a destiny! A destiny that needs to come through fruition or else the entire wizarding world is at jeopardy. This would only make things more difficult. Not just more difficult, but nearly impossible.
"Professor Dumbledore?" called someone from the front of the room.
Dumbledore was jerked out of his musing, and his pacing came to a screeching halt. He should've known better than to get carried away while not in the sanctity of his own office. He turned and found his Deputy Headmistress approaching him. McGonagall was trying to maintain her normally stoic appearance, but he could see the emotion swelling in her eyes.
Dumbledore turned to her and gave her a genuine smile before answering her softly. "Yes, Minerva?"
"Sorry to interrupt you." She began, still feigning her emotions. "Poppy is checking out Miss Weasley. She should be fine, but Merlin knows the nightmares she will have."
"I know." Dumbledore sighed. "Luckily, she will be given some Dreamless Sleep Potion to help her through today and this evening. How are Lockhart and Ronald Weasley?"
McGonagall struggled hard to bite back a chuckle. "Poppy will be sending Lockhart to St. Mungos as soon as she can.. He has no recollection of anything whatsoever."
McGonagall regained herself and continued. "Ronald is fine. Some scrapes and bruising, but he will be fine. I never saw Harry report to the Hospital Wing, nor did I cross him in my travel. Did you tell him to report to the hospital wing?" Minerva bore a pointed look towards the Headmaster when she spoke of Harry.
Dumbledore beamed while cursing himself. "Forgive me Minerva, but by happy accident, I seemed to have forgotten. Rest assured that Harry knows his way. I'm sure he'll be more than willing to head up there after he returns something to its not so rightful owner."
Minerva glared at Albus. "Oh yes. I'm sure of it."
"Now." She let out a breath and continued. "What do you mean not so rightful owner? And what exactly are you referring to?"
"One of Voldemort's old tricks." Minerva couldn't help but shudder a little at the mention of the name. Dumbledore carried on as normal. "And it belonged to one of his followers."
Minerva whitened a little and looked on in bewilderment. "You don't mean?"
"Oh yes." Dumbledore replied during her pause "The same one who threatened the board for my removal. Yes, he came in not too long before you all left." Dumbledore paused to gather himself before continuing. "I should've known. His placement at head of the board before this year. I should've known after the first attack." Dumbledore's voice started to crack during his last statement.
Minerva relaxed a little before responding. "It's not your fault Albus-"
"I should've known." Dumbledore interrupted, shaking his head. "Harry being a parsletongue. These attacks happening without him having the slightest clue. I had him in my office and didn't do the first thing to help. An old man's foolishness."
"Well." Minerva searched for the right words. "At least Potter was able to take it upon himself, even though that's what I feared he would do."
"He's much too young!" Dumbledore argued pointedly.
"Yes. He is too young", agreed Minerva cautiously. "But he has already fought and won two battles that grown men could never fight."
"I know." Dumbledore sighed while pinching the bridge of his nose. "And I'm afraid, it won't be the last one."
Minerva tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean, Albus?"
Dumbledore took a couple of deep breaths to steady himself. Now wasn't the time or place to be discussing such things. Harry is much too young, and there will come a time when all will need to be shared, but not now.
"It'll be fine Minerva." Dumbledore answered softly with a smile. "We will all know in time, including Harry."
Minerva looked at Dumbledore as though he had grown another head. 'We will all know in time'? It wasn't uncommon for Dumbledore to speak in a conspiratorial fashion, especially when it came to Harry, but this was serious. Harry has been threatened at school twice now, and is Dumbledore implying that it's going to keep happening? Why can't he prevent it? 'Deep breath Minerva' Harry is fine. He will be fine. Perhaps, it's time to become more aware of things when they concern Harry.
On the other side of the desk, Dumbledore was thinking hard about how to go about mentioning his other worry. He couldn't afford to say too much; that would only bring forth concern, which would only complicate matters more. At the moment, it is only a possibility, so it requires a great amount of observation before conclusions can be drawn. Observations that he couldn't make on his own without drawing attention. Luckily, there is a bit of downtime coming up for the students, thanks to his cancellation of school exams. And what better person to aid in his observations, than the children's very own Head of House.
"Keep an eye out on Miss Ginevra for me." spoke Dumbledore suddenly, breaking the witch out of her reverie. "Harry as well. Let me know if you notice anything different about their behavior."
"Okay?" Minerva replied, completely puzzled. "What should I-"
"Just let me know if there is anything different about how they interact." Dumbledore calmly explained. "Im sure they are fine." Dumbledore then leaned back in Minerva's desk chair and continued. "In the mean time, let's get some rest before breakfast."
Minerva stood up from her chair, and she studied Dumbledore as he started gathering his things. She was still so confused by the latter of their conversation, but she had learned to accept that Dumbledore has his secrets. At least he made it known that it will soon be shared, but when and under what circumstance, Merlin only knows. At least Dumbledore was able to put up the facade that all was well, and could continue you on normally, an admirable trait when it is used correctly.
As Dumbledore got to the door, he paused, turned around, and beamed at the confused witch. "Could I trouble you to ask the house elves to prepare me some French toast for breakfast with a light flurry of powdered sugar?"
Minerva rolled her eyes and let her crossed arms drop in annoyance. "Yes, Albus." She sighed
Dumbledore beamed at her and nodded his appreciation, and with a sharp turn, he exited the room. Minerva could've sworn that she heard an exclamation of his excitement from further down the hall.
"Men" she said to no-one in particular
FIN Chapter 1