A moments touch 2

So second year there is not much beyond the petrification but I have added as much detail as I can in that time.


Second year comes much quicker than Hermione expected. Everyday she studied at least one chapter of each of her upcoming years classes. The boys hadn't done any writing to her. Her parents took her on their trips which were amazing for a distraction and family time. The lack of communication reminded her that this year could still be the same as last year.

"Hermione dear? Are you ready to go?" Jean Granger asked interrupting her daughters thoughts. They were in the snowy mountains and Hermione was lost in thought looking out at the peaks surrounding the camp site.

"Yes mom sorry its just so beautiful here."

"It is but we must head back next week is your first day back at school. We wouldn't want you to be late."

"Oh don't forget I need to pick up a last minute teachers book for class." She said taking her mother arm and enjoying the comfort of it as they headed back into camp. Her father was already unhitching the tent. Both of her parents have been super supportive. "Thanks for not judging me mom about anything."

Hermione told her parents everything. She was mature enough to them though they quite often say that her maturity was not their doing. They confess they were very wary that they had even done any parenting let alone done any of it right. When she told the of a legend behind a boy they were anything but happy that she was caught up in such dangers her first year.

She remembered admitting to them that it was very likely this wasn't the last time she would be in danger protecting him or helping him but she did it knowing in time he would gain the knowledge needed to save himself the next time. She knew harry was smart his lack of knowledge on magic wasn't his fault, his distractions from classes wasn't entirely his fault, and honestly he was not yet struck with the seriousness for what was going on.

"I promise to stay safe ma." Then Hermione helped clean up making it obvious she was leaving the subject for now. Her parents shared a concerned look that expressed how much they worried about that daughters safety this summer.

Once they returned to London the three made a trip through muggle London to the leaky cauldron once again in the magical world Hermione excitedly showed and explained to her parents everything they passed. A familiar family of ginger heads walked out into diagon alley.

"Oh! Mom and dad hurry I want you to meet someone." She ushered them forward after calling out to Ronald. He was shocked she even saw as she hug the rest of the family and met his parents the urge to cringe was simmering just beneath his smile. She told her he was just bad with emotions which very well might be true.

"Hermione dear you haven't by chance seen Harry have you. Seems he has not used floo before and may have gone a bit further than we thought."

"Harry is here too? No we haven't seen him perhaps I'll go look for him if you want to take my parents with you for a few supplies. Ill find you." Mrs. Weasley agreed happily. Hermione buried herself into the crowd keeping a watchful eye out for Harry Potter. If he had improperly said his location she read once that floo can send you in some very difficult places. It was a Wonderful network but a flawed one clearly. Suddenly the sight of Hagrid and Harry brought her from her rambling thoughts.

"Hagrid! Harry!" She shouted a bit loudly cause a few surprised face to look her way.

"Hermione?" Although Harry was clearly happy to see her he didn't get why she was there and why she seemed to be looking for him. He looked a mess especially his glasses which she promptly fixed with the same charm she had use when they had first met. It was like no time had past he hugged her quickly and listened to her explain her presence. Hagrid having happened upon Harry said his goodbyes and walked ahead to greet the Weasleys the duo just behind him.

"Where did you end up."

"Knockturn alley. Actually was wondering why Hagrid was down there but he said he needed something for his chicken or something I don't know."

"Oh well my parents are here with the Weasleys I hope they didn't get to far." She goes into the shop to find her parents intrigued by all the things they passed. Books, creatures, and even wizarding technology of sorts. Enchanted items to recreate the muggle world as best as they could.

"Mom dad this is my friend Harry Potter." Harry grew shy expecting a loud reaction. "Oh don't worry Harry they don't know much of you. Not like the wizarding world anyways I did tell them a bit about last year and stuff."

"Hello Harry." Her father says knowing his wife was probably surprised to see such a small child being responsible for their daughters situation at the end of the previous year. He was absolutely skinny and way to shy for it to be on purpose her dad was assuming given his expression.

"Yes hello. Perhaps Hermione can have a easy year this year?" Hermione groaned knowing her parents are just looking out for her.

"Mom stop! Have we gotten the potions book for this year. Great let's move on then." She hurried them along an changed the topic. "So how do you like the Weasleys?"

"They are all pleasant well the older one has some sort of weird attitude but I think he's just trying to be the opposite of his siblings."

"Oh Percy yeah he is kind of a prat sometimes I hear. He is all political and perfect if he can be. Total opposite of Fred and George."

"That's the twin they are a blast. Feel sorry they got in trouble for playing a prank on us. It's probably the best way to break the ice though."

"They played a prank on you. You have all you fingers? Hair is fine? What did they do?" She was very aware of how far their pranks could go.

"Oh my no goodness it was perfectly innocent. I believe their father said it was a simple charm to make one of their arms invisible or look vanished. Told us some creature in here took it off." Her father always found humor in darker things so it seemed no harm was done.

From then on it seemed the two set of parents were extremely friendly. They were kind enough to help them sort out things that still confused them at times. They shared in the excitement of the newest defense against dark arts teacher. Hermione had looked into the man not the he wasn't practically everywhere in the Daily Prophet so it was as if Hermione and her mother knew everything there was to know about the dreamy daring man.

Maybe he wasn't as dreamy as Hermione thought he would be in person but what did it matter with all of his whits and courage. After meeting him and waiting in line for her books to be signed nothing could bring her down. She didn't see it but perhaps if she had witnessed the incident an not just the escalated brawling between Mr Weasley and Lucius Malfoy. Not even that put her off because all seemed well after Draco and his father scurried off. Ginny looked upset but so did the whole Weasley family.

Attempting to lighten the mood Hermione asks if Harry got to practice quidditch at all over the summer. At this he enthusiastically jumps in to story about how he played with the twins and Ron once they busted him free of his aunt and uncles place. It was not lost to her but she figured she would ask on the train or at least another time. It was nice to hear his birthday was enlightened by the Weasleys.

Eventually the two groups parted ways. Harry waved to her as she and her parents left to their car. Everyone else joined in smiling causing Hermione to beam all the way home. The short wait between their trip to diagon alley and school was quickly over and Hermione had the joy of her trusting parents let her return to school. They were seeing her off and once again she sat with Neville. Though she had a few letters over the summer none were from Harry and the few that came to her were from Ron.

Apparently Harry had not been heard from all summer and this worried her more now as she waited on the train. Every cabin was full and still no Harry or Ron. She told herself not to worry as Fred and George were very sure of their presence at the platform. This year a new girl Luna Lovegood was sitting across from her reading upside down and Neville had his toad once again.

Luna tried to assure her there was nothing to worry about but as soon as she mentioned wrackspurts Hermione was sure she didn't understand what really had her bothered. Not only did Harry love the school as much as she did if not more she also knew his home life was not ideal. Had his guardian even let him cross the platform. Did they make him miss the train or was it another in potentially long list of things out to get the boy.

It was not until long after the feast began the first years already sorted. Ginny Weasley along with a Colin Creevey were new additions to the Gryffindor house she was sure Ron hadn't wanted to miss that. It wasn't until making the long climb to the common room that she found the boys waiting. They looked a mess. Ron was whining over his broken wand, Harry's glasses needed repairs, and their clothes were covered in dirt. Internally she groaned realizing they were the reason Gryffindor was down in points already.

"What did you two do now?" She demands stomping over to them. Furious with herself for worrying when clearly they were just causing trouble. She had heard all about their midnight trip to grab Harry and couldn't possibly imagine what they had done.

"It wasn't us 'mione" Harry pleas brushing off his shirt to no avail of it becoming clean. She huffs and magical repairs his glasses knowing it wasn't entirely his fault.

"What happened I heard you were at the platform why did you not arrive on the train?"

"We were!" Ron exclaims a little to quickly. He goes red obviously half expecting to be defending himself to his mother. "The barrier closed early."

"That's impossible!" Never in all of the years of the train and platform existing was there a malfunction. Surely if there was it would be shut down or there would be information on it in the history of Hogwarts. "but it happened so why?" It was not that she didn't believe them but it couldn't have been the barriers fault it has been functioning for decades.

Harry had mentioned a house elf that appeared to him warning him of dangers and begging him to not return to school. She wasn't sure what an elf's magical limits were but she could almost bet it had something to do with him.

By the time they went to bed the common room was empty. None of them spoke much about the incident until they were alone due to the Gryffindor students being quite upset. Hermione read a book while the duo played wizards chess. The first day approaches and so they eventually tucked in for the night.

By morning the topic is long forgotten as everyone is busy getting schedules and eating. Regardless Harry and Ron do find it hard to sit next to anyone familiar. They are forced to sit next to Ginny whom Hermione choose to sit next to. Neville was across from the boys talking about his summer.

Though briefly last night before bed Ginny had made sure she was okay. The attempt at comfort was actually curiosity about Harry. Seemed his introduction the year before and his surprise visit had a minor effect on her interests. Her touch had revealed so even as short as it was. Her shyness at breakfast compared to energetic normal self at supper was so big Hermione felt bad but left her hand on her silverware. First year Colin made several attempts to say hello to Harry as if he was wildly excited to meet him. He never really got to even as he tried to take a picture or two nothing was good enough for him unless he was closer it seemed. This did not happen as a commotion caught not just her attention.

"Are you okay!" Harry thumped Ron on the back as he coughed from nearly choking. A shaky hand points to his family owl. Not waiting to land or linger it drops it from high above. The red envelope fall directly in front of Ron who is pale in the face and terrified to open it. "What's wrong?"

"He's got a howler." Hermione hears. Her eyes focused on the letter. What was the purpose that was so frightening. Apparently it was meant to yell, quite loudly, the entire message. It shot up formed into a mouth and Mrs. Weasley's voice echoed the whole hall. Scolding Ron mostly blaming him for his father troubles at work. Just momentarily softening to tell Harry they don't blame him. More yelling and only once truly easing up to congratulate Ginny on getting into Gryffindor house.

After this fully embarrassing moment the year begins. There is no mention of the points just teasing about the howler. Malfoy being the worst but he was not nearly as bad as he thought he was. Harry always seemed to take to much of it to heart. Only day one back and they were at each others throat. This was only the second most hectic bit of the day the first really being that to her their DADA lesson had gone completely sideways and though Professor Lockheart seemed quite skilled in books it did not seem like it in class. She had fixed most of the chaos single handedly but forced the boys to help get Neville unstuck from the chandelier having been placed there by wild Cornish Pixies.

She could only suspect for now that it was all a part of the lesson and her wits had earned some points so that was not so bad. Sure the boys felt it was a lot to deal with but they planned practicing to quidditch tryouts before their detentions just to forget all about it. After this they certain didn't care if the new teacher was awful or not and chose not to have any further opinions seeing as any foul word against him usually lead to deadly stares from his fan girls. Hermione simply wanted to believe someone so smart and brave could be teaching the DADA class unlike their previous teacher.

Eventually things felt normal again, aside from the boys having detentions for the entire first week leaving Hermione disappointedly read by the fire causally keeping conversation with her only other two friends. Their first night of detention Ron returned and yet Harry had not. Not wanting him caught past bedtime they headed out to try saving him. Meeting him along the way they found him hunting for something he had heard. It was very late neither Ron nor herself was sure if there was anything to look for or if he really had heard a voice at all. As they headed down a hall to the silence still filled the air even if harry insisted her could hear this voice talking about being hungry. Obviously Harry must have been hungry and exhausted from the endless fan-mail responses he had to write out for his detention with Professor Lockheart.

Once the week had progressed the pixies were forgotten, Colin had finally gotten his pictures, and Harry and Ron had nearly finished their last nights of detentions. They had been to tryouts which had given Harry his seeker position again. Due to his victory the year before no more jokes and taunts happened from their own house mates for the boys. Hermione was never so lucky but she made do and no one was the wiser. Well beside Ginny with their growing friendship she witnessed many things while spending time together. Without harry around she was quite the fire cracker type to which Hermione could still find a lot in common with.

Nearly two or three detentions in and Ron had undoubtedly ended up with a worse night possible due to his broken wand. Hermione was sure if Malfoy hadn't said such fowl things he wouldn't have reacted but oddly enough he had gotten angry at the name mudblood which was directed at Hermione. She was not entirely familiar with all the wizarding degrading words but this must have been one. Harry tried to stop the impulsive casting of a spell and failed causing Ron to end up suffering detention gaging and Barfing up slugs.

Malfoy was now seeker for his team by buying his way on the team, having given the team the newest brooms out. Hermione had to point this fact out. This was not the first time she had been spoken to as if she was not a real witch but after learning the true meaning behind the word really stung. She cried a bit in Hagrid's hut who helped as much as possible. A bucket for the slugs and a great big hug to comfort her. Once she felt better and Ron had long break from his slugs they managed to head back up to the castle.

Old empty stone halls greeted them. Distant chatter of kids mainly told them it was getting late which meant the boys needed to head to detention. This lead to Hermione heading to the common room alone. When they met her there just before bed Ron was pale as could be while Harry was hardly able to stay awake long enough to tell them how his night went. To both Harry and Hermione delight Ron was fully recovered without a trip to the hospital wing by their last night.

Hermione walked to meet them thinking everything was going to be just like they were supposed to once more after this final detention. An extra plate of food in hand she happily greets them. Before the food is consumed no words are spoke. Afterward Ron expresses his contentment with a mouthful. Harry shyly wipes his mouth clean before saying thanks having seem Ron sputter pieces everywhere doing so himself.

"its so nice to be done with detention if I had to suffer one more night I was going to go bloody mad." Ron says making Harry wholeheartedly agree. All the halls grew emptier now that the students were hurrying to bed they were still making their way to the third floor. As they entered the common room their classmates still bustled about all the while Ginny sat oddly quiet. Even startled as Hermione sat beside her.

No amount of questioning could loosen her up because as she was about to answer Harry walked in. This crush was not going anywhere it seemed. Later that night Hermione dug in more seriously to her friends quietness. Offering advice of getting to know other boys so she might not be so shy with Harry around. It was possible that was why she was shy once he was around but it hadn't explained her silence and demeanor just before his arrival.

Typical of boys their age they easily became distracted by Dean and Seamus. Everyone enjoyed themselves obviously except for Ginny she was only broken from her thoughts when her brothers came over full of laughter and pulled her into the circle of underlings that were intrigued by all the jokes and pranks they liked to show off. Hermione thought it was great fun for them if only for the fact they had such a way with people. A way of bringing joy to break through where darkness surrounded someone.

On Hermione's birthday she truly didn't expect anyone to gift her anything except her parents. The twins offered her tricks to easy her studies which she firmly refused while expressing how thankful she was for the offer regardless. Harry gave her a book. It was already a book she had read before but was happy to have her own copy. Ron as kind as he tried to appear gave her a bundle of quills and ink. There was certainly nothing wrong with this if it had not been for them being enchanted to correct any misspellings. The spell had been casted wrong or possibly with his own wand because nothing could mark the paper she pretended to have used it on her homework and promptly threw the batch away. His broken wand was not even able to do a small spell right.

Later that evening before bed time they went out to see Hagrid being careful make it back with no problems even had a handmade cake in tow. They were almost back to the tower when they rounded a corner they led them squarely in front of an angry Filch. Down the hall the frantic caretaker is limping while pointing his finger at them. As he get closer it became clear he was point specifically at Harry. He told them to hurry on without him as he would be up soon no point in them all getting in trouble for whatever it was that Filch was determined he had done.

As they fled the hall they heard blame casted. Just when they feared Harry was to get more detention a familiar voice spoke up. Sir Nearly Headless Nick, trying to cover for him. Assuming he would be fine now they continued not wanting to get caught because they were lingering about. They would certainly hear about it regardless.

"So what sort of punishment did you get now?" Ron asked looking wildly at Harry who seemed to be mostly happy.

"None. Nearly-headless nick saved me. Filch wanted to blame me to terrorizing Mrs. Norris. He told filch that Peeves was right down the hall boasting of doing so. Although… he did request my presence at his death day party. I told him to count us in. You will go with me won't you?" Harry tried to plead as he watch Ron become increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of joining in on this party.

Eventually they agreed and by the time that day came they had been stopped multiple times just for a ghost to ask if his presence was truly going to be at the party. Pretty much all the way up to the moment they walked in on Halloween night they were super excited. The smell of rotted food was so strong they spun to run for it only to run into Sir Nicolas.

"Oh I'm so glad you came. I have so many guests that are excited to see you Harry. What's wrong?" He asks finally realizing the faces before him are pinched together attempting not to breath. "Oh dear, I suppose you can't possibly eat the food here. It's the only way we can almost taste food."

"Almost!" Hermione gasps. She regrets it immediately and gags. Thinking quickly she casts a spell her heard of that plugs the nose. Much like the clip on the nose method except it was just the sensation. It actually doesn't get rid of the smell just makes it bearable. The food was the first of tons of reasons they wanted to leave. Unfortunately it seemed Harry being there was the sole reason for most people to come. The music was dull, the lighting was dreary, and quite emotionally Sir Nicolas spoke of how thankful he was for the three of them to join in mourning his death day with him.

Finally escaping they headed to the great hall ready to ingest real fresh food. Dinner wasn't over yet and they didn't want to miss it. They hurried down the staircases and halls but suddenly Harry froze out of no where forcing Ron and Hermione to turn around to check on him.

"what is it Harry?" Hermione asked seeing the color in his face drain.

"kill. It wants to kill something." he sprinted close to the walls much like earlier in the week when her heard the voice. So it had returned again. Though Hermione was unsure about the idea of invisible beings and mysterious voices she was not going to sit aside a wait for someone to die.

"Harry where are you going?" Ron hardly able to keep up asks

"Just hurry there is no time to wa-" His words freeze as his eyes meet a scene. They all are frozen at the sight. Red dripping words written a cross the brick wall. "Is that blood?" It was a thought that only harry had the guts to speak. In that moment. Moments later they were surrounded by the students leaving the great hall and traveling to their dorms. The floors sloshed with water that Hermione was just now noticing.

On the the second floor near the haunted restroom they stood center of a crowd of students all frightened by what they saw. Not only was there blood on the wall but a cat dangling from a torch handle was stiff as a board. It appeared dead but they didn't have time to look much further as Filch burst through the crowd to find the trio, his familiar, and the words painted on the wall. His first reaction is to lunges at Harry.

He cursed loudly that he would make him pay for killing Mrs. Norris. Nobody could possibly believe that Hermione tried reasoning in her head even if she did see familiar faces bearing signs of fear at him already, thankfully Dumbledore was finally there to dissuade this lie. He reassured Filch his cat was petrified and while they would figure out how to undo it that Harry, Ron nor herself were capable of doing this kind of magic.

'The Chamber of secrets has been opened enemies of the heir… beware.' The huge words were embedded in almost every students head that night. People who carelessly wandered round getting ready for bed bumped into her. Nobody was not thinking about it. The only one she couldn't seem to catch that night was Ginny. Her curtains were closed and she refused to come out when the other girls wanted to gossip. Hermione was not a gossiper but as her friend was most of anyone's topic she knew she needed to listen. Not that her classmates even seemed to know what the chamber of secrets really was.

First thing the next morning she ate breakfast and rush to the library. To no avail as there was no such thing anywhere in any book. None of her teachers would speak of it. Most were very certain they didn't need to know or they were to young not wanting to scare them.

Start of the week just after potions and lunch Hermione was sure she could finally get an answer. Their next teacher had to know if anything he may have even been alive long enough to know where it came from. He was a ghost said to have died teaching his class.

"Professor, I was wonder if there was anything at all you can tell us about the chamber of secrets?" She asked hoping to get some kind of answer from him seeing as he loved talking about history. He began the story by telling them about the founders.

They were well known for making the school what it was. They were the ones that made each house require something specific. They were united until one day Salazar and Godric, Helga, and Rowena stood separated in one fundamental thing. Should Muggle-borns children be invited to learn magic. Salazar did not feel so while the others did.

This lead to a breakaway of one founder from the others. In time a tale was told that a beast in a secret made chamber thst lived ready to be released and seek out any muggles. This beast and chamber would only be freed by the heir of Slytherin. He tried to stress that the chamber was just a myth and now that they knew it was just rooster blood painted on the wall it was probably some older student trying to scare a whole bunch of kids for fun. This was not impossible but very sick if it was true.

It was also suggested that their was a death the last time the school encountered this sort of incident. There was never and proof of where the beast rested or his master yet something had stopped the disaster once before they would do it again.

In her gut Hermione didn't believe it was a prank nor did she feel completely satisfied blaming Draco for this. Though it did fit his attitude towards herself and others born from a muggle family. Regardless of who the only way to find answers was to find them in Slytherin common room. Fact was that seemed to be the only place it should be if that was the house that it was meant to thrive from.

After heavy planning the rest of the day even durning lunch time the next day she went to Lockheart after class and easily flattered him into signing for a restricted section potions book. Inside was the potion to get them into the Slytherin house. Hermione lead the way to somewhere private. Near the first attack there was an old haunted bathroom they no one ever went to because myrtle seemed to always flood it. This was where she was sure they would have the privacy and space to continuously work on a potion this difficult.

"Hermione it's a girls bathroom!" Ron complained.

"Yes and it's completely empty all the time." She motions them in both finding it as empty as she suggests. Myrtle is there shyly saying hi to Harry. He was embarrassed that even a ghost singled him out. They go over the details of the potion once the bathroom is completly empty due to Ron's insensitivity. Hermione knows they are yet again breaking rules and that by the time they are done they will break several especially since two of the ingredients they would need is stored in Professor Snape's private stock. That aside for now they have a month to work on the perfect batch of polyjuice potion.

The start was easy took no real need to be there more than once a day to check it was stirred and not been discovered. Skipping day two no one had checked as that was a very crazy day. Hermione would have it if the moment she woke up hadn't been a quidditch game day. Sure Harry was nervous for the first game of the year as well as facing Malfoy but she knew he could do it. She along with the whole house was cheerful and supportive of him as they wanted to win the quidditch cup. They had been unable the year before due to Harry being in the hospital wing.

This year seemed to be as bad as the first year someone was once again after Harry with no clear person Harry weither accidentally or not was almost expelled, almost blamed for the attacks on Mrs. Norris, and now there was a quidditch match. Most people would over look the similarities just as she knows Harry has. The year before their had been things like the troll and the unicorn/Quirrell situation just before the first quidditch match so Hermione was crossing her fingers nothing would occur today.

When the team enter the field everything was totally normal some players urged the crowds to cheer. One being Malfoy who was clearly in it for the attention. Harry happily circled the field obviously glad to be back on the broom. The match begins swiftly and it doesn't take long for points to build up. Just when Hermione is prepared to take a deep relieved breath she and half the crowd notices something. A bludger is hit to cut off a Slytherin chaser it does just that but with no prompting force from another beater it suddenly curves sharply. Zooming towards Harry now he takes notice trying to avoid the bludger. It's close but misses and barrels past Oliver who then shouted for Harry to watch out. They watched as the same ball that flew off was returning back to Harry.

"Watch out." he yelled but it was to late Olivers broom was crushed causing him to fall leaving the team with no keeper. Though it was obviously tampered with no on had yet called it. It looked like a fluke for now but as Harry kept ahead of it it was most certainly not. The team made due by keeping the quaffle ball from Slyitherin. The moments that Harry could sit still were small and Malfoy seemed to no longer trust his movements as every time he sped off Draco would follow thinking he had seen the snitch only to realize he had not.

With a scoff and refusal to fall for the same trick again Draco had not noticed until far to late Harry spotted the snitch just by the blonde's own head. The chase was on between Harry and the snitch, the bludger and Harry, lastly Malfoy to Harry by actually cutting in front of the hexed ball as if completely unaware. He quickly regretted it and pushed his broom faster to pass Harry. With added pressure Harry was able to keep up the way he was even as the snitch fluttered under the stadium bleachers they didn't lose it.

As no one could see the boys or the snitch all that could be done was to listen. The cracking of wood echoed causing Hermione to yelp she muttered a silent prayer unbelievably for both boys safety. Eventually they could be seen at times bobbing and weaving beams bludger tailing closely behind Draco whom somehow was behind Harry struggling not to be hit with the wild bludger. Sadly a few minutes later he tumbled from underneath ripping through cloth as he and his broken broom rolled onto the field. Loud groans from Slytherin could be heard but Hermione and Ron watched vehemently for Harry.

It all happened so fast as sole seeker he reached out to grab the small snitch. The obviously not lost bludger barrels into Harry's arm causing the whole crowd to wince at the undoubtably painful hit. Stubborn as ever he still reaches out for the snitch and with a tumble they have won. The golden ball is caught the Gryffindor house abandon protecting the goals and the quaffle making their way down to celebrate. No one was terrible hurt so far but as Hermione and Ron head to Harry they find him struggling to not get hit once more. Of all the teachers and all the higher class students Hermione's truly the only one ready as she gets closer.

Harry grins as much as he can trough the pain as soon as she stops the ball by making it explode. The teachers get closer Lockhart being the first besides Hagrid to get to Harry. To show off a little he swears he can fix his arm. Hermione internally finds Harry's plea humorous but regrets not stepping in as instantly his arm is like jello. As if never having had a bone in it at all. That can't possibly be good which madam Pomfrey makes clear very loudly as Harry is brought in.

This was by far the oddest thing to Hermione that Professor Lockhart had done. Did he not think he was required to preform flawlessly as a teacher. Mistake after mistake an so far no one seemed to question his skills and his writings not comparing the same. Seeing Harry taking his treatment to regrow his bones plus the pain and the potion to make him sleep everyone had to leave for the night she sought out professor McGonagall. The stress worn woman answered her office door.

"I should guess this is about potter?" She says walking back to her desk letting Hermione enter.

"In a way I'm actually curious about professor Lockhart and how you feel about his skills."

"They are certainly shite, dreadful isn't he? Don't repeat that!" Her temper getting the best of her thankfully Hermione had closed the door already not wanting her question to be heard by the wrong person.

"Cross my heart." she smiles "but you're not wrong Professor I'm sorry but was headmaster Dumbledore that desperate or is he aware his teacher has to be a fraud?"

"Oh im sure he was desperate but I don't doubt he is unaware thankfully you do a fantastic job helping your fellow classmates. I have a feeling though its not wise Dumbledore has his own mad methods to dealing with things he sees as unjust." Minerva has allowed herself to talk freely Hermione as she is in private.

"So I should just keep helping and let professor Lockhart make as many mistakes as he can. This is going to be a long year." Hermione feels at ease enough to ask about the bludger though that is just another tense topic for minerva she really wants to know who has it out for Harry now. "so is there any idea what happened to the bludger out on the field today."

"None, the fact it was destroy, all be it was the safer option so im not faulting you but there is no real way to know what happened. Obviously it was tampered with. It being focused on Harry doesn't exactly point to foul play from the Slytherin team besides we have no one in mind as they were just as surprised and affected as Gryffindor was." She sighs heavily her tired expression telling Hermione that this night was not a great nigh to make friendly conversation.

"I should go I was just worried we saw incidents last year that lead to trouble for Harry and im just hoping to save us from said trouble this year." Nothing was as helpful to feeling normal in this school than talking to Minerva but she knew of all things she couldn't rely on her. Regardless of her few friends and her limited connection with any of them made her feel the need to seek whatever academic connection she could get from her teacher while constantly reminding herself she had friends and not to get to friendly with teachers.

"Of course your worries are mine as well but im certain that the staff and our headmaster can handle all the big bads you can possible imagine." Hermione thought on this and slept better that night by telling herself Professor McGonagall and the others were protecting them.

The next day upon visiting Harry in the hospital they hear all about the latest run in with the elf Dobby. Admitting he was the one the who closed off the wall which Hermione had guessed. He was also the one that hexed the Ball. Not meaning to hurt him terribly. All that for the purpose of warning him, keeping him from returning, and to save him from the dangers of this year.

That was not the only thing they learned. Another curtain was closed for privacy meaning a new victim. Colins the camera kid they were told. Hermione felt sad that his first year in school as ending like this. Would he need to retake the year? The mandrakes wouldn't be mature until late in the year.

"Dobby said the chamber of secrets was open before and Professor Dumbledore said its truly open what are we gonna do?"

"We will finish what we planned and find out who in the Slytherin house is responsible." Hermione stated matter of factly as if there was no other options.

'I suppose we cant just hope Malfoy will turn himself in." Ron mutters both chuckle at his inner fears and hopefulness.

"That's enough for today children Harry will be better and released tomorrow before breakfast now off you go." As Ron and Hermione gather their things and said goodbye Madame Pomfrey checked on Harry's arm giving no opportunity to fill one another in anymore. Of the trio remaining Ron and Hermione headed to the second floor bathroom where Myrtle found herself disappointed at no Harry Potter.

Over time from the second incident talismans are being sold and given out from someone, suspicion says the twins but as long as no one is hurt and they actually may help not much is done to stop them. There is talk of a duel club starting up but it hasn't. With harry safely back the trio mostly focus on classes and the potion. Realizing she needed to be at school for the finished potion she writes home to tell her parents there is to much to do to come home yet wishes them a happy holiday.

Staying was purposeful as the potion would need more and more focus. Especially when the rarer ingredients need to be acquired. Hermione cant believe that she could get into Professor Snapes private supplies, thanks to the helpful distraction Harry provided, as she adds them free of punishment the potion is just over half down. Eventually when it is ready it will be Christmas time which meant it would be much easier to pull off with out to many eyes.

The week before Christmas gives Hermione the perfect opportunity of facing a classmate of the Slytherin house in the dueling club that was rumored Professor Lockhart and Professor Snape teach the class. Compared to the later Lockharts charm is much more effective even for Hermione who hasn't actually understood the man one bit since school started.

A Slytherin named Millicent Bulstrode was her opponent. The first attempt at facing her was actually terribly freighting. It was the most physical any student has gotten with her. She didn't blame anyone as Ron's wand had gone wild again during his match up. Causing everyone in immediate radius to impulsively fight. As a result her head was locked in Millicent's arms receiving a firm pressure making her cry out.

The teachers thankfully broke up the spell and choose to continue the formal way. As painstakingly as it was for Snape to deal with Lockharts arrogance he followed through. He was actually as invested in it as the rest of the teachers were. He cared about the troubles in the school and dangers they seem to pose to the unprepared children. Herself included though she did not think this was a person causing petrification. Surely Collins would not photograph his attacker instead of defend himself or try to.

It wasn't hard disarming Millicent the second go around. It was more nerve wracking to "brush" hair off her robes but actually take it for her portion of the potion. She stood back in her place watching Harry be pair with Draco. They start fine but react to each other's attacks instead of disarming. Unamused by getting laughed at due to getting knocked on his butt Draco plays dirty.

A straight shot from Draco's wand to Harrys feet. A smirk crosses Draco's faces as harry is startled by a snake. He leaps back if only for a moment before both Professors head to dispose of it. Lockharts failure isn't a surprise what is though is Harry begins gazing at the snake as if in a daze. Suddenly as if talking hissing comes from his mouth.

Instantly Hermione remembers her book on gifts last year. No one has had the gift of Salazar recorded in centuries. This was huge and right now as the snake look at Harry then Justin Finch-Flitchley it looked horribly as if he was coaxing it on. Hermione knew he would never and was probably saying for it to stop. After an agonizing amount of time Professor Snape gets rid of it. Obviously very much surprised by the skill as well.

No one spoke but watched Harry closely until he felt the pressure in the room build so much he ran. Hermione and Ron pushed through the now rumbling crowd. Starting whispers of him being a parselmouth, turned in to startling guesses that he was the heir of Slytherin. Ron caught harry excited to ask why he never said he could speak parseltongue.

'What?"

"You can speak to snakes." Hermione clarifies trying not to sound like she's asking a question with such an obvious answer witnessed.

"yeah I accidentally set a python free on my cousin once at a zoo."

"Well this is bad then Harry really bad."

"Why I'm sure loads of people can do it here." Both shook their head.

"There is a reason the Slytherin house crest is a serpent." They tried further explaining how everyone was going to think he was the heir of Slytherin thus the one hunting all the muggles. Harry gulped as the facts set in. That night was the beginning of a long road of people running off and taking about him in whispers. Nothing like what his fame usually caused. His classmates aside from his two loyal friends was to scared to even sit close to him.

Fred and George who found the whole thing bonkers but funny decided that they might be able to change the rumors or make it easier with jokes. Unfortunately the more Harry doubted himself the more Hermione would return to the bathroom to check on the potion. A few days before as Harry truly began to believe himself capable Hermione had to reason with him the potion was almost ready and then they would know if Draco was or wasn't the heir.

The rumors only got worse once Justin from the duel club actually did get petrified along with nearly headless nick something about this is curious to Hermione once again the library gives her tons of information to sift through about her questions but none that completely fit what she has piece together. Spiders are always at the scene practically running away. No one has seen the person all this time and Hermione is almost convinced that with Harrys gift as a clue it is not human at all. The time he heard a voice no one else could no one has seen the person responsible having expected a person. all this but something else she was missing she just didn't know what.

So she kept looking and when Christmas Day came leaving the halls bare she was happy to find the potion done. They choose to use it just before the feast. Harry and Ron got their own hairs and found extra robes with Slytherin colors. Serving the portions before adding the hairs they find the thick concoction is already dreadful to take. A feeling of sickness rushes over them and though no one actually does Hermione quickly realizes her portion is going very very wrong.

"Hermione we have to go." They call out. Feeling her face, seeing her hands, or her…tail she panics inside. Her voice cracks as she tells them to go that they are wasting time. They clamored out determined to find answers.

"Oh my! I suppose your not feeling quite so purfect." Myrtle says swishing through the stall wall with a giggle. Hermione begins to cry startling her. "I'm sorry that was rotten I hated when I got teased I shouldn't have."

"Its alright I really did mess up and now im going to look like this forever the potion isn't for…" the words are drowned out with her sobs. Myrtle doesn't speak just sits with her till the boys come back. She cant help the small giggle that escapes as she finally gets to see something interesting in all her time dead.

"Hermione come out we have so much to tell you." After myrtle leaves Hermione reveals herself to explain how her hair she got was not human hair. It was a cats. Completely unable to hide their alarmed winces she begins hysterically crying again. Only after assuring over and over that she looked fine just they were surprised did Hermione let them help hide her under Harrys cloak which he had to go get. She could not be seen like this she would never hear the end of it.

"Get your robes back on and we need to head to the hospital wing." She would never admit they were apart of this just that they found her and helped her get to the hospital wing. When madame Pomfrey asked she said she asked Professor Lockhart for permission to check out a book Hoping to impress him. She didn't think she got a cat hair from her friend but it was all just for learning and she messed up.

She knew over the past few month this would not be the first time the fame driven teacher was blamed for something perhaps not as serious as this but Hermione knew what the truth meant. Unfortunately her situation was gossip in no time as soon as some student came in for something minor catching a glimpse of her. As well as Professor Snape whom had been asked to check on her status seeing he's knowledge of potions.

"You broke in to my supply room for your incompetence to waste such rare ingredients. I would take points but I suppose this is punishment enough." He said making her upset believing this meant it was incurable. "Oh silence its going to be fixed just not for a few weeks at most a month."

Her own head of house came to check on her and for her face showed great disappointment. Hermione wanted to tell her the truth but after not getting much more punishment she couldn't involve the boys. Minerva observed her recovery for all six weeks that she was stuck in the hospital wing. She devoted all of her time to homework and studies, provided by Minerva.

The boys managed day to day things definitely stayed out of trouble and when ever they came in they did homework and talked about what Draco had said to them. He was now clear of suspicion which meant they unfortunately didn't know who else could be heir of Slytherin. Hermione had been a little thankful that Draco was so confident it wasn't Harry as he didn't resume his self doubting.

Even after she is released there is still no new activity from the opener of the chamber of secrets even with all the knowledge given to them one new piece being as of the last attack the roosters seem to be killed just before each incident. Not long after Hermione's release she is once again digging for information.

One day while reading Harry and Ron come in the common room Ron is loudly expressing his distrust in something. She puts down her book as they walk over to the other two open chairs. Ron huffs at Harry not liking his opinion being ignored.

"You'd be surprised about some of the books the ministry has confiscated, my dad said they confiscated one that would burn out your eyes." The three trembled at the idea but Harry pulled out from his bag the book they were discussing.

"Its blank all it says is its from some guy name T.M. Riddle"

"Riddle?" Ron look up instantly. "he got an award for a service to the school. In 1943. I had to keep re-polishing his because I kept getting slugs on it." They all remember that ordeal.

"That coincides with the last time the chamber was open. Maybe he helped catch whoever it was. What does he say in the book Harry?"

"Doesn't say anything. Its all blank, not written in invisible ink, or hidden somehow..makes no sense."

"Exactly why you shouldn't trust it." Ron says and although he is right more to the point it does sound odd to claim something just to never use it especially during a time of trying she would expect.

"Maybe he is right Harry I mean why not write about what an awful year that was or his victory if catching the person." Mouth a gap Ron is surprised.

"Right!" Though he was excited he was right for once he was determined to try making harry see it too. He didn't and bluntly tucked in back in his bag. They huffed but let it go as Harry headed to dinner. After which a number of students received special magical Valentine's Day carols from Lockhart. Most of them sounded like he was gloating about the defeat of whatever was petrifying students. Highly untrue an quite embarrassing once Harry received one which he couldn't avoid and ended up getting mocked. By Draco none the less so he was furious from the taunting as well as being pushed down. He might not have noticed his things strewn about but as they sat scattered ink all over his things people generally watched Harry and Draco. Not Hermione as she has seen them do this a number of times. The only person who's reaction was worth noting was Ginny.

Why was she pale? Was she shocked? Why did it look like she has seen that book before? These were all circling her head even as they headed to Gryffindor, Harry in possession of al his belongings including the Riddle book. She bid the boys goodnight abruptly. She needed answers yet as she gets to bed Ginny is no where to be scene her bed curtains are wide open and bed laid undisturbed. Where she could have been was a mystery but she sat up waiting all night by the time she came in Hermione was passed out. In the morning she woke up disappointed at herself.

No point in strutting over to her friends bed as it was clearly empty and Ginny was fleeting out the door her fire red hair the last hung Hermione caught before the door closed. By the time she is dressed and ready she is nowhere in sight. Harry grabs her arm. How long had he been up?

"Hermione you're never gonna believe what happened with the book. Yesterday ink got all over it but look." Nothing not even a drop sit on the books pages or cover.

"Impressive."

"No 'mione it absorbs it. I tried last night and it wrote back. I mean it actually answered me. Then Tom Riddle showed me what happened. I cant believe it. It was Hagrid."

"What it couldn't possible have been Hagrid." Yet every thing Harry told her about what he saw sounded completely like Hagrid. He had a talking spider, it was loose, and he was expelled. One of the two they already knew to be true but. They needed to ask him about the rest. But how? How does one blame someone as good as Hagrid for all this evil goin on?

It was something none of them could do. They avoided him and the topic not wanting to admit they thought it might be true. Nothing had happened in a while there had to be a reason. Hermione focused on every lead and clue. Tried finding Ginny but was never ever able to get close enough. Harry had the book stolen but never found who had done it. As time went on it seemed the year was going to end with no answers at all.

Ron's even the twins birthday's past Easter too still nothing. Then finally one day Hermione found her answer. Or at least the book with the answers. She had spent almost all day reading when she found the page. Right now no one was in the castle. Today was the final quidditch match of the year. She needed to hurry, unnaturally, she made a note and ripped the page out at seeing a fellow classmate. She too was going to be late to the matches but feeling the most powerful urge to warn her she made for the door.

"Penelope wait!" Startled the girl looked back and thankfully waited. "Do you have a mirror?" A nod came she took out her own and told her to do the same.

"But why?" As they walked hermione used her mirror to look around corners. This thing could be anywhere at anytime.

"I know what's petrifying people." That's all Hermione the brightest witch of her age had to say before Penelope hurriedly pulled hers out and did just as she was. By the time they got down to floor two they were definitely going to be late and really tried hurrying to any of the teachers still in the great hall.

The moment she saw she knew the girls bathroom was the place all along that the creature was coming from. A scream escaped her but nothing else as both girls were caught in its reflected gaze.

She remembers clenching her hand instead of dropping the page from the book. She tried to remember what it looked like but all she knew was she had seen huge eyes. She told herself she had had visitors but she didn't know. She felt like Ginny was most likely to show. Of course Harry and Ron but Ginny had to be feeling as guilty as she was feeling.

She saw signs but hadn't realized until she found the page about the basilisk. Tom Riddle fabricated the truth about Hagrid. The spider was not responsible it was afraid of the basilisk. Just as Hagrid was not to blame nor was Ginny. Ron had said the book was dangerous no one would have expected it to posses Ginny but clearly she had found the book somehow and been a victim all along. She slowly felt herself coming alive like waking from a sleep. Foggy but mentally she was filing away details. Filling in the gaps.

She was laying down, her heads empty, and mummers surrounded the room. Waking up she saw occupied beds with all her friends and all the professors watching in awe. Not just her but as she and five others began waking up glee filled the room. Ginny look to be the worst there now as the petrification was being countered, Harry looked exhausted, while Ron looked a little beat up. Professor Lockhart was acting odd on the far side of the room.

"T-thank you Hermione." Penelope barely gets out causing Hermione to blush in response.

"Yes Thank you on behalf of all of us. We own you a great debt Ms. Granger. You paved the way to solving the mystery you protected a fellow student and helped prove a man's innocence." She was speechless not just from the fading condition but also from Dumbledores kind words. The crowd of teachers dissipated gradually with kind words to all the victims and all those involved stopping the dangers of the chamber of secrets. As Hermione rested Harry and Ron sat with her.

"It wasn't Ginny's fault" she started. Causing both boys to grin. Harry assured her no one blamed her it was all Voldemort. Tom Riddle was Voldemort. He tried to posses Ginny, take her life, and become mortal again. Harry had stabbed the book with a venomous snake fang from the giant serpent. That night they retold her of their weeks had been without her and they explained how everything happened making her wish she could have helped more. Although Lockharts lies and Deception made much more sense and would not have change his outcome in this whole ordeal.

Even with three weeks of school left and exams being canceled Hermione abandoned the hospital wing in a desperate attempt to take her exams. She had studied so hard she told her professors to which no one could deny her. She and a few other students received there scores, mostly Ravenclaw students. In Minerva's office while sharing tea they discussed her options for next year.

"See but I don't know what to pick. There are more classes than I have time for but I don't want to miss any of them at least to know what I should keep learning for the rest of schooling."

"While I normally wouldn't recommend this I myself understand the urge to learn as much as possible. I will make some attempts over the summer to get this figured out. If anything comes of it I might require a day to explain. Would that be alight?"

"Oh im sure my parents wont mind another visit all though with all that has happened you might hear an earful about me safety and all that." Its unlikely that she's not not going to tell her parents what happened so she wants to give her heads up. "They have so much trust in me and my maturity that if something was to much I would let them know but they are human an do worry."

"I completely understand as I worry for you as I worry for all my students safety. This year has been quite trying." She admits feeling a load of guilt and stress almost slide of her shoulders. As a teacher she mustn't get to openly personal and stands up to make for a quick send off. "So I fill do my best to fine a solution in the next couple of weeks."

"Than you Professor." As she pauses before leaving she thinks how the last week of school will be much easier without much going on. "By the way I am sorry I wasn't much more help than I was this year. I really was coming to you to get help just before I got petrified. I found the page finally after looking all year. If only I had made it to you Ginny might have never gotten hurt."

"Honestly it shouldn't have needed to be you. There are many things as teachers we are suppose to protect students from this ordeal should have been one. On the other hand since it was you I know you would do anything for your friends and I do realize the guilt you must feel but there is none to be had I assure you. Your friends are very grateful for what you did do as am I. Now go enjoy the sun and time with your friends."

Her feeling comforted she beamed at Minerva and ran to join her friends out at the lake. On her way out she caught the grin that graced her Scottish woman's face. She couldn't wait to see her over the summer even if it was going to be all business. This year ended with only one other occurrence. Harry retells his trip to see the headmaster. Now they they were all recovered and things had died down Harry had a meeting to talk about things.

Headmaster Dumbledore relieved him of his fears of being meant for the Slytherin house all along by telling him the sword of Gryffindor wouldn't have come to his aid other wise. The truth was if it hadn't no one would have been able to save him. Along with Hagrid Dumbledore was removed from school. He older man felt embarrassed of his failure to keep Harry safe. While harry forgave him and bonded closer to him Hermione only found it was more reason to one day learn what grieved him so much. What was his secret.

That same meeting Harry said Dobby was there under Lucius Malfoy beck and call. Feeling for the poor elf she was happy to hear Harry found a way to free him of his master. Serving the Malfoy's and his interest to keep Harry safe mad the moment of his freedom very special. He had deflected his now former masters hex that was meant for Harry. Learning of the elf's care and who he served Hermione could only imagine the number of unhappy elves.

"Its not always like that Hermione honestly it makes them happy to serve a family." She had been rambling half the drive back to London and could see her friends just wanted to wish her well this summer before the train stopped and they would be rushed apart by family for three months.

"I'm just sure that's how everyone thinks maybe some needs to ask them and make a change. Any way I suppose you wont have to worry about not getting our letters this summer Harry." Hermione looked upon the three others and they all agreed letters would be sent. Even Ginny although shy towards her savior was excited to have more than just Luna and Neville to message over the summer.

The boys rushed out together as soon as the train stopped leaving Hermione and Ginny together. There had been no time since Ginny was saved to talk to her about the behavior she had taken to find out why Ginny was acting funny. She didn't want her to think poorly of her ability to give privacy.

"Gin I-"

"Thanks f-" they chuckle at this.

"I don't want you to think your private life isn't private from me. I was just worried about you and eventually when I pieced it together I was worry about you health what would happen if it continued. I would never invade your mind or thoughts unless it was for your safety. And even then I will talk to you first."

"Thank you for being worried for digging for realizing. My own brothers didn't catch on. I like harry and yeah he is a famous wizard but I mean after this year I'll be luck if he even wants to be friends. You were the only one that treated me like I was normal this year and worried about me. Aside from Luna who thinks everything is bothering me thanks to Tom Riddle. Wish this whole year could just never have happened. it was awfully realizing something was going on and feeling guilty once bad things happened." Hermione was sure she would need her family and friends a lot over the summer.

"Honestly you may just need to let Harry catch on and get use to other boys yourself eventually maybe you two will work out. Feel free to write me over the summer about anything you start remembering or if you have bad days. I truly hope you don't." This and a small smile really brightened her up. They walked out together joining her family where she waved goodbye to all of them.

Looking at her parents she realized she would have to gently break to them the events of this year. Sighing heavily and dropping her bags for a moment she ran into their excitedly open arms. Later, she would tell them later for now she was just glad to have made it home. Someone like Draco who was deeply frowning as his father dragged him home might not be but she had a feeling that after the given Summer beak for three months they will all be happily in school again.


review please!

see as soon as the petrification happens it literally almost over. I hope I did fairly well and that given time I can keep you all happy with all the years to come. It's going to start getting interesting from here on with Hermione's point of view. I mean soo much can be done keep reading an please let know if you find anything you want to see or even and adjustments. I'll certainly try.