Fred followed George into the common room, laughing about a prank they were both planning. He stopped short and elbowed George in the side, pointing towards a window seat. George hushed as they noticed Maria sitting in the window seat and looking out the window rather than at her book sitting in her lap.

"Should we?" Fred whispered.

George nodded. Ever since the attacks had started they'd been concerned about their cousin. While they may tease her, she was still family.

Maria watched the rain as it hit the window, trying to sort out all of her thoughts. The attacks occurring on muggle born students were frightening her. She was at risk since her mother was a muggle. Still, more than that, Oliver Wood was bothering her even more.

"Hey Maria."

Maria snapped out of her daze, "Hi Fred, George."

"You okay?" George asked.

"Yeah, just thinking."

"What about?" Fred said as he eased up onto the window seat next to her.

"Lots of stuff."

"You aren't worried about the attacks are you?"

"A little."

George pulled himself up to sit on her other side. "Well, you know Fred and I will walk with you anywhere if you ever need the company."

Maria smiled at them both. She knew they were both troublemakers, but they really did have big hearts. "Thanks."

Fred eased an arm around her shoulder, "We Weasley's have to stick together." He leaned forward and grinned at his brother.

"This Lockhart book looks well read."

"He's interesting. I like his writing. Have you all read any of his books?"

"Heck no, he's a twit."

"He is not."

Fred raised a brow; "You don't have a crush on him like half of the other girls in this school."

"Who, Lockhart? No… not really."

George smirked, "Speaking of crushes, how are things going with Oliver?"

"What do you mean?" Maria looked at them both.

"Well you have been spending a lot of time with him lately."

Maria rolled her eyes, "I'm tutoring him."

Fred looked at George and they both looked at Maria doubtfully, "Uh huh."

"What?"

"Oh Come on Maria, we know you've had a crush on him since our first year at Hogwarts."

"Have not." Maria leaned back crossing her arms over her chest. She could feel heat rising into her cheeks as they started to turn pink.

George chuckled, "Come on, you can tell us. Its obvious any way."

"What's obvious?"

"Take Quidditch for example."

Maria looked at Fred, "Quidditch?"

"Yeah," George answered, knowing where his twin was headed. "You hated Quidditch when you first came here."

"I did not."

"You never went to any games our first year, and you always told us how stupid it was."

"I go to all the games now." Maria watched them.

"But you didn't go our first year, when Oliver wasn't on the team."

"I… I was too busy."

George looked at Fred and nodded. "What position does Oliver play?"

"He's the keeper," Maria responded quickly. She was a tad proud of herself, seeing as she really didn't know that much about Quidditch, and the twins were right about why she went to the games.

"Very good." Fred grinned, "Now, what positions do George and I play?"

Maria frowned, "Umm… you… you're… you hit those things… those… balls…"

"See?" The twins said at the same time.

"Just admit it Maria."

"I… have to go." Maria got up and turned to look back at them.

"Alright, be that way. Remember, if you need company to go anywhere, just find one or the both of us."

Maria smiled and nodded, "Thanks."

The twins winked as she turned away.

Maria walked up to her room to get her books for her tutoring session with Oliver. So what if she liked him, it wasn't like she even stood a chance. She was plain and she wasn't popular. She shrugged closing her eyes before turning away and forcing herself to forget about him.

~~

Marissa was curled up in a chair when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to look but didn't find anything. She squealed when she turned and found a chocolate frog on her. "Fred!" she said glaring at him.

Fred grinned at her. "Gotcha," he said.

"Do not try and start a prank war with my sister and I," Marissa warned. "We will beat you into the ground."

"Oh really?" Fred asked with a raised eyebrow.

"What kind of trouble are you getting us into now, Fred?" George asked walking over with snacks overflowing in his arms.

"He's attempting to start a prank war against Alissa and I," Marissa said.

"That sounds interesting," George said setting his food down.

"But not a smart move," Alissa said joining her sister.

"Wanna bet on that?" George said.

"What are you betting on now, George?" Percy asked as he walked over.

George rolled his eyes. "We aren't betting on anything Percy," he said.

"You better not be, or I'll owl mum so fast. And she'll definitely put a stop to it," Percy said, turning on his heel to walk away.

"I wish he'd lighten up," Fred said with a groan.

"You know what I heard?" Marissa said.

"What?" George asked.

"I heard that Slytherin girl, Andromeda, that's a year behind Percy has a crush on him," Marissa said.

"You mean the one with the tongue stud and nose ring?" Alissa asked.

Marissa nodded. "She's actually really nice," she said. "Ran into her once in the girl's bathroom and she is so un-Slytherin like it's weird. Though you'd never know it by looking at her, but she's really very shy."

"I have an idea," George said with a grin. "Let's work at setting her and Percy up."

"Are you serious?" Fred asked watching him. "Percy'd have our head." A grin slowly spread across his face. "I love the idea!"

Marissa raised her eyebrow. "You two are gluttons for punishment aren't you?" she asked.

"Well aren't we?" Alissa said glancing at her sister. Marissa grinned, and the four put their heads together to start conspiring.

Maria sat quietly in her corner window seat, sipping her butter beer. She watched her fellow Gryffindors. She watched Oliver who had a huge grin on his face. His slim form was dressed in a grey turtleneck and black jeans. She sighed as he joked around with Angelina, his laugh resounding to her ears. She looked at her watch and yawned. She sighed and decided to go to bed. She looked up as a shadow stood before her.

"You came."

Maria looked up, her heart thudding against her chest, "You asked me to. Besides, it's too loud to sleep."

Oliver sat down next to her, "I'm glad you came."

Maria blushed, "Well we did win, it's nice to celebrate."

"Yeah, and your cousins are really good at getting the party going."

"They have their ways."

Oliver grinned, "Want to dance?"

"I…" Maria looked down at her hands, "I'm… not really good at dancing."

Oliver looked at his hands and then back at her, "Right, well, um… you are having fun though?"

Maria looked at him and nodded, "Yeah, I am."

Oliver smiled and looked like he wanted to say something else, but his head turned when he heard his name. Angelina waved him over. He looked back at Maria, "Well, I'll… um… talk to you later."

Maria nodded, "Later." Watching Oliver head back over to Angelina's side.



~~

Autumn snuck quietly back into the common room. She looked around moving towards the stairs leading to her room, but stopped when a movement caught her eye. She looked into the darkened corner and slowly approached. "Draco?"

Draco didn't look up, "Go to bed Autumn."

"Are you okay?" Autumn sat next to her brother.

"No." Draco looked at her, "He made me look like a fool."

"You didn't look like a fool Draco."

"It was right next to my head and I didn't see it Autumn. I'm supposed to be the seeker."

Autumn eased an arm around him, "It'll be okay Draco."

"If it weren't for father, I wouldn't be on the team and I wouldn't be the seeker."

"Draco you're an excellent flyer."

"But I'm not a seeker Autumn."

"It's your first season and it was your first game. You'll improve."

Draco sighed hugging her tightly. "Where have you been?"

"Just walking."

Draco watched her in the moonlight, "It's late. You should go to bed."

Autumn smiled and kissed her brother's cheek, "Will you be okay?"

Draco nodded, "Yeah, I just need some more time to think."

Autumn nodded getting up. "Love you Draco."

"Love you too. Good night sis."

Autumn smiled moving up the stairs. As she did, she heard the secret entrance to the common room open and close again. She turned and looked to see that Draco was gone. Autumn paused then headed to her room wondering about her big brother.

~~

"Mister Malfoy, where are you headed at this late hour?" Professor Snape asked.

Draco turned around, glancing at him. "The room I told you about," he said.

Snape nodded. "Where you meet Miss Granger?" he asked.

"You disapprove," Draco said a bit glumly.

"On the contrary," Snape said. "I wish I'd taken the chance with someone from my school days that you have taken. But I allowed the house rivalries to make my decision."

"What was she like?" Draco asked.

"Very much like Miss Granger," Snape said. "One of the cleverest witches in school. She and I were the top students in Potions, much like you and Hermione are."

"You never tried being friends?" Draco asked.

"We tried, but between house rivalries, and the extreme dislike her brother and I had to each other, it never came to be," Snape said. "My advice to you is never let her go. Do not let Hermione slip through your fingers."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Professor, we're just friends, tentative ones at that," he said.

Snape watched him. "It doesn't matter," he said. "Any relationships you have with a young woman such as Miss Granger are a very precious gift. Be it romantic or friendship."

"You sound like you miss your friend," Draco said.

"I miss Jennifer very much," Snape said. "If I could have a second chance to make things right with her, I would."

Draco nodded. "Thank you, Professor," he said.

"You're welcome, Mister Malfoy," Snape said. He watched Draco walk in the direction of the room that he shared with Hermione. His thoughts began to wander to Jennifer. If it hadn't been for the rivalry he had with James, Sirius and Remus, he probably would be married to her. He had been in love with her forever.

Sighing, Snape turned, shaking his head. 'Who are you kidding? Jennifer was way out of your league, just as Margaret and Lily were out of Lucius's,'he thought to himself. He headed to his rooms, his mind still on the raven-haired beauty that had plagued his dreams since she had started at Hogwart's in his second year.

~~

Hermione looked up as Draco walked into the room they shared so to speak. She tilted her head watching him. She couldn't help but wonder if he was behind these attacks. If this friendship was nothing more than a trick to have her attacked by whatever was causing the terror to grip the school.

"You okay?" Draco asked as he walked over and sat in the opposite corner from her.

Hermione nodded, leaning her chin on her knees again. She had changed into a pair of pajama pants and a long sleeved shirt that she could pull over her knees if she wanted to. Her cloak lay across a nearby chair. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail at the nape of her neck. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"What makes you think I wouldn't be?" Draco asked a bit stiffly.

"Draco, I was at the Quidditch match," Hermione said.

Draco sighed heavily. "Don't remind me," he said. "Potter managed to humiliate me pretty good."

"Can I ask you something?" Hermione said.

"I suppose," Draco said warily.

"Why did you let your dad buy your way to seeker?" Hermione asked. She was expecting him to blow up at her but he didn't.

"I don't know," he murmured. "My sister I'm sure is wondering the same thing."

"Do you even like Quidditch?" Hermione asked.

"I adore Quidditch," Draco said. "I've always wanted to play. But seeker was not the first choice for me. I've always wanted to be keeper."

"Isn't the keeper position going to be open next year?" Hermione asked. "Isn't your current keeper a seventh year?"

"My father might not like it," Draco murmured.

"And if your father told you to jump of a bridge would you do it?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow.

Draco sighed and looked at her. "That was mean," he said.

"Don't tell me mean, what about what you said about the Chamber of secrets?"

Draco winced. "Sorry about that," he mumbled. "I didn't mean it."

"Then you shouldn't have said it." Draco sighed. "Did you mean it?" Hermione asked.

"Of course not, you don't honestly think I meant it do you?" Draco said.

"I don't know," Hermione said sadly. "Until this year we weren't exactly close."

"I honestly didn't mean it, Hermione," Draco said softly. "It just came out before I had a chance to think about what I was saying."

Hermione looked at him. She knelt over and crawled the short distance towards him and lay down against him, her head on his chest. Draco's arms instinctively came around her holding her close. It was something he often did with his sister at home when they were trying to avoid their father.

"Are you going home for Christmas?" Hermione asked softly.

"I don't know," Draco said. "I haven't discussed it with Autumn yet."

Hermione nodded then yawned lightly. "I think I am staying," she said.

"We have time," Draco said, closing his eyes as he scooted down to lean his head comfortably against the arm of the sofa. Hermione let the soft thudding of his heartbeat lull her to sleep.

~~

Hours and hours later, Harry woke quite suddenly, yelping in pain. His arm felt full of large splinters. At first he thought that it was what had woken him up, then he realized someone was sponging his forehead.

"Get off!" he said loudly, and then, "Dobby!"

Dobby the house elf was peering at Harry through the darkness. A single tear was running down his long pointed nose. "Why didn't Harry Potter go back home after he missed the train?" he sniveled. "Dobby warned and warned Harry Potter. Ah sir, why didn't you heed Dobby?"

"What're you doing here?" Harry asked, heaving himself up. "And how did you know I missed the train?" Dobby's lip was trembling, and realization dawned on Harry.

"It was you!" he said slowly. "You stopped the barrier from letting us through!"

"Indeed sir, yes," said Dobby. "Dobby hid and watched Harry Potter and sealed the gateway and Dobby had to iron his hands afterwards. But Dobby didn't care sir, for he thought Harry Potter was safe, and never did Dobby dream that Harry Potter would get to school another way!"

"You nearly got Ron and me expelled," Harry said fiercely. "You'd better get lost before my bones come back or I might strangle you."

"Dobby is used to death threats sir, gets them five times a day at home," Dobby said. He blew his nose on the filthy pillowcase he wore.

"Why do you wear that thing, Dobby?" Harry asked curiously.

"Tis a mark of the house-elf's enslavement, sir. Dobby can only be freed if his masters present him with clothes sir. The family is careful not to pass Dobby even a sock, sir, for then he would be free to leave their house forever." Dobby mopped his bulging eyes and said suddenly. "Harry Potter must go home! Dobby thought his Bludger would be enough to make---."

"Your Bludger?" Harry said angrily. "What do you mean, your Bludger?! You made that Bludger try and kill me?"

"Not kill you, never kill you," Dobby said shocked. "Dobby wants to save Harry Potter! Better to go home grievously injured then remain here sir! Dobby only wanted Harry Potter hurt enough to be sent home!"

"Oh is that all? I don't suppose you're going to tell me why you wanted me sent home in pieces?" Harry asked.

"If Harry Potter only knew! If he knew what he means to us. Dobby remembers how it was when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was in power. It was terrible sir," Dobby said. "It is terrible now for Dobby at home. Now that the Chamber of Secrets is open again---." Dobby looked horror struck as he hit himself over the head with Harry's water pitcher. "Bad Dobby, very bad Dobby."

"So there is a Chamber of Secrets?" Harry whispered. "And--- it's been open before? Tell me Dobby!"

"Ask no more of Dobby sir," Dobby said. "Dark deeds are planned in this place, but Harry Potter must not be here when they happen."

"Who is it, Dobby?" Harry asked. "Who's opened it? Who opened it last time?"

"Dobby can't, sir," Dobby said. "Go home, Harry Potter!" Dobby suddenly froze, his ears perking. "Dobby must go!" There was a loud crack, and Harry's fist was suddenly clutching thin air. He heard footsteps drawing nearer to the hospital wing.

"Get Madame Pomfrey," whispered Dumbledore. He looked to be holding the head of a statue, and McGonagall followed in, appearing to be holding the feet of the statue.

Madame Pomfrey came scurrying over. "What happened?" she whispered, bending over the statue.

"Another attack," Dumbledore said. "Minerva found him on the stairs."

"We think he was trying to sneak up here to see Potter," McGonagall said. "There were a bunch of grapes next to him." Harry's stomach gave a horrible lurch. He raised himself a few inches to look at the statue just as a ray of moonlight slashed across its face. It was Colin Creevey.

"Petrified?" Madame Pomfrey said.

"Yes," McGonagall said. "But I shudder to think… If Albus hadn't been on the way downstairs for hot chocolate---." Dumbledore leaned forward and wrenched the camera out of Colin's rigid grasp. "Do you think he managed to get a picture of his attacker?" McGonagall asked.

Dumbledore didn't answer. He opened the back of the camera. "Goodness gracious!" Madame Pomfrey said. A jet of steam had hissed out of the camera. Harry, three beds away caught the acrid smell of burnt plastic.

"Melted," Madame Pomfrey said.

"What does this mean, Albus?" McGonagall said.

"It means," said Dumbledore. "That the Chamber of Secrets is indeed open again." Madame Pomfrey clapped a hand to her mouth as McGonagall stared at Dumbledore.

"But Albus, surely, who?" McGonagall asked.

"The question is not who," Dumbledore said, his eyes on Colin. "The question is how…"

Harry could see Professor McGonagall's shadowy face, and he could tell that she didn't understand this any better than he did.



~~

"How could something like this happen, Albus?" McGonagall said as she walked into the rooms she shared secretly with Dumbledore. Their offices led into their rooms through secret passageways so as not to alert anyone to their relationship.

"My love, stop fretting," Dumbledore said. "We will get through this and find the person responsible before anything else happens."

"What about our granddaughter?" McGonagall said, wringing her hands. "She could be in danger! Everyone thinks she is a muggle-born."

Dumbledore walked over and caught her hands. "Shh," he said soothingly. "You must think positively, Minerva. She will be fine, we will get through this, just as we have with everything else."

McGonagall looked up at him, tears falling down her cheeks. "Oh Albus, I am so scared for her," she whispered. "She is so close and we can't protect her the way I'd like us to. To hold her close and protect her."

Dumbledore wiped her tears away. "She is protected, love," he said gently. "She is a smart girl, she will not be hurt. We could not be more proud of her, you know that."

McGonagall stroked his cheek gently. She leaned up and gently kissed him before leading him towards their bed for the night.

~~

Snape walked to the east hall and stared at the wall he knew led into a room. He softly gave the password to the room and wall shimmered and faded to reveal the room. He walked in noticing that the only light in the room was the fading fire. He frowned. He knew Draco wasn't in his room and upon inquiring as to Hermione's whereabouts he found that she wasn't in her room either.

Snape moved closer and saw Draco's blonde head resting against the arm of the sofa and he peered down. A smile started to make its way across his often too serious face as he looked down. Hermione was sprawled beside Draco, her head on his chest and her hair loosened from her ponytail. Her cheeks were pink as were Draco's as he laid there, his arm around her protectively. Muttering a soft incantation, a soft blanket appeared. He laid it gently over the top of the two students, pausing when Draco shifted slightly. Hermione's nose merely wrinkled then both settled again.

Snape smiled a bit and turned to walk out of the room silently. He made a mental note to himself to come down early enough to wake them both up so they could sneak into their dorms before anyone woke up so they wouldn't have any questions asked. He glanced one more time at them before leaving the room.

~~

Autumn walked down to the common room the next morning. "Hi Autumn."

"Hi Terrence." Autumn smiled at the third year that played Quidditch with her brother.

"How's Draco doing?"

"Disappointed, but I think he'll be okay."

Terrence moved over to let Autumn sit down by him. "Flint can be pretty harsh."

Autumn smiled sitting and curling her legs under her. "Draco really isn't a seeker. He always preferred being the keeper."

"Really?" Terrence looked at her surprised.

"Actually," Autumn blushed a bit, "Whenever we played Quidditch at home, I was always the seeker."

"There will be a keeper spot open next year. If he goes for that, are you going to try for seeker?"

"I thought I might."

Terrence smiled, "That would be neat."

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask you if you'd help me train."

"I'm not that good Autumn. That's why I switched."

"You were seeker for a year though. And the only reason Flint really moved you was because of my father. Otherwise, you'd probably still be seeker."

"Alright. I'll give you the tips that I can."

"Thanks Terrence."

"Anytime. So Autumn…"

"Yeah."

"Are you in classes with Ginny Weasley?"

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"I don't know. Just seen her around. And well, I've just noticed she doesn't look well."

"She has gotten a bit more skittish as of late, but she's still in classes and she still gets good scores."

Terrence nodded, "Ah, okay."

"What are you doing worrying about her anyway? She is a Gryffindor."

"Like Harry Potter is a Gryffindor?" Terrence grinned at her with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Well, um… yeah… like… that."

Terrence nodded, "Thought so."

~~

Harry woke up Sunday morning to find the dormitory blazing with winter sunlight and his arm reboned but very stiff. He sat up and looked at Colin's bed, but it was blocked. Madame Pomfrey came over when she saw that he was awake and started stretching and bending his fingers and arms. "All in order," she said as he clumsily tried to feed himself. "When you've finished eating you may leave."

Harry dressed quickly and hurried back to Gryffindor tower, desperate to tell Hermione and Ron about Colin and Dobby, but they weren't there. Harry went looking for them wondering where they could have got to and feeling slightly hurt that they weren't interested in whether he had his bones back or not.

Harry passed the library just as Percy Weasley strolled out of it, looking in far better spirits than last time they'd met. "Oh hello Harry," Percy said. "Excellent flying yesterday, really excellent. Gryffindor has just taken the lead for the House Cup—you earned fifty points!"

"You haven't seen Ron or Hermione, have you?" Harry asked.

"No, I haven't," Percy said, his smile fading. "I hope Ron's not in another girl's toilet…"

Harry forced a laugh. He watched Percy walk out of sight and then headed straight for Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. He couldn't see why Ron and Hermione would be in there again, but after making sure that neither Filch nor any prefects were around, he opened the door and heard their voices coming from a locked stall.

"It's me," he said, closing the door behind him. He heard a clunk and a splash. A gasp came from within the stall and he saw Hermione's eye peering through the keyhole.

"Harry!" she said. "You gave us such a fright! How's your arm? Come in!"

"Fine," Harry said, squeezing into the stall. An old cauldron was perched on the toilet. Crackling from under the rim told Harry they had lit a fire beneath it. He had thought before he came in he had heard Ron and Hermione arguing a bit.

"Why were you two arguing?" Harry asked curiously.

"No reason," Hermione said. Her cheeks were pink, her eyes flashing.

"Hermione showed up in Gryffindor tower in her pajamas this morning," Ron growled out.

"So what!" Hermione said her hands on her hips. "You both know I have a room I go to when I need to be by myself. Sometimes I fall asleep there."

"We're supposed to be friends!" Ron said. "Why won't you tell us where this room is?"

"Ron don't," Harry said. Ron looked at him with a frown. "Hermione doesn't have to tell us everything, one day we'll probably want that same consideration."

"You keeping secrets too Harry?" Ron asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I didn't say that," Harry said. "Can we get back to this?"

Ron sighed and looked. "We were gonna come see you this morning, but we decided to get started on the Polyjuice Potion instead," he said. "We decided this is the safest place to hide it."

Harry started to tell them about Colin, but Hermione interrupted. "We already know—we heard Professor McGonagall telling Professor Flitwick this morning. That's why we decided we'd better get going--." The trio had decided to create a Polyjuice potion in order to get a confession out of Draco in regards to anything he might know with the Chamber of Secrets.

"The sooner we get the confession out of Malfoy the better," Ron snarled. He didn't see the slightly guilty expression on Hermione's face. "D'you know what I think?" He was in such a foul temper after the Quidditch match, he took it out on Colin."

"Ron," Hermione said softly. "Don't…"

"Well it's true, that's what I think," Ron said, glancing at Hermione.

"There's something else," Harry broke in. He watched as Hermione started tearing bundles of knotgrass and throwing them into the potion. "Dobby came to visit me in the middle of the night." Ron and Hermione looked up amazed as Harry told them everything Dobby had told him—or hadn't told him. Hermione and Ron listened with their mouths open.

"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened before?!" Hermione said. This meant that it couldn't be Draco. She frowned slightly when Ron spoke.

"This settles it," Ron said triumphantly. "Lucius Malfoy must've opened the Chamber when he was at school here and now he's told dear old Draco how to do it. It's obvious. Wish Dobby'd told you what kind of monster is in there, though. I want to know how come nobody's noticed it sneaking around the school."

"Maybe it can make itself invisible or maybe it can disguise itself—pretend to be a suit of armor or something—I've read about Chameleon Ghouls—"

"You read too much, Hermione," Ron said, pouring dead lacewings on top of the leeches Hermione had put into the potion. He looked at Harry.

"So Dobby stopped us from getting on the train and broke your arm…" He shook his head. "You know what, Harry? If he doesn't stop trying to save your life, he's going to kill you."

~~

News of Colin's attack spread like wild fire through the castle. Ginny, who sat next to Colin in Charms, was distraught. Harry felt that Fred and George were going the wrong way about cheering her up. They were taking turns covering themselves with fur and boils and jumping out at her. They stopped when Percy told them he was going to write their mother and tell her that Ginny was having nightmares. Marissa and Alissa had admonished the twin boys for their attempts at scaring their sister.

Hidden from the teachers, a roaring trade in talismans, amulets and other protective devices were sweeping the school. Neville Longbottom had bought a large, evil-smelling green onion, a pointed purple crystal, and a rotting newt tail before the other Gryffindor boys pointed out that he was in no danger he was a pure-blood, therefore unlikely to be attacked.

"But they went after Filch first," Neville pointed out one night in the common room. "And everyone knows I am practically a Squib."

"You are not, Neville," Hermione said glancing at him. "You just need a little tutoring."

"If it's all the same, I'll still keep these as protection."

"Oh honestly!" Hermione shook her head.

~~

Autumn walked over to her brother in the library. "Hey."

"Hey there. What are you doing over here?" asked Draco.

"Looking for you. How are you doing?"

"Better. I'm okay, really."

"Good. Father sent a letter."

Draco put down his pen and leaned back, "What does it say?"

"He wants to know if we are planning on coming home for the holidays or not."

"He's giving us a choice?"

"Apparently."

"Well?"

"I would rather stay here then go home Draco."

"I agree. I'll send word and put our names on the list as staying for the holidays."

Autumn smiled and nodded, "Where did you run off to last night?"

"Just for a walk. Needed to think."

"I was worried about you."

"It's okay."

Autumn nodded and kissed his cheek. "I've got to go. I'm meeting a group from one of my classes."

"Alright, I'll see you at dinner then."

"Yup," Autumn said as she stood up and turned to leave.

~~

The Polyjuice potion still wasn't quite ready. They still needed the bicorn horn and the boomslang skin, and the only place they could be gotten was in Snape's private stores. That was the topic of conversation the next day before their Thursday double potions class.

"What we need," Hermione said. "Is a diversion. Then one of us can sneak into Snape's office and take what we need." Harry and Ron exchanged looks nervously. "I think I'd better do the actual stealing," Hermione continued. "You two will get expelled if you get into anymore trouble. All you need to do is create some mayhem for five minutes to keep Snape busy."

Harry smiled feebly. Deliberately causing mayhem in Snape's Potions class was about as safe as poking a sleeping dragon in the eye. Potions always took place in one of the larger dungeons. That afternoon's lesson proceeded the usual way. Twenty cauldrons stood steaming between the wooden desks, on which stood brass scales and jars of ingredients Snape prowled through the fumes, making waspish remarks about Gryffindors' work while the Slytherins sniggered appreciatively. Draco wasn't quite as hostile as normal, but so as not to raise questions, he kept flicking puffer-fish eyes at Ron and Harry.

Harry's swelling solution was far too runny, but he had his mind on more important things. He was waiting for Hermione's signal. When Snape turned away from insulting Harry's potion to pick on Neville, Hermione caught Snape's eye and nodded. Harry ducked swiftly behind his cauldron and pulled one of Fred's filibuster fireworks from his robe and gave it a quick prod with his wand. He straightened as it began to sputter and lobbed it into the air. It landed directly in Goyle's cauldron.

Goyle's potion exploded, showering the class. People shrieked as splashes of swelling solution hit them. Malfoy got a face full and Hermione paused, worried for him. She began to hurry again after shaking herself out of it. Draco's nose began to swell like a balloon. Goyle blundered around, his hands over his eyes, which had expanded to the size of dinner plates. Snape was trying to restore calm and find out what happened. Through it all, Harry saw Hermione slip into Snape's office.

"Silence! SILENCE!" Snape roared. "Anyone who has been splashed, come here for a Deflating Draft—when I found out who did this…" Harry tried not to laugh as he watched Draco hurry forward, his head drooping with the weight of his nose like a small melon. As half of the class lumbered to Snape's desk, some weighted down with arms like clubs, including Morgana who was cradling her one hand which had swollen to the size of a quaffle, others unable to talk through giant puffed up lips, Harry saw Hermione slide back into the dungeon, the front of her robes bulging.

Once everyone who needed it had taken the antidote, Snape moved over to Goyle's cauldron. From the cauldron he retrieved the twisted black remains of the firework causing all in the room to go silent. "If I ever find out who threw this," Snape glanced around his voice nothing more than a harsh whisper, "I shall make sure that person is expelled."

Harry forced his expression into one of confusion and puzzlement. He met Snape's piercing glare. When the bell finally rang, he quickly gathered his things and ran out the classroom.

Morgana watched Ron, Harry and Hermione run out of Potions class. She'd stayed to talk to Snape, but she knew that the three of them were up to something and she wanted to know what. She followed them down a hallway and as Hermione and Harry rounded a corner, she grabbed the hood of Ron's robe and pulled him back, pinning him against the wall.

Ron choked and then gasped as he was thrown against a wall, "What?!"

Morgana looked, "Explain slug boy."

"Explain what?" Ron looked at her, his eyes wide in fear.

"What did you take from Snape's office? Why did Harry set off that firework?"

Ron shook his head, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't lie to me Weasley. I saw the whole thing. What are you three up to?"

"It was just a dare. Hermione didn't take anything important. Just a few ingredients that aren't in the student stores."

Morgana raised a brow, "Why don't I believe you Weasley?"

"Look, we're not going to harm anyone. It's just for something that we're working on for ourselves."

Morgana still held him against the wall. "I should report you all to Professor Snape right now."

"Please don't. We'd all get expelled."

"Give me one good reason not to."

"We didn't do anything of real harm. No one's hurt and Snape won't miss what we took."

"If I hear that you three have caused a student to get hurt because of some potion you're brewing, I won't hesitate to report it."

Ron held his hands up, "Okay. Could you, um… put me down now please?"

Morgana released her hold on him so he wasn't pushed against the wall anymore. "Remember."

"Right." Ron backed away from her and then turned and ran down the corridor.

Harry and Hermione looked at Ron as he came running down the hallway to the bathroom. "What took you so long?"

"I dropped something, had to go back to get it." Ron said breathlessly. He didn't want them to know that Morgana had seen them. Might make them panic.

Harry nodded and pushed the door to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom open. "Snape knew it was me." He said as he entered. "I could tell."

Hermione didn't answer, concentrating on the potion and adding the new ingredients. "It'll be ready in two weeks." She finally announced.

Ron made a face and looked at Harry, "Snape can't prove it was you. Besides, what could he possibly do about it?"

Harry sighed looking at them both, "Knowing him, something foul."

Ron nodded hoping that Morgana kept her word and didn't say anything to Snape about what she had seen.

~~

Morgana walked into Snape's office and went over.

"Morgana."

"Sir."

"How's your hand?"

"It's fine, though my arm is a bit sore from the weight it held for that time."

Snape walked over and ran his hand over her arm feeling for any potential damage that her swollen hand could have caused. "Is it true about the Chamber of Secrets?" she asked.

"It is not a legend as they say. It happened once before in the history of Hogwarts, when Professor Dumbledore was a teacher here."

"What happened?"

"The culprit was caught and expelled."

"Do you have any idea of who it could be now?"

"No. But you are safe."

"Am I really? I'm a half blood."

Snape rubbed her arms and kissed her forehead, "You'll be okay. I won't let anything happen to you."

Morgana nodded and looked, "I'd better go. I have to get to practice."

"I will speak to you later this evening then."

Morgana nodded, "Bye."

Snape watched her leave and then sat down in his chair, trying to figure out how he could make her feel at ease.

~~

Hermione walked into the private room she shared with Draco. She bit her lip. "You okay?" she asked.

Draco looked up, his nose the size it normally was. "Yeah, neck hurts a little though," he said. "You didn't get splashed did you?"

Hermione shook her head and walked over and sat down beside him. "No," she said. "I don't sit near you remember?"

Draco nodded and rubbed his neck. "I wonder what in the world happened," he said.

"Snape didn't say anything?" Hermione asked.

"Saw the filibuster in his hand but no, he hasn't said anything," Draco said. Hermione bit her lip and looked into the fire.

"Do you know anything about it?" Draco asked her.

Hermione shook her head. "I was as surprised as you were," she said. Draco raised an eyebrow. Hermione hadn't made eye contact with him. Something was off.

~~

A week past since the Potions incident and Harry, Ron and Hermione had relaxed to some extent. They walked into the entrance hall and moved over to a small group of people that were gathered around the notice board. Seamus and Dean motioned to them excitedly.

"They're going to start a Dueling Club!" Seamus told them. "The first meeting is tonight! Dueling lesson might come in handy one of these days…"

"What, do you reckon Slytherin's monster can duel?" Said Ron, but he also read the sing with interest.

"Should we go?" Ron asked as the three friends headed in for dinner. "It could be useful."

Harry and Hermione agreed so they decided to meet that evening and attend together.

~~

Autumn smiled bouncing into the common room. "Did you see Draco?"

Draco looked up from his book, "See what?"

"About the dueling club? Are you going to go?"

"Yes, I am, but I don't want you to go."

Autumn's excited look vanished and she frowned, "You don't want me to go?"

"No. I don't think it'll be a good idea right now."

Autumn sat down and looked at him, "But why?"

"You're still learning the basics, and well, I don't know, I just think it would be best if you didn't go."

Autumn looked at him, "I really wanted to go."

Draco hugged her to him, his arm around her shoulders. "Let me go and see if it's safe. We don't know who's running it and I want to make sure it'll be safe. If it is, then you can go to the next meeting."

Autumn looked, "There are other first years going though."

"Do you trust me Autumn?"

Autumn shook her head, "Yes."

"Then do this for me. I have a not so great feeling about this, and I don't want you getting hurt."

"Alright then. I'll wait."

Draco kissed her forehead. "Thanks."

Autumn nodded, "So where have you been hiding lately?"

"No where in particular. Just been busy." Draco looked down at his watch, "Actually, I have to get going. I'm late."

"Late for what?"

"Meeting with another student." Draco gathered his books. "I'll see you later."

"Bye." Autumn waved, watching him run out of the common room.

~~

At eight o' clock, Harry, Hermione and Ron hurried back to the Great Hall. The dining tables had disappeared and in their place, a golden stage had appeared along one wall. The room was still lit by thousands of candles floating overhead. The ceiling was velvety black and it seemed as if every Hogwarts student was packed beneath it, wands in hand talking excitedly.

"I wonder who'll be our instructor." Hermione said as they moved into the crowd. "I heard that Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was younger. It might be him."

"As long as it's not…" Harry started, but ended with a groan. Gilderoy Lockhart had walked onto the stage, resplendent in robes of deep plum. Accompanying him was Snape in his usual black robes.

Lockhart motioned for silence and called out, "Everyone Gather round Please! Gather round!" He watched as the students moved closer to the stage, "Can everyone see me? Can everyone hear me? Excellent!"

"Now, Professor Dumbledore has given me permission to start this dueling club and train you all to defend yourselves as I have done on countless occasions. For more details, see my published works. My assistant this evening is Professor Snape." Lockhart flashed a large smile at Snape. "He tells me that he knows a little bit about dueling and he has willingly agreed to assist me with a short demonstration. Now I don't want anyone to worry. Your Potions master will still be here when I'm through with him, never fear!"

"Wouldn't it be good if they finished each other off?" Ron muttered.

Morgana narrowed her eyes at Ron hearing his comment.

Alissa and Marissa smiled watching the action on stage. "I bet Snape finishes that twit off."

"What are we betting on?" George asked walking up behind them.

"Yeah, any chance we can be let in on the action?"

Alissa grinned looking at them, "Didn't think your mommy let you bet on things." She said teasingly.

"Yeah, we wouldn't want to get you two in trouble with your mommy." Marissa grinned.

Fred raised a brow. "Hey now."

"Come on, let us in on it." George looked at them with puppy dog eyes.

Alissa laughed, "I was just saying that I bet Snape knocks Lockhart into oblivion."

George laughed, "That would be something to see."

"Get rid of the twit." Fred smiled.

Marissa agreed. "He is useless."

"Look, they're starting. Let's see what happens." Alissa turned to watch the stage.

Harry watched as Snape sneered at Lockhart. He couldn't figure out why Lockhart was still smiling. He knew he wouldn't be if Snape was looking at him like that.

Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other. Snape jerked his head irritably at the twirling of Lockhart's hands as he bowed. They raised their wands in a defensive position in front of them.

"As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted position for combat." Lockhart told the crowd. "On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will aim to kill of course."

"I wouldn't bet on that." Harry mumbled as he watched Snape bare his teeth.

"One… two… three…"

Snape and Lockhart swung their wands over their heads and pointed them at their opponent. Snape cried, "Expelliarmus!" There was a bright flash of scarlet light and Lockhart flew off his feet backwards and smashed into a wall behind the stage. He slid down it and sprawled on the floor.

The Slytherins cheered. Hermione danced on her tiptoes. "Do you think he's all right?" She squealed between her fingers.

"Who cares?" Ron and Harry said simultaneously.

Lockhart got unsteadily to his feet. His hat lay on the ground, his wavy hair standing on end.

"Well," Lockhart said tottering back to the platform, "There you have it! That was a Disarming Charm. As you can see, I've lot my wand." Lockhart reached down as Lavender handed it to him, "Thank you Ms. Brown. Yes… an excellent thing to show them Professor Snape. However, it was very obvious that you were going to do that. If I had wished to stop you I could have done so easily, however, I felt that they should see that."

Maria jumped as someone rested a hand on her shoulder.

"You okay?" Oliver watched her.

Maria uncovered her eyes and nodded. "I thought Snape had killed him."

"He's fine." Oliver grinned watching her. "So are you like all the others. Do you have a crush on him too?"

Maria blushed, "No… not… not really." She looked down.

"It's okay. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I gotta go." Oliver nodded to where Angelina and some of the other members of the Quidditch team stood.

"Thanks." Maria whispered watching as he walked away to stand back by Angelina.

"Enough demonstrating!" Lockhart looked around, ignoring Snape's murderous glare. "Let's pair everybody up and then we will practice disarming only."

Lockhart moved through the crowd teaming up students. He teamed Neville with Justin Finch-Fletchley. Harry moved towards Ron as Snape approached them. "Time to split up the dream team."

"Weasley, you will partner with Morgana."

Morgana looked up at Snape and moved over to face Ron.

"Potter…" Harry moved automatically towards Hermione.

"I don't think so." Snape smiled coldly as he spoke. "Mr. Malfoy, come here. Let's see what you make of famous Mr. Potter. And you Miss Granger, you can pair up with Miss Bulstrode."

Harry watched Malfoy strut over followed by a Slytherin girl who was large, square and whose heavy jaw jutted with aggression. Hermione smiled weakly as they faced each other. In the back of Draco's mind he was wondering what in the world Snape was thinking for pairing Hermione with such a brutish girl.

"Face your partners!" Lockhart called from the platform. "And bow!"

Harry barely inclined his head at Malfoy, not taking his eyes off of him.

"Wands at the ready!" Lockhart shouted. "When I count to three cast your charms to disarm your opponents. Remember, disarm only! We don't want any accidents. One… two… three…"

Morgana grinned as Snape paired her with Ron for the duel. "Hello Weasley."

Ron frowned, "Um… right, hello."

Morgana stood mere paces away. "Did your little potion work slug boy?"

Ron frowned, "Stop calling me that!" He felt himself blush every time she called him that.

"Stop calling you what slug boy?" Morgana taunted as she walked around him in a circle like a cat stalking its prey.

Ron could feel the anger building inside of him. "Slug boy! Stop calling me slug boy!" He replied, his voice rising.

"And if I don't? What are you going to do about it?"

Ron clenched his fists. He heard Lockhart give the go ahead to start the duels. He raised his wand and there was a loud bang.

Harry swung his wand, but Draco had started on two. Harry stumbled as Draco's spell hit him. Everything was still working so Harry pointed his wand at Draco and shouted, "Rictusempra!"

A jet of silver light hit Malfoy in the stomach and he doubled over wheezing.

"I said disarm only!" Lockhart shouted in a panic over the battling crowd.

Draco sunk to his knees from the Tickling Charm that Harry had hit him with. He could barely move from all the laughing. Between gasping breaths, Draco pointed his wand at Harry's knees and choked, "Tarantallegra!"

Harry's legs began to jerk out of control in a quickstep of sorts.

"Stop! Stop!" Lockhart screamed.

Morgana had been in the process of waving her wand when she felt something hard hit her in the stomach. She fell backwards landing hard on the floor. She pulled her knees up to her chest as she tried to catch a breath of air.

Snape saw what had happened and tried to push his way through the crowd of dueling students. He narrowly ducked out of the way of a few misplaced spells as he hurried forward.

Ron's eyes went wide as Morgana fell backwards gasping for air. He immediately felt guilty about whatever his wand had done. He ran over, "Are you alright?"

Morgana stared at him with narrowed eyes. She felt like a fish out of water as she gasped for air. She watched as Snape ran over and muttered loudly, "Finite Incantatum!"

Ron watched as Morgana started to breath easer. He reached down and helped her up, "I'm sorry. My wand… I didn't mean to."

Ron continued to apologize, oddly enough feeling very concerned about her ashen face and stiff movements.

Morgana looked at Ron, "Forget… about… it." She said between breaths. "Do… me a… favor."

"What?" Ron asked watching her surprised that she hadn't yet tried to curse him.

Morgana eased away from him feeling better. "Get a new wand." She'd heard the spell that he'd been trying to cast and knew what hit her wasn't it. She nodded to Hermione and Milicent. "I think she needs help."

Ron yelped and ran over to help Hermione.

Morgana looked at Snape who was watching her with concern. She just nodded and went to sit down and rest.

"Oh dear," Lockhart said as he moved through the crowd, looking at the aftermath of the duels. "I think we'd better teach you how to block unfriendly spells." He glanced at Snape. "We'll have volunteer pair… Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley I think."

"Bad idea Professor Lockhart." Snape glided over towards him. "Longbottom causes devastation with the simplest of spells. Unless you wish to send what's left of Finch-Fletchley to the hospital wing in a matchbox."

Neville blushed bright red, his hands twisting in his robes. "How about Malfoy and Potter instead?" Snape rounded on the two boys with a twisted grin.

"Excellent idea!" Lockhart gestured the two of them to the stage.

Harry felt a bad feeling about this set up. He watched as Lockhart motioned him over. "Now Harry, when Draco points his wand, do this."

Harry felt sick as he watched Lockhart attempt a complicated wiggling action dropping his wand as he did. "Whoops, my wand is a tad over excited."

Snape laughed and then leaned down whispering in Draco's ear.

"Um, Professor?" Harry looked nervously from Draco to Lockhart, "Could you show me that blocking thing again?"

"Scared Potter?" Draco muttered softly enough for Harry to hear and no one else.

"You wish." Harry shot back.

"Now Harry, no worries. Just do what I did."

Harry rolled his eyes, "You mean drop my wand?" He muttered under his breath.

"Three… two… one… go!"

Draco quickly raised his wand and shouted, "Serpensortia!"

Harry watched as the end of Draco's wand exploded and a long black snake shot out of it and fell heavily to the floor, ready to strike. The crowd screamed as it backed away swiftly.

"Don't move Potter." Snape said lazily, enjoying Harry's frozen state as he stood eye to eye with the angry snake. "I'll get rid of it…."

"Allow me!" Lockhart said, brandishing his wand. There was a loud bang and the snake flew into the air and then hit the floor with a loud smack. Enraged and hissing furiously it slid straight towards Justin Finch- Fletchley, fangs bared ready to strike.

Harry didn't know what possessed him to do what he did. He hadn't even been aware of deciding to do it. He just knew that he was running towards the snake shouting foolishly, "Leave him alone." As if the snake would understand him. Miraculously the snake slumped docile to the floor. It watched Harry as he slid to a stop by him. He didn't know how, but he knew that the snake wouldn't attack anyone now.

He looked up at Justin with a grin, expecting Justin to look relieved, or puzzled, or ever grateful. He hadn't expected him to look scared and angry.

"What do you think you're playing at?" He shouted. Before Harry could respond, Justin had turned and stormed out.

Snape stepped forward, waved his wand and the snake vanished. Harry didn't care for the shrewd, calculating look Snape shot at him. He was dimly aware of the ominous muttering in the hall that was gradually growing louder. He felt someone tugging on his robes.

"Come on." Ron muttered in his ear, "Move… come on…"

Harry let Ron steer him out the hall, Hermione running alongside of them. Harry noticed how people moved quickly away from him as if they were scared they'd catch something from him. He was so confused. He only hoped that Ron and Hermione could clear things up.

~~

Maria paled as Ron ran and pushed Harry out of the hall. She still couldn't believe what had just happened. Harry Potter was a parselmouth. The snake that had come out of Malfoy's wand had nearly killed Justin, and Harry had spoken to it. She stood staring at the spot where the snake lay, her hands shaking, as she tried to understand how a Gryffindor could speak Parseltongue. She jumped as Percy rested his hand on her shoulder. "Come on Maria."

Maria moved numbly with Percy. "Percy he can't be… could he?"

Percy shook his head. "It's Harry Maria. You know that Harry…"

"He's a parselmouth… Slytherin's heir…"

"Let's not think on it tonight. It's been a long, confusing night."

Maria let Percy walk her to the common room. She was trying her hardest to remember that it was only Harry and she really shouldn't be afraid of him.

~~

Morgana sat on Snape's desk watching him pace back and forth. "I don't understand. Why is everyone so upset?"

Snape stopped and looked at her, "He's a parselmouth."

"Parselmouth?"

"He can speak Parseltongue, snake language."

"I still don't understand. What's so awful? He stopped the snake from eating Justin didn't he?"

Snape walked over to her. "Very few wizard's have the ability to speak Parseltongue and the ones who do have the ability are usually of the evil sort."

"But I thought Harry Potter was famous for destroying the dark lord."

"He is, but that doesn't mean he will become a good wizard."

"So, look at the Slytherin's. Aren't we famous for going bad?"

Snape sighed, "It isn't just that Morgana."

"Then what?"

"The chamber of secrets has been open."

Morgana shrugged, "And?"

"Only Slytherin's heir could open it. Slytherin's heir would most likely be a parselmouth seeing as that is what Salthazar Slytherin was famous for."

Morgana looked down, "Oh. I see."

"So you understand the concern now my dear?"

"Yes, but…"

"But?" Snape raised a brow.

"Well Harry is a Gryffindor and his best friend is a muggle."

Snape watched, "I don't' know. I can't explain. Just be careful around him."

Morgana nodded. Inside her head she debated whether or not to tell him about the stolen potions ingredients. In the end she decided not to. There hadn't been any students harmed by potions yet, just mysterious entities.

"Go to bed Morgana. It's been a long evening."

Morgana hopped down as Snape leaned over and kissed her forehead gently. "Good night."

Morgana said good night as she left the office and returned to the common room.

~~

Autumn sat in front of the common room fireplace. She tried to study, but kept looking at her watch. She'd really wanted to go to the dueling club, but Draco had asked her to stay behind. She was hoping that Draco would feel it was safe enough for a first year to attend. She trusted her brother and knew he was just concerned. She looked up as students started to slowly file into the common room excitedly jabbering. She could only catch a few mumbled words that only served to heighten her excitement. She nervously watched for Draco.

Draco walked in and looked over at Autumn's anxious expression. He walked over and sat down.

"Well?" Autumn asked with excitement.

"It was interesting."

"What's wrong?"

"Harry Potter is a parselmouth."

"He's a what?"

'

"A parselmouth Autumn."

"But… how can he be one Draco? He's in Gryffindor."

"I don't know, but he is."

"What happened?"

Draco started at the beginning and told her about everything; Lockhart and Snape's duel, his first duel with Harry, then the second duel when his snake came out of the wand. He told her how Lockhart had caused the snake to fly across the room near Justin and how Harry had run after it yelling something in Parseltongue. He told her how the snake was ready to kill Justin when all of a sudden it just became docile.

"Couldn't Harry have been telling the snake to stop?"

"No one knows Autumn. No one else at school speaks Parseltongue." Draco knew this wasn't the complete truth, but what Autumn didn't know about this was for the best.

"Draco, what else is wrong?"

"The chamber of secrets is open."

Autumn looked, not sure where he was leading, "And?"

"Only Slytherin's heir could open it and Slytherin's heir would be…"

"A parselmouth." Autumn stopped, realizing, "Draco, do you really think?"

"I don't know." Draco watched her. He knew his sister had a soft spot for Harry. In a way he knew it was actually more of a crush, but he was hoping that if he didn't call it that it would die out. "Autumn, be careful with him."

Autumn looked at him. "We're purebloods."

"Autumn, please."

Autumn sighed. She didn't like to argue with her brother. "Alright."

Draco smiled and watched her, "I have to go meet a study partner. I'll talk to you later."

Autumn watched him, "Dra…" He was gone before she could finish. She leaned back. She wanted to know why her brother never met his friend in the common room. She sighed, gazing into the fire, thoughts of Harry and her brother's words bouncing around in her head.

~~

Harry lay awake in his bed. He was a parselmouth. He still couldn't believe it. He knew he could talk to snakes, but he'd never realized that it was a bad thing, at least not until Hermione and Ron had filled him in on the wizarding world stance of parselmouths. Could he be a descendant of Salazar Slytherin? He didn't know anything about his father's family. The Dursley's had never tolerated questions about him. Harry tried to say something in Parseltongue, but nothing happened. He supposed that he'd have to be face to face with a snake for it to work.

Harry tried to console himself by remembering he was in Gryffindor. Surely the Sorting Hat wouldn't have put him there had he had Slytherin blood. But a little voice nagged at him, 'But the Sorting Hat wanted to put you in Slytherin, or don't you remember?'

Harry turned over. He'd talk to Justin in Herbology and explain everything then. He pummeled his pillow angrily as he thought that any fool should be able to see that he was calling the snake off and not egging it on. With a loud sigh Harry closed his eyes and tried to get some sleep.

~~

Maria startled awake from her nightmare. She sat up and looked around, feeling better when she realized she as in her own room and not a dungeon. Still, a part of her mind thought about the fact that somewhere in Gryffindor tower, Harry Potter was sleeping and he was a parselmouth. Maria sighed and got up. Percy had forced her to take a calming draught so that she would sleep. There was no way she'd be able to sleep now. She didn't want to take another potion. Maria sighed and pulled on her slippers, and then pulling her quilt off the bed, she wrapped it around her and went downstairs to read and write.

Oliver stretched as he tried to finish the Quidditch strategies he was working on. He looked up as he heard a stair creak. He looked at the time and wondered who could be lurking about. He pulled on his robe and quietly got up to see.

Maria curled up in her window seat and pulled her journal out and opened it up to start writing. She began to lose herself in all her thoughts.

Oliver walked to the stairs and looked. He saw Maria and frowned. He moved down the stairs and walked over to her.

Maria was lost in thought when she felt something heavy rest on her shoulder. She looked over and screamed seeing someone standing in the shadows next to her.

Oliver jumped and covered her mouth pulling her close to him, "Maria… shh… it's me, Oliver."

Maria blinked away her tears and looked up. Her hands unfolded from the fists they were clenched in and rested on his chest. "Ol… Oliver…" She stuttered as he removed his hand.

Oliver rubbed her arms. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you."

Maria nodded leaning back away from him. She pulled the quilt tighter around her shoulders.

Oliver watched her, "What are you doing up?"

"I couldn't sleep. And you?"

"I was working on some new Quidditch plays."

"Oh."

"Maria, you're not having trouble sleeping because of what happened at the dueling club are you?" Oliver eased into the chair next to her.

Maria looked down and sighed, nodding her head slightly.

"Maria, you don't think that…" Oliver leaned on the window seat, watching her.

"What?"

"Well, I mean, that Harry is Slytherin's heir. You don't think that he is do you?"

"I… I don't know."

"It's Harry Maria. Harry Potter."

"I know Oliver, but… he's a parselmouth."

"You're going to be okay Maria. Nothing's going to happen to you. You're safe."

Maria looked up at him, surprised at the concern in his eyes and voice, "That's easy enough for you to say. You're a pureblood."

Oliver sighed and looked at the journal in her hands, "What's that?"

Maria picked up the journal and tucked it under the quilt in her lap. "My journal."

"Oh," Oliver watched curiously, "Will you be okay down here by yourself?"

Maria shrugged, "I feel as safe here as anywhere else, which really isn't saying a whole lot."

Oliver sighed, "It will be okay Maria."

Maria nodded, "I suppose."

"Meet me in the library tomorrow as usual?"

"Yes."

"Get some rest."

"Goodnight Oliver."

Oliver stopped at the base of the stairs and turned, "Good night Maria."

Maria watched him start up the stairs and pulled out her journal to finish writing what she'd started. Oliver stopped again at the top of the stairs and watched her with fascination. He felt genuine concern and worry about her and wished he could ease her worries. He sighed and headed back to his dorm room.

~~

"You okay?" Draco asked Hermione as she stared into the fire.

Hermione looked at him. "Yeah," she said. "Why do you ask?"

"Well with finding out Potter's a parselmouth," Draco said.

Hermione sighed. "There has to be a logical reason," she said. "Harry wouldn't do this." Draco looked away. "You don't believe me."

Draco looked at her. "It's not that," he said. "But… he's not exactly my favorite person, and it's odd that he can speak snake, just like Salazaar Slytherin."

"Trust me, please," Hermione said. "Harry is not the one behind all of this."

~~

Harry fidgeted in front of the fire in the common room. Professor Sprout had canceled the last class of Herbology because of the blizzard raging outside the castle. She wanted to fit the mandrakes with scarves and socks and would trust the operation to no one but herself. It was important that the Mandrakes grew quickly so that Colin and Mrs. Norris could be revived.

Hermione looked up from the game of wizard chess she and Ron were playing as one of Ron's bishops wrestled her knight off his horse and dragged him off the board. "Harry, if it bother's you that much and it's so important to you, then go find Justin and talk to him."

Harry nodded and got up and started to look for him. Finally Harry decided that maybe Justin was trying to catch up on some work during his free time and he headed for the library. He walked in and saw a group of Hufflepuffs sitting at the back of the library, but they didn't seem to be working. They were absorbed in their conversation. He couldn't tell if Justin was with them so he headed towards them. He stopped to listen as part of their conversation floated to their ears.

"So I told Justin to hide in our dormitory. I mean, if Potter's marked him as the next victim then he needs to keep a low profile for a while. Justin's been waiting for this to happen ever since he slipped to Potter that he was Muggle born. Justin actually told him that he'd been down for Eton. Not exactly the sort of thing you bandy about with Slytherin's heir on the loose."

"You really think it's Potter then Ernie?" A blonde haired girl asked anxiously.

"Hannah, he's a Parselmouth. That's the mark of a Dark Wizard. We all know that. I mean, have you ever heard of a decent one who could talk to snakes? Slytherin was known as Serpent-tongue."

There was a lot of murmuring as Ernie continued. "Remember what was on the wall? Enemies of the heir, Beware. Potter had a run in with Filch and next thing Filch's cat is attacked. Creevey was annoying Potter at the Quidditch match taking pictures of him while he was in the mud and what happens next? Creevey's attacked."

"He seemed so nice." Hannah said uncertainly, "And he did make You Know Who disappear. He can't be all bad?"

Ernie lowered his voice and the Hufflepuffs bent closer. Harry edged nearer so he could hear Ernie.

"No one knows how he survived that attack. He was only a baby and should have been killed. Only a really powerful Dark Wizard could have survived that curse." His voice dropped until it was barely more than a whisper, "That's probably why You Know Who was after him in the first place. Didn't want the competition. Who knows what else Potter is hiding?"

Harry stepped out and cleared his throat. HE couldn't take any more of this. If he weren't so angry the sight of the Hufflepuffs' faces draining of all color would have struck him as humorous. "Hello. I'm looking for Justin Finch-Fletchley."

From their faces, the Hufflepuffs worst fears had been confirmed.

Ernie watched, "What do you want with Justin?"

"I want to tell him what really happened at the Dueling Club."

"We all saw what happened. We were all there." Ernie bit his lips.

"Then you noticed the snake backed off after I spoke to it."

"All I saw," Ernie said, "Was you chasing the snake towards Justin as you spoke Parseltongue to it."

"I didn't chase it at Justin! It never even touched him!" Harry's voice quivered with anger.

"It was a near miss. And in case you're getting ideas, you can trace my family back through nine generations. My blood's as pure as anyone's…"

"I don't care about you blood!" Harry said, "Why would I want to attack Muggle borns?"

"You hate those Muggles you live with, or so I've heard."

"It's not possible to live with the Dursley's and not hate them. I'd like to see you do it." Harry turned on his heel and moved to storm out of the library.

Autumn watched as Harry walked away from the group of Hufflepuffs with his fists clenched. She walked around the corner of the row of books she'd seen him go down. "Harry?"

Harry turned and the anger on his face seemed to soften a bit. "Autumn, hi."

Autumn smiled and walked over to him, "Are you okay?"

Harry sighed, "I'll be okay once everyone stops calling me Slytherin's heir."

"I don't believe them. I know you're not Slytherin's heir."

Harry watched. His first thought was if she knew about her brother and whether or not he was Slytherin's heir. He opened his mouth and then stopped, realizing that he couldn't ask her that without making her upset. Instead, he just mumbled, "Thanks."

Autumn watched. "You can't let it get to you Harry. You know the truth."

Harry sighed, "It's not that simple Autumn."

Autumn hugged her books to her chest and looked down, "Right."

Harry watched her, "Um, well… anyway."

Autumn looked up at him, "Good luck Harry."

Harry nodded watching as she turned and walked away. A voice inside his head berated him for sticking his foot in his mouth. He sighed, realizing it was getting close to time for his next class and he still needed his books. With a sigh he hurried out of the library.

~~

Harry wandered the corridor, not noticing where he was going, still furious. He fell backwards as he walked into something very large and solid. "Oh, hello Hagrid." Harry looked up.

"All righ', Harry?" He asked, pulling off his balaclava so he could speak. "Why aren't yeh in class?"

"Cancelled. What are you doing here Hagrid?" Harry asked as he got up.

Hagrid held up the rooster that he was carrying. "Second one I've found dead this term. It's either foxes or a Blood-Suckin' Bugbear. I need the Headmaster's permission ter put a charm around the hen coop." Hagrid took a closer look at Harry, "Yeh sure yeh're all righ'? Yeh look all hot an' bothered…"

Harry sighed, not able to repeat what he'd heard in the library. "It's nothing Hagrid. I've got to go. I have Transfiguration next and my books are in my room." Harry headed off, his ears still ringing with Ernie's words.

Harry turned into a corridor that was darker than normal due to the torches having been extinguished. A cold draft blew through a loose windowpane. He had made it halfway down the corridor when he tripped over something lying on the floor. He turned and his stomach flipped as he realized what it was. Justin Finch-Fletchley laid on the floor, rigid and cold, a frozen look of shock on his face, his eyes staring blankly. Next to him was the strangest sight Harry had ever seen.

Nearly Headless Nick lay floating, immobile and horizontal, six inches off the floor. Instead of his normal pearly white transparent state, he was black and smoky. His head hung half off his neck and his face was frozen in shock.

Harry got to his feet, his breathing fast and his heart pounding in his chest. He looked around and saw a line of spiders scurrying away from the bodies. The only sounds were the muffled voices of teachers on either side of the corridor. He could run and no one would know he'd been there. Still he couldn't just leave them lying there, he had to get help. Would anyone believe he'd not done this?

Suddenly a door next to Harry opened with a bang and Peeves the Poltergeist shot out. "Why it's potty wee Potter!" Peeves cackled knocking Harry's glasses askew. "What's Potter up to? Why's Potter lurking…"

Peeves stopped halfway through a somersault. He spotted the two frozen figures as he hung upside down in the air. Before Harry could stop him Peeves righted himself and screamed, "ATTACK! ATTACK! ANOTHER ATTACK! NO MORTAL OR GHOST IS SAFE! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! ATTAAAACK!"

The doors leading into the corridor flew open with loud crashing sounds as people flooded out. Justin was in danger of being squashed from the confusion and people kept standing in Nearly Headless Nick. Harry was pinned against the wall as teachers tried to sort through the confusion. Professor McGonagall came running out and set off a loud bang with her wand. She cleared the halls, sending everyone to their classes. Once the scene had cleared, Ernie ran into the hall, "Caught in the act!" He yelled.

"That will do, Macmillan!" Professor McGonagall said sharply.

Peeves grinned surveying the scene. It was one of his favorites, chaos. Peeves broke into song as the teachers examined Justin and Nearly Headless Nick, "Oh, Potter, you rotter, oh, what have you done, You're killing off students, you think it's good fun…"

"Enough Peeves!" Professor McGonagall shouted at him. Peeves zoomed away sticking his tongue out at Harry.

Once Professor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra had taken Justin to the hospital wing they turned to Nearly Headless Nick. No one was sure what to do with him. Finally Professor McGonagall gave Ernie a large fan and told him to waft Nearly Headless Nick up the stairs. Once every one was gone, Professor McGonagall turned to Harry. "This way Potter."

"Professor, I swear I didn't…"

"This is out of my hands Potter." Professor McGonagall said as she led him around a corner and stopped before a large stone gargoyle.

"Lemon drop!" As she spoke the gargoyle split in two and a staircase rose, moving smoothly upwards. Harry followed Professor McGonagall up until they stopped at an oak door with a brass knocker in the shape of a griffin. Harry felt his heart stop. He knew where he was. This was where Dumbledore lived.

Professor McGonagall knocked on the door and it opened silently. Professor McGonagall told Harry to wait and she left him.

Harry looked around studying the room. He moved over to a shelf that behind Dumbledore's desk and to the old tattered hat that he knew so well. It was the Sorting Hat. Harry looked and wondered what would happen if he tried it on again. He looked around and decided to go for it. He had to know if he was in the right house. He set it on his head and it slipped over his eyes, still too big for him. "Bee in your bonnet, Harry Potter?"

"Um, yeah." Harry muttered. "Sorry to, um… bother you. I wanted to ask…"

"If I put you in the right house. You were a difficult one, but I stand by what I said."

Harry felt his heart leap. "You would have done well in Slytherin."

Harry's stomach dropped. He grabbed the hat and yanked it off. He shoved it on the shelf and muttered, "You're wrong." He backed away feeling sick and turned as he heard a strange gagging noise.

Harry stared at a decrepit looking bird that looked like a half plucked turkey sitting on a golden perch behind the door. The bird looked extremely ill to Harry. Its eyes were dull and it was losing its tail feathers. Harry thought that all he needed was Dumbledore's pet bird to die while he was alone with it when the bird suddenly burst into flames. Harry yelled in shock and backed up looking for a glass of water. The bird was a fireball. It gave one last loud shriek and then it was a pile of ash on the floor.

Harry looked up as Dumbledore walked in. "Professor. Your bird… I couldn't do anything… he just… caught fire."

Dumbledore smiled, "About time. He's been looking dreadful for days. I've been telling him to get a move on."

He chuckled at Harry's stunned expression. "Fawkes is a phoenix. Phoenixes burst into flame when they die and then are reborn from the ashes Harry. Watch."

Harry looked over at the pile of ashes and saw a tiny newborn bird stick its head out.

"Too bad you saw him on a Burning Day. Normally he's quite handsome with red and gold plumage. They are fascinating creatures. They can carry immensely heavy loads, they're highly faithful and their tears have healing qualities."

With the shock of Fawkes igniting, Harry had forgotten why he was there until Dumbledore sat down and stared at Harry with his penetrating glare. Before Dumbledore could speak, the office door flew open and Hagrid burst in. "It wasn' Harry!" Hagrid said, "I was talkin' ter him seconds before they found that boy. He didn' have time sir."

Dumbledore tried to speak, but Hagrid was ranging. "Hagrid… I…"

"Yeh've got the wrong boy sir. I know Harry never…"

"Hagrid! I do not think Harry attacked those people."

"Oh." Hagrid said, dropping his rooster to his side. "Right. I'll just… wait outside then."

Harry watched Hagrid leave. "You don't think it was me?"

"No, I don't Harry. I still want to talk to you though." Dumbledore watched him somberly. "I need to ask Harry, is there anything you'd like to tell me? Anything at all?"

Harry thought of everything: the voices he'd heard, Draco shouting, "You'll be next Mudbloods!" the Polyjuice potion, what everyone was saying about him. Harry looked at Dumbledore, "No, there isn't anything."

~~

Autumn sat on her bed, her knees pulled up to her chest as she worked on her potions homework. She looked up as Draco walked in, "Hi."

"Hi." Autumn watched as Draco came over and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Do you understand now?"

"Do I understand what?" Autumn put her book down.

"About Harry?"

"What about Harry Draco?"

"They're saying he attacked Justin Finch Fletchley."

Autumn sighed leaning back, "The Hufflepuffs are saying that, but Harry was just the first to find Justin."

"They took him to Dumbledore's office."

"I know." Autumn looked at her fingers. "They've not expelled him though."

Draco looked at her, frowning, "You like him don't you?"

Autumn looked at Draco, "Excuse me?"

"You like him Autumn."

"He's polite and has always been nice to me."

"Stay away from him Autumn, he's trouble."

Autumn watched Draco. This was one thing she didn't think she could do. She shook her head, "You're just saying that because of the rumors. You don't know that any of it is true."

"Even if he isn't the heir of Slytherin and he's not attacking students, he's still trouble Autumn, particularly for you. Think about father and what he would do if he knew you wanted to be friends with a Gryffindor, much less Harry Potter."

Autumn watched him. "It isn't fair Draco."

"I'm sorry Autumn. Promise me you'll stay away from him."

"I can't. I believe he's innocent and I will stay his friend. Father will never know, unless…" Autumn looked up at him with big eyes.

"I would never do that to you Autumn."

"I know. Why Draco?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you hate him so much?"

Draco sighed. "I can't explain it. You don't know him like I do."

"You're wrong about him."

"Maybe, but I worry about you." Draco pushed her hair back from her cheek. "And, I don't think you should spend too much, if any time with him."

Autumn watched her brother. "I have to go. I'm meeting Terrence for some Quidditch training."

Draco nodded, "See you later then."

Autumn watched as he left. It was a rare occasion that she disagreed with her brother, but she felt strongly this time and truly believed that her brother was very wrong.