A/N: I do not own Harry Potter nor the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.

Hogwarts is an old castle. For all its magical properties, its mana rich land, its incredible location and its use as a focal point to the leyline that lies beneath it. Hogwarts could not escape the passage of time. The citadel of magic boasts an incredible 1,000 years since its creation. The oldest standing building in the UK.

One of the avenues it could not shed was the architecture of the building, both in and out. It was built with a, at the time, futuristic model in mind. One could say that Hogwarts was the inspiration the muggles took to create what we now know to be Gothic buildings.

The hallways are wide, stone pieces lining up to create a beautiful array of polished rocks. Portraits and paintings were strewn along, its inhabitants slowly peeking out from their hiding spots. No doubt in shock from the scene they had witnessed.

Link and his group of three ran as fast as they could to arrive at the source of the scream. At the corner, they hoped to make it in time to help whoever had just shrieked.

They were the first to arrive. The first to witness the confusing scene before them. Professor Lockhart lay there before them motionless. Even the minute movements that come from breathing were absent.

Engraved beside him, on what was once a pristine looking wall, was a message. Simple yet ominous.

"Death comes to all"

It was not long before the quartet was joined by a score of students and staff members, all were attracted by that fearful screech.

Gasps rang out amongst the students, and even the teachers were not immune to the surprise and shock at what they were witnessing.

They were also confused. Is Lockhart… dead?

It was not until Dumbledore had made his way to the man's body and began inspecting him that the conclusion was drawn.

"It would seem, our Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Mr Gilderoy Lockhart, is no longer among us. May his soul find peace in the next life." his voice was solemn and tired. As though all the energy he had was sapped out from him. His eyes were filled with unshed tears. Remorseful in having to witness yet another death, right in his sanctum. He had failed in his duty to protect the populace of this castle.

After a moment of stunned silence, murmurs exploded. Disbelief clear on their face, as well as distress and surging horror.

"Dead? How can he die?"

"But he is a great wizard how can he just die like that?"

"Why is there no blood? How did he die?"

"Why do you want to see blood you sicko"

"I'm not sick, I don't want to see blood. But how did he die?"

"Sob… Not Professor Lockhart… sob… he can't die so young…"

On it went. Just as Dumbledore was about to dismiss everyone and call in the auror to investigate. A sharp outcry broke through the haze of near hysteria amongst the students.

"IT'S YOUR FAULT! YOU DID THIS"

Everyone turned to see a Ravenclaw girl pointing her finger at her fellow housemate.

Cassie wasn't all that well known and was very engrossed in reading, oftentimes to the detriment of her social life. Gilderoy Lockart and his books had become a form of escape from her life. Every day she read them again. Always finding joy in the literature. They were fun, interactive, thought provocative. It would not be a stretch to say that to Cassie, Lockhart is the best author to walk the earth.

The boy in question was their resident boy genius. Link Granger. For all his calm outward appearances, for those that knew him well, his eyes betrayed a hint of surprise at the accusation.

All were silent as they watched the drama unfold.

"I know that this comes as a shock, but that is no reason to spout off some baseless claims. How and why is this my fault?"

"You always spoke out of turn in his classes, you debased everything he said and challenged everything he did. You always hated the professor. You were jealous of him, of course, you were. You were acclaimed as the boy genius just last year, but when faced by a real genius, one that has so many accomplishments, your ego couldn't handle it. Every time you saw the professor, your insecurity will rear its ugly head. Then you fight him over every little thing, and he always rebuffed you. This constant belittlement of your fragile pride finally shattered, and you launched an attack from behind. You removed the source of your pain. YOU DID THIS"

Her tone kept rising as she spoke, borderline on hysteria. It was clear the girl was distraught, however true to her house she was still able to form coherent and logical… semi-logical arguments.

She was so convincing that even Link almost believed her for a second.

"That would make sense if I were jealous, but I am not. I know where I stand. Also, I was just walking with my friends here moments before the screech was heard. They can vouch for me that I did not in fact kill the man."

Rose, Neville and Padma were nodding here. They were just as stunned as everyone here, but they were present enough to defend their friend from such slander. Rose especially was getting a little angry at the girl for accusing Link like that.

"Of course, they would agree, they are your friends. They will definitely vouch for you." sneered Malfoy, piping up here. Eager to see his most hated rival brought down by the rumour mill of Hogwarts and the law.

"Exactly, Malfoy has a point" Cassie agreed immediately, grasping at straws.

Before Link could reply, the Headmaster stood up and interjected. Hoping to stop any problems before they occur.

"If I may, after careful examination of the body I'm afraid the cause of death had become more clear. Mr Granger most certainly did not kill the professor. To clear up any misunderstanding, we have two methods of obtaining the truth, we can either check his wand as I suppose the cause of death is the killing curse or simpler still we can just ask if the portraits had seen him here. Well, Ms Grey, you are the closest to the crime scene, have you young Mr Granger here commit the deed?"

The Portrait is a large landscape that depicted windmills in the distance with a woman of noble standing in front. Her gaze sharp, her demeanour dignified. She was a noblewoman of some 600 years prior, famous for providing large amounts of flour across the country in trying times. Her name is known as Ms Grey. Shaking her head, she answered in a crisp voice.

"No, he is not responsible for the deed Headmaster. I didn't see the face clearly, but it was a woman riding upon a massive blurry mass, at least I think it was a woman, they were as blurry as the mass they stood on. I have never seen anything quite like it in my life. Headmaster, I suggest you evacuate the castle at the nearest opportunity."

"I fear I may have to, for the children's safety. As you have just heard children, Mr Granger is in no way responsible for what has just occurred. Everyone, please make your way to the Great hall, we would like to make a roll call, make sure no one is missing. Professor McGonagall, please contact the DMLE. I'm afraid this is quite a difficult time."

"Right away Headmaster. Excuse me, children." Minerva nodded her head, her expression severe as she made her way towards her office to call in the aurors. In all her years teaching at this institute never had there been a death that occurred in the castle. Now there are two deaths in two years, both professors of the DADA position.

Things have never been quite as serious. Even at the height of the war, Hogwarts was a bastion of safety. Everyone could rest easy as the mighty castle was spared the horrors of war, at least in a direct fashion. Students still received the ill tidings of death from family outside the school's walls.

The other Professors present, as well as the House prefects, started ushering the students towards the Great Hall. Some going to round up any student not present in all the excitement.

"Prefects under year 7 are not to move about alone. Everyone, please make your way to the hall. The situation is quite dire." with one final instruction, Dumbledore made to patrol the Castle as well, in hopes of both catching the culprit if he were lucky, and to make sure that any student or member of staff he finds remain safe and vigilant.

The great hall was always a place of feasts and celebrations. The ever-present cacophony of voices were jubilant and excited, now the murmurs of melancholy and despondency pervaded the very walls of this room.

The knowledge of a Professor's death, one that was well-liked by a good portion of the students was a blow to a truth. "Hogwarts is the safest place in Britain" the self-assurance they had from this was now shattered beyond repair.

Their pride in one of the best schools in the world was battered, most of those present had never experienced the horrors of war that Rose had helped stop. However, there were those that had vague memories of it. Those in their last year, even then they did not remember much of it at 7 or 8 years of age.

The teachers that were requested to stay behind to guard the students were a source of calm and security for them. At the very least they would be somewhat safe from harm with them here.

On the other hand, Link did not feel as constricted as those around him. He was instead taking a headcount of those he knew, hoping that none were missing at this time.

It was with a slight sense of foreboding that he discovered one was indeed missing, one that he would consider a good friend of his. They are definitely close.

He wishes the reason for her absence is that the teachers have still not gotten to her. So he waits, eyes glued to the massive doors. Killing time by coming up with contingencies and plans on how to go out there to look for his friend without anyone noticing.

His thoughts were moving at incredible speeds coming up with ideas and discarding them just as quickly. Ideas ranging from walking out the front door to a discrete approach with the invisibility cloak borrowed from Rose. Luckily the girl never went anywhere without that cloak.

However, he had no idea how he was going to get to his friend. He has no idea where they are, the direction they might be heading if they hadn't heard the warning. If they were safe or if they met the murderer.

For the first time in a long time, Link Granger, former Archmage, was feeling the swell of fear creep up on his psyche. Not for his sake, but for the new friend he has made. It made him realise the one downside of friendship. This emotion that he could not control, that he has to personally make sure of their safety before he can acquire a modicum of peace is foreign. Though not unwelcome. He felt it was evidence of growth as a person that he has some people that he cares about so much.

He is in this paradoxical state of being happy that he has such a feeling, but angry and annoyed at the cause of it.

One hour merges into two before all the Professors save the Headmaster were back, having combed the entire castle yet unable to find any other student not yet within these halls. Dumbledore was currently with the aurors investigating the scene. Hoping to find the cause of it and the culprit.

That's when an idea popped into his head. House-elves... they were everywhere and had the ability to pop where ever they wanted. He quickly excused himself from his friends heading to the toilet, an excuse if asked as to his whereabouts.

Unaware that someone was eyeing him in suspicion. So concerned he was he did not notice someone following him into the male bathrooms.

"What are you doing?"

Stopping just before he was about to call an elf he had befriended from the kitchens for his assistance. He turned back toward his best friend. Rose was staring at him, as though she knew he didn't come here for just the toilets.

"What do you mean Rose? I just wanted to use the facilities."

"We both know that's not the reason you came here. You were worried for the past few hours. What is it? You know you can trust me."

"... Fine, you're right, I'm worried about Luna she is still not here. I'm going to get her here. I was about to call a house-elf to get there immediately."

Rose was instantly alarmed and guilty. How did she not notice that her friend was still missing? That's not like her.

"I'm coming with you"

"Rose, I…"

"No, she is my friend too. I will help her"

"I know, but I need you here to cover for me. I'll be quick, I promise."

"Urgh, Fine. But be quick"

"I will."

Calling the house-elf as Rose was leaving.

"How can I help you, Mr Granger sir?

"Peppy, I need your help. I must get to Luna and bring her here for her safety."

"I'm sorry, Mr Granger sir, Professor McGonagall had given the order that no student is to exit the great hall. Peppy cannot help you, sir."

"Peppy, you don't understand. There is a student still outside of the great hall. She might be in danger right now. I don't want to exit this room, I want to bring her here."

The house-elf appeared indecisive, on one hand, was a direct order from the vice-headmistress of the school. The second highest authority within these walls, right after Dumbledore. On the other was his obligation to help the students of this school.

Finally, he decided that the student was more important at this moment.

"Very well sir, Peppy will bring you to Miss Lovegood. Hang on, we must be quick."

Nodding quickly, Link was popped in front of a door, behind he could roughly guess where he is; somewhere on the second floor. Bewildered, he immediately barged in looking around to discover the location of his friend. However, he could find neither head nor tail of their whereabouts. Just that he is in a bathroom.

'Where is she? Calm down Link. Peppy brought you here, that means this is the closest he could get to the person he was looking for. Judging from the little guy's baffled expression, it seems that there is something hidden here. But where? Why here, and what is it?

Remembering the bracelet he had gifted her before, he tried to sense its location. It was vague. Almost hidden. The signal was strongest at the sinks.

Stepping closer he could not detect the slightest hint of a tunnel here, wait no… underground. How? They were on the 2nd floor. That's some interesting magic or architecture. He will need to study it someday, but for now, he must focus on how to get to Luna. She must be somewhere down there.

Examining the sink inch by inch he finally came across a peculiar detail. On one of the faucets, there was a snake. It must be a clue.

The snake is representative of house Slytherin. However, this bathroom is on a completely different floor than their House dorms. There must be a link. Maybe to the head of house? No Snape wouldn't be able to pull this off without the Headmaster's permission. What about the founder? Yes, he could have built this alongside the creation of the castle. The very little amount of magic centred about the snake engraving suggested there be a passcode, probably spoken.

"Open in the name of House Slytherin" he spoke in a loud solid voice.

Waiting for a couple of seconds with no reaction to his words, he was broken from his thoughts by a stifled giggle.

Turning around he came across a Ghost. Myrtle if he remembered right.

"What are you doing?" she asked, giggling.

"Hoooo… This is awkward… Murtle, right?"

"Uh-huh"

"You wouldn't have seen anyone coming through here, would you?"

"Lots of girls come here… its a bathroom you know. Also, why is a boy wandering around the castle in a girls bathroom no less, when the school is in lockdown. I should report you."

"Murtle, you can do whatever you want, I can't stop you, but if I can't save my friend because of you, we are going to have a problem."

The glare he directed at the floating ghost was enough to chill her already cold soul. It was as though the freezing winds of Siberia had taken form and ravaged all that stood before it.

"Aha… it was a joke, lighten up" 'Wait, why am I afraid? I'm already dead'

Regardless of how many times she tries to convince herself otherwise, she can't help but feel petrified before this student.

"Your eyes, they remind me of another pair I had seen before. Not colour or anything, but with how I died."

"You remember the face of your murderer?"

"No, not their face. Their eyes. It was these haunting yellow eyes. I looked at them, then… I was dead."

Though a saddening tale, Link was still pressed to see how he was to get to Luna. Every second wasted may be a second too late. He will not allow that to happen. He was already on his way back to the sink when myrtle continued talking.

"Funnily enough, it was here in this bathroom that I was killed. I was crying in that cubicle because they had made fun of me again. Then I heard some sounds coming from the direction of the sink, I was about to give them a piece of my mind, but you already know how that turned out."

"I'm sorry for your hardships Murtle, but you are certain someone came was by the sink? How long ago was that?"

"50 years, and yes I'm certain. A ghost can't forget their method of death now can they?"

"Thank you Murtle, would you know what was said back then? Maybe it was the passcode needed."

"I don't think I can explain it if I wanted to. I don't think it was in English."

"A different language? Was it Latin?"

She nodded at that, entirely sure of the fact.

"Definitely not Latin, I'd have known."

Did Link ever mention how much he hates this world's penchant for creating so many different languages? Isn't one more than enough? Anyway, not important. Eyes narrowed in thought. 'Different Language… Did Lord Slytherin travel to other countries? Is it French? Norse? Germanic? Russian? No, that doesn't sound right. I'm missing something… I just know it, it's at the tip of my tongue. Come on Link, you can do this. A language Slytherin was good at, at least good enough to make it a passcode.'

A minute passed and his frustration was continuously mounted.

Suddenly the sound of a slap was heard. Link gave himself the biggest facepalm he could muster for forgetting the favourite language of the House of Snakes. Parseltongue.

"Quick, Peppy, go get Rose here. It's very important."

"But…"

"Now's not the time to argue Peppy, I'm sorry but my friend might be dying down there. We do not have the time for this. Please get her here, but be discrete about it."

Peppy looked at the usually calm student slowly losing his cool. Nodding once, he popped to get Rose Potter.

"Let's hope we are not too late."

Things at the great hall were not as peaceful. The teachers were in an uproar when after a headcount found a few missing students. Almost immediately some Professors headed outside to make one more round of the school. They could not allow a student to die on their watch. Some others remained as they could not leave the students unguarded.

Rose was seated next to her group of friends, while they were discussing something or another, her attention was solely focused on the bathroom door. Waiting, anticipating her friends' return.

Neville spoke up now, more than a little nervous.

"Have any of you spotted Luna? You don't think she is the reason the teachers went out of the hall, do you?"

"Now that you mention it, I don't think I've seen Luna yet" agreed Ginny, her lips bit in worry. Luna was her closest friend, she had noticed her absence but thought she was on one of her adventures, and that she would be found by a teacher by now. However, hours later there was still no sign of her, so she reported it to the professors, which prompted the new expedition.

They later found there were a few others not present. Increasing their anxiety over the well being of their students.

"Wait a second, where is Link he was here a second ago" interrupted Padma, her brows furrowed in confusion.

"Don't worry, he just went to the bathroom. He should be returning soon." assured Rose, a slight smile on her face. She felt horrible for lying but convinced herself it was needed for her friends' safety and to detour suspicion.

Her train of thought was derailed when she turned to look at the bathroom door for the nth time in the past 5 minutes, she saw the door open and the face of the little elf that had taken Link gesturing for her to come. Stunned for a second, she hurriedly excused herself to the toilet and made her way to the house-elf.

"What is it? Why did you call for me? Is Link ok? Is Luna ok? What's going on?"

"Peppy is not sure Miss Rose Potter, Mr Link Granger asked for me to bring you over discretely. Please hold on"

"Wait, where do I…"

"...hold on?"

She blinked and her surroundings changed drastically. She was still in a bathroom but it is very different to the one she was in. Looking around she spotted Link inspecting a sink.

"That's the first comfortable method of magic travel… not important right now Rose. Link what's going on?"

"I think Luna is under there. I think you need a passcode to be allowed entry into whatever is down there."

"Ok, but why am I here? I doubt I will be able to figure it out if you didn't"

"I already figured it out. It must be in Parseltongue, something only you know, and since its such a rare language I doubt the passcode would be complicated. Probably something like open or something."

"Oh, alright, I got it."

Link pointed at the engraving of the snake, nodding Rose made her way to the sink and concentrated in order to trigger her ability.

$Open$

With nary a sound, a couple of tons worth of marble and stone sink levitated. Separating at the seems, the once singular circle of sinks became a multitude. Beneath it, the stone floor opened up into a tunnel, a pipe rather.

Rose was wide-eyed with awe at the incredible feat, all the more exciting that she was the cause. She felt as though she were the heroine in one of these action-adventure movies she was able to watch at the Grangers' house last summer. Indiana Potter at your service.

Link was more interested in the magic involved in such a clever hidden door. 'Ah, it's a pipe beneath, that how he was able to get around the whole 'being on the second floor bit'.

"Link, if you die. You are welcome to share my bathroom if you want." Myrtle muttered shyly.

"Thanks Murtle, I'll think about it" he chuckled.

He turned to Rose already resigned as he spoke:

"Don't suppose I can convince you to go back, can I?"

"Nope"

"You can get hurt"

"It's fine, we will go together."

*Sigh* "Try to keep up then" with a grin he jumped down the pipe.

"Hey, no fair" she screamed as she followed him.

Peppy was anxious, wringing his hands hoping they would be alright.

A/N: Hope you enjoy the chapter. I understand that people were a bit disappointed that I did not write the revenge scene last chapter. All I can say is I hope you enjoy it when it does come by.

Thank you.