___________: Yes, it's a great chapter. Things are definitely beginning to
take a turn for the worse for Harry, though. Three months. . .a lot can
happen. . .I can't wait to see what kind of reviews I'll be getting for
this chapter. . .
Videl86: What James hid in the bathroom. . .::grins mischievously:: Gee, honestly I have no idea. . .hahahaha! You'll all love me for this when you find out but. . .not until after Christmas in the story!
Lady Foxfire: . . .I'm not really *that* evil? Am I?. . .oh well, thanks for the review!
Laterose: Yeah, I don't know about you, but if I knew I was going to die, and in three months no less, I'd probably go crazy! Harry should pull through though. . .after all, he's Harry Potter. . .or is that the problem. . .
Wanted: Love
Ch16: All is Not Lost
Harry woke up rather warm; he opened his eyes as a yawn ripped loose. He was still in the room where he had talked to his parents and Merlin. Though he couldn't remember very much past his last words with his parents, the fact that he only had three months left to live was still quite fresh in his mind. He pulled the blanket tight around neck for a moment before reaching around for his glasses. He found them on the ground a few feet from the couch where he was lying.
As he pulled them on, he wondered why no one had come to get him. Dumbledore probably knew where he was but after a moment of thought Harry came to the conclusion that that was probably the reason why he had been left alone. Harry picked up the book again and read through it several more times, each time growing exceedingly more depressed. Three months left to live, what was the point in three months? What could he possibly hope to accomplish that would add meaning to 'his' life. Harry used the words his life lightly. How much could be his life if he didn't even have a say in his future.
His stomach grumbled and Harry tossed the book back onto the couch, it was time to get something to eat. As he stood up and stretched, he felt a sudden sense of dread. He didn't want to have to face the school and its occupants so soon. He doubted that he would be able to keep the prophecy a secret from his friends for long. . .that is if they didn't already know. Another grumble, though, and Harry decided that he had to eat something and left the room.
He walked through the empty halls with his hands in his robes' pockets and his head tilted downward. Through the windows he could tell that it was still dark out. He knew not the time and didn't want to disturb the house elves if they were sleeping, so Harry decided to wait until at least the sun had come up. In the meantime, he let his feet do the walking for him. Eventually, he came to a stop in front of the gargoyle that blocked the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Surprisingly, Harry didn't even have to guess at the password, for it jumped aside the second Harry turned his gaze upon it. He walked slowly up the stairs, taking the time to feel the coolness of the stone against the palm of his hand which he dragged against the wall.
When he got to the door, Harry brought his hand up to knock on it but hesitated for a minute. He didn't want to wake up the headmaster, either, but for some reason Harry knew he was awake. He rapped on the door a couple times and within the same minute Dumbledore was standing in front of him.
"Ah, Harry. I trust you've spoken to your parents?" he asked, smiling.
Harry kept his gaze downward, "Yes, sir."
Dumbledore looked at his student for a minute before putting a hand on his shoulder, "Why don't you come in for a while."
Harry nodded and Dumbledore led him into the brightly lit office. On his desk was a large platter of sandwiches and two goblets. Dumbledore sat him down in the seat in front of the desk, sat down in his seat, and motioned to the food.
"I had a feeling you would be coming to see me soon. Go on, eat something. You must be hungry." Dumbledore said, picking up his goblet and taking a sip.
Harry took a sandwich but didn't eat it.
Dumbledore looked at him, "Would you like to talk about it?
"I just don't understand why it had to be me." Harry said quite melancholy.
"There really aren't any plausible reasons that I could give you, Harry. Merlin could not change what he saw. It was your parents' destiny to die when they did and it is yours to die when you do. We all have problems, the only thing you have to ask yourself is how you are going to deal with them." said Dumbledore.
"But it isn't like I really have a choice, is it?" asked Harry.
"No, I am afraid not." said Dumbledore, "You know how much time you have left. I will not ask you to spend it in the classroom. I have spoken to your professors and we all agree that you will be omitted from your classes if you wish. However, I fear that we must meet more often in the Chamber of the Founders. Everyday until you get the hang of it."
Harry lowered his head and stared at the sandwich in his hands, suddenly he didn't feel very hungry at all, "Professor, Ron, Hermione, and Lavender don't know, do they?"
Dumbledore shook his head, "No, it is not our place to tell them. Though, I should think that you might want to tell them, so they can prepare themselves."
"I don't exactly fancy their reaction. Who does know, Professor?" asked Harry.
"The staff, Molly and Arthur Weasley, Sirius, Remus, and Tali." said Dumbledore.
"Anyone at the Ministry?" Harry asked.
"Only Cornelius and a few other top members." Dumbledore said.
Harry was silent for a long time before he finally spoke up again, "Merlin said that I was the only one who could kill Voldemort. . .what could be so difficult about killing him?"
Dumbledore looked grim for a moment, "Voldemort has sunk so far into the dark arts that he has lost his very soul. He is no longer human. Avada Kedavera will no longer work on him. Only the powers that you will learn will be able to defeat him."
". . .Could we go practice?" Harry asked.
"Are you sure you're up to it, Harry? You've learned quite a bit about your future in a very short period of time." said Dumbledore.
Harry nodded. To tell the truth that was why he wanted to go practice. Whenever he set foot into the Chamber of the Founders he couldn't seem to concentrate on anything other than achieving his goal of handling his powers. At the moment, he wanted anything than to think about the prophecy and being the damned Chosen One.
Harry stood in the center of the Chamber of the Founders trying his hardest to find the powers hidden within him. And like the so many times before he couldn't unleash them. Dumbledore was standing in the same place he always did and looked to be thinking carefully.
Just as Harry opened his mouth to ask if they were sure that he was the one, Dumbledore spoke, "Harry, let's try something different today. Obviously we aren't getting anywhere like this. Let's see what you can do with your wand."
Pleased that he would finally be able to do something, Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand. Much to his dismay, however, he still wasn't able to discover how to use his new powers. Sure, now he could do some magic, but nothing out of the ordinary.
"Professor," said Harry with a slight whine, "Are you *sure* I'm the one? Nothing seems to be working."
"Now, now, Harry. You are the one who wanted to come practice. However, I've been thinking and I think I've come up with the problem." Dumbledore said.
"Really? What is it?" Harry asked.
"I will tell you in a moment. First, I need you to talk to a couple of people." said Dumbledore.
"Who?" asked Harry.
Dumbledore took a step to the side and there was Malfoy. Harry felt his jaw drop open. He felt all the memories of what Malfoy had done earlier come flooding back. Surely Dumbledore knew what had happened. Why would he bring Malfoy here? Hell, Harry didn't even remember seeing him in the room before.
"Hey, Potter. What's the matter? Just realized what losers your parents were? Honestly, what kind of nitwits would give up their lives for the likes of you?---" Malfoy sneered.
Harry was very confused, why had Dumbledore brought him. Why wasn't he doing anything when Malfoy was insulting him and his parents so openly? And *why* was Malfoy saying these things in front of the headmaster? These questions flew around in head like a fly over a dung heap. (AN: Lovely picture, I know.) They were hardly noticeable at the moment to Harry, though. He felt his temper start to flare up and felt the familiar sensation of the power flowing through him. And the same green light that had been around him before started to form.
Suddenly from behind him he heard the owl-like screech of his aunt. He turned around and there she was, advancing toward him, hand raised and fire in her eyes.
"How dare you, boy! I told you to clean Dudley's room twice! Can't you even do something as simple as that!?" she yelled.
The light around Harry shone even brighter as two other people seemingly appeared out of no where.
"Get up now, you good for nothing bastard! You need to clean the kitchen and mow the lawn by the time Marge gets here!" Vernon barked, kicking a second, younger Harry.
"Hey!" Harry shouted, the light shining even brighter.
Vernon looked up from young Harry and looked to the other one. He, too, started storming forward as young Harry slowly disappeared.
As the three closed in on him, Harry felt his energy reach a peak. Before he knew what he was doing, all the light around his body condensed at the base of his wand hand.
"Deserus Croxia!" Harry shouted.
The light at the base of his hand flew forward to the tip of his wand and Harry's arm shook with such power that he began to think that his duel with Voldemort two years ago had been nothing. Just when he thought he could no longer control the energy, a thunderous boom exploded from his wand and the green light shot out in a circle from him.
As the other four in the room hit the various walls of the chamber, the entire castle gave a mighty shake. Harry's aunt and uncle, along with Malfoy disappeared with a flash and Dumbledore had within the second swooped over to him. Harry was still breathing heavily with anger and was quite amazed to discover that he wasn't in the least bit tired. Not to mention the fact that his head was spinning with an incredible amount of new spells and charms he had never even heard of.
It took him a moment to sort out his thoughts, but once he registered who he was standing next to him and what he had done, Harry quickly turned to Dumbledore, "Professor! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, honestly!"
Dumbledore, instead of looking upset, looked quite pleased, "Well done, Harry! You've done it! And I do apologize for the use of those holograms, but I needed to make sure of my theory."
"What theory?" asked Harry.
"Why, the one I told you about, of course! Do you remember the part of Merlin's prophecy that says that your secret is the key to unlocking your powers?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry nodded, "You mean. . .?"
"Yes, Harry, all the anger you have built up over the years at the Dursleys and Mr. Malfoy is the answer that you need to unleash your powers." said Dumbledore.
Harry gave a small smile. Although he thought it pretty cynical for the whole purpose of his being abused by the Dursleys was to allow him access to his powers which would eventually lead to his death, he did have to admit, he was glad to at least have control of his powers.
"So are we going to continue?" he asked.
"If you wish." said Dumbledore, "Should we try it without the wand this time?"
Harry nodded and tucked his wand away as Dumbledore conjured a chair, "Let us start with something simple. Do you think you can manage levitating the chair?"
"No problem," said Harry smirking as he lifted his wand less hand, "Winggardium Leviosa."
Harry instantly felt his smile fade when the chair not so much as wobbled, "I didn't say it wrong, did I?"
"No, I don't believe so. Try again, Harry." suggested Dumbledore.
"Winggardium Leviosa." said Harry, and yet again nothing happened. He tried several more times but each time nothing happened.
Eventually, Dumbledore put a hand on his shoulder and started to lead him towards the exit, "Let us take a break. We have been down here for several hours, and unless I'm mistaken your first spell has awoken the entire school. I believe that it is the perfect time for a break and breakfast should be up in the Great Hall as we speak."
As the two entered the Great Hall, all eyes turned to them, though there weren't very many in the room at the time as it was still fairly early. Everyone seemed to be quite wary which Harry and Dumbledore presumed to be because of Harry's spell.
"Harry!"
Hermione, Ron, and Lavender rushed up to him and Hermione immediately grabbed him into a hug.
"We were worried about you, Harry. Where did you go yesterday?" she asked.
Harry smiled in spite of himself, "I just needed to be alone for a while."
"Yeah, Hermione, leave him alone. You can't really blame him for what Malfoy did." said Lavender.
"The fuc---" Ron stopped himself just in time and looked at Dumbledore who smiled at him before walking towards his seat.
Once he was gone and the four had taken their seats Ron continued, "At least that fucking bastard got what he deserved."
Harry looked at him, "What do you mean?"
"Dumbledore didn't tell you?" asked Lavender and Harry shook his head.
"Malfoy was suspended until after Christmas holiday." said Lavender.
"What about that earthquake this morning? Woke up the whole bloody tower! I didn't even know we got them around here!" exclaimed Ron.
Harry debated silently within himself but before he could come to the decision of whether or not to tell them, "It wasn't an earthquake."
The three looked at him.
"What do you mean it wasn't an earthquake? What else could it be?" asked Hermione.
Harry looked at each of them and sighed. As much as he didn't want to tell them, he knew he couldn't go on with keeping things from them. So it was in rapt silence that Harry told them exactly what had happened after he left the dungeons, conveniently forgetting the parts about him dying.
_~_~_~_~
"So he's talked to them?" asked Sirius at the head table.
Dumbledore nodded, "He seems to be taking it quite well. . .he's even broken the barrier to his powers."
"Really? What did he do?" asked Tali.
"Let's just say that what you felt this morning wasn't any earthquake." said Dumbledore, taking a sip out of his goblet. All the teachers at the table, Sirius, and Remus stopped what they were doing.
"That was *him*, Albus? But how could anyone exert so much power?" asked McGonagall.
"That, I'm afraid, we may never know. But I do believe that we should keep the prophecy and Harry's powers a secret between those of us who know. There is no reason for the whole school to know and I am certain that he would not want them to know." said Dumbledore.
"I thought that would be obvious." said Remus.
"Indeed. It's a good thing you got that Malfoy out of here, Headmaster, before I found out what happened or I would have had to knock him over one!" exclaimed Tali.
"You're not the only one. Just wait until after Christmas. . ." led off Sirius.
_~_~_~_~
"So you mean that it was *you* this morning?" asked Ron and Harry nodded, "Bloody hell, Harry. How'd you do it?"
"That's just it, I'm not really sure. But as soon as I did it was like a chain reaction. I have all these new spells and everything that I never even heard of before." said Harry.
"Well, at least we know it's only three more months until You-Know-Who is gone forever." said Hermione, smiling.
"Yes, and you don't even have to go to classes anymore. How lucky is that!" exclaimed Lavender.
"I don't know. I have a feeling it might be a bit dull by myself." said Harry.
Just then, a solid black owl flew into the Great Hall, followed by Hedwig. As if it wasn't strange enough to see a black owl, Hedwig seemed to be chasing it. Everyone in the room watched as the two birds flew over to the Gryffindor table. The black owl dropped a letter onto Harry's plate before being chased out of the room by Hedwig, screeching the whole while.
Once the owls were gone, the people in the room stared at Harry who was looking curiously at the letter. Like the bird that had delivered it, the letter was solid black.
"Well? Aren't you going to open it?" asked Ron.
Harry didn't answer, there was something strange about the letter and he wasn't sure exactly what it was.
"Harry?" asked Ron as people started to go back to their own conversations.
"Huh?" asked Harry, drifting out of his reverie, "Oh, I don't think so."
"Why not?" asked Lavender.
"Doesn't it seem a bit odd?" asked Harry.
Ron reached over and picked up the letter as a bunch of students entered the room, "What's so odd about it?"
"I don't know. It just seems. . ." Harry started but came to a stop as Ron had started to open it.
Suddenly, Harry had a extremely brief vision in his mind and he snatched the letter away as a horrible screeching erupted from it. Everyone slammed their hands against their ears as the screeching got louder and louder.
Harry felt himself getting a splitting headache but he managed to throw the letter up into the air and shouted, "Frisca Wicade!"
The letter burst into flames and had disintegrated before its ashes hit the ground.
"Adult Mandrakes." Harry said quietly to himself as people gradually began to lessen the pressure against their ears, just in time to hear the voice many had only heard of.
"Three months, Potter!" boomed the voice of Voldemort out of no where, "You, kill me? Unlikely! Three months, and you can be sure that one of us will be dead by then, and I can assure you, it won't be me! Enjoy your life while you can!"
As the voice faded, Harry could feel every single person in the room staring at him. As he looked around at them, he noticed that all of them, with the exception of the Slytherins, were quite pale. Chewing on the inside of his cheek, Harry, and only Harry, was suddenly distracted by Hedwig flying back into the room and landing on Harry's shoulder with a large clump of black feathers held proudly in her beak.
Author's Note: Hip hip hooray! Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is finally out! Saw it twice this past weekend, I did! Would've gone to see it on Sunday too, but I had church and my parents wouldn't give me any more money! Jeez, what a rip! Oh, and guess what! My stupid, idiotic, good for nothing, no brains, git of a sister *hated* the movie! And then she had the nerve to call me childish for liking it! Can you believe that!? Any ideas for sweet, simple revenge? Write a review and tell me! Oh, and I'm sorry for the cruddy chapter, please no scary flames!
Videl86: What James hid in the bathroom. . .::grins mischievously:: Gee, honestly I have no idea. . .hahahaha! You'll all love me for this when you find out but. . .not until after Christmas in the story!
Lady Foxfire: . . .I'm not really *that* evil? Am I?. . .oh well, thanks for the review!
Laterose: Yeah, I don't know about you, but if I knew I was going to die, and in three months no less, I'd probably go crazy! Harry should pull through though. . .after all, he's Harry Potter. . .or is that the problem. . .
Wanted: Love
Ch16: All is Not Lost
Harry woke up rather warm; he opened his eyes as a yawn ripped loose. He was still in the room where he had talked to his parents and Merlin. Though he couldn't remember very much past his last words with his parents, the fact that he only had three months left to live was still quite fresh in his mind. He pulled the blanket tight around neck for a moment before reaching around for his glasses. He found them on the ground a few feet from the couch where he was lying.
As he pulled them on, he wondered why no one had come to get him. Dumbledore probably knew where he was but after a moment of thought Harry came to the conclusion that that was probably the reason why he had been left alone. Harry picked up the book again and read through it several more times, each time growing exceedingly more depressed. Three months left to live, what was the point in three months? What could he possibly hope to accomplish that would add meaning to 'his' life. Harry used the words his life lightly. How much could be his life if he didn't even have a say in his future.
His stomach grumbled and Harry tossed the book back onto the couch, it was time to get something to eat. As he stood up and stretched, he felt a sudden sense of dread. He didn't want to have to face the school and its occupants so soon. He doubted that he would be able to keep the prophecy a secret from his friends for long. . .that is if they didn't already know. Another grumble, though, and Harry decided that he had to eat something and left the room.
He walked through the empty halls with his hands in his robes' pockets and his head tilted downward. Through the windows he could tell that it was still dark out. He knew not the time and didn't want to disturb the house elves if they were sleeping, so Harry decided to wait until at least the sun had come up. In the meantime, he let his feet do the walking for him. Eventually, he came to a stop in front of the gargoyle that blocked the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Surprisingly, Harry didn't even have to guess at the password, for it jumped aside the second Harry turned his gaze upon it. He walked slowly up the stairs, taking the time to feel the coolness of the stone against the palm of his hand which he dragged against the wall.
When he got to the door, Harry brought his hand up to knock on it but hesitated for a minute. He didn't want to wake up the headmaster, either, but for some reason Harry knew he was awake. He rapped on the door a couple times and within the same minute Dumbledore was standing in front of him.
"Ah, Harry. I trust you've spoken to your parents?" he asked, smiling.
Harry kept his gaze downward, "Yes, sir."
Dumbledore looked at his student for a minute before putting a hand on his shoulder, "Why don't you come in for a while."
Harry nodded and Dumbledore led him into the brightly lit office. On his desk was a large platter of sandwiches and two goblets. Dumbledore sat him down in the seat in front of the desk, sat down in his seat, and motioned to the food.
"I had a feeling you would be coming to see me soon. Go on, eat something. You must be hungry." Dumbledore said, picking up his goblet and taking a sip.
Harry took a sandwich but didn't eat it.
Dumbledore looked at him, "Would you like to talk about it?
"I just don't understand why it had to be me." Harry said quite melancholy.
"There really aren't any plausible reasons that I could give you, Harry. Merlin could not change what he saw. It was your parents' destiny to die when they did and it is yours to die when you do. We all have problems, the only thing you have to ask yourself is how you are going to deal with them." said Dumbledore.
"But it isn't like I really have a choice, is it?" asked Harry.
"No, I am afraid not." said Dumbledore, "You know how much time you have left. I will not ask you to spend it in the classroom. I have spoken to your professors and we all agree that you will be omitted from your classes if you wish. However, I fear that we must meet more often in the Chamber of the Founders. Everyday until you get the hang of it."
Harry lowered his head and stared at the sandwich in his hands, suddenly he didn't feel very hungry at all, "Professor, Ron, Hermione, and Lavender don't know, do they?"
Dumbledore shook his head, "No, it is not our place to tell them. Though, I should think that you might want to tell them, so they can prepare themselves."
"I don't exactly fancy their reaction. Who does know, Professor?" asked Harry.
"The staff, Molly and Arthur Weasley, Sirius, Remus, and Tali." said Dumbledore.
"Anyone at the Ministry?" Harry asked.
"Only Cornelius and a few other top members." Dumbledore said.
Harry was silent for a long time before he finally spoke up again, "Merlin said that I was the only one who could kill Voldemort. . .what could be so difficult about killing him?"
Dumbledore looked grim for a moment, "Voldemort has sunk so far into the dark arts that he has lost his very soul. He is no longer human. Avada Kedavera will no longer work on him. Only the powers that you will learn will be able to defeat him."
". . .Could we go practice?" Harry asked.
"Are you sure you're up to it, Harry? You've learned quite a bit about your future in a very short period of time." said Dumbledore.
Harry nodded. To tell the truth that was why he wanted to go practice. Whenever he set foot into the Chamber of the Founders he couldn't seem to concentrate on anything other than achieving his goal of handling his powers. At the moment, he wanted anything than to think about the prophecy and being the damned Chosen One.
Harry stood in the center of the Chamber of the Founders trying his hardest to find the powers hidden within him. And like the so many times before he couldn't unleash them. Dumbledore was standing in the same place he always did and looked to be thinking carefully.
Just as Harry opened his mouth to ask if they were sure that he was the one, Dumbledore spoke, "Harry, let's try something different today. Obviously we aren't getting anywhere like this. Let's see what you can do with your wand."
Pleased that he would finally be able to do something, Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand. Much to his dismay, however, he still wasn't able to discover how to use his new powers. Sure, now he could do some magic, but nothing out of the ordinary.
"Professor," said Harry with a slight whine, "Are you *sure* I'm the one? Nothing seems to be working."
"Now, now, Harry. You are the one who wanted to come practice. However, I've been thinking and I think I've come up with the problem." Dumbledore said.
"Really? What is it?" Harry asked.
"I will tell you in a moment. First, I need you to talk to a couple of people." said Dumbledore.
"Who?" asked Harry.
Dumbledore took a step to the side and there was Malfoy. Harry felt his jaw drop open. He felt all the memories of what Malfoy had done earlier come flooding back. Surely Dumbledore knew what had happened. Why would he bring Malfoy here? Hell, Harry didn't even remember seeing him in the room before.
"Hey, Potter. What's the matter? Just realized what losers your parents were? Honestly, what kind of nitwits would give up their lives for the likes of you?---" Malfoy sneered.
Harry was very confused, why had Dumbledore brought him. Why wasn't he doing anything when Malfoy was insulting him and his parents so openly? And *why* was Malfoy saying these things in front of the headmaster? These questions flew around in head like a fly over a dung heap. (AN: Lovely picture, I know.) They were hardly noticeable at the moment to Harry, though. He felt his temper start to flare up and felt the familiar sensation of the power flowing through him. And the same green light that had been around him before started to form.
Suddenly from behind him he heard the owl-like screech of his aunt. He turned around and there she was, advancing toward him, hand raised and fire in her eyes.
"How dare you, boy! I told you to clean Dudley's room twice! Can't you even do something as simple as that!?" she yelled.
The light around Harry shone even brighter as two other people seemingly appeared out of no where.
"Get up now, you good for nothing bastard! You need to clean the kitchen and mow the lawn by the time Marge gets here!" Vernon barked, kicking a second, younger Harry.
"Hey!" Harry shouted, the light shining even brighter.
Vernon looked up from young Harry and looked to the other one. He, too, started storming forward as young Harry slowly disappeared.
As the three closed in on him, Harry felt his energy reach a peak. Before he knew what he was doing, all the light around his body condensed at the base of his wand hand.
"Deserus Croxia!" Harry shouted.
The light at the base of his hand flew forward to the tip of his wand and Harry's arm shook with such power that he began to think that his duel with Voldemort two years ago had been nothing. Just when he thought he could no longer control the energy, a thunderous boom exploded from his wand and the green light shot out in a circle from him.
As the other four in the room hit the various walls of the chamber, the entire castle gave a mighty shake. Harry's aunt and uncle, along with Malfoy disappeared with a flash and Dumbledore had within the second swooped over to him. Harry was still breathing heavily with anger and was quite amazed to discover that he wasn't in the least bit tired. Not to mention the fact that his head was spinning with an incredible amount of new spells and charms he had never even heard of.
It took him a moment to sort out his thoughts, but once he registered who he was standing next to him and what he had done, Harry quickly turned to Dumbledore, "Professor! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, honestly!"
Dumbledore, instead of looking upset, looked quite pleased, "Well done, Harry! You've done it! And I do apologize for the use of those holograms, but I needed to make sure of my theory."
"What theory?" asked Harry.
"Why, the one I told you about, of course! Do you remember the part of Merlin's prophecy that says that your secret is the key to unlocking your powers?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry nodded, "You mean. . .?"
"Yes, Harry, all the anger you have built up over the years at the Dursleys and Mr. Malfoy is the answer that you need to unleash your powers." said Dumbledore.
Harry gave a small smile. Although he thought it pretty cynical for the whole purpose of his being abused by the Dursleys was to allow him access to his powers which would eventually lead to his death, he did have to admit, he was glad to at least have control of his powers.
"So are we going to continue?" he asked.
"If you wish." said Dumbledore, "Should we try it without the wand this time?"
Harry nodded and tucked his wand away as Dumbledore conjured a chair, "Let us start with something simple. Do you think you can manage levitating the chair?"
"No problem," said Harry smirking as he lifted his wand less hand, "Winggardium Leviosa."
Harry instantly felt his smile fade when the chair not so much as wobbled, "I didn't say it wrong, did I?"
"No, I don't believe so. Try again, Harry." suggested Dumbledore.
"Winggardium Leviosa." said Harry, and yet again nothing happened. He tried several more times but each time nothing happened.
Eventually, Dumbledore put a hand on his shoulder and started to lead him towards the exit, "Let us take a break. We have been down here for several hours, and unless I'm mistaken your first spell has awoken the entire school. I believe that it is the perfect time for a break and breakfast should be up in the Great Hall as we speak."
As the two entered the Great Hall, all eyes turned to them, though there weren't very many in the room at the time as it was still fairly early. Everyone seemed to be quite wary which Harry and Dumbledore presumed to be because of Harry's spell.
"Harry!"
Hermione, Ron, and Lavender rushed up to him and Hermione immediately grabbed him into a hug.
"We were worried about you, Harry. Where did you go yesterday?" she asked.
Harry smiled in spite of himself, "I just needed to be alone for a while."
"Yeah, Hermione, leave him alone. You can't really blame him for what Malfoy did." said Lavender.
"The fuc---" Ron stopped himself just in time and looked at Dumbledore who smiled at him before walking towards his seat.
Once he was gone and the four had taken their seats Ron continued, "At least that fucking bastard got what he deserved."
Harry looked at him, "What do you mean?"
"Dumbledore didn't tell you?" asked Lavender and Harry shook his head.
"Malfoy was suspended until after Christmas holiday." said Lavender.
"What about that earthquake this morning? Woke up the whole bloody tower! I didn't even know we got them around here!" exclaimed Ron.
Harry debated silently within himself but before he could come to the decision of whether or not to tell them, "It wasn't an earthquake."
The three looked at him.
"What do you mean it wasn't an earthquake? What else could it be?" asked Hermione.
Harry looked at each of them and sighed. As much as he didn't want to tell them, he knew he couldn't go on with keeping things from them. So it was in rapt silence that Harry told them exactly what had happened after he left the dungeons, conveniently forgetting the parts about him dying.
_~_~_~_~
"So he's talked to them?" asked Sirius at the head table.
Dumbledore nodded, "He seems to be taking it quite well. . .he's even broken the barrier to his powers."
"Really? What did he do?" asked Tali.
"Let's just say that what you felt this morning wasn't any earthquake." said Dumbledore, taking a sip out of his goblet. All the teachers at the table, Sirius, and Remus stopped what they were doing.
"That was *him*, Albus? But how could anyone exert so much power?" asked McGonagall.
"That, I'm afraid, we may never know. But I do believe that we should keep the prophecy and Harry's powers a secret between those of us who know. There is no reason for the whole school to know and I am certain that he would not want them to know." said Dumbledore.
"I thought that would be obvious." said Remus.
"Indeed. It's a good thing you got that Malfoy out of here, Headmaster, before I found out what happened or I would have had to knock him over one!" exclaimed Tali.
"You're not the only one. Just wait until after Christmas. . ." led off Sirius.
_~_~_~_~
"So you mean that it was *you* this morning?" asked Ron and Harry nodded, "Bloody hell, Harry. How'd you do it?"
"That's just it, I'm not really sure. But as soon as I did it was like a chain reaction. I have all these new spells and everything that I never even heard of before." said Harry.
"Well, at least we know it's only three more months until You-Know-Who is gone forever." said Hermione, smiling.
"Yes, and you don't even have to go to classes anymore. How lucky is that!" exclaimed Lavender.
"I don't know. I have a feeling it might be a bit dull by myself." said Harry.
Just then, a solid black owl flew into the Great Hall, followed by Hedwig. As if it wasn't strange enough to see a black owl, Hedwig seemed to be chasing it. Everyone in the room watched as the two birds flew over to the Gryffindor table. The black owl dropped a letter onto Harry's plate before being chased out of the room by Hedwig, screeching the whole while.
Once the owls were gone, the people in the room stared at Harry who was looking curiously at the letter. Like the bird that had delivered it, the letter was solid black.
"Well? Aren't you going to open it?" asked Ron.
Harry didn't answer, there was something strange about the letter and he wasn't sure exactly what it was.
"Harry?" asked Ron as people started to go back to their own conversations.
"Huh?" asked Harry, drifting out of his reverie, "Oh, I don't think so."
"Why not?" asked Lavender.
"Doesn't it seem a bit odd?" asked Harry.
Ron reached over and picked up the letter as a bunch of students entered the room, "What's so odd about it?"
"I don't know. It just seems. . ." Harry started but came to a stop as Ron had started to open it.
Suddenly, Harry had a extremely brief vision in his mind and he snatched the letter away as a horrible screeching erupted from it. Everyone slammed their hands against their ears as the screeching got louder and louder.
Harry felt himself getting a splitting headache but he managed to throw the letter up into the air and shouted, "Frisca Wicade!"
The letter burst into flames and had disintegrated before its ashes hit the ground.
"Adult Mandrakes." Harry said quietly to himself as people gradually began to lessen the pressure against their ears, just in time to hear the voice many had only heard of.
"Three months, Potter!" boomed the voice of Voldemort out of no where, "You, kill me? Unlikely! Three months, and you can be sure that one of us will be dead by then, and I can assure you, it won't be me! Enjoy your life while you can!"
As the voice faded, Harry could feel every single person in the room staring at him. As he looked around at them, he noticed that all of them, with the exception of the Slytherins, were quite pale. Chewing on the inside of his cheek, Harry, and only Harry, was suddenly distracted by Hedwig flying back into the room and landing on Harry's shoulder with a large clump of black feathers held proudly in her beak.
Author's Note: Hip hip hooray! Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is finally out! Saw it twice this past weekend, I did! Would've gone to see it on Sunday too, but I had church and my parents wouldn't give me any more money! Jeez, what a rip! Oh, and guess what! My stupid, idiotic, good for nothing, no brains, git of a sister *hated* the movie! And then she had the nerve to call me childish for liking it! Can you believe that!? Any ideas for sweet, simple revenge? Write a review and tell me! Oh, and I'm sorry for the cruddy chapter, please no scary flames!