(A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this out! I had to study for the end of
year exams, practice softball, oh...and also think of stuff to put in this
chapter! Before I forget, I would like to thank Mythflare for giving me the
idea for the banshee in the last chapter! And I would also like to thank
everyone who reviewed! It means a lot! Now, like I said...this chapter will
have a less action. But it'll still be good...I promise! Enough babble! On
with the story...!)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The Heir of Gryffindor *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry listened to Dumbledore. The truth hit him that Hagrid was dead. He had sacrificed himself for Dumbledore. Sirius looked at Harry.
"What did you think you were doing?" Sirius asked quietly.
"I don't know," Harry answered. "I just wasn't thinking. Voldemort killed Hagrid, and he was going to kill Dumbledore..."
"Yes, lucky I had a good aim to revive you!" The man standing next to Dumbledore said in a cheerful voice. Dumbledore turned to Harry, and gave him a very somber look.
"But you must realize..." said Dumbledore. "That it was a very foolish thing to do".
"I know, sir" Harry answered quickly. "And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." he continued.
"I'm not sure if it was the bravest thing I've ever known someone to do..." Dumbledore continued as though Harry had not said anything.
"Or the dumbest" Sirius finished sternly. Harry felt himself go red at these words. If he had to choose, he would say that it was, indeed, the dumbest thing he had ever done.
"I'm, er...sorry I kicked you." Harry mumbled sheepishly.
"I think Voldemort is even more sorry!" said Mundangus Fletcher, the man standing beside Dumbledore. "I mean, you really caught him by surprise". he went on in a amused sort of tone. "I bet Voldemort would have loved to kill the leader of our little group!". Mundangus was referring to Dumbledore.
"Thank you, Mr. Fletcher." said Dumbledore. "Now, if you two wouldn't mind, I would like a word with Mr. Potter". Harry felt his heart dropped into his stomach at these words.
'This is it' Harry thought. 'I'm going to be expelled'. Mundangus Flecther just shrugged carelessly, and Sirius gave Harry one last glance before both of them disapparated. Harry stood still, waiting for the blow.
"Sit down, Harry" Dumbledore said gently. Harry walked stiffly to the chair in front of Dumbledore's desk. His limbs felt like lead, and were much harder to move because of it. As he sat into the chair, his thoughts went back to Hagrid; wrongfully expelled in his third year, forced to become game keeper. A deep sadness filled inside Harry. The only feeling that could have matched his sadness was the worry of what was going to happen to him.
"Harry," Dumbledore said as he sat down in his chair. "Do you remember at the end of your first year, when you asked me why Voldemort wanted to kill you?"
Harry sat for a moment. Of course he knew he had asked himself this question, but had he actually asked Dumbledore? His first year seemed a million years ago.
"I guess it's because he fell from power when he tried to kill me." Harry answered uncertainly.
"You asked why he wanted to kill you in the first place. When you were a year old". Dumbledore reminded him.
Harry sat still. Now he remembered. It was when he woke up in the hospital wing after he acquired the sorcerer's stone. After he had asked Dumbledore this, Dumbledore had told him that he would know when he was ready. Was he finally going to find out why? Harry stayed still, hoping his expression wasn't too expectant.
"The answer to that is..." Dumbledore paused. He seemed to be pondering weather or not Harry was ready to know the answer. "Harry, you are the heir of Gryffindor".
Harry's mouth dropped. Was Dumbledore crazy?
"I, uh...I-I mean to say...how-what, no, c-can I?" Harry stuttered out all at once. Dumbledore looked at him, and smiled gently.
"I'm afraid so, Harry." he answered.
"But..." Harry said, still at a loss of words. "How?"
"Remember when you pulled Godric Gryffindor's sword out of the sorting hat? That was the first step in proving yourself Gryffindor's heir. And the shield..." Dumbledore said.
"How did I stop that curse from killing those people?" asked Harry wildly. He had been dying to ask Dumbledore this question for ages, but was always afraid that reminding him he had disobeyed a direct order would get him at least a detention. Not that he hadn't done it before. But now that he was probably going to be expelled anyway....
"It is the second stage of proving yourself". Dumbledore answered calmly.
"How many are there?" asked Harry.
"Just one more. The Green Torch. It's..." Dumbledore started before Harry could ask. "A weapon created by Gryffindor almost 1,000 years ago. You see Harry; it was Salazar Slytherin's dream to become immortal, as it is also Voldemort's. Gryffindor wrote a book containing magic spells, incantations, and curses of his own invention, and hid it some where that only his heir would find. In it contained the information on how to destroy evil. Fate controls evil. And the women that you have met, she is Destiny."
"But," Harry thought out loud. "What is the difference?"
Dumbledore stared thoughtfully at Harry, pondering his answer. "I once heard the difference between them is that destiny is what you try to achieve your entire life, but fate is what gets in the way. I suppose that means with destiny, you have a choice. It is our choices Harry that define who we are".
Harry couldn't believe the day he was having. Seeing his mother trying to save him in the crystal ball, Hagrid dying, and now...now he was the heir of Gryffindor?
"I realize that this has been a lot to take in" Dumbeldore said endearingly. "But I would not tell you unless I thought you could handle it. And, there is also something else you must know."
Harry looked up into Dumbledore's eyes. Not surprisingly, the usual twinkle wasn't there any more. Dumbledore stood up and began pacing the room. Harry vaguely wondered what else could there possibly be to tell.
"What?" Harry asked quietly.
"This may come as a surprise to you, Harry. And I must ask that you tell no one, not even Ron or Hermione this." Dumbledore said determinedly.
Harry kept his gaze into Dumbledore's eyes, and nodded.
"You already know that Professor Snape was acting as a spy for us, reporting Voldemorts actions to us. And you remember that your father saved Professor Snape's life in his 6th year." Harry nodded. "the reason Snape decided to act as a spy, was to alert your parents that Voldemort had discovered your family held the heir of Gryffindor, and would kill anyone to ensure that the heir would not live to fight him". Dumbledore stopped pacing and looked back into Harry's eyes. For the first time, Harry saw, not a twinkle, but a blazing fire roaring inside Dumbledore's eyes.
"Sn-Snape tried to save my father?" Harry choked out.
"Yes, Harry". Dumbeldore said with a deep sigh.
Harry felt his mouth hanging open, and quickly shut it. Dumbledore smiled gently at Harry's shock at this.
"Well, he may not *seem* the most likeable person, but I assure you...his heart is in the right place." Dumbledore said.
"Sir" Harry said quietly. "I'm sorry about Hagrid. I know he was a very close friend."
"Thank you, Harry, but I know that he was also a good friend of yours." Dumbeldore said in a tone Harry couldn't quite place. "I suppose you should get downstairs and try to eat some dinner" Dumbledore suggested with what looked like a forced smile. Harry nodded slowly, and also decided it was time to leave.
"Good night, sir" Harry said as he stood up and walked to the door.
"The same to you" responded Dumbledore with a nod. "Oh, and Harry." Dumbledore added.
"Yes, sir?" Harry asked in a slightly bewildered tone.
"If you put yourself into danger like you did today again, you *will* be expelled". Dumbledore said sternly. Harry gulped.
"Yes, sir". Harry answered with a bit of shaking in his voice.
*******************************************************************
"Your the Heir of Gryffindor!" Ron and Hermione chorused together loudly. Harry blushed as several heads turned to see who had shouted.
"Keep it down!" Harry whispered. "Yes, that's what he told me."
"Wow!" Hermione said in amazement.
"Wicked!" exclaimed Ron.
"Dumbledore just told you all this after he got back from the fight?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"Yeah" Harry said, trying to sound innocent. The truth was he hadn't told Ron and Hermione that he had seen the battle, or gotten into a fist fight with Voldemort for that matter. He couldn't bring himself to tell them that Hagrid had died to save Dumbledore. Harry's eyes flashed to the high table. He saw, as usual, that Dumbledore wasn't at his seat in the middle. But as Harry skimmed the rest of the table, he realized someone else wasn't there.
"Where's Snape?" Harry asked out loud. Ron and Hermione glanced at the high table also, but just shrugged when they saw Snape wasn't there.
"Hey", said Ron suddenly. "where's Hagrid?"
Harry cast his eyes back to his food, and shrugged.
"I saw Lupin and Sirius again" mumbled Harry, as he tried to change the subject.
Ron prodded Harry harshly on the arm, and gestured for Harry to look over his shoulder. As Harry turned to see what Ron was pointing at, he saw Malfoy scoot away quickly to the Slytherin table. Harry's mouth dropped. Did Malfoy know that he was talking about Sirius Black...the "murderer"?
"Harry," Hermione said quietly. "I think you should send a letter to warn Snuffles". Harry nodded, and got up from the table. Harry chanced a glance at Malfoy, and no saw he was now whispering excitedly to a few of the other Slytherins.
Harry walked stiffly to his dormitory. How was he going to tell Sirius that he had practically told Malfoy that he knew where Sirius was after Sirius had risked it all for him 2 years ago? Harry had a sickfeeling in his stomach. After a few minutes, Harry reached the portrait hole.
"Password" commanded the Fat Lady.
"Swordfish" Harry said quietly. The portrait swung forward, and Harry climbed inside. Upon reaching his bed in his dormitory, Harry took out a piece of parchment and began to write.
Dear Sirius,
I don't know how to tell you this, but I think Malfoy knows that I know where you are. I accidentally said your name out loud with out noticing Malfoy behind me. I'm so sorry, Sirius. I trust you will take the proper precautions. Thank you for saving my life.
Harry
Harry skimmed the letter. He could feel his heart in his throat as he rolled it up. What would Sirius think when he read it? Harry sulked to himself as he walked up to the owlery to give to Hedwig. After the letter was tied firmly to Hedwig's leg, Harry sighed.
"Find him before Fudge does". He pleaded. Hedwig hooted reassuringly and flew off out the window. Harry stood to watch for a moment, before turning back and heading down the stairs. As soon as he got through the portrait hole, he saw Ron and Hermione coming towards him.
"Did you send it?" Hermione asked nervously. Harry just nodded.
"It's not your fault, Harry." said Ron. "Malfoy is just a nibbly little git. Besides, you don't know he knows about Snuffles."
"Sure" said Harry unconvincingly.
Hermione and Ron cast looks of pity, before Hermione suddenly jumped up.
"Oh! McGonagall told me to tell you that Gryffindor is supposed to have try- outs for Quidditch tomorrow night." Hermione said triumphantly, knowing this would cheer Harry up. Harry grinned weakly, and sat down in a near by arm chair. For the next hour, Harry let Ron try to bribe him into letting Ron be keeper. Finally, Ron gave up and decided it was time for bed. Harry agreed and followed him up to the dorm with a last good bye to Hermione.
It had to have been about Midnight when Harry woke up. There had been a terrible clash of thunder that had stirred him awake. Harry cursed the weather for waking him, but on reflection decided it was better then another dream. Harry closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. But excitement for the Quidditch that was to come, apprehension for what Sirius would say when he read Harry's letter, and grief over Hagrids death kept him awake.
When Harry had finally fallen asleep, he had the most peculiar dream. He was in Dumbledore's office, only it didn't look like Dumbledore's office at all. None of the pictures containing former headmaster's were on the walls, No funny instruments surrounding the room were there and not even Dumbledore's desk. But one thing Harry did notice that was familiar was there...Fawkes; except the Phoenix wasn't on a golden perch....but a gray stone that had been carved to resemble a perch. And sitting at a large wooden desk was a man writing in a large, leather bound book. Harry didn't recognize this man, but he seemed somehow important. He was a tall, muscular man with long, dark blond hair. Harry took a few steps forward to see what the man was writing and saw:
"The Green Flame Torch: To stop evil from conquering the world before his due..."
was written so far on the paper. 'Before his due?' Harry muttered to himself. The man continued to write.
"As I fear that Slytherin has already attempted to destroy Destiny's champion by going back through the ages, I am creating this weapon. In the case that Slytherin, or his heir, will ever conquer the boundaries of time, I create this weapon. So that I, or my heir, will be able to beat evil to his destination in time..."
"So the Green Torch can take you back in time" Harry murmured breathlessly. The man stood up and looked down at this book. Harry realized that the man seemed to despise this book because it meant evil was lurking in the world and yet he also seemed to cherish it, because it held hope for the good. As the man closed the book, he took his wand out of his dark, woolen robes and muttered "Surabon". A clear shield hovered over the book for a second, and then fell on top of it, and spreading itself to cover every inch of the book. Then, it slowly faded away.
BOOM! Harry awoke with a start, and sat up in his bed, clutching his chest as his breathing became clam again. Harry realized there was a very rough lightning storm going on as the rain hit the windows hard and bouncing off.
Harry reached over for his glasses. Harry stood up and walked over to the window to look out upon the Hogwarts grounds. Every time there was a flash of lightning, Harry could see Hagrid's hut illuminated from a distance. Harry thought about what Dumbledore had told him. How he was Gryffindor's heir. About Snape trying to save his parents. About the dream he just had, and if it were supposed to mean anything. And also about Fate and Destiny. He still didn't understand the difference, but though there obviously was one.
'Fate must be evil, and Destiny must be...' Harry thought to himself. 'Well, good...if she saved me from Voldemort. I wonder how someone could go so bad, even if you are the heir of Slytherin.' His thoughts now pondered to the apparition of Tom Riddle. The memory he had meant in the Chamber of Secrets almost 3 year earlier.
"The Chamber of Secrets" Harry said loudly. Harry turned abruptly from the window to see if he had woken any one. When no one stirred behind their four poster curtains, Harry relaxed and ran to his trunk. He threw open the lid and dug through all his clothes and books before finally reaching, "Hogwarts, A History". The book Hermione had given to him for his birthday. Harry flew wildly through the pages looking for the page about the Chamber of Secrets. After a few minutes of searching, he found it.
The Chamber of Secrets:
Believed to have been created by one of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry founders, Salazar Slytherin (926 - 997). The rumor of such a secret chamber has been widely known to those at Hogwarts for nearly a millennium. As legend has it, only the true heir of Slytherin would be able to open the chamber. We do know, however, that the chamber was opened once in 1942. Though a few people were petrified (converted to stone), only one was killed during the time of confusion.
A few facts known about the mysterious Salazar Slytherin, is that he was famous for his ability to talk to snakes (parcel tongue). In theory, Slytherin created this chamber as a secret prison for a creature of his own invention, the Basilisk (A legendary serpent that can kill with it's breath or glare). Slytherin created other creatures such as dementors, werewolves, hags, manticores, griffins, and many others. Slytherin used these creatures to build an army against the other three Hogwarts founders: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, and Rowena Ravenclaw.
Harry flipped through the pages, thirsty to find out more, but that was the only information the book held. With a bit of disappointment, Harry closed the book and threw it back in his trunk. A few more hours of tossing and turning, thinking about everything that was on his mind, Harry finally fell asleep. And an odd whisper touched his ears:
"It is very hard to protect you, when you so willingly submit yourself to danger. Sleep well, young Potter".
****************************************************************************
"Next!" Alicia Spinnet called the next day at Quidditch try-outs.
"Seamus Finnigan" said Katie in an under tone. Angelina was on her broom tossing the quaffle in different directions at the hoops to see who the best keeper was. So far 2 second years, 1 third year, and 3 forth years had tried out for Keeper. None of them looked that good, but that could have been because Harry was comparing them to Wood.
Seamus mounted his broom, and rose up into the air. Angelina gave him a reassuring smile, and tossed the quaffle into the right hoop. Seamus dove for it, and missed it by inches. Alicia made a mark on her paper, and nodded for Angelina to try it again. Angelina threw the ball to the left this time. Seamus anticipated this, and knocked it from the loop with the back of his broom. Seamus smiled contently, and got back into position. Angelina got the enchanted ball, and this time faked to the left. Seamus dove left, and to his surprise, Angelina threw the ball into the right loop again and scored.
"Next!" Alicia called again. "What did you think of him?" she added in a low voice.
"He was okay," Katie said optimistically.
"I think he could be good with a little practice". Harry said, though he knew this was an under statement.
"Terrible!" said George.
"Awful!" said Fred. Both of them were trying to make Ron look good. Harry had the sneaking suspicion that this was the agreement the 2 of them made with Ron in exchange for Ron's silence about the rainbow colored robes. But Harry didn't say anything, as he himself wanted Ron on the team.
"Ahem", Katie said in a mock cough. "Ronald Weasley".
Ron smiled broadly, and mounted the Firebolt, which he was borrowing from Harry. Angelina looked down to Fred, who, Harry guessed, she had a thing for. She winked and grabbed the quaffle tightly in her arms. Ron got into position in the middle of the 3 hoops. Angelina tossed the ball slowly towards the left hoop; Ron sped towards the ball and caught it.
'This is so wrong' Harry thought to himself as he grinned up at Ron who grinned back. Angelina caught the ball again, and tossed it lazily towards the left hoop. Ron easily pointed the broom, and jetted to the quaffle. Though it was an easy catch, everyone was still so impressed with the speed of the firebolt, a few people applauded.
"Ok, Angelina. Now give him a hard one!" Alicia called up to Angelina in a half stern, half playful voice. Angelina smiled sheepishly, and threw the ball as hard as she could towards the left hoop again; Ron put on a burst of speed....and knocked the quaffle away from the hoop in time.
"Well, that settles it!" said George excitedly.
"He's got my vote!" Fred added happily. Alicia chuckled silently to herself, and nodded in agreement. Katie simply smiled and gave Fred and George a thumbs up. Both Fred and George turned their attention to Harry. Harry grinned devilishly.
"Alright" he said, trying not to sound too happy about this.
"Oy, Angelina!" Fred called. "Whats your vote?"
Angelina just made an "ok" sign with her hand and laughed uncontrollably as Ron tried to do a loop-to-loop in the air, and almost fell off his broom.
(A/N: So how was it? I knew it had to have less action. But I can guarantee suspense in the coming chapters! What's going to happen to Sirius? What other secrets are there to be told? Will Malfoy, the little twerp, get what he deserves? Find out in the next chapter! lol! Oh, by the way. Did I mention I ran into the fence at softball practice 2 days ago? Oh yeah...now there is a triangle bruise on my nose! lol! ttyl! Please please please R/R!)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The Heir of Gryffindor *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry listened to Dumbledore. The truth hit him that Hagrid was dead. He had sacrificed himself for Dumbledore. Sirius looked at Harry.
"What did you think you were doing?" Sirius asked quietly.
"I don't know," Harry answered. "I just wasn't thinking. Voldemort killed Hagrid, and he was going to kill Dumbledore..."
"Yes, lucky I had a good aim to revive you!" The man standing next to Dumbledore said in a cheerful voice. Dumbledore turned to Harry, and gave him a very somber look.
"But you must realize..." said Dumbledore. "That it was a very foolish thing to do".
"I know, sir" Harry answered quickly. "And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." he continued.
"I'm not sure if it was the bravest thing I've ever known someone to do..." Dumbledore continued as though Harry had not said anything.
"Or the dumbest" Sirius finished sternly. Harry felt himself go red at these words. If he had to choose, he would say that it was, indeed, the dumbest thing he had ever done.
"I'm, er...sorry I kicked you." Harry mumbled sheepishly.
"I think Voldemort is even more sorry!" said Mundangus Fletcher, the man standing beside Dumbledore. "I mean, you really caught him by surprise". he went on in a amused sort of tone. "I bet Voldemort would have loved to kill the leader of our little group!". Mundangus was referring to Dumbledore.
"Thank you, Mr. Fletcher." said Dumbledore. "Now, if you two wouldn't mind, I would like a word with Mr. Potter". Harry felt his heart dropped into his stomach at these words.
'This is it' Harry thought. 'I'm going to be expelled'. Mundangus Flecther just shrugged carelessly, and Sirius gave Harry one last glance before both of them disapparated. Harry stood still, waiting for the blow.
"Sit down, Harry" Dumbledore said gently. Harry walked stiffly to the chair in front of Dumbledore's desk. His limbs felt like lead, and were much harder to move because of it. As he sat into the chair, his thoughts went back to Hagrid; wrongfully expelled in his third year, forced to become game keeper. A deep sadness filled inside Harry. The only feeling that could have matched his sadness was the worry of what was going to happen to him.
"Harry," Dumbledore said as he sat down in his chair. "Do you remember at the end of your first year, when you asked me why Voldemort wanted to kill you?"
Harry sat for a moment. Of course he knew he had asked himself this question, but had he actually asked Dumbledore? His first year seemed a million years ago.
"I guess it's because he fell from power when he tried to kill me." Harry answered uncertainly.
"You asked why he wanted to kill you in the first place. When you were a year old". Dumbledore reminded him.
Harry sat still. Now he remembered. It was when he woke up in the hospital wing after he acquired the sorcerer's stone. After he had asked Dumbledore this, Dumbledore had told him that he would know when he was ready. Was he finally going to find out why? Harry stayed still, hoping his expression wasn't too expectant.
"The answer to that is..." Dumbledore paused. He seemed to be pondering weather or not Harry was ready to know the answer. "Harry, you are the heir of Gryffindor".
Harry's mouth dropped. Was Dumbledore crazy?
"I, uh...I-I mean to say...how-what, no, c-can I?" Harry stuttered out all at once. Dumbledore looked at him, and smiled gently.
"I'm afraid so, Harry." he answered.
"But..." Harry said, still at a loss of words. "How?"
"Remember when you pulled Godric Gryffindor's sword out of the sorting hat? That was the first step in proving yourself Gryffindor's heir. And the shield..." Dumbledore said.
"How did I stop that curse from killing those people?" asked Harry wildly. He had been dying to ask Dumbledore this question for ages, but was always afraid that reminding him he had disobeyed a direct order would get him at least a detention. Not that he hadn't done it before. But now that he was probably going to be expelled anyway....
"It is the second stage of proving yourself". Dumbledore answered calmly.
"How many are there?" asked Harry.
"Just one more. The Green Torch. It's..." Dumbledore started before Harry could ask. "A weapon created by Gryffindor almost 1,000 years ago. You see Harry; it was Salazar Slytherin's dream to become immortal, as it is also Voldemort's. Gryffindor wrote a book containing magic spells, incantations, and curses of his own invention, and hid it some where that only his heir would find. In it contained the information on how to destroy evil. Fate controls evil. And the women that you have met, she is Destiny."
"But," Harry thought out loud. "What is the difference?"
Dumbledore stared thoughtfully at Harry, pondering his answer. "I once heard the difference between them is that destiny is what you try to achieve your entire life, but fate is what gets in the way. I suppose that means with destiny, you have a choice. It is our choices Harry that define who we are".
Harry couldn't believe the day he was having. Seeing his mother trying to save him in the crystal ball, Hagrid dying, and now...now he was the heir of Gryffindor?
"I realize that this has been a lot to take in" Dumbeldore said endearingly. "But I would not tell you unless I thought you could handle it. And, there is also something else you must know."
Harry looked up into Dumbledore's eyes. Not surprisingly, the usual twinkle wasn't there any more. Dumbledore stood up and began pacing the room. Harry vaguely wondered what else could there possibly be to tell.
"What?" Harry asked quietly.
"This may come as a surprise to you, Harry. And I must ask that you tell no one, not even Ron or Hermione this." Dumbledore said determinedly.
Harry kept his gaze into Dumbledore's eyes, and nodded.
"You already know that Professor Snape was acting as a spy for us, reporting Voldemorts actions to us. And you remember that your father saved Professor Snape's life in his 6th year." Harry nodded. "the reason Snape decided to act as a spy, was to alert your parents that Voldemort had discovered your family held the heir of Gryffindor, and would kill anyone to ensure that the heir would not live to fight him". Dumbledore stopped pacing and looked back into Harry's eyes. For the first time, Harry saw, not a twinkle, but a blazing fire roaring inside Dumbledore's eyes.
"Sn-Snape tried to save my father?" Harry choked out.
"Yes, Harry". Dumbeldore said with a deep sigh.
Harry felt his mouth hanging open, and quickly shut it. Dumbledore smiled gently at Harry's shock at this.
"Well, he may not *seem* the most likeable person, but I assure you...his heart is in the right place." Dumbledore said.
"Sir" Harry said quietly. "I'm sorry about Hagrid. I know he was a very close friend."
"Thank you, Harry, but I know that he was also a good friend of yours." Dumbeldore said in a tone Harry couldn't quite place. "I suppose you should get downstairs and try to eat some dinner" Dumbledore suggested with what looked like a forced smile. Harry nodded slowly, and also decided it was time to leave.
"Good night, sir" Harry said as he stood up and walked to the door.
"The same to you" responded Dumbledore with a nod. "Oh, and Harry." Dumbledore added.
"Yes, sir?" Harry asked in a slightly bewildered tone.
"If you put yourself into danger like you did today again, you *will* be expelled". Dumbledore said sternly. Harry gulped.
"Yes, sir". Harry answered with a bit of shaking in his voice.
*******************************************************************
"Your the Heir of Gryffindor!" Ron and Hermione chorused together loudly. Harry blushed as several heads turned to see who had shouted.
"Keep it down!" Harry whispered. "Yes, that's what he told me."
"Wow!" Hermione said in amazement.
"Wicked!" exclaimed Ron.
"Dumbledore just told you all this after he got back from the fight?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"Yeah" Harry said, trying to sound innocent. The truth was he hadn't told Ron and Hermione that he had seen the battle, or gotten into a fist fight with Voldemort for that matter. He couldn't bring himself to tell them that Hagrid had died to save Dumbledore. Harry's eyes flashed to the high table. He saw, as usual, that Dumbledore wasn't at his seat in the middle. But as Harry skimmed the rest of the table, he realized someone else wasn't there.
"Where's Snape?" Harry asked out loud. Ron and Hermione glanced at the high table also, but just shrugged when they saw Snape wasn't there.
"Hey", said Ron suddenly. "where's Hagrid?"
Harry cast his eyes back to his food, and shrugged.
"I saw Lupin and Sirius again" mumbled Harry, as he tried to change the subject.
Ron prodded Harry harshly on the arm, and gestured for Harry to look over his shoulder. As Harry turned to see what Ron was pointing at, he saw Malfoy scoot away quickly to the Slytherin table. Harry's mouth dropped. Did Malfoy know that he was talking about Sirius Black...the "murderer"?
"Harry," Hermione said quietly. "I think you should send a letter to warn Snuffles". Harry nodded, and got up from the table. Harry chanced a glance at Malfoy, and no saw he was now whispering excitedly to a few of the other Slytherins.
Harry walked stiffly to his dormitory. How was he going to tell Sirius that he had practically told Malfoy that he knew where Sirius was after Sirius had risked it all for him 2 years ago? Harry had a sickfeeling in his stomach. After a few minutes, Harry reached the portrait hole.
"Password" commanded the Fat Lady.
"Swordfish" Harry said quietly. The portrait swung forward, and Harry climbed inside. Upon reaching his bed in his dormitory, Harry took out a piece of parchment and began to write.
Dear Sirius,
I don't know how to tell you this, but I think Malfoy knows that I know where you are. I accidentally said your name out loud with out noticing Malfoy behind me. I'm so sorry, Sirius. I trust you will take the proper precautions. Thank you for saving my life.
Harry
Harry skimmed the letter. He could feel his heart in his throat as he rolled it up. What would Sirius think when he read it? Harry sulked to himself as he walked up to the owlery to give to Hedwig. After the letter was tied firmly to Hedwig's leg, Harry sighed.
"Find him before Fudge does". He pleaded. Hedwig hooted reassuringly and flew off out the window. Harry stood to watch for a moment, before turning back and heading down the stairs. As soon as he got through the portrait hole, he saw Ron and Hermione coming towards him.
"Did you send it?" Hermione asked nervously. Harry just nodded.
"It's not your fault, Harry." said Ron. "Malfoy is just a nibbly little git. Besides, you don't know he knows about Snuffles."
"Sure" said Harry unconvincingly.
Hermione and Ron cast looks of pity, before Hermione suddenly jumped up.
"Oh! McGonagall told me to tell you that Gryffindor is supposed to have try- outs for Quidditch tomorrow night." Hermione said triumphantly, knowing this would cheer Harry up. Harry grinned weakly, and sat down in a near by arm chair. For the next hour, Harry let Ron try to bribe him into letting Ron be keeper. Finally, Ron gave up and decided it was time for bed. Harry agreed and followed him up to the dorm with a last good bye to Hermione.
It had to have been about Midnight when Harry woke up. There had been a terrible clash of thunder that had stirred him awake. Harry cursed the weather for waking him, but on reflection decided it was better then another dream. Harry closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. But excitement for the Quidditch that was to come, apprehension for what Sirius would say when he read Harry's letter, and grief over Hagrids death kept him awake.
When Harry had finally fallen asleep, he had the most peculiar dream. He was in Dumbledore's office, only it didn't look like Dumbledore's office at all. None of the pictures containing former headmaster's were on the walls, No funny instruments surrounding the room were there and not even Dumbledore's desk. But one thing Harry did notice that was familiar was there...Fawkes; except the Phoenix wasn't on a golden perch....but a gray stone that had been carved to resemble a perch. And sitting at a large wooden desk was a man writing in a large, leather bound book. Harry didn't recognize this man, but he seemed somehow important. He was a tall, muscular man with long, dark blond hair. Harry took a few steps forward to see what the man was writing and saw:
"The Green Flame Torch: To stop evil from conquering the world before his due..."
was written so far on the paper. 'Before his due?' Harry muttered to himself. The man continued to write.
"As I fear that Slytherin has already attempted to destroy Destiny's champion by going back through the ages, I am creating this weapon. In the case that Slytherin, or his heir, will ever conquer the boundaries of time, I create this weapon. So that I, or my heir, will be able to beat evil to his destination in time..."
"So the Green Torch can take you back in time" Harry murmured breathlessly. The man stood up and looked down at this book. Harry realized that the man seemed to despise this book because it meant evil was lurking in the world and yet he also seemed to cherish it, because it held hope for the good. As the man closed the book, he took his wand out of his dark, woolen robes and muttered "Surabon". A clear shield hovered over the book for a second, and then fell on top of it, and spreading itself to cover every inch of the book. Then, it slowly faded away.
BOOM! Harry awoke with a start, and sat up in his bed, clutching his chest as his breathing became clam again. Harry realized there was a very rough lightning storm going on as the rain hit the windows hard and bouncing off.
Harry reached over for his glasses. Harry stood up and walked over to the window to look out upon the Hogwarts grounds. Every time there was a flash of lightning, Harry could see Hagrid's hut illuminated from a distance. Harry thought about what Dumbledore had told him. How he was Gryffindor's heir. About Snape trying to save his parents. About the dream he just had, and if it were supposed to mean anything. And also about Fate and Destiny. He still didn't understand the difference, but though there obviously was one.
'Fate must be evil, and Destiny must be...' Harry thought to himself. 'Well, good...if she saved me from Voldemort. I wonder how someone could go so bad, even if you are the heir of Slytherin.' His thoughts now pondered to the apparition of Tom Riddle. The memory he had meant in the Chamber of Secrets almost 3 year earlier.
"The Chamber of Secrets" Harry said loudly. Harry turned abruptly from the window to see if he had woken any one. When no one stirred behind their four poster curtains, Harry relaxed and ran to his trunk. He threw open the lid and dug through all his clothes and books before finally reaching, "Hogwarts, A History". The book Hermione had given to him for his birthday. Harry flew wildly through the pages looking for the page about the Chamber of Secrets. After a few minutes of searching, he found it.
The Chamber of Secrets:
Believed to have been created by one of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry founders, Salazar Slytherin (926 - 997). The rumor of such a secret chamber has been widely known to those at Hogwarts for nearly a millennium. As legend has it, only the true heir of Slytherin would be able to open the chamber. We do know, however, that the chamber was opened once in 1942. Though a few people were petrified (converted to stone), only one was killed during the time of confusion.
A few facts known about the mysterious Salazar Slytherin, is that he was famous for his ability to talk to snakes (parcel tongue). In theory, Slytherin created this chamber as a secret prison for a creature of his own invention, the Basilisk (A legendary serpent that can kill with it's breath or glare). Slytherin created other creatures such as dementors, werewolves, hags, manticores, griffins, and many others. Slytherin used these creatures to build an army against the other three Hogwarts founders: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, and Rowena Ravenclaw.
Harry flipped through the pages, thirsty to find out more, but that was the only information the book held. With a bit of disappointment, Harry closed the book and threw it back in his trunk. A few more hours of tossing and turning, thinking about everything that was on his mind, Harry finally fell asleep. And an odd whisper touched his ears:
"It is very hard to protect you, when you so willingly submit yourself to danger. Sleep well, young Potter".
****************************************************************************
"Next!" Alicia Spinnet called the next day at Quidditch try-outs.
"Seamus Finnigan" said Katie in an under tone. Angelina was on her broom tossing the quaffle in different directions at the hoops to see who the best keeper was. So far 2 second years, 1 third year, and 3 forth years had tried out for Keeper. None of them looked that good, but that could have been because Harry was comparing them to Wood.
Seamus mounted his broom, and rose up into the air. Angelina gave him a reassuring smile, and tossed the quaffle into the right hoop. Seamus dove for it, and missed it by inches. Alicia made a mark on her paper, and nodded for Angelina to try it again. Angelina threw the ball to the left this time. Seamus anticipated this, and knocked it from the loop with the back of his broom. Seamus smiled contently, and got back into position. Angelina got the enchanted ball, and this time faked to the left. Seamus dove left, and to his surprise, Angelina threw the ball into the right loop again and scored.
"Next!" Alicia called again. "What did you think of him?" she added in a low voice.
"He was okay," Katie said optimistically.
"I think he could be good with a little practice". Harry said, though he knew this was an under statement.
"Terrible!" said George.
"Awful!" said Fred. Both of them were trying to make Ron look good. Harry had the sneaking suspicion that this was the agreement the 2 of them made with Ron in exchange for Ron's silence about the rainbow colored robes. But Harry didn't say anything, as he himself wanted Ron on the team.
"Ahem", Katie said in a mock cough. "Ronald Weasley".
Ron smiled broadly, and mounted the Firebolt, which he was borrowing from Harry. Angelina looked down to Fred, who, Harry guessed, she had a thing for. She winked and grabbed the quaffle tightly in her arms. Ron got into position in the middle of the 3 hoops. Angelina tossed the ball slowly towards the left hoop; Ron sped towards the ball and caught it.
'This is so wrong' Harry thought to himself as he grinned up at Ron who grinned back. Angelina caught the ball again, and tossed it lazily towards the left hoop. Ron easily pointed the broom, and jetted to the quaffle. Though it was an easy catch, everyone was still so impressed with the speed of the firebolt, a few people applauded.
"Ok, Angelina. Now give him a hard one!" Alicia called up to Angelina in a half stern, half playful voice. Angelina smiled sheepishly, and threw the ball as hard as she could towards the left hoop again; Ron put on a burst of speed....and knocked the quaffle away from the hoop in time.
"Well, that settles it!" said George excitedly.
"He's got my vote!" Fred added happily. Alicia chuckled silently to herself, and nodded in agreement. Katie simply smiled and gave Fred and George a thumbs up. Both Fred and George turned their attention to Harry. Harry grinned devilishly.
"Alright" he said, trying not to sound too happy about this.
"Oy, Angelina!" Fred called. "Whats your vote?"
Angelina just made an "ok" sign with her hand and laughed uncontrollably as Ron tried to do a loop-to-loop in the air, and almost fell off his broom.
(A/N: So how was it? I knew it had to have less action. But I can guarantee suspense in the coming chapters! What's going to happen to Sirius? What other secrets are there to be told? Will Malfoy, the little twerp, get what he deserves? Find out in the next chapter! lol! Oh, by the way. Did I mention I ran into the fence at softball practice 2 days ago? Oh yeah...now there is a triangle bruise on my nose! lol! ttyl! Please please please R/R!)