Title: Legacy of the Father (10/?)
Spoilers: First four books; contains some elements introduced in the 5th book, but is set during Harry's 5th year.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter Ten - The History of the Heirs and Hermione's Idea
Professor Binns was the most boring teacher in the entire of Hogwarts history. And his subject matter, the History of Magic, was the most boring class Harry could ever imagine. Being the only ghostly teacher, Professor Binns had no sense of time, so he droned on and on about this minor wizard or that moderately evil ogre in times almost forgotten.
But Harry was intrigued by today's history lesson. The moment he heard the keywords 'Heirs of Hogwarts,' Harry's ears perked up.
"Now, as you all know, Hogwarts was built over a thousand years ago by two wizards and two witches who wanted magic to be taught to those who had a talent for it. Can anyone remember the names of the Founders? Miss Bones?"
Susan Bones was the Hufflepuff's best student after Cedric Diggory. Thoughts of Cedric made Harry instantly upset. Much as he tried to bury the death of Cedric at Wormtail's hands, everything seemed to lead on some course back to Cedric.
"The Founders were Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin," Susan said, then returned to her seat.
"Very good! Now, as each of you know, the four Houses are named for the four Founders, and students are Sorted into their Houses by the Sorting Hat, which uses the brains that the Founders gave it to choose the correct House for each student.
"Now, according to the Sorting Hat itself, Gryffindor was the original owner of the Hat. When the Founders realized that their school would go on past their lifetimes, Gryffindor suggested that his hat, with some magical help, could do the Sorting after the Founders had died. Thus, the Sorting Hat was given life and brains.
"Now, each of the Founders had children. They were called the Heirs of the respective family Houses. Each House, some scholars say, has its own secrets. We have all learned about the Chamber of Secrets, which was one of Salazar Slytherin's secret additions to the school."
Harry and Ron could speak personally about the Chamber of Secrets. They had been there along with Ginny and Professor Lockhart, though Harry doubted that the good professor could remember it or that Ginny wanted to.
"Now, only two people have seen the Chamber of Secrets clearly. How fortunate for us that they are both here today. Harry, Ron, would you like to tell us about the secret room?"
Not really, Harry thought. Judging from Ron's face, he didn't want to either.
"Honestly, Professor, we don't remember too much about it."
"Well, some other time then. Moving on, only Slytherin's secret room has ever been found. According to some sources, the reason for this is that the bloodlines of the other three Founders ran out and the secret died with them. Others contend that the emergence of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has led the Heirs of the other Houses to keep the secrets quiet. In any case, no one is quite sure who the Heirs of the other Houses are, except perhaps the Heirs themselves. Ah, time. Class dismissed."
Harry walked out of class, his mind racing with ideas.
"Harry, do you think that the Marauder's Map could tell you where the hidden rooms are?"
"I don't know. I mean, it doesn't show the Chamber of Secrets. Maybe some of the rooms are Unplottable. Come on. We need to hurry to get to the greenhouses on time."
Professor Sprout was very happy when class started. Her greenhouse was covered from ground to ceiling with greenery, most of the blooming plants were awash in colorful blooms, and the baby Mandrakes in the next greenhouse could be heard crying.
"Now, this year is very important for you fifth years. We will be honing your Herbology skills and knowledge for the O.W.L.s."
Another speech about the importance of those tests, Harry thought. Can't anyone tell that we got the message ages ago?
Professor Sprout continued to lecture about how only the best were accepted into the N.E.W.T. level Herbology class, and how listening well and studying hard would be only way to do well. Neville listened with rapt attention. After all, Herbology was his best subject.
"Now, we are very fortunate because, over the summer break, the belladonna plants grew and started to bloom. And today, we're going to get their essences."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville worked together, with the Ravenclaws working on the table across from them. When the class was over, Harry's group had little more than a few drops of essence to show for all their work, but Professor Sprout was adamant that the essence from these flowers came out in very small amounts.
The first chance Harry had to see the new co-headmaster Professor Talio Dawlish was at lunch that afternoon. He had been absent from all meals the day before and from breakfast that morning. He sat to Dumbledore's left and continuously talked with him and the rest of the staff. His voice was raised slightly and his tones were not friendly. Dumbledore just smiled at him as he spoke with him.
"Harry, have you seen Hagrid?"
"Maybe Hagrid and Snape are in the same situation, still out working on Dumbledore's orders. Why?"
"Then who is teaching our Care of Magical Creatures class this afternoon?"
"I guess we'll find out when we get there. We have Charms to tackle first."
Lunch was far too short that day, according to Harry. He had wanted to hear what Dawlish was talking about, but the Charms classroom was a good ways from the Great Hall, and Hermione insisted on being there a tad early.
Professor Flitwick had barely returned from lunch when Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked into the classroom. He looked a bit surprised that students would be so early to his class, especially as it was right after lunch.
"Professor, can we speak with you for a second?"
"Ah, Miss Granger. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you can check something for Dark Charms."
"Well, I can certainly try. What is it you want checked?"
Hermione turned to Harry.
"Give the mirror to Flitwick to examine," Hermione whispered.
Harry stared at her, a mix of surprise and horror.
"Hermione, I can't give it to anyone. It was entrusted to me."
"Professor Flitwck isn't going to steal it from you. Just let him check it."
"Come on, Harry. It's just for safety's sake."
Harry relented, but only just. He took the mirror out of his bag, carefully unwrapped it, and handed it to Flitwick.
"Do you know how long it could take you, Professor?"
"I should be able to check it this evening. Come by my office at about dusk and I should be finished."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione replied as students started to arrive in the classroom.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron took their seats and class began.
Hagrid was definitely not back. Professor Grubbly-Plank, the substitute teacher, was waiting for them in the field next to the greenhouses. With her, she had brought several different small creatures that were hiding in various logs and crawling on sticks.
"Now, Professor Hagrid has sent word that he will not be able to return from his summer vacation just yet, but he has left me notes of where you have left off. Now, who can tell me what sorts of creatures we have with us today?"
Hermione's hand was the first in the air, but Ron's was right behind her.
"Mr. Weasley?"
"Well, those there are knarls, and these at this end of the log are clabberts and at the other end of the log are bowtruckles."
"Very good, Mr. Weasley. Ten points to Gryffindor."
"So, Weasley does know something," came Malfoy's voice from behind Ron.
"I'll have none of that here, Mr. Malfoy. Now, can you tell me an important rule of thumb that is associated with the bowtruckle?"
Malfoy was quiet. Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes, Miss Granger."
"Bowtruckles are creatures who often inhabit trees who wood is used for wands. Although exceedingly shy, a bowtruckle will attack when the tree they are inhabiting is threatened. However, if the bowtruckle is offered woodlice, a witch or wizard may have enough time to retreive the wand-wood from the tree."
"Excellent. Another ten points for Gryffindor. Now, um, excuse me? Is there something the matter, Professor?"
Professor Dawish had entered the greenhouse behind the class. He moved to stand behind Harry.
"Nothing at all, Professor. I just need Mr. Potter here."
"Of course, of course."
"Bring your bag with you, Potter."
Harry followed Professor Dawlish to his office, located not far from Dumbledore's office. Inside were Professor Flitwick, Professor Dumbledore, and the Welling Mirror. Harry instantly knew what this was about; Flitwick had looked into the mirror and felt the full effect of the mirror's powers.
"Harry, Professor Flitwick brought this to us this afternoon. Apparently, you and your friends asked him to see if there were any Dark Charms working on this mirror. Is this correct?"
"It was Hermione's idea. I have no reason to think that this has any connection to the Dark Arts."
"Where did you get it?"
"My father gave it to me."
"You're lying. Your parents, as everyone knows, have been dead for many years. So, I ask you again, where did you get this?"
"Professor Fletcher gave it to me. It was once my father's; he thought I might want it, to have something my father once had. Can I have it back, please?"
"Why did you lie to me, telling me it was from your father?"
"Because I believe that Professor Fletcher was told by my father before he died to give this to me. So, for me, it wasn't Professor Fletcher who gave it to me, it was my father."
Dawlish stood and began to pace behind his desk.
"Now what would make you come to believe that? Professor Fletcher tell you it was so?"
Harry was sick of this, but Dumbledore didn't seem to be rushing to his aid. Harry knew Dumbledore had directed Fletcher to give the mirror to him; Remus and Sirius had said that Dumbledore had something for him, and then Fletcher had told him that the mirror was a gift from James to Dumbledore. But, Harry thought, that just takes too much time to say and could cause too much trouble for Fletcher, Dumbledore, Lupin, Sirius, and himself. Besides, this was a Ministry guy; he was just a spy for Fudge. Nothing would give Fudge more pleasure than to be able to discredit Harry and Dumbledore in a single blow; Harry wasn't about to give Fudge or Dawlish the opportunity.
"How else would Professor Fletcher have come to own something that was my father's? My father had to have given it to him. The fact he gave it to me says that he either wanted me to have it for sentimentality or my father told him to give it to me to use."
"To use? What use?"
"I don't know yet," said Harry, chastising himself for having said anything abut using the mirror.
"You don't know? You're walking around with a potentially lethal magical object and you don't know what its uses are?"
"I know how to use it. I don't know to what end. That is what I meant."
Dawlish stepped in front of Harry and bent down to look him squarely in the eye. His nose was almost touching Harry's.
"You will show me what uses this mirror has, since you say you know how to use it."
Dumbledore made to stand and protest, but Dawlish rounded on him.
"Not a word, Professor. We will soon get to the bottom of this. Professor Flitwick, you can return to your duties."
Squat Professor Flitwick walked out, looking back at Harry with apology in his eyes.
"Now, Harry, show me this mirror's function."
Harry wasn't sure how this could be happening, but he was absolutely sure that he couldn't show Dawlish anything. He had only had the Welling Mirror for one full day, and already it had been found out. He appealed with his facial expressions for Dumbledore to help him, but Dumbledore just sat in the corner, a sullen look on his face.
Harry placed the mirror in a suitable position on Dawlish's desk, positioned himself, and began to think of what thoughts would lead Dawlish to give him the mirror back. He thought of making him think the mirror was nothing but a Pensieve in a different format; it was something of the truth. But the mirror was beginning to react to his thoughts.
"Harry, what is this?"
"This is a memory of mine. This is when I learned what a Pensieve was and what it could do."
"Why is this the memory we were taken to?"
"Because this is what I was thinking about when the mirror needed memories to create an environment; I was thinking how much this mirror was like a Pensieve."
"If you control the images around us, take me to You-Know-Who's supposed rebirth."
It wasn't that Harry didn't have memories of that event; it was that he didn't want to have to relive them, especially for some Ministry spy. His mind wandered to the end of the Triwizard Tournament, to the interrogation of Barty Crouch Jr. The mirror raced to keep up; the images from this memory slipped silently into place. There on the floor was Barty Crouch and Dumbledore was behind them, speaking to Barty, who spoke back in the spaced tones of one under the effects of Veritaserum. Talio Dawlish started to move within the memory-scape, trying to touch Barty Crouch Jr. and Dumbledore.
"What about You-Know-who's rebirth? Have you no memory of it or was it a lie to begin with?"
"I have the memory but I refuse to think about it. I have lived through it once, which is one too many times for me. Now, our time here is over."
True to Harry's words, the mirror's images started to fade.
"I believe there is some Dark Arts involved in this mirror, so, for your safety, Harry, I'm confiscating this."
"Professor Dawlish, are you certain? I sensed no Dark Arts at work at all. And Potter did show you that he knew what he was doing with it. Surely you can not seriously believe that he doesn't deserve to have his father's mirror back, do you?"
"Professor Dumbledore, the Minister has been quite tolerant of your eccentricities, but I have no such tolerance. You would do better to not have such blind faith in a child that is so clearly not well. I mean, to scare the entire Wizarding community, like he wishes to do with his stories, is just the sort of thing that gets good witches and wizards sent to St. Mungo's. And some very good Wizards have fallen prey to it in the past. You may go, Mr. Potter. Your mirror will stay with me."
Though he very much wanted to protest, he knew it would do no good now. Harry raced up to the Gryffindor Tower, the entire way hoping that he would have a great chance to rage at Hermione and her stupid idea. Her stupid idea that had now cost him one of his dearest possessions.