Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
Despite the fact that Harry spent the first two weeks of summer grounded for his irresponsible behavior at the end of the last term, he rather enjoyed it. He used his time wisely to plot and plan his second year at Hogwarts. He constantly asked himself if he should enter the chamber early and destroy the beast and then destroy the diary as soon as it is slipped into Ginny's cauldron. That was even assuming that Malfoy attempted the same thing. He also questioned as to whether or not that was important in Ginny's development. Ginny would tell Harry years later that the events in the Chamber of Secrets really changed her feeling for Harry from that of a love struck little girl to being really and truly in love with him. Harry didn't think Ginny saw him that way anymore but it never hurt to make certain of that. Harry also was curious as to whether or not Dobby would be making his appearance. All of these questions Harry tried to plot and plan for each and every possibility. Unfortunately there were still several unpredictable issues that would need to be addressed at the appropriate time.
"Okay, you've done your time," said Jane from the door way, "Why don't you help you sister outside with some yard work and then we can all go get a sundae?"
Harry grinned brightly at his mum before he bolted off the bed and ran down the stairs, out the back door to the waiting Hermione.
"Finally," she said happily, "I never thought they'd be letting you out of that room again."
"Yes, well, I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later," said Harry sarcastically, "But hey, mum said we could go for ice-cream if we finish."
"Then what are you waiting for," said Hermione as she started trimming the minute hedges.
Harry meanwhile dropped onto all fours and began to weed the flower beds.
"So what did you do while you were grounded?" asked Hermione. They had seen each other during meal times but for the most part they hadn't talked much.
"Just did a lot of thinking," said Harry as he tugged on a particularly tough weed.
"What about?"
"The future," said Harry, "Just thinking about the future."
"Anything specific?" asked Hermione.
Harry had gotten used to her inquisitive nature so he didn't think much of the repeated questions. "What will happen this year at school mostly."
"Oh, any guesses?" asked Hermione.
"Well, if this year was any indicator than I would say that we can expect a bumpy rode ahead," said Harry.
"Let's hope that isn't the case," said Hermione.
"One can only hope," said Harry, "We'll just have to wait and see." That sentence was true in more than one way.
The next few weeks passed quickly. Harry and Hermione resumed their regular lives while at home. Reading and their extra classes was the order of the day. They would visit with the Weasley's regularly though they had been kept busy as well at home doing their own studying, even Ron.
One not so special evening Harry was returning to his room when a short creature with big eyes greeted him.
"Hello," said Harry.
"Harry Potter sir, so good it is to meet you," greeted the house elf.
"Nice to meet you as well," said Harry, "What can I do for you?"
"I is Dobby sir, Dobby the house elf, I have come . . . it is difficult," said the elf.
"Take your time," said Harry, "but I have one order that you must obey while you're in my home and that is simply that you are not under any circumstances allowed to punish yourself. Is that clear?"
Dobby nodded causing his oversized ears to flap about.
"Now, what can I do to help you?"
"I have come to warn you," said Dobby, "Harry Potter must not return to Hogwarts."
"Okay," said Harry. He honestly felt that if the elf believed him then he would leave without any trouble.
The elf smiled broadly, "Oh thank you Harry Potter, would you please shake on it?"
Harry now eyed the elf suspiciously. Dobby wanted Harry to form a magical contract.
"Sorry Dobby no can do," said Harry, "I know that you're trying to protect me but the things that are to come must come."
"Then you is leaving Dobby no choice," said the elf.
"Dobby, if you do anything foolish I will be forced to report you to the ministry. Your master Mr. Malfoy will not like that at all now will he?"
The elf looked panicked and nervous now.
"Trust me Dobby, everything will be fine at Hogwarts," said Harry reassuringly to the elf.
"But sir . . ." the elf tried to protest.
"No Dobby, now please leave and never reveal a word of what we've discussed here today to anyone, is that clear," order Harry calmly.
Dobby nodded nervously before he popped out of the room.
"Well, that answers that part of the riddle now doesn't it," said Harry.
Harry of course kept this conversation to himself for the simple fact that he didn't need to complicate things any further than they already were.
Finally at long last Harry and Hermione were set to meet the Weasley's in Diagon Alley to get their school supplies. As fate would have it the once again ended up meeting on the day of Gilderoy Lockhart's big book signing. Harry shivered when he saw the sign outside the shop.
Once again he was dragged to the front of the store to stand and be photographed with Lockhart. The difference being that this time he elbowed Lockhart in the family jewels just before the flash went off. Definitely a worthwhile experience this time around.
"Bet you loved that didn't you Potter?" called the familiar drawl.
Harry sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Leave him alone Malfoy," said Ginny stepping up next to Harry. Venom coated her words sending a shiver down Harry's spine.
"So little weaslette, still licking Potter's boots are we?"
"Now, now Draco let's not be rude," said the icy voice of Malfoy Sr.
"Lucius," said Mr. Weasley from behind Harry.
Lucius grabbed a book from the cauldron that was dangling in front of Ginny and inspected it. "Ministry keeping you up later with all these raids I keep hearing about and this is still the best you can do?"
He re-deposited the book into Ginny's cauldron. However the additional diary did not slip from Harry's notice. He was half tempted then to kill Malfoy for it but decided against it as it would disrupt his plans.
After that a small scuffle ensued between Mr. Weasley, Henry, and Mr. Malfoy. Harry didn't even notice his adoptive father's presence until the first punch was thrown. Of course Fred and George used the distraction to get in a couple cheap shots on Malfoy Jr.
A little while later found the entire group sitting at tea in Grimmauld Place. Henry had a piece of dragon steak over one eye that he'd gotten hit. Of course the women weren't happy about it but Sirius and Remus were overjoyed as they listened to the retelling of the tale.
Sirius pulled Harry aside at one point to talk things over with his godson.
Harry and Sirius entered the empty study where Sirius immediately put up several privacy charms.
"So Harry, all set for this year?" he asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," said Harry, "It's going to be a very bad year."
"Really, is there anything I can do to make it better?" Sirius asked calmly.
Harry was half tempted to ask him for some antidote to Basilisk venom but decided against it as he knew he would have to wait on Fawkes once again. "Not this time."
"How has your training been going?" asked Sirius.
"Not bad, it certainly seems as though my magic has no limit to how far it can expand. Although I will admit it has finally begun to slow its growth."
"That's normal Harry, I'm just surprised that your magic expanded this far," said Sirius.
"Well, I just hope that it will expand enough for the things that are to come," said Harry.
"Don't worry Harry, even if it doesn't, you'll have people there to help you through it," said Sirius.
"Anyway, was there anything else you wanted to talk about?" asked Harry trying to get off the subject of what the future would bring.
"No that was all, well that and I just wanted to talk with my godson a bit," said Sirius, "You know I don't get to see you as often as I would like to."
"I know," said Harry, "Me neither but things must take their course in due time."
"Well, we'd better rejoin the others before they get suspicious," said Sirius.
From then until the start of school things passed by amicably. Nothing special occurred within the group. School started on time on the first of September. Harry and Ron had no trouble getting on the train after Harry's warning to Dobby hence no flying car was necessary.
Classes began the next day and the children were once again bored. Harry and Hermione had been a good influence on Ron and Ginny's study habits and as a result the pair of them were at least a year or two ahead in their studies. Even Fred and George were kept up with their lessons.
It was now only a few days before the first incident was to occur and Harry was debating with himself about his chosen course of action. Finally he'd come to a decision.
Harry slipped on his invisibility cloak and made his way down the corridor into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. From there he opened the Chamber entrance and jumped in.
"Does it really have to be so messy in here?" asked Harry to himself as he climbed over the animal bones and the Basilisk's dead skin.
Eventually Harry reached the inner chamber and stood before the giant face of Salazar Slytherin.
Harry hissed the invocation to open the Chamber of the Basilisk. "Hello in there," Harry hissed.
"Who disturbs my slumber?"
"My name is Harry Potter. I'm sorry for waking you but I wanted to have a word with you."
"What is it young speaker?"
"Would you mind coming out? But please keep your eyes closed, I really don't want to die."
Harry heard what sounded like a laugh being hissed from inside of Salazar's mouth. "Fear not young speaker. As a speaker you are immune to the dangers of my eyes."
"Really? I had no idea."
The massive serpent crept out of the mouth slowly. It stared at Harry trying to appraise him.
"I sense none of the evil in you that corrupted my last masters. This pleases me greatly."
"How so?"
"I am not evil, but I must obey the commands of the speaker or it will hurt me greatly as must all serpents."
"Interesting, I never knew that before. Most people in the world today consider being a speaker as a kind of dark art."
"It is a dark art to control another living thing. However, just because something is a dark art does not make it evil you know."
"I know, that's a lesson I learned years ago."
"I sense that we have met before though not under good circumstances."
"We have sort of. I'm a time mage."
"I see, then you must have been delivered the 'Book of Time' to have come so far back."
"How did you know?"
"I am very old, I have met a few time mages in my life time. Some good, some not so much."
"Now I'm regretting having been forced to kill you the first time around."
"You killed me. May I ask why?"
"Ah well, that's a bit of a story. You see, someone will be coming into the Chamber in a few days time. It's a girl who happens to mean everything to me. Unfortunately, she is being controlled through a diary by your last master. Anyway, to make a long story short, I came here to rescue her and your former master ordered you to kill me. It was self-defense, honestly."
"I see, then have you come here once again to kill me?"
"No, nothing of the sort. I came here to talk to you. To see if we could come to some kind of an arrangement to prevent that from happening."
"You are a good wizard, this pleases me. I would suggest then that you give me an order before this new person does."
"Good idea. I order you not to kill anyone if instructed to do so by anyone other than me."
"So you would still use me as a weapon?"
"Sadly, a war may be coming soon. I may need your help. I would rather you helped me as a friend would, but if I must order you to in order to win the war I won't hesitate. I hope you can forgive me."
"I understand young one. I will help you as a friend so that you will not need to order me to do so."
"Thanks, I really do appreciate it. Now, my second very important order, you must do whatever this new person instructs you do without killing anyone until I give you a different order. Is that okay?"
"I understand. Time must flow closely to the original or you will loose control of events."
"Exactly, please be careful to. I don't want you to get hurt either."
"Yes young master."
"Do you have a name?"
"Estrella, it means 'star'."
"It's nice, well, I really must be going now. Take care Estrella."
"You too Master Harry."
Harry smiled once more before he turned and left Estrella. Harry was feeling much more at ease now that he resolved that particular issue. Now he just had to wait and see how the year played out.
After the first incident with Mr. Filch's cat being paralyze Ginny became much more withdrawn. She hardly talked to anyone anymore, not even Harry. Harry felt bad for not trying harder with her but he knew that some things were meant to happen.
Instead Harry focused on humiliating Professor Lockhart as often as he was able to. Between Lockhart, Snape, and Malfoy, Harry never ran out of someone to target for a prank or joke or abject humiliation.
Harry's best moment with Professor Lockhart arrived about a month before the end of term. Harry knew that Lockhart would only get in the way of anything that he had planned for the end of year events. As a result Harry had made a special occasion to invite one Rita Skeeter to the school for an impromptu interview of the phony. Rita didn't know it at the time but she was about to get the scoop of a life time.
That morning during breakfast Harry had to keep his mouth clenched shut tight in grim anticipation of what he needed to do to prepare this particular prank. With only ten minutes until Rita was due to arrive Harry stood and approached the teachers table.
"Excuse me Professor Lockhart," said Harry. He was holding a copy of Lockhart's Autobiography.
"Yes Harry, is there something I can do for you?" he asked with the usual fake, cheesy smile he always wore. Harry was tempted then to knock a few of his teeth out just to settle the problem once and for all.
"Sir, I was hoping you could sign this copy of your Autobiography for Mione. She really admires you and she's been too nervous to ask before. And now that she's been petrified I thought that this would be a good gift for her when she finally wakes up," said Harry timidly. He noticed out the corner of his eye that Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling away with mirth.
"Of course Harry, let me have it," said Lockhart reaching for the book already holding his peacock feather quill. Harry handed the book over to him.
"Remember, that's for Hermione Granger," said Harry trying to keep Lockhart concentrated on the book and not on what Harry was doing while the man was distracted.
"Here you are then," said Lockhart handing the book back to Harry grinning stupidly.
"Thank you very much sir. I'm sure it will mean the world to Hermione when she finally wakes up then." Harry was grinning madly with mirth and happiness that Lockhart was completely stupid. He grinned even wider when he took a long pull from his tea.
Right on time Rita Skeeter entered the Great Hall. Dumbledore was about to stand but deterred after a knowing look from Harry.
"Ah Mister Lockhart," said Rita happily, "So nice of you to invite me for an interview. Merlin knows I've been trying for months to get some sit down time with you but your publicist has been rather dodgy lately."
"Professor Lockhart always has time for the press," Harry volunteer forcing Lockhart into this particular situation.
"Just as young Harry said, I always have time for the press," said Lockhart. It was only seconds later that his eyes glossed over signaling that the Veritaserum was now working correctly.
Rita must have noticed this look too because a very greedy look passed through her eyes that Harry knew only too well from his select encounters with the parasite.
Harry stepped back and feigned interest in the interview. No one seemed to be interfering with his presence there either. As a matter of fact even Snape was grinning behind his hands. Harry figured that Snape saw him spiking Lockhart's tea.
"So tell me Gilderoy, how exactly is it that you really defeated the Bandon Banshee?"
"It was easy really, I didn't," said Lockhart.
"You didn't?" asked Rita excitedly, "could you tell me what really happened then?"
"Well, it was some witch or wizard, I don't really remember the person's name, not like it matters anyway. They told me all about how they did it. I of course wrote it all down and took credit for it of course."
"Then why hasn't anyone ever come forward to say that you're a fraud?"
"Why would they? I mean it's not like they can remember doing it."
"Why wouldn't someone remember something like that?"
"I may not be much of a wizard but the one thing that I do really well is my memory charms. They don't come forward because I've erased their memories of it ever happening," said Gilderoy happily.
Rita though looked as though Christmas came early. Oddly, it was a look that was mimicked perfectly by Snape. Dumbledore however looked extremely angry.
Rita pressed on though ask him about everything else that he'd claimed to do and every time he confessed to being fraudulent.
"Just one more question, have you ever done anything else that you shouldn't have done?"
"Lot's of things," said Lockhart.
"Like what?"
"I've used numerous love potions and then erased the memories of the girl's the next day. I've made several passes at the female students here, where again I erased their memory of it . . ."
Harry was certain that Lockhart would have continued if the Veritaserum hadn't worn off. He was suddenly looking really panicked. The entire Great Hall had heard his confession and he knew there was no way he'd be able to erase everyone's memory.
"Mr. Lockhart," said a very angry and unhappy Dumbledore, "I think it is safe to say that you are under arrest as soon as the Aurors arrive."
"But, I was joking," said Lockhart noncommittally. It was clear no one believed him.
Harry meanwhile was trying not to kill the man himself. He knew about the lying about his past part but he had no clue about the love potions and such. He was suddenly very fearful that he'd made a pass at Ginny or Hermione.
With that thought going through his brain Harry reacted instead of acting in a sane and logical manner. In a single flash of magic Lockhart was pinned to the wall of the Great Hall unable to move anything but his mouth. Harry had his wand pressing hard into the man's throat.
"Did you ever touch my sister?" he demanded.
Lockhart was very scared but not as scared as some of the teachers were as seeing the magic radiating off of Harry in his rage and anger. Lockhart didn't answer.
Harry sent a minor pain curse through the man before he asked again, "Let me ask you again and this time you'd better tell me or it will get much, much worse you son of a bitch. Did you touch my sister?"
"She came to me. I . . ." but he never finished as Harry sent a much worse pain curse through the man. Harry knew the law to the letter. He knew how far he could go with these curses before it became a crime.
"How many times?" asked Harry seething mad.
"Once . . ." answered the man but Harry knew he was lying and gave him another dose of pain.
"Okay a few times . . ." it was another lie and the man paid for it with even more pain.
"Every damn week before she was petrified," he finally screamed out.
Harry was ready to kill the man for his transgression against his sister.
"Did you ever touch Ginny?" Harry asked next.
"No, I could never get near her," he answered honestly. He was too scared not to.
"How many of these girls did you abuse exactly?"
"I don't know, I didn't count," said the man in fear of more pain.
It was only then that Harry noticed Dumbledore and several other professors trying to get close to Harry but being repelled by a magical shield he enacted by reflex. He also noted Rita Skeeter was writing furiously on her note pad. After noting that, he saw that the Great Hall was completely empty except for the staff.
Harry finally released the shield and the man drop to the floor where he curled into a fetal position still in a lot of pain.
Harry ignored the teachers and approached Rita directly.
"Mr. Potter care to comment?" she asked.
"Actually I was hoping for a moment of your time Rita," said Harry with a smile.
"Indeed Harry?" asked Rita curiously.
"Off the record," said Harry.
Rita considered it for a moment but nodded.
"I'll give you the exclusive on anything I come across provided this particular incident never gets mentioned, deal?"
Rita was arguing with herself about this. She couldn't find a down side to the arrangement except for loosing this one story.
"Let me promise you, if don't do this for me then I can guarantee you will never again work for any newspaper ever. You may not know it but I have the money to ensure this happening." Harry also had knowledge of Rita being an illegal Animagus but decided to save that information for a later date and time.
That seemed to convince her very quickly. "You have yourself a deal Harry."
"Thanks Rita," said Harry. He was now feeling as though he'd made a deal with the devil himself, but he couldn't really complain if the incident could be completely glossed over.
"Well Harry, I'm glad to see that you've settled that but what shall we do about Mr. Lockhart here. He is bound to cause trouble," said Dumbledore.
"If I recall correctly from his early statements, he seems to have an affinity for memory charms," said Harry calmly. Dumbledore seemed to understand what Harry was saying.
"I'll arrange everything then," said Dumbledore calmly.
"Severus, it would seem that Mr. Lockhart has had a terrible accident. While trying to erase the memory of the staff, Mr. Potter, and Ms. Skeeter his wand backfired causing his own memory to erase."
"Terrible accident indeed," said Snape, "He was such fine up and coming wizard to."
"If it weren't for an incident like this he may well have become Minister of Magic one day," added Rita.
Even McGonagall added in, "I wouldn't go that far Rita but he did show potential didn't he?"
"He was an excellent Charms student once," said little Professor Flitwick.
Harry couldn't help but grin and add, "He was such a knowledgeable dark arts professor too."
Dumbledore then gave a wave of his wand, "Obliviate!"
Lockhart seemed to forget everything.
"Well done professor," said Harry.
"I don't know what you're talking about Harry," replied Dumbledore, "I think it's time you join your schoolmates. Why don't you come see me in my office after your lessons are done for the day?"
Harry rejoined his friends and told them what happened. It was a complete lie but it served its purpose. It spread through school like wild fire as gossip naturally does. Harry knew that soon enough it would pass and students would forget it ever happened.
As promised Harry met with Dumbledore when his lessons ended.
"Afternoon Harry," said Dumbledore politely.
"Afternoon Albus," said Harry who didn't take note of either Snape or McGonagall's presence until it was too later.
"Mr. Potter, show some respect," said Minerva.
"Just like your father," said Snape.
"That's true and it isn't," said Harry to Snape, "Consider this. I've never know my father, I can only go off of what other have told me about him. By that reasoning then yes, I am just like my father. But, if you're talking about my adoptive father then no, he's bit stiff and uptight and he really doesn't care for pranks that much."
"Why you insolent little . . ." began Snape but he was cut off by a look from Dumbledore that warned him very clearly against it.
"Harry, there are some new issues we must address now," said Dumbledore changing the subject.
"Like how you did that," said Minerva.
"And where you learned those spells," added Severus.
Dumbledore remained silent then giving Harry a moment to think it over. Eventually he did speak though, "Harry, I think that it might be a good idea to let Minerva and Severus in on your little secret now. After what they've just seen it would help to clear up a lot of problems and provide you with a little extra protection while at school if you ever do slip up."
Harry contemplated it for a moment before he reluctantly nodded, "I suppose there is no way around it now is there Albus?"
"I'm afraid not," said Dumbledore grimly, "You brought this on yourself though."
"I know, it's just when I thought of him doing something to Hermione or Ginny, I just kind of lost it," said Harry, "I'm just glad I was able to get Rita under my thumb before she could run with a story about the 'Mad Harry Potter' or some such thing."
"Indeed, but be careful, she is slippery. You can't keep her under your thumb forever," said Dumbledore.
"I haven't even played my trump card yet," said Harry with a devious grin.
Dumbledore's eye twinkled to match the devious thoughts that Harry was projecting to the man.
Meanwhile Severus and Minerva were greatly confused by how comfortably Harry and Dumbledore were interacting. It was almost as if they were old friends.
"Just what the hell is going on here?" asked Severus finally having heard enough.
"Merlin Severus," said Harry cleaning his ear out, "I've forgotten how loud you can yell when you're angry about something. Just do me a favor and don't yell like that in my ear ever again."
Snape was simply fuming at Harry's lack of respect.
"Harry, you might want to stick to Professor Snape for now," said Dumbledore.
"Damn it, I forgot how sensitive he used to be about that kind of thing," said Harry.
"We all have our quirks Harry, much like you're over-reaction this afternoon," said Dumbledore.
"I would actually categorize that as an under-reaction Albus," said Harry, "If I didn't have to worry about the damn Ministry laws I would have done much worse. Those mild pain curses are just the tip of the iceberg compared to what I want to do to him."
Dumbledore shuttered at the though of it. He'd only had some inkling of Harry's powers and he honestly didn't want to know how much worse Harry could be.
"Stop talking like we're not even in the room," demanded Snape, "And start explaining exactly what you're talking about."
"To think that someday I will actually look to him as a mentor," said Harry shaking his head, "Hard to believe isn't it Albus." Now Harry was just starting to toy with Snape.
"Really now?" asked Dumbledore.
"Who do you think taught me the dark arts?" asked Harry, "I don't know about you but I don't know too many light wizards that regularly dabble in the dark arts, do you?"
"Hmm, point taken," said Dumbledore.
"Before you start to worry, no, I'm not evil," said Harry successfully sating Dumbledore's fears, "I just learned them because of the war. As you've told me several times when it came to the first dark war you were part of, you had to learn quite a bit about the dark arts yourself. If I remember correctly, you said in those days you didn't give it a second thought. Of course later you always added that it was in your misguided youth. Consider this my misguided youth and once I've finally dealt with Voldemort we can say that my misguided youth has come to an end."
Dumbledore chuckled seeing the confusion on Minerva and Snape's faces. Harry though was doing his best to not laugh.
"How long do you think it will take them to figure it out if we keep talking like this?" asked Harry with a small laugh.
"I don't know if Severus will stay calm that long," said Dumbledore, "You may as well just tell them."
"Alright fine, but you owe me for ruining my fun Albus," said Harry.
"Put it on my tab," said Dumbledore.
"Are we counting you tab from the last time around as well or just this time?"
"Well, seeing as I haven't incurred said tab as yet you can forget it was ever there. I already have," said Dumbledore with a chuckle.
"Figures, always trying to skip out on the bill," said Harry laughingly.
"I'm old, I forget these things," said Dumbledore.
"Convenient," said Harry, "Just do me a favor and don't forget to put a towel or something on your bathroom floor when climbing out of the shower. It'd be an awfully embarrassing way to go."
"Why would I ever forget such a simple thing as that?" asked Dumbledore.
"Because you did and you did," said Harry.
Dumbledore laughed, "Embarrassing is indeed the word I would use."
"Albus, I've sat here long enough listening to this confusing conversation. I'm beginning to think that your brother Aberforth has started to rub off on you. So unless you explain yourself this instant . . ."
"Hah, you owe me six chocolate frogs, I told you Minnie would crack first," said Harry putting his hand out.
"Thanks a lot Minerva," said Dumbledore as he reluctantly pulled six chocolate frogs out of his desk and handed them to Harry. Harry tucked them into his bag.
"Now, onto the secret," said Harry, "I am what you would call a time mage." The pair gasped in shock and then Harry continued, "I have come back through time using a ceremony that only a time mage could use. I have done this to put right a certain number of mistakes that cost us the war. In fact if I do it right this time around we might be able to completely avoid the war and I can destroy Voldemort right at the beginning."
"Albus, surely you don't believe this boy," said Snape, "He is only attempting to game more attention just like his father."
"No Severus, he is not," said Dumbledore calmly, "I assure he is most definitely a time mage."
"But Albus, there hasn't been a time mage in several millennia," said Minerva.
"I am the first in a very long time and probably the last for a very long time," said Harry. He then took Dumbledore's pocket watch in hand and slowed the world around him. He jumped out of his chair and ran to the other side of the room. He took his time about it before he let time resume.
Minerva and Severus were both shocked to see him standing on the other side of the room in a flash. More than that the Pocket watch showed that thirty seconds had ticked by and yet it was only a second for them.
"That is how I got to Lockhart so quickly," said Harry, "I can create a bubble in which time around me slows down but I do not. That is only one of my powers."
"How did this happen?" asked Minerva in disbelief, "More importantly why did this happen?"
"How much does she know about that damn prophecy?" asked Harry.
"Not much," said Dumbledore, "She knows it exists, that's it."
"I'll assume that Severus knows as much then. So it's like this. Me and Voldemort will have to fight to the death. I have a power that Voldemort doesn't. That's the gist of it."
"Well then Potter, maybe you can answer this question for me," said Severus. Harry knew Severus fairly well in future. Being tutored in the dark arts by the man for three years can do that. Because of that Harry knew that Severus would want to test him. "You say that in the future I teach you the dark arts, why?"
"Because I found a way . . . well, Hermione and I found out a way to remove the dark mark from you after Voldemort found out you were a spy," answered Harry, "That and Dumbledore ordered you to."
"Then you can tell me which dark art spell you learned first," said Snape.
"Well, when you first started to teach me the dark arts you gave me this big long lecture about respecting the power and the dark arts not being evil and few other major points. The first dark art you taught me was a simple cutting hex."
"Why did I teach that to you first?"
"You said that I had to learn that first because I was too much of a dunderhead to learn anything more complicate. Oh, and you said that that the wand movement was the starting point for almost all dark arts spells," explained Harry.
Snape then became quiet. Harry knew that he was satisfied with the answer.
"So, now that Severus is done testing me, back to Minerva's questions. Voldemort is going to come back in the not too distant future. As a result a second war will begin. To say we lost would be an understatement. We were decimated. At the end of it Ron, Hermione, Ginny and I were fight a guerilla war out of Potter Place. We honestly had no hope of winning. We were fighting for the hope of one day getting lucky and offing Voldemort. Ron and Hermione died first along with their little girl. Ginny died a few weeks before I came back. The plan was initially just go back to my eleventh birthday. Like most things with me it didn't go according to plan. I ended up at my sixth birthday. Anyway, we don't need to go into any of that," said Harry. It was hard to keep the remorse out of his voice though.
"And now Mr. Potter is using his rights as a time mage to set things right," finished Albus, "So it is very important that we don't interfere in anything he is attempting to set into play."
"And the number one way for you to screw up my plans is to stop treating me like a student," added Harry, "Certain things have to play out for the next few years without too much change to the time line if I'm going to turn this thing on its head."
"Do either of you have any problem with this?" asked Dumbledore.
"I haven't but at least now I know why you always seem bored in my classes," said Minerva.
"Sorry Minnie, but it really is just repeating things for me," said Harry, "Don't worry about it though. I spend most of your class just trying to improve my abilities."
"And what is your excuse for your behavior in my class?" demanded Snape.
"You're just an awful Potions professor," said Harry, "Don't get me wrong. You're a brilliant Potions Master but you can't teach worth crap."
"Oh, and how would propose I fix that," said Snape.
"Have you paid any attention to how I constantly ask you question about preparing ingredients and what would happen if certain ingredients were to mix and what would be needed for certain ingredients to be mixed safely? If you would just explain that stuff beforehand or even during the lessons you'd be a much better teacher. It wouldn't hurt if you took a bit of time to occasionally help a student to prepare an ingredient. Poor Neville is so scared all the time that he's constantly making mistakes. He's going to be a brilliant healer someday despite the fact that he couldn't get into you N.E.W.T. level potions. He even saved your life a few times. If I can prevent this war from happening none of that will matter because he won't be accepted to St. Mungos without potions."
"Longbottom? A healer? Saves my life . . . more than once?" asked Snape in shock.
"Yes sir," said Harry, "Unfortunately though he always had to have others brew the potions for him. He knew how to use them though let me tell you."
"I suppose then if would be a good idea to help him in potions a bit more?" said Snape.
"Wouldn't hurt," said Harry.
"Well, I suppose we should . . ." but Dumbledore never finished his statement as Mr. Filch burst into his office.
"Sir, something terrible has happened," said Filch, "A girl has been taken into the Chamber itself."
"Do we know who?" asked Dumbledore.
"No sir, I came straight here," said Filch.
"Thank you, please ring the bell to return all students to their dormitories now," said Filch.
As soon as Filch left all eyes were on Harry. Harry though was a bit contemplative. "He's early . . ." he mumbled.
"Who's early?" asked Dumbledore.
"Tom, he took Ginny down earlier than last time," said Harry.
"Ginny Weasley?" asked Minerva.
"Yes ma'am," said Harry, "Don't worry, she'll be fine. The basilisk won't hurt her or kill anyone."
"BASILISK," shouted Snape and McGonagall together.
"She's actually quite friendly. She just doesn't have much of a choice but to obey when any Parselmouth gives her an order. Luckily, I've already seen to her, it'll all be fine."
"How would you know?" asked Snape.
"I'm a Parselmouth you dunderhead," shouted Harry to the man. He had to admit it felt good to call Snape a dunderhead for once.
"Anyway, I need to see to this matter," said Harry who turned not to the door but to the shelf with the sorting hat. He pulled the hat down off the shelf and pulled it on his head.
The professors were all looking at him strangely as they tried to figure out what he was up to. There was a muffle clang a few minutes later that resulted in Harry taking off the hat and rubbing his head.
"Why does that hurt so much?"
The professors were confused again as they didn't see anything. Then Harry put his hand just inside the hat and then pulled it back. He was now holding a very nice sword.
"Harry, may I ask what that is?" asked Dumbledore.
"The Sword of Gryffindor," said Harry, "He put here for safe keeping until one of his descendants needed it. It just happens that I probably won't need it now but better to have it than not."
"I thought you said the Basilisk was harmless," said Snape snidely.
"She is, but the one controlling her isn't," explained Harry, "I really must be going now." Harry then exited by the stairs and walked straight towards the entrance.
Soon enough he was once again commenting on how filthy it was down there. Harry entered and saw that the mouth of Slytherin was already open. "Well, this is a bit different."
"So, Harry Potter has come at last," said the voice of a man that Harry recognized.
"Tom Riddle, so nice to see you again," said Harry, "I must say, you're looking a bit younger this time though, a lot less snake like too."
Tom snorted, "So, figured it out have you. Well then you're in for a bit of a surprise." He then hissed a few command words and the basilisk slithered out of one of the side tunnels.
"Hello Estrella, how are you today?" asked Harry cordially with a smile.
"Hello Master Harry, I am very well. So, I take it that today is that last day of my service to this man."
"Indeed," hissed Harry still grinning at the look of shock on Tom's face.
"What's the matter Tom? Are you surprised?" asked Harry, "I can't imagine why?"
"What have you done to my Basilisk?" the boy demanded.
"She was never yours. She only obeyed because she had to obey a speaker. Lucky for me, I got to her before you did this year," said Harry grinning.
"So be it, It does not matter anyways for young Ginny will be dead soon anyway and I will cease to be a memory," laughed Tom maniacally.
Harry simply shook his head at how ridiculous the teenager was behaving.
"About that . . . Accio Diary," shouted Harry flicking his wand towards Ginny. The Diary zipped out of her grasp and into Harry's.
"What are you doing?" demanded Tom.
Harry smiled and brandished the sword. He then skewered the Diary on the sword effectively destroying Tom's memory and freeing Ginny from the curse.
Ginny sat up with a start of surprise and shock and the she saw Harry holding sword that was piercing the Diary and behind him she saw a giant snake. To say she panicked would have been an understatement.
"Harry, look out behind you," she shouted.
Harry quickly turned around and was looking for whatever it was that was about to attack but he only saw Estrella. He looked from side to side before he scratched his head in confusion. He turned back to Ginny, "What's behind me?"
"That giant snake thing," said Ginny with worry that only she could see it.
"Huh, oh you mean Estrella, she's harmless," said Harry who then realized the Ginny was neither paralyzed nor dead after looking at the basilisk. "Ginny, have you looked the snake in the eyes?"
"Of course, it is kind of hard not to," said Ginny.
"But you're still alive," said Harry, "That's a basilisk. Looking it in the eye is deadly to any but a Parselmouth."
"But you looked it in the eye," said Ginny who was now walking over to Harry.
"But I'm also a Parselmouth," said Harry. He then decided to ask Estrella directly, "Why can she look you in the eye?"
"She is also a speaker because of that diary, she absorbed some of the powers."
"Oh, so she can understand us right now?"
"Yes I can but I don't understand how exactly myself," said Ginny in perfect Parseltongue.
"Tom passed it to you through the diary. You know, you really should know better than to write into something that thinks," said Harry.
"I know, but he listened to me and my problems," said Ginny.
"If you are having problems with me and your brothers you should tell me," said Harry, "Ginny, you can always talk to me about anything."
"I'm sorry Harry but I couldn't talk about this problem," said Ginny.
Harry sighed before he walked up close to her and gave her a small kiss on the lips, "Yes, you can talk to me about anything."
Ginny had a slightly dazed look from the kiss but she managed a goofy grin after she realized exactly what happened.
"I do notice you Ginny. You are so important to me. I'm sorry I didn't try to talk to you sooner. Just promise me that next time something is bothering you you'll come to me," said Harry as he gave her a hug.
Naturally she reciprocated the hug and then began to cry as she started thinking about all the horrible things that diary had made her do.
Not too much later Harry sealed the Chamber promising Estrella that he and Ginny would visit from now on. Shortly after that they were both in the Headmaster's office explaining what happened to him and to her parents who had since been notified. Unfortunately they informed Harry's parents too. They were already concerned about Hermione and now Harry had run off on another adventure.
"You're going to start your summer just like last year," said Jane, "Grounded in your room. How could you do something so reckless again? First your sister gets petrified then you run off to try and rescue Ginny and now we here this story about a giant snake that kills with a look. What goes through that brain of yours? Sometimes I have to wonder. You're a smart boy but why do you always go looking for trouble?"
"I don't go looking for trouble. It usually finds me," said Harry in an attempt at a pathetic defense.
"All the same, I hope you enjoy being grounded," said Jane ending the conversation.
"Yes mum," said Harry in defeat and then he mumbled under his breath, "Next time I'll just let Ginny die."
"I heard that," said Jane in a dangerous voice that caused Harry to blanch.
Meanwhile Ginny was getting a similar lecture from her mum.
The end of the year passed, all those who were petrified had been cured. Harry and Ginny had both been subdued after the events of the chamber. Well . . . not so much the chamber as their mums' wrath. Of course Hermione had given Harry and Ginny both a lecture . . . or at least tried to until Ron got her into a row. Harry and Ginny both saw Ron wink at them letting them both know they owed him a big favor for that.
Hagrid was returned from Azkaban and reinstated as gamekeeper. Harry also knew that Hagrid would soon be offered the position of Care of Magical creatures post, but he didn't want to ruin the surprise.
The train returned them all home at last and so ended Harry's second second year at Hogwarts.