A few days pass in the new week and things are quiet, uneventful. Until Wednesday. That's the day we decided to begin the searches.
Later on, in retrospect, it occurred to me that we should have perhaps done all the searches at once. I'd chide myself though. It would've been impractical.
There aren't enough of us to search all the rooms at the simultaneously, while still keeping an eye on the students at the same time.
In any event, Wednesday dawned. We decided that it was best if we did it after dinner. The day itself seemed to drag on. Hufflepuff was where the search would begin.
The widely held view was that a Slytherin was behind that. I didn't want to give off the impression of bias however. So I decided on going for the least likely suspects first.
Those being, Hufflepuff. So after dinner, once all students had been sent to their dormitories, a dozen Professors and I entered the Hufflepuff common room.
Most of the House was still milling around and were completely caught off guard when we entered. The entire room fell silent almost instantly. While I stood before them with most of the staff that accompanied me, four of them went down the passages to fetch the students who were in their rooms.
" Hello students. No need to look so alarmed. None of you are in any trouble. Atleast, I'd like to think so. The Professors and I are here to conduct a search for any dangerous contraband however. "
Whispers immediately broke out. I left them to it however. Busy as I was scanning the faces of all the children. Most of them looked surprised and confused. Some even looked embarrassed or guilty.
There was no fear however. The students who were in their rooms slowly trickled back into the common room. After a few minutes had passed, they were all here.
I remained in the common room with two of the Professors, meanwhile the rest left to conduct the searches. With a flick of my wand, I conjured three comfortable chairs and we sat down and waited for the search to conclude.
The children uneasily followed our example and they split up and sat in little groups while they waited. My mind was wandering as it was wont to do.
I'd spoken to Bill about my suspicions regarding the monster. He'd been horrified by the idea of a basilisk, but just like me, he's come to the conclusion that it can be nothing else.
He did speculate about something that didn't even cross my mind however. Supposedly, the crow of a rooster would kill the beast. Now a few weeks ago, Hagrid did tell the staff about all his roosters being killed, but it got Bill wondering.
Salazar Slytherin was an accomplished wizard. There's no way that he wasn't aware of the basilisk's weakness. It might be that he found a way to protect it. In which case, it would be wise of us to consider alternate ways of killing it.
I recall reading the first edition of Hogwarts: A History and in it there was an interesting piece of information. I haven't gotten around to seeing if it's true however.
During my ruminating, I'd lost track of time. That's why I was surprised to hear a throat being cleared. Coming back to myself, I notice that all those who participated in the search are back.
None of them look alarmed, though a few do look amused. I take that to mean that nothing dangerous was found. I stand then and look towards the watching Hufflepuffs.
" Thank you children for your patience. The Professors and I will leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening. " They immediately start talking amongst each other.
The staff and I leave however. Later on, as I'm going through the records of past students, I start to worry. I didn't actually believe that any Hufflepuff was responsible for this. I'm a fair judge of character and none of them stand out.
Still, I don't actually believe a Slytherin is responsible. I've been carefully watching them and all of them are dismayed or confused at the choice in victims. Even those from hardline blood purist families.
This all paints a troubling picture. The only good news I think to myself as I lay in bed later on, is that I now know who died fifty years ago. I also know that she's now a ghost. One who haunts a bathroom. Intuition tells me that's no coincidence.
The next morning at breakfast, rumours and intrigue abound between the students. The other three Houses don't appear pleased at the idea of a search, not that it matters.
Tonight we'll search Ravenclaw and tomorrow we'll do Gryffindor. Tomorrow is also when Barnabas Cuffe and a photographer of the Daily Prophet will arrive. The new staff are eager to share their plans with the country.
The day goes by in a blur again. I don't take part in the search this time because I was called into the Ministry. By the time I get back after spending hours there, I'm in a foul mood.
Dealing with Fudge and his Undersecretary is an exercise in patience. Luckily I'm not beholden to the Ministry and unlike Dumbledore, I'm no politician. That means I'm under no obligation to play nice.
Unbeknownst to them of course, is that soon there's nothing they'll be able to do to wrest control of the school away. Something that is a possibility now. Unfortunately for them, once the wards fully restore themselves, no force of arms or magical power will be able to breach the castle's defences.
That happy thought is what sticks with me as I fall asleep. It's the best sleep I've had since I came here. Sadly, my good mood doesn't last.
There's tension in the air of the castle at breakfast on Friday morning. It's the second last day of the searches and the children are getting antsy.
Mrs Weasley told me that emotions are boiling over in Gryffindor and several of the younger children aren't taking the stress well. Ginny in particular.
It's understandable. Her brother was one of the victims. Ron and the twins are worried as well, but they hide it better than her.
Unsurprisingly, several duels nearly break out during the day. Most students are convinced that someone in Slytherin is behind the attacks and the suspense is weighing upon students minds.
Thankfully, the day itself goes quickly. I won't be taking part in the search tonight either. As soon as supper ends, I make my way towards my office.
Not long after I get to it, my floo chimes and I lower the protective enchantments. Barnabas Cuffe and the photographer he brought with step out of my floo.
Once the pleasantries are over, I escort them to the staff room. On the way there however, an announcement rings out by Professor McGonagall.
" All students are to stay in their dormitories. All teachers to the second floor corridor immediately. " Without hesitation I break out into a run. Behind me I can hear the two of them hurrying to keep up.
The blood drains from my face as I reach the corridor. I take in the message written on the wall in dismay ' Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever. '
Just before I can get a word in, I hear people rushing towards us. I remove my wand and flick it, casting a nonverbal spell. Then I look towards Professor McGonagall.
Without prompting she speaks. " It's Miss Weasley. I was notified by one of the Prefects that she wasn't among the Gryffindors when they returned to their dormitories. "
I hear a gasps and moans simultaneously from many of the staff. Mrs Weasley faints and it's only her husband's quick thinking that prevents injury. I turn towards Bill and his face looks deathly pale.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see motion. I raise my hand and pluck the Sorting Hat out of the air. I raise the other to halt any questions.
" There is no time for explanations. I've been doing research these past few months and have come to the conclusion that the entrance to the Chamber is in the bathroom on this floor. "
" Historical records show that it wasn't always a lavatory. But I don't have time to explain further. Bill, come with me. Professor McGonagall, alert the Ministry. Have them send a squad of Aurors. Let them use your floo. "
" The rest of you, guard the students in their dorms and seal off the Hospital Wing. " I don't wait on their replies. I walk briskly down the passage towards the bathroom. While doing so, I put the Sorting Hat on my head.
Bill looks angry and afraid at the same time. " Apollo, what..." I raise my hand to stop him. I need to focus on another conversation.
" Hat, the students are in danger and I intend on dealing with the threat. I cannot do it alone however. I need help. I know that you know what I'm asking. "
" Indeed Headmaster. Godric made provision for just such an occurrence. As Headmaster, you may call upon his sword to defend Hogwarts. " I felt the whisper of ancient enchantments coming to life.
I removed the Hat just as we entered the bathroom. I put my hand in the depths of it and encountered something solid. I withdrew it then. The ruby encrusted, goblin forged, Sword of Gryffindor.
I heard Bill gasp. I looked at him and quirked my lips, but couldn't bring myself to smile. " Bill, look around the bathroom and see if there are any snakes engraved anywhere. "
A few seconds after we started searching, the ghost of Myrtle Warren appeared. After a brief conversation with her and trading glances, Bill and I moved towards the large sink in the centre of the room.
After rummaging around, I saw it. A snake engraved on one of the faucets. " What now Apollo? Neither of us are Parselmouths. " In response, I flicked my wand at the floor twice. One to summon a snake and the other to Confound it.
It immediately started hissing. After a moment, with a groaning sound, the sink split apart and receded. I stunned the snake and gave it to an astonished Bill.
Then I leapt down and let the slide take me to the depths of Hogwarts and the fabled Chamber of Secrets.
Just moments after me, Bill ended up sprawled on the floor. Thankfully, he still had the snake with him. I flicked my wand then and faintly glowing balls of light appeared overhead.
It allowed us to see that we were in a tunnel. A tunnel filled with centuries worth of skeletons of small animals as well as accumulated grime.
Using some of the bones, I transfigured them into a dog. Next I cast a spell to make sure it was silent and then I conjured a leash and cast a strong Impervious on the dog to protect it from the effects of my next spell.
That done, I went through a couple of complex wand movements and conjured a miniature storm cloud. It stretched all the way upwards against the ceiling and sideways against the tunnel walls and down right on to the floor.
In its depths, lightning flickered occasionally. In a matter of moments, the smell of rain and ozone pervaded the tunnel. That done, I cast Confundus on the dog and made it walk infront of us in the cloud.
Bill didn't speak but I could see his admiration of my abilities. Slowly, we made our way forward. After a few minutes, I felt the dog slowing down.
" Bill, when I give you the signal, cast a spell and deafen your hearing. " He nodded to show he understood. That's when the dog bounded forward. It was clearly excited about something.
Bill cast this time. A spell to detect any objects. I saw his face tighten. There was something large up ahead, but it wasn't alive.
We crept forward cautiously. A moment later we both gasped. A massive snakeskin slowly became visible. It had to be atleast fifty feet! Bill and I exchanged glances. He looked even more worried now, but still, there was determination on his face.
We moved away from the skin and went deeper down the tunnel. Bill cast again and said there's a dead end. I twirled my wand at the miniature storm I created and shrunk and condensed it. Then I conjured a glass sphere around it and pocketed it.
We rounded a bend and came before a large metal door made of interlocking serpents. Their eyes were studded with emeralds. I turned towards my companion.
" Bill, it's likely that we will find whoever is responsible for this mess inside with Ginny. I'll need you to keep them occupied while I deal with the basilisk. Do you understand. "
He looked determinedly at me and nodded his head. This time, he compelled the snake and it hissed at the door. Slowly, the door unraveled and opened. Cautiously we stepped inside.
The Chamber of Secrets was massive. Larger than any room in Hogwarts and with an incredibly high ceiling. Pillars in the shape of snakes with gaping mouths lined the main cavern. At the end, an enormous bust of an old wizard was built against the wall. Even from the entrance, I could feel that it was saturated in magic. A small lake was before it.
Seeing it gave me a few ideas. I didn't let it distract me however. For lying in the centre of the Chamber, was Ginny. Bill and I both rushed towards her. He knelt down and cradled her head, casting spells on her as he did.
I was the one who noticed it first. Movement out of the shadows. " She won't wake. " Those words were spoken by a boy. A boy wearing the Slytherin uniform.
I was about to speak and then I noticed it. His form was blurred at the edges. I frowned. What sort of magic was this, I wondered. Bill slowly rose, casting a Heating Charm on Ginny before he did.
" Who are you boy? " I asked. He looked amused. " My name is Tom Riddle, Headmaster. I'm merely a memory preserved in a diary. For now. "
" I must say, you intrigue me. Young Ginny here would write in me. Telling me of her hopes, dreams and fears. Her family. Her loneliness. Her surprise at her brother's friend teaching at Hogwarts. "
" The attacks on students and the reaction to them. Dumbledore's sacking and you taking his place. A true surprise. Still, it matters not. "
" Poor little Ginny, all alone. Her only friend was sorted into a different House. Her brothers inattentive except for Percival. He was getting suspicious, so naturally I had to dispose of him. "
" Ginny was devastated. The more she wrote, the more of her she poured into my diary and I could pour back. Now the process is nearly complete and I shall be alive again! "
While he's speaking I'm frowning deeply. This is the darkest of magics, though what exactly, I'm unsure. I look at Bill. There's a slowly dawning horror on his face as the looks at the boy and then at the diary.
To stall for time, I ask him " Why are you doing this? " He laughs and the sound of his cold laughter rings throughout the Chamber. He draws a wand, Ginny's wand. Bill and I raise ours but the boy only scoffs.
At his direction, a name written in fire slowly appears in the air. ' Tom Marvolo Riddle ' then he flicks the wand again and the letters rearrange themselves. ' I am Lord Voldemort '
Horror fills me. He smirks at us then. " Enough playing now though. It's time I disposed of you both. " He turns towards the statue. I fire a spell at him but it passes right through him! Then he starts hissing at the statue. I nudge Bill and after a second he casts on himself and Ginny.
I deafen myself next. Slowly, the mouth of the statue grinds open. I toss the orb in the area infront of it. Just as the snout of the basilisk becomes visible, the glass shatters and the storm inside expands.
I can see Bill creating a barrier around Ginny. I flick my wand at the storm and it expands further. An entire third of the Chamber is soon covered by it. I can no longer see the statue.
I cast continuously though. The lightning inside grows in power and I can feel the vibrations of the thunder. All this happens in seconds. In another second, the temperature in the Chamber drops as a blizzard forms in the storm.
I can see Bill and Tom duelling now. I don't focus on them however. I jab my wand at the area where the lake is. Cold blue light leaves my wand in a stream as I first freeze the lake and then create long, thick and jagged spikes of ice jutting out of it.
All of that though is merely meant to slow down and disorientate the beast. It will soon emerge. I remove a pouch from my robes.
I haven't been idle these past few weeks. As soon as I suspected what the creature in the Chamber was, I began thinking up a plan to deal with it.
I open the pouch and put the tip of my wand above it. Then I flick my wand in an arc and iron dust flies out. Iron dust that's been impregnated in manticore venom.
I see a large shadow moving in the storm and it's heading towards us. I jab my wand in that direction and duck my head and watch the floor.
I see the lowest parts of the basilisk slithering on the floor. It's hide is peppered with cuts and burns. Nothing life threatening but sure to make it furious.
The next thing I know, it's thrashing and writhing. I move out of the way fast as it heads in my direction. I make a few motions with my wand at two of the snakes lining the Chamber and they become animated. They bite down on the basilisk.
I dare to look at its head then and where the eyes were I see only thick coagulated blood. I take a deep breath to brace myself and then I tap my shoes together to activate an enchantment of my own creation.
Inspired by Greek Mythology, wings erupt from the side of my shoes and start fluttering. Soon I'm flying. I don't waste anymore time and head straight for the basilisk.
A part of me admires it. Even despite it no doubt being in incredible pain, it still is able to sense the threat. It lunges at me. I fire a nearly point blank Confringo at its head.
All the spell does however is force the head sideways. That's enough however. I stab the Sword of Gryffindor through the ruin of its left eye and directly into its brain.
It shudders and slowly its body uncoils and it collapses dead. The adrenaline is still pumping through my body. I land then and return my hearing with a spell. The Chamber is silent.
I turn towards Bill and see both him and Tom looking at me with awe, though there's fear and hate in Tom's expression as well. Bill pulls himself together first however.
" Apollo! Destroy the diary. Use the sword! " Tom snarls and he fires a Killing Curse. Bill sends a piece of rubble at the spell. I don't waste anymore time.
The barrier around Ginny is gone. I summon the diary. As soon as it's in my hand I have to duck to avoid a Cruciatus. Quickly, I put the diary on the floor and then without hesitation, I stab it.
A scream fills the Chamber. I look up. A hole has opened up in Tom's chest. Light is shining out of it. Soon, cracks spread from the hole outwards and in a few seconds he splits apart in a burst of light.
At that same moment, Ginny gasps and sits up. Bill and I both rush towards her. She starts crying. I'm distracted however by an unexpected voice.
" Merlin's beard Headmaster. You killed it. The monster in the Chamber of Secrets! " I turn towards the entrance. There, gaping at me is Barnabas Cuffe and his photographer.