Author's Note
So yeah I'm sure many of you have noticed, but this story hasn't gone the way I had intended.
Originally, I intended on making this about Harry being proactive and taking things seriously, but things have sort of devolved.
Apollo has become the main focus of it all. Thing is, there's so much that went wrong in the Wizarding World that could have been avoided.
Apollo is aware of that. He also realises that there's only so much that one person can do. So for the most part, things will focus on the goings on at Hogwarts.
Waking up, he didn't feel refreshed at all. The stress and revelations of the previous day still weighing heavily on his mind.
Still, there was one thing to look forward to. Today is the day that normality returns to Hogwarts.
After everything that the children have been through, a reward is perhaps in order. What that will be however, he's yet to decide.
Perhaps a feast, or maybe something more... He'll have to see. After his morning ablutions, he contacts the DMLE through the floo to enquire about Hagrid.
He's been proven to be innocent after all. Apparently they're busy filing the paperwork already so by tonight he should be free.
Once I finish with that, I make an impulsive decision and apparate to Diagon Alley. It's still early in the morning, only past seven, so there aren't that many shoppers out and about.
Luckily I didn't come to dawdle. After a minute of walking I arrive before the dilapidated looking shop and sigh internally.
I open the door and enter. It's just as creepy as when I brought Luna here. I move closer to the counter and that's when a voice calls out from further in the shop.
" Ah, Apollo Lovegood, or Headmaster I should say. Good morning. How may I help you? Certainly, you can't be having any trouble with that masterfully crafted wand of yours. "
I smiled slightly. " Good morning to you as well, Mr Ollivander. I'm actually here on two separate pieces of business. Firstly I'm here on behalf of someone else. Not to get a wand for them, but rather to inform you of a recent development. "
" The entire debacle regarding the Chamber of Secrets has finally come to an end. One of the issues that has been dealt with, is the proven innocence of Hagrid. "
" The DMLE is currently updating their paperwork as we speak. Now as I've found out, fifty years ago his wand was snapped because of false allegations. Now that it's finally been cleared up, he will require a new wand. "
Slowly, a smile starts to form on Mr Ollivander's face as well. " He claps his hands once. " That is excellent news Headmaster. I've always felt a stab of pity for the fellow. I'm glad to be of service and help him with a new wand. "
" You did say you had two things to discuss however. What is the second one? " My lips twists wryly.
" The second reason is the monster in the Chamber. A basilisk which I slew. I would like to offer you the first pick of any parts of your choice. If you are interested that is? "
To my amusement, he's gaping. He looks so flabbergasted I have to chuckle. After a moment, he gathers himself and light shines in his eyes.
He looks almost giddy. " Would I?! Of course I would Headmaster. In fact I don't believe I'll be having any customers today so if you could hold on for just a moment. "
Without giving me a chance to reply, he dashes towards the back of his shop. I can hear him rummaging and throwing things around.
After a couple of minutes he returns, glasses slightly askew and an old fashioned briefcase in one hand. We leave his shop and he activates its defensive measures. Once he finishes, I offer him an arm. With a brow quirked, he accepts.
I twist on the spot and a moment later, we appear in the corridor that leads to my office. Mr Ollivander collects himself quickly. " Well, that's another Hogwarts mystery that's just been solved Headmaster. "
I smirk. " Indeed. Before I take you to the Chamber, I believe breakfast is due first however. " Leading the way, we head towards the Great Hall.
On the way, students quickly take note of our guest and start gossiping. The old man takes little note of the children however. He's looking at our surroundings in nostalgia.
It's been about seventy years perhaps, since he was a student here himself. The Great Hall is nearly full when we arrive. A novelty.
Usually many students come a bit later. They must've been sick of being stuck in their dorms. Whispering intensifies as we walk between the tables.
With a mental nudge at the enchantments on the Hall, the staff table expands slightly and a new seat appears on my left hand side.
We take our places and tuck in. Likely because of what he'll be doing when he finishes, Mr Ollivander only has tea and scones. I help myself to all the fittings.
About ten minutes since we've arrived, a veritable flood of owls arrive. Many are carrying the Daily Prophet. Quite a few however, are addressed to me.
I call an elf and have her direct all the owls carrying correspondence for me, towards my office. That's when I look at my own copy of the Daily Prophet.
I just barely stop myself from groaning at the headline. ' Hero Headmaster of Hogwarts. Slayer of Slytherin's Monster! ' Half of my mind is engrossed by the article, which is pleasantly accurate even if I wished I could avoid the attention it will garner.
The noise in the Great Hall rises to near deafening levels as the staff and students react to the article. I note that most of the students have looks of awe on their faces, even most Slytherins.
I continue with my breakfast for a few minutes more. By the time I finish, nobody is eating anymore. I sigh slightly and then I stand.
Nearly instantly, the Hall falls silent. " Good morning everyone. As you've no doubt realised after reading the Daily Prophet, the supposed Heir of Slytherin has been dealt with. "
" The monster within, slain. I'm also pleased to announce that by the end of the week, a batch of matured mandrakes will be arriving at the castle. That means your fellow pupils will soon be among us again. "
I have to stop there for a moment, as cheers ring out. I smile at them. " Yes, that is great news. I have even been better news for you however. "
" This year so far has not been an easy one. In fact it has been filled with fear and grief and suspicion. That is something I deeply regret. Your years at Hogwarts should be the best of your lives. "
" To facilitate that and to reward you all for trying to stay strong in light of these events, I have decided that classes are cancelled for the day and tonight, there will be a celebratory feast the likes of Halloween, with all the candy and treats you could possibly imagine. "
A deafening cheer rings out then from all the students. I turn towards Mr Ollivander and he rises to follow me. I motion towards the staff and after a moment, they follow the two of us out of the Hall.
It's silent during the quick journey we take to the bathroom on the second floor. Once we reach the bathroom door, I turn towards all of them.
" I will be taking Mr Ollivander down to the Chamber so that he may have his pick of basilisk parts for his wands. Are there any of you that would like to see the Chamber as well? "
It's not surprising to me when after a bit, they all decide to come. The Chamber has been on everyone's minds and they're all curious about Slytherin's fabled Chamber of Secrets. The former Slytherins look the most enthused.
We enter the bathroom and I quickly conjure and confound a snake. After it hisses, the sink starts to open up. I flick my wand at the opening a few times to clean the slime from the pipe. Then I slide down.
As soon as I'm on my feet again, I conjure globes of light to illuminate the place further. As I wait, one by one the staff appear.
Some of them look amused at the experience while others seem annoyed at the indignity. I lead them on. As we pass the shed skin, gasps ring out from many of them. I suppose it is a shocking sight.
Atleast until you come upon the real thing that is. Surprisingly, the door that leads to the Chamber itself has closed on its own. I prod the snake gently and it hisses obligingly.
The Chamber of Secrets and it's dead guardian is shown in all its gory glory. I enter and turn to watch the faces of the others.
There are many mixed reactions. Fear and surprise at seeing the corpse of the basilisk and awe upon looking at the Chamber itself.
Mr Ollivander himself seems caught up in the moment, but eventually he moves towards the corpse. I motion towards Snape and the Potions Professors and tell them that they too may have their pick of things.
After a brief moment of consternation on their parts, I call upon a few of the elves to take them to their rooms and them bring them back.
That done, I move towards the statue of Salazar Slytherin. There wasn't much chance the last time I was here, but now I'm intent on seeing what's inside of it. Other than the lair of the beast.
Luckily, the mouth which the basilisk emerged from is still open. After an awkward initial climb, I soon come upon a tunnel. My head nearly brushes the ceiling.
With my wand held aloft and emitting light, I'm able to see everything. The tunnel is actually short. Only about ten metres long. When it ends, the space behind the statue is revealed.
It's a sort of pit. The size that the Great Hall was initially. Only difference is that it's circular. I let out a relieved breath. There's nothing in here.
Well, I muse, nothing unexpected. There are runes carved into the floor. After examination, I'm able to determine that they serve no other purpose but to keep the floor warm.
Movement in my periphery startles me however. When I spin around, I can't help letting out a relieved laugh.
" Oh, it's just you Professor McGonagall. You startled me. " She smirks at me. No doubt she used her cat form to sneak up on me. That's why I heard nothing.
" I'm sure I did Apollo. I've come to let you know that the others have found something. " Intrigued, I followed her out.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a study and a library only. Most of the books were gone. All that was left was ancient potions equipment and an ornate desk and chair.
Still, the rest of them seemed impressed enough. I called elves then, to take the staff back up and informed the Potions Professors and Mr Ollivander to call for elves themselves when they finish.
I twisted on the spot and appeared in Diagon Alley again. This time I made my way towards Gringotts. The greedy bastards that run it would surely be interested in what's left of the basilisk carcass.