Magical Origins

Year 2: The Secret Diary

When the school came back from the holidays, everyone was stunned that the Gryffindors, who were previously in first place for the House Cup, had lost over a hundred and sixty points.

Then the word spread.

Artemis Wynter had caught Ron, Lily, and Hermione leaving the Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom with Hermione trap in a cat-hybrid transfiguration. Once she informed Professor Snape, the trio was in worse trouble. Ron and Lily protested loudly, claiming that they didn't steal anything. However, when Snape questioned Hermione, she was unable to provide a direct answer for her transfiguration. With no direct proof but a definite suspicion, Hermione Granger lost a hundred addition points from Gryffindor and landed herself with a month of detention.

Draco Malfoy walked around the school with a smile on his face when he heard the news. He was disappointed that Granger didn't get expelled but was still happy that Granger was in deep trouble.

The month passed quietly, and no new attacks happened.

Thankfully, the Quidditch season was about to begin once again. Ravenclaw would be facing Slytherin while Gryffindor would be facing Hufflepuff.

When Lily wasn't training, she would be checking in on Hermione, who was slowly returning to her usual cat-less self.

"I can't wait to get out of here," Hermione said as Lily brought her homework to her.

"Don't forget you still have a month of detention," Lily said as Ron brought some food.

"How did we get caught?" Hermione said.

Lily said nothing. She was hoping to pull a fast one on Harry, but it proved that he took notice of their sudden departure. That's why he sent Artemis Wynter on them. She should have never told him where they were keeping the Polyjuice Potion.

"Hey, Lily," Ron asks.

"What?" Lily asks, breaking her train of thought.

"How did you know the Slytherin Password?"

"You knew!" Hermione said in shock.

"It's an old password. I overheard some Slytherin's discussing it." Lily lied. She was sure both Hermione and Ron would freak out if she told them Harry told her. As well initially letting her know where the Slytherin Common Room was located.

"What's that?" Ron suddenly said, pointing at a strange envelope.

"Nothing," Hermione said nothing as her ears turn pink. "Just a get-well card," Hermione said as she tries to hide it, but Ron grabs it.

Gilderoy Lockhart had sent her a get-well card as both Ron and Lily snorted in disgust.

Harry was leaning against the pillar in the Quidditch Stadium, waiting for Lily to arrive. When she finally did, she had an angry look on her face.

She then hits Harry with her fist.

"What the hell!" Harry said as he tries to avoid her fist.

"You told!" Lily said.

"All I told Artemis, is she would see something interesting if she went to Moaning Myrtles Bathroom," Harry said.

"You weren't supposed to tell," Lily said.

"Like you wouldn't," Harry said, knowing full well she would have sent Percy on a group of Slytherins who did something wrong.

"There's something I want to show you," Lily said as she pulls out a black book.

"A diary?" Harry said in confusion.

"Write in it," Lily said as she hands him the diary.

"My name is Harry Potter," Harry mutters as he writes in it. To his amazement, the ink had vanished and replaced with words he never has written.

'Hello Harry Potter, my name is Tom Riddle, how did you come across my diary?'

Harry paused as he looks at Lily in confusion.

"Amazing isn't it," Lily said with a surprise.

At that moment, Harry felt something, like a dark pulse.

"It's dark magic," Harry mutters.

"You sure?" Lily said.

"I can't be sure, but my gut tells me dark magic exists in this diary," Harry said. He hands it back to her. "Do not write in it," Harry warns.

"Ron did tell me it might be dangerous. Anyone way, someone tried to flush it down the toilet." Lily said.

"That's an interesting question. Why would someone do that?" Harry said as Lily puts the book down.

"What did you mean about Lockhart with Artemis?" Lily asks.

Harry sighs.

"Artemis never once showed any interest to Lockhart. Yet, the first class she had with him, he held her back to talk about something." Harry said.

"What about?" Lily asks.

"We don't know. She doesn't remember. Since then, I told her not to attend his classes and don't be alone with him. However, Lockhart still finds ways to corner her. Each time, she tells me she gets all emotional with him like she's in love, or her memory becomes vague." Harry said.

"You think he's doing something illegal?" Lily asks.

"I don't know," Harry said. "Artemis is my Vassal, which means Lockhart could want her family's wealth or my titles for himself. He may be bewitching her mind to make her fall in love with him." Harry said.

"That's sick," Lily said.

"She reported the last time it happened, she had an urge to kiss him," Harry said.

"Report him," Lily said.

"Lockhart can easily call foul play on Artemis. Claim that Artemis wants him for his fame like countless witches. We need proof. Not speculation." Harry said.

"I know a lot of wizards want Artemis, many claims she's the most beautiful girl in the entire school," Lily said slowly. "I even suspect Percy…"

"He does," Harry said.

"What?"

"In their fourth year, Percy stalked Artemis. Tried to convince her he would be a good match for her. She did not take it well." Harry said.

"That's interesting. And creepy." Lily said slowly.

"We should head back, everyone will be wondering where we are," Harry said slowly.

Lily said nothing as she picks up the Diary and heads back to the castle.

The month of January passed without incident, and everyone thought the Heir of Slytherin was too scared to show himself. Instead, it allowed everyone's attention to be focused on the upcoming Quidditch matches, which put a lot of minds at ease.

Today was Valentine's Day, and everyone was looking shocked at the Great Hall was color pink. Pink roses were everywhere. Even at the tables.

"What's going on?" Harry asks Artemis.

"Lockhart," She growls out in disgust.

Lockhart stood up and open his arms up like he was embracing the Great Hall.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Lockhart said out loud. "Many thanks to the forty-six people who have sent me cards!" Lockhart shouted.

"Did you send him anything?" Harry asks Artemis, who shakes her head.

"Yes, I thought this little surprise might help lift the school's spirit and took the liberty of arranging this little surprise for you all – and it doesn't end here!" Lockhart shouted as he claps his hands together, and the Great Hall doors open, revealing hundreds of dwarves. Lockhart had them all wearing golden wings and carrying harps.

"My friendly card-carrying cupids!" Lockhart said, beaming at them.

"He can't be serious," Harry said as he looks at the dwarves in horror.

"They'll be delivering your valentines today to your peers as you desire. And the fun doesn't stop there! I'm sure my colleagues will want to help you out on this wonderful day, as well. Why not ask Professor Snape about love potions! Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enhancements than any wizard I've ever met, the sly old dog!" Lockhart shouted.

Professor Flitwick buried his face into his hands. Clearly, he didn't like being embarrassed by Lockhart. Snape somehow clearly expressed the feeling anyone that asked him for a love potion would be force-fed poison!

"This is going to be a nightmare," Artemis said softly.

Artemis was right.

By the time Harry arrived at Transfiguration Class, he had two dozen dwarfs waiting to deliver their message for him.

By midday, it soon became common knowledge that both Harry and Artemis were getting the most. Artemis had nearly fifty dwarfs for her Charms class alone.

By the time lunch was over, Harry and Artemis fled, fleeing to the safety of their Common Room to avoid all the love notes they were getting. They refused to come out even for dinner and waited for the day to finally end.

Lily said nothing as she walked up the Gryffindor Common Room to relax. Potter had disappeared to the safety of his own Common Room to avoid all his fan love letters. He even got songs sung to him in the middle of class. Artemis herself was hounded by the dwarves all throughout the day. During lunch alone, twenty dwarves were singing to her. So mortified by the attention, she straight up dropped her fork, grabbed her bag, and fled. Now the rumor the two were locking themselves in the Common Room to avoid the discomfort.

Lily sighs as she opens the door to her dorm. That's when she stops cold. Her trunk was open, and her things were everywhere.

"What happened?" Parvati Patil asks as she and Lavender Brown walk in.

"Someone broke into my trunk," Lily said. Hermione walks in and could see Lily's things were everywhere.

"We'll help," Parvati said.

They took time getting everything together. By the time they finished, Lily had realized only one thing was missing.

Riddle's Diary.

"But only a Gryffindor could have stolen it. No one else has our password." Hermione said as they told Ron someone breaking into Lily's trunk.

'Harry knows. But I doubt he would break in just to steal Riddle's diary after he warned me there was dark magic in it. The question is, who stole it? The only time I really brought it out was to write in it during meals. Any Gryffindor could have seen me with it.'

Clearly, it was a Gryffindor who last possessed it. Perhaps the same person who tried to discard it.

This was most odd as when you usually discard something, you don't want it back. Lily suspected Harry was right, and the book had Dark Magic. Perhaps the former owner was aware of this fact and tried to save Lily. Or maybe they wanted the book back.

Harry woke up the next day, feeling both refresh and annoyed.

Artemis herself woke up and did not look happy.

"I'm not going out there if those…those things are waiting for me. Someone go check." Artemis said.

Several Slytheirn's looked outside and came back.

"The coast is clear." Several Slytherins said.

Artemis and Harry sigh. They could finally relax.

"What is Lockhart thinking?" Harry asks.

"Um guys," A Slytherin third-year said.

"What?" Harry and Artemis snap.

"You guys have packages from Valentine's Day." The third-year said nervously, pointing to a small pile of gifts and chocolates.

"Burn them. I have no need for them," Harry said as he walks past he gifts. Artemis said nothing as she ignores her gifts too.

"Bet you anything, Lockhart sent you chocolate lace with love potions," Harry says.

"You know what, I believe you're right," Artemis said slowly. "But I'm sure there are plenty of girls here who would have done the same with you," Artemis said.

"Don't remind me," Harry mutters as the duo make their way to the Great Hall. They sat down, enjoying their meal in peace.

"Don't look now, but Professor Snape is heading your way." A seventh year said.

"Mister Potter, as you were… not here yesterday, you didn't get this. This is very important and must be turned in to me by the end of the month." Snape said as he hands Harry a parchment and a book. Snape turns and walks off.

"What's this?" Harry asks.

"Your advanced subjects. The first two years are mostly for you to learn the basics of magic. This is where your future really starts to take shape. Could really affect your future." Artemis said.

"Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Muggles Studies, Study of Ancient Runes, Inscription?" Harry said, reading the list.

"Arithmancy deals runic and numbers. It's a tough class." Artemis said.

"What do you recommend?" Harry asks.

"Depends, what do you like?" Artemis asks.

Harry looks at the book as it explained in great detail what the classes had to offer.

In the end, he chose Care of Magical Creatures and Inscription.

Though if the rumors were true, Granger was taking all of them.

However, no one had any time to really think about this. It soon became a familiar sight for the four Quidditch Teams taking the skies every day.

Gryffindor had 160 points putting them in second place.

Slytherin had 110 points, putting them in third.

Ravenclaw had 230 points, putting them in first place.

Hufflepuff was trailing with only 60 points, putting them last.

Harry said nothing as he sits with Artemis in the Slytherin bleachers. If Gryffindor won again, it would pit them again for first place. Flint was confident they would beat Ravenclaw.

Hufflepuff and Gryffindor were line up as Madam Hooch was about to begin the game.

That was until Professor McGonagall came marching onto the field.

"The Quidditch season is over!" Professor McGonagall shouted, enhancing her voice. Oliver Wood came down to complain. As did the other Gryffindor players. Hufflepuff came down to complain as well. Professor McGonagall ignores them. "Everyone return to your dorms immediately! Your Head of Houses will explain to you the new rules at Hogwarts!" Professor McGonagall shouted.

"There's been another attack," Harry said.

"It would seem so," Artemis said. She gets up and calls for the House of Slytherin to follow her to the Common Room.

Once everyone was in the Common Room, everyone looked around. Professor Snape walks in and stares at them.

"There's been another attack. Another double attack." Professor Snape said.

"Professor, who…" Pansy Parkinson asks.

"A Penelope Clearwater, a sixth year Ravenclaw prefect, and Hermione Granger. A second-year Gryffindor." Snape said.

Everyone paused as they took this in. No one really cared that Granger was one of the ones attacked. Both Draco and Harry were pleased over this fact.

"No one is allowed out after dark. Everyone must return to the common room by six o'clock. All astrology classes have been canceled. You are not allowed to wander around the castle alone. Stick together even if you don't like the person you're with." Snape said with a sneer. "All teachers and staff will escort you from now own to your classes," Snape said.

The House of Slytherin groans. This was not looking good.


In the House of Gryffindor, Lily was sitting by the fire. She didn't even bother to remove her Quidditch robes. Earlier, she had told Hermione that she felt something sneaking by, and Hermione took off, heading straight for the library. Said she realized something. Now she was petrified.

"Haven't the teachers realized Potter is the one to blame?!" Ron shouted out loud. Everyone turned to look at him. "He carries the mark of a Dark Wizard, he even admitted he wanted Hermione to be attacked. Not to mention, he seems to be enjoying our misfortune." Ron said in a loud voice.

"It's not Harry, Ron!" Lily shouted.

Everyone turned to look at her.

"I don't know why you defend him. Let's look at the facts. Ever since Potter arrived, he's attacked, Mrs. Norris. When Filch told him off that one morning, Filch's cat was attacked. Creevey was bothering Potter and disrespected him in front of the House of Slytherin; then, Creevey was attacked! Potter publicly pointed out that Justin Finch-Fletchley would be his next target when he sent that snake on him during the dueling club; next thing we know, Finch-Fletchley was attacked! Now, Hermione, someone Potter has hated since day one, and he has gone out of his way to humiliate her is attacked! It's Potter, make no mistake about it!" Ron said.

Many Gryffindor's nods their heads in agreement.

"Then explain something to me." Lily hissed. She stood up, her eyes blazing with fury. "During the time of these attacks, Harry has multiple witnesses pointing him that he wasn't even responsible. During Creevey's attack, Potter was in the Healer Wing! I can vouch that Potter did not leave his bed that night, so can Madam Pomfrey! With Miss Norris, the Slytherin's all vouch that he was with them in the Great Hall. When Justin was attacked, Potter came from his House Common Room. Then, Hermione, Potter was in the Quidditch Stadium, almost the entire school can verify he was there. How can Potter be the one attacking if he's in seen by half the school, and no one sees him doing it!" Lily snaps.

"He's a parselmouth! You can't trust a parselmouth! They're dark, twisted, and evil!" Ron shouted.

Lily jumps to her feet. Her eyes blazing with fury.

"The only reason why you keep accusing Harry is because of the fact that you insulted him when you first met, and he refused to become friends with you. You merely go around proclaiming he's a Dark Wizard when you have no proof. Only your wild speculation! I'm sure Professor Dumbledore has already questioned Harry to a great extent. Are you saying Dumbledore is being fooled?" Lily snaps.

Ron looked very uncomfortable. It was clear he couldn't think of something to attack Potter once again.

"I'm going to bed! Grow up, Ron, or you, and I will settle this argument in a magical duel." Lily snaps. Ron pales, knowing he didn't stand a chance against Lily. Not after what he saw at the Dueling Club.

"No threatening…" Percy began.

"Shut up, Percy!" Lily snaps as she gets up and goes to her dorm. She slams the door shut, leaving everyone stun at her course of action.

"Bet you anything Potter has poisoned her mind," Ron mutters.

With news of the second attack, everyone was almost sure Harry Potter was the one who attacked Hermione Granger. It was well known that Harry hated Granger. Countless students seem to be convinced Harry was the one behind the attacks.

Harry, however, did not have a smile on his face. Instead, a dark look that gave off a mysterious aura seemed to erupt from him. No one could figure out what Harry Potter was upset about.

The only person outside of Slytherin who knew seemed to be Lily.


Author Notes: Thanks to AresLaw, who beta this chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. Please R&R