I do not own Harry Potter, only the OC
Hello guys, Badger here. How are you doing? That's good to hear, unless you aren't doing good, then, I'm sorry. Have some water or something, I don't know.
Anyway, its nice to see people continue to love the story as it goes on. I was expecting people to lose interest, seeing as it still sticks close to canon at some points. Is there something about this story that make people love it, please let me know, so I can continue to do so, with future stories. Speaking of canon, this chapter does stick close to canon, with a few minor changes. Though it is mainly story, with barely any filler. In fact, I don't think there is any filler.
Before I forget, I have noticed there is small confusion with a few newcomers about James, as people seem to think he is Harry's father who time travelled or something to keep Harry protected. I can see why think that, but that's not the case. He is an OC based off of myself. I wanted his past to be a mystery but it will be revealed at some point.
That is all I have to say, I hope you enjoy and I will see you at the end.
Chapter 24
Old friends of the eight legged kind
The next day, Harry was with Daphne and Susan, as they spoke in quiet voices, as Harry explained to them what he saw in the diary. As there were many Auror patrols in the area, they decided to talk in the main courtyard, where they wouldn't be disturbed.
"I saw Hagrid" Harry said "He, apparently, opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago"
"No, I don't believe that" Daphne replied "There is no way Hagrid could have done that"
"I'm with Daphne on this one" Susan added "I may have only seen Hagrid a few times, but he doesn't seem like someone who could be the Heir of Slytherin"
"Don't get me wrong, I don't think he done so either" Harry replied "I don't know who this Riddle is, but what I saw definitely raises some questions…but, whatever this monster is, it killed someone, though I'm not sure who"
"So, what shall we do?" Daphne asked
"We could always ask Hagrid about it" Susan suggested
"Susan…normally I would agree with you, but somehow I don't see that going well" Harry said, dryly "Not exactly a brilliant way to start a conversation either…besides, I haven't seen Hagrid around that much…usually I just see him heading into his hut, before curfew begins"
"So if we do talk to him, we will have to sneak out" Daphne guessed "Which the only way that would be to use your Invisibilty Cloak"
"Well, if you do that, you two would have to go alone" Susan sighed
"How come?" Harry asked
"Well, even though your Potter Family Ring can grant you entrance to other Common Rooms, you would need to get passed the Aurors guarding the entrance" Susan explained "And even if you found a way, Professor Sprout had also put a few charms on the entrance that alerts the Aurors, as well as herself, should someone leave…not to mention, they take note of every student, so they know if anyone's missing, which means we can't sneak away before curfew"
"Damn….well, if we do find anything out, we will let you know" Harry replied
It was that moment when they saw Astoria running towards them, a small look of panic on her face and seemed out of breath, as she stopped upon arrival, taking a few small breaths.
"Astoria, what's wrong?" Daphne asked, as she went to see if she was ok
"I'm…I'm fine" She replied "I…I don't know what happened, or who did it…but…but you and Harry have to see for yourself…come on"
Harry and Daphne looked at one another, before they looked at Susan, who nodded at them, allowing them to go, answering their unasked question. Harry and Daphne followed after Astoria, but had to run, in order to catch up with how quickly the young girl was moving. Astoria led them to the Slytherin Common Room, where they stopped to look at the carnage before them. It looked like a potion went wrong, as the entire Common Room was destroyed and torn apart. Tracey noticed their arrival and approached them, whilst Harry immediatley went into his dorm room.
"What happened?" Daphne asked
"I don't know, but whoever it was, they had to be in Slytherin" Tracey replied "No one else knows the password"
"That is, if it was a student that did this" Daphne said, as she looked around at the mess "Though, whoever it was, they must have been looking for something"
"Whoever it was they found it" Harry replied, as he reappeared, looking grave "Tom Riddles Diary is gone"
…
That evening, Harry and Daphne waited until the Slytherin went into their dorm rooms, before Harry called for Jinx, who popped in silently. Before curfew started, Harry had ordered for Jinx to distract the Aurors that were standing guard, long enough for them to get out.
"Jinx, are the Aurors distracted?" Harry asked
"Yes Harry Potter, sir" Jinx replied "Jinx did as you asked, but Jinx fears Jinx's distraction won't last long"
"Okay Jinx, we'll call you should you we need you" Harry said
Jinx nodded, before she popped away. Harry immediatley wrapped the cloak around himself and Daphne, where they made their way out of the Common Room. Thankfully, the Aurors weren't around, so it was easy for them to get out of the dungeons. Being cautious of any possible Auror patrol in the corridors, they slowly made their way out the castle and headed towards Hagrid's hut. Though it may have been safe to take the cloak off, they decided to leave it on, just in case someone ended up spotting them. When they arrived at the hut, Harry reached out of the cloak and knocked on the door. They heard some clattering sounds coming from inside the hut, before the door opened, where they saw Hagrid pointing a crossbow their way.
"Hello?" Hagrid called out "Someone there?"
"Hagrid, its us" Harry said, taking the cloak off
Hagrid had a small look of relief on his face, as he put the crossbow done, before he gestured them inside.
"Sit down, I'll make us some tea" He said, before he looked at the crossbow, apologetically "Sorry about that by the way…it's just, umm…never mind"
Harry and Daphne shared a look, as they sat down, next to a large black dog.
"That's Fang by the way" Hagrid said, as he got some cups out
Harry and Daphne watched, as Hagrid poured some tea, shaking as he did so. He didn't seem to be paying attention either, as he allowed the tea to over flow in the cup.
"Hagrid, are you okay?" Daphne asked
"Yeah…I'm fine" Hagrid said, absently
"Do…Do you know about James and Luna?" Harry asked
"Oh yes, I heard about that" Hagrid replied sadly, as he passed the two of them some tea "A shame too…James and I have had a few conversations in the past…and Luna is such a sweet girl too…I often saw them talking to one another as they walked along the grounds…James introduced her to me, when he saw me watching them…I hope they are cured soon…is that why you two are here?"
"Partly" Daphne nodded "You see, we want to ask…do you know who opened the Chamber of Secrets, or anything about it for that matter"
Hagrid looked at the two of them a look of shock on his face, as he paled slightly. He put his cup down, as he sighed, before he looked at the two of them.
"Okay, I'm going to tell you something secret" Hagrid said "But what you have to understand is…"
Hagrid was cut off when someone knocked on the front door. Immediatley, Hagrid passed Harry his cloak, where Harry didn't waste any time covering himself and Daphne. The two of them watched, as Hagrid opened the door, to reveal a grim looking Dumbledore standing alongside Cornelius Fudge.
"Oh…Professor Dumbledore" Hagrid said in small surprise
"May we come in Hagrid?" Dumbledore asked
"Yes…yes of course" Hagrid nodded "Just put the tea on…what…what are you doing here?"
"I'm afraid this isn't a social call Hagrid" Cornelius spoke up "As you can imagine, the attack on students is bad enough, but as one of them is the Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Badger, the Ministry has to act and…well, I'm afraid, we were given evidence, which pointed towards you"
"What!" Hagrid exclaimed "I never…Professor Dumbledore you know I would never!"
"Calm down Hagrid" Dumbledore replied "This is not a punishment"
"This is a caution" Cornelius continued "Don't worry Hagrid, I don't believe you are responsible for what's happened…however, we have to investigate leads, if we are given evidence, no matter who the accused are…so I am afraid, for the time being, we have to take you in"
"Take me in where?" Hagrid asked "Not Azkaban prison!"
"Of course not" Cornelius said, looking at Hagrid as if he was crazy "Azkaban is only for those who have been found guilty and convicted…we will place you in a Ministry Holding Cell until a trial can be set, if you are found innocent you will be free to go…should the culprit be found before a trial can take place, you will be let go with an apology from the Ministry"
It was then when the door opened again, to reveal Lucius Malfoy, who immediatley walked in without being ask to, like he owned the place.
"Ah, you're here as well Fudge" He said "Good"
"What are you doing here?" Hagrid demanded "Get out of my house!"
"Oh, don't worry" Lucius replied, not masking the disgust on his face, as he looked at Hagrid "I have only come here to see Dumbledore and I was told he was down this way"
"May I ask the reason, for why you want me Lucius?" Dumbledore asked, straightening
"It's a dreadful thing Dumbledore" Lucius said "As he took out a small scroll "But, I had a meeting with the rest of the Board of Governors and, considering your incompetence to do anything about the current situation, before the Ministry got involved, they decided its time for you to…step aside…I have with me an Order of Suspension…you'll find all twelve signatures on it…they fear you are losing your touch…how long would it be until the Muggleborns were attacked, we know how awful of an attack that would be…besides, Hogwarts is supposed to be a safe place"
Lucius handed Cornelius the scroll, who read it all over, to check its legitimacy, only for his eyes to widen.
"Now see here…" Cornelius said "Whilst I don't like that Dumbledore had seemingly been doing nothing, to suspend him is extreme"
"You can't take Dumbledore away" Hagrid agreed "You take him away, the attacks will happen more frequently…just you watch there will be KILLINGS next!"
"Hagrid, calm yourself" Dumbledore spoke up, firmly "if the Board of Governors believe I should be removed, I shall respectfully step aside…Professor McGonagall can take charge for the time being…but you shall find that I will only, truly, be gone when there are none left loyal to me…as help will always be available to those who ask for it"
"Very sentimental of you Dumbledore" Lucius replied, in a bored tone "I'm sure you will be missed, though let's hope Professor McGonagall does better in stopping anymore attacks…"
Lucius opens the door and gestures for Dumbledore to leave, though lacking any respect. Harry and Daphne watched as Dumbledore sent an unmistaken look their way, before he left, with Lucius following behind him. Cornelius watched as they left, before he turned to Hagrid, a look of pity and regret on his face. Hagrid stood his ground for a second, before he let out a small sigh, knowing there was no way out of his situation.
"Well then, if anyone was looking for any stuff…all they have to do, is follow the spiders" Hagrid said, in a way, that made Harry and Daphne realise he was talking to them, which was confirmed when Hagrid gave them a discreet wink. "Oh and someone will have to feed Fang, while I am away"
They watched as Hagrid picked up his coat and left the hut. Cornelius looked at Hagrid in amazement and confusion, at his comment, before he too left the hut, putting on his bowler hat. When the door closed, Harry and Daphne waited a few more seconds, before they pulled the Cloak off of them.
"I may not like the man, but I fear the Minister and Hagrid are right" Harry said "Now that Dumbledore is gone, there will be more attacks…possible even deaths"
"Well we have to do something" Daphne replied, before something caught her attention "Harry…look at this"
Harry looked to where she was pointing to see a trail of spiders, heading up to the window, crawling through a small opening. Harry and Daphne look to one another, before they rush out of the hut.
"Stay here Fang" Harry said, grabbing a lantern, before they closed the door
With the area around them illuminated, they watched as the trail of spiders made their way out of Hagrid's hut and into the Dark Forest.
"Should we really head in there?" Daphne asked "Dumbledore warns the first years about it every time a new year begins"
"I know, but you heard what Hagrid said, 'Follow the spiders'" Harry replied
There was slight hesitation from both of them, as they looked upon the massive intimidating land that was the Dark Forest, before they followed the spider trail. The inside of the forest was even worse on the inside, then it was on the outside. The trees towered over them, with strands of webbing strewn on its branches. The trees, and the rest of the forest, was also covered with a thick fog, that made it slightly difficult to see. Thankfully the light from the lantern gave Harry and Daphne enough to see the spiders. The spiders leave them to a dark opening, in a small hill, covered in a lot of webbing. The two of them stopped, both not liking what they were seeing.
"I don't like the look of this" Daphne said
Immediatley, there was a loud clicking sound, echoing across the forest, followed by the sound of something approaching, which was coming from the hole in the ground.
"Who dares enter our land?" A deep voice spoke
Harry and Daphne watched as a large spider, the same size as a small elephant came out of the hole. The size of him caused them to take a small step back slightly. Its eyes opened slowly, before it focused on the area that they were standing.
"Who are you?" it asked
"We…we are friends of Hagrid, you're Aragog aren't you?" Harry answered, remembering what happened in the diary
"Yes" Aragog replied "Hagrid has never sent friends into our midst…why are you here?"
"Hagrid is in trouble" Harry said "In the school, there have been attacks…they think its Hagrid who has been opening the Chamber of Secrets, like he apparently did before"
"That's a lie!" Aragog snapped "Hagrid has never opened the Chamber of Secrets!"
"We never believed that he did" Daphne defended "Which means, you aren't the monster?"
"No, the monster was born inside the castle walls" Aragog explained "I came from a distant land…in the pocket of a traveller, who then gifted me to Hagrid"
"So…if you aren't the monster, what is it that killed the girl fifty years ago?" Harry asked
"We do not speak of it!" Aragog replied, in a fearful voice "It is the only creature that us spiders fear more than any other!"
"Have you seen it?" Daphne asked, as this was the only solid lead they had
"I'm afraid not" Aragog said "I never saw much of the castle, besides the cupboard, and the box, that Hagrid kept me in…the girl's body was discovered in a bathroom…when I was accused, Hagrid then brought me here…"
A snapping sound drew Harry and Daphne's attention away from the large arachnid. They looked to see a large horde of spiders, close to the size of a Great Dane, surrounding them. This didn't sit well with either of them.
"Well, thank you" Harry said "We'll just….we'll just be going now"
Neither Harry or Daphne wanted to engage with the spiders, due to the large amount of them. They wouldn't last ten seconds. Plus, Harry only knew of one spell that might be useful against them, thanks to Tom Riddle in the diary, but he doubted it will be powerful enough to hold off all of the spiders.
"Go?" Aragog asked "I think not…my sons and daughters do not harm Hagrid on my command, he is a friend to us…but who am I to deny them fresh meat, when it wanders willingly into our enclosure? Goodbye…friends of Hagrid"
"Please don't do this" Daphne said "Hagrid has been framed…we want to prove his innocence and stop whatever it is behind the attacks!"
There seems to be a telepathic command, as all the spiders stop their approach and just stare at the two of them. Harry and Daphne look at the hordes, but keep their guard up, just in case.
"Do you really think you can stop it?" Aragog asked, the tone in his voice evident that he doesn't believe them
"We think we have a chance" Harry replied
There is silence once more, as Aragog looks at them both, before he tilts slightly, almost as if he was nodding.
"Very well" He said "Just this once, I will allow you to go free…now go, before I change my mind"
Harry and Daphne wasted no time and immediatley left, the spiders parting so they can leave the enclosure, though they still kept looking over their shoulder to make sure they weren't going to attack. After they got out of the enclosure, they broke out into a run to put a good distance away from it and didn't stop until they came back out of the forest and leant against Hagrid's hut to catch their breath. Though they didn't learn what was behind the attacks, they at least now knew that Hagrid wasn't responsible and had more information about the creature to narrow down their search. Things seemed to be looking up.
…
And there we have it. Chapter 24. What did you think?
Before I get onto anything else, you may have noticed there hasn't been much bashing of Ron, Dumbledore and Hermione lately. I felt like there was a bit too much of it during the Philosophers stone chapters, so I decided to keep it limited for the Chamber of Secrets chapters, but there will be more, don't worry...I also have a plan for James and Hermione, and before you ask, no they won't get together.
Anyway, as I said, it was kept close to canon. I know the explanation for Susan not being with them seems kind of...odd, but it was the only excuse I could think of, for her not being there in the forest. Oh and Harry using his Lord Potter status to get into the other Common Rooms will come into play later on. If you have seen the Chamber of Secrets movie, then you will probably be wondering how the possessed person got into the Slytherin Common Room, that will also be explained later on, so don't worry.
The interactions between Cornelius, Dumbledore, Hagrid and Lucius was kept the same, though I had it so that the Minister doesn't believe Hagrid is responsible, but has to take action as a precaution. I think anyone would. We have also had the interaction with Aragog. Originally this wasn't going to happen. They were going to find out about everything another way, but I either couldn't think of anything or what I came up with was stupid and made no sense. Besides, I felt Aragog was an important part of the story. However, as there wasn't a flying car involved with this story, they needed to get out somehow. There were two different scenarios...one of them was the scenario that played out, where they convinced Aragog to let them go, the second scenario had Harry call for Jinx, where she will save them and take them out of the forest. Originally that was how it was going to play out, but I changed my mind whilst writing the chapter, as I found it weird that Aragog would have Harry and Ron eaten in canon, despite them being friends of Hagrid and that Harry said they wanted to help Hagrid, as he was in trouble.
Before I go, I do have something to ask. If you have never seen Harry Potter before, then just ignore this and move on to the next chapter because, spoilers. Anyway, fans of Harry Potter know who Tom Riddle is. My question: If the memory of Tom Riddle succeeded in Chamber of Secrets and rose to power again, what would Voldemort do, when he found out his younger self had somehow rose again? Would he form an alliance with his younger self, or would he join forces with the good side, to take Tom Riddle down, even if he was going to take over the world himself afterwards? I'm sure there have been videos about it, but give me your theories.
Hmm, not going to lie, it sounds like an interesting Fanfiction story to make in the future. Maybe I might just do that, I wonder if it has been done before?
Anyway, that is all I have to say for now. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you in the next one.
Badger out
