Once a Potter, Always a Potter

by WarMunger98

Harry is not the only Potter left. He was lucky enough to have a little sister born just before James and Lily were murdered. Follow their journey through Hogwarts and beyond as the tackle love, mystery and a war. They will meet new friends and be reunited with lost family. M for violence, language and later sexual situations/scenes. Hinny. Slowly updating.

20. Disaster Strikes

Hey folks. Managed to get this out quicker than I thought I would, so enjoy the relatively 'fast' upload. There are obviously a lot of similarities between the book and this story, so I hope everyone is fine with that. It's rather hard not to deviate that much from the source material. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy! Chapter 21 will be the chamber and chapter 22 will be a very special "Very Sirius Summer."

Disaster Strikes: Chapter 20

"Hagrid? Are you sure?"

Harry was currently sitting with his friends down in the Gryffindor common room, trying to enjoy their Saturday off. "Riddle might've gotten it wrong." Hermione suggested.

"This was a memory Hermione." Harry defended himself, "I saw it myself."

"Memories can be faked." Hermione countered.

Everyone was on edge after Harry's revelation of what he saw. Hagrid had never even been on their thoughts as a suspect. "Do we really think Hagrid is even capable of doing something like this?" Alec asked.

"Well like Harry said, he may not have meant to do it." Rose said.

Harry thought for a moment as he chewed on his lip. "Riddle said something about it being covered up. I think that Hagrid was blamed…but…"

"But?" Ron said.

"But I don't think he opened the chamber." Harry said, "For one thing he wouldn't hurt a fly, and he was a Gryffindor not a Slytherin. This chamber is supposed to only open to the heir of Slytherin."

"But maybe the chamber is just a ruse?" Hermione stated.

Everyone thought for a moment before shaking their head. "I don't think it is." Rose spoke up, "I think, from what Harry's told us, that this Riddle fellow was desperate to stay at Hogwarts."

"And? I would be too if I had to stay at an orphanage." Ron added.

"Well, I know that if I had to go back to the…to the Dursley's instead of home…then I'd do anything to stay."

"Including creating a scapegoat…" Realisation struck Hermione, "You're right Rose, Riddle may not have known anything about the Chamber at all and just blamed Hagrid!"

"But then why did the attacks stop afterwards?" Alec asked.

Once again, everyone had to think for a moment before Harry spoke up. "Riddle…I think…I think he may have opened the Chamber."

"What? How did you come to that conclusion?" Ron asked.

"When I was in the memory…we ran into Dumbledore. He stared at Riddle like he knew something nobody else did. He didn't trust Riddle; I could see it."

Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. "But Riddle got an award from the school for special services."

"He did, but even he said that was to shut him up." Harry said.

"So, if Dumbledore knew it was Riddle, why isn't he suspecting him again?" Hermione argued.

Harry thought for a moment. "Maybe he's dead? Or no where near Hogwarts. I mean, how many former students can get into Hogwarts?"

The conversation went around and around in circles as theories and arguments were had, well into the day. By the end of it all, they decided that they couldn't place the blame on Hagrid, but neither could they blame Riddle. Harry though had another plan. There was one other person who would know about Riddle. Late one night in February, Harry decided to pay Dumbledore a visit. Standing in front of the stone guardian, Harry realised that he didn't know the password.

"Um…I don't know the password, but I really need to talk to the headmaster."

The stone guardian stood still, not moving an inch. "Please?"

That seemed to do the trick, as the stone guardian finally shifted and allowed Harry access to the revolving staircase. "Thank you!"

Taking the stairs two by two, Harry flew up the staircase, eager to find some answers. Knocking on the headmaster's door, Harry waited for a reply, but heard none. Thinking that the headmaster didn't hear him, Harry peaked his head in the door, surprised to see Dumbledore vacant from his chair.

"Professor?" Harry called out.

Once again, Harry heard no reply, so he decided to wait in the office instead. Looking around at the room, Harry noticed the vast differences between Dumbledore and Dippet. The office was homely and full of excitement, curious gizmos and pieces of art. Dippet's office had been rather bare in comparison, with just the former headmasters' portraits for company and the traditional furniture.

A soft trill alerted Harry to the presence of another in the room. Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, was looking at Harry with his beady eyes, boring straight into him. "Hullo…you must be Fawkes." Harry greeted.

Once more, the phoenix let out a soft trill. "Have you seen Professor Dumbledore?"

The Phoenix let out another trill, this time a little lower in note. "Oh, okay. Um…I'm just gonna wait here then." Harry felt strange, talking to a bird. But then again, Fawkes was no normal bird. Phoenix's were said to be highly intelligent and bonded with their companions for life.

Feeling his Gryffindor courage bubble up, Harry decided to give Dumbledore's feathery companion a quick scratch, much like he would Hedwig. The Phoenix watched in anticipation as Harry reached out to ruffle the bird on its slender neck. Trilling in contentment, Fawkes shut his eyes, radiating warmth and joy from Harry's touch.

"I see Fawkes has once more found someone to itch his scratch." A voice came from behind Harry.

Jumping out of his skin, Harry turned to face the smiling Dumbledore behind him. "Professor! Sorry…I wanted to talk to you but you weren't here, so I thought I'd just wait."

"No need to apologise Harry, I am always available to students who ask for help." Dumbledore gave Harry a genuine smile, "Besides, you have done me a great favour. Fawkes constantly bothers me for scratches, now I know I can shove him off to you the next time he annoys me."

As if to voice his displeasure, Fawkes let out a sharp trill, although he didn't stop Harry from scratching him. "You're a mercenary for hire Fawkes, paid for in scratches." Dumbledore teased his companion, earning another bird glare.

Finally giving up on scratching Fawkes, Harry went to sit in the chair in front of Dumbledores desk, just as the headmaster took his own chair. Fawkes however had other ideas, flying down from his perch to land on Harry's knee, giving the boy a fright.

"My Harry, it seems Fawkes has taken a particular liking to you." Dumbledore smiled fondly, "You should feel honoured, a Phoenix has unrivalled sense of character and only ever interacts positively with those light of heart."

Smiling a little awkwardly, Harry reached around to scratch Fawkes underneath his chin, a trill coming from the bird. "He's like a cat." Harry thought aloud.

"He is, and he's just as temperamental as well. Now, I don't believe you came up here just to pet Fawkes, did you Harry?" Dumbledore smiled kindly.

Harry nodded as he prepared himself to ask the questions. "Sir…have you heard of a student called Tom Riddle."

The smile disappeared from Dumbledore's face as a grave look crossed his face. "That is a name I've not heard in a very long time Harry." Letting out a sigh, Dumbledore seemed to age rapidly as he slumped back in his chair, "Tom Riddle was an exceptionally bright young man. Sorted into Slytherin, he was a student whilst I was still the Transfiguration professor. Armando Dippet was our Headmaster at the time."

Harry absorbed everything Dumbledore was saying, so far only confirming what Riddle had told him. "I'm assuming Harry, that you have made some sort of connection between Tom and the Chamber of secrets?"

Harry nodded his head. "Yes Sir, I found a…diary of his."

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose up as he leaned forward. "A diary? Where did you find it?"

"In Moaning Myrtle's bathroom." Dumbledore frowned hearing the name but let Harry continue, "Someone tried to flush it down the toilet, flooding the hallway. Ron and I investigated and found it."

"And what did the diary say Harry?"

Sighing, Harry cast his eyes over to Fawkes' beady eyes. "He wrote that…Hagrid caused the death of a student."

The room was silent for a moment as Dumbledore processed what Harry had said. "Harry, my sweet boy, I can tell you one thing right now…Rubeus Hagrid did not cause the death of anyone at this school. Nor did he injure anyone."

Harry let out a sigh of relief as he felt a load lifting from him. "But why did he get expelled then?"

"Because Harry, Professor Dippet wanted things over and done with. He wanted someone to blame and Hagrid was unfortunately a perfect target." Dumbledore shook his head, "No, I think you and I both know who opened the chamber."

"Riddle."

Dumbledore nodded. "Harry…what I am about to tell you cannot leave your group of friends. I would say this room but I know how close you all are and I'm sure Ms Potter would have ways of making you talk."

Although the subject was heavy, Harry and Dumbledore shared a smile. "Harry, Tom Riddle would become one of the worlds darkest wizards, murdering hundreds of magical and non-magical people alike."

Harry felt himself become sick as he realised, he'd interacted with a dark wizard. "Sir…"

"Just wait Harry, until I am finished. Riddle has another name, one I'm sure you've heard before. And yes Harry, Tom Riddle was the man that killed your mother and father before trying to kill you and your sister."

Feeling himself become sick, Harry was about to faint when a soft trill came from Fawkes, instilling a sense of courage in him. "Voldemort…he became Voldemort."

"That is correct Harry. Tom Riddle would one day become Voldemort. In some ways, yourself and Riddle are very similar, and that is why I am trying to rectify my mistakes…that I have made against you and Rose, and against Tom himself."

Harry threaded his eyebrows together as he tried to understand. "Mistakes against him, sir?"

"I ignored the obvious Harry. I knew deep down that Tom was on a dark course and yet I did very little to stop it. I tried to talk to him, to guide him towards the light, but the boy was not meant to go that way it would seem." Dumbledore sighed, "That is why I concern myself in your life so heavily Harry. That…and I must admit that you and your sister are very dear to me."

Blushing, Harry had the decency to duck his head in embarrassment as the older wizard chuckled. "I hope I have not embarrassed you lad. I am merely speaking the truth."

Nodding, Harry looked up after composing himself, a smile on his face. "Thank you, Professor, that means a lot to me."

Smiling, Dumbledore offered Harry a sweet before continuing on with their talk. "Now, Harry, do you still have this diary in your possession?" Harry nodded, "Then perhaps we should take a walk and collect it?"

Once more nodding, Harry gently shifted Fawkes so that he was on his forearm, intending to put him back on his perch. Instead, Fawkes refused to budge, settling himself on Harry's shoulder instead. "It seems Fawkes would like to come for a walk as well!" Dumbledore chuckled.

"I won't get in trouble for taking him out Sir?" Harry asked a little worriedly.

"I don't see why you would Harry. Afterall, you are allowed Owls, and Fawkes is my delivery Owl from time to time."

Fawkes let out another indignant trill as his head bobbed up and down as Harry descended the stairs. The trio made their way through the corridors of Hogwarts, moonlight just beginning to filter in through the windows as the full moon rose over the horizon. "Harry," Dumbledore spoke up, "It may seem insignificant, but thank you for telling me about this development. It shows great trust to come to someone with such sensitive information."

Harry nodded his head as he continued to scratch Fawkes. "Sir, do you think there was any chance Tom Riddle could've been saved?"

There was a silence between the two as Dumbledore thought. "I don't think so Harry. I think that Tom Riddle was doomed to turn to evil one way or another. Harry, if I may sound a little crazy, I believe that there are greater forces at play in the world…and I think there is a force that nurtured Tom's darker side."

Twice now Harry had heard someone talk about larger forces being at play. If the famed Professor Albus Dumbledore was talking about it, then it made Luna sane, not that Harry doubted her sanity. Approaching Gryffindor tower, the trio were surprised as Professor McGonagall stepped out of the portrait hole, a rather sour face on her.

"Evening Minerva, troublesome lions on the prowl tonight?" Dumbledore asked.

McGonagall looked up in surprise as she heard the headmasters voice, her lips pursing. "Messrs Fred and George Weasley decided to let off fireworks in the prefect's bathroom while Mr Percy Weasley was taking a shower. I was just busy reprimanding them." Looking down, McGonagall noticed Harry and his feathery companion. "Mr Potter, what are you doing out of bed and with…Fawkes."

"He was with me Minerva, talking about something rather delicate that we must continue discussing inside. As for Fawkes, well…he's taken a liking for young Harry here, so much so that he refuses to leave him." As if to prove this point, Fawkes let out another trill.

"I see. Well, I trust that Mr Potter is safe in your hand's headmaster. I'll leave the two of you to your business. Goodnight." McGonagall nodded her head in farewell as she brushed passed the two Wizards.

Leading the way, Dumbledore edged Harry towards the portrait hole. "Come now Harry, let us fetch that diary so you can head to bed with a lighter load."

Dumbledore stayed downstairs by the fireplace with Fawkes, who took some convincing to hop off Harry's shoulder, as the boy rushed up to grab the diary from his trunk. When he arrived however, he found his trunk had been ransacked and the diary was missing. "Shit…"

Heading downstairs back to Dumbledore with sagging shoulders, Harry walked over to the headmaster. "It's gone sir. Somebodies searched through my trunk and found it."

A noise came from the back of Dumbledore's throat as he studied the fire. "I see. It's not your fault Harry. Whoever wished to have the diary back must have stolen it." Looking down at Harry, Dumbledore smiled, "Alas, it could've been anyone in Gryffindor. Or even perhaps another house? Afterall, it has been done before."

The twinkle in Dumbledores eyes revealed that he knew what Harry and Ron had done just before Christmas. "Sir? How did you know?"

"I once told you Harry, that very little gets past me in these halls. Hearing of the incident that Mr Crabbe and Goyle experienced and then the discussion amongst the Slytherins had be wondering if a certain group of young Gryffindors were up to their usual mischief." Dumbledore chuckled as Harry blushed.

"I wouldn't call it mischief sir." Harry looked abashed, "More akin to investigation."

Nodding his head in knowing, Dumbledore just smiled. "I won't stop you Harry. All I ask is that you be careful." Silence followed for a moment before Dumbledore continued, "There will be many challenges for you in the future my dear boy, it is inevitable. I simply ask that if at any stage you need help…approach myself or Professor McGonagall. We will always strive to help you as we would any student."

"Professor, Rose said something to me when we came back to school, I wanted to ask you about it." Harry asked.

Dumbledore consented with a nod. "Rose said to me, that you were testing me? That last year you let my friends and I solve the mystery of the Philosophers Stone because you want to test us all."

"Harry…" Dumbledore let out a sigh, "I can't deny what your sister says is not true, but it isn't quite as simple. I can assume that even if I had asked you to cease your investigation last year, you still would've gone ahead with it?"

Harry nodded. "Harry, you are an incredibly special young boy, almost a man. Eventually you and I will have a sit down and I will explain some things to you, including why I test you and challenge your abilities."

A little worried over Dumbledore's words, Harry felt himself shrink before the headmaster's gaze. Feeling Harry's discomfort, Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Don't fear the future my dear boy, embrace it and take it in your stride."

Nodding his head in understanding and feeling a little better, Harry bid his headmaster and Fawkes goodnight as he travelled back up to his dorm so he could sort out his trunk, leaving Dumbledore to his thoughts.

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It seemed as though the beast had once more gone dormant. There had been no sign of any attacks throughout the school all through February and through April. Towards the end of April however, another challenge presented itself to the group of friends.

"This could decide the very fate of our lives."

Hermione's words were not taken too seriously by most of the group, although Harry thought there was some wisdom behind the words. "That's a little dramatic don't you think Hermione?" Alec smirked.

"Honestly, these subject selections will determine what we do for the next 3 years of study!" Hermione snapped, "If you make the wrong decision, you could be stuck doing a subject you hate for the rest of your school life."

"I mean, I'm stuck doing potions, anyway aren't I?" Ron groaned, "At least until 6th year."

Almost everyone could agree that potions were a task in both learning and sanity. "It's really not that bad." Rose spoke up.

"Not that bad? Are you joking? Snape is the worst!" Alec cried.

"I have to admit that he is a bit of a grump." Rose said, "But he's not the worst. Don't forget, we have Lockhart as a DADA professor and you four had Quirrell last year."

Almost everyone agreed that Lockhart was significantly worse than Snape, for shear annoyance more than anything. "So, have you all decided what you're going to do?" Hermione asked her friends.

"Not a clue. 'spose I'll put down Divination and Care for Magical creatures. Easy classes." Ron conceded.

"I'll do the same, though I might put down Muggle studies as well." Alec added.

Everyone turned to Harry, expecting his answer. "I don't know yet. What would you recommend Hermione?"

"Me?" Hermione visibly perked up being asked her opinion, "Oh! Well for starters I've heard Divination is a bit of a joke."

Ron and Alec snorted but didn't argue. "Easy O."

Scowling, Hermione continued. "Arthimancy is like muggle mathematics I've heard, and Ancient Runes seems fascinating. Care of Magical creatures could be useful as well. I'll be doing all of them."

"What, even Muggle Studies?" Ron quizzed.

"Yes, even Muggle Studies, Ronald."

Looking confused, Ron just leaned forward. "But…you're muggleborn? Why would you need to do Muggle Studies?"

"Well…it's a unique experience to study how the Magical World views the Muggle World." Hermione defended.

"But that would be an easy O for you!" Alec exclaimed.

Huffing, Hermione just folded her arms. "It might prove more challenging than you think! It doesn't matter, I'll be putting my name down for everything."

"That doesn't seem quite possible, but suit yourself Hermione." Harry warned.

Looking towards his sister, Harry sort her second opinion. "What do you think?"

"About what?" Rose looked puzzled.

"About my subjects?"

Rose just shrugged. "No clue. Why ask me?"

With an eye roll, Harry petted his sisters head. "Because you know me best."

"Fine. I suppose that's partially true." Rose blushed, "I think Ancient Runes and Arthimancy would be good for you. You enjoyed maths back at school and Percy was telling me that Runes are sometimes used in the creation of Brooms. Maybe you could learn a thing or two?"

"That's…actually some really good points." Harry said.

Rose smiled victoriously. "I have my moments."

"But mate! What about Divination! It's an easy O!" Ron tried to convince Harry.

Harry shook his head. "Not interested Ron, Sorry. When am I going to really need Divination?" Thinking about the various times fate and destiny had come up in the last few months, Harry thought that maybe Divination could be useful, "I'll try and fit Magical Creatures in though. I've heard Kettleback might be retiring this year so we could be getting a new teacher."

"Kettleback is pretty old." Ron agreed, "Plus, Charlie told us that he used to lose a finger or toe at least once every few months. Sounds like the bloke needs a long holiday."

"Don't we all." Alec chuckled.

As the month went by, the school settled into an uneasy peace, still fearful that there could be another attack. Woods had been pushing the Gryffindor Quidditch team to do their very best in their upcoming match against Hufflepuff. Harry was finding that his sleep schedule was being interrupted thanks to Woods early training regime. One morning, just before the crack of dawn, Harry was heading downstairs when he heard the angry shouting of his sister. It seemed Rose didn't take her brother having interrupted sleeps very well, as she had Woods pressed against the wall next to the staircase, her wand out threateningly, as she accosted him.

"It's insane! You've let your ego get ahead of your teams wellbeing!"

Woods flung his hands up and shook his head. "We have to beat Hufflepuff though! We might lose the cup otherwise!"

"And you might lose your team if they end up having an accident!" Rose argued back.

Harry knew he had to interrupt before Rose ended up murdering his captain. "Rose! What the dickens are you doing!" Taking a hold of her wrist, Harry forcibly lowered Rose's hand so Woods wasn't at risk of getting blasted into bits.

"Harry, I'm just trying to convince your thick-headed captain that waking the team up at 5 in the morning is unethical!" Rose huffed as she yanked her wrist out of Harry's hand.

"Come on Sis, it's only for a few more weeks. Go back to bed, I'll see you at breakfast." Harry said softly, wrapping an arm around his sister's waist as he led her back over to the stairs.

Letting out a sigh, Rose shot Woods one last threatening look before surrendering to Harry's pull. "Fine. I just worry about you. What if you get so tired one day that you have an accident on the pitch?"

"I get enough Rose. I'll be okay. Besides, I'm tougher than I look." Harry grinned cockily.

Rolling her eyes and snorting, Rose just slugged her brother with a punch to the arm before leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Good luck today."

Harry just rolled his eyes and promised to see his sister later. As Rose was heading back upstairs, she passed by Angela, Alicia and Katie, all looking rather surprised to see the younger Potter up so early. When they got downstairs and saw Woods rather dishevelled appearance, the girls couldn't help but laugh.

"Woods, did you seriously just get beaten up by a first year?" Angela teased.

"Have you seen little Rose Potter? She's fuckin' scary!" Woods defended himself.

Katie and Alicia continued to tease Woods, although they did tease Harry a bit too. "Shouldn't it be the big brother looking after the little sister?" Alicia teased Harry.

"No way, Rose looks after herself. If anything, she looks after me." Harry grinned.

The team laughed at Harry's comment just as the twins came trudging downstairs from the boy's dormitory. With everyone ready, the team headed down to the pitch to practise. Woods was more than happy with how everyone was performing, although he hardly voiced it. He didn't want his team slipping into easy comfort.

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Whilst school continued on throughout April, everyone was quickly reminded that they weren't truly safe at Hogwarts for the time being. One day, just a week before the Hufflepuff match, Harry and his friends were coming back from Charms class to go have dinner. Alec though decided to quickly duck to the loo on the way to the Great Hall. It only occurred to the group of friends that they were still missing one of their own when they got to dessert.

"Has anyone seen Alec? He's almost missed dinner entirely." Rose asked, looking around for the older boy.

"He said he wanted to hop to the loo before dinner, maybe he's not feeling well and decided to head up to bed early?" Harry suggested.

There was a certain amount of unease as the group of friends worried about their missing compatriot. Alec didn't return to the group before the end of dessert either, so, feeling all the more uneasy the group headed back upstairs to the common room.

Ron and Harr checked the boy's dormitory as soon as they got up there, finding it empty. "He's not up in bed either. Where the hell is he?" Ron

Their concern was soon addressed when McGonagall came into the common room, a rather dire expression on her face. "Mr Potter? I think you and your friends need to come with me."

"Why? What's wrong Professor?" Hermione was quick to ask.

"Please, just follow me. Quietly please." McGonagall stressed.

Trying their hardest not to make a scene, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Rose and Luna were quick to follow their head of house out of the common room. In worrying silence, the group hurried down the hallways, the setting sun providing just barely enough light for them to see. Harry suddenly felt him stomach churn as he realised, they were heading towards the hospital wing.

"Professor? What's happened?" Harry asked.

"Please Mr Potter, be patient." McGonagall insisted.

Harry's concerns were quickly proved correct when they stopped just out front of the Hospital wing doors. "Now, before we go in, please know that Professor Dumbledore and I are doing everything we can to make sure the school will be safe again."

"Professor, what's going on?" Ron asked.

Instead of answering, McGonagall simply pushed the doors open and let the students wander in. Towards the end of the wing, there was a curtained off section of beds where Colin, Justin and Mrs Norris were currently being kept. Out front of the curtain was a very worried looking Madam Pomfrey, having a deep discussion with Professor Dumbledore.

"But Albus, this is getting ridiculous! What happens when it's not just petrification…what happens when it's a death?" The group could hear Pomfrey panic.

"Poppy, Minerva and I are doing our best to make sure that doesn't happen." Dumbledore tried to reassure the fraught nurse.

Noticing the new arrivals, Dumbledore beckoned McGonagall and her charges over towards the curtained off section. "Headmaster, I've brought the students you requested…" McGonagall chewed on her lip, "I'm not sure this is such a wise idea."

"We Cannot keep them in the dark Minerva, they would simply find out themselves." Dumbledore argued, "My dear students, there's no easy way to say this, so I'll simply show you."

The group of students all gathered around as Dumbledore opened the curtain and revealed the scene inside. On one bed, there was an unfamiliar Ravenclaw student, a sneer on his lips as he looked petrified in mid stride. Of more concern was the student next to him, one all to familiar.

"No…not Alec.." Rose whimpered as she gripped onto her brother.

Hermione suppressed a gasp as she pressed herself against Ron for comfort. "What happened Professor?"

Alec's body was stuck in a petrified state, one hand bent as if it was turning off a faucet whilst his other was rather comically stuck giving someone the finger. "Albus, that's rather obscene don't you think?" McGonagall sniffed.

Ron and Harry couldn't help but snort at the position their friend was in. It was obvious that the two students had a disagreement just before they were petrified. The boys were quickly shot rather glaring looks from the women present, although Rose couldn't help but smirk.

"What happened?" Harry asked, his composure coming back to him.

"Professor Snape found them on the way back to the dungeons. It seems the two boys were attacked in the bottom floor bathroom." Dumbledore stated.

Everyone had rather grim expressions on their faces as they realised that one of their own friends had now been targeted. "Is he in pain?" Rose asked.

"No, he's just petrified. He'll only be slightly aware of his surroundings." Madam Pomfrey answered.

"What about the other boy?" Hermione asked, "Has his friends been to see him?"

"Professor Snape informed the boys friends; they will visit soon after you. His parents have been informed as well." Dumbledore replied.

Accepting the answer, Hermione chewed on her lip as she looked at the two boys in front of her, the cogs in her head moving. "What are you thinking Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Just a hunch…I'll think about it some more."

"I suggest that you all head back to your common room now. Professor McGonagall will escort you. I must also ask that you do not go searching for the culprit. These are unfortunately trying times and I know all of you have a penchant for adventure." Dumbledore expressed his seriousness on the group.

Nodding their heads, they all agreed not to pursue the case any further. The targeting and loss of one of their own was a severe blow to them all, quickly dashing their hopes. "Do not fear for your friend my dear children. Professor Sprout has just informed me that the Mandrakes are now hosting late night parties. As soon as they start moving into each-others pots we will know they are mature enough to be harvested and we can revive our petrified comrades."

With one last final goodbye to their friend, the group of friends followed McGonagall back to Gryffindor tower, their normal upbeat attitude dashed against the rocks, replaced by the overbearing feeling of failure. Once they were safely tucked into the common room, the group of friends sat by the fireplace and thought about the events that just occurred. "Harry?"

Ron's voice drew Harry out of his brooding momentarily. "Mm? What's up Ron?"

"Are we really going to stop searching for whatever is doing this?" He asked, "Surely we can't just leave it there…I mean, one of our friends is petrified now!"

"Didn't you hear Professor Dumbledore Ron, it's not safe to continue! We've already lost Alec, what happens if it's another one of us?" Hermione snapped.

Harry shook his head. "You heard what the Headmaster said, the Mandrakes are almost grown, they'll revive everyone and then we can finally find out what's causing all this."

"But what if someone dies before then…" Rose said softly.

Everyone was quiet for a moment as they thought about the implications that a student's death may bring on the school. "That won't happen. Dumbledore and McGonagall, plus all the other teachers won't let that happen."

"Lockhart might." Ron added bitterly.

"He's useless for sure, but we wouldn't interfere with the case…at least I don't hope." Harry said.

"Look, Alec wouldn't want us to sit around and mope. Let's have a quick game of exploding snap and then head to bed. We can think about what to do in the morning." Ron roused everyone as he quickly grabbed a stack of cards that was always kept by the mantle of the fireplace.

After several matches, the group of friends called it a night. Before Harry descended the stairs, Rose caught him by the wrist and dragged him back.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

There was a concerned look on Rose's face as she looked up at her brother. Without saying anything, Rose wrapped her arms around Harry's middle, a soft sob escaping her lips.

"Hey…hey, what's wrong? Talk to me Rose." Harry cooed softly.

"I-I'm scared." Rose sobbed, "W-what if i-it's you n-next."

Softly running his fingers through his sister's hair, Harry just pressed a kiss against his sisters brow. "It's going to be okay Sis, I promise. Nothing is going to happen to me."

Nodding softly, Rose looked up and frowned. "You need to…to look after yourself!"

"I will, I promise. But I need to look after you too…you're my main priority Rose."

Shaking her head, Rose just nodded softly before leaning up to kiss her brother on the cheek. "I love you Harry."

"Love you too Rosey. Go on, get to bed!"

Scowling, Rose huffed before flinging her auburn hair over her shoulder in a huff. "Yeah yeah, I'm going I'm going." Looking back half way up the stairs, Rose gave her brother a look, "We've got to have each-others backs Harry. We're the last Potters."

"Always sis, always." With one last look, Harry descended his owns stairs to his own room.

Rose meanwhile quietly entered her own dorm, looking around as she snuck over to her bed without waking her roommates. Looking in Ginny's direction, Rose's heart broke as she saw the silent movement of sobbing. Without thinking, Rose went over and sat on Ginny's bed, drawing the curtains and placing a hand on the other girl's shoulder.

"Ginny…are you okay?"

The other girl sat up in fright, her normally bright fudgy eyes full of fear. "R-Rose! I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…"

"Shh…it's okay Ginny. Why are you crying? What's wrong?" Rose shifted herself so that she was laying beside Ginny.

"Everything's wrong…my life is ruined…I've ruined everything…"

Rose shook her head. "You haven't ruined anything. Tell me Ginny, what's happened? What happened to you?"

"I can't tell you…" Ginny sobbed, "You can't help me…"

"Why can't you tell me? Please Ginny…let me in."

Another hard sob ripped through Ginny's throat, causing a ripple of pain to go through Rose's heart. "Please, can you just stay here with me tonight? I don't want to sleep alone…"

Nodding her head, Rose slipped underneath the covers and wrapped her arms around Ginny. "Everything will be okay Ginny."

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry for everything I've done to you and Harry…he probably hates me."

"He doesn't hate you Ginny." Rose countered, "We both know somethings wrong. If you told us what was wrong, we could help you."

Ginny was silent for a moment as her sobs came to a soft whimper. "Soon…I'll tell you soon. I promise. I just…I can't right now."

Accepting Ginny's answer, Rose just nodded and let Ginny snuggle into her side. "It's okay Ginny. We'll fix things, I promise."

Ginny just nodded as she buried her face into Rose's chest. It didn't take long for Ginny's sobs to turn to soft snores. Sighing, Rose stroked Ginny's hair as she laid there and thought about all that happened over the day. Her thoughts were interrupted as the curtains were drawn apart on the other side of the bed. Luna popped her head in and smiled.

"I thought I heard you come in. Are you okay?"

Rose nodded as she pointed her head down towards Ginny. "She needed some company for tonight."

Luna gave a brilliant smile as she quickly stepped in and shut the curtains behind her, jumping into bed behind Ginny so that she was wedged between her two best friends. "I think you could use a little support after today as well."

"Thanks Luna, what would I do without you." Rose smiled as she reached over to grip Luna's hand.

"We made a pact to be sisters, nothing changes that." Luna beamed.

Rose couldn't help but let a tear escape her eyes as she listened to Luna. She couldn't see herself without the two girls she was sharing a bed with at that moment. Two years ago, she relied solely on her brother, and whilst he was still the most important person in her life, Rose felt that she'd come to rely on Ginny and Luna just as much as Harry. She knew then and there that she'd do anything for her two best friends.

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The petrification of Alec sent ripples through the school, it was the first attack on a pureblood wizard and the second Gryffindor to be attacked. It was also Ravenclaws first casualty, meaning that Slytherin was the only house yet to be affected. Distrust was sown amongst the school again as fingers were being pointed towards Slytherin, tensions mounting so high that there were various disputes that ended in more than one student being deducted points. Alec's father had been particularly distraught on hearing that his son was targeted, coming close to having a row with Dumbledore after he had been informed. Instead, the headmaster managed to convince the elder Henderson to stay patient until the mandrakes had been fully grown.

Pressing matters of another nature popped up soon enough though. The Hufflepuff vs Gryffindor game was quickly approaching as the end of April drew to a close. Conditions were perfect for the game, although Harry couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Something was going to happen today, he knew it. Sitting at the Gryffindor table eating breakfast, Woods tried to cheer Harry up by getting him in the mood for Quidditch. Harry didn't really respond though, just shrugging and trying to force some breakfast down. Rose noticed her brother's behaviour, nudging him in the side and giving him a look.

"What's wrong?"

Harry shrugged as he pushed some scrambled eggs around his plate. "Dunno, just have a bad feeling about today."

Knitting her eyebrows together, Rose reached underneath the table to squeeze her brothers' hand. "Everything will be okay. I talked to Ginny the other night…"

"What?" Harry looked a little shocked, "What did she say? Why didn't you tell me?"

Rose shushed her brother with a look before continuing. "She said that she couldn't tell us what was wrong yet, but she would soon. She apologised for everything."

A bright smile lit up Harry's face as he listened to Rose. "That's good! Hopefully she can tell us what's wrong soon so we can help her."

"Hopefully." Rose nodded.

Feeling a little better and not quite as anxious, Harry managed to get a significant proportion of his breakfast down before heading back upstairs to get ready for the match. Ron, Hermione and Rose followed him, wanting to grab scarves and binoculars. Luna had decided to help Neville, Seamus and Dean to erect a giant banner down at the Quidditch pitch, so she'd meet them all downstairs. Just as they were ascending the marble staircase though, Harry heard something that he hoped he'd never hear again.

"This time I'll kill…tear…rip…bite…destroy…Kill the traitors…"

Standing stock still, Harry's face went deathly pale as he realised, he was hearing the creature once again. "Harry? What's wrong?" Ron asked.

"The voice…I can hear the voice again!"

Everyone looked concerned as they began to examine their surroundings, on the lookout for anything dangerous. "Wait! I've got it!" Hermione exclaimed.

"What have you got?" Ron asked.

"Oh, I'm so stupid! How could I not have seen it before! I need to go to the library to look something up, I'll be down later." Hermione dashed off without another explanation.

"I better go after her." Rose said, "I'll see you afterwards okay?"

Harry wanted to call out to stop her, the sick feeling of anxiousness returning, but Rose had disappeared before he could. "Be careful…"

"They'll be alright mate, they're both smart witches." Ron tried to reassure, "It's almost 11 though mate, you better get a move on if you don't want to miss the match."

Hurrying along, the two Gryffindors grabbed what they needed and quickly made their way down to the Quidditch pitch. Woods was pacing backwards and forwards, looking worried until he saw Harry.

"About time you got here!" He called out, "Hurry up and mount up, the game starts in a minute."

Harry nodded and turned to Ron. "Don't worry, I'll go find Luna then we'll keep a look out for the other two." Ron reassured.

"Thanks Ron." Harry smiled, "Wish me luck yeah?"

"Will do, not that you need it." Ron grinned.

The team mounted up and did a couple laps of the pitch before the Hufflepuffs made their way onto the pitch. Woods called everyone down as Madam Hooch made the two captains shake on the match. Releasing the balls, Hooch was about to blow the whistle and tell everyone to play when Professor McGonagall came steaming onto the pitch, a large purple megaphone in her hand.

"This match has been cancelled! All students are to return to their common rooms immediately!"

Woods looked devastated as he ran over to McGonagall. "But Professor! The cup…Gryffindor! We'll forfeit!"

"That is the unfortunate reality Mr Woods." McGonagall scolded, "Mr Potter, you best come with me."

A deep worry settled in Harry's stomach as he dismounted his broom and followed his head of house. Going past the stands, Ron and Luna were quick to descend, following Harry. "What's happened?" Ron asked.

"Mr Weasley, Miss Lovegood…it's best you follow along as well." McGonagall commanded.

Everyone looked rather worried, even Luna, who'd taken to gripping onto Harrys arm. "Do you know what happened?" Luna asked worriedly.

"I don't know Luna…" Harry provided.

The trio followed McGonagall through the castle, their stomachs dropping as they realised, they were heading towards the hospital wing again. "Now, this may come as a bit of a shock…" McGonagall warned, her eyes full of sorrow.

"What's happened Professor?" Harry asked.

"There's been…another attack…a triple attack."

"T-Triple…where?" Ron stuttered.

McGonagall didn't answer, just opening the doors to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey was once more attending to students behind the cordoned off section of the hospital wing. Without thinking, Harry sprinted past McGonagall and his friends, almost pushing Madam Pomfrey over. "Mr Potter!" She objected.

Harry didn't listen though. His deep seeded fear came true as there on three separate beds were three paralysed bodies. "No…no…Oh sweet Merlin no…"

Penelope Clearwater, a 6th year Ravenclaw Prefect who Harry recognised as a friend of Percy's was petrified next to one of Harry's best friends, Hermione Granger. The bushy haired girls' eyes were unseeing, glassy, clutching a small mirror in her hand. But even worse still, was the girl next to Hermione.

"Rose…" Harry wandered like a zombie over to the petrified state of his sister. She had one eye open whilst another was shut, her wand gripped firmly in her hand and pointed away from her. "It's all my fault…" Harry sobbed as his legs gave out, collapsing to his knees by the bed.

Ron looked past at Hermione and grimaced, his eyes slightly wet as he reached out to squeeze her hand. "Oh Hermione…"

Luna though, went straight to Harry and wrapped her arms around the boy's shoulders, her own eyes glistening. "Harry, it's going to be okay…she's not hurt…just petrified."

"I know…but I should've stopped her! I should've stopped them both!" Harry sobbed.

Finding strength in his legs once more, Harry got to his feet with assistance from Luna. "I'm sorry…" Harry said to no one in particular.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Harry was surprised to see McGonagall looking down at him with unshed tears. "You have nothing to apologise for Mr Potter. I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore and I couldn't prevent these attacks."

"Where were they found." Ron spoke up, looking down at his petrified friend.

"Outside of the library." McGonagall explained, "Miss Granger was found propped up against the wall with the mirror in her hand. I don't suppose any of you could explain it?"

The three students shook their heads as they continued to look at their petrified friends. They'd lost three friends now, it was almost as if the creature was targeting those closest to Harry, Justin and Penelope being the exceptions.

"Professor…does this mean they'll shut the school?" Harry asked.

McGonagall pursed her lips for a moment before she said anything. "Not yet Mr Potter, but it is certainly a likely possibility should there be another attack."

Gulping, Harry nodded his head as he turned back towards his sister. They stayed in the hospital wing for a little while longer, Harry silently crying as he gripped onto his sisters' hand. Luna spent her time between Harry and Ron, comforting the pair as she tried to hide her own emotions. Finally, Pomfrey asked them all to leave, letting everyone say their goodbyes. Giving Rose's frozen hand one last squeeze, Harry and his friends left the hospital wing for the safety of the Gryffindor common room, watched closely by McGonagall. It was there that she announced that all clubs would be suspended, including Quidditch, and students were expected to be back in their common rooms by 6 every night.

A small group of Gryffindors had gathered around one table, the twins and Lee Jordan leading the discussion as Harry and Ron listened in. Luna had gone to bed early, wishing to be alone for awhile after seeing her friend petrified.

"So that's four Gryffindors down, a Puff and a Ravenclaw, not including Sir Nicolas or Mrs Norris." Lee was counting on his fingers, "And yet the Slytherin's have yet to be attacked. Plus…the Chamber is supposed to be opened by the heir of Slytherin! Why aren't we pointing fingers at them yet?"

"Isn't that what you're doing right now…" Fred said.

"Pointing fingers at the Slytherins." George added.

Lee just shrugged and continued to rant his theories. Ron and Harry meanwhile were sitting and forming their own ideas. "What do we do now?" Ron asked.

Harry thought for a moment as he rolled his lip. "Well, there were two people who were at Hogwarts last time the chamber opened. Dumbledore and Hagrid."

"So, what do we do then?" Ron said.

"We'll go have a chat with them. See if know anything else. Hagrid especially."

Ron looked a little sceptical but nodded. "I thought Hagrid didn't do it though?"

"He didn't, but he may know what the creature was." Harry explained.

"How do we get to him then? You heard McGonagall, the castle is in lockdown."

Harry thought for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "We'll take my dad's old cloak. Sneak under the cover of darkness and get back up before anyone's noticed we've been gone."

"Brilliant!" Ron grinned, the sense of adventure perking them both up again.

What would've normally been an exciting Quidditch match day turned into a quiet, sombre affair that was restricted to the common rooms. Ron and Harry spent most of it lamenting the loss of their friends, but also found time to sneak a couple of games of chess in. The house elves brought dinner up for everyone in their common rooms, something that Ron greatly appreciated as if he had to go down for dinner, he would've had to forfeit the game of chess he was playing against Harry. Sometime after everyone had eaten, Harry caught the faint hue of fiery red hair in his peripheral vision. He hadn't seen Ginny for days now, and seeing her just then made everything around him fade away as he looked on.

"Mate, you alright?" Ron asked, snapping Harry out of his trance.

Shaking his head, Harry didn't say a word as he got up and went over to where Ginny was sitting alone, chewing on her nails. "Gin…" The girl looked up in fright as her eyes went wide. She tried to run but Harry stepped in the way, "Please…. just talk to me."

"Okay…" Ginny said demurely.

Sitting down next to her, Harry made sure that they had the privacy they needed as he blocked her form from sight with his own body. "Rose has been attacked."

"W-what?" Ginny stuttered, "How? Where?"

"We still don't know how, but she was found next to Hermione and Penelope Clearwater outside of the library." Harry explained.

A tiny sob escaped Ginny's lips as she ducked her head. "I'm sorry…"

"Don't be, it's not your fault." Harry thought he heard her say something else, but ignored it.

"I can't tell you what's wrong with me." Ginny said suddenly, "I…I don't have the strength to right now."

Clutching Ginny's hand in his own, Harry have it a tight squeeze. "Whenever you need to tell me, I'll be ready to listen."

"Thank you…" Ginny whispered, "I don't deserve you."

"I disagree." Harry chuckled, "I um…I appreciated your letter."

Ginny's eyes widened in fright as she chewed her lip. "You did?"

Nodding his head, Harry smiled. "I did. It was much better than the twins attempt."

Ginny felt herself smile softly, the first time in months she felt. Suddenly, she felt the tug again and she knew she had to go. Quickly standing up and pushing her way past Harry, Ginny turned and frowned. "I'm sorry…I need to go…I'm so sorry…"

"Ginny wait!" Harry tried to stop her but it was too late, Ginny fled up the girl's stairs, something Harry wasn't about to try climbing.

Frowning in resignation, Harry trundled back over to Ron, who had a concerned look on his face. "What happened?"

"Ginny…she's not well."

Ron frowned and sighed. "I don't know what's wrong with her. I hope she'll tell us soon."

"I don't know if that's going to be anytime soon." Harry lamented.

The two boys lamented over the struggles they were facing this year, something that they didn't expect when they returned last September. Last year was difficult for sure, but it was also full of adventure. That night, once everyone had gone to bed, Harry and Ron waited up in their beds until they heard the soft snores of Dean, the louder snores of Seamus and the quiet huffing of Neville, knowing then that the coast was clear. Fishing out his father's old invisibility cloak, Harry went over and signalled for Ron to follow him as the two put the cloak over their head and wandered down the stairs. Thankfully there was nobody awake in the common room as they snuck their way out through the portrait door and out into the corridors. Rows of suits of armour stood vigil over the now heavily patrolled hallways, making for an uncomfortable journey down to the entrance hall. The pair of Gryffindors almost ran into trouble when Harry stopped suddenly after seeing the patrolling Professor Snape wandering the halls. Ron had kept walking and bashed right into the back of Harry, sending the two tumbling. Thankfully, Snape sneezed just as Ron landed with a thump, muffling the noise the two boys were creating.

Without further incident, the two Gryffindors made their way down onto the grounds of Hogwarts, the moonlight and starlight guiding their way to Hagrid's hut. There by the edge of the forest, Hagrid's hut sat, light streaming out of the windows. Pulling the cloak off, Harry and Ron approached the door, giving it a firm knock which sent Fang into a barking frenzy. The door was suddenly ripped open by a wild looking Hagrid clutching a large crossbow in his hands, Fang barking like mad beside him.

"Oh, it's you lot, what're you two doin' wanderin' the night alone!" Hagrid chastised, grabbing the two by the cuffs and bringing them inside, "It ain't safe to be wanderin' now."

"We had to come see you Hagrid." Harry said, "We need to ask you something."

Hagrid nodded dumbly as he put the crossbow down and started wandering. "I see…I'll jus' put some tea on shall I…"

Ron, who was busy stroking Fang, nodded his head towards the crossbow. "How come you're so armed then Hagrid, expecting someone?"

"Hey? No…nothin' jus'…jus' in case…" Hagrid replied.

The two boys gave each other a look. "Are you okay Hagrid?" Harry asked, "Did you…did you hear about Rose and Hermione…"

"I did…I did…I heard all 'bout it." Hagrid sighed.

Wandering around nervously, Hagrid poured two cups of boiling hot water into a couple of cups, forgetting the tea bags all together. He kept glancing out the windows, like he was expecting someone or something. Harry and Ron were seriously concerned for their friend. "Hagrid, seriously, what's going on?"

Before Hagrid could answer, there was a loud knock at the door again. Harry and Ron, thinking quickly, grabbed the invisibility cloak and threw it over themselves before backing into the corner. Making sure the two boys were well hidden, Hagrid grabbed his crossbow again and opened the door.

"Good evening, Hagrid."

Dumbledore's normally bright demeanour was deadly serious, sparkling blue eyes devoid of all mirth. As Dumbledore stepped in, another man that Harry recognised followed suit.

"Fudge!" Ron whispered, "What's the minister of Magic doing here?"

Fudge was dressed in his usual odd combination of pinstripe suit, pointed purple shoes, a black cloak and his signature lime green bowler hat tucked underneath his arm. "Hagrid, sorry about this old chap…but it's all very bad business. Bad Business indeed." Fudge spoke in short, clipped tones as he paced around the hut, bowler hat now between his hands.

"What yeh mean then? You can't think…" Hagrid tried to defend himself but Fudge just kept rambling through.

"Four Muggleborns. A pureblood and a half-blood. Ministry can't stay out. Has to act."

Hagrid looked rather shocked at the insinuation. "Wha'! Professor Dumbledore sir, you can't believe this right?" Hagrid choked up, "I'd never…"

Dumbledore sighed as he nodded his head in support to Hagrid before turning to Fudge. "Cornelius, Hagrid has my full, unconditional support in this situation. He has never once been properly found guilty of the crimes he was accused of in the past." Dumbledore was slowly building up in anger as his eyes looked on at Fudge with disapproval, "And he has been nothing but an essential part of the school for many years."

Fudge squirmed a little as he buckled under Dumbledore's gaze. "Albus, Hagrid's past may be up for some debate but the crimes passed against him have yet to be expunged."

"Taking him away will solve nothing though Cornelius." Dumbledore argued, "It will only serve to make the ministry look like it is once again trying to coverup it's failures."

"Now look here!" Fudge began to splutter but Dumbledore shot him a look that Harry had never seen the headmaster give. It was full of cold fury and calm anger. One that would make even McGonagall squirm he was sure.

"Where yeh takin' me then?" Hagrid spoke up, a little concerned.

"It's um…it'll only be a short stint." Fudge responded, "Only to satisfy everyone…If whoever the real culprit is finally gets caught then you'll be let go with full apologies."

Hagrid went deathly pale as he realised the implications of where he was going. "No…please no, not Azkaban…"

Fudge was about to respond when there was a short rap on the door. This time, Dumbledore answered it, allowing antoher figures into the hut.

"Ah, Fudge, already here…Good." The snide voice of Lucius Malfoy made Harry's spine crawl, "This'll makes things easier."

Hagrid looked at the new occupant of the hut and snarled. "What're yeh doin' in my 'ouse! Get out!"

Lucius stuck his nose up as he looked around the room. "Trust me, I take no particular joy in staying in this…'house'." Turning his attention towards Dumbledore, Lucius grinned, "I was just calling into the school and was told that our esteemed headmaster was down here."

"And what made you require my attention, Lucius?" Dumbledore was polite in his wording, but there was still a hidden fury behind his eyes.

"I'm afraid Dumbledore, that the school board has found your actions rather lacking of late." Lucius smiled snidely, "This is an order for your immediate suspension. You'll find all twelve signatures on it."

Everyone was rather silent in the room, even Fudge. "What, no no no this won't do at all!"

"But I'm afraid that it's already done dear Minister. With the latest attack bringing the total up to six students, the board is questioning your abilities."

Fudge looked rather frightened as he tried to turn the situation around. "But! Dumbledore! This won't do at all Lucius! I won't allow it!"

"It isn't your decision Cornelius." Lucius remarked snidely, "The headmaster's appointment and…suspension is a matter held solely by the governors board."

"But, if Dumbledore can't stop these attacks…who can?" Fudge cried.

Lucius gave everyone a nasty smile as he just shrugged. "There is nothing you can do Fudge, all twelve members have voted in agreement."

Hagrid, who had taken a seat in mental exhaustion, immediately bolted to his feet, anger coursing through his body. "An' did they take well ter bein' blackmailed an' threatened eh Malfoy? How many agreed 'fore you pressured them!"

"I would control that temper of yours groundskeeper." Lucius spat, "The guards at Azkaban don't take kindly to being yelled at. Or perhaps go ahead, see if they give you a little…kiss"

"Now see here Lucius, that comment is wholly inappropriate!" Fudge sputtered, but was largely ignored.

"If yeh take Dumbledore, they'll be dead by end of ter week! Muggleborns ain't safe withou' him!" Hagrid pleaded.

"Enough." Dumbledore's authority naturally silenced the room, "Hagrid…stay calm. If the governors have called for my suspension then I will step aside without resistance."

Both Fudge and Hagrid tried to argue but were quickly silenced by Dumbledore's hand. His icy blue eyes were boring into Lucius' cold grey ones, fury behind both sets. "However." Dumbledore calmed himself and began to talk slowly, "Even if I may not be here in body, I will never truly be gone from this school until those who are loyal to me have been removed themselves. The students will always remember as well, that those who wish for help will always…always find it at Hogwarts, should they seek it."

Harry was sure that Dumbledore meant that for himself and Ron, there was no other explanation for it. "Noble sentiments Dumbledore." Lucius boringly remarked, "I'm sure they'll be some who will miss your independent and eccentric way of running things."

Without saying farewell, Lucius strode out of the hut, slamming the door behind him. Dumbledore followed afterwards, keeping the door open for Fudge and Hagrid. "Um, yeh kno' if anyone were ter be wantin' ter find the stuff all they'd need ter do is um…follow the spiders…yeah." Hagrid rambled, "That'll be ter way ter go."

Fudge looked on in complete bewilderment as Hagrid grabbed his moleskin coat. "Hagrid, are you having a stroke?"

"Eh? No…no…um, I'm comin'" Hagrid looked around the hut once more before petting Fang, "Someone will need ter feed Fang while I'm away too, mind!"

Once everyone was gone, Ron ripped the cloak off the pair of them just as Fang began to howl and scratch at the door. "Well…shit…what do we do now?"

Harry sat at Hagrid's table, fiddling with his fingers. "Dumbledore gone…who do we trust now?"

"They'll be attacks soon, deaths maybe…Lucius is an idiot." Ron grumbled.

"Well we already knew that, just look at his son."

Ron couldn't help but laugh at Harry's comment. "Bet once he hears about this he'll be walking around poncier then ever before."

The two boys stayed for a while longer, looking for clues and keeping Fang company before leaving the hut, though not before chucking Fang a massive bone that they'd found stashed away in Hagrid's cupboard.

Thankfully the journey back up to the dorms were much easier than the journey down, though Harry still felt himself finding the trip stressful. Once they were back in the common room, the two Gryffindors discussed their next moves. "I have no idea what Dumbledore meant." Harry confessed.

"But the spider's part was much easier wasn't it?" Ron said.

Harry nodded. "But where are we gonna find spiders? There's hardly been any in months."

Ron just shrugged. "Dunno. Come on though, let's get some sleep. It's been a big day."

Harry agreed fully with that sentiment. Trudging his way to the staircase, Harry stopped and stared up the girl's staircase, hoping, willing himself to believe that Rose would trudge down those stairs the next morning. But he knew she wouldn't…not for a while.

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Although summer had descended on the highland valley, with flowers in full bloom and the lake looking like something out of a fairy-tale, there was an overarching feeling of dread and fear in the castle. Students had taken to staying in common rooms whenever they were free, only coming down for classes or mealtimes. There was a general amount of mistrust to anyone that was seen as an outsider, although Harry was glad that for once he wasn't the target of that mistrust. Everyone knew how close Harry and Rose were as siblings, and Hermione was seen as one of Harry's best friends. Although that didn't stop people from bothering Harry. There was an increased amount of sympathy towards Harry that he didn't quite appreciate, as it often came with catches. A need for gossip or information, the intrusion into his friendship group, even the repaying of favours for simply being nice to him. Harry found it all very infuriating. Having to write home about the event was harrowing as well, considering Sirius, Remus and Alex all threatened to head down to Hogwarts and thump Dumbledore. Harry didn't know what stopped them from marching on the school, but he was sure that had they had the opportunity they would've throttled the headmaster within an inch of his life.

Worse yet, Harry and Ron were yet to make any sort of progress in their investigation. They hadn't found any spiders for months and with teachers constantly patrolling the halls or escorting them from one class to another they didn't have the opportunity to sneak away to investigate. They finally caught a break though in the middle of the week when they were in herbology class. Ron was already in a sour mood from Malfoy's incorrigible behaviour in potions class. The snivelling sycophant was claiming he knew his father would depose Dumbledore and suggested that Snape should become headmaster.

"Now now Mr Malfoy, the headmaster is merely suspended. I'm sure we will see him back with us short enough."

Malfoy was practically bristling with pompous pride as he smirked up at the potions master. "But sir, you'd be a much better headmaster. I'm sure you'd have my father's vote. I'll tell him all about how you're the best teacher we have!"

Snape was thankfully too busy taking in Malfoy's compliments to notice that Seamus was mock vomiting into his cauldron. It was towards the end of the lesson however when Malfoy really got on Ron and Harry's nerves.

"I'm surprised the Mudblood's are still with us. If they were smart, they'd all pack up and leave." Malfoy laughed, "Maybe they'll be killed next time. Damn shame Granger didn't snuff it."

That's all it took for Ron to launch himself at Malfoy, only barely being held back by Harry and Dean. "Let me at him! I'll ring his bloody neck!"

"Calm down mate, Snape's still here!" Dean said.

Thankfully Harry managed to placate Ron as he whispered into the boy's ear. "Relax Ron, I've got this." Looking at Harry in surprise, Ron just sat back down as Harry fetched his wand out of his pocket.

Subtly, Harry managed to increase the temperature of Malfoy's fire just high enough that soon enough it would bubble over and cause a great big mess. Everyone waited with baited breath for something to happen, but Snape called the lesson to an end before anything could happen. Just as Malfoy was bottling up his potion for marking however, his cauldron bubbled up and spewed the now ruined potion mixture all over Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and the workstation they were around.

Storming over, Snape snapped his disappointment. "Honestly Malfoy! Maybe you wouldn't want me has headmaster, since your incompetence would get you expelled!"

"But…but!"

"No buts! You don't have time to clean it up now, you'll come back tonight to clean it as detention. I have to take you all to herbology." Snape sneered.

The Gryffindor boys were trying hard not to laugh at Malfoy, thankfully holding it in until they got out of the classroom. "That was brilliant Harry!" Ron clapped his mate on the shoulder.

"Sometimes, revenge is best served cold." Harry smirked.

Once they were at Herbology, Professor Sprout had them working on pruning Abyssinian Shrivelfigs, getting them ready for Snape to use them in his third-year potions class. It was whilst Harry was disposing of some shrivelled off cuttings that he ran into Ernie MacMillan. Not wishing to cause a scene, Harry steered clear of the boy, but Ernie stepped in the way before he could escape.

"Harry!" Ernie called out, "I um…I just wanted to say sorry for um…accusing you." Ernie rubbed the back of his neck.

"Okay…" Harry said simply.

Ernie looked embarrassed. "I know you wouldn't attack Hermione, she's your friend after all, let alone your own sister. So, I just wanted to apologise for everything I said and hopefully we can put it all behind us…after all, we're in the same boat now."

Harry couldn't help but find the situation infuriating, even as Ernie stuck his hand out. Begrudgingly, Harry shook it, hoping to get rid of the boy. Luck wasn't on Harry's side however as Ernie grabbed his friend Hannah and followed Harry back to the plant he and Ron were working on.

Ernie continued to try and pry some information out of Harry about recent events, including insinuating that Malfoy could be the heir of Slytherin. "Think Malfoy could be behind all this?"

"No." Harry said simply.

Taken aback by Harry's response, Ernie stopped talking at that point, instead working silently alongside the shy Hannah Abbott to prune the plant. Whilst Harry was carrying another load of dead trimmings to the compost bin, he noticed a line of tiny spiders marching their way towards the forest. Quickly grabbing Ron, Harry pointed out the scene to him, even as Ernie and Hannah listened in.

"Look! They're all heading to the Forbidden forest!" Harry exclaimed.

"Yeah but, why?" Ron mused, "We can't exactly follow them now either, we're in the middle of class."

Harry sighed as he realised Ron was right. "Fine, we'll go tonight. We'll take my cloak and grab Fang before heading out to the forest. Hopefully we can find the trail again."

Agreeing to the plan, the two boys wandered to defence against the dark arts class where they had to put up with the annoyingly jovial Lockhart, who seemed to know everything there was about the attacks happening around Hogwarts.

"Always knew Hagrid was no good!" He told the class, "Otherwise why would the ministry lock him up."

"Maybe he was framed." Ron muttered just loud enough for Lockhart to hear.

Lockhart laughed condescendingly as he strutted around the classroom. "My dear boy, leave the politics to the Professors, I think we know a touch more about the goings on than any student would."

Ron was about to counter when Harry looked over at him and shook his head. "We can't let him know we were there."

Nodding, Ron kept himself quiet. All through the lesson, Harry wanted to throttle Lockhart, his annoyingly selfish attitude getting on his nerves. Towards the end of the lesson, as Lockhart had once again chastised everyone for being so down, Harry passed Ron a scribbled note.

'We should go tonight.'

Looking curiously at Harry, the boy just nodded his head towards the window where the tops of the forbidden forest could be seen. Blanching, Ron shook his head before he looked at the spot where Hermione and then Alec would normally sit. This seemed to instil some Gryffindor courage in him as he sat up straighter and nodded his agreement to Harry.

That night, once everyone had gone to bed, Harry once more grabbed Ron out of bed. They covered themselves and headed back down to Hagrid's, avoiding the nightly patrols. Once they got to the now sad looking hut, Harry budged the door open only to be greeted by a joyously barking Fang.

"Shh! Quiet you old mutt, here!" Harry fetched a piece of treacle fudge from Hagrid's mantel piece, feeding it to fang who found the sticky treat had practically glued his mouth shut.

Satisfied that the boarhound wouldn't make any more unnecessary noise, Harry gave the dog a pet before leading him out of the hut. "Come on Fang, let's go for a walk."

Leading up to the edge of the forest, Ron couldn't help but threat over what they'd find. "I mean, who's to say the spiders actually went in there…Harry…"

"Yes Ron?" Harry sighed.

"Aren't there werewolves in the forest?"

Harry had to think for a moment. He'd heard the rumours but he didn't quite believe them. "I don't know. I know there are centaurs and unicorns in here though and they're not bad. The Centaurs are a little annoying."

Ron nodded his understanding but still didn't find his courage. Just as they stepped into the forest, Harry lit his wand, motioning for Ron to do it to. "Good idea." He said.

As the light from their wands lit the path up, Harry began to notice that the forest floor was moving. Ron almost shouted out in fright before Harry shushed him. "Look! The spiders…they're going deeper into the forest!"

"Oh…great." Ron groaned.

Harry and Ron didn't know how long they spent following the spiders, as the deeper they got into the forest the thick leaves blocked out the sky and the moon along with it. They had to rely solely on their wand light, causing a number of incidents when Fangs wet nose bumped someone's hand or his giant paw stepped on someone's foot. Eventually they came to a clearing that allowed just the tad bit of moonlight to shine in from the heavens. Looking around, Harry tried to find the trail of spiders they'd been following, but failed to do so.

"Where did they go?" Harry said exasperated, "They were just here!"

"Harry…"

Sighing in frustration, Harry waved his wand along the ground, trying to find a trail. "Are you even looking Ron?"

"Harry!"

Annoyance began to set in Harry as he felt like once again, he had to take the lead. "Ron, it's not that dark, just look would you!"

"HARRY!"

Fang's booming bark is what finally brought Harry out of his investigative trance. Looking at Ron, Harry saw that he was standing stock still, staring in terror at something behind Harry. Slowly turning around, Harry felt his stomach turn to water as he came face to face with a large, furry looking creature. Before he could let out a shout, he felt himself being tripped up and being hung upside down. He heard Ron and Fang also be grabbed up by the creature, Fang desperately trying to escape as he growled, whimpered and barked.

Trying to look around at his surroundings, Harry got a good look at his captor. Walking along on six legs, with another two legs holding him upright, Harry made the conclusion then and there that he was being carried away by some sort of giant spider. He wanted to call out to Ron to try and find out if he was alright but found that his voice had left him for good. Finally, after what seemed to feel like an eternity, Harry felt his captor slow down and come to a standstill outside of a hollow that had been cleared of all flora. Moonlight shined down onto the scene around him, making Harry gulp hard as he realised that the floor was moving with tiny spiders. Worse yet though was the scene coming from the hole in the ground, giant spiders the size of Rose's pony, Paul. They were chittering and chatting with their giant pincers, watching with beady eyes as Harry, Ron and Fang were brought into the lair, a giant web dome sitting above them all. Suddenly, Harry felt himself being dropped to the ground onto all fours, Ron and Fang joining him. Looking at his companions, Harry couldn't help but sympathize with Ron, who was stuck in a state of constant terror. Fang didn't fare any better, cowering up to the statue still Ron.

"Aragog! Aragog!" Harry was surprised when the spider that had captured him started speaking.

More surprising, and a little terrifying, was the absolutely giant spider that appeared out from the webbed dome. "What is it." It clicked.

"Men." Harry's spider responded.

"Is Hagrid?" The giant spider, whom Harry presumed was Aragog, asked.

The spider that captured Ron spoke up. "Strangers. Not Hagrid."

"Kill them. Feed." Aragog commanded.

Just as the swarm of tiny spiders started to descend, Harry found his voice. "We're friends of Hagrid!"

"STOP!" Aragog commanded. The swarm of tiny spiders ceased their movement, hovering at the edge of a small circle they had formed around their captures.

"Why are you here? Why has Hagrid sent you?" Aragog asked.

Harry gulped as he looked around at the spiders waiting to feast on him. "He's in trouble…" Harry found it increasingly hard to talk, "He…he told us to find you."

"Trouble?" Aragog queried, "What trouble?"

"They think he's been setting a…a monster free in the school…attacking students. They've sent him to Azkaban"

Aragog made a sort of clicking noise that was joined by the rest of his cohort, it unsettled Harry to no end. "That was many…many years ago." The spider said, "When I was but a small hatchling. That is why they made him leave the school, they thought it was I who was the monster."

Once again, the clicking amplified, almost deafening now until Aragog commanded silence. "They claimed that I was from the Chamber of Secrets. That Hagrid set me Free."

"And you didn't come from the Chamber?" Harry asked.

"No." Aragog refuted, "I came from a land many, many leagues away. Hagrid was given my egg when he was but a boy. Hatched me. Fed me with scrapes. Kept me in a cupboard and kept me safe. Then I was blamed for the girl's death. He protected me as I fled. When he returned, Hagrid kept me safe again. He is a good friend, a good man. He found Mosag, my wife. My family surrounds you now."

Harry felt sweat trickle down his brow. "So…So you never attacked anyone?"

Aragog clicked his pincers. "Never. Out of respect for Hagrid I never attacked a human. The girl who was killed was found in the bathroom. I only ever saw the cupboard. Dark and quiet, as we like."

"So, what killed her then?" Harry asked.

All of a sudden, the clicking ceased, and a tension filled the air. "An ancient beast that even we fear." Aragog stated, "I begged Hagrid to release me when it roamed the castle."

"What is it?"

The clicking began again, this time a mixture of fear and anger. "We do not speak of it!" Aragog snarled, "I did not even tell Hagrid its name. It is a cursed creature, one of hate and anger."

Feeling that the conversation was now over, Harry found the courage to get to his feet. "Um…Thank you…we'll just be going now."

"Go?" Aragog clicked, "I think not, friend of Hagrid."

"What?" Harry's fear kicked in again.

Aragog slowly drifted towards Harry, his massive pincers coming out menacingly. "Hagrid, we do not harm, but strangers…even friends of Hagrid…I cannot deny my children new meat. Fresh meat."

"You can't!" Harry shouted.

"Goodbye, friends of Hagrid."

There was a sense of surreal clarity for Harry in that moment. He knew then that he was either going to live, or die. But then he thought of his sister, how she would feel knowing her brother died whilst she was petrified. Knowing then and there what he had to do, Harry squeezed his wand as hard as he could and mustered up all of his Gryffindor courage.

"LUMOS MAXIMA!" A great blinding light sprouted out of Harry's wand, bathing the hollow in a bright light. The spiders that were approaching Harry screeched out in panic and pain as the light burnt their sensitive eyes.

Knowing he only had a few minutes, if not seconds, Harry quickly ran and grabbed Ron by the wrist, pulling him up to his feet. "Grab Fang!" Harry commanded.

This seemed to snap Ron out of his trance of fear, as he grabbed the boarhound by the collar and followed Harry through the hollow as his light cleared a path for them through the swarm of spiders. Still, behind them the sound of fast approaching spiders continued to follow them as they ran through the hollow and into the forest once more.

Ron, who wasn't watching where he was going, tripped over a protruding tree root and fell flat on his face, forcing Harry to go back for him. Just as Harry was about to grab Ron, his Lumos spell finally came to an end, leaving them with only the light of the moon.

"I'm sorry Ron…" Harry lamented as he realised that this was it.

Ron just grabbed onto Harry arm, squeezing in fear as he realised there wasn't a way out. Harry tried to cast the spell again but found himself in too weak a state to even try a normal Lumos spell. Just as the first spider's pincers reached the two boys and dog, a flaming arrow pierced through the dark of night, landing in front of the spiders. The group of arachnids paused for a moment as they examined the new object, before rearing up and screaming in fright as the arrow exploded into a great cloud of sparks and light. Retreating into the darkness, the spiders were pursued by several more flaming arrows, exploding into the night sky, illuminating the backs of the furry creatures. The sound of hooves cantering along the forest floor made Harry look behind them. There, bathing in the moonlight was Firenze, the centaur that had saved Harry in his first year from Voldemort's shade.

"Harry Potter, we meet again." Firenze smiled, offering a hand to the boy.

"Firenze! I've never been gladder to see you." Harry grinned.

Helping Ron to his feet as well, Firenze smiled at the two boys. "You are lucky then that this was my part of the forest to patrol tonight. I can imagine that were it Bane or Ronan, you would both be not quite as lucky."

Ron, who was still scared voiceless, nodded his head in thanks. "What are you both doing so far deep into the forest? It is not safe here."

"Hagrid told us to come here, to get some answers over the attacks that are happening up at the school." Harry answered.

Firenze gave nothing away as he nodded neutrally. "I suggest that you steer clear of these parts of the forest. It is not wise for younglings to get lost in here. Come, I will take you back to Hagrid's hut."

Thanking Firenze again, Harry, Ron and Fang followed the centaur out of the forest, the silence only broken by the snapping of twigs and leaves. Once they arrived back at Hagrid's hut, Firenze said his farewells and cantered back into the forest, the darkness hiding him from sight. The two boys stayed in Hagrid's hut for a little while longer, recovering from their ordeal.

"What…just happened." Ron sounded like he scarcely believed what he'd just gone through was real, "Did…did that just all happen?"

"Yes Ron." Harry could hardly believe it himself.

Ron suddenly turned furious though as he thumped the wooden table. "What the bloody hell did we just achieve!"

"Finding out Hagrid was innocent?"

"But we already knew that!"

Harry sighed; he certainly couldn't help but agree. "We have a better understanding of what the creature is up at the school."

"And yet we're still miles away!" Ron lamented, "I'm never trusting Hagrid again! Follow the spiders he said, you'll find the stuff he says."

Harry snorted but agreed wholeheartedly. "Bet he didn't think Aragog would try to eat us."

"That's his problem though isn't it!" Ron said furiously, "He trusts too easily! If it's dangerous then it's 'misunderstood'."

Nodding in agreement, Harry sighed. "And now he's in Azkaban. He's lucky Norbet didn't land him in trouble last year."

Ron nodded. "One thing is for sure; he owes us big time."

Once the two boys had recovered their strength, they left Fang with some treats and a warm blanket before shoving the invisibility cloak over the top of them, ready for their journey up to the castle. Even though it was late, the patrols around the castle hadn't let up, making for a rather difficult journey back to the Gryffindor common room. They did eventually make it though, albeit more tired, stressed and panicked then when they left. Collapsing onto their beds, Ron didn't bother to undress, passing out almost immediately. Harry though, had too much racing through his head to sleep yet.

Aragog's words kept rattling around in his head. He was trying to make sense of everything he'd been told. Then, like a lightbulb, the idea flicked on a light in his head.

"Ron!" Harry called out to his friend.

"Wha?" Ron groaned, "Harry, it's late, go to sleep."

Harry ignored Ron's pleas, getting out of bed and going to sit on Ron's. "Aragog said the girl that was killed was found in a bathroom, right?"

"Yeah…"

"Well…what if she never left the bathroom?" Harry grinned.

Ron took a moment to realise what Harry was saying before he groaned. "Bloody hell, no way. All this time and it's been there, in our faces?"

"Yes Ron!"

"Moaning bloody Myrtle."