After the discovery that Harry made, he told his friends about it. That Hagrid is the suspect, and Harry found this out while having detention with Snape. Hermione couldn't believe this; it couldn't be their dearest friend. The gatekeeper and someone Dumbledore trusts most in the world at Hogwarts. Their bushy-haired friend suggested asking the giant about it. Both Ron and Harry were against it.

Mostly Ron though, "That would be a cheerful visit. Hello Hagrid. Tell us...have been setting anything mad and hairy loose in the castle lately?" he said sarcastically.

The one who they were talking about was right behind them, "Mad and hairy? Wouldn't you be talking about me? Now would you?" All three said no at the same time as an answer.

Harry changed the subject, "What's that you got, Hagrid?" he pointed to a jug their friend was holding.

"Oh, it's a Flesh-Eating Slug Repellent," he shows them, "for the mandrakes, you know? According to Professor Sprout. They've got a bit of growing up to do." While Hagrid was talking about that, Harry saw Snape walking by, talking to some of his Slytherin students. "But once their acne's cleared up, we'll chop them up and stew them. And then we'll get those people at the hospital un-Petrified." this got Harry thinking of Colin, looking sadly at the ground. "In the meantime, though, you three had best be looking after yourselves. All right?" They nodded their heads. Hagrid walked away, seeing Nevile running up, "Hello there, Nevile."

"Harry...I don't know who did. You'd better come." Snape looked at the commotion, realizing Potter was a few feet away. "Come on!" Neville yells. Harry looked over at the potion teacher before following his friends.

They were surprised to see the boy's room in the Gryffindor house was a mess. Papers and books were scattered, glass shattered. It all came from Harry's side of the room. The boy who lived looked over at his stuff, seeing why someone would do this.

"It had to be a Gryffindor. No one else knows our password," Hermione said, "unless it wasn't a student?"

"Whoever it was, they must've been looking for something?" Ron thought out loud.

Harry realized what they were looking for, "And they found it...Tom Riddle's diary is gone."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A couple of days later, the first match of the year happened. Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff this time. Wood was coming up with a tragedy on how to win this game and gain more scores. "All right, listen up, we play our game; Hufflepuff doesn't stand a chance," they got their brooms ready, "we are stronger, quicker, and smarter."

"And not mention, they're dead scared that Harry'll petrify them if they fly anywhere near him," George said jokingly, with a bit of seriousness. Wood agreed on that.

Both Professor McGonagall and Severus Snape came their way, "McGonagall."

"This match has been canceled," she explained, holding a scroll with a red ribbon on it.

"You can't cancel quidditch." Wood argued back, confused.

"Silence, Wood. You and your teammates will go to Gryffindor tower. Now!"

"You best do as she says," Snape helped her out. Wood and his team started walking back to their house. The potion teacher looked at Potter, "Mr. Potter? you and I, will find Mr. Weasley. There is something you both need to see."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

All four of them made it to the hospital wing. McGonagall warned them about being shocked. Harry looked over in Colin's direction; his bed was blocked by some curtains. They walked to the other side of the room to see their friend Hermione lying there. She has been petrified.

"Hermonie?" Ron was about to break. Harry walked beside her bed. McGonagall explained that their friend was near the library when Snape found her. Harry looked over the dark teacher, 'He must have been shocked to find her there?'

"Along with this," McGonagall showed them a handheld mirror, "Does this mean anything to either of you?" They both said no. Harry had tears in his eyes, running his hand along Hermione's extended hand. Snape put a hand on his shoulder for comfort. This surprised the Gryffindor but didn't show it, as he felt his friend's cold fingers with sadness.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

McGonagall got her house gathered in the common room. Explaining the new rules from now on after recent events. The first rule is all students will return to their houses every evening by six. The second rule is that all students will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. Harry thought perhaps he could have Snape accompany him. It wouldn't be a bad thing there.

"No exceptions," McGonagall finished. "I should tell you this...unless the culprit is caught...it is likely the school will be closed." She was close to tears as she walked out of the room.

Harry thought of what to do while lying in his bed; he needed to talk to Hagrid. He looked over at Ron sleeping, thinking of waking him. Then his mind went to Snape, 'Perhaps he will be better suited this time?' He needs to find a way to talk to his teacher tonight. 'Maybe the rumor of the school closing will get Snape to come with me?' Harry quietly got up, got his slippers, clothes, and cloak, and went to the boy's bathroom to change, leaving his night clothes in a cupboard.

Sneaking his way to the chambers, Harry looked around, ensuring no one would catch him doing this. And also the culprit behind these attacks. If he gets petrified while under the cloak, no one will see his body.

He made his way to Snape's chamber, looking around before knocking on the door. A few minutes passed before his teacher popped his head out. There was no one there as he opened his door wider. Then he realized who it could possibly be, turning around to see Potter. "Did McGonagall read you the rules?" he nodded, that she did, "so then, why-"

"Professor?" Harry noticed some worry in the older man's eyes. "You are worried, aren't you? If this school closes, you will be out of a job, correct?" Snape looked down at the floor. His student came over and hugged him, smelling the scent of potions on the man's skin underneath his night clothes. "Don't worry, professor...we will figure it out." The boy lets go, stepping back, "I got a plan, and that is why I came here to see you."

Severus was at a loss; not knowing who the culprit was has got him to toss and turn lately. Harry was surprised at how quiet he was. Usually, when he is in his chambers at this time, he gets a scolding. Especially after the new rules were placed. His student got the teacher to sit on one of the sofas.

"Professor? If the school closes...then what will happen to us? We won't be able to see each other anymore. Is that something you want?" Harry had a worried expression, "not to mention you won't be able to teach potions anymore."

Snape nodded in agreement, "It is not my decision..."

"So you want to just sit here and do nothing? That is not the Snape I know." His teacher looked up at him, "I got a plan...don't you want to hear it? It might even save the school. I know you love this place more than-"

"Enough! I get it," Snape replied, "I will help you out. What is this idiotic idea of yours?"

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The plan was to visit Hagrid and confront him about the discovery being made in the diary. And so that no one else questions them, they were under Harry's cloak, on their way to the gatekeeper's hut. This got Snape surprisingly close to his student, trying not to step on him.

Harry let out a slight blush while walking with his potion teacher, 'He doesn't seem angry at all that I kissed him twice. Maybe there is hope in this somehow?' Snape knocked on Hagrid's wooden door.

"Who's there?" Hagrid wondered, getting his crossbow ready. He kicked his door open; nobody was there, "Hello?"

Harry removed the cloak when seeing the weapon, "What is that for?" not wanting to get speared by that thing.

"Oh, nothing. I was expecting...it doesn't matter," the half-giant looked at Harry, and surprisingly Severus was with him too. "Come on in. I just made a pot of tea." Snape didn't know where to sit in this rotten-looking shed. Deciding to wipe the bed before sitting down. His student watched Hagrid acting strange while pouring them a cup of tea.

"Hagrid are you, ok?" The Golden Boy decided to ask.

"I'm fine. I am alright," he answered. Fang went down from the recliner and hopped on the bed over to Snape. Harry looked at them while the half-giant was pouring some tea. The teacher was not pleased with this, as it started licking his face. His student gaped, and Hagrid tried not to laugh while seeing them.

"Did you hear about Hermione?" Harry wondered, trying to keep to the task at hand.

"Oh, yeah, I heard about that, all right," Hagrid replied, looking at the potion's master. "Is there a reason why you are here too?"

Snape was about to answer when his student did it for him, "He is escorting me, is all." That made sense for his friend, nodding at Harry before sitting at the table.

Fang starts sniffing his teacher, going down to sniffing his chest and then down to his crotch. Harry looked at that with shock, as Snape seemed disgusted by this, pushing the big thing away, and then the dog started licking it. This made the dungeon bat gasp in surprise. Hagrid was just about to look when Harry blocked him from seeing. "Look, we have to ask you something; it is why we came here," as his friend focused on him, he got a throw pillow from the sofa, handing it to Snape. His teacher quickly grabbed it, holding it over his pants. "Do you know who's opened the Chamber of Secrets?"

Hagrid sighed, deciding to explain, "What you have to understand about that is-" there was a knock on the door. Fang starts barking next to Snape's ear, the teacher winced. "Quick, you two under the cloak. I know you are a teacher, Snape, but they would be suspicious if you were hanging out with me," Hagrid whispered. Harry quickly got Snape from the bed, going over to the fireplace, and threw on the cloak. The giant had the weapon ready again, answering the door, "Oh. Professor Dumbledore, sir."

"Good evening, Hagrid. I wonder, could we?"

"Of course. Come in. Come in," the giant said, ushering Dumbledore and The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, inside.

'What is he doing here?' Snape wondered about Cornelius Fudge, "He works in The Minister of Magic," he whispered near Harry's ear.

"Bad business Hagrid, very bad business," Cornelius starts explaining. "Had to come. Three attacks on Muggle-borns. Things gone far enough; the Ministry's got to act."

"But I never- You know, I never, professor." Hagrid tried to plead with the Headmaster.

"I want it understood, Cornelius, that Hagrid has my full confidence," Albus said to the Minister.

"Albus, look Hagrid's records is against him. I've got to take him."

"Take me where? Not Azkaban prison!" Hagrid cried out.

"I am afraid we, have no choice!"

Harry looked over at Snape, mouth slightly open. His teacher didn't know what to think or do at this point. He was at a loss; his student put a hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. Even though Snape doesn't talk much to the giant, he still cares for him somewhat. "It will be alright," his student whispered.

The door opened slightly, and Lucius stood in front of the hut. Snape gaped at that, 'What is he doing here?' "Already here, Fudge? Good."

"What are you doing here? Get out of my house!" Hagrid yelled.

"Believe me; I take absolutely no pleasure being in your-" Harry and Snape moved away a bit as Lucius came closer. "You call this a house? Hm." He turned to Albus and Cornelius, "No, I simply called at the school and was told the Headmaster was here."

"Well, what exactly is it that you want with me?" Albus wondered, curious at this.

"The other governors and I have decided it's time for you to step aside."

Snape was surprised at this, feeling outraged, not being Dumbledore's fault. Harry could see how stressed his teacher had become. 'If only I were more of use to this school,' the dark wizard thought.

Lucius held a rolled-up scroll, "This is an order of suspension. You will find all 12 signatures on it." He gives the scroll to the Headmaster, "I am afraid we feel you've rather lost your touch." he turns towards the fireplace, "Well, what, with all these attacks. There'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts. What an awful loss that would be to the school." Harry and Snape looked at each other, seeing Lucius smile.

"You can't take Professor Dumbledore away. Take him away and the Muggle-borns won't stand a chance. You mark my words there'll be killings next!"

"You think so?" Lucius thought. Hagrid glares at him. Snape looked away, hating to see his friend this way. He wasn't like that when they went to this school together.

"Calm yourself, Hagrid...if the governors desire my removal, I will, of course, step aside," Albus decided it was best to do that, at least for the time being. He walked over to Lucius, "However...you will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts. For those who ask for it." Snape and Harry gaped at this, "Guess he knows we are here?' the teacher thought. The old wizard looks over at them, knowing they were there.

Lucius was confused as he looked behind him. Nothing was there, "Admirable sentiments. Shall we?" he walked to the door. Albus looked at Snape and Harry, smiling at them before leaving with Lucius. "Fudge."

"Come. Hagrid. Well?"

Hagrid decided to do as the Minister said by going quietly. He cleared his throat, "If anybody is looking for some stuff, then all they have to do is follow the spiders." He glanced sideways at them, "Yep. That lead them right. That's all I have to say. Oh, and someone'll need to feed Fang while I am away."

Fang growls. "Good boy," Fudge said, leaving the hut.

They removed the cloak. Snape needed to process this situation, sitting on Hagrid's bed. 'Hagrid is right about one thing, without Albus not there, then-' "It will be ok, professor," his student reassured him, knowing what he is possibly thinking, "we will get both of them back, but first let's follow the spiders," he points to the crawling arthropods. "Are you ok, by the way?" he points to his pants.

Snape got up, glaring at Fang. "I should have hexed you." Harry thought that wouldn't be a good idea because Hagrid would be after him. You don't want a half-giant to come after you. "Never mind that. Focus on the task."

His student nodded as he got Fang to come with them out of the hut, grabbing the giant lantern. Harry wanted Fang more than Snape, but his teacher is a powerful wizard and can look after Harry. He is, after all, assigned to guard him by Albus.

Harry noticed the spiders going into the forbidden forest. He looked at his teacher, "We need to follow them." Snape decided to go along with this, wanting to know the answer about Hagrid as well, even when he doesn't want to admit it.

Snape noticed thousands of spiders, going in one direction, trying not to walk on them.

Harry looked over, "Are you afraid of them?" his teacher glared at him, "just asking here. You can always grab my hand."

"Potter, if you don't stop with your nonsense, I will deduct points." Harry got the hint, deciding to grab Snape's hand instead, "What are you doing?"

"Just felt like it, professor," his student admitted while they went further into the forest. "this way, I think?" surprised the potion master is not pulling away, happy inside about that. "It must have been shocking to find Hermione like that?"

"Focus on the task at hand, Potter. I will answer your question after everything is over." Harry nodded, being ok with that, "It is unfortunate that it happened to her."

They made it to a clearing under a hole in a tree, with spiders everywhere, and there were different sizes. Harry lets go of Snape; his teacher is right about focusing on the task at hand.

"Who is it?" they heard someone say, in a raspy voice, "Hagrid is that you?"

"I am friends with Hagrid," Harry replied, looking at where the voice came from. A giant black spider popped out of a hole. Snape gulped in slight fear; his student glanced sideways at him.

"And you? You're Aragog, aren't you?" the Gryffindor guessed.

"Yes," the spider replied. "Hagrid has never sent men into our hollow before."

"He's in trouble. Up at the school, there been attacks." Snape looked around at their surroundings, seeing spiders looking and crawling near them; they were big too. "They think they opened the chamber of secrets. Like before."

"That's a lie! Hagrid never opened the chamber of secrets."

Harry looked over at his teacher, who looked over at him. "Then you're not the monster?"

"No. The monster was born in the castle; I came to Hagrid from a far distant land...in the pocket of a traveler." 'Hagrid likes buying weird stuff, doesn't he?' Snape thought, inwardly rolling his eyes. "But, if you are not the monster, then what did kill that girl 50 years ago?"

"We do not speak of it. It is an ancient creature we spiders fear above all others."

"But, have you seen it?"

"I never saw any part of the castle but the box in which Hagrid kept me. The girl was discovered in a bathroom. When I was accused, Hagrid brought me here."

Snape looked around them, realizing what was happening; spiders surrounded them, it was time to run. "Potter. We need to get out of here," Harry looked over at his teacher, then at the eight-legged creatures coming from all sides of the forest, including up on the trees.

"Well, thank you, my teacher, and I are just going to go now."

Before the spider could say anything else, Snape grabbed his student's arm and said a spell. Disappearing from sight and back at Hagrid's hut, "You got to teach that one," Harry said out of breath, 'That was a close one.' "Well, we know one thing, don't we? Hagrid is innocent."