Chapter 34: Valentine's Disaster

February came surprisingly quick. People were more at ease than they had been in a while. Most didn't care to think why they failed to mention the attacks to their families. Nothing happened since the double attack, so people were feeling almost as if maybe it could be over. They were still wary and chose not to speak of the heir or his beast casually. They didn't want to tempt fate.

Professor Lockhart on the other hand wasn't wary of such topics. He actually went so far as to say it was some kind of prank a student pulled and realized they went too far with it. He bragged about how they probably knew he was on the case now and feared him capturing them. He even came up with a supposedly great idea to boost morale around the school.

"That is why I've come up with a great idea for some Valentine's Day fun! One of my favorite holidays," Lockhart said after dinner the night before Valentine's Day. He clapped his hands and the doors opened as a group of dwarves marched into the dining hall.

"My friends here have agreed to delivering all of your Valentine's Day wishes and letters! They've even agreed to singing Valentines as well!" Lockhart said with his usual chuckle at the end.

The dwarves looked like they only begrudgingly agreed to singing valentines. Harry guessed Lockhart paid his 'friends' really well if they agreed to that. He heard dwarves were very strong and not to be taken lightly, even in friendly negotiations.

"So… Feel free to send that note to your crush or the love of your life. Why not make an event of the whole day tomorrow! I'm sure my esteemed colleagues will be more than up for challenge," Lockhart said giving them a wink.

The other professors looked as if they regretted him coming up with this idea. He wasn't wrong about a morale booster being good, but this hardly seemed the proper way of handling it. Professor Dumbledore seemed as if he might be regretting allowing this to an extent. He knew it would at least distract everyone, which served an important purpose.

"Perhaps, Professor Snape will teach you how to brew up a love potion," Lockhart suggested.

Harry didn't need to see Snape's look to realize you would be signing your own death certificate asking him such a thing. He despised people treating Potions frivolously. A love potion was the most frivolous thing you could do with Potions.

"Feel free to make the best of this wonderful holiday! I look forward to everyone's enjoyment of the day," Professor Lockhart finished as they were dismissed for the night.

"I think we can all agree this will turn out to be a disaster," Hermione said once they were alone in their dorm. Harry, Hannah, and Susan easily agreed. The idea was kind of nice, but the execution would be terrible. It was Lockhart.

[-] [-] [-]

Ginny took in a deep breath and let it out. She threw the diary into the Girls' toilet through a window. No one would find out what she did. She noticed things changed over the holiday break as she stayed away from the dairy. She pulled on all of that Gryffindor courage she had to resist the temptation it offered her. She still didn't have any memory of the time she lost to it.

She decided to just toss it after other attempts failed to get rid of it. It was starting to become too strong for her once more. Tom was so very enchanting and flattering and handsome, but he was dangerous. It was dangerous. She didn't like whatever it was the dairy had her do, even though she had no idea what happened. That lone fact made the whole situation even worse.

"No one will find it in there! Everyone avoids Myrtle's bathroom," Ginny thought in relief as she quickly made her way to breakfast that day.

She had a valentine she wanted to send, even if it was very embarrassing. Perhaps it would at least lighten up his day, even if it was only a laugh at the wording. Ginny was sure he could at least appreciate the feelings in it. She was very relieved she didn't need to add her name to it.

Shortly after Ginny disappeared out of sight, Luna came walking out of the bathroom looking a little confused at the object in her hands. It was some kind of diary. She felt it might be able to help them in their search though. It was old, but in good condition and was dated from about 50 years ago. It might be a bit of a long shot, but they would take anything at this point.

She was visiting Myrtle, since the ghost was a Ravenclaw herself, when the book came flying through the window. It almost went through Myrtle. That would have set the ghost girl off. Luna didn't mind Myrtle too much, until the ghost girl started crying and carrying on again.

The Ravenclaw first year was still wary of the object. She would let the others figure out if they wanted to examine it further. She had a feeling Harry would be able to do so and keep his wits about him. She wasn't sure when to give it to them though. She wanted to give both Harry and Hermione Valentine's Letters, but she would do so in person. That might be the best time.

She heard muggles gave valentines to friends as well. She didn't want to use the 'service' Lockhart spoke of though. She felt if you were going to give out valentines you should do so in person.

At the same time, she wanted to do so in private. The last thing she wanted was everyone seeing her giving letters to them both. She wasn't embarrassed, but she knew it would be annoying if anyone else found out apart from her Hufflepuff friends.

[-] [-] [-]

Valentine's Day was as terrible as the Hufflepuffs feared it would be. The day was a mess. Lockhart's grumpy and gruff voiced cupids were constantly interrupting classes to deliver their cards. Lockhart's esteemed colleagues were not at all amused by this.

The students found some amusement in the situation at first. Some of the more popular witches and wizards were almost mobbed by the volunteer cupids. Cedric was able to take it in stride and even thanked the dwarves for their deliveries. Others were stuck horrified in place, or tried to escape with little success.

Harry was surprised to get a few himself. He decided to try the Cedric approach. It might be a bit embarrassing, but not as bad as it would have been if he tried and failed to escape. The surly messengers of love were very determined and strong, especially for their size.

Some of the letters were actually amusing. He looked at Hannah and Susan with a raised eyebrow. The two girls giggled and gave him very saucy winks. Their joint Valentine's card talked about how they would be willing to join him and Hermione in whatever they got up to in private.

It even suggested a strip study quiz. They needlessly explained it to him in the card. The last to answer, or whoever got a question wrong, had to take off a piece of clothing.

Harry also received a card from Pansy, which was very Pansy and kind of funny. It went on about how he was good looking and impressive and a very fine wizard… for a mere half-blood at least. It also talked about how if she wasn't already spoken for, she might briefly give him the privilege of a young pure blood lady's attention.

Tracey also sent him a card as well. Her card was so overly lovey-dovey and girly it could only pass as a joke given who she was. She added winking faces and glitter covered pink hearts to it. She joked about showing him how families in the past solidified alliances when they involved a witch and wizard of the same age.

Harry looked over to Tracey. She gave him a very overly showy and ridiculous blown kiss. The Slytherins around her laughed as it happened. Harry raised an eyebrow at her before casually catching the blown kiss. He cracked up as he passed the card to an extra interested Hermione. She too was laughing after reading it.

Right after lunch, Harry was actually ambushed. "Oi! You 'arry Potter?" an extra deep and gruff voiced cupid asked him.

"Ummmm… yeah?" Harry answered unsure.

"I've got a singing Valentine for ya," it replied.

Harry was standing there stunned as the gruff voiced dwarf blew on a harmonica to tune his voice. The tuning did nothing for his voice though. The singing was way too ridiculous sounding and the words matched it.

His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toaddddddd,

His hair is as dark as a blackboarddddd,

I wish he was mineeeee! He's really divineeeeeeeee!

The hero who conquered the Dark Lordddddd DAAA!

The dwarf finished the last line quickly, but decided to add an extra syllable at the end. The other students in the hall busted out laughing at the singing valentine. Harry wasn't sure if he should laugh or not.

It was very ridiculous, but he didn't want to seem ungrateful in case the girl who sent it was there. He had to wonder if they chose such silly words on purpose, or if they really had tried hard to come up with them on short notice.

Luckily, Harry was saved by the bell. And Percy!

"Alright! Get going everyone. That's the bell. Time for classes. Don't make me take points," Percy said in warning. Everyone quickly left the scene and hurried to their classes. Many were still laughing at it all.

Harry didn't notice as a very pink faced and heavily freckled Ginny Weasley ran by quickly. That was even worse than she thought it would be. What had she been thinking?! Harry didn't seem upset by it at least, which was more relieving to her than she thought it would be.

Everyone else laughed so much though. She hadn't expected the dwarf to deliver it in front of everyone like that! She'd ask for a refund, but the service was free.

[-] [-] [-]

Harry had planned to do something with Hermione for Valentine's Day, but with all that was happening he wasn't sure it would be a good idea. The dwarves were relentless. They didn't enter the houses though. Many took refuge in their common rooms or bedrooms for most of the day. The fun had long since worn off.

Shortly before dinner they were told by their heads of house, the dwarf cupids had all retried for the day. It felt almost too late to do anything special for the day by that point though.

Harry and Hermione were making their way to the dining hall when they heard a very familiar dreamy voice speak to them. "Good. I found you two. I was hoping you could meet with me quickly after dinner. I had planned on doing this sooner, but with all Lockhart did… I'm sure you two understand," Luna said.

Harry and Hermione looked to her and each other before nodding. "Okay, Luna," Harry replied for them both.

Luna seemed very happy they agreed. The two had no idea what it was she wanted, but if it made her that happy it had to be something good.

Once they finished their meal, they followed Luna to an empty classroom. The girl seemed to be blushing as she handed them each a card. "I heard muggles like to give out Friendship Valentine's Day Cards," she said with a dreamy but slight embarrassed smile.

Hermione and Harry opened their cards. Harry looked down and read his.

To my favorite wizard.

I'm glad the Wrackspurts told me you and Hermione would be important friends for me. They didn't tell me how important you would be, or how quickly you would become that important in my life though. I know I'm different, but you've been a great friend to me anyways.

You even invited me to your home and showed me the wonders of the Rust District over Christmas. I don't talk about it, but you've probably guessed by now. My mother died a couple of years back.

Daddy handles it the best he can, but Christmas is difficult because of how much mom loved it. He hasn't outright said it, but I feel that is why he happens to come across leads to follow around Christmas.

You helped give me the best Christmas I've had since mom died. I felt at home for once in a long time over the holidays, even though I was just a guest.

I don't know if I would call your eyes green as a fresh pickled toad, but Happy Valentine's Day anyways!

I suppose I should add one of those sayings...

I'll never take you granite.

Love,

Luna Lovegood.

There was a little drawing of a Luna stick figure holding a rock at the bottom surrounded by a heart.

Harry gave a chuckle at the last line, but he was grinning widely. He could feel how much Luna cared for him in her Valentine's Day Letter. He also found it very touching she delivered it herself.

He would give her a tight hug, but it seemed Hermione's letter was just as personal and touching. She probably would have squealed at how cute Luna's letter was, if she was that way. Instead, Hermione was holding Luna tightly in a hug and sniffing happy tears. Luna was blushing, but smiling just a happily.

Harry thought it was interesting Luna talked about the Wrackspurts telling her something. He would have to ask her about that later. It could just be Luna being Luna, which was fine. It could also be something more.

"That was a great Valentine's Day letter, Luna," Harry said with a smile once Hermione finally let Luna go.

Luna smiled back at him. "I really meant it all," she said.

"I could tell. I really liked it. Thank you," Harry said.

"Even the saying at the end?" Luna asked curiously.

Harry chuckled again. "Even that," he said before giving her a hug.

Luna's heart skipped a beat or two in the hug. She didn't care this time though. Her heart could feel whatever it was wanting to feel at the moment. She hugged Harry just as tightly in return.

Despite everything, this was turning out to be a great Valentine's Day for her. She gave her cards to her favorite witch and favorite wizard. They both gave her hugs in thanks.

"Oh yeah," Luna said suddenly as they were about to leave the room.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

Luna looked a little unsure as she pulled out what looked like a small book. She held it for Harry and Hermione to see. The two looked at it and then each other.

"I found this earlier. I was visiting Myrtle. She is actually interesting company, when she isn't crying. This was thrown through a window and landed in the toilet Myrtle usually occupied. She was hoovering about the sinks instead this time though," Luna said.

Harry took the small book from her hand. It felt strange to him. He got a sense it was an important key to their questions about the Chamber and everything. He flipped through the empty pages and frowned.

"It's very heavily enchanted. The book was completely bone dry when I pulled it out of the toilet," Luna said.

Harry now found the blank pages more interesting. Hermione did as well. She also looked like she wanted to dissect the small book in hopes of learning the enchantments.

"What do you make of it?" Hermione asked. She ran a finger across the name Tom M. Riddle on the cover.

"It might be a long shot. I was thinking it could be a clue to what's going on. I just had this feeling it could be. I looked into the name. There's a trophy for Special Services to the School with his name on it," Luna said.

"They don't just hand those out to anyone," Hermione said.

"Look at the date!" Harry said excitedly.

"That caught my attention too," Luna said.

"50 years ago! That's when the Chamber was supposedly last opened," Hermione said in her own excitement.

Harry nodded and looked to Luna. "Thanks again, Luna. You've really made this an important Valentine's Day," he said.

Luna seemed to glow in happiness hearing that.

"We should get started on this tomorrow. We will want all the time we can get. If we start working on it tonight, we won't get any sleep," Hermione said. Harry nodded in agreement.

As the three friends left the room, they went their separate ways. Harry and Hermione were discussing what they would try with the diary. Luna felt really happy.

Suddenly though, Luna felt uneasy. She looked back to where Harry and Hermione rounded a corner. Her eyes widened. Something seemed to be hanging around them. She remembered giving them her Valentine's Day cards just minutes ago.

There was something else though…

Something the Wrackspurts were saying was dangerous. At the same time, it was also important for them to get it.

[-] [-] [-]

Harry gave a sigh after they returned to their dorm room. He placed the diary down for the moment. He looked to Hermione and said, "I was really looking forward to my first Valentine's Day with a girlfriend, but Lockhart had to go and ruin it."

Hermione nodded and frowned. "I was looking forward to my first Valentine's Day with a boyfriend, before he ruined it. I really don't like that man. It's bad enough he's a complete fraud. To ruin such a day as well? That's makes him even worse," she said.

Harry nodded. "At least the card from Luna was nice," he said.

Hermione smiled to that and nodded. "I found it really touching," she said.

Harry suddenly got an idea for something they could do together. He grinned at Hermione. "I have an idea," he said.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. Follow me and close your eyes. Don't let go," he said to her with an offered hand.

Hermione's heart was beating so loudly she was sure it would jump out of her chest. She smiled and her cheeks pinked a little as she took his hand. Such a simple gesture they had done many times before, but it was so amazing this time. "Only if you give me a kiss," she said before closing her eyes and puckering her lips.

Harry gave a chuckle and met her lips. The two kissed a couple of times as she stood with her eyes closed. She was liking this even more. It was like something from a romance novel in her mind. This was better though. This was her real life.

[-] [-] [-]

"Woooooo!" Hermione cried out in excitement despite herself. She was a little scared at first, but she was loving it now. It probably helped she had Harry to hold on to tightly as he flew them through the night sky. He was also going at an acceptable pace to her. Well… an acceptable fast pace for her. He at least wasn't doing any dangerous tricks.

"I had a feeling you'd like this," Harry said. He was loving it himself. He was flying on a clear half-moon night filled with twinkling stars. It was also really nice when Hermione leaned in to keep a tight hold on him. He could feel her chest on his back and it was wonderful.

Hermione giggled. "I don't mind flying like this at all!" she said in glee. She liked wrapping her arms around him. She got to hold on to his surprisingly chiseled chest and abs. She didn't care her breasts were pressing up against his back. It wasn't anything he wasn't a little familiar with already. She knew he would become very familiar with her breasts and more in the future.

They kept flying through the night sky. Harry would make plenty of turns and such, but it was never anything more than delightfully thrilling for Hermione. This really was as romantic as she thought it would be. It was a great way to make up for the terrible Valentine's Day sponsored by Lockhart.

Harry eventually slowed down and flew lower. Their feet were just barely skimming across still surface of the lake. Hermione looked down at their reflection and leaned in closer. She buried her face in the back of Harry's neck before looking at the reflection again. She really liked the picture their reflection showed her. She wished they had a camera to capture the moment.

Harry looked to their reflection as well. It was beautiful seeing Hermione riding on the back of his broom like this. Her beautifully wild hair was tamer than it had been when they first met. Harry knew her hair would eventually be lovely lush curls of dark brown.

He would miss seeing her beautiful wild hair. He also looked forward to how her hair would be in the future. It would also be a weight off her mind. He would hopefully still see her sexy and wild bed head in the future.

Harry grinned as he pictured that sight. It would be beautiful seeing her look to him with her hair splayed out everywhere behind her. He imagined her naked and on top of him in the mornings. Harry blushed to the vision.

"What are you thinking about?" Hermione asked playfully.

"Ummmm… Nothing?" Harry suggested.

Hermione giggled. "Nice try, but I'm not buying it," she said.

Harry blushed. "It's embarrassing," he admitted.

Hermione giggled and leaned in to whisper lowly, "That only makes me more eager to hear it."

Harry gulped to that. Witches really weren't fair… "I was sort of thinking of an older us?" he tried carefully.

"Ohhh? And what were… sort of older us… doing?" Hermione asked. For all her teasing though, she was blushing herself as ideas filled her head.

"I was thinking how I'm pretty sure your hair will be lovely and lush curls in the future. I was thinking I would miss your beautiful wild looking hair. Then I hoped you would still have massive bedhead in the mornings," Harry said.

"You see that as a good thing?" Hermione asked in genuine surprise.

"Yeah. A very good thing. You looked like a wild sex goddess to me," Harry said. He blushed a little and hoped he wasn't being too forward with her.

Hermione blushed at that. She never really noticed he thought that about her. She kind of liked how he thought her hair would be anything but messy and frizzy in the future. She would admit it was tamer this year than previous years, but that wasn't saying much.

"Wild sex goddess…" she said quietly.

Harry hoped she wasn't going to be angry about that. He decided to focus more on flying. It really was a wonderful night for it.

[-] [-] [-]

Right as the night ended, Harry turned to face Hermione and held the broom steady. She blushed at how close they were like this. It was ridiculous she was blushing. They had been much closer and with a lot less clothing. Seeing his intense green eyes under the moon and star lit night sky, was something else. Her heart and body stood no chance to them.

Harry turned to better face her. He leaned in closer. Hermione blushed and closed her eyes as she wet her lips in anticipation.

Then Harry captured them!

Hermione eagerly returned the kiss in kind. It was a much more thrilling kiss then the others they shared. They kept it going a good while.

When they finally took a break, Hermione was breathing a little heavily to catch her breath. Her cheeks were a beautiful rosy color. Her lips were a deep red. She felt so very weightless and not because they were hovering on a broom.

"Wow…" she breathed out.

"Yes. Wow," Harry replied with a grin. He gave her another quick kiss. He then winked at her and said, "For the return trip."

Hermione couldn't help but giggle to that and smile. She had what she felt was her first magic kiss. That was all she could describe it as. What else could you say about a kiss on a broom under the night sky above a lake? It was magic in the most magical way. She had a very wide grin on her face and lovingly held on to Harry as he flew them back.

[-] [-] [-]

Harry looked at the diary in thought. He and the others had tried many things with it, but kept it secret and to their dorm room alone. None of their attempts produced any results. This made them all more curious about it. If it was so well protected, it had to have something important in it. They just weren't sure what it would be.

"By this point, I'm almost tempted to just use it as a private diary in place of my own," Hermione said as she looked over to where Harry was. She was pretty sure whatever you wrote in it would be kept secret for all of time.

Harry then got an idea. He was pretty sure it was a stupid idea, but he couldn't see any harm in it. Harry dipped his quill into an ink pot and let the ink drip on a blank page.

The ink disappeared!

"Whoa!" he said, getting Hermione's attention.

"What is it?" she asked as she came over and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Watch this," Harry said as he repeated the action.

Hermione gasped as she watched the diary seemingly absorb the ink. "Write something," she whispered to him.

Harry took in a deep breath and thought what to write. "I'm going to be careful with this," he said.

He intended to write in it, but he wasn't going to let on Hermione was watching. He hoped she wouldn't be offended he wasn't going to mention her. He would even ignore any attempts she might make to get him to mention her as well.

Harry had a feeling it would be best if the diary didn't think there was an extra observer. He wasn't sure why, but he felt that there was more to this diary. As if... it was almost alive.

"Hello," Harry wrote on a blank page.

The ink was again absorbed and his greeting replaced by a completely different script.

"Hello. Who is this? How did you come by my diary?" the writing replied.

Harry and Hermione were both wide eyed. Harry wrote more. "My name is Harry Potter. Someone tried to flush it down a toilet before I found it." He felt it best to leave Luna's name out of it as well.

"I'm Tom Riddle. It isn't very surprising someone was trying to get rid of my diary. I know things. Information the powers that be at Hogwarts wouldn't want getting out. Fortunately, I knew a way to better preserve my memories."

"I'm attending Hogwarts now! What sort of things are you talking about? I too have noticed the powers that be will go to extraordinary lengths to cover up information," Harry wrote.

"It is probably one of the biggest cover ups at Hogwarts. There was a place called the Chamber of Secrets. We were always told it was myth and nothing more. But someone opened it. Students were attacked. One was even murdered in the end! Those in power did all they could to cover it up and have it omitted from the annals of history."

Harry was in shock and paused before writing again. Was this a good idea? Was this too convenient? Something that seemed to have all of the answers suddenly appearing in the Myrtle's Bathroom? At a time like this?

Harry looked to Hermione. She squeezed his shoulder tighter and nodded to him. It seemed she felt the need for answers was greater than worries of caution. He gulped and continued writing.

"It's happening again! Those in charge are more concerned with controlling information than doing anything about it." Harry wrote quickly.

The script reappeared and seemed to be in a bit of a rush.

"That's exactly what happened while I was there in my fifth year! It was the reason why I chose to throw their warnings out the window and solve the problem myself. I found out who did it. I turned them in even."

"Killing a student was too much to be left ignored. They still hushed me up. Gave me an award and everything. I was worried if I stepped out of line something would happen. The cover up went to the highest levels!"

Harry blinked in thought to that. He didn't doubt it, but this seemed a bit fishy. It was like the diary knew exactly what to say and how to say it to him personally. He would keep this in mind as he continued.

"Who was it?! What was the beast?! How did you solve it all?!" Harry wrote in eager script.

"I can show you. That way you don't have to just take my word for it," the ink replied.

If Harry didn't know any better, the writing almost felt smug now. The tone seemed different from the hurried scrawl earlier. It seemed measured and calm rather than desperate, if that made any sense.

Harry looked to Hermione. "Need to be careful," he said to her. Hermione blinked a couple of times and slowly nodded in agreement.

"I'm ready. I feel that same call to action you did," he wrote.

The pages of the diary started to flip quickly. The book seemed to float up in the air. Hermione grabbed on tighter and moved in as close as she could. She wasn't going to let Harry face this alone.

Suddenly, everything went white.

Harry felt as if he was sucked into the book with Hermione right behind him. Harry wanted to yell, but Hermione's scream of worry beat him to it.

Just as suddenly, the two found themselves in the corner of an office. Everything looked greyscale as well. Proof this was a memory of the past, even if it was a bit dramatic in Harry's mind.

[-] [-] [-]

"Where are we?" Hermione asked after regaining her balance.

"The headmaster's office, I think," Harry said as he looked around the room.

The two looked towards the desk in the center of the room. There was a boy, probably Tom, who looked to be in his fifth year. He was from Slytherin judging by his uniform's colors. He also had a Prefects' badge.

On the other side of the desk, there was an aged wizard sitting in a high back chair. He was not Dumbledore though. They waited while Hermione held Harry's hand.

"Again. I am sorry, Tom. We cannot let you stay for the summer, like we have previously," the aged wizard said.

"It's the attacks isn't it, Headmaster Dippet?" Tom asked. The man nodded his head. "Has there been any progress?" Tom asked carefully.

"The truth is… We have not made any progress on solving the mystery. Only theories at the moment," the headmaster said with a frown.

He stood up and looked out his widow as he sadly said, "I fear we will have no choice but to close Hogwarts and hand over the matter to the DMLE. Who knows how long it will take them to find answers? This may very well be the last school year of Hogwarts."

Harry saw the disappointment and anger in Tom's face at hearing those words. Harry could completely agree with the emotions Tom was experiencing. He would feel the same way hearing such news.

"What if... What if the attacks stopped?" Tom asked.

Headmaster Dippet turned around quickly and looked to Tom with curious eyes. "It would take more than just that. A student's death is a very serious matter. We would need the culprit and maybe the beast as well," he said.

"But… If you had all of that… Would you be able to keep the school open?" Tom asked as he looked forward seriously.

"Yes. We would. Do you know something, Tom?" Dippet asked.

"I'm just wondering…" Tom said.

It was clear to Harry, and maybe even Headmaster Dippet, Tom knew something and he wasn't sharing. Probably so it wouldn't just be covered up, if the earlier conversation was to be believed.

Headmaster Dippet looked to Tom as if trying to read him. "If there isn't anything else… You should probably head back to your dorm. I've kept you more than long enough," the headmaster said.

Tom stood up and bowed before leaving.

Harry should have expected it, but he was still surprised when both he and Hermione seemed to be dragged along behind Tom. Hermione gasped in surprise herself. They didn't even have to walk.

Tom was walking through the castle's halls and Harry felt it was odd it seemed they hadn't changed much since the memory. Maybe it wasn't so odd given Hogwarts was not just a castle, but a magic castle. It was still strange some of the more decorative cobwebs were almost exactly the same.

"Where are you going, Mr. Riddle?" a voice both Harry and Hermione recognized asked. It didn't matter that it seemed younger. Dumbledore's tone was still distinctive. His appearance was startling though.

Dumbledore was dressed far more professionally and his beard less unkempt. He looked a good bit younger as well. His gaze however still had the same quality it did in the present. It was filled with wisdom. In this case, it seemed to be wisdom beyond his years, instead of matching his advanced age.

"I just came from Headmaster Dippet's office, Professor Dumbledore," Tom replied.

"What was it he wished to speak with you about?" Dumbledore asked. He seemed to regard Tom Riddle with some level of suspicion.

"He was informing me I would not be able to stay for the summer, as I have in the past," Tom replied with a carefully neutral gaze. It seemed Tom had his own suspicions regarding the Professor and future headmaster. Something else that seemed too inline with Harry's own thoughts on Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's gaze eased up and filled with a certain level of sadness. "The attacks have been weighing heavily on us all. I suppose you more so than others in that regard," he said.

"Indeed. Hogwarts is my home, Professor. I only wish to do what I can for it," Tom said.

"I've held you up long enough, Mr. Riddle. Do be careful as you return to your dorm. The halls are not safe, even for exceptional Prefects such as yourself," Dumbledore said as he started walking off.

"I appreciate your concern, Professor Dumbledore," Tom said as he too started to move.

As soon as Dumbledore was well out of sight, Tom took a much different route than would lead to Slytherin. The boy slipped into an old passageway. On the other side of it, Tom entered an unused classroom. He then waited.

[-] [-] [-]

Harry and Hermione were wondering why he was waiting in this particular spot. They might have spoken to each other, but felt they should keep conversation to a minimum. It was like they not only felt, but experienced, Tom's own anxiousness at what he was about to do.

The two looked to each other in surprise once they heard another voice they recognized, even if it was much younger. "Come on now. Keep calm. I won't let anything hurt ya," a much younger Hagrid said.

The giant of a man was instead a giant of a boy. He looked to be in his third year. He was wearing Gryffindor colors on his robes and crouching over something hidden in a box.

"Keep calm. Don't ya worry none," Hagrid soothed to whatever was in the box.

The box was rather sizable, but seemed small next to Hagrid. He was still rather large even though he was barely a teen.

The box shook!

Tom seemed to steel himself as he came out of his hiding place. He carefully made his way to Hagrid. He even positioned himself in a manner that cut off escape for the large boy.

Tom brought out his wand.

Harry heard Hermione gasp as she seemed to put pieces together as well. There was only one reason Hagrid would be featured in this memory. Harry didn't like it. Hagrid never mentioned why he was expelled from Hogwarts in his third year. Harry hated how they would soon find out what happened.

"Hagrid. It's over. I have to turn you in," Tom said calmly as he held his wand ready.

"Tom? What are ya talking about?" Hagrid asked as he tried to hide the box. It was shaking even more than earlier.

"I don't think you did it on purpose. I'm pretty sure you were only being kind to it. But a girl is dead, Hagrid. They'll close Hogwarts at this rate," Tom said.

"What?! You can't mean…" Hagrid said in shock. "He'd never!" Hagrid almost shouted.

"You may see it as a friend. But it is still a beast. A beast that is very dangerous," Tom said. His wand seemed to be lighting up. He hadn't even said an incantation.

"Ya've Got it all wrong! He's been terrified of whatever it is! It ain't him! He'd never hurt no body," Hagrid said in defense of what he was hiding.

Just then the box finally tipped over.

Hermione screamed as something large and hairy with a black body and too many legs shot out the box and charged for them. Harry could only stare as it ran forward. He knew it was just a memory, but whatever this thing was... It was terrifying.

Tom quickly shot a spell towards it!

The beast gave a cry and jumped forward with all of its eight legs spread out.

Tom barely dodged out of the way.

The giant monster continued to run as fast as possible to escape.

"Hurry! Yer still a baby. Be careful! Save yerself!" Hagrid cried at the monstrous thing as he tackled Tom. Hagrid was trying to keep the prefect from attacking the thing. Tom may have been the more experienced wizard, but Hagrid was too large for him to counter quickly enough and do something about the escaping monster.

The scene started to fade…

[-] [-] [-]

Suddenly, Harry and Hermione were in their room again and could see in color.

They looked to each other. Both of them weren't sure what to think. They really didn't want to think Hagrid was the heir. At the same time, that monster he was keeping did seem to be very dangerous, even more so if it really was just a baby as Hagrid said.

It was very much within Hagrid's character to find something so terrible and dangerous and see it as cute and innocent. He would protect something he saw as a pet with all he could. They remembered how difficult it was for Hagrid to part with the dragon last year. Would he go so far as to put a creature's safety above a student's? Even after it murdered someone?

Still…

"Hagrid did it?" Hermione couldn't help but ask confusion and worry. Harry looked to her just as confused and worried.