Chapter 18
The Investigation: Harry and Hermione

Author's Note: Thank you so much for all the Reviews, Follows, and Faves. Makes me so happy!


Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Late Morning

Harry was currently sitting on the sofa in the Common Room of his Private Quarters. His girlfriend, and mate, Hermione, was currently curled up in a chair, gazing at Harry in intervals, reading more of the book about Nekos. On the coffee table in front of Harry, two scrolls of old-looking pieces of parchment were sitting there. They were letters from his parents which he had found in his Hope Chest. He had been avoiding them for a couple of hours now, and was debating with himself whether or not to read them.

Two hours ago, after he and Hermione had eaten breakfast, Harry opened the Hope Chest he had found in the Potter Family Vault. The chest had been locked by a standard-issue padlock. Indented into the padlock was the House Potter crest. Above the lock, metal buttons were indented into the trunk, labeled from 1 to 5. The lock opened after he had pressed his thumb against it, and it had pricked a dollop of blood from his thumb, then healed it afterward. Hermione had commented that it was likely a security measure.

As soon as he removed the lock, the numbers lit up in a gold color. He pushed button number 1, and the trunk lid had opened, revealing a small compartment. Inside the compartment were two books, and two scrolls of parchment.

The first book was one he recognized: The Tales of Beedle the Bard. He had just bought a copy of that book in Diagon Alley, but as Hermione excitedly told him, the book in the Chest was apparently a first edition. The second book seemed to be an instruction manual for the chest. Browsing through the book, he had found that each compartment were larger than the first – the last actually made the trunk grow taller in size and turn into a small closet-like compartment for dress robes and other clothing.

The two scrolls he had found were now sitting on the table in front of him. He knew they were likely from his parents. After all, who else could they have been from?

Inside the second compartment, there was another book. It turned out to be a photo album, full of pictures, many of which he he didn't have in the book Hagrid had given him. He had taken the album from the chest and decided to look at it later.

The third compartment was once again a bit larger than the one before. In that compartment, there were several items. There was a jewelry box that had several rings and other pieces of jewelry. There was also four keys, labeled to different locations, and Harry realized they were all Portkeys to his residences. The keys would probably also open the residences as well.

There were other small objects in the compartment as well. There was a portable Sneak-o-scope, and a pair of Omnioculars – Hermione had told Harry what they were. There was also a pair of Quidditch gloves – James must have used them during his days as a Chaser, but they still looked pretty new. He had removed the Sneak-o-scope and Omnioculars, deciding that they could be useful to him if they still worked well. The Sneak-o-scope was currently sitting on the coffee table, as Hermione had suggested.

While the third compartment seemed to exclusively be things from his father, the fourth seemed to be stuff from his mother. The first thing he had found appeared to be his mother's Potion journal He took it from the chest, knowing it could be useful.

Like in the previous compartment, there were also some smaller objects his mother had left for him. However, his mother seemed to have a theme – potions. There was a pocket knife – Harry realized it was exclusively for cutting different potion ingredients. There were several phials and vials of all sizes, all appeared to be Unbreakable. There was a potions thermometer used to test the heat of the liquid in the cauldron to make sure it was perfect. And lastly, there was a small baggie full of pressed flowers, which didn't have much to do with potions, but obviously meant something to his mother.

In addition to the journal, he had removed most of the potion items which could be useful.

When he had pressed the final button, the chest had transformed in front of him and Hermione, growing into the size of a wardrobe. Instead of a lid, there was a door which Harry opened. Inside, the wardrobe, there were several robes, all of which looked like formal-wear. that must have belonged to his father. They looked nearly brand new, and Harry knew they must have had preservation charms on them. There were also some of his mother's outfits. Hermione had grinned as she admired them, and told him they must be for Rose.

"Harry?" Hermione said; Harry tore his gaze from the scrolls, and looked at her, "I really think you should read them. It would give you some nice closure finally, and they might have some useful information. At the very least... well, they're likely letters from your parents. Things they wanted to tell you. Messages for you. Don't you want to read them?"

Harry sighed and nodded. "You're right. Of course you are. Yeah, I'm ready."

Hermione smiled. Harry inhaled, then exhaled, and grabbed the scrolls. He opened the first one and found it was from his mother.

20 October 1981

Dearest Harry,

It is strange to write this letter to you when, at this moment, you are feet away from me sleeping in your bouncy-chair after a meal. I hope I am writing this letter for no reason at all. I hope that, eventually, I can just tear this letter up which would mean my dreams of being here to watch you grow up to the wonderful young man I know you will surely be, would come true. As the son of myself and your father, how could you not?

At the moment, your father is somewhere in the house writing his own letter to you. We agreed tonight to write these letters to you just in case we can't be there for you the day you turn eleven. Hopefully that is when you will receive your Hope Chest. If we're still around, then this letter won't exist. So I will continue this letter as if your father and I are no longer around.

Your father and I decided to split up our topics in our letters so you don't end up reading the same thing. My job is to tell you why your father and I may not get to see you grow up.

Here goes... the wizarding world is currently going through some terrible Troubles and has been for a few years now. A monstrous wizard called Voldemort has been wreaking havoc on both the wizarding world and Muggle world. We've recently learned that your father and I – and unfortunately, you – have been personally targeted by this monster. Albus Dumbledore is supposed to inform us of exactly why a couple days from now. I fear we will be leaving Potter Manor and heading to another family-owned property that is not very well-known. If it is for our safety, then I suppose it must be. But I am just not sure. This house is very well guarded. But Albus seems sure.

If we are no longer here for you, then my fears have come true, and we were killed before the Troubles are finished. But if you are reading this, then my biggest dream has come true and you are safe. Hopefully when you are reading this, you will be under the loving guardianship of Sirius Black, and have grown up knowing the children of a few friends of mine and your father. If so, then I'm sure you've grown up hearing all about your parents from our friends. Trust our friends, sweetheart. They are some of the best we know, and I hope the children have the same great friendship as us ol' timers do.

Your baby self is getting fussy, so I must end the letter here. I don't know what I will leave for you in the Hope Chest, but I'm sure whatever it is was precious to me and to you.

I love you sweetheart and I always will. If I am no longer with you, know that I am still watching you always.

Your Mum,
Lily

Harry's eyes went misty as he finished the letter.

"Mum, Dad and I weren't in that house in Godric's Hollow very long at all," Harry said, "Maybe a week. This letter was written eleven days before that Halloween and Dad, Mum and I were still in Potter Manor. Mum said Potter Manor was well-protected, but that Dumbledore insisted them on going to a different location. I don't know what to think about that."

"It does seem rather odd, doesn't it?" Hermione asked, "Especially if your Manor was well-protected."

Harry nodded. "Mum explained in the letter about Voldemort. That he was targeting them and me. She said that Dumbledore had something important to tell her and Dad about that. I wonder what that was."

Hermione merely shrugged. Harry shrugged too and opened the other scroll. This was from his father.

20 October 1981

Dear Harry,

If you're reading this, then your mother and I are no longer with you – at least physically; know that we will always be watching you wherever we may be. It is strange that I have to give you these words when, to me and your mother, you are only nearing fifteen-months old. Unfortunately, if we do not make it and you do – something I will fight for with my very life - you will be reading this when you are eleven years old.

If I am no longer a part of this world, then you are now the Head of the Potter Family. At the moment, your mother and I are working on wizarding paintings, so at least after we are gone, you can talk to us in a way. But you may already know this! Perhaps you have been talking to our portraits for years now? Our portraits, and the portraits of my parents, your grandparents, will help you with your duties as Head of House. Also the Head ring you will receive will be able to help you.

Another ring you will receive is the Peverell ring. You may have read the Tales of Beedle The Bard already, maybe Sirius has read them to you as bedtime stories. However in your Hope Chest, I am leaving you a First Edition of the book that was given to my grandfather by Beedle himself. It seems Beedle had done his research and discovered we are descended from the Three Brothers. Albus Dumbledore has asked to borrow my Invisibility Cloak for some reason, but I hope to have it back soon to place it in the chest. Yes, Harry, it is the same Cloak from the story. It is real. If the Cloak is not in your trunk, then I suspect Albus may still have it. Perhaps he is holding it for you if I am no longer of this Earth.
As Head of House, it is your duty to continue the Great Alliance. I know, son, you probably believe you are too young to go into politics, but it is the duty of your position. You are too young at the moment to take your seat in the Wizengamot. But when the next Solstice comes, you can present your rings – both Potter and Peverell - to the Wizengamot and gain the ancient seats. Sirius Black would be an excellent Proxy for your titles. The Black family refused to take part in the Alliance, but Sirius may reverse that decision one day. Political power is an excellent thing to have in the Wizengamot. Your opposition will be from some deplorable Dark families, I expect. Gain enough allies and your opposition will be a moot point.

Son, you are a Potter. Your position as Head of family is only one thing I ask you to carry on as my son. I also ask you to carry on my title as Marauder. Your mother would probably complain if she knew I encouraged this. But I am sure your Uncles Sirius, Remus and Peter have taught you all about our adventures as Marauders. Continue the legacy, son. Don't be afraid to get into some trouble at Hogwarts! It is expected of you!

If our Account Manager at Gringotts followed my orders, then he gave you the news about your Betrothal Contracts. I'm sure you're shocked about them. Three girls you're contracted to marry. Hopefully this letter is unnecessary, and you grow up raised by myself and your mother, and you have siblings who can inherit one or two of the contracts, but if not, then I'm sure you'll treat all three girls well. You may have grown up knowing all three of them, because their families are close with the Potters. I'm sure they're all lovely girls.

Son, I may not be there for you physically, but I will always be watching you as a proud father should do. I love you, my son. Having your mother and you in my life has been the best thing ever to happen to me. I will always be proud of you, my son.

Your father,
James

Harry's eyes widened as he reread the beginning of the letter.

"Wait... what?" Harry said.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked.

"Dad said he and Mum were painting wizarding portraits of themselves," Harry said. "My grandparents have portraits too."

Hermione frowned. "Harry, it is possible they didn't finish them. From what I understand, they're rather complicated."

Harry sighed. "I guess you could be right. But what if they're finished?"

"Maybe Keeper Ragnok knows about them," Hermione suggested.

"I hope so," Harry said, grinning, "I could talk to my parents!"

"Their echoes, Harry," Hermione said, "It wouldn't really be them."

"It is better than anything," Harry said, shrugging.

Hermione smiled and nodded. "That is true."

Harry looked back at the letter. "Dad mentioned my Invisibility Cloak. He said it has something to do with the Peverells, and that story by Beedle the Bard. I really need to read that book."

Hermione nodded. Harry was about to tell her more about the letter when McGonagall's house-elf Sasha appeared.

"Madam McGonagall is on her way with Ministry representatives, sir," she said, "She asks that you meet her outside the Quarters to invite them inside."

Harry thanked Sasha, and the house-elf vanished. Hermione decided to wait inside, so Harry stood up and headed out into the corridor. Professor McGonagall was making her way down the corridor, with three others following her.

"Lord Potter," McGonagall greeted; and Harry realized she needed to use his formal title for introductions, "Thank you for meeting us. This is Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. You know her niece, Susan."

"Your name was on my parents' Will," Harry said, to Amelia.

"I am not surprised," Amelia said, with a smile. "Your parents were good friends of mine."

"This is Auror Alastor Moody," McGonagall said, "One of the most celebrated Aurors in the Department. He's been around for a while."

"Which is probably why I'm retiring soon," Moody said; "Nice to meet you, Potter. Knew your parents. You look just like your father."

Harry nodded mutely. He was too busy staring at the man's face. The scars weren't the strangest things on the man's complexion. He had a weird eye that didn't look real, seemed to have a mind of its own. And parts of his nose seemed to be... missing.

"Finally, this is Unspeakable Algernon Croaker," McGonagall said, "He works in the Department of Mysteries. You know his Great-Nephew, Neville Longbottom."

The Unspeakable only nodded in greeting. Harry had a fleeting thought that maybe the man didn't talk – maybe the title was literal?

"They're here to talk to you about Albus Dumbledore," McGonagall said, "And the Chamber of Secrets. They're all trustworthy, you have my assurance. If you could ask your Quarters' guardian to temporarily allow them entrance."

"Er..." Harry said, "Do they know about Hermione's... situation?"

"That can be explained soon," McGonagall said, "It won't be an issue."

Harry only nodded. He turned to the Griffin, and asked it to temporarily allow the Ministry representatives inside. The Griffin bowed and stepped aside, and Harry led the four adults into the Common Room. Hermione was standing near the sofa Harry had been sitting on earlier. Her tail was dropping, and her ears were lowered when she saw the Ministry representatives. Harry walked over to her, and took her hand. She smiled at him, then looked back at their guests, who were looking at her with varied expressions.

"This is Hermione Granger," McGonagall said, "As you can see, she is a Neko. It is a recent change, due to a Potions mishap. Lord Potter is her mate, so I'm sure you can understand if he's rather protective of her."

Professor McGonagall once again introduced the Ministry representatives, this time to Hermione.

"It is nice to meet you, Miss Granger," Amelia said, "I'm sure the story of how you came into this situation is entertaining."

Hermione merely shrugged, bashfully, but her tail wagged a bit in response to the nice greeting.

"Please be seated," Harry said, as he and Hermione sat down together.

Professor McGonagall and Madam Bones sat on the other sofa, while Unspeakable Croaker sat down in a chair. Auror Moody, however, remained standing.

"Has this room been checked for eavesdropping enchantments?" Moody asked, his strange eye spinning around as it looked around the room.

"Yes, Alastor," McGonagall said, with a sigh, "Unfortunately, there were enchantments when Lord Potter first entered the room, but I cleared them all. My house-elf, Sasha, checks every day for any enchantments. However, that Griffin guarding the door doesn't allow just anyone inside. Dumbledore would have had trouble getting inside here. I made sure of that."

Moody grunted, but nodded in approval.

"Who was the one who thought of looking for the enchantments?" Moody asked; his weird eye turned to Harry, "Was it you, lad?"

Harry thought about that. Technically it was Rose, but he didn't want to reveal her identity to complete strangers.

"Indeed it was," McGonagall said, saving Harry from saying anything.

"Good work, lad," Moody said, approvingly, "You could be a good Auror. Just remember. Constant Vigilance!"

Harry and Hermione jumped slightly as Moody barked out that last part.

"Quit scaring the children, Alastor," Amelia said, "We have plenty we need to do here, and we can't waste time, especially with a prisoner inside the castle. It's a big risk."

"A prisoner?" Hermione squeaked.

"Albus Dumbledore," McGonagall said, "He has been arrested and is currently in an unused classroom behind several wards."

"You actually arrested him?" Harry asked.

"Surprised, Lord Potter?" Amelia asked.

"I suppose," Harry muttered, "Seems like a difficult man to arrest."

"A difficult man indeed," Moody said, "He didn't come quietly, kept ranting about certain things. Tried to make deals. But we got him. He knows if he runs from us, he'll be a fugitive, hunted by the Ministry."

"Will he go to Azkaban?" Hermione asked, her tail wagging nervously.

"We hope so," Amelia said, "However, Albus Dumbledore is a powerful man, not just in the magical sense, but also in the public and political sense. A lot of people respect him, including much of the Wizengamot. But we can convince the Wizengamot to convict him. It will take evidence. Which is why we're here today speaking to you. Before we begin, I must ask a couple of questions. Would the two of you be comfortable with speaking in front of the Wizengamot as witnesses?"

Hermione's ears flattened and her tail drooped. Harry understand what was wrong.

"Hermione's not ready to go out in public like this," Harry said. "She's still trying to get up the courage to be able to be amongst the student body come Sunday evening."

"I can understand that," Amelia said, "What about yourself?"

"I don't think it is a good idea," Moody grunted, "Dumbledore's rather obsessed with the lad. Putting Potter in the same room as Dumbledore, especially when Dumbledore is at his most vulnerable, is not a wise move. Anything could go wrong."

"I have to agree with Auror Moody," Minerva said.

"What do you think, Lord Potter?" Amelia asked.

"Is there another way?" Harry asked.

"There is," Amelia said, "Written testimonies with your signature, and magical signatures, using your wands. We can discuss it all now, then you can write out your statements, and they can be given during the trial. The other option is Pensieve memory testimony, but that would reveal Miss Granger's situation."

"I think written testimonies would be best," Harry said; Hermione nodded in agreement.

"Very well," Amelia said. "Let us begin then. Professor McGonagall tells me that the two of you were recently given Flushing Draughts by the Hogwarts nurse, Poppy Pomfrey?"

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said, and Hermione nodded again, "Madam Pomfrey discovered that my magical core was still bound. Only twenty-five percent was unbound until a few days ago. Now it is fifty-percent unbound. Another twenty-five percent will be unbound in the near future. Dumbledore admitted it, himself, that he knew my magical core was bound. Madam Pomfrey should have detected the bindings the very first time I had been in the Hospital Wing."

"I agree," Amelia said, "So what happened?"

"I asked Madam Pomfrey if she had been Obliviated or Compelled so she wouldn't notice the bindings," Hermione said. "At first she didn't believe it. Then she gave herself a Flushing Draught and discovered that she had been Compelled by Dumbledore to ignore Harry's magical core. That was when she decided to give both of us Flushing Draughts."

"And what did you discover?" Amelia asked.

Harry frowned. He knew he needed to tell the truth, but in order to do that, it would give away his Metamorph secrets. Professor McGonagall noticed his hesitation.

"Lord Potter recently learned something about himself, Madam Bones," she said. "Something that he doesn't want to reveal to the public at the moment. It is important for the investigation against Dumbledore, however, much of what he discovered – which was Obliviated and recently came back to him – has to do with that secrecy."

"If you wish, Lord Potter," Amelia said, "Auror Moody and Unspeakable Croaker can leave the room. I wish for you to tell me everything, but I would promise to use discretion with exactly what should be revealed to the Wizengamot and the public."

"They can stay," Harry said, "As long as they promise to keep it secret."

Moody and Croaker both promised, without hesitation.

"I recently discovered that I am a Metamorphmagus," Harry said. "However, if I was never Obliviated, I would have discovered I was a Metamorph, and I would have discovered I was a wizard, at the age of seven. I was the six the first time I used my talents. I was seven... the first time I turned into a girl."

Harry told them about his feminine form, Rose. Harry described meeting Albus Dumbledore at the age of seven, while he looked like a girl. He described how the man had forced him to change back into a male and had Obliviated him of the knowledge. He also described other times when Dumbledore had Obliviated him, including the first time he – Rose – met Hermione, and how they were both soon Obliviated afterward.

Then he described the first time he remembered being Compelled on September 1st of the previous year. How Dumbledore had forced him to meet the Weasleys. He and Hermione then discussed the evening of the troll attack, and how Dumbledore had also Compelled them then.

"Ron Weasley and his mother, Molly," Amelia said, "spoke to us yesterday, and confirmed these stories."

"Will they be granted immunity?" Hermione asked.

"I believe so, since your own stories seem to match theirs," Amelia said. "They will not be charged in connection with Dumbledore's crimes. You visited the Weasley's house – known as the Burrow – during the summer, is that correct?"

"Yes," Harry said, frowning, "I thought that Ron and his brothers, Fred and George, had brought me to the Burrow with their father's flying car. But apparently I was Compelled to believe that, just like the troll incident. Dumbledore took me from my relatives' house, and took me to the Burrow. I suppose he wanted me to think Ron did it, so our friendship would grow stronger."

"Perhaps Dumbledore hoped you would believe you owed Ron something for doing that?" Amelia suggested.

"Maybe," Harry said.

"If I may, Madam Bones," Croaker said; Amelia nodded, so Croaker turned to Harry, "Lord Potter, do you know why Albus Dumbledore is so focused on you? We may discover that only you, and Miss Granger, were the focus of Dumbledore's Compulsions. Miss Granger was Compelled simply because of her connections with you. Madam Pomfrey was Compelled so she wouldn't detect the bindings around your Magical Core."

"Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, "You were Compelled so you wouldn't complain about bringing Harry to Diagon Alley yourself for his first visit. Which would have led to Harry meeting Keeper Ragnok."

"Indeed," McGonagall said.

"So, you see, Lord Potter," Croaker said, "It all has to do with you. Do you know why?"

Harry frowned, then he eyed his parents' letters on the table.

"I recently found the Hope Chest my parents left for me in case of their deaths," Harry said, "It was in my Family Vault. I opened it today. They wrote letters to me. In her letter, my mother said that Dumbledore was going to explain something to her and Dad, something that had to do with Voldemort and why he was focused on my parents. It was supposed to happen two days after the letter was written. But there were no other letters telling me about what Dumbledore explained to them."

"Not just focused on your parents, but yourself," Croaker said. "I believe I know exactly what Dumbledore told them. In the Department of Mysteries, there lies many Chambers and Halls. One is known as the Hall of Prophecies. In the late winter of 1980, months before your birth, a Prophecy Orb appeared. With every Prophecy, a label comes with it. The labels do not describe the Prophecies, only who they are about, and who told the Prophecy. The first part of the label says S.P.T. To A.P.W.B.D."

"Sybil Trelawney," McGonagall said, "to Albus Dumbledore? The other letters are their middle names. Sybil is our Divination Professor. She was... hired in 1980."

"I believe she was hired because of this Prophecy," Croaker said. "Even though, as a Seer, Trelawney wouldn't remember that she made the prophecy, a Master Legilimens could take it from her mind. Dumbledore hired her to protect her from those trying to obtain the information. The other half of the label says 'The Dark Lord and Harry Potter', though there is a question mark next to your name, Lord Potter, which means there may be other names in the Prophecy."

"The Prophecy is about... me?" Harry asked.

"Possibly," Croaker said, "About you and Voldemort. Dumbledore was very defensive when I mentioned the Prophecy earlier today."

"Apparently it was the subject of a deal Dumbledore was trying to make with me," Amelia said.

"What does the Prophecy say?" Hermione asked.

"I do not know," Croaker said, "I only know of its existence. Dumbledore seems to be the only one who knows the entire Prophecy. Now, the only people who can take the orb and listen to it, are those the Prophecy is about – yourself, Lord Potter, or the Dark Lord. You would have to go to the Hall of Prophecies to retrieve it, however. That would be the only way we could know what it says."

"Unless Dumbledore tells you," Hermione said.

"Which is unlikely without a deal," Amelia said, "Which is even more unlikely."

"I could go during the Easter holidays," Harry said, "Or next summer."

"That would be fine with me," Croaker said.

"Lord Potter?" Amelia asked, "Professor McGonagall mentioned that you were given a copy of your parents' Will. May I see it? As I understand, it could help free an innocent man from Azkaban Prison, and it may give more evidence against Albus Dumbledore."

"I have it here, ma'am," Harry said.

He removed the scroll of parchment, which was the Will, from his robes. He placed it on the coffee table and pushed it toward Amelia. Amelia bent over the coffee table and looked at it.

"There are several candidates for guardians," Amelia said, "And it explicitly forbids your Muggle relatives from raising you. However, Albus placed you there."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.

"The Wizengamot will not like that," Amelia said, smiling, "Let's see. Here is concrete proof that Sirius Black could not have betrayed your parents, and there is Albus Dumbledore's signature as the Witness. Lord Potter, with your permission, I would like to visit your Account Manager – Keeper Ragnok – and obtain an official copy of the Will. I need to show it to Minster of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, so he can approve of a trial for Sirius Black. As I am named on this Will, I believe Keeper Ragnok would have no qualms giving me a copy, especially with your permission."

"You have my permission," Harry said, "I can write a letter to him when we're finished here. I have to send some other letters out anyway."

"Thank you, Lord Potter," Amelia said; she then reached in her robes, and took out two pieces of parchment and quills. "If the two of you could write out your statements giving your testimonies, please. Then sign them and tap your wands on the parchment to give them your magical signatures."

Harry and Hermione spent the next ten minutes writing out their statements. Finally, they signed their names, and tapped their wands on the parchment.

"Excellent!" Amelia said, as she collected the parchment, "Do you have any questions?"

"What will happen when my situation is discovered?" Hermione asked, "Me being a Neko, I mean. Will it put question into my testimony, as I am – you know – considered a Magical Creature to some now?"

Amelia sighed. "I won't lie to you, Miss Granger. It is certainly possible. There are bigots out there, who do not like Half-breeds, such as Nekos, werewolves, and Veela. Bur you are a wonderful, intelligent young witch. My niece, Susan, speaks very highly of you. I would give my own testimony defending yours if it came to it."

"As would I," McGonagall said.

"Thank you," Hermione said, blushing, as her tail waved happily.

"Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?" Amelia asked, "Either about Dumbledore or, perhaps, the Chamber of Secrets?"

"Um... yeah," Harry said, "Er... every time there was an attack – Mrs. Norris, Colin, Justin – I heard voices nobody else could hear. They said 'rip, tear, kill' and other such things."

"Why didn't you tell anyone until now, Harry?" McGonagall asked.

"I told Hermione," Harry said, "And Ron. And they said -"

"We might have told him hearing voices was not a great thing," Hermione said, frowning, "It might have put him off telling anyone. Sorry."

"You're a Parselmouth, aren't you, Potter?" Moody asked.

"Um... yes, sir," Harry said, "Apparently through the Black line, on my grandmother's side. Dormant ability."

"Helps with your theory, Algie," Moody said.

"The monster in the Chamber of Secrets," Croaker said, "is a Basilisk, Lord Potter. A giant serpent. You've said you've been hearing it? Where?"

"Inside the walls," Harry said. "The first time led me near Moaning Myrtle's bathroom where Mrs. Norris was attacked outside the bathroom."

"Pipes," Moody said, "It uses the pipes to get around. I think we need to go to Myrtle Warren's bathroom next, Amelia. It is possible we might find the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets there."

"Myrtle Warren is... Moaning Myrtle?" Harry asked.

"Aye," Moody said, "Died fifty years ago. Was a victim of the original Chamber of Secrets incident."

"How horrible!" Hermione said, frowning.

"Is there anything else you need to tell us?" Amelia asked Harry and Hermione.

"No, ma'am," Harry said.

Hermione shook her head.

"Very well," Amelia said, "Hopefully we can end this Chamber of Secrets investigation soon. However, we do suspect a student involved in all of this. We plan to be here on Sunday evening during the Start-of-Term Feast. We might be able to find the culprit that evening."

"What about the Basilisk?" Hermione asked.

"Don't you worry about that, Lassie," Moody said, "When we find the Chamber of Secrets, we'll bring in some roosters, and kill that sonuva-"

"Alastor!" McGonagall interrupted.

"Sorry, Minerva," Alastor grunted, then his good eye winked at Harry and Hermione, and they snickered.

"Madam Bones," Croaker said, "It is time to reveal the Wand."

Harry and Hermione were both confused. They watched as Amelia took a wand from her robes, and set it on the coffee table. Harry recognized the wand almost immediately.

"Is that... Dumbledore's wand?" he asked.

"He was the latest owner in the long line of owners of this wand," Croaker said, "Lord Potter, are you familiar with the Tale of the Three Brothers, by Beedle the Bard?"

"Professor McGonagall spoke of it," Harry said, "Said I was related to the three brothers, the Peverells. I recently obtained the title of Lord Peverell."

"I see you're wearing the House Potter Signet Ring," Croaker said, "Do you also have the Signet Ring of House Peverell?"

"Yes, sir," Harry said.

He looked at his hand, and summoned forth the Peverell Signet Ring. As he did, the wand on the table sprang forth and jumped toward him. Harry caught it by surprise.

"What just happened?" Harry asked.

"That wand in your hand, Lord Peverell," Croaker said, "is known as the Elder Wand, also known as the Wand of Destiny, or the Deathstick."

"The most powerful wand in magical history!" Hermione gasped, looking at the wand in awe.

"Indeed," Croaker said. "If you believe the story Beedle told, then Death – yes, the being known as Death – gave this wand to one of the Peverell brothers, Antioch. Antioch boasted about the wand one evening, and was murdered in his sleep. The wand was stolen by his murderer. And so begun the bloody tail of the Elder Wand, passed from owner to owner. Gellert Grindelwald owned the wand at one point."

"The Dark Lord that Dumbledore defeated," Harry said.

"Indeed," Croaker said. "Dumbledore claimed the wand when he won the victory. He surrendered his wand when Madam Bones arrested him, and now you have claimed it. You are the rightful owner, as a descendant of the Peverells."

"There are other Hallows, right?" Harry asked, "Hallows, as in plural."

"Yes," Croaker said, "There is the Resurrection Stone, believed to bring loved ones back from the dead."

"No magic can bring back people from the dead!" Hermione argued.

"Indeed," Croaker said, "I assure you, if there was such magic, it would have been discovered in my Department. Most likely, the stone creates hallucinations. The owner believes they're talking to their loved ones. The third and final Hallow is believed to be a piece of Death's own robes, known as the Cloak of Invisibility. Oh, there are many similar Cloaks. But this one – it is powerful. Most cloaks wear out over time, but this Cloak would never degrade. It would last the ages."

"It would likely be passed down from father to child, right?" Harry asked, "Peverell had a great grand-daughter who married a Potter. A year ago, Christmas, I received an Invisibility Cloak. The note didn't have a name, but said it was from my father. Um... in my father's letter, he said he lent Dumbledore his cloak before he died. Exactly what the note said. Dumbledore had my cloak. But he can become invisible without it, can't he?"

"Indeed, he can," Moody grunted, "Dumbledore likely had your father's cloak, because I believe he's obsessed with the Deathly Hallows. He wanted to investigate your Cloak."

"My cloak is exactly what you described, sir," Harry said, to Croaker, "It is perfect, really, but if my father used it..."

"And his father, Charlus, before him," Alastor said.

"I believe you own the Cloak which was given to your ancestor, Ignotus," Croaker said. "Or, as some believe, the cloak was made by Ignotus, and was just made with some very complex magic that is difficult to replicate in modern times. Perhaps the Elder Wand assisted in creating the Cloak."

"And now I own the wand," Harry said, looking at the wand in his hand, "But I have a wand..."

"You must be very careful with this wand, Harry," Croaker said, "If someone untrustworthy learns exactly what you have, you could be in danger."

"Harry?" Hermione said, "I think you should put it in your Family Vault."

Harry nodded. "I'll put it in the bottom of my trunk for now."

"I'd be happy to place protective enchantments on your trunk, Potter," Moody said, "Nobody but you would be able to get into it."

"Thanks," Harry said, "I'll go get it."

He stood and headed to his bedroom. He soon returned, carrying his school trunk. Moody waved his wand, speaking complicated verbal incantations.

"I added a Permission Ward, much like the one on your Griffin guardian, Potter," Moody said. "But only allow Permission to those you trust. Such as Miss Granger. If anyone attempts to get inside the trunk who doesn't have permission – well, I pity them."

Harry swallowed and nodded. He dug through his trunk and placed the wand at the bottom.

"If there are no more questions," Amelia said.

Moody and Croaker shook their heads.

"Very well," Amelia said, "Lord Potter, Miss Granger, thank you for your time. We'll just be going now. We have much to do. It was a pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too, ma'am," Harry said; Hermione echoed him, "Good luck with Dumbledore, Sirius Black, and the Chamber of Secrets."

"Thank you, Lord Potter," Amelia said, "We may need it."

The four adults stood, said farewell to Harry and Hermione, then left the Private Quarters.

"That was interesting," Harry said.

"The monster is a Basilisk!" Hermione said, "Of course! It seems so obvious. You can hear it because you can hear and speak to snakes!"

"Does that mean there is another Parselmouth in Hogwarts?" Harry asked, "Someone who is controlling the snake?"

"It is possible," Hermione said, biting her lip.

"I need to write that letter to Keeper Ragnok," Harry said, "I can also ask him about my parents' magical portraits. I can send it and the others out with Hedwig I should definitely do it now, before the Neko decides it wants us to have an encore of earlier this morning."

Hermione blushed and giggled. "Agreed. Better hurry."

Harry chuckled, and started writing the letter.


Hopefully I didn't forget anything in this part of the investigation. The investigation continues next chapter!

What I DID forget, however, was Harry realizing the connection between what his father said about the Marauders... and the Marauder's Map. I didn't realize this until the chapter was up on Ao3. So that is why I didn't do a quick-edit of this chapter and add it in. Don't worry though. He'll realize it in... er... three chapters. (That's when we see him and Hermione next).

For those of you who also follow this story on Ao3, I've FINALLY caught up with my story on that website. Now, every chapter I post will be simultaneously posted on FFN and Ao3. I will try to post a new chapter every 2-3 days, starting tomorrow. That might extend to once or twice a week in the future however.