Chapter 19
The Investigation: Moaning Myrtle and Severus Snape

Author's Note: A portion of this chapter is borrowed from my own story "The Vanishing Cabinet of Time."

Disclaimer: Recognizable sections of this chapter come directly from Chapter 16 of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling. I do not take claim for these, only my own additions.


Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Late Morning

"So what is the next move?" Minerva McGonagall asked.

After they left Lord Potter's Private Quarters, Amelia was making her way back toward the Grand Staircase with Minerva, Auror Moody and Unspeakable Croaker.

"We're going to Myrtle Warren's bathroom next," Amelia said, "It is quite possible the bathroom holds the entrance into the Chamber of Secrets. Then I believe we should speak to Severus Snape."

"Every room has been searched in this castle for the Chamber of Secrets, Madam Bones," Minerva said.

"Aye," Moody said, "But not with the eye of a trained Auror, or a magical eye."

"Or the eyes of an Unspeakable," Croaker added.

As they reached the Grand Staircase, they found Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt coming up the stairs.

"Auror Shacklebolt," Amelia said, "What have you discovered?"

"Rubeus Hagrid talked about his pet Acromantula," Kingsley said, "Minerva, are you aware there is a colony of Acromantula in the Forbidden Forest?"

"A colony?" Minerva echoed, aghast, "Are you sure?"

"According to Hagrid, yes," Kingsley said, "I'd wager they're all children and relations of his own pet Acromantula."

"Oh, my," Minerva said, "A colony, so close to Hogwarts!"

"Where are Bode and Timmons?" Croaker asked.

"I believe they were headed toward into the Forbidden Forest last time I saw them," Kingsley said.

Croaker huffed. "Probably off to speak to Hagrid's pet. They'll be alright."

"I also spoke to Poppy Pomfrey," Kingsley said, "She gave me some interesting details, and wrote her statement for the Wizengamot."

"Let me guess," Amelia said, "She had a history of being Compelled and/or Obliviated, made to ignore the knowledge of Harry Potter's bound magical core."

"Aye," Kingsley said, "She suspects Dumbledore did it."

"Lord Potter and Miss Granger told us that much," Amelia said, "As well as some other pieces of information. We got their statements as well. We also arrested Albus Dumbledore."

Kingsley raised his eyebrows. "Where is he now?"

"An unused classroom on the fifth floor," Amelia said, "Guarded by Wards and other enchantments, and the warning that if he flees, he's a fugitive of the Ministry."

"Should I stand guard, ma'am?" Kingsley asked.

"Nay, I doubt it is necessary," Amelia said.

"I need you to return to the Hospital Wing, if you will, Auror Shacklebolt," Croaker said; he removed a leather bag from his cloak, "There are vials of Mandrake Draught in this bag for the Petrified victims. Please give it to the nurse so that the victims can be resuscitated."

"Of course," Kingsley said.

"Then meet us outside the dungeons when you're finished," Amelia said, "We're headed to Myrtle Warren's bathroom – we may have found the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. Once we're finished speaking to Miss Warren, we're going to speak to Severus Snape. If it comes to it, we may also be arresting him."

Kingsley raised his eyebrows. "Very well."

Croaker handed the bag to Kingsley. The group split up as Kingsley headed back toward the Hospital Wing, and Amelia, Moody and Croaker followed Minerva to Myrtle's bathroom. When they arrived, they found the ghost of Myrtle Warren floating over one of the cubicles.

"Who's there?!" Myrtle growled in her ethereal voice, "Oh. Professor McGonagall. I'm sorry for being rude."

"That's alright, Miss Warren," Minerva said.

Myrtle sniffled as she looked at Professor McGonagall. "Nobody has called me by my last name in a very long time. Moaning Myrtle, they call me. People think its funny to make fun of Myrtle, because she's dead!"

"Miss Warren," Minerva said, "This is Madam Amelia Bones of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Unspeakable Croaker of the Department of Mysteries. And Auror Alastor Moody of the Auror Department. Auror Moody was part of the original Chamber of Secrets investigation."

"Is that why you're here?" Myrtle asked, "The Chamber of Secrets?"

"We're here on official business," Amelia said, "We're trying to solve the investigation, and find out what happened to you. We're trying to solve your murder. Do you remember when you died?"

"Nobody's ever asked me that before," Myrtle said.

"I'm sorry," Amelia said, "You don't have to tell us."

"I've been dying to tell someone," Myrtle said, cackling at her little joke; she floated over to a cubicle.
"Ooooh, it was dreadful. It happened right in here. I died in this very cubicle. I remember it so well. I'd hidden because Olive Hornby was teasing me about my glasses. The door was locked, and I was crying, and then I heard somebody come in. They said something funny. A different language, I think it must have been. Anyway, what really got me was that it was a boy speaking. So I unlocked the door, to tell him to go away, and then —" Myrtle swelled importantly, her face shining. "I died."

"How?" Moody asked.

"No idea," said Myrtle in hushed tones. "I just remember seeing a pair of great, big, yellow eyes. My whole body sort of seized up, and then I was floating away. And then I came back again. I was determined to haunt Olive Hornby, you see. Oh, she was sorry she'd ever laughed at my glasses."

"Where did you see the eyes?" Amelia asked.

"Over there," Myrtle said, pointing a hand at a group of sinks.

"Thank you, Miss Warren," Amelia said, "You've been very helpful."

Myrtle grinned. Moody limped over to the sinks, and Croaker followed him.

"There is a collection of magic around this very sink," Moody said, "It's source is right over here. Aha!"

"What is it, Alastor?" Amelia asked.

"An etching of a snake marked into the faucet here," Moody said.

"It would appear this is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets," Croaker said, "But I believe the only way to get in is using Parseltongue."

"Can't we just blast our way through?" Amelia asked.

"With these enchantments on this bloody thing?" Moody asked, then cackled, "Sure... if you want to bring down the bathroom around us, and possibly the floors above us too."

"Heavens no!" Minerva gasped.

"Well," Moody said, "We could ask Potter to come here and open it for us."

"This is probably not the only entrance that needs opened, Alastor," Croaker said, "There will likely be another one in the tunnels far below. Lord Potter would have to accompany us."

"Absolutely not!" Minerva exclaimed.

"No matter!" Croaker said, "I can collect a team of Unspeakables, including a Parselmouth. We can come back tomorrow, and bring some roosters and protective eye-wear."

"I think that would be best," Amelia said. "Miss Warren? We're going to have to place protective enchantments on this bathroom until tomorrow. Which means you're going to have to find another part of the castle to – er – haunt. Another bathroom, perhaps?"

"I've always loved the Prefects bathroom," Myrtle said, giggling, "Seeing the handsome Prefects bathing..."

"Miss Warren!" Minerva gasped, scandalized.

"They never know I'm there!" Myrtle exclaimed.

She harrumphed and dived into a toilet, causing an explosive splash.

Minerva sighed. "Teenagers. Now we'll never find her."

"As long as she doesn't return until the Unspeakables come and go tomorrow," Amelia said, "Let's get out of here. Auror Moody, Unspeakable Croaker, if you will apply some enchantments to keep everyone out. Make sure they don't interfere with those around the entrance to the Chamber."

Amelia led Minerva, Moody and Croaker out of the bathroom.

"I can't believe the Chamber has been here all this time!" Minerva said, as she watched Moody and Croaker apply the enchantments, "Think of how many students used this bathroom. The Basilisk could have come at any time."

"Doubtful," Croaker said, "I believe it has been hibernating for several years, and has only come out when summoned by a Parselmouth. Which means there was a Parselmouth here fifty years ago, and one here now, aside from Lord Potter. Unfortunately..."

"Unfortunately what?" Amelia asked.

"I believe this is the same Basilisk that Salazar Slytherin placed in the Chamber all those years ago," Croaker said.

"You're serious?!" Amelia asked.

"I hope so," Croaker said, "If there were mates to begin with, there could be several serpents below the school, descendants of the originals. I truly hope there is only one, and it has been down there all this time."

"But," Amelia said, "that would make it..."

"A thousand years old, at least," Croaker said, nodding. "Indeed. Which means it would be very, very large."

"Good Merlin!" Minerva exclaimed, "We're fortunate there hasn't been more deaths!"

"Indeed," Amelia said, "Unspeakable Croaker, I wish you and your team the best of luck tomorrow."

"Thank you, Madam Bones," Croaker said.

"Alright," Amelia said, "Let's go speak to Severus Snape."

"Do you believe you'll really have to arrest him?" Minerva asked, as she walked with Amelia, Moody and Croaker down the corridor.

"If you ask me, yes," Moody grunted, "He's no longer under Dumbledore's protections, now that Dumbledore's under arrest. As it is, I believe we should question Dumbledore's reasons for protecting Snape. There had to be a reason."

"Even then," Amelia said, "He's a known Death Eater. I had personal experience dueling against him during the Great War. He only avoided Azkaban because of Dumbledore. I'm not exactly comfortable with him teaching students, including children of known Death Eaters. It is a liability."

"Aye," Minerva said, "I'd likely sack him if you don't arrest him. He's not exactly the most favorite teacher amongst students here. I've wanted to see him gone for years now. Which means, I have to find a new Potions Professor as well as my replacement in the Transfiguration post."

"If you need any help, just ask," Amelia said, "I'm sure we can find someone at the Ministry, if the need arises."

"Thank you, Amelia," Minerva said.

Ten minutes later, they met Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Unspeakables Bode and Timmons in the Entrance Hall. Croaker spoke in the foreign language to his fellow Unspeakables, likely explaining what they had discovered in Myrtle Warren's bathroom.

"We believe we've found the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets," Amelia said to Kingsley, "It is in the girl's bathroom on the second floor. The 'monster' is likely a Basilisk, possibly a thousand years old."

Kingsley raised his eyebrows. "That is a challenge."

"Unspeakable Croaker will be bringing a team out tomorrow," Amelia said, "Complete with roosters. Should be a successful hunt."

"It appears we may need a team of Aurors too, Madam Bones," Unspeakable Croaker said, "And some experts in the Magical Beasts Division. Unspeakable Bode and Timmons have just returned from the Acromantula Colony in the Forbidden Forest."

The leader, Aragog," Bode said, "- also known as Hagrid's pet – will likely die in the next few years. He controls the colony now. I believe once Aragog is dead, the colony will become unpredictable. They may attempt to attack the castle."

"Oh, my!" Minerva gasped, "What do we do?"

"That's where the Unspeakables, Aurors and reps in the Magical Beasts Division come in," Bode said, "We need to exterminate the colony before they decide to mutiny against Aragog and attack the castle. They were not happy that Timmons and I were there."

"You're likely going to be in charge here, Minerva," Amelia said, "We need your permission to do this."

"I give it," Minerva said, "It must be done. For the protection of the students and staff."

"I'll speak to Auror Scrimgeour and Walden MacNair when we return to the Ministry," Amelia said, "We'll set it up. Unspeakables, thank you for your time. You may leave if you wish. I'm sure you need to set up the operation for the Basilisk hunt and your part in the Acromantula hunt."

"Yes, Madam," Croaker said. "Good luck with Dumbledore and Snape."

As the three Unspeakables headed out of the castle, Amelia, Minerva, Moody and Kingsley headed into the dungeons. When they arrived at Snape's office, Minerva knocked on the door. The door opened, and Minerva led the Ministry reps inside. Snape stood as they entered, and looked at each of them in turn.

"What is the meaning of this?" Snape asked.

"Relax, Severus," Amelia said, "We're here to ask you a few questions."

"Am I under arrest?" Snape asked.

"That remains to be seen," Amelia said.

"Did Albus allow you to meet with me?" Snape asked.

"Albus has been arrested, Severus," Amelia said. "His days as the Headmaster of Hogwarts are at an end."

Severus eyebrows raised to his hairline. "I see. That is most unexpected. I assume you're here to ask me about Albus?"

"Indeed," Amelia said, "How about we start with exactly what Albus has on you, Severus? Why did Albus take you under his wing? Why did he defend you against the Wizengamot so many years ago? There's no question about your status as a Death Eater. You didn't take the Imperius Defense. Albus defended you."

Severus sighed and sat down at his desk.

"It started one cold January evening in 1980," Severus said, "I was having a drink in the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade and went up to the second floor to use the bathroom. On my way back, I heard the sound of a women apparently struggling or having a fit or something. When I came to the door of the room she was in, I heard her speak. It was Sybil Trelawney and she was making a Prophecy. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... That is all I heard before Aberforth Dumbledore yanked me from the door before throwing me out of the pub."

Amelia's eyes widened. Was that the first part of the Prophecy Unspeakable Croaker had mentioned concerning Voldemort and Harry Potter?

"There is more of the Prophecy," Severus said, "Albus knows it. He was interviewing Trelawney for the Divination Post the night she made the Prophecy. He never told me the rest of the words."

"What did you do with the information?" Amelia asked.

"Made the worst mistake in my life," Severus said, "Told the Prophecy to the Dark Lord in hopes that I would be in his Senior Circle. That was, indeed, my reward. A few months later, Neville Longbottom was born, then Harry Potter. The Dark Lord decided Potter was the Child of the Prophecy. He wanted to kill Potter... he wanted to kill James and Lily. I went to Albus begging him to save them... to protect them all. I became his spy that night. Halloween of 1981... the night Lily died... was the night I stopped being a Death Eater and started plotting the Dark Lord's death. I became Albus' spy that evening, and soon after started my tenure as Potions Master. I've been here ever since."

"Has Albus asked you to do anything for him?" Amelia asked.

Severus sighed. "Yes. He asked me to brew various Potions for him. Loyalty Potions, Compulsion Draughts, Love Potions. He knows I am a Master Legilimens, as well as Occlumens. He asked me to use Legilimency on my fellow staff members – including yourself, Minerva – and also various students. Most recently, he asked me to use Legilimency on Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. But I've also used it on various other students, mostly on Slytherins, the children of Death Eaters. Albus wanted to know if their parents had any information on various things, mostly to do with the Dark Lord. Last year, he had me investigate Professor Quirrel. I was able to detect some of his plans, including the troll attack. I risked my very life doing that, because Quirrel was being possessed by the Dark Lord."

Amelia's eyes widened. This was the first she had heard about that. She would have to question Dumbledore about that.

"You gave Albus the information about the troll, did you not?" Amelia asked, "What did he want to do with it?"

"I did not know until after it happened," Severus said, "Albus had me make a Potion that would lure Trolls. He had asked me to coat a specific bathroom with the Potion. I later learned that Hermione Granger had been in that specific bathroom."

"We believe Albus Compelled Miss Granger to go to that bathroom," Amelia said.

"Then I fear he was hoping Miss Granger would be murdered by the troll," Severus said, "I detected many thoughts from her, thoughts about wanting to become Potter's friend. Albus seemed... threatened by her."

"Very well," Amelia said. "Severus, thank you for this information. Unfortunately, I do have to arrest you, and you should no longer consider yourself the Hogwarts Potions Master. However, I will grant you immunity, from some – but not all - of these crimes, if you so wish it."

"No," Severus said, "I want the protection only Azkaban can give me. I very much doubt Albus will end up in Azkaban, he is too powerful politically. He will know I had a part in giving you information about him. He would either use me, or kill me. I don't know which is worse."

"Very well," Amelia repeated, "Severus Snape, you are under arrest for illegal use of Legilimency, brewing illegal Potions, and attempted murder-by-proxy of a minor. Hand over your wand. If you flee from us, you will be a fugitive of the Ministry. Do you understand?"

"I do," Severus said. "I will come voluntarily."

"Good," Amelia said, "Auror Shacklebolt, place magic-blocking shackles on his wrists, and take him to the Ministry. Auror Moody and I will collect Dumbledore."

"Yes, ma'am," Kingsley said.

Amelia walked out of the room with Minerva and Moody.

"Minerva," she said, as they headed out of the dungeons, "I will inform Minister Fudge of all of this. I will make sure he rounds up the School Governors, so that they can hand the role of Headmistress to you. Do you wish to meet the Governors in the Ministry or here at Hogwarts?"

"Either is fine with me," Minerva said, "I will try to keep my schedule open for the meeting. Which reminds me, I need to speak to the staff this evening. And I also need to check up on the young Muggleborn who were Petrified."

"Very well," Amelia said. "Do you wish to write a statement for the Wizengamot, or will you agree to be a witness?"

"I think it is best that I speak in front of the Wizengamot," Minerva said.

"Alright," Amelia said, "I will contact you with further information about the trial, as well as information regarding the School Governors. Thank you for your cooperation. That is all we need."

"Thank you," Minerva said.

When they reached the Grand Staircase, Amelia and Moody parted ways with Minerva, and they headed for the unused classroom where Albus was detained. Moody undid the enchantments on the room, and led Amelia into the room. Albus was sitting at a desk.

"I used to teach in this very room occasionally," Albus said. "I remember a young student by the name of Tom Riddle. He was an excellent student. A pity what he became when he grew up. I should have seen it coming. But I did not."

"Thanks for the walk down memory lane, Albus," Amelia said, "We're leaving now. I guess I should let you know a couple things before we leave, however. We just arrested Severus Snape. He came along voluntarily."

"Severus has done nothing wrong!" Albus said, "He made many wrong choices in his youth. He learned from his mistakes, and has been making up for them in the past decade. He is no longer a Death Eater, Amelia!"

"Who says we arrested him for being a Death Eater, Albus?" Moody asked.

"Also," Amelia said, "I'm sure you'll be delighted to know that we believe we've discovered the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. It is inside the bathroom Myrtle Warren usually haunts."

"Where we discovered her dead body," Moody said, "Surely you remember."

"Of course, I remember," Albus said.

"And you never suspected the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was inside that bathroom?" Amelia asked. "Myrtle said nobody ever asked her how she died. Why did you never bring it up?"

"She doesn't need to relive that horrible moment!" Albus exclaimed, "Nobody should have to die that young! It's a tragedy!"

"I believe that is the most sane thing you've said today, Albus," Amelia said. "However, Myrtle seemed to enjoy telling her tale. She wanted someone to hear it. She helped us discover the entrance to the Chamber. I don't think very many people ever talk to her. The Chamber could have been discovered years ago."

"Myrtle should just enjoy what she's been given," Albus said, "How many her age who have died have never had that chance? How many...?"

"Enough," Amelia said, "Come with us. Now."

"Where's my wand?" Albus asked. "I don't sense it on you. Where is it?"

"Does it matter?" Amelia replied, "You'll never use it again."

"Don't let Harry have it," Albus said, "He isn't ready..."

"Enough!" Amelia growled, "Silence, or I will silence you!"

Albus huffed, but went silent.

Moody escorted Albus out of the room and Amelia followed them, her wand ready in case Albus did something foolish.

She smiled to herself. Today's visit was very successful. But the day was not over. She needed to have an important meeting with Minister Fudge, then she needed to speak to Auror Scrimgeour and Walden MacNair about the Acromantula infestation. But first she needed to visit Keeper Ragnok. Hopefully Harry's letter would reach him before she arrived. She decided to waste a bit of time, by escorting Dumbledore to the holding cells in the Ministry herself. She wanted to personally make sure Dumbledore would be ready for his trial. It would likely be the trial of the century!


There is a reason I didn't have Amelia interrogate other Professors. It will come up in the next couple of chapters.