For the next several days, the attack was the only thing that anybody could talk about. Rumors, gossip, and whispered conversation filled the halls. Everyone seemed more tense than usual, first years were walking the halls in large groups, professors seemed more tense and alert than usual. Everyone seemed to be on edge.
Ron and Hermione had been waiting for Harry after his conversation with Professor Jackson. True to the man's advice, he told the pair of them everything they'd talked about. Both seemed relieved that Harry had, indeed, not been going insane. Hermione in particular seemed to be much more relieved, knowing that a professor had weighed in on Harry's predicament.
They talked about the Chamber, and ultimately came to a decision, they would find out what the Chamber was, and they'd find out who the heir was. The three were convinced that, if not Malfoy, then someone in Slytherin House had to be the heir, that the writing on the wall was referring to. Hermione suggested some sort of obscure potion that Snape had discussed several weeks previously, called Polyjuice potion. The potion would allow them to take the form of someone else for one hour. They would look and sound exactly like the other person. It was immensely complicated, but Hermione thought that it was possible for them to make. They made their camp in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, and decided that it would be the perfect place for them to brew the potion. The plan was relatively simple in concept. Brew the potion, transform, sneak into the Slytherin Common Room, and interrogate Malfoy about the Chamber. Since the potion would take several months to brew, they went about trying to tackle their second objective, the Chamber.
They'd tried to research more about the Chamber, but they weren't the only ones looking into the subject. Every copy of "Hogwarts: a History" had been checked out of the library, and Hermione had unfortunately left her copy at home, so they were completely out of luck. Hermione had been combing through the entire library for any other reference to the Chamber, but came up completely empty.
Their frustration and curiosity was shared between the rest of the student body, and their studies were beginning to show it. Their mounting distraction came to a head in History of Magic the following Monday. Professor Jackson had been in the middle of a lecture on the House-Elf Slave Wars of the 13th century when he abruptly stopped, and stared around the room.
Crossing his arms, he leaned back against his desk, "Ok," He said, his familiar easy grin on his face, "Either I'm losing my touch, or you're all very distracted, what's up?" The students all shared a look, uncertain how to voice what they wanted to say, ultimately, it was Hermione who raised her hand.
"Yes, Hermione, care to enlighten me?" Professor Jackson asked,
"Well sir, it's just, well I think we, that is all of us, were wondering, um, what is the Chamber of Secrets?" she said,
Slowly, an easy grin made its way onto his face, and he nodded in understanding, "Now, I'm beginning to understand," he laughed with a shake of his head, "I was wondering how long it would take for someone to ask about it."
He pushed off his desk and began pacing slowly around the room, "All right, now bear with me because this isn't exactly my area of expertise." He folded his hands around his back as he paced, "As most of you probably know, Hogwarts was founded in the late 10th century. It was at the height of magical persecution in Europe. All across England and the Continent, witches and wizards were being hunted down by the score, and summarily executed. The population in Wizarding Britain, at the time of Hogwarts' founding was less than one hundred."
Every eye in the room was on Professor Jackson as he talked, each student listening with rapt attention.
"In an effort to both protect and nurture the next generation of witches and wizards, four enchanters came together, and created a school. These four were Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Not much is truly known about these four, we only have a handful of writings from them, and the rest is simply rumor. Here is what we do know, some time after the founding of the school, there was a tremendous fight between Salazar Slytherin and the other Founders. Salazar Slytherin subscribed to a popular thought amongst magicals at the time, which was that only witches and wizards coming from other magical families ought to be taught. The idea behind it, was that magic grew stronger when it was passed down from generation to generation. Of course, we know now that blood and genealogy have absolutely nothing to do with magical ability."
There was a snort from the corner of the room that Harry knew came from Malfoy,
"Believe me or not, Draco, but I think it's pretty telling that the number one person in your class through the last year has been normal-born." Professor Jackson said easily, which quieted the snickering.
"Regardless, the other three founders were of the belief that they could not afford to be prejudiced in who they chose to educate." Professor Jackson, never being one to miss out on an opportunity to teach, then looked mischievously around the room. "Can anyone care to guess why the founders held this, apparently rather controversial opinion?"
"Because they realized that blood purity is a bunch of nonsense?" Said Seamus Finnegan, who, while not a muggle-born, did have a muggle father.
Professor Jackson grinned at him, "Good try, but wrong." He said, as he continued his pacing, and tapped at his temples with both his fingers, "Think, guys, think! The population of magicals was lower than ever before, they were being hunted down left and right, why would the founders be so intent on teaching normal-borns? Yes, Daphne," He said with a bright smile,
"It's because they realized that if they didn't raise and protect every magical in Britain, they'd die out." Daphne Greengrass said,
"Yes!" Professor Jackson shouted excitedly, "Exactly right! Fifteen points to Slytherin, wonderfully thought out Daphne," The blonde girl beamed, which was the most emotion Harry thought he'd ever seen out of the girl.
"Yes, we actually know, thanks to the writings of Helga Hufflepuff, that the founders all shared Salazar's feelings on magical purity. However, they were being pragmatic, they understood that if the magical world were to survive, they couldn't be choosey about who they did or did not teach. Salazar disagreed with that, words were said, a fight breaks out, badda-bing badda-boom Salazar leaves the castle."
He stopped and surveyed the room, again, before resuming his pacing,
"Now, this is where facts end, and legend begins. Legend says, that sometime before Salazar left, he built a secret chamber within the bowels of the castle. This chamber is said to be home to a magical creature of some sort. According to legend, this monster was supposed to purge the school of all those who were "unworthy" of learning magic. But," Professor Jackson raised a single finger,
"But, the Chamber is said to only be accessible to the true heir of Salazar Slytherin. Whether or not this is true, is a matter of debate." Suddenly Professor Jackson became very serious, "Here is some truth though, and I hope you all heed this warning. I might get in trouble for telling you all this, but I think it's important for you all to be aware. The Chamber has been opened before. Once, fifty years ago. A student died, and the school was nearly shut down as a result."
Harry felt a quiver of terror run down his spine. The thought of Hogwarts closing? Images of him being tossed back to the Dursley's forever flashed across his mind, and Harry wasn't sure if he could bear the thought. The very idea of no longer coming to Hogwarts was making him feel physically ill. Professor Jackson was speaking again,
"I tell you this, not to scare you," He assured them, "I tell you this, because I want you all to be on your guard. To be prepared. Do not stay out by yourself late at night. Always be with someone. And if you ever see something suspicious, please, alert a professor. We are here to protect you, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety. I can speak with confidence, that every professor here, would sooner die, than see a single hair on your head hurt." He paused and then smiled, "Well, all of us perhaps, but Professor Snape, but I don't think he counts." That worked at lighting the mood considerably, even several of the Slytherins were giggling.
"Professor," Said Tracy Davis, looking rather terrified, "Do-do you think we're in danger then? Do you think it-do you think the monster is real and that it's back?" Harry watched as Daphne reached out and wrapped a hand tightly around Tracy's,
Professor Jackson sighed, "I don't know," He admitted, looking incredibly conflicted, which did nothing to help with the anxiety in the room, "I won't lie to you, I believe the threat is real, I don't believe that the message on the wall would have appeared, or Mrs. Norris would have been petrified, if there wasn't a real threat. But," His face hardened, and his eyes seemed to flash a brighter shade of green, as a light breeze seemed to appear out of nowhere in classroom,
"I promise you all this, if the Chamber has indeed been opened, and if something is targeting normal-borns, it will come after me first," He said defiantly,
"What do you mean, professor?" Ron asked, sounding confused, "Are you going to try and find it?"
"I mean, Ron, that neither of parents were magicals. My mom wasn't a witch, and my father wasn't a wizard. If there's something out there that's seeking to purge "impure" wizards from the school, I have a feeling it'll start with a teacher that doesn't meet the standards." At that moment, the bell rang, signaling the end of class.
"That's it for today, we're a bit behind but that's fine, please still do the reading for next time, and we'll continue our discussion. And remember, stay safe."
BREAK
Harry didn't have much time over the next couple of days to focus on the Chamber, so focused as he was on the upcoming quidditch match against Slytherin. Slytherin had recently acquired a new seeker; Draco Malfoy. The added tension was making the already highly anticipated match, all the more exciting. Oliver Wood, the captain of Gryffindor's quidditch team, was having the team practice through the day and night.
Harry had never been so tired, however, he had also never felt so prepared for a match in his brief career. In spite of the fact that the Slytherin team had recently come into brand new, state-of-the-art brooms, courtesy of Malfoy's father.
While Harry had been concerned, he had thought that he could handle the pressire, if all he had to contend with, were a few fancy brooms. He hadn't realized that he would have needed to deal with a bludger - a heavy, enchanted ball, meant to knock opposing players out of the sky - as well.
Even so, Harry had managed to avoid the bludger, outfly Draco, and even manage to catch the snitch, and secure the victory for Gryffindor. It would have been cause for victory had he not had his arm broken in the process. But, as he lay in the grass on the field, the snitch still clutched tightly in his hand, he couldn't bring himself to care all that much.
Opening his eyes, Harry couldn't suppress the groan that escaped his lips. Shining white teeth, and dimpled cheeks were smiling broadly down at him,
"Not you," Harry groaned
"Doesn't know what he's saying, poor lad," Gilderoy Lockhart said, "Not to worry Harry, I'll have you fixed up in no time at all,"
"Don't you think he should go to Hospital Wing, sir?" Oliver Wood said, though even through his concern, Harry could see him beaming. Leave it to Wood to be happy that Harry broke his arm catching the snitch.
"Nonsense," Said Lockhart, waving off the concerns and bringing out his wand, "Not to worry Harry, I've done this a million time before, absolutely nothing to be concerned about-oh!" He gasped abruptly as his wand suddenly flew out of his hand and went soaring through the air. Harry watched the wand with great interest, as it flew right into the hand of Professor Jackson, as he marched through the rain and mud, looking furious.
Pushing through the throng of Harry's concerned teammates, he wrapped a large hand around the front of Lockhart's robes and lifted into the air, "Leave. Now." Harry heard Professor Jackson growl, as he shoved Lockhart's wand back into the man's robes.
The man trembled slightly in Professor Jackson's grip, before glancing over to Harry and giving a shaky smile. Professor Jackson released him, and Lockhart tried regain some composure,
"R-right," He slammed about, "You look like you have everything under control here Professor Jackson, I'll just-" and he took off at a brisk walk, that was nearly a run.
"Have we mentioned recently that you're our favorite professor, sir?" George Weasley asked, watching the fleeing Lockhart with a slightly evil grin on his face,
"Not today you haven't George," Professor Jackson replied easily as he turned to Harry, with a brief wave of his wand, a cast and splint appeared wrapped tightly around Harry's injured arm, "Up you get Harry." He said, wrapping a hand under Harry's uninjured elbow and yanking him to his feet.
"Sorry about that," He apologized, "But when I saw that moron heading down here, well…" he trailed off,
"Should you really be talking about another professor like that, sir?" Asked Katie Bell, one of the team's chasers.
Professor Jackson shrugged, "Probably not, but I never was one for following the rules." He said, as he shot Harry a rather roguish grin and a wink. "You guys mind making sure Harry gets to the Hospital Wing?"
Harry's teammates were quick to assure Professor Jackson that they would, and Fred and George began guiding Harry off of the pitch. Wood wasted no time in launching into an excited chatter about their performance, and they spent their walk to the Hospital Wing in high spirits. They met up with Ron and Hermione along the way, and the pair joined the large group, as they entered into the infirmary. The adrenaline began wearing out about halfway there, and the pain in Harry's arm began reaching new levels.
Once inside however, Madam Pomfrey was quick to shoo the team and Ron and Hermione out so she could tend to Harry's arm. Ushering him onto a bed, she began waving her wand over his cast.
"My thanks to whoever had the sense to wrap this," She said, more to herself than to Harry,
"It was Professor Jackson," Harry said, and Madam Pomfrey nodded in appreciation,
"Good, he saved you from doing any more damage. But I'll need you to stay overnight just to be sure." Madam Pomfrey said, in a tone that brokered no argument. "There are too many bone fragments for me to be comfortable with trying to mend all at once, it'll heal up just fine, but I want you here, just in case. Honestly, why they continue to allow a sport like quidditch to be played…"
She bustled off, and Harry got himself ready for a long night.
Harry awoke abruptly, looking around him, he saw that the Hospital Wing was pitch black, and the moon was high in the sky. It must have been well after midnight. Turning in his bed, he bit back a scream. Propped up at the end of the bed, dressed in the familiar rags he had worn when Harry had first met him, was Dobby the House Elf.
Dobby was a tiny creature, with large round eyes and pointed ears, and pink skin.
"Dobby!" Harry hissed, "What are you doing here!"
"Harry Potter sir!" Dobby said, his voice a high-pitched squeak, "Dobby is so sorry Harry Potter sir. Dobby is been hurting great Harry Potter sir, but great Harry Potter is still being at Hogwarts. Even after Dobby blocked him from the train platform, and after Dobby's bludger."
"That was you?!" Harry snarled, anger frothing up in his stomach. He reached out and wrapped a fist around Dobby's filthy tunic, "You almost got me expelled! You could have gotten me killed!" he hissed,
Large tears danced in the corners of Dobby's eyes, "Dobby knows, great Harry Potter sir, but Dobby be having to do it sir! Harry Potter is in grave danger sir! There is a plot, Harry Potter sir, a plot here at Hogwarts to make terrible things happen!"
"A plot?" Harry asked, his anger leaving him as curiosity took its place, "What kind of plot Dobby, does it have to do with the Chamber of Secrets!"
Dobby's round eyes went even wider, and he struggled with Harry's grip desperately trying to free himself, no doubt in an effort to punish himself for the slip of the tongue.
"Dobby be saying too much!" He cried out, as he smacked himself repeatedly in the head with his free hand. Harry grabbed the elf's tiny hand in his own, and fought to keep the little maniac still,
"Dobby!" Harry whispered, "What do you know about the Chamber?" he asked,
"Only that the Chamber be open, Harry Potter sir, the Chamber be open and it not be safe for great Harry Potter sir to be at school! He is in grave danger sir, and he must be safe. Harry Potter above all others, must be safe. He is a beacon of hope for us house elves sir, and Harry Potter must not be harmed!"
Well that had been far from helpful, other than a simple confirmation that the Chamber was, in fact open, but at least Harry had confirmed that much.
Before he could ask anything more of Dobby, however, the doors to the infirmary creaked open. Dobby's eyes widened in fear and there was a slight 'CRACK' and Dobby disappeared. Harry quickly positioned himself so that it looked as though he were sleeping, but had his eyes cracked just enough so that he could see. He watched as Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall slowly backed into the room, leading something that was floating into the air behind them.
"Minerva, please go and wake Poppy," Dumbledore said, his soft voice carrying far in the silent infirmary. Professor McGonagall nodded and bustled off to go rouse the school nurse. As she did so, Harry got a better look at what was floating in air. Stuffing a fist in his mouth so he didn't make a sound, Harry watched as Professor Dumbledore placed Colin Creevey, stiff as a statue, his camera clutched in his hands, into the bed next to Harry's. Dumbledore's back was to Harry, and he saw Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey come bustling in.
Madam Pomfrey let out a choked gasp. "Albus, what happened?"
"He's been petrified, Poppy." Dumbledore explained,
"Albus found him on the stairs, thank goodness too, I can't imagine what would have happened if the students had been the ones to find him," Professor McGonagall said, her voice slightly choked. "We think he was trying to sneak in to get a picture of Potter when he got attacked."
A lump formed in Harry's throat. Colin had been slightly annoying to be sure, but Harry hadn't wanted anything like this to happen to him,
"Do you think he managed to get a picture of the attacker?" Madam Pomfrey asked, and Harry watched as Dumbledore reached down, and pried the camera free. He opened the film slot, only to step back in surprise, as a large flash exploded from the camera's innards.
"What on earth…" Professor McGonagall muttered. The sound of footsteps drew everyone's attention to the doorway, and Harry was surprised to see Professor Jackson striding into the room.
"Minerva, you can go, we'll inform the students in the morning. You as well Poppy, there's nothing more that can be done tonight." Dumbledore said. It was clear he wished to speak to Professor Jackson alone. Even though it was an obvious ploy to get them to leave the room, neither Madam Pomfrey nor Professor McGonagall objected, and quietly excused themselves, Madam Pomfrey gently closing the curtains around Colin as she left. The room fell silent, until both the doors to Madam Pomfrey's office, and the doors to the infirmary closed.
"What did you find?" Dumbledore asked, wasting no time on preamble.
"Nothing," Professor Jackson said, sounding frustrated, "The trail went cold near the second-floor staircase."
"Do you have any idea what could have possibly caused this?" Dumbledore asked,
"I have some ideas," Professor Jackson said, though he didn't explain himself,
"Do you think that-"
"They're not mine" Professor Jackson said quickly. Not his what? Harry thought. Did Professor Jackson have more dangerous beasts than that monster of a dog, Mrs. O'Leary?
"If they were mine," Professor Jackson was saying, "They wouldn't waste their time going after students, they'd just come after me, and besides, I have protections in place. They can't find me here, no one can."
What did that mean? Who couldn't find him? Was someone after Professor Jackson? Was he some kind of a wanted criminal back in the United States? Harry had so many questions, but he tried to quiet his thinking so he could listen,
"Do you believe you can find it?" Dumbledore asked calmly,
"What do you think I've been trying to do?" Professor Jackson growled, and Harry could almost feel the frustration coming off the man, "But it would be easier if you would just-"
"We have spoken at length about this Perseus," Dumbledore said sharply, "I am not closing this school down,"
"I just need a day," Professor Jackson said, his voice almost pleading, "One day, that's all it would take for me to find it. Close the school for a day and I can turn this place inside and out, find this thing, and hopefully kill it!"
"It is as I told you," Dumbledore replied, his tone calm, once more, "If we shut down the school, I have little doubt that the board of governors will shut the school down for good. That is something I will not allow to happen while this institution is under my care."
Both men fell silent for several moments, as both were trapped in their own thoughts. Right when Harry thought they wouldn't say any more, Dumbledore spoke back up,
"If you find it, do you believe you will be able to kill it?"
There was more silence, as Professor Jackson thought, and Harry leaned a little more closely to the edge of his cot, and strained his ears to listen.
"I don't know," Professor Jackson admitted, "I have only an idea of what we're looking at. Probably? I don't know I just wish that I had…" He sighed, "It doesn't matter, when I find it, I'll do what I can. Magical creatures are different than people though. I can handle people flinging spells at me all day, but get something big enough..." He trailed off and sighed once more, "I'm more mortal than god these days."
What on earth did that mean? Harry wondered. Professor Jackson often referred to people as mortals. Was that a clue about something? Or was that just the way American wizards spoke?
"I have the utmost faith in you Perseus. Now come, it is late, and we both have very busy days ahead of us." Dumbledore said, and the padding of feet on the stone floor told Harry that they were leaving.
Professor Jackson snorted, "Understatement of the century. I still have thirty quizzes and seventeen essays I have to grade." He groaned, "No one ever told me that being a teacher was so much work,"
Dumbledore chuckled, his laughter growing more distant as the doors to the infirmary opened and closed once more. Leaving Harry alone, next to a petrified Colin.
What was all that about? Why was Professor Dumbledore asking Professor Jackson if he could find and kill the monster? Sure, Professor Jackson seemed capable enough, and had been in the American magical army, whatever that meant, but he was still just a school teacher. Shouldn't they be asking the Ministry of Magic to step in? And who was after Professor Jackson? Was his being at the school putting them all in danger? Harry had just so many questions, and absolutely no answers, but among all the queries in his mind, one stood out above all else,
Who was Professor Jackson?
AN: All right! Things are gearing up, Harry is getting more hints about the chamber and Professor Jackson! Sorry about the shorter chapter, but some of the major plot points I need to hit are small, important but small, and I don't want to cram too many in unnecessarily. Also, sorry if you wanted quidditch but honestly…I'm not writing that, it'd be boring to write, and equally as boring to read. Next chapter is a fun one though! So again, sorry for the shorter, slightly exposition heavy chapter, but next time is a lot more fun! Thanks again for all the love and support this has been getting, I'm glad to see that so many of you are enjoying reading this, as I am writing it! As always, love you all and stay safe!
Love,
LilDB