AN: Just a quick note to remind you guys that I'm grateful to all of you for your support. I love hearing from you guys and I love sharing my work with you.
Harry woke with a quiet groan. His right arm was burning with pain. He supposed that it meant that his bones were growing back, but that thought did little to comfort him at that moment.
"Kill. Kill."
It was that strange whispering voice that nobody else seemed to hear.
His eyes slid open and he jumped slightly when he found a house elf leaning over him. It was the house elf that had come to him during the summer.
"What are you doing here?" Harry hissed, looking around the infirmary. The hospital wing was dark and he couldn't see anyone else. Luckily, there was moonlight gleaming outside, lending enough light for Harry to see his little visitor. He reached for his glasses and slid them into his face with his left hand.
"Harry Potter didn't listen," the house elf fretted, wringing his hands. "Harry Potter must go home. Dobby thought his bludger would make Harry Potter see that Hogwarts is not safe."
Dobby! That was his name. Wait a minute... "You made that bludger chase after me?" Harry demanded.
Dobby gave a sad little nod. "Dobby feels most aggrieved sir. Dobby had to iron his hands." He lifted his hands to display the dingy bandages that were haphazardly wrapped around his hands.
Harry sighed in aggravation. "I don't suppose you could tell me why you're trying to kill me," he muttered.
"Not kill you, sir," Dobby insisted fervently, sitting down at the foot of Harry's bed. "Never kill you. Dobby remembers what it was like before Harry Potter triumphed over He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. We house elves were treated like vermin, sir. Of course, Dobby is still treated like vermin," he added, his voice wobbling a bit before he dissolved into loud, sobbing. He blew his nose wetly into the old pillowcase he was wearing.
Harry sat still, his irriration withering away into pity. The other house elves that he'd met seemed content with their lives and servitude. Clearly Dobby was different, and desperately unhappy.
Before Harry could say anything to soothe the sobbing elf, they heard a sound. It was like a door opening somewhere nearby in the castle. Dobby sat up, ceasing his crying at once.
"Listen," Dobby whispered urgently, his bulging eyes focused intently on Harry. "Terrible things are about to happen at Hogwarts. Harry Potter must not stay here now that history is to repeat itself."
"You mean this has happened before?" Harry asked anxiously.
Dobby made a strange sound of panic. He seized the bottle of Skele-gro that Madam Pomfry had left on the nightstand and began to bash himself in the head with it.
Harry snatched the bottle away impatiently. He grasped the front of Dobby's pillowcase and pulled him closer. "When did this happen before? Who's doing it now?" Harry asked.
"Dobby cannot say," Dobby responded apologetically. "Dobby only wants Harry Potter to be safe."
At the sound of approaching footsteps, Dobby snapped his fingers and disappeared. Harry layed back down and closed his eyes, feigning sleep. He couldn't help peeking as Dumbledore walked in, levitated a body ahead of himself. Minerva and Pomfrey were close behind him.
"What happened?" Pomfrey asked shakily.
"There's been another attack," Minerva told her grimly. "He's been petrified."
Harry swallowed hard, his heart racing. A student had been petrified, like Mrs. Norris."
"Maybe he took a picture of his attacker," Minerva said hopefully.
There was a pause and Harry desperately wanted to ask what was happening. And then Minerva spoke again. "What can this mean Albus?" she asked.
"It means that Hogwarts is no longer safe," Dumbledore responded gravely. "It is as we feared Minerva. The Chamber of Secrets has been opened again."
The voices grew quieter and Harry could no longer understand what they were saying. He closed his eyes as he heard footsteps approaching his bed. A familiar hand slid through his hair gently. Harry relaxed slightly at the sensation.
"I should have known that you'd be awake when when you shouldn't be."
Harry opened his eyes to find Minerva looking down at him in indulgent fondness. "I'm sorry," Harry said softly.
"It's alright," Minerva sighed. "We should have checked on you before speaking freely." She ran gentle fingers over his bandaged arm. "How are you feeling?" she asked him, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"It hurts," he admitted quietly.
"We'll see if Poppy can do something to ease the pain," she assured him. A scowl crossed appeared on her face. "Lockhart's lucky that I'm not allowed to curse him. I've told him that he's never to point his wand at you again. If he does, he may just find his wand in an uncomfortable location." She sighed and cupped Harry's face in her hands. "I won't let him endanger you again."
Harry accepted a hug, relaxing against her. Minerva McGonagall was serious, stern and not to be trifled with, but she genuinely cared for the students. And Harry was pleased to be able to see her in moments of unrestrained affection. It was warm and comforting.
"I think this is what having a mother feels like," Harry murmured.
Minerva pulled back to meet his gaze, her eyes wide and damp.
"I don't remember my mum," Harry said, blinking rapidly to hold off his tears. "But, I think you're doning a good job in her place."
Minerva hugged him again, stroking his hair. "I love you, my sweet boy," she said.
"I love you too Minnie," Harry responded, his voice muffled against her shoulder. He allowed her to settle him back down on the bed and plump his pillows. He enjoyed the feeling of her hand holding his as she called to Poppy to request something for pain.
Harry drank the potion that was offered and was soon drifting off to sleep with his Minnie stroking his hair.
When Harry woke, he found that his right arm still hurt, though not nearly as badly. Poppy was checking him over when the infirmary doors burst open. Draco marched into the room followed closely by Blaise, Ron and Hermione.
Draco's eyes were a bit red and he looked quite tired. Blaise looked exhausted as well, and maybe a bit annoyed.
"Are you boys quite well?" Poppy asked, eyeing Draco and Blaise with concern.
"Perfectly," Blaise replied tartly. "This one," he indicated Draco with an accusing finger, "was up half the night fussing and complaining. He's worried about Potter. He's mad at Lockhart. 'Why is Lockhart so stupid?' 'Harry could have died!' All night." Blaise groaned and rubbed at his face before looking over at Harry. "Tell your boyfriend that you're fine so he'll shut up!" Blaise demanded.
Draco blushed furiously while Ron guffawed loudly. Hermione giggled but did her best to smother the sound with her hands. Even Poppy seemed to be struggling not to laugh. She went back to her office shaking her head.
Harry bit his lip and blushed slightly. "I'm alright," he said. "The pain is nearly gone and I can move my arm again."
Draco seemed to recover himself and moved closer to sit on the edge of the bed. His cheeks were still a bit pink. "Lockhart's an idiot," he said fiercely.
"How can you defend him?" Ron asked Hermione.
"Anyone can make a mistake," Hermione responded. "He's done a lot of great things. And he was trying to help Harry."
"By de-boning him?" Ron retorted with a smirk.
"Anyway," Blaise said loudly, cutting off Hermione's argument. "I think the murderous bludger is a bigger concern. If Lockhart ends up killing Harry, it'll be by accident. And at least we're likely to see it coming. Focus on the bludger," he said firmly.
"It was the house elf," Harry told them. "Dobby was trying to get me to leave Hogwarts. He said that history was going to repeat itself."
Blaise rolled his eyes. "Leave it to Harry Potter to almost get murdered by a house elf," he said.
"Did you say Dobby?" Draco asked, sounding breathless and startled.
"Yes," Harry nodded. "Why?"
"Dobby is a Malfoy house elf," Draco said looking horrified. Then his expression turned furious. "Dobby!" he shouted. "I know you can hear me! Attend to me now!" he demanded with a petulant stomp of his foot.
Dobby appeared on the other side of Harry's bed, cowering on the floor in fear.
"What were you thinking?" Draco hissed, forcing himself to stay seated on the bed. He'd be tempted to strangle the stupid creature if he got within arm's reach. "You could have killed him."
"Dobby would never kill Harry Potter," Dobby said meekly. "Dobby wanted Harry Potter to be safe."
"He said that terrible things were going to happen," Harry added. "Things that have happened before. He was trying to help. And last night, a student was petrified... Colin Creavey."
"Blimey," Ron gasped, eyeing the curtains that were closed around the bed that Colin's body rested on.
Draco thought for a moment looking at Dobby. "Do you know about this because of my father?" he asked slowly. Dobby fidgeted but didn't speak. "Tell me Dobby. What do you know?"
Dobby wailed and began slamming his head against the floor. Hermione made an odd whimpering sound. "Make him stop!" she cried. "Please, he'll hurt himself."
"That's enough Dobby," Draco said sharply. Dobby stopped, lifting his head to gaze at Draco with watery eyes. "You can't do this any more. I'm glad that you want to protect Harry, but this isn't the way to do it. I'll watch over him, I promise."
"Us too," Ron piped up helpfully. Hermione and Blaise nodded.
"I won't tell my father what you've done," Draco went on. "You won't be in trouble and you are not to punish yourself any further for this. It's forgiven. But if you hurt Harry again, I'll make you suffer," Draco added ominously.
"Yes, young master Malfoy," Dobby nodded. He gave Harry one more anxious look and disappeared.
"One of my house elves," Draco sighed heavily, shaking his head. "I'm so sorry Harry."
"It's fine Draco," Harry said reaching over and squeezing Draco's hand. "It's over now. We've got bigger things to worry about."
"Like what my father has done?" Draco suggested bitterly. Draco suddenly felt sick. Had is father done something awful. Awful enough to prompt one of the house elves to do something idiotic to save Harry. Draco couldn't imagine how his father could possibly have anything to do with it, be clearly he was involved.
"We don't know that he's done anything," Harry argued. "Maybe he just knows what's going on. Dobby could have just overheard him talking."
"Then why was Dobby so afraid to tell us that?" Draco asked, becoming more distressed by the moment.
"No point in getting worked up," Ron said calmly. "We don't know anything for certain, so we'll find out."
"Write to your father," Hermione suggested. "He probably couldn't say much in a letter, but it's a start."
Draco nodded his agreement, taking a calming breath.
Poppy came out of her office a moment later and told Harry that he could Ieave, but he had to return if he had any problems at all with his arm. Harry was excited to leave and eagerly followed his friends out of the infirmary. He was surprised to find the Slytherin and Gryffindor Quidditch teams in the hall together. Crabbe and Goyle had been blocking their way.
"Crabbe, Goyle, it's fine," Blaise said impatiently. "Potter's been released."
"What are you all doing here?" Harry asked, looking between the two teams.
"Came to see our favorite Seeker," Flint said, waving Crabbe and Goyle aside. "That was a damn good catch Potter. And with a broken arm..."
"Thanks," Harry responded, looking embarrassed.
"And we should thank the Weasley twins for helping Malfoy save him," Flint went on, turning to Fred and George. "We appreciate it. Very sporting of you." The other Slytherin players nodded.
"Think nothing of it," Fred replied. "Ickle Harry's a good boy. Couldn't let bludger off him like that."
"He's a good friend," George added. "We're happy to look out for a friend."
Flint nodded, holding his hand out to Oliver. "It was a good game," he said gruffly.
"It was," Oliver agreed. "But we intend to beat you next time."
"You're welcome to try," Flint laughed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bag made of velvety purple fabric. "A gift from the team," he told Harry handing him the bag. "Rest your arm and you can return to practice next week.
Harry thanked him and watched the two Quidditch teams leave. Ever since their combined practice, there was much less hostility. It was a pleasant change. It would be nice if Slytherins and Gryffindors could get along. It would certainly make it easier for his group of friends.
Harry glanced at Crabbe and Goyle and then at Draco, curiously. "They wanted to help," Draco said with a little shrug.
"Malfoy said we needed to make people leave you alone," Goyle said, looking proud of himself.
"Er- Thanks," Harry said awkwardly. "You did good."
"We've got homework to do later," Draco said. "Do you need help with yours?" he asked the two boys. Their faces brightened and they nodded. "Fine. We'll meet you in the library at three."
Crabbe and Goyle lumbered off. Blaise watched them go, frowning pensively. "They're a bit stupid, but they're useful," he murmured.
"And easily persuaded," Draco added.
"That's terrible," Hermione chided. "You shouldn't treat people that way."
"We're being practical," Blaise informed her dismissively. "Draco and I regarded each the same way last year. In Slytherin, you gain allies. That's how we do things. We've just learned to turn that into friendship. That's what we get for hanging around with Harry Potter I suppose," he drawled.
"Stupid Potter," Draco muttered, though a teasing grin tugged at his lips. Harry laughed, reaching into the bag and discovering that it was full of Honeydukes chocolate.
"But- It's completely ridiculous," Hermione said, looking bewildered. "You all really think that way? We're twelve. Children."
"Slytherins are ambitious," Blaise reminded her. "There's always going to be a bit of a power struggle and we want to come out on top. Plus, we were born at the end of a war. Tensions are still high and clearly the trouble isn't over."
"It's important to know who to trust," Draco added. "We won't hurt Crabbe and Goyle. Even if we can't fully trust them, each side can benefit from our association."
"It just seems so cold," Hermione murmured, frowning.
Draco shrugged. He didn't really expect a Gryffindor to understand.
Nobody was allowed to walk the hallways alone anymore. The Professors were obviously nervous and constantly doing head counts to be certain that everyone was accounted for.
When it was announced that they'd be having a dueling club, Harry was rather excited. It would be great to be able to duel properly.
The excitement faded quickly when they found out that Lockhart was leading it. Harry and his friends walked into the Great Hall, which had been set up to accommodate the dueling club. Second year students from all four houses were gathered, eagerly waiting for it to begin.
Lockhart presented himself grandly, as usual. The surprise came when he announced that Professor Snape was to be his assistant. Snape sneered at the word assistant.
"This is going to be hilarious," Blaise muttered. Draco smirked while Ron and Harry laughed. Hermione ignored them, paying careful attention to whatever Lockhart was saying.
Snape and Lockhart positioned themselves to give a demonstration. Lockhart looked confident and a bit smug. He gave them a count of three and then raised his wand. He wasn't nearly quick enough. Snape cried "Expelliarmus!" There was a flash of light and Lockhart was thrown backwards into the wall.
Harry, Draco and Blaise cheered, earning a little smirk from Snape. Ron was giggling at the sight of Lockhart sprawled on the floor. Hermione looked horrified. "Is he alright?" she squealed, looking over at their defense professor anxiously.
"Who care?" Ron asked, waving his hand dismissively.
Lockhart managed to get to his feet, and hastily had the students pair up. Harry and Draco paired up instantly while Ron joined Blaise. Hermione kindly offered to help Neville. Snape paused next to Draco and muttered something in the blond's ear before moving away. Draco grinned.
"He says to give him hell," Draco told Harry quietly. "I guess this is our chance for revenge."
"What do we do?" Harry asked.
"We make this utterly ridiculous," Draco said at once. "We're not going to learn anything from this imbecile anyway."
Harry promptly used a tickling charm that made Draco laugh himself breathless. Draco retaliated with a jelly legs curse. All over the hall, spells were flying wildly. Snape merely watched with mild interest while Lockhart frantically tried to regain control. Neville had a bloody nose. Seamus had a black eye. One of the Ravenclaw girls was leaning against the wall and clutching at her left shoulder.
"Perhaps I should teach you to block unfriendly spells," Lockhart said, looking quite frazzled. "We need a pair of volunteers."
Harry and Draco leapt forward eagerly, facing one another on the platform. "Alright Mr. Potter," Lockhart said. "When Mr. Malfoy points his wand at you, do this." He lifted his wand and gave it an odd sort of wiggle and then dropped it. "Wand's a bit excited," he muttered, bending over to pick it up.
Snape whispered to Draco again before taking a few steps back. Draco winked at Harry but didn't say anything.
"Off you go," Lockhart prompted the pair. "Remember, just do what I did Harry."
"You want me to drop me wand?" Harry asked incredulously.
Ron snorted loudly and Blaise was shaking with laughter.
Draco raised his wand and cried "Sorpensortia!" A long black snake flew our of Draco's wand and landed with a thud between them. The other students screamed and backed away from the platform as it raised up and bared its fangs. Harry lowered his wand and gave Draco an exasperated look. Lockhart looked shocked.
"Don't move Potter," Snape drawled smugly. "I'll get rid of it for you."
"Allow me," Lockhart shouted. He lifted his wand and gave it a complicated wave. The was a bang and the snake flew up into the air before crashing back down to the floor. Furious, the snake hissed loudly and slithered toward Justin Finch-Fletchley. It raised up again and exposed its fangs, ready to strike.
Without thinking, Harry hurried toward the snake. "Leave him alone," Harry blurted out. The hissing stopped and the snake turned its head to look at Harry. Then it turned back to Justin, leaning a bit closer. "Don't do it," Harry said. "Get away from him."
The snake slumped to the floor, coiled around itself, and stared unblinkingly at Harry. Harry sighed in relief. He looked up at Justin and was surprised to see the other boy glaring at him.
"What are you playing at?" Justin shouted before turning and storming out of the hall.
Harry looked around and saw that every one was staring at him in fear and shock. Snape waved his wand and made the snake vanish. He eyed Harry thoughtfully before glancing around at the other students. "Draco, take him out of here," Snape said quietly.
Harry was a little dazed as Draco took hold of his hand and pulled him out of the Great Hall. They didn't stop moving until they had reached the front doors of the castle. They didn't go outside, but the area was abandoned for the moment. Blaise, Ron and Hermione caught up with them just a moment later.
"Why didn't you tell me that you're a parselmouth?" Draco asked, looking a little hurt.
"A what?" Harry asked blankly.
"It means you can talk to snakes," Hermione explained.
"Well, I didn't know," Harry responded. "I've never chatted with a snake before."
"Well, it's not a very common gift," Ron said uncomfortably. "Harry, this is bad."
"Why?" Harry asked in bewilderment. "If I hadn't told that snake not to attack Justin-"
"That's what you said to it?" Blaise asked, looking a little relieved.
"Are you mental?" Harry asked incredulously. "You were there. You heard me."
"We heard you speaking parseltongue," Blaise said. "Snake language."
"You could have been saying anything," Ron agreed. "Sounded like you were egging the snake on. That's probably why Justin panicked. It was a bit creepy."
"How can I speak another language without knowing it?" Harry asked.
"I don't know," Hermione answered, looking quite worried. "But, Salazar Slytherin was famous for being able to talk to snakes. It's why the Slytherin House symbol is a serpent." Blaise and Draco nodded in confirmation.
"So now everyone will think you're his great-great-great-great grandson or something," Ron said.
Harry frowned. He didn't think he was a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, but he didn't know for sure. And now he had more questions than answers.
"People think that Potter is the heir of Slytherin?" Blaise scoffed, watching as a few Hufflepuffs scurried out of the library.
Blaise, Draco and Harry had just overheard some students insisting that Harry had chased the snake toward Justin. One boy suggested that Harry was the next dark lord and would kill all the muggleborns. Harry had been horrified. He had moved around to the next round of bookshelves, intent on defending himself, but the other students had hurried away.
"I'm not the heir of Slytherin," Harry muttered petulantly. He frowned, anxiety flitting over his face. "I mean, I can't be. Right?"
"Of course not," Draco simpered, guiding Harry back to the table. Draco sat down next to Harry, gray eyes seeking out worried green. "I'm always with you. You haven't hurt anyone."
"Because you're such an upstanding bloke," Ron snapped. He yelped when Hermione elbowed him. The red head glared at Hermione but deflated a bit at Harry's hurt expression. "Sorry mate. I didn't mean that. I know you two wouldn't do anything like this." He'd grudgingly included Draco in his comment, but Harry was appeased. Draco still looked annoyed, but he gave Ron a stiff little nod.
"Harry wouldn't hurt anyone," Goyle said from his seat at the next table.
Harry smiled slightly. Crabbe and Goyle had become a bit attached to their little group since they'd helped the two with their homework. Harry thought they'd just needed someone to treat them as more than just muscle. They were a bit slow, but they were surprisingly loyal.
"Thanks Greg," Harry said, nodding to the boy. "I appreciate you and Vince looking out for me."
Greg and Vince looked a little embarrassed, but they returned the smile. It was rare for someone to use their first names at school. It was a pleasant change.
"Are you manipulating them?" Hermione hissed at Harry, frowning in disapproval.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I told you that I see the usefulness in having them around," he reminded her. "But I am genuinely grateful to them. And I like them."
Hermione nodded her acceptance and settled back into her chair, looking down at the book in front of her.
They'd done some research and Harry had managed to convince Professor McGonagall to tell them about the Chamber of Secrets. They now knew that there was a legend about a chamber made by Salazar Slytherin, who believed that magical learning should be kept within all magic families. Before leaving the school the chamber had been sealed and could only be opened by the heir. The chamber was said to hold a monster that only the heir could control, that would be used to purge the school of those unworthy to study magic. After a thorough search, no chamber had been found.
Draco's father hadn't been particularly helpful. He had said that Draco and his friends were safe and that they could speak some on the subject over the holidays. "Keep your head down and let the heir get on with it," had been Lucius' only advice.
Of course, Draco could apply the term "friend" very loosely to Ron and Hermione. He wanted them safe for Harry's sake, at least. It was a struggle to accept those two, when he'd been raised to despise muggleborns and blood traitors. But, every day he was confronted with the fact that this muggleborn was talented and clever. She wasn't anything like what Draco's father had led him to expect. And Ron... he was an annoying ginger with atrocious manners, but he was fiercely loyal to his friends, especially Harry.
Draco hadn't expected to encounter such a dilemma. If his father was in any way causing the problems at the school, and it seemed quite likely... That would be devastating. Harry wasn't a muggleborn, but would the heir's monster really know that?
Draco was jolted from his thoughts when Harry stood up. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm going to talk to Justin," Harry replied. "I don't want everyone to be afraid of me."
"I'll go with you," Draco replied instantly, standing up.
"I'll go," Ron said firmly. "Being tracked down by two Slytherins won't make Justin feel better." He held one hand up to silence Draco's angry retort. "I'm just saying... I know that you're not a threat, but everyone is already scared."
Draco paused, considering Ron's words. Finally, he nodded. "Be careful," he said, glancing between Harry and Ron.
Harry and Ron left the library and made their way through the castle. They were hoping to catch Justin leaving the Hufflepuff common room. He'd surely be difficult to track down if he was convinced that Harry wanted him dead.
They did find Justin, but not in the way they'd expected. He was lying on the ground, his body stiff. His face was frozen in an expression of shock and fear. Floating in the air nearby, was Nearly Headless Nick. The ghost seemed to be petrified as well.
Harry took in the scene, trying to figure out where the monster could have come from. They had no idea what it was or how big it was. Oddly, the only thing he could see was a trail of spiders scuttling up the wall and out a nearby window. He'd never seen spiders do that. He would have expected it from ants, but not spiders. When he mentioned it to Ron, the red head flinched and moved farther away from the line of spiders.
Unfortunately, Filch found Harry and Ron with the two new victims. He marched them right to Dumbledore's office and left them in the hallway while he happily told the Headmaster that he'd caught the two in the act. Surely they'd be expelled.
When they were finally admitted into the headmaster's office, both boys were pale and anxious. Dumbledore motioned for them to sit and set about pouring them tea.
"Professor Dumbledore," Harry began, feeling a lump forming in his throat, "I know it looks bad. But I swear I didn't hurt anyone."
"I know you didn't," Dumbledore assured him, smiling kindly as he pressed a cup into Harry's shaking hands. "You're not in trouble. Mr. Filch is still upset over his cat. He didn't fully consider the situation he'd walked into. Don't fret boys," he said, including Ron with a nod.
Harry and Ron relaxed slightly. Harry should have known that Dumbledore would believe him. Dumbledore was almost like a grandfather to Harry. He didn't think he could stand it if Dumbledore thought so terribly if him.
"Is there anything you can tell me Harry?" Dumbledore asked. "Anything at all? I'm aware of the voice you heard, and that you can speak parseltongue." He frowned when he saw Harry flinch. "It doesn't make you wicked. Your choices are what make you who you are."
Harry nodded gratefully. "We know the legend about the Chamber of Secrets," he said with a little shrug. "Draco is afraid that his father is involved, but we don't know for sure." He thought for a moment. "I saw some spiders acting strangely; Running along in a line to get out the window. But I can't think of anything else."
Dumbledore nodded, a worried frown creasing his brow. "Thank you," he said quietly. "You two may go. And be careful," he added, reaching out to hug Harry briefly and pat Ron's shoulder fondly. "Stop by to see Minerva," he instructed. "She'll be distressed by this new report."
The boys nodded and left the office. Dumbledore sat back in his chair, frowning thoughtfully.
