Beta: No one
Original Release Date: 4/12/15
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the canon Harry Potter universe or any other universe.
Chapter Twenty Six – Record
Dear Amelia, Remus, Sirius,
This week has been an…interesting one. Something called 'Chamber of Secrets' has been opened, and Mrs. Norris, Flich's cat, has been petrified. Fred, George, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Neville, and I were at Sir Nick's five hundredth deathday party and arrived on the scene first, and possibly only because I heard a voice mutter, "kill…tear…rip", but no one else seemed to have heard it. Maybe my brain was exhausted and just thought it heard those words. Since then, almost everyone seems to avoid us seven, despite Dumbledore and the heads of houses viewing our memories of the event, that we offered to them, proving that we hadn't a single thing to do with the event.
-Harry
Re-reading the letter, Sirius absentmindedly strokes Hedwig and ponders out loud, "Petrification? That isn't terribly common of an affliction, and 'Chamber of Secrets'? Amelia, by chance has Dumbledore alerted you to anything out of the normal?"
"Nothing. Of course a petrification of a cat isn't anything that he would need to report, although perhaps a visit to check in on things in general is in order" reports Amelia.
Nodding his head in agreement, Sirius asks, "Remus, I know this may just be fluke, but do you think we can get a small enough camera that Harry could carry it with him such as a fake piece of jewelry?"
"Do you think he'd wear it even if we made a small enough camera?" inquiries Remus.
Amelia and Sirius shake their heads, before Amelia remarks, "Susan might be willing to. But how would the system work?"
"From the device that carries the proto-type camera, it connects to either the Omni Connect that belongs to them and then to the closest server, or it connects to the closest server, which then handles the streaming and/or recording of the video, in which is accessed at a later time, or with the correct authentication protocols, can be viewed as a live feed" states Remus.
"How or when would the camera be activated?" asks Amelia.
"When the video record option is selected, or button pushed on a necklace."
Clearing his throat, Sirius adds, "I'm not certain that our current server plan is strong enough to roll out a video streaming service currently. I propose two things; one being an audio only streaming service, and that we make some prototype units, such as watch for gentlemen and a necklace for the ladies and allow Susan and Harry to run some tests for us, and then see how the results are after we build a small, but potentially expanding datacenter on our Hogsmeade property."
Continuing Sirius's train of thought, Remus adds, "And based on the results of adding the servers, we can determine if having a video streaming service is possible with our network infrastructure. Although, I propose an addition to glasses, so that we get essentially a look through their eyes."
Slowly but increasing in speed, Sirius nods his head before jumping to his feet, "I'm going to write Harry and tell him to keep us informed on any new developments. Amelia, would you like to write Susan a letter, or just use a copy of my letter and then add your own message to the end?"
Smiling, Amelia replies, "Susan is as much family to you two as she is to me. So all three write a letter to both."
Sitting down, the three begin penning their letters. Finishing first, Remus disappears into the workshop.
/*a day or two later*/
As if nothing had happened, Professor McGonagall collects the early morning group of Gryffindors and begin their exercise routine. Finishing collecting their supplies for class, a quartet made of Harry, Neville, Ginny, and Hermione wind their way down the many stairwells when the sight of Amelia, Sirius, and Remus conversing with Snape.
"The Headmaster isn't seeing anyone at this time" states Snape with a hint of iciness in his tone of voice, glaring at the trio in front of him.
Looking first confused, then smirking, Harry taps on his watch for multiple seconds, before the distant sound of explosions draws Professor Snape's attention away for mere seconds when Amelia, Sirius, and Remus take the opportunity given to them and dash off into the castle.
Turning around and noticing the fleeting figures and the quartet, Snape barks, "Get in the Great Hall or I'm taking forty points from Gryffindor."
As the quartet scurry into the Great Hall, Snape strides towards the direction the explosions came from, quickly firing off a Patronus, galloping in the general direction that the trio were heading. Grabbing food, the quartet sit in the sparsely populated Great Hall and eat quietly.
In Dumbledore's office, Amelia states, "Headmaster, I understand that only a cat has been petrified so far, but if a student ends up petrified, or worse, then we have an issue. You are aware that something similar happened roughly fifty years ago, and a girl died. Any information you have would be appreciated."
Exhaling, Dumbledore replies, "Correct, the Chamber of Secrets has been reopened, and yes, Mrs. Norris has been petrified. However, I'm fairly confident that nothing more will occur."
Narrowing her eyes, Amelia asks, "Do you have an idea what has caused the petrification of Mrs. Norris?"
Stroking his beard, Dumbledore replies, "Unfortunately I do not. But I can rule out any kind of student involvement."
"Could it possibly be a dark artefact that a student brought in?" remarks Remus.
"I have my doubts that a student could have brought something like that in past the wards" states Dumbledore.
Pausing for a few moments, Amelia states, "I would like to see where the attack took place before I leave, if you don't mind."
Nodding his head, Dumbledore asks, "Any other questions?"
"Other than you keep me updated if any more attacks occur."
"Certainly. Now, I believe you wanted to see the hallway where the attack happened? Follow me, please" states Dumbledore, leading the way out of the office.
Looking over the hallway, Amelia quickly takes some brief notes before moving up and down the hallway, inspecting the brickwork.
"Headmaster, thank you for your time—" begins Amelia when Sirius interjects, "Headmaster, Director Black, I've noticed that there is a door down the hallway. Has anyone inspected the room behind it since the attack?"
Slightly taken aback, Dumbledore replies, "No, it hasn't been searched, at least not to my knowledge."
Nodding his head, Sirius replies, "Understood. Thank you. I'm done here. Not certain if you are, Director Black."
Furrowing her brows, Amelia replies, "I am done, for now. Thank you, Headmaster. We will see ourselves out, if you don't have any complaints."
"None at all" replies Dumbledore, wandering down the hallway in a seemingly undetermined direction.
Later that evening, at the Marauder's Hideaway, the newly christened name for the manor that Sirius, Remus, Amelia, Susan, and Harry live in, the trio of adults sit at a table in the study, discussing what they had discovered at Hogwarts.
"Let's begin with that there is a 'Chamber of Secrets' that has been 'opened' for a second time and at the scene that there was a petrified cat. Harry hears a voice, a murderous one at that, regarding something or someone killing or attempting to kill someone. We know that the first time that this 'Chamber of Secrets' was opened, that a girl died, but as of this point we need a name to associate with the girl and a cause of death if we can. Dumbledore states that he doesn't believe a student could cause the petrification found on Mrs. Norris. What else is there?" begins Amelia.
"There was a door leading to a room in which Dumbledore stated hadn't been checked for clues" adds Sirius.
"Dumbledore doesn't believe that a dark artefact could have been brought in past the wards and cause the petrification. I believe a verification of what wards or other safeguards to restrict dark artefacts gaining entrance into Hogwarts should be checked in" remarks Remus, writing down a few lines of notes on a piece of paper.
After more discussion and reviewing the sheet of paper now covered in comments, Amelia sighs before stating, "As much as I hate to say it, I believe we need Susan and Harry to assist us in this. I can't be barging into Hogwarts every few days looking for answers. Here is what I think. Harry and Susan ask the ghosts what they know about the Chamber of Secrets, the death of the student which was never revealed in the records, and anything else they think of. What do you two think?"
After many long seconds, Sirius replies, "I think it is better than us trying to enter without being seen. Unless we have another plan, then I believe it will be our only option right now."
Scribbling on the paper, Amelia declares, "Then that leaves the research into what can cause petrification. I can't just walk into Borgin and Burkes and make broad inquiries into what they have in stock or have sold that can cause petrification. Just the sight of me would send them scurrying—"
"How about I get some Polyjuice Potion and go under cover?" interrupts Sirius.
A single eyebrow rises and Amelia replies, "Alright, then who would you be disguised as?"
Opening and closing his mouth multiple times, Sirius finally responds, "Maybe it isn't such a great idea. Another faucet of research is looking through the books that my parents have left me. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of books, if not thousands, and it will take some time to discover anything useful, if there is anything, from them."
Sighing, Amelia replies, "I believe you are correct. And if either you or Remus enters Borgin and Burkes, that their response will be similar to seeing me. We're just too well known."
"And remember that Harry said that he heard a voice, yet no one else heard anything?" comments Sirius.
"What are you getting at, as I'm confused" states Amelia.
"Did anyone else hear a voice, or was it just Harry? Was he the only one who paid enough attention to the voice, and everyone else just didn't pay enough attention?" remarks Sirius.
Contemplating Sirius's words, Amelia finally responds, "You have a point, but no one else has mentioned anything. Let's write that down, but hold off on acting on it until we have someone else reporting a murderous voice, or if Harry hears it again. Jumping every time someone hears a voice would be…unfortunately damaging to one's reputation. Does that sound better?"
Exhaling loudly, Sirius replies, "I guess, for now. Let's just hope nothing more happens."
Looking over at Remus, Amelia asks, "Remus, you've been awfully quiet for a bit. Something on your mind?"
Looking up from the papers scattered around him, Remus replies, "I have an idea, but I'm not certain that it will work."
"What is your idea, friend of mine?" inquiries Sirius.
Sitting up straight, Remus states, "I propose we get some small cameras ready, and have Harry, Susan, and the Weasley twins place them around Hogwarts in the hallways, so we can get some video footage of any more attacks, and if so, possibly who or what is perpetrating them."
"Wouldn't they be seen and destroyed?" asks Amelia quizzically.
Giving a half grin, Remus replies, "Not if they looks like pieces of stonework and placed high up out of sight."
Frowning, Sirius says, "Wouldn't the distance reduce the clarity of the footage?"
Nodding his head, Remus responds, "Unfortunately, yes. That's when I got to the idea of the stonework physically hiding the device. But anyone who pays attention, may see an out of place piece of stonework and decide to investigate."
"Why don't we make twenty or twenty five of these units, and see what Susan and Harry think about of how to hide the cameras in a better fashion" suggests Sirius.
"It's possible that they have some creative ways of disguising the cameras" states Amelia.
"Let's get to working on them then, announces Sirius, leading the way to the workshop.
/*at Hogwarts, after dinner/supper, but just a bit before curfew*/
Puzzled, Ginny searches through her bag and then her trunk, carefully putting things back where they belong. Exiting the dormitory, Ginny makes her way to the common room where Hermione sits quietly on a couch facing the fire, reading a book.
"Hermione, you haven't seen my diary, have you?" asks Ginny.
Placing a bookmarker into the book, Hermione looks up at Ginny and replies, "No, I haven't. What does it look like?"
"Plain, black book, and thin. I've only opened it before being torn away from it."
Shaking her head slowly, Hermione replies, "I haven't seen anything like that, although I'll keep an eye out for it."
Smiling wanly, Ginny states, "Thanks, Hermione."
"Any time. Is it possible you left it in a classroom?" inquiries Hermione.
Ginny shakes her head before replying, "No, I leave it in my trunk or beside my bed."
"Understandable. How do you feel about Lockhart and his class?" asks Hermione.
"He just seems to read from his books and not really teach any spells."
"I thought he'd show us something amazing, but just reading from his books? I can read just fine. Neville and Harry have done pretty amazing things. Both took on Professor Quirrell who had Voldemort living in his body, and won. Both took on an adult mountain troll to protect me, and stopped the troll from attacking me. And that was at age 11" replies Hermione.
/*a few days later on Friday*/
"The big match is tomorrow, Harry. I'm willing and able to provide tips—" begins Lockhart as Harry begins to exit the classroom.
Pausing, Harry replies, "Thanks, but no thanks professor. I believe I've got it."
The next morning, the select Gryffindors continue their morning routine before finally arriving in the barely occupied Great Hall. Eating slowly but surely, Harry just about cleans his plate before the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team begins to enter the Great Hall.
Owls begin to swoop into the Great Hall, delivering their goods to their respective owners. Two owls arrive, one between Harry and Neville, and one for Fred and George.
"What's this?" asks Fred inspecting the box and its contents.
Reading through the attached scroll of parchment, Harry leans towards George, Fred, and Neville, and whispers, "Seems to be some cameras. According Remus, they are to be placed around Hogwarts, to possibly catch who or what caused Mrs. Norris, assuming they strike again."
With a look of confusion adorning the faces of Fred, George, and Neville, Harry continues, "Amelia would like us to also question the ghosts regarding the last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened. I'm not joking about this. It's all in the letter."
"I don't believe that" states George, grabbing the letter, scanning the letter over.
Grinning, Neville comments, "I think I'll give a camera a try and try to record the Quidditch match."
Chuckling, Fred remarks, "Malfoy's first game, and loss. Great idea, Neville."
Making their way down to the pitch, Harry looks up into the sky and notices the ever darkening clouds, before swapping his glasses with his Quidditch goggles. Arriving at the team lockers, Neville and the others say, "Good luck, Harry."
"Team, I know that the Slytherins have better brooms than us, but as we've already proven to them, we have better players. They might have practiced since we faced them, but so have we! Now let's win!" shouts an enthusiastic Wood.
Trooping out onto the field, the sound of cheers overpower the still audible booing sound coming from the Slytherins. Within a few minutes, the Slytherin team marches out onto the field. Exchanging good will handshakes, although the handshakes were closer to attempting to crush the other's hand first, Madam Hooch blows her whistle, starting the game.
In the stands, Neville directs handheld sized camera towards the field, showing the fourteen players rising into the air. Within a minute of starting the game, a bludger zooms out of nowhere, aiming straight for Harry. Hearing the bludger getting closer, Harry quickly dodges, but loses sight of the snitch.
With an explosive crack of thunder, rain begins to pour down, soaking everyone to the bone within a few minutes.
"Having trouble, Potter?" taunts Draco, pulling ahead of Harry.
Roaring out in frustration, Harry hits an oncoming bludger with his arm, protected by the Quidditch gear, causing the bludger to momentarily disappear.
"And Slytherin has scored again, seventy to ten" announces Jordan dejectedly.
Pulling alongside Harry, George shouts, "Having bludger issues, Harry?"
Ducking a bludger, Harry shouts back, "Just a bit. One keeps following me."
Whacking the bludger as it hurtles straight for Harry, George indicates to Wood for a timeout. Landing half a minute later, Wood demands angrily, "George, why are you following Harry around? Why aren't you protecting our chasers? They're getting hammered by a bludger!"
"Harry's attracted a bludger that keeps after him. You've got Fred to keep a lone bludger off of the rest of our team" replies George defensively.
Seeing Madam Hooch approaching, Harry adds quickly, "George, just follow what Oliver says. I'll be fine."
Facing Madam Hooch, Wood says, "We're ready to play."
Jumping back into the air, Harry renews his search for the snitch with vigor.
"Having issues, Potter?" taunts Draco.
Looking at Draco, Harry spots a flash of gold just beyond Draco, before zooming towards him, causing a screech to be issued from Draco. Seeing a flash of gold as well, Draco pushes his broom towards the snitch, eager to show his wealth off. Rising off of his broom a bit, Harry grabs at the snitch as it darts around, finally catching it in his right hand. Raising his fist into the air, Harry hears the sound of a bludger, but is too late to get moving, before getting slammed into the side by the bludger. Holding onto his broom by just a hand, Harry struggles to get back on his broom before the bludger had finally changed direction. Swinging out of the way of the bludger, Harry doesn't escape getting hit in the right elbow, causing him to lose his grip and tumble towards the ground. Falling from a height greater than a hundred feet in the air.
The crowd goes quiet as Fred and George, amongst others, attempt to catch up with Harry before he hits the ground. Reaching out, George's hand just graces Harry's before Harry hits the ground, left elbow first.
Coming to, Harry looks into the face of Lockhart, startled by the fireworks going off in the background in the colors of Gryffindor.
"Harry my dear, it shall be quite alright. I'll just fix your bo—" begins Lockhart.
"NO!" shouts Harry, trying to roll out of the way.
In a flash of light, Harry rolls over once before exclaiming, "My bones! They're gone!"
"Professor, shouldn't you have taken Harry to the Hospital Wing?" exclaims Hermione, arriving on the scene behind Neville, cupping his hands around the camera, and moving it around.
"No need, professor" states Neville, quickly depositing the camera in a pocket, and helping Harry to his feet, before heading towards the castle. Fred and George soon join Neville in assisting Harry after wrestling the belligerent bludger into the box.
"Harry, I got the game and even part of Lockhart removing the bones on camera as a test. I'm hoping Sirius, Remus, and Amelia have some time to watch it. I think I might start recording Lockhart's classes. He is a very inept professor" states Neville.
"No bones in either of your arms because of Professor Lockhart removed them?" repeats Madam Pomfrey.
Nodding his head, Harry replies, "Yes ma'am. I did tell him not to do it, but he did it anyways."
Sighing, Madam Pomfrey walks into her office before returning with a green bottle with a skull on top, "Mr. Potter, you're going to be in for a long night. Sixty plus bones, just because of Quidditch…"
"Madam Pomfrey, I believe my injuries would be minimal with my Quidditch gear, but it was Professor Lockhart removing my bones that has caused the most issue."
"Mr. Potter, no matter the reason, you must stay overnight to regrow your bones" before tossing a pair of pajamas at Harry.
Helping him into the pajama top, Neville removes the privacy curtain surrounding Harry's bed to reveal the very muddy Quidditch team, grinning ear to ear. Twenty something long minutes later, Madam Pomfrey strides out of her office, "OUT! You've had plenty of time to visit Mr. Potter, and he has over sixty bones to regrow tonight!"
Multiple hours later in the darkness of night, Harry awakens, both arms leaden with nerves on fire from the obvious regrowing of bones. But what was apparent in the darkness was a pair of tennis ball green eyeballs just inches from him.
"Aren't you called Dobby?" whispers Harry.
"Harry Potter remembers Dobby's name. Dobby is honored, but sad as Harry Potter ignored Dobby's warning about not coming back to Hogwarts. Why didn't Harry Potter just go home when he missed the train?"
"Of course I remember you, Dobby, but your warning was vague. And how did you…you're the one who closed the platform entrance when Susan and I tried to make it through, wasn't it" states Harry, squinting at Dobby.
"Dobby did close the platform, but to protect Harry Potter, but Dobby failed." replies Dobby sadly.
Pausing to put his glasses on, Harry remarks, "And let me guess, you did something to that bludger that kept following me around."
Dobby nods his head vigorously before speaking, "But now Harry Potter needs to leave Hogwarts. Dangerous if he stays."
Chuckling softly, Harry replies, "Dobby, I'm not leaving."
With a low moan, Dobby states, "But Harry Potter is in trouble if he doesn't leave. Terrible things will happen, with the Chamber of Secrets opened again", before beating his head against a nearby end table.
"Dobby! Please stop that. Now, please tell me what you know about the Chamber of Secrets."
Shaking his head, Dobby freezes and looks at the Hospital Wing's doors before popping out of the room. The door to the Hospital Wing opens slowly, welcoming Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall carrying what could be a statue.
"Minerva, please get Madam Pomfrey" instructs Dumbledore.
Appearing just seconds later, Madam Pomfrey strides over to the bed with the statue like figure before gasping and asking, "What has happened to him, Headmaster?"
"I'm afraid Mr. Creevey has been petrified" replies Dumbledore, staring at Colin, before gently removing the camera from Colin's hands.
Opening the back of the camera, a jet of steam and the acrid smell of burning plastic begins to dissipate into the air.
"Albus, what does all of this mean? Argus's cat and now a student are left petrified" asks Professor McGonagall with a clear tone of worry in her voice.
Putting the camera down beside Colin, Dumbledore replies, "This means the Chamber of Secrets has been opened once more."
"Shouldn't we alert the ministry about this?" inquiries Professor McGonagall.
Stroking his beard, Dumbledore responds, "In the morning, I shall send an owl."
Staying still, Harry waits until everyone exits before clumsily tapping on his watch, eventually placing a call to Sirius.
When Sirius's face finally emerges on the screen, he asks confused, "Harry, what's wrong? And why can't I see you?"
"Sirius, get Amelia please, there's been another petrification. And I'm in the Hospital Wing because of a Quidditch accident."
Sirius's tone of voice changes, "Harry stay there and don't leave the Hospital Wing", before winking out of existence.
"Headmaster, I hear that an attack on a student has occurred" states Amelia staring Dumbledore down.
Reclining in his chair, Dumbledore replies, "That is correct, Director Black. A first year Gryffindor student has been petrified, unfortunately."
"Does the student have a name, Headmaster?" asks Amelia coldly.
"Colin Creevey. A muggle born student."
"I wish to be able to ask some of his professors and classmates about him, if you don't mind."
Pausing to formulate his response, Dumbledore finally replies, "If you think it will help you discover the reason why he was attacked, yes."
"Thank you. I do have another request for you to hear. With two attacks so far, I wish to be allowed to place some cameras in some of the hallways and even at the Quidditch pitch, in order to possibly catch whatever or whoever is causing the petrifications."
"Director Black, as nice as it would be, I don't advise it. Considering that Mister Creevey was petrified looking through his camera with the camera's film destroyed and there were no other detected ways of being petrified, I firmly believe that sight is the way the petrification is transmitted" states Dumbledore.
"If that is true, the worst that will happen is the camera(s) recording alongside the server delivering the video to whatever screen we are watching on, also rendering us petrified. Nothing more than what is already occurring" interjects Remus.
Exhaling loudly, Dumbledore replies, "No. I refuse to allow you to do so."
"How about a compromise? We are allowed to place cameras around the Quidditch pitch, to see if—" before the office door bangs open, filled with a hairy figure.
"Dumbledore, sir, problem sir. Roosters are dyin'. Can' figure out why" states Hagrid.
"We are allowed to set up some cameras outside of the castle and possibly record whatever is killing your roosters" proposes Sirius.
"I will think about it, Mister Black. Thank you for—" begins Dumbledore.
"The final matter is, at least for me Headmaster, why Professor Lockhart performed a spell in an attempt to help with Harry's broken elbows, resulting in him having to regrow sixty plus bones overnight. I wish to file a complaint over Professor Lockhart casting a spell to relieve Harry of broken elbows, when Harry wasn't in immediate need of a spell to be cast on him. Harry would have been fine being taken directly to the Hospital Wing" states Sirius coldly.
"I understand your complaint and shall communicate to Gilderoy about his involvement. If there isn't anything more, I bid you a good night" ends Dumbledore.
Padding into the Hospital Wing, Sirius places his front paws on Harry's bed and drops an icosahedron die on a gray metal chain by Harry's hand. Patting Sirius's head, Harry places the gift on his bedside table before falling back asleep.
Author note: Thank you to all who have been reading, reviewing, etc. I know it takes time out of your day that you could have been doing something else, so I appreciate it. In regards to me stating if a piece of paper and/or a piece of parchment was used, there is the difference and when I say 'paper', I mean a single sheet of paper, like you might use every day, with lines. The parchment is obviously the wizarding version, with the scroll. Just wanted to clarify if anyone was getting confused by that.
-Teachergirl – Looking over the chapter, it is a lot like the book [and I should have made it a bit more different], and appreciate you taking time out of your day to review. Just to let you and everyone else know, I am following a similar set of events to canon, although there are and will be differences in mine. Hopefully you don't mind. Thank you. :)
-Katiek121 – Thank you. Creating the training area and the likes is what I prefer to work on, but of course that means nothing without the rest of the story. I don't think Pandora's name mentioned in the books, at least my copy, but I could be wrong. I'm glad I could provide you with some new information. :D
-Kairan1979 – Perhaps they heard the hissing, perhaps they didn't. :p
-JHarry1960 – I agree, a meeting of the minds to logically process the details should have happened, and that's what I've tried to bring into this fanfic.
-Danneyland – Yes, I've tried to make Ginny more confident overall, and hopefully no one jumps on me for it. The property layout, warding scheme, the wireless connectivity, etc, are available as sketches of mine [to first determine if it would work and then used to more accurately describe their relationship with other devices]. If anyone wishes to view some of these documents, feel free to message me about it, and I'll get something worked out so everyone can see them. I've based a lot on how these devices work from my Network Protocols class, alongside a mix of others.