Chapter Five: Dumbledore's Hesitation

Argus Filch, the school's caretaker, suddenly appeared, huffing and puffing.

"What's going on here?" he asked in his wheezy, grinding, and nasal voice. Upon spotting Mrs. Norris, Filch fell away in horrified grief, clutching his flushed face. "Mrs. Norris?" He whipped on Harry.

"You! You murdered my cat! I'll kill you-"Gohan, sensing Filch's spiking aura, came out of his rage from the beast and stepped between Harry and Filch. Filch, beside himself with rage and grief, didn't seem to notice. He glared over Gohan's head.

"I'LL KILL YOU-"

"Argus?" Dumbledore and some teachers had arrived. Almost immediately, Dumbledore removed the cat from the bracket and examined her quietly.

"Come with me, Argus," he said finally. He looked at Harry and Gohan. "You four will need to come as well."

Lockhart stepped forward, hardly containing his eagerness. Someone in the crowd, probably Dean, snorted as Lockhart spoke. "Headmaster, my office is closest. Just upstairs-"

"Thank you, Gilderoy," Dumbledore said, motioning for him to lead the way. The crowd parted to permit the passage; Gohan fell in beside Professor Snape, who immediately began scrutinizing him. Behind Snape, Hermione walked beside Harry, Professor McGonagall and Filch behind them.

If the situation wasn't so serious, Gohan would have laughed at Lockhart's office. The entire room had been decorated in Lockhart's self portraits and pictures. Gohan looked at Snape, who was sneering at the interior design. Gohan surrendered a small chuckle. Snape snapped his head toward the boy. After examining Gohan's eyes and understanding Gohan's intent, Snape almost smiled. He looked away from the good-natured child, but Gohan had already seen it. Looking away from Snape, he suppressed more giggles as a dozen Lockharts in hair rollers jumped out of sight.

Professor Dumbledore was sitting at the desk, closely examining the stiff cat he had placed on the desk's surface. Professor McGonagall was standing on the other side of the desk, also studying the cat. Professor Snape continued to stand next to Gohan, his facial muscles working. Clearly, he was trying not to smile. Lockhart chattered incessantly.

"…it was definitely a curse that killed her…Transmogrifian Curse…many times…so unfortunate I wasn't there…know exactly…counter curse…spared her…" But nobody was completely listening. Lockhart's comments were mostly drowned out by Filch's loud sobs. Gohan glared at Lockhart, completely ignorant that Snape was watching him with interest. How tactless! Suddenly, Snape covered his face and coughed. Gohan glanced concernedly at the professor, naively unaware that Snape was concealing his laughing with a coughing fit.

"Are you okay?" Gohan asked. Snape cleared his throat. Dumbledore was now tapping and muttering words at the cat as Lockhart continued to speak, completely immune to the growing irritation of the occupants.

Dumbledore stood, motioning for Gohan. Gohan stepped forward, somewhat puzzled. Dumbledore nodded as Gohan picked up the cat to examine it. As Dumbledore explained the cat's condition, Gohan stiffened. When he touched the cat, the strange energy became more pronounced. Gohan focused his Ki sense on the animal. Gohan suddenly realized why the energy encasing the animal's Ki felt so different…it wasn't even Ki energy. That probably explains why the energy didn't harm the cat in any other way…it was mental energy, not spirit energy.

Gohan nodded at Dumbledore knowingly. Acknowledging Gohan's affirmation, Dumbledore looked at Filch. "No second year could have done this," he said assertively. "Only the most advanced Dark Magic-"

But Filch resolutely stood, pointing at Harry. "He did it! You saw what he wrote on the wall…and he saw…he knows…I'm a squib!" He finally spluttered.

"I never touched Mrs. Norris," Harry said loudly, shifting uncomfortably. "What's a squib?" He added in agitation.

"Huh! I don't believe it! He saw my Kwikspell letter!"

Removing his eyes from Gohan, Snape spoke. "If I might speak, Headmaster. Perhaps Potter and his friends were at the wrong place at the wrong time? However…the circumstances are certainly suspicious. I don't seem to remember seeing them at dinner, excepting Son, of course."

"We were at the deathday party-"Harry began.

"But didn't come to the feast afterwards?"

"Well, we…we were tired…" Harry stammered. Gohan looked at Harry. Why wasn't he telling the truth?

"Without dinner? I wasn't aware that the ghosts provided food fit for living consumption."

"Weren't hungry," Ron added loudly as his stomach rumbled loudly. Snape smiled widely.

"I don't believe that Potter is being entirely truthful. Perhaps we should withhold certain privileges until he decides to come clean…Quidditch, for example?"

Professor McGonagall stiffened. "Honestly, Severus! The cat wasn't hit over the head with a broomstick! In fact, there's no evidence to indicate the boy's involvement at all!"

Dumbledore looked at Harry. Once more, Gohan had a strange remembrance of Piccolo as Dumbledore's piercing gaze bore down upon Harry. Looking away, Dumbledore said simply, "Innocent until proven guilty, Severus."

Snape and Filch looked mutinous. Filch shrieked so loud that Gohan covered his hyper sensory ears, failing to hear what was said.

"We will be able to cure her, Argus. As I recall, Professor Sprout has some fresh Mandrakes. As soon as they mature, we will be able to make a potion."

"I'll do it," said Lockhart excitedly, "I've done it hundreds of times. I-"

"I believe I am the Potions Master at this school?" Snape sneered. A short silence followed.

Dumbledore addressed the students. "Son, stay. The rest of you may go." Giving Gohan a fleeting look, the three left in silence. He also dismissed all of the teachers, except Snape.

"Come," he said to Snape and Gohan with a glance toward the portraits. "We should go elsewhere for our next conversation." Dumbledore led them to his office.

"Wait outside, Severus. Tell me what happened, Gohan." Gohan explained everything that happened, including Harry being able to hear the monster talking. When Dumbledore didn't seem as surprised, Gohan stopped.

"Why didn't you try to stop them, Gohan?"

Gohan shifted nervously. "I didn't think they would listen. The only way I could stop them is by force. I didn't think that would be a wise move."

Dumbledore nodded.

"So I went with them, hoping that I could offer them some protection. I even told them not to look it in the eyes."

Dumbledore shook his head. "I know that was the only recourse you had, Gohan, but that detail complicates things."

"Huh?"

"I told you earlier that you may have to tell them your origins, but them knowing that you have knowledge of the creature is more dangerous than you know. You see, we cannot deal with the beast until the culprit behind the attacks comes out of hiding."

Gohan was shocked. "What? Why? If we don't do something, that thing's going to attack more people!"

Dumbledore nodded. "I agree, but believe it or not, Gohan, there are things much worse than a giant serpent with a death stare. We must catch the one behind the attacks, or we will experience an even greater horror."

Gohan stared. "You know who it is, don't you?"

Dumbledore sighed. "I believe I do."

Gohan stood suddenly. "Well? Who is it? Tell me who it is, and I'll take care of it!"

Dumbledore chuckled. "I admire your enthusiasm, Mr. Son, but I'm afraid I can't do that just yet."

Gohan started. "Why not?" He demanded.

"Ah, I am afraid that he is using a student to carry out his plans, the girl of which you spoke earlier. We cannot move until he moves into the open. If we try to do so beforehand, he may harm her."

Gohan frowned. "So, you think that the girl is innocent?"

"I am not sure, Gohan, but in case she is, we cannot move until the culprit reveals himself."

Gohan sighed. Not taking action against a foe irritated him; he was grossly reminded of Cell. "What do you want me to do," he said flatly.

"Actually, Gohan, there are several things I don't want you to do. First, I don't want you to tell anyone else of your knowledge of the monster…no mentioning of giant snakes, no talking of eye lasers, no talking about talking to snakes, until it becomes absolutely necessary. In all cases, no one outside of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Understand?"

"Mmmm."

"Also, I want you to avoid Draco Malfoy as much as possible. He has discovered the connection between you and your father. I don't believe he knows of your Saiyan origin, yet."

"Right," Gohan sighed.

"And absolutely… no going after the monster until the one responsible unveils himself. No attacking the beast, and if you have to defend, no killing it."

"Do I need to take notes?" Gohan asked resignedly.

Dumbledore chuckled. "If you feel the need to. Now, to the things I want you to do. I want you to discover the identity of the girl. When you do, come to me immediately. Let nothing stop you." Reaching into his pocket, Dumbledore pulled out a shiny silver box that somewhat resembled the portable fire Gohan had seen Dr. Briefs use to light his cigarettes. "Take this. Carry it with you at all times. When you discover the identity of the girl, open the lid and think of me. I have given this object the similar functions of a port key and apparation; it's a hybrid of transport I personally designed. The apparation ability will allow you to come straight to me; the port key function will permit you to travel within the Hogwarts grounds. Understand?"

"I think so."

"Excellent. If you discover any other information, I want you to come to my office and leave me a note. I have programmed the gargoyles with a special password just for you: it's Vegeta. Before I dismiss you, is there anything else you need to tell me?"

"Oh, yeah, I almost forgot…Mrs. Norris! The energy that is repressing Mrs. Norris's Ki is the same from that snake's eyes…and it is mind based…as opposed to spirit based energy."

Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you, Gohan."

"I also wanted to ask a question. What is the Chamber of Secrets?"

Dumbledore sighed. "I'll give you a quick summary. When the four greatest witches and wizards of the age decided to start a school, one of the wizards disagreed with the others over the selection of students. Salazar Slytherin only wanted purebloods to attend. Unable to convince the others, it is said that he left the school, but not before creating a secret chamber. According to legend, the chamber held a fearsome creature that would one day purge the school of those Slytherin deemed unworthy to study magic. Does that satisfy you?"

Gohan nodded.

"Very well. Off you go. Send Severus in."

Gohan stepped off the rotating staircase. "Headmaster wants you, sir," he said to Snape. Snape stood, scowling.

Gohan winced. "You know you should smile more. It makes you look nicer."

Snape started, shaking his head in disbelief that Son would address him so earnestly and directly. "Bed, Son," he barked. Gohan nodded and left. Wow, He's like a cross between Vegeta and Mr. Piccolo, Gohan thought.

Over the next several weeks, several notable changes took place. Mr. Filch made himself a permanent post where the cat had been found. The libraries became crowded as people wanted to learn more about the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione spent more time in the library reading; Gohan spent more time reading but less time in the library, ironically. Gohan spent most of his time reading in the halls while examining the students.

Wanting to feel useful, Gohan watched all the students in the hallways as they made their way to class. It was on one of these scans that he bowled over a first year Gryffindor girl.

"Gosh, I'm sorry," he said as he knelt down to pick up her books. One of the books had a strange, familiar energy. The red-haired girl nodded. She looked pale. Blushing, she took the books from Gohan.

"It's terrible what happened to Filch's cat, isn't it?" She said miserably. Gohan looked at her in concern; her energy felt rather strained. He placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry. I'm sure the teachers will find out who's responsible," and if they don't, I will, he added to himself. The book's energy gave a whine. The girl jumped.

"I've gotta' go," she said distractedly, rushing from the scene.

"Oi," a voice called. Gohan turned to see George and Fred Weasley. "Hey, Son, not trying to score a date with our sister?"

"Huh?"

Fred's grin disappeared. "I doubt even Harry could get her attention now. I don't get it. Why is Ginny so depressed? I didn't think she had it that bad for Potter."

Gohan frowned after her. What's with that book? He turned just to see Justin Finch-Fletchley shoot Harry a fearful look before scurrying away.

Hermione appeared. "All of the copies of Hogwarts, a History have been checked out."

"You can borrow mine," Gohan said absently. Ron raised his eyebrows.

"What do you want with it?" Harry asked.

"Same as everybody else, to read up on the Chamber of Secrets."

Gohan blanched at the mention of the Chamber. "It's in my bookcase; take it anytime you want," he said in a flat monotone. Harry and Hermione looked at each other.

"Hey, Gohan? What did Professor Dumbledore want with you?" Hermione asked.

Gohan jumped. He looked around frantically. "Oh look, there's Creevey. Hey, Colin!" Gohan hailed him as he jogged through the crowd.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. Harry cleared his throat. "Is it just me, Hermione, or did Gohan just avoid your question?"

Hermione snorted. "He wasn't even subtle about it."

Ron nodded. "And Finch-Fletchley thinks you're the one who opened the Chamber? That guy's way more suspicious than you-"

Harry laughed. "Who, Gohan? He may be a bit weird, but I doubt he's the one we need to be watching."

Hermione stiffened. "I don't know, Harry. He seems a bit unstable to me. I think we should at least rule him out."

Harry laughed derisively. "Fine, but the prime suspect is still Malfoy."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Come on, Harry. Don't you find it a little suspicious that Gohan seems to know stuff about the…whatever is happening?"

Harry stared. "What do you mean?"

Hermione scoffed impatiently, "Gohan tells us to not to look "it" in the eyes before turning the corner and finding Mrs. Norris with her eyes wide open, staring at something in fear?"

Ron shook his head in frustrated awe. "Do you remember everything?"

Hermione glared at him. "Anyways, he also knew something the first night Harry heard that voice in the wall. You should have seen his face, Ron. He was terrified. I'm telling you, even if Gohan isn't involved in this, he knows something about it."

Harry nodded. "Maybe you're right."

Hermione laughed. "Of course I am!" She turned and walked away.

"Oi, where you going?"

"To borrow Gohan's book."

"You're still going to borrow his book after telling us off about him?"

"Yep. Hey, he offered. If I find something incriminating about him, it's his fault, isn't it?"

Ron shook his head in disbelief. "Completely mental."