The Potter Timeline
Chapter 30 - Investigations and Explanations
A somber mood was in the air as Hogwarts students made their way back to their dorms. Some were curious and whispered to one another how Filch might have died and what the supposed "Chamber of Secrets" was all about. Others were frightened and apprehensive, remaining silent as the prefects of each House lead their charges away from the Great Hall and the once cheery festivities.
In contrast to the troll incident of the previous year, Professor Dumbledore cancelled the remainder of the great Hogwarts Halloween feast due to the grave circumstances. The spirit of celebration had vanished anyway. While Filch was disliked among the students, and even some of the staff, no one wished for the man's death and many felt sorry for him, though a few souls who underwent the old caretaker's sometimes torturous detentions felt a sense of vengeance. But those who did kept it to themselves.
As the Gryffindors followed Percy back to their tower, Harry looked at Hermione next to him. She gave him a sad frown and he returned the look. This turn of events soured things significantly, but it also raised some questions and even seemed to answer a few.
What was the "Chamber of Secrets" and who was the "Heir" referred to in the message?
Who drew the flaming words in the air and how did they do that?
And did Draco know something? His comment about "mudbloods" was suspicious and suggested he possibly did.
As for the voice Harry heard, it seemed a foregone conclusion that whoever or whatever made it was also the cause of what happened to Filch and his cat. The timing of both events was simply too coincidental. As Harry suspected, the terrible event Dobby spoke of wasn't merely a first-year girl setting fire to Hermione's bed. It apparently was the opening of this "chamber". And apparently, something was unleashed in the process - something that petrified Filch's cat and most likely killed Filch.
Harry was certain Hermione was pondering these things as well and wanted to talk with her. Maybe she had some further insight.
Once the Gryffindors entered the common room, most headed up to their dorm rooms for the night, Seamus, Neville, and Dean among them. Some, including a more subdued Fred and George, lingered around the fireplace to talk, read, or quietly play games - anything to distract their minds from the night's events. Although Hermione's dorm mates all went upstairs, the girl lingered momentarily, wondering what Harry wanted to do. Harry motioned to her and they moved to the chairs by the window. The pair then sat down to speak. Harry leaned in close.
"Have you read anything about the Chamber of Secrets?" he asked almost in a whisper.
She shook her head.
"No. I don't recall it being in Hogwarts, A History, though it's possible I overlooked it. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to replace my copy which was burned in the fire. But we can check out a copy from the library."
Harry nodded.
"Do you know how those flaming words were produced?" he asked.
"It's a conjuration using your wand. The incantation is 'Flagrate'. But they don't teach it until a later year."
"So, if it was a student that did that, they're likely more advanced than a first-year. We can probably rule out Ginny Weasley."
"Yes. Especially since she was with the other first-years at the Gryffindor table when we heard Filch scream. She couldn't have done it."
"But who did? And why was Mrs. Norris only petrified and not killed, like Filch?"
Before Hermione could answer, the door to the common room opened and Professor McGonagall entered. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing. The professor's face was grave, and her lips pursed with a deep frown.
"Well, students, I have some news. Professor Dumbledore called in Aurors from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to examine Mr. Filch's body and determine the cause of death. They are here now and should give us an idea of what transpired this evening. As such, the headmaster has called a mandatory meeting for all students and staff before breakfast tomorrow in the Great Hall. He will discuss the incident and what will happen next. Please let your fellow dorm mates, who are not here, know. Thank you."
The students present began whispering to one another. McGonagall, noticing Harry and Hermione in the corner, walked over to them.
"Harry, Hermione, Professor Dumbledore requests that you both come to his office after breakfast tomorrow. We wish to talk with you about this unfortunate tragedy and what you might know."
"Yes, ma'am," they answered simultaneously.
"Very well. I wish you good night, then."
"Good night, professor," they replied.
The woman smiled at them and departed the common room. The second-years stared at one another.
"Do you think they'll close the school?" Harry asked with a worried look. Hermione frowned.
"It's possible. But it depends on what the Aurors conclude and how much of a threat they perceive us to be under."
Harry nodded and sat back in his chair, gazing out the window at a clear but moonless night.
"I certainly hope not," he stated sourly.
"Me too," she replied. The twelve-year-old sighed.
"Just when things were going so well."
"I know," Hermione echoed his sentiment, sitting back in her chair while gazing out into the night sky.
~HP~
The following morning, the Great Hall was abuzz with conversation. Every student was present, the staff sat at the High Table, and all awaited the headmaster's appearance. Rumors were flying among the student population that the Ministry of Magic was shutting down Hogwarts indefinitely. Other rumors suggested the culprit of the previous night's attack had been caught and was already in Azkaban. Yet others believed that it was merely a prank gone terribly wrong and everything would be cleared up by that morning. Whatever the case, apprehension filled the air.
When Harry looked at the High Table, he glanced over the faculty to glean what he could from their demeanor. Madam Pince was very shaken as she wiped tears from her eyes and blew her nose with a handkerchief. Harry heard she and Mr. Filch were romantically linked, though he had a hard time imagining such a thing between two of the grouchiest, most disagreeable staff members he'd known at the school. Professor Sprout sat next to Pince with an arm around the woman for consolation. Lockhart was carrying on a one-sided conversation with Snape again, his cheery demeanor suggesting he wasn't bothered in the slightest by what happened. But Snape was supremely bothered, not by Filch's death, but by the talkative, shiny-toothed professor beside him. Hagrid and Flitwick were engrossed in serious conversation and both seemed on edge. In fact, Harry could tell Hagrid was nervous for some reason. But whatever their disposition, Hogwarts' faculty seemed as eager to hear what Dumbledore was going to announce as the pupils.
The doors to the Great Hall finally opened and in walked Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall accompanied by two formidable-looking warlocks on either side. And the four were trailed by someone neither Harry nor Hermione had seen before. The short man with graying hair, a ruddy complexion and rounded nose, wore a pin-striped, forest green suit with a matching bowler hat. The smile on his face as he gazed at the pupils on either side of the hall suggested the man might as soon stab you in the back as pat you on it. Harry instantly felt distrust just looking at him. He leaned toward Hermione.
"I wonder who that is," he whispered.
"Probably the Minister of Magic," she answered just as quietly.
That explained the feeling Harry got from the man - and his overdone looks.
The five reached the High Table with all eyes on them. Professor Dumbledore moved to his position at center, McGonagall sat in her chair, while the Minister and two warlocks stood off to one side. The headmaster gazed across the hall. There was no need for clinging of a glass or a call for silence - deathly silence already awaited him.
"My dear Hogwarts students and staff. Good morning," the man uttered solemnly. No one replied, their eyes fixed upon him. He continued.
"As you have been informed by your Heads of House, I have called you here to discuss last night's disturbing event, what has been learned of it thus far, and how we shall proceed going forward. I'm sure you're all eager to hear the report of our Ministry Aurors who have examined both Mr. Filch's body as well as that of his cat, Mrs. Norris. As witness to this examination, our very own Minister of Magic, Mr. Cornelius Fudge, wished to be here this morning as well."
Dumbledore motioned to the man. Fudge gave the Hall a vague smile coupled with a brief wave of his hand. The headmaster went on.
"Now, as for our late caretaker, the Aurors performed both a physical and magical autopsy of the man and found..."
Nearly every person inside the hall sat up straight.
"...no marks, bruises, burns, or cuts on his body. In fact, there is no evidence whatsoever Argus was physically attacked. Further, the Aurors discovered no trace of magic used against the man nor was any residue present in his body as might be the case with a spell such as the Killing Curse."
At these last words, the old wizard threw Harry a knowing look. Harry swallowed hard, remembering what the headmaster told him about his scar and Voldemort's residue inside him. Dumbledore continued.
"To conclude, the official examination has determined the cause of Argus Filch's death to be merely...cardiac arrest. I repeat. As far as the Ministry Aurors can tell, our poor caretaker died of a heart attack, and that's all."
The silence was broken as whispers flooded the hall among nearly everyone. Harry and Hermione exchanged puzzled glances. They then glanced back at the headmaster who raised his hand for silence. Everyone quieted.
"As for his cat, Mrs. Norris, this one is a bit of a puzzle. She is alive but is in a state of suspended animation. There are no known spells that could cause this and our Aurors have referred the case to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as it's possible an animal of some kind petrified her. Such cases are extremely rare in our world, however, and it may take time to determine exactly what produced this or how such an animal appeared within these walls.
On the bright side, our own Professor Sprout has informed me that within another few months, the Mandrake plants some of you have been studying will be ripe enough to produce a serum which we can then use to restore Mrs. Norris.
Now, regarding the circumstances, it is not certain yet what exactly occurred. But whether it was foul play or a mere prank, both the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and our Hogwarts staff will continue to investigate until we've determined the cause and prevented any repeat of it in the future. Rest assured, dear students, we will get to the bottom of this. While it was a staff member who suffered from this unfortunate incident, the safety and well-being of our students is Hogwarts' primary concern.
As for the current and future school terms..."
At these words, everyone was on pins and needles.
"...by recommendation of our Law Enforcement Aurors and the approval of Minister Fudge, Hogwarts will...continue with all regular classes and school activities for the foreseeable future..."
A bustle of excited conversation erupted from students all across the hall. Harry and Hermione threw one another huge grins as did their fellow Gryffindors. Everyone, staff included, seemed relieved. But the headmaster raised his hand once more and the noise of conversation died.
"...we will continue, that is, with a caveat."
Everyone perked up.
"In agreement with Minister Fudge, I have requested a small contingent of Ministry Aurors reside with us for the remainder of this term. They will be roaming the halls and grounds in continuation of their investigation, as well as searching for anything out of sorts. We have their assurance they will not interfere with any classes or activities unless an imminent danger presents itself. Therefore, I request that you all be on your best behavior and cooperate with these Aurors if they require something from you. In time, I'm sure we will be grateful these highly trained witches and wizards are among us. Lastly, if any of you has any questions or concerns, please address them to your Head of House."
Dumbledore turned to look at Minister Fudge and the warlocks. They nodded back at him, seeming pleased all bases were covered as far as what they discussed. The old wizard then threw a sweeping gaze at his staff before returning to the students.
"Now, since we were unable to finish our festivities last night, we've provided for you a hearty, Halloween-themed breakfast. Afterwards, I hope you all enjoy your free time on this fine Sunday. You're officially dismissed."
The man clapped twice and the ceiling was filled once more with jack o' lanterns and candles just as the tables were instantly covered in breakfast foods of all kinds. Harry gazed down at a plate of pumpkin-shaped flapjacks. He smiled at Hermione who had a ghost-shaped omelet appear on hers. She smiled back. A spirit of cheer took over as the students and staff tucked into their meal.
Conversation about the incident continued, however.
"Hermione, have you heard of the Chamber of Secrets before?" Dean asked the girl.
Harry and Hermione exchanged amused looks.
"No, I haven't Dean. Harry and I were talking about that. We hope to find information about it in the library."
"It's a bad business, this thing with Filch," Seamus said, "if you ask me, he didn't just die of a heart attack. Someone knocked him over."
Harry frowned.
"But you heard the headmaster, Seamus. They found no evidence of that. More than likely he saw something that scared him bad enough to have a heart attack," he said with a tinge of doubt at his own words, hoping against hope this was true and that the man wasn't actually killed.
"Yeah," Fred uttered, indicating the twins were listening in on the conversation, "he most likely croaked from seeing his beloved cat get petrified before his eyes."
"Or had a heart attack from all that horrific food he's been eating," George chimed in.
A few snickered at this, but most kept quiet. The previous evening's events still weighed heavy and even Fred and George's humor couldn't dispel it.
As Harry returned to his meal, he happened to look over at the Slytherin table and noticed a student he'd never seen before, sitting in between two sixth-year girls. He looked to be a teenager in fifth or sixth year himself. The young man's face was strikingly handsome. His dark hair was neatly combed and wavy on one side. Strangely, the hairdo the student wore seemed old-fashioned and stood out from those of the students around him. His robes, though clearly from Slytherin, seemed different from the others as well.
The young man was neither eating nor was he engaged in conversation with his fellow snakes. Rather, he sat perfectly still and held a fixed gaze at the High Table. Harry followed his gaze and saw that it landed on Professor Dumbledore and Minister Fudge who were engaged in conversation. Harry then returned his gaze to the Slytherin and was stunned to find him staring right back!
The young man's piercing dark eyes were fixed on the twelve-year-old and the expression he gave Harry was grim. A chill ran down Harry's spine.
"Hermione," he said quietly. She looked up.
"Over there, at the Slytherin table, in between those two girls. Have you ever seen that student before?"
But when they glanced in the direction Harry indicated, the young man wasn't there! Harry stared slack jawed at the empty space in between the sixth-years.
"What student?" Hermione asked curiously. But Harry didn't know how to respond. Was he seeing things?
"Um...never mind. I thought I saw someone, but I guess not," he said.
Hermione threw a puzzled look at him before resuming her meal. Harry looked back at the Slytherin table, gazing up and down its myriad of pupils. But nowhere did he see the young man. How strange.
~HP~
Harry and Hermione rode the stairwell to the headmaster's office sometime after breakfast. Both were apprehensive about this meeting and wondered who might be there besides the headmaster and his deputy. After reaching the landing, they walked to the old oak door and were surprised to find it slightly open. The second-years paused and listened upon hearing conversation inside.
"...no, Pomona, it was I who requested the Aurors reside with us at the castle," Dumbledore said, "and I did so for two specific reasons. As headmaster, it is my duty to protect the students and staff. With the Aurors present, I seek to avoid a repeat of what happened fifty years ago, the last time the Chamber was supposedly opened. If in fact, that is what has happened this time."
Harry and Hermione looked at one another in astonishment. The Chamber is real and was opened before? The headmaster continued.
"Not only will they be of service to help us find out what is going on, they may also serve as guardians for our wards and help give them reassurance. The other reason was to placate Cornelius. If I did not propose the presence of the Aurors, he might very well have closed Hogwarts' doors until further notice."
"That man has been itching to get his hands on this place for some time," Professor McGonagall added sharply, "he's convinced he can run it better than any of us."
"But we all know it isn't really Fudge who's trying to get control of the school," Professor Flitwick said, "he's just a puppet for more powerful interests."
"Filius is right, Albus," Professor Snape threw in, "there are those among Hogwarts' governors as well as Ministry officials who are eager to see you removed. A single misstep with this decision could land you in hot water with both."
"I am aware of that, Severus, and have been for some time," Dumbledore replied, "and while they are making their plans, I am making mine. I refuse to let this school fall into the hands of bumbling bureaucrats or wealthy persons wishing to steer Hogwarts to benefit their own interests. Therefore, we must gather as much information on this as possible and find some way to stop it. And I have invited two of our brightest second-years here to help do just that..."
Harry and Hermione exchanged nervous looks and Harry felt it was best not to eavesdrop any longer. He knocked on the door with the brass griffin.
"Come!" Dumbledore uttered from within.
The door swung open of its own accord. Harry and Hermione entered.
At first glance, they saw the man sitting at his enormous desk. Professors McGonagall and Flitwick stood to his left while Snape and Sprout stood to his right. As they guessed from the conversation they heard, Dumbledore had called the heads of each House for this meeting. While McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout gave the pair a warm smile, Snape stayed true to form giving them a frown.
"Ah! Harry, Hermione. Come in," the old wizard said pleasantly, "please, take a seat."
They sat in the chairs before the desk, which, as Harry remembered, sat low enough that it required them to look up at the headmaster.
"Now, then. I'm sure you both have questions about what occurred last night. But before we get to that, we'd like to ask you some of our own," the wizard said as he leaned forward on his desk, "is there anything you can tell us that has happened either before or after the incident that might be related to it?"
Harry and Hermione looked at one another. Harry then looked back at Dumbledore.
"Yes, sir, there is. About a month ago, Hermione and I were heading back to Gryffindor Tower when I...heard a voice."
"A voice," the man replied.
"Yes, sir. The voice was saying something like...'come to me, let me rip you, let me kill you'. Hermione couldn't hear it and I thought I might be imagining it, so I put it out of mind. But last night, just before we heard Filch scream, I heard it again. In fact, I heard it twice, one time of which the voice said 'there you are, I smell blood'. Then Filch screamed."
The professors looked at one another in astonishment. Dumbledore looked at Harry.
"So that's why you stood and ran into the corridor?" he asked.
"Yes, sir."
The headmaster nodded.
"I guessed something of the sort must have occurred," he finished.
"Do you have any idea what Harry could have heard, Albus?" the witch in emerald-green asked.
"I do not, Minerva. However, considering everything we've learned thus far concerning Tom Riddle, his diary, and his manipulation of Ginny Weasley, I'd hazard a guess that this voice is somehow connected with Tom, or should I say, Voldemort."
The headmaster looked at Harry once more.
"Is there anything else you'd like to mention? Anything you've seen or heard?"
Hermione took his hand and squeezed it with a sad look on her face. Knowing her thoughts, Harry frowned and then returned his attention to the wizard.
"I had a horrible nightmare the other night. I was in some manor house, in the hallway outside this room. There were people inside talking, but I couldn't understand what they were saying. And then, this huge snake appeared from out of the room, saw me, and attacked me. When I woke up, my scar was burning."
Snape and Dumbledore exchanged surprised glances.
"Nagini?" Snape asked the headmaster quietly.
But Dumbledore didn't respond. Harry was puzzled by this and wondered what the two knew. But now wasn't the time to ask. The headmaster gazed back at Harry.
"Very well. Thank you, Harry, for being so forthright with us. It helps gives us an idea of what we're up against."
Hermione was bursting at the seams.
"What is the Chamber of Secrets, sir?" she asked intently.
Dumbledore smiled at her.
"Many years ago, a series of attacks occurred here at Hogwarts. Someone painted a message on one of the corridor walls similar to the one we saw last night. Several students were petrified like Mrs. Norris, and one unfortunate student, like Mr. Filch, died. The headmaster at that time, Mr. Dippet, instead of revealing this, chose to cover it up. He reported to the Ministry that the dead student, one Myrtle Warren, had merely perished in an accident."
Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance of surprise. That's who 'Moaning Myrtle' was! The headmaster continued.
"Another student, one Tom Riddle, with whom you are acquainted, reported a particular student as the culprit. That student, who shall not be named here, was housing a creature in his dorm that Tom claimed was the beast who petrified the students and killed Myrtle. Consequently, that student was expelled, and Tom was given an award by the headmaster in turn."
The second-years were astonished. Dumbledore went on.
"As for the Chamber itself, there are legends that one of Hogwarts' founders, Salazar Slytherin, created the Chamber to house a monster he or his physical heirs could unleash to rid the school of what he called 'undesirables' - muggleborn students, in other words. However, despite many years of searching by former headmasters, professors, and even outside researchers, no such chamber has ever been found. Most believe it doesn't exist. But clearly someone or something is causing these incidents to occur. It may turn out that a real Chamber of Secrets indeed does exist."
Harry looked down in thought. Something hit him and he quickly looked back at the headmaster.
"Professor, Ginny told us that Tom asked her to open a door he was locked behind, a door somewhere in the castle. Perhaps that door leads to the Chamber of Secrets. What if Ginny Weasley unknowingly opened it for Tom?"
Dumbledore threw the boy a smile of pride.
"My thoughts precisely, Harry, although if you recall, Ginny couldn't tell us where the door is located. While her testimony seems to suggest the Chamber is real, its whereabouts remain a mystery."
Silence came over the group. But Harry had one more thing to mention.
"Sir, before you and the other professors arrived on the scene last night, Draco Malfoy said something suspicious."
Snape's brow darkened at this, and the rest of the professors looked quite curious.
"What's that, Harry?" McGonagall asked.
"He repeated the phrase 'enemies of the heir beware'. He then said 'you'll be next, mudbloods'. It sounds to me like he knows something about this. Perhaps he heard it from his father."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Perhaps he does, Harry, and perhaps we should question Draco about this. His insight might further aid our efforts."
"However, professor," Snape added sourly, "keep in mind that Lucius won't take kindly to us interrogating his son. He may retaliate."
"Yes, Severus, no doubt. However, I have other information which may dissuade Lucius Malfoy if he does try to interfere with our investigation. Information I'm sure he'd rather not see the light of day."
At these words, the man gave Harry a knowing look. Harry thought about Dobby's words as well as the mysterious appearance of Tom's diary in Ginny Weasley's things. The man continued.
"It's unfortunate we must play these cat and mouse games in our world, but such is human nature. As for now, we all need to keep our eyes and ears open. The terrible event we were forewarned about has merely just begun, it seems. And hopefully, with the aid of our Auror friends, it may be nipped in the bud before someone else is either petrified or...actually killed this time."
The headmaster rose from his seat.
"Now, Severus, Pomona, Minerva, Filius. If you don't mind, I'd like to speak privately with our pupils."
"Yes, headmaster," Snape uttered.
The four proceeded to leave and as they did, Flitwick smiled at the second-years and gave them each a pat on the shoulder. McGonagall also smiled at the pair before exiting the room. Snape on the other hand, threw them his usual suspicious gaze. The Heads of House departed and Dumbledore moved to sit on the front edge of his desk, gazing down at them.
"Well, Hermione, Harry, I need not say again what I've mentioned to you before about being vigilant. And the stakes are now even higher, especially as it seems you both are Voldemort's particular targets. You, Hermione, are in very grave danger if what the legends concerning the Chamber of Secrets say are true. The monster Salazar Slytherin was supposed to unleash from it was trained to seek out muggleborns and...exterminate them."
Harry threw the girl a concerned look and took her hand this time. She frowned back. Dumbledore went on.
"As for you, Harry. It was rather foolhardy to rush into the corridor after what happened with our caretaker. Who knows what might have awaited you? While I and others appreciate your bravery and desire to do good, your instinct might have landed you in immense trouble and possibly death. Remember what I told you last term about facing dark wizards or any other dark forces in our world. You must gain mastery over your instincts."
Harry frowned as his cheeks burned red with embarrassment.
"Yes, sir. I will," he replied, recalling again the headmaster's words about patience and discretion. Dumbledore smiled.
"Now, if either of you sees, hears, or learns anything that might help us put an end to this unfortunate event, please report it to me. If we are able to stop it from occurring, more than one innocent victim may be spared."
"Yes, sir. We will," Harry answered. The two rose from their seats.
"One final thing, before you go, Harry. With the Aurors present at the school, I'd be careful about wandering the halls in your invisibility cloak. They will be looking for anything suspicious and if you are caught, they won't be as understanding as myself."
Harry smiled, despite the seriousness of the statement.
"Yes, sir. I'll be careful."
"Very well. You may both go."
~HP~
They sat on a large boulder overlooking the Black Lake that afternoon. Both wore thick clothes as the weather was significantly cooler. Hermione sat right next to Harry to help keep warm as a breeze occasionally drifted from the lake onto the shoreline, giving the air an icy tinge. But the weather wasn't what bothered the pair. They gazed out across the water for many minutes in silence, pondering all that happened and all the headmaster had spoken about. Then, Hermione finally broke the silence.
"Well, we no longer need to look up the Chamber of Secrets and we now know it was Moaning Myrtle who died the first time it was opened. But the question is how she died? Was it Slytherin's monster that killed her?"
Harry reached down and scratched the rock's surface with a stick he'd grabbed from off the ground.
"I don't know. We can try asking her again. In fact, I think we need to. And hopefully Sir Nicholas was able to speak with her and talk us up. Like Dumbledore and the others, I'd really like to see this end quickly, especially since Tom is targeting you and any other muggleborns."
Hermione frowned and looked down. Harry gave her a warm smile and placed an arm around her shoulder. She gazed back at him softly.
"Don't worry. We've gotten this far, Hermione. We'll get through this together, somehow."
She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder as they stared out across the horizon.
"I sure hope so, Harry."