Hey everyone,
I love this chapter. Just the title alone makes me giddy and that while I don't even remember what the chapter was about. Guess that just goes to show how much I love certain characters, though I do plan to use this story as much as possible to also branch out to lesser used characters and newly created characters, my OC's.
Merry Christmas,
Venquine1990
Chapter 45
Axel talks a lot
Leona Poreon's POV
When I signed up to be a possible contestant for the Tri-Wizard Tournament and represent Beauxbattons in the event, I never expected even half of all that had happened. The crazy tasks, the gorgeous dancing at the Yule ball, the unexpected Fourth Champion and the Time spell that has kept us at Hogwarts longer than planned."
There is just so much that happened that feels like it goes all over my head, that I actually feel glad for the crazy reading as even the reading voices of total strangers often gave me a sense of peace, a feeling that is actually quite dangerous for a young woman of my age, especially considering that my family doesn't live too prosperous.
Yet even though my father is endebted to several other families thanks to a mistake his mother, my grandmother made, and though for us every earned Knut, Sickle and Galleon has counted, have I never had it as bad as Harry, who came from a rich and powerful ancient family, but was raised by the greediest, most selfish Muggles ever.
"And yet he is still so kind and helpful. I can't believe anyone can come out so good and loving and accepting after going through what he went through. And all those things he feared and constantly worried about. How could it be possible that he hid those from so many who so obviously love to just utterly destroy him?"
Is what goes through my mind as I watch the boy in question, who is actually ignoring his healing process just to learn a new skill and I mutter: "He really never gives up, does he?" And Fleur, who has come to sit with me and has taken to watching the boy as well, shakes her head and says: "No, but he does seem mindful."
I look at her and she says: "Sora is obviously holding back on how hard he fights the kid and how much power he uses behind his attacks, but Harry seems also mindful of what his body can and cannot handle in regards to movement. I do think he will be exhausted at the end, but it doesn't seem as if he cares for this."
This makes me sigh in concern and then Fleur says: "You know, when he walked through that door on Halloween last year, I never expected that he, the unexpected, unwanted fourth champion, would be the one to save us all from having this Tournament ruined." And I smile as I say: "I guess he's just special that way."
Yet at this I look around at the other Hogwarts students and say: "And yet, all of these other students just seem to take it for granted that he is that special. That his incredible being and person being a student at their school is just to be expected. How could they take something like that for granted?" And Fleur sighs, not knowing either.
"At least they'll get what they deserve." Another voice suddenly says and we look up, seeing the third member of our foursome of friends and young Mariah Florius comes to sit with us as she says: "They've believed they could hurt him without punishment for years and now they get proven wrong. That's a good thing."
And my friend and I smile at each other as Mariah has always been the most vindictive of us, while I have always been the most caring – a bit of a mother figure even though I am also the youngest – Fleur was always the most talented and Kalleigh Leonas was always the strictest. Together we are Beauxbattons' finest.
Pomona's POV
I know this upcoming chapter, and the chapters that follow, will be terribly hard on all students of our school, especially those that were petrified. Personally I believe they will find relief in them having been petrified when they hear what was actually happening to the school, but I still feel the need to keep a close eye on them.
Collin Creevey worries me the most. He seems a bit forceful in wanting to play with his younger brother and I wonder why he tries to have the hyper, happy-go-lucky kid – who's easy attitude sometimes reminds me of the Marauders – be so carefree during a sudden break. Then that reason becomes clear and I feel like hitting myself.
Collin never told his younger brother what happened to him. As far as Dennis knows Collin had a reasonably normal First year and that thought must have already taken a turn for the worst when he heard of the petrified cat. I sigh and think: "Well, the cat's out of the bag now." Before silently snorting at the stupid pun.
I then look up as Severus comes back, potion in hand and noticed by all students around us. Instantly they all stand up or jump down from the platforms and gather around on the large beach. Only Harry, Sora, Axel and Riku are still missing and when I search for them, I find the first two struggling to push the other back.
Their Keyblades are crossed against each other and each has one leg bend to the front and the other spread behind them, pushing against one another and obviously not willing to give the other a single inch, even though Harry seems to struggle more. I shake my head and then Axel looks up and says something that makes them look up.
Sora smiles and jumps over the railing down to the sand, landing and slipping. He yelps and falls, his face almost getting buried under the soft sand. Everyone laughs and Sora stands back up, shaking his head and looking around before he too laughs at his own idiocy. I shake my head at this and then he joins Kairi and Leon on their blanket.
Harry in the mean time seems to have finally reached his limit as he sighs and leans against Axel, the ginger keeping him up until Riku manages to lift the youngest of the three boys on his back and while I can almost hear the young boy apologize for his tired body, does Riku seem just not to care as he helps Harry back to his parents.
Sirius seems to be lying there quite contently as if he just won something great and Remus is lying next to him on his side, swirling his index finger over the man's chest, something that actually causes Sirius to purr. All in all do their actions – together with Krum twirling his wand – make me realize that ignorance is bliss.
Yet while the two seem to be in a blissful state all of their own, do I feel amazed over how well they instantly straighten up and help Harry off Riku's back as the boy approaches, Remus sitting side to side with Sirius, who pulls a slightly drowsy on his lap, Viktor actually surprising them all with yet another enchanted gift.
The gift itself is quite gorgeous as it is a bracelet made of seashells that obviously come from the island itself, yet they are also enchanted to have the same glow as that of rare gems and Viktor says: "Consider this my apology for missing on my morning task. I hope it is acceptable." And girls coo at the gifts beauty as Harry smiles and nods.
I then scrape my throat and say: "I'll read next, if no one minds." All students shake their heads and Minerva hands me the book as we had agreed she could keep it on her during breaks. I then quickly look at young Ginny, who has Ron right next to her, his arms showing he's ready to comfort her when needed and smile as I start the chapter.
The Writing on the Wall.
"Great, so we'll go even further in on that terrifying message?" Fleur Delacour asks while her, her parents, Cedric and his parents all share a blanket and Cedric says: "I don't think it'll be just us, Fleur." And he looks at Hermione, while Ron seems too focused on Ginny, yet it is Harry who intrigues me the most.
Sirius, while holding his son, has gone back to the purring he was doing under his mate's earlier ministrations and it seems that this is helping Harry calm down, ignore how severe this chapter has started off and seems to actually help him heal from his earlier exhaustion. All this, together with the purring, makes me read on intrigued.
"What's going … on Harry.
Instantly the purring, that had become a nice background tune to the story stops and Sirius growls: "He better not try anything." But Harry mutters: "Actually, he did and it kind of unleashed something that made me look like a culprit." Sirius look at him weird, now lying down with his son encased against his own form as he asks:
"What'd you do?" But Harry shrugs and says: "I think it might be something that can be connected to my powers as a Keyblade Wielder, but I'm not completely sure. It's just really weird what happened and I've never been able to do it again. And not because I didn't want to." The man nods and I read on while feeling quite intrigued.
"You!" he … you! I'll-"
But the man seemed unable to find words and ran at Harry instead. Harry's eyes widened as the man looked like a rampaging rhino, something that reminded him so strongly of his uncle he acted in seconds.
He pushed Ron and Hermione away, pushed himself against the wall and slammed his hands against it on both his sides. Not really believing anything would happen, but hoping the stone wall would break Filch's hand and stop him from trying to hurt or worse, kill him, he was as surprised as everyone else at what happened.
The wall behind him trembled and he could feel strong magic flowing through it. Hundreds of spells and enchantment flew into his mind, finding a place to settle and keeping themselves there to later be investigated. At the same time did more stone walls push themselves out of the wall behind him and encase him like a cocoon – with only his head still visible.
Everyone looks shocked, the students obviously having forgotten this had happened and Harry, who has actually gone to hide his face in his mother's embrace as if embarrassed, says: "As you can see, I have no idea what happened. I just wanted to dodge his blows and next thing I know, I'm encased in that stone structure."
The students look at each other and while I can barely believe that Hogwarts told Harry about her charms and enchantments can I now understand what Harry meant with this showing him as some kind of culprit as only an Heir of the Founders must have been able to do so. I wonder what heritage Harry could have and read on.
Filch was no longer able to hurt him, but the man was apparently too crazy for the loss of his cat to notice. Harry ducked his head, ready to dodge a blow when he heard a shout, "Argus!"
Dumbledore … the scene,
"Please tell me he wasn't alone? Him alone with Harry is as bad as Lockhart together with my son. Speaking of which –." He turns to his son and asks: "The book said you left his office feeling dazed. Do you remember anything that could have caused that?" But Harry shakes his head and I read on, feeling resigned and relieved at the same time.
Resigned as the boy not remembering could mean we have barely to not enough evidence against Lockhart to get him arrested, yet relieved as Harry doesn't deserve to remember anything awful like that when he's already been through enough as it is. I sigh and hope Naminé really can help him recover of everything he's been through.
followed by … Miss Granger." Only then did he seem to notice how Harry was encased in stone and his eyes widened slightly behind his half-moon spectacles, but Harry simply hang his arms back against his sides and the stone protection merged back into the wall behind him.
Dumbledore nodded and Lockhart stepped … said Dumbledore, not paying attention to how Harry had whitened at the man's words.
The silent … to smile.
"I was quite amused at what the idiot was trying. The words he sprouted started long before we entered his office and none of them made any logical sense, so it was quite comical, together with how his portraits reacted." My colleague comments on this and the three students nod in agreement before I continue the story.
And Lockhart … for sure.
And what made it worse was that every so often, he saw Lockhart coming closer and then moving further away from him, his eyes having that same strange, disturbing look. Harry kept moving his chair back until it was against the wall on the other side of the office.
Dumbledore was … said Lockhart). He shot another disgusting look at Harry and Harry felt the need to again encase himself with the stone wall.
"But how … Dumbledore firmly, not even noticing how far Harry had distanced himself from the rest of the group. "It would … any good. Was Snape going to reveal how he felt about Lockhart? Had he noticed his fear for the man? And was that even such a bad thing?
"I'm sad to say that I didn't notice, Mr. Potter, just like I never noticed the overly obvious signs of your abuse. I was too high-strung on the belief that you were just like your father and my anger for him constantly made me blind for your other two sides." This intrigues Harry enough he looks up from where he hid his face and asks:
"Other two sides, sir?" Severus sighs and says: "The side that reminds me of your mother. Her need to have a talent and show it and her unyielding sense of loyalty to what she believed in and her friends. And your own side, that which makes you different enough from your parents that it should amaze us we even try to compare you to them."
Harry smiles and says: "I like hearing stories of my parents; of what they did; of how they lived; how they fell in love, but –." And Sirius ends: "Being constantly compared to them has led you to believe that if you're not like them we won't like you anymore. That you won't be a person anymore." Harry nods, Krum hugs him and I read on.
"Potter and … he said.
In a way it was true. He had been tired of the disrespectful way the Headless Hunt had behaved at Nick's party and he had wanted to warm himself from the cold down in the dungeons.
Severus hits himself on the head and says: "Unbelievable, that boy." But most students laugh at the sneaky way Harry made his words true and the twins chorus: "I can understand why the Hat wanted him in Slytherin." Making Harry look at them shocked, before he smiles at them gratefully and I continue reading.
"Without any … be honest."
"Wait a minute. Harry was being truthful. It was Ron who really lied. Harry after all had a back-up story to prove his words." Sirius says and Harry mutters: "And that isn't even the worst of this chapter." Sirius looks worried and I see my Puffs starting to look guilty again. Wondering why that could be, I quickly read on.
"Really, Severus," … being X-rayed. At least it was better than Lockhart.
Then suddenly Harry saw that Lockhart was no longer with the teachers and looked around, not finding Lockhart anywhere.
"Innocent until … butted in. Harry jumped and screamed, shocking the group. Lockhart had somehow managed to get behind Harry and him speaking scared the boy more than anything he had seen all night. Lockhart actually jumped back, but before he could further react Harry had thrown his chair to the other side of the room and had ran at it, making sure the chair was close to Dumbledore and McGonagall. As little as he trusted the two, he knew Lockhart wouldn't try anything if he was near his superiors.
Minerva sighs and says: "We really should have seen more in his sudden fear for Lockhart. We just thought he had been startled and that the fear of being removed from Quidditch made him as twitchy as he was." But Harry's shaking again and Sora mutters: "The minute we move, Naminé can start healing him."
Everyone nods and then Naminé stands up and sits down next to Harry, a wooden basin with water next to her. She moves her hand over the surface and it starts to move along with her movement and starts to shine as if made of silver or some other kind of metal. Wondering how she could do something like that, I hear her ask:
"Harry, do you trust me?"
Harry nods and she moves her hand up, the water moving along and then moves it in a circle around his head. A case of almost transparent silver appears out of the swirling water around Harry's head and she says: "I will fill this case with water, like I did when I healed Sora's memories and you will sleep while I see what I can do, okay?"
Harry nods, his face barely visible but a grateful expression is still visible as Naminé moves her hands up and down and I see water coming up from Harry's neck and going up to the top of the case. Harry closes his eyes and so does Naminé, one hand still on the case. Deciding to leave them to themselves I clear my throat and read on.
"I must … awkward pause in which Harry saw Lockhart send another look at him that made him almost hide behind McGonagall's robe.
"You may … actually running. Harry still felt Lockhart's eyes on him until after he closed the door – even if maybe he did it a little too hard. When they … I heard?"
He brought this topic up because he could see on Hermione's face that she wanted to know why he did what he did when he discovered Lockhart was behind him, but he didn't even want to think about the man being that close without him knowing anymore.
"No," said … a snigger.
"Ronald." Arthur says and Ron says: "Sorry, it was a combination of several things. You see, Harry wasn't the only one who often heard her complain about people. I just heard her complain about Squibs one night before I went to Hogwarts for my first year and to hear that Filch, who hates us all, was one just made me snicker at it all."
Arthur nods and then asks: "Has any of you ever heard her complain about something?" All Weasley siblings nod and Bill says: "Being Pregnant of Percy." And Charlie says: "Your Muggle obsession." Percy then says: "Me playing with my brothers." And the twins chorus: "Your low job." And finally Ginny says: "Me not dressing in dresses and skirts."
Arthur sighs and whispers: "And I missed all that." But then Ron says: "All that and more, dad. Trust me. I'm not saying anything yet, but I think we might have something against her that can actually get her arrested. I just have to be sure first, so we'll have to wait until the next book." His father nods at him and I read on.
"Well – it's … "He's bitter."
"Bitter, he may be, but that doesn't excuse the ways he scares the students and his ways of punishing them." Minerva says and then she goes on and says: "Amelia, please keep an eye out on Argus through the books and if he does anything, write it down." The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement nods and I read on.
A clock … something else."
The rest of the night Harry barely slept and that had several reasons. First was that he studied some of the potions they had been working on over the last two months, just to get his mind off of how Lockhart had looked at him. The other was that, while he was working on a cure against inflammation, his mind was processing all the spellwork and enchantment Hogwarts had given him. He was – in his own mind – reading about spells and enchantments he never thought he would learn about and even found a few passageways that he was sure even the twins and Filch himself didn't know about.
Only the ability of letting the wall encase him was something that seemed to have slipped his mind, or perhaps it hadn't even been one of his own abilities. Perhaps Hogwarts had realized in what kind of trouble Harry was and had reacted to the cause herself. Harry had always had the small belief that Hogwarts was actually sentient, seeing how the moving staircases seem to have a mind of their own; now he wondered if that belief had been true and with that question he fell asleep, a whole new cure bottled and in his hand.
"A new cure?" Severus asks and looks at the sleeping Harry, who lies peacefully in Krum's arms. Then Naminé says: "I found the memory you speak off. He was tweaking the recipe a little and experimenting with it, while processing all the spells and enchantments Hogwarts taught him." Severus nods and asks:
"And all those Potion bottles? Surely his trunk should be overflowing with them by now." Naminé seems to work on this and then reaches out to his robe. She taps it just under his Gryffindor symbol and to my shock, another robe appears under his own. She pulls the outer robe away and a whole array of filled potion vials are shown to us.
Everyone looks shocked and Filius says: "Ingenious. A cloning and merging spell. He must have learned it from the spells he got from Hogwarts." Naminé nods as she focuses back on Harry and the pod around his head. Deciding not to disturb the girl anymore, I quickly bring everyone's attention back to the book and read on.
For a … "looking happy."
Harry had started wearing his Invisibility Cloak whenever he saw Filch approach or when he saw he was coming in contact with the man and Hermione and Ron were seen more and more often as if it was only them leaving for a certain class. Harry didn't dare face Filch just yet as he knew he couldn't count on Hogwarts to protect him like she did before again and he didn't want to face the man, knowing Filch still thought he, Harry, had Petrified Mrs. Norris.
"That is so not the reason James would have wanted him to use the Cloak." Sirius moans and Remus comments: "No, but it still is a good reason to use the Cloak as it protects our little cub." Sirius nods and then with a sneaky smirk he asks: "Don't you mean, one of our cubs?" And while Remus and I look at this news shocked, does the man stutter:
"A-are – are you – are you sure?" But Sirius shakes his head, making Remus sigh and he says: "No, but seeing that Severus needed at least two and a half hours – a time you used quite pleasurably if I may add – I'm quite sure the chance is there." Then he lowers his head and says: "If Azkaban hasn't taken the chance away, that is."
But Remus hugs Sirius tightly and whispers: "No way. There is no way Azkaban can do that. I believe you can be pregnant and so does everyone here. As soon as we have a chance I'll let Madam Pomfrey check you for child." Sirius smiles at him widely at this and while feeling ecstatic for the young couple do I read on.
Ginny Weasley … Ginny blanched.
Ron sighs and then he turns to Ginny and whispers: "You can leave if you want to." But while I wonder why – the only thing I can remember is her being taken down to the Chamber much later – does the girl shake her head and instead Ron pulls her on his lap and do her brothers join him, Bill and Charlie looking confused, as I read on.
The attack … find out.
The girl in question lowers her head and says: "I was scared. The message made me know that Mrs. Norris had been just an accident, it was the Muggleborns the monster was after. I just didn't want to fear what I didn't know so I tried to find out what it was." The students around her nod at her in understanding and I read on.
Harry had … opposite direction.
Now Justin flinches with a guilty look on his face and suddenly I realize why my Hufflepuff Fourth years all look so guilty, they must have all believed that Harry was the Heir of Slytherin. But then I look closer and see that there seems to be more that fuels their guilt and while feeling that I don't want to know, do I read on.
Harry found … own homework. He was still barely paying attention to his schoolwork – which had caused the incident that made him get Snape's detention – as he was now processing each and every enchantment Hogwarts gave him individually and it took a lot more of his concentration than he had thought – then again some of them were still quite a lot more interesting than a tongue-thickening draught.
Now Sora snickers and asks: "A what? A tongue-thickening draught? What is that good for?" And to Severus' shock does Neville say: "The stinging nettle essence of the draught makes whoever gets drowned in this draught get a terrible itch on his tongue, which is then thick enough to fill his entire mouth, but not enough to choke.
It was, during the 1800's often used by the Purebloods to keep rivaling families off their own properties and a small essence of it is still embedded in Longbottom Manor in the south of London and the Bottom Shack of my family in the far west of South Carolina where gran and I like to go to for the summer holidays."
Everyone looks at him shocked and he mumbles: "Might mess up my potions, but I always get top-scores on my essays you know." And I see that Severus realizes that the boy is right before a reluctant, proud smile appears on the man's face. I myself beam with pride at my top-student and then continue reading the chapter.
"Somewhere over … so great-"
"Truer words never spoken, little brother." The twins chorus, but Ron had grabbed his wand and was looking at it. Wondering what he could be on about as he seems not to even hear his brother's words, he suddenly speaks and the deep concern and hatred that come through in his voice shock me deeply as he says:
"You know, I always felt glad that my wand stopped Lockhart when he tried what he did in that certain tunnel, but now that I know what Lockhart was causing Harry –." The boy shudders and mutters: "I really don't want to know whether or not Lockhart hadn't tried it before on Harry – or on any other students."
He then looks at Harry worried, but his words make no sense to me and I look at my fellow Heads of House. Only Minerva seems to understand what Ron is talking about and her wide eyes looking at Harry worriedly make me slightly fear what they could know. Hoping that, whatever it is, Naminé can heal Harry of it, do I read on.
Hermione emerged … Lockhart books."
"I wonder." Sirius says and he goes on: "Lockhart must have done something to get fired or else Remy here would not have taken over. So what happened to his books?" At which Ron smirks: "Let's just say that that was the first time ever that we held an inter-house party." Sirius looks intrigued and Ron says: "Inter-house Bonfire night."
The man looks shocked and Minerva mutters: "So that's why there were four gigantic fires on the grounds that night." And I snicker as two of the fires had been under supervision of the Head boy and Girl and the other two had been overseen by Hagrid, thus making us teachers decide to just leave it be. I smile at the memory and read on.
"Why do … slightest since.
"Very true!" Sirius shouts, yet with his eyes aimed for his son in concern as the boy lies asleep in his lap and his voice tempered and Minerva says: "Indeed, Mr. Black, and something that would be high on our list of changes required to Hogwarts school." This makes many students smile at each other excitedly as I continue the story.
Today was … her hand.
"Really?" One of the twins asks and the other asks: "In History of Magic?" They then ask the girl together: "Why?" And she answers: "I really wanted to know more about the Chamber of Secrets." And Ron snorts: "Yeah, we found out more, alright." Smiling at his sister, who seems to smile back gratefully. I smile at the two and read on.
Professor Binns … his desk. Harry even put away his small book on the actions he had taken to change the cure for inflammation, wanting to know this as well as it seemed to be an important part of this school's history.
Professor Binns … "Miss Grant?"
"You're kidding, right?" Axel asks, leaning against the Seaside Shack and with an elegant eyebrow raised at me as he asks: "Four sentences and he already forgot her name?" I nod with a resigned sigh and he asks: "What, is that man obsessed with the last class he taught before he became what he is today or something?"
I look up at him and say: "Mr. Axel, that might just as well be the whole reason of his terrible teaching. If I recall correctly the students on the 1800's were the worst in history of Magic that Cuthbert ever taught. The year before his death only one student made it to the N.E.W.T.s; he failed those the same year Cuthbert died.
That must be the whole reason he never passed on. He's determined to get a full class to the N.E.W.T.s and to let them pass." This makes the man snicker and he says: "Well, with that teaching style he won't ever cross." And Minerva answers: "A problem we will surely discuss with Cuthbert first chance we get, I assure you."
Axel nods and says: "Good, after all. Quite a few little ones look up to their elders for their life lessons." Smirking at the crew of Sora and friends. The boy then seems to, somehow, change appearance for a sec as the aura of a young blonde haired boy seems to wrap itself around Sora and he asks angrily:
"What's that supposed to mean?" Before Sora himself looks shocked, a small smile grazing his lips a second later and Axel nods, before he mutters: "So they really are different. This will be interesting." And even from this distance, I hear Sora whisper: "You have no idea." Intriguing me as I focus back on the story.
"Please, sir … of Secrets…
"You actually got Cuthbert off his usual program?" Minerva asks and then she goes on: "That might be the solution. If one student a month picks a certain history topic they can expect for their exams, brings that up with Cuthbert and other students show interest in it. That will make sure they learn and that his class stops getting bad grades."
Everyone looks shocked and Axel says: "Wow, I guess logic isn't high-rated in your world." Minerva glares at the man and Sora says: "Don't mind him, it's his dark Nobody side. Must be the fact he's still without Roxas and all." Making Axel huff as he looks the other way, thus missing Sora's sneaky smile as I read on.
"You all … Salazar Slytherin.
To my shock the Gryffindors wait until all Houses are mentioned before starting to cheer loudly for their own and my Puffs and the Ravens soon follow, while only half of the Snakes go wild – the other half simply claps or nods in pride and the other school students look on in amusement as this transpires before them.
Only the students around Harry seem to keep quiet and I see that Naminé is still working valiantly, her eyes still on Harry's closed eyes and her hands still on the pod around his head, moving in patterns she seems to be the only able to see. Wondering how long it will last before the girl is done taking the poor boy's fear do I read on.
They built … much persecution."
"Just a question." Axel asks, his hand raises slightly and his head tilted to the side as he seems genuinely interested and when he sees me stopping, he asks: "How is that your world isn't filled to the brim with Heartless and Nobodies, seeing all the evil and dark dudes and babes you've had over the last millennia?"
We all shrug and say: "To be honest, Mr. Axel, have we never even heard of those terms until your friends, Sora, Riku and Kairi came here." And Leon answers: "I guess there's a Keyhole somewhere on that planet that keeps Darkness at bay enough for dark hearts not to be lost to the Darkness like in our worlds."
Sora nods and says: "Yeah, I guess so." And then Hermione asks: "But we've had several cases of Darkness over the last century alone. We had the Muggle First World War, the Second, the Great Wizarding War against Grindlewald and the Great Wizarding War against Voldemort. So – does that mean – could the Keyhole be weakening?"
We all look at her and Ron says: "Damn, I hate it when she's right about bad stuff like this." And one of my Puffs, a Muggleborn Fifth year says: "But she's still right, though. Those first two Muggle Wars alone are enough to unseal at least a part of the Keyhole, let alone all the terror Grindlewald and Voldemort caused."
"Then Sora and I will go and look for that Keyhole once we have finished this book. Once the doors open and time starts running again, we'll start our search." Riku says determinedly and then Leon says: "Good idea, but that world is still Harry's responsibility as he is that world's Keyblade Wielder." The silver-haired teen nods and I read on.
He paused … the school."
"Sorry to interrupt." Axel says and he goes on: "But really? After years of building that school, endless summers of finding those students and years of teaching them, they let a single argument break them apart? I don't wish to show disrespect or something, but did they even try to find a middle that they could all be happy with?"
All students look at each other and shrug, while I personally feel as if the man has quite the right idea about what should have happened. He then moves his forefinger in an addressing way as he says: "Take this from me, everyone, always be honest and never hold things back from your friends. It bites you in the ass."
Before he sighs and lowers his head, muttering: "Got it memorized?" The students nod, but I can tell that Axel doesn't notice this. Wondering if he speaks from personal experience, I look at Sora, who mouths: "Later." Making me nod. I then send one last worried glance at Axel and return everyone's attention to the story.
Professor Binns … nervous looks.
Harry's mind was working at top speed and he asked, "Professor Binns, if the chamber was made to only open to Slytherin's Heir, does that mean Salazar Slytherin had a gift the Other Founders didn't?"
Binns sniffed and said, "Yes, Mr. Pesterfield, Slytherin was known for being Parsletongue, while Ravenclaw was known for making jewelry with her intelligence and Hufflepuff was known to make plants grow beautifully with her kindness. Gryffindor, finally, was known to have amazing courage, shown by the many trophies he was able to gather over the years – trophies that have been lost over the years."
Harry wondered what a Parsletongue was and knew if he found out, he could find out how to find the Heir and stop the monster. He also had a feeling the monster had a link to that ability, but he couldn't for the likes of him, figure out how.
Ron and Hermione look at each other shocked and McLaggen asks: "So Potter was Parsletongue without knowing what a Parsletongue is? How can he not know?" And Ron answers: "Wait till the Dueling Club chapter and you'll find out." The Fifth year huffs and I shake my head at his attitude, before reading on.
"I tell … verifiable fact!"
"Just a question." Leon mutters and I see that Axel is still down with whatever was bugging him before. I turn my focus back to Leon and he asks: "How can he believe the Chamber to be a Myth after that attack a few weeks prior?" I shake my head and say: "Cuthbert is known for his stubbornness. Especially when it comes to History."
"Understandable, I guess." Leon admits and then Dennis pipes up: "And besides, that probably wasn't the first class that asked about the Chamber and interrupted his class. He must have been pissed students were more interested in it than in his Goblin stuff." I smile at the intelligence of the young Lion and read on.
And within … usual torpor.
"Sounds like Vexen when he works on one of his experiments." Axel mutters and Sora happily comments: "You said it, Axel." Before looking shocked. He then lowers his head and while unable to hear what he's saying, do I see his lips move every now and then. Wondering what he could be doing, I look onto Axel.
The man seems happily shocked that it was Sora who responded and asks: "Getting closer to the surface, are we?" Confusing me, but then Sora moves his head up again and with a wide smirk, he says: "You wish." Making Axel huff, turn his head and again miss the sneaky smile on Sora's face as I decide to just read on.
"I always … dropped unpleasantly.
Now the two in question cringe and Hermione says: "We really have to talk things through before speaking our opinions so rudely." But I shake my head and say: "It's not your fault. It's those monsters, the Dursley, who are at fault." The two nod with grateful smiles at me and I happily smile back as I read on.
Harry had … in disgust.
"Seeing the lie Harry gave us the year before." One of the twins says and then the other goes on: "And how easily we fell for it." They then both hang their heads and chorus: "That is sadly enough way too true." And other students also lower their heads, while I feel disappointed at how many of those are of my own House.
"And that year was no better." Hermione huffs, but then Madam Pomfrey: "Well, at least I only had him in my Hospital Wing for that Bludger incident." The girl huffs and says: "Good, so the students didn't try to curse him this year. Guess they do learn something of their actions." I can tell she's still furious and read on.
The crowd … a corner, Harry thinking very hard what kind of connection a monster and an ability could form and found … for clues.
Sirius and Remus shake their heads and Sirius mutters: "Please tell me it stayed with looking for clues." But Minerva shakes her head and says: "I still don't really understand how they did it, but those three actually solved a millennia old mystery, Mr. Black." The two men groan in desperation as I continue reading.
"Scorch marks!" … said Harry, knowing perfectly well just how spiders acted thanks to his many years in the cupboard,
"Wait a sec." Leon says with a rough edge to his voice and he asks: "Thanks to his WHAT?" And Sora growls: "Yeah, that's perfect evidence of the Darkness in those bastards' hearts. They made a cupboard under the stairs his bedroom for the first 10 years of his life." The man seems furious at this and spats: "Excuse me a sec."
Summoning his Gunblade and leaving our group through the cove Sirius and Remus stayed in during the last break. Sora then says: "He and Cid are really protective of kids. They even saved Donald's Nephews when their world was taken over by the Heartless." I smile at the great character of the man and happily read on.
"have you, … legs and…"
"Wait, I didn't do that." Fred says and he goes on: "That bitch put me in Ginny's playpen to cool off when she realized how angry I was. She said it was to make sure I didn't do accidental magic I would later regret. I never even got near your teddy." Ron looks at his brother in shock and asks: "But if you didn't do it, who did?"
And Bill growls: "Who do you think? Just another way for her to break our family apart and make us all depend on her and her alone." This makes me grab the book all the harder as I try not to let my anger at the horrid woman out on the students and then Fred calms me down and changes the topic slightly as he hugs Ron and says:
"Besides, it wasn't mine. I just found that broom and claimed it. I was five years old; I claimed whatever I could. I don't know who's broom that was." And to my shock, Percy says: "It was mine. Dad secretly bought it for my birthday and I accidentally dropped it out of my window while looking for the dictionary she wanted me to study."
Ron lowers his head and says: "I'm sorry I broke it." But Percy shrugs and says: "It was a broom for 6 year olds. Besides, I saw you were flying way too high with it; it would have kicked you off and flew off like it did anyway. Just too bad it flew up against that old tree she wanted dad to cut down." The brothers laugh and I read on.
He broke … the subject as Harry had had plenty enough opportunities where he had woken from a nightmare and thought the spiders in his cupboard to be terrifying himself, Harry said, … girls' toilet."
"Wait what?" The twins chorus and they turn to Ron as one of them says: "But the year before you went with no argument at all." And Ron retorts: "Yeah, after locking the door and without, first knowing it was a girl's bathroom. It was the troll I went after, not the room description." The twins shrug and I read on.
"Oh, Ron, … a look."
"You go see her again? What? Is she important to this story?" Axel asks and Ron says: "You have no idea." He then turns to Harry and says: "I know you can't hear me, but I repeat. We were really stupid not talking to her more often that year." This confuses me and I wonder what he could be on about as I continue reading the chapter.
And ignoring … its hinges.
"Wow!" Kairi says and she goes on: "And that ghost girl actually lives there?" All the Hogwarts girls – except the First years – nod at this and the young boy named Tidus raises his wooden stick onto his shoulder as he says: "Man, no wonder she's constantly depressed." To which the young girl Selphie hits him on the head as I read on.
Hermione put … damp floor.
"Saying you wanted to explore Hogwarts on a free day would have been better, don't you think?" Sirius asks the girl and she says: "Yeah, and I was actually motioning for the things that looked the least dirty or broken." Everyone cringes at this and Axel says: "Lost cause, there and then." Before I read on.
"Ask her … said Ron helpfully.
"Helpfully? Well, maybe to you, but not for that situation." Axel mutters and Ron groans: "Yeah, Myrtle showed us that, I can assure you." He then shakes his head and says: "I swear I have never worn that robe again since." Wondering what he's talking about this time, I read ahead, shiver and then read to the students.
Myrtle gave … the U-bend.
This makes everyone shudder and Ron says: "Yeah, I almost got punished by that bitch for ruining those clothes. Had it not been for me saying the investigation – well, let's just get to the end of the story quickly. You'll understand then." And to end his speech, he quickly hugs Ginny again as I continue the story.
Harry and … Mrs. Weasley.
Percy cringes and says: "Please tell me I never did that again." Ron shrugs and says: "It doesn't really seem that way to me, so I can't tell you. We'll just have to wait and see what Harry thinks." Percy sighs and they both look at Harry, still asleep and still being healed by Naminé. I too spare the boy a short glance and then read on.
"Get – away … Ron's ears.
By now both Weasleys have their heads down and Ron seems to be trying to keep his mind of his shame by hugging and softly caressing Ginny's hair as if drawing comfort from the girl. Ginny herself seems shocked that the two brothers had that kind of fight and I see the twins share a careful, but meaningful glance with each other.
Wondering what they could be up to, they chorus: "We know this isn't the right time but –." One of them then says: "If those two start fighting like that." And the other, while looking at Percy worried, says: "Then I fear for their relationship in the future books." Percy nods at this, his eyes aimed for his wringing hands and I read on.
Harry, Ron, … of Hogwarts?"
Instantly Draco hits himself on the head and says: "I really should learn to keep my mouth shut." And his father spats: "Yes, you should. I really thought those 2 years of etiquette lessons before Hogwarts had taught you well, but apparently, I better go look for a new teacher." The boy sighs and then shocks us all as he says:
"Well, at least I didn't learn the whole M-word and Muggle hating from you." Lucius hits himself on the head and says: "Of course. Should have known it was his work." Draco looks confused and asks: "Of course it was. What did you think, father?" And the man answers: "Showing up to our reputation and having lack on your uncle's rules."
Draco hits himself on the head and Lucius turns to Sirius and asks: "Seeing how my son is half Black, want to help me sue that teacher for putting racism in his etiquette lessons?" And Sirius smirks and says: "It would be my pleasure. But it will stay between you and me; no other members included, is that clear?"
And his look at Remus before turning back to Lucius says enough, making the aristocrat sigh in defeat and say: "Guess that will be another 8 years where I'll need to work hard and earn a friend's trust." Sirius shrugs and says: "Not 8 years, I'm sure. I just don't trust you around my lovely Remus, even if he's my Dominant."
The blonde Head of Malfoy nods and says: "Fair enough." Then Axel asks: "What exactly happened that made you distrust him?" And Sirius says: "Sorry, but the students already know and I'm not putting my lovely Remus through that reminder again." The red head nods in acceptance and I continue the story.
"Let's think," … evil enough."
Harry knew there was more behind the Malfoys than they showed and was slightly doubtful of Draco being the Heir himself, but the fight in Flourish and Blotts was still fresh in his mind and he couldn't deny that Draco could easily send a monster out at people he didn't like if he had bodyguards like Crabbe and Goyle.
"Aye, fair point." Draco groans and then Axel says: "But it's not your family, is it?" Draco looks up and asks: "You knowing that or asking that?" And Axel answers: "I know it. Your behavior in the book makes you too obvious, you're obviously some decoy. And if you were the Heir, you wouldn't be here right now."
Draco looks shocked and Axel holds up his finger again, making me wonder how the man would do as a teacher as he says: "Recon rule # 3; never go after the most obvious culprits, unless you want to know what they're up to. If you want to find a villain, look for someone you would never suspect." I nod at this and read on.
"They could've … to son…." He was almost sure the Parsletongue ability might have something to do with the Monster, but if Slytherin was really as famous and well known as he was, he must have been pretty rich too and must have had something – like a key – to open and close the Chamber. No way would he use the ability of Parsletongue for both the monster and the chamber's entrance.
"Wow, he sure thinks fast." Leon mutters and the elder boy named Wakka, who has a volleyball in his hand he just won't throw away, says: "This sure is an interesting story. Do they get to question that Malfoy kid too?" And Ron says: "Yep, we did." Making Malfoy look confused and I wonder how they did it as I read on.
"Well," said … Ron laughed.
Harry would know as he had, sometimes, dreamed of using the Invisibility Cloak to find the other Houses common rooms. Only his respect for their privacy and the fact he barely knew anyone other than Ron and Hermione had kept it to dreaming.
The other Houses smile at this, while I feel slightly bad that Harry, being as kind and polite as he is, only had two friends in all of Hogwarts. Then one of the twins says: "I bet Harry finds all common rooms before he graduates." And the other says: "I bet he finds two of them." And they shake each other's hand as I read on.
"No, it's … muttered Ron. Harry did of course write everything down that Snape told them, but that was only because he was currently dreaming of one day making his own potion. He was already experimenting with potions they made last year, but they barely showed any room for change or improvement.
Severus smiles at this and Filius says: "Following his mother's footsteps." Severus looks confused and says: "I thought Lily became your apprentice after she graduated." My colleague nods and says: "She did, but Horace was already planning his retirement. Had Lily lived only a year longer, she would have found refuge at Hogwarts."
Severus looks shocked and then lowers his head, lying it in his hands and muttering: "I ruined the one job Lily could have had for her only son. What on earth possessed me?" I want to go over and comfort him, but know I have to stay with the book and smile at Charity as she takes the job herself. She smiles back at me and I read on.
"It transforms … a teacher. Harry knew he could use his Invisibility Cloak to get the recipe, but after that incident with the screaming book he would never do that again.
"Good to know." Remus smiles, now having Sirius curled up in his lap, while leaning against a pile of sand he made into a sturdy mountain and then I read on and say: "Not quite, Remus. There's a small sentence I almost missed." The man looks confused and I shake my head with a snicker before reading the sentence.
At least not before learning a Silencing spell – which stupidly enough was not in Standard Book of Spells volume 2.
Everyone laughs and Cedric says: "I vote Harry learned the spell and has copied millions of recipes." To which Fleur says: "I vote he hasn't. Madam Maxime says that spell is terribly difficult. Even our Fifth years have trouble with it." Remus smiles and says: "Sorry Fleur, but I go with Cedric." Before Gabrielle says:
"Then I go with Fleur." And Amos holds up his hands and says: "Okay, okay, enough voting. How much is the wager? And give it to me, then I'll just keep the money until we reach the end of Fourth year." Cedric smiles and says: "One Galleon each." And the four people give Amos their Galleon before I read on.
"Hard to … the potions." Harry was no longer really into the conversation. He wanted that book. The need to learn a Silencing spell just got a whole new level.
"I think," … really thick…."
"LOCKHART!" Everyone shouts and Sirius groans as he says: "And here I was thinking we were rid of the guy." To which Remus asks: "You do know he was their teacher?" And he retorts: "Yeah, I just didn't think he'd last all year." We all laugh at this and Draco says: "So they used Polyjuice Potion to question me? When did they do that?"
I shrug and then Hermione giggles. We all look at her and Ron asks: "What are you laughing about? Harry and I were the ones questioning him, remember?" And she says: "I know. It's that sentence about Harry wanting that book. I finally understand why he kept asking me if he could have another look at the recipe."
Everyone looks at each other and slowly smiles, snickers and giggles start to overcome us all. But then Sirius shoots up and says: "Wait a minute. If you plan to use Lockhart to get that book, then Harry will have to come near him again." And he looks at his sleeping, healing child in fear – just like the rest of the students, teachers, locals and guests.
Hey everyone,
I loved this chapter. It was simple, needed barely any editing and got us one step closer to Harry getting healed, which means I might be able to close of that Arc a little faster than was planned in the original. Which is not to say that it won't be mentioned from time to time – just that mentioning it will lessen over time.
Also, I am very proud of all this. When I took the break at the end of November from work, I had originally planned to use that for the editing of all these chapters, but then saw that I had way more than I had expected and feared that I wouldn't even reach a full dozen. Now – I am just giddy with excitement to see how far I can get.
Merry Christmas,
Venquine1990
