Title: The Firebrand Chronicles Book Two: After Dark

Summary: No one knew what awaited them upon returning to Hogwarts that year. No one expected a monster to attack the students, and certainly no one expected anyone to assume that Harry Potter was the party responsible. Blaise Zabini certainly didn't. This is his story. Book Two

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter any of its characters or events. They belong to J.K. Rowling

Author's Note: Here ends Book two of the Firebrand Chronicles. I hope you all enjoyed the read.

Firebrand Chronicles

Book Two: After Dark

Chapter XVI

I strolled quickly along the corridors to Professor Snape's office, but to my bitter disappointment he wasn't there. The halls were silent and dark and I decided against lingering, there was something not quite right with the night. Instead I opted for plan B and headed for the staff room, at the very least one of the other Professors would be there.

There is nothing quite as frightening as walking alone in a deserted corridor when you know there is a monster on the loose. A monster that can kill with a single glance. I was all but running by the time I reached the staff room and once there I didn't even bother to knock, just pushed on the door and entered as quickly as possible.

I stopped suddenly when I realized the room was filled, all the heads of house and none other the Headmaster Dumbledore sat or stood in various places around the room.

"Mr. Zabini, you look pale."

"What's happened?" "What are you doing!" Professor Sprout and McGonagall spoke over each other. I opened my mouth to explain but words failed me.

"Mr. Zabini, will you please sit down and tell us what's wrong?" Dumbledore's voice was calm and his manner gentle so when he gestured towards a chair I obeyed. There was something about Dumbledore that made me want to obey.

"Slytherin's Monster is a basilisk." I stated bluntly as my knees gave out and I dropped into the seat.

They stared at me in shock. "How long have you known this?" Professor Snape finally ventured.

"About fifteen minutes, could have figured it out months ago if I'd been paying more attention . . ." I trailed off slightly uncomfortable

"Explain to us if you will, exactly what you've figured out." Dumbledore demanded looking serious. I suddenly felt very stupid. I was surrounded by full adult wizard who had years more experience and knowledge than I. Surly they had known this for some time. Knowing and being able to do something about it . . . There was a huge gap there. I did as I was told. Telling them everything, starting with the missing page in the book (which may have had nothing at all to do with anything) and ending with what we had learned in history of magic.

"At least someone pays attention in that class." McGonagall muttered.

"There is one problem with your theory," Snape stated, I felt like he was testing me. "No one, is dead."

"But no one's actually seen it." I answered, "That cat saw the reflection in the water, the Gryffindor kid had a camera, Finch-fletchley was looking through the ghost, and . . ."

"The mirror." Dumbledore finished.

"Sir, I'm sorry, but I couldn't figure out the who. Slytherin's line ends with the Gaunt family fifty years ago, so the heir can't be here. The person behind this must be a sympathizer , . ."

Dumbledore nodded and stood, "Minerva, the Weasleys should be here any moment, if you would take them to your office. Filius if you would please bring me all the information on basilisks you can find I believe Mr. Zabini's theory is correct." The way he said it made me feel like he was patronizing me, giving me credit for something he already knew, or had been thinking about for some time. "Severus, if you will escort Mr. Zabini back to his dormitory." Dumbledore was halfway through the door before he turned back to me. "You're very bright, Mr. Zabini, but you overlooked something. The Slytherin line does not end with the Gaunt family. The last daughter married a Muggle by the name of Riddle and produced a child. And please, in the future leave this sort of thing to the adults." And with that he was gone. He was right, I mused, I should have told one of them what I had found, or not found, long ago.

I had a terrible time falling asleep that night. Whatever Dumbledore was going to do about the basilisk there was still no guaranteeing the school would stay open. When I did finally fall asleep my dreams were terrible.

Some hours later we were awakened by professor Snape stating that the danger had passed and the school had declared a feast for us. We all trooped excitedly up the stairs in our pajamas. Though I did pause long enough to pull on my dressing gown. The party lasted all night. Exams were canceled the petrified were returned along with Hagrid (to Theo's relief. He seemed to like the Giant man.) No one seemed to care that it was very late, or early as the case may be.

In the back of my mind I mulled over the riddle Dumbledore had handed me, but that could be saved for another day. The Gaunt family no longer mattered, the school would stay open, everybody was once again safe. I didn't even care that it was Potter who had apparently saved the day. The only downside was the fact that Gryffindor had once again won the house cup.

The last of the year went by in a happy flash, Draco was the only one even remotely subdued. This was mostly due to the sudden news of his father's sacking as school governor.

All too soon I was collecting my belongings and Bandit to board the train home. Once there I did spend considerable time at the library, both magical and Muggle looking up the line Dumbledore had mentioned. I had no doubt that if he remembered he would ask after my progress. And after convincing the librarian I was researching a family tree for school, I only implied it was my own, I had all the help I needed. It took me little time to learn the family was very small, Mereop Gaunt had married a Muggle named Tom and born one son. All but the son were now deceased. His name was Tom Marvolo Riddle. Riddle was not at Hogwarts, so I concluded that my initial theory was correct and it had to have been a sympathizer. Never mind who, for the time being I was satisfied.

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