Chapter 2 ~ The Flora Attacks and Threats of Blood Part III
-separater-
It was the fourth week of the term and I still couldn't get Harry's attention. I managed to get the Seeker position on the Gryffindor team though. I was barely good enough to make the team. Oliver Wood, the Captain, said I would have to prove myself against Slytherin to keep my place on the team. This meant besting Harry; a thing most wouldn't even fathom.
I was determined to catch his attention. If I had to learn a few dark spells to knock him down a peg or two on the Quidditch pitch I would. Anything for him, for my Harry Potter. The one who would be mine. No matter what the fuck I had to do to get him!
-separater-
It was Friday and I was in my last class of the day: DADA. Lockheart had been rather tame since the incident with the pixie's in the second week of his second year classes. Today we were discussing how he 'defeated the Wagga Wagga Werewolf. It was so fabricated and ridiculous that I was forced to cast a silencing charm around myself and Draco. We were both laughing our heads off at the super model's tales.
" … and then …" the teacher said.
"I have got to get out of this fucking class." I muttered as I groaned.
"I feel the same way. We have got to start some kind of club or something. I need a challenge from my classes." The blonde next to me said.
"Just be glad he can't hear us Draco."
"I am. I would hate to have detention with that loser. Sorry, Harry." He said.
"It will only be for one night. I heard the Weasel has a whole week with Filch. I followed him to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. Besides I had no other choice. The damn barrier wouldn't let either of us through."
"You might have been able to Apparate." Draco suggested.
"Really? Draco I'm pretty good but even I don't know how to do that yet. Besides the under-aged wizard thing you know. That would have gotten me sent to the ministry." I said. Sighing the Malfoy put his head in his hands. I mimicked him and we both tried to ignore the droning fake hero, that was Lockheart.
Hermione Granger and Pansy were practically drooling over him. I wondered if the two girls would ever notice each other. If they stopped fawning over a stupid asshole they might notice that they were made for each other. But alas, girls are dumb like that sometimes. Don't get me wrong, guys aren't any better. Sometimes we're worse. That is about girls anyway. Me, I wasn't interested in anyone here at Hogwarts.
I only had one fix right now. That, was someone or something I couldn't possibly have. Someone who was no more than a spirit couldn't possibly be anything more than that. Dark rituals may change that fact, but until one of his followers managed to give him some kind of body Lord Voldemort was out of my reach. I am not really sure how I felt about him; hard to know when the only time I met him I was a little over a year old.
Finally Lockheart finished with his explanations and gave us an assignment. In my opinion, he should have given that first. Those of us who could get stuff like that done quickly would have been done and could sleep the rest of the period. But that's not how Lockheart works. He's one of those ego-centric losers who thinks they rule the world. The world revolves around 'me' bullshit.
The assignment for today was to do a report on how he defeated the Wagga Wagga Werewolf. We were to put in as many details as possible. We could get more credit if we added facts not found in the specific book the 'conquest' was mentioned in. Surely Hermione and Pansy would do that. Hermione for the extra credit, and Pansy to see the smile that lit up Lockheart's face. I would never understand either of them.
Personally, I thought girls were annoying and rather stupid. Guys were better sometimes but still no better when it came to the opposite sex. I had come to the conclusion that this technically made me either or asexual or gay. It was hard to tell at the moment. I was still growing [sexually] and wouldn't be able to tell for sure until at least next year. Although my mind was way ahead my hormones were still trying to catch up.
By now I should be having urges. Urges to touch girls [or in the case of my theories] guys or no one at all. But I haven't had anything. This might have something to do with my other theory. The whole 'thestral hybrid' thing. If that one was true it might explain things a bit. Girls took longer to sexually mature but guys usually didn't take this long.
I sighed and brought out the proper length of parchment for the report. He wanted eleven inches on this stupid shit. Ugh, I was going to have to talk to the headmaster about this. Talk to Dumbles again about how Lockheart was a disgrace. I had already told the headmaster that Lockheart was horrible once.
It had been right after the incident with the pixie's.
I had gone up to see Dumbles after the lesson.
"Harry?" the old man asked as I walked into his office.
"It's Lockheart … he's …" I said, trying to hold in the anger that had overtaken me once leaving that room.
"What about Gilderoy? Harry what's wrong?" the professor asked in his best grandfatherly voice.
"He … he cannot even control a creature he brought in for us to practice taming. What kind of idiot did you hire?"
"I am sure he just-"
"He used a spell that isn't in any book I've read and then dove behind his desk like a scared rabbit. Professor,"
"Yes Harry?"
"I don't want to take his class anymore."
"Harry I am sure things will get better. He probably just panicked. It was the first time he has showed them to students."
"I don't care. If he messes up like this again I'm taking a correspondence DADA class with another magical school." I had said.
"Harry,"
"No. I will not be persuaded. This is ridiculous." I said with barely controlled anger.
"I will have a talk with him." The professor said.
"I hope so. I respect those that have been chosen to teach here. Lockheart, I have no respect for."
"Harry … that's not something you should say about a teacher."
"What am I supposed to say then? That he's the best thing that's happened to Hogwarts? If I said that professor I would be lying. Even in Slytherin we are taught not to outright lie." I said.
"Harry you should have respect for your superiors."
"Yes, but that only applies when they give me a reason to. Lockheart, has given me no reason to even respect him as a person. He's a fraud."
"Harry, what he says is true."
"How can you not see through his lies! Professor he has even fooled you."
"Harry you are just imagining things."
I could feel eyes on me and I turned to look into his blue orbs. I could also feel something prodding at my mind, which made me immediately snap my eyes shut.
"Don't," I said as I walked to the door,
"ever try to read my mind again. I will learn Oclomency, and when I do you won't be able to control anything I do. Oh," I said as I smirked.
"I can see right through your compulsion Dumbledore. I won't let it work on me."
"Harry I would never-"
"You are lying to me. What was that tug on my mind? Why do your eyes cloud over when you're around me? Why me and no one else? Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do. I will not be your 'boy savior' anymore Dumbledore." I said.
I left the room and descended the staircase. I made sure to punch the wall where the gargoyle stood when I came down. It glanced at me curiously but did not react otherwise. The fucking headmaster would not hear about this. He wouldn't do anything about it anyway. It would just lead to the same thing happening again. This time, I might not be able to hold back on him …
I was jerked out of my reverie by Lockheart himself. I stared at my half finished essay and then glanced up at the man.
"Harry I would like you to come and help me demonstrate something." He said. I groaned and shook my head.
"I don't have to do anything. Get Hermione or Pansy to do it. I am sure they would jump at the chance to stand next to you." There was a little more edge to my voice than necessary. I closed my eyes and forced myself to calm down. I plastered a smile on my face but did not get up from my seat.
"Alright, Ms. Granger come up here. Just do as I tell you." He said as the bushy haired girl practically bounced up to the front of the room. You could see sunshine pouring off of her in waves, almost. She was so happy to be near him, and Pansy was getting jealous. Draco and I were going to get an earful of her wining later. 'Hermione is such an attention seeking bitch.' That's what she'd say.
When the demonstration was over we were finally allowed to leave. I was so annoyed by the fucking class that I had finished the essay in five minutes. When I put my mind to shit that really irritated me I could accomplish that given action in record time. The blonde professor was a little surprised to see the essay I handed him. It made him smile and the girls in the classroom glared at me.
I shrugged and left the room. I was totally done with this bitch of a teacher for today. Tomorrow was the first Slytherin quidditch match of the year. It was going to be Slytherin vs. Hufflepuff. They didn't stand a chance.
With Draco as a Beater and myself as the Seeker they were going to get pounded into the ground. I couldn't wait to go up against Gryffindor. The Weasel's bitch of a sister was supposed to be the Seeker. She was a first year so she must have sucked cock to get onto the team. There was no way she was good enough to be on the team. Either she sucked cock or had some kind of agreement with the Keeper on the team. Either way I would show her what a real Seeker played like.
We were supposed to play against Gryffindor in November I think. After we played ravenclaw, and then they played Hufflepuff. The House of the Badgers was so going to get beaten. I had heard that Ravenclaw had a decent Seeker. I of course, would pummel them in the end. Not that I wanted to beat people at everything; quidditch just seemed to be one of the things I was especially good at. Like dark magic and a few other things for example. I was a natural at them, just like I was with quidditch.
After class I retreated to my dorm room. I pulled out the book I had been reading lately [ on wind magic] and started reading. Even, the ever present Draco, was absent from the dormitory. He must have something to do with Blaise or Pansy. Fine by me, I would like some time to read in peace.
An hour later I went down for dinner. Draco, Blaise, Pansy, and Theodore Knott [who had recently begun to hang out with us] walked to the great hall together. Dinner would hopefully not be as exasperating as my last class. Even seeing Lockheart, would make me want to curse that fucking smile off his face.
As we all finished eating Dumbles stood up.
/What does the goat want?/ asked Durante as he poked his head out of my robes. I whispered a mufliato and a weak invisibility charm so no one would notice.
/Who knows. It's Dumbles, it could be anything./ I hissed back.
/The oaf has worn my patience thin./
/It's only the end of the first month. He barely bothered you last year./
/I didn't pay much attention to him last year. He mostly left you alone, after glaring at you the first day./
/Yeah, that's true. I wish it was like that this year. I hate it when people try to control me./
/You think I like it any better? No one –and I mean no one – controllsss my Malo./ Durante said possessively.
/Shut up so I can figure out if anything he is saying is actually worth hearing./ I hissed as I dropped the charms. Durante slipped back into my robes and was silent.
"Tomorrow is the first Quidditch match of the season. I hope the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins are excited to show off their talent." Dumbles said. There was a murmur in the hall.
"Now then, Lockheart would like to say a few words."
Not that idiot. I slapped my forehead and grimaced. Not more of his incessant babbling.
"Thank you Dumbledore," the blonde super model said as he stood up.
"I would like to inform you of something that will be started in November."
"What does he want now?" Draco asked, putting a hand on my shoulder. Before I could protest his arm was draped over my shoulder and his head was lying on my shoulder.
"I don't know Draco. It has got to be important for once though. He never speaks during dinner." I said.
"Who knows. Maybe he will finally agree to date one of us." Pansy said with a dreamy look in her eyes.
I removed Draco's arm from my shoulder and glared at the girl.
"He would probably much rather date a banshee Pansy. Besides that's pedofelia." I said.
"Are you saying I'm ugly?" the girl asked, her brown eyes flashing.
"You're way too young. Besides, he might only like to mess with girl's hearts." I said.
"I doubt he is smart enough to do that. He would go after the first girl with big boobs who threw herself at him." Draco said with a small laugh.
"Shut up," Pansy growled.
I sighed and turned back to the speaking professor.
"… so this Dueling Club is just an experiment. It will be held during the first week of November."
"That's all, am I right, Gilderoy?" Dumbledore said, cutting off the other professor.
"Yes, I think so …" Lockheart said as he sat down.
"You may all return to your dormitories now. Remember lights out is at ten." The headmaster said cheerfully.
-separater-
On Halloween I had my detention with Lockheart.
"Harry, come in." the blonde said as he ushered me into his office. I groaned inwardly and took a seat as far from him as possible.
"You will be helping me answer my fan mail. Can you do that Harry?"
"Yes," I ground out. How dare he give me something like that!
"Sir, how long am I here for?" I asked twenty minutes later.
"Uhm … hmmm … how about until eight Harry. That's an hour and a half from now."
"Alright," I said softly. I turned my attention back to the large stack of envelopes next to me. It was piled as high as a muggle computer! If he thought I could get through this he better re-think it. Right, this is Lockheart. He only thinks of himself.
Sighing, I picked up a letter and opened it. This was so fucking pointless …
Why couldn't he think of something better? Acting out one of his 'fake' tales would probably be better than this. Ugh …
-separater-
Tom?
Yes?
What's it like to have power?
Why do you want to know?
I am just curious …
Sure you are Ms. Weasley.
I am! What is it like to have people bowing at your feet?
It's … I don't really know. I never had that exactly.
Who are you really?
I am Tom Marvalo Riddle.
Who?
I was a wizard who went to Hogwarts just like everyone else. Why the change in subject?
Just … I wanted to know. Tom?
Yes, what is it?
I want to have power. I want Harry to notice me.
I can show you how to do that.
Really?
Yes, Ms. Weasley. There is something you must see first.
You are going to show me something? I am thrilled Tom!
Calm down Ms. Weasley. Don't scream.
Scream?
Exactly, don't scream.
Why?
You'll see …
-separater-
Everything went foggy for a few moments. When I was able to see again I was standing next to a boy. He looked remarkably like Harry actually. His hair was a shade or two lighter and his eyes were dark blue, but, other than that they were very similar.
Well … Harry's skin was darker, but, that was about it. It was kind of scary.
I put a hand in front of my mouth to keep from screaming.
"What's going on Tom?"
"I brought you to my time. To my memories …"
"Your memories? What are you going to show me?" I asked with a grin.
"Follow me, Ginny." He said as he started walking. I gasped and followed behind the boy. He was much taller than my four feet seven, and I had to jog to keep up.
"Slow down,"
"Alright," he said as he slowed to a stop. I nearly ran into him, using his arm to keep me upright.
"You should be more careful Ms. Weasley."
"I suppose I should." I answered as I got my balance.
He led me down many corridors of Hogwarts. Yeah, that's where he brought me. Confused? I am too. I gasped loudly as he came to a stop in front of the staircase that led to the headmaster's office.
"Why are we here, Tom?"
"You will find out." The boy said as he barked the password at the gargoyle standing guard.
When we reached the top of the stairs I was surprised to find the Slytherin crest on the headmaster's door.
"Tom?"
He put a finger over my mouth and muttered a spell under his breath. I looked down to find that he had cast an invisibility charm on me.
"Enter," the headmaster said as Tom knocked. He smirked and opened the door. A disillusioned Ginny Weasley followed him into the office.
"Sir?"
"I wanted to make sure you were alright. Things have been quiet as of late."
"I am fine sir,"
"Are you sure?"
"yes sir,"
"There is nothing you want to tell me?"
"No sir."
"Off you go then." The man said as he gestured toward the door.
"Professor?"
"Yes?"
"If the person who opened the Chamber of Secrets was found would the school stay open?"
"Yes, and they would be expelled."
"I might be able to find them."
"Really Mr. Riddle? Do you know of anyone suspicious?"
"I might, I just want to be sure first."
"Of course."
"You may go, unless you wanted to talk."
"I am fine professor. Good night."
"Good night Mr. Riddle."
"I will let you know as soon as I have more information." Tom said.
"I look forward to it." The professor said. It wasn't Dumbledore …
Next Tommm led me to the Forbidden Forest. A Six and a half foot man –boy—was there with a box.
"Hagrid, you can't keep that creature in the box. You know they'll catch you."
"Arrigog wouldn't hur' a thin'"
"Diffindo."
With a shriek something scuttled out of the box. It was a spider! Ginny cowered behind Tom as the creature went into the forest.
"Arrigog!" Hagrid cried as he tried to follow.
"You're already in enough trouble as it is. I know that spider killed the girl in the chamber. Once the rest of the school finds out you'll be expelled. Why make things worse?"
"You wouldn't …"
"yes I would. If the monster is not found the school will close. We can't have that can we Hagrid?"
The boy growled and stalked toward the castle. He shot glares Tom's way every chance he got.
-separater-
Things blurred once more. When I could see Hagrid and the headmaster were standing in front of Tom and myself. Hagrid looked really upset.
"I am afraid I have to do this Hagrid." The professor said. The spider raising boy glared at Tom, who was watching from the sidelines.
"Why is he here?"
"He caught you. He should be here." A woman said. The boy turned and looked at a woman with curly brown hair and glasses.
"Mrs. Murtle, I advise you not provoke him. He may not look dangerous but he harbored that animal ..." Tom said with a smirk.
"I did-"
"Don't even try to deny it. I know that your spider killed her." Tom said. Looking defeated Hagrid turned back to the headmaster. He held out his wand and sighed.
"Now, I expel you Rubius Hagrid." The headmaster said. The wand was snapped in half.
Everything went white and I did scream. I tried to stop but couldn't shut my mouth. Tom's hand covered it for a brief moment before disappearing. Then I could see myself again. What?
-separater-
Ginny?
Yes Tom?
I want you to do something for me.
What's that?
I want you to open the chamber.
Why would I do that?
Because I told you to. Harry will notice you.
He will?
Yes, I rather think he will notice you.
I'll do it. How do I do this Tom?
It's easy …
-separater-
I wiped my sweaty palms against my robes. How long had I been here?
"Harry?"
"yes?"
"You can go."
Thank Merlin …
As I got up I heard something strange.
" … kill … rip … tear …"
"What?" I asked softly.
"… destroy … kill … must kill them …"
"Did you hear that professor?"
"Hear what Harry?"
What? He didn't hear it? Probably staring at himself in a mirror again …
I left his office and started to walk toward the dungeons.
"… rip … tear … blood …"
What? Where's that coming from?
"Where are you?" I asked. When there was no answer I sighed, it had been a long day. I was probably just tired.
As I kept walking though I heard it again.
"… break … tear … must have blood …"
Now I'm curious. The voice was traveling. Where to, I had no idea.
I looked around suddenly as the words stopped. A flash of light caught my attention. There in the light of a nearby torch hanging on the wall was Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat. Why was she here, and why did she look … dead?
I glanced around the immediate area. A puddle of water was on the floor next to a girl's lu. Why here? Then my eyes alighted on the wall next to Mrs. Norris.
"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir beware."
Huh? That's blood. I just knew it for some reason.
Before I could think about that any more I could hear voices coming down the hall. At first there were only a few, but, more joined. By the time the people were visible there were at least twenty of them. One of them, was Severus Snape. Filch came slinking into the corridor and screamed. Seeing me he narrowed a glare my way.
"Mrs. Norris. You m-murdered my cat." the squib said in lament. I shrugged and looked at Snape.
"I'll kill you."
"Someone get the headmaster." A random girl said. Snape walked off and came back with Dumbledore a few minutes later. The headmaster was smiling but the smile was turned into a frown when he saw the scene before him.
"What happened here?"
"I swear I didn't do this." I said. The two professors and Filch stared at me.
"Harry is telling the truth Dumbledore. He was having detention with me." Gilderoy Lockheart said, as he came into the corridor.
"And what, did you have him do?" Snape sneered. Lockheart's trademark smile did not faulter as he looked at Snape.
"Harry was helping me answer some fan mail."
"Fan mail?" Snape asked with a raised eyebrow in my direction.
"yeah, I cannot believe that was his idea of punishment." I said.
"If Harry didn't do it then who did?" a stunned Draco asked as he came into the corridor. He glanced at the wall and paled.
"I don't know." I said.
"Headmaster you're just going to let him go? He murdered my cat!" Filch demanded of Dumbles.
"I do not think she is dead Argus. Just petrified." The headmaster said. He poked the still body gently with the tip of his wand.
"yes. I am sure Professor Sprout can brew some Mandrakes for a revival potion." The bespectacled man said. I nodded and walked off toward the Slytherin dormitories.
Draco followed me and asked,
"Did you do it?"
"No, does it look like I did?"
"yes. You were the only one there …"
"Would I lie to you Draco?"
"Not that I know of. Well … maybe if it was for my own good …"
"Even then, I would tell you eventually." I said.
"Right,"
"You always seem to escape trouble don't you, Potter?" Draco asked with a seductive smile. It had become a habbit for us to flirt with each other randomly, just starting this year in fact.
"yeah, trouble'll always find me. Just like you always do." I said. I smirked as his cheeks tinted slightly.
"You got me there Potter. Let's go to sleep." Draco said. We had just made it to the Slytherin dorms. I nodded and walked into the common room, as Draco muttered the password.