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Hey guys,

Welcome back to another chapter of DITC. Today we have the last Hogwarts Chapter for the year. You have waited long, but it's finally here. (On that note, RIP to my Grandpa.)

Discord: /zwpshsfKJn

The chapter is, as always, betaed by Phosphofinite/Jono. Check him out on FFN, if you'd like [FFN: Phosphofinite].

Also, once more a big thank you for all the reviews, favourites and follows on the story. We have over 260 Likes and 360 Follows as of now, and it really warms my heart to see that many people find enjoyment in my hobby.

Anyway, let's just see how it goes, shall we?

I hope you enjoy your read!

See you later,

Redd

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Down in the Chamber - Chapter Seven: An Average Thursday

Harry pinched his eyebrows in exhaustion. 'I'm bloody sick of this.'

The book on Celtic runes snapped shut. A staggering 5,000 pages bound in ancient, weathered leather. Five. Thousand. Hermione might have considered it some light reading, but Harry couldn't say he shared the sentiment.

At times, he had to reread entire sections because he'd forgotten some minor detail from the beginning of the book. It was utterly infuriating.

The high he'd been on after his nearly flawless exam run and his success with the Portkey had diminished rather quickly, now that he'd started to spend more and more time reading the book.

No matter how impossibly difficult Elder Futhark, or arithmancy might have seemed at the time, learning Celtic runes topped them by a mile.

He couldn't even pinpoint what exactly it was that made this particular language so hard to understand. The sheer extent of the alphabet? The stupidly ambiguous meanings and interactions with other letters in different contexts? Maybe it was the annoying Old English that the book was written in. He didn't know.

By now, he'd already spent at least another few hours in the abandoned classroom, just reading and taking notes. The fifteen minutes of spell practice didn't count. He'd done that as a break. Speaking of the time…

Tempus.

Eleven inches of holly loftily snapping into his palm, he silently conjured a thin trail of golden letters into the air. Their meaning made his stomach tighten ever so slightly.

I skipped dinner. I have to meet with Dumbledore.

Briskly, Harry collected his belongings, which were still scattered all over the dusty desk, and shoved them into his bag, making sure to bury the runes book at the very bottom of it. He headed out of the classroom immediately after.

As he strode through the castle on his way to the Headmaster's tower, he found himself pondering Dumbledore's words from last week again. Discuss my living arrangements…

What that entailed, Harry wasn't exactly sure. He had dismissed Emily's shrewd suspicion rather easily, confident that Dumbledore wouldn't ever lie so nonchalantly, but it wasn't like he'd come up with a better idea either.

Perhaps the headmaster wanted to implement a few changes to his life at Privet Drive? Had he somehow gotten word of what had happened at the end of last summer? He hoped not…

He'd been rather explicit when asking both Ron and the twins to keep quiet about the endeavour in its entirety, even to Hermione. Still… if Dumbledore had wanted to find out, Harry had no doubts the headmaster had.

There was, of course, also still the off-chance that he wouldn't return to Surrey at all. Although he desperately hoped to avoid that outcome.

It was a bit strange, really. A year ago, he would've relished the thought of finally being rid of his despicable relatives, but now…

It wasn't that he suddenly started craving their company, of course -He snorted inwardly- the only benefit that returning to Privet Drive promised was the unrestricted ability to visit the Chamber, and Emily, any time he wanted.

The thought of finally paying his relatives back for all the shit he'd been on the receiving end of for the last eleven years was just the cherry on top.

He might've even been content to leave them be, had it not been for last summer. Bars before his window, and a cat-flap on the door to feed him. Whatever he ended up doing to them, would be more than deserved.

Dudley was another matter entirely, but Vernon and Petunia… they were free game now, as far as Harry was concerned. A cobra on the desk would make for a nice surprise, wouldn't it?

Coming to a halt in front of a familiar gargoyle, he banished the thoughts of his relatives from his mind, curtly naming the password. The hint of a smile overcame his lips.

'Cockroach Clusters.'

The gargoyle twisted into the ground and revealed the spiral staircase leading up into the office. The walls were dusty, and the cobblestone was weathered. Nevertheless, an aura of comfort wrapped around him, as he walked up the steps.

'Ah, Harry,' Dumbledore's jovial voice greeted him from above.

How does he know it's me before he sees anyone? Perhaps some kind of tripping ward? I might ask Emily later.

Reaching the top of the stairs, he returned an equally warm smile. 'Professor,' he nodded.

The office didn't look any different from the last time he'd been here. Spinning, silver apparatuses, ancient books with weathered pages, and all kinds of peculiar magical artefacts were scattered on round tables all around the circular room.

Dumbledore was propped up behind his desk, a handful of transparent candy wrappers occupying the space inf front. His expression wasn't entirely carefree, though he certainly seemed happy.

'Please,' the headmaster conjured an armchair. 'Have a seat. Lemon drop?'

'Gladly, sir,' Harry accepted, popping one of the yellow candies into his mouth. I remember stealing these at one of Piers' birthday parties. He smiled inwardly at the memory.

'How have you been, my boy? I hear your exams went rather well,' Dumbledore asked.

'They did,' Harry agreed swiftly. 'It's been quite busy, but I'm happy I put in the effort. Hermione was a great help.' And Emily, of course.

Dumbledore nodded slowly. 'Yes, I'd assume Miss Granger provided wonderful assistance. I'm glad to hear she recovered rather well. Poppy was rather worried she'd perhaps overburden herself, trying to make up for time lost, but alas…'

'Ron and I did our best to keep her in check, sir,' Harry said, his eyes twinkling mirthfully.

'That, I have no doubt about,' Dumbledore agreed, his eyes shining equally bright. 'Though from what I heard, your success in Charms was entirely of your own doing. Filius had only impressive things to say about your little project.'

The pineapple…. Tough subject, that one. He'd been able to dodge Hermione's inquiries rather easily, but Dumbledore… that was a whole nother matter.

'I'm sure he exaggerated, sir,' Harry smiled disarmingly. 'It was rather spontaneous, after all.'

'Nevertheless, truly a magnificent feat for someone of your age, Harry,' Dumbledore amended. 'One you can most certainly be proud of. Professors Vector and Babbling were already inquiring over your choice of electives next year.'

Everyone knows then. I wonder what Snape had to say… Probably put it off as blatant favouritism…

'I think I'd enjoy Runes and Arithmancy. I had fun studying ahead in the subjects this year. Aside from that, Divination seems interesting, but I don't think I have any aptitude in the subject. Muggle Studies is also not on my list of preferred choices,' Dumbledore nodded amusedly. 'But I think Care of Magical Creatures might be useful. Is there anything you would recommend, Professor?'

Dumbledore twirled the edges of his silvery beard. 'Taking three electives may be ambitious… but I have little doubt you would manage, Harry. You're doing excellently in classes. Even Severus was most impressed with your performance in the exam, even if he was quite reluctant to admit so.'

Harry hid his surprise. Snape impressed with my performance? The ludicrous image almost made him laugh. I'd guessed he'd be livid. Though he didn't seem angry after the exam, more indifferent than anything really…

'Though I have to confess myself, no matter how delightful, that your spike in academic performance even caught me off guard. Please don't take this as an insult, my boy,' Dumbledore added vehemently. 'By no means were you ever a bad student, but alas… I still find myself curious about your recent success.'

Had Emily been right in her suspicions about the true intentions behind the meeting? Dumbledore's question was rather direct, and seemed harmless. Still, Harry decided to tread carefully.

'Well, to be entirely honest, sir, I've just been studying a lot. After my encounter with Quirrell and her at the end of last year, I…' he averted the headmaster's gaze as he spun the half-truth. 'I felt weak. Voldemort toyed with me, sir, and even though you told me I had no reason to worry… I still couldn't get rid of that feeling. So I started practising new spells… reading how to defend myself if I ever ended up in a similar situation. It isn't that I don't trust you, sir -really- but-'

Dumbledore interrupted him with a raise of his hand. He had a grim yet compassionate smile on his face.

'I fear I have to apologise, Harry,' he sighed. 'In no way meant I ever to accuse you of anything, nor should you feel guilty of your new abilities. After all… you were more than right in your assessment of things. You weren't safe and if you hadn't practised the way you had… who knows what would've happened to you and young Miss Weasley in the Chamber of Secrets. No… I'm more than happy to see you advance so quickly. The other Professors and I were simply curious about your sudden interest in runes and arithmancy.'

Thank Merlin.

'Well,' Harry exhaled. 'Arithmancy is just incredibly useful, isn't it? It was one of the reasons my potions exam went so well. I understood what I was doing, unlike last year. And runes… they're just so versatile. I originally wanted to ward off Ron's snoring -no offence to him, of course-' Dumbledore smiled goodnaturedly. 'And from there on, I just… kept reading. Professor Flitwick said my mother was always seen with a book in hand. After seeing her and my dad in the mirror last year, I… I really just want to live up to their memories,' he finished genuinely.

Dumbledore sighed heavily. 'It is truly a tragedy, what happened to your parents, Harry, one I mourn terribly. Both Lily and James were extraordinarily bright students, and to see their future taken from them so early... It is a comfort to see you taking after them in more than just that way,' he whispered. 'But let us speak of more urgent matters now. No matter how valuable conversation with you always proves, after all, I wanted to speak with you for a reason.'

Harry's lips thinned. 'To discuss my living arrangements for the summer.'

Dumbledore nodded gravely. 'Indeed. First of all, let me begin by acknowledging my mistakes of the past. I can most certainly comprehend why you didn't want to return to your relatives last summer -perhaps even more so now- and forcing you nonetheless was… cruel, in a way. But before you once more damn an old man for doing something he despises, I'd like to ask for a chance to explain myself, no matter how meaningless it might seem,' the headmaster said with regretful eyes.

I wonder where this is going… Harry slowly inclined his head. 'Of course, sir.'

'As you already know, nearly twelve years ago, when Lady Voldemort attacked your family's cottage, your mother sacrificed herself, allowing for you to live.'

Step Aside. Not Harry. Avada Kedavra. A green flash played in front of Harry's eyes, and he briefly pressed them shut.

'The protection she awarded you in doing so, is a most peculiar one; One, I have to admit, even I haven't been able to understand in its entirety. But what little I do know about it, is that the protection is anchored in your blood.'

Blood Magic, just like Emily suggested. My mother must've known about sacrificial runes as well. A funny thought came to his mind. I wonder if she had as much trouble understanding them as I have.

'Blood, you have to understand, Harry, is a fickle thing. It is so strong yet so ephemeral, so wonderful yet so terrible. The protection you carry, Harry, is just like the blood itself. A curse and a blessing, both, the reason you survived two encounters with the Dark Lady, yet also the source of so much misery for you. I will not lie to you and say that I can perfectly understand your situation, Harry, because I cannot. But what I can tell you, is that whatever I do, is only in my interest to keep you safe.'

Petunia and Dudley are my only remaining relatives… That's why he sent me back last summer. It makes an awful lot of sense, now that I understand a few things about sacrificial magic.

'The protection fades if I don't return to the Dursleys, doesn't it, sir? Because of my Aunt,' Harry interrupted quietly.

Dumbledore seemed surprised, but then nodded. 'Yes, my boy, it does. And as both last and this year have proven, your protection is simply invaluable. So no matter how sorry I am…'

'It's necessary for me to return,' Harry murmured. 'I understand, Professor.' Dumbledore nodded sadly. 'I can't even blame you for it, really, I can't, but… I just wish you'd told me earlier. Last summer… I was really angry. It would've helped to know why you'd decided I couldn't stay at the castle, why I needed to go back.'

And the sentiment was true enough. He had been angry at Dumbledore for making him go back last year, and knowing why certainly would've helped. Now though? Not really.

It was good to know the headmaster was aware of the situation, and even felt sorry, but he had already accepted to go back anyway. It wasn't as much of a relief as it could've been. Nevertheless, he forced a grateful smile onto his face.

'I take it, I'll have to return this summer once again,' Harry said simply.

'Until you reach your magical majority,' Dumbledore nodded with a pained smile. 'I'm truly sorry, my boy.'

'It's alright…' Harry muttered. 'Can I at least visit Diagon Alley, or the Weasleys?'

To Harry's surprise, Dumbledore nodded. 'Certainly. As long as you spend the majority of the holidays -five weeks perhaps- with your Aunt, the protection should remain intact. Less than that… would be taking an unnecessary risk. I also erected blood wards around the residence, which will keep you safe from Voldemort or any of her followers, should you ever be in need of a safehouse. But it is only a minor reason for you to spend your summer there. '

Something to keep in mind.

'Thank you, sir.'

Dumbledore fell back in his seat, and exhaled in relief. 'No, Harry, I thank you. I cannot say how grateful I am that this conversation is over. I was afraid you may be furious with me -and rightly so- but it seems you take after your father in more ways than just his looks.'

Harry lips tugged upward. He'd heard tales of his mother's infamous temper. 'Seems like it,' he agreed.

'Then let me not keep you for any longer, my boy. I'm sure you'd rather spend your last few days in the castle with your friends rather than an old man with too many regrets. It was truly a pleasure to talk to you again, despite the occasion.'

Harry bowed his head. 'Thank you for explaining, sir. It means a lot.' He got up from his chair.

'To you and me both,' Dumbledore said quietly. 'I wish you a wonderful summer, Harry, no matter how difficult it may be.'

'You too, sir.'

This couldn't have gone any better, were Harry's last thoughts before he exited the office.

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'I'm back,' Harry called out as he entered the door leading into the inner Chamber.

Emily was -for a change- not sitting on the conjured chair behind the desk, but rather on a new sofa at the other end of the room. The book on alchemy -it might've been even thicker than the Celtic runes one- was in her hands. She snapped it shut the moment he made his presence known.

'Harry,' Emily frowned. 'How did it go?'

'Well,' Harry exhaled. 'I'm still going to the Dursleys' this summer, so our plans are on.'

'That's good. No trouble from the codger?'

He snorted, shaking his head. 'No. We briefly touched on my performance in class, but he didn't pry at all.'

'Not even about the Charms thing?' she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Harry sighed. 'No, he didn't. He really isn't that bad of a person, you know? He may keep things closer to his chest than I'd like, but he certainly isn't some evil mastermind. He was genuinely curious about my success, nothing more, nothing less,' he concluded. 'The main thing he wanted was to explain why I had to return to my relatives over the summer. He was also really apologetic.'

'He did?' she asked surprisedly.

'Yes. And it makes a hell of a lot of sense, now that I understand it.' He still could've done a better job checking up on me though…

'What'd he say?'

He sighed again. 'It's a bit complicated, really. The reason I have to go back pretty much lies with my Aunt and Cousin. When Voldemort,' Emily's lips thinned. 'Tried to kill me that Halloween twelve years ago, my mother refused to stand aside and let her do it. She sacrificed herself, and in turn protected me from Voldemort's killing curse. I obviously don't know any details, but as you already suggested, she might've used a ritual.'

Emily nodded for him to continue.

'Anyway… the point is, that protection is based- anchored… whatever, in my blood. Usually, it would fade rather quickly due to the nature of Blood Magic, but apparently, by having enough exposure to my Aunt every year, it's kept alive.'

'Because she shares your blood,' Emily nodded. 'Makes sense. And Dumbledore wants you to keep that protection?'

Harry's lips curled inwards. 'He does, and no matter how angry I was at him for sending me back last year, I have to admit he's right. Without that protection I'd be dead twice over'

Emily frowned. 'You said your Professor-' she hesitated. 'Voldemort burned at your touch. I assume-'

'That it was the protection, yeah. Unless I managed an unheard of feat of wandless magic, at least. Anyway… point is, the protection already saved me from death twice. It'd be wise to keep it. Now that my wand's untraceable, and I can portkey here anytime I want, I don't really mind returning anyway.'

'It was my pleasure,' Emily threw in amusedly.

Harry snorted. 'Yeah, thanks.'

His eyes briefly flickered downwards, where the titleless book on alchemy still laid on her lap.

'You're still looking into alchemy?'

'What about it?'

Ouch. Their last conversation about the topic had gone less than stellar. It seemed she hadn't forgotten.

'Nothing,' he replied quickly. 'I was just curious. Are you still working on the stone?'

It seemed that was not the right thing to say, as he very quickly found himself glared at by an annoyed Emily.

'You know, if you don't want me looking into making another stone, how about you suggest something else for me to do? I'm stuck down here in this murky hole twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with only you and some boring old books for company. I can't make any immediate plans because everything relies on you, and I don't have anything to make work. So why not try to create another Philosopher's stone?.'

'Emily-' Harry deflated.

'No, seriously, suggest something else. I'm reading books on all kinds of shite all day, but I need something to work towards. And I've never looked into alchemy before. Creating a stone is a perfectly fine project. Sure, I may be obsessed with avoiding death, but so what? At least I have something that keeps me from going insane down here. A goal. You have no idea how bloody boring it gets at times. I never even know when you're gonna be back. I'm stuck waiting around in this ancient toilet system, until you're finally able to get some polyjuice.'

Wow. That was one rant… He couldn't really fault her though. He knew perfectly well just how maddening isolation could be. His last summer had taught him that.

'You're right,' Harry said, breaking the angry silence that had enveloped the office just a moment earlier. 'I never really considered how bored you must be down here… I could bring you some books on recent history, if you'd like? About politics and new magical discoveries and all that stuff.'

He paused.

'It's also fine that you're trying to make another stone. I- I don't think it'd make you happy, but if it gives you something to do… that's already worth it, I suppose. I didn't mean-'

'It's alright,' Emily interrupted him, pinching her eyebrows and sighing. 'Maybe I overreacted a bit, but… all this idleness is driving me crazy. I'd really appreciate it if you could get some books. It's probably not worth borrowing any from the library anymore, but… you could buy some when you visit the Alley.'

'Sure,' Harry smiled. 'I'll get enough to last you a lifetime.'

It seemed his attempt at lightening up the atmosphere worked. Emily slumped back onto the sofa and chuckled.

'Thanks, Harry… and sorry for shouting at you.'

'It's fine. Sorry for being ignorant,' he grimaced.

'...'

'So… we should probably talk about the timeframe for the summer, right?' Harry asked, rubbing his neck.

'We should,' Emily nodded. 'I already prepared a list with the ingredients you'll need for the ritual.'

She stood up and headed over towards the desk, picking up a piece of parchment. With a wave of her hand, she banished it towards him, who caught it with wide eyes.

'You can do wandless magic?' he asked, flabbergasted.

She only shrugged in response. 'I learned it when I was at the orphanage. It's pretty much useless except for parlour tricks and some stuff like summoning or banishing things. I pretty much stopped practising once I got rid of the trace on my wand.'

'It's supposed to be incredibly hard though, isn't it?' Harry asked, frowning at her nonchalance.

She frowned. 'I don't think it has much to do with innate talent. It's more to do with consistent practice than anything else. When I figured out I was… special, I started trying to replicate the things I did with accidental magic. It took me months but after some time I was able to levitate things, or pick locks more or less consistently. It was pretty useful at the orphanage, I have to admit, but otherwise… I don't think it's really all that much of a perk.'

'You don't think I should try and learn it?'

She snorted. 'Definitely not. You could, of course, but your time will be better spent practising different things; like the Mind Arts. But that's for another time.'

That's the second time she's mentioned them; the Mind Arts. She said she used them to change Ginny's memory, didn't she? He briefly considered asking her, but thought better of it. I have enough stuff to learn as it is.

'Anyway, you can take the list with you, just don't let anyone see it. You should be able to get most of the stuff on order from Borgin and Burkes, if that shop's still around,' Emily interrupted his thoughts.

Harry shuddered, remembering his first visit there. 'Yeah, it's still around.'

'Good,' Emily concluded. 'Only thing left then is for you to bring me the spleens, so I can start brewing the ageing potion. How long do you think you'll need?' she asked.

Depends on how easy it is to keep Vernon and Petunia in check. I can't risk them running to Dumbledore for help, even if I doubt they'd ever consider talking to a freak voluntarily. A few days of rest might be nice as well. Not like I ever got some at that house…

He grimaced. 'I'm not sure yet. A few days, maybe? The Express leaves in three days, on Sunday, so I should easily be able to get the spleens by the end of next week, probably earlier. I still have some studying and assignments to do as well.' He paused. 'Wednesday, maybe?'

She shrugged. 'Sure, that works. The potion needs four days, so you'll have some time to relax after that. Just don't let your runes study slide, no matter how annoying it is.' She reprimanded.

'I won't,' Harry muttered.

'Good boy,' Emily grinned mockingly, patting him on the head. 'Once you get done with the runes and we have the ingredients settled, we can move on to more interesting topics.'

'Like what?'

'I've got a few things in mind. Mind Arts, as I already mentioned. Curse-breaking or warding, maybe some advanced curses and defence magic? Obviously we'll also have to make long term plans sometime soon, but I think we can wait for that until after your birthday,' she responded, her voice chipper. 'I really like how things are going, despite it being a bit idle.'

'They're going flawlessly,' Harry nodded. Too flawlessly, almost. 'Do we leave it at that then? Is it fine if I just come by Wednesday evening after getting the spleens and the books for you?'

'I suppose…' she pondered, then an idea lit up her face. 'You should also get some polyjuice for me in Knockturn, when you're there. As long as you have enough money, of course.'

'Oh, money isn't an issue,' Harry assured her. I need something to waste my inheritance on, he figured. And now I feel like Malfoy again.

Emily snorted. 'How modest. Anyway, I'd really appreciate that. We can do some shopping together then. It'll be nice to finally get out of this hole after almost two months.'

'Definitely,' he agreed. 'So, I guess that's it for tonight.'

'It is,' she nodded. 'Bye, Harry.'

He made his way over towards the door leading outside the office, and smiled. 'Night, Emily. See you next week.'

She responded in kind. 'See you next week.'

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Sup,

you've reached the end of the chapter.

I originally planned to add another golden trio scene, but in the end I decided against it. The next scene is on the train, and I feel like it wouldn't really fit into the chapter either, so I decided to just cut it short here.

I hope you don't mind terribly, despite waiting so long for the new release.

Let's just look at it as a nice round-out chapter for the year. We got some closure about Dumbledore and where he stands, and we managed to get a look at how things currently look for Emily and Harry.

On that note, I'd also like to thank Tri-Edge for pointing out that I never really covered what Emily does in her free time. (I really appreciate your consistent reviews by the way)

I hope I managed to rectify that in this chapter.

Next time we'll have the train ride, as I already mentioned, as well as -finally- Harry's reunion with the Dursleys. I already hinted at potential outcomes, but what do you think? Does Dudley deserve to be punished, does he not? Feel free to leave your opinion or any ideas in the reviews or on the Discord.

Speaking of that: /zwpshfKJn

Also, big love to Jono/Phosphofinite once more for betaing!

I'll leave things at that for now. The next chapter hopefully won't keep you waiting for as long as this one. Anyway, see you in the next one guys. Enjoy your day,

Redd

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