The Headmaster's Log

by james Thomas

Harry's story as seen by the Headmasters of Hogwarts

6. Chapter 6

Chapter VI The Heir of Slytherin

July 30, 1992

Tomorrow is Harry's twelfth birthday and I felt I needed to check on him at his aunt's house. He is safe but being treated cruelly. His family has locked him in his room because they are afraid the neighbors may discover he is a wizard. They even put bars on his windows to keep him from running away. I must do something to free him before the end of summer since they do not intend to let him return to Hogwarts. I would like to avoid overt magic because they may not let Harry return home next summer and he would lose the protection of my charm once he no longer lives with his mother's blood relative.

Headmaster APWBD

Aug 2, 1992

My problem of how to free Harry was solved last night when Ron Weasley and his brothers Fred and George did the job for me. They flew Arthur's enchanted car to Harry's house and literally busted him out by pulling the bars off his windows. Molly sent me a message when she discovered what the boys did; and at least I know Harry is safe and will be able to return to school.

Headmaster APWBD

Aug 15, 1992

The Weasleys took Harry to Diagon Alley to buy school supplies but ran into a problem. Arthur sent me a full report. First Harry got lost for a few minutes but was found by Hagrid who I had sent to make sure of security while Harry was there. Harry explained to the Weasleys how he got off the flue network at the wrong stop and ended up in Borgin and Burks where Lucius Malfoy was selling items in secret. There has been a crack down by the ministry and Arthur thinks Malfoy is worried about getting caught with illegal dark items.

More disturbing was another encounter with Malfoy later. While at Flourish and Blotts to buy books Harry was recognized by Gilderoy Lockhart our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Lockhart was there selling his latest book and realized Harry in a picture with him would increase sales. I wish I could cut down on Harry being so public but the boy has a life and is so famous he is recognized whenever he goes out.

On the way out Lucius and his son Draco stopped Harry, Hermione, and the Weasley children. Pretending to be friendly he grabbed Harry's arm and examined the scar on Harry's forehead that was left when Voldemort attempted to kill Harry as a baby. He then proceeded to denigrate Hermione for being a muggle born and the Weasley family for being poor. Arthur lost his temper and an actual physical fight ensued. Hagrid pulled Arthur and Lucius apart so no one was hurt. I don't like Lucius Malfoy showing interest in Harry. I believe him to have been one of Voldemort's top death eaters. There was not enough evidence to convict him but with the incident of Voldemort trying to return last year any interest shown by a possible death eater worries me.

Headmaster APWBD

Sept 1, 1992

Harry got back to school today but not by train. When the train left the station my people reported to me immediately that Harry was not on board. I got in touch with Molly and Arthur and they told me they took Harry with them to the station but in the crowded station did not see Harry and Ron who were together actually get on the train. When they got back to where Arthur had parked his enchanted car it was gone and the boys must have taken it instead of the train. I started a search but found nothing.

Soon after the train arrived and most of the students were already at the opening banquet Ron and Harry showed up; crashing the flying car into the Whomping Willow. Professor Snape of course wanted to expel Harry; but I allowed Professor McGonagall to handle their punishment; as the head of Gryffindor it is her responsibility. She knows Harry can not be expelled but must learn to follow the rules.

Harry and Ron told me the same story; the entrance to platform 9¾ sealed itself and wouldn't allow them through. They said the only way to get to school was to take the flying car. I asked them if they thought they were the only students to miss the train in the history of Hogwarts and the school didn't have arrangements in that case. The admitted it didn't occur to them; I guess it is one of the weaknesses of youth, act first think later.

I am worried about the barrier at platform 9¾ not letting Harry through so soon after Lucius Malfoy showed interest in him. Last year showed Voldemort is looking to return and I will have to keep an eye out for trouble.

Headmaster APWBD

Sept 15, 1992

I will formulate a plan to train Harry, Ron, and Hermione to build all the skills I think they will need for Harry to defeat Voldemort. I will wait until the uproar of Harry's arrival in the flying car to die down first. Also since Ron broke his wand during the ride it will be hard to do anything with him until he replaces it. I talked with Arthur and Molly and they intend to make him wait a while as punishment for taking the car.

Headmaster APWBD

Sept 20, 1992

Draco Malfoy and his Slytherin friends are taunting Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I guess they are picking up where Lucius left off at Flourish and Blotts. I will let this go on. Harry must learn to control his temper and this will be a good test. Also Ron and Hermione must learn control if they are going to help Harry.

Headmaster APWBD

Oct 12, 1992

Ron lost his temper when Draco called Hermione a Mud-Blood in front of several students. He tried to curse Draco with the wand he broke during the car ride back to Hogwarts and his curse backfired. He has been burping up slugs all day and I hope this will teach him to control his temper. I will issue no further punishment.

Headmaster APWBD

Nov 1, 1992

Harry, Ron, and Hermione found Mr. Filches cat was petrified, along with a message in blood on the third floor wall saying the heir of Slytherin had returned and the Chamber of Secrets had been opened.

This is how it started fifty years ago when Tom Riddle was at Hogwarts. I am at a loss to explain this. Voldemort cannot be here, he has no other relatives left from the Gaunt family since his uncle Morfin died, at least not that I can locate, and he has no children according to Snape. Snape has known Voldemort since 1978 and told me no mention of children ever came from any death eater. Could this be a hoax; maybe Lucius Malfoy heard the story of the chamber opening from Voldemort and his is behind this new incident. It may be connected to his interest in Harry.

Headmaster APWBD

Nov 2, 1992

All the children are talking about the Chamber of Secrets but few know the whole story. Hermione asked Professor Binns to tell them the story during his History of Magic class and he related the legend. I suppose they would have found out anyway and I think the truth is always the best course.

Headmaster APWBD

Nov 5, 1992

The castle portraits tell me most of the school believes Harry is the heir of Slytherin because he found the message and everyone knows his story of surviving Voldemort's attack. They think only a powerful dark wizard can overcome another powerful dark wizard So Harry must be a dark wizard and Voldemort attacked him to eliminate competition.

The ghost of the Stebbins girl who the children call "Moaning Myrtle" told me Harry, Ron, and Hermione have been meeting in the third floor girl's loo where Myrtle was killed. Nobody goes there because of Myrtle's constant moaning so they think they will not be overheard. Myrtle reported to me that they believe it is Draco Malfoy that opened the Chamber. They know from the story Professor Binns told that the chamber was opened before but not when it was opened. Lucius was here years after Voldemort but I suppose Voldemort could have related the necessary information to him and he could have told Draco. It would fit with Lucius' interest in Harry this year.

Headmaster APWBD

Nov 12, 1992

Harry was attacked by a hexed bludger during the first Quidditch match. I am reminded of the attack on him last year by Professor Quirrell while under the possession of Voldemort. Could Voldemort be hiding here again in another attempt to return?

Harry's arm was broken and unfortunately Professor Lockhart attempted to mend it instead of allowing Madam Pomfrey to do it. Lockhart removed all of the bones in Harry's arm and he will have to spend the night in the hospital wing while Madam Pomfrey regrows them.

Lockhart is incompetent but I could not get anyone else to take the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. Everyone believes the position is cursed. I will have to put up with him and hope he doesn't do any damage.

Headmaster APWBD

Nov 13, 1992

There was an attack on a student last night. Little Colin Creevey of Gryffindor was found petrified like Filch's cat. Why petrified instead of dead like the Moaning Myrtle I do not understand. Legend states the monster of the heir of Slytherin will kill the muggle born like Colin. Madam Pomfrey told me a potion made of Mandrake will restore Colin to consciousness but Madam Sprouts Mandrake plants are not full grown yet and we will have to wait until they are ready.

Because Harry was in the hospital during this attack with no witnesses to give him an alibi, I am sure the other children will think he is responsible. Putting up with their accusations will be another test of character for poor Harry.

Headmaster APWBD

Nov 14, 1992

Moaning Myrtle reported that Hermione is brewing up Polyjuice Potion in the third floor girl's loo. Harry, Ron, and Hermione intend to disguise themselves as Slytherins and get Malfoy to confess that he is behind the attacks. The formula for Polyjuice Potion is very complex and Professor Snape doesn't teach it until sixth year NEWTs class. I can't believe Hermione will succeed in making it but it will be interesting to watch her try. I will check on it to be sure she doesn't make something harmful.

Headmaster APWBD

Nov 20, 1992

Myrtle related to me that Hermione tricked Professor Lockhart into giving her permission to access the restricted section of the library where she got the recipe for Polyjuice Potion. She has followed it so far but there are several ingredients that are restricted; in particular bicorn horn and boomslang skin, so I do not see how she can finish brewing it. I checked on her progress and so far she has done nothing harmful.

Headmaster APWBD

Dec 12, 1992

It seems my little threesome is more clever than I thought. They obtained all the ingredients, probably stealing them from Professor Snape's store room, and the Polyjuice potion is almost done. If this works Hermione must be the smartest second year student in Hogwarts history.

Headmaster APWBD

Dec 18, 1992

Professor Lockhart asked for permission to start a dueling club to teach student's to defend themselves if attacked. I do not thing any dueling lessons will protect them from whatever is attacking students but it will do no harm and may make the students feel safer. I can not allow Lockhart to do it however; the man is totally incompetent. When I interviewed him I could tell he was a braggart and didn't do half the things he claims in his books; but now I can't believe he did anything he claims. I asked Professor Snape to volunteer as an assistant and keep Lockhart from doing any damage. Left on his own Lockhart will have half the school in the hospital wing.

Headmaster APWBD

Dec 19, 1992

This first meeting of the dueling club, and I believe the last, occurred last night. Professor Snape followed my request but was not happy to be Lockhart's assistant. In the first demonstration he blasted Lockhart off his feet into the wall. Then when the students began to practice Snape paired Harry with Draco knowing they hate each other. Instead of dueling only to disarm they cast nasty spells knocking each other down.

Then Snape suggested that Harry and Draco demonstrate blocking spells. Draco instead cast Serpensortia shooting a rather large snake at Harry. The snake ended up close to a muggle born Hufflepuff boy, Justin Finch-Fletchley. Before Professor Snape could destroy it, to everyone's surprise, Harry walked toward the snake and began to speak to the snake in Parseltongue. Since nobody else speaks Parseltongue nobody knows what Harry said to the snake; but the snake calmed down and moved away from Justin. The lesson ended in chaos. Since Parseltongue is the sign of a dark wizard and most of the students already believe Harry is behind the attacks; they were in a panic at hearing Harry speak it.

Snape came to me immediately to report this. Neither of us expected it but now that I think of the connection between Harry and Voldemort I am forming a theory of what might be going on. I will have to think more about this relationship.

Headmaster APWBD

Dec 20, 1992

The Polyjuice Potion is done except to add the hair of the person you intend to turn into; which is done just before you drink it. Hermione amazes me; I never believed a second year could do it. They intend to use it over Christmas break when most students are gone and there will be less chance of being discovered.

Headmaster APWBD

Dec 21, 1992

Harry was found in the hall standing over the petrified body of Justin and what I will have to call the petrified spirit of Sir Nicholas for lack of a better term. As a ghost he could not be killed again but his form was found near Justin just floating in mid air. He shows no reaction to anything.

Almost all the students are sure Harry is the attacker. Some parents have begun taking students home and I fear it will become just like the last time the chamber was opened. At least nobody has been killed yet; which I am grateful for but do not understand. Last time Myrtle was killed early on and this time everyone is petrified.

Headmaster APWBD

Dec28, 1992

Even for Hermione all things don't go as planned. Myrtle related the story of her taking the Polyjuice Potion. As everyone knows a bit of hair from the person you intend to turn into is added at the last moment. Harry and Ron apparently knocked out Malfoy's friends Vincent Crabb and Eric Goyle so they could not walk in accidently while Harry and Ron were questioning Malfoy and took a bit of hair from each of them. Hermione got her hair from Millicent Bulstrode's robe, a Slytherin girl who was paired up with Hermione during the Dueling club incident.

After taking the potion, Hermione's transformation didn't go as planned. The hair it seems came from Millicent's cat not Millicent. The potion is not meant for non human transformation and Hermione's potion changed het into a part human part cat. She is still in the hospital wing coughing up hairballs. Harry and Ron did transform and learned that Malfoy did not open the chamber and doesn't know who did.

Perhaps a little humility will be good for Hermione like a little control over their temper will help Ron and Harry.

Headmaster APWBD

Jan 15, 1993

Hagrid reported for the second time something killed one of the castle's roosters. I don't knot what that means or if it is connected to the chamber of Secrets but any unusual

event may be connected somehow and must be considered.

Headmaster APWBD

Jan 22, 1993

Moaning Myrtle reported that someone threw a book at her and flooded the third floor loo. Harry and Ron saw the water flowing out into the hall; came in and found the book. Harry mentioned out loud the book was a diary belonging to T M Riddle.

Could Tom Riddle's diary perhaps have instructions on how to open the Chamber of Secrets? I questioned Myrtle further about anyone entering the third floor loo because almost nobody goes there. All the incidents lately and also the incidents when Voldemort was here in the fifties were fairly close to that location.

Myrtle claims she remembers nobody being in the room for any length of time except Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She said a few times younger girls would come in but then leave immediately when they realized which loo they were in. She remembered hearing someone come in before the diary was thrown at her but the next thing she knew all the sinks were stopped up and the floor was flooded. She remembers nothing about how it happened.

Could the person with the diary be able to block out a ghost's memory? Sir Nicholas was frozen in place somehow by a spell I do not understand. Perhaps whoever is opening the chamber has not been caught because they can erase the memory of anyone that has seen them. I know this is easy enough to do to a person; but never heard of erasing a ghost's memory.

Could someone besides Harry have an invisibility cloak and be doing these things unseen? Did Tom Riddle have one? He was never caught in the years he caused problems at Hogwarts. I must start getting answers faster than new questions arise or a student will eventually die like Myrtle did.

Headmaster APWBD

Feb 2, 1993

Hermione is finally out of the hospital wing. I think she will be more cautious with taking potions after this. I hope with her help Harry and Ron will begin to make progress on who opened the chamber; I'm certainly getting nowhere.

Headmaster APWBD

Feb 3, 1993

Progress already! When the three of them are together they draw the best form each other. A house elf reported overhearing them talking in Gryffindor tower. Tom Riddle's diary had no writing in it; but Ron remembered seeing Riddle's name on an award from fifty years ago, Harry remembered Malfoy saying the last time the chamber was opened was fifty years ago, Hermione remembered the person who opened the chamber was expelled and then she made the logical leap and guessed that Riddle's award was for catching the person that opened the chamber and maybe he wrote about it in the diary.

Ron reminded her that there was no writing in the diary and Hermione suggested it might be invisible ink or some type of secret writing. They tried several recovery methods but found nothing. I will have to get a look at the diary since I know better methods of checking for secret writing than second year students. I will have a house elf bring it to me when I think Harry won't miss it then return it.

Headmaster APWBD

Feb 15, 1993

Lockhart is not only incompetent but an idiot to boot. He thought he would cheer up everybody for Valentine's Day by arranging for people to send Valentines to others delivered by dwarfs dressed like Cupid. It was chaos and embarrassing to many people who had their personal feelings yelled out loud in the halls in front of other students. I must begin interviewing people for the DADA teacher for next year. I can't have Lockhart back.

Headmaster APWBD

Feb 15, 1993

I won't have to check Tom Riddle's diary after all. Harry discovered that the diary contained the story of Hagrid being accused and expelled for opening the Chamber of Secrets. My house elf source in Gryffindor listened to Harry tell Ron and Hermione how Tom Riddle told Headmaster Dippet that Hagrid was keeping an Acromantula and the accusation that the spider was what killed the girl. Tom Riddle must have written his version of the story in the diary when he was ordered no to tell anyone what happened.

Ron and Hermione argued that Hagrid couldn't do such a thing; but the three of them know Hagrid's love of monstrous creatures like Fluffy the three headed dog, and Norbert the dragon. I can't wait to see which way the go. Loyalty to Hagrid I bet; but it is possible they could believe Riddle's story.

Headmaster APWBD

Apr 22, 1993

Everything seems to be on hold. There have been no attacks three month and the students are settling back into a routine. Harry, Ron, and Hermione haven't talked to Hagrid about the accusation from Tom Riddle. I told Hagrid what they learned and asked him to not be upset if they approach him about it but to let me know if they did. Hagrid agreed with me that the three of them will not believe Riddle's story because they are loyal to their friends.

The second years have to pick courses for next year and that and spring term papers are keeping the threesome busy. I am again wondering if the diary holds more than the story of Hagrid; perhaps the secret to opening the chamber. Maybe the person who opened the chamber can't do it since Harry has the diary. I thing I will have the house elf bring the diary to me after all.

Headmaster APWBD

Apr 24, 1993

I must be getting slow in my old age. While I was thinking about getting the diary my house elf spy tells me someone stole it from Harry's trunk. This narrows things down; Sir Nicholas the Gryffindor ghost is petrified and magical restrictions on house elves means they cannot steal; so only a Gryffindor or a professor could get into Gryffindor tower. That eliminates three fourths of the students as suspects. Lockhart is the only new staff member so if it is not him it has to be a Gryffindor student.

With the diary back in the culprit's hands I am afraid the chamber may be opened again soon.

Headmaster APWBD

Apr 25, 1993

Hermione was found petrified near the library along with a fifth year girl from Ravenclaw, Penelope Clearwater. I hope the Mandrakes will be ready soon. The girls had a small mirror with them but I do not see the significance of that. I have placed restrictions on the student's movements. The will not be allowed to move about without a teacher accompanying them; though I am not sure even the teachers could protect against whatever is doing this.

I am considering closing the school and sending everyone home before somebody is killed. I still do not understand why Myrtle was killed in the attack fifty years ago but now people are being petrified.

Headmaster APWBD

Apr 26, 1993

The Fat Lady came to tell me someone invisible left Gryffindor tower. I am betting on Harry and Ron going to visit Hagrid and finally ask about Riddle's story. If I am wrong and the person behind the attacks has another invisibility cloak at least the students should be safe in their dorms. I have alerted the teachers who I have patrolling the halls to be extra alert. I will head down to Hagrid's hut to provide protection for Ron and Harry as they travel back and forth.

Headmaster APWBD

Apr 27, 1993

Technically I am no longer the Headmaster of Hogwarts but I will continue to make entries since I believe I will be reinstated soon. As I prepared to leave to follow Ron and Harry; Cornelius Fudge the Minister of Magic arrived and asked me to accompany him to Hagrid's hut. He explained pressure was being applied to the ministry to do something about the attacks on the students. Since Hagrid was accused the last time the chamber was opened it was decided he must be removed from the grounds and sent to Azkaban prison for the safety of the children.

I told Cornelius I have always believed Hagrid to be innocent and still have complete faith in him; but he insisted the decision had been made and would not be changed. I went with him to assure Hagrid of my faith in him and that I would do everything to set him free.

When we arrived at Hagrid's hut I knocked and waited to give Harry and Ron time to hide; then we entered. Fudge told Hagrid why he was there and of course Hagrid proclaimed his innocence. Just as Fudge was getting ready to leave with Hagrid, Lucius Malfoy arrived and presented me with a letter signed by all the board of trustees removing me as headmaster because of the failure to stop the attacks.

I wished to avoid an argument in front of the boys so I accepted the letter and left with Lucius. After Fudge takes Hagrid I hope the boys will return to their dorm and continue to investigate the attacks.

Headmaster APWBD

May 4, 1993

Not having to do the duties of headmaster which Professor McGonagall has taken over for appearance sake has left me with time to think of what has been happening and time to keep an eye on Harry. I want him to develop courage so he will not be afraid to face Voldemort; but also common sense.

I got time to check the third floor girl's loo where all the problems seem center, but after a search I could find no secret chamber. My conclusion is that the entrance to the chamber must be nearby but not in the loo itself.

Headmaster APWBD

May 24, 1993

Harry and Ron are too inquisitive and too brave for their own good. I'm not sure what Hagrid said to them between the time I left his cabin and he left with Fudge; but today it sent them into the Dark Woods alone. Since being removed as head master I have been searching the castle for clues but found nothing. Tonight the fat lady found me and reported the door to Gryffindor tower opened but nobody was seen leaving; Harry and most likely Ron also.

I checked the third floor loo but they were not there. The only other place I could think of was Hagrid's hut. When I got there Hagrid's boarhound Fang was gone and a trail with his footprints and the boy's footprints led into the woods. I hurried along to overtake them since there are many dangers in the woods that second years can not handle alone.

I caught up with them as they followed a group of spiders deeper into the forest. I knew Hagrid's ex pet Aragog the Acromantula lived somewhere near this area and that Acromantula eat humans so I began to formulate a plan to stop the boys or at least divert them without showing myself to be following and protecting them. I over heard them talking about Hagrid telling them if anyone wanted know the truth they should follow the spiders. I also know the spiders could not see me but could smell me if I was to close.

The boys passed Arthur's enchanted car which must have been in the woods since the first day of school when the boys flew it here and that gave me an idea. When the boys entered Aragog's glen I cast a spell to animate the car and then I waited for Aragog to relate the true story of Tom Riddle and Hagrid. When Aragog finished I knew he would allow his offspring to attack the boys. Aragog was loyal to Hagrid only. I caused the car to charge into the midst of the spiders which gave Harry and Ron the time they needed to get in the car and escape. I stood at a distance in case something went wrong but my plan worked and they got away. I was sure after that experience they were ready to return to Gryffindor tower.

Headmaster APWBD

May 27, 1993

Harry and Ron have visited Hermione who lays still petrified in the hospital wing. There is that deep loyalty again; they know she can't hear them but they still go. On their last visit they found a scrap of paper she had which Madam Pomfrey did not notice. As I listened they reasoned out her clues on the paper. The Slytherin monster must be a Basilisk; a large snake that can kill just by looking someone in the eye. It can be killed by the crow of a rooster which explains why Hagrid reported roosters killed twice during the year. Whoever is controlling the snake eliminated a threat against it. Harry also told Ron that is why he has been hearing voices; he understands Parseltongue so only he can hear the snake when it is out of the chamber. I wish Harry had told me of the voices earlier. Hermione had also figured it is moving through the plumbing and only comes out to attack.

The most important part of the explanation came when they figured out what I couldn't; why nobody was killed only petrified. First Filches cat only saw the reflection of the Basilisk in the water that leaked onto the floor. Colin saw it through his camera lens, Justin saw it indistinctly through Sir Nicholas who is already dead and couldn't die again. Hermione and the other girl had a mirror to look around corners. She knew what was happening but never reached anyone else to tell them.

Know we know what is attacking and need to figure out who is controlling it and where the entrance is so the snake can be killed.

Headmaster APWBD

May 28, 1993

A major problem has developed. Ginny Weasley, Arthur and Molly's daughter has been taken into the Chamber of Secrets by the Slytherin monster. I can't see the reasoning behind this. The heir of Slytherin was supposed to cleanse the school of muggle born; but Ginny is a pureblood. The monster was supposed to kill; but even though we now know why people were being petrified that doesn't explain why the monster would take Ginny back into the chamber. There is more going on here than what we have already learned.

I am still not in charge of the school and most people think I am gone since the board suspended me as head master. I have told only Professors McGonagall and Snape that I am still here. We have decided the students must be sent home for their own safety and arrangements are being made. Professor McGonagall has assigned Professor Lockhart to go to the chamber and save Ginny; not that any of the professors think he can really do it. He has been bragging that he has know the location of the chamber for weeks and this will keep him out of the way before he can cause more problems while arrangements for the children's evacuation go on.

Harry and Ron believe Lockhart is actually going to do something to save Ginny and they have gone to talk with him. That will keep them safe also since I feel they do not have the skills to face a Basilisk and I am too busy right now to be following them around for protection. I am going back to reexamine the girl's loo and the surrounding area to check for the chamber entrance again. Headmaster APWBD

May 29, 1993

The monster is dead and the mystery solved. It seems Harry and Ron were more cleaver than I thought again. As I was examining the girl's loo, Harry and Ron arrived with Professor Lockhart. He was trying to run away rather than face the monster and they took his wand and forced him to accompany them to the loo which they had figured out was the entrance to the chamber.

After questioning Moaning Myrtle about exactly how she died and discovering that she had seen a pair of eyes near the sink area before hand; Harry examined the sinks closely and noticed the faucet of one sink had snakes engraved on it. He spoke in Parseltongue to the faucet and the sink moved out of the way revealing an opening to a tunnel.

I knew they were going into the tunnel to save Ginny so I hurried ahead jumping down the opening to set up some type of protection for the boys if needed. The tunnel opened into a rock chamber with animal skeletons and a snake skin shed by the Basilisk; but nothing alive and no immediate danger. I heard them coming and I went ahead to scout. A little ahead I hit a door which I could not open. I knew it would respond to Parseltongue and I would have to wait for Harry to open it. Then I heard a crashing noise. Part of the roof of the cavern had collapsed and I hurried back to check on the boys.

Harry was on my side of the cave in talking to Ron who was trapped on the other side with Lockhart, but safe. In a way this was good since I didn't have to worry about Ron or Lockhart and protecting just Harry would be easier. Harry moved ahead and spoke to the door which opened. I followed him through to another chamber with giant statues of Salazar Slytherin around a pool of water. On the floor near the pool was Ginny; unconscious and barely alive. I was about to go to her aide when young Tom Riddle walked in from a side chamber. I was astounded; he looked just as I remembered him from his years in school. How could this be?

I waited and listened, taking a chance of Ginny's safety, as the young Riddle explained to Harry what had happened. Ginny had found his diary and began to write in it about her feelings. As she became emotional writing about her feelings for Harry, the diary was able to use her emotions to take possession of her. It forced her to open the chamber, write the messages in blood, and leave the monster loose. Riddle told Harry how he became Lord Voldemort and why he needed to find out why he was destroyed when he attacked Harry as a baby.

I listened to the story but something was not right with it. Riddle said he was a memory left in the diary so the chamber could be reopened; but no memory could have done all these things. There had to be more to it. I knew Riddle meant to kill Harry and I would have to act to save him but I didn't want to become visible and let Harry know I was following him. Instead I summoned Fawkes, my Phoenix who can feel my thoughts. I thought of him bringing the sorting hat which had once belonged to Godric Gryffindor the only one with the power to defeat Salazar Slytherin. Fawkes arrived with the hat but Riddle had already called the Basilisk to kill Harry. As Harry ran I ordered Fawkes to attack the Basilisk's eyes which it uses to kill. Harry would now not have to worry about that but still would have to face the blinded snake. As it tried to strike him by following his sounds Harry ran and escaped it. I checked on Ginny and found her growing weaker as Riddle had told Harry she would. I knew the diary was the key and had to be destroyed but no spell I cast affected it. How could I destroy it and save Ginny?

Harry returned after evading the Basilisk and tried to wake Ginny but could not. As the snake returned Harry yelled out for help and the sword of Gryffindor appeared in the hat. Legend says the sword will appear to help any true Gryffindor student that needs it. I waited with my wand ready to help if needed; but hoping Harry would act on his own; I was taking quite a chance with his life. I knew this time would come someday. Harry would have to save himself from Voldemort I just wished it would not have to be this soon.

Harry grasped the sword and swung it at the snakes head, retreating to a position of height where he could defend himself. Then as the snake struck, Harry jabbed the sword into its mouth through the brain killing it. Unfortunately he was injured by one of the fangs which are poisonous and had broken off in his arm. I realized I had only moments to get Harry the antidote to the poison but there was still the problem of Riddle and the diary. They had to be destroyed and now I knew how. The Basilisk's poison was powerful enough to do it if Harry only realized it. Harry returned to Ginny and the diary with the broken fang in his hand and I could see in his eyes he had put it all together. He grabbed the diary and struck the sharp fang into the pages. Riddle cried out in pain and Harry struck the diary two more times. Riddle dissolved into non existence and Ginny opened her eyes at the same time.

I instructed Fawkes to cry on Harry's wound. Phoenix tears are one of the few antidotes for Basilisk venom. The wound healed quickly and I could see the strength returning to Harry. Both were save now and it was only a matter of getting out of the chamber. I left Fawkes to help them. I returned back to the girl's loo and then to Professor McGonagall's office to let her and the others know the danger was over. By that time Arthur and Molly had arrived, Professor McGonagall had informed them about Ginny being taken into the chamber; and informed me privately that the board had reinstated me as headmaster asking me to try and save Ginny.

I waited for the children to return before saying anything that would reveal that I was in the chamber and knew the story. I allowed Harry to relate the tale to everyone.

Just as we finished talking Lucius Malfoy arrived asking why I was back at the school. I informed him the board had reinstated me when the heard about the Weasley's daughter. Harry told Lucius he knew how Ginny got the diary; Lucius Malfoy had slipped the diary into Ginny's book pile the day he met them in Diagon Alley. Lucius said there was no proof of that but I warned him that if any other of Voldemort's things found their way into the hands of innocent children the consequences would be severe.

When Lucius left Harry asked if he could return the diary to Lucius. I gave it to Harry who ran after Lucius. In a cleaver move he tricked Lucius into handing the Malfoy's house elf a piece of clothing thus freeing the elf. For a boy not quite thirteen it was a marvelous way of getting revenge on an adult.

Headmaster APWBD

May 30, 1993

All the petrified victims have been restored by Madam Pomfrey now that the Mandrake potion has been brewed. Once again I note my plans didn't work out. Events seem to be training and developing Harry better than anything I could make up. I do hope however next year will be calm enough to allow me to give him some formal lessons.

Headmaster APWBD

June 5, 1993

Now that things are returned to normal I need to list the things that still trouble me.

1. The diary can not be as simple as the young Riddle stated in his speech to Harry. It was thinking for itself and acting independently on information it did not have when it was created. Only a living being can do that. Since Severus told me about Voldemort's claim that he could come back from the dead; I been gathering as much information about Horcruxes as I can find. The diary seems to have been a Horcrux; a bit of Voldemort's soul which had his memories and powers. Now that it has been destroyed is Voldemort dead, or is the part of him that possessed Professor Quirrell last year still alive and able to return? The books I could find don't explain this so I must act on the cautious side and assume Voldemort is alive and will try to return again. I must continue to train Harry to face him.

2. I avoided giving Harry the entire story about Voldemort for the second year in a row because I still feel he is too young yet even though he has shown courage and intelligence beyond his years. I must tell him everything soon but with this new information about a Horcrux I am not sure about even what I know to be true.

3. Ginny Weasley has fancied Harry all year and his rescue of her will increase her feelings. Harry certainly knows of these feelings. I can not help thinking that soon Harry will begin thinking of girls, which will only be a distraction from the training I am trying to give him, yet I can't be so low as to try and stop his normal development. I only hope he will not loose focus on Voldemort.

4. Lucius Malfoy's involvement in this year's trouble shows at least some death eaters are still active. I do not know if he acted on his own, or is he in touch with Voldemort. The latter would be extremely serious. I must find out.

Headmaster APWBD