Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter etc etc
An: I do apologise for my complete lack of an update schedule, but I doubt I will improve. A consistent point raised by reviewers (whether this is good or bad varies) is Hermione and her attitude, whilst I don't want you to hate her, I do think that canon Hermione has a lot to answer for, however second year Hermione is not very old and quite sheltered (loving, wealthy, doting parents) she tends to let her idealistic view and how impressed she is with her own intelligence get in the way of her common sense, the adults around her don't seem to help (cough time turner cough) my Hermione should gradually start to see reality over the next year, at the moment she's being as socially inept as the evidence proves (i.e. all of her first year).
P.s. I apologise for the inevitable butchering of Hagrid's accent
Chapter 14: Cease fire
When Harry awoke around nine the next morning he was momentarily disoriented to find himself somewhere other than the infirmary, funny that I'm so used to being in there. He sat up and peaked out of his curtains, noting that Neville had already left he went over his Occlumency with the curtains drawn and then his Physio with them open, around five minutes before he gave up on the exercises for his arms Neville wandered in, having just returned from breakfast and mumbled "morning Harry" as he made his way to the showers. Neville had never been a morning person, knowing he would soon be returning to Longbottom Manor where he would be required to keep his Gran's routine did not help.
Harry shook his head amused at the plump boy's semi-somnolent state replied "Hey Nev" but continued his exercises before taking his own shower and heading to the infirmary for his daily check-up. He arrived at the infirmary slightly out of breath, having found himself walking very fast and taking the steps two at a time, he had already missed both the privacy of the infirmary and his talks with Madam Pomfrey, in fact she was rapidly overtaking Hagrid as his favourite adult. Thinking of whom…
"'Arry! I was 'eading up t' the tower t' see yer lad, but Neville said I'd do better t' meet ye here, yer alright?" Hagrid peered down at him anxiously from behind his busy beard, small dark eyes concerned.
"Hagrid!" Harry shouted and launched himself at the large, friendly man in a bear hug; he had lost weight and looked slightly more unkempt than was usual but otherwise no worse for the wear and Harry babbled "it's so good to see you! I knew you were out of course, but it really doesn't feel like Hogwarts without you, I'm just on my way for a check-up but has Madam Pomfrey given you the Ok? " Harry abruptly stepped back not quite sure where that hug had come from, sure he was usually more open and affectionate with the large man than any other but he had slightly surprised himself.
Hagrid reached down and ruffled Harry's crows' nest hair in an obviously, carefully, gentle, manner before responding "The Dragon Lady hasn't got her mitts on me yet 'Arry, but I'm sure Saint Mungos…"
"Does an adequate job, still I would be happier if I checked you myself." Madam Pomfrey sniffed startling both of them with her sudden appearance. "Now come along, both of you!" she instructed looking sternly at both escaped patients.
Obediently they both nodded "Yes Madam Pomfrey" and followed along after her like ducklings. In the infirmary she checked them both over, obviously happier now that she was able to use magic on Harry, then the three of them sat for breakfast where Hagrid demonstrated his usual facility with keeping secrets.
"I hope I can see you more next year Hagrid, with the summer and you being taken away there will be months between visits." Harry mentioned in passing, then focused his attention as he noticed Hagrid's shifty look.
"Ummm I'm sure yer will 'Arry, you said ye were takin' Creatures next year, what else?" He responded making a vain attempt at changing the subject.
"Runes and Arithmancy, so any idea about new teachers for next year? Obviously Lockheart has to be replaced…" Harry noticed Hagrid glancing away as he mentioned new teachers, "have you decided what to do now that you have wand rights again?"
"Well I did me 'erbology, Astronomy and Creatures NEWTS anyway, independent study and all that, got me OWLs already, reckon I know most of the Creatures mastery exam, just needed a wand for a couple of spells and because without it I counted as a squib, can't take a mastery as a squib even in non-wanded subjects."
"That's great Hagrid, you should ace the exams with all the stuff you know, what's your new wand like anyway?"
"Oak and dragon-heartstring, 16 ½ inches, quite like my original but the 'eartstring is from a Norwegian Ridgeback like Norbert and Ollivander used a feather from one of me hippogriffs to help it attune to me magic since I've got out of practice. Yeh really think should go for it, try for my mastery?"
"Of course, you're great with creatures, everybody knows that, having a formal mastery will just prove to people like Malfoy how knowledgeable you are, but don't you have to teach to get the higher tier mastery?" Harry waited to see if he had baited his trap appropriately, there had been rumours of the current Creatures professor wanting to retire, Madam Pomfrey concealed her smirk at the boy's Slytherin manoeuvring.
"Well yeah, but Professor Kettelburn's been looking for a replacement for ages, he 'oped young Charlie would come back, not much chance o' that, the boy always was dragon mad, Professor Dumbledore might ah mentioned that I could teach if I passed the lower tier exams. Ooops, I shouldn't ah said that, can you keep it quiet 'Arry, might be difficult to get past the Governors what with my heritage if they get wind of it before I'm qualified that is."
"Sure Hagrid, that's wonderful though, you as a teacher! Will you keep your groundkeeper duties and the hut? What changes are you going to make, has Professor Kettelburn given you his old syllabus and lesson plans yet?" Harry fired of the questions rapidly, then blinked and blushed.
"Slow down lad! As to the groundskeeper I'm not rightly sure, might have to see how this teaching lark goes before giving up me day job yeah? Do ye think he would give me his notes, they'd be a right help, I can't ask for the exams at the Ministry without giving myself away 'afore I take the masters test in August."
"Sure why not? He's retiring right? He doesn't need them and he must be going along with Professor Dumbledore's plan, why should he force you to be unprepared?" Harry reasoned aloud, "oh I'm looking forward to Creatures more than ever, I've been reading the book and whilst we are mostly allowed to see XXX creatures some of the more intelligent and friendly XXXX are on the first year syllabus, mostly the more exotic pets, I've never seen a full Kneazle or a Crup even, since I wasn't brought up here."
Hagrid blinked at the enthusiasm "Which book d'they use now then?"
"Ummm '1001 Fantastic Beasts and where to find them' for the first years, there are more specific ones set later but I've not looked yet and something about a test book? It's a really cool book though, like a Filofax with search terms, real easy to use."
Hagrid was beginning to look worried, "Ah don't know if I can do this, there's so much t' learn about the teaching stuff, what if I get this wrong? I know most of my pets scare people and I don't want the kids to stop liking magical animals because I can't get this right."
Harry smiled reassuringly "Don't worry, I'll help you, this summer, you can mail me your lesson plans and we'll talk about what's too easy and too hard. Why don't we come here for breakfast until I go home and I can help you plan, you can show me some of the animals that you aren't sure about, when term starts I'm sure Hermione will help you go over any changes to the exams, she certainly seems to know it when we revise."
"Thanks 'Arry, was getting a bit panicked there fer no good reason, I appreciate the help though, a tosser like Malfoy'd think nothing of getting me fired over showin' the kids soemthin' a mite to exciting!"
"That's alright Hagrid, why don't you ask Professor Kettleburn for his notes and a copy of the texts he uses, then we can meet up tomorrow and talk about your plans?"
"Alright 'Arry, see yer tomorrow, and thanks fer askin' about me, Dumbledore's letter must a been lost."
"Sure thing Hagrid, you were my first friend you know and like I said it's just not Hogwarts without you!"
When Harry finished his conversation with Hagrid he was surprised to see that it was nearly lunch, shrugging he went to drag Neville away from the greenhouses and they picked some food up from the hall to eat picnic style on the grass. Harry noticed that when his specialised food appeared Neville also took some, obviously wanting the lighter foods in the hot weather and the house elves just sent more up. The boys ate an enjoyable meal down by the lake, occasionally throwing crusts or apple cores to the squid's reaching tentacles and just chatted about nothing. Harry wisely kept his mouth shut about Neville's Gran but was determined to help the other boy make her see reason, the way she smothered and belittled him was hardly healthy and couldn't be helping Neville to perform well at school, his awful performance in Professor Snape's class came to mind. Finally the time he had been dreading rolled around and Harry hauled himself to his feet with a groan "right then, I've got to go see a man about a snake" he attempted to joke though it fell a little flat.
"Good luck mate, I'd offer to come with you but frankly the man terrifies me, I'd not be much use." Neville replied guiltily.
"That's alright Nev, I can't really negotiate with you there anyway, it would look like I expected him to cheat me, not exactly polite. It's just that, whilst I'm glad he agreed to meet with me, I really don't want to do this, he's entirely to sharp, but even if I knew another qualified potions master it would be rude not to offer him first refusal of the job so I'd better just grin and bear it."
"Glad to see my attempts at teaching you and Ron wizarding social rules aren't falling on deaf ears." Neville smirked.
"See you are helping, by proxy at least, I just wish you were wrong" Harry grimaced, why oh why do I have to deal with Snape, it was such a nice day?
"Go on, don't want to be late I need to get back to the greenhouse anyway, see you at dinner?"
Harry nodded then flashed a small grin "if I'm not back for dinner send out the search parties, I may be being rendered down for potions ingredients!"
Neville nodded sombrely then his mouth twitched and he began to laugh and Harry sadly shook his head walking away muttering under his breath "Oh if only I were joking, Neville's not the only one who thinks Snape is one scary, scary man!"
When Harry arrived at the entrance to Snape's Office five minutes early he almost turned and walked away, but instead screwed up his courage and knocked twice "Come in Potter" Snape drawled causing Harry to suck in a breath, straighten his shoulders before stepping into the room. "On time at least I see, very well, what do you 'need' to see me about Potter?" As Harry opened his mouth to reply he was interrupted "well hurry up I haven't got all day to waste" Snape snapped.
Harry closed his moth with a click, breathed deeply to centre himself again and answered in a polite level tone "I'm looking to hire a Potions Mater for a short local job and as the highest ranked and only local master you have the right of first refusal."
Snape simply stared at him for a moment as if taken aback by his non-confrontational tone, then he steepled his fingers and leaned forward slightly "Do you indeed boy?" Harry flinched almost imperceptibly at the hated word boy and Snape sneered "What could you possibly need a potions master for and why should I believe that this is anything other than some elaborate prank hummmm?
"Perhaps because I have never played a prank on anyone in my life and because I don't want to dishonour myself by falsely entering into business with somebody? " Harry replied maintaining his calm voice although his mind was as agitated as ever, the survival skills he had honed at the Dursleys' were no longer locked away, to his immense relief, so he was more than able to keep his temper at this relatively mild provocation. "As to why, well I recently killed a Basilisk on school grounds and, as I mentioned in the infirmary, I thought it should be sold to cover catch up tuition and therapy for the possessed and petrified students, however since I discovered and killed it alone and only I can access it I have been told that it is legally mine, this means I can't just ask the school to do it though I believe some form of compensation to the school might be appropriate."
"You dare to lie to my face? I'm supposed to believe that a twelve year old idiot killed a Basilisk, not to mention the minor fact of there being a Basilisk in the school and nobody knowing, oh and you begin the only one able to locate it? Does that sound right Potter?" Snape snarled angrily although when he mentioned Harry's age there was a flicker of fear in his eyes that seemed to drive the sudden rage higher still.
"Yes you are" Harry replied levelly looking the potions master in the eyes for the first time as he made his statement and focusing on the events surrounding the chamber. "The Basilisk was in The Chamber of Secrets accessible only via Parseltoungue which I am the only known living speaker of in Britain. It moved around via the plumbing and how else would you explain the still dripping fang I gave Professor Dumbledore and all of the petrified students, some elaborate hoax?" Harry looked away before his level stare could be considered impertinent and hoped the brief contact had been enough for the Legilimens to confirm that he believed himself to be telling the truth.
"I… very well, assuming for a moment that I believe you about the snake what do you want?" Snape had a puzzled air about him although what precisely had altered in him Harry could not pinpoint, his tone was still vicious.
"To negotiate a standard contract for the rendering of the corpse which I will then sell via the goblins, you would be paid via ingredients or the profits depending on your preference." Harry waited with baited breath, as much as he disliked Professor Snape he did not want the work of trying to figure out which of the other potions masters in Britain had associated with house Potter and their order of precedence not to mention competence!
"A standard contract?" Snape drawled thoughtfully "now what would you know about that boy?"
Harry suppressed the automatic flinch that came with the word boy, most of the hate had gone out of Snape's voice anyway leaving a much more professional tone behind. "I asked my account manager for the standard Gringotts contract and the handling of restricted ingredients forms, well actually I asked them if there was a way to make sure nobody killed anyone with the venom but it amounts to the same thing. Would a Gringotts hazardous duties contract suffice? The goblins have given suggested values but we can negotiate for a percentage or straight fee."
"You are offering hazard pay Potter?" Snape asked surprised.
"Of course, part of the ceiling collapsed whilst we were down there and the venom is one of the most dangerous natural substances known, the tools used will likely be useless afterwards, as I said before I will not dishonour myself by dealing falsely with you." Harry was privately becoming quite irritated, he knew Snape disliked him but when had he ever given the man cause to expect him to act so badly?
"Alright" Snape snapped suddenly "let me see these contracts!" he held out his hand imperiously, looking impatient at the few seconds it too Harry to hand over the contracts.
After half an hour of careful reading during which Harry stood silently trying to work on the calming exercises Salazar had given him (and failing miserably) Snape and Harry settled down to negotiate. In the end Snape, like the goblins, chose to assume that Harry was exaggerating the size of the Basilisk due to his natural urge to boast and the fear of the event so he refused the percentage fee and settled for a straight payment although he did take half of the value in potions ingredient. With that agreed, he and Harry signed the paperwork required and it glowed briefly with the blood red of Goblins' magic confirming that they were both signing willingly and duplicating the forms for the bank and each person's records. The Harvesting contract used a very mild oath but the one for handling venom would strip a person of half of their magic for attempting to use the parts for something illegal. With that done they headed over to the chamber for a quick site survey with Harry furiously considering the best way to handle his 'return', should I be scared? Determined? Cautious but jumpy? False bravado? He mused as they approached Myrtle's bathroom.
When they entered Harry called out a greeting to Myrtle and was surprised to receive no response either she's not talking to me or she took my advice to visit the rest of the castle, he mentally shrugged, oh well I'll find out eventually. "Well then here we are Professor, the entrance is the sink." Harry made a show of examining the carving and concentrated on snakes ~Open and protect the secrets of your Heir~ "I think that was snake?" Harry muttered acting like he still had little control over his ability.
"Parseltoungue Mr Potter" Snape corrected irritably then flinched at the grinding sound of the pipe, his wand was held loosely at the ready as the entrance opened "it would appear you were successful." He leaned forwards and took a half step towards the open pipe before Harry's next words stopped him.
"Ummm wait a sec, I just thought of something and I want to try it" Harry switched back to Parseltoungue, he certainly didn't want to slide down a filthy pipe and hopefully this would help rather than hinder his attempts to turn Snape into a neutral party (he wasn't delusional, even saving the man from certain death wouldn't make him friendly) ~Stairs please~ he hissed and then plastered a nervous expression across his face. When the pipe reformed itself into a plain staircase (much less ornate than the one he usually got) he exaggeratedly sighed in relief "Phew glad that worked or I'd have looked like a complete idiot, also glad I don't have to jump into a pipe when I can't see the bottom." Harry explained, grinning sheepishly.
The dour man's lips twitched in an aborted smile and he replied "indeed we couldn't have that" leaving Harry to fill in the blanks between the sarcasm "still well done, for saving me from jumping down a slimy pipe …2 points to Gryffindor." He turned away and began walking down the stairs with a muttered 'lumos' illuminating the twisting staircase.
Harry merely stood for a moment blinking in shock, Snape had given points to Gryffindor, Snape! Then he heard an irritated 'hurry up Potter' and jogged after the man and upon reaching him glanced at his lit wand, shrugged and hissed ~lights~ causing the torches to flicker alight and asked "Professor are we just going to leave the entrance?"
Snape twitched almost imperceptibly and muttered "Stay here Potter I do not wish you to break your fool neck being an idiot Gryffindor whilst you remain my only route to a fortune in potions ingredients" before turning and walking rapidly back up the stairs ignoring Harry's huffed acknowledgement. Shortly afterwards Harry felt several bursts of magic across the periphery of his senses which he assumed were wards put up by the potions master and was glad that he had reminded the man, they didn't want a curious student getting fried because they crossed the wards to the chamber without the heir (Harry) present.
When they reached the end of the stairs Harry was glad to see the fallen stone had retuned although it looked a lot less structurally damaging and more decorative than before. Harry suspected that the original rock fall had been caused by the chamber protecting itself from foreign blood, which would explain why he hadn't actually been harmed but only he had passed it; Ron had implied that he had suddenly hit 'loose rock' about 15 minutes before Harry returned with Ginny, incidentally just after he had accepted Slytherin's offer, he had yet to mention his hunch to his ancestor but it seemed right. "I'm not sure what you want to do about this, we could just enlarge the hole for today if you need specific spells to deal with a rock fall?
"That is actually a good question Potter, now be quiet and let me look at this" Snape replied striding over to inspect the rocks, occasionally prodding one and sending a few spells with no obvious affect at the ceiling. Eventually he answered "They should be safe to move, the rock does not seem to be structural, in fact the ceiling appears intact, it seems the fight between Weasley and Lockheart may have triggered a trap. I'm sure even you can think of a spell to assist the removal." Snape finished with a sneer.
Harry muttered under his breath just loud enough for Snape to hear "Can't risk asking the chamber to remove the rock, even if it worked it would rearm the trap and we don't know the trigger. Wingardium Leviosa!" he finished louder swishing and flicking his wand at a smaller rock near the hole and levitating it to the side, he didn't dare check for Snape's reaction but hopefully he could use this week to erode some of Snape's 'Potter is an idiot' attitude.
They continued to move rocks, Harry only choosing small rocks and taking frequent breaks, Madam Pomfrey had given him strict instructions about his spell casting and, whilst he wasn't truly damaged, he needed to maintain the appearance of having the inhibiting spells still on him in addition to his magical illness. Snape glared at him and appeared to be about to snap each time he chose a small rock or paused but evidently remembered his briefing on Harry's 'condition' and chose not to solicit the formidable Healer's wrath by bad mouthing her orders. Finally after about an hour of work , mostly on Snape's part, there was a clear path through the rock and Snape decided enough was enough "Enough, we may have to clear it before transporting the parts but I wish to see this find a gauge how long it will take to harvest without becoming late for dinner." He growled out and strode forwards, cape billowing in his trademark look.
Harry followed happily behind knowing that there were more doors requiring his password, presently they reached the high commanding doors to the chamber itself and Harry again hissed ~Open and protect my secrets~ just to be sure. After all, whist Snape could not be forced to reveal what he saw there and the magic of the chamber prevented any knowledge of it from leaving, it did not protect knowledge of Harry should he let something slip. As the doors swung open Harry took a step back and appeared to brace himself for something unpleasant and announced tonelessly "Here it is Sir the chamber of secrets, and there's the Basilisk, it's intact but for the eyes and a tooth" he winced a rubbed his newly scared arm. The room looked exactly as it had when he first entered, Salazar was back on his throne, the Basilisk was lying dead at the statue's feet, half in the trickle of water and the torches were flickering threateningly, adding dancing shadows more than illumination, Harry actually felt a fraction of the fear he had felt a week ago despite his certain knowledge that (besides Snape who was under oath anyway) nothing here wanted to harm him.
Snape for his part just glanced at the Basilisk when Harry pointed then continued examining the room…for about five seconds until his brain caught up with his eyes and his head swivelled rapidly back to stare in gathering horror at the gargantuan corpse of one on the most dangerous beasts known to magic and Muggle alike. "Merlin and Morgana I think you actually killed Salazar's own basilisk!" he breathed in shocked awe before turning to Harry and back to the Basilisk. He kept looking between the two of them with a growing look of shock for nearly a full minute before he visibly pulled himself together and his Slytherin mask slid back on…mostly. "May I see your arm Mr Potter?" he asked more civilly that Harry had heard from him before glancing at the arm Harry was still unconsciously clutching. Reluctantly Harry pulled up his sleeve and help out his forearm for the Potion Master's inspection, Snape paled slightly at the size of the wound, it was two inches round and took up most of the width of his arm, pale fingers ghosted over it then abruptly he pulled away "You were lucky not to lose that arm…"
Harry snorted an interruption "I was lucky not to lose my life!"
Snape looked like he wanted to snarl a reprimand for the interruption but considering the subject matter..."That too, are you having trouble using it?"
Harry grimaced and flexed his hand, the skin around the scar puckering oddly as it protested the motion "I've got exercises, hoping to break up the internal scar tissue, but I've lost strength and flexibility at least for now."
Snape hesitated for a second then replied "I could see Madam Pomfrey about scar and burn healing pastes and potions now that you magic is more stable, they might be a help."
Harry flashed him the first genuine smile he had ever felt in the man's presence and responded "Please, if you have time, at the moment I'd probably flub any tricky wand movements, so anything to get me back in shape would be welcome."
Snape turned away and muttered "aright, I'll look into it, now for this beast" as he walked towards the corpse. Half an hour later and Snape was done checking the environment and condition of the body so they both headed out sealing the staircase and separating to change for dinner; they might have avoided the slimy pipe but the chamber was by no means clean. As Harry slipped back into the Gryffindor common room, spotting a relieved Neville in a chair by the entrance, he thought Well, that went surprisingly well.