A.N: So sorry for the age I've taken to update…very rude. So this is almost like a part two as it could probably be a stand-alone fanfic but I have decided to link it onto this one. Unfortunately that means there are a few irregularities (teacher's names ect, who was at school when the Chamber of Secrets was opened the first time kinda thing) So just bear with Thanks for reading!

Sherlock left the Hospital wing the afternoon of the next day. Madam Pomfrey had relented and taken off what he called the 'mummy bandages' after the Ravenclaw had threatened to remove them himself. Now all that remained to show for his experience was a small dressing on his temple, an impressive bruise on his cheekbone, and the winces when he moved too flamboyantly.

'Shame you couldn't have stayed in till tomorrow afternoon.' Said John. Clapping him on the shoulder sympathetically. The taller wizard hummed vaguely.

'I quite like Monday's actually.' He replied thoughtfully a few moments later.

Yeah, I guess we've got two classes together.'

Sherlock looked at him blankly for a second. 'Oh. Yes. Yeah.'

John peered at him. 'Didn't even cross your mind did it? Nope, it's cos you've got double potions.'

'Yes, well initially I thought potions, but you're quite right…' The dark haired wizard coughed. John just shook his head in amused disbelief muttering something about big-brained idiots.

-oOo-

'Sherlock! Where have you been!? Have you heard?' Cried John. The short blonde fought his way through the crowded hall over to him and pulled the taller toward the table. Sherlock glanced around the Great Hall, it seemed everyone was buzzing, something had evidently happened and he had missed it while reading in the library. He gave John a once-over; he was pale, wide-eyed, hands trembling slightly and had a general air of flightiness. Cocking an eyebrow at his friend, Sherlock sat next to him at the Gryffindor table.

'Library. What's happened?' Sherlock had deducted it was something unusual as all the teachers and students were on edge. And obviously the whole school being summoned to the Hall in the middle of the afternoon meant something was going on. He'd had a free period, if he'd had a class it was likely he would know what was going on.

'O'Riley. From Hufflepuff, something happened to him but we don't know what. I overheard it from some of his friends on the way here, it must be bad cos the headmaster's called us all here.' John was peering over Sherlock's head toward the front of the hall. 'Dippet's here!' He exclaimed, sitting up straighter to get a clearer view of the headmaster. Sherlock turned in his seat as well, looking up to the top table. The volume in the Hall decreased so rapidly it was like someone had cast a silencing charm.

Long, midnight-blue robes flowing out behind him, Professor Dippet strode up to the winged lectern. Placing his wizened hands upon the intricately carved wood he cleared his throat. Sherlock narrowed his eyes at this move, was the headmaster attempting to hide trembling hands? A slight feeling of apprehension rose in his stomach followed by excitement, if Professor Dippet was shaken it had to be something…something very bad. And Sherlock was good at bad, bad was fun.

'You have been gathered here because a terrible…incident has occurred.' The Professor stated. Sherlock recognised his tone as that of someone trying to appear unshaken. 'A student, Mr Thomas O'Riley has been…petrified. Now there is no reason for unnecessary fear!' The Headmaster raised his voice against the tide of whispers, mutters and a singular quiet scream. 'It seems the incident is solitary, and fortunately our greenhouses contain a batch of young Mandrake which when ready, will be able to restore the victim. The only instruction I have today is that all students should take care around the castle and heed the new precautions that will be put into place as a result of this.' He looked carefully around the now silent hall. 'It is not known how Mr O'Riley came to be in this state. Therefore any student who thinks they might know anything about what has occurred should speak directly to their Head of House.' There were a few mutters as the Headmaster took breath; Sherlock looked around at John, the latter's eyes were still fixed on the Principle but his forehead was furrowed. 'If prefects could now lead their Houses back to their dormitories. There will be no more lessons today.' Professor Dippet dismissed the school to a few stifled cheers and stepped down from the podium to join the huddle of teachers. Letting himself be pulled out of the Hall by the tide of anxious students, Sherlock looked back over his shoulder, through a gap between two pointy hats he saw the mask of calm slip from the Headmaster's face and be replaced by distress.

A hand grabbed Sherlock's elbow, turning he saw it was John. 'What do you think?' The shorter asked, leaning up to his ear to be heard over the crowd pushing through the double doors.

'Meet me at the usual in half an hour.' Sherlock replied grinning. John nodded, then frowned at him. 'What?'

'Lose the grin mate.'

'Not good?'

John sighed. 'Bit not good.'

A.N: Sorry, bit short. More on the way! Please review