As the days continued to pass, Harry was able to deal with his grief more effectively, adapting to his loss better than he'd originally thought he would. Hermione, Ron and Daphne were glad for this, and Harry's focus and concentration improved. He still had days where he was depressed, though he also had days where he was more focused. His sadness was always with him, though, effecting how he behaved, and in some cases, making him angrier than he'd have been otherwise.
Harry didn't concern himself with what the other students thought and did, as not only rumors were flying around, but also various charms and other items that were reputed to protect the wearer. Hermione had informed Ron and Daphne about what the creature was that was attacking students, and the four friends agreed to keep it to themselves. The panic only rose when Colin Creevey was found on the third floor corridor outside the charms classroom, petrified with his camera in his hands. The news spread quickly, and Ginny was even more distraught, as she'd sat next to him in charms. Harry thought this was understandable, though something about Ginny nagged at him. Whatever it was, he couldn't remember, though, and he cast it from his mind.
Every day, Harry visited Magic in the hospital wing. Even though Hermione said she probably couldn't hear him, Harry didn't care. He told her everything he experienced throughout the days, held her stone cold body close, and told her to come back soon. Sometimes, he thought he could hear her voice in his mind with its direct and practical statements, though as time went on, that voice grew fainter and further from his thoughts. He told Magic about that, too, told her everything.
Reprisal from the Slytherins came, not only toward Harry, but Tracey Davis as well for telling the Professors what they'd done. Malfoy, with Crabbe, Goyle, and some others Malfoy was able to convince, kept attacking Harry and Tracey. Not only had Harry had his arm broken, but he'd been shoved down the stairs, his bag of items stolen and smashed to pieces requiring that he purchase new supplies, the leg locking curse placed on him causing him to fall and twist his ankle rather badly, ice conjured on the floor which caused him to slide down a set of stairs and break his wrist, and he'd also been levitated and stuck to the ceiling upside down. Harry had informed the Professors about each attack and who he knew to be behind them, and the Slytherins stopped attacking him so directly. Instead, they attacked quietly and without warning, hiding themselves so Harry couldn't do anything to them, and couldn't identify who they were. He was angry at first, then grew apathetic to their attacks, not reacting to them in any way. He knew that any reaction on his part would only make things worse, as he'd undoubtedly be stumbling around looking for people who had long since moved.
The only help he was given from the professors was a protection charm on his newly purchased books and other supplies, and advice that someone stay with Harry at all times to guard him. Daphne took over that role until she, too, was attacked, sending both her and Harry to the hospital wing with blows to their heads that gave them both concussions. Harry had both his legs broken, and after waking up the next morning, was told he'd have an Auror guarding him, as the attacks didn't seem to be stopping.
Harry didn't think he warranted quite that much attention, but was still glad for the protection. A tall woman named Linda Styles was his protection. Harry liked her professional attitude toward being assigned to him. She would speak with him if he spoke to her, examine the corridor ahead of him for traps and shield him from behind against any stray spells, and her demeanor was that of someone focused on their job. As Linda usually remained with him unless he was in the boys dormitory, Harry had resorted to whispering everything to Magic, since he didn't want to give personal information to someone he didn't know that well.
In addition to keeping him safe, Linda also acted as an unofficial counselor of sorts when Harry woke from a nightmare one morning, entering the common room. Linda, who was sleeping lightly, had awakened and they'd talked for several hours. Harry was surprised at how easy it was to open up to her, and he found himself telling this stranger what he'd gone through. She assured him before he'd told her anything, that what he told her would remain between them, and had even sworn a magical oath to that effect. Harry had been saddened that he couldn't feel how the magic worked, though had trusted her more easily from then on.
With knowledge that an Auror was guarding Harry, his attackers didn't continue until she pretended to leave, but secretly followed Harry around, invisible. The Slytherins were caught, given detentions the rest of the year, and had two-hundred points removed from each of them, which placed the Slytherins well into the negatives for house points. The Gryffindors, and even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs cheered at that, all of them trying to thank Harry, who didn't want to accept any praise, though was secretly glad that the attacks on him had been taken seriously. They'd stopped, but Linda still remained with him to keep him protected against any future attack, and guard him against the Basilisk that she believed existed. Harry was glad that at least one adult was taking him completely seriously, and when he asked why, Linda simply told him that she'd been given no reason to distrust him.
When Professor McGonagall came around with the list of students who would be remaining over the holidays in the second week of December, Harry signed it. To his surprise, Ron, Hermione and Daphne also did the same, telling him they wanted to keep him company over the holidays. Harry, realizing he hadn't bought any of them any gifts due to his state of grief and completely forgetting about the upcoming Christmas, guiltily told them so, though they assured him the gifts mattered less than their friendship. It touched Harry to hear them say that, and he thanked them with tears of joy in his eyes, something that had been a rare moment since Magic's petrification.
A Dueling club was being started by Professor Lockhart, which Harry had come to hear about by some of the other students reading the notice. Since he wasn't able to use magic, Harry didn't join. He took the time to visit Magic in the hospital wing and update her on his day, feelings, thoughts, and wishes while Linda occupied herself with other things. He got to hear a thrilling tail from Ron later on that night, who told him that Malfoy had not only broken the rules of the competition, but had made a giant snake come from his wand and head toward him. Professor Lockhart had shown his ineptitude by failing to vanish the snake, which further convinced Hermione that Harry was right in his assessment of him. Professor Snape was left to vanish the snake, and it had given the students something new to talk about for a while.
The dueling club conversation was quickly overshadowed by yet another attack, this one a double attack. Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly Headless Nick were both petrified, and Harry was glad he hadn't been caught in the middle of it, though was even more determined to find out who was opening the chamber. Strangely, the petrification of Nearly Headless Nick made Harry more accepting and confident that Magic could be revived, as they seemed to think that Nick could be as well, and the professors didn't seem worried about it. As a result, Harry was more lively, though that didn't last longer than a few days. Daphne kept an eye out for anyone who might wish him harm, as Linda had taken the holidays off. Malfoy simply resorted to petty insults, though, laced with a deep anger toward Harry, as he was apparently the one responsible for the loss of all the points. Malfoy didn't much like it when Harry calmly told him that he was the one responsible for attacking him, and it was his fault that Slytherin had lost so many points. With further punishment possible, Malfoy didn't try and hex him, which Harry and Daphne were both glad for.
The school was quite empty during the holidays, and though Harry felt that he was more accepting that Magic would be revived in the future, he still went through the days feeling as if they were a dream, grief heavy on him during the holidays. He received gifts from many different people, though didn't remember who got him what by the end of the day. When the holidays ended and school began again, Harry was able to perform all the assignments but the practical's that involved any sort of magic, and his performance improved as he focused on his work. Gradually, it was becoming normal for Harry to have no magic, and to feel the constant icy flame, the void of emptiness that had once been Magic's link of knowledge. That frightened him, and he spent a few nights crying as he held Magic, telling her his fears that he'd become so used to her not being with him, that if she ever did return, she'd be foreign to him. He didn't have to worry about that, though, as he still longed deeply for her despite how normal it was becoming for him to feel no magic, and have only his frozen flame of magic to keep him company.
The first day of February brought yet another attack. Linda Styles, Harry's guard, had been found dead in the Gryffindor common room. She'd been found by Harry, who originally had thought she'd been petrified, but when he realized her skin wasn't as stiff as stone, he knew the truth. Not only did it send him into further grief, but even more panic had swept through the school that morning. People feared for their lives even more than they had before, and Professor Lockhart had attempted to calm everyone with an encouraging speech about how he would be the one to catch the monster. That evening, when Professor Lockhart didn't show up for dinner, it was found that the monster had caught him instead, he being found dead in his office. As a result, Hogwarts would be closing the very next day, but after Harry finished eating dinner, something rather unusual occurred.
"Harry?" A very nervous voice asked him, near his left side. It was Ginny Weasley.
"Yes?" Harry asked, trying to sound comforting despite his own nerves.
"I... Want... To talk... To tell..." Ginny seemed unable to complete her sentence, and when he felt her grab his wrist, her hand was cold and clammy, as if she was terrified.
"Okay." He said calmly. "All right, we can go somewhere else if you want."
Ginny let out a relieved sigh and Harry let her lead him from the Great Hall. All the students had been told to go directly to the Gryffindor common room, so that's where he was expecting to be taken, and from there, decided he'd lead Ginny into his apartment compartment in his trunk so they'd have somewhere private to talk. Instead, Ginny led him into an empty classroom, and confused, Harry turned toward her.
"Ginny? What's going on?" Harry asked.
"Stupefy." She stated calmly. Harry only had a moment of confusion before consciousness was robbed from him.
Harry felt himself wake in what seemed to be moments, finding himself laying on a cold stone floor. Next to him lay Ginny, as cold as those petrified, though she wasn't as stiff as they were. He shook her hard before struggling to his feet, calling out and hearing his voice echo around the chamber. To his surprise, someone answered as he felt around Ginny, touching a small book, perhaps her diary, near one of her hands.
"Good evening, Harry Potter." The voice sounded clear, but it was somehow flat, lacking quality even though its inflections were that of a normal person.
"Who are you?" Harry asked, facing the voice.
"I'm Tom Riddle." He responded.
"You're the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets." Harry stated.
"Very good." Riddle clapped. "And, yet again, I have done so through this diary poor Ginny Weasley kept."
Harry remembered, as if it was a dream, feeling the magic from the diary, how it had seemed to be part of a person, and contain a very thin and powerful tether that seemed to lead off in another direction. Something seemed to click in his mind, and Harry gasped.
"You're part of a soul!" He said. "That's why you felt like part of a person."
"Felt? You felt the magic in my diary, did you?" Riddle asked. "Well, you know more than I'd planned to tell you, but no matter. Soon, I'll no longer be part of a soul, as you put it."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"You can't feel the magic like you could in the diary? Oh, that's right, poor, poor Harry has no magic." Riddle laughed a high, cold laugh that didn't seem to suit him at all, and made Harry shiver. "It won't be long, though, Harry. And then, you need not worry yourself of anything any longer."
"You're going to kill me." Harry said, feeling his heart pounding. He needed Magic, he realized, but she wouldn't come, couldn't. He was on his own.
"Yes. You, and little Ginny, who's life I require." Riddle's voice was casual and calm. "But first, I have a few questions for you."
"Which are what?" Harry asked coolly.
"Exactly how did you defeat the greatest wizard who ever lived, Lord Voldemort? You, a blind nothing." Riddle stated, sounding more angry than curious.
"Because you can't even comprehend that I might be better than you think, that a blind nothing is actually something." Harry shot back.
"You dare to try and toy with me?" Riddle asked in fury. "I, who am Lord Voldemort! You should be begging me for your life on bended knee!"
"And why should I?" Harry asked, also raising his voice, feeling recklessly angry.
"Because you are speaking with the most powerful wizard who ever lived." Riddle stated coldly.
"I don't think so." Harry said.
"And I suppose you, like many others before you, believe that the great Albus Dumbledore will defeat me?" Riddle asked in a mocking tone.
"At least Albus Dumbledore doesn't have to resort to robbing someone else's life!" Harry shouted. "Is that why Ginny won't wake, you're stealing her life? That's what you meant before, isn't it!"
"I must say, for someone who's lost his magic and been so very grieved and sad, you've adapted quite well to the situation." Riddle stated in a voice of amusement. "And yes, Harry, I am taking little Ginny's life. Though I doubt you can save her."
"Help will be along. Last year, Voldemort tried to steal the stone, and Professor Dumbledore came after I killed him. And now, I'm going to kill you and save everyone else here. Without you, there's no threat." Harry stated with certainty as he strode toward him.
Riddle laughed, and Harry reached out, only to touch something that felt both solid and liquid.
"You can't kill me, Harry!" Riddle continued to laugh wildly, then both of them heard a strange, unearthly music filling the chamber. Harry wondered if Dumbledore was coming to save him yet again, as he imagined that he was the only one who could.
Neither he or Riddle said anything as Harry heard what sounded like flames appear somewhere in the chamber, though only for a moment. Instead, Harry was making his way back to Ginny, the music filling him with hope and courage that he didn't remember feeling before. He felt something clatter at his feet, then a weight settled on his shoulder and something soft brushed his cheek.
"How pathetic." Riddle stated mockingly. "Is this all that Dumbledore can send for the great Harry Potter? A song bird and an old hat?"
Harry reached down and picked up the sorting hat, though couldn't imagine what use it would be to him. Riddle apparently thought the same, as he was laughing.
"Well, Potter, it's time to end our little chat, and time for you to die." Riddle announced.
"I plan to live." Harry said.
Riddle laughed, then Harry heard some hissing, spitting sounds before he became aware of the sound of grinding stone off to his left. He turned to face it, his heart pounding harder and his legs trembling with fear.
"Let us see how you stand up to the great Basilisk of Slytherin, now under the control of Lord Voldemort!" Riddle shouted, then said in a loud, but calmer voice, "I don't believe you'll last ten seconds!"
He heard more hissing and spitting sounds before something huge slammed to the chamber floor, causing it to vibrate. The soft thing brushed his cheek again and Harry felt the weight on his shoulder leave. The snake was so large that he could hear its body as it moved along the stone, and he ran in the opposite direction, hands out stretched, one of which still contained the hat. It wasn't long before he smashed into a pillar and fell to the ground, Riddle laughing.
"How pathetic!" He shouted. "You can't do anything to me, Potter, accept your death with dignity! Accept that I, Lord Voldemort, am more powerful than the great Dumbledore, and can even defeat him!"
"Never!" Harry shouted as he frantically felt around the floor for the hat and grabbed it, then heard some rather loud hissing and spitting sounds before he heard them from Riddle again.
His hands trembled as he put the hat on over his head, hoping, desperately, that he could get help. If he couldn't, he didn't know how he was going to face the huge snake. Quite suddenly, the hat constricted around his head and Harry felt something slam into the top of it. Gasping in startled pain, he pulled the hat from his head and reached inside, grabbing the handle of something heavy and metal, pulling it from within the hat and leaving the hat on the ground. Riddle laughed.
"Better put that down, Potter, you may cut yourself!" Riddle sneered.
Harry didn't listen. He was probably going to get himself killed, but he didn't care as long as the others would be protected. He stood his ground and rose the sword, hearing the hissing of the snake as it got closer. When it was in front of him, he grasped the handle in both hands and sprinted forward. The sword slammed into the snake and only went through a little, but he could feel the breath of it above where he'd hit. Immediately, the snake jerked back, hissing madly, nearly wrenching the sword from Harry's hand in the process. He clung to it, though, and ran for it as he heard a slam.
"Give up, Potter! Accept your death!" Riddle taunted.
"Never!" Harry shouted wildly, turning again toward the madly hissing snake, hearing it slithering on the stone. He knew he had to do something, or he imagined that more students, and both he and Ginny, would be killed.
Grasping the sword in both hands, Harry ran forward, trying his best to aim the sword at the sound of the mad hissing. He lunged toward the snake, felt his arms go into something hot, guessed it was the mouth of the snake, and shoved the sword up through the roof of its mouth. At the same moment, however, he felt a burning pain in his right arm. Crying out, Harry yanked the sword free and stumbled back as the rest of the snake smashed into the ground with another giant boom.
The pain in his right arm was starting to become a strange numbness, and dropping the sword to the ground, Harry felt his right arm with his trembling left hand, feeling the end of something he guessed was a fang. Gripping it hard, he yanked it from his arm and stumbled a bit, though didn't cry out from the pain.
"Well, Potter, you've lasted much longer than I thought." Riddle stated, sounding almost as if he respected him. "I do prefer it this way, I, watching you die. You may have killed the Basilisk, but the poison running through your veins will kill you within minutes."
Riddle was right, Harry realized, as everything seemed to be fading, almost like he was going through his days as he first had without Magic. He sank to the ground, and vaguely, heard a flapping sound and a weight settle on his right arm.
"Even that song bird knows it." Riddle mocked. "You know what he's doing, Potter? Crying."
Harry could feel something thick and warm on his arm, entering the wound, though as it did so, he realized everything was returning. His arm was feeling better, almost as if it was being healed. The tears must be healing him, Harry thought in wonder.
"No!" Riddle shouted, then Harry heard a bang and quick flapping as the bird flew away. "Now it's just you and me, Potter, and I will end your life."
Harry tightened his grasp on the fang in his hand and heard Riddle chuckle.
"And what do you plan to do with that, Potter?" Riddle asked mockingly. "Accidentally stab yourself?"
Harry heard the flapping wings draw closer to him, then something clattered to the ground in front of him. Reaching out, he felt the small book.
"Is this yours?" Harry asked, grabbing it and holding it up.
"It's my diary, yes." Riddle replied. "And there is nothing you can do to..."
Riddle trailed off as Harry placed it on the ground, then he began to laugh again, harder than before.
"I knew it!" Riddle shouted. "You are nothing! I knew you'd give up!"
"I, using nothing more than the skills of a blind muggle, am going to defeat you." Harry stated coldly, and in a single motion, brought the fang slamming down into the diary.
Harry heard a horrible scream, and as he felt something squirting from the diary, jumped away from it and ran a short distance before almost tripping over something huge that was likely the Basilisk. As the scream faded, Harry heard the flapping sounds come closer, then felt pain rip through his left hand as the bird bit into his flesh, though after a moment, felt the wound heal, and felt something else. A tiny flame of magic was warm within his chest, though it felt different than his own.
'I choose you for your noble sacrifice. You are brave and kind, Harry Potter.' He heard a rather pretty woman's voice speak seemingly from all around him, but realized he didn't actually hear the voice. It was in his mind. 'I am Athis, and am honored to be your companion.'
"Thank you." Harry said quietly, then heard the sound of breathing. Jumping up, he quickly hurried over to it. "Ginny!" He called, sliding to a stop next to her and kneeling. "Ginny, it's okay."
Ginny let out a choked sob, then he heard her starting to cry.
"I-it w-w-was m-me! H-h-he m-made me d-d-do it! I d-d-didn't w-want to but... And I was t-to s-s-scared t-to g-g-get rid o-of i-it after y-y-you l-lost your m-m-magic f-f-from w-what I... I..." Ginny sobbed.
Harry reached toward her and moved closer, pulling her into a hug. Her arms flung around him and she cried deeply into his shoulder. Athis flew around them and Harry could hear her singing, the music giving him hope and seeming to calm Ginny. Feeling somewhat awkward though not showing it, Harry rubbed her back, and gradually, Ginny let him go, only sniffing here and there.
"We've got to get back." Harry said, pushing himself to his feet. "Will you help me?"
"I..." Ginny trailed off.
"We've got to bring back everything to them, show them there's no threat anymore." Harry said, feeling strangely calm, perhaps as a result of Athis singing.
"I can't... I don't want to touch anything..." Ginny said, still sounding scared.
'I will guide you, young Harry.' Athis spoke within his mind again, though Harry didn't know where to turn to face her, feeling foolish and awkward. He heard clear laughter, felt amusement. 'Come, young Harry. Turn around and walk forward.'
Harry followed her directions, picked up the sword and diary carefully, then returned to where Ginny stood waiting. Athis brought the sorting hat to him and Harry picked it up from the ground.
'I will take young Ginny first.' Athis said. 'I will grasp her shoulder and transport her to where her parents reside.'
"Athis is going to take you to your parents." Harry said calmly. "She'll grip your shoulder and transport you there, don't be alarmed."
"And what about you?" Ginny asked.
"I'm sure Athis will come back to get me." Harry said, then heard the amused laughter again.
'I will of course, Harry.' Her voice sounded both amused and joyful, and Harry couldn't help but smile.
Moments later, Harry heard the sound of flames, which lasted only a short moment. Ginny disappeared from in front of him, and to his surprise, he could feel something very similar to what he'd felt from Magic when she was apart from him. The tiny flame of magic within him was far above him, and he was confident that even if Athis didn't return for him, he could find his way to her. The flames sounded again near his left ear, then he felt Athis land on his shoulder and lightly grasp it in her talons before he heard flames surround him for a moment, and for a brief instant, thought he felt the flame of his magic embrace him. In only moments, however, he was standing in what sounded like an office from the echo he could hear from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley joyfully greeting Ginny, the sword and diary in one hand, the sorting hat in another.
It wasn't long until he heard a gasp, then Mrs. Weasley shout, "You saved her! You saved her!" Harry quickly moved the sword away as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, seeming overjoyed. Harry was glad, but mostly, didn't feel much, the icy flame in his chest reminding him that he still didn't have the most important part of himself back.
"I wanted to save everyone, not just her." Harry replied as he stepped from her hug.
"How? What happened?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"I'm certain we'd all like to hear that illuminating tail." Professor Dumbledore said. "The desk is in front of you, Harry."
Harry bumped into it, and carefully, placed the sword, diary, and sorting hat on it. The room was filled with mostly silence, but judging from the breathing he could hear, he knew where everyone was. The soft feathers of Athis brushed his cheek as he turned his head to the right, the warmth and weight of her resting on his shoulder a strangely comforting one. Absently, he checked his watch and realized about three hours had passed.
"It started about three hours ago." He said. "Ginny told me she wanted to talk to me, to tell me something. Of course, I trusted her and went with her, but as it turned out, Voldemort was controlling her."
He heard gasps and squeaks of fear, but didn't care.
"I spoke to him for a bit, and I guessed he was taking life or energy from Ginny somehow, because she wasn't waking and he said he needed her life. It was like part of a person in that diary she'd gotten." Harry said. "I heard her writing in it once, so I guess she was somehow communicating with Voldemort, part of him anyway."
"Ginny! Haven't I taught you anything? What have I always told you? Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain? Why didn't you show the diary to me, or your mother? A suspicious object like that, it was clearly full of Dark Magic..." Mr. Weasley sounded shocked.
"I d-d-didn't k-kn-know!" Ginny sobbed.
"An unsurprising thing, to be sure, but it does answer how Lord Voldemort was able to control Ginny even though my sources tell me he is currently in hiding in the forests of Albania. I dare say this event will be quite enough for you to deal with, Ginny, and you will not be punished for it. I recommend she be sent to the hospital wing immediately, as I'm certain this has been a difficult ordeal for her." Professor Dumbledore sounded, as usual, calm.
"Will this be happening again, Professor?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"I do believe that Harry has dealt with the threat of Voldemort within this diary quite effectively." Professor Dumbledore stated. "The threat to Ginny, and the other students and professors, has been eliminated."
"I made sure of that." Harry said. "The sword, I used it to kill the Basilisk."
"But how could you do that when you can't even see?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "And you don't have Magic?"
"I listened." Harry stated flatly. "I still have ears."
"Perhaps, Molly, Arthur, you should tend to Ginny." Professor Dumbledore said gently.
"Of course." Mr. Weasley said, and Harry heard the three of them leave the room.
Once the door closed behind them, Harry heard Professor Dumbledore say, "He was quite a brilliant student."
"Tom Riddle?" Harry asked, finding a chair and sitting down.
"Yes, indeed." Professor Dumbledore replied. "I shall have to do more research, but you may have assisted me in determining precisely how it was that Lord Voldemort was able to remain alive, even after his killing curse, which he sent at you twelve years ago, was reflected back at him."
"Why did he want me dead so long ago?" Harry asked. "Why does he still want me dead?"
"I'm afraid that will have to wait for another day, Harry." Professor Dumbledore responded, then added, "I must compliment you, however, on your loyalty to me. It would seem Fawkes has taken quite a liking to you."
"It's not Fawkes." Harry said. "Who's that, anyway?"
"Fawkes is the phoenix who's chosen to remain with me." Professor Dumbledore replied. "He has been with me for many years."
"Athis said she chose me, that... Well, what I did was noble. But I only woke up there, sir, and I knew the Basilisk needed to be killed. I was just there at the time to do it. It wasn't noble or anything." Harry said.
"The most humble of people are, at times, the most noble." Professor Dumbledore wisely stated. "And now, Harry, I must ask you to return to Gryffindor tower. I do believe your friends will be relieved..."
Behind Harry, the door to the office he was in suddenly slammed open. He heard footsteps storming in, and could also hear the running footsteps of something small along with the larger ones.
"Dumbledore." The voice of Mr. Malfoy was cold. "This is the last straw. As of now, the board has found you unfit to be Headmaster of this school."
"Curious." Professor Dumbledore calmly responded. "I would hope that, should I speak with them, they wouldn't be under the impression that something would threaten their lives or families should they have refused to sign your document."
Harry could hear a voice whispering something, then what sounded like a hit. He tried to listen more carefully.
"What utter nonsense." Mr. Malfoy said as Harry tilted his head toward the sound, Athis moving to his opposite shoulder accommodatingly.
"Diary... Malfoy..." The voice whispered, then Harry heard the hit again. It was Dobby, he realized, and Dobby was working for the Malfoy's. The diary must then belong to him, Harry concluded.
"There's one thing I'd like to ask you, Mr. Malfoy." Harry said with a firm politeness.
"And what's that, Potter?" Mr. Malfoy asked.
"You put the diary into Ginny's book when you were looking at it, didn't you? And the fight was just a distraction so you could do it without getting caught. In Diagon Alley last year." Harry said.
"Why don't you prove it, Potter." Mr. Malfoy stated.
"I'm afraid no one will be able to do that. But, be assured, that should any more of Lord Voldemort's old school things be found in the hands of other students, you will be investigated. I shall also be investigating this document you have signed with the other governors, and shall do so very closely." Professor Dumbledore responded, a firm tone to his voice.
"No matter." Malfoy spat. "You've already lost enough credibility attempting to tell your lies about Sirius Black to the courts."
"And, should I be found lacking in my ability to continue in my position as Headmaster, I will, of course, step down." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"Good. No trouble and no fuss. So. Who opened the chamber this time, then?" Mr. Malfoy asked.
"The same person as last time, as you well know." Professor Dumbledore stated. "Tom Riddle, otherwise known as Lord Voldemort. He was acting through the diary that Mr. Potter correctly inferred, belonged to you, or at the very least, was in your possession. I trust you will not continue to push this matter." Professor Dumbledore's voice was colder than before, though Harry didn't blame him for being angry.
"Dobby, come!" Mr. Malfoy shouted, and as he left, Harry could hear Dobby being kicked down the corridor.
"That's it." He said, yanking off one of his shoes. "I'd like to take that diary if you don't mind, sir."
"If you are about to do what I believe you are, certainly I shall not mind." Professor Dumbledore sounded delighted, handing it to him. Harry quickly shoved the diary into his sock, put on his shoe again, then turned and hurried from the office, following the sound of Dobby's squeals.
"Mr. Malfoy!" He called as he ran toward him, hoping he wouldn't run into anything.
"What is it now, Potter?" Mr. Malfoy asked as he came to a stop.
"Here, sir. This belongs to you." Harry said, shoving the sock into his hands.
Harry heard Mr. Malfoy yank the sock from the diary, then state coldly, "You have no proof of that, Potter."
"But you and I both know who's it really is." Harry said. "And that's enough for me. I might not have the power to do anything about what you've done, but I can at least return your property."
"You will stay away from me, and my son." Mr. Malfoy stated with rage, then called, "Come along, Dobby!"
"No, sir!" Dobby said with sheer delight. "Master has presented Dobby with a sock, and Dobby is free!"
"You!" Mr. Malfoy turned back toward Harry. "You, boy, have lost me my servant!" Harry heard his wand being pulled from somewhere, then he shouted, "Avada Ke..."
There was a loud bang and Mr. Malfoy went flying, slamming to the ground quite a distance from him. Harry trembled, instinctively trying to open a link of knowledge with the tiny flame of magic that burned within him, but he couldn't. Athis said calmly, 'It doesn't work that way, Harry.' He then heard Mr. Malfoy getting to his feet.
"You best be careful, Potter, because if you don't, you'll meet the same sticky end as your parents did!" Mr. Malfoy then stormed off, furious, and Harry sighed.
"I'm glad that worked." Harry said.
"Thank you, Harry Potter sir, thank you!" Dobby cried happily, hugging him around the waist. "If there is anything Dobby can do for you..." He trailed off.
"There is one thing, yes." Harry said. "Never try and save my life again."
"Yes, sir." Dobby replied. "And you is still great, Harry Potter."
"I just did what anyone would have done." Harry mumbled.
"You is much better than that, sir." Dobby said, and in a crack, was gone. Harry sighed.
"I don't understand why people think I'm so great." He said. "I just... I did what I had to do."
'You killed the Basilisk which petrified your magic, two other students and a ghost, and killed two adults. You freed Dobby from his abusive environment. Those are acts of a great and noble person, even if you wish not to admit it to yourself or others.' Athis said in his mind.
"I just did a few things." Harry said, unfolding his cane and heading toward Gryffindor tower to wash up and hopefully, get some sleep.
Resting wasn't to be, though, as he entered to the cheers of his friends, who were all relieved.
"We thought you'd been killed, and they wouldn't let us leave to find you!" Hermione cried, hugging him tightly.
"What happened?" Daphne sounded relieved, but also curious.
"Yeah, tell us, mate." Ron said, sounding eager.
For the second time that night, Harry told the story, though in more detail, thinking his friends deserved to know all his thoughts and feelings. They informed him that, as far as they knew, Hogwarts would still be closing, and that all students would be required to take the train home the next day. Harry resigned himself to an early holiday, but wanted to remain if he could, so decided to check into the possibility before the train would leave the next day. After setting his alarm on his watch, Harry washed up for bed, ensured everything was packed just in case he couldn't stay, then lay down in bed, Athis perched on one of the bed posts. She bid him a good night, and Harry drifted off to sleep surprisingly quickly.