Matou Shinji and the Heirs of Slytherin

A Harry Potter / Fate Stay Night Story

Disclaimer: Though I wish it were otherwise, I do not own or in any way, shape or form hold a legal or moral claim to elements of either the Nasuverse, the Potterverse, or other works I may reference in the course of this story.

Summary: Trouble is brewing in the Wizarding World. In the wake of the Stone Incident, Albus Dumbledore has begun quietly preparing Britain to survive the coming war. The Stone Cutters, a new organization at Hogwarts for the most talented and distinguished of students, seek new blood to bolster its strength. The Boy-Who-Lived seeks his destiny as the Heir of Slytherin. And a boy from the east meets a specter of the past.

Chapter 18. Ere Break of Day

Not for the first time, Matou Shinji found himself frowning after one of his weekly meetings with Gilderoy Lockhart. He still wasn't sure how to feel about the man and his…intensity, nor about Professor Moody's tacit approval of Lockhart. True, the Consul system was proving quite effective as a way to teach students about power, delegation, and compromise, and he'd found the trip to Godric's Hollow quite educational – even if he hadn't been as moved as most of his peers.

The realization that Harry Potter had not had a charmed life, and indeed, had lost his parents in Voldemort's attack, had sobered those that had bought into the myth of the Boy-Who-Lived after reading the fanciful accounts about his life and deeds – stories just as inaccurate as the official version of what had happened in the dungeons deep below Hogwarts the year before.

Indeed, at his request, Hermione had lent him The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, one of the books in which she'd read about Harry. As he'd expected, he'd found frustratingly incomplete, providing at best a surface-level understanding of the events of Britain's Wizarding War, ignoring the historical and political context of said events and painting a very simplistic view of the war as a long struggle between the forces of good (the Ministry) vs evil (Voldemort), little better than propaganda.

Whereas as sensational as the title was, Official Secrets: Grindelwald, the Loch Ness Monster, and the History the Ministry Doesn't Want you to Know! had been a far more interesting read. The book by investigative journalist Rita Skeeterasked hard questions about the events and people she covered. For instance, why hadn't Dumbledore faced Grindelwald earlier? Why did the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures not simply relocate the Kelpie that masqueraded as the infamous Nessie the Sea Serpent, instead of trying to convince Muggles that their photographic evidence was fake? Why did the Ministry continue to use imprisonment in Azkaban – the former fortress of a Dark Wizard - to punish criminals, when these individuals could be rehabilitated, with memories and personalities modified if necessary? And of course, why did the Ministry use Dementors to guard Dark Wizards, given their historical allegiance to said Dark Wizards?

These were questions Lockhart was interested in too. Shinji knew this quite well, given that in private conversations, the man had expressed an interest in creating a definitive work on the era surrounding the Wizarding War, one that discussed the origins and identity of Voldemort, the inadequacy of magical education with regard to defense, history, and the integration of Muggleborns into wizarding society, as well as the disproportionate influence of the Order of the Phoenix and its overall ineffectiveness.

To Lockhart, it was rather telling how Magical Britain remembered the moral principle and courage of the Order's volunteers, even wishing for Dumbledore to step in as Minister once the war was over – but decried how helpless many of the Ministry's Aurors in the conflict – even though it was that very man's influence and his refusal to act that had hobbled the Ministry's efforts to contain the terrorist threat.

Of course, said conversations as often as not led to impromptu interview sessions regarding the events of the previous year. Hillard had warned his fellow Stone Cutters that this might be the case, given that Lockhart intended to write a biography of Quirinus Quirrell. Given their small measure of fame, the way their names were inextricably linked with that of their former Defense Professor, and their alleged roles the aforementioned events, it was almost inevitable that they'd be questioned about just what had happened, as there were several inconsistencies and questions the official stories did not cover.

For good reason, too, as what had actually transpired deep in the dungeons below Hogwarts was quite different from the official summary of events. For one, while the Stone Cutters had indeed fought a Dark Wizard, with the Boy-Who-Lived defeating him in the end, they had not faced him alongside Quirrell. Rather, they had faced Quirrell himself – or at least Harry and Sokaris had – who had claimed to be none other than Harry's archnemesis, Voldemort. Another point of interest was how the Philosopher's Stone had not been mentioned at all, with the traps and obstacles on the way to it simply being glossed over.

In fact, now that Shinji thought about it, there hadn't been any news about the death of Nicholas Flamel, something which struck him as odd, as Flamel was as well known in Magical France as Dumbledore was in Magical Britain. Perhaps he hadn't died yet, or the hysteria surrounding the escape of Sirius Black overwhelmed anything else. Or perhaps his death hadn't been reported to keep people from wondering how that could happen while he had the Philosopher's Stone, for surely no one who had such an artifact would let it out of his sight – or worse, let it be destroyed.

In any case, the Stone Cutters had carefully gone over the media coverage of their award ceremony, taking the time to have mock interviews with one another about what had been said so that, if questioned separately, they wouldn't say anything that conflicted with the official accounts.

Unfortunately, it was impossible to tell if it was enough with Gilderoy Lockhart involved, as the man always questioned, followed up, and pressed – politely, to be sure, but very, very thoroughly – just as he had only moments ago.

They had been sitting in the man's office, somewhat smaller than his classroom, and far more austere in terms of its furnishings. There was a solid mahogany desk, yes, but other than that, the only other things he could see were several stacks of parchment – only some of which were bound with ribbons, an old map of Magical Europe with dots around Britain, Germany, and what looked the Balkans, and a well-appointed tea set.

After their brief interview, the man gone quiet as he prepared two cups of earl grey tea.

"Milk or sugar?"

"Neither, please," Shinji replied, taking the proffered cup. He didn't think the man would slip a potion into his food, but after using a potion on Ron Weasley, he had become far more suspicious of additives – especially when he saw Lockhart take neither. Perhaps he was taking "Constant Vigilance" a bit too far, but given the nature of his secrets, he was only right to be cautious.

He took a sip of tea after watching the professor take a sip himself, and waited patiently as Lockhart finished taking notes in a fussy hand that he couldn't quite read. He didn't have to wait for long though, as Lockhart soon finished, looking up at him with a smile that wasn't reflected in his eyes.

"A very interesting story you've told me, Matou. Though what you left out is just as interesting as what you actually mentioned."

"What do you mean?" Shinji asked, wanting to know how much Lockhart knew, or if the man was simply bluffing.

"Oh, things like your apparent mastery of the Eastern Arts, the prank war, and how exactly Peeves, the castle Poltergeist, was involved in your adventure," the History of Magic professor said casually, raising a thin, well-groomed eyebrow. "Along with the nature of the item hidden on the Third Floor, one that was apparently valuable enough that the Headmaster declared the third-floor corridor out of bounds for those who did not want to die a painful death. The same item removed from the Gringotts vault before the break-in, I conjecture?"

It was all Shinji could do not to let his shock show on his face, but his blank mask was an admission in and of itself. He hadn't expected anyone to make the connection, given how few questions most wizards had asked.

"Oh, don't look so surprised," Lockhart chided, chuckling mirthlessly. "I of all people would know how history is a collection of tales, some more true than others. And so, I wouldn't be a very good historian if I only heard the stories you and your colleagues told, now would I, even if you are the famous Stone Cutters?"

"I suppose not," Shinji conceded.

And in truth, he really wouldn't, as part of writing a biography was doing one's due diligence and making sure that one could fact-check one's sources. Often enough, people mis-remembered - or just flat out lied about – events that had happened or words that had been said, and it was only prudent to make sure one wasn't putting anything too outlandish or untrue into print – especially if it concerned people who could make one's life very miserable.

Even Rita Skeeter was careful about checking her facts when dealing with influential individuals, as controversial, unsupported claims could be very damaging to one's career, though she was far less scrupulous when dealing with those who could not fight back.

"Like any historian, however, I understand that you have certain things you cannot tell me, and I do not wish to be unreasonable. But if there is anything you can tell me, well…let's just say that historians do appreciate the value of a good story."

Lockhart smiled beatifically, and looking at him, Shinji was struck with an epiphany.

"…you and Professor Quirrell weren't actually friends, were you?" he asked, remembering how Quirrell had made Lockhart something of a villain – a talentless, credit stealing fop, at that – in Hermione's challenge.

"Perhaps and perhaps not, but we did know each other," the History Professor answered, setting down his cup of tea and giving the young Consul an appraising look. "Quirinus wasn't that different from you, you know. He was a half-blood who wanted the world to notice him, with a gift for charms and for dealing with creatures like trolls. Which makes me wonder why all my sources say he fainted at the sight of a troll in the dungeons, rather than ordering it away. I can only guess that he must have pretended to do so in service to some other purpose. Perhaps to head to the third floor unnoticed while the other instructors headed to the dungeons?"

Silence reigned. Shinji imagined that Lockhart could probably hear his heart pounding in his chest as the man's deductions hit spot on.

"Alas, without other sources, I cannot simply write that, now can I, Consul Matou?" Lockhart murmured, spreading his hands in mock helplessness. "At the very least, it would be most inconvenient for me to do so, since the official story is so much…cleaner, don't you agree?"

Shinji swallowed under the intensity of Lockhart's gaze. Clearly the Stone Cutters had underestimated the man, forgetting that his area of expertise was teasing the truth from stories – though to be fair, they had a bad hand to work with.

"You don't have to answer that, by the way," Lockhart said, the man rising to his feet as he glanced towards the wall. "Instead, let me make you – and the rest of the Stone Cutters – an offer. I came to Hogwarts to write a biography, but it does not have to be that of Quirinus Quirrell. It could very well be that of one of you – or all of you, though I have a special interest in the life of Mister Potter." He turned back to Shinji then, a sly smile playing over his lips. "You see, I've read all the books there are about the Boy-Who-Lived, and it occurs to me that none of them have any input from Mister Potter himself."

"…you want to write a book about Harry."

"Not just a book," the History Professor corrected. "I wish to be your group's official biographer, to help you tell your story. For instance, let us imagine what an authorized biography – the only authorized biography - of the Boy-Who-Lived would look like. You went on the class trip to Godric's Hollow, so you know that I am familiar with his early life. Others have shaped his story – your story – without your knowledge. Is it not right that he have the chance to share his version of things? His thoughts? His ambitions? He will need to, Heir of Slytherin – Parselmouth – or no."

"That's…" Shinji found himself at a loss for words, his mouth going quite dry. Had this whole series of conversations been a negotiating ploy for Lockhart? Had even the school trips been part of his plan? "I can't speak for the group."

"I would have surprised and disappointed if you'd tried, Consul," Lockhart said coolly, his expression unreadable. "By all means, meet with them and discuss my proposal. I would however, like to have an answer before the spring term."

With that, the interview was over, and for the first time in a long time, Shinji had left the room feeling as if he'd been outmaneuvered and outplayed from the beginning. Still, he'd have to do as the man asked: convene a meeting of the Stone Cutters and discuss what had happened.

"Shit."

Hillard's curse broke the unnatural stillness that had descended on the group as Shinji wrapped up his tale of how Lockhart had drawn some…interesting conclusions of his own about what had happened last year given the others he'd interviewed.

"Merlin, he's—"

"—seen through us—

"—brother of mine," Fred and George spoke together, the twins looking somewhat uneasy.

"He wants…to be our biographer?" Harry asked, more than a little overwhelmed. "My biographer?"

"The official biographer of the Boy-Who-Lived…he sure doesn't ask for much," Hillard sighed, feeling his shoulders slumping. "We should probably feel honored, and with Lockhart's fame, it's a good opportunity – an excellent one, even, but I can't help wondering what's in it for him." He paused, lips twisting into a frown. "Aside from wealth, that is. And even more in the way of fame."

"Would he—"

"—want to write about our pranks?"

"If our Mum reads that—"

"—we're doomed.

"The horror, the horror," the twins chanted, not wanting to think about their Mum reading about all the pranks they'd ever done, or the reckless behavior they sometimes got up to. Knowing how mad she was about Lockhart's books, she would too, if he wrote about them.

"It…might not be all bad," Shinji commented, as every head in the room swung to look at him. "He does have a point that no matter what we do, people will tell stories about us, true or not, whether we say they can or not. Like it or not, we are the youngest people ever to be awarded membership in the Order of Merlin. People are curious about those who cover themselves in glory."

"You've been listening to Lockhart," Hillard remarked sourly.

"…well, I am a Consul. Hard not to," Shinji replied, looking between the people in the room. "Then again, so are all of you."

"He has a point," Harry commented. "I've read the books about me by now. They're so…so…" He groped for an appropriate word, but couldn't quite find one.

"Over the top?" Fred suggested.

"Overly heroic?" George chimed in.

"Not Harry enough?" both asked.

The Heir of Slytherin smiled a bit, despite himself.

"Now that you mention it, they aren't 'Harry' enough," he said, shaking his head. "They seem to think that I was destined for greatness, that my birth marks the beginning of a new age or something like that."

"Just between you and me, Potter, I'm not sure you're that special," Hillard observed wryly. "Even if you are officially the illustrious leader of the Stone Cutter Society, the Heir of Slytherin, and the Boy-Who-Lived." He sighed. "Not that you can't aim to become great. Your goal is to become the hero everyone sees you as, right?"

Harry just nodded.

"Then people knowing your story – our story – whatever version we want to share of it, might help in managing their expectations. Because even a hero can't save everyone, you know."

"…I know."

"The question is, do we trust Professor Lockhart to tell our story?"

To that, the most important question of all, the Stone Cutters had no answer.

Nor had Matou Shinji come to an answer in the next few days, despite practicing with elemental ofuda in his study room in an attempt to clear his thoughts. It wasn't the ideal place to do it – the room was far too small for much movement or for him to use any of his more destructive spells, even if it adequate for making ofuda and practicing his non-verbal spells.

He really did need a bigger room, but he wasn't about to use the Kitchens, as he thought that might annoy the House Elves, the Room of Hidden Things had too much in the way of things there, and Founders Tower was more of a ceremonial meeting place than a good place to practice.

The Book of Spells would be useful, but as far as he knew, a student couldn't simply take it out of the library without permission from a teacher. Yes, as a Consul he had special library privileges, but even so, something told him it might not be the best idea.

But where in the Castle might work? A niggling thought came to him about something Touko had said – that the Room of Hidden Things was more than a vault of lost treasure, but he couldn't quite remember what she'd said after that…

"Galleon for your thoughts Matou Shinji?" A musical voice spoke, as a pair of silver eyes intruded upon his reverie.

"Shouldn't that be a knut?" Shinji inquired, smiling a bit despite his frustrations. "And good morning Luna."

"Of course not. Even if your mind seems infested with wrackspurts," Luna commented, plopping herself down next to him. "You've been troubled these past mornings."

"Yeah…" The boy from the east admitted. He wasn't sure what Luna knew, but as he suspected, she was more observant than she usually let on. "Been thinking about a place to practice…some of my spells, and other things."

"Those other things must be important."

"They are."

He felt sudden warmth fill one of his hands, and let himself be tugged to his feet, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"No reading today then," Luna said solemnly. "We're taking a walk in the gardens."

What.

Shinji blinked.

"…what gardens?" he asked. As far as he knew, Hogwarts didn't have anything of the sort. It had greenhouses full of magical plants and the Forbidden Forest, but gardens…? And in the snow? Surely gardens wouldn't thrive in this weather…

"There's a room on the Seventh Floor with lovely flowers," the girl explained, her face oddly serene – something he admired about her. "Shall we go there?"

"I suppose," Shinji said, but frowned as he remembered there were still guards around the entrance to Ravenclaw Tower – and would be until breakfast time. "We can't walk there though. Can we take a house elf instead?"

Luna nodded, and Shinji called for Kizzy, who bowed low to the duo.

"How is Kizzy be helping young master today?" the house-elf asked, looking up at the two with protuberant green eyes.

"Kizzy, could you take us wherever Luna wants to go, please?"

"Kizzy can be doing."

"Can you take us to the tapestry of Barbabas the Barmy on the seventh floor?" Luna asked, with Kizzy nodding enthusiastically.

"Young mistress be visiting the Come and Go Room?"

"Yes."

Shinji's eyes widened at the mention of the "Come and Go Room" – which Sokaris had mentioned as a place she'd slept in before, but before he could think about that much more, there was the usual wave of disorientation as he, Luna, and Kizzy vanished, only to reappear in the corridor outside…

….the Room of Hidden Things?

He saw Luna thank the elf before walking in front of empty section of wall back and forth several times, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as a door appeared – and she opened it to reveal a fragrant garden in bloom, with honeysuckles and morning glories opening to in the cool morning air. The sun had just risen, and its golden rays cast a soft light on the room through full length windows.

...what? How is this…?

It was then Touko's statement came to him in full, jogged by the unexpected beauty of the garden before him.

"The Room of Hidden Things is more than a vault of lost treasure – simply imagine what you wish."

"Then…the Come and Go Room…and the Room of Hidden Things…are the same thing?" he whispered to himself, only to find Luna peering curiously at him again.

"The Room of Hidden Things?" his companion inquired.

"It's best if I just show you. Are you free tonight?" Shinji asked, a soft smile stealing across his lips as the mystery of where to practice was solved.

"For you, of course, Matou Shinji."

The walk, idly wandering along rows and patterns of landscaping and what seemed like rolling hills, was uneventful – but it was what Shinji needed to break the doldrums of routine.

"Thank you, Luna."

"For what?"

"For showing me this. And for being you."

"Of course I am me," she said with utter seriousness. "Who else would I be?"

Class that day was more manageable, though as usual, Professor Lockhart had a surprise up his voluminous golden sleeves. Quite literally, too, with the class startled into silence at the sight of the tome he produced.

"Ah, so you recognize the Book of Spells," the man intoned, his lips curving into a smirk as he looked bout the room. "Good, then I won't have to explain what it's capable of."

Shinji found himself wondering if Lockhart was going to introduce his own version of Quirrell's Challenge after being told about it by others, though he thought it wouldn't make sense, since this was History, not Defense against the Dark Arts.

"Unfortunately, I am not instituting a challenge like the late Professor Quirrell, so there will be no additional house points to look forward to," Lockhart noted, pre-empting the buzz of questions that would have surely erupted otherwise. "Instead, I intend to start a new…club, as it were, one where you will have the chance to examine Historical scenarios, play the roles of great heroes, and compete against one other. You have all learned history – now a lucky few will get a chance to relive it, to see how you might measure up compared to those who made history."

He gestured to Matou Shinji, who stiffened, remembering the first time he had been volunteered for the position of Consul by the man.

"Because your Consul led your class to victory over Professor Moody in his challenge, I am willing to make him the leader of this new society, but for the rest – if you wish to become a founding member of this club, you must needs apply. Before the winter holidays will be your one chance to do so, as future membership in this organization – this honor society – will be by invitation only, with founding members able to nominate potential candidates for achievement beyond the ordinary at the beginning of every term."

He smiled, perhaps a bit wryly.

"Of course, the Founding Class also gets the original privilege of being able to choose the organization's other leaders and its name, though I do reserve the right to veto if it is too crass. Priority will be given to high-performing individuals, especially Consuls who had led effectively, as the scenarios will test your ability to command – not just how talented you are in spellcraft."

Shinji reflected that this sounded like a membership structure similar to the Stone Cutters – though with a broader scope of admission, and with him as the leader – would seem to be a satellite organization of the SCS. This of course had advantages, since it meant that this might give the Society a pre-screened group of candidates to draw from, but it would also draw them closer to Lockhart's orbit, making it harder to refuse him.

"Those selected as members will be notified after your holidays. Now, with a show of hands, who might be interested?"

The entire class' hands went up, and Lockhart smiled.

…I underestimated him. Shinji thought. Badly.

A/N: Credit for the new Club idea goes to Cassius from Beast's Lair.