January 11, 1997
Harry had been restless. Sleep had been minimal; concentration on anything else, seemed impossible. Harry had looked through countless books, hoping to find another explanation than the one he had found.
A Basilisk. Just the idea of shut a beast made his stomach twist. He had struggled to eat breakfast or lunch. All his friends had tried to question him about what was worrying him but he refused to budge. Harry didn't want to mention the Basilisk and cause a panic. Who knows what Ronald Weasley would do if he found out what the chamber beast really was? Harry wanted to make sure his theory was correct before presenting it to anyone.
Harry realised after Carlisle had questioned him, that perhaps his friends believed he was freaking out over Grace. He thought he'd have some period where he wouldn't really know what to feel, but it seemed after meeting her and holding her, his mind had calmed down about all of it. Harry felt secure in his decision to trust his mum. Instead, he was freaking out over a massive ass snake that someone was letting out of the chamber.
With his research providing no other answer, Harry had decided he needed to share his findings. It was clear that Basilisk's were rare; very few books mentioned them, and the ones that did had very basic details. And there was only one book that explained how the Basilisk's reflect could also harm someone. It seemed reasonable enough that Dumbledore hadn't had any luck in determining what had been attacking his students, however, Harry's distrust of the man left him wondering if maybe Dumbledore did know, and he was just too lazy to deal with the situation.
But ignoring all of his negative opinions of Dumbledore, Harry decided to speak with him first. He would show Dumbledore the book and hopefully something could be done before someone died. Again.
Some poor girl had already died the last time the chamber was opened. Harry was somewhat surprised that the story seemed to be something that very few people knew about. He knew that some of the Professors, mainly Dumbledore and McGonagall, were teaching when the chamber was opened the first time, but there had never been any school gossip about it. Harry thought that even though the event had been so tragic, the years of teenagers that had followed would have turned the story into some form of spooky tale. But there was no story, no legend about the murder in Hogwarts. It was like those that knew had all been forced to remain silent about the death.
Harry strode through the corridor towards the Gargoyle that guarded the entrance to Dumbledore's office. He didn't have the password but he knew there would be a way for him to get the Headmaster's attention. Harry paused when he realised that the staircase was already open. That was odd. Dumbledore did some strange things, but anytime Harry had ever approached the Gargoyle the entrance had always been sealed.
Taking the stairs slowly, Harry approached the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Once again, Harry was surprised to see the door open. As he peaked around the corner into the office, Harry didn't find Dumbledore, he found Lucius Malfoy standing by the fireplace. And with him, a man Harry had only ever seen in the Daily Profit, Cornelius Fudge. The Minister for Magic.
Stepping into the office, Harry stared at the man warily. While he had a good relationship with the oldest Malfoy, the man had always been respectful to him—Harry had determined that it was mainly due to his blood connection and friendship with Carlisle that set Lucius temperament towards him—but he knew Lucius hated Dumbledore.
"Minister, it was the right thing to do," said Lucius, "for the school and for the students."
Fudge sighed and shook his head. "While I trust you Lucius, I don't like leaving the school without proper leadership."
Lucius scoffed. "McGonagall will suffice for now. Once this matter of the chamber is settled, we can decided on a new Headmaster. One that will listen."
"That is if we decide to keep the school open," grumbled Fudge.
Harry cleared his throat. It seemed neither of the adults had noticed his presence and from the sound of their conversation, Harry wasn't going to find the man he had been looking for.
Lucius spotted him first, a small smile gracing his face. "Harrison!"
Harry bowed his head slightly. "Mr Malfoy."
"Minister," said Lucius, "This is Sirius Black's son, Harrison."
Fudge face lit up with a smile. "Oh, yes. I've heard many things about what a talented potioneer you are Mr Black."
Harry frowned. "You have?"
Fudge nodded his head furiously. "Mr Malfoy and I often discuss matters of importance with your father and he raves about how well you are progressing. I have also heard from a number of reports that your grades at some of the highest Hogwarts has produced in many years."
Harry wanted to argue. He knew for a fact his father couldn't stand Fudge, often grumbled about his lack of spine, and how easily he gave way to Pureblooded families. It was possible that Lucius had mentioned him, he spent enough time around their family for him to know just how well his schooling was going. But there seemed to be more to it.
Ignoring the nagging feeling, Harry smiled politely. He might not technically be a Pureblood, but he would one day become the head of the Black family, which meant he knew how to talk to politicians when he needed too.
"Thank you, Minister," said Harry.
Fudge smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Was there a reason you are here?" asked Lucius.
Harry nodded. "I was looking for Professor Dumbledore." Harry decided it was best not to mention he had heard any part of their conversation.
Fudge sighed. "Ah, yes…well, unfortunately my boy, Albus Dumbledore is no longer Headmaster of Hogwarts, he has been removed from his post."
"I see," said Harry.
"We thought it was best as it seems he has failed at keeping students safe from whatever is happening."
Harry frowned. He didn't like the headmaster, never had. Dumbledore had always seemed to have a secret motivation to everything he did. But he was also a talented wizard. One of the strongest alive. It didn't make sense to remove him from his post, not when Dumbledore would be the best defense against some monster hunting down students. Then again, it had all been muggleborn students that had fallen victim to the Basilisk's stare. Muggleborn students were insignificant to many.
"Professor McGonagall will be temporarily in charge," said Lucius.
Harry nodded. "Right then, I guess I shall speak to her."
Turning away from the office door, Harry walked back down the stairs. Without Dumbledore as Headmaster, Harry had a feeling that his sixth year at Hogwarts would end before it was supposed too. Not because he doubted McGonagall, in fact, Harry believed McGonagall would make an excellent Headmistress. She cared more about her students than any of the other Professors, and while she did have a soft spot for her Gryffindors, he knew she treated everyone equally. Opposed to Snape, who he knew favoured his Slytherin's heavily; even Flitwick, while he was fare, he tended to cherish is Ravenclaws and spend more time guiding them than others. But it would be because the Ministry would have no choice.
Harry didn't know what would happen if Hogwarts was closed; it made logical sense that if a school held a danger to the students that the Professors could not protect them from, what parent would send their child there. Hogwarts wasn't safe; it hadn't been all year. But Harry also knew it was the only place for some young witches and wizards to learn their craft; there were only limited magical schools across the world and some of them held firm to their prejudices against muggleborns.
What did confuse Harry was how no one had any answers? He couldn't believe that with all of the witches and wizards that would have heard the stories about the events happening at Hogwarts, that not one single person could provide them an answer. Harry was starting to believe there was more behind what was happening; that Ginny ending up with a diary that held the memories of a Hogwarts student that had been around the first time the chamber was open wasn't accidental. Sure, Draco had stolen the diary from his father, but maybe Lucius having the diary in the first place was planned.
And now, Harry had found the answer. In a book, that he'd never heard of or that no one else had looked through before. Surely, someone in all of the years that the book had sat in the library at Hogwarts had read through it and learnt about the monster. He supposed most would have no need to focus on the beast as there had been no need, but surely someone had looked into the chamber's monster back when the first attacks had occurred.
Dumbledore had told Harry that many had searched for the chamber before, but nothing had ever been found. The legend of the chamber claimed that only Slytherin's heir would be able to enter the chamber and control the beast, and with the chamber's monster being a Basilisk, that meant to control it one would need to be a parselmouth. But the question was who? Which witch or wizard was connected to Slytherin? So many families, generation after generation, sent their children to Hogwarts, so whose grandparents had been at Hogwarts when this Tom Riddle had also attended school.
The diary had given him a day but not a year when the attacks had first happened. Perhaps if he could figure out when exactly the attacks had occurred he could work out a suspect. Harry was, however, starting to believe that maybe Riddle had been more involved. His diary just so happen to pin the attacks on Hagrid, but the monster was a Basilisk, not an Acromantula, which meant Hagrid was innocent—something Dumbledore had also believed.
Harry sighed as he rounded a corner as he closed in on McGonagall's classroom. He wanted to explain everything he knew, hoping she would listen and believe him. She had no reason not too, but he no doubt would be in trouble for interfering.
He lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck when a smaller body collided with him. Harry stumbled and caught himself on the wall. He turned to see Ron glaring back at himself.
"Watch it, Black," Ron sneered.
Harry was over Ronald's crap. The rest of the Weasley's, besides Percy, Harry liked. But Ron was a asshole.
"I've had it with you, Ronald!" snapped Harry. He walked towards the second year. "You better cut it out before I show you just what I'm capable off."
Ron rolled his eyes. "You won't do anything. You act like some superior wizard, but you're nothing. Just a stain on you parents lives."
Harry's hand shot out a grabbed Ron by the collar of his shirt. Ron grasped at his wrist as his grip tightened.
"You watch your mouth."
Harry hated the little shit; the way he treated Hermione and Harvey. The two people who were supposedly his best friends, but all because he didn't get the attention he so desperately desired, he was acting like a spoiled brat.
A wave of realisation made Harry stop. His grip slackened on Ron enough that Ron yanked himself out of his grasp and stumbled away. Ron didn't say another word, he just rushed off down the hall. Harry felt a little sick as he realised that Ron and he weren't that dissimilar. In fact, they had a lot in common. Harry had heard from Harvey how much Ron wanted his mother's attention, how he had become the forgotten son once Ginny was born. Ginny had been the girl that Molly Weasley had so desperately wanted that Ron was ignored. Ron wanted nothing more than to have his mother dote on him, tell him how proud she was, but all of that attention went to Ginny. Harry knew exactly how he felt, it was just their reactions to their situation that were different. Harry pulled back, closed himself off, and focused on what he could control. Ron acted out, was rude and loud, screaming for the attention he wanted. And he got the attention, but rather than affection it was discipline.
Harry let out a loan groan before running his hand through his hair. He didn't have time to worry about Ronald Weasley, he needed to find McGonagall.
Reaching the transfiguration classroom, Harry found McGonagall seated at her desk at the front of the classroom. The door was set open, inviting anyone to enter, as McGonagall wrote something. Harry knocked on the open door, making McGonagall look up.
"Mr Black, what can I do for you?" she asked.
Harry entered the classroom and walked up the isle between the desks. He said, "I have been informed that Dumbledore has been relieved of his position and that you are the one I should speak too."
McGonagall frowned and placed down her quill. "And who informed you of such information?"
"That would be Lucius Malfoy and Minister Fudge. They were in the Headmaster's office," explained Harry.
McGonagall nodded, annoyance flickered across her face. "What is it you needed to speak with the Headmaster about?"
"I believe I had discovered the monster that has been attacking students."
McGonagall's eyes widened. "You have?"
Harry nodded. "I believe it to be a Basilisk."
"And what evidence do you have to support this?"
He explained, "The Chamber of Secrets is said to have been created by Salazar Slytherin. It is a well known that Slytherin was a parselmouth, hence the snake as his symbol for his house. It makes logical sense that the monster, that only Slytherin's heir could control, would be a creature that could only be controlled by someone with an ability that is rare, like being a parselmouth. Meaning his heir needs to be a parselmouth. So I did my research, read more about snakes than I ever thought I would, and discovered that there is only one snake—the Basilisk—that can petrify it's victims."
"A Basilisk's stare kills, not petrifies," stated McGonagall.
Harry nodded. "Yes, it does. However, if one is to gaze at the reflection of a Basilisk it won't kill them, only petrify them. There was water on the floor where Mrs Norris was discovered, she possibly saw the snake in the reflection of the water. The second year boy that was petrified, he most likely saw it through Ser Nickolas, a ghost who can't die as he's already dead. Colin would have seen it through his camera."
McGonagall didn't seem to know who to respond. She had allowed him to explain it all and had sat back in her chair, her hands gripping the arms.
"No one has ever directly looked at the Basilisk which is why no one has died."
McGonagall tensed her brow before bring her hand to her forehead. She rubbed it slightly before sitting forward.
"Mr Black," she started, "what would you like me to do with this information?"
Harry frowned. "I want you to find it and stop it from hurting anyone else, to stop the school from being shut down."
"The school has been searched before, countless times, how would we even know where to begin? The reason Professor Dumbledore has been unable to solve any of this is because we are all unable to find a starting point. And Myrtle won't tell us anything, simply disappears down her toilet when we approach."
Harry's response died in his throat.
McGonagall's eyes widened. She had said too much.
"Myrtle was the student that was killed the last time the chamber was opened?" Harry asked.
McGonagall stood and walked around the desk.
"She was the one who died and the reason Hagrid was expelled?"
McGonagall mouth's popped open slightly. "You are full of surprises, Mr Black. How did you know about Hagrid's expulsion?"
"I think I've answered plenty of questions, Professor. I feel I am owned my own answers."
She huffed and clasped her hands together. "Myrtle Warren was one of my students. She was often teased and bullied by her peers and unfortunately the girl never made any friends. It was 1943 when she died. The poor thing, no one had even noticed she was missing, until another student found her body in the second-floor girls lavatory. No one saw or heard anything. I believe that Myrtle knows what happened but she has never been willing to share. She is still rather bitter about how she was treated when she was alive, and hold little respect for those who were around then."
Harry could understand Myrtle not wanting to talk to her old Professors. It seemed as if she was ostracized by everyone. There was one thing Harry couldn't understand though.
"If Myrtle was killed by the chamber's monster, which I believe to be a Basilisk, then how has no one ever seen it. Myrtle most likely died by looking straight into the snake's eyes, but how has no one else ever caught a glimpse of it. Especially when it wouldn't have time to completely disappear if it was roaming the halls. And it's voice seems to travel through the walls."
It was Harry's turn to kick himself. He hadn't mentioned to anyone other than his family and Carlisle that he was a parselmouth, it hadn't been a talent he wanted to divulged.
"Voice?" McGonagall asked, "You can hear the monster?"
Keeping more secrets wasn't going to solve anything. Harry needed to be honest and hope McGonagall would do the same.
"I only discovered it during the terrible dueling club ordeal with Lockhart. When Harvey and Draco dueled and Harvey spoke in parseltongue, I understood what he said. I knew it wasn't English, but I just knew it."
"And since the duel, you've been hearing the Basilisk when you're in the halls?"
Harry nodded. "More than once. It goes on and on about being hungry and wanting to kill. I've tried to follow it, and every time it's lead me to a new victim. First it was Colin, then the other boy."
McGonagall turned her head to the side and said, "I don't believe the Basilisk is roaming the halls, it might be using the pipes."
"The plumbing?"
She nodded. "It would explain how no one has seen it, but that also means that the chamber could be anywhere."
"But where could it come out from in the girls bathroom to kill Myrtle?" he asked.
McGonagall's shoulders dropped in defeat. "I have no idea."
It frustrated Harry that were still no closer.
"Thank you for everything you have told me, Mr Black." McGonagall reached out and grasped his shoulder. "And I understand you are frustrated, but I must insist that you leave the rest of this to us adults."
He said, "I wish I could professor, but I have been trying to do so all year. It seems that whatever is happening just keeps dragging me, and Harvey, into it."
McGonagall sighed. "If you learn anything else, please inform me at once."
Harry nodded. "Of course, Professor."
It seemed impossible. Harry had tried to distract himself but nothing was keeping his mind of the chamber or the Basilisk. He had tried to study, tried to work on his project, but just couldn't focus. So, he tried his friends.
They had gathered in the clock tower courtyard. Snow still layered the grown and there was a chill to the air, but with a few warming charms, Harry and his group of friends were rather comfortable. Harry sat on the ground, leaning against one of the pillars. Carlisle sat beside him, with Amelia perched on the wall behind him. Cedric, Jenna and Dylan were also spread around.
Harry had spent the first few minutes trying to keep up the mindless chit chat before Jenna had dragged the truth out. Most of them knew bits and pieces, but now they knew everything. Harry was a parselmouth, that he had heard the monster's voice, that the monster of the chamber was a basilisk, that Ginny had been in possession of a charmed diary that held the memories of events surrounding Myrtle's death 54 years prior, and how Dumbledore had been removed as Headmaster.
The group had all been surprised about different things, but Harry had asked not to discuss it further. He wanted to try and do what he had been telling Harvey to do all year. Stay out of it, let the adults handle it. Harry didn't need to go chasing after a massive snake that could easily kill him. He just needed to focus on his friends, family, Fleur and school.
His friends had accepted his request and kept their topics light. Cedric complained about missing quidditch and Jenna had brought laughter as she reenacted Lockhart's ridiculous classes. Harry was thankful for them, but his mind wouldn't stop.
Harry had tuned out on his friends chatter and tried once more to pay attention. Amelia smacked Carlisle on the shoulder, making Carlisle laugh and lean his head back to smile up at her. Harry watched them and felt the absence of Fleur.
After receiving his letter he had felt somewhat better, but he had yet to actually speak to her. He had written her another letter, explaining how meeting Grace had gone and also what he had discovered. Now he had even more to share, but would wait to speak with her properly about it.
Carlisle turned to Harry and said, "Someone doesn't look happy; did you make a mess in his lab again?"
Harry looked up to see Snape striding towards them. He looked angry. Harry could only assume Snape had discovered the diary was missing. He had no doubt Snape would be about to demand it back, and after everything that had happened, it probably would be best for it to remain in Snape's care.
"Black, a word," said Snape.
Harry quickly stood and walked with his Professor across the courtyard. When they were far enough away, Snape held out his hand.
He said, "I have high expectations, Black. You have always exceeded them until today. For the first time your father's distasteful habits have made themselves known."
Harry frowned. "I only borrowed the diary. I have ever intention of handing it over once I was finished."
Snape sneered. "I don't have time for your lies currently, Black."
Harry wanted to roll his eyes. Snape hadn't sneered his name in such a way since his first year at Hogwarts. The first few months Snape had done everything to torment him until he'd discovered Harry's talent for potions. But now it seemed, with one book, they were back to square one.
"Professor, I know what has been attacking the students, I know what the monster in the chamber is."
Snape's looked surprised. His hand dropped from where he held it and he straightened. "You do?"
Harry nodded. "It's a basilisk. I have already informed Professor McGonagall and explained what I also learnt about the diary."
"And what did you discover?"
"The diary contains the memories of Tom Riddle, and what he claims happened fifty year ago when the chamber was first opened."
Snape's face had changed. Harry was unsure how he could describe the man's face but it appeared like he was scared. Snape swallowed slowly before he cleared his throat.
"Harrison, if you could return the diary to me?" Snape held out his hand again.
Harry wanted to push. It was clear the name had unsettled the man, but Harry didn't know why. Instead of causing further distrust between himself and his mentor, he walked back over to his bag. He picked it up and opened it to pull out the diary. Harry frowned as he pushed his books to the side. It wasn't there.
He glanced up at Snape, who was waiting, before turning the bag upside down, letting his books drop onto the ground. He sorted through them but found nothing.
"Harry, what have you lost?" asked Jenna.
She had walked over and knelt in the snow beside him.
"It was in my bag," said Harry, looking at Snape. "I had it this morning."
Harry had put the diary in his bag when he had left his common room. He had been planning to give it to Dumbledore after their talk but had never given it another thought until then. Harry hadn't even opened his bag since he'd packed it, but the diary was very much gone.
Possibilities rushed through Harry's head. Did the diary have more magic in it than he thought? Had it disappeared on its own?
"When did you last see it?" asked Snape.
"I packed it in my bag when I left my dorm this morning. I headed to see the Headmaster and then to Professor McGonagall. I bumped into Ronald Weasley on the way, more like he bumped into…"
Ronald had stolen it. The brat had whacked into him hard enough that it had to be planned and not an accident. Harry had stumbled enough that it had taken him a moment to get his barings. Ron could have summoned the diary or if he had quick enough hands, slipped into and grabbed it. It hadn't been buried deep.
"Ron has it," he said.
"Ronald Weasley?" asked Snape.
Harry nodded. "Nicked it from my bag when he bumped me. Had too. No one else has been near my bag except him."
Snape let out a long breath through his nose before turning on the spot. He didn't say a word as he stormed back into the castle.
"What did Ron take?" asked Jenna.
"The diary. The one Ginny had been using," he explained.
Harry frowned. He didn't understand why Ron would do such a thing. There was no reason to take the diary unless he knew what it was. It was possible, he could have seen Ginny writing in it. She may have told him. Or maybe it was by chance. Ron was just trying to cause trouble and didn't understand what he had taken.
Jenna placed her hand on his arm. "Maybe we should find him?"
Harry shook his head. "Snape will find him, and I don't really want to be there when he does." He could only imagine how the Potion Professor would react.
Harry packed his things back into his bag before hanging it over his shoulder. He suddenly felt tired and wanted nothing more than to climb into his bed. Dinner wouldn't be for another two hours so he could have a quick nap before then. It would do him some good to shut down his brain for awhile.
"Harry!"
He spun to see Harvey racing towards him. His younger brother had red cheeks and tears in his eyes.
"Harvey, what's wrong?"
Harry caught his brother who ran straight into him, his arms wrapping around Harry's waist.
"Hermione," Harvey cried, "I f-f-f-ou-n-nnd Hermione in the hal-l-llwa-y-y. She was petrified."
He squeezed Harvey against him, his heart sinking at the news. Hermione. Poor Hermione.
