January 17, 1997

McGonagall hadn't been impressed with Harry, or Jenna, or Dylan. She hadn't even allowed time for any of them to explain why they had forced their way into the Gryffindor common room, had only dismissed them into Flitwick's hands whom escorted them back to Ravenclaw tower. He had scolded them as they walked, going over how he could never believe that they would do something so reckless. It had all gone in one ear and out the other.

Harry was frustrated that no one would listen. He was so close to solving the whole mess but the blastard adults were too concerned with safety to take any actual action or listen. He had expected not to see McGonagall again, at least not until they were escorted out of the school for the last time.

But to Harry's surprise, he had woken up to Flitwick waiting for them. He had once again escorted them through the school down to McGonagall's office. She had already been waiting for them, and she hadn't been alone.

Snape stood in one corner. His arms crossed, a look of distaste set upon his face. Harvey was also present. Sat in one of the chairs facing McGonagall's desk, he looked worried. Harry had no doubt his brother's concern was for Ron; even after the weasel's solid effort to destroy whatever friendship the two had once shared, Harvey would never want anything bad to happen to him.

Flitwick had left the three sixth years with a firm nod to McGonagall who had thanked him but hadn't moved from where she sat. The look on her face was missing the fury from the previous afternoon, but her annoyance—and more blatantly—her disappointment was well set.

She said, "You three are some of our brightest students. Miss Darton, you have always been a model student. I don't think you've ever been disciplined once. Mr Henderson, you as well. And Harry, you were my biggest surprise. Being who your father is, I first suspected you would be another bane that I would look back fondly on. But for the first four years, you proved me wrong. It seems, however, that it was only a matter of time."

Harry wanted to roll his eyes. He didn't think the lecture was necessary, or a good use of time. He had no interest in breaking school rules and becoming a problem student. But he had the answers to a question they all were thinking—well, most of the answering.

"Professor," he stared.

"Mr Black, I am not finish," she stated firmly.

Harry huffed, but didn't continue.

"After being repeatedly told, not just by myself, but Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape, to leave the matters at hand to us, you have constantly interjected yourself. Going so far as to pull in your friends. I have no doubt, that if you and Mr Malfoy shared a dorm room, he too would be standing among us at present. However, it seems—for once—Mr Malfoy has taken the firm warning to heart and has remained where he should."

McGonagall stood from her seat.

"Professor," Harry tried again.

She glared at him. Her hands clenching as she straightened her back. "Mr Black—"

Harry knew it was rude, he was raised to respect his elders, especially his teachers. However, Ronald Weasley was most likely under the control of a cursed diary. And manners seemed to be getting him nowhere.

"Professor, I am sorry, but I can't just stay silent. I understand what you are trying to say. And I agree, I shouldn't be ignoring the steps you are taking to ensure our safety, however there is one student whose safety is not guaranteed."

"We are aware that Mr Weasley is missing," said McGonagall.

"Yes, he is missing. But it's not so much that he is missing, but why?"

Snape moved from the corner and held out his hand to stop McGonagall as she opened her mouth. She turned her glare upon him, but Snape stared at Harry with curiosity.

"Explain, Black," he said.

"I—we believe that the diary, the one that Ginny Weasley originally possessed is in fact the diary that once belonged to a former student, named Tom Riddle."

Harry didn't miss the way McGonagall flinched slightly, but he continued.

"This diary I believe was charmed or cursed to retain the memories of Tom to lure in someone who could continue what he stared years ago when the chamber was first opened."

"Go on," said McGonagall.

"Ginny told me that she started losing time after coming to Hogwarts. She would wake up with her shoes on, or find that she would be missing hours in her day. And the longer she had this diary, the more she wrote in it, the worse it seemed to become. She also told me that Ron often took the diary, to tease her most likely, but he did it frequently. I think this diary takes hold of whomever writes in it if they do so enough."

"You think Ginny opened the chamber?" asked Harvey, his voice wavering.

Harry looked down at his brother and nodded.

"I think this diary was created to continue what Tom started. He only stopped the first time because he didn't want to return to the orphanage that he grew up in if the school closed."

"How do you know all this?" asked McGonagall.

"We pieced a lot of it together," said Jenna. "It really became the most logical explanation of everything once we talked it out."

"If they are correct, Minerva, Mr Weasley could be in the chamber at this very moment," said Snape.

McGonagall looked uncertain. "Where do we even begin?" she asked, her voice softer than Harry had ever heard it. "How many times have we searched? No one has ever found anything."

"What about Myrtle?" asked Harry.

"We have tried," said McGonagall.

Harry said, "You have. But like you said, Myrtle doesn't like teachers. She does, however, tolerate certain students. She may be more open to talking to one of us."

He waited for the excuse or for McGonagall to once again remind him that he shouldn't be interfering. Harry thought that even if they were taken back to the dorms, they would at least have all of the information. It was more than they knew before and so hopefully they might make some progress. But it didn't come.

In fact, McGonagall released a long sigh before walking around her desk. She stopped directly in front of Harry and said, "Mr Black, you will come with me. Severus, if you could please escort Mr Henderson, Miss Darton and Mr Potter back to their dorm rooms."

Harvey frowned and hoped up from his chair. "What was the point of dragging me down here for you just to send me back?"

Harry glared down at Harvey, and nudged his shoulder. "Oi, don't be rude."

Harvey just looked up at him over his glasses. "Seriously, after the way you just spoke?"

McGonagall said, "Mr Potter, you were brought here to discuss the situation. If the school wasn't closing you all would be receiving detention for the remainder of the year."

Harvey crossed his arms. "But I didn't do anything! I was in my dorm."

"Perhaps, but you are connected to all of this in one way or another and I did want to fully understand just how far you have been pulled into all of this."

"I have been trying to stay out of it," he said. "It was Ron who kept dragging me back in. I promised my mum, my dad and Harry that I wouldn't let myself get caught up in all of it like I did last year, but no matter what I did I was there."

"He has been trying, Professor," said Harry.

McGonagall pursed her lips.

A series of rushed knocks sounded from the door. They all turned as it opened to reveal Professor Sprout. She had flushed cheeks and wide eyes, and was panting slightly.

"I am so sorry to interrupt Minerva, but you must come quickly," she said.

McGonagall nodded and moved towards her. "Of course." And over her shoulder said, "All of you, with me."

They rushed from the Transfiguration class room through the halls towards the main corridor on the second floor, the one that held Mrytle's bathroom. Just as they turned the corner, Professor Sprout stopped and cupped her cheeks, shaking her head.

"It's horrible," she said.

Along the wall, written in what appear to be blood, was a message. Very similar to the one that had announced that the chamber had been opened. It read: His skeleton will lie in the Chamber for ever.

Harvey inhaled sharply. Harry reached out for his brother and pulled him against his side. Even if Ron had been an ass, he had been Harvey's best friend.

"He's dead." The words slipped from Dylan's mouth making both Harry and Jenna glare at him. Jenna reacted by reaching out her hand and smacking him on the arm.

"Dylan!" she snapped.

Dylan scrunched up his nose and held up his hands. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"Harry?" Harvey looked up at him.

"He's not dead," said Harry. "We will find him."

Harvey nodded, shivering slightly.

"What are we to do, Minerva?" asked Sprout.

McGonagall stared at the wall. "We have a student to find," she stated. "Pomona, if you could please gather the staff, we are going to search this castle until we find that damn chamber. Severus—"

She was cut off by the sound of a throat clearing.

Turning, they found Lucius Malfoy, Cornelius Fudge and Lockhart.

The Minister for Magic took a step towards them and asked, "What is happening here?" he glanced between them all, pausing on Harvey, who was still pressed against Harry's side.

"Minister, a student is missing," said McGonagall.

He nodded. "Of yes, the Weasley boy." He twisted his head to glance at Lucius. "Which one of them was it? Arthur has so many off-spring, I lose track." He chuckled.

Lucius said, "The youngest I believe."

"His name is Ron!" snapped Harvey, pushing away from Harry.

Fudge coughed and turned back to them. "Mr Potter, I presume."

Harvey didn't respond, only frowned at him.

"Minister, if you please…" tried McGonagall.

She was ignored.

Lockhart strutted forward and assessed the wall. "Ah, the Chamber. Slytherin's greatest kept secret." He smirked as he turned to them and straight his cuff.

"Weren't you declaring that you had located the secret entrance, just yesterday?" asked Lucius, a pleased smirk gracing the side of his mouth.

Lockhart's face paled. "Well, I-I-I did, yes." He clasped his hands behind his back.

"You have discovered what no one else has ever been able to find?" McGonagall tilted her head to the side. "Well, then. You must help us in saving Mr Weasley."

Fudge exclaimed, "Yes, you must. Gilderoy, imagine the tale you could tell if you find this chamber." He walked over and clapped his hand on Lockhart's shoulder. "I will leave this in your capable hands, my good sir. Lucius, come."

The Minister moved past them, and down the hall they had just come from. Lucius glanced at Harry, his eyes shouting at him a clear warning. Harry nodded slightly. Whatever they were about to find, Lucius knew something about it.

Lockhart looked after the Minister with shock. His cocky persona seemed to have completely slipped as he realised that he was now responsible for finding the missing student or he would lose the Ministers confidence.

Harry glared at the man and asked, "So, Professor, where do we find this entrance?"

Lockhart furrowed his brows and said, "This is no matter for a child."

Harry sneered.

McGonagall stepped in between them and said, "Mr Black, I believe it would be best if you returned to your dorm."

Harry couldn't believe it. "But, Professor we—"

"I know. Please rest assured, we will recover Mr Weasley."

The carefully chosen words told Harry everything. McGonagall didn't believe they would be bringing back Ron alive.

"Now, if you will please quickly head back to your dorms. I am trusting you that you will do as I ask. Severus, if you and Pomona would assist with the search in case…" McGonagall narrowed her eyes at Lockhart, "Gilderoy's knowledge doesn't quite turn out as expected."

There was no argument from anyone, as McGonagall gestured for Lockhart to lead the way. Snape gave the lot of them a firm glare before walking off in another direction.

Harry turned back to the wall and sighed.

"Are we really going back to our dorm?" asked Jenna.

Harry said, "You do what you need to. I'm going to find Myrtle and find out where she died."

"I'm coming with you," declared Harvey.

Shaking his head, Harry said, "Harvey, I think it would be best if you go back to the Gryffindor common room."

Harvey crossed his arms. "No. He is my friend. No matter how much of a prat he is. I'm going to help you find him, so I can yell at him."

"We're with you too, mate." Dylan grasped Harry's shoulder.

"So, where do we start?" asked Harvey.

"Her bathroom."


She was hovering near the ceiling when they all entered. Myrtle was letting out a series of moans followed by a small giggle as she kicked her feet slowly.

Harry stopped by the first bathroom stall. There was a strong possibility that Myrtle would yell at them before diving into her toilet. He had seen the ghostly teen around the castle before, she seemed more interested in battering her eyes and waving at him, but then screaming at other students.

Clearing his throat, Harry said, "Excuse me, Myrtle."

Myrtle spun around in the air. Her face seemed to light up as she looked at him. "Oh, look at this," she exclaimed, "Harry Black in my bathroom." She let out a long sigh before floating down to hover at his height. "What brings you here?" she asked, turning her head slightly.

Harry said, "I was hoping you would be willing to share the story of how you died?"

"My death? Surely there is something more interesting that we could discuss."

"Perhaps another time, this is important."

Myrtle pouted and turned away. "What's so important that my death? No one really cared when I died."

"I'm sure that's not true," said Jenna.

Myrtle's head spun around. "Sure, it is. Took them hours to find my body. I would know—I was sitting here. Olive Hornby—of all people—came in and found me. Oh the look upon her face, will always bring me joy." Her eyes light up.

Harvey frowned. "That's rather mean."

Myrtle's scrunched up her face and snapped, "She was the reason I was in the bathroom in the first place! If it wasn't for her endless bullying, I would never have come in here!"

Harry asked, "You died in here?"

She nodded slowly. "Oh, yes. It was dreadful. It happened right in this very cubicle. I only remember is so well become Olive was teasing me about my classes. The door was locked, and I was crying, and then I heard somebody come in. They said something funny. A different language—I think—and it was a body speaking. I unlocked the door to tell him to go away, and then… I died."

"How?" asked Harry.

Myrtle shrugged. "No idea. I just remember seeing a pair of great big yellows eyes. Then my whole body sort of seized up and I was floating away. And then I was back, with my purpose to torment Olive Hornby. Oh she was sorry that she ever laughed at my classes."

"Where did you see these eyes exactly."

Myrtle moved across the road and wiggled her fingers towards one of the sinks. "Somewhere there."

Harry moved over to examine the sink. It looked like all the others. He slid his hand along the rim, feeling for some kind of latch or button. He knelt down to examine the pipes but they were all the same. Turning the tap, Harry noted that no water came out.

"That sink's never worked," mumbled Myrtle.

Harry moved his hand up to touch the faucet when he felt it. On the side at the base was a tiny shape. A snake. It was scratched into the copper.

"This has to be it," said Harry, softly.

Standing back, he looked at the mirror and glanced at his friends. "Any ideas?" he asked.

"The Chamber was only supposed to be accessed by Slytherin's heir," said Jenna, "meaning opening the door won't be with a key or a charm. It would be something only the heir could do."

Harry nodded. "Parseltongue."

He hadn't really thought about trying to speak it before. Harvey had only accidentally spoken it, but Harry hadn't even consider where to begin. When he had heard the Basilisk speak, it was almost like he was hearing English. Like his mind just knew what it was. He didn't know if speaking it would work the same.

He took a deep breath and tried. "Open."

"That was English," said Dylan.

Harry frowned at him. "Not helping."

Dylan held up his hands in surrender.

Twisting his head and shaking his hands, Harry took another breath. Focus.

"Open."

The sound that followed was a long hiss. And at once the faucet glowed with a brilliant white light. With a loud groan, the sink began to shake and then the next second it moved. It sank, right into the floor and out of sight, leaving a large pipe exposed. It was large enough for a grown man to step into it.

"Mother of Merlin!" cried Dylan.

Harry felt slightly shocked. In his head, he had still held doubt that the Chamber of Secrets was a real place. He thought that maybe this chamber was be a small room with no monster, just a collection of Slytherin's works that he had sealed away. By the large pipe before him was telling him other wise.

"Don't you even think of jumping down there," said Jenna.

Harry turned to her. "I won't. But maybe you should go and get Professor McGonagall. I believe we have found the entrance everyone has been looking for."

Jenna nodded.

"Dylan, go with her. Just in case."

Dylan agreed.

"I'm staying with you," said Harvey.

Harry wanted to argue, but he didn't. "Fine, just go."

"We will be as quick as we can."

Harry stood beside the opening with Harvey. The tunnel was dark, nothing beyond the first meter could be seen. It would be a leap of faith for anyone to jump into it.

"Ron's down there?" asked Harvey.

"I think so."

"Do you think he's okay?"

Harry honestly had no idea. Whatever this diary was capable of, Harry had never heard of anything like it. He didn't know if it would kill Ron or if it was limited. All Harry knew is that whatever was going to happen, it was probably better if they found him sooner rather than later.

The door to the girls bathroom swung open. Harry turned, relief flooding him, but it disappeared as he took in the pleased grin of Lockhart.

"Well, look what we have here," said Lockhart. The man was holding out his wand, pointed directly at Harry.

"If you are looking for a rematch, Professor, I'll gladly give you one," said Harry.

Lockhart chuckled. "Oh, I'm not an idiot."

Harry snorted out a laugh.

"I was unprepared when I first face you, but here is the thing about me. About all us Ravenclaws—you should know Harry—we are quick to learn. And here is what I know about you." As he spoke, Lockhart inched closer to them. His wand held steady. "You love your family." His other hand flung out and grabbed at Harvey.

Harry reached for his wand, flinging it from his pocket, but before he could throw any spell, Lockhart had his wand jammed against Harvey's throat. His hand gripped the shoulder of Harvey's shirt, and he held Harvey between Harry's wand and himself.

"Go on," goaded Lockhart, "try it."

Harvey looked at his brother with no fear and said, "Kick his ass."

Harry wanted too. But he didn't know what Lockhart would do to Harvey. He could easily kill him if he wasn't careful.

"No, you see Harvey, while your big brother would like nothing more, that clever brain of his is calculating all of the different things that would happen if he did act. For one, I could kill you."

Harry clenched his hands.

Lockhart smirked. "However, that would be a little too messy. Besides, I rather require you both alive if my plan is going to work."

The brothers glanced at one another, both unsure. His plan?

"Now, enough wasting our precious time. Harry, down you go." Lockhart nodded towards the opening.

"You want me to go into the chamber?" he asked.

Lockhart said, "That I do. Now, move it, or I'll turn your little brother's mind to mush."

Harry looked down the dark tunnel. This was not how this was supposed to go.