Author Notes:
Hi guys, sorry for a few days break. Thanks so much to everyone that has interacted with the story, and especially to those who've reviewed. Please don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions.
Next Update: 2-3 days
GrumpyBoyBen
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Chapter 12: Chamber and a Chance
The next few weeks passed at Hogwarts. Harry recognized some of the signs from last time, and had a feeling that today was the day things made a turn for the worse. And he was right. It was a gloomy morning at Hogwarts, and students were huddled in the Great Hall for breakfast. As they chatted and ate, the usual buzz of excitement and laughter seemed to be dampened by an unspoken tension. The professors, too, looked more serious than usual, exchanging concerned glances as they waited for the day's announcement.
Then, without warning, a high-pitched, nasal voice echoed through the Great Hall, emanating from the speakers that were now scattered throughout the castle. Everyone turned their attention to the source of the voice, and there she was, Dolores Umbridge, standing at the podium, an insincere smile plastered on her face.
"Attention, students and staff of Hogwarts," she began, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I have an important announcement to make."
A hushed silence fell over the hall, and the air seemed to thicken with anticipation. Harry could feel the tension in the room, and he exchanged a worried glance with Hermione and Ron. They all knew that Umbridge's announcements were rarely good news, and Harry especially knew that people wouldn't like this particular one.
"As you may already be aware," Umbridge continued, "the Ministry of Magic is deeply concerned about the safety and order at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. To ensure the highest level of protection for all students, I have been appointed as the High Inquisitor."
Murmurs and whispers spread like wildfire through the hall. The High Inquisitor? The students and staff alike knew that this title carried immense power and authority.
"I shall henceforth be conducting regular inspections of the school and its staff," Umbridge continued, her eyes scanning the room with an unsettling intensity. "I will be evaluating the teachers' performances and the students' conduct to ensure that we are maintaining the highest standards of education and safety."
A collective unease settled over the students, and Harry could see the looks of worry and fear in their eyes. The idea of Umbridge having even more control over their lives sent shivers down their spines.
"And let me be clear," Umbridge added, her smile never wavering, "any behaviour that is deemed disruptive, disrespectful, or subversive will be met with swift and severe consequences. It is my duty to maintain order and discipline, and I will not hesitate to take necessary action."
She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in, and Harry could feel the tension in the air grow thicker.
"In addition," Umbridge continued, "I shall be implementing a series of Educational Decrees to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. These decrees are not to be taken lightly, and anyone found in violation will face appropriate punishment."
Harry's heart sank as he listened to Umbridge outline her plans. He had expected this, but hearing it out loud still made it worse. A few months ago, when he'd been planning his whole year out, thinking about what he could change, and what he couldn't, he'd sadly realised that there wasn't much that he could do about Umbridge. A flicker of fear crossed through his mind as he recalled his planning, realising that he'd said that the Battle at the Department of Mysteries must go ahead. Voldemort needed to be discovered so that everybody would start actually doing something about it; but the thought of the battle made him shudder, he still hadn't thought of a way to guarantee everybody's safety, especially Sirius'. Maybe he'd just go alone; but, for now, he'd focus on what was in the very-near future. He knew that the school was about to change, and not for the better.
"As High Inquisitor," Umbridge declared, "I will work tirelessly to uphold the values of the Ministry and ensure that Hogwarts remains a place of order, discipline, and proper education."
With that final pronouncement, Umbridge stepped away from the podium, and the speakers fell silent once more. The Great Hall was left in an uneasy silence, the weight of her words settling heavily on the hearts of the students and staff. As a result, the following week at Hogwarts was nothing short of a nightmare. With Umbridge now holding the title of High Inquisitor, she seemed to be everywhere at once, lurking in the shadows and watching the students with an eagle eye. Her presence was suffocating, and the once vibrant and lively atmosphere of the school was now replaced with an oppressive aura of fear and unease.
Umbridge wasted no time in asserting her newfound authority. She imposed a series of Educational Decrees that left the students feeling like prisoners in their own school. Particularly, Harry and his friends were not fans of her implementing strict curfews and surveillance, she seemed determined to strip away any sense of freedom or joy from the students' lives.
The teachers, too, felt the heavy weight of Umbridge's presence. Minerva McGonagall, the usually formidable Deputy Headmistress, was visibly strained under the pressure. She found herself constantly clashing with Umbridge over the absurd and arbitrary rules she was enforcing.
One evening, after a particularly trying day, McGonagall sat with several other teachers in the staff room. Filius Flitwick, the Charms professor, sighed heavily and said, "I can't believe the audacity of that woman! She had the nerve to tell me my lessons were not up to standard and that I needed to follow her approved curriculum."
"Approved curriculum, my foot!" Professor Sprout interjected, her face red with anger. "We've been teaching these subjects for years, and suddenly she thinks she knows better? It's outrageous!"
McGonagall nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is. But we must be careful. Umbridge is no ordinary Ministry official; she's dangerous and cunning. We must find a way to navigate through this and protect the students as best we can."
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That night, the common room was alive with the soft murmur of students, but in Harry's mind, it felt oddly distant. As he sat on the worn-out sofa, surrounded by the chatter and laughter of his fellow Gryffindors, his thoughts were preoccupied with the Chamber of Secrets. It had been a while since he had ventured down there, and he knew that he couldn't afford to delay any longer.
Over the past few weeks, he had been engrossed in learning and practicing complex warding and defence spells. While these skills were essential for his preparation to face Voldemort, they were mentally taxing and often left him drained. He knew the chamber needed a small tidy-up, to say the least, and that's why he had decided to take a break from the intricate magic and focus on something simpler yet equally important—cleaning spells.
He had stumbled upon a dusty old book in the Hogwarts library that covered various cleaning charms and enchantments. It had been a welcome respite from the intensity of his regular studies. With a sense of accomplishment, Harry had discovered that he had a natural knack for these spells, maybe because his understanding of magical theory had improved, making it easier to perform spells in general.
As he contemplated the Chamber of Secrets, his thoughts inevitably drifted to Salazar Slytherin's office—the place where he had hidden the Locket. A surge of unease washed over him as he realized that he had entirely forgotten about the other Horcrux that this castle was home to. The Diadem; it was one of the essential tasks he had assigned himself after his return to Hogwarts. And he'd forgotten about it. He cursed himself for letting this slip from his mind, aware of the potential ramifications of neglecting such a vital mission. Although it had been safe in the Room of Requirement until the Battle of Hogwarts in the previous timeline, Harry knew that time was a delicate endeavour, and even the smallest changes which he had been making, could have significant consequences.
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The next morning, before the first light of dawn had even graced the horizon, Harry was awake and ready to face his self-imposed task. He felt a mixture of gratitude and relief that he had no classes to endure that day, and that he could just get on with other stuff. After donning his clothes and carefully securing the invisibility cloak around his shoulders, he made his way towards the Room of Requirement, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
The castle was still and silent as he tiptoed through its empty corridors. Under Umbridge's strict regime, his cloak had become a lifeline, granting him the freedom to move undetected and carry out his clandestine missions.
Arriving at the seventh-floor corridor, he stared at the blank stretch of wall, summoning the image of the Room of Requirement in his mind. The door appeared before him, and he stepped into the vast, empty space. It seemed to be in its storage mode, devoid of the usual training ground for his magical duels. However, there was no time to ponder the Room's transformation.
Closing his eyes, Harry allowed the faint connection he had forged with Voldemort's mind to guide him towards the diadem. It was like a distant whisper, a faint pull in his heart, leading him through the labyrinthine passages of the Room of Requirement.
After a few minutes of walking, he spotted a familiar sight—the small table on which a maple box was on. Taking a deep breath, Harry carefully lifted the diadem from its protective case, revealing the majestic artefact that had once belonged to the brilliant Rowena Ravenclaw. The diadem was a sight to behold, with its exquisite craftsmanship and undeniable allure. It was made of a shimmering, lustrous silver that seemed to catch and reflect the light in mesmerizing patterns. Intricate engravings adorned its surface, depicting intricate swirls and delicate etchings that told the tale of its storied past.
But what truly captivated Harry's attention was the large, oval-shaped blue sapphire that adorned the centre of the diadem. The gemstone gleamed with an ethereal brilliance, reminiscent of a midnight sky filled with twinkling stars. Its deep blue hue seemed to hold secrets and mysteries within its depths, as if the diadem itself had a soul, a consciousness that had witnessed centuries of history.
As Harry gently traced the edges of the sapphire with his fingertips, he felt a faint thrum of ancient magic emanating from the stone. It was as if the diadem was calling out to him, connecting him to the wisdom and knowledge of its former owner. He marvelled at the thought that this small, unassuming piece of jewellery held within it the brilliance of one of the greatest witches in history. The sapphire's beauty was undeniable, but Harry could feel another source of magic within the diadem; he could feel the piece of Voldemort, almost wrestling against Rowena's magic, with the ancient and malevolent magic fighting.
He carefully wrapped the diadem in the soft fabric of his cloak, shielding it from view, and securing it within the pouch that he carried with him. Quickly, he left the Room of Requirement, and made his way towards the Chamber.
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Harry's footsteps echoed softly in the deserted second-floor corridor as he made his way to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. The early morning light filtered through the tall windows, casting faint shadows on the polished stone floor. Before stepping inside, Harry took a moment to cast the wards he had been practicing diligently in the Room of Requirement. He envisioned the protective spells forming a shield around the area, enveloping it in an invisible cocoon of magical energy. Silencing wards were placed to ensure that no sound would escape the chamber, and sentinel wards were set to alert him if anyone approached.
Satisfied with his work, Harry pulled his invisibility cloak tightly around him, shrouding himself from view. He glanced around to ensure that no one was watching before slipping into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
Inside, the atmosphere was damp and eerie, the air filled with a distinct chill that seemed to cling to his skin. Moaning Myrtle hovered nearby, her translucent form looking both curious and forlorn. Harry approached her, finding her hovering near the sinks in the bathroom, looking as glum as ever.
"What are you doing here, Harry?" Myrtle asked in her whiny tone, floating closer to him. "Up to some mischief, are we?"
Harry grinned, trying to match her casual tone. "Just some errands to run, Myrtle. You know how it is."
Myrtle fluttered her eyelashes playfully. "Oh, errands, how exciting!" she said in a flirtatious manner. "Maybe we could have some fun together, Harry. A bath, perhaps?" Which was followed by her annoying laugh that sounded a bit like a fox screaming.
Harry chuckled, feeling slightly taken aback. "Uh, thanks, Myrtle, but I'm good. Maybe another time."
Myrtle pouted but didn't seem too disappointed. "Well, don't be a stranger, Harry. I'll be here if you change your mind."
Harry nodded with a smile, trying not to think too much about Myrtle's strange offer. "Sure thing, Myrtle. See you around."
With that, he turned away and focused on the task at hand. After a moment of hesitation, he uttered the words, "Open, open," in Parseltongue, and the sink descended with a low rumble, revealing the dark tunnel that led to the chamber below. Harry took a deep breath and stepped forward, descending into the depths of the chamber. As he walked, the air grew colder, and the sound of his own footsteps echoed loudly in the vast underground space. Finally, he reached the chamber's entrance, and before him again, lay the immense stone statue of Salazar Slytherin.
With resolute steps, he walked through the ancient stone chamber, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the vast space. The cold and damp air sent a shiver down his spine, but he pressed on, his mind focused solely on the task at hand.
As he ascended the stone stairs behind the magnificent Salazar statue, he couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the hidden chamber. The serpentine carvings seemed to come alive as the flickering light from his wand danced across them. But there was no time to be entranced by the architecture; he desperately wanted to put the Diadem safe with the Locket, and Harry really didn't enjoy the feeling of carrying a Horcrux in person – the one in his head was enough.
Gently pushing open the door to the study, Harry found himself in the private sanctum of Salazar Slytherin once again, the air thick with the scent of old parchment. Harry's eyes scanned the room, looking for the familiar cupboard where he had hidden the locket.
His heart soared with relief as he spotted the small cupboard in the corner. Although Harry knew that he was the only person in the entire school who could enter the chamber, he still got worried that the Horcruxes weren't safe here, but he soon eradicated that doubt from his mind. He quickly made his way over, his hands slightly trembling with excitement and determination. The locket was still there, tucked away safely as he had left it.
Placing the Diadem down beside the locket, Harry took a step back, finally feeling a sense of peace wash over him. After carefully closing the cupboard that now held two of Voldemort's Horcruxes, Harry took a deep breath, feeling slightly relieved that his blunder had passed unconsequentially. With renewed determination, he decided that it was time to tidy up Salazar Slytherin's study.
Stepping away from the cupboard, Harry raised his wand and cast a cleaning spell that he had learned from one of the books on household charms. "Tergo Effloresco!" he incanted, and with a flick of his wand, a gentle stream of golden light emerged, enveloping the study. As the spell spread across the surfaces, it removed the thick layer of dust that had settled over the ages, revealing the stunning craftsmanship of the ancient furniture. As he cleaned, Harry found himself drawn to the shelves filled with old books and scrolls. With a curious glance, he decided that the next time he visited the chamber, he would take some time to delve into Salazar Slytherin's vast knowledge. Perhaps there would be some hidden clues or forgotten spells that could aid him in the fight against Voldemort.
The wood glowed with renewed luster, and the intricate carvings on the walls and ceiling seemed to come alive once more. The once dimly lit room was now bathed in a warm and inviting glow, and the air felt fresher as the musty scent of neglect faded away.
Feeling a sense of satisfaction at the transformation, Harry stepped out of the office, moving towards the heart of the chamber. He continued to clean up the chamber with wider-reaching charms. "Globus Inustus!" he intoned, and a surge of energy surged from his wand, sweeping away cobwebs and accumulated debris from the corners of the room. The dust motes shimmered in the sunlight that now streamed in through the broken ceiling, giving the chamber an ethereal and magical ambiance. The serpentine carvings on the walls seemed to come alive, their eyes twinkling in the light. The statues of snakes coiled around the pillars appeared almost majestic, and even the basilisk skeleton on the floor was cleaner than it was before. Looking at it, Harry decided to make one final change.
He summoned nearby rocks, feeling them respond to his unspoken command. As he concentrated on each rock, he envisioned the stand he wanted to create. With a precise sequence of nonverbal movements, the rocks started to reshape, forming an elegant pedestal for the basilisk skeleton.
Harry's hands moved fluidly, his magic flowing seamlessly from within him, shaping the stand into a piece of artistry. He added intricate details, ensuring it would serve as a fitting tribute to the chamber's history. Once the transformation was complete, the stand stood proudly, ready to cradle the basilisk skull with its enchanting elegance.
He carefully levitated the basilisk skeleton onto the newly created stand, marvelling at the perfect fit. The sight of the ancient creature perched upon the pedestal filled him with a mixture of awe and reverence, and also pride that he had killed the huge creature.
After putting away his wand, Harry took a step back to admire his handiwork. The Chamber of Secrets, once a dark and eerie place, now exuded an air of grandeur and mystery. The walls and ceiling, polished to a shine, reflected the light, creating a breathtaking mosaic of colours that danced around the room.
The once abandoned and forgotten study had been transformed into a place of wonder and potential. Harry felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this hidden treasure trove of magical knowledge.
Feeling satisfied with his work, Harry decided it was time to leave the chamber and return to the world above.
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After returning from the Chamber of Secrets, Harry felt a mixture of satisfaction and relief. He had accomplished his goal of moving the Diadem to a safer location and had managed to improve the Chamber's ambiance in the process. As the day continued, he spent time with his friends, catching up and sharing stories. Hermione, of course, had a stack of books to read, but she was glad to put them aside for a while to enjoy some lighthearted moments with Harry and Ron.
In the evening, back in the Gryffindor common room, Harry decided to gather his thoughts and plan his next moves. He was furious with himself for forgetting about the Diadem and swore that it wouldn't happen again. He had come a long way in his quest to defeat Voldemort, and he knew that careful planning and preparation were essential for the task ahead.
First and foremost, he contemplated the Horcruxes. The Locket and the Diadem were now safe in the Chamber of Secrets, well-hidden and well-protected. The Diary had been destroyed, leaving three Horcruxes left to find and eliminate: the Gaunt ring, Nagini, although he wasn't sure if she'd been made a Horcrux yet, but Harry would assume that she had, and the Hufflepuff Cup.
The Gaunt ring had been a possession of Voldemort's maternal family, and it had resided in the family's rundown shack in Little Hangleton. Harry remembered Dumbledore's memories of visiting the shack and retrieving the ring, with this encounter being the first of many pins to fall which led to his death. Harry wasn't going to let that happen again. The Hufflepuff cup, on the other hand, was secured in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault at Gringotts.
As he sat in the common room, he started drafting a comprehensive plan. To prevent Dumbledore from being cursed by the ring, Harry knew that he would have to retrieve the ring himself, which also contained the Resurrection Stone. Having seen Dumbledore's memories, he knew the traps and necessary steps to get the ring without being cursed himself. Dumbledore would try and get the Ring at some point over the coming summer, so Harry decided that over Christmas he would go to Little Hangleton.
In terms of the Cup, things were more complicated. It would be very difficult to break into the bank and steal it like they did last time, and he doubted he'd be successful even if he tried. So, he pondered about other alternatives. And then he had an idea. Bellatrix is a Lestrange by marriage; but, her husband is a convicted death eater, as well as Bellatrix herself. However, by birth, Bellatrix is a Black. Harry realised the next part of this possible plan was fairly far-fetched, but to be honest, time travel was pretty far-fetched and that had worked. Theoretically, if he could find a way to get Sirius pardoned by the Ministry, he would legally be reinstated as the legal Head of House Black. He figured he'd have to check up on inheritance laws and their connections with Gringotts, but if Sirius was the Head of house Black, then he would gain authority over all undivided assets, and since Bellatrix is a convicted criminal, that would include her vault. And that would mean the Horcrux would be easier to get, without requiring a stupid break-in.
Harry rubbed his eyes after brainstorming the concept for a while and decided to sleep on it for now, and go to the library tomorrow and do some much-needed research.
