The house ceremony had begun, many were eager to start the school year and others to return, especially Harry who felt like he was truly at home every time he walked through those halls. The selection was quick, four were sent to Griffindor, 2 to Hufflepuff, 4 to Ravenclaw and one to Slytherin, only Ron's sister was missing although everyone assumed that she would go to the lion house like everyone in her family.

The hat took longer than they thought, after a while, meditating, he opened the tear that formed her lips -¡SLYTHERIN!- and everyone remained silent, especially her brothers who already had a place at the table waiting for her, but they stayed with mouth open when listening to the hat.

-I would pay to have a photo of Weasley's expression right now- the blonde commented and Harry couldn't help but smile too.

-There are two of us- and he motioned to the girl to sit with them, who sat down shyly.

-Welcome to another school year, I hope you take advantage of your time here and avoid getting into trouble- he commented, looking askance at Harry and also at the Weasley twins, who had a reputation for causing trouble. -Now I can only say LET'S EAT! - and all the tables were filled with trays with food of all kinds, capable of feeding an entire battalion.

Harry was eating mashed potatoes with a good steak, he wanted to have a lot of energy to continue his studies and continue on the Quidditch team -It seems you have broken your family's tradition- he said to Ron's sister.

-I hope my family doesn't get angry, they've all been to Griffindor-

-If your brother causes you problems, let me know and I will cast a curse on him instantly- Draco told him while eating a chicken leg.

-It would be fun, I guess I'll have to forget about using red and gold colors-

-True, allow me ¡Colovaria!-And the girl's outfit changed color making her combine black and green -Welcome to Slytherin, classmate-

-¡Awesome! ¿When did you learn that spell? -His friend told him.

-I have several tricks up my sleeve- he said, smiling at his group, without noticing that several eyes were on them.

In their first weeks they had Herbology where they learned about mandrakes and their effects, then charms, there they learned how to perform the cutting spell, although Harry already knew it beforehand. Finally. The defense classes with Griffindor, although for Harry it was a total waste of time since the teacher lost control over it when he released some naughty pixies, fortunately with the help of Hermione they managed to immobilize them-

-W-Well, 5 points for Slytherin and Griffindor. It is evident that you have read my works and know how to defend yourself against these creatures. You can leave- he said nervously.

-That guy is useless- Draco said.

-He just wanted us to learn to defend ourselves. I think it was interesting-

-Speak for yourself, I'll go accompany Neville to the nursing. Those little devils were not kind to him at all-

-I'll see you in the great hall. There's something I need to research in the library.

-¿Why it does not surprise me? Okay, see you there smarty. I'll go practice with the broom, say goodbye to your job as a seeker.

-Keep dreaming- and he said goodbye to his friends. After a quick read and asking for a couple of books, he left in the direction of where his friends were waiting for him, and just at that moment he heard a voice.

-Kill...destroy...I want...-

-¿Ah?-And he turned his neck in various directions waiting to see someone.

-Blood...I smell blood...-

-Who's there?- And he took out his wand to protect himself, although he thought it was a practical joke. When he reached the end of the hallway he saw Mrs. Norris hanging on a lamp in a motionless position and beneath her was an inscription painted in blood.

THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED.

FEAR, ENEMIES OF THE HEIR.

-Harry!-And he just ran into his friends who were speechless. Then the rest of the students appeared accompanied by prefects, teachers and the director himself. He was right in front of everyone's gaze and Harry understood what that meant: no one would believe that he didn't do it.

After a short walk to the nearest office, Professor Snape and the headmaster asked him to sit down and explain.

-I didn't do it sir, I was going to the Great Hall to meet my friends and suddenly...-but I didn't know whether to tell them or not about the voice.

-¿Yes, Harry?- the director asked, observing him with those half-moon-shaped glasses that seemed to be able to see through him and know what he was thinking. He figured there was no point in lying to him, especially in front of the head of her house, the last thing he wanted was to get into more trouble -I heard a voice, it said something about killing, that she wanted to hurt someone, I followed it until I found Mrs. Norris He is okay? Is she...?-

-No Harry, she's just petrified. And I doubt that a second year student could perform such black magic-

-¿So we can help her, right? -He said more relieved- The greenhouse has mandrakes. When they mature, can we use his fluids to prepare a potion to return her to normal?-

-Sir, if she allows me. I think Potter was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although I must admit that he seems to know very well about how to return Filch's cat to normal.

-Professor Sprout taught us about them recently. One of them bit Draco and Neville Longbottom fainted when his screamed very loudly- said smiling and then erased his smile after remember the situation he found himself in.

-Well, I guess that's all. The voice thing you mention is strange even for the magical world, but what I know for sure is that there are no more questions, you can leave-

Harry got out of there as quickly as possible before they accused him of something else. His friends asked him to tell them in great detail everything that had happened, although there was not much to tell. What interested him was to find out about that famous chamber of secrets that they talked so much about.

-We must investigate- said Hermione.

-It can wait, let's go get something to eat. I'm starving- said Ron.

-You always think about food, you eat more than a giant-

-I hate disagree with you Draco, but I also want to eat something, I haven't had time between studies and my brief meeting with Professor Snape and the headmaster.

-Perfect, while you both waste your time, we'll do the detective work- the blonde commented as he walked to the library, accompanied by the girl.

Harry and his friends continued to investigate about the chamber of secrets but there was not much, since, in theory, it was nothing more than a legend. Hundreds of researchers and directors turned the school upside down trying to find her and there were no signs of her existence.

-Professor Binns said that when the school was created the four founders began to have disputes about the selection of students. Slytherin did not want Muggle-borns to learn because they considered them untrustworthy.

-Those were other times, many Muggles hunted and tortured witches and wizards. I understand that he had that thought-

-¿Do you think it's okay to judge everyone by the mistakes of some? Do you think I don't deserve to learn magic because I'm a Muggleborn? - Hermione asked the blonde.

-Come on Herms, we all know that you are the best sorceress we know and a good person. No one deserves to be here as much as you- Harry said -What do you think is inside the chamber?- He asked, trying to change the subject.

-Supposedly something that only the true heir of Slytherin can control it, maybe there is some beast, or there are books of ancient black magic-

-¡Hey, they're going to open a dueling club!- shouted a boy from Griffindor.

-Great, finally something fun-

-¿Are you thinking about signing up Harry?-

-¿Why not? It seems interesting and it wouldn't hurt to learn new defensive tricks.

-Fred and George will surely make bets, we could make money betting on Harry-

-¿Why do you think he will win? Fame isn't everything- Draco said maliciously.

-Is it a challenge Malfoy? Because I gladly accept-

-Now, now. Don't get competitive ahead of time-

-Tonight will be the grand opening. See you later, I'll go get ready- said Harry, leaving there at high speed. Just as he was walking down the halls he bumped into Ginny.

-S-sorry, she was distracted. It was my fault-

-It's okay, I'm the one who ran uncontrollably ¿Are you okay?-

-Yes, just a little tired. And I still haven't done the homework Professor Snape gave us.

-I know it's kind of intimidating, but I think he's more of a bark-but-no-bite type. Just keep your concentration on the cauldrons and nothing will happen to you- he told her, smiling. It looked like she was going to say something to him but she stopped herself and left quickly. Harry thought she was a strange girl, but in the wizarding world, strange is something you see every day. When he finally reached the charms classroom he knocked on the door.

-Ahh Mr. Potter ¿How can I help you?-

-I'm sorry to bother you Professor Flitwick but I don't know if you is aware that they are going to open a dueling club and I was wondering if he could give me some advice-

-I'm flattered, Mr. Potter, but I think you should ask Professor Lockhart to help, after all he is his area-

-He was not a dueling champion in his youth, and if you allow me say, I think he knows less than he wants to pretend. I know there are many books about his adventures, but sometimes I wonder if he really did all that and I think the rest of the professors feel the same way too, especially every time he brags about how he saved some town from some dark creature ¿Or am I wrong?-

The little man smiled -It's a shame Mr. Potter...you would have been a great acquisition for the house of Ravenclaw. Close the door, I'll give you a crash course-

The group was in the Great Hall, the tables had been pushed aside and in their place there was a large rug with stars and the phases of the moon woven on it, just when Harry arrived, Professor Lockhart and Professor Snape were starting the event. .

-Come here ¡Closer! ¿Does everyone see me? ¿Can you hear me well? ¡Great! Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to open this modest dueling club, with the intention of preparing all of you in case you one day need to defend yourself as has happened to me on countless occasions. My assistant Professor Snape has kindly come to help me with the presentation. But don't worry, nothing will happen to his beloved potions professor-

-What a shame- said Ron.

-As you see, we hold our wands in the conventional fighting position- Lockhart explained to the silent crowd -On the count of three, we will cast our first spell. Only defensive or low attack spells are allowed, no one will die here-

-I bet Professor Snape rips him to pieces- the blonde said.

-A very easy bet-

-Okay, I say it leaves him unconscious and they have to take him to the infirmary- his friend told him.

They both raised their wands and directed them at the opponent's shoulders. At the count of three Snape shouted: -¡Expelliarmus!- A red light came out of his wand, causing his opponent's wand to leave his hand at the same time as it sent him flying against the wall. Harry smiled as he received the coins from the bet and gave them to Ron and Hermione.

Once the Defense professor stood up trying not to look defeated -Yes...well done Professor Snape, but it was OBVIOUS that you was going to attack that way. If I had wanted to stop you, it would have been very easy for me, I just wanted the students to see how it is done. Anyway, get into pairs - After a while, everyone was paired up, but the duels ended very fast since most of them had problems casting the correct spell or needed help from the teachers, a couple of girls ended up fighting muggle style pulling out their hair.

-¡Enough! It is evident that only a few have learned the basic of Defense, I think it is time to see a real duel ¡Potter, Malfoy! Come here and show your classmates how it's done-

-¡Get in front of your opponents! —said Lockhart, placing himself again on the platform.

-¿Scared, Potter?- He told him with self-sufficiency.

-Few things scare me, and you are not one of them my friend- he said smiling and the blonde reciprocated the gesture.

-When I count to three, cast your spells to disarm the opponent. Just to take it apart; We don't want there to be any accidents. In three, two, one...

-¡Depulso!-Malfoy shouted, but Harry was faster and managed to dodge him then counterattacked -¡Palalingua!-Causing his opponent's tongue to the roof of his mouth, preventing him from speaking and therefore launching an attack. Everyone applauded enthusiastically, Harry thought that had been enough so he cast the same spell that Snape had won a moment ago, managing to disarm him.

-¡Excellent! 5 points for Slytherin. Although I think I told them that they should just disarm, but well it is evident that Harry Potter has shown an innate talent for dueling, maybe one day he will become as good as me - commented Lockhart.

-Perhaps it would be a good experience for Potter to have a duel with someone more experienced ¿Why not you, professor?-

The smile disappeared from his face -¿Me?-

-¿What better opportunity? This way the rest of the students can learn how to protect themselves and will think carefully before starting a duel for which they are not prepared- he said, looking at Ron and Neville.

-Y...Yes but I think it's better... ¡Oh my! ¡Look at the time! -He said looking at a clock that was hanging -I have to go prepare the class for the third year students. It will be another time, you can leave - and he left there quickly.

-Wow, it looks like you scared him- Draco commented -I see you've been studying, next time you won't have it so easy-

-I hope so, I would love a longer duel, if you want I can ask the Creevey boy to take pictures of us ¿Are we going to see Hagrid? It's been a while since we visited.

-Potter, before you leave with your "fans club" I want to talk to you in private-

-See you there- he told them before being alone with his teacher ¿Its something wrong, sir?-

-¿Where did you learn those spells?-

-I have been studying defensive and offensive books, I also asked Professor Flitwick for a couple of tips, he was a great duelist and continues to be so-

-I have noticed that you also knows a lot about enchantments and transformations. The day Miss Weasley was sorted into our house you enchanted her clothes to add the Slytherin colors, it's an advanced spell for a second year student-

-¿Is it strange to want to learn beyond basic school material or ask a teacher for help to avoid making mistakes?-

-Not at all. In fact, I'm glad to see that you have initiative for learning. Have you heard the strange voice you mentioned the previous time again?

-No sir-

-Well, then that's all. You can leave - and once the man was alone he heaved a huge sigh.

Harry and his friends were at Hagrid's hut having tea and eating sandwiches (Draco had bought several to eat there, as he had experienced the ranger's culinary skills)

-Tell me, what have you been doing? I'm sure Hermione keeps getting good grades and you guys are definitely getting into trouble-

-In fact, Harry and Draco put on a great show at the dueling club. Professor Lockhart has no idea how to fight-

-Come on guys, that man has done great feats and saved many people from dangerous creatures-

-He says that he made them, but we only have his word and that of some strangers. Anyway, Hagrid ¿Do you know anything about the Chamber of Secrets? - And the burly man's hands shook, causing him to drop his cup of tea.

-¿Me? N-no, the truth is I have no idea- he replied stammering -Many headmasters tried to find her and couldn't find her, not even Professor Dumbledore found even a hint of her existence-

-That does not mean that it does not exist, the school is full of passages and secret rooms. Maybe Salazar Slytherin built one to hide whatever is there-

-Maybe, but there is no point in investigating a dead end and for which there is no recent evidence. Better concentrate on your studies - and they went back to talking about other topics. Once they left there the group commented about what they talked about with Hagrid.

-¿What do you think?-

-I think he knows more than he says. I understand that the Chamber was opened several decades ago, almost the same age as he-

-You don't think he had something to do with it-

-You said that he was expelled and his wand was shattered, only Dumbledore defended him and let him stay here. He must have done something very bad, I'm not saying intentionally, but maybe he was unintentionally responsible and that's why he received a punishment instead of being sent to Azkaban, the wizards' prison.

-Maybe, but...-

-¿What's wrong Harry?-

-¿Don't you hear that?-

-¿What? I hear nothing-

-Exactly, too quiet. Every time we come here we hear the noise of birds and chickens and now we don't hear anything. Come - and when they got closer they saw some dead birds on the ground and a rooster next to them -

-It's awful! ¿Do you think it was some animal from the forbidden forest?

-Animals leave marks and wounds. These look like they were attacked by something else- Harry responded and saw something else there. It looked like an agenda or a diary, it was quite old and worn but it had nothing written on it, except his name on the first page "T. M. Riddle"

The next few days were quite interesting, the diary turned out to be more than it seemed. He seemed to be under a spell to show the events of the time when this Riddle had gone to school. He discovered that Hagrid was the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago and Riddle was awarded for special services to the school, but for some reason Harry couldn't, or wouldn't, believe it. Hagrid was always a kind person, he had certain strange tastes with dangerous magical animals, but he was sure that he would never kill anyone, especially that innocent girl that he saw in the memory. Unfortunately the diary was stolen from his room, which was quite suspicious since it could only be done by someone who had the password to the Slytherin Common Room.

The group was having a snack before the last class of the afternoon -¿Who would steal your diary? Besides, no one other than us knows about that-

-That doesn't matter, what we should do is investigate ¿Why don't we go back to Hagrid and ask him?-

-¿And what do we tell him? Hey Hagrid, have you ever released any violent monsters that attack Muggle-borns?-

-I wouldn't use those words exactly but yes. If he is innocent there will be no problem. If you're scared, Weasley, I can ask him-

-We better go tonight. We will use my father's cloak-

-¿Will the 4 of us enter? Last year it was easy, but now we are bigger- said Hermione and everyone was doubting, except the blonde who smiled,

-We will split up, Harry and I will use mine, and you will use his-

-¿Do you have an invisibility cloak? Since when?-

-Since the all-talented Potter couldn't stop showing off his to me. He cost a small fortune and several months of waiting, but it was worth it-

-Perfect, Draco go get your cloak and give it to Hermione. We'll see each other 20 minutes after the lights go out -and then he turned to the redhead- I assume you haven't done the work on potions and transformations-

-Well...we were busy with this Chamber of Secrets thing and...-

Harry snorted -Let's do Mc Gonagall's together and you can review mine on potions, while I review defensive spells-

-¿Are you planning another duel?-

-Just for safety, who knows what awaits us-

Things had not gone as the group expected, Hermione had been found petrified along with other students and when the three boys went to question Hagrid they saw that he was accompanied by Dumbledore, the Minister of Magic and Malfoy's father who were planning to take him away. back to Azkaban, even though he insisted it had nothing to do with it. Only Dumbledore and Harry seemed to believe his words. They went to the forbidden forest following a group of spiders and there they found out from the gigantic spider called Aragog, that the real beast was an ancient creature that the spiders fear very much, and then he ordered his children to devour them. But Harry and his friends start to cast curses in various directions to defend themselves from the attack of the arachnids.

-¡There are too many! ¿Any ideas?-

-¡Icendio!- Malfoy shouted, causing a couple of spiders to be burned.

-Great, now we just need more fire-

Harry raised his wand and pointed it at a larger group—¡Incedio dúo!—and at least three dog-sized bugs were covered in fire. But they kept coming more and more and seeing that there was no other alternative he decided to go for it all -Incendio tría! - And he managed to knock down a lot of them, but the effort was too much and he had to lean on a tree to recover. the breath.

-¡Merlin Harry! ¿Are you trying to set the entire forest on fire? - Ron asked.

-It was the only thing I could think of to avoid being devoured. "You're welcome"- he replied, and when the last remaining pair approached with the intention of devouring them, they were suddenly attacked by someone else.

-¡Hestia! You don't know how happy I am to see you- He said in Parseltongue to her friend who, after tearing off a limb from the arachnid, approached Harry in a protective manner and emitting loud hisses in warning towards the arachnids who fled in terror.

-Ugh, that was close. Next time let's not come without the company of your snake-

-As if I was ever going to come back to this place- Ron added.

-Thank you very much, I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been here-

-There is no reason to. I see you keep getting into trouble, I guess it's in your nature. What are you doing here?

-We were investigating, the Chamber of Secrets has been opened and we thought the beast was hiding here-

-I have heard something, many creatures have been talking about it. The spiders are very scared now that their natural enemy is free.

-His natural enemy?- He asked confused and the reptile winked at him and that was when a spark lit in his mind.

-¡Of course! ¿How did I not think about it before?

-If it is coming to the forbidden forest without supervision it is already too late-

-No ron, I already know what is in the Chamber of Secrets...and I think I know how to get there-

Harry was leaving the forbidden forest accompanied by his friends and Hestia who was still coiled around his body -So the beast in the Chamber of Secrets is a snake-

-We must go to school and tell the teachers. We'll go there in ten minutes, it's almost recess- They ran down the stairs. Not wanting to be found lurking in another hallway again, they went directly to the teacher's lounge, which was deserted. It was a large room with a large table and many chairs around it.

At that moment the vice principal's voice was heard as if she were using a Muggle speaker, but it was evidently magic -All students will immediately return to the bedrooms of their respective houses. Teachers should go to the staff room-

-¿Another attack? ¿Right now?-

-Shall we go back to the bedroom?- Ron asked.

-No- Harry said, looking around and seeing that there was a small corner where no one would feel his presence if they used the invisibility cloak and stayed silent, he motioned to his friends to stand up and not do anything. noise.

-Couldn't you have left your snake in the forest?- Ron asked when he was so close to the reptile who looked at him as if he wanted to eat him.

-He saved our lives, now keep your mouth shut Weasley, no matter what you hear-

-¡Shush! Here they come - and at that moment Professor McGonagall entered accompanied by the rest of the teachers.

-Has happened. A student has been kidnapped by the monster and taken to the chamber-

-¿Is Minerva sure?- asked the potions professor.

-And that's not all,there is a new message, below the first: "Her bones will rest in the chamber forever."

Professor Flitwick shed a few tears.

-¿Who was she? —Asked Mrs. Hooch, who had sat down in a chair because her knees couldn't support her -¿Which student?-

-Ginny Weasley- said Professor McGonagall, dismayed. Ron was about to come out of his hiding place and scream but the blonde stopped him and nodded at him while he covered his lips with his index finger, telling him that it wasn't time yet.

The door to the staff room opened abruptly. For a moment, Harry hoped it was Dumbledore, who had been displaced by Lucius Malfoy. But it was Lockhart, and he arrived smiling -I'm sorry..., I fell asleep... Have I missed something important?- He asked. The teachers looked at him with complete disapproval.

Snape took a step forward -The monster has kidnapped a girl, Lockhart, he has taken her to the Chamber of Secrets. Your chance to demonstrate your talent has finally come, after all you are a legend fighting monsters and dark creatures-

-¿Me?- He said, speaking less like an adult and more like a scared child.

-We will leave everything in your hands, Gilderoy- said Professor McGonagall -Tonight will be an excellent occasion to do it. We will make sure that no one bothers you. You will be able to face the monster yourself, we are in his capable hands-

-Very good- he said -I'll be in my office, getting ready- he said, leaving quickly, being followed by the boys without his knowing. After leaving the cape in a safe place they went to the professor's office. When they reached the door they could hear the noise of someone who seemed to be preparing for a great battle.

-¿Do you think that useless guy has a chance against the Basilisk? -

-I don't know, but at least we can tell him what we know, so he can prepare better knowing what he's facing- and he knocked on the bedroom door.

-¡Professor, Lockhart, we have information for you! We think it will be useful to you - and when he saw that he did not get any response he took out his wand and with a simple incantation he managed to open it.

-¡For all the witches! I thought I closed the door...ah guys, what's happening?-

-Are you going somewhere?- Draco asked when he saw the trunks full of clothes and books, while the walls where the photographs of him used to be had been cleaned.

-Well... yes... I'm very afraid that an emergency has arisen... I wish I could stay but...- he said, trying to excuse himself.

-¡You are the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher! -Harry said- He can't leave now! ¡With all the horrible things that are happening!-

-You should know that when I accepted the job, at no time did my contract stipulate something like this-

-¿So you're leaving? ¿After all the exploits that the books tell about him? -

-Books can be misinterpreted...- he responded without realizing what he had said.

-¡You invented them!- Harry shouted.

-Use common sense Harry, I thought you were smart. No one would buy my books if people didn't think I did all that-

-Harry was trying to understand what he said but Malfoy was faster -You are a fraud, you stole credit from other wizards and then confused them into thinking you did it-

-You almost got it right, Mr. Malfoy, but it was a memory-killing spell and I must add that it is my greatest pride, without it I would not have gotten this far. The price of fame and glory, you must be willing to do anything for it. Well, there's only one thing left, I have to make sure they don't divulge my secret- and he pulled out his wand but it was too late, the three of them were pointing it at him.

-¿What do you want me to do? I don't know where the Chamber of Secrets is or what's there-

-You're lucky, we are-

Harry sent Ron to send an owl to his parents and also to notify the headmaster who was outside the school, to ask him to return as soon as possible accompanied by all possible security, while Draco and Professor Lockhart accompanied him.

-Why do we come to the girls' bathroom?- His friend asked.

-The secret chamber is this way. Hestia said that she smelled another reptile nearby - and the snake came out of her uniform emitting a hiss.

-¡You speak Parseltongue! ¡You are the heir! - Lockhart shouted.

-No, I'm not. But I suspect the real heir does too - and just then the ghost known as "Mrying Myrtle" appeared and made a grim face when she saw them.

-¿What do you want? You shouldn't be here-

-Excuse the question, but ¿How did you die?-

The ghost looked at him surprised -You are the first to ask me that question. It was right here in that toilet that I had hidden because one of my classmates made fun of my glasses. The door was closed and I was crying, and then I heard someone come in and start talking in a strange language, because of his voice I assumed it was a boy so I went out to tell him to go to the boys' bathroom and...I died-

-Just like that out of nowhere?- he asked with surprise and some pity upon knowing how the poor girl had lost her life.

-Yes, I only remember seeing big yellow eyes. My whole body was paralyzed, and then I floated away. I think those eyes saw me from there- she said, pointing to the sink. Harry approached to examine it and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, except that he had a snake carved on the faucet. An idea came to his mind. "Open up," he told him in Parseltongue. The faucet glowed white and began to spin. After a second, the sink began to move. The sink, in fact, sank, disappeared, revealing a large pipe, wide enough to fit an adult into.

-Well...it's obvious that you don't need me...I think I better leave- but he was intercepted by the boys, forcing him to continue -Come on ¿What use would it be to you?-

-Better you than us. We might need a shield- the blonde replied and pushed him against the ramp, making him slide down. Harry raised his eyebrow -Come on, don't tell me you didn't think the same thing. I'm next - and after what seemed like a fun trip through a sliding tube they arrived at a place that was dark and full of mud.

-We must be outside the school now, maybe under the lake-

-Harry...What is that?- and he noticed that there was a huge lump, for a moment he thought it was the beast that was sleeping, but when he got closer and saw better he realized that it was its skin, the monster had changed its shape. epidermis and from what he had left behind he imagined that it must be several meters long. They were so shocked by what they saw that they didn't notice his teacher when he lunged at Malfoy and took his wand from him.

-The adventure ends here, guys! I'll take the piece of skin and go back to school, I'll say that it was too late to save the girl and that you two fainted when you saw the poor girl's body - and he aimed first at Harry, but fortunately Hestia rushed towards the adult and hit him. He bit the hand at the moment the spell came out of it and aimed right at its wearer, who flew across the roofs causing a small collapse. So he had to continue leaving his friend and the teacher who had altered his own memory, which took a hassle off their shoulders.

He had to go through a narrow path until he found a door which had two huge snakes carved on it. He did the same as with the faucet and when the door opened he walked through a dimly lit hallway, with columns decorated with snakes until he reached the end of the path. When he reached the last pair of columns, he saw a statue and had to tilt his head back to see the gigantic face that crowned it: it was an ancient, ape-like face, with a long, thin beard that reached almost to the end of his head. wide wizard's robe, where enormous gray feet sat on the smooth floor.

-Look Harry- the snake said. And between the feet of the statue he saw the figure of a girl, face down.

-¡Ginny!- and he ran towards her. He tried to revive her but she didn't react, her skin was pale and cold.

-She won't wake up- said a soft voice and Harry turned around and saw the same boy he had seen in the memory of the diary.

-¿Tom Riddle?- and the boy nodded. Harry was surprised because despite fifty years having passed, the young man looked exactly the same.

-¿You are a ghost?-

-A memory, preserved for decades in the diary. Thanks to Miss Weasley I managed to get stronger- he told her as he took Harry's wand that he had left on the floor when trying to revive Ginny and then he turned to Hera -Leave us alone- and the snake separated a few meters from Harry.

-Look, we don't have much time. The basilisk could come at any moment, we have to go-

-He won't come if he doesn't call him."Besides, you and I have a pending talk- and he put Harry's wand in his pocket.

-¿What are you doing? Give me my wand-

-You don't need it-

-¿What are you taking about? We have to help her-

-I'm afraid Miss Weasley doesn't have much time left- While she loses her energy I grow stronger, she opened her soul to me, and it was precisely her soul that I wanted. I grew stronger by feeding on her fears and her deep secrets. I became more powerful, enough to control her. She opened the Secret Chamber following my orders-

-¡No! She would never do something like that-

-I can be very... persuasive, it was like having her in the middle of a trance, although in the end he suspected what was happening and tried to get rid of her diary, which you found outside the school. It was like receiving a gift from heaven, since it was precisely you who I wanted to meet so much. I had to show you my capture of Silly Hagrid to gain your trust-

-¡Hagrid is my friend! And you blamed him-

-I don't know why you would want to be friends with that fool, but anyway. It was my word against his, only Dumbledore believed he was innocent. After that he watched me for weeks, I knew I couldn't free the Basilisk again while he was watching, that's why I created this diary so that I could continue my work when I was no longer around.

-It has been of no use, no student has died and they will soon be revived with the mandrakes-

-I don't care about that anymore, clearing the school's name is just a pending task. My most urgent matter is with you, I want to understand how a baby without any extraordinary magical talent manages to defeat the most powerful wizard in the world? ¿How could you come out with just a scar?- He said angrily and upon seeing her expression, that look lacking in humanity, his mind began to connect the dots.

-It's you...Voldemort-

-¡Well of course! ¿Do you think she was going to always use my dirty muggle name? I, who am a descendant of Salazar Slytherin himself, on my mother's side? I would never keep the name of a common Muggle who abandoned me before I was born, just because he found out that his wife was a witch. I gave myself a new name, a name that I knew all wizards would one day fear to pronounce when I became the greatest sorcerer in the world-

-¡Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the world! You were always afraid of him, even now, you had to use a girl because you didn't have the guts to face him- and the smile disappeared from Riddle's face.

-Dumbledore was fired for my simple memory. Don't be stupid ¿Why waste your gifts helping that old man? You and I are very similar, we can both speak Parseltongue, since we entered school we have been the best in our class, we even wear the colors of the great Slytherin. Together we can be the best, there would be no magic that is impossible for us-

Harry forced a smile -I already had an offer like that last year, I saw what you will become. You are not a God, not even a man, you are just a poor child who was abandoned and couldn't get over it. Thanks, but no, I prefer to be on the side of my friends and Dumbledore - and at that moment the song of a bird was heard which appeared in front of them, the same one he had once seen in the director's office.

-"Fawkes, Professor Dumbledore's phoenix"-he thought and the bird landed on his shoulder and left the old sorting hat in his hands.

-¿Is this what Great Dumbledore sends to his champion? A singing bird and an old hat? - He said, laughing hard - Very good, you already have your weapon and an ally, now it's my turn - and with a movement of his wand he opened the statue's mouth and called the creature and Unfortunately for Harry, it was bigger and scarier than he imagined.

Hestia approached the enormous snake trying to contain it - Please my great lord, we must not do this -

-You serve your master and I serve mine-

-He is not my master, he is my friend and I chose to serve him-

-¿What is the difference?-

-A friend cares about you, he is present when you need him most ¿Has your master ever shown affection or concern for you? You can choose something better, please- he replied and seeing that the snake began to hesitate, Riddle cast a spell on Hestia making her hiss what could be interpreted as a cry of pain.

-¡Hestia!-And she ran towards her friend who had jumped several meters away.

-¡Stop wasting time and kill him! -And when the snake approached Harry Fawkes, it flew towards her head and stuck its beak in one of her eyes, causing a stream of black blood to gush out.

-¡Nooo! Forget about the bird, use your other eye and finish it off-

-My magic is in my eyes, I can no longer kill from afar, at most I could petrify him-

-Then eat it. Do I have to think for you, stupid bug? - and when he approached his victim to finish him off, he used his remaining eye to observe and saw the boy holding the snake.

-Hestia, I'm so sorry... you shouldn't have gotten in the way- he said sobbing.

-I shouldn't have, but I wanted to. You are the most noble and special human I have ever known...don't pay attention to him...you are not like him...Harry run...- and he hissed finished. And Harry hugged the lifeless body of the snake, his friend, his first contact with the wizarding world gone forever. The huge snake was getting closer and when she saw Harry's teary eyes she stopped.

-¿Are you afraid? ¿Is that why you cry?

-I cry for her. Hestia was my friend- he replied as he wiped away his tears ¿How can you serve him? ¿After what she did to your partner? I understand the law of the jungle, hunting to survive, but he doesn't do it for that, he does it out of pure evil. He didn't even care that you lost your eye and your magic-

-He is my master's heir, he is a Parselmouth and I must obey him-

-The fact that he speaks your language only means that he can understand you, but he does not mean that you should do what he says. You can be free if you want. He shouldn't keep you locked up here, you could go to the forest, in nature, your true home-

The animal began to hesitate -I have always wanted to know the forest, to feel the grass under my belly and the moonlight in my head-

-I can give you that, if that's what you want- he told her as he slowly approached his hand and rested it on the cheek where he still had one eye.

Riddle approached them -¿What are you doing? Kill him once and for all, idiot! ¡I order you!- And that was when the basilisk slowly turned around -No-

-¡¿What?!-

-He is right, I don't have to obey you if I don't want to. I am the king of snakes, not a house elf. This matter does not concern me- and he stepped aside.

-¡Damn incompetent traitor!-And he cast a curse on his remaining eye, leaving the poor reptile completely blind and writhing in pain.

-You're a monster!- Harry shouted at him. And in the midst of the commotion, no one noticed that Fawkes had grabbed the hat with his claws along with his diary and left them in the boy's hands.

-¡Give me that book!- He shouted and when he saw the worried expression on the face of his enemy he understood what he had to do -¿What are you doing?-

-¿You live inside this diary, right? Then I will destroy it-

The young man's face tensed but then he regained his expression -¿And how do you plan to do it? I have your wand ¿What good will that old hat do for you? It's your end- he told her while holding his wand and when it seemed that everything was lost, the hat began to squeeze as if it were squeezed by an invisible hand and he dropped a huge silver sword encrusted with rubies.

-Looks like I have what- and he dropped the book on the ground while he grabbed the hilt and before Riddle could do anything he stuck the tip of the sword into the journal. The ink spurted out as if it were blood, the screams of his enemy could be heard who began to writhe, until there was an explosion. Only Harry's wand and an old diary with a hole in it remained on the floor.

At that moment Ginny came out of her lethargy and woke up. Her skin regained its tone and she seemed to be much better, when she saw him she ran towards him -Harry I'm so sorry, I wanted to tell you, but he controlled me, I couldn't...-

-It's okay Ginny, it's done. He is gone forever and will no longer be able to hurt anyone else- he replied, consoling her -Draco is nearby with Professor Lockhart or at least what's left of him and Ron had to tell the teachers and your parents.

¿How will we get back?-

He approached the Phoenix to whom she caressed its soft plumage in gratitude -Phoenixes can carry very heavy loads, he will be able to carry you three without problems. I'll go later, I have a pending matter here- he replied, making a gesture pointing to the huge snake. Who was recovering from the shock of losing both eyes.

Before leaving, the girl gave him a big hug, which made him blush -Thank you for saving my life- and he returned the gesture with a smile.

Harry put the diary in his pocket along with his wand, took the sword from the ground and approached where the hat was -Thank you for the help- and when he looked at the sword he saw the inscription that was engraved on its surface "Godric Griffindor " which left him stunned, that's when he placed the hat on his head.

-¡Excellent boy, you have done fantastic! -The voice of the hat told him in his mind.

-Griffindor put the sword inside you-

-Yes, Godric always feared that Salazar's heir would carry out his plan to harm the Muggle-borns and took measures to prevent it, although he did not know exactly how or what he would have to fight against. But you've risen to the challenge-

-¿Is that why you put me in Slytherin? ¿Did you think I would be able to fulfill Griffindor's plan?

-No, I put you there because you asked me to, although you could have ended up in any other house if you had wanted. You may have the cunning, the talent, and I must add, a certain disdain for the rules, qualities that Slytherin well appreciates; but you have also proven to have the bravery of Griffindor, the intelligence of Ravenclaw and the loyalty of Hufflepuff. Only a true Griffindor could have brought out the hidden sword in me, I thought you had already learned that it doesn't matter what you are or what colors you look, what the are really important its the decisions you make. You saved the school, rejected the power offered to you by a dark wizard to save an innocent girl, and restored the honor of your house. If you ask me I think you made the right choice-

Harry nodded as he thought about what he had told him and took his hat off his head, then approached the creature who was next to Hestia's body -Shhh, don't worry, it's all over now. I'm so sorry you went blind-

-I'm still alive, I may have lost my sight, but my ears and my sense of smell allow me to detect other presences, and the poison from my fangs is deadly. My loss is nothing compared to the pain you feel when losing a loved one-

Harry took the remains of her late friend -Let's get out of here, she deserves a proper burial and you need a new home- he replied as he ran her hand over her cold skin in a friendly manner.

-I hope you find something to eat in that place-

-Of course. In fact, I think there is a huge nest of spiders waiting for you and they are huge. Consider it your welcome banquet-

-I like you boy-

-You can call me Harry- he said smiling and they left there, not as enemies, neither as master and servant, but as two comrades.

Draco and Ginny were going to the headmaster's office. After the Phoenix left them next to the forgetful Professor Lockhart at the school entrance, they left him in the hands of Madam Pomfrey and were on their way to explain everything that had happened. Once inside was the Headmaster, accompanied by Mr. Malfoy and Ginny's parents along with Ron.

-Draco, what are you doing here?- His father asked without showing any concern for the girl.

-¡Ginny!- both parents shouted and ran to hug her.

-¡Oh! my little Ginny, we were so worried-

-Mom Dad. I'm fine, Draco and Harry saved me - and it was there that he grabbed the boy and gave him a big hug that almost cut off his circulation - Thank you, thank you very much for saving my daughter! -

-¡Mother! Enough- she told her embarrassed.

-Can someone explain to us what happened?- Mr. Weasley asked.

-I think these young people have an interesting story to tell us- added the director.

They tried to give them a brief summary of what happened, starting with the cursed diary, the monster in the Chamber of Secrets and the return from it flying with the help of Fawkes. Her father gave him a strong scolding about how he had already told her several times to be careful with enchanted magic items since he never knows what kind of wizard created it and it could be a dark artifact.

-Don't be so hard on his daughter, Mr. Weasley. Tom Riddle always managed to make many people do terrible things.-

-¿Do you know who he is?- Mr. Weasley asked.

-He was my student, a very exceptional and talented young man, but who developed a taste for the dark arts that led him to commit acts of evil of the worst kind, until he became the one we call Voldemort today-and everyone shuddered when they heard the name -Don't worry, Miss Weasley, many older and smarter wizards have fallen for their tricks, there will be no punishment. Although I would like to know how that diary came into your hands-

-I found it inside one of the books that mom had bought me. I thought someone had left it there and forgotten- she said, wiping away her tears as she regained her calm knowing that they were not going to punish her or expel her.

-¿And where is Harry Potter? I would like to know how he destroyed the diary and stopped the monster-

-He stayed with the beast, I think... I think he wanted to help her-

-And how was he able to control her?- Mr. Malfoy asked, since at no time did they mention that his friend could speak Parseltongue. And before they could say anything, Professor McGonagall entered, accompanied by Professor Snape, stomping around.

-Ahh Minerva, Severus, has something happened?-

-I think it's better if you look out the window, sir,- the man responded coldly. And when everyone went there they saw some students pointing and looking in surprise at the path that leads to the forbidden forest. There was Harry and next to him was the biggest snake anyone had ever seen. The boy passed his hand caressing the reptile's face without worrying about its enormous fangs and they went their separate ways. Harry saw them waving at him from there and walked with a smile on his face, knowing that they would probably torment him with questions and maybe punish him, but he didn't care.

When he was alone with the director the man placed his hand on his shoulder -I would like to say that I am sorry for the loss of your snake, and also that I appreciate your loyalty to me. That made Fawkes come to your aid along with the hat-

-Thanks sir. There is something I want to ask you-

-I imagine you're referring to the fact that you can also speak Parseltongue and the other similarities you share with Voldemort. Usually that is something that one normally inherits from one's parents or grandparents, you got that ability the night Voldemort gave you that scar. I think he transferred part of his powers into you, not on purpose of course.-

-¿Did Voldemort put part of him in me? I see, I just hope I don't follow in his footsteps-

-¡Of course not Harry! Don't think that for even a second, you've already proven that on more than one occasion. You are a good boy who has always been there for his friends and who has not been seduced by the dark arts and has never shown any prejudice against those who are different. Your parents would be proud- he told her, smiling as he placed his hand on her shoulder, dispelling any doubts he had.

-¿Will Hagrid be freed?-

-I have already sent an owl to Azkaban, our dear ranger will be home soon. I'm sure you'll love to hear about the new visitor. And as for your little adventure, I hope you understand that you and your friends have broken a dozen rules and kept valuable information from the teachers and the Ministry, I wonder if I should expel you... or give you a special service award to school-

-I prefer the second option sir-

-I assumed so, although Professor Snape told me that your punishment for breaking the rules is that you will not be able to play in the last Quidditch match against Ravenclaw, but that Mr. Malfoy will replace you-

-Draco is a good seeker so the team will have no problem winning, otherwise the teacher would not have chosen him to replace me or we would lose the cup. Where is it by the way and Ron? -

-They both went to the infirmary to visit Miss Granger, who must already be waking up thanks to the mandrakes. You should go, I'm sure they'll be happy to see you- Harry gave his headmistress a smile and left at high speed. When the man was alone in the office he held Riddle's diary for a moment and then he focused his gaze on the sorting hat, who was already back with the Phoenix.

The hat made what could be interpreted as a gesture -¿Why haven't you told him, sir?- asked the enchanted object -The truth about his past and his imminent future-

-He is just a 12 year old boy, I don't want to overwhelm him with the weight of that information and what it entails-

-You see a child, I saw much more than that. His magical potential and abilities are something you don't see every day-

-I'll tell him everything...someday-

-As you wish- and he remained silent again.

Harry and his friends were in the hospital wing trying to convince Hermione to stay there - I've been lying down for days doing nothing productive. I want to finish my homework-

-¡Merlín! Hermione stop worrying about that, Professor McGonagall said you didn't have to hand them in-

-I'm not interested, I want to do it. I worked very hard and I want to pass because of my effort, not just because I was under a spell-

-How stubborn you are- the blonde told him.

-I'm surprised about you, I thought you would want to get better grades than last year, but it seems that you are as lazy as Ron-

-For your information, I've already finished all my homework, although Professor Snape told me that he would have passed anyway. If you want, I can lend you my Defense work, I know that you have problems with a certain spell -he responded maliciously and the girl made a face telling her that she accepted her help.

-Come, let's go to the library. See you at dinner- and then he turned to Ginny who was in the next bed -Try not to get into any more trouble. Our house cannot lose the first Weasley in her family who breaks with tradition by going to Slytherin- and she smiled -¿What did your parents say when they found out that their beloved daughter did not end up in Griffindor?-

-Well...at first they were very surprised but they said that there must be some reason why he sent me there. Dad said he was relieved, as he thought Fred and George would play some of his pranks on me, but he knows Slytherins don't play games, especially if Professor Snape is watching.

-Draco and I can teach you some defensive tricks if you want. That will put your brothers in their place-

-That would be great. Harry, I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble. I thought it was a harmless book, it was with the other books from when we went shopping in Diagon Alley.

-Wait ¿You mean when we were at Flourish and Blotts?-

-Yes, when Lockhart was signing autographs- and that was when a spark lit in his head. He apologized to the girl and left abruptly. He wandered down the corridor until he saw Mr. Malfoy who had just finished talking with Ginny's parents.

-Ahh Harry Potter, the school hero-

-Well, it's time for us to leave Molly. Again, thank you very much for saving my daughter- said Mr. Weasley, shaking his hand.

-No need, Mr. Weasley, she is Ron's sister and a member of my house- he told him, shaking her hand. When he was left alone with Draco's father he gave him a pointed look -¿Was you? ¿Don t you?"

-¿Excuses me?-

-The day we went to the bookstore and you put some books in Ginny's cauldron... It was the perfect opportunity, to get rid of a cursed object, humiliate and cause problems for the Weasleys, although the Dumbledore thing was an extra benefit -

The man looked at him with wide eyes but quickly regained his icy pose -¿Thats do you think ? ¿Do you have proof of what you say?-

-No, but don't worry. Even if I had them I don't know if I would do anything, Draco is my friend and I would hate to be the one to send his father to Azkaban. Luckily no one died, but if you causes something like this again I will make sure you pays for it. Besides, I still need a place to spend my holidays and Malfoy Manor is quite comfortable- he replied He thought the subject was going to retort or retaliate verbally but instead he smiled.

-Yes...a Slytherin from head to toe. Maybe my son didn't choose so badly after all. See you on vacation Potter- and he was heading towards the castle doors but then he stopped for a second and turned around -Curious, for a moment, I could have sworn you were HIM- and left there.

Harry couldn't have imagined a worse insult.

That night there was a huge banquet to celebrate that the nightmare had ended, the petrified people had been returned to normal thanks to the mandrakes and in the middle of the hubbub the doors of the Great Hall opened wide revealing the enormous presence of Hagrid. .

-Sorry for being late. It took a while for Azkaban to receive the letter - apparently someone used an old bird named Errol - and everyone looked at Ron who shrank in embarrassment. And then he approached where Harry was -Thank you for helping me, if it weren't for your friends and you I would still be locked up-

-Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without our favorite ranger- and he gave him a hug while the adult's huge arms surrounded him. This scene did not go unnoticed and everyone began to applaud (the only Slytherins who applauded were Draco and Ginny) and the party returned to its wild rhythm, especially thanks to the influence of the Weasley twins.

The rest of the classes were quite boring, the Defense classes were suspended due to Professor Lockhart's memory loss but Harry didn't care since they never learned anything from him and he used those free hours to continue practicing his defensive and offensive spells. . Before leaving, he went for a short walk in the direction of the forbidden forest. He had his owl perched on his shoulder -You better wait here, "Archie,"- he said, pointing to a branch and the bird hooted in response and flew towards the small tree that was there. at the entrance. He walked for a brief moment, as the darkness of the forest grew more amplified he felt a presence, he instinctively pulled out his wand but then he relaxed and smiled -Stalking your prey?- He said hissing.

The weeds that were close to him began to move and from among the leaves came the largest snake one could imagine - You have good instincts. You know when danger is near-

-I guess being in constant danger is an experience ¿How have you been? You need something?-

-A pair of new eyes wouldn't hurt. But there's nothing I can't deal with, this place is huge and I have enough food. Nobody messes with me, I guess I'm the new boss here-

-Being several meters long, sharp teeth and deadly poison has its advantages. I came to say goodbye, classes are almost over and I have to leave for the summer, I wanted to make sure you were comfortable here-

-You're very kind. Few humans have shown the kind of treatment towards magical creatures or those who are different-

-I guess that's my nature. I'm glad to see that you're adapting well to your new home, as soon as I get back to school I'll come visit you - and he placed his hand on his forehead and on impulse slowly brought his body closer and gave him a small hug.

-It's the first time a human hugs me. You are a very strange, but gentle wizard.

-You'll get used to it. See you, my giant friend - and he left there towards the school.

Draco and Harry were saying goodbye to their friends as they headed towards Malfoy Manor. The blonde's mother was waiting for them, it seemed strange to find her alone, she told them that Mr. Lucius had a small emergency at work and could not accompany them. Harry wondered if he was avoiding him because of what they had talked about recently or if something really happened.

-Well, we're officially on vacation- he told her once they were in his friend's huge room-Any ideas for fun?-

-We could start by doing our homework and learning new spells...- and seeing the look on his friend's face he had to give in -And then enjoy a little game of Quidditch-

-Now you understand me. I'm surprised you're not in Ravenclaw with the brainiacs-

-Yes, they are very smart, but it seems to me that they are very rigid when it comes to the rules. They are very structured, and a little conceited-

His friend raised her eyebrow -Don't say you don't enjoy the attention, a part of you loves it when all our classmates and teachers praise you in class-

Harry thought about it for a moment and smiled -Okay, I admit it. Part of me likes the attention. I work really hard to get good grades, play Quidditch, and save the world at the same time. "A little recognition isn't bad- he replied, remembering how many times his uncles rewarded Dudley while they treated him like a parasite who took advantage of them and lived to do the housework.

-Okay, enjoy it. Next year I will be the one who is the center of attention. I assure-

-Promises, promises. Come let's do the Defense and potions work. Then we will have fun with the broom

-Welcome home "hero," Draco said and Harry made a gesture that could be interpreted as "thank you" while he smiled.

END OF THE SECOND YEAR. HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS FIC.

¡GREETINS!