A/N: Howdy everyone! No illustration this week as my wife was occupied by other projects. Hopefully we'll have one next week! As always, thank you to those who review, favorite, follow and PM! See you next week!
EDIT: Correction! My wife decided to provide an illustration this morning. It can now be found on the HAPHNE discord. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Just happy to be here!
Chapter 7
Sneaking out of the hospital wing took far longer than Harry wanted it to. He was beyond grateful to his father for passing down the wonderful invisibility cloak, because, once again, it proved invaluable to him. Having quietly redressed in his dirty clothes from the encounter with Malfoy and company, Harry slipped through the door and attempted to jog to find the last person he thought he would need: Gilderoy Lockhart.
Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey had seemed both incredulous and impressed that Lockhart claimed to know where the Chamber of Secrets was and was going to save the captured girls. On his way out, Harry overheard them both muttering that Gilderoy would be out of the way for the time being.
While Harry agreed with the two, he couldn't risk the chance that Lockhart actually knew where the location was. Harry speculated it had something to do with Moaning Myrtle, the menace of the second-floor girl's bathroom. He made his way there at a brisk walk after finding it extremely difficult to breathe from the jogging.
As he climbed the last set of stairs leading to the second floor, Harry found Gilderoy pacing outside the bathroom, mumbling to himself. Harry lowered the hood on his cloak and approached the man hopefully.
"Professor?" Harry called.
Lockhart paused mid-step and turned his head toward Harry. "Harry! What are you doing here?"
"I heard you were going to the Chamber to save the two girls that were taken," Harry said breathlessly. "Do you know where it is?"
Lockhart gave that unnerving smile. "I believe it is within this bathroom," he gestured grandly before frowning. "Sadly, I cannot seem to figure out how to open the Chamber."
Harry nodded and staggered forward, his body aching. Sweat glistened on his forehead as he entered the bathroom to find it flooded. He splashed around, looking for any sign. It seemed like a normal bathroom to him. Lockhart followed and waved his wand around, uttering what sounded like nonsense to Harry. Myrtle was nowhere to be seen or heard.
Eventually, Lockhart called Harry over to a sink where he pointed out an engraved snake on the side of a faucet. Harry, having a sudden burst of inspiration, whispered to it in parseltongue.
"Open."
The sink slid back with a mechanical clicking sound, revealing a large, dark, hole.
"Pipes," Harry realized. "That's how it's been getting around."
"Well done, Harry, well done!" Gilderoy clapped Harry on the shoulder.
Harry flinched at the touch, shrugging it off reflexively. He debated jumping down the pipe, but hesitated since he couldn't see the end.
"Well, this does look interesting," Lockhart mused, rubbing his chin. "Maybe I should grab a broom to investigate further."
"No!" Harry said quickly as Lockhart turned to leave. "This is Salazar Slytherin's Chamber… Surely, he didn't jump down a pipe to enter it?"
Harry asked the question to himself as much as Lockhart. On a whim, he called out another word in parseltongue.
"Stairs."
A spiral of stairs formed, leading down into the pipe. Lockhart chuckled lightly, clearly impressed.
"Right then, shall we go save the fair damsels, Harry?" Lockhart smiled creepily and cast Lumos before descending with his wand tip alight.
Harry followed close behind, his wand also alight. The descent was arduous, and Harry was sucking huge gulps of air by the time they found flat ground. He looked around at the bones of various animals that littered the tunnel they stood in, still breathing heavily. He was thankful he couldn't taste blood. Lockhart appeared undisturbed and continued down the tunnel with Harry in tow.
They stumbled across a huge snakeskin that chilled Harry's blood when he saw it. It was massive. Harry estimated it to be twenty meters long and one meter in diameter. Lockhart paled slightly when he saw the skin but soldiered on. Oddly, he didn't comment.
Eventually, the two arrived at an elaborate door covered in metallic snakes. Lockhart looked expectantly at Harry, who was doubled over. Madam Pomfrey hadn't been kidding about no activity today.
"Open." Harry managed to gasp out.
The snakes glowed briefly before receding with a clicking sound as if a lock was being released. The door soundlessly opened, and Lockhart stepped through, followed by Harry.
"Professor," Harry whispered, the hairs on his neck standing on end as he could see a faint green glow ahead. "You do know that we're about to fight a basilisk?"
"Not to worry, Harry," Lockhart winked. "I've come across one before. I'm sure you read on it in Year with the Yeti?"
Harry stopped. He was sure of it this time. Lockhart's irises had glowed red before he winked.
"Ye- yeah." Harry stammered.
Something wasn't right. All of Harry's senses were screaming to run, get different help, stay away. Only the thought of Daphne being down here with the monstrous snake kept his feet moving in the same direction as Lockhart. Harry gripped his wand tightly, every hair on his arms and neck vibrating with anticipation. His hands spasmed briefly and Harry ground his teeth as he willed them to stop. He couldn't afford any misfires.
They entered a large circular room with an ominous elongated statue of what must have been Salazar Slytherin. Two small waterfalls ran down the shoulders of the statue, pooling on the floor. The room was lit by an eerie pale green glow that seemed to come from somewhere high up, casting shadows at odd angles. Lockhart continued forward confidently. Harry saw two bodies on the ground at the base of the statue and, uncaring of the consequences, made for the closest one.
It turned out to be Ginny Weasley. She appeared unscathed and was breathing. Harry sighed in relief. He moved to Daphne, who was nearby, and noted that her cheek was an ugly purple and her eye still swollen shut. She was still breathing. Harry's stomach clenched as everything clicked into place. He whirled, expecting to see Lockhart standing before him, only to find Tom Riddle grinning smugly, the head boy badge gleaming above his breast pocket.
"Wha-" Harry began.
Expelliarmus!
Harry felt his wand ripped from his hand, flying behind him. He turned on his heel to see Lockhart with that creepy smile now holding two wands. The irises of his eyes were blood red.
"The Great Harry Potter," Tom spoke languidly. "At last, we meet."
Harry's mind was racing. Nothing made sense anymore. As if he could read his thoughts, Tom spoke.
"You are confused. That is to be expected."
"H-how are y-you here?" Harry stammered, at a loss. "You should be older!"
"What you see before you is but a memory," Tom indicated himself.
"And Lockhart?"
"A fool," Riddle chuckled darkly. "But a useful fool."
Harry saw Riddle shimmer. He blinked and rubbed his eyes, only to see him shimmer once more.
"Yes, I am not quite corporeal," Riddle admitted to Harry's unspoken observation. "But soon, I will be. When I last opened the Chamber, my plans were foiled when the school was threatened to be shut down. That muggle loving fool, Dumbledore, saw too much. Therefore, I preserved myself within my diary, so that I could one day unleash Slytherin's monster again."
Harry noted the diary on the ground near Tom's feet.
"I, who have gone further than anyone else in magic, will be reborn shortly."
Harry heard Gilderoy collapse behind him.
How? Harry thought.
"How?" Riddle laughed. "The more one writes in the diary, the more control I gain over them. It was quite easy to stroke the ego of this foolish narcissist. Within days I had a full hold on him. From that point forward, it was but a matter of time before the Chamber was opened once again."
The young man paused.
"Imagine my surprise when Lockhart began grousing about the undue fame a boy who supposedly defeated the Dark Lord held. My curiosity was piqued, and soon I learned all about the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter. I simply had to meet you."
"But why?" Harry questioned and gestured around. "All of this, students injured or killed, just to get me here?"
"How is that you, a mere baby, brought down the most powerful Wizard the world has ever seen? A Wizard who delved further into magic than any had ever dared? The question drove me mad. Therefore, I used the fool to delve into your mind, learning what you held most dear. After all, I had to give you incentive to make your way to me."
Harry realized the headaches he experienced were legillimency attacks.
"You see now," Riddle said mockingly. "It was trivial to discover your infatuation with the Greengrass girl. Lockhart's idiotic idea on Valentines Day did bear fruit, as we noted your fervent defense of the Weasley girl. Therefore, both are now here."
Riddle's image shimmered and Harry noted he appeared more solid.
"Tell me, Harry Potter, what happened that night you defeated the Dark Lord?"
"What do you care?" Harry heard Daphne groan as she began to stir awake. "Voldemort was after your time."
"Voldemort is my past, present and future," Riddle walked over and grabbed Harry's wand.
Harry riffled Daphne's robes and quickly found her wand, gripping it firmly.
Riddle, wand in hand, began writing flaming letters in the air, spelling 'Tom Marvolo Riddle'. A swipe of his hand rearranged them to read, 'I Am Lord Voldemort'. Harry's eyes widened in realization, and he reacted on instinct. He raised Daphne's wand and began casting as quickly as he could at the young Voldemort.
In horror, Harry watched the young man lazily bat away each spell. Harry felt his body screaming in protest as he approached total magical exhaustion. Riddle stood with a devilish smile as Harry keeled over, gasping for air.
"Impressive for one so young," Riddle gave a nod of approval. "Yet futile. You will die here, Harry Potter. I will enjoy breaking you and then I will unleash the beast on the muggles Dumbledore loved so much."
"Dumbledore…" Harry panted. "Is…Twice the Wizard…You ever were."
"Why?" Riddle snarled. "Because of his obsession with love as the most powerful magic?!"
Riddle spat, and Harry was surprised to see the spittle ripple the water.
"Let me educate you on the foolishness of love, Harry Potter." Riddle scowled. "There is only power, and those too weak to seek it."
Harry watched as Riddle pointed his wand not at him, but at Daphne. Harry's body moved without thinking, diving to intercept whatever curse Riddle was casting.
Crucio!
The pain was excruciating. Far worse than any before. Clearly, Riddle's body was far stronger than Quirrell's. Every nerve felt as if it were aflame. Harry's throat tore from the violence of the scream as he rolled on the watery ground in agony. He felt a sharp spike of pain in his chest and tasted blood. After what seemed an eternity, the pain receded and Harry struggled to pull in air through his ragged throat.
"Harry!" Daphne screamed, and he felt her arms cradle him.
"Pathetic," Riddle scoffed. "Do you see now, Potter? The futileness of love?"
Harry felt Daphne's tears splashing his face as she sobbed.
"Let's play a game," Riddle twirled Harry's wand in his hand. "Let's pit the Heir of Slytherin and his monster against the supposed vanquisher of the Dark Lord."
"Daphne," Harry gasped weakly, pulling her down so he could whisper in her ear.
"Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of Hogwarts four!" Riddle hissed in parseltongue.
"It's a basilisk!" Harry urged. "Whatever you do, don't open your eyes!"
He felt Daphne stiffen and he pushed her aside so he could stagger back to his feet. Above him, the mouth of the statue opened slowly to reveal a large dark hole. Harry heard a scraping sound echoing in the chamber.
"It's coming, Daphne!" Harry shouted hoarsely. "Don't look!"
The ground shook as the monstrous basilisk landed. Daphne screamed in terror, her hands covering her eyes. Harry knew there was nothing he could do against this creature. No spells he knew would phase it. He didn't have goblin steel to combat it. The only thing he could do was run. He moved to Ginny as Riddle addressed the creature.
"Kill the boy!"
Harry used his last vestiges of strength to haul Ginny over his shoulder. He stumbled to Daphne and grabbed her hand, pulling her up. He made it two steps before Riddle hit him with another Crucio. Ginny tumbled to the ground as Harry writhed and screamed, his chest felt as if it were being torn apart.
"Please!" Daphne begged. "Stop hurting him!"
The pain stopped and Harry, through bleary eyes, saw the giant snake bearing down on him. Harry rolled away as it struck, cracking the stone where he had just been. Daphne screamed, once more covering her eyes. Harry forced himself to his feet as the basilisk turned to Daphne's scream and struck out. Harry reached her first and threw her aside. The basilisk's jaws clamped shut on empty air.
"Kill the girl!" Riddle hissed.
"No!" Harry returned in parseltongue.
The basilisk hesitated, confused.
"Two speakers," it stated, and Harry thought its voice was strained. "Must rip. Must kill. Must tear."
"I command you! Kill the boy!" Riddle hollered.
"Please!" Harry wheezed. "Stop! I don't want to hurt you."
"Hurt. Must. Kill."
The basilisk lowered its head to Harry's level and Harry found himself staring directly into the snake's eyes. He knew he should be dead, but instead he found himself paralyzed, unable to move anything but his mouth.
"You are a true speaker," the basilisk observed.
"Impossible!" Riddle exclaimed. "Only I am the true descendant of Salazar Slytherin!"
Harry noted a red rune glowing brightly on the foot of the statue. It was a compulsion rune, and it appeared to be linked to the basilisk.
"Please," Harry gasped out. "Let me help you."
"H-harry," Daphne whimpered.
Harry felt blood run from his mouth down his chin. He knew his lung was injured once more.
I'm on borrowed time, Harry thought desperately as he heard Daphne call his name. I need help! Something! Anything!
Riddle continued hissing at his snake, which appeared to be fighting the compulsion rune on Harry's insistence. There was a small flash of orange light, and Harry felt his spirit lift as a beautiful sound echoed within the chamber. Harry saw the orange and red plumage of Fawkes as the phoenix dropped something and dove, striking the basilisk in the eyes and tearing one out.
The basilisk shrieked and pulled away, releasing Harry from its gaze. He looked up and grabbed what Fawkes had dropped.
The Sorting Hat? He thought incredulously.
With the basilisk's attention firmly on Fawkes, and Riddle shouting in rage, Harry ran to the compulsion rune, intent on cancelling it out. He raised Daphne's wand and felt it get ripped from his hand by Riddle's Expelliarmus. The basilisk screamed as Fawkes tore out the second eye, trilling in victory.
Wandless and out of options, Harry pulled the hat over his head.
Nothing happened.
Then Harry felt something heavy collide with the top of his skull and nearly knock him smooth out. He swooned and reached up, clasping the hilt of a sword which he pulled free from the hat. Riddle appeared to establish control over the basilisk once more, which turned to his voice. Fawkes flew above, out of reach, still singing his uplifting song.
Harry tried to inhale but found himself choking. After a panicked moment, he was able to cough blood and suck in an agonizing breath. His vision blurred as Daphne sobbed, still covering her eyes, and curled into a ball on the wet floor.
"They call you a Hero, Potter!" Riddle shouted, incensed. "Didn't you know? Every Hero must make hard choices. Let's see how you fare with this one!"
Time slowed for Harry. He heard Riddle command the basilisk to kill Daphne, and it moved to obey. At the same time, Riddle raised Harry's wand and turned to Ginny, shouting the first spell Harry had ever learned. A bright green light burst free from the wand.
There was limited air remaining in his lungs. Pure adrenaline is all that kept him on his feet. His skin was now tinged blue from lack of oxygen. Blood ran down his chin as he struggled to breathe. In a final moment of desperation, Harry made the impossible choice.
He dove over Daphne, raising the sword above his head. The green light struck the body of Ginny. The open jaw of the basilisk enclosed around Harry, slamming his elbows into the stone floor. The pommel of the hilt hit the stone, anchoring the sword as the basilisk impaled itself on its blade. Harry felt an agonizing pain explode in his right shoulder. The scream that burst from his chest freed the blockage in his throat, sending blood into the watery ground.
A cold liquid washed down Harry's arms as the basilisk shrieked and thrashed in its dying throes. He saw the great beast pull away from the painful sword embedded in its brain before it spasmed and fell, crushing the body of Ginny beneath its massive weight.
I'm sorry! Harry screamed in his mind. I'm so sorry, Ginny! I couldn't save you both!
Bitter tears fell from his eyes as he began to feel a burning coursing through his veins. He convulsed harshly, unaware of Daphne screaming. Unaware of Tom Riddle shouting in outrage as Salazar Slytherin's beast was finally felled. A brackish black liquid bubbled in Harry's throat, and he coughed it out.
He felt the burning in his shoulder and observed a giant fang impaled through it. He knew he was dead. Daphne was saying something, but his mind couldn't register it. All he heard was a high-pitched noise that didn't seem to end. Riddle's mouth moved, and he brought Harry's wand to bear on Daphne. Suddenly, sound registered once more in Harry's ears.
"This changes nothing, Harry Potter! Your girl will still die!"
Somewhere within, Harry's blood burned. Not from the venom. Not from the remnants of the Cruciatus curse. It gave him strength. It gave him power. Power to protect those he loved. With a last-ditch effort and a clarity Harry couldn't explain, the boy sat up, jerked the fang free from his shoulder with his left hand, and rolled to the diary where he drove the fang down, impaling the cursed object.
Riddle was mid-cast when he screamed, the Avada Kedavra dying on his lips. He writhed and clawed at the air. Black ink poured in waves from the diary before, with a final shriek of defiance, the memory of Tom Marvolo Riddle disappeared in a foul wind.
Harry lay on his back, wheezing and convulsing as the basilisk venom coursed through his veins. Blood poured from the open hole in his shoulder, turning the water around him red. His chest rose and fell rapidly and sporadically as he desperately tried to get air into his working lung. Red and black bubbles foamed on his lips.
And then Daphne was there. Sweet, wonderful, beautiful Daphne. Her blonde hair was frazzled and splayed in all directions. Dirt, blood, and muck were smattered across her face. Her sapphire blue eyes were wet with tears as she futilely tried to staunch the bleeding in Harry's shoulder, not realizing the deadliest venom in the world was destroying his insides.
"NO!" Daphne shouted. "Don't leave me, Harry!"
Harry tried to speak, only to hack blackened blood.
"HELP!" Daphne screamed at the chamber. "PLEASE!"
She was shaking and her hands were covered in blood as tears ran uncontrolled down her cheeks.
"Please don't go!" Daphne begged him.
With a herculean effort, Harry reached up and gently cupped Daphne's bruised cheek. He then pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and his arm fell limply to the ground. His vision began to darken as he watched Daphne panic. He tried to tell her it was going to be okay but felt more black blood roll down his face.
Then, just as his vision had fully darkened, he felt his senses begin to return. He blinked as his eyes regained focus. His ears could hear the pained sobs of Daphne as she held him. He took a much-needed breath, relishing the relief it brought as he gasped for more air. Daphne looked at him with hopeful eyes, daring to believe he would survive.
Fawkes was perched on his chest, crying into the fast-shrinking hole in his shoulder. Harry reached up and stroked the gorgeous plumage of the phoenix.
"Thanks…buddy…" He breathed.
Fawkes chirped softly.
"Harry!" Daphne hiccupped as she moved forward and lifted his head into her lap, running her fingers through his hair as her tears rained on his face.
"Daph," Harry sighed in relief. "You're okay."
Realization that there was a second girl who needed saving sunk in.
"Ginny?" He choked back a sob.
Daphne shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Harry."
"Fuck!" Harry cried, covering his eyes with his hands. "Damnit!"
A primal scream ripped from his throat at the injustice of it all. He didn't stop until Daphne gently took his hands in her own, squeezing his palms.
"It's not your fault!" She assured Harry harshly. "You did everything you could, Harry!"
He grimaced and nodded through the tears.
"You saved me," Daphne assured him. "I'm safe."
A blue flash of light barely missed Fawkes, who squawked and took flight once more. Harry sat up with Daphne's help, leaning back against her chest wearily as they both saw Lockhart standing with his wand pointed at them; behind him was the corpse of the basilisk, jaw opened. Ginny lay beneath its head, her lower half crushed.
"Harry," Lockhart examined the room in awe. "Harry. Harry. Harry."
Harry felt Daphne stiffen behind him. Her arms tightened around his midsection as she burrowed her face in his back.
And then that uncanny, creepy, smile appeared on the man's face as he focused his attention on the two children. Harry felt his skin crawl and desperately wished he had a wand. There were none nearby, and the sword was still impaled in the basilisk. Lockhart kept his wand trained on them as he began chuckling.
"What a story this will make," he said.
"Story?" Harry questioned warily.
"Yes, my boy, a story," Lockhart gestured grandly. "Gilderoy Lockhart, Slayer of Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk and Savior of The-Boy-Who-Lived!"
He laughed maniacally.
"Unfortunately, you two will need to be obliviated, of course," Lockhart informed once he'd calmed.
"Leave Daphne alone!" Harry tried to stand but collapsed as his legs refused to support him.
"You truly are a hero, Harry," Lockhart grinned lecherously. "I think I'll have fun with your girlfriend."
Daphne clutched Harry painfully, whimpering and trying to hide behind Harry from the approaching man.
"I'm not heartless," Lockhart assured. "There's no need for you to witness anything, Harry."
Fear Harry had never known clutched his heart as he thought of Daphne. He wanted so desperately to stop the man before him, but his body was no longer obeying his commands. Lockhart raised his wand with a flair, preparing the spell. A flash of red and orange darted past.
Snap!
Fawkes struck at the opportune moment. Lockhart's wand was halved as he brought it down toward Harry.
"OBLIVIATE!"
The spell, unsupported by a working wand, backfired savagely. There was a burst of white light, and the concussion sent Harry and Daphne tumbling away. Harry scrambled to shield Daphne with his body. The water on the ground rippled from the blast. The smell of ozone overwhelmed the chamber. Daphne shook and sobbed beneath Harry as he held her. Silence emanated.
Trembling, Harry glanced over his shoulder. Lockhart was impaled on several of the basilisk's fangs. The concussion had blasted him right into the creature's open maw. Daphne sobbed in relief as she looked around Harry. Harry felt her arms wrap around his neck as she pulled him down, hugging him brutally and kissing his cheek as tears rolled from her eyes.
Harry held her like a lifeline. Even covered in filth and muck, the faint scent of strawberries and lemons wafted from her. Time lost meaning as they clung to one another. At some point, Fawkes landed and hopped over to the two, chirruping.
"Fawkes," Harry smiled at the bird, stroking its plumage. "Thank you so much. You're a wonderful friend."
Fawkes chirped and inclined its head.
"Can you heal Daphne?" Harry asked.
Daphne attempted to protest but hushed when Harry overruled her. Fawkes dropped three tears into her mouth and her bruised cheek, swollen eye, and minor cuts all faded. The phoenix then cried a few more tears for Harry, allowing him to move functionally once more, even though the boy was completely exhausted.
The next hour was a brutal slog for the two. Harry's muscles spasmed from the aftereffects of the Cruciatus curse. Apparently, phoenix tears did nothing for that. They searched for their wands before they carefully pulled Lockhart free from the mouth of the basilisk.
With the help of Fawkes, they were able to shift the head of the basilisk away from Ginny. Harry and Daphne both retched when they got her body free. Harry freed the sword and relocated the Sorting Hat. With everything gathered, Harry placed the diary in his pocket, leaving the basilisk fang behind, and put the Sorting Hat atop his head.
"Grab Ginny's hand, Daph," Harry said tiredly while he wrapped his right arm around her waist.
She nodded wordlessly and gently picked up Ginny's limp hand.
Harry, holding the sword in his left hand, reluctantly reached down and pinched Lockhart's robe with his thumb and forefinger.
"Okay, Fawkes," Harry sighed.
A flash of fire blinded the two before they reappeared in a brightly lit room and pandemonium ensued. Many things happened in what seemed a constant blur of motion to Harry as he and Daphne leaned wearily against one another, his hand still around her waist.
Fawkes lifted from Harry's shoulder and chirruped at a surprised Dumbledore before flying around the office and singing a mournful tune.
Arthur and Molly Weasley screamed in agony at the sight of their daughter, both cradling her body.
McGonagall looked sick at the corpse of Lockhart and the many holes in his body.
Cyrus and Aria Greengrass snatched Daphne away, inspecting her for injuries with expressions of utter bewilderment when they found none.
Harry swayed on his feet, only the sword keeping him upright. The Sorting Hat draped over his left eye, obscuring his vision, as Dumbledore looked at him with a mixture of awe and pride.
Fawkes, at request of Dumbledore, landed on Lockhart and the two disappeared in a flash of fire. Fawkes reappeared seconds later and repeated the action with Ginny. Molly and Arthur Weasley departed quickly to wherever Ginny was sent. Harry couldn't meet their gaze.
"Harry saved me," Daphne said simply when questioned by her parents.
It was Cyrus Greengrass who turned to the boy, hand outstretched. Harry shook it weakly. It was all he could do to not collapse.
"House Greengrass is in your debt, Mr. Potter," Cyrus stated solemnly. "If there is anything we can do, please just ask."
He didn't know what made him do it. Maybe it was the ebbing adrenaline frying his brain. Or it was the grief and lingering guilt of not being able to save Ginny. It might have been the affectionate look Daphne was giving him as she reluctantly began to allow her mother to steer her from the office.
"Can I take Daphne to Hogsmeade next year?" Harry asked, Sorting Hat still atop his head.
He heard, inside his head, a familiar voice chuckling.
I stand by what I said, Harry Potter. You would have done well in Slytherin!
Daphne stared at Harry in surprise and shock, mouth agape. Aria Greengrass looked highly amused. Dumbledore serene, but his eyes twinkling madly. Harry swore he saw McGonagall's mouth twitch upwards. Cyrus looked torn, several emotions rolling in his grey eyes. Harry noted Daphne didn't really take after her father. He stood roughly six feet tall, had short, cropped, black hair, and a black goatee.
"I will think on it, and we will speak later," Cyrus informed stiffly, before guiding his wife and starstruck daughter from the room.
"A Gryffindor through and through," McGonagall snorted, surprising Harry. "Although that was a Slytherin move, young man."
She followed the Greengrass family, leaving Harry alone with Dumbledore. He fell on his rear, the hat briefly blinding him before he wearily pulled it off his head. The sword clanged to the ground and Harry pulled the diary from his robes, tossing it in front of him.
Slowly, Harry recounted every agonizing detail, gesturing to the diary which Dumbledore inspected with interest, as well as the sword. Turns out, it was the sword of Godric Gryffindor himself. When Harry expressed his concerns over the Sorting Hat telling him he should have been a Slytherin, as well as his Parselmouth abilities, Dumbledore finally spoke.
"Your concern about being the Heir of Slytherin is unfounded, my boy. You see, when Voldemort gave you that scar, he transferred some of his powers to you. That is why you can speak to snakes."
Harry was shocked at this revelation. He touched his scar warily.
"But why did the hat want to put me in Slytherin then?" Harry questioned.
"The better question, my boy, is why did the hat place you in Gryffindor?" Dumbledore countered.
Harry shrugged. "Because I asked it to."
"Exactly," Dumbledore clapped his hands, startling Harry. "You see, Harry, it is our choices, rather than our abilities, that reveal who we truly are."
Dumbledore pointed to the sword.
"If you still have doubts, look closely at the blade of the sword."
Harry did so, seeing Godric Gryffindor engraved.
"Only a true Gryffindor could have pulled that sword from the Sorting Hat," Dumbledore assured. "So, you see Harry, you are exactly where you should be."
Harry sighed in relief and nearly jumped from his skin when Lucius Malfoy burst into the room, demanding to know why Dumbledore was at Hogwarts. Behind him stood a haggard looking Dobby. Harry, ignoring the back and forth between Lucius and Dumbledore, began watching as Dobby pointed at Harry then Lucius. The house-elf would then smack his head into the nearby wall before repeating the motion. It wasn't until Harry realized that Dobby wasn't pointing at him, but the diary that he remembered.
The fight in Flourish and Blotts between Arthur and Lucius. There had been a black book that Lockhart had picked up after the exchange and walked off with. The same black book that was now on the floor before Harry with a large hole in the center. It must have been Lucius who had it and, perhaps, intended to plant it on the Weasley's. The fight must have rustled it free and Lockhart, being the creep that he was, pocketed the book.
Harry nodded in understanding at Dobby, who stopped pointing and seemed to sag with relief. The discussion between the two adults in the room came to a conclusion with Lucius kicking Dobby and throwing his cloak over his shoulder before storming out of the room. Harry was already in motion, tugging off his shoe and meeting Dumbledore's gaze. The old man merely nodded with a smirk.
Harry pulled his sock off, lodged it between the pages of the diary, and forced his protesting legs to move as he called for Mr. Malfoy to stop. The man stiffened and turned, glaring daggers at Harry.
"You dropped this," Harry passed the diary to him. "In Flourish and Blotts."
Lucius scoffed as he took the book, leafing through the pages and scowling in disgust at the filthy, holey, sock. He flung it away before clenching the book so hard his knuckles turned white.
"You have no proof," he said silkily.
"I have my memory," Harry countered, grinning when he saw Dobby staring at the sock in his hands with awe.
Lucius, seeing Harry's attention elsewhere, turned to Dobby.
"Master has given Dobby clothes," Dobby said. "Dobby is free!"
"What?!" Lucius snarled.
"Dobby is free!" Dobby repeated while jumping around gleefully.
Lucius swore and ripped his wand free from his cane. "You have cost me a servant, boy!"
Fatigue had dulled Harry's reaction times to sluggish paces. He had no counter to the incoming attack. The spell halted on Mr. Malfoy's lips as a strong hand stopped the wand arm of Lucius mid-swing. Cyrus Greengrass, with furrowed brow, stood between the two.
"Now, Lucius," Cyrus said dangerously. "You wouldn't happen to be considering harming the boy who saved my daughter just moments ago, would you?"
Lucius paled and swallowed before jerkily tearing his arm free and sheathing his wand.
"And what's this?" Cyrus snatched the diary from Lucius, inspecting it closely.
"It's Potter's," Lucius grunted.
"And yet you had it in hand?" Cyrus questioned with a lethal tone that made Harry's spine shiver.
Lucius scowled and turned on his heel, storming off. Harry felt the diary pressed back into his hands.
"Mr. Potter, I have decided to allow you to escort my daughter to Hogsmeade next year, per your request, so long as she is willing," he emphasized the last word.
Harry nodded, his heart skipping several beats, and his stomach doing flip-flops.
Cyrus thanked Harry once more before departing in the direction Malfoy went. Harry sagged against the wall before sliding to a sitting position, completely drained. He knew he needed to see Madam Pomfrey but couldn't bring himself to move further. As he sat there, his mind began replaying the conversation with Dumbledore.
Choices. He thought. They reveal who we truly are…Dumbledore lied to me again. He knew about Riddle. I saw it in the memory from the diary. He knew Hagrid was innocent. He must have known I was a Parselmouth, since he believes Voldemort transferred some of his powers to me.
He sighed wearily.
How did no one figure out it was a basilisk? It's in a first-year textbook. You can count on one hand the creatures that can petrify people. Dumbledore knew Tom Riddle was Voldemort. So, he knew that Tom opened the Chamber of Secrets previously. Slytherin is always associated with snakes. Doesn't it make practical sense for the King of Serpents to be the beast in the Chamber?
Harry coughed, his lungs burning.
Why not ask me to open the chamber-? Once I knew it was Myrtle that died fifty years ago, it was easy to derive where the Chamber was located. Surely the supposed 'Greatest Wizard Since Merlin' could have come to the same conclusion?
His body spasmed several times.
Damn Crucio curse. Why the hell did he knowingly hire a fraud? I knew Lockhart was all hot air a quarter through his first book and a creep with one look. Why did he leave Hogwarts undefended when the Granger girl was killed?
Harry tried to stand but fell back to the ground with a groan.
If choices we make are what define us, then what does that make Albus Dumbledore?
A soft trilling stirred him from his ruminations. Fawkes was standing at Harry's feet. If phoenixes could smile, then Fawkes was smiling at Harry.
"Hey, Fawkes," Harry smiled weakly. "How are you?"
Fawkes chirped and hopped into Harry's lap.
"Good. You know, you're really amazing."
The phoenix preened proudly.
Harry chuckled at his antics, ending when a wet cough erupted from his lungs. He covered his mouth and saw specks of blood on his palm. He exhaled raggedly.
"Thank you, Fawkes. Thank you for saving Daphne. Thank you for saving me."
Fawkes trilled sadly.
"It's not your fault," Harry said huskily as tears started to fall. "We couldn't save Ginny, buddy."
The phoenix hopped atop Harry's shoulder and nuzzled his face gently.
"I'm tired, Fawkes," Harry whispered drowsily.
A flash of flame was all it took for Harry to be deposited on a rock-hard bed that Harry would have recognized anywhere. He didn't even need Madam Pomfrey hovering over him to know he was in the medical ward. Fawkes chirruped at him, and Harry closed his eyes, his last sight Fawkes tucking his head under his wing and Madam Pomfrey waving her wand in the air.
The screen faded to black, and the great hall was completely silent. Daphne sat mouth agape, shaking at the revelations. Astoria was coughing heavily into her blood-soaked hand. Tears ran down her cheeks. Harry had told her what happened that day, but seeing it was a harrowing experience. Madam Pomfrey appeared shortly after and had Astoria down a couple of potions to replenish her blood and suppress her cough.
Seeing her older sister's shell-shocked expression, Astoria reached over and weakly squeezed her hand.
"Daph?"
Daphne was shaking uncontrollably, clutching her head and trying to not convulse. She clenched her teeth as a gut-wrenching sob burst free and tears began streaming down her face.
"I want to remember," Daphne strained. "But that's not how I see it."
"What do you mean?" Astoria questioned gently.
"I remember Snape stunning me," Daphne explained. "But then I woke up in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey told me Harry Potter saved me. Mum and father were there. They took me home for a few days."
"I remember you coming home for a few days," Astoria nodded.
"I'm rather shocked that father agreed to allow Potter to escort me," Daphne whispered. "I know for a fact that never happened though."
Astoria paled.
"W-What?" Daphne stammered.
Astoria shook her head.
"Tori?"
"T-that's not true, Daph," Astoria shuddered.
"N-no…" Daphne trailed off.
"You did go once with Harry," Astoria informed. "The whole school would remember that."
Daphne looked stricken, then sick. Astoria's heart went out to her older sister.
"Tori," Daphne took a stuttering breath. "What happened when I went with Potter to Hogsmeade?"
Astoria clamped her mouth shut and refused to meet Daphne's eyes.
"Tori," Daphne pleaded.
She shook her head, letting her black hair cover her face.
"Please don't make me beg, Tori."
The sorrow in Daphne's voice won out, and Astoria pushed her hair from her eyes. She let out a heartfelt sigh.
"Well…" Astoria swallowed. "Uh… You really don't remember?"
Daphne narrowed her tear-filled eyes.
"Right," Astoria nodded. "You two went out the first Hogsmeade weekend… And you must have had a good time."
Daphne felt her throat close with apprehension.
"You two kissed," Astoria said sheepishly. "And you told me in private he was your first kiss."
Astoria watched as the blood drained from Daphne's face. She looked dazed. Mechanically, Daphne turned around, grabbed her pillow with both hands, and buried her face into it. Muted wails and screams were all Astoria heard as she rubbed Daphne's back soothingly.
Meanwhile, Flitwick was impassively analyzing everything he'd seen.
The revelation that Lord Voldemort is in actuality Tom Marvolo Riddle must be significant. It was before my time at Hogwarts, so I can only speculate at this moment. What is pertinent is that Albus has always known Tom Riddle was Voldemort, and even suspected him during the first attack. Why that information was not shared and acted upon is a mystery. I find myself in agreeance with the twelve-year-old Harry. Why did Albus not act?
He glanced over to McGonagall to see her brow furrowed.
She's reasoning it out just as I am.
Flitwick hid a chuckle behind a feigned cough, taking a drink from his glass of water.
The hiring of Lockhart I don't hold against Dumbledore as much. Merlin knows the DADA position is jinxed and nearly impossible to fill. I am surprised at the man's behavior, but there is no telling what the possession of that diary changed in him. I find it overly concerning that Albus allowed Hagrid to be arrested and sent to Azkaban when he knew without a shadow of a doubt it was an Acromantula he was caring for. Those have no capability to petrify anyone. Additionally, it is known by the staff that a colony of the beasts live in the Forbidden Forest.
McGonagall appeared to be wrapping up her thoughts, Flitwick would catch her eye in a moment.
The only logical conclusion to Albus's inaction is that he wanted Harry to confront Voldemort again. Because he knew Voldemort first opened the chamber, it stands to reason that Voldemort was once again involved at the beginning of the year. Albus would have known that. Therefore, he willingly allowed Harry and Voldemort to encounter one another. The only question is why? The two are certainly inexplicably linked due to Harry surviving the killing curse and Voldemort surviving, well, death. It almost seems as if Harry is being groomed to face Voldemort. But that seems too far-fetched to entertain at this moment. I must have faith that Albus doesn't have such ridiculous intentions toward the boy.
He caught McGonagall glancing at him and met her gaze briefly. She shook her head imperceptibly.
We continue to bide our time then, Flitwick thought. Very well, Minerva.
Flitwick inclined his head slightly at the woman.
The screen flickered and Harry appeared, sitting in his chair.
"Well," Harry smirked. "That was my second year. How many of you had experiences like that?"
He leaned back and steepled his fingers.
"I'd wager none of you," he shrugged. "Just wait for next year."
"We're on pins and needles," Croaker called from off-screen.
Harry chuckled and shook his head.
"Let's take a brief intermission," Harry waved his hand and the lights brightened in the great hall. "Oh, and Poppy, please check on the Little Lioness. She's known about the encounter, but I'd imagine seeing it shook her pretty badly."
Astoria gave a watery snort and wiped her eyes. "Prat."
Madam Pomfrey, surprisingly, followed Harry's request and gave Astoria another once-over, even though she'd done so not ten minutes ago. Pomfrey pointed at Daphne, who was still shrieking into her pillow, questioningly. Astoria shook her head and provided a sad smile. Pomfrey gave a terse nod and returned to her desk.
Twenty minutes passed by, and the lights began to dim once more as Harry addressed the great hall.
"Year three," Harry stated blandly. "Quite possibly my favorite year at Hogwarts. For once, I didn't face Voldemort."
"Spoilers, Lord Potter-Black."
"Ah, right," Harry scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, Croaker. Onward to summer!"