The Potter Timeline
Chapter 43 - Vindications and Celebrations
A bright light filled Harry's vision. It was uncomfortable and he tried to move away from it. When he did, he realized he was back in his actual body. Opening his eyes, sunlight hit them, and he turned his head to avoid the rays. Blinking a few times, Harry found himself staring up at a strange sight: several spheres, that looked like large soap bubbles containing lit candles, hovered near the ceiling, giving off yellowish light. Looking down, past the foot of the bed he was in, he saw a single window revealing a morning sunrise in between a few buildings outside.
Harry then gazed back at the ceiling, taking in all the senses he could. Overall, he felt good, though there was a dull ache in his elbow and left side - a remnant of his encounter with the Basilisk. Then, he noticed a strange sensation, or rather a lack of one, just above his right eye, where his scar was located. As though a small part of his brain had been removed, Harry felt something missing around the scar now, and he knew what it was: Voldemort's unstable soul shard. But that wasn't the only strange sensation.
His mind seemed really quiet, as though he had been living with a low, constant noise in his head for so long that he was unaware of its existence until it vanished. The absence of this "noise" seemed quite startling, and he felt as though he could think more clearly. Voldemort's soul fragment had been an obstacle in his mind this whole time and he never realized it until now. The twelve-year-old wondered at this. But then, another sensation got his attention.
Harry felt something wrapped around his right hand.
He looked down to see two hands holding his and heard the sound of sniffling by his ear. Harry turned his head to find Hermione lying next to him, on top of the bedsheets. Her body was facing his as she held his right hand in both of hers. Her face was close to him, and he could feel her breath on his cheek. Her eyes were closed, but tears fell from underneath her eyelids as she sniffled, silently crying...for him.
"Don't cry," he said softly.
The girl's eyes shot open, and she sat up on the bed.
"Harry!" she uttered loudly, "you're alive!"
She wiped the tears from her face as Harry sat up.
"Hi," he uttered with emotion, never so glad to see his friend.
The girl's face was etched with sadness as she threw her arms around his neck, squeezing him tight. Harry smiled and embraced her in return. Her warmth was soothing as was the slight scent of her hair which fell across his face.
"We didn't know whether you would come back or not," she muffled in his ear.
"I told you I would see you after," Harry said in hers, "I couldn't leave my best friend like that."
Harry felt the girl's tears fall on his neck and he gently tightened his embrace. After several moments of sniffling, Hermione leaned back from him and wiped the water from her face. She then reached down at the table beside the bed and handed him his glasses. When Harry placed them on his face, he saw that the cracked lens had been repaired. He smiled.
"Occulus Reparo?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Thanks," he told her.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, taking his hand in hers again.
Harry looked into those pretty brown eyes.
"Different. It's hard to describe. But it's like something is missing, though...not in a bad way."
She nodded.
"Well, no doubt it's the soul fragment. You've lived with it for nearly your entire life. Removing it was bound to make some difference."
"Right. And at the very least, this..." Harry said while pointing to his scar, "won't hurt anymore and I shouldn't have those nightmares either. Or so I was told."
"By whom?" Hermione asked with a furrowed brow.
Harry looked at Hermione hesitantly. But then he was curious what she would say about the strange encounter in his mind.
"You might not believe it, Hermione, but remember last year when we went back to King's Cross, and I mentioned the station attendant who helped me through the barrier?"
"Yes."
"Well...I saw him. He appeared to me, in my head, I think, in a whited-out version of King's Cross."
"Really? Who is he?" she asked with intense curiosity.
Harry swallowed hard.
"Me. Or at least an older version of me."
The girl was stunned.
"What?!" she uttered in astonishment.
Harry was just about to explain when the door to the room opened and several people walked inside: Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, and two Healers wearing lime green robes with the St. Mungo's emblem - the crossed bone and wand. And accompanying them was a woman wearing dark purple robes. Her chestnut hair, with a prominent streak of white in it, was loosely tied back in a bun. Harry guessed it was Madam Accola. Hermione dropped down from the bed but remained close.
"Well, professor, looks like he's back with us," Hagrid said with teary-eyed relief.
"That he is, Hagrid," Dumbledore stated with a smile, "how are you feeling, Harry?"
Harry looked at the giant and headmaster, glad to see them both.
"Good, professor," he replied, "though it seems kind of odd. I can tell the soul shard is gone. But I feel okay otherwise."
"I'm glad to hear it, my boy. You remained unconscious through the night. We weren't entirely certain you were coming back."
Harry thought about what his older self had told him.
"Well...I guess my journey isn't finished yet. I still have some promises to keep."
At this, he looked at Hermione, who returned a smile.
"Indeed, young man. And we're all very relieved," the headmaster said with a nod, then turned to the woman in purple robes, "allow me to introduce you to the lady who made all this possible, Harry. Madam Accola."
The Healer stepped up to Harry and took one of his hands with both of hers. They were cool to the touch.
"'Allo, 'Arry. We now meet face to face," she said pleasantly.
Harry was taken aback. The woman's demeanor was calm and her movements graceful, as though every move was made with careful thought. But while she gave Harry a warm smile, there was something of fire in her eyes as though she could she right through him. It was a bit unnerving, and Harry found himself in awe of the witch. She was clearly very powerful, magically speaking.
"Hello...Madam," he replied hesitantly at first, but then smiled, "thank you for what you and Professor Dumbledore did. I feel much better now."
The woman's smile deepened.
"I am glad. I see now only one soul in your body - yours. And the light still flows throughout. That is also a good sign."
Harry nodded.
"Yes, ma'am."
Hagrid stepped forward and placed one of his enormous hands on Harry's shoulder.
"It does ol' Hagrid good teh see yeh back with us, Harry," the giant uttered with emotion, "Hermione an' I were right worried."
"Thanks, Hagrid. I'm glad you came. Both of you," Harry said.
"Well, after what you did fer me, puttin' yerself on the line by lookin' into that diary, I wanted teh make sure you were taken care of an' all. An' Hermione here refused teh leave yer side the whole time."
Harry again looked at Hermione and gave her a warm smile. She took his hand once more.
The door to the room opened and everyone looked to see a short, thin man with thick, overlarge spectacles and a thick black mustache enter. He wore the same lime-green robes as the Healers and his black head of hair was topped by a brimless, pointed wizard's hat of the same green color. With a graceful lilt, the small wizard glided to Harry's bed and gave him a broad smile.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, we are up at last!" he uttered with a voice that was strangely deeper than his size would suggest. And his delivery was smooth and slow, as though he was speaking to a five-year-old. Harry wondered if he was half-goblin.
"I'm Barnabas Wrysmith, director of St. Mungo's. It is a sincere pleasure to make your acquaintance. And how are we today?"
"I'm doing well, sir. It's a pleasure to..."
"Good! Good! I'm pleased to hear it!" the wizard spoke before Harry could finish.
Wrysmith looked at Dumbledore and Madam Accola.
"So, our procedure went well, then," he said while giving them the same overdone smile.
The headmaster nodded. The director went on.
"Excellent! Excellent! Our very first case in our brand-new ward! This is a historic moment, no doubt."
The little man turned to Harry.
"Mr. Potter, as you have been our first patient in this newly-created ward, and a famous one at that, I have the pleasure of informing you that St. Mungo's board has unanimously decided to name it...The Harry Potter Ward for Psychological and Spiritual Afflictions. What do you say to that?"
Harry face scrunched up.
"Um...okay...I guess," he said bewildered.
He glanced at the others who smirked back at him.
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" the little wizard exclaimed, "and all this is owing, of course, to our esteemed colleague from Switzerland, Madam Accola, who not only suggested the creation of this important ward, but she also participated in its very first operation."
Wrysmith turned formally and bowed at the woman in purple. She smiled and nodded at him in turn. Harry and Hermione both suppressed a chuckle at the director's overdone manner. He continued.
"Our plan is to fill the Potter ward with psychiatrists, counselors, and Healers such as Madam Accola who can aid our dear patients with ailments of mind and soul, something this hospital has needed for far too long. A few of our long-term residents in the Janus Thickey Ward next door, for example, could certainly stand a little counseling for depression and anxiety. Therefore, for your excellent suggestion and unerring advice, Madam, I thank you."
The little wizard again bowed, as though he had been giving a grand speech before the Wizengamot. He went on.
"Now then, Mr. Potter, Headmaster Dumbledore, I bid you good day. And Madam Accola, if you'd be so kind as to join me in my office, I wish to seek your advice on another matter."
"Of course, director," she stated amusingly. She then placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Bon chance, cher garçon. I hope we meet again soon someday," she said warmly.
Harry smiled.
"Thank you again, madam. So do I."
The witch smiled at him then departed with the director and two Healers. Dumbledore stepped closer to Harry and Hermione.
"Well, Harry, since you are in good shape, we'll have you formally discharged so you can return to Hogwarts. And when we arrive there, I will hold a meeting in the Great Hall to inform everyone of the latest developments - that the dangers have finally passed, thanks in no small part to you and Hermione."
The second-years grinned at one another. Dumbledore continued.
"But before we depart, I wish to ask your permission for something."
"What's that, professor?"
"I am aware of the rumors that have been passing around the school to the effect that you are the Heir of Slytherin and are responsible for opening the Chamber of Secrets. I am also aware of the spurious articles The Daily Prophet has been printing to the same effect, painting you, Hagrid, and myself in a...shall we say, less than flattering light. No doubt, you yourself have felt the unfortunate effects of this."
Harry frowned and nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"Well, in order to dispel these rumors and prevent another student from being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit..." the man said with a brief glance at Hagrid, "...I would like to present to our student body, and in turn, the entire wizarding world...the truth. If, that is, you will grant me permission to share your encounter with Tom Riddle's soul shard."
Harry thought about it momentarily then nodded.
"If it means clearing all of us of blame, professor, then please do."
Dumbledore smiled.
"Very well. I will address this during the meeting, then."
"How, exactly?" Harry wondered in puzzlement.
"You'll see, my boy," the wizard answered enigmatically. The man clasped his hands together.
"Oh, and one more thing, Harry. Would you be willing to testify before the Wizengamot as an eyewitness to the events of August 31st of last year at Flourish & Blotts, when a certain person placed Tom Riddle's diary among Ginny Weasley's belongings?"
Harry thought about this too and nodded.
"Yes, professor."
The headmaster smiled.
"Good. Miss Weasley has agreed to testify as well. With both of your testimonies and your personal experiences dealing with the Riddle diary and its occupant soul shard, my hope is that justice will be served and those who brought this foul event upon all of us will be punished accordingly."
"Definitely," Harry said.
Dumbledore smiled once more.
"Now, if everyone is ready, let's depart then, shall we?" he asked.
"Yes, professor," Hagrid replied.
Harry and Hermione nodded. Harry got down out of the bed and the four exited the brand-new Harry Potter Ward.
On the way down to the reception area, Harry gazed around the hospital interior as he had never been inside St. Mungo's before. The walls were covered in oak paneling and each room and corridor had those odd, candle-filled soap bubbles for light. The stairs they descended were old and rickety as though no one had ever bothered to repair or replace them. The variety of patients Harry saw in the hallways, a few of the rooms, and finally, the reception area, seemed whimsical and odd: a witch whose head looked like a cat's - with furry ears and whiskers; an ill-looking wizard whose skin continually changed color between green and purple; various patients with animal limbs sticking out of them or those who believed themselves to be inanimate objects. And one, sour-faced chap's hands were stuck to the sides of a small cauldron, the insides of which still boiled with something blue.
From this first impression of St. Mungo's, it seemed more like a circus of freaks than a hospital for wizarding folk. Harry now wondered if it was a good idea to have his name attached to a special ward in the place.
But he was equally surprised when they exited the hospital proper. Walking straight through a blank wall on the far end of the reception area, like the barrier at King's Cross, the four reappeared on a plain sidewalk in a busy section of London. Harry turned around and was amazed to see nothing behind them but an abandoned, red brick department store with a dangling sign indicating "Closed for Refurbishment". And he swore the faded, badly dressed mannequin behind the dirty window display seemed to be watching him. But then Professor Dumbledore motioned him, Hermione, and Hagrid to the same antique Mercedes the headmaster and McGonagall picked him up in at his relatives' house beginning of previous term.
Harry was curious how Hagrid was going to fit inside the car but was amused when the great man leaned head-first through the back passenger's door and popped inside. When Harry followed Hermione into the passenger seat next to Dumbledore, he saw that the inside back half of the automobile had been magically enlarged with Hagrid able to sit upright - though his head rubbed the ceiling, and his huge legs took up the entire back seat. Once everyone was settled, the headmaster took off into the streets of London.
~HP~
Nearly the entire ride back to Scotland, Dumbledore and Hagrid conversed about the old days at Hogwarts and all the changes to the school since the giant entered it as a first-year in the forties. But Harry only half-listened to the conversation while gazing out the window of the car, watching the landscape pass by.
He felt different now and wondered at it. And the words of older Harry kept coming back to mind.
"...remember, you're the son of a great wizard and great witch. Their blood, their magic, Harry, flows in your veins. You have more talent, more power than you might realize...you're already leaps ahead of where I was at your age...don't squander it...focus on what's important...it will make the fight ahead that much easier..."
Harry was still puzzled at this strange encounter in his head and had many questions about it. Perhaps, when they had a chance, the headmaster might be able to give him some insight...
"Harry, are you okay?" Hermione whispered to him.
He turned to find another worried look on her face and smiled at her.
"Yes. I'm fine," he replied, "it's just been a really strange couple of days for me. I feel like I've been away for ages. But I'm here now, ready to get back into something of a routine again. And perhaps, now, we can truly enjoy the rest of term without any more evil spirits or giant Basilisks disrupting it."
Hermione laughed, warmly placed her arm around his, and leaned her head on his shoulder. He leaned his head on hers and they remained silent for the remainder of the ride to Hogwarts. And strangely, it didn't seem to take long at all. In fact, several times, on open stretches of road in the north of England, the second-years were amazed when the enchanted car sped up so quickly it was liking watching a muggle film on fast forward. And the professor weaved in and out of traffic at terrific high speed as though he was simply on a Sunday drive. The magical ride then only took a few hours compared to the Hogwarts Express. Soon enough they passed Hogsmeade and finally arrived at the front entrance of the castle.
When the four exited the vehicle, Dumbledore turned, snapped his fingers and the car sped off on its own back down the hill and out of sight. Harry and Hermione were amazed. The headmaster smiled at them.
"The Ministry keeps a small fleet of muggle vehicles for emergency or official use whenever the need arises. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I am given special privilege for their use, as you might imagine. But I don't think I'll be needing it again for a while. Shall we?"
The two nodded. Hagrid stepped over, opened one of the large oak doors, and they entered. As they ascended the grand stairwell, Harry looked up to find Professor McGonagall standing at the very top, waiting for them. She gazed intently at Harry with a look of concern. When the four reached the landing, the woman, nearly teary-eyed, leaned down and placed both her hands on Harry's shoulders.
"Welcome back, Harry. I'm very glad to see you well and whole again," she said warmly.
Harry smiled.
"Thank you, professor."
She smiled back.
"Is everyone assembled, Minerva?" Dumbledore asked.
The witch now stood with a serious look and clasp her hands together.
"Yes, Albus. Everyone's waiting," she responded, "and the Pensieve is set up in front of the tables as you requested."
Harry looked at the headmaster in curiosity. He smiled back at the boy with a wink. The Pensieve? Was that how the professor was going to explain his encounter with Tom Riddle? The boy was intrigued now.
"Excellent. Let us go in," the headmaster stated.
McGonagall turned and opened one of the doors to the hall and walked inside. The rest followed and as Harry and Hermione went in, with Hagrid towering behind them, they saw every table filled to the brim with students, and the High Table filled with staff, including a fully recovered Professor Snape. Even Hogwarts ghosts made an appearance and Filch floated just off to the side of the High Table, glaring over each of the student tables as usual. On the other side of the High Table, Minister Fudge, Amos Diggory and his two Trappers stood. James, Tonks, Burns, and the remaining Aurors stood beside them. And at the very end stood...Lucius Malfoy. He seemed both unhappy and yet nervous too. Knowing the man had planted the diary in Ginny Weasley's cauldron, Harry could only guess what he was after here.
To no one's surprise, whispers and hushed conversation broke out as everyone gazed at Harry. Some were curious, some suspicious, all of them wondering what news the headmaster was to give them and what the Boy Who Lived had to do with it. But while the eyes of nearly everyone fell on him, Harry wasn't bothered by the attention - he felt at peace both with himself and with the knowledge he had good friends and teachers who had stood by him through this crazy and harrowing second year at Hogwarts. And as though she read his mind, Hermione again wrapped her arm around Harry's in a show of solidarity.
Out of instinct, both of them were about to veer toward the Gryffindor table when Dumbledore stopped them.
"If the two of you will be so kind as to join us at the front," he stated quietly.
They nodded at him. The group resumed.
Ahead, the Pensieve stood in the same spot where the Sorting Hat chair normally sat. The shallow basin on top gave off its eerie, aurora-like glow as they passed by. The headmaster motioned to Harry and Hermione to join the Aurors. Then he, McGonagall, and Hagrid moved around the table to their respective places. As the second-years walked toward James and Tonks, Lucius Malfoy glared hard at Harry. But Harry gave back an equally firm stare. The man then looked away, his forehead covered in sweat and his face pale as though he was in pain of some kind.
James gave Harry and Hermione a nod and smile. Tonks, whose hair was now strangely...brown and normal looking, threw Harry a relieved expression. She leaned down and gave him a strong hug. Harry was surprised. She then stood back and stared at him, placing both her hands on his shoulders.
"I'm so relieved to see you're alright, Harry. I was incredibly worried for you," the witch stated quietly with some emotion.
"Thanks, Tonks," he replied with a smile.
"Yeah, well..." she uttered while smiling at him and Hermione, "...I've grown rather fond of you both...despite your trickery!"
The second-years chuckled and Tonks followed suit. The two turned to face the headmaster. Tonks affectionately placed her hands on Harry's shoulders as he stood right in front of her. Dumbledore clapped his hands and threw a sweeping gaze across the tables. Everyone went silent.
"Good afternoon, students," he said then gazed on either side of the High Table, "good afternoon staff, Minister Fudge, Chairman Diggory, Mr. Purvis, and...Governor Malfoy."
The old wizard's face expressed displeasure and his voice held a tinge of distaste as he mentioned the blond-headed man's name. The headmaster continued.
"I have called you all here to give you an update on our situation. As you know, despite our best efforts to prevent it, another attack occurred Saturday evening last, resulting in one of our Aurors being petrified and another...dead. And while we are grateful no further deaths occurred, all of us here grieve the loss of a noble officer who perished in the line of duty, protecting this school."
Dumbledore turned to the Aurors.
"Head Auror Purvis, on behalf of all Hogwarts, I wish to extend our sincere condolences and sympathies to you, your fellow Aurors, and indeed the entire Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the loss of Auror Weston. No doubt, he will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and his fellow officers."
The Auror nodded back at the wizard. The headmaster turned to the students and continued.
"On the bright side, our dear Auror's death was not in vain, and I am happy to announce to you that the Chamber of Secrets was...finally discovered beneath the dungeons..."
The students were astonished and began whispering among themselves. Dumbledore waited momentarily then went on.
"...and Slytherin's monster...is now dead."
Gasps went up from practically every soul in the place and more excited whispers ensued. The atmosphere in the Hall instantly changed from apprehension to elation. The headmaster smiled.
"Therefore, I am also pleased to announce that since the danger has passed, all restrictions, closures, and curfews have been lifted. With the approval of our law enforcement Aurors and Minister Fudge, Hogwarts is free to resume all normal operations."
The Hall exploded with cheers and applause. Harry and Hermione beamed at one another, and they both threw a grin at Tonks behind them. The Auror squeezed Harry's shoulders and grinned back. After several more moments of cheers and applause, Dumbledore raised his hand for silence. The Hall quieted.
"Now, as for the persons who both discovered the chamber and exterminated the creature within, I will tell you that they were neither from among our esteemed Aurors nor were they from among the Trappers sent in from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Rather, they were from among our own student body."
Dumbledore looked at James and Diggory. They nodded affirmatively at the headmaster. Whispers broke out among the students once more at this surprising news. Dumbledore raised his hand for silence.
"But before I mention their names, there is something that needs to be addressed."
The headmaster left his spot behind the table and moved around to the space before it, standing only a few feet from the Pensieve.
"Nearly one year ago, when I took over the Defence Against the Darks Arts classes after the death of Professor Quirrell, I mentioned to one of the classes that the best weapon against darkness is light. And one of the best kinds of light is...the light of truth. And the truth is what I wish to present to you this day. But before I do, allow me to give you a little background.
There was a student who attended Hogwarts many years ago by the name of Tom Riddle. Some of you here know his name. He was one of the brightest, most intelligent students to ever walk these halls. But despite his excellent academic record, his appointment as Prefect of Slytherin House, as well as the numerous awards he received at the school, he turned out very wicked - as wicked and corrupt as one could. In later years, Tom Riddle would go by a different name, which all of you are no doubt familiar with: Lord Voldemort."
Gasps went up from a multitude of students. Harry glanced over and noticed that Lucius Malfoy was even paler, with more sweat pouring from his forehead. The headmaster continued.
"In the interim years since he left Hogwarts and then reappeared to instigate the wizarding war, Riddle had discovered a way to attain immortality via the splitting of his soul into fragments. If he died bodily, those disjointed soul shards would allow him to remain tethered to this world until he could be physically revived once more. Without going into detail concerning this terrible business, I will only mention that one of those soul fragments made its way here, to Hogwarts, last term, under highly suspicious circumstances."
Malfoy began fidgeting nervously.
"Not only did this soul piece wreak havoc on our school through the reopening of the Chamber of Secrets, which young Tom Riddle himself was responsible for fifty years ago, but it also targeted and terrorized two of our young pupils, one of whom you know well: Mr. Harry Potter."
More whispers erupted and every eye fell on Harry. The boy pursed his lips at the attention but remained calm. Hermione took his hand, and he threw her a grateful smile. She gazed back at him warmly. Dumbledore continued.
"I am aware that due to Mr. Potter's strange behavior of late, some have come to believe that he is the Heir of Slytherin, that he opened the Chamber of Secrets resulting in two deaths and two petrifications. But is this true? Well, allow me to answer that question by presenting to you the same evidence I used during the Wizengamot trial last year which resulted in a unanimous acquittal of our own Rubeus Hagrid. What you are about to witness is a real memory of the Tom Riddle soul fragment, forever altered by his encounter with...The Boy Who Lived."
Everyone was on pins and needles now, wondering what the old man was going to do. Dumbledore clapped his hands twice and the casement windows in the hall went dark and all the torches flickered out. The Great Hall was engulfed in total darkness, with the exception of the eerie white glow coming from the Pensieve.
In the aurora-like light flowing from the basin, the face and body of the headmaster appeared as he stepped up and gazed into it. He then reached into his robes and pulled out a small vial, popping its cork and pouring its contents into the Pensieve. As the glow increased, the man stepped back and pulled out his wand. He pointed it at the basin and muttered an incantation. Then, with a few swishes of the wand, an enormous image rose into the air from the basin. The students were awestruck.
Like a three-dimensional hologram or muggle film displayed in midair, Harry and Hermione were both amazed at seeing the interior of the Hall of Reflection with its torches and gargoyle statues flickering. And on the floor, Tom Riddle sat on his knees, gathering up the books and placing the dead cat inside the bag.
Hermione moved closer to Harry and wrapped her free arm around his as they both gazed at this familiar and emotion-laden sight.
When Riddle stood, he turned to walk away from the gargoyles, but then froze and looked back into the mirrored surface behind him. The memory-image shifted direction with another flick of Dumbledore's wand and suddenly...Harry appeared, just like he had when viewing the memory inside Riddle's diary. Surprised gasps went up. Hermione tightened her grip on his arm.
Tom glared at the twelve-year-old...
"Yes, Harry Potter. I opened the Chamber of Secrets. I am the heir of the great Salazar Slytherin. And I unleashed his monster to continue his noble work. And before it's done, I'll make sure your mudblood friend from the mirror comes to a rather nasty end."
"No. We'll stop you. We'll stop your monster too. And when we're done here, I'm taking your diary straight to Dumbledore," Harry replied.
Riddle gazed at Harry, seething.
"It no longer matters, Harry. I no longer need the diary nor that stupid...girl anyway. And on that count, I must thank you."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
Tom gave the boy a very wicked-looking smile.
"Quite simply, I now have...you. You, Harry, have given me the power to return and with a few more deaths, it will be complete. All I had to do was get your attention - the fire, the phantoms in the Great Hall, behind your girlfriend in the Quidditch stands, the strange occurrences in your room. All of that brought you here...to me."
Riddle went on.
"You and I are connected, you know. We are both part of something bigger and greater than you can imagine."
"I have nothing to do with you!" Harry protested, "I know you're Voldemort, Tom!"
Riddle stared hard at him again.
"Voldemort is my past, present, and future. I am a part of him, and now...a part of you."
"NEVER!" Harry shouted...
Suddenly, the image in the air disappeared and the hall went dark once more, save for the faint light from the Pensieve. Then, with two claps of Dumbledore's hands, the torches re-lit, and the windows became clear again, allowing sunlight to filter in. Nearly all inside the Great Hall were stunned and stared silently at the headmaster. With a stern look he gazed across the student tables then at the staff behind him. Clasping his hands behind his back he turned back to the pupils.
"So now, you know...the truth," he said very solemnly.
"Far from being the culprit responsible for the unfortunate series of events Hogwarts has experienced of late, Mr. Potter has had to confront the culprit personally, endured partial possession of his soul by this wicked fragment of Voldemort's, and...barely survived, I might add. But survive he did, and I have the pleasure of informing you that it was Harry Potter himself, using inside information from his enemy, who helped the Aurors and Trappers locate the Chamber of Secrets beneath the castle, and he himself confronted and defeated Slytherin's monster."
More whispers and hushed conversations broke out as the stunned students gazed at Harry. Dumbledore went on.
"However, as Harry himself would attest, he could not have accomplished this dangerous feat were it not for the knowledge and aid of someone close to him. Indeed, dear Harry here would most likely have lost his battle with the creature without the help of his friend and fellow second-year...Miss Hermione Granger. I dare say, then, that she shares equally in this triumph."
Harry looked at Hermione and threw her a warm smile while squeezing her arm affectionately. The girl's face turned beet red with all the attention on her and she gave Harry an uncertain look. Dumbledore turned to face the pair and Tonks squeezed Harry's shoulders again.
"As Chief Administrator of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I would like to recognize them both for their courage, their quick wit, their resourcefulness, and overall, for their service to this school and its inhabitants by eliminating the danger...almost single-handedly. Therefore, on behalf of the entire school, Harry, Hermione, I commend and thank you both. Well done!"
The headmaster began clapping at them and no sooner had he done so than Hagrid jumped up from his seat and began clapping as well.
"Hear, hear!" he shouted with fierce look of pride at the pair.
The rest of the staff followed, McGonagall giving her second-years a teary-eyed smile while clapping vigorously. Then the hall itself burst into cheers and applause.
"Hurrah for Harry!" Fred shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Hurrah for Hermione!" George followed.
The Gryffindor table continued this chant and the lions erupted in ecstatic cheers. Harry and Hermione were both red-faced, looking at one another with some embarrassment. Tonks leaned forward and gave the two a great hug.
As the applause went on for several more moments, Harry looked at the Hufflepuff table and saw Justin Finch-Fletchley staring back at him. At first, he wasn't clapping. Then, Justin turned and gazed at his friends Ernie and Hannah. The three stared at one another momentarily before turning and looking back at Harry, now clapping vigorously for him with smiles and a knowing look. Harry smiled and nodded back. No doubt, Riddle's admission in the memory had convinced them Harry was not their enemy after all. The boy was relieved.
The applause died down after several more moments and the students and staff all took their seats. Dumbledore, still beaming at the second-years, turned to the tables once more.
"In celebration of this tremendous occasion and with a spirit of cheer, I hereby cancel all classes for the afternoon, and you are free to enjoy the rest of this day however you wish. You're dismissed!"
More cheers went up before everyone dispersed inside the hall, walking around, chatting with one another over this event. Numerous well-wishers flocked to the front to see Harry and Hermione and the pair were overwhelmed shaking so many hands. Dean, Seamus, and Neville appeared before them after several minutes.
"We won't lie to you, Harry. We did have our doubts after Lockhart's dueling class," Dean told Harry with an apologetic look, "but after this, the three of us are quite blown away at you two!"
"Yeah, we had no idea that's what was going on!" Seamus added, "you'll have to tell us everything!"
Harry and Hermione smiled at each other, then at their friends.
"We will, Seamus," Harry said with a nod.
"Great!" Dean uttered.
The five friends beamed at one another before the boys moved off.
"I'm very impressed with you two," a familiar voice came from behind. The second-years turned to find James, the Head Auror, standing before them with Tonks and Amos Diggory by his side, both of them smiling.
"As young as you are, the two of you handled this whole affair quite admirably, almost like professionals," James added, "so, I'm going to recommend to the Department that you both receive commendations...as Honorary Junior Aurors."
Harry and Hermione gawked at one another, then beamed at the man.
"Thank you, sir!" Harry said in amazement. Purvis smiled back.
"Yes, wonderful job, I must say!" another voice chimed at them to their left. It was Minister Fudge.
"Congratulations, Mr. Potter, Miss..."
"Granger," Hermione answered with a furrowed brow at the man.
"Of course! Miss Granger. It thrills my soul to see such fine pupils at our venerable school. Gives us older wizarding folk hope for the future! Now if I might suggest, I would..."
"Cornelius," Dumbledore interrupted, "might I have a word with you?"
The Minister stared at the headmaster in surprise.
"Why...um...yes! Of course, Albus!" he uttered with a gleam, then turned to the second-years, "if you'll excuse me, young miss, sir."
The two nodded and then chuckled at one another. More well-wishers among Hogwarts staff and students stopped by to congratulate the pair. But as this went on, Harry glanced over to see Mr. Malfoy standing alone, still looking pale with both disgust and nervousness on his face at this scene. And he kept rubbing his thigh and wincing, for some strange reason.
Then, Harry happened to look over as Fudge and Dumbledore walked away from the High Table in conversation. In that instant, something fell out of the headmaster's robes and landed on the stone floor with a thud. Gazing down at it, Harry realized it was...Tom Riddle's diary! Dumbledore seemed oblivious that he had dropped it. Harry was just about to step over and grab the book when he saw the elder Malfoy, with eyes wide, staring down at the diary as well. The man did a quick glance around, then moved over and knelt, snatching up the diary and stuffing it into his coat pocket. Harry was alarmed at this and moved in the man's direction.
When he got close, Malfoy glared at him.
"Well, Potter," he uttered through gritted teeth, "enjoying your day in the sun? You and your...mudblood girlfriend?"
"We are actually, Mr. Malfoy," Harry responded and was about to mention the diary when the headmaster appeared.
"Ah! Lucius! Thank you kindly for retrieving it for me. I just now realized I dropped it," Dumbledore stated while holding out a hand at the blond-haired wizard.
Malfoy looked affronted. Fudge stepped over and stood next to the headmaster.
"I beg your pardon, Albus. I've no idea what the devil you're talking about," Malfoy spat back.
Harry was about to mention the diary in the man's pocket but refrained when Dumbledore gave him a certain look. Harry nodded.
"Why, the book you picked up," the headmaster continued, "the one in your pocket."
"What book?!" Malfoy replied incredulously, "you mean this?"
The wizard pulled out the diary.
"This belongs to me Albus. I've had it on my person this entire time. You must be getting senile in your old age!"
Dumbledore glanced at Fudge with a raised eyebrow. Minister Fudge gazed at Malfoy suspiciously.
"So, you are claiming that book belongs to you?" the headmaster asked him.
"Of course!" the man uttered, "now if you'll excuse me, I need to speak with my son!"
The man started to move away before Fudge held out a hand to stop him.
"Not so fast, Lucius. I'm afraid there's a pressing matter we need to discuss."
"What matter, Cornelius?" the wizard spat at him angrily.
"The matter of your...arrest," the Minister said flatly while looking over at Head Auror Purvis and snapping his fingers at the man.
Whatever color was left in Malfoy's face vanished instantly. But a look of rage came over him.
"Arrest?!" he uttered quietly, trying not to draw attention, "arrest for what?!"
Dumbledore held a stern gaze at the man.
"For placing this school in dire jeopardy," he stated, "and threatening the lives of both its staff and students. For instigating the terrorizing and manipulation of two young pupils, the attempted murder of a young girl, the death of our caretaker and an Auror, as well as the petrification of two others."
"WHAT?! HOW DARE YOU! ON WHAT BASIS DO YOU MAKE SUCH AN ACCUSATION?!"
Malfoy was no longer trying to conceal this and everyone in earshot stopped and gazed at this spectacle in surprise. James, Tonks, and the other Aurors now stood on either side of Malfoy, as Hermione stepped to Harry's side. Dumbledore stared at the man calmly.
"We have multiple witnesses who can testify that you placed that book, your...master's book, into Miss Ginny Weasley's cauldron at Flourish & Blotts, August of last year, resulting in death, injury, and chaos. If the Wizengamot finds you guilty, Lucius, and I've no doubt they will, you'll spend a very long time in Azkaban and can kiss your governorship of Hogwarts...goodbye."
Malfoy boiled so hotly with rage now, he looked ready to strike the headmaster with his cane. But James and Tonks both grabbed the man's arms to restrain him. Fudge looked disgruntled at the blond-haired wizard.
"Take him away for questioning," he commanded the officers, though to Harry's eyes it seemed as though the minister did all this unwillingly and with some nervousness.
"I'll have your job for this, Dumbledore! Mark my words! This is not the end of the matter!" Malfoy spat out while glaring unflinchingly at the headmaster.
The Aurors led him through the crowd of lingering students who gawked at this strange development. And as they took him, Malfoy limped away in pain.
"Well, Albus, I hope this turns out the way you expect," Fudge uttered to the man with a frown, "Lucius is very powerful and influential in the Ministry, you know. It could come back to bite you."
"We'll see Cornelius," Dumbledore replied, "but at the very least, the world will know what he has done. And he'll have to deal with the consequences of it."
"Yes, of course," the minister stated flatly. He then looked at Harry and Hermione once more.
"Well, congratulations once more, you two, and thank you, on behalf of the Ministry of Magic and the board of governors of Hogwarts!"
The pair nodded at the wizard who gave them a faux smile.
"Now then, Albus. If you need anything further, I'll be at my office. Good day!"
The man in the forest green suit strolled off and out of the Great Hall. Dumbledore turned to the second-years.
"Well, Harry, I know it's been a long day for you already, and full of excitement. How about the three of us retreat back to my office for a little quiet? Mr. Flume of Honeyduke's sent me a new batch of candy to sample for him, and I have some important things to discuss with you both about what else I discovered in Riddle's diary."
Harry and Hermione grinned at one another, and Harry nodded at the man.
"Yes, sir. That sounds good. And...there's something I need to tell you as well. Something that happened to me during the ritual."
Dumbledore's face lit up in curiosity. He then smiled at the pair.
"Very well then! Shall we?"