Hello, all you Sinners. I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter. Because we are getting closer and closer to the end of the Chamber of Secrets arc. Let's see if this story can hit 1000 follows and favorites before the Prisoner of Azkaban starts. Also, I want to thank Ashlebat on Twitter for making cover art for this story. Anyway, Let's dive right into Hell!
Chapter 21: Follow the Spiders
The next day after classes, Harry was telling Ron and Hermione about what he witnessed with the diary as they stood in the courtyard of the school. "So wait, Hagrid was the one that got expelled 70 years ago," Hermione asked as this was starting to make sense why he was not allowed to carry a wand and was forbidden to do magic to a degree.
"And he got blamed for it," Harry added that part specifically. "From what I saw, the creature Hagrid had with him was an Acromantula. From what I know, they're in the same class as a Basilisk when it comes to how dangerous they are."
"Great… a large spider that can kill witches and wizards," Ron said as the look on his face said that he was somewhat terrified. "I'm not trying to be mean, but why does he have a thing for collecting dangerous beasts? A dragon, a three-headed dog, a giant spider. What's next? He owns the Basilisk?"
"Seriously, Ron?! Do you even hear yourself," Hermione roared at the red-haired wizard. "Hagrid's our friend. He would never harm any of the students."
"Precisely. That's why I say we ask him about what really happened 70 years ago," Harry suggested to them.
"Oh sure, that will be a cheerful visit. Hi Hagrid, are you keeping something mad and hairy somewhere outside the castle? What can go wrong," Ron said sarcastically.
"Mad and hairy? You wouldn't be talking about me now, would you," Hagrid asked as he was right behind all three of them, overhearing Ron.
"No," all three of them said in unison, looking up at the half-giant. They all looked at one another as if to say something. There was a long awkward silence between the four of them until Harry spoke up first.
"What do you have there Hagrid," the Prince of Hell pointed out as he saw a green metallic container.
"Oh it's flesh-eating slug repellent," Hagrid told him as he showed the label on the container. "For the Mandrakes, you know. According ter Professor Sprout, they still need some growing up ter do before they're chopped up and strewed before everyone is unpetrified. In the meantime, best be looking out for yerselves. Alright?" The three of them nodded in response as the half-giant turned around and headed back to the castle.
"We should still ask Hagrid," Harry tells them both. As they were going to their next lesson, Neville was running towards them. "Neville, what's wrong?"
"Harry…" Neville said as he was catching his breath. "You have to come to the Common Room fast! Somebody robbed you!"
The three Gryffindors looked at one another then followed their housemate to the Common Room. After saying the password and running up the stairs, they saw Harry's belongings were all over the place. His bed was torn apart, his figurines were broken on the floor, the trunk broken into and papers scattered everywhere. Harry's jaw dropped as he walked over to where his belongings were he looked over everything to see what he can manage without the repair charm.
"It had to be a Gryffindor. No one else knows our password," Hermione said as the Prince of Hell looked over his stuff.
"Whoever it was, they must have been looking for something," Ron said as he saw that only Harry's stuff was broken into.
"And they got what they needed. Tom Riddle's diary is missing," Harry said as he got up and used the repair charm on all his belongings. 'But why take the dairy? Sure there were many stuff more of value and made in Hell. But why take that book of all things?' He couldn't think about that right now. His main objectives right now were to talk to Hagrid about the Chamber and his schoolwork.
Weeks passed and they hardly had any time to go to Hagrid's hut. Harry was sitting at the Gryffindor table poking at his eggs as he looked around. He started to think that the new owner of Riddle's diary was sitting across or beside him. As he was in deep thought, the Prince of Hell noticed that someone was standing right behind him. "Morning, Harry," Oliver Wood greeted the Seeker. "Are you ready for some Quidditch practice?"
This made Harry, tilt his head in confusion. "I thought Quiddich was canceled?"
"It is, but I convinced Professor McGonagall to let everyone at least practice to keep our minds off the whole Chamber thing," Wood told him. "So grab your broom and meet at the Quidditch Pitch in an hour."
Since there weren't any attacks lately, it would be good to get back on his broom and fly around. "Sure, I'll be right there," Harry said as he quickly ate his breakfast and went back to his Common Room, and grabbed his Quidditch gear.
After hours of practice, Harry and the team got themselves clean after they were done. Professor McGonagall strode by them and hailed them. "I need all of you back in the Gryffindor Tower immediately," she said with a grim face. The team was going to protest, but one glare from the Transfiguration teacher told them to do as she said. The Gryffindors all headed to the Common Room, expect for Harry as McGonagall stopped him. "Magne, you and I will find Mister Weasley. There is something the both of you have to see," she told him as they started to walk down the hallway to find Ron with a group being escorted to the Common Room. After Ron was pulled aside by McGonagall, both of the boys followed their teacher. "I'll warn you that… this will be a bit of a shock," she told them as she lead them to the Hospital Wing.
Harry had a strong gut feeling tell that someone was attacked. To their horror, the one that was attacked was Hermione and a sixth-year Ravenclaw girl right next to her. Harry and Ron's eyes widened as they couldn't believe what they saw. Both of them fell to their knees down by the left side of the bed.
"Ho-how did this happen? Where did this happen," Ron asked the Transfiguration teacher.
"We found them both near the library. Along with these," Professor McGonagall said to them both as she pulled out a mirror and a dead rooster with a knife in its head.
Both Harry and Ron noticed from the color of the feathers that this rooster was the one from the Gryffindor Common Room. Somehow, the Heir of Slytherin managed to kill the rooster first to allow the Basilisk a chance to attack Hermione and the Ravenclaw girl.
"Come along now. I'll escort you back to Gryffindor Tower. I just thought it would have been best to let you see rather than heard about it later," Professor McGonagall said before she urged them back to the Common Room.
News spread of Hermiones and Penelope Clearwater's petrification and the lingering rumors of Harry potentially being the Heir died immediately. Those who thought Harry was the Heir of Slytherin apologized to him as they knew he and Hermione were close friends. Even Ernie Macmillian of Hufflepuff apologized to the Prince of Hell since he was the one that started the rumor. Harry accepted the apologies as he'd figured they would know he would never attack his friend. Right now, his one concern was that he needed to talk to Hagrid immediately. "Ron, we have to see Hagrid tonight," he told his best friend as this was not something to wait on. "If the attacks keep on coming, Hogwarts may be at risk of closing down."
"But we aren't allowed to leave the common room after six. What if we get attacked next," Ron reminded his best friend.
"I think it's time to bring out dad's old cloak again," Harry said quietly so that no one else could hear him. "Just make sure to look down instead of directly ahead of you. We still don't know how it's getting around."
Late that night, Harry and Ron snuck out of the castle and started to head to Hagrid's hut along with a hidden Samael. On the way, they saw Norbert was sleeping near the flower garden, snoring away with puffs of smoke coming from his nostrils. Both Gryffindor boys knocked on the door and a few seconds later, they were face to face with Hagrid aiming a heavy crossbow in their face. "Who's there," the half-giant asked as he looked around the front door.
"Hagrid, it's us," Harry said as he and Ron took off the Invisibility Cloak to make him lower his weapon. "What are you doing with that?"
"Oh…nothing. Come on in. I made some tea," Hagrid invited them in. Fang was laying on the large armchair as Hagrid started to pour tea into a large cup, but it overflowed and Harry noticed.
"Are you okay, Hagrid," Harry asked as he noticed the half-giant was worried about something.
"I'm fine," he said as he almost knocked over the teapot.
Harry and Ron both knew he was lying and that something was worrying him very much. They didn't want to push it so Harry started to ask something else. "Have you heard about Hermione?"
"Oh yeah… I heard about that," Hagrid said with a crack in his voice. He started to pour tea into their cups and sat them down as they started to drink. Both of the boys noticed that Hagrid was looking at the windows to see if anyone else was coming. "I know you two didn't come all this way just to ask me about Hermione. So if you have anything to ask me, ask now."
After sipping some of his tea, Harry started to think of how he should ask the half-giant about 70 years ago. But went with the obvious question. "Hagrid, we know the last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened was 70 years ago and you were a student here at that time. So… do you have any idea who opened it?"
Giving a very hefty sigh as he knew the Prince of Hell would figure something out. He also knew Professor Dumbledore was not going to give him the answer. "How much do you know?"
"Enough to know you're innocent," Harry told him.
"Alright. Most likely it was-" before he could answer, there was a loud knock on the door that made all three of them jump and Fang bark. "Quickly, get under the cloak." Scrambling to their feet, both Harry and Ron stood up by the fireplace and put the Invisibility Cloak back on themselves. Hagrid armed his crossbow once more but lowered it again when he saw who it was. "Professor Dumbledore, sir."
"Good evening, Hagrid. May we come in," Dumbledore asked. The half-giant welcomed the Headmaster inside his home along with another man who was short with gray hair and had a pinstripe suit on with a black cloak and a lime green bowler head.
"That's my dad's boss. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge," Ron quietly whispered to Harry.
"Why do I get the feeling his last name is more meaningful than a love of sweets," Harry whispered back.
"Bad business, Hagrid. Very bad business. I had to come. There have already been four attacks on Muggleborn students. Things have gone far enough and the Ministry has got to act." Fudge said to the half-giant.
"I never. You know I'd never, Professor," said Hagrid, looking at Dumbledore.
"I want it understood, Cornelius. Hagrid has my full confidence," the Headmaster told the Minister of Magic, frowning at him.
"Albus, Hagrid's record is against him," Fudge said uncomfortably. "The Ministry has to do something. The governors of the school have been in touch. I have no choice but to take him."
"Take me? Take me where? Not Azkaban prison," Hagrid questioned, worried about where he'd go.
"I'm afraid we have no choice but to take you in, Hagrid. But you aren't going to Azkaban. Think of it as a precaution rather than a punishment," Fudge said to the half-giant. Before he could continue, Norbert let out a low roar and Fang gave a low growl as someone else knocked on the door to the hut. Dumbledore answered it and it turned out to be Lucius Malfoy as he entered the hut.
"What are you doing in here? Get out of my house," Hagrid roared as Fang let out a loud bark that mimicked his owner.
"Believe me, I wouldn't be caught dead in your… you call this a house," Lucius asked as he looked around the hut, sneering at the place. Ron and Harry were too close to Lucius and had to back up so they wouldn't bump into the older Malfoy. "No, I simply contacted the school and was told the headmaster was here."
"And what exactly did you want with me, Lucius," Dumbledore asked politely, but Harry could see a figurative blue fire blazing in his eyes.
"The governors and I have decided that it's time for you to step aside," Lucius told the older wizard as he handed out a large roll of parchment. "This here is an order of suspicion. You'll find all twelve signatures on it."
"See here now, Lucius. That's the last thing we need," Fudge argued with the older Malfoy.
"I agree. With Professor Dumbledore gone, the students won't stand a chance. There'll be killings next," Hagrid said angrily.
"Calm yourself, Hagrid. If the governors desire my removal, I will, of course, step aside," Dumbledore said as he read the letter. "However," he said as he looked at Lucius Malfoy. "You will find that help will be given at Hogwarts for those who ask for it," he said as he took a glance at the spot where Harry and Ron were standing.
"Admirable sentiments," Lucious said bowing. "We shall all miss your… um… highly individual way of running things. Shall we," he asked as he gestured to the door. For a second there, both Harry and Ron saw the Headmaster give a small smile in their direction before exiting the hut.
After they both left, Fudge gestured for Hagrid to move in front of him to lead him out. "Come, Hagrid. If we do this peacefully, it'll be best for all involved. At least until we can solve this issue," Fudge stated.
"If anyone was looking for some stuff, just follow the spiders. Yep, that will lead them right, follow the spiders," he said before grabbing his very large coat and stopping at the exit. "Oh, and someone'll need to contact Charlie Magne. I only trust her to watch over Fang and Norbert while I'm gone," he said exiting with Fudge right behind him.
After a few minutes, Harry and Ron took off the Invisibility Cloak. "Hagrid's right. Without Dumbledore, there will be an attack a day," Ron stated. Fang started to howl and scratch at the front door. "What is it, Fang?"
"Ron, look," Harry pointed to one of the windows and saw a line of spiders crawling out of the hut. "Come on," he said as he grabbed a lantern and pushed open the door to let Fang out. As he did, he saw many other spiders crawling out of the window and down the hut, heading into the Forbidden Forest. He unwrapped the collar on Norbert's neck just in case something bad happens and headed into the forest. "You heard Hagrid. Follow the spiders."
"But they are heading into the Forbidden Forest," Ron said with a cracking voice as his fears were showing. Rolling his eyes, the Prince of Hell lead himself into the woods as the red-haired wizard whined. "Why spiders? Why couldn't it be follow the butterflies," he asked with his voice cracking from fear and puberty. Trekking into the woods, a considerable amount of time passed as the boys started to follow the spiders deeper into the forest. Wolves were howling at the moon and centaurs were galloping around, but neither seemed to bother the boys as they tracked the arachnids. "I don't like this at all, Harry."
"Shush. I think we're almost there," Harry said as they noticed webbing and a large number of spiders on the forest floor. "Come on," Harry said with a determined voice as he continued following the spiders.
Whimpering, Ron followed behind despite his fears. "The things I do for my friends," Ron muttered as he followed Harry through a fallen log that exited into a web-covered grove of some kind. As they went through, bigger spiders lowered themselves from threads to see who was intruding on their territory.
"Who's there," an old-sounding voice rang out through a large web pit.
"Don't panic," Harry told his friend as they heard movement like giant tree trunks falling.
"Hagrid, it that you," the voice called out as eight giant hairy legs crawled out of the pit and made it's way out. It was enough to make Samael pop out from Harry's shirt to see what was going on.
"We're friends of Hagrid," Harry said as he and Ron were face to face with an Acromantula the size of a small elephant with legs that reached 18 feet long. Ron was stuttering as he was looking at the spider in the face, turning so pale he could be mistaken for a ghost. But as for Harry, he was looking in amazement at how big the spider was. Licking his dry lips, he asked the obvious. "Y-you're Aragog, aren't you?"
"Yes, Hagrid has never sent men into these woods before," Aragog said looking at them with his many black eyes.
"He's in trouble. There have been attacks at the school. The Basilisk-"
"DON'T YOU EVER SAY THAT NAME," Aragog yelled at the Prince of Hell which made him and Ron step back a foot. "We spiders fear that creature more than anything."
"Right, sorry about that," Harry muttered to himself before rephrasing his previous sentence. "The creature that's been attacking the school is petrifying everyone. We want to know who truly opened the Chamber of Secrets. Everyone thinks Hagrid opened the Chamber before."
"That's a lie," Aragog hissed. "Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets. The monster was born in the castle. I came to Hagrid from a distant land in the pocket of a traveler."
"Harry," Ron whimpered as he pulled on his friend's sleeve, trying to warn him of the other spiders in the colony.
"Shush, Ron. We need to figure out when this all… started," Harry said as he realized what to ask Aragog next. "Do you know where that girl died all that time ago?"
"I haven't seen much of the castle outside of the box and cupboards that Hagrid kept me in. But I do know that the girl was discovered in a bathroom. When I was accused, Hagrid brought me here to this forest. Away from the school so I wouldn't be killed," Aragog stated.
"Harry," Ron whimpered again.
"What is it, Ron," Harry asked before seeing his friend point up. Following his finger, Harry saw dozens of large spiders the size of dogs lowering down from the trees above them. Clearing his throat, Harry faced Aragog once more. "Well… thank you for your time and for answering my questions. We'll just go and clear Hagrid's name."
"Go? I think not," Aragog said as the spiders began to swarm around the area. "My sons and daughters do not harm Hagrid on my command, but I cannot deny them fresh meat when it wanders so willingly into our midst."
"Can we panic now," Ron croaked in fear.
"No," Harry said. "There is something I must tell you. You aren't the only dangerous animal companion that Hagrid takes care of and sees on a regular basis," he told the gargantuan spider just as a light appeared behind Harry. With a loud roar, Norbet landed above the grove and shot out warning flames at the large spiders to make them scatter. "Let us go free, we'll have Norbert scare some new fresh food your way. I'm positive that when Hagrid returns, he won't like seeing our corpses webbed up in your home. Plus, we won't be able to feed all your kids anyway."
Aragog simply stared at the Prince of Hell and the dragon that arrived, then clicked and hissed toward his children. "So, you're that boy Hagrid talks about. Very well. We'll allow you to leave. Go and keep your deal, Harry," Aragog told the boy.
"Thank you," the prince said with a small bow to the giant spider. "Okay, now we go, Ron," he said as he turned to face Ron, but the boy was nowhere to be seen. "Ron?"
"What are you waiting for," Ron said as he squeaked out from on top of Nobert's back.
"Typical," Harry chuckled to himself before he and Fang got on the red dragon and have him fly above the trees to Hagrid's hut after spooking some local creatures toward Aragog's colony. Once Norbert was close enough, he landed smoothly next to the flowerbed and Harry quickly put the collar back on him.
"Follow the spiders! Follow the spiders! When Hagrid gets out of wherever he is headed, I'll kill him," Ron shouted angrily. "I mean, what was the point of sending us in there!?"
"We actually got a big hint," Harry told his best friend, who looked confused if anything. 'He was probably too scared to think about the situation.' He gave a deep breath before repeating what Aragog told them. "70 years ago, the Basilisk killed a girl in a bathroom. What if she never left?"
It took a second before Ron realized what Harry meant. "Moaning Myrtle," he said in realization. "What now, we go to her bathroom?"
"Not yet. My sister should be here by tomorrow. Once she arrives, we'll go over what happened with her, then we find out if Myrtle knows anything about the chamber," Harry told his friend as they both got under the Invisibility Cloak and headed back to the castle.
And this is where I am going to leave this chapter off. I know this one is shorter than the previous ones but what can I say? It was an easy one to write. Thanks again to WaterDragonMaverick for editing and suggestions. And a special Thank you to Ashlebat on Twitter again for making the cover art for Devil of a Wizard. Next time, Harry will be facing off against the Basilisk once and for all. Until then, see you in Hell!