AN: I'll be honest... I didn't think i'd be posting this week, glad I did though. Naruhina1519 and Foxtrot1702, Thanks for the support! And thank you everyone else for reading. Fav/Follow/Review.
He was falling asleep. His hand was being used as a foothold to stop his head from smashing against the wooden desk.
Theo, his friend, starts slapping his eye balls. Trying so desperately to stay awake.
"Mortimer – Quick, break my arm." Nott, in essence, begs. Resting his head against Mortimer's shoulder, he closes his eyes.
"Only if you break mines. That way we wouldn't need to be here." Mortimer mumbled through his lips, feeling his head getting heavier.
"Wake me up will you?" Attempting to get cozy, Mortimer looks away to find that the other children were struggling to stay up.
Lavender began to snore and Seamus was drooling all over himself. Mortimer rubs one of his eyes when Theo's mouth opened wide, wheezing long breathes.
Oh god…
"Theo if you drool over me – I swear – "
As clear as day, Granger's request was heard in front of the whole class. "I was wondering if you could tell us anything about the chamber of secrets."
Once word spread, everybody suddenly found themselves waking up, breaking the sleeping curse.
As Granger and Professor Binns went back and forth on what was deemed fact and legend. Mortimer felt a tad bit nervous. He couldn't deny his own curiosity. The chamber of secrets was all everyone could talk about. A popular topic these pass few days, it was playing around the minds of every wizard and witch, especially those who came from non-magical families.
He was able to get a really vague idea from a few students here and there, though not enough. He wants to understand what made a chamber so important and did it somehow involve the voice he's been hearing.
Everyone was being careful, cautious out of fear that they might be targeted. Thankfully, no one has been harmed… yet…
Lowering his eyes, Mortimer gives Theo a quick slap to the cheek. "Wha – Who? Wh-What's happening?" Theo's eyes pop in startling awakening.
Whispering, he says. "They're talking about the chamber."
Professor Binns would go on and explain the history of Hogwarts – It's founding members, sought out a sanctuary, away from those who would come to harm them. To create a sort of establishment, dedicated to help those who posses the same abilities. To control and educate students about their very own magic.
And of course, somewhere down the line, a crack amongst the founders was form.
Mortimer didn't care much about this information until his ancestor was finally mentioned. How Salazar became picky about who should be welcomed and who should be condemned. How his views broke the bonds of friendship.
Tapping his ghostly chin, Professor Binns began to recall what he knew. "Legend goes, Salazar Slytherin created a secret chamber, one that no one knew about, not even the three founding members. A chamber that will never be opened. That is, until, an Heir can be found. For it is that very heir that will be able to open its doors, unleashing what is being kept. A horror within, to purge, cleanse the school from those he deemed unfit."
The class quiet, trying to process the information.
Theo shook his head disbelief. In a hush tone he tells mortimer. "Stuff of nosense."
Mortimer was about to reply until Granger spoke again, waving her hand in the air. "What do you mean by the 'horror within', what exactly is in the chamber?"
Listening intently, Mortimer sits up straight once Binns opened his wrinkling mouth. "It is believed that a monster, a sort of creature, resides in the chamber. One that only the Slytherin heir can control alone. But of course, it is impossible because it simply does not exist."
"So your saying, no one else can find it, besides Slytherin's heir… right?" Seamus spoke out loud, pulling the attention towards him.
Professor Binns shook his head. "No one can open it because it isn't real."
"But what if it is? Aren't we all in danger?" Lavender chimed in, biting her lip, unease at the prospect of a monstrous creature roaming around.
"Many have tried looking for the chamber. With little success – " Binns' ghostly features were becoming impatient.
"That's because the heir is the only one who can. And maybe they're at the very school now!" Patil's voice, filled with concern, wavered the classroom.
The continuous talk about the chamber was quickly aggravating the professor. "I repeat! children – "
Interrupted again, Dean Thomas interjected. "It could be anyone. What if the monster is released? What happens then?"
"Alright! That's enough!" Professor Binns shouts. "I will say this one more time and then we can be done. The chamber does not exist. It isn't real. It was a story that shouldn't have been told. Now! We will be returning back to the Facts! And not myths."
The class became quiet when Binns turned over to start writing on the chalkboard. "We will be further discussing about the International Warlock Convention of 1289…"
"Do you think it's real?" Theo asked Mortimer, who appeared to be lost in deep contemplation. "Mortimer?"
"I don't know." Picking up his quill, he started to write what was on the board. "Not exactly our problem now, isn't it?"
Theo silently watched his friend, a blank expression, he couldn't tell whether he was concerned or not. "You're right. Even if the monster was real, we'd be safe. It'd be after the muggleborns."
Mortimer doesn't offer anything in return. His focus was on the lesson, but Theo could tell he was disturbed, just like everyone else here.
" – I wouldn't be in his house if you paid me –"
Lips pressed together, Mortimer walked behind the trio, hearing as Weasley bashes his house. "If the sorting hat had tried to put in Slytherin, I'd've got the train straight back home." Granger had nodded in agreement while Potter stayed silent.
As he walked coolly, a thought ran through his head. Professor Binns said only slytherin's heir could open the chamber. What did this mean for him? If only an heir could, did that make him capable? Did he unleash something he shouldn't have? No. Couldn't be. It was impossible. He hasn't done anything besides attending class and tutoring the girls, trying to live an everyday, ordinary life.
Which probably meant that there was someone out there was impersonating him, claiming to be Slytherin's heir.
But who? Why? As Professor Binns previously stated, the chamber did not exist so what reason was there to pretend? What was there to gain, besides the attention. To spread fear?
Was his secret out? Did somebody make the connection between him and his ancestors?
Letting out a sigh – No, perish the thought. The only people who knew were the Malfoy's… and every single pureblood wizard… They wouldn't sell him out. . . Would they? No, they couldn't have, they were too scared to even think about it.
Stop it! Can't get involved. He scolds himself. Leave it alone, keep your head down, and let it sort itself out…
" – Hey! Are you even listening?" Theo stopped in front of him, waving his hand across his face.
Staring over Theo's shoulder he watches the trio leave towards the great hall. "Yeah. And frankly it's beginning to annoy me."
"All I'm saying is that even if there is a possibility, don't you think it's worth looking into?"
"No. I don't. Personally, I think there's someone with too much time on their hands that they feel the need to start making false claims and vandalizing the school with gibberish statements."
Theo frowns. "Draco seems to think differently."
"Draco is an idiot." Folding his arms, Mortimer wasn't surprised to hear this.
Snorting, he shakes his head as they started walking again. "He seems very confident – Said that when the time comes, the true heir will reveal itself. That he might be closer then we think."
Draco is so dead…
He cursed internally while showing he had little interest on the outside. "Pft – Draco will say anything to just to stay ahead of everyone else, including lying."
"What makes me curious is why now? After all these years, it decides to show up as the same time as Potter."
"Maybe we should stop thinking about it and go back to actual, more important things… like homework."
Mortimer hoped his words were enough to sway him from continuing the topic. He couldn't let the others get any closer, the last thing he needed was his friends snooping around, only to later find that the so-called heir was right under their noses. On another note, he would need to talk to Draco. The idiot is going to screw him over if he starts bragging to every kid around the school that he was related to Slytherin.
"What's got you so riled up?" Theo asked, turning around a corner.
When they did, Mortimer nearly ran into a small figure. The person nearly trips but was fortunately saved by his quick thinking. "Shoot! I'm sorry."
As he apologizes, it takes him a seconds to realize it was Ginny.
The Weasley girl looks up, her eyes widened when they meet his. She seemed deadly pale, there were round dark circles around her eyes, her hair wasn't as neatly brushed from other times. And despite the animosity between families, Mortimer felt slightly concerned. "Are you ok… Ginny?"
"Um – I. . ." She nods her head aggressively. "Yes! Mm' f-fine."
Not really believing her, he askes her again. "Are you sure?"
It was probably a wrong move on his behalf. Ginny was quick to anger. "I said I'm fine!" Her hands clutching her books. "So why don't you and go bother someone else who isn't a bloodtraitor."
Taken aback, Mortimer watches her go, sprinting right into the crowd. Theo raises a brow. "What was that all about?"
It was complicated to explain. Still, he couldn't help but feel bad for the girl. Their first encounter had been one of the highlights of the week, it was the first time he's ever spoken to a real witch, someone who grew up with all this magic.
He thought he had made a friend that day. Sadly, the Black name, and association with the Malfoys, had diminish that chance. "Nothing – I'll catch up with you later, be' heading to the library."
Rolling his eyes, Theo gestures his hands before leaving him.
As Nott vanishes in the field of crowded children, Mortimer flinches back at the sight of Luna. She was wearing her uniform – minus the robe, was styling what appeared to be a safari hat.
Placing a hand on his chest, he was close to yelling. "Jesus, Luna! What are you doing – nearly gave me heart attack… and what's with the hat?"
Her hands behind her back, she does small bounces with her feet. "Nice, isn't it?"
Scratching his head, he was starting to get the picture on how to deal with the ravenclaw. "Yeah. . . Pretty nice…"
"Good." She stays silent, staring into space. "I came looking for you." Placidly, she proceeds to say, after which, had pulled another hat that was hiding behind her back.
Surprised, he cautiously takes it. "Why?"
"We're going hunting." Casually she strolls near a wall where two nets were neatly placed.
Obviously, he was confused and at a loss, especially when she had offered him one of the nets. "For?"
"Dabberblimps." She whispered, turning around she started moving towards the entrance hall.
Mortimer wasn't giving enough time to process what in the world she meant by 'dabberblimps'. Regardless, he shook his head in disbelief. After standing there like an complete idiot, her puts on the hat and starts going after her.
"Care to explain to me what a dabberblimp is?" Mortimer questions from behind.
It was clear that this was Luna's expedition, there was an informative tone in her voice when she spoke. "They're magical creatures that inhabit the sea – Similar to be merpeople."
The doors to the schools entrance open, allowing them access to the outside grounds.
Mortimer didn't really believe her, but out of politeness, kept this thought to himself. He doesn't question her but only continues to follow once they passed near a greenside hill.
Coming to her side, he tilts his head. "Why are we hunting for these creatures in particular?"
Crunching on fallen leaves and broken twigs, they come closer to their destination.
Roaming through the forest grounds they swiftly made their way to the great lake. "To make sure no harm comes to the merpeople – On another note, we should warn them on how to protect themselves"
Rotating his eyes, he couldn't believe he was actually going along with this. "Of course – how foolish of me. . ."
Once they arrive at the lake, Luna bends down and starts dipping her fingers inside the water. Mortimer only watches, and soon, frowns when she starts splashing her hand on the water.
He face palms.
This process goes on for at least five minutes. With Mortimer only observing, he starts flicking his net around.
"Hm – Strange… they normally come when they hear sound patterns." Attempting again, this however, came in a hard splash.
Swinging his net through the air, he thought about what to do with Draco. He wanted to desperately believe that he wouldn't go out and tell the others. Tell them that their heir was only a few feet away. Mortimer trusted him enough to tell him his most deepest secrets – Was it all a mistake? Was he fooled by the Malfoy heir into confessing his vulnerability?
What would the others think? Would they fear him? Distance themselves away because of his relation? It was frustrating to think on the what if's. It was more worrying to think his own cousin would sell him out.
Rolling his neck, a loud crack could be heard.
"Oh look! I think one's heading our way." Luna said excitingly, pointing out the distant shore.
Luna looks over her shoulder, her brows knit. "Mortimer, fix yourself. We shouldn't insult them."
A silent breath, he adjusts his hat before straightening his robes. Why indulge the kooky ravenclaw? Mortimer was starting to question his own reasoning.
There was a small bump emerging beneath the water. It drew closer, when it did, a small hairless head arises. Luna smiles, eagerly anticipating.
Unhealthy green skin with small sharp horns appears, rather bug-eyed creature, it seemed more animalistic, not civil at all.
"Luna, I don't think –"
There was a loud screech coming from the underwater lake until the unknown critters began throwing what looked like very squishy-mushy seaweed plants.
A small squeak from Luna, she backs away as she's hit with a pellets of algae.
Dropping the net, he takes off his robes, using it to shield Luna from their immature attacks. In doing so made him the target.
Letting out a gag, he yells. "These are not merpeople – these are grindylows!"
He was hit again, slopping against his uniform. "Maybe the grindylow scared the debberblimps away." Hearing her muffled voice behind the cloth, he wanted to shout at her stupidity.
Guiding Luna backwards, they start walking back as the pack of grindylow creatures flock their tentacles, hurling and dousing Mortimer in gooey sea tangles. "Alright! I think that's enough hunting for one day, don't you think?"
Soon as they got a good distance away, the sea demons headed back inside the depths of their water home.
"I suppose… We should try again in spring! It will certainly be a lot warmer, perfect for catching the pesky –"
Removing the robe, Luna starts giggling, covering her mouth with her hand. "You're covered in rockweed."
He growls in response, he uses his hands to try to remove the gunk that was stuck in his vest. "No thanks to you, Lovegood."
They headed back towards the gravel path that would lead them to the fields of grass, just behind the trees.
The ridiculous hat he was wearing didn't provide much cover as he feels what seems to be slime, running down from his temple.
Luna walked alongside him, a small stain of green goo on the right side of her shoulder. She turns her head to give him one of those weird smiles. Mortimer only looks away, secretly feeling creeped out. Why was she smiling?
"You're not very mean." She says calmly. "I think they're wrong about you."
Escorting her through the forest, passing various bushes, he replies with a question. "How do you know?"
Staring towards the sky, she shrugs. "You don't really believe me about the creatures, but still went out of your way to help. I like it. It was very kind of you."
Mortimer was quiet as he continues his normal pace. A small wipe of his cheek, small guilt ran down his spine. But went no further once she spoke again. "You're a good friend."
Silent again, Luna's words baffles him. A good friend? He didn't really know what that meant. What made him a good friend? All he did was stand there and watch as she tried to grab the attention of some made up creature. Not much effort was placed since then, other than making sure the vile grindylow didn't hurt her.
He certainly wasn't qualified to be labeled as a friend.
A little more speed in their pace, they were nearing the view side of the school's grounds. Though Mortimer stops his legs for a reason. Seeing this causes Luna to stop in her tracks as well.
His head moves left.
Coming to face a dark winged horse, skeletal features on its body. Yet, it's face was almost reptilian-like, the wings reminded him of the one's that bats carried. There was more than one that they seemed to come in herds.
The first time he spotted them was when they arrived at the gates of Hogwarts. Freaked out, he saw many of the dark thin horses – How they pulled the carriages that would be carrying them all the way to the school. It took some time to get use to, eventually, he found them fascinating.
"Thestrals." Luna's said. A warm smile, she turns and takes a few steps close to where they were hiking. "Very gentle very beautiful… A shame."
Seeing her bold move, he copies. "Why?"
Nodding her head, Luna stares at them deeply with admiration. "Those who can see them are often frightened of them."
Giving her a quick glance, he raises a brow in a ponderous matter. " Those who can see them? What do you mean?"
A silent break, the two children observed the boney horses traveled across the woodlands.
It was calm and serene. The creatures were aware that they were being watched but seemed unconcern. Deeming them to be not a threat but mere standbys.
"Those who have witnessed death…" Luna said softly. "are the ones who are able to see them."
Ah – So there lies the answer. Only those who have seen someone die were able to spot these somewhat disturbing looking beasts. It was rather fitting. Considering they appeared to come from death itself, it wasn't hard to imagine why anyone would be spooked out of their minds.
Steadily the herd of thestrals pass the two of them, fading away deep into the forestlands.
"I witnessed my mother's death. It is why I am able to see them."
Mortimer had no way to respond. "I'm sorry."
She shakes her head before speaking. "Don't be. It isn't like we said goodbye – We'll see each other again. . . Someday."
"Someday." He repeats in a hush tone, it was nice that she believed in the afterlife. For when the time came, she would be reunited with her loved one.
Personally, he couldn't say the same for himself. What awaits in the afterlife for him, if there was even one, would remain a mystery.
Kicking a bunch of pebbles, he starts saunters back on a pathway of brushed up leaves. "We should get back before it gets dark."
Luna's gaze remained stuck to the outer regions of the forest. One simple nod, she turns and runs to Mortimer, who had already begun to move.
Somewhere inside the school – specifically the gryffindor common room – a trio of no-good misfits were up to their usual shenanigans.
"Who can it be though?" A soundless question, Granger ponders. "Who would want to drive out all the squibs and muggleborns out of the school?"
Ron gave off a 'really?' look. As if the answer hadn't been obvious from the beginning. "Wait – Let me think…"
Rubbing his chin in a mocking tone. "Who do we know despises, and thinks, muggleborns are nothing but scum?"
"If you're talking about Malfoy –"
"Of course of I'm talking about Malfoy!" Holding his head in bafflement, he nearly shouts.
" You'll be next mudbloods!" He mimics Malfoy's whiney, snobbish, voice. "You can definitely see it in his rat foul of a face."
A stupid suggestion, Hermione remained unconvinced when she folds her arms. "Malfoy. . . The Heir of Slytherin? Really?"
"I mean – Look at his family." Harry speaks, closing his charms book, there was a serious expression weighing down. "They're in slytherin – all of them. I wouldn't be surprised to find out if Malfoy was related to him."
"Exactly!" Ron couldn't agree more. "And if it's not Malfoy, it has to be Black."
Hermione refused to acknowledge such an outlandish idea, it simply wasn't possible. "Honestly, Ron! Mortimer? He is last person we should consider." Her bushy hair disfavoring the mere thought. "Malfoy, I can understand. But Mortimer? He would never."
"Oh come on!" Ron's eyes were wide on her. "Just look at the way he looks – His stare alone. . . It's just so unsettling."
Harry had to pause for a brief moment. Ron had a point, there was something eerily wrong with Black. Seeing how fear seeped through his body when they ran into Mrs. Norris' petrified body, there was a sense of suspicion when it came to Mortimer's expression.
Then again, Hermione was very confident that he was innocent. Recalling their previous encounters, which wasn't that many, Black was relatively preserved, a figure trying to hide in the shadows, blending in a crowd. Totally different from Malfoy, he never spoke to anyone or acted in that snobbish, spoiled Malfoy way.
Mysterious in many ways. There was discussions on just who exactly is Mortimer Black. Hermione says he had to have been raised by muggles, finding out he had only moved into the Malfoy home just a year ago. In contrast, Ron said they had kept him secret in order to not raise suspicion on what their true intentions were, raising him to be the next Voldemort.
"If he was really slytherin's heir, he wouldn't have saved me from the troll." Hermione's voice was getting quite loud as she debated. "He could have easily let it crush me."
"It could have been a trick. To let your guard down. And as soon as he was ready. POW! He hits you when you at least expect it." Ron retorts, ignoring Granger's glare. "And don't you remember? He let Malfoy call you a mudblood – Didn't even try to apologize."
"He shouldn't." Hermione said softly, she chews on her bottom lip. "But, I guess you have a point. Mortimer could have stopped him from being…"
"A complete utter git?" Ron finishes her sentence.
"What do you think, Harry?"
Staring at his two friends for a little while longer, pensive. "I can't say he isn't responsible. But, we can't rule him out either. There's no way to know for sure."
A light bulb flickers when Hermione draws near them, turning her head left and right to make sure no one else heard. "Polyjuice Potion."
Both Harry and Ron's voices came together. "What?"
A groan escapes her mouth as she begins to explain that Professor Snape had mentioned this not too long ago.
It was a recipe that allowed the user to transform into somebody else. They would use it to their advantage by disguising themselves as slytherin's. To then, asking Malfoy for information and maybe, just maybe, they'd get a confession.
Unfortunately, the only way to get the actual recipe was by getting it from a book that belonged to the restricted section. Moste Potente Potions. A piece of work that required a teacher's sign of approval.
"It's hopeless. We'll never be able to get it without rousing suspicion." Sighed Ron, his hands holding onto his cheeks before sliding them down to his lap.
"Maybe we could tell them we're interested in just reading it as theory –" Tapping her chin with her index finger, she contemplated on their next move.
Ron was unconvinced. The professors here weren't known to be easily fooled. "No teacher will fall for that. You have to be completely thick to believe that…"
As his two friends went head on against each other. Harry thought more about the voice, the strange things that was happening inside the school. With the writings on the wall, a petrified cat, and the spiders that had all retreated away.
Something was very wrong.
It had to be the work of Malfoy, going as far as believing Lucius Malfoy involvement. He couldn't very well accuse him, not without evidence to prove it.
But Ron's suggestion made him think twice.
Thoughts of Mortimer and the connection he had was significantly low. Did he think Mortimer would really hurt anyone? He was the son a notorious witch – So perhaps? Hermione didn't think he had it in him. They were desk partners and often worked well together, it was unbelievable for her think ill of him. Yet, there was part of Harry that told him Mortimer knew something; he could feel it.
For now, Harry's main focus was to gain access to the restriction section. The polyjuice potion was their safest bet and if all goes as plan, Harry will have his answers.