Disclaimer: Harry Potter Universe is Copyright JK Rowling.
Harry Potter with a Twist of Fate.
Chapter Two
Kicking himself, Harry belatedly wondered why hadn't he checked the Marauders Map on the way.
"I have to ask, please don't tell anyone about this."
Drip, drip, drip.
The only sound breaking the stillness of the moment was a leaky faucet. Daphne's expression became, if possible, even more suspicious. It didn't escape Harry's attention that she had her wand in her hand and had pivoted to put herself near the door. He did take heart in the fact her wand wasn't pointed at him and she hadn't started screaming.
"Do you want the short version or the long?" Harry tried to be diplomatic.
"The short version. Why are you in the women's bathroom?" As she said this Daphne eyed the tunnel behind Harry. "How did you do that?"
Not really seeing any other options Harry decided just to go for it. "I'm here because, that," nodding towards the tunnel, "is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets." Harry expected her to scoff, maybe call him a liar. He didn't expect her to point her wand at him with an intense look.
"I don't believe it. That was Parseltongue. You really are the Heir of Slytherin!" Daphne gasped.
"What? No." Harry couldn't help sounding insulted.
"That was Parseltongue, wasn't it? I had heard rumors but thought they were false."
Understanding dawned on Harry, she thought he was the one behind the attacks last year. "I can speak it, but, I'm not the Heir of Slytherin," Harry said in a pacifying tone.
"Then how do you know where the Chamber of Secrets is?" Daphne accused.
"At the end of second year I found the Chamber and, well, defeated the Heir." Harry finished uncomfortably.
"What do you mean defeated? How did you-?"
Harry slowly held a hand up. "That would be the long version. I would be willing to tell you most of the story if you don't mind lowering your wand." At that Daphne looked at her hand seeming to remember that she had him at wandpoint. After a moments consideration she pointed her wand at the floor.
"Thanks." Encouraged Harry continued, "I also have to ask you not to tell anyone about the entrance. Not only will I get in trouble but someone could get hurt."
Daphne didn't respond immediately. In the quiet, Harry's mind wandered. How much trouble was he in if she spread the news? On one hand he was fairly sure only he could open the Chamber, on the other hand a voice rather like McGonagall's was saying, "Fifty points from Gryffindor! Detention! Putting students at risk!"
Drip, drip, drip.
Racking his brain for what he knew about Daphne, the only thing Harry came up with was, that she hung around Tracey Davis and was top of the class at Potions.
She was normally pretty good in the other lessons they shared he thought, but they hadn't interacted much.
Drip, drip, drip.
Not being able to stand the awkwardness of the silence, Harry muttered, "Where's Myrtle when you need her?"
As if waiting for this signal Daphne said, "I would like to know the long version. If I believe you're not the Heir, then I won't tell anyone."
Harry looked into her blue eyes and debated how forthcoming he should be. She's a Slytherin but he couldn't remember hearing her ever being cruel or acting like Malfoy. He also really needed her to not spread the location of the Chamber. Going with his instinct he decided to trust her. Although, he did begrudgingly make a mental note that he should probably tell Professor Dumbledore about his blunder. "Let me close the entrance and let's go sit in one of the classrooms nearby." Daphne gave him a questioning glare. "This is going to take a while and I don't want anyone else coming by and seeing us in here together, do you?"
Daphne rolled her eyes and said, "Alright, two doors down there is a room that will work."
"Close," Harry hissed. Turning Daphne lead the way quickly down the hall. After Harry entered the room, she began casting spells at the door. Finishing she apprehensively sat across from Harry at a four-person oak table.
"What were those spells?"
"Just a basic locking charm and a minor privacy ward. The ward won't keep people from listening in but will notify me if they are."
"Impressive, where did you learn that?" Harry asked.
"My father. Now, what do you mean defeated the Heir and how did you find the Chamber?"
Gathering his thoughts, he began retelling his adventures of second year.
Chuckling, "I guess it all started with a house elf"-
"Found Ms. Norris on our way back from Sir Nicholas's Deathday party"-
"Everyone started accusing me"-
"Heard whispering and voices no one else did"-
Harry had not told this story, other than to Dumbledore and had only discussed it with Ron and Hermione. He found it easier than he thought to talk about once he got going.
"Polyjuice Potion in Myrtle's bathroom"-
"Found a diary"-
"Follow the spiders"-
"Found a note in Hermione's hand explaining it was a basilisk"-
"Myrtle was the first victim"-
Harry had been careful not to mention Voldemort, or Tom Marvolo Riddle for that matter.
"So, then Lockhart tried to hit us with a memory charm, but Ron's wand was broken so it backfired and wiped his memory." Daphne smiled at the poetic justice. Swallowing Harry continued, "When it happened there was an explosion that collapsed most of the hallway and I was separated from Ron and Lockhart."- Here, Harry hesitated unsure if he should finish and how to handle the sensitive subjects.
Throughout his tale Daphne was a good listener, rarely interjecting or asking questions. She gasped when hearing about Aragog and when he said basilisk. "So, what did you do?" Daphne asked softly.
Deciding he would just say that the Diary was cursed by the Heir and leave it vague on the details.
"I told Ron to try to clear a hole and that I would go on after Ginny alone."-
"Desperate I called for help and Fawkes, Dumbledore's Phoenix, came"-
"The basilisk struck, so, desperate I stabbed upward into its mouth. I-I killed it but it's fang struck my arm." Harry trembled slightly remembering the pain as venom burned through his body.
"What?! How did you survive? Basilisk venom is fatal."
Rolling up his sleeve Harry showed the scar near his elbow. "I didn't think I was going to. Then Fawkes flew down and started to cry into the wound. According to the Headmaster phoenix tears are the only known antidote and it has to be administered immediately." Harry didn't notice Daphne reaching out toward the scar then realizing what she was doing pulling her hand back.
"Then I stabbed the Diary with the fang I removed from my arm. Destroying it and the Heir's spirit. Ginny woke up and when we made it back to the cave-in Ron had moved enough rubble for us to squeeze through. Then Fawkes carried us all back up. Uh, yeah so that's the long version." Harry felt a little lighter but also a little embarrassed. He didn't really know Daphne and was nervous again now that he finished.
Daphne seemed to want to say something but every time she opened her mouth no sound came out. "So do you believe me?"
Sound returning Daphne snorted slightly. "No offense Potter but I don't think you could have made all that up."
"Call me Harry."
"Harry. Yes, I believe you. I do think your bloody insane for taking on a basilisk with a sword though."
"Do you understand now why I shouldn't have let you see the entrance and will you promise not to tell?" Harry asked hopefully.
Nodding, "I promise." Daphne said sincerely. "You still haven't really said what you were doing there today."
"Well, I realized, with everything happening I didn't get to see if there is anything else down there. I haven't been back so I was going to explore the Chamber and find out." Harry wasn't sure what to say next. The awkward silence returned, so he tried to think how to leave without being rude.
"Uh- I guess I should be going; we've been here for some time." Smooth he thought. With that he slid his chair out and started to rise.
"Wait. Are you still going down there?" Daphne said standing.
"Yeah. I mean, not right now, this took a while and I realized while talking that I should have been more prepared." He was thinking of the Marauders Map and his broom. He had intended to see if the tunnel could become stairs. He knew Ginny had been able to get in and out without a phoenix. He planned to get his Firebolt back from Ron if needed; but he was close by when leaving the Great Hall and wanted to see if he could figure out how Ginny did it.
"I want to go with you." Daphne stated.
"Why?"
"Curiosity. I've always been interested in the Founders and want to see Salazar's Chamber for myself. Also, my family runs the largest potion business in Britain and if the basilisk is as big as you say then it could be priceless. I could reach out to my father and get help for rendering it."
Harry had not thought about the value of the snake. Thinking she wanted to get her father to be the middle man and take a cut, Harry asked, "You want to go for the money?"
"Money? Like I said I want to go because I'm curious. The thought of living history instead of just reading about it is exciting." Daphne said eagerly. "I offered to contact my father because he knows the right people and could make sure that you get a fair deal. I figured you were going to check its state to sell the parts. He wouldn't try to cheat you or anything."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that. I hadn't thought about the money." Harry started weighing his options. "I have to be clear; this could be dangerous." Daphne just looked at him unfazed. "It will be filthy down there."
Daphne frowned slightly but said, "And?"
Harry looked Daphne up and down. "And, you look like you have never gotten dirty a day in your life."
Blushing slightly, "I have helped my parents with potions since I was a child. Have you ever disemboweled a magical creature?" Not giving time for an answer, "I will be fine. Any other arguments?"
"Uh." It seemed like a bad idea but honestly, he didn't really have any other arguments. She already knew about the Chamber and if the basilisk was still intact her father's contacts could be useful. She had been nice enough and if he told her no, she might decide to try anyways or tell someone.
"Okay."
"Okay?" Daphne's smile made Harry's stomach lurch.
"Sure, why not. Can you get away tonight, after dinner?" Harry felt the moisture rapidly leave his mouth. He had not spent much time with any girls other than Hermione.
"Meet back here at eight thirty?" Daphne asked.
"That works, come prepared. Don't tell anyone." Harry moved to the door.
He made it halfway out when Daphne said with a smirk, "It's a date." Trying not to trip over his own feet he just shook his head and kept going.
Walking up to the quidditch pitch Harry was brought out of his own thoughts when he heard a deep booming voice. "Harry! What yeh doin' Why ain't yeh up there flying?" Hagrid had been in a wonderful mood ever since Buckbeak got away. He was sitting beside Hermione taking up easily half the row by himself. Harry just shrugged and joined them, sitting in front of them.
Running over everything he had just discussed with Daphne he turned and asked, "Hagrid, how valuable are rare magical creature parts?"
"Pends on how rare." Hagrid sat up straight and looked down at Harry. "Iffen its useful an' hard to get then yeah. I sell some of the parts I come cross tendin' the grounds."
Not wanting to insult his large friend Harry cautiously asked, "Then why don't you have more money?"
Snorting Hagrid responded, "I do alrigh'. Sides I usually only sell stuff to get stuff to help other creatures, gettin' food or medicine an' the like." Hermione had been engrossed in a book of minor charms. Placing her bookmark, she closed it. "Why do you ask Harry?"
"Hello to you to." Hermione's only response was to raise an eyebrow. "Well, someone I spoke to was saying that parts to certain magical beasts could be priceless."
"Lots of potion and rituals require rare ingredients. Who were you talking to?" Hermione always seem to notice when Harry was holding something back. He was saved from having to respond when Ron landed right beside him.
"Blimey! This broom is amazing! Cheers mate." Sitting down he started replaying the highlights of todays pickup quidditch.
"Harry!" One of the twins was flying overhead waving him up.
Taking his broom, he waved to his friends and jumped over the side of the stands. Harry spent the next hour or so playing quidditch. Then, he just flew around for pleasure. Flying. Nothing ever seemed to clear his mind as well seeing the ground shrink away. With this clarity he still didn't understand why he had told Daphne as much as he had, and why he agreed with her to go with him. He also felt nervous thinking about it being just the two of them alone. Harry didn't have much experience talking to women, other than Hermione, but he had started to notice them.
"Harry, were about to go its almost dinnertime, you coming?" Angelina Johnson was an athletic tall fifth year chaser for Gryffindor. She had looked out for Harry since he joined the team first year.
"Sure. Race ya"- Immediately, Harry went into a near vertical dive sweeping past the hovering Angelina.
Landing she gave him a playful punch on the shoulder.
Mustering his courage, Harry asked, "Got a minute?"
"Sure." Walking where they wouldn't be overheard. "What's up?"
"So, I'm meeting someone later and I don't want to come off weird. Like what should I talk about?"
"You have a date?" Angelina was beaming.
"Not a date! I'm just showing them something." Harry said color rushing to his face.
Seeing his embarrassment and confused feelings Angelina proceeded to give slight helpful pointers, but mostly just kept telling him to be himself. While Harry still didn't think he had learned much, he did feel better about his odds of not making a fool of himself. Besides it wasn't a real date.
"Thanks Angie."
"See ya at dinner."
"Catch you later."
"Why are you staring at Malfoy?"
Harry had not been looking at Malfoy. He was looking at Daphne who was talking to Tracey and sitting only a few seats from Draco.
"I wasn't. I just spaced out." Not wanting Hermione to question this, he diverted her attention. "How do you think you did in Ancient Runes?" Asking he looked back at his plate and stabbed part of his roast.
"Oh, I think I did okay." Ron snorted into his pumpkin juice hearing this.
"I think I made some minor mistakes inscribing them but I think I did well with the translations." Hermione ignored Ron.
Harry enjoyed the rest of dinner, occasionally joining in with conversation. His mind was on the Chamber. Harry made his way to his dorm to get ready for the evening. He packed the Map, his Firebolt and his Invisibility Cloak. This would of been cumbersome, but in another stroke of brilliance, he asked Neville if he had an extra satchel he could borrow. Neville was easily the best at Herbology in the year. As such he used some magical bags that had expansion and feather light charms on them for moving some magical plants or to bring tools. Neville said he had just gotten a newer, better one, so he gave Harry one of his old ones. Harry with his brown leather satchel secured, was reminded of a movie he once saw Dudley and his friends watching.
The next hurdle Harry overcame was Ron and Hermione. Ron wasn't that difficult, he offered Fred and George some answers about the Marauders if they kept him distracted for the evening. Harry trusted Ron; just days ago he had jumped in front of a wanted murderer and told him he'd have to kill him to get to Harry. Harry also knew Ron disliked Slytherin's on principal and would want to tag along.
Hermione observant as always was a different story. "What are you actually doing tonight?" She whispered after checking no one was nearby. "And who are you meeting?" Evidently his well thought out excuse had fallen flat.
Pushing his annoyance down at being so readable Harry sighed and whispered back. "I'm going to the Chamber and I'm meeting Greengrass." Harry gave a slight shake of his head at the look Hermione gave him. "It's not like that. She saw me in Myrtle's bathroom about to go in."
Hermione voice barely audible. "Is she blackmailing you?" Harry shook his head again. "What happened then?" Harry chuckled and whispered back, "I'll tell you the long version later but I explained what I was doing and she wanted to come along."
Hermione contemplated then offered quietly, "Do you want me to go with you?"
"That's alright, I'll be fine, we are just going to look around. If we find anything I'll let you know or bring you next time." With that Hermione gave him a searching look then nodded and went back to her book
The trek through the castle was uneventful with the use of the Map and his invisibility cloak. He arrived a few minutes early, sat and waited. Thinking he needed to learn some privacy spells like Daphne had used earlier he pulled the Map out again laid it on the table to watch her approach. Seeing her come down the hallway he frowned when he noticed another name trailing hers.
Before the door had even closed Harry asked, "I thought you said you wouldn't tell anyone." Daphne turned and said, "I didn't. What are you talking about?" Harry, angry she was lying glared at her. "Yeah, then why is Tracey Davis right around the corner?" At the confused look she gave him, Harry began to doubt himself.
Daphne's look shifted to anger. She poked her head out and stage whispered, "Tracey, get in here!"
Turning to Harry, "I didn't tell her anything she must of followed me." Before he could respond Tracey came in. "What the hell are you doing here?" Daphne asked.
"Me? What are you doing meeting Harry Bloody Potter?" She thumbed in his direction. "Alone in an abandoned classroom?" Tracey retorted. Daphne looked between Harry and Tracey. "How did you know I was following you? I thought I was sneaky." She trailed off.
"She didn't, I did." Harry responded for her. "As for why she is meeting me, it's a secret." Tracey looked ready to argue that when Harry continued. "Do you trust her?" Daphne immediately nodded. "Then after tonight you can tell her the short version. If, she promises not to tell."
Daphne was surprised, with how angry Harry was before she thought he would call the whole thing off. "She does." Pointing her wand at Tracey, "You do." Daphne grabbed her by the arm and marched her over to the corner and held a quick, whispered conversation.
Tracey walked over to Harry. "I'm sorry I was worried about my friend. Ouch-Layoff." Daphne had poked her none to gently. "I mean I'm sorry,"-
Harry interrupted, "I understand. You're a good friend."
Before she could respond, Daphne quickly ushered her out of the bathroom. Exiting Tracey waved goodbye and called over her shoulder, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Daphne shooed her away and guiltily looked at Harry. "Sorry, I should have been more careful."
"Like I told Tracey, I understand. C'mon this might take a while." Checking the map once more. "Let's go."
This time when entering the bathroom, they were not alone. "Harry! It's been so long since you came to see me!" Myrtle pouted. Harry apologized and asked her if she would watch over the corridor. It took some convincing and Harry promising to visit her later.
"You're really are friends with ghosts?"
Harry just shrugged and strode over to the sink.
"Open." Harry hissed.
"Salazar used to jump through that?"
"Maybe, I think there must be another command. Stairs." Nothing. "Ladder." "Stairwell." Harry tried multiple variations without success. "Steps." At that the tunnel transformed with a long spiral staircase jutting out from the walls.
"Yes! It worked. You ready?" Daphne seemed unsure but nodded. "Let's go." Harry stepped in to the hidden stairwell and helped Daphne. He reached out and took her hand, while also casting Lumos with his wand hand.
"I think we are almost there. When we get to the bottom, I should warn you there is some bones and a large snakeskin." She squeezed his hand and he realized she hadn't let go since getting in the stairwell. They reached the bottom and started toward the Chamber proper. Harry went to release her hand but she tightened her grip.
"You alright?" Harry asked.
"I'm fine." Daphne said, her voice a little higher than usual. She didn't seem to notice her hand in his or she wanted it to stay that way, so Harry just kept going. They reached the cave-in. The hole Ron had cleared last year was too small now, but with some careful levitation spells it was easy to shift a few rocks and make it large enough.
Harry approached the inner door. "Open," he hissed.
"Wow!" Daphne's mouth was hanging while she looked around the green lit cavern. Then she saw the hulking mass of the ancient basilisk.
"MERLINS PANTS!" She squeezed his hand so hard it hurt.
"Daphne, it's okay, relax it's dead."
"Relax?! That-that has to be over 50 feet long!"
Harry talked to her soothingly until she calmed down. When she finally released his hand he shook some feeling back into it and they started looking around. Daphne at one point put on some Dragonhide gloves and took a small sample of the venom and cut a swatch of scale from its tail. Harry pointed out some actual ancient runes on the walls. While Daphne was one of the best in their year at Ancient Runes, she had never seen anything like them. Pulling out some spare parchment, she copied one of them down, planning to look it up later.
Harry eventually made his way to where Voldemort had summoned the snake. Hissing, "Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four." The mouth on the stone face began to open wide. "Daphne, I think there might be something back here." She was already by his side before he finished speaking.
"A little warning next time," she chided. Harry went into the opening noticing Daphne had claimed his hand once again. He found he liked holding her hand and the thought of a next time. Emboldened, Harry made his way confidently. "I see something. There's a door here." Harry said excitedly.
It was an ancient red mahogany door. It didn't have a visible frame and looked extremely out of place, just randomly on the tunnel wall. There were some runes and a gold looking circular knocker. Harry wondered if Voldemort or anyone else had been here since Salazar Slytherin himself.
"Here goes." Harry said reaching out and tentatively pushing the impressive door, while thinking, without magic, this door would be dust.
"Whoa!"