Chapter Thirteen: The Attacks Begin

October 31st, 1992

The term had passed with little incident so far. Hermione loved Harry's gift for her birthday, a book called The Basics of Mind Magics: How to Protect and Enhance Your Mind. The first incident worth mentioning were the first class of Defense where the students were left to deal with Cornish Pixies on their own and everyone complained to their Head of House and he was put under investigation. The only other event of note was the first Quidditch practice of the year. Slytherin had come onto the pitch to train their new seeker, Draco Malfoy. The altercation came to a head when Harry cast a spell to make Draco puke up slugs for calling Hermione a "mudblood." Otherwise, the time passed relatively uneventful until Halloween.

It was nearing the end of classes for the day when he first heard the voice calling out to kill. Not wanting to rouse suspicion, he waited until the end of class to leave with the rest of the students. When the entire class stopped in front of a wall, he saw Mrs. Norris strung up by her tail, stiff as a board. The thing that had disturbed him was the message written in bood. "The Chamber of Secrets is open once more. Enemies of the heir, beware!"

Draco lost house points when he used the word "mudblood" in front of Professor McGonagall, but Harry voiced his worries to his friends that knew his secret, which at that point was most of the Lions in his year. "Just brilliant. If I ever speak to a snake in front of others this year, they're sure to think I'm Slytherin's Heir."

But Hermione got him to relax by telling him to make a powerful statement to get ahead of the rumors that might come. So, the next day, most people came across a new message that was written on the opposite wall in gold magic. "The Lion that speaks to snakes will do everything in his power to protect the school from Slytherin's Heir. For he is the Heir of Gryffindor."

The next History class, Herbert went over the legend of the Chamber of Secrets, and how it was opened fifty years ago. He also speculated that the other founders might have such rooms, but only a true heir could open them. It was this thought that Harry latched onto to try and protect the students.

Unfortunately, he hadn't found it by the time he was put in the hospital wing after winning the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match. Colin Creevy had been petrified while sneaking down to see him. Some of the school seemed wary of him after that, but the entirety of Gryffindor and his cousins and the friends they had made believed him — their were even some Slytherins who believed him.

Professor Snape was apparently using his upper year classes to help brew the restorative potion, the Mandrakes for herbology class were being cultivated by Professor Sprout's best students. Some mature ones had been purchased, but they wouldn't be getting there until the first batch of potions were ready.


November 22nd, 1992

Colin had been given the first restorative, but his only hint was hissing and something dragging on the floor. After the game of Slytherin vs. Hufflepuff ended in a draw, Harry stumbled upon a hidden room in the Gryffindor tower.

He had to unlock it by using his Gryffindor heirship ring, and what he found took his breath away. It was a room of ornate marble with Lion statues lining both sides of the room. At the end of the room, there was a giant lion with scarlet fur and a golden mane. Its blue eyes studied Harry for a moment before it bowed in deference.

The Great Lion then spoke into Harry's mind. I have awaited one of the Heirs of Gryffindor to approach me for some time. Alas, none were in the castle the last time Salazar's Chamber was opened. But you are here now. I am immune to the gaze of the creature that has attacked; However I am bound by secrecy not to tell anyone what the other Guardians are.

After overcoming his shock, Harry spoke. "Can you help me defend the castle from the attacker?"

A sad look came across the Great Lion's face. Unfortunately, no. The four Guardians may not attack each other. However, I can indirectly help you. Take some of my fur, and your ring will help with the rest. If you have need to slay Slytherin's Gardian, call for Godric's Sword. Stay safe, young Heir of Gryffindor.

After collecting some of the Great Lion's fur, Harry went back to his dorm after locking the Secret Den, as he chose to call it. Once alone in his room, he consulted the ring on what to do with the fur. After a few minutes, his eyes snapped open. The process would be a bit complicated, but if it worked, nobody else would be petrified. It would take a month or so, but it would be worthwhile.


Author's Note: Alright, sorry about being late again. Maybe I'll just stick to the "when the chapter is ready" post schedule. As you can see, I borrowed the idea of purchasing mature mandrakes from "A Harmonius Beginning", though I tweaked it a little bit. The Secret Den is (as far as I'm aware) my own idea. But unfortunately for Harry, his new plan will run into some hurdles.