Lockhart follow Harry, Ron, and Ginny into Professor McGonagall's office. All of them were covered to the brim in muck and dirt, and in Harry's case blood. Then there was a scream as Molly Weasley, whom along with Arthur had arrived at Hogwarts after having been told of Ginny.
"Ginny!" She roared as she and her husband were both off there seats near the fire in Professor McGonagall's office, and raced over to and Embraced Ginny in a tight hug.
During all this Gilderoy, still shaking and pale, silently stood in the corner.
Also in the room stood Professor's Dumbledore and McGonagall. Dumbledore was looking at Harry in absolute pride, while Professor McGonagall had a hand on her chest and was taking deep breaths while trying to take in three of her student's all of whom looked to have just got back from hell. Neither Dumbledore, nor McGonagall, had even looked in Lockhart's direction, and for once he was fine not being the center of attention.
Fawkes suddenly flew past the quartet and landed on Dumbledore's shoulder. While Molly turned to Harry, and Ron, engulfing both in a giant hug.
"You saved her! You saved her! How did you do it?" Mrs. Weasley asked Harry and Ron gratefully.
"I think we'd all like to know that," Professor McGonagall added, now using the desk to steady herself.
All eyes were on Harry as Mrs. Weasley finally let him go. Harry took a deep breath, then walked towards the desk and placed the sword, and the remnants of Tom Riddle's diary on the desk
So Harry began to explain everything. For the next fifteen minutes everyone in the room listened as Harry went over the voices he'd been hearing, how they'd found the folded up piece of paper in Hermione's closed up fist and how she'd figured out the monster was a Basilisk, about how he, Ron, Sarah, and Anthony, the latter two causing everyone to look at each other surprised, had followed the spiders into the forest and found Aragog and how the old spider had told them how the girl who had died fifty years ago had died in the bathroom. How said girl, Harry has suspected to have been Myrtle, and how they thought the entrance to the Chamber of secrets might have been in said bathroom.
So far, Harry had avoided talking about Lockhart's part in all this. Seemingly Harry felt bad, and only wanted the Professor's to know, for which Lockhart couldn't help but feel thankful as he stood in the corner and listened quietly.
"Very well," Professor McGonagall finally interjected. "so you found out where the entrance was – breaking a hundred school rules into pieces along the way, I might add – but how on earth did you all get out of there alive, Potter?"
So Harry went on. Telling them about how they'd arrived in the Chamber, found Ginny unconscious form. He told them about how Fawkes had arrived, he told them how Fawkes had brought the sorting hat. And how the hat had given him the sword at his most desperate hour. But Lockhart noticed Harry has still not mentioned Riddle, or Ginny being possessed, or he himself being under the Imperius.
Clearly Harry was struggling to explain about Ginny most off, and so he subtly turned to Dumbledore who warmly smiled.
"What interests me most," Dumbledore began gently "is how Lord Voldemort managed to enchant Ginny, given he and Quirinus Quirrell have been in hiding."
Harry looked relieved as Dumbledore spoke, while Arthur Weasley eyes widened in horror, while Molly gasped.
"W-what's that?" Mr. Weasley asked, his voice laced with shock and horror. "You Know Who? En-enchant Ginny? But Ginny's not … Ginny hasn't been … has she?"
"It was this diary," Harry interjected quickly, picking up the diary and holding it up for all to see. "Riddle wrote it when he was sixteen."
Dumbledore took the diary from Harry and examined it, looking through the whole, and feeling the destroyed pages.
"Brilliant," Dumbledore muttered in a soft tone. "Of course, he was probably the most brilliant student Hogwarts has ever seen"'
Dumbledore then turned to face Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, who were both looking at him in total shock and confusion.
"Very few people know that Lord Voldemort was once called Tom Riddle. I taught him myself, fifty years ago, at Hogwarts. He disappeared after leaving the school … travelled far and wide … sank so deeply into the Dark Arts, consorted with the very worst of our kind, underwent so many dangerous, magical transformations, that when he resurfaced as Lord Voldemort, he was barely recognizable. Hardly anyone connected Lord Voldemort with the clever, handsome boy who was once Head Boy here." Dumbledore explained to the couple.
"But Ginny," Mrs. Weasley asked shakily, "what's our Ginny got to do with – with – him?"
"His d-diary!" Ginny finally spoke up through her tears. "I've b-been writing in it, and he's been w-writing back all year –"
"Ginny!" Mr. Weasley said, clearly shook. "Haven't I taught you anything? What have I always told you? Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain. Why didn't you show the diary to me, or your mother? A suspicious object like that, it was clearly full of Dark Magic!"
"I d-didn't know," Ginny replied, tears streaming down her face. "I found it inside one of the books Mum got me. I th-thought someone had just left it in there and forgotten about it …"
"Miss Weasley should go up to the hospital wing straight away," Dumbledore interjected in a understanding but firm voice. "This has been a terrible ordeal for her. There will be no punishment. Older and wiser wizards than she have been hoodwinked by Lord Voldemort." He walked over to the door, opening it. "Bed rest and perhaps a large, steaming mug of hot chocolate. I always find that cheers me up," Dumbledore added, giving Ginny and kind understanding look, his eyes twinkling warmly. " You will find that Madam Pomfrey is still awake. She's just giving out Mandrake juice – I dare say the Basilisk's victims will be waking up any moment."
"So Hermione's OK!" Ron said warmly.
"And Lisa too." Harry smiled.
"There has been no lasting harm done," Dumbledore replied with a warm smile, and a nod.
With that Molly gently led the still sobbing Ginny out by the arm. Arthur following behind, still a look of worry on his face. As the three Weasley's left the office, Professor Dumbledore turned to Professor McGonagall.
"You know, Minerva," He said while thoughtfully stroking his long beard. "I think all this merits a good feast. Might I ask you to go and alert the kitchens?"
"Right," Professor McGonagall replied nodding, making her way to the door. "I'll leave you to deal with Potter and Weasley, shall I?"
"Certainly," Dumbledore replied, and McGonagall strode out of the office and closed the door behind her.
And this exchange Harry and Ron looked at each other nervously. Deal with them? Surely Dumbledore wouldn't punish them for saving Ginny's life, and saving the school as a whole from closing.
"I seem to remember telling you both that I would have to expel you if you broke any more school rules," Dumbledore said, as Ron gasped in horror and Harry's stomach dropped.
"Which goes to show that the best of us must sometimes eat our words," Continued with a warm smile. "You will both receive Special Awards for Services to the School and – let me see – yes, I think two hundred points apiece for Gryffindor."
The dread Harry and Ron had both been feeling was replaced
"But one of us seems to be keeping mightily quiet about his part in this dangerous adventure," Dumbledore adding, finally turning his attention to Lockhart who was shaking even now "Why so modest, Gilderoy?"
Lockhart swallowed, nervously, not sure what to say. While Harry and Ron shared a look, they'd forgotten to tell Dumbledore about Lockhart.
"Sir. Lockhart he...he was put under the Imperius curse." Harry said, at this Dumbledore did look surprised and looked back and forth between Harry, Ron, and Lockhart.
"By whom?" Dumbledore asked stroking his beard once more.
"Quirrell." Harry replied.
There was another long silence, then Harry began to tell Dumbledore everything Tom had said in the Chamber about Lockhart. How Quirrell, and the modern day Voldemort had tried to use him to kidnap Harry and Sarah, how when Lockhart had seen the writing he had told the pair about it, everything. When they were finished Dumbledore turned back to Lockhart, whom was shaking worse now.
"I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean...to..." Lockhart muttered out shakily.
"It's quite all right Gilderoy." Dumbledore said calmly, holding a hand up. "As I said with Miss Weasley, you aren't the first person to be used by Lord Voldemort."
"I...I'm better now...I assure you." Lockhart said shakily.
"I can tell. Still, you're quite shaken. Mr. Weasley?" Dumbledore turned to Ron.
"Yes Professor?" Ron asks.
"Would you mind taking Professor Lockhart up to the hospital wing, too?" Dumbledore asked with warmly. "I'd like a few more words with Harry …"
Ron nodded, turning towards the door. As Dumbledore said one final thing to Lockhart. "Rest well Gilderoy, for I'm sure the Aurors and I would like to hear everything that happened to you once you're up for it."
Lockhart nodded meekly. "Of...of course headmaster."
And with that Ron the trembling Lockhart out of the Office.
I awoke the next morning to someone shaking me awake...
I sighed. "Time to go home already?" I asked.
"No, Sarah, no." Cho said excitedly. I frowned in confusion and sat up on my bed.
"What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"The heir was caught." Cho said with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "And the student who had been taken down there has been saved."
It took me a moment to process this. "What?" I repeated.
Cho nodded warmly. "Come on!" she grabbed me and led me down the stairs. Everyone was still in there pajamas as Cho led me to the notice board, which was written by Professor McGonagall.
Student's of Hogwarts
Over night a miracle came to Hogwarts. I need not get into all the details, but the long and short of it is that the monster of Slytherin is dead, the Heir defeated, and the student taken safe. To celebrate a feast will be held all day in the Great Hall starting at 8am and lasting all day!
Professor McGonagall.
My eyes widened...then a look of pure joy on my face appeared.
"Yes!" I screamed hugging Cho tightly. "And Lisa, Hermione, Cho, everyone will be back soon! This, this is truly a miracle." I smiled brightly.
"I know." Cho smiled, as Anthony came running over.
"Sarah!" He ran and hugged her, I hugged him back, silent tears streaming down my face. "It's over, the school, our friends, everything is saved."
"Thank...thank goodness." I said taking his hand. "Now lets go!" I pulled Anthony out the entryway, much to Cho's amusement and Anthony's shock. "I want to find Harry!" I explained as I finally let go, and exited the stairwell and into the corridor.
All around us students from every house were. Almost all still in there pajamas, everyone outside of a select few bigoted Slytherins was ecstatic.
I raced through the corridors, looking for Harry, until I at last found him outside the corridor of Professor McGonagall's office. Unlike everyone else he was wearing his robes, and to my horror they were covered in slime, dirt, blood.
"Harry?" I asked in horror as Anthony finally caught up behind me, his eyes widening in shock as well.
"What happened to you?" Anthony asked.
"Well, I kind of was the one who went down into the Chamber of Secrets, saved Ginny, defeated Voldemort, saved the school." Harry replied, not in a bragging way, but just stating facts.
I was frozen still for a long moment, totally confused. "Please explain." I eventually said.
"Well, it all started yesterday afternoon..."
And with that Harry told us both everything. From how they'd visited Hermione in the hospital wing and found the parchment on the Basilisk , how they'd went to tell the staff in the staff room just as Ginny was taken down there. How they overheard everything, then gone to Lockhart and the trio went down to the Chamber together.
Harry continued, he explained how he, and Ron had found Ginny unconscious. How they saw the Diary, and how Tom Riddle had come out of the book. How Tom was...Voldemort.
"What?!" I asked in shock.
"Yeah, Tom is his birth name." Harry answered as me and Anthony shared a look of shock, and horror.
"Keep going," Anthony requested.
Harry nodded, and did. He then explained how Tom was using Ginny, possessing her, and requested we keep this between only those closest to us.
"Of course, we won't put Ginny in a situation like that." I reply, feeling so guilty. I remember seeing Ginny writing in a diary last summer. How she'd gotten so quiet, and I'd done nothing.
"Sarah." Harry said gently, noticing my expression. "Don't blame yourself, after all me and the other Weasley's were the ones who shared a tower with her all year."
"I...I guess. Still, I should have said something back the the Burrow over the summer." I sighed, then looked back up.
Harry kept going. He explained how Lockhart had been under the Imperius of Quirrell, I felt a surge of anger at our former defense Professor, and terror at the thought present day You Know Who being so close all year, and that Lockhart had at first been tasked with taking us to them...
"I knew something was off about Lockhart." Anthony said.
"He...he was trying to kidnap us." I shuttered with a swallow.
"That's two years in a row now that our defense Professor's were after us." Harry said sadly.
"Yeah, but this time it isn't Lockhart's fault. He didn't have a choise." I replied softly.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, he was just a pawn all year, just like Ginny."
There was another long silence, as again Harry continued. He spoke about how Riddle had knocked Lockhart out, how when Harry had shown Dumbledore loyalty that Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet phoenix, had flown down. How the phoenix brought the sorting hat. And then Riddle had laughed and set the Basilisk on Harry, Ron being to distraught about Ginny to do anything. How Harry, in his most desperate moment, had put on the sorting hat and out had appeared what Harry learned to be The Sword of Gryffindor.
"Sword of Gryffindor?" I ask in amazement.
Harry nodded with a smile.
"I have to admit that is awesome." I said softly, and turned to Anthony. "Do we have any cool artifacts attached to our house?" I ask Anthony.
"All the founders have one, but ours as well as those of Hufflepuff and Slytherin are thought to be lost." Anthony answered, always the expert on such things. "As for the Ravenclaw artifact, it's known as the Diadem of Ravenclaw, and if you were to wear it, you'd supposedly increase your wisdom ten fold." Anthony replied.
My eyes widened. "Remember to show a picture later." I requested, Anthony nodded, as I turned back to Harry.
"Well? Is there anything else?" I asked.
Harry chuckled and nodded. He told me how he'd used the sword to slay the Basilisk , but had been struck by a Fang in the process. I gasped in horror, but Harry assured me he was okay and showed me his arm. He explained phoenix tears, how Fawkes had healed him. How Riddle had tried to kill Harry himself, but Fawkes had dropped the Diary in Harry's lap, and how he'd stabbed it with the broke off Basilisk fang.
How Riddle had screamed in agony, then just disappeared defeated and Ginny awoke free of the Diary, and Lockhart free of Quirrell's Imperius curse. How He, Ron, Ginny, and Lockhart had went to McGonagall's office and found Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. How Dumbledore had sent both Ginny, and Lockhart to the hospital wing, where they currently were.
He also explained that Dumbledore had told him the reason he is a Parselmouth is that the night You Know Who had tried to kill Harry and failed, he'd accidently shared some of his powers with him, and how Dumbledore had assured him he'd be writing Askaban and Hagrid would be coming back today.
"Thank Merlin." Anthony sighed in relief. "That means Lisa, Hermione, all the others petrified, and Hagrid will soon be back to how, or in Hagrid's case where, they belong."
I nodded. "Wow Harry, this is a lot to take in."
"And that's not all. Lucius Malfoy was the one who slipped Ginny the diary." Harry said.
"What?" I asked, eyes wide.
Harry nodded, and explained how Lucius had just been here maybe a minute before me and Anthony arrived. How Dobby had been with him.
"That house elf?" I ask.
"Yeah, he belongs...well belonged to them. Until just a few minutes ago." Harry smiled
"What do you mean?" Anthony asks.
Harry smiled, and pulled up his robe revealing his sock was missing. My eyes widened, I remember Harry saying, Dobby told him, that the only way for a house elf to be freed is to be given clothes from his master.
"I tricked Lucius." Harry laughed.
Me and Anthony did as well as Harry finished up. Saying Lucius had wanted Ginny to get caught so the Muggle Protection Act that Mr. Weasley had wrote would be repealed due to the image of his own daughter killing Muggle Borns.
"That vermin." Anthony muttered furiously, and I couldn't help but agree.
"Lucius Malfoy seems like a truly despicable person." I say firmly, my hatred and disgust of the man only growing even stronger.
"Yeah. Anyways...that's all..." Harry breathed out. "Like I said, don't say anything about Ginny, or Professor Lockhart unless you have too."
"Of course Harry." I replied. Then Harry nodded, looking around.
"Can I speak to my sister alone for a moment Anthony?" Harry asks softly
Anthony nodded. "Yeah, I'll meet you both down at the feast." Anthony smiled, as he turned and strode off.
I turned to Harry. "What is it?" I asked him softly.
"First off, you're not mad?" Harry asked me. "I mean, going down into the Chamber was pretty stupid and Reckless of me."
I bit my bottom lip, and swallowed. "No Harry, and the reason is, that unlike last year where there really wasn't a need to go after the Sorcerers stone. This year you had every reason to act. The Professor's hadn't found the Chamber not the Heir, and you did go with Lockhart expecting him to help you. So no, I'm not mad. Still...the blood and grime on you...will always worry me."
Harry smiled. "Thanks, and, there was one other thing, one thing I don't want anyone else to hear about." Harry began softly, and I nodded. "You see, this year I felt like I belonged in Slytherin. The way I could speak to snakes, and how every one thought I was his heir, and how the sorting Hat almost did put me in Slytherin."
I slowly nodded. "The point Harry?" I asked gently.
"It's just, if I had been a Slytherin..." Harry replied, his voice fading away.
"Harry, James, Potter." I said firmly, holding him by the shoulders and looking into his eyes. "If you'd have been a Slytherin then you'd have been the best Slytherin in the school. And I know you Gryffindor's can only see them as your enemies." I chuckle and shake my head. "But does having, resourcefulness? determination? Ambition? Make you evil Harry?" I ask him gently.
"I...I guess not." Harry replies softly.
"See. No where does it say to be in Slytherin that you have to be dark or evil, heck Merlin himself was a Slytherin. I know you don't like most of them, but don't let the fact that you almost were a Slytherin get you down okay?" I smiled.
Harry smiled too. "I won't thank you Sarah."
"No problem. No you got get changed and cleaned up and I'll meet you down at the feast."
Harry nodded, and with that I turned and headed off to the feast. I still was processing all Harry had just told me, the fact the two versions of You Know Who had interfered in our school year. But all thoughts of him faded as I entered the Great Hall and the party was on.
Gilderoy Lockhart nervously entered the Headmasters office. He'd just been fixed up by Madam Pomfrey, she had assured him that all magical influence from the Imperius cursed had been lifted and he was free to go. Not a minute went by after he had exited the Hospital Wing before a Auror arrived, having been called by Dumbledore.
Gilderoy luckily wasn't in any trouble. The Auror had simply come so he could file the report. He had quickly. Filling out that last summer he'd been attacked by Quirinus Quirrell, his old dorm mate, and placed under the Imperius spell. The Auror had finished his report quickly, then left.
That's when he'd been told to head up to the Headmaster's office.
And here he was.
"Ah, Gilderoy." Professor Dumbledore said as he looked up from his desk. "Please sit, I have much to do, so if you could please sit down."
Lockhart shakily nodded. He didn't know what Dumbledore wanted with him. He'd already been cleared by Madam Pomfrey, and filed a report. "What is this about Headmaster?" Lockhart asked, clearing his throat.
"I need to see all your memories of Quirrell and Voldemort. Now." Dumbledore said in a firm tone.
Lockhart swallowed. "I...is that really necessary headmaster? I've already filed a report and..."
"I'm afraid it is." Dumbledore cut him off. "I need to see everything."
Lockhart sighed, Dumbledore was firm and certain. "Fine." Lockhart replied after a moment. "How do you wish to view them?"
"Funny you should mention that." Dumbledore said, standing and motioning for Lockhart to follow him across the office.
Lockhart did as Dumbledore led him to what looked to be shallow basin, within was floating a strange silver substance. And runes were carved all over the stone which the basin was carved. "What is that?" Lockhart asked nervously.
"A Pensieve Gilderoy." Dumbledore replies. "With this artifact me and you can view all the memoires of yourself and your two slavers."
Lockhart gulped. "Will...will it hurt?"
"Not in the slightest. All I must do is place your memories in the basin, then we dive in and watch them go by. After which I'll have all I need, and you are free to go." Dumbledore explained, taking his wand out from his robe pocket.
Lockhart looked at the basin, then Dumbledore, then the basin again. And finally took a deep breath. "Let's get this over with then."
Dumbledore simply nodded. "Focus on all your encounters with Quirrell and Voldemort." Dumbledore explained.
Lockhart nodded and did, focusing on all the terrifying moments. Dumbledore then moved his wand and gently touched the tip of his wand to Lockhart's temple as a trickle of light as Dumbledore gently collected all the memories. Then looked at Lockhart.
"Shall we Gilderoy?" Dumbledore asks.
Lockhart simply nodded, as both wizards put there heads into the basin and let the sting of memories wash over them.
August 19, 1992
Lockhart strode into his house after another great day. He'd just held another book signing at Flourish and Blotts. It had only gotten better when the famed Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, had walked in. Lockhart of course knew that he and Harry would make the front page of the Daily Prophet with ease. Especially after he publicly announced he would be taking the Defense Against the Dark Arts job at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Not that he cared about teaching any snotty brats now, he was there for one reason and one reason only. To teach the boy who lived and make himself more famous than ever.
"Lockhart you genius you, you've really outdone yourself this time." Lockhart told himself with a smug grin as he entered his sitting quarters and froze.
"Evening Gilderoy."
"Quirinus?!" Lockhart asked in shock. He hadn't seen his old classmate in years, and he'd saw on the prophet that Quirrell was wanted now for something he'd done as the last Defense Professor at Hogwarts. "What...how'd you get in my house?! Aren't you wanted?! Why are you here?!" Lockhart demanded.
"My dear old friend." Quirrell replied, a sinister expression on his face. "I'm here because me and my master have need of your services."
Lockhart shivered, he'd known Quirrell didn't like him much. Most of the boys in there year hadn't, he was just so much better, handsome, great than them that they'd all been jealous.
"I'd never serve you nor whomever master you speak of! I am Gilderoy Lockhart! Order of Merlin Third Class, Honorary Member of the..."
"Yes we get the picture." A new sinister voice cut him off.
Lockhart looked around. "Who's there?! Show yourself!"
At his words a chill went down Lockhart's spine as the source of the new voice appeared. It looked like a...wraith? A dark cloud at the center of which barely resembled a person.
"Hello Gilderoy. Quirrell has told me much about you, and let me say you are just as vain and foolish as he described." The wraith laughed.
"What are you?" Lockhart asked nervously
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Voldemort."
At those words Lockhart froze, his face paled, he looked at Quirrell, then the wraith, then back at Quirrell. "I...I..."
"Now, let's make you a bit more useful. Now Quirrell!" Voldemort commanded. And before Lockhart could do anything Quirrell stood from the chair he was sitting, aimed his wand right at Lockhart, and cast...
"Imperio!" Quirrell said, as Lockhart fear suddenly vanished and a warm feeling came over him. "Jump." A voice in his head said.
Lockhart did, as Quirrell and Voldemort both smirked.
"Now. Onto our plan."
August 31st 1992
Quirrell and Voldemort both looked at Lockhart. He was smiling as he usually did, looking as vain, cocky, and arrogant as always. They'd worked to make sure he retained his personality so none would suspect anything. However there had been some changes. As to impress Harry, and Sarah and lure them into there trap Lockhart couldn't be well...incompetent.
They both knew now he was a fraud. Of the memory scams he'd pulled, finding actual heroic witches and wizards, writing down there stories, then wiping there memories and writing books claiming there deeds as his own.
They also knew he wasn't good at any magic outside of memory charms. And that wouldn't do. If Lockhart was going to earn the Potter's trust, they'd need him to be a good Professor to both Harry and Sarah. So for the past couple weeks, the pair had made the fool train, using some of Voldemort's own powers in the process.
It didn't matter anyway. If the fool somehow managed to break there control of him, then all training and skill would be gone, and he'd be back to the same fraud he'd been before.
"Are you ready Gilderoy?" Quirrell asked with disdain for Lockhart.
"Yes!" Lockhart said with his usual confidence and charm.
"Good. Now repeat the plan back to me." Quirrell ordered as if Lockhart was a toddler.
"I am to gain the trust of Harry Potter, and if possible Sarah Potter as well. Harry is the main priority. Once I have I am to lure him off school grounds to Hogsmeade to you two. If Sarah can also be lured, I am to do so but it is not essential." Lockhart says in his usual flamboyant voice.
"Good. Now go. Bring me the Potter Twin, especially Harry Potter." Voldemort's wraith says.
"Yes my lord!" And with that Lockhart walked out of the room. As he walked he Quirrell and Lord Voldemort speaking.
"I hope this works my lord." Quirrell muttered.
"We have no other options for the moment. We can only hope that braggard can earn Potter's trust." Voldemort replied.
"Indeed my lord, indeed."
As there voices faded, Lockhart smiled as he made his way to Hogwarts.
October 31st, 1992.
Quirrell and Voldemort had decided on the back rooms of the Hogs Head Inn in Hogsmeade when they did need to meet with Lockhart. It was ironic that Dumbledore's younger brother, Aberforth, was the owner and bartender. But he didn't seem to care who used the bar as long as they paid. And even then, he had no idea who the cloaked man who'd rented the back room was...
Quirrell now waited for Lockhart, who had told the of something urgent he needed to inform them of, the wraith of Voldemort of course waited in the shadows. Out of view of Aberforth and any other who could ruin there plans.
Finally Lockhart arrived, and looked around. The cloaked Quirrell sighed, then stood and walked over to Lockhart, whom was talking to Aberforth.
"Anything else Professor?" Asked Lockhart.
"Just some privacy." The Hooded Quirrell replied for Lockhart, Aberforth for a moment looked concerned. Then shrugged.
"Ten Galleons to use the back room, standard rate." Aberforth told the pair. The hooded Quirrell nodded, paid, and led Lockhart like the puppet he was into the back room and slammed the door shut. The Wraith of Voldemort appearing out of the shadows.
"The circumstances have changed my lo..." Lockhart began,
"Quiet fool!" Quirrell yelled, shushing Lockhart.
Voldemort himself spoke up. "Cast the Notice me Not charm." He commanded.
Quirrell quickly nodded, and pulled out his wand. "Animadverto me non." Quirrell said. Outside the room, Aberforth and anyone else who may have cared no longer did.
"Now what is it you need to report Lockhart?" The wraith of Voldemort asked annoyed.
"My Lord, earlier tonight something happened." Lockhart began.
"What happened? Does it involve the Potters? The boy?!"
"No, I...Mrs. Norris, the squib's cat. It was attacked and petrified. And on the wall written in blood was a message..."
At this Voldemort went from annoyed, to intrigued. "And...what did the message say?"
"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir beware."
"What?! Are you absolutely sure?!" Voldemort's wraith asked in shock.
"Yes my lord." Lockhart replied.
Voldemort thought. He was the heir? How could...the Diary. Of course, his sixteen year old self. Lucius must have slipped it into some foolish student's things, though why he'd done so, Voldemort couldn't be for sure.
"Do you know what this means my lord?" Quirrell asks curiously.
"Yes. I am the Heir. However I did not open the Chamber, at least not my current self. You see as a student I had diary that I...impressed my memory into. This diary is currently possessing a student, and will attack Mudbloods at will. However we can make this work for to our advantage."
"What's the new plan my lord?" Quirrell asked.
"Simple." Voldemort turned to Lockhart. "Lockhart. Find that Diary and bring it back to me! I wish to speak with myself."
"As you wish my Lord." Lockhart bows.
"Good, dismissed." Voldemort orders. Lockhart walks out of the room. The wraith of Voldemort smirking. "Soon Quirrell my dear friend, Harry Potter shall be dead, and the world mine once again..."
April 26th, 1992.
Quirrell and Voldemort smirked as Lockhart arrived with the black, leather Diary. Finally he'd done it!
"Well done Gilderoy." Quirrell said with a smirk.
"Well done indeed." Voldemort's wraith said "Now, take out a Quill, and let me speak..."
Lockhart looked down as Quirrell wrote for Voldemort.
"Hello Tom." Quirrell wrote.
"Hello Harry." It replied back.
"I'm not Harry." Quirrell wrote.
"What? Who are you then? Don't tell me you're that Ginny girl again."
"I'm not. My name Is Quirrell. But I am not your enemy. In fact I serve you my Lord Voldemort."
For a moment the diary didn't reply, then ink appeared. "You know me?"
"I am writing for you. Your present self is with me, a disembodied wraith. But you none the less." Quirrell wrote back.
Again the diary took a moment then. "Hold me into the wraiths mist."
Quirrell looked at the present day Voldemort. "Yes, do it." The present day Voldemort replied.
Quirrell did, and the two soul pieces seemed to communicate with each other.
"Good. You understand now." Present Day Voldemort said.
"I do." The Diary wrote back. "So we're both on the same page?"
"Yes. We shall have Lockhart slip you back to Ginny. You use her to lure Harry into a trap, then after you're back you shall help me return and the two version of ourselves rule this world." Present day Voldemort replied.
"Good, good. I shall kill that Potter boy for us. And then bring his sister with me back." Diary Tom said.
"Good." The wraith of Voldemort smirked. "We shall hand you back to Lockhart, he shall give back you to this Ginny girl."
"Good. Farewell Lord Voldemort." Diary Tom wrote.
"And farewell to you, Lord Voldemort." The wraith of Voldemort replied, then turned to Lockhart. "Give this back to Ginny Weasley in a innocent looking way."
"Yes my lord." And with that Lockhart took the diary and headed off.
With that Dumbledore and Lockhart pulled out of the memories. Lockhart shaking profusely as reliving all that, Dumbledore lost in thought as he slowly walked over and sat at his desk.
Lockhart swallowed. "I...I didn't mean..."
"I know Gilderoy. I know." Dumbledore replied gently.
There was a long moment until Dumbledore spoke again. "It's not fun to have someone mess with your mind. Is it Gilderoy?"
Lockhart swallowed. "I...I guess...no...not."
"So you have learned your lesson?"
"L...lesson?"
"Yes. Don't take me as a fool Gilderoy. I know all about you and your scheme. Wiping the memories of others to steal the credit for there feats. Dare I say, it is absolutely ironic you had to have your own mind warped with all this year. A taste of you own medicine as it were."
Lockhart had frozen. Dumbledore knew...oh Merlin he knew...
"I...Don't...k...know..."
"Here's is what is going to happen Gilderoy. I shall, due to your horrid experiences and lack of physical evidence let you go. But, if you ever again attempt to erase the memory of another to steal there accomplishments, I will take action." Dumbledore said in a soft voice.
It was still terrifying to Lockhart...who swallowed and nodded.
"Good, also you'll need to resign from your post as Defense Professor. Though I doubt you wanted it anymore anyways, but given your skills are back to your old levels." Dumbledore gave him a knowing look.
Lockhart quickly nodded. Wanting to end this conversation as quickly as possible.
"Good. We can announce your intent to resign after the end of term at the feast happening now." Dumbledore stood. "Shall we go?"
Lockhart simply nodded fearfully, as he followed Dumbledore down to the Great Hall.
"Lisa!" I screamed joyfully as Lisa ran over and embraced me.
"Sarah." She replied hugging me tightly, then turned to Anthony. "And Anthony." She smiled, hugging him.
"We've missed you so much." Anthony said softly, choking up a little. "God, us two without you to put us back in place..."
"It was a disaster." I added with a chuckle.
"You two? Trouble? No." Lisa smirked.
"You solved it! You solved it!" We all turned and saw Hermione rushing over and hugging Ron and Harry. All the others who'd been petrified also poured into the Great Hall. Penelope, Justin, Colin, even Mrs. Norris was happily back being held by Mrs. Norris.
The feast was the best I'd ever had. All around people we celebrating. We saw Justin go over and apologize to Harry...then he came over to me.
"You too Sarah, I'm so sorry." Justin said.
"It's okay Justin, I'm just glad you're all right." I smiled sincerely.
I got really emotional when Hagrid walked back into the Great Hall at Three Thirty in the afternoon. He patted Harry and Ron roughly on the shoulder, then walked over to us...and I just hugged him.
"Hagrid...thank goodness you're okay." I said. Hagrid smiled and patted me on the head, smiling at both me and Anthony.
"I am, thanks to Harry, Ron, and you two. I know you lot..." He said looking at the whole of Ravenclaw table. "...aren't the most reckless type. So what you two did, going against your nature to try and help me." Hagrid told me and Anthony. "Mean's so much."
"Of course Hagrid...though...you might need to have a talk with Aragog about not trying to kill your friends." I suggested softly.
Hagrid chuckled. "I do. I really do." He chuckled. "Well I'm going to go celebrate being a free man with some fire whisky at the staff table."
And with that Hagrid walked off. I turned back to the table and saw all eyes on me and Anthony.
"What was he talking about? Going against your nature?" Lisa asked me and Anthony with a amused look and raised eye brow.
"Yeah, and Aragog? What's that?" Michael asked.
"Um, well..." Anthony replied rubbing the back of his neck.
So me and Anthony were forced to explain the whole story of our adventure in the Forbidden Forest. At the end all had there eyes wide.
"That was really stupid of you two." Cho said.
"Yeah." I admitted. "We let some Gryffindor's drag us into there hijinks." I admitted then turned to Lisa. "But you." And I looked down the table at Penelope. "Her." And I motioned to Hagrid at the staff table. "Him, Hemione, everyone. If being stupid, meant saving my friends and our school, then it was worth it."
All eyes looked at me like I was crazy, but also understood...Lisa looked touched.
"Aw...guys...you may have acted like idiots, but you're my idiots." Lisa teased, some silent tears running down her face.
"Like she said, you're worth it Lisa." Anthony smiled.
Lisa swallowed. "God, these mushy feelings..."
All me and Anthony could think to do, was hug her really tightly, until she hit us both over the head with her wand.
"Don't push it." Lisa rolled her eyes.
"Attention!" We all turned to see Professor McGonagall standing. "I have some announcements."
The entire Great Hall turned to her. "First off, due to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley's services to the school..." (everyone in the hall knew both had something to do with the Chamber of Secrets, thought only me, and Anthony knew the full story) "...both have been awarded two hundred points apiece. Accordingly, Gryffindor wins the house cup!"
Most of the hall cheered, outside of most of the Slytherin's whom had been in the lead.
"Also. Due to the hardships experienced this year. Professor Dumbledore has decided to cancel Exams as a treat to the student body." McGonagall announced.
With that, the entire hall went wild. Even us Ravenclaw's had enough stress this year, that exams being canceled was wildly accepted with cheers.
Only poor Hermione, whom screamed "Oh, no!" seemed sad.
Then Dumbledore stood up. "One last announcement before you all go back to your well deserved celebration. Professor Lockhart, due to personal reasons, has decided to resign effective at the end of term." Dumbledore said simply, and sat back down.
There were some gasps. After all, to most of the student body Professor Lockhart had been a well regarded Professor, even if his personality drove most of the boys mad. There were some cries from some who still gushed over him, but overall I understood. After all he had been under the Imperius. And even now he was shaking at the staff table, and didn't look at all like the confident Professor I'd known all year...
Even if he'd been under the control of Quirrell and Voldemort that whole time.
With that the feast continued, as we all dug in and enjoyed the company of each other and finally, for the first time since Halloween, didn't have to worry about another attack.
The rest of the term passed rather quickly. Classes were mostly cakewalks with no exams. The only noticeable thing being Lockhart taking me and Harry aside and apologizing profusely for the plot he'd been forced to aid, though both me and Harry quickly accepted it. He wasn't in control after all, and Lockhart was clearly very traumatized by the whole situation. Even Zacharias Smith had left me alone! But given that seemed to be more so him celebrating that Justin was back and the school was saved, and not because he suddenly liked me, I assumed he'd be back at it again next year.
But at least for now, he was ignoring me, and I him, and that was enough.
It was the last full day of term. And I was heading to the Library. Over the last few days I'd finally caught back up on my back log of Grindelwald literature. Which I had fallen behind on due to Hagrid, Lisa, the attacks as a whole really.
I was just turning a corner when I saw Draco sulking...when he saw me he raised an eyebrow.
"Sarah." He said.
"Draco." I replied neutrally. Even if I despised her father, I was trying my best to not pass that onto him
Draco bit his bottom lip. "More on Grindelwald?" He asked raising a eyebrow.
"Like I told you, it's purely academic."
Draco chuckled. "If you say so." Then seemed to slump again.
"What's wrong?" I asked softly, despite myself I felt bad for him.
"My father's been sacked as a member of the board of Governors." Draco replied bitterly.
I slowly nodded. After Harry told me what'd happened with Lucius I wasn't surprised. He'd supposedly threatened the other board members. Personally I thought it was good riddance, but I wouldn't rub it in Draco's face while he was down.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I reply simply
"No you're not." Draco replied.
"Excuse me?" I asked taken aback.
"I'm not mad Potter if that's what you're thinking. I'm just saying, I know how you feel about my father. After all he did get Dumbledore suspended, and mocked your friend Hagrid. I get it, you don't have to act."
I stared at Draco for a long moment. "You're right, I don't like your father and think him being off the board is a great thing. But I'm not going to rub it in your face." I reply truthfully.
Draco was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you." He replied.
Again I nodded, the Draco sighed. "And that's on top of your brother..." He said with pure venom. "...freeing Dobby."
"Ah yes, Dobby was yours." I said remembering,
"He was." Draco said, clearly annoyed Dobby had been freed through Harry's trick with the sock.
"Again, I'm not going to rub it in your face." i said. "Now I need to get these books checked in."
Draco simply nodded, letting me pass. However there was one thing that was nagging me in the back of my head. I thought back to last summer, meeting Dobby. How Dobby said his young master...spoke highly of me? I then realized that young master had to be Draco...
I turned and faced the still brooding Draco. "Hey, one last thing?"
"What?" Draco asked, looking back up.
"When Dobby visited me and Harry this past summer...he said his young master spoke highly of me." I said. Draco's eyes widened, and then bit his bottom lip before replying.
"I simply told Dobby you were smart and at my level academically." Draco waved me off. "That's all."
I frowned, then nodded. "Well...thanks." I smiled, still confused why Draco spoke highly of me in the first place, but willing to just accept the praise. Even if said source was...well Draco. "You're pretty smart too, when you aren't bullying others you're actually pretty brilliant." I added.
Draco was speechless, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Well Draco. See you." I turned to sped off towards the library.
"Yeah...see you." Draco muttered back as I walked into the library.
Me, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, Anthony, and Lisa all sat on a compartment aboard the Hogwarts express. We'd all decided to sit together given all that had happened. It had been a blast. Fred and George has set off there remaining Filibuster Fireworks, we'd all played Exploding Snap, and even all practiced disarming each other. Which Harry, Fred, and George dominated, and Ron...well he blew himself up one last time with his broken wand.
That's when Harry brought something up with about twenty minutes until Kings Cross.
"Ginny – what did you see Percy doing, that he didn't want you to tell anyone?" Harry asked, and we all turned curiously to Ginny.
"Oh, that," Ginny replied with a giggle. "Well – Percy's got a girlfriend."
All our eyes widened? Percy Weasley? The rule lover...had a girlfriend who?
Fred dropped some books he and George had been stacking on the latter's head.
"What?" Fred asked in shock.
"Who is it?" Anthony asked curiously.
"It's that Ravenclaw Prefect, Penelope Clearwater," Ginny explained "That's who he was writing to all last summer. He's been meeting her all over the school in secret. I walked in on them kissing in an empty classroom one day. He was so upset when she was – you know – attacked. You won't tease him, will you?"
'Wouldn't dream of it,' Fred replied smirking.
"Definitely not," George added snickering.
Me, Anthony, and Lisa shared looks. At first we were all shocked, then I nodded, as did Anthony. Lisa for her part was now smirking and rubbing her hands together in a mischievous way.
"Well I do remember Penelope being really focused on checking herself in the mirror this year. I suspected she was seeing someone, but Percy? No clue." I said.
"The two rule loving lovebirds, truly a match made in heaven." Lisa smirked.
"It does make total sense." Anthony added, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Why? Why's it make perfect sense?" Harry asked.
"Penelope is our houses Percy." I replied.
"And next year we're going to give her so much rubbish for it." Lisa replied with a smirk, causing me and Anthony to glance at her.
"We are?" Anthony asked.
"Hell yeah." Lisa laughed.
Before Lisa could plan any more of her coming teasing crusado on Penelope's love life, the Hogwarts express pulled into King's Cross station, and both me and Harry quickly pulled out pieces of parchment and wrote down the Dursleys phone number.
"This is called a telephone number," Harry explained to Ron and Anthony "I told your dad how to use a telephone last summer, he'll know." Harry said.
"Anthony. All you have to do is dial these numbers on the muggle device called the phone." I said, handing him and Lisa are number as well. "And we can talk." I explained very simply.
"Call us at the Dursleys, OK? I can't stand another two months without talking to you." Harry said, turning to me with a smile. "Especially if Sarah goes on another book binge."
I shrugged. "Don't tempt me."
We all made our way off the Hogwarts express. As we stepped onto the platform and made our way towards the enchanted barrier.
"Your aunt and uncle will be proud, though, won't they?" Hermione asked "When they hear what you did this year?"
"Proud?" Harry laughed "Are you mad? All those times I could've died, and I didn't manage it? They'll be furious …"
Hermione frowned while I again shrugged. "At least you put yourself in those positions Harry." I joked. "There going to think I'm slacking."
And with that the six of us pushed through the barrier and back to Muggle London. As me and Harry saw the Dursley's and were about to walk off, Lisa gently grabbed my arm.
"Just be careful Sarah." She said with a sad smile.
"Yeah, try and keep Harry from getting into any more trouble." Anthony added with a a amused, yet knowing look.
"I'll try." I replied, gave them both one last look. "I'll miss you two."
"We'll miss you too." Anthony replied.
"Don't worry though, I'll make sure to call as much as I'm able." Lisa assured me.
"And if I can figure out how this Telephone I will to." Anthony replied
"I know you both will.." I smiled. Gave both one last hug, then began walking over to the Dursleys with Harry, and back to the mundane, horrid life both of us could expect from them.
Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, now former Professor Gilderoy Lockhart looked around at his new home. Given Quirrell knew where his old one was, he of course had to move. And not just that, but Lockhart had moved into the safest, more secure, ward protected home his vast fortune from book sales could buy.
But that wouldn't be enough. If Quirrell or Merlin forbid You Know Who found him again. He needed to be ready.
So Lockhart pulled out his wand and aimed it at the targeting dummy he'd also bought.
"Stupefy!" Lockhart incanted, but all this did was send the incompetent wizard flying backwards and hitting the wall.
He wanted to quit so badly. He was never good at any magic outside of memory charms. But, given he could face a life of death situation, his survival instincts took over and he stood back up and pointed the wand a the training dummy again.
"Stupefy!" Lockhart again repeated. Again he was thrown back against the wall.
"This is going to be harder than I thought." Lockhart complained as he once again stood, and prepared to train more...
And Gilderoy Lockhart would train until he was a competent wizard once again, not for any noble goals, but for his own self preservation.
End of Year 2
I want to thank everyone who has read the story this far. Every Review, Follower, and Favorite truly does mean the world.
I know the last few chapters have had lots of changes in POV, and Sarah hasn't been as much the main focus for the end of the year. But Year 3 is when a lot of long standing plot threads that have been more of side shows really start to move forward.
Again I thank you all for reading and sticking through the long waits between chapters.
Now onto Year 3!