Chapter Fifteen
It was a question that nobody contemplated, for Ginny looked like Christmas had come early – before sobbing after she saw Harry and Ron.
"H-Harry, R-Ron, I-I t-tried telling you t-two…about the d-diary – b-blood – F-Filch – T-Tom…"
Everyone looked uncomfortable at this display – even Professor Snape seemed mildly affected.
But even in his shambolic state, Bart couldn't help but play the hero. So he stumbled forward, braving the pain before thrusting her wand out with an unusual gravitas.
"This is yours, Ginny."
Ginny stared at Bart – before grabbing her wand and enveloping him in a bone-crushing bear hug.
"Oh, Bart!" she said, squealing like a rabid fangirl. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Ugh, I could start a cootie farm the way I'm going!
But Bart didn't let his disgust show. Instead, he smiled before slowly hugging Ginny back.
"Awww, look at the two lil' lovebirds!" Willy cooed.
"Yes Willy, this is clearly the start of something beautiful", the headmaster observed as the potions master gnashed his teeth.
Not bloody likely, Gemma inwardly snarled as Bart let go with undue haste.
After pocketing a transfigured basilisk fang, the headmaster looked around with wonder. In particular, he noticed the venomous blood which was corroding the wall, alongside the waterfall which had drenched him when he walked through the chamber's entrance.
Tom likely designed that waterfall to expose Polyjuiced intruders, not unlike Gringotts' security measures. "My, my, this chamber was clearly a real labour of love for Salazar."
Bart shook his head in bemusement.
"You know, I still don't understand why Salad-zar bothered building it. I mean, it's not exactly the Hilton Hotel. Hell, you can't even eat or sleep here!
You'd think that he'd just whack his enemies after the Bazball-isk grew up, instead of waiting for some basement-dwelling loser to do it!"
"Salazar, Bart", the headmaster corrected while the other students sniggered. "Firstly, I do not believe that Salazar ever resided in the Chamber of Secrets. Secondly, his relationship with Godric Gryffindor was damaged beyond repair. Thirdly, the school's direction did not align with his vision.
Fourth, Salazar preferred to play the long game from the shadows, rather than handling problems directly and quickly like you do. He anticipated that his heirs would learn about his legacy and help him complete his mission."
Ron made a face.
"Ugh, what a sicko."
The headmaster inclined his head.
"Now, I would like to know what happened here", he remarked before making eye contact with Harry.
Several awkward seconds slipped by before the boy and the brujo broke eye contact.
"Yes, you four have had quite the adventure. An adventure in which most wizards would have perished. It seems that somebody up there likes you four."
Harry smirked as he looked up.
"Yeah, Fawkes was a big help."
"I'm glad to hear it. Now, you four would normally be severely punished for endangering your lives like this…"
"But you let us come down here!" Bart angrily protested. He obviously thinks that I'll expose his drug ring or something.
The headmaster chortled as he quickly cleaned everyone. Bart, for his part, felt like he just had a good, long shower. That improved his mood, as did the headmaster's next words.
"Indeed I did, Bart. Which is why I'll be granting you four a Special Award for Services to the School.
Mr. Potter, for vanquishing the basilisk and Tom Riddle's form, saving Miss Weasley's life in the process, I award 200 points to Gryffindor.
Miss Farley, for disarming Tom, displaying exemplary leadership, wounding the basilisk, and distracting Tom so that Harry could defeat the basilisk, I award 175 points to Slytherin.
Mr. Simpson, for distracting Tom so that Miss Farley could disarm him, and wounding the basilisk after sustaining serious injuries, I award 150 points to Slytherin.
Mr. Weasley, for attempting to neutralise Tom, sustaining serious injuries while confronting the basilisk, and showing love for your sister, I award 100 points to Gryffindor.
Mr. Boot, Mr. Goldstein and Miss Li have also earnt Ravenclaw 100 points for risking their lives while solving this mystery."
Ron blushed while Gemma smirked imperiously. Snape, meanwhile, contributed an addendum.
"But that's more than you gave them last year, Albus."
The headmaster beamed.
"True, Severus. Which demonstrates that who dares, wins."
Bart, meanwhile, jumped inside a statue's mouth while wiggling his butt.
"And once again, Hufflepuff got nothin' at all! Noothin' at alllll! NOOOTHIN' AT ALLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"And that right there shows why you're not a Hufflepuff, Bart", the headmaster wryly observed while Ron and Gemma laughed.
"Amen to that", Bart remarked as he lowered himself to the ground. "By the way, can I have a statue of myself built outside Hogwarts?"
"Maybe next year, Bart", the headmaster replied as the potions master gnashed his teeth.
"Oh! Oh! How 'bout having a plaque saying 'LIVIN' GOD' underneath?"
"…maybe the year after."
Harry, meanwhile, stared at the ground with some concern.
The headmaster cocked his head towards Harry.
"Would you like to share something, Harry?"
Harry looked up.
"Ginny won't be punished for this, will she?"
Ginny gasped while the affronted headmaster reared back.
"Certainly not, Harry. I will not punish young, impressionable people for falling victim to skilled predators. At any rate, the realisation that you cannot trust everybody is punishment enough, I believe", the headmaster observed as a frown flickered across his face.
Willy, meanwhile, felt nothing but relief.
I can't seal the deal if she isn't at Hogwarts.
"Was there anything else, Harry?"
Harry's face screwed up in concentration.
"I-I'll tell you in private, Professor", he replied as he quelled his inner Gryffindor.
The headmaster slowly nodded.
"Professor Dumbledore?"
"Yes, Miss Farley?"
"May I keep one of these basilisk fangs?"
Normally, Gemma would have acquired the basilisk fang without asking, but doing so in front of several people wasn't very wise. So she schmoozed like she had so many times before.
Of course, the headmaster saw right through this. He knew that Gemma, being a Farley, would not simply keep the basilisk fang as a souvenir. No, she would look to profit off the fang. Whether by auctioning it off, or selling it as an apothecary ingredient, he didn't know. But he didn't want the fang falling into the wrong hands…
"Very well, Miss Farley. But if I discover that the wrong people have acquired the basilisk fang, I will notify Amelia Bones."
Gemma's eye twitched momentarily, but her expression otherwise brooked no irritation at the mention of Madam Bones. Instead, she forced a smile, knowing that the headmaster would not follow through on his threat without clear evidence. After all, he would likely need her family's help in the future.
"Of course, headmaster."
A transfigured basilisk fang soon found itself within Gemma's pocket.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure."
Bart then weighed in.
"So – how are we getting out of this joint?"
The masterful mage smiled as he returned Gemma's parchment.
"Tell me, Bart…have you ever travelled via phoenix?"
"Umm, no."
"Well, there's always a first time for everything. Ronald, please help your sister to her feet."
After he did so…
"Everybody, grab my robes. Fawkes, would you do the honours?"
Answering the call, Fawkes thrust his wings back and speared downward at dizzying speed. Seizing the moment, the headmaster grabbed his tail.
And in a flash, they were gone.
Bart helplessly clutched his headmaster's robes as a sea of fire enveloped them all.
Oh man, I can't go back to hell now! The Yankees haven't even won the World Series yet!
But much to his relief, Satan's smirking visage did not materialise. Instead, he found himself in a more sanitary place, one which looked suspiciously like…
The hospital wing, Bart realised as he looked around…only to lay eyes on a bedridden Draco, who looked like he had swallowed something most foul.
Bart smirked, strolling towards the blonde before casting a Muffliato. After all, he didn't want Professor Snape to interrupt.
"Hey Drainy, lookin' like your usual self, I see."
Draco, braving the pain which came with having his teeth regrown, scowled angrily.
"Which is?"
"Alive, but looking dead."
Draco narrowed his eyes.
"So…you've been working with Gryffindors."
"Yeah, 'cos Dumbledore told me to, dumbass."
"So you admit that you're a traitor to Slytherin? You and Farley?"
Bart snorted.
"When you admit that you're an asshole."
Draco's eyes flashed dangerously.
"You'll pay, Simpson", he hissed. "You'll pay."
Bart scoffed.
"What, with a Visa? Mastercard? American Express?"
Draco shook his head.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Simpson."
"Wouldn't be the first time. What, did your boyfriends fall on you?" Bart asked, stifling a laugh as he laid eyes upon the unconscious Crabbe and Goyle.
"You know exactly what happened, you Mudblood."
"Dickwad."
"Scum."
"Fruitloop."
"Filth."
"Foamer."
Just then, Bart felt something whoosh over his head.
"Bart, I would hate to interrupt your conversation with young Draco, but Professor McGonagall has just informed me that Ginny's parents are on their way", the headmaster noted as something shiny disappeared through the door.
What that was, Bart did not know. Nor did he care, as he saw Ginny slip into a bed before Madam Pomfrey carried in some potions on a tray.
The headmaster carefully inspected the potions before drinking them. After Snape and Willy followed suit, the venerable mage turned to the seasoned matron.
"Thank you, Poppy, but we won't require a Wound-Cleaning Potion. Miss Weasley, can you please consume these three potions? Your mother would never let you hear the end of it if you didn't. And Ronald, perhaps you would like to follow suit?"
The couple swallowed the three potions all too readily. Rebellious though they could be, the Weasley children respected Dumbledore too much to defy him. Besides, they both knew that their mother's wrath surpassed any punishment that the old professor could dream up.
"Bart, Harry, Miss Farley. I will offer you three a choice. You may consume these potions, or not. But please know that I offer these potions in good faith, and that Poppy would never allow me to harm you. Nor would your father, Miss Farley."
Harry happily drank the potions, but Bart and Gemma remained suspicious.
"What are those potions?" Gemma asked.
"A Calming Draught, a Strength Solution and a Forgetfulness Potion. The first helps you overcome shock and trauma, the second restores your strength and the third allows you to forget traumatic memories so they do not haunt you later."
"Which memories?" Gemma asked. Draco listened intently, hoping for some leverage against his Slytherin rivals.
But he would be disappointed, for the headmaster knew that the blonde hated Bart and so cast a Muffliato to protect their privacy.
"In your case, Tom attacked and almost murdered you. You also saw the basilisk's tail strike Bart."
"Why didn't you offer these potions last year? And what about Bart?"
The headmaster bowed his head in shame.
"I did not think to do so, Miss Farley. I was quite unprepared for what happened last year. As for Bart, he was grievously injured after the basilisk's tail struck him."
Bart shuddered.
"Yeah, that's not exactly a Kodak moment. Let's get this over with, then."
And with that, he strode towards the tray.
"Bart!"
Bart turned around.
"Yeah?"
"Hold on."
Gemma was still suspicious. So suspicious, in fact, that she entered a Mexican standoff with the headmaster; one that turned into a battle of wills, as each waited for the other to blink first. Gemma could have sworn that the headmaster was amused by the exchange.
Which got Gemma thinking; the headmaster could certainly conceal his real intentions behind an amiable façade, but why would he harm the pair? Her father was still a professor at Hogwarts, so the headmaster wouldn't turn on him now.
And why would he harm Bart? As far as Gemma could tell, the headmaster wanted to increase his influence over Bart, and so deliberately harming him seemed rather counterproductive.
But what really swayed her were Professor Snape's words.
"Miss Farley, I can assure you that the headmaster means no harm."
Gemma raised her eyebrows. The potions master wasn't known for defending others, so if he was defending Dumbledore, he must really mean it.
The prefect nodded.
"Take the potions."
Bart did a double take.
"R-really?"
"Yes."
And so, just as the headmaster removed the Muffliato, the pair swallowed all three potions.
Immediately, a wave of calm washed over Bart.
Oh wow, no wonder Krusty got hooked on Valium and Xanax! I feel like I own Roche right now! Bart observed, feeling like he'd never face another worry again. And combined with the Strength Solution, Bart felt like he could barrel through an army without breaking a sweat.
Best of all, he couldn't recall anything unpleasant happening to him in the chamber.
Man, I didn't think fighting a giant snake would be so easy. Ah well, it is what it is. Anyway, I gotta score these potions too!
Bart hadn't forgotten his earlier pledge to acquire some Veritaserum – a pledge unfortunately delayed by events. But that wouldn't stop Bart.
Before he could plot, however, the Weasley parents barged into the room and threw themselves around their daughter as Professor McGonagall strode in behind them. Before long, the Weasley matriarch was embracing Harry and Ron.
"You saved her, you saved her! But how?"
"With a little help from a flying dagger", Harry replied as he smirked in Bart's direction.
Molly was incredulous.
"H-he was involved?!"
Ron took a deep breath.
"Yes, Mum. He was."
He then looked Bart dead in the eye.
"Bart. Thank you for saving Ginny's life."
Bart's eyes widened.
Heh, he used my first name. That's gotta be a first. "No problem, Ron", he replied, enjoying the heat of Draco's glare on his back. "Now if every Slytherin could do the same, you'd be set."
"You got that right", Ron muttered as laughter rang around the room.
"Saving a bunch of blood traitors", Draco muttered. "Pathetic…".
While Draco was stewing in his own juices, Molly inclined her head towards Bart.
"Thank you for saving our daughter's life. And I apologise for misjudging you."
Bart laughed airily and waved his hand.
"Ehh, think nothing of it. Happens all the time."
The headmaster then weighed in.
"Madam Pomfrey has just delivered a Very Important Package. This means that Miss Granger can be revived, along with the other petrified students."
The Gryffindors cheered, and even Bart and Gemma smiled as Draco muttered impotently in the background. Speaking of which…
"Draco will be happy about that", Bart lied. "'Cos he has a crush on Hermione."
"NO I – "
"AWWWWWWWWWWWWW."
"Draco?" Molly began. "As in Draco Malf - "
"Draco's name is not important, Molly", the headmaster began as he sensed a confrontation brewing. "What's important is the beauty of young love."
"I'M NOT IN LOVE - "
"Yeah, that's what 10cc said", Bart interrupted. "Now let's get this show on the road."
"Well said, Bart. Poppy?"
At the headmaster's invitation, the matron took the Mandrake Restorative Draught and leant over each bed.
Hermione then leapt up.
"What the – "
She then looked around.
"Harry? Ron? What's going on?"
Harry and Ron rushed over and hugged her tightly.
"AWWWWWWWWWWWWW."
"Nobody here saw that!" a panicked Ron remarked.
"Yes we did, Weasley!"
"Shut it, Malfoy!"
"Will you two stop arguing?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Yeah, she's back", Bart muttered as the other victims piped up.
"Creevey?"
"Cormac?"
"Why am I in the hospital wing?"
"Those…those eyes…"
Before Gemma knew it, she found herself beside Penelope's bed.
The Ravenclaw smiled.
"Nice of you to visit me, Farley."
"Just professional courtesy, Clearwater. Think nothing of it."
"Of course. About the - "
"Yes, I know. It's been taken care of."
Penelope's eyes widened.
"Really?"
Gemma nodded.
Penelope threw himself around Gemma's waist. The Slytherin, uncomfortable with such emotion, briefly smiled before pushing the Ravenclaw away.
"Compose yourself, Penelope. Remember, Ravenclaws are rational."
Penelope chuckled.
"How could I forget?"
While this was going on, the headmaster led Harry into a corner.
"What did you wish to tell me, Harry?"
"I-I think the Malfoys are behind this."
The headmaster's eyes widened slightly.
"Have you any proof of this?"
"Well…I saw Draco and his mum purchase a load of Mandrakes."
The headmaster rubbed his chin.
"That's not proof of involvement, Harry. Did any of them handle the diary?"
"Not that I saw. But I think a woman with long brown hair placed it into Ginny's cauldron."
The headmaster thought for a moment.
"In my office, there is a device called a Pensieve. We can use that to review your memories afterwards. But for now, please excuse me."
And so, just after Arthur had finished chastising Ginny, the headmaster piped up.
"You'll be relieved to know that Miss Weasley will not be punished for this, and that Ronald here has earnt Gryffindor a large number of points."
Arthur sighed in relief as his wife hugged her son yet again.
"That said, I must keep Miss Weasley overnight in the hospital wing. She will need some bed rest – and hot chocolate", he added in an almost seductive tone.
Ever the opportunist, Willy artfully exploited the opening which the headmaster provided.
"Albie, she still isn't safe, mate. I reckon someone wanted 'er dead."
Arthur narrowed his eyes. The cockney accent, the ragged green robes, the messy chestnut hair…he knew this man from somewhere – but where?
"Willy, aren't you being a little paranoid?"
Then it all clicked.
"Willy, as in Willy Widdershins?" Arthur exclaimed with uncharacteristic indignance.
Willy wheeled around to face his one-time apprehender. He felt a little apprehensive about that, but that feeling wasn't something a little braggadocio couldn't smooth over.
"Artie, mate!" Willy exclaimed as he stretched his hand. "Long time no see, 'ey? You still fiddlin' with Muggle stuff?"
Arthur's reply was rather stern.
"Yes, I am. And you'd better not be baiting Muggleborns."
Willy burst out laughing.
"Mate, I only sold that soap to pay me debts! I haven't baited no Muggleborns!"
Albus then stepped in.
"Arthur, I can assure you that Willy has performed to expectations."
"Very low expectations", Professor Snape muttered.
After silencing the surly potions master with a look, the headmaster continued.
"To my knowledge, he has not engaged in any illegal conduct, nor has he harmed any student."
"Yeah, he's loads better than Filch", Ron called out from a seat near Hermione's bed. "When I was in detention, he told me about how he stole some crook's wand before going berko on some blokes mugging a homeless – "
"Yes, that will do Ronald. We all know that Willy's quite the storyteller."
In truth, while Willy had survived his share of scraps, he had embellished and fabricated many of his stories. He did this because he liked being liked. And sadly, his reputation often prevented that. So he was rather moved by Ron's defence.
Ron's father was too, for after giving Willy a long look, he accepted the rogue's handshake.
Peace in their time? Not exactly, for Willy's grin hid the tumult that lay underneath. A tumult caused by the Faustian bargain hanging over him. Would he deliver on the bargain? Could he deliver?
Unexpectedly, Harry helped him on his way.
"I agree with Mr. Widdershins, Professor. Ginny won't be safe until she's at The Burrow."
"Yeah, I can deal with any riffraff who come 'round. And you might wanna check her food, just in case someone does somethin' funny."
The headmaster raised his eyebrows. He had not considered that. Which was convenient for Willy, for he knew that the more helpful you appeared, the more people trusted you. For example, the headmaster had just sung his praises after he had healed Bart and Ron in the Chamber.
Even his biggest adversaries would grudgingly admit that he cleaned the school more efficiently than Filch could, and he was a cult hero among the students.
"Very well. Willy", the headmaster replied as Willy's manipulations worked their magic. "You may guard Miss Weasley overnight."
"But – "
"Arthur, Willy healed your son in the Chamber."
"Yeah, without him, I don't think I'd be here", Ron admitted.
Arthur's head bowed down in defeat.
"I agree, then."
The headmaster turned towards Professor Snape, who was staring suspiciously at Willy.
"Severus, have you any objections?"
Snape's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected to be called upon by the headmaster. Which was odd, because he constantly criticised Willy's behaviour. And he knew that Willy wasn't offering to protect Ginny out of the goodness of his heart. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew that keeping his cards close to his chest was important, lest the headmaster read his next moves.
So he offered a rather perfunctory objection.
"Widdershins barely performs his existing duties. These extra duties do not suit him."
"Severus, we have already discussed Willy's performance as caretaker. With that in mind, I have no problem with him protecting Miss Weasley."
"Nor do I", Molly gushed, grateful to the rogue for saving her son's life.
The potions master smirked, satisfied that his plans remained a secret.
"That settles that, then. Severus, would you please escort Arthur and Molly out? Willy, would you mind escorting Harry to my office? And Minerva, would you please take Ronald and the newly revived students back to their common rooms? I need to speak with Bart."
Teachers and students duly dispersed. Before Bart knew it, he found himself facing the headmaster, who had formed a Muffliato bubble around them.
"Bart, Professor Snape believes that you played a part in my reinstatement."
"I'm not sure where he got that idea, sir", Bart replied as he feigned uncertainty.
"Well, if he was indeed correct…then I would sincerely thank you", the headmaster replied while his face crinkled in warmth.
"And I would accept your gratitude. Was there anything else?"
"Yes. What was that music you were listening to when you drove into the Great Hall?"
"Van Halen."
"I see…"
And soon afterwards, the headmaster would see Harry's memories. Specifically, the memory of the brown-haired woman sidling towards Ginny's cauldron and stretching her left hand before pointing her wand inside and stepping back. He also reviewed the little that Harry recalled of Draco and his mother buying mandrakes.
In truth, Harry thought the whole process was pretty tedious. The headmaster didn't spend too much time reviewing the second memory – he clearly knew the score there – but he spent an excruciating amount of time reviewing the first memory. First in normal time, then in slow motion, and then backwards. Using his wand, he also sped up and slowed down memories as he saw fit.
It's like he has a remote control, Harry thought as the headmaster bent time to his will. Harry usually found magic to be a fascinating break from the drudgery that was his daily life, but he found this whole experience to be disorienting.
Maybe because he hated having his privacy violated. Maybe because reviewing the same experience over and over again bored the living snot out of him. Or maybe, just maybe, he had no idea what the headmaster was looking for.
But he'd soon understand.
"Bart was correct, Harry. You were subjected to an improperly executed memory charm."
"But who did it?"
"I'd say it was Miss Snyde. She always dealt with her problems rather aggressively."
Harry nodded.
That's why she joked about my memory. "Do you know who stood over Ginny's cauldron?"
"I am not entirely certain, but I would aver that she is Miss Parkinson's mother, Violet Parkinson. I remember her quite well, actually. A most cunning individual. I believe she used a Silencing Charm to muffle the impact of the object she placed into Miss Weasley's cauldron. What that object was, I unfortunately have no idea."
"I see…Professor?"
"Yes, Harry."
"You know…the Sorting Hat almost sorted me into Slytherin. Do you think I could have become like him? Like Voldemort?"
"Harry", the headmaster replied in a grandfatherly tone, "you are nothing like Lord Voldemort. He would murder millions to achieve his goals. You would never do that. Not in a thousand years. You are a far better person than he ever was."
"But then…why do I speak Parseltongue?"
The headmaster's eyes creased in concern, as he carefully considered his words before speaking.
"I believe that you acquired some of his abilities on that fateful night. But your choices matter far more than your abilities. And your choices make you a far worthier person than he was."
Harry nodded. Normally, he would have been uncertain about that, but if Dumbledore said it, then he believed it. So, he pressed on.
"What about the Malfoys?"
The headmaster sighed.
"Harry, purchasing Mandrakes is not a crime. I believe that your convictions are sincere, but I cannot have them prosecuted."
Harry looked downcast, so Dumbledore reassured him.
"However, we should not lose heart. There is always the future to consider. We will see what happens then. In the meantime, I have a gamekeeper to acquit."
And after that evening's feast, Bart would see the Weasley twins in an empty classroom.
"You wanted an audience, Sir Bartholomew?"
Bart smirked.
"Sure did. You two mind doing me a favour?"
George melodramatically clasped his chest.
"We'd do anything for the saviour of our saintly sister!"
"Anything our Bart desires!" Fred exclaimed while he leapt into the air.
Anythhiiiiing, huh? I'll keep that in mind for later… "Do you mind spreading some rumours about Draco crushing on Hermione?"
George shivered in a typically exaggerated fashion.
"Oooh, our Ha-ray wouldn't be happy about that!"
Bart nodded. In truth, he didn't really want to involve Hermione in the rumour, but he had already planted the seeds of suspicion with that Howler, and his accusations in the hospital wing. If he repeated that rumour, then people would start believing it. Including his fellow Slytherins. And wouldn't that do wonders for Draco's standing among his fellow bigots?
"Yeah, that's why I'm not doing it myself."
"A plan fiendishly clever in its intricacies", Fred noted. "Because it involves our resident guano gatherer, we'll spread those rumours posthaste."
Bart smiled.
"Thanks, boys. I knew I could count on you."
But later that night, Willy couldn't count on himself to fulfill his agreement, as he nervously paced around a sleeping Ginny.
Forget about thinking straight, he could barely walk straight. Not for the first time, he had gotten himself into a dangerous situation without thinking. He had always believed that the future would take care of itself, and up until now it had.
But now he was faced with an unthinkable choice: his life, or a child's life.
I shouldn't have let 'im buy me gambling debts. But what choice do I 'ave?
He pointed his wand at Ginny's throat. But still, his hand shook. Clearly, there was a very large part of him that didn't want to do this.
But before he could really commit himself…
"Stupefy!"
Willy was plunged into darkness.
When Willy woke up…
"Ah, our guest is awake."
He made to leap up, but there was a problem. Namely, that he was tied down with robes.
Also, that Professors Dumbledore and Snape were staring down at him. Snape's look of hostility was nothing new, but what really scared Willy was the headmaster's look.
There was no serene smile, nor a twinkle in his eyes. No, he was staring down with a severe expression that made Willy understand exactly why Dumbledore was feared by his enemies.
"Willy, please tell me why you were pointing a wand at Miss Weasley."
His tone was still polite, but there was a distinct edge to it. This was a command disguised as a request. And Willy would do well to obey.
Willy closed his eyes and sighed.
"I-I made a deal with the devil, Albie."
The two professors looked at each other, but suddenly Severus understood.
"Lucius", he hissed.
Dumbledore turned to him.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Lucius. He's been protecting Widdershins from termination. He bought off his gambling debts. He is behind this."
The headmaster looked down at Willy with disappointment as he remembered how Harry had accused the Malfoys.
"Is this true, Willy?"
Willy sighed with both resignation and regret.
"I-I can't say, mate."
The headmaster thought for a moment before turning to Severus.
"The Unbreakable Vow?"
Severus slowly nodded. Both realised that the Unbreakable Vow was preventing Willy from explicitly outing Lucius, even though he obviously wanted to do so.
The headmaster looked heartbroken.
"But why? You're no murderer, Willy."
Willy hated that look and so sought to placate the older man.
"I-I didn't fire no spell at Miss Weasley, Albie."
Professor Snape sighed.
"That is true. But it is also true that you also annoyed one criminal too many, and that's why you sought Lucius' protection. Am I right?"
Willy didn't answer, but his pleading look gave the answer away.
"Severus, I know that you and Lucius are close, but…"
"Yes. Lucius must pay for his misdeeds. But he is a very slippery man, Albus. He has always avoided being implicated in any criminal activity."
The headmaster nodded, vividly remembering how the Malfoy patriarch avoided prosecution for supporting Lord Voldemort.
"Yes, I'm well aware."
"So…what do we do?"
The headmaster thought for a moment before looking down at Willy. Truth be told, the rogue had technically not done anything. This meant that locking him in Azkaban and throwing away the key wasn't an option.
Besides, that would allow Lucius to get away scot-free, and he couldn't have that. Normally, Albus would have baulked at exposing anybody to the Dementors, but conspiring to murder a child exhausted even his patience.
Which made his subsequent decision easier.
"Willy, I will be honest. As it stands, you might well be charged with conspiracy to murder, provided that the agreement you made does not end your life first.
However, if you assist me, you will be spared either of those fates. You will also retain your employment here."
Snape's eyes widened.
"But Albus - "
"Severus, if you have an alternative, I'm all ears."
His subordinate's mouth quickly closed.
I thought so. "What will it be, Willy?"
Willy thought for a moment. His outward cheer masked a personality that was as distrustful as it was deceitful. But the headmaster had never done him wrong. And really, what choice did he have? If he refused, he was dead anyway. Stupidly, he had agreed to fulfill the vow before the year was out, and that wasn't going to happen if he was charged and convicted of conspiracy to murder. And the inmates at Azkaban would know that the conspiracy involved a child…
"Sure, Albie."
The headmaster's eyes shone with genuine gratitude.
"You've made the right choice, Willy."
He then turned to the potions master.
"Severus, am I correct in assuming that Lucius will have some intermediaries meet with Willy?"
"Normally, you would be. But the stakes are such that he will want to meet with Widdershins to ensure that he has performed the deed. No doubt he will bring some protection, though."
The potion master's prediction was correct, as 24 hours later, two large men followed a grey-haired figure with pinched, dark eyes into a secluded, dimly lit area near the Shrieking Shack. Nobody visited this area, so there was no need to cast a Homenum Revelio. Everybody would be safe from prying eyes, especially under the cover of night.
The elderly figure laid eyes on what looked like Ginny's corpse before addressing a nervous Willy.
"Widdershins. You have performed the deed?" he asked, in a tone which froze the air around him.
Willy looked uncharacteristically serious.
"See for yourself, Lucius."
And so Lucius did.
Before him lay the perfectly manicured corpse of Ginny Weasley. Her hair was a bit matted, but she otherwise looked awfully good for somebody who was dead.
But that was explainable by the Killing Curse, which Lucius assumed was the spell responsible for Ginny's death. After all, he had no concerns against using it, so why would a criminal like Widdershins?
If Willy had used some other means, then Lucius may well have felt the need to verify the kill by slitting Ginny's throat. But in this case, it seemed unnecessary.
What was necessary was getting back at Arthur Weasley for making his life more difficult. He had stalled the Muggle Protection Act's passing, but the Ministry raids had cost his family some valuable Dark artifacts. And a decent amount of money, for he and Narcissa had to hastily discard said artifacts, allowing Borgin to lowball them in the process.
But the death of his enemy's daughter made up for that – and then some.
And better yet, because of his agreement with Willy, nobody would trace it back to him. For Willy could not disclose such without dying.
He smirked.
"I see that Miss Weasley is no longer among the living. Our agreement is fulfilled, then."
A white glow surrounded Willy for a second.
And before Lucius knew it, the area lit up. Before he could react, he was disarmed and frozen to the spot, along with his goon squad. To add insult to injury, he was drenched with what felt like water.
What the –
A harsh, female voice rang out.
"Lucius Malfoy, Gareth Goyle, Victor Crabbe, you are under arrest for conspiracy to murder. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court."
Much to his horror, Amelia Bones, Albus Dumbledore and some aurors emerged from the forest.
No! How did they recognise me?!
"My apologies, Lucius. But you were sprayed with a substance called The Thief's Downfall. The goblins at Gringotts find it quite useful for detecting those who break into their vaults."
Lucius' jaw dropped in horror.
Had he been thinking rationally, he would realise that he only had himself to blame for this whole mess. Arranging for the diary to be placed on Ginny's person would have been enough to discredit Arthur Weasley given how dark the artifact was. But no, he had to try and seal the deal by arranging her death on top of it.
But he wasn't, so instead he exploded in impotent rage.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, WIDDERSHINS! THE LAST THING YOU'LL HEAR IS MY NAME, YOU WRETCHED - "
Then he was silenced.
"While we appreciate your commentary Lucius, do allow me to defend Willy", the headmaster instructed in an incongruously jovial tone. "Willy did not disclose anything. In fact, I deduced the nature of your agreement with him myself."
"Yeah, you gotta get up earlier to get somethin' by Albie, Lucy."
Willy could practically see the frosty fire behind Lucius' eyes, but it mattered not, as Madam Bones appraised him with absolute loathing.
"Take them away."
And with that, the Aurors departed with their quarry.
Amelia then gave Willy a withering glare as her monocle glinted ominously.
"Had Albus not vouched for you, Widdershins, you would have gone with him."
"Amelia, to my knowledge, Willy has not done anything untoward in my employ."
"That had better remain the case."
Her expression then softened.
"Thank you, Albus. I've wanted to nail that bastard to the wall for years."
The headmaster chortled.
"Oh, don't thank me, Amelia. Thank the magic of transfiguration. For you see, this is not really Miss Weasley, but rather a transfigured replica. I do hope that it's a fair imitation?"
Amelia's mouth creased upward.
"It's fair enough for me. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to work."
And with that, she disapparated.
Author's Notes for Chapter Fifteen
Boy howdy, this chapter was excruciating to write. I had to write it over a couple of months, piecing it together bit by bit. I didn't even know how I wanted to end it until today!
This chapter was slower placed, showing Bart, Snape, Willy and Dumbledore hatching and executing schemes. I hope the payoff was worth it.
RE Ron receiving so many points, he did comparatively little, but he did risk his life while trying to save his sister's life, which should count for something. This chapter also shows some minor character development for him, because he's never really vouched for Bart before.
As of 1993, the Yankees hadn't won for 15 years.
RE Willy, I wanted to leave it ambiguous as to whether he would REALLY kill a child, otherwise he comes across as unworthy of redemption. Having him be a mole is a controversial move, and I considered killing him off, but IMO he's too charismatic. It would be a waste to kill him, at least right now.
Lucius' lack of concern about using the Killing Curse on a child shows 1) his lack of empathy and 2) arguably conflating being lawful - or at least not having a criminal record - with being good. He and his goons were read the UK Miranda Rights.
Monster King/James Songbird/alexeie2006: Thanks.
bauers374: Not my best joke/Gemma's appearance is a combination of Keira Knightly and Hayley Atwell.
Merinus: Hope it lives up to expectations.
EDIT (22/12/2023): bauers374 picked up a mistake wherein I accidentally called Ron 'Arthur'. Thanks.