Chapter 12

The castle was filled with whispers. Three of the four Hogwarts houses glared at the remaining with suspicion. With the last attacks, students feared what would happen next. Only the students of Slytherin house, save for the members of other houses not lost in the fear, knew the truth. Not a single student enrolled or staff member in the school could claim close enough ties to Slytherin.

The last known members of the main branch were the Gaunts. A family of recluses that have died out within the last generation. Its previous members have vanished or been sent to Azkaban. If it wasn't a blood relation of Slytherin, could it be someone fighting for his cause? Within Dumbledore's Hogwarts, no Slytherin could name a person capable of doing this under his nose.

Daphne Greengrass quietly walked towards an unused study room in the dungeon and entered with a single glance to ensure no one was watching. The second year Slytherins had reserved the room, but with so many prominent families having heirs within their year, it would hardly be surprising if other years tried to gather information from them.

The young witch had only to wait a few minutes of quiet when Pansy Parkinson, Tracey Davis, and Millicent Bulstrode entered. Daphne nodded her head towards her dormmates, who returned her greeting. They sat silently for several minutes when Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini entered.

"Theo," Daphne greeted softly, a smile on her face.

Theodore Nott walked up to Daphne, taking her hand in his, and pressed a light kiss to the back of her hand. "Daphne, it's a pleasure to see you as always," Theodore responded, a twinkling in his eyes.

Pansy snorted, "Why do you bother? The two of you were cradle betrothed. You are stuck together."

Daphne shot Pansy a dirty look, "At least Theo and I are friends. Just because your contract is unsigned doesn't mean you get to take it out on the rest of us."

Blaise laughed, "Pansy wouldn't be happy unless we crown her Queen of Slytherin."

"I hate you all," Pansy muttered, crossing her arms from her seat and crossing her legs underneath her, allowing her to rest more comfortably against the couch. Millicent shook her head softly but didn't respond, preferring to stay in the background.

The door opened, allowing Draco Malfoy to enter, with Crabbe and Goyle not far behind him. The group sat quietly as Draco's group made their way to the few remaining seats. The second-year Slytherins enjoyed a moment of quiet before Pansy opened her mouth.

"What do we know?" The witch asked, turning towards the Malfoy Heir.

"Granger and the Ravenclaw Prefect got attacked last night," Draco informed the group. "The Heads of Houses should be making an announcement today. I saw Potter and Weasley walking from the Infirmary's direction."

Blaise rolled his eyes, "Well, I guess that finally ends the ridiculous rumor that Potter is the Heir of Slytherin."

Theo shook his head, "Whoever believed that would have to be the stupidest of our population. Potter? He may put in more effort but is not studious or inconspicuous enough to pull these off."

Pansy snorted, "I suppose Longbottom's going to inform his dragon of a grandmother."

"Why shouldn't he?" Daphne spoke, her eyes stayed on Draco Malfoy. She noticed the way his hands had clenched. "Hermione Granger is a ward of House Longbottom. An attack on Granger is the same as an attack on Neville or herself."

Pansy scowled, "I'm not an idiot, Daphne. What will happen to the school if this leaks? Without anyone to blame, Madame Longbottom might just get Hogwarts closed permanently."

Vincent Crabbe looked up, "I don't want the school to close."

Theo smiled at Crabbe, "No one does Vince. But it is a possibility if this mystery doesn't get solved."

Having heard enough, Blaise said, "Then perhaps we should be finding out what Granger was looking into and make sure Potter receives it."

Greggory Goyle looked up at him in shock, "You want to help Potter?"

"As ridiculous as it is that a child might stop this when an adult can…Potter and Granger have mysteriously solved one mystery already why not this one?" Blaise shrugged. "With as much work as Madame Longbottom has given the girl. If Potter is looking into it, then Granger won't be far behind."

Draco looked at Blaise sharply, "You suggest an alliance with the Gryffindors?"

Blaise smirked, "With Potter and Granger most definitely. We all know you and Weasley will never be able to be amiable even if your magic was at stake."

"What would be our aim?" Daphne questioned, earning a curious look from Millicent and Tracey.

The Malfoy heir was quiet for a moment. Their entire year group knew what the main advantage was. If what was whispered about comes to pass. The muggle-born's own adventures last year proved that it might be more than the wishful thinking of their grandparents and the uncertainty and fear of their own parents whispered about.

"Granger is a ward of House Longbottom, and Potter is the Heir of a powerful family, orphan or not. We will want to place our bets safely. What's more harmless than a more amiable relation?" Draco finally said.

XXX

Dinner in the Great Hall was a much more subdued affair. The change in the air could be felt amongst the whole student population. Both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw ate their dinners with low murmurs. The murmurs drifted to the other two houses, stolen glances at the houses that had both just recently lost a member to whatever was attacking Muggle-borns.

Neville had been staring into his pumpkin juice when his head popped up at the sound of Great Hall doors flying open. With her wand raised, ugly vulture hat on top of her greying head was his Gran. Neville could practically feel her magic crackling around her, and his own magic raised itself in response. The family magics demanded it. He could practically feel the sparks flying off the older witch. Neville could feel his stomach begin to twist. He quickly made eye contact with Harry, who was sitting next to Ron.

The redhead's mouth was full of food, and his blue eyes widened in shock. Neville tried not to wince, seeing the unchewed food in the boy's mouth, as he said, "Bloody hell, is that your Gran?"

Neville nodded solemnly, "She must be here about Hermione." Ron looked down at the mention of the Gryffindor witch who had become the latest victim.

"Madame Pomphrey said there was nothing to do," Harry whispered. "The mandrakes we worked with haven't matured enough for the drought."

Neville didn't have time to respond as the elderly witch stomped to the front of the room. Any whispers amongst the student body had ceased. Albus Dumbledore had stood immediately upon the witch's entrance with a twinkle in his eyes.

For the first time, Harry thought that perhaps his headmaster was barmy. Ron stayed silent as he watched with wide eyes as Albus greeted the angry witch.

"Merry Meet Lady Longbottom. I wasn't aware you were visiting our esteemed institution today." Albus's voice was warm but had a questioning tone. Neville felt his stomach turn as his gran looked the wizard in the eye.

"You assumed I wouldn't insist on visiting those under my charge? Especially after one of my wards was attacked under your protection!"

"Perhaps this is a conversation best had in private, Madam" Albus murmured. Augusta Longbottom let out a laugh.

"I'm here to see my grandson and my wards, Albus. I have nothing to say to you. I expect that won't be a problem?"

Neville watched the exchange nervously. He could practically feel the unspoken conversation underneath the spoken words. He glanced over at Harry, whose own eyes were narrowing. Neville could see him trying to piece things together. Turning over to the youngest male, Weasley, he just looked pale.

Neville quickly turned to the Slytherin table, where Draco Malfoy looked at him. The blonde heir nodded his head towards him before turning to speak with his neighbor, Theodore Nott.

Fuck. Just what was his grandmother planning?

"Neville, Harry," Augusta barked over to the two second-years. She waved her hand, and Neville had to nudge Harry into standing up with him. The Potter heir, seemingly in shock, mumbled a good night to Ron, who nodded solemnly.

It wasn't until the trio reached the medical wing that Augusta Longbottom spoke. "You did good, Neville. Thank you for writing to me. I hadn't even received a missive from Hogwarts regarding Hermione's condition."

Harry paled, "But it's been days!"

Augusta wore a grim expression. "Likely the school trying to keep information close. This is a publicity disaster for the school. For Albus Dumbledore in particular."

Neville looked over at his grandmother as she opened the door to see Madame Pompfrey by Hermione's bed. The Healer looked over at the visitors with a sigh. "I'm afraid no changes, Lady Longbottom. As soon as we have mature mandrakes, we will make a cure."

The elderly witch rolled her eyes, "I have a supplier with a large crop of mature mandrakes. I'd rather you contact the seller than the headmaster."

Neville's eyes popped open; he could feel Harry stop beside him. They looked between the two witches, The medi-witch pursed her lips, "I give my order to either the Headmaster or Deputy for fulfillment. They oversee our funds."

"Fine. Tell me how much you need, and I'll ensure it's donated," Augusta snapped. "Honestly, do you want a bunch of children petrified under your charge? I'm offering a quicker solution, you ninny!"

Harry had to bite his lip to hide his smile at the way the Hogwarts Healer rolled her eyes. "We need at least 20 fully matured mandrakes. These are my charges, Lady Longbottom. I take their health seriously, but my hands are tied. I cannot buy them without the Headmaster's authorization."

"I recall the healer, during my time, having full control of her inventory and available funds," Lady Longbottom muttered. He really is a meddling old coot, isn't he?"

If Madame Pomphrey smiled as she opened the curtains around Hermione's bed, Harry didn't say anything. Harry couldn't help the gasp that escaped him. It didn't matter that he'd visited her before. Seeing Hermione so still… so unlike herself, was awful.

Harry could feel the guilt build within him. He and Neville were allowed to go first, Harry immediately grabbing her hand. "Hello, Hermione."

Neville was at her opposite side, her other hand gently resting on his. "You've got the entire school worrying about you."

Neville's Gran stood at the foot of the bed, "Can she hear us?"

Madame Pomphrey sighed, "Cases of petrification have been rare in the United Kingdom. We simply do not know for sure. It depends on the cause. Because we are not exactly sure what caused her condition, it's too hard to say."

Augusta looked down at Hermione's frozen form. Her eyes softened. "Hermione, you are a smart girl. We will get you back to normal even if it means working with people I'd rather not."

Neville looked over at his Gran, startled. "Gran? What do you mean?"

Augusta sighed, "When you step into your role as Lord Longbottom and Harry, you'll be Lord Potter. You'll find that not everyone is as black and white as Hogwarts makes it seem. As a leader, if you want to get things done, then you'll work with who you must."

Harry looked down at Hermione. He wanted his friend back. She would be able to translate whatever Augusta was trying to explain to them. His finger was wrapped around her hand when he felt something thin and papery in between her palm. Harry's eyes widened as he carefully pulled the paper from her grasp.

One glance at the Longbottom's let him know that they were far too engrossed in their thoughts to have noticed his movement. Silently, he slid the paper into his pocket. Hermione had somehow found something. He knew it deep inside.

XXX

The next few hours were a blur. Augusta Longbottom had allowed them to return to their dorm, muttering about needing to meet with the board of governors. Ron ran up to him, saying that Hagrid wanted them to visit before curfew. Harry nodded when he noticed Neville had been pulled into a conversation with the remaining second-year boys.

When he met Neville's eyes, Harry waved and mouthed Hagrid's. Neville's eyes seemed to narrow before shrugging. Harry walked out with Ron, whispering about the paper he found in Hermione's hand.

"Do you really think Hermione found out what's attacking students?" Ron asked, not entirely confident. "She's brilliant, but you've heard the whispers. Not even the Professors can figure it out."

Harry pulled the note, "I don't know, but she found something. We can worry about it later. I'm more worried about Hagrid."

Ron rolled his eyes, "He probably just wants to check in on you. After the whole thing with Hermione and all."

Harry nodded as they quickly made their way out of the crowd of Gryffindor's unseen. Harry found himself grateful for his smaller stature; this would have been near impossible if they had been much older. The duo made their way over to Hagrid's hut without any fuss.

The giant man greeted them with a loud, "'Ello 'Arry! Ron! Good to see you both. Come in, come in."

The two boys scurried inside, Harry glancing over at the clock, wishing he had brought his cloak just in case. Hagrid looked nervous as he started muttering about needing tea. "We can't stay long, Hagrid. Curfew," Harry reminded the giant softly.

"Right- Must'a slipped my mind." Hagrid shook it off. "Augusta in the castle, right?"

Harry nodded, "Visiting Hermione." At the mention of Hermione, the giant began to sniff.

"Poor girl. How you holding up, 'Arry?" the giant asked. The young wizard looked down, clenching his fingers into a fist.

"Madame Pomphrey will fix it, right? It'll work?" Harry avoided the question with one of his own. Hagrid looked at him with sad eyes. "She is the best healer around 'Arry."

"It's not fair," Harry muttered. "She was only looking into it because I couldn't leave it alone."

Ron rolled his eyes and hit him on the shoulder. "It's Hermione, Harry. She likes the library. Don't you think she might have been worried about herself? All the victims so far have shared her family history."

Harry blinked, "Ron, did you just say something wise?"

"It's been known to happen!"

"Biscuits are ready!" Hagrid announced, pulling out his usual completely burned hard-as-rock biscuits. The trio sat and talked for a while, allowing the boys to temporarily forget their troubles in the castle.

After making their way back to the castle, just before curfew, Harry was the first to turn the corner. In shock, he completely stopped as he saw red words on the wall. He stared at the words, dread filling his stomach as he glanced toward Ron. The redhead looked ghostly pale. Footsteps could be heard immediately.

Not wanting to be seen at another scene of the crime, Harry immediately pulled Ron to hide behind the walls, away from where the footsteps could be heard. Horrified gasps could be heard. Harry kept his grip on Ron's hand as they stayed hidden behind the wall. Ron was shaking beside him. Harry cursed himself internally for not bringing his cloak just in case. The two looked at each other, not knowing what to do next, when they heard the adults begin to speak.

Their head of house turned to the headmaster, "Albus, do we know who was taken?"

Harry could hear the solemnity of Dumbledore's voice: "We'll need to do a head count. However, the only student I did not see at dinner was the youngest Weasley."

"It took G-Ginny," Ron stuttered, looking wildly at Harry. "The monster took Ginny!"

Harry grabbed Ron's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him and shushed him when they heard their least favorite professor speak up. Severus Snape muttered, "Do you hear that?"

Before the boys could do anything, Harry felt something grip the back of his shirt. He was forced to look at Severus Snape's disgruntled face as he held both by the backs of their shirts. Minerva McGonagall let out a long-suffering sigh, "Why am I not surprised?"

"Boys," Professor Sprout shook her head, "Do you know how dangerous it is to be out?"

Severus Snape rolled his eyes, "These two have hardly shown respect for the rules since they've stepped into these halls, Professor Sprout. Perhaps a few more detentions shall get the message across."

"The monster's got my sister!" Ron snapped, fighting against his professor until the adult loosened his grip, causing the young wizard to stumble until Professor Sprout steadied him.

"If it is indeed your sister, Mr. Weasley, we will do everything. For now, we must verify who it was that was taken," Dumbledore said soothingly. In light of the events, perhaps we can give them a warning? Professor McGonagall, you are their head of house."

Harry felt very uncomfortable with the way the Professor looked at the Headmaster. As much as he didn't want to serve detention. He and Ron had broken the rules and gotten caught yet from his experience in his muggle primary school. Professors hardly had the power to go against those who ran the school.

"If you so say, Professor Dumbledore."

XXX

After their head of house returned them to their dorm with a firm command to wait in their dorms, a head count will follow shortly. Neville sat on the couch, saying nothing as they approached the largest sofa. Plopping down, Ron mumbled to himself, "Ginny."

Neville's eyes widened as Ron's mumbles reached his years. Meeting Neville's eyes, Harry nodded solemnly. Neville shook his head, "I'm so sorry, Ron."

Ron shakes his head, "What are we going to do? They don't even know what monster took her!"

Neville looked nervous as Ron stood up and began to pace. The young wizard looked over at Harry, "Your cloak?"

"Upstairs, but we don't even know where to look, Neville" Harry shook his head. Neville sighed, "I bet Hermione would."

Harry's eyes lit up, "Hermione!"

Both Neville and Ron turned to look at Harry. Ron even paused his pacing, "What are you talking about? Hermione's petrified, and it's going to kill my sister!"

Harry raced up the stairs, leaving two baffled boys down below. He had just come down when Professor McGonagall stepped into the common room, her wand in hand, alerting the house to assemble. Harry quickly hid his father's cloak behind him, and Neville and Ron took to sitting on either side of him.

Professor McGonagall looked at them and said, "You three aren't up to anything, are you?"

Ron scowled, "Are you doing anything to save my sister?"

Professor McGonagall's expression turned furious, then softened. "We are doing everything in our power. The first step is to find out who is missing. Mr. Weasley, your sister's safety is our priority."

Neville and Harry shared a look, knowing it was true. The staff at Hogwarts had so far been lacking in ensuring the safety of its students. Slowly, all of Gryffindor Tower walked down the stairs. Ron's siblings all quickly found him, and soon, the trio was surrounded by Percy, Fred, and George.

Ron looked over to where the first-year girls' dorm was. Each girl left, but Ginny never appeared. Harry held back a gasp as he noticed a lack of familiar red hair among the first-year girls and grabbed his friend's hand. Professor McGonagall looked around, and Harry swore he could have seen her wilt just a fraction upon looking at the first-year girls.

"Several hard things have happened tonight. Firstly, I must tell you Headmaster Dumbledore has been temporarily removed from his post as per the decree from the Board of Governors." McGonagall paused as she let the news settle, allowing the students to gasp and whisper amongst themselves temporarily.

"I am currently Acting Headmistress until the issue has been resolved," Professor McGonagall continued, her tone immediately causing the students to lower their voices until silence echoed. "Everyone except the Weasleys, please go to bed."

Harry noticed how Lee Jordon looked at the twins curiously. They shrugged, and the older trio waved good day as Lee led some of the trailing students back upstairs. The professor sighed when McGonagall turned to see Neville and Harry still present.

"Very well, the two of you may stay as well," she said before turning towards Percy, Fred, and George, who looked nervous. Ron had crossed his arms and looked to be about to shout out the first words that came to his mind.

"Your parents have been called. Your sister appears to be the next victim, and the staff is doing everything they can to locate her now that we've verified it's her," Professor McGonagall said softly.

"But I just saw her at dinner," Percy said, looking over at the twins, who frowned. Then, a silver mist arrived with a whisper that sounded a lot like their charms; professor: " The Weasleys have arrived, Minerva."

Professor McGonagall smiled softly. "Alright, boys. It's time to go see your parents. Longbottom, Potter, it's time for you to go to bed."

Ron paused, looking at his siblings and then back at his friends. Neville patted him on the back, "We'll be right here, okay?"

Ron nodded, standing, allowing Percy to grasp him by the shoulder. It was only when the portrait closed that Harry stood up, looking at Neville. "Neville, look at what I found in Hermione's hand."

Neville

took the piece of paper from his hand. His eyes scanned the paper.

Neville looked at him with shock, "Did you read this ?"

Harry looked sheepish, "Not yet. What did she find?"

Neville

read out loud, "The Basilisk, the largest known magical snake, is greatly feared by spiders. Its scales are resistant to magic, and the

sound of the rooster is the only thing known to harm it. Known for having yellow eyes, when its victim looks the basilisk in the eye, it kills it instantly. The lucky victims who do not follow its direct gaze can expect petrification."

Harry shivered, "Figures it's a snake. No wonder only I could hear it."

"We have to tell someone," Neville says qui

etly.

"Proffessor Lockhart?" Harry said. "He's the defense professor, isn't he? He's got to be good for something."

Harry and Neville quietly exited the

dorms, much to the annoyance of the Fat Lady. Harry led the way, Neville being far better than Ron at keeping quiet as they made their way to Professor Lockhart's office. When they finally reached the doors, Neville grabbed Harry by his wrist before he tried opening the door.

"Do you really think this will work?"

Harry looked at Neville and said, "We've got to

try for Ginny, Ron, and all the Weasleys."

XXX

A.N: Omg, guys! I never thought it take me this long to update. Happy New Year! I've had so much going on with moving, and the new job and this chapter just wouldn't come out. But I've finally figured it all out. You'll see more of a divergence from the books at this point. Hopefully, you'll like the changes.