Chapter 11

Return to the Chamber of Secrets

Harry felt inclined to say the hell with the 10:00 pm curfew. Ginny was welcome to as much time as she wanted. His shoulder caught as many tears as she let it out. After a bit, she ran out of them, but still remained quiet. Finally, she broke the silence with a gentle "Thank you, Harry."

"My honor to help, Gin," he answered in a low soothing voice.

She shook her head and smirked, "Damn nobility," she whispered as a slight joke. "Merlin, I hate this. I have to look so pathetic right now."

"Hardly, if anything I am impressed by your courage," he replied with a kiss to the top of her head.

"What courage? I'm sitting here crying like a damn baby." she asked, sitting up to look at those emerald eyes.

"Ginevra, for you, for 10 minutes I will drop all humility concepts. You are talking to the one bloke who knows what's like having Riddle in their head and a history of monsters and nightmares. The way you are determined to go back and not let this beat you, it is one of the bravest things I've seen. The fact I have half a clue of how painful all this is for you just earns you more respect in my book."

A slight smile formed. "Thank you, Harry. I'd like to wait till I feel better, but just so you know, I owe you a MASSIVE snog for this."

"Hey, hey, hey, I welcome anything, but you don't own me a damn thing. We're a couple. How suppurative were you when I moved in? And that was before we started dating. If I'm not doing this when you are down I am screwing up Boyfriend 101."

She took a deep breath, and did reward her protector with a hug and kiss. "Thank you, I think I actually can sleep now."

They used the cloak to get back to Gryffindor tower. The Fat Lady being a bit cross at the hour, but did let them in. He noticed once that it was only 11:30. He rolled his eyes, even Mrs. Weasley gave them to midnight. He noticed Hermione was still studying but with her prefect badge on. She looked up and smiled at the pair. Harry gave a friendly nod as he escorted Ginny to the door to the girls' dorm. "G'night, Gin."

"G'night, and thank you, love," Once she walked out of sight Harry returned to the commons where Hermione was the only one still up but already put her books away. "Congratulations, you are the first. Not even the Weasley's have waited up for me."

She shrugged. "Two of my closest friends were out, one of them looking really rough, and I'm their prefect. Ya, I'm going to stay up. Ginny looks better now, but how is she really?"

Harry waved his hand 'meh.' "Better than we left the council meeting. This is rough on her. We started this chat Friday night. No offense, I didn't want her blindsighted."

"Completely understandable,"

"I tried to tell her then. You know, part of being partners is divide and conquer. That I could handle this… with some of you of course."

"Of course," Hermione repeated with a simile.

"But she is determined and stubborn. She's got it in her head if she doesn't, Riddle has won something and beaten her."

"What do you think, Harry?" she asked, crossing her arms and leaning on the table.

Harry shook his head. "Don't play psychologist on me, 'Mione. I think, and I have told Ginny, that I think that is ridiculous and that she is being incredibly brave in this. That is what I think. As for what I feel… well… as someone who has had rough background events… I do understand the feeling. So she's getting my support on this one."

Hermione smiled, "So long as you actually told her that."

"Things change, 'Mione. We do talk, a fair bit actually. It's not just snogging. In fact tonight there was no snogging. She just needed company and a shoulder."

"She's lucky to have you, Harry."

"The feeling is mutual. So permission to get to bed, Miss Prefect, ma'am."

Hermione shook her head and laughed lightly. "Get out of here. Go tell my boyfriend his sister will be okay."

Harry got to his dorm room and met the familiar snoring of Seamus and Dean. Main lights were off but Ron and Neville were both waiting up looking like maybe they tried to study with their wands lit.

"Harry?" Ron asked, not that he needed to, Harry was walking that way anyway. He took a knee with Ron on his right and Neville his left, and kept his voice low. He largely repeated the conversation he had with Hermione. "Thanks, mate," Ron acknowledged. Neville nodded also. The three of them finally went to sleep.

The next week wasn't much different than the previous. A decent night's sleep got Ginny back to mostly normal, just a bit subdued. Fortunately, she had extra study time from muggle studies with both Harry and Luna that left a daily smile on her face.

Harry's cooking approach to potions was unique, but effective. He even found himself enjoying moments of the class both to Slugworth appreciation and Hermiones curiosity. The Professor was delighted the 'crown jewel of his collection' was indeed quite the potion maker. "Harry m'boy, I've never seen this kind of technique before. Where did you learn this?"

"Just something I picked up from the muggles, sir."

"Really? Well I must say it's effective!"

Hermione was dubious of such an academic shift "Let me see your book," she asked suspectly. Harry held up a clean normal copy.

"Okay…but I'm watching you Harry." she smiled, but partially meant it.

A.C.T. was falling into a pattern of assigned reading, with written homework, but as much class time as possible on elemental spells which the full squadron seemed to be developing. Sgt. Tonks was clearly one of the best instructors their grade had ever had. Ginny though, truly threw herself into the course work. Harry recognized what she was doing, venting, just like he often did to the punching bag, which she also was increasing her time and force on. More than once she had caught Harry keeping an eye on her during training and where others might be concerned or worried, Harry looked with admiration. When Ginny did catch him looking, she usually just rolled her eyes, but always smiled.

Ron was still doing well with astronomy, which was equally surprising to him and Professor Sinistra, but with every story shared Hermione seemed to beam while she listened.

Quidditch practice was going well. He made a contribution to every player on the team. Straight from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes everyone received a Featherfall bracelet.

Dean raised his hand. "Uh, Harry, I thought the school banned Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes products ?"

"Joke products, yes. As someone who has been hospitalized in a quidditch fall, let me tell you, these are no joke. And if they have any further issues, be honest, 'Harry Potter made me do it.'"

Friday, 13 September 1996

After supper, the boys went back to their respective room, getting dressed like it was either the Quidditch world cup, or the fight of their life. Harry pulled out a pair of combat boots, black cargo pants and black commando sweater. He added a sports strap to the back of his glasses to try to keep them on for once. He double checked the tools in his wizard back. He gave his wand a spin as he slipped it into his holster. He threw the pack over his shoulders but properly this time, even snapping the chest clip instead of the casual over one shoulder carry he usually did. He walked up the stairs to the dorm room where Ron and Nevel were finishing. Ron was wearing blue jeans and a maroon sweater, Neville had darker jeans and a navy shirt. Harry nodded as he left the dorm.

He walked out and over to wait for the ladies. Hermione came out first in blue jeans and a gray zipper hoodie. "Um Harry…" she began to ask then paused as she looked him over. "Harry? You look…"

"Dressed for the occasion," he offered.

"That's one way to say it, yes."

"Considering everything, I'm taking this job seriously and we're going in prepared for once." Hermione nodded, still slightly surprised. "You had something else you wanted to say?"

"Er, yes. Ginny, you may want to keep an eye on her… she's … also different tonight."

Harry nodded. "Noted, I figured."

Hermione gave another look to Harry as she walked down to the common area to meet the other lads.

A moment later the door opened. Ginny was there also in black cargo pants. She was wearing the same black boots and the silver buckled utility belt from her birthday. She had a sleeveless red turtleneck under a black leather vest with her flight gloves but with her hands still uncovered. A pair of flight goggles hung loosely around her neck. Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail but she did have her makeup on. Harry understood instantly what was going, in fact he half expected it.

"Welcome to the party, Crimson."

"Thank you, love." she replied with her wicked smile. "Did 'Mione talk to you?"

Harry grinned. "Yes, she's under the mistaken idea that I need additional encouragement to keep an eye on you." He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"Silly girl." Crimson rolled her eyes.

"That's what I thought, but fortunately she is Ron's problem tonight. You are my privilege."

"Good answer," she purred.

They soon rejoined the other three including a Hermione who apparently watched the entire exchange. "Was that important flirting?!"

"Yes," Harry and Crimson both replied as they walked straight on by for the portrait exit.

Hermione looked back to Ron and Neville who were smiling and mildly giggling.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"This is so much better than being petrified," Neville answered as he followed the first two.

Hermione turned to her boyfriend. "Ronald, aren't you concerned?"

"I'm actually glad to see it."

"What?"

Ron thought for a moment. "Okay babe, last week, quidditch tryouts, beforehand you took me aside, gave me more than a little kiss and a pep talk along the lines of 'Make the commoners sorry they ever stepped onto the field of battle with me.'?

Hermione bit her cheek. "I remember. I also remember Harry saying you'd never played better."

Ron nodded. "Exactly, in quidditch and sports in general we call that putting a game face on."

"I am familiar with the term, Ron."

"Alright, well if you are familiar with the term, then you should recognize it when you see it. Crimson Witch is just Ginny with her game face on. She gets a confidence boost, helps keep her focused. And believe me I feel really weird saying this, but if the choices tonight are flirty Crimson or hurt Ginny, I choose Crimson. If some makeup and an outfit gets her past this, I'm not going to be like Mum about it."

Hermione nodded her head, starting to understand. "I guess, I just wasn't expecting it."

"Maybe we'll get lucky and that's the only surprise we get tonight. C'mon let's catch up."

The five of them walked down the halls, with a very determined and focused Chosen One and Crimson Witch in the lead. Likely the best known pair of students in the castle, spectating heads did turn as they walked but the expressions of focus and determination did more than enough to keep anyone from trying to talk to them. In fact, several students stepped to the side so as to not become the accidental target of ire. Most of the time Harry and Co. were the easiest people to talk to. Today the air around them seemed to have the switch flipped.

Until one person noticed. "Stop right there you five," Professor Snape ordered.

Just as Snape snapped at him, Harry could hear Sirius's voice in his ear. "Easy Pup, He's trying to rattle your cage. You're a House Master now. Don't let him."

Harry stopped and had an idea, "Follow my lead." he whispered to the group. And fell into attention, just as he would if Sgt Tonks had ordered him to. The team followed along.

Snape approached and looked them over. "You five, strutting down the hall like you own the place! What are you up to?"

Sirius led, "Going with A.C.T. training is not a bad idea, Pup. Stick with it."

Harry kept his calm and stoic face forward. "Starting our weekend, sir."

"Really? And what kind of plans are that? It's not Hogsmeade weekend? Planning to sneak out?"

Sirius kept coaching. "You can answer this one honestly, Pup." he chuckled.

"We actually have no intention of leaving the grounds, sir."

"So the three of you dressed for camping, you dressed for war, and your lady friend dressed like a trollop… may one ask what your plans are?"

"He's trying to bait you, Pup. Don't bite!"

"Voluntary practice for A.C.T., sir." Harry replied. "Sgt. Tonks has a way of making one WANT to do better."

"Oh really? Is that why you lot all transferred?"

"Again Pup, stick with honesty."

Still keeping it cool and looking straight ahead as Snape circled them like a vulture. "Actually sir, none of us signed anything, we were drafted."

Snape growled. "I'm well aware, Potter. Don't get smart with me."

"Apologies for misunderstanding, sir."

Snape watched and waited. He circled them a few times in anticipation. ''That's it? No snappy comeback? No witty retort? Where's your father's arrogance you so greatly embraced before?"

"Things change, sir." Harry said coldly, despite how hot his ears felt now.

"Professor, may I ask a question, sir?" Crimson asked.

"What is it, Miss Weasley?" Snape asked her but kept a look of contempt on Harry.

"Well sir, first I wasn't aware the term 'trollop' had been deemed acceptable by school vocabulary guidelines, especially from a professor to a student. Second, I would be curious why you felt Miss Granger was dressed as such."

Sirius howled in Harry's head. "That is one hell of a firecracker you got there, Pup. Best stay on her good side."

Snape's gaze turned from Harry and bore down upon Crimson who simply returned the look. She gave it a moment then batted her eyes and smiled showing she expected an answer. Snape was visibly annoyed at the corner he had painted himself into. He settled on, "I'm watching you, especially you two."

Harry and Crimson exchanged glances and just replied. "We're used to that."

The encounter's frustrations far exceeding any reward he originally sought, Snape growled and stormed off the way he came, leaving the group alone. Crimson turned to look back at her friend. "Mione," she smiled, "I think you look great today."

"Oi I don't think either of you's a trollop!" Ron vented.

Hermione broke out laughing. "Thank you, Ginny. Smart play by the way."

"Thank you, that's the thing about boys. So easy to confuse sometimes."

Neville was still processing. "What the hell just happened?"

"C'mon Neville," Harry encouraged with a grin. "Three weeks ago you faced down Death Eaters trying to kill you. Don't tell me a professor threatening detention is going to rattle you."

Harry offered his arm to Crimson. "M'lady?"

She smiled widely, "Absolutely, love."

Susan was waiting by the lavatory door. Also in blue jeans and a brown sweater, also putting her hair in a ponytail. She cocked her head to the side when the group approached. "Lady Bones," he nodded in respect with a grin.

"Master Potter," she said to Harry, but then looked at Ginny. "Not what I expected."

"And I think you'll be saying that several times before this night is done." Crimson replied.

"Do you know if anyone is in there?"

"It's all yours, Harry, though I admit I am curious what the next step is."

Harry unbuckled his pack and laid it on a sink while everyone gathered around. He pulled his link and clipped in. "Crimson, get them linked in would you, please."

From one her belt pouches she pulled out five brass coins. "Welcome to what I think is one of the most useful boons from Nimbus brooms. These are telepathic links. Clip them onto your ear and attune to them and it creates the ability for us to share directed thoughts."

"Directed?" Susan asked.

"You have to want to send the thought out. It's not that difficult, you really just need to want to, but they built that filter into the spell so Harry's errant thought of a certain redhead isn't broadcast to Ronald for instance."

"Oi!" both the lads complained, while the rest of the team laughed. These have upgrades from the original Nimbus uses for test flying. These have a group link. But if you think about 'privacy with a specific person' you can still have a private link with them.

"Um Harry, If we have links like these, why do you want those Two Way letters?"

Harry turned around with gloves in his hands. "First, we are uncertain about range. We've only tested them over a short range. Second, two people have to be linked in at the same time for it to work.."

"Valid points."

Harry grabbed a flask from his back pocket and casually took a drink as if it were nothing. Then went on working.

Shocked, Hermione interrupted. "Harry, what the hell was that?"

"What was what?" he asked, genuinely confused.

"Tell me, you aren't seriously drinking before this mission."

Harry gave her the sourest of expressions. And handed the flask over.

"Well, I'm certainly not looking to join you!"

"Merlin, Mione! Crimson, please check this out for the rest of them."

She really didn't care either way so Crimson absolutely took a sip, cocked her head to the side, swished, and swallowed. "Not booze. Definitely some pepperup potion, something else, but can't quite tell."

"Essence of Dittany, for headaches and migraines. We know I'm going to have a Riddle headache when we open the case on one of those horcruxes. I'm experimenting with preventative medication to see if I can take the edge off at least. Six years, give me a little credit?"

The team chuckled as Hermione blushed, "Sorry, Harry."

He waved his hand off dismissively. "No worries, right now everyone give me a link check. THINK your name to the rest of us."

"Harry in."

"Crimson here."

"Susan here, wow this is odd."

"Hermione here."

"Ron up and running."

"Neville here."

Harry returned to speaking, "Alright, if we get separated or need to be quiet, these should help well." He threw a pair of gloves to everyone.

Crimson slipped her flight goggles on as she held her hands up and rolled her fingers, the shift weave of the fabric rippled to life covering her hands and fingers. "Already covered, love."

Neville was the first to notice. "Harry, are these dragonskin?"

Very matter of factly Harry replied. "Yea, we've going to be dealing with basilisk fangs and venom, I sure as hell wasn't going to cheap out." He strapped his pack back on. "Okay last chance for any nerves and I promise no one will think-"

"Harry," Ron interrupted, "We're all in mate." Nods from the group all agreed.

"Alright, wand check, show 'em when you got 'em." Everyone held them out to visually confirm. "Good to see. Now strap them down, the first step is a doozy."

Harry turned back to the faucet that never worked. Because it was so recent he did let a bit of the Gaut conversation from last week flow though his mind just to let the parseltongue come to the surface. Finally he hissed, "Open."

After Harry's hiss was a second hiss but this one of air, as the sink sank into the floor and then slid off the side, revealing a man sized pipe straight down.

Susan pointed. "That's been here the entire time?"

Hermione smiled. "Hogwarts is about a thousand years old. You have no idea what we've found around here."

Harry smiled. "On the bright side Susan, tonight you get to see how deep the rabbit hole goes. This pipe is like the world's largest slide, just dark and slimy too. I suggest you cross your arms and go feet first. Crimson and I have the best night vision now. We'll go first. I'll link in when I hit bottom to see if it works. Short of that, give it about 1 minute intervals. Ron you've been this way before, you're rear guard, just in case."

"Right." he agreed.

Harry looked at Crimson and gave her a wink. "See ya on the other side."

Just like that, Harry crossed his arms and dropped down the hole. Less than two months ago he never would have anticipated returning to the chamber, yet now here he was plummeting further and further literally down the drain. This time though the dark vision let him get a better view of smaller pipes collecting into the top side of the main drain, with moss and grime covering most surfaces.

Finally though he did emerge from the pipe to a dank and musty smelling cave. He did a look around to assess the immediate danger and nothing seemed to be killing him for the moment. "This is Harry. okay to go," he linked.

"On my way, love." Crimson replied.

Harry stood just a few feet away from the mouth of the pipe. He scouted around while he waited. They were at the end of a clay covered tunnel. The drain pipe jutted out from the ceiling like man made stalactite. The tunnel was about forty feet wide but longer than that. That part seemed familiar, but what bothered him was what was new.

It was that time when Crimson slid out the pipe. Harry quickly turned to help catch and steady her landing. "I'm here." she linked.

"Susan next." they heard.

As they had a moment Harry audibly talked to Crimson as gently rubbed her neck and kissed the top of head. "You are incredibly strong and brave. How are you feeling?"

Alone, he could hear Ginny herself reply. "Nervous, anxious, just this side of frightened."

"Hey, for what it matters, none of it shows."

She nodded, "Thank you, Harry."

He lifted her chin to look in her brown eyes. "And it will be fine if you get some frights. You've got friends here."

She smiled through her nerves. "We damn well better be more than friends at this point, Harry Potter."

"I don't kiss my friends, Gin." as he pressed his lips to hers. Then hugged her again. "I love you. I'm proud of you."

They were able to steal a moment before Susan landed, Harry helped to catch her also.

"I'm here," she linked in. "What? How can you two see?" she asked.

"Neville coming," he linked.

"Oh, sorry. The Twins charmed my glasses and Crimson's flight goggles with darkvision. It was a birthday gift.

"Right, well some of us are normal." She pulled her wand and cast light to see where she landed. When she saw the tunnel and remembered the tales, "You and Ron came here at 12?"

"Family is hell of a motivator." Harry replied as he started focusing more ahead. He remembered the shape of the tunnel, but the new variable was descending from the ceiling were hundreds of roots and vines filling the tunnel making it feel almost like some sort of swamp forest.

"Harry," Crimson said with trepidation. "I admit I haven't really enjoyed retellings of you and Ron's first trip here, but I'm pretty sure I didn't hear anything about a root jungle on your path."

Harry walked to the end of about the fifteen foot clearing and knelt taking a look but not touching them. "Only because they weren't here before Crimson, but like you said, that was four years ago." Harry tapped his mage vision on. Harry grabbed a fist sized rock and chucked it in the general forward they needed to go, no reaction. The vines did have a slight yellow glow. "Everyone, watch the vines, something conjurative about them." he warned as he looked back.

"Susan!" he jumped as he saw her being wrapped in black shadowed energies.

"What?!" she replied, clearly more concerned about Harry's yell than anything else.

Instantly the vines sprang to life quickly ensnaring Susan and Harry around their ankles, feeling them like trees and hauling them into the mass.

Up top in the lavatory Ron and Hermione were waiting for Neveille to link in when they heard Harry shout across it. "Devil's Snare!" Hermione's eyes paused in shock and she paused for a moment, whereas Ron instantly reacted.

"No time babe!" He came up behind Hermione, wrapped her arms up tightly around her chest and bear hugged her as he picked her up and both of them jumped down the pipe. "Ron and 'Mione coming!" he linked.

"Diffindo," Harry cast to slash at the vines around his leg. But as he freed himself from some, the rest seemed to reach for him like a hoard. "Devil's Snare!" he should both to the link and out loud. He'd been focusing on the wrong year's worth of memories.

"Harry!" Crimson shouted as she too started slashing at the plants. But like a Hydra, when one vine was cut two more would grow.

"God damn weeds!" they could hear Susan in the same situation.

"What the hell?" Neville shouted as he slid into the chaos. Then started running in the direction of Susan's voice slashing vines.

Harry noticed the same pattern and while he might not be taking arithmancy, he recognized bad odds when he saw them. "Fulgur flagellum," he cast for his lightning whip that he cracked against the roots. They seemed to hold for a moment, then resumed the attack.

Okay, think Potter … First year, Ron and I in the Snare, 'Mione got our arses out… by casting… bluebell flames!

"Crimson, rain fire!" Harry shouted.

She didn't need to be told twice. Four years later in this damn cave of her nightmares now reaching out for Harry too. To hell with that! 'Ardere fluctus!" she screamed as flames not unlike dragons breath leapt from her wand. Finally that spell proved effective as once struck the bind quickly burned and ashed to the ground.

Returning to cutting spells and a lot of struggle Harry managed to leap back to the clearing rolling to the ground just another hoard of vines reached out for their prey again. As they did Crimson's flames burned them asunder. Harry looked up to see Ron and Hermione sliding out of the pipe. "Bluebell flames!" he ordered before they even hit the ground.

"Arescet defloresco!" They heard Susan shout, then a black shadow sprayed out from her wand. The vines didn't burn, but seemed dry, shrivel, wither and age to death, then break apart covering a similar area as well as Crimson's flames. The team started to regather itself in a unit. Susan and Crimson doing most of the clear cutting Ron and Hermione weeding between those two with bluebells. Harry and Neville popping incindeo on stragglers. Together they were able to clear the snare to the more familiar rockfall wall.

"Sound off, everyone okay?" Harry asked as he looked around, everyone nodded or gave thumbs up. He looked over to the newest lady on the team. "Susan, can I ask a dumb question? What's your elemental alignment?"

She smiled. "Harry, I thought you knew. I'm Lady Bones, death elemental."

"Bloody Angel of Death on the team." Ron quipped.

"Language!" Hermione elbowed him in the ribs.

"Angel of Death?" Susan considered, "I rather like that. Thanks, Ron."

Crimson looked over to Ron. "When did you learn Bluebell Flames?"

"When Hermione taught me this summer."

"What do you think we do when we're off by ourselves?" she teased.

Crimson opened her mouth, but then clearly changed her mind. "Harry, you okay?"

"Phbt," he waved off. "That was nothing by comparison. Neville, mate, you okay?"

Neville didn't even get a chance to answer before they started to hear rumbling and snapping around but most above them. When they looked up they saw the vines that they had burned away were holding up a line of boulders and mud that now were unsupported and the weight of the water above them now were winning. With a thunderous roar the water rock and mud loosed and fell down up them.

"PROTEGO!" Harry shouted for the strongest shield he could muster. A blue dome emerged around them as they all reflexively ducked. Then looked up as they were still alive. They were awestruck.

Hermione was at a loss for the calculations. "Harry, that's the largest shield I've ever heard of!"

"And it sucks to hold! Work the problem!" he gritted his teeth as he stared at the bottom of the Great Lake.

"Right, I can help with this one." Ron said. Agumenti Figuara," as he started to freeze the water above the shield into an ice dome.

Neville stepped up. "Which way do we need to go?"

Harry and Ron both gestured to the rock wall. "We had to dig last time." Ron reminded.

"Ya, well I think I can do better than that." Neville replied as he looked to the rock pile. "Saxum Figurosa." he cast as the stones started to morph into a pair of columns.

"Hurry or help. " a sweating Harry grimaced.

Hermione, Crimson, and Susan all added their shields to Harry's which visibly took strain off his. "Thank you."

The sound of boulders shifting and water freezing filled the cave as Ron created a new frozen roof over the shield. As more and more of the ceiling was frozen the strain was further released off the shield spells.

Neville formed the solid pillars upwards then about six upcurved them inwards to form and arch. Once the archway was completed, He focused on the rocks within the arch and molded them into a solid door. About half way through the door the ice dome was finished and everyone but Neville could drop their spells. Harry took a knee.

"Harry mate, I know I may have been frightened but wasn't the Devil's Snare on the way to the Philosopher's Stone from first year?"

"Ya Ron, it was, but if you remember we also fell down quite a while after the trapdoor. And we didn't ruin that nest of Snare near as much as we just did. So I guess after 4 years it grew to over here."

Hermione looked around. "Cold and damp would be the perfect growth environment."

"Done." Neville announced as they now had an arched doorway with the door already opened to the next chamber.

"Impressive work, Neville." Harry said as he patted his shoulder and walked through.

As they followed, Ron volunteered, "This is as far as I got last time. We caused the rock fall and were on separate sides. I was moving rock while Harry…" He trailed off.

Harry just observed. "Then we're already looking better then we were." He looked over specifically to Crimson. "We got this." She nodded, resolutely.

Harry led them through a tunnel that switched back and forth like a coiled snake. Finally they found a clearly man made cut stone wall with two entwined serpents both of which had emerald eyes.

"Last hurdle," he announced to the team. He deliberately came to Crimsons side. He held out his hand which she quickly grabbed and nodded." Again Harry ran some of the last Parseltongue conversation through his mind, then finally hissed out to the door, "Open." The serpent eyes lit and their bodies parted and the wall cracked open, the halves slid open out of sight. He led the way in keeping a firm grip on Ginny's hand, who he noticed had grown very quiet. Still she was still standing and proceeding forward which he thought was utterly fantastic.

The Chamber was flanked with towering pillars of carved stone, each with the sculpture of a large constrictor serpent wrapped around them. The eyes of each serpent were made of two green emeralds, which now glowed to life sensing the presence of life in the chamber again. At the far end of the chamber was the ever present yet silent Statue of Slytherin. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Chamber of Secrets." Harry reported. There was no joy or satisfaction having made it here. He hated being here. He hated Ginny feeling she 'had' to be here. But he understood it, and he would respect it.

They only had to walk twenty feet further in before they finally met the now stripped skeleton of the basilisk. It was fifty feet long and had space in its rib cage to fit several of them. Harry dropped his pack down. He pulled out a black tool kit. "Ron, you said you had a plan on fang harvest?" He nodded. Harry handed him the tool kit. "Delegate and make it happen." Harry grabbed one of Bill's sample containers and laid it on the ground. "For fangs, the last thing we need is people getting cut by these damn things. I'm going to stand watch."

Ron opened up the tool bag. "Alright everybody, gloves on for sure now. Remember we're doing the opposite of normal. We don't really care about the skull, what we want are the fangs. So I think with a little hammer and chisel work…" at he started to tap around one fang. "Get loose. Then take a pliers.. and " with a jerk he yanked out a tooth. "one horcrux killing basilisk fang dagger." He smiled widely.

Susan asked, "How many do we need?"

"Take 'em all." Ron answered.

"All? Neville asked. "For like seven horcruxes?"

Hermione clarified. "Ron's right. We have no idea what monstrosities Riddle has in mind for this war. This is an asset and we are here now. It would be foolish to waste a resource like this. Especially when it is comparatively safe to gather them."

"Survivalist credo: waste not, want not. The ones large enough can be daggers and I have some very special ideas for the smaller ones." Ron grinned.

Hermione looked over to him and shook her head, "Merlin, you're getting as bad as Harry."

"Na, Harry is gunning for Riddle himself. I've got my eyes on Nagini."

"What? Really?" Neville asked.

"Damn snake put Dad in the hospital and damn near killed 'em. Ya, I think I'm going to make her regret it."

Susan and Neville shared a look and replied. "Count us in."

Ginny had continued to walk down the corridor. Harry caught up and slipped an arm around her shoulders.

"Hey," spoke softly. "You don't have to say a damn thing. But I think you're doing great. That flame action with the Devil's Snare was brilliant." She nodded. "They're stripping the skull. We just stab a horcrux or two and we are on the way out. Can you give me a few more minutes of Crimson strength?" She nodded again.

Finally they came to the end of the corridor before the statue of Slytherin. Harry didn't care about that. It was another statue to another pompous bastard that created problems for people long after he was gone. But what caught his eye was the dried black ink spot on the stone and next to it, the first fang. Harry squatted and picked it up. "Yep, that seems right. If I'd kept this damn thing,then, we wouldn't have needed today's trip. Dumb kid."

"Harry," she whispered, "you were twelve."

Harry was just happy she was talking. He looked up to her grinning. He stood and rubbed her cheek, which she leaned into. "And you were eleven. And it still took Riddle a year to make any progress with you. I wish you would remember that too." He wrapped her up in a hug. "I love you, Ginny Weasley." She returned the hug and nodded vigorously.

Harry looked up to see Ron giving a thumbs up as they started packing the tools. "Hey babe, I think job one is done. Feel like killing a horcrux?"

It was like a second wave of energy, and rage, came filled Crimson's lungs. She stood up straight and the weepy eyes were replaced with angry. Fresh strength came to her fists. "Abso-fucking-lutely.'

Harry grinned. "Welcome back, Crimson, always a pleasure."

With renewed vigor she led the way back to the skeleton. "We good to go here?" she asked, clearly itching for vengeance.

"Ya Ginny, we picked this thing clean." Ron replied.

Harry quickly packed up the tools and the collected fangs. "Anyone prefer which one we stab first?" There was a silence, then Ron chimed in. "This whole chamber is Slytherin's right? I say the locket that was his. Seems poetically right to me."

Harry had no complaint so grabbed the circular container with the locket in it. He sighed, "I'm going to hate this." Harry tapped his glasses for his mage vision. Took a deep breath, and opened the container. His scar roared to life as he looked at the locket and seemed to swirl with the deepest black smoke he had ever seen." He quickly closed the container. "Ow."

"What the hell was that for?" Ron asked.

Hermione understood. "Setting a baseline. If Harry's going to use his mage vision for horcrux hunting, he needs to know what they look like active."

Harry nodded. "And let me tell you that would have been handy back in the vault. But when next I walk by that ring, you can believe I'll be checking it out."

Finally he gave the container and his fang to Crimson. "Send it straight to hell, babe."

Crimson nodded, "Will distance help with your headache?"

"Technically yes, but I couldn't give you distances. Bill and I didn't exactly take measurements. 'Sides I'm hoping it's just and open and stab… something brief. I can handle that."

Susan leaned over near Hermione. "He mentioned that earlier, Riddle headache?"

"We don't quite know why. But the scar Harry has from Riddle's first attack left him sensitive to Riddle, psychically. When Riddle is particularly angry Harry feels the pain. These horcruxes are so tied to Riddle's magic, they trigger the same."

Crimson marched down the corridor about 25 feet. She laid the fang down as she opened the container. Harry felt the arcane exposure and definitely winced. Crimson grabbed the fang again and spelled the locket to the floor. "Tom Riddle, go to-"

Sensing its destruction the locket snapped open and the air was filled and the highest pitched piercing screech any of them had ever heard and all of them were sent flying to their backs. The sound buried into their temples sending them into agonizing pain. Slowly Ginny rolled over and looked back to the locket, only to find they weren't alone any more. A new student stood with his back to them in robes, with a tall, muscular build, dark hair. He turned around and smiled. Ginny recognized him instantly. It was happening again. She was on the cold floor of the Chamber of Secrets and above her stood the menacing form of sixteen year old Tom Riddle.

"NOOO!" she screamed with all her might.

"I have seen your heart, and it is mine," he greeted as looked upon her.

Ginny's scream made Harry's blood boil. He looked to the others who were writing in pain. But he couldn't worry about them right now. By willpower alone he forced himself up.

Riddle was unbothered. "I have seen your dreams, Ginevra Weasley, and I have seen your fears. I AM YOUR FEARS."

"GINNY! STAB the locket!" Harry yelled as raised his wand. "Expell- AAAHH" the pain in his brain surged and tried to cast.

Riddle snicker, "As your foolish friend tries to cast he will only increase his pain."

"BASTARD! You leave him alone!" Ginny yelled.

"Like he left you alone for so long? Don't insult me with lies either. I've seen your mind and your hear and your soul… and soon it will belong to me!"

"Go fuck yourself! 'Ardere flu–ahhhhh!" as she held her head in the pain.

"Yes, please cast a stronger spell. Increase your pain." Riddle mocked.

Harry forced himself forward concentrating each step at a time. He used both hands to steady his shot. 'Expecto patro-FUCK!' and the pain threw him to his knee.

"How long did you pursue him to no avail. And how many times has your life been endangered because of him.. Just like now. Let GO Ginevera… Let go and END ALL their pain."

The pain was literally mind splitting; it felt like a jagged blade slicing from his brain running down his spine, cutting him in twain. Harry was forcing himself to think through the pain. He raised his hands to his head in agony then his hand brushed against the link. 'The link!' he thought, and a plan came to mind. "No spells… fine… Fight like a muggle!" He holstered his wand and grabbed his knife. He opened the blade and charged screaming.

"What?!" Riddle asked in annoyance. His attention, finally distracted from Ginny. His hand and eyes focused now on Harry. "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?!" With nothing but the force of his own mind Riddle held Harry in place.

Through the link Ginny heard Harry. "I know you are in pain babe and I am so sorry. I know you feel trapped in your nightmare again… but there are two major differences. You are NOT a little girl any more and you most definitely are not now and never will be alone. I know you think of this as the worst night Little Ginny ever had, but… But this is also the place where the seeds of Crimson Witch were sown! We are Partners babe. I'll keep him busy, but I need you to STAB THAT LOCKET straight to HELL!"

"Riddle, you're not even the dog! You're just one of his tricks!" Harry continued to goad.

"Arrogant bastard!" Riddle yelled and with his power lifted Harry from the ground and held his body at bay.

"Runs in the family… but at least I have one." Harry still struggled against the arcane hold. "My parents died protecting me… your's couldn't get away from you fast enough…. I can see why."

"I will rip your soul from your body!" Riddle screamed.

"Get in line! Better men than you have tried!"

"YOU WILL KNOW ONLY PAIN!" the future dark lord warned.

"ALREADY - BEEN -THERE!" Harry boasted. Then in defiance he lowered his gaze straight to Riddle's eyes. "Besides, you forgot something."

"What!? What secret knowledge could a mudblood mage before the end of education possibly know more than the great Lord Voldemort! What secret will save you?! TELL ME!"

"I already GOT THE GIRL!" Harry smiled like a madman.

Riddle snapped around just in time to see Crimson kneeling over the locket. "GO TO HELL!" she screamed and she plunged the fang into the locket glass one side, then again on the other. A wave of arcane energy blew out and rippled outward dissolving Riddle like blowing out a candle. Finally there was peace and sweet silence in their minds. Harry fell to the floor like puppets whose strings were cut.

Still half delirious from pain Ginny stumbled over to Harry. "C'mon baby," she muttered as he rolled him over onto his back. She didn't have the mental fortitude for a scry. She felt his neck…pulse was strong… and he was breathing. Satisfied that was enough for the moment, she let herself collapse. She blacked out then. They all were out then.

Harry was the first to awaken, with Ginny laying over his torso. He checked and her breathing and pulse were normal. He had a headache like a bomb went off in his head. He grabbed his flask and took a swig. He sat up and got Ginny sitting up in his lap too. He gave her a small shot also, which she did seem to swallow properly. He summoned the locket and tapped his glasses. No arcane auroa, just then he realized no Riddle headache either. They did it. Well better even, Ginny did it.

Harry pocketed the first fang, picked Ginny up, and carried her back to the skeleton. He laid her up against the now toothless skull, the sight of which made Harry smile. He walked around to the rest of the team and checked; all similar, unconscious, but alright. Harry gave each of them a shot of the dittay pepperup. He surveyed, he thought for a moment. They weren't going up the pipe without casting leviosa, and everyone is unconscious right now. So they were stuck here for a moment. He had a seat next to Ginny. Harry slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Hey babe. I'm right here, on watch. You just rest, breathe, relax. You killed the monster today."

Susan moaned first. "Oh god… if I'm going to have hangovers this bad… I at least want the fun of drinking first."

Hermione was next, "Harry? Ginny?"

Harry raised an arm in the air. "Right here, we're okay… well same as you."

"The locket?" Ron asked weakly.

Harry held it upward. "Ginny stabbed it all the way to hell."

"Couldn't have happened to a more deserving person." she replied as she stirred.

Neville pulled himself up. "Is this a typical mission? He asked as they all started to stand up.

The original trio exchanged looks. "Kinda." they all replied.

Neville shook his head. "This explains so much about you."

"Us, now Nev." Ginny corrected, with a small grin.

Hermione had an arm around Ron's waist and was getting more than a little balance from him. "Harry, I don't suppose we could wait to kill that second one?"

"Absolutely, especially if they put up fights like that." Harry agreed. "Let's get the hell out of here."

They gathered their things and Harry opened the door again. Slowly they staggered their way out with Harry holding the door open. The end of the line, Ginny, she turned back to the chamber and glared as she said "I win." Harry smiled as he took her hand.

Neville managed the stone arch door he created. The ice dome was still holding. They each took another drink of pain killer. "Good idea, mate." Neville thanked.

They each cast and flew back up the pipe. In the lavatory, she offered the link and gloves back. "You're part of the team," Harry said, "Keep 'em."

"Thanks. See you tomorrow then. Master Potter," she nodded.

"Look forward to it, Lady Bones," Harry nodded with an exhausted smile.

Harry took out his Marauders map and was able to avoid anyone seeing them on the way back to the dorms, only ten after midnight. Pretty damn good for a Friday night. Once in the Commons they started to split. As Neville headed off, Ginny stopped him. "Neville," she called with a hand extended. "A thank you."

Neville happily shook it only to feel a second link, in her hand. "For Hanna," Ginny explained. "Midnight chats are nice to have. Just remember to think 'Privacy' before you start talking." She ended with a wink.

"Happy to help, Ginny." he said as he departed.

Harry escorted Ginny to the girls' dorm. "Still okay with a guest?"

"You are always welcome." he replied, slipping her his cloak. Ginny walked a few steps to be out of sight, then slipped the cloak on. Harry slowly walked over to the boys dorm, grinned a bit more as he could feel a hand on his shoulder. Out of curiosity, Harry tapped his mage vision on, and looked back. Surely he could see the faintest purple outline of the cloak. The walk up to his dorm room was simple. He went to his trunk and opened the lid. Then paused. He walked over to Neville. "Thanks again, Master Longbottom" as he shook hands.

"Happy to help, Master Potter."

Harry closed the lid as he came down the stairs while Ginny took the cloak off. "Thank you," she said and she hugged him dearly.

"You're welcome. Go take the first shower. Enjoy the upgrade you asked for with this place." she kissed him and nodded her head. Grabbed the spare pj's shorts from the Ginny Drawer. But then completely stole one of Harry's blue t-shirts without a second thought. The shower felt amazing. When she got back Harry had unpacked his wizard bag. They were now several fangs richer and 1 horcrux poorer. Perfect.

Harry soon joined her and she could get lost in his emerald eyes.

"I am so bloody proud of you," he said, brushing the loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you, I love you." She went on to show her gratitude with several long hart felt kisses and embraces, before finally drifting off to sleep.