- Leaky Cauldron -
Staying at the Leaky Cauldron was a wish come true for Harry. Not only did he never have to see the Dursleys again, he could also practice as much magic as he wanted in his room.
The first day back from Hogwarts saw Harry returning to Flourish and Blotts, picking up several books on Transfiguration and Charms. He had no desire to pursue a career with Potions, and Herbology (while interesting) was not a subject he wanted to continue outside of Hogwarts.
Sending Hedwig off with a note to Minerva, asking for any recommendations, he got back a list of several tomes that would assist in his studies.
The very first on the list, and one that she had underlined several times, contained the spell Reparifarge. The spell is used to undo the effects of a poorly cast Transfiguration, and one that he would need if he wished to practice any new Transfiguration spells.
One day, while he was practicing the Shrinking Charm Reducio on one of his shoes, he received a knock on the door.
Opening it, Harry was surprised to find Minerva standing on the other side. "Oh, Minerva! Please, come in." Standing aside and opening the door wider, Harry motioned her into the room.
As she stepped inside, she spoke. "Forgive the intrusion, Harry. But I felt I had to check up on you."
Harry raised an eyebrow in confusion as he asked. "Why, did something happen?"
Taking a moment to look him over, she replied. "I sent you a letter three days ago regarding my recommendations. When I did not receive your reply, I sent another. When that failed to get a response, I felt it best to come here for myself and see what the matter was."
Blinking, Harry had no idea what she meant. "Sorry, Minerva. But I haven't received any letters from you since I got the first one back with Hedwig." Minerva looked confused as well.
Drawing her wand, she waved it several times over him and around the room. Each time she did, she seemed to become more and more confused. Turning back to Harry, she finally asked. "Have you been in recent contact with any house-elves lately?"
'Oh…right. Chamber of Secrets.'
So that's what was going on, Dobby had finally made his move to try and keep him away from Hogwarts.
Shaking his head, he replied. "Not that I know of."
"Hmm…", seemingly coming to a decision, Minerva called out. "Mipsy, come here please."
With a crack like a whip, a little creature appeared in front of her. It had large, bat-like ears and bulging eyes the size of tennis balls, and wore a clean pillowcase for clothing. "How can Mipsy be serving you, Professor?"
Looking down at the creature, Minerva replied. "There is a house-elf that seems to be stealing his letters. Find them, and bring them to me." At her command, the elf disappeared with another crack.
It took mere moments for the elf to return. Bringing with her another elf, only this one wore a very dirty pillow case and was tied up, lying on the floor as it struggled to free itself.
"This be the one, Professor." The house-elf pointed at its captive.
Nodding her head, Minerva thanked the elf. "Thank you, Mipsy." Looking down at the bound and struggling house-elf, she asked, "Who are you?"
Slowly, the struggling elf stopped moving as it spoke, its voice resigned. "Dobby, miss."
"And who is it that you serve?"
At her question, Dobby appeared to struggle with himself. "Dobby…Dobby cannot say, miss."
Turning to Mipsy, Minerva asked, "Mipsy, who is his master?"
Dobby began struggling even more, but it was no use. Peering closely at Dobby, Mipsy replied, "He be the Malfoy's elf, Professor."
A look passed over Minerva's face for a moment. Looking down at the bound elf, she asked. "Did your master order you to do this?" Dobby shook his head furiously.
Sighing, Minerva continued. "I see. Then, why have you been stealing Harry Potter's letters?"
Dobby kept quiet for a moment, not wishing to reveal that. But a nudge from Mipsy had him speaking. "To protect him."
His answer had Minerva's eyes widening slightly. That was not the response she had expected. "And…how does stealing his letters, protect him?"
"Dobby hoped…if Harry Potter thought his friends had forgotten him…Harry Potter might not want to go back to school, miss."
"And why…" Minerva asked, "Do you not want him to return to Hogwarts?"
At her question, Dobby struggled again to break his bonds; to no avail.
"Speak!" she barked.
"There is a plot, miss. A plot, to make most terrible things happen at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year," whispered Dobby, trembling all over. "Dobby has known it for months, miss. Harry Potter must not be put in peril. He is too important, miss!"
Slowly, Minerva asked her next words carefully. "And…what, exactly, is this plot?"
"Dobby cannot say, miss. Master has forbidden it!" Dobby cried.
Sighing, Minerva turned to Mipsy. "Check him for any letters."
Nodding, Mipsy snapped her fingers. Instantly, a thick wad of envelops came flying from the inside of Dobby's pillowcase and into her hand. Handing them over to Minerva, she quickly passed them to Harry.
Keeping her eyes on Dobby, Minerva ordered. "You are not to interfere with Harry's letters anymore. You are to keep away from him, and not interact with him anyway. Or I will be speaking with your Master, personally."
At his slow nod, she ordered Mipsy to release him.
Quickly standing up, Dobby looked at Harry for a moment before disappearing with a crack back to the Malfoys.
Minerva turned to Mipsy, "Thank you Mipsy. If you could get us some tea, that will be all." With a snap, a tea set appeared floating in midair as Mipsy disappeared with a crack.
Turning to Harry, Minerva motioned to the floating tea set. "I believe this calls for some tea, don't you?"
Nodding silently, Harry had to agree that he could use some relaxing tea after that bit of excitement.
- Timeskip: Several days later -
After having tea, Minerva had quickly returned to Hogwarts and informed Dumbledore about what happened. It was a day later that Harry received a letter from Minerva, explained that the staff at Hogwarts were warned to keep an eye out for anything suspicious the coming year, and that several of the school's ghosts were to be added to the nightly patrols. Also, the house-elves were warned to inform a professor, immediately, if they spot anything strange.
As Harry practiced turning beetles into buttons in his room (one of the first Second-Year transfigurations), he spotted Hedwig returning with a letter.
It had been a hassle for Harry to respond to all of the letters, offering apologies to his friends and explaining that someone had been stealing his mail. Thankfully, his friends were supportive and any hurt feelings were quickly forgiven. Unfortunately, it also meant that he had missed the chance to meet Hermione in France.
Watching as Hedwig flew in through the open window, Harry took the letter from her beak, gently running his fingers over her feathers.
"Hey Harry,
Marietta and I are going to be at Diagon Alley tomorrow around noon.
Meet us at Fortescue's? We're going to get our school supplies.
-Cho"
Turning to Hedwig, he says aloud. "Well Hedwig, guess I've got plans tomorrow."
Hedwig gave a soft noise as she fell asleep, bringing a soft chuckle from Harry.
Leaving her to sleep, Harry went back to practicing turning beetles into buttons. While it will never be useful in his life, the idea was to learn how to turn living creatures into similar shaped non-living objects, before moving on to more difficult things, like turning a small object into a large creature.
'Baby steps, Harry.'
It was difficult sometimes, to get excited about these simple things. But they would pay off as he got older and he could do things like conjuring animals out of thin air (like McGonagall does), or animating massive statues to fight (like Dumbledore did in the storybooks).
Getting distracted, Harry miscast his spell and ended up with a half-beetle, half-button. Sighing, he cast Reparifarge on it to undo his mistake before focusing back on his practice.
- Fortescue's Ice Cream -
Sitting down at one of the tables outside, Harry passed the time waiting for Cho and Marietta to arrive by watching everyone go about their day as he slowly finished a chocolate sundae.
It was a warmer summer day than London usually had, with a cloudless sky and a bright sun that beat down on everyone. Perfect weather for cold ice cream. Finishing the last bite, Harry finally spotted Cho and Marietta walking over to him.
Standing up, Harry noticed that they both had dressed for the weather. Cho was wearing a white t-shirt and skirt with sandals on her feet; her black hair, tied back in a high ponytail, bouncing as she practically skipped over to his table before quickly drawing him into a hug. "Hey Harry!"
Chuckling, Harry hugged her back. "Hey there Cho."
Behind her, Marietta walked over in a graphic tee of Celestina Warbeck, a famous magical witch singer, and a pair of blue jeans and trainers. Her curly, reddish-blonde hair fell around her shoulders as she waved at him.
Pulling back, he moved over to give Marietta a tight hug, "Hey Mary."
Marietta pretended to fight the hug for a moment, before dramatically sighing and hugging him back just as tight. "You two are such huggers." She joked.
"As if you don't like it." Cho teased back, winking at her.
Not deigning to reply, Marietta turned to Harry. "We need to get our supplies for next year, including stuff for our upcoming electives. And we thought you'd like to join us."
"Of course!" Harry replied. He had been feeling a little couped up practicing in his room at the Leaky Cauldron, and the chance to hang out with his friends was always welcome.
Cho took that as a signal to rope her arms through theirs, before pulling them towards the shops. As she did, she enthusiastically called out, "Let's go!"
Making their way down the cobblestone path, Harry asked what electives they had chosen to take.
"We're both taking Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures." Marietta replied. "Apparently it's going to be Professor Kettleburn's last year teaching Care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts."
Nodding, Cho piped up. "Some of the older students are saying he plans to make this last year amazing. Rumor has it, he even tried to get a couple Acromantula this year, but they wouldn't set foot near school grounds."
Harry's thoughts froze on that statement for a moment. 'That's right, this is the year that the Basilisk gets released.' That brought up another topic he hadn't given much thought to recently. 'Wait…am I even a Parselmouth anymore?' Without the horcrux, it's possible that he lost the ability to speak it.
Speaking up, Harry asked the girls to make a quick stop. "Do you both mind if we check out Magical Menagerie on the way? I want to see if they have any new pets."
Shaking their heads, the three walked over to the store.
Magical Menagerie was hard to miss, with the front of the shop covered in cages with pets on display. The inside was even worse. It was cramped, noisy, and smelly with cages lining every wall in the building. There were magical pets of all types: Kneazles, Toads, Fire crabs, and more. Harry's eye lingered on a few ravens kept in a cage, feeling a curious sensation when he looked at them.
That thought was quickly discarded as he came to a section of the shop that housed the magical snakes. Making his way over to them, he heard the unmistakable hissing.
"~Insssuferable cage. Releassse me, humansss!~"
"~Thisss one will remember thisss!~"
Getting closer, Harry spotted an adolescent adder and a cobra in two glass displays. 'Guess that answers that.'
While Parseltongue wasn't very useful in day-to-day life, it was still an ability that could come in handy one day.
Relieved, Harry made his way over to Cho and Marietta, who were looking through a crate of Puffskeins. The little creatures were spherical in shape, and covered in soft fur. According to Cho, who was cuddling one quite fiercely, they were a favorite of wizarding children.
Marietta put her own down as she asked, "Ready to go?"
Nodding, the two dragged a resisting Cho away from the Puffskeins and back out onto the street. Making their way down the path leading to Flourish and Blotts, Cho childishly pouted as she sulked. "I wasn't going to keep it!"
The doubtful looks Harry and Marietta sent each other said otherwise.
- Flourish and Blotts -
As they got closer to the bookstore, they noticed a massive crowd outside the shop, trying to get in. The reason for it was a large banner stretched out across the shop's upper windows reading:
GILDEROY LOCKHART
Will be signing copies of his autobiography
MAGICAL ME
Today, 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
'Not him…' Sighing, Harry started to regret agreeing to come to Diagon Alley today.
Cho and Marietta merely looked confused, glancing at the sign and the crowd. Finally, Cho asked out loud, "Who's Gilderoy Lockhart?" Pausing, the name seemed to be familiar to her. "Wait…isn't that the name on several of our list of books this year?"
Exasperated, Harry replied. "Whoever he is, he's apparently drawn every witch in Britain here." And that was putting it mildly, the line was getting so long that it was beginning to disappear down the street. And every single person in the crowd was a witch; many of whom appeared to be mothers of Hogwarts students.
Begrudgingly, Harry had to admit that the guy was good at publicity.
Making their way past the crowd, they quickly found their books and purchased them from a stressed-out clerk before trying to escape. As they got to the door, they heard the crowd cheer.
Turning around, the trio watched as a blond wizard with wavy hair under a pointed wizard's hat stepped into view. The man was dressed in robes of forget-me-not blue that matched his eye color, and waving cheerfully out at the crowd. As he sat down, surrounded by large pictures of himself, the crowd rushed forward to get in line.
Spotting several Seventh-year Hogwarts students in the crowd, Lockhart spoke up. "Ah, I see we have some Hogwarts students looking to purchase my book, Magical Me. These lucky students have no idea, that they will soon be getting the realmagical me."
Standing up from his chair, Lockhart spread his arms out wide. "Yes, ladies and gentlemen! I have the great pleasure and pride in announcing that, this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
The crowd cheered and clapped, some of the Hogwarts female students looked like they were going to faint.
Disgusted, Marietta spoke up. "You mean to tell me that guy is going to be our Defense professor? AND he made us by all of his stupid books?!" Even Cho, who normally was the nicest person in the group, looked equally disgusted.
Quickly stepping outside and hoping to get as far away from the man as possible, they came across a peculiar sight.
In the street, an older man with red hair and freckles, who could only be Mr. Weasley, and a blond-haired man in expensive robes that looked like an older Draco Malfoy, were rolling on the ground fist-fighting with each other.
"Break it up, there gents! Break it up!"
Suddenly, Hagrid's massive form came wading towards them through the crowd of people watching on. In an instant, he had pulled Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy apart.
Mr. Weasley came away with a cut lip, and Mr. Malfoy had a black eye beginning to show on the left side of his face. Turning to the young red-headed girl, Mr. Malfoy thrust an old Transfiguration book at her, his eyes glittering with malice.
"Here, girl! Take your book, it's the best your father can give you." He spat. Pulling himself out of Hagrid's grip, he beckoned to Draco who was standing off to the side, and the two quickly swept down the street.
As the Weasleys began walking away from the scene, they happened to pass by Harry as they pushed their way through the crowd.
Looking down into the cauldron in Ginny's hand, Harry spotted a little black diary resting on top of the old books. As Ginny walked by him, Harry took his chance and swiped the diary before she could notice its presence.
Quickly hiding it in his bag containing the stack of books he purchased, Harry couldn't believe his luck. Now he had another horcrux, and without needed to fight a massive Basilisk over it!
Turning back to Cho and Marietta, Cho animatedly started talking about the fight while Marietta mentioned that she wished she had a camera.
With the show over, the trio went back to picking up the rest of their supplies.
- Timeskip: Evening -
After saying goodbye to Cho and Marietta, Harry quickly rushed up to his room before locking the door and tossing his supplies in his truck.
Not wanting to risk touching the diary again, he used a pair of socks to lay it on his bed before backing away. Throwing his socks back into his trunk, he called out, "Death."
A portal opened near the door as Death stepped out, her pale feet bare as they touched the ground silently.
Padding across the room, she came to stand before him. "Hello, Hero." Her soft voice said, the familiar tone comforting as she turned to look at the diary.
"Ah, another soul fragment. Well done."
Reaching out, she picked up the diary before coating it in her chilling black energy.
A moment later, she dispelled the energy before gently placing the now horcrux-free diary back on his bed.
Turning to Harry, she seemed to look him over. "You seem to have a knack for retrieving these for me. It is most…impressive." The way she said that made his cheeks flush.
Part of Harry was glad his body hadn't hit puberty yet. Otherwise, her words would be causing a more physical reaction.
"Th-Thanks Death." He stuttered.
Laughing softly at his embarrassment, she reached out a hand to stroke his cheek. As she did, Harry noticed that the nails of her pale hand were painted black like her lips. "Now then, I believe I owe you a reward. Don't I?" Her tone stating that the question was rhetorical.
Lifting her free hand up, she pulled back her hood. Revealing ebony-black hair cascading down her face in gentle waves.
Leaning forward, Death slipped her hands around his neck as she kissed him. Only, this one had a greater intensity to it than the others.
"Mmmm." They both let out a quiet moan as the kiss deepened.
Tilting her head, Death pressed her lips more firmly against his. Slowly opening her mouth, she lightly brushed her tongue against his lips, asking for entrance. As she did, one of her hands came up to tangle her fingers in his hair, as the other pulled on his neck to bring him closer. His own arms came up in response, circling her waist.
Opening his lips in response, the two began swirling their tongues together, dancing back and forth as they playfully fought for dominance.
Harry's inexperience at kissing meant Death's tongue eventually won, and she began exploring his mouth as she tasted him. The more she did, the more she seemed to desire it. And soon she was pressing her body against his. Standing a few inches taller than his younger body, the act nearly ground her pelvis into his stomach.
For Harry, Death's taste was intoxicating. It was unique, and unexplainable, and matched Death perfectly.
The passionate kissing continued for several minutes. And when it finally ended, they both did so with great reluctance.
Panting heavily, Harry's flushed face looked at Death's own. Her black painted lips were slightly smeared, and her pale cheeks were flushed as she stared into his emerald eyes. Her own pitch-black ones filled with excitement and desire.
With her ebony-locks framing her face, and the soft panting coming from her slightly open lips, Harry thought she looked breathtaking.
"That…" Harry huffed as he tried to get his breathing under control. "That, was some reward."
Laughing, Death's face broke into a smile. "No, Hero. That was not your reward." Waving her hand out, black energy coalesced on the ground in a rectangular shape. "This is."
As the energy faded, a large trunk appeared. It was almost made of ebony wood, with a silver metal lock and metal corners. It was also roughly the same size as his old one, yet this one looked far more opulent.
Confused, Harry raised an eyebrow at it. "A trunk?"
"Not just a trunk. This is protected against any possible form of theft, and has several larger spaces for you to store items. You can't keep hiding your trinkets in the bottom of your old one, now, can you?"
Blinking, Harry quickly blushed bright red. He had completely forgotten about Ravenclaw's Diadem in the bottom of his trunk. And with his new purchases, he was quickly running out of room in his old one.
"Thanks, Death." He replied.
"You're welcome. Now, be sure to continue searching for the other soul fragments, Hero."
Pointing towards the diary sitting innocently on his bed she offered, "I believe this might provide you with some assistance."
Glancing between the diary and Death, Harry walked over to the bed and picked it up. Opening it, Harry's eyes widened as the once blank pages filled with writing. It seems that with the horcrux freed, the diary had returned to what it once was.
Reading through the pages, Harry saw that it contained the personal writings of Voldemort, back when he was known as Tom Riddle. While the notes left by him were fascinating, it was a particular paragraph on one of the pages that got his attention.
"…I've found it, my family's ancestral home. Imagine my disappointment to find that it was nothing more than a beaten down shack on the outskirts of Little Hangleton… "
'That's where he kept the ring!' Harry knew that the ring was in the Gaunt's house, but for the life of him he couldn't remember where. Only that there were protections placed on it that caused Dumbledore's hand to wither from a curse.
Wide eyed, Harry looked back at Death who smirked at him. "I shall take my leave, now. Good luck, Hero." With a wave, she disappeared through a portal.
Staring at the vacant spot where she disappeared, a final thought stumped him. 'Now how am I supposed to get all the way to Yorkshire?' The summer was already about to end in a few days, which gave him very little time to plan.
- Timeskip: End of Summer -
Unfortunately, Harry couldn't get passage to Yorkshire in time.
Summer was already ending, and according to Tom the Bartender, the Knight Bus only went that way every few weeks. The next time it would be available to go to Yorkshire wasn't for two weeks, and by then he would be back at Hogwarts.
It was disappointing, but the ring wasn't going anywhere. So it was just going to have to wait until next summer when he could make the trip.
- Hogwarts Express -
Making his way onto the train, Harry quickly spotted Cho and Marietta in their usual cabin. Stepping inside, he quickly lifted his new trunk before placing it in the overhead storage.
One thing he found out about the trunk that he loved, was that no matter how much stuff he put in it, it never got heavier. He found that out while transferring everything from his old trunk into the new one, and had himself an evil laugh before racing off to the Flourish and Blotts to buy a dozen more books.
The truck had four spaces inside; one was a small compartment that contained all of his quills, ink, and old letters. The next was larger, and carried the diadem and diary in it. The third was the size of a small closet, and contained all of his uniforms and other clothing, as well as Hedwig's empty cage. The last space was as big as the cabin he just entered, and was where he kept all of his books, including his mother's old books and journals.
Seeing that Marietta had fallen asleep while lying down across one of the seats, Harry sat down next to Cho.
The pair quickly fell into a quiet conversation, not wanting to wake her as they talked about the upcoming year.
"I read through Lockhart's books, and they all have conflicting dates in them. Not to mention some of what he claims he did are simply impossible." Cho softly remarked.
Sighing, Harry ran his fingers through his hair. "So, the guy's a total fraud. And now he's going to be teaching us Defense…Great."
Cho's head dropped as she sighed. "Are we ever going to get a decent professor for Defense?" She bemoaned, flopping down against Harry before resting her head on his lap.
That was new. Usually, he was the one with his head in her or Marietta's lap.
Gently running his fingers through her hair, the motion seemed to relax her as she got comfortable. Soon, Cho was fast asleep like Marietta. Laughing softly, Harry continued running his fingers through her hair as he looked out the window, watching the scenery go by while he enjoyed the quiet moment.
- Hogwarts -
As the Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station, Harry admired the smooth, black, glassy surface of the lake reflecting the lights of the castle.
Part of him wished that they could use the boats to travel across the lake every year. The view from the lake was spectacular, and really added to the mystical vibe of Hogwarts.
Having to shuffle out of the way as several first-years ran by them towards Hagrid's massive form, Harry followed Cho and Marietta over to the carriages. Glancing at the Thestrals pulling them, Harry was a little creeped out by their appearance. Friendly or not, it was still weird to look at their skeletal bodies and bat-like wings.
Inside the carriage, they slowly traveled up a bumpy path that led to a small courtyard inside Hogwarts grounds.
Stepping out of the carriage, they made their way over the Great Hall. Harry sat down across from Cho and Marietta at the Ravenclaw table, waiting for the first-years to arrive.
Several minutes of conversation passed before the twin doors creaked open. Minerva once again led a line of first-years up to the front. Among the scared-looking group, Harry noticed Ginny in the group by the familiar red hair of the Weasleys.
As a very small, mousy-haired boy was called forward to try on the Sorting Hat, Harry's eyes wandered the hall. At the head table, Dumbledore sat watching the Sorting, his long silver beard and half-moon glasses shining brightly in the candlelight. Several seats down, Gilderoy Lockhart sat dressed in robes of aquamarine, smiling so brightly that his unnaturally white teeth seemed to sparkle.
Hearing the last call for Sorting, Harry began piling the few healthy foods he could find onto his plate as the new first-years chattered excitedly amongst each other.
After they had all eaten their fill, the Headmaster announced the newest addition to Hogwarts.
"Before I send you all off to bed, I have an announcement to make." Dumbledore called out. "I would like to introduce, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart!"
As the hall began clapping and cheering, Lockhart stood up from his seat to give a wide bow. The man made a show of waving and winking at several of the older seventh-year girls before finally taking his seat again.
Waiting for the students to quiet down, Dumbledore continued, "And now! It is time for the School Song!"
- First Day of Classes: Herbology -
As the Second-year Ravenclaws neared the greenhouses, they saw the Slytherins standing outside waiting for Professor Sprout.
Harry watched as Sprout came into view across the lawn, accompanied by Gilderoy Lockhart. As the professors got closer, Lockhart called out to the class.
"Oh, hello there!" he called, beaming around at the assembled students. "Just been showing Professor Sprout here the right way to tend to the Whomping Willow! But I don't want you all running away from here with the idea that I'm better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several exotic plants like it on my travels…" With a final wave, Lockhart strolled back across the lawn towards the castle.
His words seemed to disgruntle Professor Sprout, who was not at all her usual cheerful self. "Greenhouse Three today, chaps!"
There was a murmur of interest from the students at that. Greenhouse Three was where far more interesting and dangerous plants were kept.
Sprout took a large key from her belt and unlocked the door. Making her way to the front, she stood behind a trough in the center of the greenhouse. "We'll be repotting Mandrakes today! Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?" She asked.
Raising his hand, Harry answered. "Mandrakes are a powerful restorative, used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state."
"Excellent. Ten points to Ravenclaw," said Sprout. "The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also dangerous. Who can tell me why?"
Su Li's hand raised at the same time Harry's did. Sprout nodded at her to answer.
"A Mandrake's cry is fatal to anyone who hears it," she said.
Smiling, Sprout said. "Precisely. Another ten points to Ravenclaw."
"Now then, everyone take a pair of earmuffs…" The rest of the class was spent struggling to force Mandrakes into larger pots, who seemed to fight their handling.
- Defense Against the Dark Arts -
After finishing with Herbology, they had a rather easy Transfiguration class where McGonagall ran the class through the process to turn beetles into buttons. Harry quickly proved he could do it, and went a step further by making the button have the Ravenclaw symbol on it. After awarding him 10 points, McGonagall had him go around assisting the other students.
Gaining another 10 points for Ravenclaw, they quickly made their way down to the Great Hall for lunch, before heading off to their first lesson in Defense.
The classroom for Defense was mostly normal; if you ignored the giant posters of Lockhart at the front of the room by his desk.
Lockhart arrived from another door leading to his office, dressed in turquoise robes, and posing in the same way the posters.
Clearing his throat loudly, silence fell over the room as he began. "Me…Gilderoy Lockhart! Order of Merlin, Third Class. Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and Five-Time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award."
Pretending to wave off the statement, he continued. "But I don't talk about that. After all…I didn't get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her!" He seemed to wait after that for the students to laugh, but only a few smiled weakly at best.
"I see you've all bought a complete set of my books…well done! I thought we'd start today with a little quiz…" Everyone groaned. "Nothing to worry about, it's just to check how well you've read them, and how much you've taken in."
Moving around the room, Lockhart quickly handed out the tests. "You have thirty minutes. Starting…Now!"
Looking down at the paper, Harry deadpanned.
"1. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite color?
2. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's secret ambition?
3. What, in your opinion, is Gilderoy Lockhart's greatest achievement to date?"
Sighing, Harry began writing down the first thing that came to mind. 'Favorite color? The rainbow. Secret Ambition? Coming out. Greatest achievement? Pretending to be something he's not.'
Snickering quietly to himself, Harry continued filling out the questions in the same way.
When they handed in the papers, Harry watched as Lockhart seemed to read them over before reaching his. Strangely, instead of getting embarrassed, Lockhart looked almost angry for a moment before quickly hiding it behind a smile.
'Is it just me? Or was that…strange?'
Not putting too much thought into it, Harry let his mind wander as Lockhart began striding around the room, pontificating on his many achievements.
- Timeskip: Middle of the Year -
It wasn't until classes calmed down that Harry decided to break from his normal routine.
After finishing his workout in the Room of Requirement, and a rather fun private lesson with Minerva, Harry made his way to the second floor under the Cloak.
Sneaking into the girl's lavatory, Harry stepped up to the sink in the middle of the room.
Such an ordinary thing, a perfect place to hide an entrance.
Finding the copper tap with a tiny snake scratched on the side of it, Harry stared at it for a moment before trying to use his Parseltongue. "~Open.~"
It felt strange speaking in Parseltongue, the magical language made his tongue vibrate in unusual ways.
At once, the tap glowed with a small white light before spinning like a key. With a click, the sink began to lower into the ground, reveals a hole with a large pipe inside, wide enough for a single person to slide into.
Looking around, Harry spotted another tiny snake scratched into the floor by the hole. Taking a guess, he tried hissing again. "~Open.~"
The floor around the whole widened, revealing a spiraling staircase that wound its way down around the outer side of the pipe.
Slowly stepping down the stairs, Harry kept the Cloak around himself. Not willing to risk coming into contact with any wards or spells that might still be active.
Reaching the bottom, Harry stepped off the stairs and onto a damp floor of a dark stone tunnel. Peaking his ebony wand out of the cloak, he silently cast Lumos before having the light hover over his head as made his way through the tunnel.
Even with the light, the tunnel was so dark that he could only see a little farther ahead.
Reaching a spot where dozens of rat skulls and bones littered the ground, Harry slowed down.
Up ahead, he spotted a large shadow on the ground. Getting closer, he cast another Lumos and sent it to the wall near the shadow.
The light floated over and stuck to the wall, revealing a gigantic snake skin. The skin was a vivid, poisonous green. It lied curled across the tunnel floor, and Harry guessed it had to be nearly twenty feet in length.
Making a mental note to return here and take the skin, Harry continued further down the tunnel.
Reaching a final bend, he spotted a solid stone wall at the end of the tunnel. The wall had two entwined serpents carved into it, their eyes had massive emeralds set in them that seemed to glint in the light.
Standing in front of the snakes, Harry once again spoke in a low, faint hiss. "~Open.~"
At his word, the serpents parted as the wall cracked open into two halves, smoothly sliding out of sight.
- Chamber of Secrets -
Inside the Chamber, Harry found himself standing at the end of a very long, dimly lit chamber. The floor had a single raised stretch of stone leading from the door to the far end of the Chamber. The stone path was flanked on both sides by an eerie green water. Towering stone pillars, entwined with even more carved serpents, rose from the water to support the weight of a ceiling that was so high it was hidden in darkness. The room itself was filled with an odd, greenish gloom.
The amount of green had him wondering if Slytherin had an unhealthy interest in the color.
As he reached the last pair of stone pillars, a stone face as high as the Chamber itself loomed into view. Seemingly built into the back wall, Harry had to crane his neck to look up into the giant face. Its visage was ancient, with a long, thin beard around the mouth and a bald head.
Pausing, Harry wondered if maybe this wasn't the best idea.
'I've already come this far, might as well go all the way.' Famous last words, those were.
"~Ssspeak to me, Ssslytherin. Greatessst of the Hogwartsss Four.~"
'How big was this man's ego?' Really though, a massive stone statue of your own face AND proclaiming yourself the greatest?
Watching as the stone face's mouth opened, Harry took a few steps back to give himself room.
From the darkness of its open mouth, an enormous shape stirred inside.
Feeling his heart pounding, Harry watched as a colossal serpent slithered out of the mouth, it's vivid, poisonous green scales reflecting off the light in the room. Keeping his eyes focused towards the ground, he heard the Basilisk hiss.
"~Who sssummonsss me?~" The Basilisk asked, shifting its massive head as it looked around.
This was probably the most Gryffindor-ish thing he was going to do.
Slowly, Harry pulled down the hood of the Cloak. The movement causing the Basilisk to focus on him, but he refused to look up.
Momentarily, the creature seemed to stare at his face before speaking. "~You…are not him.~"
…What? "~Who?~" Harry asked cautiously, his tone curious.
"~The Betrayer…the one who came before.~" The Basilisk's tone sounding resentful towards whoever this 'Betrayer' was.
Blinking, Harry questioned. "~You mean Voldemort? Or…Tom?~"
While he couldn't see it, he could hear the massive head nodding. "~Yesss…That isss what the Betrayer callsss himssself.~"
"~Why do you call him that?~"
Hissing in anger, the creature responded. "~He isss the one who lied. He sssaid that the cassstle wasss under attack. I followed him into the ssschool. But it wasss not invadersss. And a ssstudent wasss killed by my sssight.~"
The student must be Moaning Myrtle. Harry was surprised to hear that it wasn't Tom controlling the Basilisk. Of the few texts Harry had found that mentioned Parseltongue, all of them seemed to believe that anyone who could speak it could control any serpent.
"~When I learned of hisss deception. I warned him never to return here. If he did, I would kill him and all who were with him.~"
…And that explains why only one student was killed the last time the Chamber was opened. 'I mean, even if Voldemort thought that Dumbledore was on to him, why would that matter if he had control over one of the most powerful magical beasts in the world?'
At his silence, the Basilisk drew closer to him. "~Who…are you?~"
Slowly, Harry started to explain who he was, and what had happened to Voldemort. As he spoke, the Basilisk kept silent, listening intently to his every word. Eventually, it responded.
"~I sssee…~"
As it spoke, he noticed that unlike the rest of the snakes he's heard speaking, the Basilisk's language far better.
"~My name isss Sssythia, little one. And I give you the sssame warning I gave the Betrayer.~" By now, Harry could feel it's breath on his skin, the head was so close to him. "~Only call upon me when the ssschool isss in danger.~"
The threat was genuinely terrifying. Nothing makes you fear for your life, like a colossal snake that's immune to magic and can kill with its sight alone threatening you.
"~I underssstand.~" Pausing, Harry continues. "~If the Betrayer attacksss the ssschool, will you anssswer my call?~"
Nodding its head, the Basilisk agrees. "~Yesss. Now, begone from thisss place…~"
Its last word said, the Basilisk turned around and slithered back into the mouth of the statue, the mouth closing shut behind it.
Waiting until it was completely shut, Harry collapsed to his knees. 'Holy shit.'
Slowly getting to his feet, Harry pulled the Cloak's hood back over his head before making his way back up to girl's lavatory.
- Timeskip: Last Week of School -
After his adventure into the Chamber, things were relatively calm at Hogwarts. Harry had taken his trunk down to the Chamber one night. And after moving some of his stuff around, was barely able to fit the shed Basilisk skin in the largest space.
The school year seemed to fly by for Harry. His lessons with Minerva were progressing so well, that she had finally decided he had learned enough to move on to Third-Year spells.
His favorite Transfiguration spell was currently the Draconifors spell. Which could transfigure objects into small moving dragons. The dragons couldn't breathe fire, or have the magical resistance of a real one, but it was still awesome to him. And it made him feel like he was finally making progress in his Transfiguration skills.
Before the last private lesson ended for the year, so that he could focus on his exams, Minerva had teased the idea of teaching him how to become an Animagus next year if he did well on his exams. That got him excited, and he put his all into studying. When he finally took the exams, Harry felt as if he did flawlessly.
Which is why, when Lockhart asked to speak to him after his exam, Harry was incredibly confused.
- Lockhart's Office -
"Um…Professor, is there a problem?" Harry asked, wondering why the exuberant man was being unnaturally calm.
Harry subtly palmed his wand as he stood in the office, keeping an eye on the man and the door leading out of the office.
"Yes…I wanted to have a private word with you, celebrity to celebrity, before the year ended." Lockhart replied, shifting in his seat. "You see, what I wanted to sa- STUPEFY!"
Lockhart quickly leapt from his seat to fire a surprise stunning spell at him.
Diving out of the way, Harry quickly scrambled out of the door and into the classroom, waving his wand at the items on Lockhart's desk as he left, casting the first spell that came to him.
The papers and items quickly changed into small dragons with Draconifors, before flying in the man's face, biting and scratching him.
The distraction gave Harry time to race across the classroom towards the doorway that led out to hall. As he neared the door, he heard Lockhart's voice bellow from behind him.
"BOMBARDA!"
As the door to the hall exploded, Harry was blown backwards into the classroom.
Slowly shaking his head, Harry watched through blurry eyes and blood dripping down his face as Lockhart's snarling face came closer. "Say goodbye to your memories, Potter!"
As the man raised his wand, an unknown force slammed into him, sending Lockhart flying across the room.
Quickly looking behind him, Harry saw Dobby standing there, his little hand outstretched. "You shall not harm, Harry Potter!"
He could almost kiss the little guy.
Before Lockhart could get to his feet, footsteps came running through the destroyed doorway. Behind Dobby, Harry spotted Minerva and Flitwick making their way into the room, with the small form of Mipsy behind them.
As Lockhart tried to get his wand up, Minerva's own wand flew into motion at the same time Flitwick's did. The spell from Flitwick blasted Lockhart into the wall unconscious as Minerva's created ropes that bound his form.
Relieved, Harry slumped to the ground. The blow to his head and loss of blood catching up to him.
- Timeskip: Next Morning -
Slowly coming to, Harry carefully pushed himself up into a slumped, sitting position as he went to rub at his eyes. Feeling his glasses still on his face, he pulled them off to rub his eyes before putting them back on.
Finally somewhat awake, Harry glanced at his surroundings.
The room he was in was massive, with several beds covered in white linen sheets, and door in the back which quickly opened as an older witch with grey hair came hurrying over to him.
"Gently now, Mr. Potter." Helping him sit up properly, Madam Pomfrey waved her wand over him, casting several spells before nodding. "Good. It appears you are back in fine health."
Blinking, Harry tried to recall how he ended up there.
Memories of Lockhart's attack flooded back in as he put the pieces together. 'I got cheap shot by Lockhart. Ugh.' That was embarrassing, the man was a fraud with no real talent, and yet Harry was almost killed by him.
Before he had a chance to ask Madam Pomfrey what happened after he was knocked out, the doors to the Medical Wing opened.
Minerva came striding into the Wing and made her way urgently to his bed. Reaching him, she wrapped her arms around his seated form, embracing him tightly as she exclaimed. "Thank goodness, you're alright!"
Slowly hugging her back, Harry listened quietly as she sobbed out. "I was so worried when Mipsy told me you were in danger!" Patting her on the back, Harry watched as she slowly collected herself.
Waiting a moment for her to adjust her rumpled robes, he spoke up. "What happened?"
Wiping a tear from her eye, Minerva explained. "I was speaking with Filius when Mipsy appeared, saying that you were being attacked. She quickly Apparated us to the classroom, and we rushed in to find the classroom in near ruins and Lockhart aiming his wand at you. After stunning and binding him, you passed out from a concussion."
That seemed to match up with what he could remember.
"As I took you to the Medical Wing, Filius and Mipsy brought Lockhart and the other house-elf to the Headmaster…"
- Flashback: Headmaster's Office -
The intensity in the Headmaster's office was unlike anything Minerva had felt in many years.
The Headmaster listened silently to the report from both Filius and Minerva, having already heard from Mipsy.
As the two professors finished speaking, Dumbledore stared unblinking at the stunned form of Lockhart, lying on the ground bound with robes. Pulling out his wand, Dumbledore cast a spell at the man, causing him to slowly regain consciousness. The Headmaster turned his head slightly to Snape, who had been standing off to the side with Professor Sprout listening in. At the Headmaster's nod, Snape stepped forward and grabbed the bound Lockhart by the jaw before placing three drops of a liquid on his tongue.
Stepping back, they watched as Lockhart's eyes seemed to become glossy. Snape gave a nod to the Headmaster that the Veritaserum was working before stepping back.
Wasting no time, the Headmaster began his interrogation. "Who are you?"
Emotionlessly, Lockhart replied. "Gilderoy Lockhart."
Staring into the man's glassy eyes, the Headmaster's voice hardened. "Why did you attack Harry Potter?"
"I was paid to."
Glancing at the heads of house, the Headmaster asked, "And who paid you to?"
Shrugging in his bindings, Lockhart's emotionless voice answered. "I don't know. Someone sent me a large amount of money and a note to hurt Harry Potter badly, to destroy as much of his memories as I could. In return, I would receive double what was already given."
"And you accepted it without question?" The Headmaster asked, his voice now deadly calm.
At Lockhart's nod, he continued. "Why?"
"He knew." Lockhart said, even emotionless there was a hint of confusion in the way he said it. "Somehow, the boy knew. And I couldn't let him expose me."
"Knew what?" The Headmaster asked, confused as to what Harry could know about the man to make him want to kill a child.
"That I am a fraud…" Lockhart explained everything to them. That he had been stealing other people's achievements and wiping their memories before passing off their deeds as his own. About how Harry's first quiz revealed that he knew all of this. About calling Harry into his office in order to wipe his memories before he could expose Lockhart.
After finishing his explanation, the Headmaster stunned him again.
As Lockhart's body sagged to the ground, he turned to Dobby. "And you are the Malfoy's elf, correct?"
Nodding wordlessly, Dobby nervously stared at the Headmaster.
Turning to Sprout, he ordered. "Pomona, use the Floo to call Mr. Malfoy. Inform him that his presence is required at Hogwarts immediately." As she left to an adjoining room, he turned to Minerva. "And how is Harry's condition?"
"Madam Pomfrey says that the wound is minor, and that he'll make a full recovery by morning." Came Minerva's formal reply. The situation they were dealing with too serious for her to speak in any way unprofessionally.
Giving a relieved sigh, the Headmaster seemed to relax slightly. "Good. That's very good."
They all waited quietly for Sprout to return. She returned minutes later, followed by Lucius Malfoy who appeared greatly annoyed at having been ordered to come at such a late hour.
"Why am I here, Headmaster?" His tone was scathing.
"It seems, that Professor Lockhart here was paid to kill a certain Mr. Potter." Motioning to Lockhart's slumped form, the Headmaster kept his eyes fixed firmly on Lucius's own. "Curious, that your house-elf should be found at the scene of the crime. Your elf had previously informed us earlier in the year, of a plot brewing to see harm come to Hogwarts and to Mr. Potter."
Turning towards the little elf, Lucius sent a scathing look at Dobby.
As Dobby whimpered in fear, the Headmaster continued, bringing Lucius's gaze back to him. "Can you explain these circumstances, Mr. Malfoy?"
Huffing, Lucius angrily retorted, "I have no idea where you got this, silly notion that I would hire someone to harm Mr. Potter. But I can assure you, I have done no such thing. As for the elf…" Looking at Dobby in disgust, he continued. "It seems he must have heard about the plot elsewhere. Apparently, during the times he's been going off on his own."
"Then you had nothing to do with this attempt on Mr. Potter's life?" The Headmaster asked, his tone demanding a clear answer.
Shaking his head, Lucius replied. "No, I did not." Motioning towards Lockhart's slumped form. "As if I would trust that buffoonwith even the simplest of tasks."
Sighing, the Headmaster nodded. "Very well. What is to be done with your house-elf? He has still broken into Hogwarts, and seemingly has been spying on Mr. Potter for some time now."
Unconcerned, Lucius waved off the question. "Do with it as you will. I have no desire to keep an elf that has been disloyal." Turning to Dobby, Lucius conjured a small sock before throwing it at him. "Here, elf. You are free."
With that done, Lucius turned to the Headmaster. "If that is all?"
At his nod, Lucius left the room, heading back through the Floo.
Dobby's quiet sobs of happiness echoed in the background as Minerva spoke up. "Do you believe him?"
Slowly, the Headmaster nodded. "Yes, actually…I do."
- Flashback End -
Waiting for Minerva to continue, Harry tried asking for more. "What happened after that?"
"Lockhart was turned over to the Aurors, our magical law enforcement. Where he will be charged for his many crimes." Looking confused, Minerva asked. "How did you know that he was a fraud?"
At her question, Harry sheepishly chuckled. "Cho was the one who figured it out. But I wasn't referring to that when I wrote my answers."
At her prompting, he continued. "My answers to his quiz were…maybe, jokingly referring to him as gay." Embarrased, Harry continued, "I had no idea he took them to mean something else."
Minerva gave a mildly disappointed sigh before shaking her head. "I see. I…guess I cannot be too upset. The man was very, flamboyant." Her tone quickly became stern as she stared him down. "Even so, you would do well to be more respectful of others preferences in the future."
Ashamed, Harry nodded. Admitting to himself that it really was in poor taste.
"You should be aware; the public will find out what happened. Be prepared for their questions."
"I will. " Harry replied before asking. "What happened to Dobby?"
Minerva sighed, apparently disagreeing with the outcome. "After speaking with the house-elf, the Headmaster offered him a position in the Hogwarts Kitchens. He, enthusiastically, accepted."
"Good." Harry sighed, glad for the little guy. "Still…I can't believe I got beat by Lockhart"
Frowning, Minerva shut down the thought. "The man is a fully grown wizard, who graduated from Hogwarts several years ago. His age means that his magic is naturally stronger than any second-years, and his knowledge of spells is greater than what you have at your disposal."
Hoping to cheer him up, she pressed on. "Nonetheless, you did far better than you think. Your transfigurations dealt a non-insubstantial amount of damage to him. And given the surprising nature of his attack, you had very little time to think before you had to act." She explained.
"Do not get down on yourself, Harry. You did marvelously."
Seeing his unconvinced look, she continued. "If it bothers you so much, then continue with your studies. Continue practicing and learning, so that if it happens again, you will be far better prepared."
Slowly, he nodded. Promising himself to never get beaten like that again.
"With that said, you should head up to your common room and change into your robes. Lunch will be starting soon, and your friends are anxious to see you." Minerva said, reaching out a hand to slowly help him out of the hospital bed.
Standing up, Harry took the opportunity to hug Minerva. "Thanks for coming for me, Minerva." His tone soft.
Smiling, she hugged him back before replying just as softly. "You're most welcome, Harry."
Letting go, Minerva made her goodbyes before leaving as Harry got checked once again by Madam Pomfrey before being allowed out of the Hospital Wing. Making his way back to the Ravenclaw Tower, Harry headed straight for the dorm bathroom to take a long, hot shower.
Quickly getting dressed, Harry checked over his appearance before walking down to the Great Hall.
- Great Hall -
Reaching the Hall, Harry barely made it a few steps in the door before two bodies slammed into his. "Harry! You're back!" "We're SO glad you're okay!"
Laughing, Harry hugged Cho and Marietta back. As he did, the Great Hall erupted into cheers as all of the students seemed to celebrate his arrival.
Pulling back from the hug, Harry looked around in shock. Confused, he turned back to the girls.
Giggling, Cho explained. "Everyone's heard about what happened with Lockhart." Wiping a few tears from her face, she began pulling him towards the Ravenclaw table.
"Yeah, Dumbledore told us at breakfast that Lockhart attacked you." Marietta added, grabbing onto his arm and refusing to let go as she looked him over for any injuries. "What happened?"
Sitting down, Harry regaled them with his 'fight' with Lockhart. Everyone at the table quietly listening in as he told them how Lockhart had asked him up to his office before attacking him in surprise.
For the rest of lunch, all anyone could talk about was the fight between Lockhart and Harry. When lynch finally ended, Harry was glad to make his way back to the common room.
Thankfully it was the last day before they left Hogwarts, and there were no more classes. All that was left to do was attend the Feast at dinner, then wake up tomorrow morning head to the train.
- Hogwarts Express -
Relaxing in their own cabin, Harry laid his head in Marietta's lap as she ran her fingers through his hair. The End of the Year Feast was fantastic. Ravenclaw had won the House Cup again, and even though the Gryffindor Quidditch team won the Quidditch Cup, it had still been a night of celebration.
Their scores had come in on their exams, and Cho finally managed to secure First in her year. Harry and Marietta cheered for her as she jumped up and down. Marietta had scored Third, and the two were just as celebratory for her. Harry, unsurprisingly, had once again scored First in his year. Not only had he scored First, but he had gotten perfect grades in all of his classes.
Slowly dozing off in the cabin to the sound of Cho's humming from the other seat, Harry couldn't wait to enjoy the summer break.
- Headmaster's Office -
Inside the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore stroked Fawkes crimson and gold plumage as he spoke out loud.
"It's gone. Harry is free of its burden…" Elation poured from his tone as he slumped back in his chair in relief.
- Flashback: Night of the Attack -
After handing over Lockhart to the Aurors, he had gone down to the Hospital Wing to check up on Harry. Waving Pomfrey to bed, he stepped over to Harry's prone form before casting several examination spells.
When one of his spells returned negative, Dumbledore cast it again. Another negative. A third time, negative.
"His horcrux…it's gone." He whispered softly.
- Flashback End -
"He's finally free." Dumbledore broke down in tears of joy. While his connection to Harry was minimal at best, he had fretted endlessly over what would happen with the horcrux in his scar. At one point, Dumbledore feared that he would have to do the unthinkable, and have Harry be killed to destroy it.
He would have done so, if it meant sacrificing one life to save countless others. He was a leader, and sometimes in wars leaders had to make the difficult choices. But it still would have broken his heart.
Fawkes sang a note of joy that helped to calm him. "Thank you, old friend."
Straightening up in his seat, Dumbledore took out a roll of parchment. "I believe, this calls for celebration." Writing a letter, he said. "I think it's past time that Harry was given a place of his own. The boy has more than earned that at least."
- Leaky Cauldron -
Having just returned to his room at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry was surprised to see an owl tapping on the window with a letter.
Opening the window, Harry took the letter. Watching as the owl quickly flew away, he opened it curiously.
"Harry,
You have proven yourself responsible enough to be granted your own place.
I'll have Minerva come collect you from the Leaky Cauldron next Monday and help find a new residence.
Wishing You the Best,
-Albus Dumbledore"
Staring at the letter in shock, Harry turned to Hedwig. "I guess we're moving out, Hedwig…"