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The Black Order Year 2

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The Black Order Year 2

Year Two

Harry enjoyed living with the Diggorys, Mr and Mrs Diggory were nothing like the Dursleys, they included Harry in their conversations at the dinner table with Cedric and his younger siblings, twins, a boy called Robert and a daughter called Pattinson that were due to start at Hogwarts in two years. Harry was allowed to do a lot of things that he hadn’t been allowed to do at Privet Drive, he could even go into the village and visit Ron, provided Cedric went with him to ensure he didn’t get hurt of course, they were with the Weasleys when Dobby first appeared.

Mrs. Diggory arrived shortly after Cedric and the twins subdued the elf, retrieving Harry’s letters from Hermione. After reviving the elf, they started to question him, he revealed his name to be Dobby, before vanishing into thin air. That was the first time he heard Cedric swear.

*/TBO/*

A week later, their book lists arrived. Harry asked who Gilderoy Lockhart was, receiving a mutter that sounded like ‘a pompous hunt’ from Mrs. Diggory. They agree to meet the Weasley’s in Diagon Alley, which later led them to a crowded Flourish and Blotts and, subsequently, the Malfoys. Mr. Diggory had to hold Mr. Weasley back, while a man with auburn hair in black robes stared at them. Mr. Malfoy left shortly after he spotted the man, who just glared at him.

“Who’s that?” Asked Harry, pointing to the man.

Mr. Diggory frowned, “That’s Fabian Prewett, he and his brother were fighting against You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters. Gideon was a good man. Fabien was forced to watch as his brother was, quite literally, torn apart. Fabien was one of the founding members of the Black Order.”

*/TBO/*

Harry and the Diggory’s arrived at Platform 9 ¾ around eight in the morning, Amos helping both Harry and Cedric get their belongings onto the train.

“You are welcome to spend Christmas with us Harry.” Said Mr. Diggory, as he helped Harry with his trunk, “We’d more than happily have you.”

“If it’s alright, Mr. Diggory,” Said Harry, as Hedwig nipped at his fingers, “I like spending time at Hogwarts. It was the first place I got to call home.”

Mr. Diggory’s smile fell a bit, “Harry, Dumbledore told me about your time with your aunt and uncle. No one should ever be exposed to something like that. I know that you’ll have trouble taking me at my word, but I can promise that we’ll never harm you in anyway.”

Harry looked down, trying to fight the burn in his eyes. He felt Mr. Diggory pull him close and hold him as he cried.

Nearing eleven, Harry parted with Mr. Diggory and met up the Weasley’s, stuttering slightly when he spoke to Ginny.

‘There’s nothing to worry about, it’s only Ron’s sister. She’s probably scared and confused, this is her first time going to Hogwarts. Maybe I should ask if she’d like to spend the ride with us.’ Thought Harry, unsure what the fluttering feeling in his stomach was. Both Cedric and Mrs. Diggory had teased Harry about Ginny’s crush on him and Harry’s insistence on including Ginny in their activities, even letting Ginny have a go on his broom.

“Join us.” Harry blurted out, before going red, “I-I mean, would you like to spend the train ride with us?”

Ginny went red as well, “O-okay.”

*/TBO/*

Harry cheered as Ginny was sorted into Gryffindor. Professor McGonagall rolled up the parchment and picked up the stool and the Sorting Hat and took them out of the great hall. Harry winced slightly as many of the girls squealed when Lockhart was announced at the Defence Against the Dark Arts.

“It’s almost a shame,” Said Fred, rubbing his ears, “They say that the jobs cursed.”

“Yeah, real pity that he’ll probably be dead by the end of the year.” Agreed George, before grinning, “Just imagine, dying in Hogwarts. That’s got to be the bast way to go.”

Harry didn’t like the cold feeling that came down his spine.

*/TBO/*

Three weeks into term, a large, grey owl dropped a package in front of Malfoy. Harry didn’t pay any attention, choosing to speak to Ginny, until there were screams from Slytherin table. Everyone quickly turned to look at the source of the disturbance.

Lucius Malfoy’s head hung in the air, with a message hanging beneath it.

No crime goes unpunished, and the fathers passes to the son.

You will die last.

Again, like last year, classes were cancelled. There were mutters from around the school, one Sixth Year said no one would mourn Mr. Malfoy’s death. No one, not even Percy, tried to contradict him.

*/TBO/*

Hallowe’en came and Harry found himself leaving Nearly-Headless Nick’s death day party and dropping onto the bench of Gryffindor table.

“Where were you, Harry?” Asked Percy, as Hermione and Ron finally caught up with him.

“Wasting nearly an hour of my life that I’ll never get back.” Groaned Harry, before dropping his head onto the table, “Ow.”

Harry ate his fill and followed his fellow Gryffindors up to the tower.

“That’s a lot of water.” Said Seamus, slightly rousing Harry.

“Myrtle’s probably throwing a tantrum again.” Responded Percy, as Neville slipped in the water, “Watch your feet everyone.”

They’d just gotten to the portrait hole, when everyone heard a scream from a few floors down. Percy said the password and ushered everyone into the common room. Harry wasn’t ashamed to admit that he’d fallen asleep in his school robes as soon as he made it to his bed.

*/TBO/*

The morning after Hallowe’en, Harry found out that someone had cursed Mr. Filch’s cat, Mrs. Norris.

Then there was the Quidditch incident a few days later, where a bludger had been enchanted to attack Harry and Harry alone, resulting in Harry getting a broken arm. Which didn’t last long, as Lockhart vanished the bones in Harry’s arm. Harry was happy to see Mrs. Diggory hex Lockhart. That night, Dobby reappeared and told Harry that he’d enchanted the bludger. Then Colin was brought into the Hospital Wing. Petrified, just like Mrs. Norris.

Which led to the creation of a duelling club in the third week of December, and then onto the revelation that Harry was a Parselmouth. Cedric had already pulled seven of his housemates up because they were spreading rumours that Harry was the Heir of Slytherin.

“The Potter Bloodline can be traced back to Godric Gryffindor.” Said Cedric, as Ernie and Zacharias stared at the ground, “The only way Harry could be the Heir of Slytherin is by right of Conquest. Much like the Stevens-Carrow incident.”

No one saw a man with short auburn hair listening to them talk.

TBO

Harry frowned at the boy sitting across from him. It was the same boy who explained what the Black Order was to Harry on the train last year. He didn’t seem to realise Harry was across from him. He tugged the glove off his left hand, revealing a silver prosthetic hand that looked like a skeleton’s hand.

“The surface layer’s invisible.” Said the Boy, not looking up, “A case of accidental magic made it so.”

“I’m sorry?” Responded Harry, getting a snort from the boy.

“Why? Did you cut my arm off?” He looked at Harry, before frowning, “Has anyone looked at that?”

Harry instinctively flattened his fringe to cover his scar, making the boy roll his eyes.

“That’s really going to help with it.” Snarked the boy, getting a frown from Harry.

“Who are you?” Asked Harry, getting a look from the boy, “I don’t remember seeing you at the sorting ceremony.”

“Because I started last year,” Explained the boy, “had a fit just after I got off the train, spent most of last year in St. Mungo’s. I think the teachers were surprised that I passed the first year tests.”

“I still don’t know who you are.” Said Harry, getting a scowl from the boy.

“Mercutio Stevens, although, I’d prefer to be called ‘Bones’, in reference to my hand.” Said Stevens, getting a disbelieving snort from Harry.

“There you are, Harry,” Said Hermione, drawing close to the table, “I think I’ve finally found it and, who’s this?”

“Mercutio Stevens, prefers to be called Bones.” Said Harry, getting a dejected sigh from Stevens.

“Oh, you’re that boy that was sorted in Professor Dumbledore’s Office, I heard Percy call you a Hat Stall.” Said Ron, suddenly appearing beside Hermione.

“Yes, the bloody hat took over an hour to sort me, what of it?”

“Why did it take so long?” Asked Harry, getting a frown from Stevens.

“Why should I tell you?”

“Sorry, I was just curious.” Mumbled Harry, getting a grimace from Stevens.

There was a moment of silence, before Stevens broke it, “The ratty bastard wanted to put me in Slytherin.”

Harry felt his jaw drop open, while Hermione let out a squeak and Ron snorted.

“Ten points for foul language, Mr. Stevens.” Snapped Professor McGonagall, making the trio jumps, “And another five for insulting an object of historical importance to Hogwarts.”

“Sorry.” Muttered Stevens, scowling.

“Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, this is your new housemate, Mercutio Stevens.” McGonagall introduced, looking at each student, “He-”

“Was supposed to start last year, but had a fit and was stuck in St… where was it?” Asked Harry, looking at Stevens.

“Mungo’s.”

“Mungo’s.” Finished Harry, looking up at McGonagall, “He’s already introduced himself.”

“Oh,” Said McGonagall, “then five points for attempting to save a staff member time.”

Stevens shrugged and attempted to bury himself back in his book.

“Given how you three like to explore the castle, I was hoping you could show him around.” Said Professor McGonagall, getting quick nods from the trio.

TBO

Stevens trailed behind the trio, looking at the different tapestries and portraits, when Fred and George accosted Harry.

“Look out everyone, serious dark wizard coming through.” Said one.

“Yeah, the heir of Slytherin is off to the chamber of secrets to have tea with his vicious monster.” Said the other.

Stevens looked between them, unsure if he was seeing double, “They’re Ron’s brothers.”

“Right.” Stevens still looked unsure, before looking at Harry, “Where are we?”

“We’re just about to pass the dancing trolls on the seventh floor.” Said Harry, ignoring Hermione trying to tell Fred and George off.

“Okay.” Said Stevens, looking around, “Why didn’t they make a map?”

TBO

Harry was quietly talking with Ginny, introducing her to Stevens, who’d shown her his prosthetic, when a woman with blonde hair stalked into the Great Hall. Everyone fell silent, as the woman stopped in front of Dumbledore and dropped a book in front of him.

Without saying a word, the woman spun on her heel and left. Dumbledore opened the book with his wand and his face hardened, before cancelling classes for the day. Later, Professor McGonagall collected Harry and the Weasleys and took them to Dumbledore’s office.

The book was lying open on the desk, with Dumbledore frowning at it.

“Miss Weasley,” Said Dumbledore, not looking up, “I’ve been informed that you were given this diary before the start of term, who gave it to you?”

“M-my mum, I think.” Squeaked Ginny, trembling slightly, “I found it in my cauldron with my books.”

Dumbledore sighed, “Oh, to be young and trusting again.”

Looking at them, “Miss Weasley, your mother didn’t give you this book. It’s a very dark and dangerous artifact that, if used, will possess the one using it.”

Ginny started trembling, prompting Harry to grab her hand.

“What is it, Professor?” Said Percy, stiffly.

“Something that belonged to Lord Voldemort.” Said Dumbledore, “No doubt slipped amongst your sister’s books as not to arouse any suspicion. It’s very easy to convince an adult witch or wizard that they bought something if it is slipped amongst items they’ve purchased. Even more so, if said witch or wizard are in Hogwarts.”

“W-will Ginny be alright?” Asked Harry, getting Dumbledore’s attention.

“Mind healers and some member of the Ministry will be checking in on her for the remainder of the school year.” Dumbledore told them, “I believe that once this item has been removed from the castle, we’ll have nothing to worry about. Professor McGonagall, if you could escort the Weasleys back to Gryffindor Tower, while I speak with Harry.”

Professor McGonagall gave a curt nod, before herding the Weasleys out, leaving Harry with the headmaster.

“Harry,” Began Dumbledore, “while I am aware that Miss Weasley was given the diary, it was found amongst your belongings.”

Harry swallowed and looked down.

“Harry.” Said Dumbledore, firmly, “You’re not in trouble, as a matter of fact, some of the Ministry workers will be examining your scar. I’ve been told that your scar has hurt when you’ve been near Voldemort.”

Harry nodded, prompting Dumbledore to continue, “Now, I’m aware of the rumours surrounding your unexpected ability. For that, I must apologise, I have had the theory that when Voldemort tried to kill you, some of his powers were, somehow, transferred over to you.”

Harry frowned, mulling the information over in his head. Could Voldemort somehow be responsible for how he can speak parseltongue? Harry decided not to voice that question, instead looking up at the headmaster.

“Professor?” Asked Harry, almost shyly, “If I may, what is that diary?”

Dumbledore frowned, “I’m not entirely sure, but it’s nothing for you to worry about.”

The arrival of Professor McGonagall prevented Harry from asking anymore questions, but he had the feeling that Dumbledore wasn’t being entirely honest.

TBO

The new year was welcomed by two events, the first was Mrs Malfoy arriving at the school with a bleeding gash on the side of her neck and the other was the unexpected death of Professor Lockhart.

No one knew how he died, but shortly after each of his books were revealed to be fabricated events where each of his accomplishments were revealed to be done by other people.

Or, as Fred and George liked to put it, he was exposed to be a big effing fraud.

Harry found that they didn’t mean it as a capital F, but Cedric didn’t answer him when he asked what they actually meant.

On the second week of January, Harry found himself in the hospital wing, with a tall, scowling man closely examining his scar.

“Did you hear what the Toad’s done?” Asked one of his colleagues, going over some notes in a corner.

“What’s she done?” Muttered the man, carefully twisting Harry’s head to the side.

“She’s only gone and made things difficult for werewolves.” Said his colleague, leaning against the wall, “It now nearly impossible for them to get work, I don’t care what all those bigwigs in the Wizengamot say, if they can perform magic well and their employer can afford the cost of wolfsbane potion, I don’t have a problem.”

“But you wouldn’t want a family member to marry one.” Muttered the man, getting the woman to frown.

“I heard that.”

“Well,” Said the man, stepping away from Harry, “it’s definitely cursed, but I’m going to get Croaker to take a look at it.”

“Think it might be like that diary?” Asked the woman, frowning.

“I don’t know.” Confessed the man, “I’ve never heard of one of those things being attached to a living being.”

“It’s probably nothing to worry about.” The woman said to Harry, handing him a lollypop, “You’re free to go.”

Before he knew it, Harry found himself outside of the hospital wing. Shrugging himself, Harry made his way back to Gryffindor Tower, bumping into Ginny on the way.

Ever since the diary was taken, Ginny no longer looked pale and skittish, Harry found that she was fun to be around, although he didn’t understand the looks, he got from Cedric whenever he saw them together. All the petrification’s seemed to have stopped, until Harry and Ginny were nearly bowled over by Percy rushing past them.

“Why’s he is a hurry?” Asked Harry, getting a frown from Ginny.

“He might be late to meet his girlfriend.” Said Ginny, before she clapped her hand over her mouth, “S-sorry! He doesn’t have a girlfriend! I-I mean, why would he? He’s Percy-”

“What’s wrong with Percy having a girlfriend?” Asked Harry, frowning at Ginny.

Ginny’s eyes widened, before looking around. After making sure there was no one around, Ginny spoke, “Okay, he has a girlfriend. Some Ravenclaw prefect. I stumbled across them before Christmas and Percy made me promise not to tell anyone.”

Harry blinked, “Well…, that’s a lot to process.”

Ginny pulled out her wand and prodded Harry in the chest, “I mean it. No one can know.”

Harry swallowed, “Okay, I’m not going to say anything.”

“Good.” Said Ginny, brightly putting her wand away.

The pair walked back to Gryffindor tower, the common room going silent when they entered.

Harry looked around, “Is everything alright?”

“You haven’t heard?” Asked Hermione, getting Harry’s attention.

“Heard what?”

“There’s been another attack.” Said Fred, glancing around, “A Ravenclaw prefect was attacked.”

Harry frowned, “I didn’t hear them bring them to the Hospital Wing, but that might be because I was having someone jabbing their wand into my scar.”

“Do you think that might be why Professor McGonagall left during our study session early?” Asked Ginny, making Hermione go red.

“Ginny,” Scolded Hermione, “your studies are important-”

“And I shouldn’t skive off.” Interrupted Ginny, scowling, “I wasn’t the first one to leave and I didn’t go until Snape came a turfed everyone out of the library.”

That got everyone’s attention.

“Snape turfed everyone out of the library?” Asked Angelina, “As in go to your common rooms?”

“No, he just told us to get out.” Answered Ginny, glancing at the clock, “If we’re supposed to be here, what do we do if we have detention?”

Fred and George broke out in identical grins.

“Aw, Fred-”

“-George-”

“-Ickle Ginnykins-”

“-Has a detention-”

“-I’m so proud-”

“-It’s almost heartbreaking.”

“What’d you do?” The two asked together, making Ginny blush.

“I, erm, I was caught, sneaking brooms out of storage shed attached to the Quidditch Pitch.” Said Ginny, making everyone freeze.

“Who’s brooms?”

“I…don’t…know?”

“Who’s brooms, Ginny?”

“Wait,” Said Alicia, interrupting the twins’ interrogation, “were you the one who put my broom in upside down?”

Ginny went red.

“How’d you get into the shed?” Asked Katie, as Ginny’s face got darker.

“I…, uhm, I picked the lock.”

“Where’d you learn to pick locks?” Asked Hermione, frowning.

Ginny scratched the back of her head and avoided eye contact with her brothers. The silence continued, before the penny dropped and Angelina, Alicia and Katie burst into laughter.

“Wait, have you been breaking into the broom shed?” Demanded Ron, jumping to his feet, “Why would you do that? You know it’s not safe!”

“So why can you use a broom?” Demanded Ginny, glaring at Ron, “I’ve managed to fly and not harm myself. I know you can’t say the same!”

“That’s not the point!” Said Ron, his voice rising, “You shouldn’t-”

Ginny pulled out her wand and pointed it at Ron, “Verpertilio Muci!”

A dull green jet of light hit Ron and the next thing everyone knew; Ron had several bat-shaped bogeys flying around him and slamming into his head. Fred and George roared with laughter as Ron tried to fight the bats off.

“Finite.” Came Professor McGonagall’s voice, “Miss Weasley, if you could refrain from attacking your brother. Now, are all Gryffindors in the tower?”

“Yes, Professor.” Said a Prefect, after checking the dormitories.

“Good, it has been decided, by both the Headmaster and the Ministry, that any extracurricular activities, such as gobstones and chess, are suspended.” Announced Professor McGonagall, getting a horrified gasp from Oliver.

“Please, Professor, tell me that doesn’t include Quidditch.”

Professor McGonagall slowly turned her head to fix Oliver with a cold-eyed glare, “That includes Quidditch, Wood. A sport isn’t more important than the safety of the student body!”

TBO

Harry looked around the Hospital Wing, he’d been brought out of Potions by an Unspeakable, someone who worked in the Ministry. They didn’t say anything to him, they just guided him to a bed and left him there.

Someone coming in through the door jerk Harry out of his thoughts, a man with dark eyes and white hair walked up to him.

“This is going to hurt.” He said, before he jammed his wand into Harry’s scar, twisted it and pulled back. A black, blood-like substance was attached to the end of the wand, before the man directed it into a teacup.

The man left without another word, as Harry passed out from the blinding pain of the procedure.

TBO

Harry woke up to someone being rushed into the Hospital Wing, sitting up, he caught sight of familiar bushy hair, before Professor McGonagall spotted him.

“Potter,-” Professor McGonagall was cut off by Dumbledore, “Professor Flitwick, could you please take Harry back to his common room?”

The charms professor nodded and quickly guided Harry back to Gryffindor tower, Percy quickly brought Harry over the grouping of Weasleys.

“Hermione said she had to go to the library.” Said Ron, quietly, “She even ignored Percy when he told her to come back.”

“What was she going to do?” Asked Harry, confused.

“I think she was trying to find out what Slytherin’s monster was,” Said Ron, glancing around, “I don’t know why she thought about going to the library again now. She couldn’t find anything there before Christmas or after we asked Malfoy.”

Harry thought back to the Christmas before, he, Ron and Hermione, after they were caught by Professor McGonagall trying to brew Polyjuice Potion. She had vanished the nearly completed potion and assigned them detention, with Malfoy joining them after she caught him defacing school property.

That unexpected misfortune had allowed them to corner Malfoy and grill answers out of him. Ever since his father’s head appeared in the mail, Malfoy had been withdrawn and sullen, it was almost as if he’d been avoiding them, and it was only reinforced when his mother had turned up with a gash on her neck.

Ron looked at Harry and frowned, “What happened to your scar?”

“What?” Asked Harry, as Percy looked at Ron.

“Ron, you’ve been told-what the hell?” Gasped Percy, “Your scar’s faded.”

“What?” Said Harry, as Percy conjured a mirror and gave it to Harry.

The bright red lightning bolt scar was now a faded pink, not as recognisable as it once had been. Harry looked at Ron and shrugged, he turned and looked at the fireplace and watched the fire with a frown.

TBO

Hermione was found petrified outside of the library. Teachers started escorting them between classes, after Lockhart had died a temporary teacher had been called in. He just told everyone to call him Aberforth, outright refusing to tell anyone his surname, and since Aberforth was at the head of the line, Ron and Harry were able to slip away from their class.

“Are you sure Bones will cover for us?” Asked Ron, unaware of the boy setting off a cluster of dungbombs outside of Potions.

“I’m sure.” Said Harry, as they rounded a corner and nearly bumped into the woman who gave Dumbledore the diary.

The woman’s breath hitched when she saw Harry, before she hastily cleared her throat, “Why aren’t you with your class?”

“We’re going to see Hermione.” Blurted Ron, making Harry jump.

The woman silently studied them, before pushing a piece of the wall, revealing a secret passage, “This’ll take you to the corridor adjacent to the Hospital Wing. You’ll have to be careful, though, Peeves likes to put bear traps down there.”

Harry and Ron quickly looked at each other, before they hurried down the passageway.

TBO

Harry and Ron stumbled into the Staff Room, unintentionally bumping into the woman, Fabian Prewett, a man with short auburn hair and Regulus Black.

The children and adults stared at each other, before Regulus spoke, “Shall we just pretend we didn’t see each other?”

The woman harshly elbowed him, “Harry, what are you doing here?”

Harry swallowed, glancing at Ron, before looking at the woman, unsure how he was going to explain that he and Ron went to visit Hagrid, who took them to speak with Arogog, where they found out about the creature, which was a Basilisk, thanks to Hermione, and they were trying to tell their teachers.

Before Harry could say anything, the woman groaned and looked at Regulus, “Did you know about the Basilisk or were you in the dark as well?”

Just then, the staff room door opened, admitting the staff members into the staff room. Snape froze at the sight of Harry, Ron and the four members of the Black Order. He paled, before drawing his wand, a split second later, Harry had a large gash across his face and Snape received an explosion charm to the face.

The woman immediately rushed to Harry’s side and started healing the gash, while Fabien and the auburn haired man immobilised Snape.

“You couldn’t’ve disarmed him?!” Demanded the woman, as the gash on Harry’s face healed into a faint, thin scar.

“I tried, who do you think that curse hit him in the face and not the neck?” Retorted Regulus, just as Dumbledore cleared his throat.

“Marlene, Edgar, it’s so nice to see you again after all this time.” Greeted Dumbledore, before he looked at Fabien and Regulus, “Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were your handiwork, I take it?”

“No,” Grunted Fabien, “that wasn’t us, at least Narcissa wasn’t. Greyback got her, full moon and all.”

“Ah.” Sighed Dumbledore, “And Lucius?”

“He owed the Goblins, we found out and took two Puffskeins with one curse.” Dismissed Regulus, “They’ve agreed to his head in exchange for the sword.”

Dumbledore hummed, before looking at Harry and Ron, “Why, may I ask, are you two here?”

Without wasting a moment, Harry said, “We know where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is.”

TBO

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to find myself going down a bathroom drain when I woke up today.” Said Professor Sinistra, as Dumbledore led them down the tunnel.

He and the members of the Black Order were surprised when Harry spoke Parseltongue and opened the sink.

“Are we really bringing a couple of second years with us to fight a Basilisk?” Asked Professor Flitwick, glancing at Harry and Ron.

“If we left them behind, they’d just follow us, Filius,” Responded Dumbledore, before glancing at Harry, “besides, Harry has a rather unique skill we all seem to lack.”

Flitwick frowned, but remained silent, silently noting that number to stone knight statues along the walls.

The group of eleven stopped at a metal door with several snakes acting as locks.

Dumbledore gently ushered Harry forwards, prompting the boy to say, “Open.”

The snakes slid back and door swung open, revealing an unconscious, “Ginny!” Gasped Harry, rushing forwards and dropping his wand. Almost immediately, black and blue flames burst into life, preventing the teachers from catching up to Harry.

“Piertotum Locomotor!” came a young, smooth voice, making the stone knights behind the teachers jump into life.

“Depulso!” Said Flitwick, sending a knight flying backwards.

“Slugulus Eructo!” Yelled Ron, just as a knight grabbed his wand and crushed it. The knight raised it’s mace and prepared to swing it down onto Ron’s head.

“Reducto!” Dumbledore reduced the statue to a pile of dust, just as Fawkes arrived and gave Harry the Sorting Hat.

Professor McGonagall and Flitwick dealt with a pair of giant statues, while the Black Order started using fire spells on a group of Inferi, the emaciated corpse of a young Ravenclaw student at the lead.

Ron glanced at Aberforth and Professor Sinistra dealt with the smaller statues, and Professor Dumbledore combated the black and blue flames, while Harry and Fawkes fought Slytherin’s Basilisk.

Several things then happened at once, Harry stabbed the snake through the mouth, the Professors defeated the last of the statues, the Black Order burned the Inferi and Dumbledore dispelled the flames keeping them from Harry.

“Stop this, Tom.” Said Dumbledore, his piercing eyes fixed on the Slytherin boy holding Harry’s wand.

“Why, Dumbledore?” Sneered Tom, gesturing to Harry, “My beast has poisoned the boy that defeated Lord Voldemort, look at him, Dumbledore. Watch as the last of his life fades away.”

Tom cackled, “Look at your stupid bird! It’s crying!”

Tom laughed, his voice high and cold, before he froze, “NO! STOP THAT!”

Tom fired a blasting curse at Fawkes, who flew away.

Dumbledore gestured for the others to stay behind him.

“Of course,” Growled Tom, “Phoenix tears heal. Never the matter, you’ll all be dead soon enough.”

Fawkes then dropped the diary in Harry’s lap.

Unprompted, Harry grabbed the Basilisk fang that had been stuck in his arm and drove the fang into the diary. Tom and the diary screamed and, almost instantly, Tom burst into nothing. A few feet away, Ginny Weasley gasped as she started breathing again.

Dumbledore quickly gathered everyone and, upon grasping Fawkes’ tail feathers, the group suddenly found themselves in the staff room, with the Weasleys and Diggorys waiting for them.

After conjuring some chairs and getting some food from the kitchens, Dumbledore sat down and frowned at the remains of the diary.

“I believe an apology is in order,” Began Dumbledore, looking around the room, “It didn’t occur to me that this diary had gained enough strength to drain the life out of an elderly ministry worker and make it’s way back to Hogwarts.”

“You said it belonged to Voldemort.” Said Harry, quietly, “Does this mean he’s back?”

“No.” Said Dumbledore, frowning, “At present, I believe Lord Voldemort is currently residing in Albania as a wraith, unable to harm anyone. This is, what I believe, one of the things anchoring him to life. As I said, the elderly ministry worker he killed was enough for him to get to Hogwarts, but not enough for him to get to Lord Voldemort.”

“That’s why he took Ginny.” Said Percy, as the girl cried into her mother’s shoulder.

“Yes and no.” Said Dumbledore, making everyone look at him, “I believe he came here to, ahem, ‘take’ more than Miss Weasley. Mr Potter also wrote in this book, so I believe he was also a target for the diary. It seems, Tom intended on unleashing the basilisk on the inhabitants of the castle in an attempt to empower himself enough to not only make it to Albania, but to also restore the, rather pathetic, remains of Lord Voldemort.”

“B-but that’s been avoided?” Asked Mrs Diggory, an arm wrapped around Harry’s shoulders.

“For the time being.” Admitted Dumbledore, “While Voldemort is powerless at present, I fear it won’t be long before he manages to find a way to restore himself.”

Dumbledore looked at the clock, “Oh, will you look at the time! Perhaps the children would like to take themselves to their dormitories and get some well-deserved rest.”

TBO

The next few days were a blur for Harry, he and Ginny were taken to a wizard hospital, Ginny explained what little knowledge she had of St. Mungos. The pair had been examined, before being discharged with a clean bill of health.

When they got back to Hogwarts, all the students that had been petrified were back up and walking. Justin Finch-Fletchley had all but taken Harry’s arm off form shaking his hand so hard. Ginny looked around with a worried look on her face.

“Who’re you looking for?” Asked Harry, following her gaze.

“I can’t see Percy’s girlfriend.” Whispered Ginny, “Do you think she’s alright?”

Harry shrugged, before Percy called him and Ginny over to Gryffindor Table.

“Percy, where’s Poppy?” Asked Ginny, getting a grimace from Percy.

“Penelope didn’t,” Percy cleared his throat, “didn’t respond to the mandrake treatment, they don’t know if there’s anything they can do here.”

Ginny put her hand over her mouth, “Professor Dumbledore’s asked the Healers to attempt Legilimency on her.” Continued Percy, while Harry looked at Ron and Ginny hoping for an explanation.

“We’re just going to have to wait for more news.” Finished Percy, staring down at his plate, “How could the Ministry allow that thing to escape?!”

Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys looked at each other, they’d never seen Percy so upset.

TBO

“He attempted to kill Harry, how can you defend him?!” Demanded Mrs Diggory, glaring at Dumbledore.

“That boy was in league with them!” Shrieked Snape, “He’s working with them to kill me!”

“Considering you’re the reason his parents are dead, I wouldn’t blame him if he was!” Snapped Marlene, from her place in the corner.

“That boy is just like his father!” Bellowed Snape, “Arrogant, spoilt, expecting everything to be handed to him on a silver platter! The Dark Lord should have killed him instead of Lily-”

“PROFESSOR SNAPE!” Bellowed Dumbledore, silencing everyone, “Do not act as if you are irreplaceable! You are at Hogwarts because I believe you were an asset to both the school and the wizarding world as a whole. You attempt on Harry Potter’s life has not escaped my notice, nor has it escaped the Ministry’s.”

Snape started to pale.

“So, unless you wish to find yourself in Azkaban, I suggest you pull your act together and act like a teacher and not an adolescent schoolboy!” Dumbledore’s voice was cold, as Snape looked faint.

“Why is he at the school?” Asked Marlene, frowning at Snape.

“Hogwarts,” Said Dumbledore, not take his eyes of Snape, “is serving as his prison. As everyone is aware, the school is used with the hope of rehabilitating any and all non-violent offenders, provided they have skills that can be put to use at Hogwarts.”

“Is he behind the attacks on Harry?” Demanded Mrs Diggory, getting Dumbledore’s attention.

“No,” Said Dumbledore, “That was the work of a House Elf by the name of Dobby. Ironically, Harry somehow managed to get the Malfoy’s to free Dobby and, at present, currently employed at Hogwarts.”

Mrs Diggory sighed through her nose and glared at Dumbledore, “Make sure that elf doesn’t do anything to harm Harry, Headmaster.”

With that final word, Elenor Diggory spun on her heel and stalked out of the room.

TBO

“Cedric?” Said Harry, looking up from his book, “What happened to that prefect Percy knew?”

Cedric paused in his game of exploding snap with Fred and George, “You mean his girlfriend?”

“Yeah.”

“I heard that she’s become a permanent resident of the Janus Thickey Ward in St. Mungos.” Shrugged Cedric, “Mum and Dad didn’t say much about it.”

Harry hummed, glancing at Ginny, before going back to his book. Ginny’s wand was found to be unusable after the events of the chamber, the wand was lined with cracks and the core was ‘burnt out’, whatever that meant.

Harry had asked about getting another wand, admitting how Riddle had gotten his wand after he dropped it. Mr. Diggory had said he’d talk to Mr. Ollivander about it, but didn’t say much else.

“Oh,” Said Harry, suddenly remembering, “Cedric, what are the great houses?”

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