"This is human blood," said Harry as he examined the floor at the base of the wall which bore the grave message. There were signs that the corridor had been almost flooded but Harry guessed that Dumbledore had rid it of water.
"How do you know that?" Ron asked perplexed at Harry's ability to identify the blood as human. Harry wasn't about to tell him the truth, nor anybody for that matter. For some odd reason Harry could conclude it was human from the smell but was aware at how strange and awful that would sound to the others. They probably would've suspected him to be a vampire, which he gladly was not. Through further scrutiny of the area Harry discovered cat hairs mixed with the red congealed blood.
"This means that whoever did this must be human. But how? Who in this castle has enough power to Petrify humans and felines alike," Harry pondered aloud. Mr. Davis stepped forward to inspect Harry's findings. He bent very low over the red liquid and then using a small silver set of tweezers, removed a hair which was about two centimetres long. "This is definitely not a cat hair." He acquired a glass phial from his tweed pocket and placed the hair carefully inside.
"You think it belongs to the attacker?" Hermione asked. Davis stood fully straight again, putting the phial back in his pocket. "It's worth a shot. I'll try and do some analysis on it. If not the attacker, well then the possessor of this hair was in the vicinity during the incident."
There was a pensive silence for a moment as each individual tried to comprehend everything that had happened. Then Harry, who again had his eyes fixed on the message, asked loudly. "What is it? The Chamber of Secrets, you've heard of it before."
Professor Sinistra shared a nervous fleeting look with Mr. Davis. "Maybe we should go back to the library. It's safer to talk there." They all headed in the direction of the library, the rumbling and cracking of thunder roaring in the castle. Ron's jaw dropped when he saw the new sector of the library. When they had all seated except Davis who remained standing, Harry asked the question again. But instead of Davis answering, Professor Sinistra, wearing an apprehensive but knowing look, replied.
"It is a myth. A legend that has lived with the school for as long as we can remember. But the facts surrounding the tale of the Chamber are undoubtedly genuine. It started with the beginning of Hogwarts in roughly about the year 1200 A.D. The four of the greatest witches and wizards, Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff, decided to build Hogwarts, a castle where magic could be practiced far from prying Muggle eyes. It was an age when magic was feared by common people, and witches and wizards suffered much persecution."
"Why did they fear it? Even back then what had them so opposed to it?" Ron asked.
"Religion. The bible mentions witches and of course not in a very enlightening tone. Exodus 22:18 `Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live'. Through time, their fear only grew until the Church could use it to increase their power. Anyway where was I," she paused, her brow furrowed as the three students listened intently. "Oh yes…for years the founders worked in harmony together, seeking out youngsters who showed signs of magic and bringing them to the castle to be educated by the most skilled of teachers. But then…disagreements…sprang up between the founders. You see as they continued working quietly in isolation, the world outside grew darker. In the late 1400's, when the founders were in their two-hundreds, powerful wizards and witches have a much longer life-span," she added seeing their confused looks, "Pope Innocent VIII ordered a book to be issued and Malleus Maleficarum was released into the world. This book told Christians that they had an obligation to hunt down and kill witches."
"Shocked at what he saw, Salazar Slytherin completely placed the blame on all Muggles. He refused to let muggle-born students access into the school, deeming them untrustworthy. Godric Gryffindor was against this and refused to let the school be so selective. Their argument continued to heat up until near the end of his life, Slytherin left the school. The other founders continued nonetheless. The tale goes that before he departed, Slytherin built a hidden chamber somewhere in the castle of which the other founders knew nothing. That is about all I know on the subject, I'm sure you are aware of more," she acknowledged eyeing Davis.
He looked quite flattered at her compliment. "Er…well…as legend says, Slytherin sealed the chamber so that no one could enter until his one true heir attended the school. His heir could then unlock the chamber and unleash the…er…horror within. This would then purge the school of all those who are unworthy to practice and study magic."
"You mean muggle-borns?" Ron whispered terrified. Mr. Davis nodded mutely and Ron gulped anxiously. The storm rose in fury, it's wrath clashing against the castle walls. Harry was trying to sort out his thoughts, ciphering through the information. The others had started to talk amongst themselves again but Harry wasn't listening. Was the student who had tried to kill him, the heir of Slytherin? It made sense. Harry had intercepted him and he had retaliated using violence.
"The Heir of Slytherin. Do you think that was what attacked me?" Harry asked quietly. He turned so he could see Mr. Davis' reaction. For his part, Davis looked quite mystified. He obviously hadn't thought about it. Harry knew he had doubts as to whether the message was authentic but also extremely concerned. Whether the whole ordeal was a very elaborate hoax or the heir really had returned, people were being seriously hurt and the castle was in danger.
Mr. Davis cleared his throat. "Possibly, but we cannot be sure. We must tread carefully for the next few weeks. Undoubtedly there will be more attacks. You all must stay vigilant and watch for signs of anyone acting unusual."
"What is the horror within?" inquired Hermione timidly. Harry noted how much paler she seemed to have become. She must have been frightened, there was no denying that he wasn't. "Well, er…some historians believe that…Slytherin had a monster…which he brought to the castle and…hid in the Chamber. It was this…creature…that would do his…er…" Davis gestured with his hands as if his actions were his words. He then sighed when the students gave him befuddled looks. "His purging." Harry, Hermione and Ron all shared a nervous glance. Harry felt a shiver run down his spine at the thought of such a grotesque monster.
"But why Mrs. Norris? She's a cat," stated Sinistra simply with a slightly bemused face.
"Well more than likely they wished to get to Filch. Mrs. Norris is quite…er…close to his…erm…heart," Davis stammered. Ron let out a derisive laugh. "What heart? He told Fred that he was going to tear him limb from limb, if he ever dropped another Dungbomb again or if he dared to walk muck on his precious floors. He's a maniac," Ron finished modestly.
"What about Squibs?" Harry murmured to himself. "That's it!" he shouted after a moment of silence, causing everyone around the table to jump. "Filch is a Squib, he must be. I mean think about it. How many times have you seen him use magic when he's cleaning something?"
"Never," said Hermione, realization dawning on her face. "And Colin was definitely muggle-born because he told me his dad was a milk-man and also how shocked he was when he received his letter."
"I never knew that Slytherin started all this pure-blood crap," interrupted Ron with a pensive look. Davis looked at him somewhat sympathetically. "Not many people do. His actions were spawned from his hatred of those who burned and tortured his people. You cannot justify his doings but maybe his feelings."
Later on as Harry lay in bed staring out the rain-soaked window, he wondered also about Salazar Slytherins feelings. Was it just hatred that caused him to detest muggle-borns? Harry then pondered another thought. Was he just afraid? Salazar Slytherin, one of the greatest wizards of all time, was infamous for his actions and what people always dismissed or forgot was that in the end, when it came to find a reason, the renowned wizard was nothing more than a terrified wizard who refused to let anyone know about his fear.
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Again the school was hit with another wave of shock and fear. Students refused to wander down the corridors alone, preferring to go in large groups. Harry couldn't blame them. The situation was so bizarre and mysterious. Dumbledore had addressed the school and told them that nobody had died but that someone had indeed Petrified Colin and Mrs. Norris. Filch had really now gone insane. He was suffering from a very viscous cold, which was really terrible to witness as you tried to make your way to class. His large red bulbous nose seemed to stick out from behind every corner as his suspecting eyes roved the students for a guilty conscience. The writing on the wall where Mrs. Norris was attacked, could not be removed. The school staff had tried everything but nothing would prevail so in the end they could only leave it there.
The weather had cleared up slightly. After the storm the grounds had been completely disarrayed. Dead leaves were strewn all around the lake, some drifting hypnotically on its surface. Trees that lay on the border of the forest mourned the loss of branches and some had even been ripped from the earth and lay hopelessly on their sides.
Harry was getting quite nervous about the upcoming match against Slytherin. The conditions that the weather were producing really didn't suit him especially the fierce winds. He had also gained a new sense of paranoia as to who was the Heir of Slytherin. He was constantly looking over his shoulder, trying to spot anybody who was acting unusual. Hermione tried to calm his nerves, telling him he was almost worse than Filch and that when he left Hogwarts he should really try a course in espionage.
Ron on the other hand had a different approach. He was pretty much convinced he knew who the culprit was. "Malfoy!" he stated. "I mean he grew up in a racist family learning that because he was a pure-blood he was better than everybody else. Harry, I mean I don't know where the difficulty is, he's guilty and the worst part is he doesn't care if people know or not. Look at all the students, the castle is cheerless these days but he's strutting around, smirking at people's fears."
Harry couldn't see how someone like Malfoy would have that much knowledge of Dark Magic. Even if Ron said his father could have taught him it, Harry still couldn't see how Malfoy would have the nerve to assault and endanger the lives of others. Maybe he could talk the talk but Harry presumed if he had to walk the walk he would probably fall flat on his ass.
Waking up on the Saturday of the match against Slytherin, Harry immediately checked the weather. There was not even a droplet of rain but the sky was a murky yellow colour that suggested thunder was a possibility. He trudged into the boys bathroom and splashed some water on his face. Taking a deep breath he peered at himself in the mirror. He briefly wondered that he seemed to look different. After over two months of training he had obviously built some muscle yet he still looked thinner than ever. He got changed in a trance, his nerves still playing at him, and then proceed down the spiral staircase into the common room.
He expected to find it empty but instead Hermione was sitting on a squashy armchair adjacent to the fireplace. She was sitting in a Buddha position, her legs crossed under her, and she had a Potions book in her hands. She looked up when he entered and gave him a welcoming smile. Harry collapsed onto the couch, exhaling deeply. "Hermione, do you think I look different?"
At first she seemed surprised by his query but then her eyes returned to the pages of her book and she simply answered "Yes." Harry gazed at her for a moment, she was giving off an air that she was annoyed at something. "How do you mean though?"
She sighed exasperatedly and threw the book on the small coffee table. "Because Harry. You're not eating properly yet you're constantly exercising. You haven't had a sufficient nights sleep in a long time and you're so worried over this situation in the school at the minute that honestly, you have not acted yourself in awhile. Not since Colin was attacked. I mean," she paused, wondering how to proceed. "You are a reserved person Harry. Even you would have to admit to that. But with me you just act yourself. And recently with me, you're acting like you would in front of people that you don't trust." She stopped and gave him a wary glance.
"Wow," Harry said, astonished that she knew this much about his actions and feelings. "Well I'm sorry. You're right, I have been worried but I don't mean to distance myself from you. And I do trust you, wholly. I trust you more than anyone in this world."
All through breakfast the Gryffindor Quidditch team were restless. Harry tried to eat but found his taste buds weren't working. Instead he drank a lot of orange juice, just to let Hermione see him consuming something healthy. At eleven o'clock the team left for the Quidditch pitch. There was a sharp wind that cut through the grass and Harry knew that up in the sky, where it was open, the wind would desperately affect the team. They got changed into their robes, the scarlet colours of Gryffindor seemed to bring them courage. Oliver gave his usual pre-match pep talk, mentioning that even though Slytherin had better brooms, they still had a great chance considering the quality of their players.
Harry knew they needed a quick match and that this would have to be his quickest catch ever. Steeling himself he joined the team leaving the changing rooms. The atmosphere was incredible, the supporters shouting themselves hoarse, the banners being waved energetically through the blustery weather. Harry held fast onto his Nimbus Two Thousand as he looked at the Slytherin team with the latest model. His broom had never failed him and he wasn't about to bow down to defeat because they had better equipment.
"Ready to go down, Scar Head," Malfoy taunted and the less intelligent members of his team guffawed. Harry didn't reply, but he did give him a murderous glare. The captains shook hands and Madam Hooch blew her whistle. The fourteen eager players rose into the air. Harry barely had time to look for the released snitch when a heavy black Bludger sped towards him. He ducked and it just grazed his head. Fred Weasley was waiting for it patiently, and gave it a fierce whack, sending it in the opposite direction. Harry took off again before he noticed the Bludger back for another attack. He swerved out of the way, leaving it in the path for George to smack. But the Bludger again rerouted and sped rapidly towards Harry.
Harry was concerned at the Bludgers' behaviour. They were not supposed to focus on one player. He spent the next few minutes evading its attacks, zooming to and fro across the pitch. He could hear it pelting through the air behind him and he couldn't find time to look for the snitch. Fred and George also guessed something was amiss. The rest of the team were getting pummelled by the other Bludger because of the beaters distractions. "Call time out," screamed Fred.
A whistle blew from somewhere and the team congregated at the side of the pitch. Harry was panting heavily, he hadn't moved so much on his broom before. "What's going on?" Oliver said irritably.
"Harry is trying to be beheaded by a Bludger. I think it has been tampered with. The bloody Slytherins! Cheating bast…" Fred said angrily.
"Shhh, Madam Hooch will hear you and disqualify you for your language," Oliver interrupted. "We can't forfeit. Slytherin are beating us by forty points. Harry can you continue without being crowded by the Fred and George?"
Harry peered out over the stands. The spectators were still cheering madly. He had to finish this match, he really didn't want to lose. He nodded his head. "Yeah. Fred, George, stay with the team." Both the twins shook their heads as if Harry had gone insane. Suddenly there was a clap of thunder overhead and a light drizzle made its way down from the heavens. The match restarted, Harry immediately heard the whoosh of the menacing Bludger behind him. He climbed higher looping and swooping to avoid the madness of the rogue Bludger. Then when he was hovering above the game, he spotted a glint of gold down near a seating area, which was crowded with Ravenclaw students.
He dived trying desperately to ignore the speeding Bludger behind him. He should have been trying to zigzag to avoid the large black ball but he was too intent on the small gold one. Then as he neared the stand, he felt the Bludger made contact with his lower back and he was thrown into the air. Screams emanated from the panic-stricken crowd. Harry thought he would fall to his death but then he made contact with solid wood. He had been thrown onto the stand and he could see the Ravenclaw spectators gazing at him in shock. He felt like someone had crushed his spine but he pulled himself up nonetheless. His broom had skidded under the seat stand. Before he could move the Bludger had come back, aimed at his head. Using his reflexes he jumped out of the way, trying to ignore the pain throbbing in his lower back.
But the Bludger instantly returned. It collided with Harry's ribcage, with such force that Harry was launched off his feet and went slamming into the wooden floor. He lay there helpless. He couldn't breath and he had no idea where the Bludger had gone. Suddenly he thought of the team getting beaten by Slytherin. The jeering and mocking they would receive. Somewhere in his lungs he found air and after a few seconds without breathing, he took a deep breath. He felt a stabbing pain in his side and wondered whether he had broken a rib. He saw fearful faces above him, they were obviously checking whether he was okay.
"Help me up! Quick, please," he shouted frantically. A tall burly fifth year stepped forward and helped Harry to his feet. After hastily searching for any sign of the tracking Bludger, the fifth year handed him his broomstick. Harry grabbed it, thanked him and then stepped onto the ledge facing the long drop to the green earth. He could see the three Gryffindor chasers in an attacking formation zooming down the Slytherin end of the pitch. Then he laid eyes on Malfoy, and his stomach lurched, he was chasing down the snitch and he was mere inches away. Harry ran the length of the ledge and just as he jumped he threw his leg over his Nimbus. This gave him an extra burst of speed and he was soon racing down towards Malfoy. He dropped lower, the air was rushing around him trying to lift him off his broomstick. He was a few feet from Malfoy when he saw him reach forward with a hesitant arm, terrified he would fall off. This slowed him down considerably until Harry was neck and neck with him.
Malfoy threw him a vicious glare. He aimed a kick at Harry who dodged his attack. He glanced at him briefly before looking up to see the Bludger hurtling towards him. Harry, now really wanting this match to end, lifted his hand from his broom. He leaped forward and grasped the snitch. Malfoy seeing the Bludger had swerved off and was nearly at the other side of the pitch by the time the match was ended. Harry unfortunately knew his daring would have consequences. The Bludger made contact with his ribs again and Harry was lifted from his broom. He wasn't too far from the ground but landed with considerable force anyhow.
"Harry, Harry, wake up." The crowd surrounding his unconscious form looked on anxiously. Then he stirred slightly before his eyes flew open and he gasped for air. He was panting heavily as he tried to sit up. His head was pounding from being cut off from oxygen and his vision swam in front of his eyes. "Ah, you see the lad is made of stronger stuff than you thought he'd be," Lockhart's voice sounded over the relieved whispers of the crowd. He felt hands examining his chest. Then he felt a stabbing pain as Lockhart poked him hard. He hissed slightly moving away from Lockhart. "Must have broken a rib. We can fix that," he said jovially.
"I think I will do that," came a cold voice from behind them. Harry still couldn't make out the figures around him. He again felt hands on his chest, this time they were a lot more gentle. Then Harry's vision cleared to some extent and he spotted Professor Sinistra. "He's broken at least three ribs. But before I can heal him, we should get him to Madam Pomfrey to check for internal injuries."
"You…you're a…a doctor," wheezed Harry bewildered. "I trained for a bit," she replied with a caring smile. "Harry we have to move you. I don't want to perform magic on you until we get you back to the castle. This might hurt," she warned and Harry knew it meant brace yourself.
It did hurt. She enchanted a stretcher to carry him through the castle but it still moved around a lot, exerting force on Harry's ribs. Madam Pomfrey was satisfied that he had no internal injuries. She healed his ribs with a wave of her wand and then made him drink a tasteless potion. When Harry returned to the common room he found a party being held in celebration of their triumph over Slytherin. Hermione's cheeks were flushed and Harry knew she had been crying uncontrollably for some time now. She wrapped her arms around his neck in a tender hug leaving Harry speechless. All he could do was muster a breathy grin which seemed to reassure her.
Harry couldn't have dreamed of a better outcome from the match. The team were ecstatic, Oliver Wood was almost teary-eyed as he congratulated and thanked Harry. Malfoy, who seemed to have been shunned by most of his team following the match, was apparently furious and embarrassed when his father was spotted giving out to him after the match.
"So what do you think was up with that Bludger?" asked Ron incredulously the next morning. They were seated at the Gryffindor table which was the noisiest in the whole hall. Harry shrugged at his question. He had thought about it incessantly and hadn't figured out a credible answer. Harry knew that Ron was still fretting over Malfoy and believed it was he who had meddled with the Bludger. His question had been rhetorical and only Harry who was seated beside him knew it. The team immediately started discussing the matter while Ron whispered to Harry. "You know it was him. I think its because he knows that we know that he is the heir. That he is the one attacking people."
"We can't be so sure, Ron. You can't just blame someone, we need incorruptible proof. And it doesn't look as if we have anything yet."
Hermione leaned over. "Well, not yet."
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Another chapter. I think in the next one there will be more interaction between Davis and Sinistra. Anyway, thanks for reading and please please please review!! Oh and a very important question, do you think I should give the chapters names?
Take care,
Radagast
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