Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anyone else you may recognize from the books. It all belongs to J K R. BEWARE LONG Author's Note!!!
Josh: OH MY GOD! Where the hell have you been?
Meghan: Yeah! I thought you forgot the story!
Jay: Look I'm tired of waiting. Did you forget about this story or something?
Me: Um well…you see…..what had happened was…um…NO of course I didn't forget. I still got reviews in my email that reminded me from time to time.
*Josh and Meg pull out bats and chains, while Jay sets a fire and load up the C4*
Meghan: Wait a minute… I'm the one with training on an assault rifle! I get a gun! *pulls out a C7* that's better… hehe
Me: Look I talked to most of you everyday and you never tried to get me to write!
Jay: Oh…um… but I knew everything that was going on and decided to let you rest.
Meghan: Hey I was away for the summer and had no net access, so I would have if I had the chance! ... Plus you of all people should know… the only time I had internet was with a certain person and I wasn't passing up that opportunity just so u can write. (That was FUN!)
Josh: *eats an apple* Eh, I just forgot.
Me: *gives best sad face to the readers* I'm sorry for the long wait but … if I wasn't dealing with some illness, or random family or friend situation; I was just too lazy to write. Now excuse me while I run from all of the readers who still want to throw dangerous objects at me. *runs like hell is trying to draft for the army*
Josh: *Trips Monisa and takes a bite of his apple* REAL MEN DON'T RUN FROM THERE TROUBLES!
Me: I AM NOT A MAN YOU JACK ASS!
Josh: Could have fooled me.
Jay: Oh dear god... she's going to kill him
Meghan: *Shakes head* this should be fun to watch. I've been waiting to see this for months!
Sorry readers but this fight will only be available on Pay Per View, order today and see for only $8.99.
RECAP:
Harry looked over to Hermione and she nodded her head. She was in. "But Harry we can't do it today. The Aurors are doing their inspection tonight"
"It's settled then. Tomorrow night we will check the restroom ourselves"
Chapter 19: The Chamber of Secrets
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing under the invisibility cloak.
"Ron! I thought the guards were supposed to be going on break now!" Hermione whispered furiously.
"Hold your trolley fiddles Hermione it's not even 11:00 yet!"
Harry scrunched up his face in confusion, "What's a trolley fiddle?"
Ron gave an exasperated sigh, "It's a -"
"Hush! They're leaving"
The two guards watching the hall, leading to the restrooms, took off towards the exit while the three preteens ran to the girls' restroom. They made a sudden stop while trying to keep quiet. All of the professors we in there and they seemed to be having a meeting in hushed tones, and they almost gave themselves away.
"Mister Potter may have been on to something. All clues point to this restroom. Years of checking and searching and we've yet to find anything" Dumbledore said to his staff.
"I don't see why we are here again; just because that brat says so, you bring us all here AGAIN…I have better things to do with my time"
"Severus! How dare you talk to the headmaster this way. And what better could you do? What's more important than trying to save your students' lives?" McGonagall was appalled.
"Don't speak to me that way Minerva. I'd rather get the potions set up for the tests that are coming up." Snape sneered at the Gryffindor head of house, "We've searched this place a million times. There is no Chamber. Just a cover up for what really happened. A student went on a killing spree and was never caught!"
"Enough!" Albus yelled, "We will retire for the night and continue this journey tomorrow. All except you" he pointed to an empty corner and it left the trio confused. "You will continue to search. The students seem to think you're here for nothing…prove them wrong." There was no reply.
They moved to the side trying not to make a sound as all of their professors took lead out of the restroom. As soon as the coast was clear, Ron snatched the cloak off of them.
"That bloody old man has gone bonkers! You saw him!? Pointing to the corner and talking to himself… IN FRONT OF THE OTHER PROFESSORS!!" Ron was having another one of his random rants.
Harry and Hermione folded the cloak, sat it on the floor and started their tasks as Ron continued his rant. "I mean talking to yourself isn't so bad. It makes for good conversation at times, but to do it in front of others, is just asking to be locked up with the crazy people in the mental ward!"
Harry had a feeling the 'it' they were looking for, would have to do with a snake. He searched the bricks on the wall hoping that maybe it was like the passage to the wizarding world from muggle London.
"I sometimes talk to myself. It helps me get me focus you know? But for that old bat to do it in front of his staff is just mad"
"Ronald! No one is listening to you!" Hermione was obviously annoyed.
Ron grumbled, "Must be that time of the mo- OOOF!" He slipped over the thin sheer cloak laid on the floor and scraped his knuckles. "Bloody cloak!"
"Karma usually happens immediately with you. I heard what you were going to say Ronald"
He went over to the sink to rinse his hand and noticed the snake on the faucet. "This must have been a Slytherin's restroom before" he mumbled.
Harry was searching, but Hermione was wrong; he was very much aware of what Ron was saying. He just didn't show it, because obviously Ron needed some time to blow off steam and he did it by pondering out loud. Wait! What does he mean Slytherin restroom? "Why would you say that Ron?"
"Because there is a snake engraved on the faucet. It's very tacky too. I mean we don't have lions carved in the loo! That's just far too much pride. 'Oh I know let's give that Gryffindor bravery to the dangers in the loo!!'" Ron huffed, "Who would do that!?"
Harry walked over during Ron 'Hamlet moment' and took a look at the snake himself. "No one would do that Ron…no one. Slytherin's are cocky but they don't separate the restrooms. End even if they did, Slytherin would make at known. This snake would be huge. No one would put that there that small…unless they want to hide it!"
Harry grabbed Ron and pulled him a few steps back and said "open".
The huge contraption gave a giant shudder and after a few seconds, there stood the chamber of secrets' entrance, re-opened.
"Merlin's beard in a jar full of sugar puff ball fields!" Ron stared agape.
"Ron your sayings are really confusing! Will you please speak English! I don't understand you and I'm sure Hermione doesn't either…Hermione?"
Harry twirled around to see Hermione struggling to speak and move like something was holding her back. Her face was strained as her head gave small jerks. Her mouth was clasped shut, arms pinned to her sides, shoulders wiggled, knees buckled, and her feet were nearly off the ground. The very tips of her shoes were slightly scraping the floor as she began to move forward.
It was actually a mildly horrifying sight.
"What the bloody hell!?" Ron screeched. "Hermione is possessed!" Ron took a step backward, while Harry stood his ground trying to figure out what was happening to his girlfriend.
Just as he was about to tackle Hermione and give her a good shake to get her to snap out of it, a figure appeared. It was their DADA teacher Lockhart! He was holding Hermione's mouth shut while he practically lifted her in the air to get her to walk forward while she struggled in his grasp, with his wand aimed at her ready to attack.
"Well done Harry! Now I can take this and add it to my pages in my new book!"
"What!? We found the chamber not for you to steal and get more fame. We did it to prove to Dumbledore that I am not just a child and that I'm no liar!"
"Aww Mister Potter that was a lovely story. But unfortunately for you I am skilled at obliviating people. You don't really think a handsome face like this could do so much, do you?"
It was then Harry and Ron noticed how horrid Lockhart looked. Ron scrunched his face in disgust, "What the fu-"
"What happened to your face?" Harry interrupted for his foul mouthed friend.
Lockhart had the nerve to look self-conscious. "I'm not beautiful and made up in the night! This is why Dumbledore allowed me to disillusion myself. I'd rather not be teased by other professors"
"You're more of a woman than I thought u were!"
Lockhart scowled at Ron and pushed Hermione forward causing Harry to jump in attempt to catch Hermione in fear that she'd fall to the ground.
When Ron saw Lockhart shove Hermione, he took use of the distraction and gave him a shove while hitting his professor's wand hand, effectively getting him to drop his only defense. Harry picked up the wand, as Ron was thrown to the side by Gilderoy.
He passed Lockhart's wand to Hermione and stood with his own wand aimed at the horrible looking man. Ron got up and followed Harry's lead, leaving the two young boys with fierce looks on their faces and holding their wands at a teacher while shielding an equally pissed Hermione behind them. Lockhart gave a gulp.
Harry looked around the room, grabbed his cloak, and then glanced down in the chamber entrance. "Someone has to go in there first"
Ron fearing for his life said, "AND IT WON'T BE ME!"
Harry hurriedly said "Neither will I"
Both boys glanced at Hermione with hope in their eyes. She frowned her face at them. "Ugh you boys can be so simple at times". She took a step forward and roughly pushed Lockhart in the deep hole.
They heard a thump and he yelled "OUCH! OH NO, DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! I'M PERFECTLY FINE! I ONLY NEED A NEW HIP! This will knock me out of the wizarding world's most eligible bachelors."
Ron leaned over the hole to look at the DADA professor, when he felt someone shove him and he was freefalling. He landed on the ground, hitting the surface that didn't hurt as much as he thought it would. He looked around to find the floor was covered with skulls and the dried up remains of the monster of the chamber's lunch. It was then, Ron gave a girly scream.
Harry was in hysterics. "Hermione I can't believe you pushed them in! Did you see the look on Ron's face when he noticed the skulls!? It was classi-"
Hermione looked in the chamber with a smirk on her face. She leaned over and looked down at the three males and sweetly called, "Is it safe enough for the girl to jump in now?"
Ron mumbled something about "Muggles needing to be in Slytherin"
Hermione jumped down with Harry helping break her fall. Ron kept his wand focused on Lockhart as Harry led the way.
About halfway through, Hermione couldn't take it anymore. "Ronald you have to hold the wand right. He can easily take it from you that way. Look let me show you how." she reached to take the wand as Ron tried to snatch it back, emitting a spark that hit the ceiling. They looked up and there was a slight crumble but nothing looked too bad. Ron stepped over to Hermione and got in her face "LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO"
CLUNK
A huge piece of rock fell and knocked Lockhart out cold.
Ron and Hermione stepped back toward Harry, when they noticed the walls began to crumble. The old walls gave a mighty shake and the wall before them completely collapsed, blocking their only known way out.
Ron turned and glared at Hermione, "If you'd only let me be, then we wouldn't be in this situation!"
Hermione took a deep breath to yell a reply and her features softened, "I'm sorry."
Harry and Ron stood mouths hanging open in pure shock. "What?"
"You're right I just blocked our only way out. I shouldn't have been such ..." she frowned her face as if she dreaded to say her next words. "Such a know it all"
Harry wanted to tell her she wasn't a know-it-all; that she wasn't completely to blame, but he'd have to save it for later. He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod. She knew he'd cheer her up later, but now it was time to finish this mystery.
They walked in silence down the, stuffy and foul smelling tunnels, never speaking a word to one another, but stayed as close as they possibly could. There was no telling if there would be traps or any other surprises. This was, after all, Slytherin's chamber.
They arrived to a large metal door, engraved with snakes surrounding a hooded figure. Harry said "open"….nothing happened. He frowned and glanced at Hermione, who was biting her lip, clearly thinking of a way to get inside.
"Um I don't think that worked. Try saying Salazar something. You know how pompous those Slytherins are."
Harry thought for a moment and began to guess. "Salazar returns….. Salazar is here. Salazar the king. …" Harry gave a shrug "Salazar hates Godric…Salazar and Founders…Salazar and Rowena? Salazar and Helga?"
The door sprung to life, snakes moving away from the hooded figure. HELGA!? Slytherin and Hufflepuff? As the figure removed the hood, their anticipation grew. As well as the grip Hermione had on Harry's arm, which she was currently clasped onto.
"Welcome home" The voice said. The cloak figure within the metal was a woman. A beautiful woman, who's features glowed. She was smiling happily with her bulging belly.
"Who the bloody hell is that?"
Even Hermione was standing there astonished. "I..I don't know. I've never seen that person before. It seems familiar though."
"That's Helga Hufflepuff"
"Oh that's right Hogwarts A History chapter VII page-
"OKAY Hermione, we bloody get it. No need to shout it out and prove that you're a total nerd"
"HEY! Watch what you say Ron. She's not a nerd…Besides I knew who she was too because I read that book" Harry decided that he wouldn't tell Ron he found out who the cloaked figure was from the password; it helped his case with Ron about Hermione. "Now if you two are finished, be quiet and follow me inside."
They knew there was no time for arguing. The three walked into the large section of the dungeon. There was a giant stone snake head coming out the wall across from them. There were large puddles of water coming from the huge leaking pipes above them.
The place looked like if it were cleaned it could be a great place to keep to their privacy instead of charms around a table in the middle of the common room.
Harry surveyed the room and was shocked by what he saw; and from the gasp he heard from Hermione and shriek from Ron, he was sure they saw it too.
Neville.
He used to be known as chubby and shy Neville. Now he's almost seen as a bully. He's confident, bold, and at times a complete jerk. He was standing side by side with an older boy, both with similar smirks and Slytherin robes.
"WELCOME! It's about time you showed up." The older boy spoke with a strong voice.
"Neville" Ron yelled out. "Why are you here in Slytherin robes? Why are you helping him?"
Neville looked like he was waiting for one of them to ask him that question. He took a glance at the unknown boy, and waited for his approval to speak. He gave a slight nod of his head and Neville stood up straighter with his pudgy yet intimidating form.
"WHY? I thought you all would understand why. I was a complete loser. I had no real friends. I only had peers, forced to cooperate with me because we're in the same house. I was picked on, made fun of, and mistreated by EVERYONE"
Harry felt Hermione jump at Neville's outburst. He had to admit, he was a bit scared too. He's seen Neville grow darker and darker over the year, and didn't know what he was capable of.
"You all ignored me. You have no idea what it feels like to be mistreated!"
Harry felt his temper flaring up. I have a pretty good idea and I'm not mental.
"You don't know what it feels like to be just another face in the crowd! I'm SICK OF IT!"
The older boy smirked as young Neville stood in his rage. "Nice going Nev. But I think it's time I introduce myself. My name is Tom. Tom Riddle"
Hermione gasped, "You're the heir to Slytherin. Why are you doing this?"
"Watch your mouth mudblood! I don't need filth like you speaking to me! I don't have to have a reason! I am Lord Voldemort! Mudbloods like you disgrace our world. I plan to get rid of them!"
The room gave a small shake. Water dripped faster. Dust fell from the stone of the old ceilings. A wave of magical energy rushed throughout the room. Ron was about five seconds off running in a corner and cowering in fear. The power was so strong. He was sure it came from Neville or Tom until Hermione gave off a shriek.
Harry was holding her hand, but his grip seemed to be too tight for her to handle anymore. "Harry calm down. You could collapse this chamber. Please calm down".
Harry could hear the desperation in her voice and released her hand but his rage was still going strong. He took out his wand and threw a spell at Tom, only for it to go through him and vanish into the air.
"Wow Potter. You've gotten a bit of teen rage. Sadly I'm not fully here yet to teach you a lesson about throwing spells without calling for a proper duel. You see, I'm just a memory."
Neville pulled out a worn old black book.
"That book Neville is holding is all that is me. It is my journal; my diary; my soul. I've been speaking to Neville through this. He's given me permission to possess him to reopen the chamber. I had another worker before, but the little bitch decided to give up. She couldn't handle the power that comes with me." Tom gave a chuckle. "She even tried to get rid of me and flushed me in a toilet." He and Neville gave obnoxious laughs. "It turns out I need a body to transform into my own, so my soul can have a place to live. I guess you can call it a host of sorts. And since she couldn't handle my power…I'll let her soul be free and use her body."
Neville flicked his wand and a person began to float down from the dark corner of the ceiling and land with a small thud next to Tom. It was none other than the youngest Weasley red head.
"GINNY!!" Ron tried to run forward only to be held back by Harry and Hermione. "LET MY SISTER GO YOU BLOODY TRAITOR"
Neville turned to Tom and said, "I want to prove my loyalty to you. I'm young but you taught me a lot of things. I can defeat him. I can kill this Weasley."
Tom smirked and held his hand out toward the face protruding from the stone walls behind them.
"Very well. Take care of him, and my pet will handle Potter and the mudblood. I need to get let the spell take its course before I can take her body. You will NOT lose"
"Yes master" was Neville's short reply. With that said he drew out his wand and yelled, "Stupify" Sending Ron soaring backward hitting the floor with a thud. He regained his balance and quickly withdrew his own wand.
Tom stood strong and with a final wave of his hand the monster of the chamber was released. 50 feet of venomous snake slithered its way from the wall with its eyes closed awaiting further command. "Kill Potter, and don't be afraid to have your dinner with the mudblood"
Harry didn't need to hear anymore. He grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her along full speed to the nearest tunnel. She asked no questions. It was pretty safe to assume the snake was waiting to catch its' feast.
The couple ran as fast as they could but the snake was sill on their heels. Hermione slipped, with her back hitting the wet floors and bringing Harry down with her. Harry knew the snake was too close for them to get back on their feet. So instead he rolled over on top of Hermione, making sure his shoulders covered her eyes, hoping that the snake would take him and maybe she can get the chance to run.
He heard Hermione yell, "Obex parietis". The next sound he heard was a bang and the shrieking of a snake, followed by more bumps, bangs, and thuds. He pulled himself off Hermione to see her eyes clinched shut and her hand pointed in the direction of the snake.
He turned his head to see why the Basilisk hadn't mauled them and Hermione yell, "No! Harry, don't look at it." He snapped his head back at her before his eyes could wander into the deadly eyes of the snake.
"Hermione what happened?"
He kept his back to the snake and pulled her into a standing position. She stood to his side, opened her eyes, and pointed to the shadow on the ground.
"The obex parietis spell. It's a temporary barrier. I looked it up the other night after we decided to come here. I thought it'll be useful in case we were caught by Aurors. It'll give us a bit of lead way before they can come after us. It's only temporary and unfortunately it's see through. We can still see the basilisk and can still be killed"
A familiar song filled the air and deep down in the bowels of Hogwarts Fawks flew into the tunnel Harry and Hermione were in.
What the hell is Fawks doing here? How could the bird have known?
Before Harry could finish his thoughts Fawks dropped something in front of them.
"Harry it's the sorting hat!"
He picked it up and reached inside. There was a beautiful sword inside with Gryffindor carved in the grip of the hilt. The basilisk gave a great scream and they turned their attention to the shadows on the ground. Fawks was clawing at the eyes of the great snake. Harry grabbed Hermione's with one hand and clung to the sword and hat with the other hand. And they took off to the nearest exit leading them back to room it all started in. Ron was leaning over his sister weeping while Riddle and Neville seemed to be missing.
Harry dropped the sorting hat, ran over to Ron and asked "Ron where's Neville? Where's Tom?" Ron but he wouldn't reply.
After a few minutes, Ron spoke in a whisper, "I can't do this anymore Harry. Ginny is about to die. It's all my fault. I'm supposed to be watching her while we're here."
"RON! Where are the other two-"
"Don't worry about me mudblood I'm here"
Neville crept out from the shadows. His eyes were grey and lifeless. Ron stepped back from his sister and stood, a bit hesitant, with his friends.
Neville's mouth moved but it wasn't his voice coming out of his mouth. "Me and my buddy Neville here, decided to take care of things our own way." Neville summoned the basilisk. "That bloody bird may have blinded my pet but they are marvelous creatures. You see, they don't need their eyes to know where you are. He has enough venom in him to take out all the students of Hogwarts. But I want him to handle you three first. Attack!"
The snake took action immediately. It first gave a snap towards Ron, who was barely able to dive out of the way. The basilisk curled up and was ready to attack again. Ron jumped to his feet and ran as fast as he could in the opposite direction.
He snake knew getting the red head boy would be no problem, but it was craving for a mudblood. Hermione was taken aback by the sudden attack on Ron, but when she saw the basilisk's attention drift to her she sprinted as fast as she could, feeling the wind from the strike the snake must have made behind her.
Ron tried to get back to help Hermione fight off the basilisk but he couldn't move. Someone hit him with a temporary full body bind. He saw the sorting hat float and disappear and realization dawned on him. He was out of harm's way and safe. Harry was protecting him. Ron hated that he felt helpless but he knew his best friend wouldn't do this without a plan. That's what he kept telling himself as he waited for the 5 minutes to wear off.
Hermione was getting on an adrenaline rush. The basilisk just missed biting her three times, and counting. She climbed the stone face with strength she never knew she had.
Even with her new found strength she found herself slipping. She gasped in shock when she felt a force push her up.
Temporarily forgetting the snake, she turned to see what gave her the life saving boost. She was puzzled when she realized no one was behind her.
Hermione was pulled out of her confusion when she felt warm sticky breath hit her neck. She slowly turned her head to come face to face with the monster of the chamber.
The snake knew the mudblood was its next meal. It was being so greedy that it ignored all of its other senses. The senses were telling him to focus on its surroundings; focus on the smell; focus on the heat in the air. But all the snake wanted to notice was the trembling fear of the mudblood.
The giant basilisk gave a great hiss and moved back into striking position.
It all happened so fast that Hermione had no time to react. All she could do was close her eyes and anticipate the pain. The snake jerked forward and Hermione flinched, but never felt that pain she was anticipating.
She slowly opened her eyes and was astound by what she saw.
The basilisk was frozen in place with the tip of a sword sticking out the top of its head.
Its eyes, or the bloody holes where the eyes should be, were still focused on her. Blood dripping but still focused in her direction.
All the muscles in its body went limp and the monster let out a final weary hiss.
The sword seemed to pull back, withdrawing itself from the head of the reptile. Not even a full second later the great basilisk collapsed.
Hermione saw the fang hanging in the air next to her and tears filled her eyes. She knew what happened. She watched as the fang floated, clumsily, down the wall and she made her way down too.
Ron ran over from his position and rushed over to her side. She was sobbing.
Ron felt torn. He wanted to help Harry. But he couldn't ignore the fact that his sister was an inch from death a few feet away.
Hermione pulled the cloak off Harry and saw him hunched over the diary of Tom Riddle. He looked like he was struggling to remain conscious. She wanted to launch herself at him, and hug him, and kiss him, but he looked so hopeless. Her boyfriend was like Ron's sister Ginny.
Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived was dying and there was no potion strong enough to save him. He reached over with his left hand and pulled the fang out his arm. He motioned for Hermione to complete the task. She sunk to the floor and gripped the fang and plunged it into the center of the diary.
She was vaguely aware of a yell and a glow from the furthest corner of the room. She was vaguely aware of the blood dripping from the journal. She was vaguely aware of the song Fawks sang as he flew in circles above the four people remaining in the room. She was vaguely aware of Ginny Weasley taking a sharp intake of breath and opening her eyes, while Ron hugged his sister and cried tears of joy.
For that moment in time, Hermione was jealous of Ron. She envied the fact that he was celebrating because his sister was awake and alive, while she was crying tears of pure pain as Harry was dieing before her eyes.
Harry lay down roughly on his back with his arms spread out. His breathing was getting even shallower.
Hermione leaned over and delicately wrapped her arms around Harry in a desperate attempt to hug him one last time. With her head on his chest, she listened to his heart beat.
Ron and Ginny were standing behind Hermione, tears and jerks shaking their bodies.
Fawks landed next to Harry and leaned over his wound as Hermione held Harry as close as possible. The phoenix cried. 4 phoenix tears landed in Harry's wound, and it immediately began to seal up.
She could hear his heart beat speed up and took a glance at the bird leaning over Harry's arm. She sat up and looked to Harry's face to see him glancing down at her smiling. He looked perfectly fine.
"That was wicked!" Ron exclaimed.
Harry sat up nearly knocking Hermione off him, "I know! Did u see how it sealed up!? It felt a bit odd but it…" His voice drowned out
Hermione and Ginny rolled their eyes at the boy's stupidity.
Fawks flew in the center of the 4 and Hermione grabbed a hold to one of its legs and the rest followed her example. With a blink of an eye the 4 were in Dumbledore's office. There were four chairs behind them and they all took a seat.
***break***
It took hours to relay their full story. It took longer for Dumbledore to teach them to put the selected memories into the pensive. "Well it seems you all had a rough night. I will review your stories and have the memories checked. But I have one final question. What happened to Mr. Longbottom?"
Ron shifted in his seat and spoke up. "Neville got away. He ran out of another escape. Oh and Lockhart is knocked out somewhere in the tunnels before the chamber."
***break***
The next two weeks of school were odd. Harry still wasn't exactly comfortable with Dumbledore. Things just didn't add up. It all seemed to be a part of a deliberate plan.
How did Dumbledore know that we were in the chamber? He had to know. Fawkes showed up and took us to his office where the chairs were waiting. It's not like we alerted the Aurors. I still can't trust him completely
The students in the school treated Harry differently. They all heard about the chamber. None knew the full story but the bottom line was that Harry Potter was innocent. There were awkward attempts to talk to him, but he didn't respond much; especially to Dean or Seamus.
Flashback
The news quickly spread that Harry Potter had been inside the Chamber of Secrets with his friends. Professor Lockhart had suddenly been rushed away to St. Mungos. The students were in an uproar trying to figure out what happened. By the time dinner had arrived the students were getting demanding.
The Great Hall was full of noise and chatter. The Gryffindor students were the loudest by far. Dumbledore stood and silenced the students.
"It seems the paintings of Hogwarts can't keep quiet about private matters, so I feel it is time for me to correct the information you've heard through rumors. It isn't true that Mr. Potter is the new Dark Lord. It's not true that Mr. Potter beat up Professor Lockhart in the chamber. It is also not true that Mr. Potter and his friends were planning the destruction of the school in the chamber"
The students were relieved yet they feared the worst, because if none of that is true they wanted to know what really happened.
"What really happened in the chamber will remain a secret. However I will tell you that you all owe Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, Mr. and Ms. Weasley your lives. Things could have gotten worse. Someone did re-open the chamber and Mister Potter and his friends exceeded any student standards and saved hundreds of lives. Another important thing I wanted to say is the importance of friendship." The students looked confused.
"None you seemed to notice the absence of Mister Longbottom. What he has done will remain unsaid, but sooner or later you all will see in the papers that Mister Longbottom is on the run from the Ministry. He's committed crimes far beyond any other 12 year old that has attended Hogwarts in over 20 years. This, perhaps, could have been prevented if he didn't receive constant mocking and emotional abuse from other houses as well as his own housemates. You all must learn to stick together in hard times. You've turned on Mister Potter countless times this year and he was still there to save you. You've made fun of Neville and he's gone astray. I'm not pointing the blame finger at you all, but I do want you to think things through before you act on them."
***Later in common room***
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in the fluffiest chairs in the common room. They were at peace until a large group of people in their year walked in. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife.
Seamus awkwardly walked over and stood in from of Harry. "Um Harry, I'm sorry again. I've been a complete jerk to you and I promise to never act that way again. But you were acting weird mate."
There were mumbles of "me too" and "um yeah" from the rest of the students. Harry nodded his head and turned back to the fire. He'd accept the apology but it doesn't mean he was exactly happy to hug them and sing a song of rejoice. He also couldn't ignore the fact that he wanted the attention shifted to him…only AFTER they already turned against him. He had mixed feelings about the situation but for now he'd be happy he's alive.
End Flashback
During the middle of the week Dumbledore explained the sword he pulled out of the hat was property of Godric Gryffindor. Harry wasn't too surprised since he was very much capable of reading the name engraved into the handle. He even ran into Mr. Malfoy and discovered Dobby was the Malfoy's house elf. Harry's quick thinking got the elf free that day and he walked off, leaving dobby to repay Malfoy for the years of abuse and Harry for the gratitude of saving him.
***On the train ride home***
Harry was left to his thoughts as Hermione slept, leaning her head on his shoulder, and Ron slept sprawled across the other seat.
Harry couldn't stop the smile from coming across his face as the train stopped at the King's Cross Station. After waking Ron and Hermione, they grabbed their things, left the train and went in search for their families.
Once again Harry and Hermione were pulled into the Weasley hugs. He had a feeling that Mrs. Weasley found out about the chamber but his face clearly said 'I don't want to talk about it'.
Ginny made her way over and Hugged Harry and Hermione. "I'm sorry for all I put you through this year, especially you Hermione."
"Why is it especially Hermione? I'm the one who saved your as-OOF" Ginny punched him the arm then winked at Hermione.
I'll never understand girls.
Hermione grabbed his hand and pulled him off in the direction of her parents. Before he could react he was nearly knocked over by Rachael's hug, then a man hug from Tim.
"We're so happy you're home" Rachael said as she let go of Hermione.
Tim added, "Yeah we are. I've been counting down for summer for months now. Oh and Harry I got that plane of yours to do some new tricks! You'll love it. I may have scraped some of the paint but…um… I'm sorry? Anyway I can't wait until we gat back"
Hermione linked her fingers with his. "Come on Harry. Let's go home"
Home. I could get used to this.
THE END…..FOR NOW
A/N: Ok. I know I did a long A/N at the beginning but each of my betas added their own input in there. I actually grew close with them all and we did the A/N based on what they would do or say for real (and yes I do fight Josh often but we still friends). As for HP Rewritten, it is done and marked as complete. I may start on a rewrite of book three if enough people request it. And even then, it won't be up any time soon. I really want to thank my betas Meghan, Joshua and Justin. You guys helped a lot, even if I didn't agree with what you said all the time (killing Ron). To my reviewers, I LOVE YOU ALL! Thank you so much for reviewing and sticking with this story. If anyone wants to contact me…I'm addicted to MSN messenger lol. Now lets see if I can get every one with alerts for this story to review haha. READ AND REVIEW PLEASE *really big smile goes here*