Disclaimer - JK Rowling and various publishers own the world of Harry Potter. I make no claim to ownership.
A/N: Thanks to my beta Vettesr, and those kind enough to review.
Chapter 8: Learning to Duel
Emily, Luna and Ginny remained very quiet for the next few days. Hermione, ever mindful of her sister, wondered what was wrong.
Approaching the Ravenclaw table one morning, she indicated to Emily that she wished to talk to her alone. Walking outside in the dampness of a cool autumn morning, Hermione bade her sit in a quiet corner by the greenhouses.
"Emily," Hermione started, "you and Luna seem to be very quiet and subdued lately. Is anything wrong? How about Ginny, she's one of your best friends, but even she has been very quiet. Ron tells me that she's usually the boisterous one in that family, next to Fred and George of course."
"Oh, we've been… um… busy studying, Hermione," Emily said evasively. "Getting used to the school, I guess."
Hermione noticed that she seemed a bit nervous and suspected it was more than just studying and getting used to Hogwarts that was bothering her.
"How is the rest of your house treating you? Are there any problems?"
"N-no Hermione, they're fine," Emily stuttered.
Emily's nervousness seemed to increase and she wouldn't look directly at Hermione. "You're sure there's nothing wrong? Harry and I want to help if there is. You could always tell me your problems before." Hermione pressed softly, not wanting to drive her away.
"I'm okay Hermione, we're just a bit overwhelmed by all the new stuff we're learning."
"Well, if you're sure… you know you can always come to Harry and I if there's anything wrong."
"S-sure Hermione, thanks, well, I'd better get back. Luna's waiting…"
She turned and practically fled back inside the Great Hall. Hermione was left wondering what had happened. Her sister was never this nervous. Shy, maybe, but not around family.
Later, she told Harry about the odd behavior.
Something's wrong Harry. I feel it. Emily is never this nervous. She may be a bit shy around others, but she's never acted like this before. It's like she's hiding something she doesn't want us to know.
I don't know what it could be love. Emily and the other two seemed thrilled to with being here and being able to do magic. You don't think we scared them with the Wizards Oath, do you?
No, I'm sure there's something else. All three seem to be acting strangely and disappear for hours at a time. I've asked around, and nobody seems to know where they go. I'm worried.
I can feel it, Hermione, we should try to keep a closer eye on them and see where they go.
That's a good idea Harry, but we're pretty busy now, and they're in a different house. It won't be easy to watch them.
***
Halloween was soon upon them, and the weather had turned chilly. Rain and cloudy skies were the norm now. Quidditch practice was sometimes a messy and wet affair and the team had to cast warming spells after each practice. Hermione had found a couple of useful charms to keep them warm and dry, and had placed an impervious charm on Harry's glasses.
Harry was finding it harder to see with his glasses and suspecting his eyesight was changing, he asked Hermione about it.
Love, do you think I need a change in my glasses prescription? I can hardly focus my eyes lately.
When did you notice this Harry?
Umm… I think a couple of weeks ago my eyes seemed to be harder to focus. Since then, it's only gotten worse. Now nothing seems to be in sharp focus. I find even reading, quite a strain.
You should have mentioned this to me earlier. Let's go see Madam Ponfrey.
Okay, I might just need a new pair of glasses.
Hmmm… Harry, let's try something! Take your glasses off.
But I'm practically blind without them!
Trust me Harry, just take them off and tell me what you see.
Removing his glasses, Harry blinked and gasped. I can see just fine without them! Okay, maybe not perfect, but a lot better than with them!
Let's see what Madam Pomfrey has to say, maybe our magic has corrected your eyes.
Walking into the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey spotted them at once.
"Now what, Mr. Potter? What have you injured this time?"
"N-nothing ma'am. I think I need you to check my eyes."
"I see you aren't wearing your glasses, did you break them?"
"No ma'am, I find I can see better without them."
"Really? That's most unusual Mr. Potter," the mediwitch replied. "When did you notice this?"
"Just a few minutes ago Madam Pomfrey. Hermione thought to check to see if I could see without my glasses, and I can. It's not perfect, but much better than when I wear them. I noticed a few weeks ago that it was becoming difficult to see, even to read. Things just kept getting a bit blurrier, and I started to get headaches."
"Well, sit down here and I'll examine you." Pointing to a stool in front of a strange looking instrument, Harry sat down.
Casting a series of spells, at Harry, the mediwitch sat down opposite him and peered at him using the strange instrument. Finally looking up, she sat with a frown on her face.
"Mr. Potter, this is very strange. We check the general health of our students when they first come to school. Your eyesight was noted as an incurable form of severe Myopia. There now seems to be no sign of that. In fact, I would say that shortly you won't need glasses at all. In fact, you could probably function quite well now without glasses. I'll get a pair of temporary lenses for you until your eyesight fully corrects itself. I suspect your bond with Hermione, plus your innate magical core has found a way to fix your eyes. I notice you've grown quite a bit taller since the beginning of the year as well."
Looking at Hermione, she gasped. "And you, Miss Granger, seemed to have developed a lot faster than normal as well. Your body has started to… well, fill out much earlier than I would have expected."
Hermione blushed, and Harry turned toward her. Now that he could see properly, he noticed that she did indeed fill out her clothes rather nicely. Harry blushed as he noticed how her breasts had grown. Before, they had barely shown. Now, however… `Oh my…' he thought.
Harry, quit staring with your mouth open! Like what you see? She smirked,
S-sorry Hermione, you've really filled out, now that I can see you properly. You look gorgeous, all curvy! When did this start happening?
I-I think I noticed my body developing right after the Quidditch match. It must have had something to do with that healing magic that happened at the time. Probably it started to fix your eyes as well. You must have grown at least two inches since then as well. In fact, I seem to have outgrown most of my clothes. I've had to do a lengthening charm to my robes and jeans, and my bra is too small for me now. I've sort of been going without one lately. She blushed a deep red as she thought this to Harry, who also blushed.
"Well, you two should have a complete check-up, so I'll schedule you both for next Saturday. I should have a new pair of eyeglasses for you by then Mr. Potter. Now run along, I suspect your next class will be starting shortly.
Leaving the hospital, the pair walked hand in hand to their next class.
Harry decided not to wear his glasses and was able to see much better. The edges of his vision was still a bit blurry, but much better than with the glasses.
Meanwhile, Madam Pomfrey floo called to the Headmaster to let him know of the latest developments.
"I've never seen anything like it Albus," Poppy exclaimed. "They both seem to have had a huge growth spurt in the last few weeks. I think that magical outburst at the Quidditch match has something to do with it. Both look to be going through puberty a bit early. I think I need to examine Hermione in particular. I suspect she has developed rapidly; much more than I could have predicted. Harry can now see without his glasses and both have added pounds and height to their frames. I'm going to examine them properly next Saturday."
"Interesting, Poppy. Let me know what else you find. Our two students continue to surprise me."
***
A few days later was Halloween, and the Great Hall was decorated for the feast that evening. The staff and house elves had outdone themselves, with candles and live bats floating and flying everywhere. Jack-O-Lanterns were everywhere, with scary faces that moved and screamed at the unwary. Strange sounds could be heard echoing through the corridors, as the ghosts attempted to scare anyone they ran across. The students were used to the ghosts, but Peeves was really getting annoying. He would suddenly appear, firing chalk at students, or lying in wait to dump a bucket of cold water at an unsuspecting group of students. Harry and Hermione managed to avoid most of Peeves shenanigans, but almost got caught in one of his chalk barrages. Fortunately, a protective shield formed around the pair in a deserted corridor that they had taken. The chalk bounced back, hitting Peeves square in the face. Cursing loudly, the poltergeist zoomed away, looking for easier targets.
Sitting down to the feast, Harry and Hermione carefully selected what they were going to eat as usual. There were delicious looking pastries, candied apples, pumpkin pie and an assortment of candies, cakes, tarts and puddings. Corn on the cob and jacket potatoes, as well as a delicious stew with several vegetables and salads rounded out the meal. Ron was in his element here, sampling everything within reach (and a few things that weren't).
Looking at the Ravenclaw table, Hermione noticed that Emily and Luna were once again missing. Checking for Ginny, she also was nowhere to be found.
I wonder what's going on with those three girls Harry? They should be here at the feast, but I haven't seen them.
Hmmm? You mean Emily, Luna and Ginny? They seem to be keeping to themselves a lot lately. We haven't been able to follow them at all. They just seem to disappear for hours at a time. Something is off, but it doesn't seem right to confront them.
I've talked to Emily, but she won't tell me anything. Perhaps if we talk to Luna and Ginny.
I tried to talk to Ginny yesterday, but she wouldn't say anything. She looked at me kind of weird. Hermione, I've got a bad feeling about this!
I can't understand, Harry. Emily always has confided in me before. Sometimes you just couldn't shut her up. Now she's taken to avoiding me.
Maybe Luna will tell us what's going on. It's a bit hard to get her alone though. Emily and her seem to be inseparable. Ginny is very close to them as well. They're hiding something. I can feel it.
***
After the feast, Harry and Hermione made their way back to their common room. As they rounded a corner on the second floor, they came across a startling sight. Written on the wall in large red letters was the words: `The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware!' A large puddle of water was again present, but this time the Gryffindor ghost was floating paralysed in front of them. Sir Nicholas seemed unable to move and stared straight ahead, his head hanging to one side. Gasping, they looked closer and found Colin Creevey with his camera to his face, lying on the floor to one side facing the lettering. He was obviously trying to take a picture of the words when he fell.
A shout of surprise from behind them announced the arrival of Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster, as well as several students and teachers.
Albus examined Colin and turned to Minerva. "It looks like young Mr. Creevey has also been petrified!" Looking up at the words written on the wall, he shuddered. `It was happening again,' he thought.
Shooing the students back to their house common rooms, the Headmaster summoned Madam Pomfrey to prepare a bed for Colin. He then levitated Colin to the Hospital Wing and placed him on the bed. After checking Colin's camera and finding it damaged, he consulted Minerva. "I'm afraid the thing that happened almost fifty years ago is happening again. Somebody has found and opened the Chamber of Secrets."
***
Rumours raged through the school. Nobody knew anything about the Chamber of Secrets, and those students who had seen Colin petrified, were accosted and questioned. Finally, Hermione and Harry approached Professor McGonagall in her office to tell them about the Chamber. Reluctant at first, she finally relented.
"The Chamber of Secrets was first thought to have been opened almost fifty years ago. It was said Salazar Slytherin constructed it in secret before he left, as a home for a beast that would be attack those students he deemed not worthy of being taught magic: Muggleborn and Half-blood. The last time the chamber was thought to be opened, a student died. Of course, the school was searched from top to bottom, but nothing was found."
"Was it ever discovered what the beast was," Hermione asked.
"No, no sign of the beast was ever discovered and the chamber was consigned to legend. Apparently the legend has some truth to it."
The students were increasingly worried, especially those Muggleborn. Could they be next?
***
Professor Lockhart was not being taken seriously by the students in his classes and sensing an opportunity to promote himself, arranged for a Dueling Club. The idea was to teach the students basic dueling techniques in order to protect themselves. Since the classrooms were too small for this, the Great Hall was set up with a dueling platform. The tables were moved to the side and the students were invited to watch and participate.
Saturday was chosen for the demonstration and a large crowd turned out in anticipation.
As Lockhart stepped to the platform, Hermione nudged Harry.
Look at that Peacock! Strutting, and dressed to show off!
Can't the students see what a fake he is? He couldn't have possibly done all he claimed in his books. Half of those things overlap in time. Every time you asked him about that, he conveniently changed the subject.
The girls are the worst, Harry, they all fawn over how handsome he is. I noticed it when we bought our books. Even the older mothers had a dreamy look on their faces. Preening git!
Strutting onto the platform, Lockhart carelessly cast his cloak aside to be caught by giggling girls.
"Can everybody see me? Can everybody hear me? Good, now I've formed this club to teach you all how to duel properly. My assistant for this will be Professor Snape."
Scowling, Snape stepped onto the platform. If looks could kill, Lockhart would already be dead, such was the look of loathing that Snape gave him.
"Now, we'll be just aiming to disarm our opponents in this demonstration. Never fear, your Potions Professor will be returned unharmed," Lockhart announced.
Snape glowered at Lockhart and sneered. Harry got the idea that Lockhart had better watch out for himself. Snape looked to be in one of his uglier moods.
Approaching each other they bowed turned and paced a distance apart. Turning to face one another, Lockhart counted. "On the count of three, we will cast our spells."
When three was reached, Snape sent a stunning spell at Lockhart, and the hapless teacher was thrown halfway down the platform. Snape had a cruel smile on his face as he went to revive the stunned professor. When he was revived, Lockhart blustered that he had seen that coming and could have easily blocked it. Harry doubted that; Snape was very fast he had to admit.
Regaining his composure, Lockhart suggested a pair of students try a duel. "Mr. Potter, how about you and… let's see… Mr. Weasley."
Snape intervened, "Why not a real challenge? Mr Potter and Mr. Malfoy would be a better match."
The two duelists were ushered to the platform and took their positions.
Be careful Harry, Malfoy is likely to cheat. He knows that you and I have beaten him once. He may try something.
Thanks, Hermione, I'll be wary.
Bowing to each other, they turned and paced off the distance. Turning to face each other, Lockhart started the count, but when two was reached, Malfoy fired a spell at Harry. Harry ducked and sent a tickling spell at Malfoy, who fell back squirming and laughing.
Scowling, Snape cancelled the spell and lifting Malfoy to his feet, whispered in his ear.
Smailling, Draco cast "Serpensoria" and a large snake was expelled from his wand. The snake made its way to Harry, hissing menacingly. Startled, Harry approached the snake, talking to it. The snake paused and answered Harry. "You are a Ssspeaker!" it hissed.
"Yesss," Harry hissed back. "Why don't you attack Draco inssstead?" Harry continued.
"Thatsss an excellent idea," the snake answered, turning and advancing on Draco.
"I'll take care of that," Lockhart proclaimed, pointing his wand at the snake. Unfortunately, the snake only got bigger, MUCH bigger, and was now racing toward Draco.
Snape, seeing the danger, shouted, "Evanesco," and the snake vanished.
Whispers broke out in the crowd like little fires.
"He spoke to the snake!"
"He's a Parseltongue!"
"He must be the Heir of Slytherin. Only Slytherin could talk to snakes!"
"Maybe he's the next Dark Lord!"
People were quickly edging away from Harry, afraid that they might be his next targets: Colin Creevey, still fresh in their minds.
Harry, you spoke to the snake!
Yeah, I found I could do that. I once set a Boa Constrictor on Dudley when we went to the zoo.
This is bad, Harry, now everyone thinks you're the Heir of Slytherin.
Why would they think that? There must be loads of people that can speak to snakes.
No Harry, it's a very rare gift. Salazar Slytherin was supposed to be able to talk to snakes, and I wouldn't be surprised if Voldemort could as well.
Now Harry was worried. Ron and Neville approached them.
"Harry, you spoke Parseltongue!" Ron exclaimed.
"Is that what it's called?" Harry asked.
"Yes, when did you learn to speak to snakes Harry?" Neville asked.
"I think I always could. I set a snake on my cousin once when we were at the zoo, and when I was weeding the garden for my aunt, I would sometimes talk to any snake that was there. We had a nice chat usually, although they didn't seem to be too intelligent."
"This is really bad, Harry," Ron warned. "People will think that you're related to Salazar Slytherin."
"That's nonsense Ron, the hat would have sorted me into Slytherin if that was the case."
Harry, remember the Hat wanted to put you in Slytherin, but since we were bonded, sorted you with me!
Harry remembered that, now that she mentioned it, and a shiver ran through him.
Relax Harry, your father was a Purebood Gryffinder, there's no way you would be related to Salazar. Your mother was Muggleborn, so she couldn't have been related to him either.
Thanks Hermione, I needed that, but then I must have picked up Parseltongue when Voldemort tried to kill me. He must have been related to Salazar Slytherin!
Of course! That makes sense! I should have made that connection when you heard the strange voice in the wall. I'll bet that was a snake, the language was the same! We need to do some research in the library Harry! I'll bet that's what happened to Mrs. Norris and Colin. But what kind of a snake could do that?
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