Nothing Was As It Was Told - 2

by BTSgotmeonahigh

Summary:

The Time-Travellers have already started making an impact on the people of the past. The people of the past, are already shaken by the first book... How will they react to the second, and infinitely more dangerous Chamber of Secrets?

 

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER, THAT IS PURELY JK ROWLING'S.

Notes:

Yayyyy!!!! Heyo. So, we're going to start off the fic with the reactions to the first book. As soon as we're done with that, we'll be starting off with the reading of Chamber of Secrets.

I'm so excited!!

Chapter 1: Healing: I

Summary:

Harry and Remus. Harry and Blaise. Fluff, slight angst, and sexy times!! Thank god for fanfiction!!

Notes:

So- I tried, okay. Be nice.

Enjoy!!

As soon as Dumbledore said that, everyone got up and started moving to wherever they'd like to be. Before he could, Harry stopped Remus from leaving. He was on his way to the Hospital Wing, to leave for the Whomping Willow.  Harry heard the joints in his other Godfather's body pop and asked him if he could go to the Hospital Wing with him.

As they walked Harry summoned something from his suitcase wordlessly. A vial and a pouch zoomed through the hallway, and while the boy caught the pouch in his hand, Remus noticed that a Dreamless Sleep potion had been subtly caught and stuffed into his pocket. Why does he need that?

Harry looked up at his godfather and sighed. He moved in front of him and stopped walking. He gently took the werewolf's hand and dropped the pouch in his palm and closed his fingers around it.

Harry looked at him nervously and gestured for him to look inside. Confused, Remus stuck his hand in the pouch and realized that it went all the way down to his shoulder. Realizing that the bag had been charmed, Remus felt around and heard the quiet clinking of glass.

Vials. Closing his fingers around one, he pulled it out. "What's this Harry? And make it quick please. I have... something to do."

"I think you should take one now. It's called Wolfsbane." When Remus' eyes widened, he continued, "Yeah, I know. It's a pretty complex potion that relieves, in a sense the symptoms that you face. It doesn't cure the lycanthropy by any sense, but you can keep your human consciousness while in your wolf form."

He said all of this very quickly, like he was extremely excited, but very nervous at the same time. Remus, in absolute shock, looked at the vial more closely. It was roughly the width of his fist and the length of his arm, Remus estimated that it was nearly the volume of a goblet, inside was a purplish bubbling liquid. Remus popped the lid and both him and shuddered at the blue smoke and the horrific smell.

Harry continued talking, "That bag has about a years worth of that potion, you'll need to take one every day of the week leading up to the full moon. You can't miss one goblet otherwise the previous goblets were a waste."

Remus finally started processing what his godson was saying and with one final glance at him, he downed the potion, gagging as it went down. 

"Dear Godric," coughed Remus, "That tastes absolutely disgusting."

Harry looked sympathetic, as he said, "You can't add sugar. It makes it completely ineffective. Future you always said, it was a hard price to pay, but one worth it."

All of a sudden, Remus' eyes filled with tears, shocking Harry. Before he could say anything, Remus wrapped his arms around the boy, overwhelmed. A sob left Remus's mouth, "Thank you," he said no louder than a whisper.

Harry loosened up and returned the hug and said, "You don't have to worry about the potency, we had Slughorn make them in the future to make sure they'd work. We'd have made more, but there wasn't enough time."

"Y-You thought of me," sobbed Remus, "and that is all I needed."

Harry smiled sadly into Remus' shoulder when he realized just how happy Remus was, at someone doing the bare minimum being done for him, by anyone other than the Marauders.

Harry patted Remus to get his attention, and said, "You need to get to the Whomping Willow. You'll be late. The moon's almost up."

Remus looked at him gratefully once again, before hurrying off. Harry turned around, only to see the other three Marauders rushing, likely to catch up, only to come to a screeching halt when they saw Harry.

James started to say something but Harry burst out into laughter, thinking of all the times the three had told him about a poker face throughout the reading of the first book, when they all had such guilty expressions on their faces.

"Go," was all he said.

Shooting him one last look, the three rushed past him, hot on Remus' heels.

Once he couldn't see them anymore, Harry turned around and went off to find his friends.

* * * *

"-and he was so happy!" Harry finished as he finally stopped pacing around long enough to get a good look at Blaise.

They'd just left the Great Hall after dinner and retreated to the room they were sharing in the Room of Requirement. He'd been raving about giving Remus the potions since they'd gotten back, not wanting to talk about it in the Great Hall.

Blaise smiled from where he was lying on the bed. He loved watching him like this. His eyes were sparkling and he had a healthy flush to his cheeks, from being so excited. He looked happy and while that happened more often since they'd been together, it still had Blaise feeling a sense of accomplishment whenever it happened.

Blaise said softly, "He likely was extremely happy. He can see hope. Werewolves right now, at this time, can't see a future where they can live with not only tolerance but actual acceptance. You didn't only give him a potion that makes one night of the year easier. You gave him a future. That was you. Do you realize that?"

Harry's face shuttered. His eyes shone with pride. "I did, didn't I?"

Blaise's heart melted. Harry didn't give himself enough credit, about anything. Watching him come to terms with something like this was extremely fulfilling. Blaise grabbed his hand and pulled him in, pressing a small kiss to his lips. "You did good."

Harry smiled into his boyfriend's lips. He moved to sit on Blaise as he straddled his hips. Blaise warned, "Harry. Don't start something you can't finish."

Harry snorted, "I wasn't going to!" He said indignantly, but tacked on in the end, "Yet." He burst out laughing when Blaise nipped his neck.

Harry asked casually, "How do you think the reading for the first book went?"

"Honestly? I'm a little worried." Blaise sighed, "The reactions to the first book spell trouble for the ones to come. If they're reacting like this for the least terrifying parts of your life- Your words not mine- What about the last book?"

Harry said, "It's not only that. The next book isn't that bad, but after that..."

Knowing what he was talking about, Blaise nodded, "We need to talk to Madam Pomfrey and Sluggy. They'll need to know to keep Calming Draughts and maybe even Dreamless Sleeps in stock as we go on."

"If I know Dumbledore, and I think I do, he probably has them ready." Harry said.

Seeing that he was about to start spiraling, Blaise smiled quietly. "We did this for a reason. We knew the risks and we all said it was worth it. Now, we just take things as they come."

Harry looked at him and said, "I love you, you know that?"

"Of course I do. Who wouldn't?"

Harry shoved his shoulder as he continued, "You know what? I think some of the 7th Years in the Hall were star-" He burst out into laughter as Harry started pressing kisses all over his face.

Blaise brought his hand up to lightly rub his thumb across his jaw, "I love you too. Blaise didn’t wait for a response, and just kept stroking his thumb along Harry's jaw as the shorter male looked away shyly. Harry was surprised by Blaise suddenly gripping  his face just tight enough to lift it up before pressing his lips to the Gryffindor's.

Harry got over his shock fairly quickly, eagerly kissing him back. He parted his lips enthusiastically as he pressed closer to Blaise. Blaise obliged him by briefly slipping a small amount of his tongue into Harry's mouth before promptly ending the kiss, a quiet whine escaping the back of his throat.

Blaise breathed out a small laugh before flipping the two of them over and leaning back in.

* * * *

Remus sighed the second he regained consciousness. He saw a black tail move just out of sight through the door and not a minute later, he heard Madam Pomfrey from out the door. He quickly got up and put on his clothes, groaning at the popping in his joints.

If he was being completely honest with himself, he was still reeling from the events of the night before. It was something he'd never dared to imagine before. He'd always thought hope was a very dangerous concept for himself. He'd never been one to labour under a misapprehension of how life should treat him.

He'd always expected to live half as long as anyone else if he's lucky. He expected his bones to slowly fail until one day, a rib doesn’t reform when he transformed and stabs him in the heart. He expected to bleed out alone in a forest, to be found naked days later by people who don’t know him, and that’s if it’s good. That’s if he's not murdered by a pack or arrested by the ministry or die of starvation because he can’t work.

The reality of the world had hit him, from the very beginning of his time at Hogwarts. Even more so when he began Care of Magical Creatures. But. There it was. That dangerous thing. Blooming under his chest. Hope. And strangely he loved it.

He loved it so much, that on their way back to the castle, he debated with Madam Pomfrey on all topics under the son, until he begged her to let him out of the Hospital Wing early. He loved it so much, that when he usually wouldn't even dream about it, when he got back to the dorm he spent the morning rolling around with Sirius. He loved it so much, that there was a strange smile on a face that usually didn't.

Notes:

I repeat. I tried. I've never written such scenes and it felt very strange as I was writing it. I would love feedback cuz the next few chapters are going to be similar.

I'm not sure how many reactions I'm going to be writing, and whose they're going to be, but I'm open to suggestions. Who do you think is going to be next?

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 2: Healing: II

Summary:

Severus has a minor breakdown and his family(!) helps!!

Notes:

Hello!! What is this? An actually acceptable time between updating? Actually updating when I said I would?? I'm shocked.

Anyway, I added a little bit to the previous chapter and I don't know if people can actually see that it's changed. It doesn't really make a difference, but I love it, mainly because I think it's adorable! So please read that before you read this!

I really like how this turned out, but I don't really know if it's any good...

Either way, I hope you enjoy!!

Severus walked into the Slytherin Common Room the very moment he finished his dinner, not in the mood to listen to people mutter about him in shock, or deal with Lucius' questioning. He thought back to the way Lucius was sneering at him ever since the reading had ended. 

"You've done so much to be in his good books, and you throw it all away for a child?" Lucius hissed.

Severus didn't react in the slightest, as he replied back, "I don't know why I chose to do the things I do in the future." Then, his voice took on a more dangerous tone as he continued, "But, if you think that just because I am loyal to the Dark Lord, I am willing to hurt a child, you would be very mistaken."

He sighed as he shut his eyes, when he came back to his senses. Everything he'd done, all the lying, the discretion and the sneaking around seemed to have gone to the dogs. He'd worked so hard to ensure a future where there was the slightest chance of happiness for the people he cared about.

Lost in his thoughts, he used the route that was practically second instinct as he made a 180 and headed for the Forbidden Forest. Walking through the halls of the school, he watched, unaffected by the stares he was getting. People were still shocked from the events of the first book. If it was going to keep going in this direction, then Severus was not looking forward to the rest of the books.

Before he knew it, he found himself at a small corner, enclosed by a few trees where he could see practically everyone that passes by, but barely anyone looked at the closing long enough to see him. He'd found it in his Fifth Year and it'd become his spot. No one knew about it, so no one ever came by to disturb him.

Well, except one.

That's the only reason he didn't flinch when another body plopped down beside him. He looked to the side when he heard Reggie groan. "My mother is driving me absolutely crazy."

Severus snorted, "What's she up to now?"

"Oh, what-not. She's pissed that I haven't spoken to -oh what's her name, Alberta?- yeah, Alberta in so long, she was such a nice girl." He put on a pompous voice before continuing, How dare you date a half-blood? One of such low standing too. Do you have no shame?"

He groaned and fell to the back as Severus huffed out a laugh and said, "Did you really expect anything less?"

Regulus moved his hand off of his eyes to look at Severus better and said, "Not really, but it would've been nice to see at least Sirius get over himself. I mean, Potter did. Lupin was always neutral and even Pettigrew is keeping his mouth shut!"

Severus sighed, "It comes with the territory of being me."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"You know what though? I really don't care anymore."

When Regulus' brows furrowed, he continued haltingly, "We... have a daughter."

"We do." Recognizing that the conversation had just turned serious, Regulus sobered up quickly.

"And- we- you- she-"

Regulus interrupted. "Start small."

"You haven't been in the story yet."

"No, I haven't." Regulus knew what he was doing. Usually he would be able to do it himself, but when he was in situations of stress, he needed outside help. He needed to compartmentalize and make a list of everything on his mind. So he continued, "But. A lot of others haven't either. And they still talk about them."

"Emma seems consistently on edge." Severus worried. He'd always swore to himself that if he ever had kids, he'd make sure they were happy. What if he broke that vow?

Regulus joked, "She probably takes after her parents."

"But she shouldn't!" Severus burst. "Reggie, we're fucked up. I'd be even more fucked if I didn't have..."

He broke off, not wanting to continue that line of thought. Regulus sighed. it'd been something he was worried about as well, but the fact stood that, "Emma seems to know me."

Severus' face shuttered in hope, "Yeah, she does, doesn't she?"

Regulus sighed, "She does seem on edge. But not around... us. It likely doesn't help that that my parents are right there. She's likely grown up with horror storied about them. She talks to you and me though. She's your kind of funny."

Severus' brows furrowed in indignance, "What do you mean my kind of funny?"

Regulus replied back in the same tone, "It's a compliment. She has that... dry humor. All sass. Struggles to not use sass in every reply with me. Look Sev, she laughs easy, she's hilarious, and she's smart. Like, Lily smart. You know all this. You've talked to her. You've gotten to know her better than I have. What's bothering you?"

Severus looked reluctant, "What if it didn't work? What if all I've done, all we've done, to survive doesn't work? What if you...?"

Regulus sighed, "We might die if we do, but we will if we don't." He was quoting Severus directly. Their decisions weren't made in a day. They always considered everything for everything.

Severus still didn't look convinced. He never does. You beautiful, stubborn man. 

Regulus huffed as he got up. He looked at Severus expectantly. "Well? Are you not getting up?" He demanded.

Severus groaned, frustrated, "Why?"

He blinked when Regulus grabbed his hand, but started panicking as he started dragging Severus away. "Wh-where are we going?"

Regulus ignored him and started walking out of the little alcove. Completely shocked, Severus couldn't find anything to say as he started walking step-to-step with his boyfriend.

He tried to let go of his hand when they stepped into the castle, because it was always Reggie that did so. However, today he refused to do so. He just gripped harder and whenever he did Severus' lips twitched.

They walked the exact same route that Severus has walked to his little hide-out and this time, it was rather different. While people usually attempted to hide the fact that they were whispering about him, badly most of the time, now they were openly pointing to where Regulus's hand was gripping his own, and some even had the gall to look put off.

As always, Severus ignored it and suddenly realized that they weren't heading for the Common Room, so he asked again, "Reg. Where are we going?"

Once again, Reggie didn't answer, but he stopped in front of a random wall, Severus almost bumping into him. They waited, neither saying anything, while Severus looked at Reggie in confusion, and slight worry.

Suddenly, the wall's bricks separated and opened. Severus flinched when he figured it out. "You knew where it was?"

Regulus finally nodded. "I saw someone walk into it a while ago, but I couldn't figure it out until the Time-Travellers got here and started rooming in it."

As soon as he said that, he walked in.

"Regulus!" Severus called as quietly as he could. He grimaced as he quickly followed him. He looked around him. The Room really wasn't any different from a Common Room, except it didn't have any House colors making it tacky. The room had was circular and was filled with fitting furniture. Circular couches, cozy armchairs, framing a couple of coffee tables right under a subtle chandelier made for the seating area. However, all over the room were chairs hanging from the ceiling, making for a little seclusion from others, while still being connected. Through the stairs, Severus could see a hallway, where he could see multiple rooms, where the travellers were likely staying. Shaking his head, he headed for Reggie.

When he finally did catch up, Regulus was talking was talking to Ginny Weasley.

Regulus nodded and said, "Yes please. Could you?"

Weasley just smiled and walked into one of the rooms right above them. Not more than a second later, she walked out, with someone else behind her.

The fog in Severus's head finally cleared up. He looked at Regulus in desperation, but the asshole didn't even look at him, smiling at Emily, who was making her way to them. When she was close enough to see them properly, she smiled back, looking eerily like Regulus when she did. Merlin, she got his good looks. Thank god. Severus thought to himself.

He was jutted back to reality when Regulus started talking, "Look, Emma, I'm going to cut to the chase. In the-"

Before he could continue, Emma started talking, "I think I know what's going on here. Lemme guess. Dad-" That's what she called Severus- "started overthinking about what happens in the future, merely for the reason that you, Papa- That's what she called Regulus- "might have died in the coming future. And you came here, wanting me to reassure him that you are alive and well mainly because of the fact that I seem to know both of you and am comfortable with you over anyone else in the Hall."

When she finished, both of her parents were in shock. She snorted and said, "I'm right aren't I?"

When neither of them said anything, she continued, "Everything is fine. All of your plans, were not in vain. Papa's just not in the first few books mainly because I'm not a major part yet either. But I grew up happy and healthy and I have never wished for more, because I have gotten everything I could ever want for."

At that, Regulus's eyes started glistening and Severus actually full-on smiled. He looked next to him, and watched as Regulus blinked tears out of his eyes. He turned back to Emma and asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

Emma smiled, "I have."

Debating, he asked, "You in the mood for dessert. I have a chocolate stash that would put Honeydukes to shame."

Still smiling, Emma nodded. Severus nudged Regulus and the boy looked straight into his boyfriend's eyes, his own twinkling.

Yeah, they were good.

Notes:

So.... yeah. If only they knew. I suck. Emma's struggling here, but even I don't know how I want to do Severus and Regulus's arcs. We shall figure it out as we go!! I might just do another reaction chapter, or just start off with the next book and save the rest for the books as they come! Do you guys have any opinions?

Tell me what you think! I'm a very nice person, and I always reply back to all my comments!! Please, please, please just talk to me! It could be completely irrelevant, and I will always reply back! (Your comments are my validation, and I am desperate. Shamelessly)

Chapter 3: Healing: III

Summary:

Theo and Ron. Fluff. All I'm going to say!

Notes:

When I said updates were going to be frequent, I meant it. This chapter gives me such joy, I cannot put it into words. BTW, this happens before Emma meets her parents in the RoR! Just saying!

Enjoy!!

"Do you think she's okay?"

"I know she is."

"But-" Ron cut off, imagining all the different possibilities where something could go wrong. Theo laughed fondly, playing with his boyfriend's fiery red hair from where his head was resting on his lap. Ron was sprawled out in bed in their room, and had immediately flopped onto it before Theo had gently maneuvered him around for him to sit as well.

Ron repeated, "What if she's not okay? What if she isn't healing right? What if she hasn't taken to the-"

Ron had performed surgery on one of his first patients just before they'd travelled to the past. The patient was barely thirteen, but had racked up an impressive list of surgeries in the five years that Ron had helped treat her. She was his first patient when he was a Healer-in-Training and the little girl had managed to wiggle her way into all their hearts.

But, the sad truth was, she had a heart malfunction since she was a baby, and it started presenting itself as a serious problem when she came to the hospital on that fateful day, five years ago in the future. She'd been declining for a while before Ron finally decided to go about it in a more Muggle way than usually would be acceptable.

He'd fought for days with the administration to be allowed to save her life. It was complete bullshit, but he'd been forced to make his case over and over again until it had gotten so bad, that Aria didn't have any other options. He'd performed a heart transplant -while using magic to make it safer- and forever changed the future of Magical Healing.

But, before he could make sure that she would be okay and deal with the healing process after the operation, and make sure that Aria's body adapted well to the new heart, they had to leave to actually change history.

Theo said, "Sweets, we have the best team of Healers in the world at St Mungo's. If she's going to get better anywhere, it's going to be at our hospital. You don't need to stress. Calm down, and go with the flow."

"All my dirty laundry is going to be aired out T." He whined, "It's honestly easier to worry about Aria, than worry about how disappointed my mother's going to be."

Theo thought about it for a little while, "Honestly? I think Dray has it worse Cissa was always a very 'I'll do what I need to survive' person. She never really bought into the entire propaganda of 'I hate Muggleborns' thing, and only does it for her family. Even that she does- " He continued with a french accent, "with elegance."

"Oof. Don't even talk about Draco. I genuinely feel horrible for him. At least it's a small comfort that his grandfather isn't here."

Theo scoffed and nodded. "I'm just thanking Merlin that my parents are the 'disapprove quietly' type. I mean, if we were in private, I'd be getting so much shit."

They both sighed in unison and sat quietly for a minute, before Ron said, "When you think about it though, everyone else has it so much harder."

"I know. Harry, Blaise, Professor Snape, Regulus, Moody, Professor Lupin-" Theo started.

Ron interrupted, "You know you can call him Remus. He's already told you multiple times."

"I know, but it's still awkward!" Theo replied indignantly.

Ron burst out laughing. He loved how the Pureblood politeness still hasn't completely been wiped out of his boyfriend. He was the most prim-and-proper person ever, when it came to certain scenarios.

Theo just huffed, completely used to it. Ron sobered up quickly enough. "I'm... really lucky."

"How so?"

"It's just. I have a wonderful family. They love me, I love them. Ever since I was old enough to be secure in myself, there was nothing I wanted for. I live a wonderful life. I have a job I love. I have a future. I love my home. And I have you."

"You of all people, deserve all of those things. Hell, everyone we know deserves those things." Theo said quietly.

"I know I do. I've gotten better at knowing I do. It just... hits me sometimes you know? Everything that happened. Everything that went wrong. We turned out pretty okay. And even if we do end up changing to future, we'll still be... okay."

"You know what? Even if we do change the future, I have faith in us. Up until the moment we started reading the books, and when you were first introduced, I was scared. What if we don't end up together in an... alternate reality? What if we don't learn to put up with each other and grow the fuck up? But then, we started reading, and you being you, were a dick when you were younger, but you were an adorable one. And if anything, I love you more."

Ron looked up at Theo in absolute adoration. It was very rare for Theo to be so open about his feelings. He would usually say things by not saying them and Ron had gotten really good at understanding all of his little cues, and knowing what he meant to say, but couldn't.

"I don't think it's possible for me to love you any more than I already do." Before he could continue, there was a knock on the door. Both of them turned to it simultaneously and then turned back to each other in confusion. They'd thought everyone had gone off into their rooms.

"It's open!" Theo called out.

The knob on the door turned and Emma walked in cautiously, with her hand over her eyes, "Look, whatever you're doing, stop. I need to talk to you."

Ron scoffed, "Do you really think we'd have let you in, if we were doing things."

"I don't know! I'm traumatized by the incident-" She whispered before she continued, "A couple of months ago."

"Would you shut up and just sit down?" Theo said, watching as she dropped her hand and plopped down onto one of the chairs in their room.

In the past few years, Ron had gotten to know Theo's found family a lot better, but he'd struck up a chord with Emma more than anyone else. She felt exactly like Mia did. Like his friend. Like someone he could talk to and give advice to. Theo and Blaise were obviously closer to her, but both of them had become sort of confidants for each other. They talked about anything and everything. 

Both of the boys waited for Emma to say something, knowing she needed time to collect her thoughts. "Theo?"

"Yeah?"

* * * *

Emma hesitated before she said,

“You and Ron… you’ve been together for a few years, right?”

Theo sat up immediately, like he could sense where Emma was trying to take the conversation. Theo had the best brain to pick sometimes when it came to hypothetical or philosophical musings. His advice was always so sound and so reassuring.

“We have. Not without our fair share of bullshit,” Theo flat-out said, and Ron didn’t even bat an eyelash.

"So then how’d you know that this would work?” Emma asked, wiggling a finger back and forth between the two boyfriends.

“We didn’t,” Theo said honestly in his smooth voice, and Ron snickered, eyes still glued to where his fingers were playing with Theo's as he added to the conversation.

“We went at it the opposite way you’re approaching things with Gin. That's what I'm assuming this is about by the way,” he said, because he was as perceptive as ever and knew Emma wanted to talk about Ginny, but just had to ease into it. He'd figured it out a couple of months ago, when Emma first started realizing that she liked his little sister and was in full support.

“I mean, you know what happened. He said he liked me in Healer's, I thought he was hot as hell, he fucked the life out of me in a classroom. And we went at it for weeks before we admitted it was more than just sex.” Emma didn't look perturbed by how open Ron was being, she was used to it. 

“You’re so eloquent,” Theo murmured, but he carded his trembling fingers through Ron's soft red hair nonetheless with obvious affection. When he pushed it off Ron's forehead, Ron tried to swat him away, but Theo just brushed his bangs back into place, and Ron hummed in satisfaction and snuggled further into Theo's lap, curling up a little.

“But once we said we had feelings, it got kind of messy,” Ron admitted, turning his head to glance at Emma. “He’s an introvert who writes down his feelings and doesn’t talk about them. I’m an extrovert who talks about everything. So we had to find a balance. That took months.”

“And we both kind of wished that we had taken the time to get to know each other before getting into all the intimacy,” Theo replied. “Because sometimes, instead of talking it out, we just went at it.”

“Okay, but sex was like our way of communicating,” Ron pointed out, shifting his head to look up at Theo. “Because we did it and then talked it out afterwards.”

“Got rid of the awkward tension,” Emma noted, and Theo nodded quietly. “So are you saying that maybe I’m… going at it the right way with Ginny? I know that I said I needed space, but I can’t stop… like, thinking about it. About the look on her face. And I—I feel like an idiot taking it this slow, you know? I feel like I should be hooking up with her already because I know she wants it, but I just… that got me into a fucking mess with....” She cut off, not wanting to talk about it.

“Okay, well, is Ginny pushing you into it?” Theo asked.

“No. She’s not pushing at all,”  Emma said with a small frown. “She's just… okay with it. She was even okay with giving me space. I mean, she wasn’t okay with it, but he agreed to it. I just feel like I need time to figure out what I want to do with my life before I get with someone who has it all figured out, and someone who's already successful. I mean, I'm doing absolutely nothing, despite the fact that I know I'm smart and I know I'd be happy.”

Ron sighed. Emma had drowned herself in studying after the war and she'd come out so well academically balanced that she could have followed literally anything and come out on top. But she had so many options that she just didn't know, and she let that slow her down.

“But because you don't know age twenty-four, you think you’re a failure,” Theo said, chuckling and shaking his head. “And because of that, you think that you can be with Ginny because she’s somehow better than you.”

“Isn’t she?” Emma whispered. It took her long time to be happy with who she was as of now, but sometimes she still struggled with understanding that who she is, is beautiful.

“Well, right now she is, because she’s not thinking like this,” Theo replied. “Give yourself a chance.”

Ron continued, "Look, I've been bound to silence, but all I'm going to say is, try. Or at least keep your mind open.

Emma sighed. She just didn't know. So much of her life was up in the air right now, and she didn't want to burden someone else with her problems, much less someone she'd only recently realized she'd loved since 6th Year.

"I need to think. I'm gonna..." She vaguely gestured at the door and got up. "Have fun, you guys." Even she couldn't bring herself to be her usual snarky self.

* * * *

The second Emma walked out of the door, Ron flopped back onto the bed and groaned. "Both of these kids are so in love with each other, but neither of them fucking see it!!!

Theo watched as he whined for another half hour, before he realized it was well over 2 in the morning. The reading was going to restart tomorrow, and they needed sleep to get through the roller coater that was the next book.

He grabbed Ron's hand from where he was wildly gesturing, and jutted his chin to the clock. When Ron realized he pursed his lips and actually laid down properly. Theo laid down beside him and moved to hug him before Ron said, "Nope. I'm big spoon today."

Theo burst out into laughter before he turned around and let Ron spoon him instead.

'I love this big baby.' He thought to himself.

Notes:

They're adorable and I love them! On the other hand, Ginny and Emma are going to be a veeeeery slow-burn romance. So- Yeah. I love their relationship too. It's very on the DL, but it's adorable.

So, I think I'm going to start off with the reading in the next chapter and I cannot wait!!

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 4: The Worst Birthday

Summary:

The reading of the book begins. We read about the winners of the 'Worst Relatives Award'!! The Dursleys.

Notes:

So, I was really excited and I didn't want to wait to update, so! The reading of the first chapter!!! I felt so horrible for Harry as I wrote this chapter.

But still! My excitement hasn't abated!!

Enjoy!!

The following morning, the time-travelers were the first to arrive at the Great Hall. As they took their seats, the Professors and the students started trickling in slowly. Emma just realized what was going to be happening in the second book and she turned her head around from where she was sitting to look for Ginny.

When she finally did spot her, she deflated in relief when she saw Ginny surrounded by her family and all of friends, already being comforted by all of them together. Not to say that Ginny wasn't putting up with it. She was already swatting all of their hands away from her and sitting down to pour herself a large mug of coffee.

But, after watching someone for years on end, there was absolutely no way to not pick up on the little cues that someone dropped when they were tired. Emma sighed, making Regulus who'd just sat beside her look at her in confusion. "What's up?" He asked.

"She's tired." Emma replied. Regulus followed her gaze to the girl sitting at the Gryffindor Table and his brows furrowed in confusion.

"She looks extremely happy though."

"The corners of her lips are higher than usual. That's Ginny Weasley's capitalistic smile. The one she gives in interviews when she's exhausted. Otherwise known as GCS." Emma tilted her head as she looked at the girl. On the other hand, Regulus was looking at her in interest.

Emma looked away when Blaise sat down beside her, "Hey."

She replied immediately, "Hey. You sitting here today?"

"No. I'll go back in a bit. I just wanted to make sure you'd be alright." Blaise said quietly.

Emma looked at him seriously, "I'll be fine. It's cool. It doesn't get hard until the next book for me anyway." She replied quietly. She continued, "But, if you're going back anyway, go now. And give this to Gin. She looks tired." She handed him a small toffee that she knew Ginny loved.

Blaise looked at her condescendingly. She glanced at him as she said indignantly, "I know, okay! I'm working on it!"

He got up and left to the opposite side of the Hall. He gripped Harry's shoulder once to let him know he was on his way to sit, before he stepped to where Ginny was sitting. He tapped her on the shoulder once and when Ginny looked up at him, confused. He handed her the chocolate.

They seemed to exchange a few words before Blaise jutted his chin to where Emma was sitting. Emma jumped when Ginny turned to look at her sweetly. The red-haired girl mouthed, 'Thank you.' She then opened the toffee wrapper and dropped it in her mouth, looking pleased.

Emma smiled back, pleased.

Right beside her, both Severus and Regulus had exchanged numerous looks throughout the exchange, and were both extremely endeared about the entire thing.

Breakfast went on as per usual, as all the students in the Hall discussed the events of the previous book in hushed whispers and not-so-subtly pointed at the people involved. Everyone ignored it completely and waited for the reading to begin as they spoke.

Dumbledore got up after he'd finished his breakfast. "Now. I don't believe that I need to say much before we begin the next book, so without wasting any time, who would like to read?"

Seeing that no one was about to, Hermione raised her hand. and levitated the book to herself. She smiled and glanced down at the book  She skipped through the first couple of pages to reach the first chapter and read out, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

"No way! It's real!?" asked Rabastan; Rodolphus, Bellatrix, and Regulus all leaned forward a little.

"Yes," Ginny said, her voice distant. The boys (plus Bellatrix) got the hint to drop it... for the moment, that is.

Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday.

Lily grumbled at the title of the chapter, sliding down in her chair with a pissed-off expression on her face.

Not for the... four, Privet Drive.

"Noooooooooooo!" Everyone in the Hall groaned at the mention of Privet Drive. They were not looking forward to reading about the Dursleys.

Mr. Vernon Dursley... have to go!”

"She's an owl, you fucking idiot," James cursed, causing McGonagall to send him a warning glare. 

"You're pissed over an owl?" Bellatrix questioned, "I'm pissed that I have to hear about these good for nothing, low-life muggles."

Harry tried, yet...  out at night—”

"They kept her locked up!?" Pandora screeched, her usual calm look gone, having been replaced with one of fury. If looks could kill, well, let's just say Dora would be sent to Azkaban... for a long time.

“Do I look... want more bacon."

"Pig," snorted Sirius.

"That's offensive to pigs," said Marlene. This caused most of the Hall to laugh.

"There's more in... that school food..."

"Oh, I've seen him," Ron muttered, "he did not need to 'build up.'"

"Guys. Let's not fat-shame." Hermione said quietly.

“Nonsense, Petunia, I... don’t you, son?”

Dudley, who was... said Harry irritably.

Harry's shoulders tensed as Mia read.

"They're not going to like that," muttered Lily, reaching over the arm of her chair so that she could hold James' hand.

The effect of... “I didn’t mean—”

Lily tightened her grip on James' hand. The Marauders were all tense, looking as if it took all of their willpower to not apparate to wherever Petunia and Vernon currently lived.

“WHAT HAVE I... IN OUR HOUSE?”

"I'm not thinking about the  'm' same word, am I?" asked Andromeda.

"No," Harry shook his head, "the 'm' word in the Dursleys house is magic, or anything related to it."

“But I—”... with his fist.

"He didn't threaten him!" Alice yelled, frustrated, "And if you let him speak, you walrus, you'd know!"

"He wouldn't listen to me even if I got the words out."

“I just—” ... UNDER THIS ROOF!”

"It isn't an abnormality," Orion said to himself.

"Isn't he the abnormality?" someone asked quietly, afraid to voice his question. "I mean, he's not a perfect picture of a good caretaker. I understand the- I'm just asking, you know, that's not normal, is it?"

Harry smiled sadly, "It's not normal, in witching or muggle households, but it happens more than it should."

The Professors all watched as multiple students from all the Houses -mostly from Slytherin, but a significant number from all- looked uncomfortable with that statement as they all tensed up.

They looked at each other, and wondered to themselves, How had they been so blind?

Harry stared from... “all right…”

"The best thing to do in that situation," applauded Moody, "just try and get yourself out of that situation."

Uncle Vernon sat... possible to be.

"Normal is boring," grinned Sirius.

"Which is why you're normal, isn't it, Snuffles?" teased Ron. Sirius looked astounded, he turned to Remus with large, widened eyes.

"Why must it always be 'Snuffles'?"

Harry Potter was... constant stomach ache.

The half-blood and muggle-born students above their first year understood how Harry felt-- well, not about the household environment (though some did). They understood the hurt they felt when it was time to leave Hogwarts.

Sirius understood how Harry felt through and through. That was why he'd ran from Grimmauld Place, and still, even at the Potter Mansion, he missed Hogwarts like no other.

He missed Hogwarts... passageways and ghosts,

The Marauders looked at him in sympathy.

his classes... by owl,

The Professors smiled at him.

eating... Great Hall,

The food lovers all looked pleased.

sleeping in... dormitory,

The Gryffindors all cheered. 

visiting the...  the grounds,

Hagrid grinned from ear to ear under his great big beard.

and,... on broomsticks).

All the Quidditch players and lovers looked excited at the mention.

All Harry’s spellbooks... had come home.

"What. The. Fuck." McGonagall glared at Lily for the first time in seven years.

What did the... all summer?

"It's a lot like riding a bicycle. You don't really forget." Marlene muttered.

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't practice when you can." James called out.

Marlene scoffed, "Do you ever take a break?"

What was it... homework done?

"It's a good thing I'm best friends with Hermione," Aallotar smirked, Hermione just rolled her eyes.

The Dursleys were... of deepest shame.

"It's the complete opposite!" growled Walburga. Honestly, she inwardly scoffed. She tried to keep to herself in these readings, obviously thinking herself better than everyone else, but when it came to these filthy muggles... she couldn't keep her mouth shut.

Uncle Vernon had... wizarding world.

Hagrid looked about ready to overturn the table.

Harry looked...  and porky.

Remus snorted, "Neckless."

Sirius gasped for air, "H-horse-f-faced!"

James finished, "Porky!"

Harry just sighed, watching their antics.

Harry, on the... eleven years before.

"I'm still pissed that you left him on the doorstep," Lily sent a glare toward the Professor.

At the age... feared to speak.

Even when Hermione said it, people flinched.

Harry’s parents had... to kill Harry.

"Ah yes," tsked Harry, "'nobody.'" He used air-quotes as he glanced at Dumbledore.

So Harry had... killed his parents.

Everyone was still furious about that.

And then, exactly... scar were famous…

Harry rolled his eyes. That scar had caused him so much pain and people would've killed to have it on their forehead instead.

but now the... in something smelly.

James had to draw in a breath to keep from lunging at the book, in hopes that he could kill Dursley.

The Dursleys hadn’t... Harry’s twelfth birthday.

James took this as confirmation to up Harry's birthday every year in the coming future.

Of course, his... it completely…

Harry squirmed in his seat, determined to keep his eyes focused on the page and to ignore the looks of pity he knew he was receiving.

At that moment... important day.”

"No way..." Theodore said, "He actually remembered?"

Harry looked up... said Uncle Vernon.

Harry giggled at Theodore's open mouth, "Learn to lower your expectations, Theo."

Harry went back...  said Uncle Vernon.

"Schedule?" asked Pandora.

"Yup," chirped Harry, "can't have anyone thinking they're unnatural, can they?"

At everyone's looks of confusion, he just sighed and told Mia

“We should all... graciously to our home.”

Lily snorted. "Petunia wouldn't know graciousness if it smacked her in the face."

“Good, good... Mr. and Mrs. Mason?”

Sirius faked a gag.

“They’ll love... rapturously.

Narcissa scoffed, "I've never met him, and I already hate him."

“Excellent, Dudley... said Harry tonelessly.

James tightened his grip on his knees while Lily did the same to the arms of her chair. Both looked ready to murder someone.

“Exactly,” said...  said Aunt Petunia.

People in the Hall watched on in disbelief.

“And, Dudley, you’ll say—”

"Are they actually going to sit there and plan the evening out minute-by-minute?" Someone asked in disbelief.

“May I take... sniffed Aunt Petunia.

Regulus was the one to gag this time.

“And you?... to Harry.

"You already asked her this!" gaped Barty.

“I’ll be in... said Harry dully.

Everyone stared at Harry, wondering how he put up with these people for so long.

Harry wasn't even paying much attention until someone addressed him. He was happily zoned out, thinking about what he was going to do once today's reading was over.

“Precisely. Now, we... Petunia, any ideas?”

“Vernon tells me... wrote about you.’”

Sirius burst out laughing, "They cannot be serious?" then he gasped, "Oh no! What do I do, make a joke about myself? But I said the word--"

Remus clamped a hand over the dog's mouth, effectively cutting him off. To retaliate, Sirius licked the werewolf's palm.

This was too... see him laughing.

Neither James nor Sirius could reign in their chuckles, Lily and Remus smiled fondly at the pair.

"I'm so glad they aren't here," James said, catching his breath, "even though I'd like to punch them in the face."

“And you, boy?”... not there,” he said.

"Does he have a memory problem or something?" Rodolphus asked, half sarcastic.

Pandora spoke up, not seeming to notice the sarcasm, "It's a tactic some abusers use, they like to make their victims feel worthless, to break down their mental state so it's easier for them to submit."

Having been paying attention right about then, Harry had tightened his grip on the table, his eyes closed as he tried to steady his breathing. Memories that he didn't want to see came flooding back. The attendees in the Hall were at a loss for words.

“Too right, you... stay that way.

How would someone not know that they have another young child in their house? Walburga thought to herself, disgusted.

When dinner’s over... around to drills.

"Such interesting lounge talk." Hermione said bored. She'd been subjected to a lot of business talk throughout her childhood when her parents would have business partners over.

With any luck...  on Privet Drive.

Blaise closed his eyes, envisioning various ways in which he could murder a Muggle and hide the body. Didn't seem too hard, considering everything.

“Right—I’m off... have to clean.

Walburga scoffed. A child doing the work in the house. Do they not have servants?

Everyone in the Hall felt their blood boil at the thought. Chores were absolutely normal. But the entire situation in which this was moving forward, was so frustrating for people that some started banging their heads on the table.

Harry left through... birthday to me…"

Bellatrix leaned into her fiance's ear and crackled in a low voice, "I forgot it was the poor thing's birthday." 

No cards, no presents... not to exist.

James' jaw dropped, "No cards, or presents? What about your friends?"

Ron and Hermione looked uncomfortable but didn't reply, instead Hermione continued reading.

He gazed miserably... felt so lonely.

Hermione's heart clenched with guilt. She knew she should have tried harder to get in contact with Harry that summer.

More than anything... him at all.

Lily's jaw clenched.

Both of them opened their mouths to apologize, but Harry shook his head and waved for Hermione to coninue.

Neither of them... come and stay.

"I'm sorry..." James said in a harsh tone, "none of you wrote?"

A growl left Remus's mouth, the wolf inside him stirring at the idea of the cub hurt. Sirius tried to calm Remus down by placing a hand on the werewolf's thigh, but he himself was fuming. What great friends they were.

"There's a reasonable explanation, right?" asked Molly, trying to be hopeful.

"Of course there is," Harry said, rather cheerfully, "and if you all would just calm down," his eyes flickered to the Marauders and his mother, "then it would be revealed."

Countless times, Harry... outside of school.

"Which is ridiculous," Sirius muttered under his breath, still upset with the no letter situation.

Harry hadn’t told... wand and broomstick.

"I have a feeling that is going to come back and bite him," Andromeda whispered to Ted, he nodded in agreement.

For the first... would carry him.

Fred and George snickered at the thought.

But the long... forgotten his birthday.

"No," began Ron, "we didn't-"

"I know, Ron, I know."

What wouldn’t he... been a dream…

"Really, Harry?" Draco chuckled,  "'Archenemy?'"

Not that his... Lord Voldemort himself.

"Oh goodie," someone sarcastically cheered, "a reminder!"

Voldemort might be... to regain power.

A shiver went down the spines of many at the thought.

Harry had slipped... wide, mad eyes—

Harry took in a long breath, telling his younger self to hold on. It was only going to get worse.

Harry suddenly sat... among the leaves.

Draco tsked his tongue, he already knew what, or rather who, those green eyes belong to.

"What is it now?" grumbled Lily. Would it really be too much to ask, just to let her son have a normal year?

Harry jumped... blinked and vanished.

"NOOO!!" growled Sirius, less wolf-like than Remus's had been just a few minutes earlier, "that stupid fat baby walrus! We were just about to find out what the green eyes belong to! FUCKING, PIECE OF SHIT--"

"Sirius!"

"Mr. Black!"

"PADFOOT! LANGUAGE!"

"Woah there, Moony," laughed Ginny, "no need to go all Captain America on him."

The Muggleborns all laughed.

"Who's Captain America?" Sirius asked.

"He's comic book character." Muggle-born Gryffindor answered.

“What?” said Harry... of the week.”

People laughed.

"Definitely James's son, that one," a student muttered to another.

“Today’s your birthday... that freak place?”

Blaise took a deep breath, begging any god that would listen for patience.

“Better not le... he said suspiciously.

"Because he's attracted to bushes," joked Emma.

"ONE TIME!" Harry exclaimed, "IT WAS ONE TIME AND I DID IT FOR A JOKE!"

“I’m trying to...  to take you—”

"Wrong thing to say." Fred sang out.

"We're about to see what we call a red Harry Potter."

“Jiggery pokery!... squiggly wiggly—”

"Is Hocus Pocus a real spell?" asked a half-blooded student.

"No," said Professor McGonagall, "and I get that question more times a year than I'd like."

“MUUUUUUM!” howled Dudley... know what!”

"Even without the 'Who' it sounds incredibly gross," Rabastan whispered to his brother, Barty Jr, and Regulus.

Regulus couldn't stop his snicker while Barty Jr burst out with laughter.

"Sex joke," he told the confused looks as if trying to justify his laugh.

"Considering the context," began Emma, "that doesn't exactly help you."

Harry paid dearly...  until he’d finished.

Lily gasped and grabbed for James's hand.

"That's abuse!" shouted Pandora.

"Merlin!" Harry exclaimed, nonchalant about what had just been read, his hands clapped around his ears, "did you have to yell so loud?"

While Dudley lolled... the garden bench.

"Good Godric," cursed Theodore, "not even your average adult to could all that in a day."

"I wanted to eat," Harry said simply.

The sun blazed... friends at Hogwarts…

The Hall was currently filled with very mad and fuming teenagers.

Wish they could... down his face.

"They're going to kill you, working you like that," whimpered Lily.

It was half... on the newspaper!”

"Neat freak." Lily muttered.

Harry moved gladly... in the oven.

Peter could feel his mouth watering.

“Eat quickly! The... the kitchen table.

"No meat? That cannot qualify as dinner," scowled Narcissa. Honestly, how was this girl allowed to go back to this family?

Lily's face went through a myriad of expressions while she contemplated on the various ways her sister was going to pay.

She was already... his pitiful supper.

Pitiful is one word, that's for sure. Narcissa thought. 

The moment he... “Upstairs! Hurry!”

Even Minnie was glaring at Dumbledore. Her famous look, the one that had history of making First Years shit their pants didn't make a dent in Dumbledore's expression.

As he passed... of the stairs.

James groaned. "Something is going to go wrong isn't it?"

“Remember, boy... The trouble was,

"There's always trouble," grumbled Peter Pettigrew.

there was... on it.

"Who!?" yelled Walburga.

"Careful there," teased Rodolphus, "you're acting like you're enjoying yourself."

The Black scowled.

Hermione shut the book. "That's the end of the chapter."

Notes:

So- Yeah! I hope you enjoyed reading!!

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 5: Dobby's Warning

Summary:

Dobby, the adorable (but creepy) house elf!!

Notes:

Hello!!! 🤗

So, this chapter is not that great... I think it's rather dry, but I did the best I could!!

Enjoy!!

Hermione wordlessly passed the book over to Ginny who, despite the nightmares she knew laid before her younger self in this book, wanted to take part in the reading.

"Chapter 2: Dobby's Warning."

"Dobby..." Lucius muttered to himself, why did that name sound familiar?

Harry managed not... of tennis balls.

"A house-elf!" exclaimed young Bill, clapping his hands together in excitement. He'd always wanted to see one, but his momma always said: 'Who needs a house-elf when I can do it all myself?'

Ahh... that's why the name sounded familiar, the pieces clicked in Lucius's mind, it was his newly acquired house-elf.

"Why was it watching you?" Lily questioned.

"All shall be revealed, mother."

"Okay, okay, no need to be dramatic."

Hermione said, "He. It's... he. At least for Dobby."

Lily looked at her, and nodded, not having realized what she'd just said.

Harry knew instantly... Mr. and Mrs. Mason?”

"Following the script so far," Dorcas mumbled under her breath.

The creature slipped... touched the carpet.

"Oh dear," Someone said.

Harry noticed that... Such an honor it is…”

Draco rolled his eyes with a scoff, Perfect Potter...

“Th-thank you,” said... “Who are you?”

Lily nodded her head. Not bad.

“Dobby, sir... my bedroom.”

"Is there ever a time to have a house-elf in that house?" Someone asked rhetorically.

Aunt Petunia’s high... reason you're here?"

"Dobby's a little sensitive," said Draco.

Harry smiled sadly.

“Oh, yes, sir... pointing at the bed.

James cringed, "Wrong move." Just based on what he's read so far, he can tell that this house-elf doesn't have the best master.

Draco clicked his tongue, "here it comes."

"Here comes what?" asked Xenophilious.

"Harry's bad luck," Theodore chimed in, "he's like a black cat."

To his horror... very noisy tears.

"There it is," muttered Theodore.

“S-sit down... or anything.”

"Another wrong move," Regulus said, with pursed lips, thinking about Kreacher.

“Offend Dobby!”... like an equal—”

Hermione's eyes were blazing.

Harry, trying to say... cheer him up.

"Uh-oh." Remus said.

Dobby shook his... Dobby! Bad Dobby!”

"Stupid house-elf," scowled Bellatrix. She received harsh, deadly glares from all of the time-travelers, even Draco.

"What's he doing?" a 3rd-year muggle-born piped up, their voice carrying from the back of the room.

"He indirectly insulted his masters, they're not allowed to do that," Arthur said sadly.

"So he's punishing himself?" asked a second year.

"Yes," said Hermione, "it's really sad."

It's not that sad, is it? Barty Jr thought to himself.

“Don’t—what are... of her cage.

Molly started to rub her temples with her forefinger. By the end of this reading, she wouldn't have any red hair left on her head.

“Dobby had to... his family, sir…”

Doesn't sound like a great family, Everyone thought and Lucius looked around himself, hoping that they wouldn't find out it was his family.

“Your family?”... one family forever…”

"Unless freed with clothing," grinned Harry.

“Do they know... they ever knew, sir—”

"That's horrible," said Lily. Hermione nodded her head, "I hate that they're treated like that."

"There 'ought to be some rules or something in the Ministry," Alice added.

“But won’t... the oven door?”

Lucius scoffed, as if he'd pay any attention to one of his house-elves.

“Dobby doubts it...  you leave? Escape?”

"They can't," Someone explained to the younger children, "they can only be freed or... well, that is a darker fate."

“A house-elf...  you? Can’t I?”

A proud smile fell onto James's face, his son was amazing and he was only 12.

Almost at once... wails of gratitude.

"He's making a lot of noise..." Arthur muttered worriedly.

“Please,” Harry whispered... Dobby never knew…”

Severus felt his eyes might very well roll out of his head.

Harry, who was... Hermione, she—”

Hermione's cheeks had turned a light shade of red, "You could be the top of the class if you applied yourself to something other than DADA."

"That'll never happen, come on Mia, you should already know this." 

But he stopped... Hermione was painful .

"I'm a muggle-born, I had a telephone," Hermione scolded herself.

“Harry Potter is... “Voldemort?” said Harry.

"You have no idea how to speak to a house-elf," laughed Rabastan.

"Is it normal for him to say the Dark Lord's name?" Abraxas Malfoy asked, who'd shown up after receiving a letter.

"Yes," was the deafening response of the Hall.

Dobby clapped his... Ron was painful, too.

Ron looked down at his feet, desperately trying to avoid the glaring looks he was receiving.

Dobby leaned toward... escaped yet again.”

"I wish people would stop focusing on that." Harry mumbled.

Harry nodded... with tears.

"He cries too much," Bellatrix muttered.

“Ah, sir,” he... back to Hogwarts.”

"Oh hell no!" shouted James, throwing himself out of his seat. "He will not be staying with the walrus and giraffe for longer than hhe has to!"

There was a... Uncle Vernon’s voice.

"Damn," Regulus cursed, "those walls must be thin."

“W-what?” Harry stammered... world—at Hogwarts.”

Harry actually felt a resounding, You do, from the walls of the Hall. Hogwarts really was magical.

“No, no, no... he is safe.

"He isn't safe there!" Sirius yelled, having to hold himself back from cursing the house-elf. He hoped that this was just the elf's way of attempting to be helpful.

He is too... in mortal danger.”

"When isn't he in mortal danger?" Fred asked nobody in particular. "Give me a year, my fellow time-travelers."

Draco and Ginny had to think on this for a while, because, to them, it seemed like Harry had never had a non-threatening year at Hogwarts.

Harry made a 'ding' sound as he put a finger in the air, "Third year!"

"Isn't that the year that your psycho--"

"No," growled Harry, he hated when people spoke badly about his godfather. He was strong and he died a hero. "I wasn't in any harm that year."

"Besides the Dementors," added Ron.

Harry sighed, "Fine~, Fred's right."

"You've never had a safe year at Hogwarts!?" Remus asked, just as concerned about the possibility as the boy's parents.

"Well, I mean--" he stuttered, "Sixth year wasn't... all that bad?"

Remus sighed, "“I will put you in a fucking bubble, swear to god.”

Harry smiled.

Blaise snorted, "I don't think that'll make much of a differences but it'd be a good effort."

“Why?” said Harry... too important, sir!”

"He's just a child!" argued Lily, fuming mad and conflicted on her feelings towards the elf.

Hermione wondered quietly, "Do you think he's referring to the prophecy?"

Harry hummed skeptically, "I don't think he knew. Maybe he was just looking out for my 12-year-old self?"

“What terrible things... “Who’s plotting them?”

"Oh-oh! Can I have a guess!" Rabastan bounced in his seat.

"No," Rodolphus slapped the back of his head, twice for good measure.

"Ow," his brother whined, rubbing the sore spot, "Maybe I should just leave, this reading might very well be the death of me."

Dobby made a... against the wall.

"The walrus!" squeaked Regulus, acting very much like his older brother.

Sirius looked at him in absolute shock, while Walburga glared daggers at him.

“All right!” cried... to the wall again.

"Please don't yell." A First Year yelled.

Slowly, Dobby... -Be-Named, sir.”

"I'd hope not, last year nearly gave me a heart attack," McGonagall said, the other teachers nodded their heads in agreement.

But Dobby’s eyes... was completely lost.

"Nothing new, then," Draco brought up, earning an eye roll from Harry.

“He hasn’t... has he?”

A shiver ran down Professor Sprout's spine, "I can't even imagine."

Dobby shook his... is, don’t you?”

"Is there anyone that doesn't?" Someone muttered.

Dobby bowed his... has ever had.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes, scoffing quietly. Many of The Dark Lord's followers did the same.

Dobby knows it... with earsplitting yelps.

"Oh no! How does that go against his master's wishes!?" A Second-Year Muggleborn muttered.

"I'm not quite sure," James thought on it, "perhaps it's his master that is the threat to Harry? That would explain why he's having to jump through hoops to warn my son..."

Everyone else looked too worried about the noise the House Elf was making to think about that.

A sudden silence... the little tyke!”

"Ah yes," began Ginny in a joking tone, "transfigured into a tv!"

“Quick! In the... door handle turned.

Orion whipped an imaginary bead of sweat from his forehead, "Phew, that was close."

“What—the—devil... been born, boy!”

"Seriously?" Narcissa asked in disbelief.

Remus and Peter, threw themselves onto Sirius, trying to capture his mouth with their hands before the boy said anything.

He stomped flat... out of the closet.

"OH, I SWEAR--" Lily began. James placed a firm hand on her upper thigh, whispering, "Calm down Lils..."

Lily couldn't hide her blush.

“See what it’s... said Dobby slyly.

Gasps filled the Hall.

"How would he know?" questioned Kingsley Shackbolt. Moody had a mighty fine idea on how the creature knew.

“I expect they’ve... for the best…”

"Oh no that brat didn't!" shouted James, about ready to burn the book since the house-elf wasn't around to yell at. Usually he'd never yell at a house-elf but something about Dobby made James' blood boil.

"Dad!" scolded Harry, glaring at each and every person who'd began to curse his friend. It seemed that besides Regulus, only a couple of students and the Professors had refrained from opening their mouths.

"But Har--"

"No buts."

“Have you... my letters?”

"Red Harry." George sung out.

“Dobby has them... Hogwarts gamekeeper, Hagrid.

All the anger that everyone had felt at Harry's friends melted away into absolute bafflement.

Dobby blinked anxiously... to school, sir…”

"Like that would work," muttered Sirius. As someone who grew up in the Black household-- as a Gryffindor --he knew plenty well that being friendless at Hogwarts was 100% better than staying in an abusive house.

Harry wasn’t listening... go back, sir!”

"That's a horrible trade!" exclaimed Frank.

"I think Dobby and Sirius would get along well," Ron whispered to Harry, "he's very dramatic."

"Like's to hype things up," agreed Draco.

Sirius, however looked at the boy in offense. "Me? Dramatic? Impossible!"

"... right."

“No,” said Harry... the elf sadly.

Oh no, oh no, oh no... Draco thought to himself. Dobby is going to do something very drastic.

Before Harry could... down the stairs.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no..." Lily stressed, attempting to pull at her hair but James's free hand stopped her. The redness in her cheeks returned when she remembered where James's other hand rested.

"What about the guests!" shouted Alice and Frank.

Bellatrix crackled, finally, she thought, some action.

Mouth dry, stomach... around for Dobby.

"Quidditch skills, that is," Theodore added, rather unhelpfully.

"Shut it, Theo!"

From the dining... dying to hear…”

"I really doubt it." Emma muttered.

Harry ran up... corner crouched Dobby.

"He's going to get him in trouble," Peter cried.

“No,” croaked Harry. “Please… they’ll kill me…”

A sob launched itself into Lily's throat, she coughed it down. James quickly bowed his head, hoping that the boy wouldn't get into to much trouble.

“Harry Potter must... him a tragic look.

"Why didn't you just lie to the elf?" Rodolphus asked the boy.

"I wasn't really thinking at that time, you know, because I was panicking."

“Then Dobby must... Potter’s own good.”

"He seems apologetic," Pandora mentioned.

The pudding fell... whip, Dobby vanished.

"He's dead meat now," Rabastan yelped as his brother had came for his head once more, only he ducked out of the way this time. "Haha! I'm learning-- OW!"

Narcissa had used a spell to pull on a handful of his hair.

There were screams... Aunt Petunia's pudding.

No one said a thing, more scared for Harry now, then they were in the last few chapters of the previous book.

At first, it... the kitchen clean.

"Flay means beat, doesn't it?" someone with a heavy accent asked. Lily let out a worried whimper.

"Not entirely." Someone whispered back.

Uncle Vernon might... for the owl.

"An owl?" Professor Slughorn piped up, confused. That seemed like a badly timed letter.

"It's from the Ministry." Severus said, talking to someone other than Regulus for the first time all day.

Everyone looked at him, before a Hufflepuff asked, "How do you know?"

Not replying Severus just glanced at Harry, before looking back at the book.

Aunt Petunia was... of a joke.

"Just your luck," Marlene groaned, "The wife couldn't be a bird lover, could she?"

"That's hopeful thinking," Ginny reminded, "and Aallotar doesn't have any of that."

Harry stood in... his tiny eyes.

Sirius closed his eyes and took a deep breath, fighting off the memories of his mother hitting him. He remembered how that fear felt, and he hated it.

Remus wrapped an arm around his boyfriend after noticing his distress.

“Read it!” he... Dear Mr. Potter,

"Oh hell," cursed Professor Flitwick, "You were right." He said to Severus.

Severus' brows furrowed. I'm right about everything.

We have received... Ministry of Magic

"He didn't even do the magic!" Lily brought up the most obvious fact.

"Wouldn't it be able to identify who had done the magic?" James asked, his nails digging into Lily's thigh.

"It should," informed Professor Dumbledore, "but if the person leading the department doesn't pay enough attention it can slip through the cracks."

"That's bullshit," Sirius cursed, curled into Remus's side.

"Can we acknowledge the fact that the muggles now know Harry's been messing with them all summer?" Regulus said.

Harry looked... and gulped.

Peter gulped too, concerned for the boy.

“You didn’t tell... Harry back upstairs.

"Get your hands off of him!" Molly yelled, fire burning in her veins.

Lily and James were fuming, how dare he put his hands on my son?

"I can't believe that we let the boy go back there," McGongall muttered, rather loudly, to herself.

"Yeah," Lily snapped, crossed her arms, "neither can I."

Uncle Vernon was... on Harry’s window.

"They put bars on your windows!" Remus growled. Ron's eyes darkened at the reminder.

He himself fitted... around the clock.

Everyone in the Hall had stony faces on. Save for Walburga and Orion. Plus Bellatrix. They didn't see the punishment as anything that bad. They were used to doing much worse.

Three days later... of his situation.

"Three days?" squeaked Lily. 

He lay on... happen to him.

The Black siblings felt that pain better than anyone else.

What was the... to death anyway. Or worse, depending on his uncle's moods.

Lily's eyes were glittering with fury. She wasn't the only one.

The cat flap... empty food tray.

"Aww," cooed Pandora," that's very kind of you."

"Hedwig was Harry's best friend," Hermione smiled sadly, "He never let her starve."

She ruffled her... before the soup.

Molly looked extremely upset. Food was a very touchy subject for her.

Supposing he was... up at Hogwarts?

"We would send someone to check on you," McGonagall hurried to explain, "perhaps Hagrid even."

Would someone be... let him go?

"Like Dumbledore would allow two muggles to stop him from having his prodigy attend school," scoffed Draco.

The room was... laughing at him.

"You have the weirdest dreams," chuckled Hermione, wanting to calm the tense situation down.

"And most depressing," Ron muttered.

“Stop it,” Harry... trying to sleep…”

Ron's lips turned upwards in a grin.

He opened his... long nosed someone.

The smile fell from his face, "Seriously? Still with the long-nose?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders, "Oops?"

Ron Weasley... Harry’s window.

"Rescue party to the rescue," Fred said joyfully.

"Mom, Dad," Harry began in a boastful tone, "I believe you and everyone else who doubted my friends owe them an apology."

Several 'sorrys' echoed in the hall.

"Better," Harry picked up the book, "who'd like to read next?"

Notes:

Next update will likely be tomorrow, beacause I'm happy and in a good mood!!

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 6: The Burrow

Summary:

Harry finally gets out of the Dursleys and sees the Burrow!!!

Notes:

So yeah, let's try and make this a daily thing! I say this, knowing I'll struggle the moment I make a commitment.

But no, for real I'm going to try and make sure that I update every one or two days, because I don't know when I'll get free time to after m holidays!!

That being said, enjoy!!

"I think I will if that's okay," Molly raised a hand in the air and the book floated over into her lap. Young Bill shifted to the right a little, looking at the pages with a happy grin on his face.

"Chapter 3: The Burrow... is that our house?"

"Yup!"

“Ron,” breathed Harry... parked in midair.

"No way," Sirius gaped open-mouth, gasping in amazement, "I want one."

"I'll add it to the list," Remus grinned with sarcasm.

James patted Lily on the thigh and said, with the same, excited tone as Sirius, "Can I have one?"

Lily narrowed her eyes and playfully stuck her tongue out at him, "No."

Grinning at Harry... asked George.

"Always been the older brothers I never had, all of you." Harry said, referring to all the Weasleys. All of the ones present, at least. He never really got to know Charlie very well, despite the fact that they went to school together for quite a while.

On the other hand, Ginny exclaimed, "Oi! What's that make me?"

"You were always the annoying little sister," Harry answered fondly much to her indignation.

Bill just watched his younger siblings bicker and argue, extremely happy that they were there with him.

“What’s been going... front of Muggles—”

"It wasn't him." Lily grumbled.

“It wasn’t me... spells outside school—”

"Sadly," grumbled Sirius, James, and Peter.

“You should talk... didn’t enchant it.

"Arthur!" Molly scolded, her voice stern.

"Sorry," Arthur chuckled nervously.

But doing magic... you live with—”

"He just told you that he didn't!" James muttered, still feeling bad that he'd blamed his son's best friend for not writing to him.

“I told you, I didn’t

"Like father, like son."

—but. .. me come back,

"Like father, like son", mocked Bellatrix.

"I am not that oblivious!" huffed James, crossing his arms across his chest.

and obviously I...  me out either—”

"Oh Godric," James muttered, rubbing his temples.

“We don’t need... rope to Harry.

"Rescue team!" cheered Bill. Nymphadora clapped her hands along.

“If the Dursleys... up the car.

Lily breathed and smiled. While everyone around her looked at her in mild terror, she thought to herself, Tuney is going to get it.

“Don’t worry...  still and silent.

"Owls are smart creatures," Xenophilious and Pandora said at the same time.

The car revved... f rom the Dursleys’ bedroom.

"Good thing walruses and giraffes are hard of hearing," joked Sirius.

"I don't think that's true," Pandora began, but Sirius cut her off off before everyone earned a speech on walrus and giraffe and their hearing.

"I wasn't being serious--"

Gasps filled the Hall at the words that Sirius said, his eyes widened as if he'd just realized and he scrambled to fix his huge mistake.

"No, wait! I didn't mean that--"

Molly cut him off by continuing reading. A few chuckles left the mouths of several students.

When the bars...  in,” Ron said.

"What about his stuff?" Someone asked in a childlike voice.

“But all my... out of this room—”

Sirius huffed. Problems on top of problems on top of problems.

“No problem...  pick the lock.

"Ah," smiled Remus, "they know how to pick locks in the muggle way."

James looked affronted, "How do we not know this?"

"Don't blame yourself," said Ron, "Dad is obsessed with all things muggle, so it was natural that it'd pass onto his kids."

“A lot of...  door swung open.

"Oh," smirked Sirius, "we really need to learn that."

The twins smirked. George began, "Don't worry. We'll teach you."

"We have tons of time." Fred finished.

“So—we’ll...  dark landing.

Lily crossed her fingers that nothing would go wrong.

Harry dashed... Uncle Vernon cough.

"Do one thing right for once in your life!" Severus muttered quietly. He'd met the horrid man, and safe to say he was not impressed.

At last, panting...  Vernon coughed again.

"Come on," pleaded James, "come on..."

“A bit more... “One good push—”

"Damn," cursed Barty, "You need to put a weightless charm on that thing, apparently."

"Trunks aren't usually shoved into a flying car's trunk from a second-story window," Harry replied snarkily.

Harry and George... Uncle Vernon’s voice.

"That's when he wakes up?" Orion questioned in disbelief.

“THAT RUDDY OWL!”

“I’ve forgotten Hedwig!”

"How could you?" Pandora asked, upset.

Harry looked at her apologetically.

Harry tore back...  by the ankle.

"Hey!" shouted James, "You let my son go, you fuckwad!"

McGonagall, along with the other teachers, agreed too much with Mr. Potter's statement to tell him off for his language.

Ron, Fred, and George...  HE’S GETTING AWAY!”

"Yes!" cheered many of the Hall participants. "Go, go, go," clapped Young Bill.

"You'd think he'd be happy with you fleeing," Remus said.

"Yes," Moody muttered to himself, stroking his chin, "very strange."

"Not really. I think he just got anxiety every time I left, because he didn't want me to tell anyone about anything that happened at his house." Harry replied matter of factly, much to everyone else's horror.

But the Weasleys.... summer!” Harry yelled.

"Bloody brilliant," laughed Sirius and Peter.

The Weasleys roared... for ages.”

Pandora smiled at Harry happily at that.

George handed the... said Fred finally.

Moody hmphed in agreement.

“Definitely dodgy,”....  me?” said Harry.

"After all the chaos he caused..." Regulus trailed off.

"...he better not have been lying," finished Sirius.

Both the brothers looked at each other, but looked away immediately.

“Well,” said Fred... grudge against you?”

"Malfoy," resounded half of the Hall.

"Hey!" Draco put a hand to his chest, feigning hurt.

"Drama queen," Theo rolled his eyes.

“Yes,” said Harry... “He hates me.”

"I didn't hate you."

"You definitely acted like you did." Harry replied.

"I hated the idea of you." Draco emphasized.

"Oh, and because that that makes such a huge difference."

“Draco Malfoy?” said...  You-Know-Who.”

Lucius subconsciously placed a hand on his forearm as he received glares.

Bellatrix watched his hand, where it was resting on his Mark. If he was embarrassed about it, he shouldn't have it.

“And when... thoughtful, and sensitive boy…

A shiver ran down Draco's spine at the comparison. "Oi!"

“I don’t know... said Harry.

"I'm offended," Draco gasped, "That you'd think we don't one one..."

"Or four," added Narcissa.

“Well, whoever owns... said Fred.

"I.E," said Marlene, "the Malfoys."

"Eh. They're not that rich." Hermione said, before she realized she's just spoken out loud, instead of thinking it in her head. Her eyes widened, and she bit her tongue, Bill chuckling at her reaction.

Everyone stared at her in shock, knowing the extent of the Malfoy's wealth, and they looked even more surprised to see Draco nod. "Almost all-throughout my time at Hogwarts I thought that we were the richest, but she-" He nodded to Hermione, "Has us beat by a long shot. Even without her family's support. She richer than all of us put together alone."

"Way to out me." Hermione joked, a little uncomfortable at the stares she was getting. She didn't make her wealth a topic that everyone around her knew of. If people were going to stare at her for something, she'd always hoped it wouldn't be for her money. Bill just quietly wrapped an arm around her, eyes twinkling at her reaction. It was bound to come out at some point, at least it was her that said itm

“Yeah, Mum’s always... in our house…”

"And I genuinely wouldn't want to. I love your house." Harry said, Mia agreeing quietly.

Harry was silent... take Dobby seriously?

Both Draco and Theodore couldn't stop themselves from snorting in amusement.

“I’m glad we... on a delivery.

"Poor Errol," Hagrid said.

So then I... from the front.

Seems like the type. Remus thought.

“But Percy... he needed him.”

"Yeah," laughed Ginny, "to owl his girlfriend."

"Dear Godric he was obsessed." The twins said in unison.

“Percy’s been... guessing the answer.

"Doubt it," James said.

“Er, no... to work tonight.

Arthur chuckled.

Hopefully we’ll be... we flew it.”

Remus tsked his tongue, "Not gonna happen, little Weasley."

“What does your...  said Ron.

Arthur gaped, "It is not the most boring!"

"Yes, it is," Lucius drawled. Arthur ignored him.

“The Misuse of... “The what?”

"The what?" asked a first-year muggle-born, right alongside book-Harry.

Molly glanced down at the page, "Just a second, dear, Ron explains it."

“It’s all to... or house.

"Oh..."

Like, last year... cover it up—”

"Ouch." Everyone sitting at the Hufflepuff table chorused.

“But your dad—... Muggle stuff.

Interesting... Lucius thought, could this possibly be a way to get Arthur out of the Ministry for good?

He takes it... drives Mum mad.”

"Yes, it does."

“That’s the... getting light…"

"I know, don't I?" Molly's eyes were glinting as she asked. When she didn't get a reply, she just continued reading, knowing she'd find out anyway.

A faint pinkish... hit the ground.

"Touchdown?" Evadoire, a pureblood, asked her friend. 

"Football," her friend explained but was then forced to go into more detail as the confusion remained on her face.

They had landed... it probably was).

"It is," Molly smiled. Even now, an extra floor had been added to the house after she'd realized that she'd gotten pregnant with another. Everyone found out just a little while ago, at least the adults and the children of the people she was close to, and she was at around 8 months. She was getting along well, although she had worried about the pregnancy.

Four or five... around the yard.

"That sounds absolutely adorable!" cooed Pandora.

"Not to mention cozy and relaxing," added Alice.

"Thank you," both Molly and Arthur blushed.

"It's amazing," Hermione said, as she thought back to it.

“It’s not much... we flew the car.”

Molly hummed, "No, I don't think that'll work."

"It might have," Ron defended, "if we didn't just let walking BL into our house?"

Lily tilted her head to the side, "'BL?'"

"Bad Luck," he clarrified.

"You have really bad plans sometimes." Harry said to the twins.

They reluctantly nodded, "But we get better." Fred said and their faces got infinitely more devious before George finished, "Much better."

The Professors all looked among themselves, bracing for what they knew were the second generation Marauders.

“Right,” said Ron... three wheeled around.

"Aha!" Molly said, as she read ahead.

Mrs. Weasley was... a saber toothed tiger.

"Is that a... compliment?"

Harry chose to ignore Molly's question and focus his eyes on his feet.

“Ah,” said Fred.

“Oh, dear,” said George.

Sirius laughed at the twins' reactions.

Mrs. Weasley came... “So,” she said.

James's face soured, "oh, they're all so dead."

“Morning, Mum,” said... in a deadly whisper.

Everyone in the Hall winced in sympathy. Hermione said, "That's even scarier than when they yell."

“Sorry, Mum... broke over them.

Arthur and Bill knew exactly what her rage was like.

“Beds empty!

"No note," continued Harry.

"Car gone," said Hermione, chuckling.

"Could have crashed," Ron continued in a joking tone.

No note!.... Charlie or Percy—”

Sirius, and other students with siblings, cringed.

"Never compare children..." muttered Regulus.

“Perfect Percy,” muttered... who backed away.

"Oh, dear," a giant frown had graced Molly's features as she read that line, "I doubt it was my attention to scare you."

"I know," Harry rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Force of habit."

“I’m very pleased... some breakfast.”

Sirius leaned into Remus and whispered in his ear, "Favoritism?"

She turned and... encouragingly, followed her.

Lily was really worried, her baby was so hesitant. So scared.

The kitchen was... and You’re late.

"Oh, I want that." A lot of the students muttered.

Molly smiled proudly. It was a moment of brilliance, in her opinion.

Books were stacked... sorceress, Celestina Warbeck.”

"Ugh," Theodore said, "I can't believe you listen to that, Mrs. Weasley."

Mrs. Weasley was... onto his plate.

Peter's mouth watered.

“Arthur and I... said Fred.

Emma snorted, "Oh yeah, that's a great cover-up."

Severus looked at her in mock-derision, "Do you have a lot of experience lying to your parents young lady?"

Everyone in the Hall was shocked to see Severus Snape parenting, but Emma just smiled as she said, "Oh no. I would never lie to you guys!"

They'd gotten a lot closer, and a lot more familiar with each other over the past couple of days, and Emma felt no different hanging out with them, than she did in the future.

“You keep your.... it for him.

"I hope you didn't expect her to eat all that," Remus said.

"In Mrs. Weasley's house there were no expectations. I think on a certain level, she always knew what was going on, but her hands were tied. So, she did the best she could, in the limited time she got." Harry said, in answer to the unasked question.

At that moment... ran out again.

"Ginny!" Ron laughed. Ginny's face heated up and she glanced at Harry who was cooing at how cute she'd been.

“Ginny,” said Ron... you all summer.”

"I'm so flattered."

Just as she was running out, she knocked into Bill, who was just about to take his seat at the table. After muttering an apology, she ran off, with Bill taking a seat at the table. Harry took in his sleep mussed hair, and the pajamas that he was wearing and he swallowed a chuckle. Bill was always prim and proper at school, and it was rather funny seeing him at home.

 "Bad funny?" Bill asked.

Harry answered, "No... Just strange the first time around."

Hermione continued quietly, so that no one but Bill could hear her, "Looking at you can never be bad."

“Yeah,.... short time.

"It's good that you have healthy appetites." Molly nodded.

“Blimey, I’m tired... out of hand again—”

"De-gnome?" a muggle-born asked the student beside them, but they also happened to be a muggle-born.

“Oh, Mum— .... wretched car—”

"I don't think Ginny's the only one in the house who's a bit of an Harry Potter fan," Rodolphus teased.

But Harry.... seen a de-gnoming—”

"It's very boring," sighed Regulus.

Ron smirked, "then you haven't been doing it the right way."

"When have you ever de-gnomed?" Walburga asked, infuriated.

"We learn to, in Care of Magical Creatures."

"That's why I told you not to take it," his mother hissed. She turned away in disgust, missing her younger son eye-rolling.

“That’s very sweet... the subject—”

"Wait, Lockhart?" a third-year Ravenclaw piped up, that was his last name.

And she... wonderful book…”

The Ravenclaw shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“Mum fancies... a very audible whisper.

"But he's so young!" cried Marlene, covering her ears.

"It's weird since the kid's sitting right over there," James said, pointing toward the young Lockhart.

“Don’t be so... than Lockhart,

"Who doesn't know better than Lockhart?" Bill asked his girlfriend in a low tone.

you can go... have liked it—

All of the Weasleys, beamed at the compliment.

there were plenty of.... squealed the gnome.

"Cool!" cheered a half-blood.

"They are the very opposite of 'cool,'" sneered Walburga.

Sirius scoffed, "Mother, you wouldn't know cool if it hit in the face." He then pointed to himself as he said, "And it has. Multiple times."

Everyone else was wise enough not to say anything.

It was certainly... back to the gnomeholes.”

That sounds like a lot more fun than what we do in class, A lot of the students thought to themselves.

And while gnomes weren't one of Pandora's favorite creatures, she wasn't a very big fan of this method.

He let go... Harry’s finger

"Ouch."

and he had...  fifty feet…”

"THAT'S MY SON, SUCK IT!"

"How can you be competitive at something like de-gnoming?" Harry asked in wonderment.

On the other hand, "JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER!" Lily reprimanded.

"Who told her my middle name? Now she won't think I'm cool." James whined like a child.

Lily snorted and said, "I've never thought you were cool."

The air... they’re funny…”

"They kind of are," Arthur said to his wife in an attempt to lessen the glare she'd sent him.

Just then...“Dad’s home!”

Arthur smiled, waiting for his introduction.

They hurried... my back turned…”

The time-travelers thought back on the man with distaste.

Mr. Weasley took... said Fred eagerly.

"See? What I do is interesting!" Arthur defended.

“All I got were... Mr. Weasley.

The man in question deflated, hearing that.

“There was some... Mr. Weasley.

Lily, Marlene, Alice, and several other muggle-borns shook their heads.

“Sell them a... wouldn’t believe—”

"Oh yeah, because magic is a more likely answer or scenario for someone who cannot to it is to imagine." Lily said, laughing.

“LIKE CARS, FOR INSTANCE?”

Everyone in the Hall knew what was coming.

Mrs. Weasley had... Molly, dear?”

James laughed.

“Yes, Arthur,... to make it fly.”

"Very good imagination, Mrs. Weasley," joked Sirius.

Mr. Weasley... could fly wouldn’t—”

Sirius looked affronted, "Why would you enchant a car and then never fly it!?"

“Arthur Weasley, you... shouted Mrs. Weasley.

Instead of being perturbed that his wife was yelling at him, the man looked proud. I write laws? He thought to himself in pride.

“Just so you... “Harry who?”

Harry smiled fondly.

He looked around... “Did it go all right?

"Aahhhh!!" James shouted with laughter, "I love you Mr. Weasley."

Lily found herself watching James laugh, his head tilted back, his tan neck on full display, she found herself thinking that he was very attractive.

And not only in that moment.

I—I mean,” he faltered... very wrong indeed…”

"Good save," Remus chuckled.

“Let’s leave them... my bedroom.”

They slipped out... shuts up normally—”

"Ron~" Ginny whined, waving a finger back and forth in the air so that a copy of the Daily Prophet hit him on the forehead, repeatedly.

"Why is it always me!" Ron asked, shielding his face, "Alright, that's it! I'm moving all copies of this stupid prophet!"

"It's not stupid!" Alice joined in. That newspaper was her favorite thing, she could always trust it for valuable, trustworthy information.

"Er, give it a few books..."

They climbed two... even the ceiling.

"Oh geez," Barty cringed at the mental image.

Then Harry realized... “Ninth in the league.”

"Nope," Sirius shook his head, "I've lost all respect for you."

"What? Seriously?"

Sirius narrowed his eyes and said in a very serious tone, "Yes. Siriously."

Ron’s school spellbooks... patch of sun.

"Why did you have frog spawn in your room?" questioned Professor Slughorn.

"For the twins, they said they wanted to save it for a prank."

Harry stepped... for his opinion.

"I was, waiting, that is."

“It’s a bit small,”... pipes and groaning…”

"Best house I've ever been in. Other than ours." He looked at Blaise as he finished. "But that's only because I get to live with him." He tilted his head towards his boyfriend.

"You live with boys?" James said indignantly. "Boys that you're dating?"

Blaise interrupted before he started a tirade, "Um. Sorry. Boy. Singular. Going to remain singular thank you."

Harry just chuckled at how his father's expression struggled between approval and pride or displeasure.

But Harry,... been in.”

"See?" Harry said to his best friend.

Ron’s ears went pink.

As did Molly and Arthur's.

Notes:

Yup! I love all of the Weasleys! I actually rather feel like I'm very similar to Percy. I'm not scared to admit that I was a bossy, pushy bitch when I was younger, but I like to think that I've grown a lot and I think so has Percy. I love this entire family and I love the dynamics that are being created with the people in the past and the from the future. Thoughts?

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 7: At Flourish and Blotts

Summary:

Hermione re-enters!! Our second look at Diagon Alley!

Notes:

Yup! So, I'm keeping to the schedule. It took me incredibly long to write this chapter, which was slightly annoying, but I really do like how this chapter turned out!!

Enjoy!!

"Who would like to read the next chapter?" Molly asked politely.

Narcissa got up and wandlessly levitated the book to herself, cleared her throat and started reading.

Chapter 4: Flourish and Blotts...

Everyone in the Hall sat up at that. Draco tensed when he realized what the chapter was going to be about.

Life at the... on Privet Drive.

"I would sure hope so," Molly tutted, her tone almost seemed to imply that she was offended.

The Dursleys liked... strange and unexpected.

Molly's face seemed to relax at that, taking it as a compliment.

Harry got a... seemed to like him.

"...We do. We love you, always have." Ron said matter of factly.

Mrs. Weasley fussed... at every meal.

Frank cringed, "Mrs. Weasley, your intentions might be good, but forcing someone to eat when they're not hungry is very unhealthy. Not only to their physical appearance, but it can really affect one's mental state."

"Oh..." Molly seemed at a loss of words, "I-I didn't know that."

"It's okay, Mrs. Weasley, I knew your intentions were good," Harry hurried to say. He felt bad for what Frank had said, even if it had been the truth; Molly was the closest thing he had to a mother while growing up. "You got a lot better, over the coming years. The difference between you and.... was obvious. You always listened."

While Molly looked at her fingers, wringing them, and Narcissa began to read once more, Alice leaned farther into Frank.

"That sounded as if it were personal," Alice whispered to him, "are you okay?"

Frank plastered a fake smile across his face and replied, "Peachy."

Alice knew that his smile and reassurance was fake but she acted as if she believed him, promising herself that she'd ask him more about it in private.

Mr. Weasley liked... postal service worked.

"It's sweet that you want to learn more." A Muggleborn said.

“Fascinating!” he would... along without magic.”

Arthur's cheeks turned a slight color of red.

"It really is," Lily said with a smile directed at the Weasley.

Harry heard from... entered a room.

Everyone chuckled at the poor girl's crush.

She dived under... Weasley offered him.

Harry cooed, pinching the girl's cheek. Ginny frowned and smacked his hand away.

“Letters from school... the coming year.

"Hogwarts time, Hogwarts time, Hogwarts time," James cheered, tapping his foot against the ground.

"Not yet, love," Lily's jaw dropped open after a second, as did James'.

James turned to her in absolute shock.

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS... Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart

"Woah," young Lockhart muttered to himself.

"Damn," Sirius chuckled, biting his lip, "Little Lockhart is famous by the looks of it."

Fred, who had... it’s a witch.”

"Maybe it's a wizard," Ron wiggled his eyebrows in the time-travelers direction, causing them all to burst into laughter.

At this point... Ginny’s things secondhand.”

There was a second of awkward silence throughout the Hall before Lucius Malfoy felt the need to open his big mouth.

"Maybe if you didn't eat as much," he sneered, "you'd have enough money to buy your twenty children the needed school supplies."

Hermione had wrapped her arms around Ginny's shoulders and her legs around her waist, yet she still struggled to keep Ginny in her seat.

Theo didn't seem to be having any more luck, he'd completely flattened himself atop Ron, yet he was still thrashing, yelling, "Let me at 'im, let me at 'im!"

Across the table, Arthur struggled to keep Molly in her seat, and while his attention was wholly divided on her, his eldest slipped off the couch and padded over to where Lucius sat beside Narcissa. Bill narrowed his eyes, his fiery red hair seeming to turn into real flames.

"You say one more word against my family, and I'll hurt you worse than you can imagine."

"I'm not exactly threatened by Weasleys."

"Lucius," Abraxas warned. Dumbledore stood from his seat, ready to intervene, but it was too late.

Lucius flew up into the air and backward, his back slammed against one of the Great Hall's columns and he let out a pained groan.

Narcissa gasped, alarmed. Emma had to Blaise a hand on Draco's mouth to stop him from laughing.

Arthur stood from his seat and ran over to his kid. He gently dragged Bill along, he was shaking his head as if disappointed but a smile graced his face.

"I'm going to sue you!" Lucius shouted, snapping his head up, but by then all had returned to their seats, the only evidence that something had happened to be the light chuckles and smiles.

"I'm sorry, Father, but none of us saw anything, must have been your fault," Draco smirked.

Sirius had his head stuffed against Remus's chest, both of which were shaking with silent laughter.

“Oh, are you...  briskly. “Lovely day.”

"It most definitely is," Ron smirked, eyes flickering over to the now-dented column.

He sat down... under its wing.

"Poor owl," Pandora said.

“Finally—he’s got... from the Dursleys.”

"Finally. Someone interesting." Hermione muttered. Bill raised his eyebrows at her, and she chuckled.

He carried Errol...  to get him out,

"Oops," laughed Sirius, "who's gonna tell her?"

Ron, because that... Harry is all right,

That's sweet, Lily thought to herself.

will you please... your one off.

"You're not wrong." Bill said.

I’m very... of course—

"How?!" Half the Hall chorused.

“How can she... on vacation!”

"Oops," laughed Sirius, "who's gonna tell her?"

—and we’re going... Love from Hermione.

"You made good friends very early." James nodded in approval.

“Well, that fits... fly too high. 

James sighed dreamily.

Harry had asked about Charlie the day they got there, but he was studying dragons in Romania again this summer, and his expenses were all handled by the exchange program with Hogwarts and the school there.

"There's an exchange program?" Professor Flitwick asked in confusion.

Ron answered, "It was introduced... a couple of years after the War and depending on the student's strengths, weaknesses, interests, financial capabilities, the exchange between varying magical schools all over the world. Sometimes it can be just during the summer, other times it can be all-throughout the year."

"So dangerous," the Mother Weasley tutted.

All the Professors looked at him in interest, before Narcissa moved on.

They couldn’t use... of the time.

"Ugh," Ginny made a gagging motion with her finger and mouth, "he's lovesick."

"Like you were one to talk," Harry teased.

“Wish I knew... he hardly gloated. Bill didn't gloat about his OWL scores either, but that's to be expected.”

“Ordinary Wizarding Levels... “Bill got twelve.

Bill's ears turned red, as people started staring. He said, "A lot of people have."

"It's still very impressive, Mr. Weasley." Professor McGonagall praised.

If we’re not... stand the shame.

"That's nothing to be ashamed of," Remus said, sounding half-heartedly offended.

"None to you, o' course," Ron clarified, "But Percy? Ugh, he was horrible."

“Dunno how Mum... had left him.

"No need to feel awkward, dear," Molly assured her, "your family earned that money and therefore it is rightfully yours."

Of course, it... in Muggle shops.

"You could have exchanged some of your wizard money for muggle money," Professor McGonagall informed.

Harry scratched the back of his neck, "Er, yeah, I figured that out this year and transferred some funds next summer."

He had never... pile of gold.

"I doubt it would," Lily said.

Mrs. Weasley woke...  you, Harry dear!”

"Uh..." Peter trailed off.

"He doesn't know what you're about to do," James continued.

"What are they about to do?" a muggle-born asked.

"Just wait," Draco told the child.

And she offered...  all watching him.

Sirius patted himself on the chest, coughing, "Awkward~"

“W-what am I... Harry, I forgot.”

"Such a great friend," Harry said sarcastically.

“Never?” said... How exactly—”

"Escalators," Mary corrected. Arthur jotted this down.

“Not now, Arthur... watch us first.”

"Famous last words."

He took a... and vanished.

A loud murmur of "woah"s and "so cool"s echoed throughout the Hall.

“You must speak... the right grate…”

"Oh..." Remus sighed, reaching up to rub his temple, "he isn't going to speak clearly..."

“The right what... you’ve spoken clearly—”

"And now they're worrying him..."

“He’ll be fine...  aunt and uncle?”

"They wouldn't care," Lily muttered angrily.

“They wouldn’t mind... Fred and George.”

"Don't put too much panic on him, mind you," Sirius said sarcastically.

This would fall into James' 'Not Worried' box, why? Well, simply due to the fact that there was no harm in traveling by Floo, even if one were to arrive at the wrong fireplace, it wouldn't cause any danger.

Not to mention, he felt confident in his son's ability to speak clearly. Godric knows he could certainly speak his mind well enough.

Trying hard to...  he coughed.

"Oh no," whispered Remus.

"I didn't think that his bad luck would stretch into the Weasley's house," Emma said with a grin, she was enjoying herself quite a lot, especially knowing that Harry didn't die.

"Was it the ash at fault?" James asked in disbelief, eyes wide.

It felt as... and then—

A young student scrunched their nose up, "That sounds horrible."

"No worse than apparation, in my opinion," Harry added, having heard the kid.

He fell, face... his glasses snap.

Ron cringed, "We should have told you to brace when you reach other grate."

Dizzy and bruised... Hogwarts school list.

James' eyes widened as he whispered, "Please tell me he didn't end up in..."

A glass case... not Diagon Alley.

Gasps filled the Hall, some in concern and others in wonder.

All of the teachers' jaws dropped.

"You aren't supposed to be there," Professor Slughorn said at the same time that Professor Sprout shouted, "Get out of there!"

The sooner... the better.

Moody nodded his head.

Nose still stinging... Draco Malfoy.

Draco grimaced, knowing what was about to come. That didn't go past Narcissa and she narrowed her eyes, before she continued reading.

Harry looked quickly... into the shop.

"What are the odds?" Draco laughed, but the sound was devoid of any joy.

The man who... “Touch nothing, Draco.”

Emma wasn't paying very much attention to the reading, but was focusing on what was playing out on Ginny's face. This was going to be a rather touchy subject for her.

Malfoy, who... me a present.”

Draco's head dropped to the table.

“I said I... on the counter.

Narcissa glared at Lucius as she hissed, "You are spoiling him."

“What’s the good... and his broomstick—”

"I don't know, call me crazy," began Sirius, "but I think someone's jealous."

“You have told... ah, Mr. Borgin.”

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall gasped, both surprised and concerned, "You need to get out of that shop!"

On the other hand, Arthur turned to Lucius, with a warm smile on his face. Not everyone knew what the man could be just as devious as anyone else.

A stooping man...  said Mr. Malfoy.

"Selling?" Arthur leaned forward in his seat. Interesting...

“Selling?” The smile...  were to call…”

"You snake!" Arthur exclaimed, the smile not moving off his face, throwing his arms into the air.

"Naturally," the slightly injured Lucius drawled, smoothing a strand of hair back from his face.

Mr. Borgin fixed...  ever more meddlesome.

"Oh, it loses that respect very, very quickly." Draco muttered from where his head was still resting on the table.

There are rumors... is behind it—”

Arthur laughed, brushing off the 'flea-bitten' insult. "That was horrible."

Harry felt a...  make it appear—”

"Poison?" gaped Professor Flitwick.

“I understand, sir...  on its cushion.

"You don't want anything to do with anything in that shop." Draco whispered. He was sitting right beside Emma, for good reason. She knew what he went through better than anyone else.

“Ah, the Hand... fine taste, sir.”

"Not gonna lie, that's rather interesting." Remus said.

“I hope my... Hermione Granger—”

"We do not have favorites!" McGonagall said, sounding offended.

Nearly all of the students chuckled in disbelief.

"Sure Minnie," Sirius piped in, "of course you don't have any favorites..."

“I would have... snapped Mr. Malfoy.

"Not anymore," Draco said, smiling at Hermione. The bushy-haired bookworm returned his warm smile with one of her own.

Lucius watched his son with disgust. How could they become blood traitors?

“Ha!” said... and angry. He muttered, "I was only second by a hair, father."

“It’s the same...  with a deep bow.

Abraxas scoffed, "That man is one of the biggest liars I've ever met. Just the other day I ran into Dianna Strauss, you know, the muggle-born, shopping in his shop."

“In that case... Owners to Date.

"'Smirking?'" Narcissa cried.

Draco looked down at his feet and shrugged his shoulders.

Draco turned away...  “Come, Draco—”

James let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his son had nearly been discovered.

Harry wiped... Draco turned away.

"Didn't know I caused you so must distress, Potter," Draco smirked, eyes twinkling.

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all share a look before bursting into laughter, "Just wait until 6th year. My Godric, he was obsessed with you."

"I was not!"

"Yes, you were," all three said in unison. 

“Good day to...  in your manor…”

Interesting...

Muttering darkly... the shop door.

"Run, run, run." The Marauders said.

Clutching his broken... wondered what to do.

"What you should do is get out of there," McGonagall huffed, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes.

Sirius and James had always wondered what was in Knockturn Alley, they'd always wanted to travel down into it, even if all they did was have a look, but now their fists were clenched with worry and neither of them had any interest in the alley anymore.

“Not lost are... making him jump.

Shivers went down the First Year's backs.

An aged witch... doin’ down there?”

"Hagrid!" shouted many students, being able to tell who the dialogue belonged to instantly.

Harry’s heart leapt...  lost—Floo powder—”

"Get out of there, and then explain." James said worriedly.

Hagrid seized Harry... into Diagon Alley.

"Oh dear," Lily said breathlessly, "thank you, Hagrid, truly."

"Yes, Hagrid, thank you, thank you, thank you! I have a feeling you'll be hearing that from Lily-flower and I a lot these next weeks, but it doesn't make it any less sincere."

“Yer a mess... an apothecary.

"Heh," Hagrid gave an embarrassed chuckle.

“Skulkin’ around Knockturn... down there, anyway?”

"Then what were you doing down there, Hagird?" Sirius raised a brow.

"'Ow 'ould I know? Tis future me."

“I was lookin’... on yer own?”

"Those creatures have always been pests," Professor Sprout said, annoyed.

“I’m staying with... and find them…”

"Give it a few minutes." Fred said.

They set off...  “If I’d’ve known—”

"If any of us had known," growled Neville.

“Harry!... here!”

"Someone will find you." George finished.

Harry looked up...  into Gringotts, Harry?”

"Calm down. Breathe. Talk." Bill said, chuckling.

“As soon as I’ve found the Weasleys,” said Harry.

“Yeh won’t have long ter wait,” Hagrid said with a grin.

"Told ya!" Fred and George said in unison.

Harry and Hermione... she’s coming now—”

Arthur reached a hand atop his head and patted his full head of hair with concern.

“Where did you...  and George together.

"Padfoot and Prongs reincarnated," Remus said with a smile.

"Sirius isn't dead yet," Harry told the werewolf, all of the Marauders sat straighter in their seats.

"Where is he?" James asked. Peter seemed to be the only one who heard the 'yet.'

"Yeah, where am I? I know that nobody would be able to keep me from my godson."

"HAH!" Harry choked out, scratching the back of his neck hard enough to draw blood, "WELL, ABOUT THAT--"

"No need to shout, Harry..."

"What about it?" Sirius asked, trying to keep the conversation on track.

Harry spat out a "Third book" and then motioned Narcissa to continue reading.

“We’ve never... Ron enviously.

"For good reason," said Molly.

“I should ruddy... good as new.

"That's what I imagine you'd be like as a Mum." Marlene told Lily.

At that, Lily smiled sadly.

“Well, gotta be... and his father.”

Kingsley tilted his head, "Not that surprising."

“Did Lucius Malfoy... Malfoy for something…”

"Still at a feud?" Molly asked nobody in particular, then she sighed, she wasn't surprised. She hated Lucius too, just not as much as her husband.

“You be careful... you can chew.”

Draco nodded. Sound advice, at that point in time.

“So you don’t... to introduce them.

"Your parents are the sweetest people." Ron said quietly.

"Yeah, until they start flaunting their money." Hermione muttered.

"They don't intend to be rude, most of the time. Much like you, honestly." Harry said.

“But you’re Muggles... Mr. Granger’s hand.

"Aww!!" cooed a younger child. She found Arthur's reactions to muggles adorable.

“Meet you back... one gold Galleon.

Molly and Arthur's cheeks turned a bright shade of red.

Mrs. Weasley felt... a leather bag.

"Dear," Molly sighed, "There's no need..."

Harry shrugged his shoulders.

Back outside on... in the Alley.

"Sounds like something both of you should do together." Ginny said.

Fred and George... for a drink.

"They really do like you and your family." Hermione said.

“We’ll all meet... twins’ retreating backs.

"Party pooper." The twins said.

Harry, Ron, and... Prefects Who Gained Power.

"He would be a drag at parties," Sirius whispered to James, who nodded his head feverishly.

“A study of...  Percy to it.

Emma snorted into Regulus' shoulder, the sound slightly muffled.

An hour later... today 12.30—4.30

"No way!" Lockhart exclaimed, "I'm famous!"

"More like an asshole," Ginny whispered, only loud enough for the people around her to hear.

“We can actually... the whole booklist!”

"No," whined Sirius, "You have a crush on him!?"

"Had," Hermione corrected, "had."

The crowd seemed... him in a minute…”

"The women have lost their minds in the future," Sirius cried, James patted his shoulder in an agreeing-like manner.

"Hey!" Lockhart yelled out.

"Oops," Sirius smiled, rather cheerfully.

Gilderoy Lockhart came... his wavy hair.

Lockhart looked rather creeped out, to be honest, and Ginny chuckled on the look on his face.

A short, irritable... be Harry Potter?”

"Famous," teased Draco.

The crowd parted... to the front.

"Woah!" James exclaimed, "Hands off the girl!"

The crowd burst... the front page.”

Lily gaped, "You little--"

"Ms. Evans!"

"--shit," she cursed despite McGonagall's warning, "You're only using him for more coverage."

When he finally... feel his fingers.

Both Lily and James glared at the Ravenclaw.

He tried to... for some time!

The boy sitting beside Gilderoy said, "So- You kinda grew up to be an asshole, didn't you?"

Lockhart smacked him, hard enough for the boy to wince.

“When young Harry... free of charge—”

"Why would she buy your autobiography?" Rodolphus asked, looking at his nails.

The crowd applauded... Witchcraft and Wizardry!”

"Oh no..." Peter mumbled.

"I might be a good teacher," Lockhart said, winking in Evadoire's direction. A shiver ran down the Ravenclaw's spine.

The time-travelers shared a look, and Theodore snickered.

"Even if you are," Lily said, "You've already showed that you have no idea about personal space."

The crowd cheered... to her new cauldron.

"'Out of the limelight?'" Draco quoted.

"One 12-year-old can wish."

“You have these... buy my own—”

"Your too sweet for the world," cooed Pandora.

“Bet you loved... his usual sneer.

"Dear lord, it was so fake." Draco groaned.

“Famous Harry Potter... the front page.”

"Oh Salazar," Narcissa sent a silent prayer to her house-name-sake, "Draco, it was quite obvious that he didn't want that."

“Leave him alone... glaring at Malfoy.

"That was really sweet." Harry said.

“Potter, you’ve got... Lockhart’s books.

Narcissa held a hand to her mouth, disbelieving the way her son was acting.

“Oh, it’s you... for all those.”

"Not a word," Narcissa held a finger up in Lucius's direction, reminded of what he'd spoken a few minutes ago.

Ron went as...—Arthur Weasley.”

"Just what we needed..." sighed Regulus.

It was Mr. Malfoy.... you well for it?”

"You and I have very different ideas of what disgraces the name of a wizard."

Mr Weasley flushed... Malfoy,” he said.

"Hmph," Arthur pulled young Bill to his chest, "Seems I still have the same opinions."

“Clearly,” said... into a bookshelf.

"Whoo!" clapped James, "Go! Go! Go!"

"Kick his arse, kick his arse!" cheered Sirius.

Lily shared a look with Marlene and Alice, and Dorcas, all sighed at the same time and said: "Boys."

Dozens of heavy... the sea of books.

"Our savoir," Rabastan said with a roll of his eyes, a hand to his heart.

"Our savoir," Harry repeated, hiso tone the complete opposite of Rabastan's.

In an instant... get outta here.”

Bellatrix crackled at the hurt faces on Narcissa and Lucius's face, but she couldn't lie, she was surprised to see shame on Draco's.

The assistant looked... herself with fury.

Everyone could imagine why.

“A fine example... must’ve thought…”

That's not why everyone thought she was angry.

"You were worried about Lockhart's opinion? Woman, you need to sort out your priorities," Barty said.

“He was pleased... all publicity—”

"Unbelievable... someone could have been hurt!" Marlene shouted.

"Just wait," began Harry.

Ron finished his sentence, "It gets worse."

But it was a... Mrs. Weasley’s face.

"Good job." Everyone chorused.

Harry took off... to Floo powder.

"Good idea," James amended, knowing very well the struggles of traveling by floo with glasses.

It definitely... to travel.

James's jaw dropped, "Oh no," he muttered, pulling out his quill and paper, "we cannot have that."

On the parchment he wrote: Make sure Harry likes the floo.

Notes:

Tell me what you think!! (No but seriously I need your validation!)

Chapter 8: The Whomping Willow

Summary:

Harry goes back to Hogwarts! Shit happens!

Notes:

I know I'm late! But somewhere I'm on time... Anyway, I like how this is progressing! I hope you do to!

On another note, I just wanted to say, there's been a lot of confusion about why sometimes Harry's pronouns are her/she... I am so sorry... I've explained this in the contents of the last book, but I imagined that I would write Harry to be a girl in the reading, but then I realized that I would absolutely hate it, so I left Harry as a boy.

So if there are any places where he's referred to as she/her, I likely missed that during editing, and I am very sorry for that...

Anyway, that being said, please enjoy!!

"Alright, who wants to read next?"

Remus raised a hand and the book floated into his lap, when he saw the title of the chapter his jaw dropped slightly. "Chapter 5: The Whomping Willow? What are you doing near that tree!?"

Harry and Ron's cheeks went bright red, "Er..."

Hermione snickered, "You'll find out in a couple of minutes."

The end of... on Privet Drive.

"You were jealous of me?"

Harry leaned over the arm of her couch and ruffled his hair, "You already knew that."

"Eh," he shrugged his shoulders, "Doesn't mean I don't like to hear it every so often."

On their last... mouthwatering treacle pudding.

James' mouth watered just at the idea. He loved treacle tart.

Fred and George... half an hour.

The Marauders all smiled.

Then it was... to the car.

"This is why you don't pack last minute," scolded Madam Pomfrey.

Harry couldn’t see... luggage fitted easily.

"Shoulda' just called the Ministry," laughed Ron, Harry knocked him upside the head.

Rabastan smirked, "Don't feel too great does it?"

When at last... outside, would you?”

"They aren't that roomy..." Ginny snickered.

Mr. Weasley started... left her diary.

"I should have left it," she mumbled.

By the time she... at his wife.

“Molly, dear—”

"What is it that you want to do?" Molly glared.

“No, Arthur—... any the wiser—”

"Mr. Weasley! I love you and your ideas." Sirius said.

“I said no... broad daylight—”

"Oh come on, Mrs. Weasley! It's a flying car!" Sirius had put emphasis on 'flying car' as if that could someone change future Molly's mind.

They reached King’s... into the station.

"You're cutting it close," Peter squeaked, sounding very rat-like.

Harry had caught... noticed you vanishing.

"They notice far more often than you think." A Muggleborn boy muttered.

“Bill and Percy... and setting off.

"Why would you leave the young children outside the barrier on their own?" Madam Hooch questioned the current-time Molly who couldn't do anything but shrug her shoulders.

James rubbed his hand on Lily's bicep, "Don't worry, Lily-flower, Harry's going to get on the train and all will fine."

Lily couldn't help but feel as if he were wrong.

In the blink... into a run and—

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts!" James had began to chant.

CRASH.

"What!?" James' chanting stopped. "Did you read that wrong, Moony?"

Remus glanced up from the book and glared at James, "Yes Prongs, I have forgotten how to read."

"Oh, good," Peter sighed in relief, "Ow!" he yelped, rubbing the back of his head and looking at Sirius accusatorily.

"He was being sarcastic, Wormtail."

Both trolleys hit... think you’re doing?”

All of the teachers sat with large confusion on their faces, the barrier didn't close even after the train had left. That wasn't how it was enchanted.

“Lost control... he got up.

"Not a bad excuse, eh?" Peter spoke up, trying to disolve the thick tension in the Hall. It didn't work, everyone was too busy being concerned and confused.

Ron ran to... “I dunno—”

"Question of the day, it seems," Regulus muttered to himself, leaning farther back in his seat.

Ron looked wildly... gateway’s sealed itself—”

Everyone looked extremely confused. This wasn't how it was supposed to work.

Harry looked up... nine seconds…

Shit, shit, shit... James thought to himself.

He wheeled his… one second…

"Shit, shit, shit!!" James said out loud.

None of the Professors said anything and all of the people that McGonagall had told off, looked offended, especially the Slytherins.

Rabastan yelled, "Oh, are you kidding me?"

"Is there a problem Mr. Lestrange?" Professor Slughorn asked.

Rodolphus said, "We-" He gestured at his brother and himself, "-Get yelled at, for the stupidest things, while they-" he pointed at the Gryffindor table, "-get away with it entirely? With no actual-"

"Mr. Lestrange." The Headmaster interrupted. Rodulphus raised an eyebrow at the man, not backing down.

"We will speak of your issue with favoritism later." The students in question scoffed at that, while to dissipate the tension, Remus quickly continued reading.

“It’s gone,” said... any Muggle money?”

"Your parents will be able to get through, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said, her tone giving away the fact that she felt very confident in that assessment.

"Well, Professor McGonagall, I wouldn't be so sure, as two of your children can't get through the barrier," Draco replied.

Harry gave a... about six years.”

Lily flushed in anger at the reminder.

Ron pressed his... Hedwigs’s continuing screeches.

Sirius gasped, loud and proud, slapping Remus and Peter on the chest like an excited child, "The car!!! Oh my Godric, Ravena, Helga, and Salazar!! There're gonna take the car!"

"They better not," huffed Lily, "there is no need for that. Just owl the Headmaster."

Remus, who had glanced a couple of paragraphs down the page, sighed, and continued reading

“I think we’d... “What about it?”

"Ever the oblivious," chuckled Hermione.

“We can... to Hogwarts!”

"Good gracious," Slughorn gasped, patting his hands on his stomach simply because he had no idea what to do.

“But I thought—”... Restriction of Thingy…”

"You could send Hedwig to the school," McGonagall said.

Harry looked at his feet in embarrassment, "We might have forgotten about that tiny factor."

"He's becoming such a Prongs," Sirius sighed dreamily.

“But your Mum... to Apparate yet…”

"But we drove it there," began Molly, "so we would need to drive it home."

Ron's eyes flickered over to Harry who wouldn't meet his gaze. He knew that even after all these years, his best friend still felt guilty about the car, and Ron couldn't help but feel guilty over it too, as it had been his idea.

Harry’s feeling... into excitement.

"Told you~"

“Can you fly it?”

“No problem,”... the Hogwarts Express—”

"This is a horrible idea." Regulus stated.

And they marched... into the front.

Lily's blood pressure had started to rise while Sirius was bouncing in his seat.

“Check that no one’s... “Okay,” he said.

Everyone sat forward in their seats, wondering if they could actually pull something like this off.

Ron pressed a... of parked cars.

"So cool!" Sirius squeeled.

“Let’s go,” said... and Ron reappeared.

"Uh-oh..." Sirius's excited squels had ceased.

"He hasn't even reached Hogwarts yet!"

“Uh oh,” said... dull and foggy.

"Good idea," Abraxas applauded, "Go for the clouds, muggles might think your one of those plane-erairs."

"Airplanes," Hermione corrected with a smile.

“Now what?” said... again—quickly—”

Kingsley sighed. This is so illegal, He thought to himself.

They dropped back... a scarlet snake.

"I hope they don't keep checking on it." James began, "They'll likely just have to check on it every half hour or something."

“Due north,” said... blinding white sun.

"Sounds very beautiful," smiled Alice.

“All we’ve got... they couldn’t stop.

"It's the lack of oxygen," snickered Ted to his wife.

"Fucking crazy." Bellatrix muttered to herself.

It was as though... of Hogwarts castle.

Harry groaned at his stupidity.

They made regular... tiny toy churches.

"You're right. Only way to travel is by air." Someone mumbled.

Several uneventful hours... his sweaty nose.

Everyone with glasses knew exactly how that felt and they all hated it, not to mention it tends to lead to little, itty-bitty, gross zits.

He had stopped... and three-quarters?

Everyone was still wondering the same thing, and it was starting to get rather infuriating.

“Can’t be much...  began to whine.

"Oh dear," Lily whimpered, shaking her head so hard that her red hair fell from the hairband.

Harry and... glances.

"The fun's over, isn't it?" Sirius asked nobody in particular.

“It’s probably just... this far before…”

"That isn't reassuring," Molly told her son, a disappointed scowl on her face. She couldn't understand why her child hadn't just owled the school.

"That isn't very reassuring!" Harry cried, panic seeping into his voice. How could they have been so stupid?

"It's Prongs' genes," Remus added cheekily. James frowned and playfully slapped his friend's shoulder.

And they both... though in protest.

Almost everyone in the Hall took a deep breath, bracing for something going wrong.

“Not far,” said... the dashboard nervously.

"Please hold out." Arthur said.

When they flew... jump. “Straight ahead!”

"Yes! They made it without any problems!-- well, any more problems," Peter began to cheer as did a couple of other students, excited that something had finally gone right in Harry Potter's world.

Silhouetted on the...  there, come on—”

"Smooth crash landing?" asked a student, hopeful.

The engine groaned... his foot down.

"They're going to make it!" Sirius said in excitement.

There was a... died completely.

Sirius sighed, "Well, shit."

James and Lily's hands held each other's so tight one might believe they'd become one. Sirius was leaning into Remus's side as to read ahead and his excited smile dropped at the same rate as his face paled.

"Smooth crash landing?" the same student repeated, still trying to remain hopeful.

“Uh oh... the silence.

"Uh-oh," Sirius had muttered at the same time that Remus read Ron's line.

The nose of... solid castle wall.

“Noooooo!” Ron yelled... his back pocket—

"Oh," drawled Draco, "So this is how it happened..."

"How what happened?" Arthur questioned.

Draco smiled wide and then put a finger to his lips and made a zipping motion, "Shh, no spoilers."

“STOP! STOP!” he... but too late—

"Oh no..." James felt as if he couldn't breathe. It was that tree, the one that had nearly caused the death of a student, even if it were Severus Snape.

CRUNCH.

With an... low, despairing groan.

"I sure do hope you went to the Hospital Wing after that," Madam Pomfrey scolded, Harry and Ron looked at each other and then shook their heads. "You could have a concussion!"

"I probably did," Harry murmured.

“Are you okay... a few splinters.

"Be grateful it wasn't your neck!" Molly screeched, gripping Arthur's hand in a manner very similar to James and Lily.

Harry opened his... “What’s happen—?”

All of the Marauders had lost a considerable amount of blood from their faces, having become as pale as one of the Hogwarts ghosts.

Ron gasped, staring... it could reach.

"They're in the-" Professor Flitwick cut off.

“Aaargh!” said Ron... be caving in—

"They're in the Whomping Willow." Someone whispered, as if they were actually scared to say it out loud.

“Run for it!” Ron... from another branch.

"How have you allowed a tree like that to stay on the grounds!" gasped Evadoire, in complete disbelief that the Headmaster had allowed such a plant to stay. He was responsible for children!

Remus kept his eyes on the book in embarrassment. It was his fault the tree had been planted.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry all seemed to recognize the look on Remus's face, or maybe they felt his guilt all the way from the opposite side of the table.

"It was mostly our fault," Harry became quick to reassure, "Ron and I did drive right into it. It was protecting itself."

Remus instantly knew what he was doing and he didn't believe it one bit.

“We’re done for!” he... engine had restarted.

"Oh look!" Theodore gasped, "Harry does seem to have a little bit of luck!"

"Nah," grinned Harry, "the car wanted to save itself."

“Reverse!” Harry yelled...  Well done, car—”

"Talking to an inanimate object. Makes complete sense." Emma said.

Ron stuck his tongue out at her, and she laughed. Walburga looked at the two of them in absolute disapproval.

The car, however... lights blazing angrily.

"Seems that it has a mind of its own?" Arthur asked himself, confused.

“Come back!” Ron... from its exhaust.

"It's your mother you need to be concerned about," Theodore said, though the smile on his face disappeared as he caught the glare Mrs. Weasley sent him.

“Can you believe... that hits back.”

Barty chuckled, quietly, of course.

He glanced over...  to the school…”

"Is it too optimistic to hope, nothing else goes wrong?" Lily asked.

All the time-travellers turned and looked to her slightly apologetic.

It wasn’t at... oak front doors.

"I didn't think it would be. You'd be lucky if no one else spotted you."

“I think the... it’s the Sorting!”

Emma smiled. Her sorting was a very happy memory for her, and it always would be.

Harry hurried over... sparkled with stars.

Harry smiled. He'd always loved the feeling of coming back to Hogwarts after the vacations. He'd missed that feeling ever since he'd finished his last year.

Through the forest... before the newcomers.

"What's the song?" A Second Year asked.

Every year, this... him in Slytherin,

"You're an amalgamation of all the Houses anyway. It's honestly a little annoying." Draco muttered.

the house... than any other—

The current-time Slytherins frowned, saddened by how true that was. Each of the students could easily name a handful of wizards and witches already excited to join Voldemort's cause.

but he had... in seven years.

That was both sad and extremely gratifying to the Gryffindors present.

A very small... robes of aquamarine.

The boy looked excited.

And there at... from his goblet.

"Hagrid always gets drunk at the beginning of the first feasts." Marlene muttered.

“Hang on…” Harry… Where’s Snape?”

"Let me guess," James rolled his eyes, "He's behind you."

Professor Severus Snape... Snape taught Potions.

"I saved your life." Severus said indignantly.

“Maybe he’s... everyone hates him—”

Severus scowled.

“Or maybe,” said... the school train."

"Ouch..." Peter whispered, somehow feeling the older Snape's wrath from the book.

Harry spun around... very deep trouble.

"Dude, you've found shampoo and conditioner now," Sirius said, loud enough for Severus to hear him.

“Follow me,” said... into the dungeons.

"Why do we have to be all the way in the dungeons?" A Third Year Slytherin sighed. "We're the only one there. Even about the Common Rooms, we're always isolated."

“In!” he said... did we, boys?”

"Jumping to conclusions, aren't you, Sniv," James growled, not feeling bad for using the name.

Lily didn't even scold him because she agreed.

“No, sir... Evening Prophet.

The trio burst out into laughter.

“You were seen... Muggles in all.

"Severus..." McGonagall began, "there is no need to lose your temper with the children, especially if you just let them explain all that happened. That isn't a very difficult thing to erase from the memories of muggles, annoying but not difficult."

Severus raised an eyebrow, "You should've been handling it, either way. It's extremely idiotic to do something like that, without thinking it through. If proper consequences to their actions aren't taught, thing like this will keep repeating themselves, will they not?"

Harry nodded, "He's right, you know? We didn't know what was really going on until he told us."

Harry felt as... thought of that…

"It seems you didn't think at all," Molly said softly, she felt bad for the kids.

“I noticed... Snape went on.

"Damage on the tree?" Gilderoy asked in disbelief, "that tree did more damage to the car! Which was awesome!!"

“That tree did... somewhere else entirely.

"He did. He was very upset that Dumbledore made him go deal with the two of you, forcing him to miss my Sorting." Emma said matter-of-factly.

"Wait. Dumbledore sent him?" Harry asked.

Emma nodded. "He would not shut up about how unfair it was, that he was forced to miss his own daughter's Sorting."

Everyone looked at the man in shock, as if seeing him in a new light all over again.

“Most unfortunately... will wait here.”

"The sass is real." Regulus whispered.

Harry and Ron... still extremely strict.

"At least she would be willing to listen." Bill said.

Ten minutes later... flames suddenly erupted.

"I would never point my wand at students." Professor McGonagall said.

"We know that now."

“Sit,” she said... glinting ominously.

"See," Professor Slughorn said, "She asked questions first before jumping into action. As you should, Mr. Snape."

Ron launched into... headmaster, Professor Dumbledore.

Lily felt her heartbreak, seeing this side of her old friend. He certainly hadn't been nice in the first book, but seeing him  eager to expel her own child made her start to see him from the Marauders' point of view.

Harry’s whole body... the Whomping Willow.

"There is no need to wish for that!" Madam Pomfrey said, "That could injury you dearly."

There was a... outside the station.

"That's not going to work," Arthur said with a small smile on his face, "But I appreciate it."

He knew Dumbledore... sort of voice.

"Don't sign your own death sentence before it's given to you." Moody said.

“What are you talking... to expel you.”

"Oh, I bet the Dursleys are going to care so much," Sirius said sarcastically, a hand to his chest.

“It will be for.. want to sample. Plus, I'm sure you're anxious to see which House your daughter is in.”

"Oh yeah, you're Ginny's age!" Everyone just realized that Emma was also going to be starting out at Hogwarts this year.

"So? Which House are you in?" Rodolphus asked.

Emma seemed to contemplate, before saying, "I don't want to spoil the reveal."

Snape shot a... a wrathful eagle. Only then did what Professor Dumbledore had said, sunk in with Harry. He and Ron both turned to each other at the same time. Daughter. Severus Snape has a daughter? And she's starting school?

“You’d better... you’re bleeding.”

"And Mr. Potter might have a concussion!"

“Not much,” said... said Professor McGonagall.

"Damn!" cursed Rabastan.

“Your sister is... watching her anxiously.

Professor McGonagall had to cough to cover up the smile that had started to form on her face, even the cough couldn't hide it.

James and Sirius high-fived, "Yes! That's my godson!"

Professor McGonagall gave... less thin, anyway.

"Oh, she's totally remembering us," Remus whispered to Sirius.

“I will not... squashed him flat.

"I will be joining you two," Dorcas motioned to Lily and Marlene, "when you go to kill Petunia."

Professor McGonagall raised... taking one, too.

"Don't know why you were so worried," Draco began, "You're Dumbledore's Golden Boy."

"I didn't know that then," Harry replied, waving a hand in his direction.

“Can you believe... ever saw them.”

"That's my oh-so-lovely luck," Harry chimed.

He swallowed and... arriving by flying car.”

"Of course I don't! It isn't very clever!"

When they had... feast was over.

"Wait. How are you going to get into the Common Room?" Lily asked.

They walked past... as they approached.

"You don't know the password..." Lily sighed.

“Er—” said Harry... dashing toward them.

"Our savior." Harry and Ron chorused.

“There you are... a flying car!”

"Well- they haven't been expelled." James said.

“Well, we haven’t... assured her.

"Like father, like son." Someone said for the nth time.

“You’re not telling... not the point—”

"Wattlebird?" Draco said. "Wattlebird?" he repeated.

Her words were... one for years—”

"Well, Lee was wrong," Ginny said.

"Not his fault, Harry just had troubles every year-"

"-natural that the flying car would become old," The twins chuckled.

“Good for you... the car, eh?”

Molly looked at the twins in disapproval.

Ron was scarlet... telling them off. Harry saw that Bill just looked pleased that the two of them were safe and sound, and Charlie had his head buried in a book. He wanted to say hi, but Harry looked at Percy determinedly making his way towards them. Harry nudged... point at once.

"Any good friend would." James said matter-of-factly.

"Are they really a friend if they don't?" Sirius asked skeptically.

“Got to get upstairs... just like Percy’s.

"Spoilsport." Peter said.

Hermione looked at him, without an expression on her face, her RBF, according to everyone else, and smirked when she saw him cower.

They managed to... of their beds.

"The Gryffindor dorms are always so pretty the first time you come back from the vacation." Mary said, knowing the feeling of coming back after what felt like ages.

Ron grinned guiltily... or anything, but—”

Ron smiled self-deprecatingly.

The dormitory door... said Neville, awestruck.

"Now that's the kind of excitement we're looking for!" Sirius said.

Harry couldn’t... grinned, too.

Everyone else grinned along with him. He was finally back at Hogwarts.

Notes:

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 9: Gilderoy Lockhart

Summary:

Intro to Lockhart as a teacher. The angst!

Notes:

Hello! So, I am on time, again! But I have nothing to say so-

Have fun!

"Who's reading?" Remus asked.

Mary got up, and levitated the book to herself.

"Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart," 'little Lockhart' as Remus had called him, felt very confused as to why he was the title of the next chapter.

The next day... grinned once.

Mary cringed, "That is not a great start to a chapter."

Things started... Great Hall.

"That's early for things to go wrong." Marlene said.

The four long... a milk jug.

"Don't read at the table." Bill said, "You can't focus on what you're eating, when you do." It was something his mother had told him all the time as he was growing up.

There was a... they had arrived.

"Oh, come on Hermione! Live a little!" Sirius said excitedly.

Neville Longbottom... them cheerfully.

"Of course he did," Frank grinned.

Neville was a...  I forgot.”

"My parents do that too!" Alice said.

Harry had only... a second later,

"Ouch." Frank said.

something large...  in his beak.

"Oh, that poor owl." Pandora said.

“Oh, no—” Ron... —it’s that.”

"What?" James asked.

Ron was... red envelope.

"Oh dear," Evadiore whispered. All purebloods had a feeling what the red envelope was, after all, a parent never used a red envelope for a nice, warming letter unless they wanted to give their child a heart attack. A small snicker left her mouth at the memory of someone actually having a heart attack once due to that.

"Hey!" Eva's friend elbowed her in the side, "Why are you laughing?"

She held a hand over her mouth, "Remember when Benjy's mother sent him a dinner invite in a red envelope and he fainted with worry because he had no idea what he'd done that was so bad to warrant a Howler?"

Avis coughed to stifle the laugh that had bubbled up her throat. "Oh, Rowena, I had forgotten about that until now."

It looked quite... it to explode.

"Probably because it's going to..." Sirius chewed on a fingernail. His mother would be disgraced at such an act, thankfully she was to busy scolding Regulus on the way he was sitting.

"Straighten your spine!" she hissed at him.

“What’s the... said Ron faintly.

"Oh no," James muttered, paling slightly. He'd heard those blasted things, from when Sirius' mother- if you could call her that- had sent whenever he 'fucked up', but he'd never received one. And he was very grateful to his mother for that.

“You’d better open... was horrible.”

"Why would his grandmother have sent you one?" Alice asked, slightly concerned. She couldn't imagine her son doing something bad enough to warrant a Howler.

Harry looked... a Howler?” he said.

"That's exactly what I was wondering," a first-year said.

But Ron’s whole...  from the ceiling.

Rabastan sucked in air through his teeth, "Damn, Mrs. Weasley's got some pipes on her."

Narcissa, having overhead him, sent a glare in his direction.

“—STEALING THE CAR... IT WAS GONE—”

No one said a thing. Even Mrs. Weasley looked shocked at herself.

Mrs. Weasley’s yells... could be seen.

Ron grimaced at the reminder.

“—LETTER FROM.... STRAIGHT BACK HOME.”

"My Merlin." Professor McGonagall looked shaken as well.

A ringing silence...  Ron, but you—”

"Not the time, 'Mia," Fred said, alongside his book-counterpart

“Don’t tell me I... over the summer…

"It's not your fault." Mr. Weasley said, "It was a long time coming, apparently."

But he had... Hufflepuffs first.

"When are we going to find out which house you're in?" Regulus asked Emma.

Emma looked unsure, "Honestly, I'm not sure."

Harry, Ron, and... perfectly friendly again.

"That is so you." Ginny told the girl.

As they neared... now in slings.

"I doubt the wreck injured it that badly," Remus said.

Professor Sprout was... Aunt Petunia faint.

Professor Sprout looked at her nails with pride.

Gilderoy Lockhart...  on my travels…”

"Oh, I don't like him," Barty said, quite loudly, not caring that the current-time Gilderoy Lockhart sat just a few rows back.

“Greenhouse three today... usual cheerful self.

"Everybody was, after listening to him talk for any more than a minute." Ginny muttered.

There was a... hand shot out.

"No, you leave him alone." A growl left James' mouth.

“Harry! I’ve been... Professor Sprout?”

"Of course I mind!"

Judging by Professor... in her face.

Professor Sprout said indignantly, "Oh, ignore me completely then?"

Lockhart sunk down in his chair.

“Harry,” said Lockhart...  Harry said nothing.

Lily nodded her head, she was sharing the exact same feeling as her son.

“When I heard... have kicked myself.”

"What's his fault?" Abraxas asked.

Harry had no... Harry, Harry, Harry.”

"It's his fault that you flew the car to school?" Fleamont's eyes squinted, "Is he the one who cursed the barrier?"

Ron clicked his tongue, "Worse."

It was remarkable... he wasn’t talking.

"Remarkably stupid," Sirius muttered.

"You knew that... a tad sarcastic.

James got up. He moved over to Harry, who was sitting beside Lily at the moment, and he extended a hand, palm out, with his other arm supporting it for a hi-five.

Laughing, Harry indulged him.

Lockhart's eyes widened...  do it again.”

"Is he being Padfoot?" James gaped.

"That isn't as fun, Prongs." pouted Sirius, "I can't joke about my name when you use the nickname."

Peter patted Sirius's shoulder, "That's the point."

“Oh, no, Professor... grasping his shoulder.

"Let him speak!" Lily snapped.

“I understand. Natural... you, haven’t they?

"Oh yeah," Harry said, rolling his eyes, "Just a few."

All that business...  and slid inside.

"I don't like him," Marlene muttered.

"I've never liked him," Mary said quietly.

Professor Sprout was... into the air.

"Do you swallow the textbook before you get to school?" James asked.

"Pretty much." Ron and Harry replied in unison.

“Mandrake, or Mandragora... swallowed the textbook.

"Because she had, no doubt about it," Theodore muttered.

“It is used to...  shot up again.

"Oops," giggled Hermione, "Sorry, Harry."

"Nah, don't worry about it."

“The cry of...  still very young.”

"That's how you give points. Take notes, everyone please." Evadoire said in desperation.

The Professors raised their eyebrows at her, and she shrugged as she said, "You're too stingy, or too biased."

She pointed to... the Mandrake.

"It's... shocking, that's for sure." A Hufflepuff said.

"You're in for a surprise then, young man," smiled Sprout. She loved Mandrakes!

“Everyone take a... pink and fluffy.

Professor Sprout sighed. Who cares what they look like?

“When I tell... Right—earmuffs on.”

"Mandrakes are so much fun." Marlene said.

Harry snapped the... and pulled hard.

All the First and Second Years looked extremely interested, not having done this yet.

Harry let out...  of his lungs.

"Dear Lord, I miss those little things." Ginny said.

Professor Sprout took...  water a begonia.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the Headmaster allowed students to work on adult Mandrakes," Rodolphus whispered to his brother.

“However, they will... to pack up.

"Safety first." Professor Sprout nodded.

“Four to a tray...  over her shoulder.

"Neville does that too, when he teaches." Hermione muttered, just loud enough for the people around him to hear.

Harry, Ron, and... famous Harry Potter…

Harry rolled his eyes so hard, he almost saw his brain.

And you’re... top in everything…”

It was the Malfoys who rolled their eyes in disappointment. On the other side of the Hall Bill nudged Hermione in pride.

(Hermione beamed as... your flying car?”

Molly huffed at the reminder, while Arthur just smiled.

Ron didn’t smile... on his mind.

Molly winced in apology.

“That Lockhart’s something... —zap—just fantastic.

"'Cornered in a telephone booth by a... werewolf?'" Remus repeated, absolutely flabbergasted. That sounded like a complete work of fiction.

“My name was... in the family…”

Remus raised an eyebrow. Half of the books he'd heard of that the 'fully trained wizard' had written, sounded like absolute bullshit... But okay.

After that they... into a pot.

"Would have been very funny to watch if I hadn't been too busy struggling with my own asshole," Ron informed the Hall.

By the end... to Transfiguration.

"Minnie!" The Marauders cheered.

Professor McGonagall’s classes... during the summer.

"I don't blame that fully on the summer break," McGonagall said. "I blame most of it on the Dursleys locking your books away."

He was supposed... avoiding his wand.

Makes sense. Flitwick still seemed furious at how the Durselys had locked his books away. How was he expected to learn.

Ron was having... McGonagall wasn’t pleased.

"Oh dear, Ronald you need a new wand," Molly said, in a tone that implied one of giving information that none had previously.

Harry was relieved...  like a firecracker.

"Or the school would provide one until you had the time to go and get a new one," Dumbledore informed.

"I really should have just asked the school," Ron grumbled. "Or maybe it's a good thing I didn't..." he had said both sentences very quietly.

Hermione was the only one who heard him and that was because she was sitting beside him. She placed a hand on his thigh, "It's a good thing you didn't."

“Oh, yeah, and... got snapped—”

"We would have bought you another one, son," Arthur told him.

Ron shrugged, "It all worked out in the end."

They went down... blushing furiously.

"I had not!" Hermione blushed red, giving away the fact that she had indeed.

"Oh, great, we get to see Lockhart teach. Do you think he's good?" Peter asked.

A mix of 'yes's and 'no's resounded throughout the Hall.

They finished lunch... being closely watched.

Lily groaned, "Who is it now?"

"Don't worry, mum, it's nobody bad."

Looking up, he... went bright red.

"Cute!" Marlene said.

“All right, Harry... the camera hopefully.

"Oh my gosh!!!" Mary squealed, "He seems so cute!" She said repeating Marlene's statement.

“A picture?... the pictures’ll move.”

"He's a muggle-born!" Dorcas said in a high-pitched tone, cooing.

Colin drew a... could you sign it?”

"Did he ever get one?" Ginny asked, whispering.

Harry released a shuttering breath, "I-I never signed it for him... I-I leave it on his grave though."

“Signed photos... photos, Potter?”

And here I come... Draco thought, rather grumpily.

Loud and scathing...  signed photos!”

Narcissa shook her head.

“No, I’m not... up, Malfoy.”

"Not the best come back," James told his son.

"James! Don't encourage this."

"Every good Gryffindor has a Slytherin enemy," Sirius said, shrugging his shoulders.

Severus looked at him in derision.

“You’re just jealous... special, myself.”

"Draco..." Narcissa was fighting to keep her voice low.

"He didn't choose that!" Lily said in exasperation.

Crabbe and Goyle... menacing way.

"Aww," cooed Ginny, "The foreshadowing."

"What?" Molly and Arthur asked in unison.

"It should be coming up, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and all will be explained." 

“Be careful... toe out of line—”

"I'm never sending a Howler." Molly said.

A knot of... whole house—”

Draco cringed at this.

Ron whipped out...  signed photos?”

"No, not him," pleaded James.

Harry started to... again, Harry!”

"Oh, I hate you." Sirius said, loudly. Lockhart glared at him, causing him to glare right back.

Pinned to Lockhart’s...  it for you.”

"Oh, so you've written a few books, so what?" Peter said squeakily.

Colin fumbled for...  clasped to his side.

James made a note to teach his son a Vanishing Spell right off the bat. He'd sneak into Hogwarts if needed.

“A word to the...  a staircase.

"He probably went deaf with due to all the wind that blew up his ass," muttered Lily, not quite quiet enough to do unnoticed by her friends.

"Muggle expression," she explained, trying to rid her friends of the confused looks on their faces.

“Let me just... to be frank.

"Yes," Remus rolled his eyes, "He's the bigheaded one."

There may... quite there yet.”

"Riiiiight." Emma muttered.

They had reached... the real thing.

"Yes," Remus rolled his eyes, "He's the bigheaded one."

The rest of the...  Potter fan club.”

"Ron!" Ginny yelled.

Harry chuckled, pinching her cheeks, "Well, to be fair, you probably would have."

"We would not have! Colin and I have dignity." She cleared her throat, "Had. I mean."

“Shut up... fan club.”

"He would have started a long rant about his own fan club," Theodore said.

When the... on the front.

"Ew. Just ew." Someone said to Lockhart.

“Me,” he said... smiling at her!”

"That is so idiotic." Evadoire said. Lockhart looked at her and scoffed in irritation. He'd been working on her, for years.

He waited for... smiled weakly.

"It's not exactly like they had a choice," Barty muttered.

“I see you’ve... taken in—”

"...Actually not a terrible idea." Professor Slughorn said, nodding.

When he had... achievement to date?

"No..." Slughorn muttered.

On and on it...  ideal gift be?

The Professors gaped, sitting in utterly surprised silence.

"The test was all about him?" Rabastan stuttered.

"He's going to use this class to boost his own ego, not actually teach the students anything!" Professor Slughorn said angrily.

"Three sides of paper? Damn, he can't actually be that interesting," Evadoire said. Avis nodded her head in agreement.

Half an hour...  Old Firewhisky!”

"Did-did he just ask children to buy him alcohol?" Flitwick asked.

He gave them... mentioned her name.

Bill started shaking in silent laughter. When she noticed, Hermione looked at him in indignation and smacked him everywhere she could reach.

Not even slightly perturbed, he burst out laughing, before stopping so Mary could read, with a fond smile on his face.

“…but Miss Hermione... Hermione Granger?”

"You've got to be kidding me," Sirius stared at Hermione who'd stuffed her head into Bill's chest.

Hermione raised a trembling hand.

“Excellent!” beamed... so—to business—”

"He awarded... points... for... that?" McGonagall looked enraged. She whipped her head to where Dumbledore was sitting, and she looked like she was about to scream.

He bent down...  in this room.

"Nah," chided Bill, "That's next year."

A large shiver down Harry's spine, "I don't know, Bill. I was really fearing the possibility of Lockhart being a permanent teacher."

He stuck his tongue out at him.

Know only...  at the cage.

"Always been the largest fan of DADA," said Draco.

Harry smiled, "What can I say? I born for it," he directed a wink towards the time-travelers.

Lockhart placed a...  provoke them.”

"What did he bring to class?" Professor McGonagall said in a deathly tone.

Hermione snorted.

As the whole...  Cornish pixies.”

Regulus raised his eyebrows in absolute shock, "How anti-climactic."

Seamus Finnigan... scream of terror.

"Seamus sounds like our kinda guy." James said.

"Give it a couple of years." Ron said, still not having had forgiven him.

“Yes?” He smiled at...  Seamus choked.

Sprout shivered, "They're trouble makers."

“Don’t be so... they can be!”

"They're annoying, but that's about the extent of it." Remus said.

"Tell Neville that." Hermione said.

Alice turned to her so fast, Hermione was surprised she didn't get whiplash. "What about Neville?"

"Uh... You'll see." Hermione waved for Mary to continue.

The pixies were... opened the cage.

"He can't be austere," gasped McGonagall.

Sirius gasped too, but for an entirely different reason. "You're all using big words just so I can't make puns."

Remus patted his boyfriend on the head as if the boy was an actual dog.

It was pandemonium.

"I would imagine so!" Sprout exclaimed, looking at Dumbledore dumbfoundedly. 

The pixies... him into the air.

Frank rubbed his temple, "Why is it always him?"

Several shot straight ... in the ceiling.

"Salazar! What is wrong with you?" Pandora asked Lockhart, "You let Cornish Pixies loose in a classroom?"

“Come on now... Lockhart shouted.

"You do it!" Evadoire said.

He rolled up his... Pesternomi!”

"That is not a real spell!" Flitwick said.

It had absolutely... gave way.

"Oh dear, was he okay?" Alice asked.

"Yeah, just a bruised hipbone."

Alice glared at young Lockhart.

The bell rang... quickly behind him.

"He left you three to deal with them all on your own!?" Lily practically shouted. James, despite his own anger, rubbed a thumb in a circle on Lily's elbow.

“Can you believe... into their cage.

"Very good charm work, miss Granger," Flitwick couldn't help but congratulate.

“Hands on?” said...  things he’s done—”

"Says he's done," Young Bill said, having been paying attention.

“He says... muttered.

Bill giggled and then hopped off his mother's lap and ran over to his brother. He jumped on his lap and hugged him. "We think the same!"

Ron chuckled, "Yes we do."

Lockhart hesitantly raised the book in the air, his finger keeping track of the page they were on. "Who would like to read next?" He asked.

After Bill had run off again,

Theodore removed one of his hands from Ron's thigh and the book fell open before levitated onto his lap. Theodore shifted both the book and his boyfriend from where he was leaning on him, pulled the blanket they'd brought back with them higher up, and rubbed circles on Ron's thigh with his free hand.

"You sneaky little asswipe," Ron whispered in his ear.

Theodore pecked his cheek, "You love me."

"And you want me horny."

He smiled cheekily, "You've practically been sitting on my lap all day, what did you expect?"

What was even more shocking, was Ron's family's reaction to the whole thing. They did not care about what was going on at all. At the look of worry that Ron shot towards his parents, Lily laughed.

When the boy turned to her in confusion, Lily explained, "Look. I don't know your parents that well, only from my early years at Hogwarts, but from what I know, they were far more racy back in their time. They would be hypocrites if they told you off. Plus, they both know you're adults. They're not going to interrupt... whatever's going on with the two of you."

Notes:

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 10: Mudbloods and Murmurs

Summary:

The Trio! Quidditch! Slugs! Detention! Let's go!!

Notes:

I will finish this book, as quickly as humanly possible, before I take a break, for the third book!

Enjoy!

Theodore's eyes widened as he read the title of the chapter. "Chapter 7: Mudbloods and Murmurs."

Draco groaned, "Not this." and looked down at his feet, remembering, not only how much of an ass he was, but how much his ignorance hurt people. He's apologized for his actions a hundred times over. But he knew, no matter how many times he apologized, it would never be enough.

Lily and the other muggle-borns looked uncomfortable at the use of the slur. Flashbacks from the day Severus and Lily stopped being friends flooded into each of their minds.

Hurt, betrayal, and an indescribable amount of pain flooded Lily as she remembered that day.

Guilt and regret flooded into Severus, when he thought about what had happened that day. He glanced at Lucius, subtle, so that alarm bells didn't ring, as he thought of what he'd had to say that day...

He was lost in his thoughts as Theodore started reading.

Harry spent a... he said it.

"He seems like such a sweet kid," Mary cooed.

"He was," Harry smiled sadly.

Mary, who was buzzing with happiness failed to hear the tense in which Colin was talked about, but Dorcas heard it. And it made her wonder what had happened to him.

Hedwig was still... it had struck.

Molly shook her head. Her son really should have just owled home and asked for a new one. Or borrowed one from a teacher for Godric's sake!

So with one... Gryffindor Quidditch team.

"My god, he really is like James." Marlene muttered, "It's the second day of school."

James glared at her, in mock offense.

“Whassamatter?”.. . “Come on!”

"Yes!" James exclaimed, "Time for Quidditch!"

Harry squinted at... the  crack of dawn.”

Marlene raised her eyebrows at James, and he completely ignored her.

“Exactly,” said Wood... mark this year—”

Sirius cringed back, "Damn, Prongsie isn't even that bad."

"Yeah," agreed Regulus, the captain of his own team, "Nobody will be able to focus."

Yawning and shivering...  in his hand.

Mary loved this child.

“I heard someone...  dragged into view.

James pursed his lips, mad that Lockhart couldn't keep his hands off of his son. If future Lockhart wasn't careful, he'd be erased from history.

As Harry watched... —Quidditch practice—”

"He was very persistent." Harry said.

He climbed through...  hole after him.

Harry put his hands to his forehead, "I still remember that headache."

Ginny, Ron, and Hermione chuckled.

“It’ll be really... weren’t you, Harry?

"Yes, he was," James said with pride.

Weren’t you... one there is?”

"Yes it is." James said excitedly.

"Not anymore." Harry said to his dad.

"There's one that's better?!"

Harry didn’t know...  the Gryffindor Beaters.”

"You're so sweet," Marlene silently applauded the boy, "I think I'd have snapped if I were you."

"I would have snapped his neck," Bellatrix said. "After he asked for the first photo," she clarified.

“And what are... mouthed at Harry.

Mary 'awe'ed.

“Well, the Quaffle... That’s it, really.”

"It really isn't that complicated," the Ravenclaw captain said.

"But it is dangerous," Alice replied, her friends nodded in agreement.

James tsked his tongue, "We are getting you on a broom, Lils."

Lily shook her head feverishly, "No, no, no. We are not doing that."

"Trust me, Lily-flower. Nothing in this world is better than riding a broom high in the sky, the wind at your back."

I can think of something more fun to ride. She thought, then she pinched herself, annoyed at the way she was thinking.

But Colin didn’t... to the stands.

"I feel bad for how long that poor kid sat in the stands," Ron whispered to Harry.

"In all honesty, I doubt he even noticed how long it took for us to come out of the locker room."

The rest of... side opposite them.

"See? They're all exhausted Ollie!" Hermione said.

"You call him Ollie?" Bill said, with no real heat to his tone. Then, he said mockingly, "Merlin, you do love the Quidditch players!"

Hermione shoved him so hard, he fell into Ginny.

“There you are... all the difference…”

"Okay, Oliver Wood goes hard as a captain," Avis said to Evadiore, "It's kind of sexy."

"He'd be the sweet boyfriend that always talked about Quidditch."

"It's cute that he has things he's passionate about."

Wood was holding...  on and on.

"Damn," cursed Sirius, "If James did that I'd walk right out of the locker room."

"And I'd be forced to kick you off the team," James smirked, head tilted back against the couch.

"My Prongs! You wouldn't dare!"

"Who knows, maybe you should give it a try at the next meeting," He gave a playful wink.

“So,” said Wood...  we were awake?”

"Very fair point," Barty said.

Wood wasn’t pleased.

"No. He likely was not." Marlene said gravely.

“Now, listen here... in his seat.

"He's making you feel bad!" Lily narrowed her eyes at the book in Theodore's hand.

"Wood's always put Quidditch before anything else. I doubt he realized he was weaseling into Harry's mind," Ron informed.

He had been... three hundred years.

James' face scrunched up, "But that wasn't your fault. The Dark Lord would have gotten the Stone."

"Dumbledore charmed the Mirror, therefore the Dark Lord would not have been able to steal the Stone," Lucius added, rather unhelpfully.

"He's Voldemort!" shouted Sirius, "He would have figured out a way to get the Stone anyway!"

Wood took a... torturing him.

James looked like he understood that. He hated losing matches.

“So this year... ever before…

Severus whispered to Reggie, "Is it possible for them to work harder than they did last year?"

Okay, let’s go... his team followed.

"They're not going to be playing that well, that'll frustrate him, causing him to yell, causing them to play worse, causing them to-" Marlene said.

Mary interrupted, "Vicious circle. We get it."

They had been...  Ron incredulously.

"Finished?" Regulus asked, "They haven't even started yet."

“Haven’t even started...  Wood’s long talk.

"Always does." James said.

It felt wonderful... Fred and George.

"Always does." Regulus whispered.

"We are definitely playing a match with you," James said. "We'll play during the night if we can't take an hour or so to play in between chapters."

"We'll see," Harry replied. He's always wanted to play him, he'd had dreams about it all of his life and now the possibility was right in front of him.

“What’s that funny...  possible from Colin.

A few in the Hall snickered.

“What’s going on... new training program.”

"I can't even imagine Colin in Slytherin," Ginny said to the time-travelers.

Draco scoffed, "He wouldn't have lasted very long. With all of his fan behavior."

“He’s in Gryffindor...  said George, pointing.

Remus and Lily sighed. Narcissa opened her mouth and sighed as well.

"You all should have put two and two together," Draco spoke with his hands, "The title and all. Just saying."

Several people in...  see about this!”

"Won't really help, but okay." Blaise said.

Wood shot toward...  of us, Wood.”

"Can you believe they're married?" Fred asked.

"What?" The Hall chorused.

"Yeah, I mean after Marcus got over his entire blood mania bullshit, they were obsessed with each other." Hermione said.

"I have heard Ollie talk about how hot Marcus is when they're playing against each other far too often." George muttered.

Angelina, Alicia, and Katie...  their new Seeker.”

"That's not how it works," James snapped, spittle flying from his mouth.

It was Lily's turn to place her hand on his thigh. James tensed for so long that Lily debated removing her hand, but just when she went to lift it, his fingers curled around her hand.

"Marcus had faked it," Harry clarified. "And Oliver would have noticed it too if he wasn't too busy worrying."

“You’ve got a... “Where?”

"You're on the team?" Narcissa asked. She was actually happy that her son was on the team, she hoped that it was because he actually wanted to play and not just attempt to show Harry up. She'd always enjoyed the sport too. She was Seeker and Captain, before Regulus had taken her spot after she finished school.

Draco scratched the back of his head.

And from behind... the Slytherin team.”

"Tell me you didn't." Narcissa said.

All seven of... early morning sun.

"A Two Thousand and One?" Sirius's jaw was open. 

"You bought your way on the team?" Narcissa couldn't believe it.

"You bought your way on the team," Lily repeated, only hers wasn't a question.

“Very latest model... board with them.”

"The broom doesn't make the player." James said matter-of-factly.

None of the... was going on.

"This is where it happens!" Emma said excitedly, not having been there, to see what'd happened.

“What’s happening... bought our team.”

Narcissa looked so done with the world.

Ron gaped, open...  bid for them.”

"That was a good one," Rabastan whispered to Barty and Regulus.

The Slytherin team...  on pure talent.”

James nodded. Good job.

The smug look...  Mudblood,” he spat.

Theodore had said the sentence with the exact tone that Draco had said it in the past, only his didn't have an underlying tone of hatred.

Almost everyone in the Hall -save for a lot of the Slytherins- gasped. James tightened his hold on Lily's hand, Remus and Sirius sat dumbfounded. Lucius looked rather proud.

"He's apologized for it and I've forgiven him," Hermione said.

"No amount of apologizing could make it okay," Severus said from experience.

Hermione shrugged, "I guess it depends on who used the term."

Harry knew at... at Malfoy’s face.

"Do not use that wand." Professor Flitwick said, "You have no idea what the impact could be."

A loud bang... onto the grass.

Remus' brows furrowed, "Wandless magic? As a 12-year-old? Nice."

“Ron! Ron! Are...  onto his lap.

"Were you alright, dear?" Molly asked.

"In that particular moment? No. I was disgusted."

The Slytherin team... to touch him.

"Get him out of there." Moody said calmly.

“We’d better... by the arms.

"Best thing you could have done." Madame Pomfrey said.

“What happened, Harry...  him still, Harry?”

"Less cute," admitted Mary.

“Get out of...  came striding out.

"Ugh," groaned Remus, "Is he everywhere?"

“Quick, behind here...  away toward the castle.

"No one wants you to give them a signed book. No one wants you to give them your book." Bellatrix said slowly, as if she was telling a child, only she said in her harshest voice.

Harry waited until...  who it was.

"Anyone would be annoyed after that." Sirius said sympathetically.

“Bin wonderin’ when...  Ron into a chair.

"You went to the right person." Madam Pomfrey nodded.

“Better out than...  a broken wand—”

Hermione patted Ron on the chest, "And you did it without speaking. Very proud of you."

Hagrid was bustling...  Fang’s ears.

Kingsley's brows furrowed. True. Why was he there?

“Givin’ me advice... I’ll eat my kettle.”

"Woah," stammered Barty, "Hagrid's talking bad about a teacher?"

It was most... for the job—”

"Or he was the only one," muttered Marlene, arms crossed.

“He was the... think it’s jinxed.

"Is it?" Rodolphus asked. For some disturbing reason, he found himself very interested in a cursed job. Bellatrix poked him with the tip of her wand as if she knew what he was thinking.

"Yeah, it is," Harry said, deciding that some things would be fine to share.

But he hadn't expected the noise in the Hall to jump from quite whispers to loud shouts, everyone seeming to believe that, since Harry answered one question, he would now answer them all. 

"OKAY! I won't be answering anymore, so stop asking!!" He shouted, then just for the amusement of the people near him, he muttered, "Please, for my sanity." 

No one’s lasted...  everyone went wild.”

"It is," Alice whispered.

“It was bad,” said...  Hagrid looked outraged.

Arthur's hand had gone pale by how Molly was gripping it.

“He didn’!” he...  rude, of course—”

"It's not only rude, but it's derogatory." James said.

“It’s about the... right way up.”

Alice defended, "Hey!"

Hermione laughed, "Don't worry. Neville would've said something like-" Uncannily, she started imitating the youngest Longbottom as she got up and bowed, "-Pleased to be an example."

The time-travellers all burst out laughing, as they all applauded the girl.

“An’ they haven’t... shade of magenta.

The girl just smiled, not bashful about it anymore, as the travellers whooped.

“It’s a disgusting... of sight again.

Lily threw her hands up, "Finally! Someone's being smart."

“Well, I don’... in trouble.”

Narcissa was silently wishing that the spell had hit her son, just so he'd learn a lesson for once.

Harry would have... his jaws together.

"Oops," chuckled Hagrid.

“Harry,” said Hagrid... got one?”

"You too, Hagrid?" Lily asked.

Furious, Harry wrenched...  Hagrid was laughing.

"Oh, that was very Slytherin of you, Hagrid," Barty snickered, "I like you."

“I’m only jokin’... into the table.

A few in the Hall laughed.

Hagrid blushed and glanced at his large hand, "Some'imes I forget me own strength."

“I knew yeh... him without tryin’.”

"Bet he didn't like that." Lily grumbled.

“Bet he... Harry,

Lily smiled at Harry, in happiness. People had very often said. 'like father, like son' throughout the reading, but hey! Apparently he was similar to her too.

sitting up and... as Ron reappeared.

"I don't think he should risk it," Bill said, "But I wouldn't mind a piece? Never had it before."

Hagrid looked up at the windows that rested high up on one of the Great Hall's walls, "I'll 'ring you one 'morrow."

Bill smiled at him.

“No thanks,” said Ron... enough by then.”

Ginny looked at her feet. Harry reached around James and placed her hand on her back.

“What’ve you been... —a bit o’ help—”

McGonagall gasped, "Hagrid!"

Dumbledore looked absolutely elated. 

Harry noticed Hagrid’s... subject was changed.

Fred snickered, as George said, "You were never very subtle."

“An Engorgement Charm... job on them.”

"She's like... Lily's twin," Dorcas whispered to Marlene and Mary.

“That’s what yer... winked at Harry.

Ginny scoffed. "If only that was all that I had actually found."

Everybody looked at her in confusion, but Theodore quickly moved on, and continued reading.

“If yeh ask...  with slugs.

Sirius laughed.

“Watch it!” Hagrid...  very small slugs.

Regulus nodded, "Better. It'll stop soon."

They had barely... this evening.”

"What're they doing?" James asked.

“What’re we doing... —elbow grease.”

James and Sirius suppressed the urge to shiver. "I hate that punishment," James said.

"That's why it's a punishment, Mr. Potter."

Ron gulped. Argus...  said Professor McGonagall.

"Nooooo!" The Marauders and the twins said together.

Lockhart, however looked slightly interested, "I get fan mail?"

“Oh no—Professor... Harry desperately.

"You should've been able to tell by Harry's want to clean the trophy room that Lockhart was horrible," Remus said, McGonagall nodded her head, not understanding how her future self would have missed this.

“Certainly not,” said...  sort of expression.

"Very Lily-like," Mary agreed.

Harry didn’t enjoy... worse deal.

"You definitely got the worse deal." Ron said to his best friend.

“Filch’ll have me... at Muggle cleaning.”

"It's not that hard..." Harry said.

“I’d swap anytime... with the Dursleys.

Lily shook her head at that.

Answering Lockhart’s... teeth and knocked.

James gritted his teeth too.

The door flew...  in, Harry, come in—”

"Punch him, punch him, punch him!" The Gryffindors cheered.

Shining brightly on...  huge treat.

"It probably was to him," Ginny said.

“This first one’s... fan of mine—”

Remus raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

The minutes snailed... remember that.”

"Fame looks to be the only friend he has," Avis muttered.

The candles burned... Veronica Smethley’s address.

Harry flexed his scarred hand. Over the years, the scar left by Umbridge's blood quill had faded quite a lot, but if one looked close enough they could spot it like a red sock in a sea of black.

It must be nearly... ice cold venom.

Lily whimpered, "No normal school year this year either?"

“Come… come to me... kill you…”

"Uh," stammered Sirius, "What the fuck is that?"

"Mr. Black." McGonagall said.

"Rip you, tear you? That sounds very inappropriate," Barty said to Rabastan.

"It also mentions murder."

Barty shrugged, "I pick and choose, dear Basty."

"Never call me that again."

Harry gave a... Broke all records!”

"Can he not hear the voice?" Xeniphillious questioned.

“No,” said Harry...  you hear it?”

"Stop talking." Severus muttered.

Lockhart was looking...  flown, hasn’t it?”

"Four hours?" Peter gaped. He never even did homework for two hours straight.

Harry didn’t answer... dazed, Harry left.

"Because spending four hours with the great Gilderoy Lockhart is a treat," Frank rolled his eyes.

It was so late... darkened room.

"Yeah. Cleaning the trophy room is a different kind of pain." Sirius said, much to the horror of his mother.

“My muscles have... the slime off…

"Oh, I think that's worse than we ever had it." James said.

"Nah. Filch has a special kind of hate for us." George said.

Fred nodded in agreement, "That's practically nothing, compared to what he had us do."

How was it...  he had heard.

"Thanks for making me wait until morning." Hermione said.

Harry replied, "You expect me to have walked into the girl's dormitory in the middle of the night in second year?"

"That never stopped you after Fifth Year."

"We figured it out in Fifth Year." Ron joined in.

"It's not that difficult to get around the very sexist spellwork," Peter said without thinking, "The stairs only turn into a slide if you step on them. And it's not a very slippery slide."

"Mr. Pettigrew, do you have something to share?"

The rat's eyes widened as if he'd finally realized what he'd just shared. "No," he blushed, "I think I'm fine."

Sirius grinned and slapped his friend on the back, "Good for you Wormtail!"

“And Lockhart said...  get it either.”

"And neither do we!" Regulus exclaimed.

Theodore marked the page and then set the book on the table."I think this will be the last chapter for the night," said Headmaster Dumbledore.

"We'll recommence tomorrow morning, folks. Students, dinner will be served in your respective common rooms, please be mindful of any messes."

The Hall started to clear out, students talking animatedly to their friends, a couple of them yawning, tired of another day full of sitting.

Notes:

I am genuinely struggling, because I don't know if this is enjoyable, or if it's going in the right direction... But I know that if I stop, I won't be able to keep going, so I will be finishing this book and taking time for the next one... I hope all of you understand!

Please tell me what you think!!

Chapter 11: The Deathday Party

Summary:

The plot thickens~

Notes:

Yeah, I refuse to stop.

Enjoy!

The next morning, students wandered into the Great Hall, grabbed a quick breakfast off of a table set against the back wall, and then took their seats. Only a handful still wore their Hogwarts robes, most had come to the decision that the reading didn't technically count towards their school and henceforth, there was no need to wear robes.

By the end of the reading, none of the students would be wearing their school robes. Hell, by then, some had even decided to throw it all to the wind and come down in their pajamas.

The time-travelers drifted into the Hall at different intervals, as did the Marauders, Peter happening to come in last followed closely by Mary.

"So, who would like to start reading first?" Dumbledore asked.

Peter raised a hand. The book floated open to him and landed on his thighs with a harsh thud.

Peter let out a quiet yelp and turned the book to the appropriate page, he gasped when he read the title.

"No way! You've been to one!?"

"I've done a lot of things, Pettigrew, I will need a little bit more information to know what you're talking about."

"Chapter 8: The Deathday Party," he turned the book around, showing the title to Harry, "You've been to a deathday party!?"

Harry resisted the urge to barf at the memory of the gross stenches, "Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it."

October arrived, spreading... worked instantly,

"Of course it did," Madam Pomfrey said rather smug.

though it left...  was on fire.

"Wow," scoffed Ginny, "Thanks."

"You are very welcome, love."

Raindrops the... splattered with mud.

"You better be careful there," Rabastan warned. "If Filch catches you he'll be on your ass about it."

Even aside from... air like missiles.

The Quidditch players sighed dreamily.

As Harry squelched... half an inch, if that…”

"He's still on about that?" Sirius whispered, afraid that the ghost would hear him up in the rafters.

“Hello, Nick,” said...  torrential rain outside.

"The ghosts always freak me out..." A Second Year said.

"They're actually harmless. Some of them are even rather sweet." Marlene said.

“You look troubled...  said Harry.

"Nick prefers it when you're blunt with him," Harry said, in explanation.

“Ah,” Nearly... I ‘don’t fulfill requirements.’”

"He says it's of no importance and then goes on about it," Avis rolled her eyes.

In spite of... his face.

"Surprise, surprise." Avis muttered.

“But you would...  supposed to agree.

"I said no once," Peter spoke, pausing the reading. "I thought I was about to lose my head."

Would've been better, thought Ron.

“I mean, nobody... Patrick Delaney-Podmore.’”

"How... upsetting?" A First Year Gryffindor who hadn't heard Nick ramble on about it said, confused.

Fuming, Nearly Headless...  Decapitated Podmore.”

The Gryffindors who had heard this multiple times over their years at Hogwarts burst out laughing.

Nearly Headless Nick...  near his ankles.

"Go! Run! It's the cursed cat!"

He looked... battle against students.

"I hate that cat. Ruined so many of my masterplans." Sirius said, in mild annoyance.

“You’d better... all over the place—”

"He's so kind," Pandora said dreamily, "Not as kind as Helena, of course."

“Right,” said Harry... unusually purple.

"Ew," cringed Barty, "Now he's actually carrying around a disease."

In this time period, during this particular moment, Filch was in his office reading another brochure on how to get magic, despite all the times it failed in the past. He had no interest in joining the reading, and he was one of the few people Harry had deemed unimportant to force into the room, especially since he knew they'd been talking bad about him a lot.

“Filth!” he shouted... Follow me, Potter!”

"Oh, dear. He's going to go on about punishments now." James muttered.

So Harry waved a... most students avoided.

"For good reason." The twins said in unison, "The horrors we've seen."

The room was... had ever punished.

"He has files?" Lily asked.

Fred and George... drawer to themselves.

James and Sirius looked in awe, "Legend."

A highly... from the ceiling.

"He has never done that," Dumbledore rushed to reassure parents.

Filch grabbed a...  the form… yes…”

People who hadn't seen Filch in such a rage, were all extremely shocked.

He retrieved a...  Harry Potter. Crime…”

"Crime?" Remus asked in disbelief.

“It was only... shouted Filch,

"Honestly? I'd be peeved too." Molly said fairly.

"Peeved and 'being Filch' are two very different things." Harry said, exasperated with the man as the reading moved on.

a drip shivering... suggested sentence…”

"Sentence? Isn't that rather dramatic?" A Ravenclaw said.

Dabbing at his... the oil lamp rattle.

"Peeves!" The Marauders said in excitement.

“PEEVES!” Filch roared... I’ll have you!”

"Absolute godsend, sometimes, I'll tell you," praised Sirius, bowing his head as if he were praying.

And without a... much like Peeves,

"Harry!" James said.

As Harry shrugged, James shook his head in what seemed to be disappointment, as he said, "Poor guy's so misunderstood."

but couldn’t help... Filch from Harry.

"Probably did." Barty said.

Thinking that he... next to the desk.

"No," James shook his head, "You should have booked it out of there."

"I didn't want a worse punishment."

"Harry, I promise Filch would have forgotten about you. He probably forgot about you the moment he left the room," Peter said.

Harry shrugged his shoulders, Peter was, after all, correct. And he hated it.

There was...  Beginners’ Magic.

Everyone sat up in shock. No way. Most people had heard of Kwikspell before.

"You shouldn't be going through his stuff, Mr. Potter," scolded McGonagall, knowing very well what was within that envelope.

Intrigued, Harry flicked... There is an answer!

No way.

Kwikspell is an... the Kwikspell method!

No way.

Madam Z... Kwikspell!”

"He's a squib?" Someone whispered to the person beside them.

"No way!" Sirius laughed. "I can't believe it."

"That explains why he's so grumpy," Regulus said, he turned to Dumbledore, "Why in the name of Salazar would you hire a Squib? Anyone could see the fact that they'd be jealous."

Dumbledore did not respond, for he hadn't realized exactly that when he'd hired Filch. He just needed a groundskeeper and had hired the first one who applied.

Fascinated, Harry... to Mrs. Norris.

Draco paled.

“We’ll have Peeves...  where it had started.

"No, my dear son, we need to teach you how to sneak," stressed James.

"I look forward to you trying. I have and he sucks." Hermione said.

"He's too loud." Ron explained sadly.

Filch’s pasty face... lied quickly.

"And we need to teach you how to lie," he continued.

"We do not need to do that," Lily snapped.

Harry shrugged, "I get better at it."

Ron put a hand to his mouth and loudly whispered, "He means he's learned how to avoid the question in the first place."

A copy of the Daily Prophet slammed against the back of his head.

"I thought I'd gotten rid of all of those!"

Filch’s knobbly hands... it may—however—”

Some people in the Hall genuinely started feeling bad for the man.

Harry was staring... report—go—”

Sirius grasped his chest, "Holy shiz! He let you go!"

Amazed at his... school record.

"I would definitely say so," a Slytherin student said.

“Harry! Harry!... might distract him—”

"Thanks Nick!" James shouted towards the rafters.

"Gotta protect my own!" Nick replied.

“Was that you?” said Harry... Harry said.

"Aww. That's sweet." Nick said.

Harry just smiled at him.

Nearly Headless Nick... an icy shower.

Many shivered sympathetically.

Nearly Headless Nick just smiled fondly, "When I was alive, we just called them showers."

“But there is... you wouldn’t want—”

"I didn't mind that you asked." Harry said quietly, not wanting to interrupt too much, but failing miserably.

“What is it... looking dignified.

"...Congratulations?" A First Year said cautiously.

Nick reared up in happiness as he said, "Thank you!"

“Oh,” said Harry... Harry on tenterhooks.

"Oh... In between a rock and a hard place..." Lily said sympathetically. At the looks of confusion she was getting, she explained quickly, "It's a Muggle phrase."

“No,” said..., “I’ll come—”

Peter looked slightly disheartened, "But... the feast."

"Well, sure, but sometimes, people are more important than food." Harry snapped. He was going to say more, but cut himself off when he felt Blaise's hand on his thigh.

James just looked at him in confusion. Why did his son not like Wormtail?

“My dear boy... it’ll be fascinating!”

"Oh yeah, it was fascinatingly boring," Ron whispered.

Hermione shot him a look, "That doesn't really make too much sense."

He sighed, "This is what I get for being best friends with the smartest witch of our age."

“Why would anyone... depressing to me…”

Nick smiled, "Well, my dear boy, when you're dead there really isn't much to celebrate, so you take all that you can get."

Rain was still... a knot of curious people.

Xenophilius' brows furrowed.

Harry was at the... round the room.

Xenophilius looked mildly offended at that. When Emma looked at the man, she was shocked to see how much Luna looked like him.

The sight of... for the entertainment.

"I believe we should have a troupe of dancing skeletons," announced Sirius.

"Yeah!" a 5th muggle-born shouted out, "Let's start a petition!"

Sirius stuttered, "Sure! Whatever the muggle-born said!"

Dumbledore chuckled slightly, "There is no need for a petition, I will look into the dancing skeletons."

“A promise is a... the deathday party.”

"I mean- Was I wrong?" Hermione said, in the same tone she'd used back then.

So at seven... an enormous blackboard.

"Sounds like a hell of a party." Sirius said to Nick.

Nick smiled at the boy.

“Is that supposed... bowed them inside.

Peter was very excited to read about a deathday party. He never even got invited to living witches' and wizards' parties, so a dead person's party intrigued him greatly.

It was an... into a freezer.

"Woah..." came from Peter's mouth. Many of the others within the Hall had the same reaction.

“Shall we have... of the dance floor.

"Yeah, that wouldn't help to warm your feet," said Rabastan.

They passed a... the other ghosts.

"What a great group!" Evadoire said in mock-cheer.

“Oh, no,” said... Moaning Myrtle—”

"Who?" Some of the First and Second Year boys asked.

“Who?” said... said Hermione.

"She haunts a toilet?" A boy from the Hufflepuff table asked.

James nodded, "Well, yeah, but she tends to flit around. She's in the Prefects' Bathroom a lot. Stares at people when they're there."

No need to expose me, Jamie. Myrtle, who was listening from the rafters, away from the other ghosts due to her crying, thought.

Lily looked up and narrowed her eyes at the ghost.

“She haunts a... said Ron.

The time-travelers laughed. "Always been great at getting out of uncomfortable conversations," Harry said at the same time Draco muttered: "You've always had a one-track mind."

Both young adults received glares.

On the other... October, 1492.

Peter's brows furrowed as he read, "That doesn't sound very appetizing..."

Harry watched... he drifted away.

"It must be sad though, not being able to taste food," Pandora said thoughtfully.

“I expect they’ve... putrid haggis.

"This doesn't seem as cool as it sounded," Peter said. James nodded his head, strongly agreeing.

“Can we... said Ron.

"I haven't even seen it, and so do I." Marlene said.

They had barely... said Harry cautiously.

"Probably for the best." Remus nodded.

Unlike the ghosts... covered in fungus.

"Fungus?" Bill asked his father. After Arthur had explained it, he shriveled his nose up, "Ew."

“No thanks,” said... bellowed, “OY! MYRTLE!”

"Uh-oh." A lot of the girls in the Hall chorused.

“Oh, no, Peeves... —er, hello, Myrtle.”

"Face the music, Mia." Bill said.

Hermione stuck her tongue out at him, blushing when he raised an eyebrow.

The squat ghost of a girl had glided over. She had the ... said Hermione in a very convincing voice. You would not be able to tell that she was faking the bright note to her tone, if you hadn't been a part of the conversation five minutes ago. Harry just watched on in wonderment.

"Oh, I'm an excellent liar. It is a skill I've perfected over the years." Hermione said proudly.

“It’s nice to...  glaring at Peeves.

"I'm not even joking, your voice did not shake, you didn't look even slightly perturbed that you were lying your ass off, and you sounded like you actually liked Myrtle... I was in awe." Ron said dramatically.

Myrtle eyed Hermione... in the ribs.

"That's where things started going downhill. Neither of you could lie very well." Hermione muttered.

Both Lily and Molly said together, "Better off for that," As Hermione chuckled nervously.

“Oh, yeah—”..., moping Myrtle!”

Peeves floated over to where Mrytle sat, ghostly feet dangling over the edge of the wooden beam. "You're not fat," he said.

"But I'm ugly?"

Peeves smirked, "Can't tell lies, ghostly honor." Then he blew spit at her and flew away.

“You’ve forgotten pimply... “Pimply! Pimply!”

"Dick." Myrtle said to him.

“Oh, dear,” said... they lied.

A few students chuckled.

“Not a bad... Headless Nick bitterly.

"What's going on?" Rabastan asked.

Through the... headless horseman.

Peter's excitement spark once more.

The assembly clapped... of Nick’s face.

Harry saw the exact same look on Nick's face right now, and he stifled a snort.

The horses galloped... hanging in there?”

"Now that's just rubbing salt into my wound." Nick said indignantly, nodding to Lily, who'd taught him the phrase.

Bellatrix crackled outright. Why should she care for the Gryffindor Ghost's feelings?

He gave a hearty... said Nick stiffly.

"At least you were polite." Young Bill comforted.

“Live ’uns!... frightening and—er—”

"Come on Harry! Put your heart into it!" James said.

“Ha!” yelled Sir... turning to watch.

"Oh, that's bad luck," Remus said sympathetically.

"Couldn't you just... not send them an invite?" Sirius asked, looking very serious.

Nick sighed, "They are highly looked upon. If it got our that I never sent them an invitation, I would be shamed."

"That's horrible," Lily said. Nick grimaced while he shrugged his shoulders.

Nearly Headless Nick...  the dance floor.

"You need to leave before you fall ill." Madame Pomfrey said. It was very common, when children spent too much time with far too many ghosts, not used to the chilling temperatures due to which time seemed to go by much faster.

“Let’s go,” Harry... the entrance hall.

"Halloween's pudding is always so festive," Evadoire said. Suddenly a bowl of orange pudding appeared on the small table before her. "Hah!"

A second spoon appeared. Evadoire handed it to Avis and both of them dug in as Peter continued to read.

And then... “…rip… tear… kill…”

"Not again?" Lily whispered the question.

It was the... Lockhart’s office.

"Can the others hear it?" Remus asked curiously.

He stumbled... “…kill… time to kill…”

"It's not going to kill, is it?" Gilderoy whimpered.

The voice was... didn’t matter?

"Excitement?" Draco asked, disbelief in his voice.

"He's hungry for mystery," Rodolphus replied.

Lily looked exasperated. Of course he ran at the danger and not away.

“This way,” he shouted … I SMELL BLOOD!”

"No..." Lily's words trailed off.

His stomach... going to kill someone!”

James felt as if he were about to throw up.

he shouted, and...
“Look!”

"What?!" Half the Hall screamed.

Something was shining on the wall ahead.

"I bet I know what it is," Barty whispered to Rabastan.

"I think I do too."

They approached... THE HAIR, BEWARE.

"The Chamber of Secrets?" a Hufflepuff asked. "Isn't that a myth? Please say it's a myth."

"It's not a myth," Ginny said.

“What’s that thing—... wide and staring.

"Looks like someone finally snapped," Barty grinned evily.

Rabastan snickered, "That is so not appropriate."

For a few... out of here.”

"You don't want to be found there," Moody said from his corner. Those around him jumped in their seats.

“Shouldn’t we... began awkwardly.

"Not the time to be a hero, hun." Mary muttered.

“Trust me,”... want to be found here.”

"No you do not," James ducked his chin."

But it was too late.

Remus groaned. "Of course it was."

A rumble, as... from both ends.

"This is so not good!" Regulus mumbled from where he was sitting.

The chatter, the... Mudbloods!”

"I wonder who said that," Avis called from her seat with a roll of her eyes.

It was Draco... immobile cat.

"That's not creepy at all," Narcissa sighed.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Malfoy." Blaise said.

Theo continued, "Draco was pissing his pants later that night, couldn't shut up about it."

Notes:

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 12: The Writing On The Wall

Summary:

The Petrification!

Notes:

I know I'm late, but an update is an update!

Enjoy!

Draco glared at his best friends before the book flew over to him and fell onto his lap. "Chapter 9: The Writing on the Wall."

“What’s going...  he shrieked.

"Your cat has been murdered," Avis twirled a hand as if it were obvious.

And his... on Harry.

"So," began James. "Not only does Snape hate my son, but so does Filch? I mean, he hates everyone, but why must my Harry always get the blame?"

"I've been asking that question all my life, dad."

"Probably the eyes. They can see Prongs' mischief swimming in them," joked Sirius.

“You!” he screeched... I’ll kill you! I’ll—”

"He better not!" shouted Lily. Marlene, Mary, and Alice shouted their agreements.

"Does he get fired after this?" Andromeda asked.

"Why would he get fired?" a particularly evil Slytherin asked the mother who disgusted him greatly.

"Because he just threatened to kill a student!"

“Argus!”

Dumbledore... of other teachers.

"Dumbledore, thank Godric," sighed Dorcas. She hoped that he would be able to subdue the angered Filch.

In seconds...  Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger.”

"They better not get into any trouble," grumbled James, his words muffled by Lily's hair.

Lockhart stepped forward eagerly... Gilderoy,” said Dumbledore.

"Well- That was helpful." Evadoire said grudgingly, not noticing how Lockhart's face brightened at her words.

The silent crowd... McGonagall and Snape.

"Not you." James said unhappily.

Severus just sighed.

As they entered... hair in rollers.

"Even the pictures care about their appearance?" Rabastan asked in disbelief.

"Please don't tell me you are surprised," Regulus replied. Rabastan shrugged his shoulders.

The real Lockhart... of candlelight, watching.

"Do not say a thing!" Sirius warned, as if that would actually make a difference.

The tip of... Harry couldn't decipher.

Lily shook her head in confusion.

And Lockhart... making suggestions.

"Useless suggestions, I assume," Mary said.

“It was definitely... have saved her…”

"I want to strangle him," Sirius muttered to James.

"Let's not do that, Siri. We would hate for you to end up in Azkaban."

Sirius huffed, "You don't think I'd survive long in there?"

"I'm not challenging you, Sirius. I'm just saying that that would not be the best path to go down."

"I don't see Sirius in Azkaban, he's too much of a puppy to end up there," teased Remus. Sirius stuck his tongue from his mouth and licked his boyfriend's cheek.

"Woof," he said once he'd pulled back.

Lockhart’s comments were... sorry for him,

Alice had to agree, that would be a horrible way to lose a pet, even one as horrid as Mrs. Norris.

though not... for sure.

Draco snorted.

Dumbledore was... up at once…”

"He couldn't make it one conversation without mentioning the fact that he's written a book," sighed Bill, annoyed.

"Amulets?" Flitwick said skeptically,

The photographs of... Argus,” he said softly.

"She isn't?" Avis gaped, slightly disappointed. Sometimes she wondered how she was in Ravenclaw.

Lockhart stopped abruptly... he had prevented.

"Thank god." Lily said, rolling her eyes.

“Not dead?” choked... stiff and frozen?”

A bulb went off in Severus' head, "She's been petrified!" He said excitedly, knowing he was right.

“She has... said Dumbledore

Everyone turned to the Slytherin in confusion. How had he figured it out?

(“Ah! I... Lockhart).

"I want to hit him," Lily growled, clenching a fist.

"This is nothing compared to the future," Harry told his mother, referring to the end of his second year and well, his entire life.

Lily deflated.

“But how... the most advanced—”

"Well keep quiet on his obsession with the Dark Magic then," said Hermione in a hushed voice. Lily and James went wide-eyed.

“He did it... Squib!” he finished.

"So?"

“I never touched... a Squib is.”

Who'd have taught him? Severus thought to himself, knowing that feeling of disfunction. It was the entire reason he and many other students buried themselves in books. For knowledge.

“Rubbish!” snarled Filch...  him any good.

The Marauders growled as if they believed the same thing.

“Potter and his... the wrong time,”

"Well," Sirus' jaw dropped, "That was unexpected."

he said... he doubted it.

Sirius nodded, "Still... Helpful."

“But we do... the Halloween feast?”

"Hah! They've got witnesses this time!" a muggle-born shouted in glee, she desperately wanted to be a lawyer, despite the fact that she had magic.

Harry, Ron and... to that corridor?”

"Please mention the voice," Pandora said at the same time Lily muttered, "Don't mention the voice."

Ron and Hermione...  to bed,” he said.

"Good," Lily said proudly.

"That isn't good!" argued Pandora calmly, "They were going to go to bed hungry? Why didn't you just tell the truth?"

"I didn't think hearing voices was normal for even a wizard," explained Harry.

“Without any supper... at their parties.”

"He spots the lie," said Ted.

"I bet we all did," added McGonagall.

"Oh, they had...  something else.

Lily had always liked her ex-friend's smile, but she was started to dislike it.

“I suggest, Headmaster... the whole story. 

"What!?" exclaimed James, anger seeping into his bones.

"You cannot be serious, Severus," said Lily, she pointed a finger in Sirius's direction absent mindedly. "Don't do it, Sirius."

Sirius sighed, disappointed.

"It's what we do when students aren't forthright Mr. Potter. It's sad, but it's what we have to do." Professor McGonagall said.

I personally feel... to be honest.”

"Woah! Too far!" The Marauders said.

"It's not like the cat was hit over the head with a broomstick! I see no reason to take him out of the Quidditch team." Professor McGonagall defended.

"Way to change tune Professor." Rabastan said pointedly.

“Really, Severus,” said... done anything wrong.”

"I agree with my future self." Minnie stood firm.

Dumbledore was giving... being X rayed.

Arthur added another word to his parchment.

“Innocent until proven... So did Filch.

"Maybe they should create a club," joked Theodore, "An 'I Hate Harry Potter' club. Voldemort could be the leader."

"That would be inappropriate," Hermione said, "Snape was Harry's teacher."

“My cat has been...  revive Mrs. Norris.”

Professor Sprout nodded.

“I’ll make it... in my sleep—”

"No, let's not! He'd end up killing them!" Professor Slughorn said, concerned for the cat.

"I think Harry just happens to beat Lockhart out at his abysmal potions skills," snickered Ron.

Harry clicked his tongue. "I'll take that as a compliment."

“Excuse me... at this school.”

Awkward pause.

There was a... and Hermione.

"Leave. Quickly." James said.

They went... actually running.

"Good."

When they were...  voice I heard?”

"No."

"Absolutely not."

"Terrible idea."

Sirius, Regulus and Narcissa said together. The three of them turned to each other in surprise and shock.

“No,” said Ron...  admit it’s weird…”

"Weird just happens to be one of Harry's middle names," joked Ginny.

“I know it’s … might’ve been Bill…”

"I did." Bill said, "You could've come to me and asked."

“And what... said Harry.

"Asking the important questions, aren't you, dear," said Mary with a laugh.

To his... a snigger.

"It isn't funny," Molly said sternly.

“Well—it’s not... smile. “He’s bitter.”

"But- Imagine how sad it must be. Living in a school full of students who use their magic for the dumbest shit possible, and all you want is to be a part of it too..." Regulus whispered to Emma.

Emma, who'd never thought about it like that looked at him in interest.

A clock chimed...  for something else.”

Lily pursed her lips.

For a few... on the stone.

A shiver went down the spines of multiple students.

When Filch wasn’t... and “looking happy.”

"Dear Merlin. Even bitterness has its limits." Someone muttered.

Ginny Weasley seemed... great cat lover.

Ginny stuck her tongue out, "Ugh, I hate cats."

"Then why were you upset?" Dorcas asked innocently. Ginny tensed and Ron covered for her.

"It was her first year, guess she suspected it would be safe," Ron said quickly.

“But you haven’t... off without her.”

"You aren't making her feel better," Molly said.

"I know that now, mum."

Ginny’s lip trembled... Ron assured her.

"Uh," stuttered Mary. "The entire last year doesn't ring a bell?"

"I was referring to petrification?" Ron replied, though his response came out sounding more like a question.

“They’ll catch the... before he’s expelled.

"RON!"

I’m only joking...  almost nothing else.

"Oh yeah, you wouldn't eat." Bill said.

Nor could Harry... off the desks.

"And what was the reason for that?" Remus asked, crossing his arms across his chest, staring at Severus Snape.

"Didn't give one," shrugged Harry.

After a hurried... the opposite direction.

"Uh-" James said.

Lily continued, "Okay..."

Harry found Ron... of European Wizards.”

"Oof, yeah, that one's a bear." Mary said, still having that composition burnt into her head.

“I don’t believe... into a roll.

Theodore leaned down and whispered an incredibly dirty joke into his boyfriend's ear.

“And Hermione’s... writing’s tiny.”

"It's miniscule, and she always does more than required! I don't understand how!" Ron said indignantly.

“Where is she... library before Christmas.”

"That would have been a good challenge," Hermione thought dreamily.

Harry told Ron... idiot,” said Ron, 

"He is an idiot," said Narcissa. "Running away from you for something you didn't do."

scribbling... large as possible.

"We do that too," snicked Sirius.

Barty laughed. "Who doesn't?"

“All that junk...  the Lockhart books.”

"Another horrible thing him being a teacher brought," Neville joked.

“Why do you...  Chamber of Secrets.”

"But you have the book completely memorized." Bill said, confused.

“What’s that?” said... days to finish it—”

"Very good." Professor Flitwick nodded, not appreciating people who let others copy off of them.

“I only need... come on—”

"Don't worry, Ronikins, it'll grow," Theodore whispered to Ron.

Ron's ears turned pink, but he smirked and muttered back, "You're picking the wrong fight, babe."

When Theo raised an eyebrow, he continued, "You were crying on it last night. I don't think you can handle anything bigger, sweet thing."

Theo cleared his throat loudly.

The bell rang... Magic, bickering.

"So, you're having a horrible day, and you have to deal with Binns? How sad for you." Marlene said sympathetically.

History of Magic... through the blackboard.

"That gets boring too, really quickly." James said sadly.

Ancient and shriveled... the slightest since.

"Hasn't changed in the slightest, and he teaches the exact same thing, over and over again. He has such a goblins obsession." Evadoire groaned.

Today was as... up her hand.

No one said a thing. Everyone looked shocked to their cores. "Has... anyone ever interrupted a History class, in... ever?" Lily asked. Even she never asked questions during history.

Professor Binns, glancing... a clear voice.

"You should have asked Professor Minnie, Binns won't be too interested in telling you," informed Frank.

"Actually," began Hermione, "You'd be surprised what he'd share when students look interested in his class."

Dean Thomas, who... slipped off his desk.

The Professors sighed.

Professor Binns... and legends.”

"How do you know that it's not a myth?" Remus asked.

He cleared his... “Miss Grant?”

Barty chuckled.

“Please, sir... basis in fact?”

"Very astute," Abraxas said, proud of this girl, she seemed very smart.

Professor Binns was... alive or dead.

"They haven't, as far as I know." Professor Flitwick said, disapprovingly.

“Well,” said Professor... even ludicrous tale—”

"What is the tale? No one's ever heard it, told right." Arthur said.

But the whole... Chamber of Secrets…

Hermione smiled, "Told ya."

“You all know... Godric Gryffindor,

The Gryffindor House grinned.

Helga Hufflepuff,

The Hufflepuff House smiled.

Rowena Ravenclaw,

The Ravenclaw House leaned forward in their seats, eyes sparkling with interest though many already knew what Binns was about to say.

and Salazar Slytherin.

The Slytherin House smirked.

They built this... admitted to Hogwarts.

"Yeah," smirked a Slytherin, "No mudbloods allowed."

"I'd rather have muggle-borns than filthy snakes," snapped a nearby Gryffindor.

Dumbledore had felt the tension grow throughout the Hall. "No fighting," he said.

He believed that... to be untrustworthy.

The muggle-born students looked astounded.

"Hermione's living proof that that is completely untrue." Emma said, annoyed.

James jumped in, "So's Lily."

Both Muggleborns smiled in pride, although Hermione's was confident, while Lily's was bashful.

After a while... left the school.”

Peter muttered, "Stand your ground, much?"

How ironic? Harry thought to himself.

Professor Binns paused... arrived at the school.

"So," Regulus began, not believing that the Chamber was a legend at all. Legends didn't end up being the title of a school year, after all. "If the Chamber has been opened then the heir of Slytherin, someone with Salazar's own blood has come to the school?"

Draco licked his teeth, "That's how it should work."

"Then it should be easy to figure out who the heir is!" Regulus exclaimed, "It would have to be a first-year."

Ginny grimaced.

The heir alone... to study magic.”

"'Unworthy'." Draco said, with finger-quotes.

There was silence... looked faintly annoyed.

"Oh, of course," Sirius said with fake seriousness.

“The whole thing... frighten the gullible.”

"But," Remus thought aloud. "If only an heir can find it, then no matter how hard the most 'learned witches and wizards' searched, they'd never be able to find it.

Hermione’s hand... the air.

"Breaking records all over the place, aren't we?" James said, smiling at the girl in pride.

“Sir—what exactly... dry, reedy voice.

Bellatrix looked extremely interested in this monster. If they could get this monster to their lord, then he would have an even greater chance of winning the upcoming war.

The class exchanged... it, would they?”

"I like him," said Remus, "speaks sense."

Harry smiled, "I like him too. But he's even cuter with Dean. They had the most adorable wedding I've ever seen."

"It was the gayest thing I'd ever seen," corrected Theodore.

"Then you've never been to Harry and Blaise's apartment," smirked Draco.

"No," Blaise shook his head. "Dean and Seamus are gay-er than Harry and I."

“Nonsense, O’Flaherty...  Magic to open it—”

"That is wrong," Harry grumbled under his breath. No matter how much he disliked being a Voldemort's Horcrux, he'd always enjoyed his ability to speak to snakes, and that, in his opinion, was not Dark Magic.

“Just because a...  not exist!

None in the Hall were convinced.

There is not... secret broom cupboard!

Sirius snorted, "He probably doesn't even know that the Room of Requirement exists."

"What's the Room of Requirement?"

"5th book," said Harry quickly. Students groaned.

I regret telling... verifiable fact!”

Professor Flitwick shook his head. The level of teaching at the moment at Hogwarts was bad and something had to be done about it.

And within five...  straight back home…”

"Oi!"

Hermione nodded fervently... just dropped unpleasantly.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione said apologetically. "We didn't mean it like that."

"There aren't any other ways to mean it," Rabastan said snippily.

"It's okay," Harry directed his response to her friends.

Harry had never... doubt about that…

James almost growled at the reminder and then had to take a deep breath, reminding himself that, even if Harry became a Slytherin, he wouldn't disown him. He wouldn't even disown him if he ended up in Azkaban! It just happened that his House-prejudice side coming out.

But Harry, who… better be Gryffindor…

The Slytherins all sighed.

As they were... been saying you’re—”

"If he says anything about the wall," growled Mary.

But Colin was... he was gone.

Mary relaxed, glad that she could still find the young child adorable.

“What’s a boy...  him at lunchtime.

"You aren't the heir," said James, sounding very certain. "The Potter bloodline doesn't go anywhere near Salazar Slytherin."

"Are you sure?" asked Remus, "It would be pretty difficult to trace bloodlines back that far. And we already know Harry can speak snakes."

"It would be a great disappointment if we were related to Salazar Slytherin and the ability to speak to snakes skipped a generation," James pouted.

“People here’ll... in disgust.

"The gossip vine is horrible." Remus muttered.

The crowd...  asked Hermione.

"I do now." Hermione muttered.

“I don’t know...—well—human.”

"It's really not all that complicated." Hermione whispered to her younger self.

As she spoke... has been Opened.”

"You should not be there," Moody said. "Going back to the scene of the crime isn't something innocent people do."

"Tell that to the crime dramas," the lawyer wannabe muttered, arms crossed.

“That’s where Filch...  searching for clues.

"Oh yes it does!" exclaimed Lily. She was against telling the adults about the voice, but investigating a crime? Why couldn't her son just attend Hogwarts like a normal student?

“Scorch marks...  small crack.

"Ugh," Ron shivered.

A long, silvery... to get outside.

Ron grabbed Theo's hand, already creeped out.

“Have you ever...  impulse to run.

He looked the exact same way now. He hated spiders.

“What’s up...  said Ron tensely.

"Really?" Molly asked, "Why?"

"My secret," Ron replied. Harry snorted, "You told me why this year, Ron. Did you forget that these are my memories?"

"Oh..."

“I never knew... loads of times…

"Don't mind them dead." Ron muttered. Theo chuckled and Ron leant into him as he smacked the boy for mocking his pain.

“I don’t mind...  many legs and…”

Draco burst into laughter. "That. Is. So-"

Ron threw a balled piece of paper at him, so he smartly shut up.

Molly and Arthur made notes to make sure their mischief-causing twins didn't do this to Ron in the future, but both suspected it would be a very difficult action to stop.

He broke off...  he’d been burned.

"What's going on?" Someone who'd spaced out in the middle of the reading asked.

“What’s the matter...  a girls’ toilet.”

"Well, at least you have some decency," Bellatrix crackled.

“Oh, Ron, there... opened the door.

Lily raised her eyebrows, "Of course you did."

It was the... off its hinges.

Myrtle was glaring at the book so hard, people were surprised there weren't any holes in it.

Hermione put her... “They’re not girls.”

"Perceptive as always." Lily muttered.

“No,” Hermione agreed... the damp floor.

A few snorts echoed over the Hall.

“Ask her if... choked with tears.

"He was just about to tell you what he said," said Alice.

“I do have... ruining my death!”

"My god, that's dramatic." Lily groaned.

“We wanted to... night?” said Harry.

"And you call me Bond?" Draco asked.

“I wasn’t paying... —that I’m “

"Well," Dorcas cleared her throat, "That's depressing."

“Already... Ron helpfully.

Barty snickered.

Myrtle gave a … Come on, let’s go.”

"Not as bad as I thought it was going to be." Lily muttered.

Harry had barely...  of Mrs. Weasley.

Mrs. Weasley's head shot up. She hadn't been paying as much attention, having been extremely tired. The baby'd -Charlie, as she'd found out during the reading- been kicking a lot and it was tiring her out. She might have to leave the reading soon.

“Get—away—from... on that cat!”

Arthur said, "Now, I'm sure he knows that."

“That’s what I... being Head Boy—”

Molly glanced at the sleeping baby in her arms and sighed. There was nothing wrong with being ambitious, but it seemed her son didn't know what was important and what wasn't.

“Five points from... write to Mum!”

"Why do have to fight all the time?" Molly asked.

And he strode...  out of Hogwarts?”

"A lot of people." Kingsley said.

“Let’s think,” said... about Malfoy—”

"As much as I hate to say it, I don't think it's Draco. He's a prat, sure, but he doesn't seem capable of hurting anyone," said James, surprising everyone.

Lily took hold of James' hand and smiled, leaning into his side. He wasn't judging people based on their House anymore, at least when it came to the time-travelers.

“Of course I... know it’s him—”

"But, you have to give it to Ron, that was very strange of him to say." Sirius said.

“Malfoy, the...  evil enough.”

Lucius scowled.

“They could’ve had... father to son…”

Harry chuckled, "Well, they kind of did. Oh, sorry, love, that... wasn't funny."

“Well,” said Hermione... rules, I expect—”

"Oooh~ Hermione's becoming a rule breaker? Harry and Ron are bad influences on her it seems," cheered Sirius.

"I've always been a rulebreaker Sirius. Not as much in school, because I'll have to deal with my parents and their disappointment, and there are just a lot things I'd rather do with my time." Hermione said snarkily.

“If, in a...  some Polyjuice Potion.”

Slughorn's jaw dropped. "You cannot be sincere. You're just children."

"Never doubt Hermione's abilities," Harry shrugged.

"Or her determination." Ron said.

“What’s that... Snape?” muttered Ron.

"You should listen to your Professors," scolded McGonagall, while Severus rolled his eyes.

“It transforms you... could hear him.”

"More like pissing his pants," said Blaise, nudging Draco with her toes.

"I wasn't actually pissing my pants," he hissed.

“This Polyjuice stuff... from a teacher.

"Or you could use the cloak," said James.

"We possibly could have, but that's one book that I'd imagine them noticing was missing," Harry said.

“Hard to see... be really thick…”

Everyone turned to the young Lockhart with sinister grins on their faces.

"Gilderoy would be perfect then," grinned Avis.

Notes:

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 13: The Rogue Bludger

Summary:

Quidditch! The Bludger! The worry!

Notes:

Enjoy!!

Sirius volunteered to read the next chapter. "Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger"

"Yay for Quidditch!" said James, "but why is the bludger rogue? Bludgers can't go rogue."

Harry snorted to himself. We'll see about that.

Since the disastrous... creatures to class.

"Thank god." Lily rolled her eyes at the boy.

Instead, he read... more dramatic bits.

"Are you kidding me?" Evadoire looked at the boy and continued, "Are you really that self obsessed?"

He usually picked... dealt with him.

"How did you keep yourself from killing him?" Mary asked.

Harry just put his head on his hand and said dramatically, "I ask myself the same question everyday."

Harry was hauled... refused to do it.

Sirius burst into laughter as he read the next paragraph to himself.

Remus bopped him on the back of the head. "That's not how this works, Pads."

“Nice loud howl... back into a man.

"It doesn't work like that!" Remus snapped. This Gilderoy was a fucking fake, and, if the idiot tried to attempt that on an actual werewolf, the asshole would be the very thing he was trying to get rid of.

Simple, yet effective... of werewolf attacks.”

Remus was breathing deeply, trying his best to control himself.

The bell rang... the best one!”

"He is assigning homework on himself?" The Professors were astounded at this.

The class began... Harry muttered.

"For?" Molly asked tiredly.

“Wait till everyone’s...  right behind her.

"Hah! I was right, I was right~" Avis sang.

“Er—Professor Lockhart... hand shaking slightly.

"Thank Godric he's an idiot and can't see through lies. Honestly, you kids need to learn how to lie," Peter said.

"No," Molly replied. Lily, at this point, had given up on trying to not have her son become a liar. Now she just wanted her baby boy to live through the school year.

“But the thing is... the tea strainer—”

Evadiore rolled her eyes, "Can't trap ghouls in tea-strainers."

“Well, I’m sure... book signings.”

Nobody looked as if they thought it was impressive. 

He scrawled an... season, I believe?

"It is..." James said hesitantly, still concerned about the title of the chapter.

Gryffindor against... a Seeker, too.

"No way," stuttered Sirius, he turned to the Captain of the Ravenclaw team. "You let that on the team?"

I was asked... the Dark Forces.

Regulus snorted. His eyes went wide and he held a polished hand up to his mouth, embarrassed of himself. "Sorry," he cleared his throat. "That was an accident."

Still, if ever... less able players…”

"Woah, woah, woah, clearly my son is better."

Harry made an... book we wanted.”

"That's because he's a brainless git." Remus muttered.

“That’s because... said Ron.

Remus nodded in approval at the boy.

“But who cares... toward the library.

Sirius shook his head and tutted.

“Just because... of the year—”

"Yeah," scoffed Draco. "Lupin said the same thing--"

"SPOILERS!" shouted Ron, and Hermione.

Harry though, looked at Draco with a raised brow. "How did you know he said that?"

Draco sucked on his tongue, avoiding an answer.

They dropped their... an underfed vulture.

"Oof. Tell us what you really think, why don't you?" Marlene said.

"Okay, maybe I will." Harry shot back.

“Moste Potente Potions... she said breathlessly.

"You have got to be kidding," Rodolphus sighed.

Hermione was almost as red as her boyfriend's hair.

“Oh, come on... still long enough.”

"Very true," said Avis.

Madam Pince held... passed the test.

"Do you really think we'd go that far? I could probably buy it by myself." Hermione said, exasperated.

She stalked away... look too guilty.

"Just do as you would usually do, it's not that different." Fred said.

"Plus, it's not like you broke any actual rules..." George said.

"Not yet anyway." Both of them said mischievously.

Five minutes later... and she them.

"These are bad conditions to be brewing potions in..." Severus said, matter-of-factly.

"I've told you once, and I'll tell you again. Hermione can pull off anything, as long as she actually wants to." Ron said waving his hands around as he spoke.

Hermione opened Moste... of her head.

Severus hummed to himself, finding the potion interesting.

“Here it is... on their faces.

Aallotar grimaced, "Only a little."

“This is the... scanned the recipe.

"Which is why it is in the Restricted Section," Madam Prince huffed.

“Lacewing flies... to change into.”

"Uh, what does little Hermione mean? A piece of whoever you're turning into?" questioned Mary.

“Excuse me... changing into?

"Asking the right questions," nodded Mary.

I’m drinking... toenails in it—”

"Blugh, that's a disgusting image," shuddered Theodore.

Hermione continued... heard him.

"As one does." Hermione said, while Ron glared at her.

“We don’t have... a good idea…”

"No," sneered Snape. "That is not a good idea."

Hermione shut...  to break rules at school, you know. Do you know how much trouble I'll get into if my parents find out?

James raised a brow. "You seem very interesting in breaking the rules, little girl."

"Little girl? I'm older than you Mr. Potter!" Hermione laughed.

James raised a finger but fell short when it came to having anything to say. "The timeline is confusing.

I think threatening... the book back in—”

"Ahhh!" screeched Avis. "She's," the Ravenclaw was at a loss of words, "AMAZING!"

Evadiore patted her friend's shoulder. "And taken."

Avis stuck her tongue out at her friend.

“I never though... rules,” said Ron.

"I can't believe that you go to her so soon," gasped James, "It took us years to break down Moony."

"I'm so proud," Sirius wiped an invisible tear from his cheek.

“All right... toenails, okay?”

"It doesn't have to be toenails. You can use hair..." Severus said.

“How long will... all the ingredients.”

"A month?" Lily asked concerned. "Can you imagine how many students could be injured... or worse?"

"Expelled?" teased Bill. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.

“A month?” said... steam ahead, I say.”

"I'm so happy you're terrified of me." Hermione said smiling.

Ron shoved at her, with no real heat.

However, while Hermione... his broom tomorrow.”

"You're wrong... but- It would put my mind at ease if I wasn't there to embarrass myself further, so. Go ahead, honestly." Draco said, completely ignoring the glare his father was shooting him.

Harry woke early... gold could buy.

"It's honestly kind of unfair that they're allowed to buy their own brooms. I can understand training with your own broom, but in an actual game? There's a complete advantage to being rich," Mary said. Many of the regular Quidditch players shook their heads, disagreeing with her statement greatly.

"It isn't the broom, it's the player," James said.

"But a great player on a great broom..." hinted the Hufflepuff Captain. He had always been one for fair play.

He had never... in the air.

"Not the best weather for a game," Regulus said, shrugging his shoulders, "Though it could be worse."

Harry tensed, remembering the weather for his first Quidditch game in her third year. Yeah, it could definitely be worse.

Ron and Hermione... pre match pep talk.

"The same one again?" James asked.

"No, he changed it this time around." Fred said.

“Slytherin has better... dry since August”)

Chuckles echoed throughout the Hall.

“and we’re going... onto their team.”

Draco sighed, knowing it wasn't going to get any better.

Chest heaving... to you, Harry,

"He's putting stress on him!" said Lily sadly. 

to show them... or die trying,

"'Die trying?'" Marlene repeated, jaw open.

"That's a little much, isn't it?" questioned Lily. James raised a brow, agreeing with Lily.

"But nobody can die in Quidditch, right? Well, not in a school game at least, the Professors would stop anyone from death," Remus said.

"We wouldn't let anyone die," McGonagall assured.

Harry, because... winking at him.

Harry winked back.

As they walked... see Slytherin beaten,

"A normal Hogwarts game," Peter waved it off.

but the Slytherins... was necessary.

"I hope this isn't a dirty game..." mumbled Regulus.

"Really? You still have hope?" Harry asked rhetorically.

“On my whistle... Scarhead?” yelled Malfoy

"That's the best you could come up with?" questioned Rabastan. 

shooting underneath... of his broom.

"He totally was," said Blaise.

Harry had no... as it passed.

"That was close..."

“Close one, Harry... for Harry again.

"What...?" Marlene asked. It happened sometimes, but it was rare. She knew better than most, being from a family famous for its players.

Harry dropped... at Harry’s head.

So this is where the title comes in... James sighed.

Harry put on... people as possible…

"Has it been tampered with?" Professor Sprout asked aloud.

"That's impossible, it's been charmed against wizard magic," said Professor Flitwick.

Fred Weasley was... knocked off course.

Marlene, and all the other Beaters, nodded.

“Gotcha!” Fred yelled... at full speed.

Lily curled into James's side, looking for comfort.

It had started to... points to zero.”

The Gryffindors were affronted. 

The Slytherins’ superior... alone catch it.

"She won't be able to catch the snitch with them around," Regulus said.

"Maybe that's the saboteur's plan," Sirius sneered.

“Someone’s—tampered—... attack on Harry.

"But how?" Professor Flitwick was still confused.

“We need time... the same time.

"It's hard," The other Gryffindor Beater said, sympathetically.

Wood had obviously... Angelina scoring?”

"Trying to stop the other bludger from killing my son!" growled Lily. "Honestly, how have the teachers not noticed!?"

"Maybe they couldn't see?" Gilderoy suggested, "You know, due to the rain?"

“We were twenty... something to it.”

Even Minnie was saying, "That's not... possible."

“But the Bludgers... said Wood, anxiously.

"And how long did they sit out before the game?" asked Remus.

"It's not even that difficult to break into a Professor's office," Avis grumbled quietly, only Evadiore heard her.

Madam Hooch was... with the rogue one.”

"No," Lily said pointedly, "Let's not do that."

"I agree with Lily-flower, you could be killed," said James.

Harry shrugged, "Wouldn't be the first time."

Nor the last...

“Don’t be thick,” said... for an inquiry…”

"Thank you!" Lily said.

“If we stop now... leave me alone!”

"He did this to her!" Lily was fuming. "The whole 'die trying' nonsense!"

“This is all your... thing to tell him!”

Lily huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, glad that someone in the future had the same mindset as her.

Madam Hooch...  on Harry’s face.

"Harry," warned James.

"I can't stop myself, dad."

“All right,” he... Bludger on his own.”

Lily tugged on a strand of her son's hair.

Ron leaned into Hermione's ear, "She is going to have a heart attack in 4th year."

The rain was... from the Bludger.

Flitwick sighed. He'd charmed the Bludgers himself. This shouldn't be possible.

He could hear... very stupid,

"Is that really what's important?" Lily asked.

but the rogue... the opposite direction.

Lily had begun to chew on her nails.

“Training for the... the Bludger,

Rabastan snickered, "That wasn't that bad."

and he fled, the... hadn’t seen it.

Narcissa sighed, shaking her head. 

For an agonizing... WHAM.

Sirius screamed the word out. Lily and James jumped.

He had stayed... his arm break.

"It's just an elbow," James said calmly, even though he wasn't calm himself. He was trying to calm his girlfriend... were they dating? They hadn't talked about their relationship status yet. "Better the elbow than the neck, right?"

Lily's head snapped up and her eyes met James', filled with fury.

Dimly, dazed by... aiming at his face—

"WHY HAVE THE TEACHERS NOT PAUSED THE GAME? IT'S A SCHOOL GAME!"

Harry swerved out... get to Malfoy.

"Oh, wow, thanks, Potter."

Through a haze... was attacking him.

"That's what it looked like," Draco said, trying to defend himself. "It wasn't like we were on the best terms or anything."

“What the...  to pass out.

Despite the current situation, James's eyes gleamed with pride.

With a splattering... in his good hand.

"So now everyone's concerned?" Avis

“Aha,” he... he fainted.

"When I get my hands on that Wood..." threatened Lily.

Marlene chuckled and nudged Dorcas with her elbow. Both girls burst out into laughter. They waved off the questioning looks.

He came around... glitter of teeth.

"No, not him!" Mary cried.

“Oh, no... moaned.

She smiled.

“Doesn’t know... around them.

"No I think she knows exactly what she is saying," muttered Mary.

“Not to... fix your arm.”

"Take her to the hospital wing!" exclaimed Madam Pomfrey.

“No!” said... this, thanks…”

Only a couple chuckled, most had a pit in their stomach. Where Gilderoy was concerned, nothing good ever happened.

He tried to... said loudly.

Mary pursed her lips.

“Lie back... countless times—”

"Are you a medic?" Madame Pomfrey asked, and even before Lockhart was able to respond, she continued, "Then it not a simple spell!"

“Why can’t I...  your best yet, I’d say—”

Lily tsked.

Through the...  at Harry’s arm.

Harry remembered the feeling of helplessness, when someone pointed their wand at him.

A strange... like an arm.

To say Madam Pomfrey was angry was an understatement.

“Ah,” said Lockhart... bear in mind.

"What did he do?" Lily asked, no one answering her.

So, Harry, just... you up a bit.”

"She should have been brought to me straight away!"

As Harry got...  fleshcolored rubber glove.

Rabastan and Barty gagged.

He tried to... removed them.

"Absolutely unbelievable," Madam Pomfrey scoffed.

Madam Pomfrey wasn’t... said Harry desperately.

"Yes," gaped Madam Pomfrey, her tone implying that she was offended. "But it'll be painful. And it won't taste good."

For Lockhart's safety, he moved to the emptiest corner in the Great Hall and sat on the floor, his legs crossed to hid himself.

“I’ll be able to... arm into a sleeve.

"Ouch. This is going to hurt." James said, having had spent enough time in the Hospital Wing to know.

“How can you...  does it, Harry?”

"You can't be..." Remus trailed off.

Hermione looked down, "Sadly, I was."

“No,” said Harry... flapped pointlessly.

"Bet that looked funny," Peter said. Then he shrugged off the evil eyes he'd received. "What... I'm just saying."

Hermione and Madam... labeled Skele Gro.

Remus' brows furrowed in worry for him. Skele Grow sucks.

“You’re in for... a nasty business.

"No kidding." Severus said.

So was taking... down some water.

"I feel really bad for you right now." Remus said.

“We won, though...  said Hermione darkly.

"You thought I fixed the bludger?" Draco asked, eyes wide.

Hermione tilted her head. "I didn't know that witches and wizards couldn't charm the Quidditch balls at that point."

"Woah," gasped Theo. "You didn't know something!"

Hermione stuck her tongue out.

“We can add... than this stuff…”

"It didn't," informed Harry.

“If it’s got...  seem too happy.”

"I was getting verbally body-slammed in the Common Room... I wasn't happy." Draco said.

They had brought... his limp arm.

"Aww, come on Madam Pom-Pom,"

Hours and hours... of large splinters.

Severus nodded. That's bound to happen. It was not fun when he'd shown up at Hogwarts so terribly beaten up that he'd had to spend weeks in the Hospital Wing.

For a second... in the dark.

"That's just creepy." Mary said.

“Get off!” he... “Dobby!”

"Him again?" groaned Barty.

The house-elf’s... pointed nose.

Severus sat forward, "What did he do?"

“Harry Potter came... missed the train?”

"Wait... how did he know that?" Fleamont asked.

Harry heaved... missed the train?”

"No... he didn't do it, did he?"

Dobby’s lip trembled... vigorously, ears flapping.

"Very powerful magic that would take, even from a House-elf whose magic works differently," Professor McGonagall said.

"It seems we'll need to charm our school against all types of magic," said Flitwick, summoning a quill to jot a reminder down.

“Dobby hid and watched... bandaged fingers—

Regulus frowned. Poor thing.

”but Dobby didn’t... school another way!”

"Come on," offered Theo, "It's Harry-freaking-Potter."

He was rocking...  Dobby never had, sir…”

Hermione and Harry sent a glare in Lucius' direction.

Harry slumped back... might strangle you.”

Harry was quick to hold her hands up in surrender, "I didn't though, 'Mia."

Dobby smiled weakly... day at home.”

"Who the hell are his masters?" James asked.

He blew his... he asked curiously.

"They have too," James said, "Unless their 'master' gives them actual clothes." It made him sick, thinking how some house-elves were treated as slaves.

“This, sir?” said... their house forever.”

Draco smirked, a sock. Maybe that was where Harry had gotten the idea for that specific type of clothing.

Dobby mopped his... enough to make—”

"Oh my..." Lily held a shaking hand up to her mouth. "He nearly killed you!"

"I think I'm starting to hate him more than Lockhart, and that's saying something," Rodolphus said.

"Tis okay," Harry waved their concerns off, "He didn't do any permanant harm."

“Your Bludger?” said... and kill me?”

"Red Harry~" The twins chorused.

"Quit that!" Harry said, laughing.

“Not kill you, sir...  be sent home!”

"That's worse." Harry said.

“Oh, is that...  like vermin, sir!

"Who is going to tell him that he's still treated like vermin?" Sirius whispered to his brother.

Of course, Dobby... on the pillowcase.

Hermione shook her head.

" But mostly, sir... open once more—”

"Once more? It's been opened before?" Orion asked. Regulus unconsciously flinched at the voice.

Dobby froze, horror... very bad Dobby…”

"Just tell him. Don't do that entire thing, where you start a sentence, and not finish it.! It is annoying as-" James cut off.

“So there is...  from the Chamber?”

"The person who is responsible for the deaths could try and kill you?" suggested Rabastan.

"Voldemort could be after you again?" said Regulus. 

Lily shook her head, "She just defeated him last year, this is no way he'd already be back."

"Would you like to bet?"

"No! I am not betting on my child's safety!"

“Ah, sir, ask... too dangerous—”

"That is really annoying." Lily said quietly.

“Who is it... it last time?”

Hagrid sighed, somehow knowing something was going to go wrong.

“Dobby can’t... has been opened—”

"I'm honored," Hermione placed a hand to her chest. There was no sarcasm in her voice.

“Harry Potter risks... of miserable ecstasy. “

Hermione sighed, "It isn't the first time."

"Nor is it the last," added Ginny, only loud enough so that the bookworm could hear her. There was no need to spoiler the current-time participants.

So noble... Potter must not—”

Draco and Lucius rolled their eyes, but Lucius did it discretely, not wanting to be thrown across the hall once more.

"I definitely think he knew," Harry said to his boyfriend. "About the prophecy."

"It looks like it."

Dobby suddenly froze, his bat ears quivering. Harry heard it, too. There were footsteps coming down the passageway outside.

"Go, go, go." James said.

“Dobby must go... like a statue.

"Oh no," muttered Lily.

Professor McGonagall... it onto a bed.

"Who is it this time?" Blaise asked quietly, not able to recall.

“Get Madam Pomfrey... on the bed.

Everyone was wondering the same.

“Another attack... to visit Potter.”

Mary frowned, "Colin?"

Harry nodded.

Harry’s stomach gave... holding his camera.

Mary's eyebrows furrowed. He was so innocent, and adorable, who could want to hurt something like that?

A monster, that's what. Mary planned to make sure that Colin would be okay in the future, he wouldn't get hunted down by this monster!

“Petrified?” whispered Madam... might have—”

Everyone in the Hall shuddered to think about it.

The three of... McGonagall eagerly.

"That would be great!" Dorcas said, hoping it would be that easy.

Dumbledore didn’t... of burnt plastic.

Lily sighed.

“Melted,” said... “All melted…”

She sighed, of course it wouldn't be that easy.

“What does this... open again.”

"Again? When was it opened the first time?" Someone muttered, still stuck on that.

Madam Pomfrey clapped... Albus… surely… who?”

"The question is not who. The question is, how..." Harry said right along with the book.

“The question... question is, how…”

Eyes flitted to the redhead, she shrugged. "What? It stuck with me."

And from what... than he did.

"That's the end of the chapter." Sirius shut the book, unusually grim.

Notes:

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 14: The Dueling Club

Summary:

More of Lockhart being an idiot!

Notes:

I know I'm late, but it's a chapter! I got unexpectedly busy, and I'm probably not going to be able to update as frequently anymore. One thing I'll say is that I'm rather proud of being able to finish 14 chapters in a short period! Updates will be coming, but not as frequently as they have.

Also please note that I have not been able to edit this chapter that well, what with it being 2 in the morning.

Enjoy!

Andromeda switched the leg her hand was resting on as she levitated the book to herself.

"Chapter 11: The Dueling Club," read Andromeda. Many of the current-time students perked up in their seats, interested in the idea of a dueling club.

Moody gave one quick nod of his head. "A dueling club sounds like a very good idea, Headmaster. Especially with the current threat. You are never too young to learn about self-defense."

"And Hogwarts has its own dueling king, if I may say so myself," cheered Avis, referring to Professor Flitwick. 

All of the time-travelers felt very awkward because they knew that this chapter wasn't one dedicated to Flitwick, but it was yet another chapter on why Gilderoy Lockhart was such a horrible professor. 

Harry woke up... but very stiff.

Severus' nose scrunched in empathy. That's bound to happen.

He sat up... arm and fingers.

Madam Pomfrey sat up. He might have to stay for a little bit longer.

“All in order... you may leave.”

Remus smiled. She could be a bit much, but she was one of the sweetest people on campus.

Harry dressed as... back or not.

A slight dusting of red spread across Ron and Hermione's cheeks. 

As Harry passed... time they’d met.

Ginny smirked, "For a reason."

“Oh, hello, Harry... earned fifty points!”

"But he also had a bludger slam and shatter his bones," added James grumpily.

“You haven’t seen... said Harry.

"Why would you ask him?" James asked.

“No, I haven’t... another girls’ toilet…”

"That's probably exactly where they are," said Rabastan.

Harry forced a... a locked stall.

"See? They likely wanted to get started with the potion." Rodolphus said.

“It’s me,” he... through the keyhole.

"Ron jumped so high, he almost hit his head." Hermione said, whisper-screaming.

“Harry!” she said... specialty of Hermione’s.

Flitwick nodded his head, very impressed.

“We’d’ve come to... to hide it.”

Severus nodded, That's probably for the best.

Harry started to... better get going—”

Moody shook his head, It's practically impossible for a student in the school to be the Heir of Slytherin.

“The sooner we... snarled Ron.

Draco rolled his eyes while his aunt read.

“D’you know... on Colin.”

Even Ron looked exasperated with himself.

“There’s something... of the night.”

People were still freaked out by the elf.

Ron and Hermione... Hermione said.

"I can already see the gears twirling in her brain," snickered Barty. Rabastan chuckled.

“This settles it... how to do it.

As much as I would have liked that... thought Lucius. "I didn't open the Chamber during my years," he finished his thought out loud.

It’s obvious. Wish... around the school.”

"I'm curious about that too," said Remus.

“Maybe it can... about Chameleon Ghouls—”

"You read too much," said Sirius, unable to understand why anyone would want to read so many books. Like, come on! There was an adventure to be had!

“You read too... looked at Harry.

Sirius nodded frantically at Ron.

Ron quickly defended, "I don't think that anymore." But not before he smiled back at Sirius.

“So Dobby stopped... to kill you.”

"Exactly!" exclaimed James.

The news that... by Monday morning.

"Ah," sighed Avis, sarcastic. "Lovely Hoggy-warts for you."

The air was... ventured forth alone.

"Anyone would be terrified, what with people being petrified, and blood on walls." Lily said cheekily.

Ginny Weasley, who... from behind statues.

Molly shook her head with a sigh. "Those boys..."

Ginny simply laughed. "It's all fine mum," she said. "It's nice to have something nice to look back on from that year."

They only stopped... sweeping the school.

"Those might work if anyone knew what the monster was," said Professor Slughorn. "How did they get away with selling these?"

Theo grinned, "As the future Weasley twins show: it is easier to get away with things than you Professors would think."

Neville Longbottom bough... to be attacked.

Alice shook her head in disbelief at her adorable son.

“They went for... almost a Squib.”

"I don't think the monster knows that," said Frank.

Alice sighed, "From what he's shown, he's not nearly a Squib, he's merely a late bloomer. It happens every once in a while, but his abilities will grow as he does."

In the second... very suspicious.

"Oh come on!" Draco sighed, exasperated.

Blaise snickered, "Wait until book 6."

Harry ducked his head as his cheeks reddened.

The holidays would... out of him.

"And Christmas at Hogwarts was much preferred to Privet Drive," Harry added.

Unfortunately, the potion... robbing his office.

Draco snickered, "Whose gonna tell him?"

"Shut up!"

“What we need... of fact tone.

Sirius gasped and then sniffled, acting as if he were on the edge of tears. "I'm so proud!"

“You two will... minutes or so.”

James cracked his knuckles with a smirk on his face. He scoffed, "Oh, causing Snape mayhem is in Harry's blood."

Snape just narrowed his eyes at him, and shook his head.

Harry smiled feebly... in the eye.

"Causing mayhem in Potions class is extremely dangerous," warned Slughorn. "Especially if the mayhem mixes with a potion."

"We were very careful," assured Hermione. Harry just shook his head, No need to lie to the man, he thought.

Potions lessons took... all the Gryffindors.

At that Severus blurted, "How on earth am I supposed to control a presence. Plus, that says absolutely nothing! Half the students in the school are terrified of Professor McGonagall, do you see her receiving such disrespect?!"

As soon as he was done, he blinked, as if shocked at himself. Beside him, Regulus was absolutely losing it, as was Lily at the opposite side of the Hall. He cleared his throat quietly and settled down again.

Harry’s Swelling Solution... should be doing.

Severus sighed in exasperation. I'm only trying to help!

When Snape turned... and nodded.

"It's time!" Sirius said excitedly.

Harry ducked swiftly... in Goyle’s cauldron.

"You went and messed with a potion," muttered Slughorn.

James grabbed Lily's hand and swung it wildly in the air, "MY BABY DID A PRANK. I'M SO HAPPY!"

Evadoire tilted her head, "Is it really a prank? It was more like mayhem."

"To James," clarified Mary, "those two are the same thing."

"He took his first step," sniffed Sirius. Remus sighed.

Goyle’s potion exploded... into Snape’s office.

"Ah," Draco said, clarity washing over him. "So it was you three."

Theo and Blaise were laughing their asses off.

“Silence!” Snape said... receiving multiple detentions!"

"It's good that your first instinct is to help your students." Professor McGonagall said.

Harry tried not...  was a sudden hush.

"The only Professor I know with that ability is Minnie." Evadoire said.

Harry arranged his...  been more welcome.

"He knows~" Bellatrix sang.

“He knew it... could tell.”

"But he can't do much about it, can 'e?" asked Hagrid with a grin on his face. "Gots no proof."

Hermione threw the... she said happily.

Hermione smiled, still proud of herself.

“Snape can’t prove...  frothed and bubbled.

"He didn't do anything," Harry assured his parents.

A week later... sign with interest.

"Yes Ron, it's tongue turns into a sturdy sword that clashes against stone and everything," Harry said with an eye roll.

Ron's head snapped in her direction. "Are you serious?"

"No you-!" He cut off laughing. "Do you honestly think that you would just now be hearing about it?"

“Could be useful... “Shall we go?”

"Would have been more useful for Harry if it had been a lesson on sword fighting. Mr. Expelliarmus has already perfected the art of dueling," teased Ginny.

"Hey! I taught you how to perfect that spell."

"Exactly, only a pro could teach me how to become a pro."

Harry and Hermione... and looking excited.

"Is Flitwick teaching you?" Avis asked.

“I wonder who’ll... it’ll be him.”

"As long as it isn't Lockhart," grumbled Avis.

“As long as... his usual black.

Groans echoed throughout the hall. Great, many thought, an idiot working beside a teacher who hates who Harry is.

Lockhart waved an... little dueling club,

"Why would he even grant him the permission?" Remus asked.

"I wonder the same thing," replied Draco.

to train you... my published works.

"I hate him," snarled Avis, plucking at her ripped jeans.

"Me too," said Evadiore.

“Let me... a wide smile.

"Assi-Assitant?!" Severus said, furious.

“He tells me... him, never fear!”

Severus turned a withering glare to the young Lockhart, as if saying, You wanna go, you little shit? Seeing his terrifying look, Lockhart cowered.

“Wouldn’t it be... in Harry’s ear.

Snape's lips curled. He was starting to dislike this Weasley boy a great deal.

Snape’s upper... curling.

Snape forced his upper lip to relax.

Harry wondered why... the opposite direction.

"Hah," Snape covered his outburst with a cough.

Lockhart and Snape... his head irritably.

Severus nodded. He was petty.

Then they raised...  murmured, watching Snape.

"I, for one, would be fine if our good ol' greasy bat finished balloon-head off," Avis declared to the entire Hall.

"'Balloon-head,'" quoted Sirius, snickering.

“One—two—three...  on the floor.

"Oh yeah, you really showed him Locky," laughed Rodolphus. Bellatrix was crackling at his side.

Severus' face didn't change. He hadn't been expecting Lockhart to beat him, by any chance, but it still made him happy to kick his ass.

Malfoy and some... through her fingers.

Both James and Sirius chorused, "Who cares?"

“Who cares?” said... standing on end.

"He's going to say something absolutely idiotic." Evadoire said, having known him long enough to know what he was about to do.

“Well, there you... let them see…”

Evadoire pulled her arms up, as if saying, See?

Dorcas gaggled, "I can feel the waves of his self-centeredness coming from the book. I think I'm going to be sick." She held a hand to her mouth in emphasis.

Snape was looking... “Enough demonstrating!

"You can be smart sometimes..." Severus said.

I’m going to...  and Ron first.

"Is this him getting you back for throwing that in the cauldron?" Lily asked, knowing how petty the boy could be.

Harry looked like he was having an epiphany, "I never realized that that was what he wanted to do! Oh shit, that makes so much more sense!"

“Time to split... Finnigan. Potter—”

"Hmm. Wonder who he'll pair Harry up with," Barty said sarcastically.

"It'll take some deep thinking," Rabastan said, joining in.

Harry moved... come over here.

"That smile is very deceiving." Lily said.

And you... Miss Bulstrode.”

Regulus looked disapprovingly at Severus, and his boyfriend had the sense to look a little sheepish.

Malfoy strutted over...  “And bow!”

Moody sat forward.

Harry and Malfoy... off each other.

Moody huffed with approval. Never take your eyes of an opponent. 

“Wands at the… two… three—”

"This is going to get overly competitive, isn't it?" Lily muttered.

Harry swung his... with a saucepan.

Narcissa pinched the bridge of her nose and heaved a great sigh.

And thanks to... how that felt.

Lily clenched her fist and James's jaw clenched.

He stumbled... and shouted, “Rictusempra!”

Ginny got up and tackled Harry in a hug.

Surprised, Harry asked as he hugged her back, "What's up?"

"Nothing. I'm just so glad you used anything other than Expelliarmus."

A jet of silver... move for laughing.

"Draco does a spell that harms Harry, Harry hits back with a harmless spell," Rabastan pointed out.

Blaise chuckled, "That's just Harry duelling by definition."

"Oi! I've gotten a lot better." Harry defended.

Harry hung back... on the floor,

"No, it wouldn't. It is what you're supposed to do, duel." James said, a little worried.

but this was... a kind of quickstep.

Narcissa nodded. Despite the fact that he's not following the rules, what it comes down to, is that he can duel, when he needs to.

"Why did you think a multiple House dueling club would be a good idea," McGonagall asked her friend.

Dumbledore bowed his head, "I don't know. I feel as if my future self might need to have his sanity tested."

McGonagall tutted, "I'm starting to believe so too, forgive me for saying so."

“Stop! Stop!” screamed... to look up.

"You can do one thing right. Thank the lords." Lily muttered.

A haze of greenish... than he was.

"Poor Millie." Theo said.

"Poor Millie?! What about me? She had me in a headlock!" Hermione said.

“Dear, dear,” said... a second, Boot…”

Madam Pomfrey looked scandalized, "...NO! Never do that. Do not squeeze. Apply pressure and come to me immediately.

“I think I’d... of the hall.

"Teach defensive before offensive!" Shackbolt exclaimed, stealing the words right out of Moody's mouth.

He glanced at... the simplest spells.

Alice glared at the young snake.

We’ll be sending... with a twisted smile.

"Because that won't end in more devastation than Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley," Evadoire sighed. Avis patted her knee awkwardly.

“Excellent idea!” said... you do this.”

Moody sat forward in interest.

He raised his... a little overexcited—”

Barty and Rabastan shared a look before they burst out laughing seconds later. "THAT ONE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF!"

"You two are so childish," chided Rodolphus, though he had a smile on his face. Many in the hall hadn't missed the opportunity to laugh at Lockhart and his horrible choice of words.

Snape moved closer...  drop my wand?”

"Ha!" James said.

"Absolute gold!" Sirius said in continuation.

But Lockhart wasn’t listening.

"Big surprise there," muttered Evadiore.

“Three—two...  and bellowed, “Serpensortia!”

"You gave a child that spell?" Kingsley asked.

The end of... “I’ll get rid of it…”

"He had his pupil perform that spell to make the Potter spawn look incompetent," sneered a Slytherin to his fellow Slytherin. "Brilliant!"

“Allow me!” shouted... a loud smack.

Severus sighed. Dumbass.

Enraged, hissing furiously... poised to strike.

"This is where something is going to go wrong." Lily said, rather used to it.

Harry wasn’t sure... “Leave him alone!”

"Oh... He said it in parseltongue didn't he?" James said.

And miraculously... couldn’t have explained.

"Because you're a parseltongue," smiled Sirius.

"They're going to think Harry's the heir," said Regulus. That caught his brother's attention.

"What?" gasped Sirius. "Why would Harry want to harm people?"

"They won't think that far ahead," sighed Remus. "They'll jump to conclusions."

"Ding, ding, ding," cheered Harry.

He looked up... out of the hall.

Remus sighed, "There it is."

Snape stepped forward... didn’t like it.

"That's just his version of a resting bitch face." Regulus muttered.

He was also... “Move—come on—”

"Thanks for that by the way." Harry said to the boy.

Ron steered him... you tell us?”

"Straight to the point," said Barty.

“I’m a what... I know,” said Harry.

Blaise shook his head with a fond smile on his face.

“I mean, that’s... was a wizard—”

"You're making this a lot more confusing for the two of them." Young Bill said, astutely.

“A boa constrictor... here can do it.”

"No," Lily shook her head. "They can't. Hence the fear."

“Oh, no they can’t,” said Ron. “It’s not a very common gift. Harry, this is bad.”

"It isn't bad!" exclaimed Sirius, open-mouthed. "It's awesome!"

“What’s bad... to attack Justin—”

"They didn't know that's what you were saying..." Barty muttered, as if that was obvious.

“Oh, that’s what... creepy, you know—”

"IT BACKED OFF!" shouted Lily, absolutely pissed. "IT SLITHERED OVER TO MY SON AND WRAPPED ITSELF AROUND HIS LEG. HOW THE FUCK COULD SOMEONE TAKE THAT AS EGGING IT ON!?"

Harry gaped at... was so terrible.

Professor Dumbledore sat forward. This seems important.

“D’you want to... the Headless Hunt?”

The Marauders chuckled. James thought to himself, Even when he's confused, he's sassy.

“It matters,” said... mouth fell open.

Evan Rosier couldn't help it, he chuckled.

“Exactly,” said Ron... couldn’t quite explain.

"I guess it is possible," said Lily, who'd been studying. "No one can tell you exactly where the Potter line began."

"If we are related," began James, "and the ability of snakes skipped over me, I'll be very pressed."

“You’ll find that... you could be.”

Bill nodded.

Harry lay awake... family, after all.

"I could teach you..." James said, surprised as Harry started shaking his head.

Harry started, "There's no need," he said proudly as he continued, "I learnt from the books in the vault at Gringotts."

The Dursleys... wizarding relatives.

"Like they would know anything," scoffed Sirius.

Quietly, Harry tried... snake to do it.

"So that's what I heard that night!" exclaimed Ron. Harry chuckled.

But I’m in... had Slytherin blood…

Severus' head tilted as he thought it over. It did seem likely, with that logic, but... There's something about it that set him off.

Ah, said a... don’t you remember?

"I understand why the Hat wanted to put you in Slytherin, but you could be the poster model for Gryffindor. You're perfect in the House," said Ron.

"He'd be perfect in almost all Houses though..." Someone said.

"Nah. It there's anyone perfect for all the Houses, it'd be Mia. I've never met anyone who's so cut-throat." Harry said, glancing at the girl, seeing her smile.

Harry turned over... should have realized.

"He is a very big fool," growled Lily.

By next morning... and Colin Creevey.

Harry fretted about this next to the fire in the Gryffindor common room, while Ron and Hermione used their time off to play a game of wizard chess.

Everyone else was fretting too, and although, thinking with logic, everyone would be okay, but something about it was strange.

“For heaven’s sake... in his idiocy.”

Bill smiled when everyone else yelled their agreements.

So Harry got... into a badger.

"One of the twins?" laughed Rabastan.

Resisting the urge... seem to be working.

"Why would they take up space in the library then?" Some of the Ravenclaws groaned.

Between the long... the Invisibility section.

"Heh, ironic," said Avis.

“So anyway,” a... the loose, is it?”

"What the fuck is up with all these Hufflepuffs thinking that my son is the heir?" James questioned at the same time Lily shouted: "His best friend is a muggle-born you daft idiot!"

“You definitely... pigtails anxiously.

"The entire Boy-Who-Lived business," Bill sighed as he continued, "People were so fickle about it."

“Hannah,” said the... himself Serpent-tongue.”

"Whomst names their child Ernie?" James asked, feeling rather petty.

There was some... Creevey’s been attacked.”

"What logic is this?" Regulus asked.

“He always... nice, though,”

Harry put of of his palms under his face, open, making the shape of of a flower, "I'm so sweet!"

said Hannah...  You-Know-Who.

"Except for Dumbledore and the lot of professors," snarled Remus. 

I mean to... Potter’s been hiding?”

Ginny paled, "That's actually close to the prophecy," she had whispered to Harry.

"I-I hadn't ever realized... wow."

Harry couldn’t take... of Ernie’s face.

"He's a Second Year, who didn't even know magic existed for half his life, do you really think he's capable of petrifying people?" Severus asked.

“Hello,” said Harry... fearfully at Ernie.

"Oh for Godric's sake!" muttered Alice.

“What do you... quavering voice.

"Oh nothing. I was just leaving dozens of witnesses before murdering a random Hufflepuff. You may begin shitting your pants." Harry said, rolling his eyes.

“I wanted to...  off?” said Harry.

"It's not that easy is it?" Lily asked.

“All I saw... snake toward Justin. “

"He'd be a great writer for the Daily Prophet!" Ginny exclaimed with a roll of her eyes.

“I didn’t chase...  miss,” said Ernie.

"Hi, yeah. I would just like to know some very basic information on this guy, his full name, if he has a phone number, birthday, address, you know, the typical stuff..." Mary said, with a dangerous look in her eyes.

Harry said hesitantly, "You had me until birthday."

Lily warned the boy, "Do not give her the address. She'll just send Aurors to his door every fortnight."

"Nooooo. I'll send Aurors to his brother's home every fortnight." Mary stuck her tongue out as everyone around her looked at her in slight horror, save for the Golden Trio.

Harry reassured, "Oh, don't worry, Hermione took care of everyone that needed taken care of.

“And in case...  said Ernie swiftly.

"It'd be impossible to live with the Dursleys and not hate them," said Sirius.

“It’s not possible... you try it.”

"That's my godson."

He turned on...  onto the floor.

"Hagrid!"

“Oh, hello, Hagrid...  massive, gloved hands.

"...Why, Hargid? Just why?" Ava asked.

“All righ’, Harry...  the hen coop.”

"Blood Sucking Bugbear?" The current Care of Magical Creatures professor asked.

He peered more...  nothing,” he said.

"It's not nothing!" said Lily, gripping James' hand.

"Your son has a tendency to believe that the world rests on his shoulders," Theo explained.

"It kinda' did," Harry muttered, not loud enough for anyone except Blaise to hear.

“I’d better get... had said about him.

"You should've come to speak to me." Professor Sprout said.

"Heh. You really think that Harry Potter would ever go to speak to an authority figure?" Bill said rhetorically.

“Justin’s been waiting... on the floor.

"No," cried Lily.

He turned to...  had ever seen.

"Dear Salazar..." muttered Regulus. There was a tense silence in the hall.

It was Nearly... identical to Justin’s.

"This... creature takes down ghosts?" asked Professor Sprout, horrified.

Harry got to... on either side.

Moody's eye twitched. Why was Nick petrified too? How was he petrified?

He could run... do with this?

"You need to flee the scene!" stressed Marlene. However, Moody spoke up.

"No, that might just add more suspicion. He was with Hagrid just seconds ago, therefore, she has an alibi."

As he stood...  Why’s Potter lurking—”

"Literally the worst ghost to find you," said Barty.

Peeves stopped, halfway... YOUR LIVES! ATTAAAACK!”

James shook his head, "No, Peeves, no."

Crash—crash—crash... dramatically at Harry.

"He had an alibi," sang Sirius, rather smug.

“That will do... it’s good fun—”

Barty repeated Peeves' song with a smile on his face. "That's fun to say, be honest."

“That’s enough, Peeves... out at Harry.

"Even if he does have an alibi, it's not going to help, at this school." Remus muttered.

Justin was carried... McGonagall alone together.

Minnie looked interested to see how she reacted.

“This way, Potter... Professor McGonagall curtly.

"You can't actually believe..." James' words trailed off.

They marched in ...  drop!” she said.

"The delicious sweet comes up once more," said Pandora, no doubt a piece of her thinking about the treat. As if Dumbledore could read her mind he waved a hand and a pound of the candy fell onto the table before the blonde.

"Thank you," she smiled at the Headmaster as she tore into one.

This was evidently... where Dumbledore lived.

"It is." The man nodded as Andromeda softly shut the book.

Notes:

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 15: The Polyjuice Potion

Summary:

The potion!

Notes:

Ok, so considering the fact that it is 3 in the morning, this is pretty good.

Enjoy!

Andromeda asked, "Who'd like to read?"

Emma, knowing enough to know what was likely to come up, nudged -more like shoved- Severus in the stomach. Swallowing down a grunt, Severus wandlessly levitated the book to himself, much to the dissatisfaction of a lot of the students sitting in the tables and couches before him.

With suspicion, he opened up the book to the chapter, and mentally told himself off for not realizing why Emma had wanted him to read this particular chapter. "Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion."

"Ah," smirked Sirius. "The kids finished the potion it seems."

"Somethings going to go wrong, one way or another," Regulus said aloud. He couldn't explain why he believed this but he had a feeling.

Lily shook her head, "No, Hermione made it. I don't believe she would have messed up."

Draco broke into Lily's argument of how something in her daughter's life had to go right, one way or another. "Uncle Reggie," he began, "You truly should consider becoming a seer..."

That did not bode well for Lily's argument. Accompanied by an exasperated sigh Slughorn began to read...

They stepped off... look around it.

"I would like to believe I would've given you the chance to explain, if I actually did think that you were responsible." Dumbledore said calmly, knowing the history around the hysteria that shrouded the Chamber.

It was a large... the Sorting Hat.

"So that's where it's kept all year," said Lily.

Harry hesitated. He... the right House—

Lily frowned, feeling sorry for her son. He was only doubting where the Hat placed him due to these stupid rumors!

He walked quietly... wanted to ask—”

James sighed, at his son's insecurity. There's a lot of work to be done, in a very short time. James promised himself that he would make sure that Harry was smiling as often as he could make him throughout the reading.

“You’ve been wondering... well in Slytherin—”

Harry pulled Blaise's arms tighter around him as he felt several sets of eyes on him.

Harry’s stomach plummeted... shelf, feeling sick.

"Uh, babe, the Hat wasn't done explaining."

“You’re wrong,” he...  out of its tail.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

Harry was just... burst into flames.

"It's a phoenix..." Remus muttered in understanding.

Sirius snickered, not having heard his boyfriend. "Great going, Harry." 

Harry yelled in... on the floor.

A lot of students looked rather confused.

The office door...  just caught fire—”

The people who did understand what was going on, smiled at Harry's panic.

To Harry’s... smiled.

"He was totally thinking you were insane," laughed Ron.

"Everyone's a little insane," replied Dumbledore.

Draco rolled his eyes.

“About time, too... ashes. Watch him…”

"Fascinating creatures," said Xenophilious.

Harry looked down... as the old one.

"They're a beautiful normally." James said, having been in Dumbledore's office enough to know about the creature.

“It’s a shame... highly faithful pets.”

Professor Kettleburn nodded, "It's sad though. They're extremely rare because people were obsessed with selling them and their constituent parts on the black market."

In the shock... light blue stare.

"Where's Hagrid?" Sirius asked.

Before Dumbledore could... an almighty bang

"There he is." Sirius smiled.

and Hagrid burst... had time, sir—”

"Bless your soul, Hagrid," said Evadoire.

"He saved my life many times," Harry smiled at the giant.

Dumbledore tried to...  if I have to—”

"Hah!" laughed Ron. "There could have been one hundred witnesses, they'd still throw him in Azkaban."

"Oh no," muttered Lily. "Don't tell me Harry had a run-in with the Ministry."

Harry shrugged it off. "Just a few," she grumbled.

“Hagrid, I...  know Harry never—”

"Calm down." Dumbledore said.

“Hagrid!” said Dumbledore... attacked those people.”

James tapped his head, "See, Professor Dumbles has a brain."

“Oh,” said Hagrid... out looking embarrassed.

Hagrid flushed.

“You don’t think... off his desk.

"Of course he doesn't, sweets." Sirius said, as if he was telling a baby.

“No, Harry, I... “Anything at all.”

Lily folded her hands in front of her, before saying as if she was negotiating a contract.

"Yes," she said before Severus could continue reading. "Let's see: 1) I hear the monster, 2) my uncle and aunt are abusive to me and I'd like to be relocated, and 3) I have a feeling that my mother would like me to have one, normal year."

"Yeah... that never happened," snickered Ron.

Harry didn’t know... Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom.

"That's probably something you shouldn't mention to him, as you're trying to not be expelled," said Remus.

Then he thought...  isn’t anything, Professor…”

Lily sighed in defeat, "No, of course not. Why would you tell a teacher? It makes no sense..."

* * *

The double attack... home for Christmas.

The Professors sighed.

“At this rate... going to be.”

Rabastan gasped dramatically, "How horrid!"

Crabbe and Goyle... as he passed.

"Last year they wanted to get close to you because of your scar. Now they all fear you," Mary shook her head.

"It's better to be feared," a Slytherin spoke up.

"That's why you're a snake and I'm not," sneered Mary. Normally she had very little House prejudice, but she felt protective of Harry... like an aunt would for their nephew.

If that aunt wasn't Petunia. That blonde bitch was something else.

Fred and George... wizard coming through…”

"Those twins," Molly rested her forehead in her palm. She looked at her stomach, knowing that it was just a matter of time, before the baby came.

Percy was deeply...  he said coldly.

"Another thing I'm going to have to disagree with," laughed Barty.

“Oh, get out... said George, chortling.

Molly shook her head. Arthur and her couldn't afford the spellwork and besides, these twins, no matter how troublesome, seemed to want to help the situation. 

Ginny didn’t find...  when they met.

Regulus considered this. I wonder...

Harry didn’t mind... them at it.

Theo burst out laughing. "Draco doesn't have a bad bone in his body, no matter how much he tried to pretend otherwise."

"No need to expose me, T."

“It’s because he’s...  any day now.”

"How'd that go?" Draco asked with a smirk.

"You know exactly how well it went."

At last the... along with Bill.

"That's when you took me to figure out if I wanted to pursue a career there." Bill said in explanation.

Percy, who disapproved... for them both.

"I always woke you two up." Hermione groaned.

“Wake up,” she...  potion. It’s ready.”

"That'll wake someone up," Remus said.

Harry sat up...  should be tonight.”

"Christmas night, what a gift for Draco Malfoy," snickered Barty.

At that moment...  from the Dursleys.

"More money?" guessed Severus with sarcasm.

They had sent... summer vacation, too.

"The money would have probably been better," chirped Evan.

"He can't stay for the summer," frowned James. "But I bet Remus and Sirius would look after her."

"We'd have loved to, James." Remus said, Sirius nodding in agreement enthusiastically.

The rest of... fire before eating;

At this reminder, Hagrid shifted in his seat and pulled out a package of the fudge which he handed to Young Bill. "I 'ad for'ot about it."

A large smile broke out upon Bill's face. He handed the package to his dad who took out his wand and warmed the dessert up. "Make sure you share."

Bill slid to the floor and curled their legs up beneath them, breaking into the sweet, Nymphadora tugged on the sleeve of her dad's arm, with Ted's permission she wandered over and joined the boy. After giving some to her, Bill got up and walked over in an adorable childlike manner, and gave some to Mia, his entire face flushing.

Hermione thanked him sincerely, to which the young boy just jerked out a nod and walked away again. Hermione cooed at the little boy, and she took it out on the older version of the adorable young boy, pinching his cheeks, and babying him.

Ron had given... were planning next.

Molly pursed her lips, "Don't worry about, dear."

No one, not... dinner at Hogwarts.

"Never taken the potion," said Sirius, "but as part of the Marauders, I have a good idea what you mean."

The Great Hall... eggnog he consumed.

Hagrid's cheeks warmed.

Percy, who hadn’t... were sniggering at.

Molly frowned at her husband who was shaking with laughter.

Harry didn’t even...  for laundry detergent.

"Why laundry detergent of all things?"

Harry shrugged, he couldn't explain how his brain worked.

“And obviously, it’ll...  Ron’s stupefied faces.

"No surprise there," said Alice.

She held up... a broom closet.”

Draco sighed. "Sad, but true."

On the other hand, the Marauders looked extremely proud, "Hermione. Now, I'm not overly fond of how much of stickler for rules you used to be, until you decided otherwise." Sirius started.

Hermione nodded, "Neither am I."

The boy continued as if she hadn't said a thing, "But I love how your evil mastermind brain works."

Hermione snorted.

Harry and Ron...  go seriously wrong—”

"Holy crap, a Potter child speaking reason? I think I've died and gone to hell," cried Marlene, winking at Lily. The redhead shook her head.

But Hermione had...  hair inside it.

"I have so many questions." James said wonderingly.

On the other hand, Ron and Harry grimaced, remembering that the bottle did not hold a strand of human hair.

“Remember Millicent Bulstrode... to come back.”

"Oh! That's the one part where things could go horribly wrong." The Marauders said.

When Hermione had... could go wrong?”

"Oh, yes," replied the Marauders.

But to Harry’s... on their faces.

"So, wizards are not taught that you shouldn't eat random food? That could have been drugged, and well, in this case, they were said a Muggleborn.

Then, without the...  on the toilet seat.

"Sounds delicious," joked Peter.

"And hygenic" added Marlene, "with the glasses on toilet seats."

“Did you get... Crabbe and Goyle.”

"Thought of everything, didn't you?" asked Lily, glad that her son had a friend like Hermione.

"She almost always does," replied Ron.

The three of... into ourselves.”

"Unless you use cat hair," Ginny said between a laugh. 

“Now what... add the hairs.”

Draco's nose scrunched.

Hermione ladled large... dark, murky brown.

Sirius gagged. "Yum," he said weakly. Remus had paled.

“Hang on,” said... Bulstrode’s no pixie.”

Remus nodded, "Good thinking."

“Good thinking,” said... “One—two—three—”

"Cheers!"

Pinching his nose...  sizes too small.

"I don't think I'll be eating dinner tonight," Avis muttered. Evadoire nodded her agreement.

As suddenly as... like, being Goyle.

Blaise shivered, "Ugh. Being Goyle..."

His large hand... flat nose. “Unbelievable. “

Bill stroked Hermione's hand under the table, knowing what was coming up.

“We’d better get... see Goyle thinking.”

Theodore, Blaise, and Draco chuckled.  

He banged on... on without me.”

Both Moody and Kingsley sat up.

“Hermione, we know... you’re wasting time—”

"Something went wrong." Sirius said, not loud enough for anyone but Remus to hear him.

Harry looked... bewildered.

"That probably looks more like Goyle." Theo said.

Ron looked over at him and beamed at the boy, and said, "I love how you think."

“That looks more... through the door.

"Something went wrong, didn't it?" Regulus asked quietly. 

“Fine—I’m fine...  had already passed.

"Make sure to match how they act..." Lily said.

“We’ll meet you... muttered to Ron.

Lily nodded in approval.

“Eh...  sort of stiff…”

Draco raised an eyebrow in Harry's direction, "Pay enough attention to him, eh?"

"Shut up. Crabbe was definitely not the boy my twelve-year-old self paid close attention to."

“How’s this... was nobody around.

"That's weird. It's not curfew yet..." Narcissa said.

“Any ideas?” muttered... from the entrance.

"You know what would come in real handy?" James asked his friends. Lily's ears perked up, trying to listen to their conversation discretely. 

"The Map," replied Sirius with a smile.

“Excuse me... a Ravenclaw.”

"Holy shit," muttered Ron. "We talked to her!"

"Talked to who?" asked Mary.

"Percy's girlfriend."

She walked away... they had hoped.

"No... it's not. There's a lot you left unaccounted for." Remus said.

The labyrinthine... movement ahead.

"A whole quarter of an hour? Our common room isn't that hard to find," Draco said in disbelief.

"Yeah, shoulda just followed the sound of prejudice purebloods," Blaise smiled sarcastically.

Harry snapped his fingers, "Wow, I can't believe Ron and I didn't think of that!"

“Ha!” said Ron... it was Percy.

"Do not blow your cover." The twins stressed.

“What’re you doing... of your business.

Realizing now, what Percy had been doing, Ron snickered.

It’s Crabbe, isn’t... corridors these days.”

"You are." Someone pointed out.

“You are,” Ron... to attack me.”

"Fear keeps you alive-" began Sirius.

"Arrogance gets you killed," quoted Remus.

A voice suddenly... to see him.

"I'm touched," Draco drawled.

“There you are...  witheringly at Percy.

Lucius smirked, knowing exactly what that stare was like.

“And what’re you... like your attitude!”

"Yeah, but I don't like you in general," Avis snickered. "Little pompous asshole."

Malfoy sneered and...  corrected him automatically.

"Dumbass." The twins chorused.

“Whatever,” said Malfoy... exchanged excited looks.

"Well, he was certainly trying to catch something," Ron said.

"Yeah," laughed Ginny, "With the space in between his legs."

Arthur and Molly looked to be affronted by the way their children were speaking in public.

Malfoy paused by...  said Malfoy,

Evan frowned, that's what the password was in 1977, had it not changed throughout the decades?

James snorted, "Well that's predictable."

not listening, and... Ron followed him.

Narcissa sighed. This is not going to be good.

The Slytherin common... high backed chairs.

The Slytherins wanted to leave there immediately.

“Wait here,” said... sent it to me—”

Lucius' eyebrows raised.

Wondering what Malfoy... laugh,” he said.

"A newspaper clipping?" Lucius asked.

Harry saw Ron’s... it to Harry.

"What's the article about?" Young Bill asked.

It had been...  Mr. Weasley’s resignation.

The two men glared at each other.

“Weasley has brought... ghoul on them.

Molly beamed with pride, she knew that the threat was a true one.

“Well?” said Malfoy... Harry bleakly.

"Great acting Harry," chuckled James.

“Arthur Weasley loves... way they behave.”

Bill was glaring at the boy's parents.

Ron’s—or rather... that Creevey in.”

Mary glared at Draco for talking so bad about such amazing people. First the Weasleys, the muggle-borns all together, and now Colin? 

Malfoy started taking... please, Potter?’”

"You weren't off." Harry said.

He dropped his... on the uptake.

Lucius couldn't hide the disappointment at his son's stupidity. 

“Saint Potter, the... he’s Slytherin’s heir!”

Lily sighed, "You're a pompous asshole, but at least you have basic logic."

Harry and Ron... could help them.”

Narcissa sighed.

Ron’s jaw dropped... behind it all…”

Everyone who actually believed it could be Malfoy -the younger students- sat up.

“You know I... before his time,

"But not before mine," said Abraxas.

but he knows... Crabbe’s gigantic fists.

Hermione wrapped her hand around Ron's clenched fist. It'd happened without his knowledge. 

Feeling that it...  still in Azkaban.”

Hagrid frowned. He had been expelled, but not sent to Azkaban, thank the Founders.

“Azkaban?” said Harry...  be going backward.”

Rabastan laughed.

He shifted restlessly... manor last week?”

"Oh, I wonder why?" Someone asked sarcastically.

Harry tried to...  drawing room floor—”

The Professors' eyes went wide. Arthur turned this information around his head, planning a perfect time to act on it, then he frowned. Tonight Lucius would probably return home and magic-away the chamber. It would be difficult, but Arthur's whole house in the future had grown with magic, so he had no doubt it could be used to make rooms disappear. 

“Ho!” said Ron... Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom.

Sirius gasped, "Socks in the hallways! Oh what fun!"

Peter smiled, "We'll make a contest out of it, the person who slides the farthest wins!"

The Black swung his arm around Peter's shoulder and pulled him close, "Brilliant, Wormtail. Bril-i-ant!"

“Well, it wasn’t a complete waste of time,” Ron panted, closing the bathroom door behind them. “I know we still haven’t found out who’s doing the attacks, but I’m going to write to Dad tomorrow and tell him to check under the Malfoys’ drawing room.”

Arthur nodded at him in pride.

Harry checked his...  away!” Hermione squeaked.

"Okay, but if she wanted to be left alone, she should have written a note and left the bathroom," said Dorcas.

Harry and Ron...  now, we are—”

Severus tilted his head. "It doesn't seem as if she messed up the potion... Unless... Oh shit."

But Moaning Myrtle... said. “It’s awful—”

"What?" Mary asked.

They heard the... nose or something?”

"She shouldn't..." Slughorn said, confused.

Hermione let he... into the sink.

"Worse than her nose?" asked Barty, feeling excitement at the small mystery.

Her face was...  hair!” she howled.

"SHE HOWLED, LIKE A CAT!" Evan shouted. The Slytherins burst out into laughter.

"Yeah, yeah, you all laugh." Hermione rolled her eyes. I'll get the last laugh, as my best friend kills your precious master.

“M-Millicent Bulstrode... animal transformations!”

Moody felt a little bad for the girl, though he knew she was young and had no experience when it came to the art of deception, she still should have made a point to get extra hair. One she was sure was, well, human.

“Uh oh,” said Ron... too many questions…”

"I've had to deal with those boys," Madam Pomfrey pointed to the Marauders, "I've learned to stop asking questions."

It took a... got a tail!”

Regulus sighed, wondering how he'd known something bad was going to happen, maybe he was just becoming used to Harry Potter's bad luck. Though, he guessed it could have been worse.

"I'd like to read next," he said, raising a hand. The book flew over to his lap.

Notes:

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 16: The Very Secret Diary

Summary:

They find out about the diary!

Notes:

Heyo!

Enjoy!

Regulus cleared his throat, "Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary..."

Hermione remained in... had been attacked.

"Not to mention that it's Hogwarts."

So many students... a furry face.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head in disappointment.

Harry and Ron... each day’s homework.

"Homework? In the Hospital Wing? wHy?" James asked.

“If I’d sprouted... said Hermione briskly.

"Yeah Ron," Sirius scoffed sarcastically, "Just because she broke the rules once doesn't mean she's going to start slacking off. I mean, just look at Moony."

"Hey!" Remus retorted, then he paused. "Actually, he's right."

Her spirits were... couldn’t hear her.

"There are spells for that you know?" Lily asked.

Harry smirked, "We do now."

“Nothing,” said Harry... the hundredth time.

"It was annoying," Hermione said.

Ron scoffed, "Me? Do you not remember Sixth Year?"

“What’s that?” asked...  out of sight,

Ron snickered. "Oh, I remember this."

"Of course you do," pouted Hermione, "You've never let me live it down."

but Ron was... at Hermione, disgusted.

Sirius and many other students wore the same expression on their faces.

“You sleep... your pillow?”

"There are much more important questions to be asked," Avis said.

"Yeah," Sirius continued on for her, "Like why Hermione even likes him in the first place."

But Hermione was... toward Gryffindor Tower.

"Jealous, Ronny?" Ginny teased.

"Nah," smiled Harry,  "He's just speaking the truth."

Snape had given... he finished it.

"But you were, weren't you?" teased Hermione.

Ron was just... Hair Raising Potion

"It's seven," sighed Remus and Hermione in sync. They met each other's eyes.

"Sirius," Remus told her. "Ron," she explained.

when an angry... said Ron tensely.

"I hope not," muttered a first year.

They stood still...  to Dumbledore—”

Sighs of relief left the mouths of several in the hall. Okay, not another attack, thank Godric. 

His footsteps receded...  Myrtle’s bathroom.

Both Moody and Shackbolt took note of this. The first attack happened there and now it was flooding?

Now that Filch... her?” said Ron.

"She's always bawling though." Evadoire said, wondering why that was new.

“Let’s go and... always, and entered.

"Very Marauders-like," said James proudly.

Moaning Myrtle was...  than ever before.

Myrtle sighed from the rafters.

She seemed to... something at you?”

"Yeah," Avis rolled her eyes at Harry. "She's your friend."

“Don’t ask me... you, wouldn’t it?”

"Babe," cringed Blaise.

He had said... anyway?” asked Harry.

Barty sent two thumbs-up in Harry's direction. "You're doing great with ghost sensitivity, Harry."

"Don't call me that," he snarled, the venom in his voice strong. Harry knew that this Barty Crouch Jr had nothing to do with the Goblet of Fire, but his name coming out of his mouth... he hated it. It made him want to kill him and then bury him six feet beneath the ground, well, he didn't care if it happened in that order.

If he hadn't put his name in the Goblet then Cedric would still be alive...

It's not him. It's not him. He repeated the phrase over and over in his head as if it were a mantra.

"Why not?" joked Barty, unknowingly being incredibly disrespectful.

Draco got to his feet before Blaise, Hermione, Ron, or any of the other time-travelers. He pressed his weight against the wooden table, smoke billowing from beneath his palms. "Don't."

The one word held an unbelievable weight. His voice held just as much venom as Harry's had.

Clearing his throat, Draco returned to his seat. Motioning toward the two burn marks he apologized, "Uhm, sorry."

Dumbledore flicked a hand and the table looked as if had before. "It is no problem."

“I don’t know…  thin book lay there.

Ginny's face scrunched.

It had a... could be dangerous.”

Moody nodded, knowing better than most the consequences of not being careful.

“Dangerous?” said Harry... your eyes out.

Arthur beamed. "You listened!"

"I only listen to the interesting stories," Ron explained. "Which guess fits a lot of the things you came home and talked about... You know, the more I think about it, the more I appreciate your job."

And everyone who... one handed. And—”

"I think he gets it." Sirius said quickly.

“All right, I’ve... off the floor.

"It could have been a knife curse to stop whoever walked by it and Harry would still be like: 'Well! We won't know who cursed it until we touched it!'" Mary said.

Hermione huffed a laugh, "You have no idea how true that is."

Harry saw at... in smudged ink.

Abraxas' eyebrow raised. He was the only one -other than Dumbledore- who knew his real name. It couldn't be, could it?

“Hang on,” said... fifty years ago.”

McGonagall's brows furrowed. She'd seen that trophy too.

“How on earth... you’d remember it, too.”

"I could tell you how many grooves are in the kitchen cabinets in the Dursley's old home," mentioned Harry.

Harry peeled the... half past three.

James smiled.

“He never wrote... said Ron curiously.

Ginny squeaked, shoving her head into the crook of her oldest brother's neck. Regulus took notice of this, wondering if, possibly, Ginny Weasley had something to do with this mysterious diary.

Harry turned to... from Vauxhall Road…”

"Or a half-blood," chimed Andromeda.

“Well, it’s not... through Myrtle’s nose.”

Molly shook her head, a smile cracking out across her face.

Harry, however, pocketed it.

Lily rubbed her temples, sighing. "Why did I not see that coming?"

Hermione left the... had found it.

Hermione sighed, wishing she'd at least had the sense to check for jinxes. She shook her head in disappointment.

“Oooh, it might... at it closely.

Kingsley looked rather skeptical.

“If it has...  chuck it, Harry.”

"Well," Draco chuckled awkwardly, "You find out."

“I wish I... everyone a favor…”

Theodore burst into laughter, "Oh--my---Salazar. Ron--you--" He couldn't speak he was laughing so hard.

But Harry could... what Malfoy said.”

Abraxas remembered the time well.

“Yeah…” said Ron... “So?”

"So?" Young Bill muttered in disbelief, hoping that being slow wasn't a family trait.

“Oh, Ron, wake... Heir of Slytherin?

Hagrid looked at the umbrella wand hidden beneath his oversized leather-skinned jacket.

His diary would... lives in it—

A smirk spread across Sirius's face. "Doesn't this mean that Harry knows where the Chamber is? And how to open it... and what creature lives there?"

"Mr. Black: No," McGonagall told the student, emphasizing the word 'no.' "If Mr. Potter does know the location of the Chamber, he will inform Headmaster Dumbledore who will get a team together to go and destroy the monster along with the Chamber in its entirety. There will be no playing."

"Oh come on, Minnie! We'll be with Harry Potter, he's got unbelievable luck from what we've seen so far."

"Let's not joke on my son's life, Pads, please."

"No," repeated McGonagall. "And that's final."

Sirius sighed as McGonagall told Regulus to continue reading. Harry used a small, unnoticeable amount of magic, to catch his godfather's attention. When their eyes met he winked at him.

the person who’s...  ink!” she whispered.

"'Twas not," Harry muttered.

She tapped the... said, “Aparecium!”

Flitwick's eyebrows raised in surprise. Not many people know that spell.

Nothing happened.... Nothing happened.

"So this man named Riddle has turned his diary into a... riddle!" Rabastan paused for the punch line. Barty gave a sympathetic chuckle. "That was a good one, guys."

"No, it wasn't."

“I’m telling you... Riddle’s diary away.

Several sets of eyes focused on him and caused Harry to shift in her seat. Now that he thought about it, he figured it probably had to do with the fact that he too had been a Horcrux. 

The fact was... had half forgotten.

Lily hummed. That was a very specific thing to feel toward an inanimate object.

But this was absurd.

"Up until you were eleven you would have thought people turning into animals would have been absurd," Marlene pointed out.

"I still thought that was a little weird until my third year." His glance flickered to the Marauders.

He’d never... sure of that.

Lily's jaw tightened at the reminder.

Nevertheless, Harry was... old Head Boys.

It was still shocking to James that he'd been made Head Boy.

“He sounds like... top of every class—”

Ron cleared his throat and said in reply to Bill's look of hurt, "He was not like Bill."

“You say that... slightly hurt voice.

Bill smiled at the boy sleeping on his father's lap, knowing the amazing life he had ahead of him, no matter what the others said.

The sun had... leaving childhood.

"Does that mean Mrs. Norris'll be okay?" Sirius asked sadly.

“The moment their...  in no time.”

Sirius' nose scrunched.

"More concerned about his cat," muttered Evadoire angerly.

"No surprise there," replied Avis in the same tone.

Perhaps the... thought Harry.

Or she'd tossed the book out, Ginny thought.

It must be... another fifty years…

"I hope so." Narcissa muttered quietly, much to the annoyance of her sister.

Ernie Macmillan of... routine to match.

Barty and Rabastan shared a look as they got to their feet. The next minute and a half consisted of a dance (that Harry thought looked too well co-ordinated to be made up on the spot) and the boys' cracky-voiced singing of 'Potter, you rotter.'

Walburga and Orion looked on in disapproval.

Gilderoy Lockhart... attacks stop.

"Of course he did."

Harry overheard...  hard on him.

"You're joking." James said, staring at the boy in shock.

“You know, what... and strode off.

"Did he just... boop himself?"

Lockhart’s idea of... February fourteenth.

"No... Not Valentines. Don't do them dirty on Valentines." Lily said, loving the day.

Harry hadn’t had... the wrong doors.

Mary, feeling just like Lily, asked warily, "Why?"

The walls were... pale blue ceiling.

A lot of the students looked sickened.

Harry went over... overcome with giggles.

Bill looked at his girlfriend, and shook his head mockingly.

“What’s going on....  of Skele Gro.

Madam Pomfrey smiled at the boy, knowing exactly what that looked like.

“Happy Valentine’s Day... doesn’t end here!”

"People sent you cards?" Evadoire said.

Lockhart clapped his ... and carrying harps.

"Those poor creatures..." Pandora and Xenophillious said.

“My friendly, card carrying cupids!” beamed Lockhart.

"They weren't very friendly," muttered Harry.

“They will be... a Love Potion!

"Oh, yes," grinned Sirius, "I'm sure Sniv would love to teach you all a Love Potion."

"Students are not allowed to learn that potion until their sixth year, it can be used very inappropriately." 

Severus once again glared at the boy.

And while you’re... sly old dog!”

The boy's head of house raised an eyebrow at him, "Yes, I know the enchantment but it is not something I teach to younger students for the same reason that Professor Slughorn doesn't teach the Love Potion."

Professor Flitwick buried... force fed poison.

"I don't think anyone doubts that." Severus said dangerously.

“Please, Hermione, tell... and didn’t answer.

"Oh..." whined Sirius. "I'm very disappointed in you little Remus."

"I was only 12," she defended. "I was more attracted to looks rather than personality."

All day long... get to Harry.

"What is it now?" Lily asked.

Hot all over... tried to escape.

Ginny groaned quietly, pressing her face against the table. "I'm so, so sorry, love," she whispered.

Harry chuckled, "It's okay."

The dwarf, however... gone two paces.

"See, told you they weren't friendly."

“I’ve got a...  pulling him back.

"Let go of her!" growled James.

"Why were they allowed to roam around the school? They're injuring children!" spoke Lily, being the voice of reason.

"There's a monster harming people," started Ron, "and wait until 4th year, or the new teacher in 5th year. It's safe to say that keeping children safe is not Hogwarts' goal."

"Which is weird," continued Draco, "because I'm pretty sure the teachers care for the students."

“Let me go!” Harry... split in two.

"See! This is literal assault!"

His books, wand... over everything.

"And now damage of property."

Harry scrambled around... his musical valentine.

"Too bad, I heard it."

“What’s all this... to the floor.

Lily and James glared at the teachers, as they weren't able to choose a particular one they glared at them all.

"I promise, Ms. Evans, Mr. Potter, we do care for our students."

"Then why is Gilderoy allowed to conduct the school in such a manner?" Regulus asked.

"I do not know," replied Dumbledore. "I'm afraid that I have yet to discover my future self's plan."

“Right,” he said...  conquered the Dark Lord.”

"I've read better poetry," began Remus, "but it was rather sweet."

Ginny blushed as red as the sun upon a beaten road.

Harry would have... And you, Malfoy—”

"Thanks for that by the way." Harry said.

Bill shook his head and waved the thanks off.

Harry, glancing over... Harry’s own diary.

"Riddle's diary is the only diary I've ever had, it sure did leave a mark though."

A hush fell... looking terrified.

Hmm... interesting reaction to an innocent diary, Ginny... Regulus was beginning to suspect that the little redhead had something to do with the near-murders, though, he reckoned that it probably wasn't intentional.

“Hand it over... tauntingly at Harry.

"Listen to your superiors," frowned Narcissa.

"In defense of past me... he was barely my superior..."

Bill looked at the boy, and raised an eyebrow, daring him to continue the thought.

Bill said, “As... broadly, caught it.

"WHOO!!!" cheered James.

“Harry!” said Percy... this, you know!”

"They don't care," grinned Lily.

Bill turned to...  Gryffindor any day.

James nodded, finding that reasoning very sensible.

Malfoy was looking... your valentine much!”

Harry told the girl, "Maybe not in the moment, but it is hilarious now."

Ginny covered her... all over it.

Moody silently shook his head. That diary was not something to mess around with, it needed to be sent to the Ministry where someone of age and experience would invesitgate it. 

He tried to... in anything else.

Ron shuddered. Those bubbles got on everything.

Harry went to...  is Harry Potter.”

"Kids," called Arthur, "what do I always say?"

"If it has a brain of its own, stay away!" shouted Young Bill and Nymphadora in response. The older Weasleys had muttered along with the two.

The words shone... had never written.

"And that's when you burn it," exclaimed Avis.

“Hello, Harry Potter... by my diary?”

Dumbledore felt as if he'd eaten too much, a pit having formed in his stomach. 

These words, too...  down a toilet.”

"Blunt," chuckled Barty.

He waited eagerly...  this diary read.”

People like you. Harry thought, as he glanced at the Headmaster.

“What do you... in his excitement.

"Did you not see anything weird with a talking diary?" asked Regulus.

"Technically, it wasn't talking, and I don't remember. I probably figured it was a wizard thing."

“I mean that... Witchcraft and Wizardry.”

"Well," muttered Hermione, "they were covered up."

“That’s where I... Chamber of Secrets?”

Lily sighed, bracing herself for shit to go down.

His heart was...  was not imprisoned.”

Hagrid frowned. He knew what story this diary was about to tell Aallotar, and he was not a fan.

Harry nearly upset...  I caught him. “

"Memories," spoke Shackbolt, "can be twitsted into the person's favor, or they might choose to simply exclude a few that wouldn't fit their narrative."

Harry hesitated, his... me show you.”

Lily shook her head, "That's my cue." She got up, and grabbed a cushion from the more comfortable chairs scattered over the Hall, and gently smothered her son with it, "Why. Are. You. So. Reckless?" She asked in frustration. 

Harry paused for... “OK.”

"No farther questioning?" asked Lily, pausing her smothering, "Not even an inquire of how you'd see?"

"Think later, do now. That's Harry's thought process." Hermione said sadly.

The pages of... color and shadow.

Mary's eyes widened, "This isn't freaking anyone else out?" When no one answered her, she nodded, "Okay then."

He felt his...  go, shall I?”

Rabastan couldn't help it, he chuckled at the young girl's awkwardness. 

Still the wizard... raised his voice.

Many smiled.

"Oh, dear," grinned Lily.

“Sorry I disturbed...  at his window.

James shook his head mockingly, "How rude."

The sky outside...  fifty years ago.

"I'll ask again. No one's freaked out by this?" Again, no one else answered, but there was a palpable tension in the room.

There was a...  the Headmaster.

Ah, thought Harry, so this is Riddle? He's quite attractive.

"No. Way." Ron's jaw dropped. "You thought... but he's--"

Harry burned a red darker than his best friend's hair. "Well," he clenched his jaw, speaking quietly. "If he wasn't a fucking psychopath he would be irresistible." Then, in an attempt to defend himself he said, "You never saw him, so..."

“You wanted to... you sent me.

Abraxas sat up. The Dark Lord was never open about his past. Even the oldest Malfoy didn't know much.

“Oh,” said Riddle... to that—”

"This sounds familiar," murmured Evan.

“You live in... Dippet curiously.

Abraxas looked shocked, and that didn't go past Harry. Even here, Harry was connecting dots about things he'd never known.

“Yes, sir... witch mother.”

Breath left Abraxas' mouth in a whoosh. The Dark lord had a filthy Muggle for a father? He didn't say anything, not wanting his plans to go belly up, but he listened to the reading much more intently than he did before.

“And are both.... my grandfather.”

A couple of students--Hufflepuffs specifically--frowned at this information, feeling bad for the boy. Nobody deserved to be an orphan.

Dippet clucked his...  head and refocused.

Lily sighed. He shouldn't want to stay in an empty castle so desperately.

“You mean all...  poor little girl…

"Death? No one's died in the future, just petrified." A Ravenclaw pointed out.

You will be... said Riddle quickly .

Dumbledore resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

But Harry was... given Dumbledore.

"So," asked Andromeda, "is this boy evil, or can he simply hear the creature as Harry can?"

Harry thought to himself. Both.

Dippet sank back... his forehead furrowed.

Draco tsked, "If he isn't careful he'll get wrinkles."

"Oh yeah, because that's what went wrong with his appearance." Blaise laughed.

Then, as though...  year younger Dumbledore.

"No way!" gasped Sirius, "Dumbles had brown hair?"

"More like a reddish-brown," Dumbledore reply, smiling.

“I had to see...  days. Not since…”

Dumbledore remembered the situation all too well.

He sighed heavily...  beyond the door.

"Please don't tell me that you're about to come face-to-face with the monster," whimpered Lily.

Aallotar shook her head, "It isn't Spring yet. All of the dangers I faced at Hogwarts waited for me to finish out my year."

"Well that's kind of the evils," snarked Sirius.

Someone was creeping...  a hoarse whisper.

Severus leant into Emma and asked, "Why do I feel like it's going to be someone he knows?"

Emma looked at him in shock, "How..." She trailed off.

Taking that as an affirmation, Severus shrugged.

“C’mon… gotta get... next to it.

"H-Hagrid?" asked Alice.

Hagrid huffed, "I di'n'it do it."

Even the Slytherins were shocked that the giant would do something of this magnitude.

“Evening, Rubeus...  down here, Tom?”

Barty chuckled, "Oh yeah, not even slightly suspicious."

Riddle stepped closer...  for exercise and—”

"Monster?" Flitwick asked. "Hagrid?" He asked the giant, giving him an opening to explain.

The groundskeeper said nothing.

“It never killed... He never!”

Harry and Ron shared a look, it very well might.

“Stand aside,” said... razor sharp pincers—

"Wait, that's what's been harming the muggleborns?" A Slytherin asked, disappointed.

Riddle raised his...  on his stomach.

Moody shook his head. I knew that diary was a bad idea.

Before he had...  fifty years ago.”

Hagrid looked over at the time-travelers, spotting an apologetic smile on the boy's face. He didn't blame Harry, he realized. He was only 12 and apparently believed that the world rested upon his shoulders.

Notes:

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 17: Cornelius Fudge

Summary:

We meet Fudge, and Lucius the dick returns. Hermione's paralyzed! How upsetting!

Notes:

y'all this is a short chapter! WE FINALLY GOT A SHORT CHAPTER!!!! *kisses computer screen* oh how I've missed the shorter chapters.

"One last chapter before we turn in, I believe." Dumbledore said, "Who'd like to read?"

Evadoire levitated the book to herself and started reading, "Chapter 14. Cornelius Fudge."

Theodore grinned, cracking his knuckles, "Aw, look it's our favorite Minister."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione... glimpse of it.

"I would nod'av," announced Hagrid. "'Specially if it were murderin' kids."

He’d probably thought... to kill anybody.

And technically that's still true, thought Harry, Hagrid didn't have Aragog when the Acromantula tried to eat Ron and I.

Harry half wished... conversations that followed.

"But then we wouldn't have found that that a certain you-know-what had a crush on a you-know-who," teased Theo.

"Ugh," cried Ginny. "You're giving me a headache."

"Rather give you a headache than spoil these lovely adversaries."

“Riddle might have...  Ron asked dully.

"It is a big castle..." Arthur thought aloud.

“We always knew... said Harry miserably.

"What a lame reveal," murmured Sirius. "We all know Hagrid didn't do it so he got expelled for nothing."

“And the attacks...  to stay here…”

"Do you think it'll be possible to make Harry dream of returning home during the holidays?" James whispered into Lily's ear.

A shiver ran down Lily's spine, she shook it off and pressed a kiss to James' lips, "We'll make sure he loves being home this time around."

“You met Hagrid...  them fell silent.

"'Cause 'em slugs are monsters in an' ov 'emselves."

After a long... about it all?”

"Because that'll be a cheerful visit." Sirius said.

“That’d be a... the castle lately?’”

"Yes," snickered Rabstan, "Please ask him exactly like that."

In the end... was another attack,

"That doesn't sound very smart," Alice chewed on her lip. What if Neville were next? No, she was being ridiculous, her son was a pureblood... but that didn't mean that the next victim wouldn't be someone else's Neville.

Hermione cringed, "We probably should've gone to Hagrid's that night..."

and as more... and in March

Lily whimpered, remembering what her son had mentioned last chapter. If everything went wrong at the end of the school year that meant Harry's second year was nearing its deadline.

several of the... Sprout very happy.

"She wasn't very happy when her Hufflepuffs threw a party in fourth year," grumbled Bill, having been there.

"Probably because one of her students got knocked up," replied Hermione.

"I could see how that would dampen the partying mood," confessed Sirius. He'd always been more than careful enough with Remus, and everyone else, to be fair, but he was the only one that mattered.

“The moment they... the hospital wing.”

"Thank Merlin." Mary said.

The second years... Potions,” said Harry.

Slughorn frowned, "I'm sorry that you don't have the same passion for my class as your mother, Mr. Potter."

"I think I would like it a little more if I was any good at it." Harry replied.

“We can’t,” said... the Dark Arts.”

Harry gasped dramatically, his hand clutching his chest, as if his friend physically hurt him. "Ouch."

"I'm glad I couldn't ditch DADA, I would've missed the best teacher."

“But that’s very... set pixies loose.”

"I wish I got to experience them," Pandora said, twirling a strand of her blonde hair. "I think they would've been fun."

"Remember when I took you guys to that forest during our third year?" Regulus asked his friend, to which she nodded. "And we accidentally stumbled upon a nest of them..."

"Oh yes! But we angered them, we interrupted their dinner."

Neville Longbottom had... it landed on.

"I tried that," shivered Sirius. "I landed on Muggle Studies and an arse whooping."

Hermione took nobody’s... for everything.

Mary smiled fondly. "Lily did the same, she obviously didn't get to attend every class but she sure as hell tried."

"I was put in Divination instead of Arithmancy," Lily shook her head. "I like numbers."

Harry smiled grimly... experience with them.

"Big surprise there," Barty joked.

“Depends where you.... talent for it.

McGonagall who genuinely believed it was a waste of time, nodded.

"So go with anything but Divination," said Remus, "Nothing but fantasies and guesswork."

"They can be quite useful--if not annoying--" Harry thought of his Prophecy, the stupid, idiotic thing that he wished never existed. But Harry knew it would exist, even this time around it would, it had too, it was a fixed point. "My problem is: they make no sense until you're smack dab in the middle of 'em."

Everyone in the hall took notice of the little slip Harry had made. So, he's dealt with a prophecy before? 

People say Muggle... contact with them—

"As someone whose a Muggleborn," began Hermione, addressing the Headmaster, "You should really update Muggle Studies, it's extremely outdated."

"Thank you, Ms. Granger. I'll make sure to do that as soon as I can," replied Dumbledore.

dad has to... to your strengths.”

 Bill looked proud of himself. "My lord, I give great advice."

Hermione smirked.

But the only... at was Quidditch.

"He found her strength," Ginny said, "Only needed the right teacher."

"And this was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" Remus asked, "In third year?"

"Yup," grinned the youngest Potter. "If it weren't for him I probably wouldn't have  made it to 17. No, scratch that, I wouldn't have survived third year."

"Not worrisome at all," muttered Lily, chewing on her lip. "Not at all..."

In the end,... to help him.

"Great help I was." Ron muttered.

"You did good for yourself, after the war." Hermione said.

Ron nodded, "I didn't apply myself, or whatever."

Gryffindor’s next Quidditch... Quidditch and homework.

"That was honestly a good thing." Harry said, "It kept me distracted."

However, the training... didn’t last long.

"And why would it?" Evadoire muttered, shrugging her shoulders in a sarcastic manner.

At the top... I just found—”

"What? What? What?" Lily asked.

Watching Harry fearfully...  over the mattress.

A couple of the professors gasped. Lily sighed, the sound heavy with anger and frustration, "You're not even safe in your dorm, now?"

"It's alright,, mum."

"No," James said sternly, "It's not. You're twelve, Harry, and this is an extreme violation of privacy."

Ginny looked down at her feet. She knew he was right, both of Harry's parents were, but that didn't mean she wanted to hear it.

Harry walked over... were hanging out.

"Check if there's anything missing." Kingsley said.

“Someone’s been looking...  what wasn’t there.

"The diary." James said in resignation.

Regulus, with another look in Ginny's direction, put the pieces together. The girl looked extremely guilty. Ginny, the eleven-year-old with a celebrity crush on Harry Potter, broke into his dorm and stole the diary. But why?

“Riddle’s diary’s....  “What?”

"It's most likely a Gryffindor." Remus said.

Harry jerked his... knows our password—”

Remus nodded.

"That's what makes it scarier," said Alice. "The fact that you know someone in your own House broke that level of personal privacy."

"I know who did it, it's not that big of a deal. They-" he was conscious to not using any defining features "-didn't do it in a harmful manner."

"Harry," Lily said, "You might know who they are now, but that doesn't change what happened then. And what if this person meant it as harmful, what if you didn't know them? That's the worrisome part."

“Exactly,” said Harry...  light, refreshing breeze.

"It's like even the day is mocking you." Rabastan muttered.

“Perfect Quidditch conditions... with scrambled eggs.

"Then there's no chance of losing!" cheered Sirius, excited to get off of the diary business and all that. The book needed something fun and exciting if only to change the mood for a few pages.

“Harry, buck... decent breakfast.”

"People did that a lot. Charlie called it fattening me up." Harry grumbled.

Harry had been... like the idea.

"You should have," said McGonagall, "We need to know things like that as to prevent it from happening again." 

He’d have to... all up again.

Hagrid appreciated the gesture, but he wished the child told a professor about the theft.

As he left... rip… tear…”

Sirius groaned, he just wanted a moment of peace for his godson. Especially, for Lily and James who looked as if they were about to kneel over dead from worry.

He shouted aloud... didn’t you?”

"Haven't you already been over this?" sneered Lucius. "Only you can hear the voices."

"No need to be an arse, father," snapped Draco.

Ron shook his... up the stairs.

"Is she not... going to... you know, explain anymore?" asked Mary.

Hermione sighed, "It might have been helpful if I had."

Harry sighed too, "She never did, until she was absolutely sure she was right."

“What does she...  shaking his head.

"That's why you're perfect for each other," cooed Theodore, slightly sarcastic.

Ron smirked, at how obviously jealous his boyfriend was. He leaned in to press a kiss to the adorable boy's lips.

“But why’s she...  go to the library.”

"It's a good motto," said several Ravenclaws, all of their responses in sync.

"And they say we're cult-like," Barty whispered to Rabastan.

Harry stood, irresolute... the match—”

James sat up, He realized he loved listening about son play.

Harry raced up... discussion of tactics.

The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors all sat up in unison.

Harry was just...  like a stone.

As had many in the hall. 

“This match has... —Gryffindor—”

"This is more important than the cup," said Hooch. "Professors never walk onto the field unless there is something seriously wrong."

Professor McGonagall ignored... you can, please!”

"Something's horribly wrong." Remus said, warning bells going off in his head.

Then she lowered...  come with me…”

"Oh no..."

Wondering how she...  come, too, Weasley…”

"Oh no, no..." 

Some of the... office this time.

Bill pursed his lips, remembering how horrible he'd found that period.

“This will be… another double attack.”

And the hall knew. Everyone knew who had been attacked this time around.

Harry’s insides did... “Hermione!” Ron groaned.

Bill pulled his girlfriend close.

Hermione lay utterly...  small, circular mirror.

"She figured something out," said Shackbolt. "That's why she was in the library, the mirror probably has something to do with it too."

Harry and Ron... in the evening.

"They've still decided to keep the school open?" gaped Lily. "Someone is going to die!"

No student is... more evening activities.”

"They can't take care of so many children. It's virtually impossible," Remus said.

The Gryffindors packed... to come forward.”

Kingsley sighed, hating that he felt so out of touch.

She climbed somewhat... on his fingers.

"But Harry's still the culprit, isn't he," muttered Avis, she crossed her arms over her chest. "I wouldn't blame him after that breach in privacy."

“Haven’t any of... coming from Slytherin?

"There aren't any Muggle-borns in Slytherin," said Moody. "That seems to be the monster's preferred victim."

The Heir of... and scattered applause.

...Not a sound was heard for the Slytherin table.

Then, Severus said incredulously, "Really? That's... your solution?"

Percy Weasley was... attack a prefect.”

"For once," clicked Ron, "it was for a non-selfish reason."

But Harry was... he had felt.

Lily's eyes fluttered shut as she breathed in deep, to keep herself from breaking her hand.

“What’re we going... that’s a start.”

Hagrid was barely able to hold back his agreement that he was not the one who killed the girl.

“But McGonagall... we’re in class—”

James sighed, rubbing his temple. "But you've got my cloak, and my son has Marauder blood in him." For the first time, James seemed deeply upset by this prospect--by the fact that his son had a knack for breaking the rules.

“I think,” said... from his father:

"Also his stunning face," praised Sirius. "His love of trouble, and you got me, though I don't where I am, so..."

a long and... cloak over themselves.

"This is a bad idea~" Marlene sang.

The journey through... wasn’t enjoyable.

"No, I don't fathom that it would be," Peter said.

Harry, who had... stood standing guard.

"Oof." Sirius winced.

Thankfully, Snape... them open.

"Your luck is definitely better than Harry's." Hermione muttered.

Ron snorted, "Better than yours right now."

It was a clear... they stepped inside.

"Protection, obviously," Rodolphus said. "Though I don't know how well it'd work on this monster."

"It wouldn't have done much, trust me."

“Nothin’—nothin'...  his massive hand.

"You're jumpy." spoke a Slytherin who'd started to be suspicious of the half-giant. Was Hagrid Slytherin's heir? It made the boy sick to theorize about it.

""olly 'cause I 'as expelled 'ifty years 'go for the same 'hing."

“Are you okay... in his voice.

Everyone looked at the girl in pity again. She waved her hands around, and said, "I'm good. I'm fine."

He kept glancing... door once more.

"Won't whoever's at the door notice the three servings of tea and fruitcake?"

“Good evening... Dumbledore.

"A visit from the Headmaster?" Regulus cringed. "That's not a good sign."

He entered, looking... lime green bowler.

"Is that Cornelius?" Kingsley asked, wondering if that was how he dressed in the future.

“That’s Dad’s... Minister of Magic!”

"And that's really not a good sign," added Sirius.

Harry elbowed Ron... to Cornelius Fudge.

Hagrid blinked quickly, wondering if it was going to happen again.

“Bad business, Hagrid... got to act.”

Hagrid's eyes shut.

“I never,” said... frowning at Fudge.

That doesn't help.

“Look, Albus... record’s against him.

"'S a botched record," growled Hagrid.

Ministry’s got to...  seen before.

The half-giant nodded to the Headmaster.

“Look at it... lot of pressure.

"Always the excuse," muttered Harry.

Got to be... doing my duty—”

"Got to do what?" asked Lily and her friends.

“Take me?” said... meeting Hagrid’s eyes.

McGonagall gasped, holding a hand to her mouth. "They wouldn't..."

“Not a punishment... croaked Hagrid.

"Azkaban?" The hall erupted.

"BUT YOU'RE NOT SURE!"

"Hagrid would never hurt Muggleborns!"

"How are they going to put him in Azkaban when they're not even positive that he's the killer!"

Harry cleared his throat. "That's never stopped him before."

Before Fudge could...  and satisfied smile.

"No, not Lucy..." whined Rabastan. "We don't need this to get worse!"

Lucius glared at the boy.

Fang started to...  this a house?”

Draco hacked, violently. "Arsehole."

"I'm your father," Lucius said.

"As far as you know," he alluded.

"What?" Narcissa's eyes went wide.

"Nah, I'm just kiddin', he's my dad. I just don't have much respect for him."

Abraxas chuckled. "You're children are very different from  you. This one has balls."

Draco glared at his grandfather.

said Lucius Malfoy... his blue eyes.

There was the same fire in the man's eyes now.

“Dreadful thing... to the school.”

"That's what you want!" shouted Dorcas. "You want this!"

"The Muggle-borns won't stand a chance without Dumbledore," added Mary.

“Oh, now... want just now…”

Harry flinched back in surprise. With how much Fudge disliked him and the Headmaster in the future, he was taken aback with his attempt to defend the man."

“The appointment—or... us have voted—”

"All twelve? I doubt it was by their own free will," huffed Narcissa. If she didn't get a beautiful son out of it, she'd break off her engagement with Lucius that very moment.

Hagrid leapt to... eh?” he roared.

"Very good point."

“Dear, dear, you... like it at all.”

"I don't know if they have ears." wondered Harry. "Just really good noses."

“Yeh can’ take... be killin’ next!”

Lily threw her hands up, glad that someone was finally being smart.

“Calm yourself, Hagrid... ask for it.”

"Ah," Draco said. "I wondered when another quote would float out."

For a second... Ron stood hidden.

"He's a smart man," James said.

Harry rolled his eyes at that.

“Admirable sentiments...—ah—‘killin’s.’”

Draco sighed in annoyance.

He strode to... all I’m sayin’.”

"Weird last words," snickered Evan.

Fudge stared at... Invisibility Cloak off.

"They might just be right outside," warned Evadoire.

“We’re in trouble...  the closed door.

"That sounds like an omen."

Notes:

Four chapters left until we've reached the end!

Let's gooo!

Also, I have exams coming up again. And I'm going out of town once they're finished so this might not be updating till the middle of June, after my b-day! (I'm really excited for my birthday, can you tell?)

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 18: Aragog

Summary:

They *finally* start making a move on figuring it out.

Notes:

Heyo! My first semester starts again on the 12th. T_T

I'll be extremely busy all over again. I still have a lot of homework, but I have to finish it in 4 days. I hate that I'm such a procrastinator!!!!

Anyway, I'll try to finish off the last chapters of this one by the end of the month.

Enjoy!!!

"Alas, it was an omen," sighed Harry. "Who'd like to read next?" He hummed then looked at the title of this chapter. "How about you, Hagrid? This one deals with a particular spider..."

He shrugged, "I guess I 'ould 'ive it a try."

Lucius sneered when the book tried to fly to the giant, "I don't think Hagrid should read... no disrespect to the giant, it's just... he doesn't have to most advanced vocabulary."

Harry glared at the boy, finding it harder to resist his need to punch the asshole in the face. Blaise ran a hand through his hair, but the thing that stopped him from doing exactly that was Hagrid.

"He 'as a 'oint. Even if he 'idn't mention it in 'e nicest 'ay. Who 'ill read 'ow?"

Pandora dreamily raised a hand. "I'll read." She watched the book levitate into her lap.

"Chapter 15: Aragog."

Summer was creeping... so horribly wrong.

James shook his head, "I have no doubt."

Harry and Ron... the infirmary door.

"The monster isn't breaking into the hospital wing to find victims," a Slytherin snipped, leaning back into his chair with a smirk on his face.

“No, I’m sorry...  was quickly stifled.

The teachers looked saddened by this fact. Hogwarts was supposed to be a place of joy, not one of fear.

Harry constantly repeated... were these words?

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, and Harry, spotting the look on his face, sighed and said: "They were very good, and held true through all 7 years."

Who exactly were... castle to follow.

"Right when you need them, they disappear..." grumbled Sirius, shaking his head.

Harry looked everywhere... it very irksome.

"I don't think everyone would find it so frustrating," Severus said, watching how the youngest Malfoy squirmed.

One person, however... appointed Head Boy .

"I was a prat," Draco repeated for what felt like the one-hundreth time. He already knew that he'd utter those same words many more times in the upcoming books.

Harry didn’t realize...  she’s only filling in…”

A shiver that shook the entire body rattled Ginny, "We got one eventually." 

All of the time-travelers knew that Snape had been a triple agent, but Ginny would never forget the torture inflicted upon him and many others, especially the poor first years. She still had nightmares about it, among other things.

"You did?" Molly asked worriedly, having seen how her son had reacted.

"Yes," Theodore frowned. "It's a complicated story, one that will be told in the upcoming books, nonetheless, we had one."

Snape swept past...  the headmaster’s job?”

James snorted, and Lily slapped his shoulder half-heartedly. "Snape as headmaster?"

"Might as well hand Hogwarts over to the Dark Lord," growled Evadiore. He was friends with Evan and many others who had already joined Voldemort's ranks, Evadiore had no doubt that he'd join soon, if he wasn't already a member.

Severus rolled his eyes.

“Now, now, Malfoy...  into his cauldron.

"Seamus is smart. Think like Seamus," Sirius said.

"Unless it comes to magic spells," Harry added, Neville was the only one in their year who could rival Seamus's record of failed spells.

“I’m quite surprised... it wasn’t Granger—”

Draco hung his head at his mother's look of disappointment. Lily and multiple other students had gasped at younger Draco's declaration.

The bell rang...  my bare hands—”

Hermione said, "You never told me about this."

"You didn't need to know," he sighed, "Draco hurt you far more in the future."

“Hurry up, I’ve... to get loose.

Regulus nudged his boyfriend, and asked, "Do you have to be so unpleasant?"

It was only...  Justin and Hermione.

Bill sighed, remembering that period well.

Professor Sprout set... with Ernie Macmillan.

"Not him. What's he going to say now? 'Oh, Harry, such a pity you didn't finish off you're friend, that was your plan, wasn't it?'"

Harry and Ron shared a look. "That was a very accurate impression, Padfoot."

Ernie took a... stuff I said.

"Well, at least he realizes that he's a bone-head." Sirius muttered.

We’re all in... Harry shook it.

Lily nodded in approval.

Ernie and his... Slytherin’s heir.”

Draco threw his hands up, "How idiotic can people get?"

“That’s clever of... readily as Harry.

"Good man," James said, glad that Ron hadn't forgiven Ernie like his son had.

"One moment you hate me, the next you like me, what's up with that?"

"He's stepped in the father-figure route," Arthur explained.

“Do you think... Ernie asked.

Draco shook his head.

“No,” said Harry... his pruning shears.

"Couldn't have tapped my head, could you? Just had to hit it."

"I apologized."

“Ouch! What’re you... up against the sun.

"Well, you can't exactly follow them now." Theo said.

“Oh, yeah,” said...  the Forbidden Forest…”

"Ernie and Hannah must be very confused..."

"Ernie might not think you a killer, but he's probably not opposed to believing you crazy."

And Ron looked... out of earshot.

Emma shook her head, "Honestly? That's more suspicious than if you didn't."

“We’ll have to... in his fingers.

"Well leave that behind," Frank said, "More of a hindrance than useful."

“Er—aren’t there... of Lockhart’s classroom.

Remus's expression was one of deadpan. 

Preferring not to... and the unicorns…”

"Name another one, I dare you," Evan said.

"Oh, oh!" Barty bounced in his seat. "Voldemort's followers! Courtesy of Quirell."

"That only happened once," Rabastan said, elbowing his friend.

More or less, Harry thought.

Ron had never... short of buoyant.

Evadoire rolled her eyes.

“Come now,” he... been taken away—”

Hard glares shifted to stare at Gilderoy.

“Says who?” said...  one made two.

Ginny choked on a laugh, "No, of course they wouldn't..."

“Oh, yes he... self satisfied tone.

"Little does he know..." murmured Avis.

Ron started to... under the desk.

"You weren't supposed to be there." Blaise muttered.

“We weren’t there...  do it tonight.

"Now if that got into the wrongs hands, without context..." Barty mentioned.

"Will you stop with the dirty jokes?" Regulus asked.

"Please," pleaded James, "This is my son we're talking about."

Ron read the... and he nodded.

The lower years cooed.

The Gryffindor common... until past midnight.

Lily shook her head, "Your sleep schedule needs work."

Harry went to... the moonlit grounds.

"Well, those doors weren't guarded very well." Remus said.

James huffed, "Seriously, Professor, no spells or anything to alert you that the door was being unlocked and that students were leaving the castle!?"

"Woah, James, why the buzz-kill?" Peter asked.

"It's the father in him," reminded Sirius.

“’Course,” said Ron... trailed away hopefully.

"But... you have no idea what 'follow the spiders' is supposed to mean." Kingsley said.

They reached Hagrid’s... sight of them.

Hagrid smiled sadly, imaging how lonely his friend was without him.

Worried he might...  pitch dark forest.

Moody tilted his head, "You never know."

“C’mon, Fang, we’re... up or something…”

"We could've used that..." muttered Harry, silently.

Harry tapped Ron...  ready. Let’s go.”

Theodore smiled, at how adorable he was being.

So, with Fang... leaving the path.

"I'll say this again, I have a bad feeling about this." Regulus muttered.

Harry paused, trying... the spiders.

"Really 'ouldn't go off t'e path..." Hagrid placed the tip of his thumb in his mouth and chewed on the thick nail.

Something wet touched... only Fang’s nose.

"Really 'ouldn't go off t'e path..." Hagrid placed the tip of his thumb in his mouth and chewed on the thick nail.

“What d’you... far,” said Ron.

Molly laid her head on the table in front of her, too tired to deal with this.

So they followed... in the wandlight.

Hagrid started getting more nervous.

They walked for... of their skins.

"I know enough about muggle pets to know that that isn't a good thing," Bellatrix said.

“What?” said Ron...  oh, no, oh—”

"Oh, no, oh, no, is right," Lily squeezed James' hand on her thigh. "What did you get yourself into this time, Harry?"

"Hagrid would never send students somewhere dangerous," Dorcas said, trying to calm her friend, but one look in Hagrid's direction would show his nerves. He knew where the two were going, he was nervous for how Aragog was going to react.

“Shut up... “It’ll hear you.”

"It's probably already heard Fang." Remus said.

“Hear me?” said... doing?” said Harry.

"I don't know? Getting ready to kill you?" Evan muttered.

“Probably getting ready... Harry whispered.

"Doubt it." Barty said.

“Dunno—” Then... our car!”

"No way! It's still going?" Avis asked in disbelief.

“What?”... its headlights ablaze.

"I want one of those too," said Sirius. Remus, Peter, and James looked at their friend with an 'Are you serious?' look, but didn't ask the question allowed for obvious reasons. "What? It can fly and apparently lives in the woods! I like the woods!" he defended.

As Ron walked... greeting its owner.

"Why does that sound like a really sweet image?" Mary asked.

"It's not as sweet as it sounds," said Harry, "the car nearly killed Ron and me."

“It’s been here... turned it wild…”

Arthur looked afflicted as to how to feel about that.

The sides of... it had gone!”

"...Very proactive." Molly said tiredly.

Harry squinted around... and find them.”

Ron started taking deeper breaths, knowing he wasn't going to enjoy what was to come.

Ron didn’t speak... was hanging facedown.

"Woah, what happened? One minute we were having a cute moment with the dog-car and now we're being attacked!?" Avis exclaimed, tossing her hands into the air.

"I agree with Scott," Sirius said, leaning back into his chair. "It's ridiculous."

Struggling, terrified, he... the dark trees.

Lily blinked quickly, getting whiplash at what was going on.

Head hanging, Harry... in the clearing.

Lily and James, along with Molly and Arthur, had paled at the description.

He never knew... swarming with spiders.

"Gross," Nymphadora shivered.

"Agree, Dora," Ron nodded at her.

"Dora? I like that!" Little Nymphadora turned to her mother and father, "Can you call me Dora now?"

Andromeda picked up her child with a small laugh. "We'll talk about it, Nymph."

Craning his neck... laid eyes on.

"Young me, he'd yet to see so many things."

Spiders. Not tiny... on the spot.

"'E's always 'een a 'oward," Hagrid muttered fondly. 

Ron looked exactly... it called. “Aragog!”

"Aragog?"

"What's an Aragog?"

"Maybe that's its name?"

And from the...  eyes wandering vaguely.

"YOU KNOW ARAGOG?"

"Really, Hagrid, in the future you should take me to meet Aragog, I think I'd like him," Pandora said, her dreamy eyes flicking from page to the half-giant.

"No, absolutely not," Regulus said instantly.

"I'd like to meet him too," Xenophilious added. Regulus' head fell into her palm and a groan left his lips.

"We, er, can 'hat tonight," Hagrid said hesitantly, looking at Regulus' exasperated expression.

“Strangers,” clicked the...  “I was sleeping…”

Even Severus looked like he had a hard time stomaching that.

“We’re friends of... Aragog paused.

James sighed quietly.

“Hagrid has never... he sent you?”

"Because they were there when he was arrested," Ted said.

Harry thought of... sick with fear.

"Picture them naked, picture them naked," a muggle-born student muttered beneath her breath, remember what her old drama teacher had told her when the fear kicked in on a stage. Should she be picturing giant spiders naked? They didn't wear clothes, did they? No, she reckoned that they didn't.

“But that was... set me free.”

"So you just expel students based on another student's word?" Frank asked.

"They 'ad Aragog as proof," said Hagrid. "But I 'ept 'im well fed, he wouldn't hurt anyone!"

“And you… you... a good man.

"One of the best men I know," Harry said.

When I was... Hagrid’s goodness…”

"Because that's what a forest beside a school needs more of: giant spiders," Evan rolled his eyes.

Harry summoned what... harmed a human.

"Obviously that didn't extend to us," grumbled Ron beneath his breath, only Hermione heard him.

The body of... and the quiet…”

"Obviously that didn't extend to us," grumbled Ron beneath his breath, only Theo heard him.

“But then… people again—”

"And murdering little children, but okay." Ron muttered.

Theo rolled his eyes and nudged his boyfriend softly, "Stop giving out spoilers, sweetheart." He grabbed Ron's shoulders and shook him, "And let it go," His voice got quieter as he said, "We don't disrespect the dead."

His words were... about the school.”

"Why?"

“What is it?...  many times.”

Lily huffed, "Is he being seri-" She saw the eager look on Sirius' face, and stopped, before saying, "Earnest? Even if it might be freed again?"

Harry didn’t want... on all sides.

"Sounds like they're getting ready to attack," Barty added unhelpfully.

"What?" Lily's head snapped to the Slytherin who raised his hands in surrender.

"I'm just saying."

Aragog seemed to... Harry and Ron.

Regulus sighed, nothing for this boy seemed to go right.

“We’ll just go... friend of Hagrid.”

"No!" Lily and James shouted.

"I'll be 'aving a talk with Aragog," Hagrid grumbled, disbelieving that his friend would harm his other friends, but here was the proof!

Harry spun around... doors flew open.

Molly gripped her husband in a tight embrace. "I take back every bad thing I've ever said, and will ever say about that car."

“Get Fang!” Harry... it obviously knew.

"What if they end up deeper in the forest then?" Barty said. Lily's mouth gaped and her head snapped to the boy's again.

Harry looked sideways... see patches of sky.

"It's a car that saves lives," cried Sirius, tugging on Remus' arm like a toddler in a candy shop. "I need one, please!"

"I'm sure Arthur will let you take his out, whenever he gets around to making it in this timeline."

"I'll be making it ASAP!" Arthur announced. Then he turned to look at the professors. "None of you heard that, though. Nor did any of the Ministry officials."

The car stopped... disappeared from view.

"Never to be seen again."

"It could have come in handy," Ron thought aloud.

Harry went back... to be alive.”

"I forgave Hagrid," Ron said with his head bowed.

“I bet he thought... “He was innocent.”

"Very good thing to know," Alice said.

"But we all knew Hagrid was innocent from the beginning," Peter said.

Ron gave a... of being innocent.

"Half-innocent," Peter amended, shivering at the idea of a giant spider in a cupboard.

As the castle... to their dormitory.

Lily's tense muscles relaxed at the fact that her son had survived another adventure.

"Madam Pomfrey, you'll be able to revive a heart if it stops for a few seconds right?"

"As long as the body hasn't cooled yet, yes. Why do you ask?"

"I have a feeling my mother might have a heart attack in the upcoming days," Harry sent a smile his mother's way.

"Oh dear," Lily muttered.

Ron fell onto... Aragog had said.

"I wouldn't be tired after a battle with giant spiders either," Evadiore admitted.

The creature that... Chamber of Secrets.

Lily said, "There has to be something in the library..."

Harry swung his... Aragog had said.

It was bothering Lily too, clearly, if the anguished look on her face was anything to go by.

He was becoming...  dark, “Ron—”

"He's figured something out~" James sang, proud of his son.

Ron woke with...  she’s still there?”

Lily shot up, from where she was slumped on on the table, "You mean... Moaning Mrytle?"

Ron rubbed his... Moaning Myrtle?”

Notes:

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 19: The Chamber Of Secrets

Summary:

They find out about the Basilisk!!

Notes:

Yeah, so the birthday haze has settled. It's been well over a week, and I'm still cleaning my house up, from the mess people left.

Either way, my school work is already piling up, and I have to sit and finish all of it. T_T.

Enjoy!

Not pausing, Abraxas levitated the book to himself, and started, The Chamber Of Secrets.

Everyone's blood ran cold, as their minds ran amok.

"No," Lily shook her head. "Why is this a title?"

“All those times... and now…”

"There are likely teachers following your every move." Severus muttered.

It had been... be almost impossible.

Severus nodded.

"If only you had a certain map," Sirius wiggled his eyebrows.

"Not yet."

But something happened... the first of June,

"Minnie!" Sirius whined. "How come they're having exams when students are being petrified left and right?"

one week from today.

"Oh, one week?" asked Avis, "That means it's time to have some end of the school year fun."

"As long as it doesn't involve boys," muttered James.

"I think she's referring to Voldemort," Remus added. James frowned.

"I'd rather it involve boys."

“Exams?” howled... getting exams?”

"He has a point," said Barty.

There was a... on his desk.

Frank winced.

Professor McGonagall...  all studying hard.”

"In a situation like this, you can't really expect students to study as if everything is normal." Regulus reasoned.

Severus continued, "Especially not students prepping for their OWLS and NEWTS."

Studying hard...  learned this year.

"What have they learnt in defense this year?"

Harry looked down... in an exam.

"Which is understandable, considering the fact that one of your best friends is in hospital," Peter said.

"Are you saying that, simply because you have an ill friend, you should be allowed out of exams?" sneered Evan immediately. "If I recall correctly, you have a friend who ends up in hospital monthly."

"My condition is hardly life-threatening," Remus said. Sirius's grip tightened on his thigh in a warning, and Remus regretted speaking up. He could already see the argument over the fact that he was important, and that he could die from being a werewolf, which would feed into the reason as to why they became animagus. The late-night would finish with a pile-up on James' four-poster.

Ron looked as...  started whistling loudly.

"You should have been given a lender wand for exams," Molly said, "If you continued to not owl home and ask for another."

Three days...  yelled joyfully.

"He is?" Lucius snarled but his question was drowned out by several cheers from three of the houses.

“You’ve caught... Ravenclaw table.

"But they haven't."

“Quidditch matches... Wood excitedly.

"Considerably less important," added Regulus.

When the... been Petrified.

"Right in time for exams? Don't do that to those poor souls."

I need hardly... catching the culprit.”

"How were two twelve-year-olds able to solve this mystery in less than a year when Professors can't solve it in 50 years."

There was an... till they’re over.”

"That's what I said," said Evadoire.

Just then, Ginny... twisting in her lap.

Regulus watched as Harry was pulled tight to Blaise's chest. The boy played with Harry's hair, and that was all the clues Regulus needed, that this was going to be bad.

“What’s up?” said... couldn’t think who.

"Who?"

“Spit it out... watching her.

Ron flinched in his seat.

Harry suddenly realized... revealing forbidden information.

Hmm... Moody thought.

“I’ve got to... the right words.

Kingsley sat up.

“What?” said Ron ... Someone acting oddly?”

Emma's eyes jumped to Ginny's and they were more tinged with sadness than any 24-year-old's should be.

Ginny drew a...  off patrol duty.”

"That little" -Sirius's eyes flickered to the sleeping child in Andromeda's arms and little Bill- "meanie! We were about to learn something!"

Ginny jumped up...  tea, Percy choked.

James' head tilted, "He has some sort of secret."

“What sort of...  Percy at once.

"How would he know?"

“How do you... well, never mind—

"Okay, buddy, I'm going to need you to finish that sentence," Barty jumped in. "Otherwise my mind is going to go places."

"It's already there, Bart," said Rabastan.

the point is... it to anybody.

"POOR GIRL!! SHE SHOULD NEVER SEE THAT!" cried Barty.

"I didn't walk in on that!" Ginny yelped. "Please, please, please stop making it sound like I did. I don't want those images stuck in my mind."

I must say...  said Ron, grinning.

"Hoping he'd teach-"

"SHUT UP!!!" cried Ginny, somewhere in between a laugh and a cry. This was her brothers'... parts... Barty was joking about. 

“Go on, tell... by Gilderoy Lockhart.

"You don't give up easy, do you?"

Harry shook his head.

Lockhart, who had... the fourth floor.

"How is he still employed?" Professor Flitwick asked.

“Mark my words... books in surprise.

Hagrid blanched and turned to the boy with a hurt look in his eyes. Many others were surprised.

“Thank you, Harry... guard all night…”

"Oh..." he mumbled coming to an understanding.

“That’s right... corridor to go—”

"You know, I was very proud at how quickly you caught on. I didn't even warn you." Harry said.

Ron smiled, "I rather think of it as me getting used to it, for later years."

“You know, Weasley... my next class—”

"Git." Arthur muttered.

And he hurried off.

Professor McGonagall groaned out, pushing the pads of her forefinger and thumb to her temple. 

“Prepare his class...  Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom.

"Smart play," congratulated Theodore.

"As long as they don't bump into Slytherins monster," said Euphemia.

But just as... of thin lines.

James sighed, "You're in for it now."

"Minnie is always the one to catch us," sighed Sirius.

“We were—we... both looked at him.

"Quick thinking, Harry," James said.

“We haven’t seen... not to worry—”

"Careful, if you ramble too much you might give yourself away-"

Professor McGonagall was...  given my permission.”

"-Nevermind, I see that rambling can work if one favor."

Harry and Ron...  come up with.”

"Is it still?" Harry asked, winking at Ron.

"No, you've topped yourself more than once."

They had no...  person,” she said,

"It's more for the person talking than the unconscious one," Hermione said, having had her fair share of talking to unconscious Weasleys.

and they had... it would do.

"I knew. You two came to see me, Ginny came to see me, my dorm mates came to see me," She paused before saying teasingly, "Bill came to see me so many times!" 

"I came to see Colin too, you know?" Bill said, his ears turning slightly red.

“Wonder if she... inside her fist.

"How did you miss that?"

Making sure that... Madam Pomfrey’s view.

Lily smacked James' arm multiple times, "It's probably about the monster."

James nodded frantically, trying to get away from her hands.

It was no easy... read it, too.

"What is it? What is it? What is it?" Lily asked.

Of the many... fatal to it.

"That's the monster?" asked one student.

"That sounds horrifying," finished another.

Lily was blinking very very quickly. When Harry glanced at her, he was shocked to find tears in his mother's eyes. "You shouldn't have to deal with this..." She said, her voice breaking as her face crumbled.

James slung an arm around her frame and Harry smiled sadly. "Yet I did anyway." He looked at the headmaster in particular as he said this.

For Lily, this was clearly not the right thing to say, as she started shaking as she cried.

Regulus was fuming on the other hand. There was a basilisk in this castle the same time as my daughter? As Severus? What is the old man doing?

Not knowing what else to do, Abraxas made a show of rolling his eyes and continues.

And beneath this... in his brain.

"It's usually Hermione who does that," said Ginny.

“Ron,” he breathed... I understand Parseltongue…”

James nodded tightly in understanding.

Harry looked up... her mirror—and—”

Dumbledore nodded once in appreciation. He was also wondering how he hadn't figured it out.

At that Regulus narrowed his eyes at the Headmaster, Smartest person in Britain my ass.

Ron’s jaw had... whispered eagerly.

"The water," grunted Moody.

Harry thought hard...  saw the reflection…”

Moody nodded.

He scanned the... it made sense.

Kingsley's eyes were distant, as he said, "The roosters. Hagrid's roosters were killed. Spiders flee from it. It fits." The man turned to Hermione, and said, "Good solve. If you weren't a teacher, you'd be a great Auror."

Hermione nodded, "I know." She smiled at Bill, "I was a curse breaker for a little while, before I quit... for reasons."

“‘…The crowing of … Someone would’ve seen…”

"Hermione figured that out too," grinned Remus. "You're a really bright witch," he said to the bookworm. Her eyes lit up and a smile fitted along her face.

Harry, however... if it’s in—”

"I didn't know you were that smart, Ron," said Draco, a hint of teasing in her words.

"Yeah," he frowned, "for some reason, people think me a goofball obsessed with food. I mean, foods good, but I like to think I add something to our trio."

"You do," Hermione and Harry said in sync.

“Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom... to believe it.

"'Excitement...'" muttered Mary in disbelief.

“This means,” said... controlling the basilisk.”

Ginny isn't a Parselmouth though, thought Regulus, so there must be something else to it.

“What’re we going... straight to McGonagall?”

"Staff room, or my office." McGonagall said threateningly, as if daring them to go elsewhere.

“Let’s go to... It’s nearly break.”

She nodded.

They ran downstairs... to sit down.

Whispers broke out throughout the hall, thinking that, for this year at least, Harry wouldn't have to battle the evil. Someone else would!

But the bell...  room. Immediately, please.”

The hall became silent except for Abraxas as he read.

Harry wheeled around...  we’ve found out.”

"Be a good time to have the cloak."

"Yeah..." murmured Harry, "I didn't start carrying it on my person at all times until 6th year..."

They hid themselves...  the Chamber itself.”

"What?" Alice's questioned bounced throughout the room, everyone thinking the same thing.

Professor Flitwick let... the Chamber forever.’”

"Which student?" Arthur asked, fearful of the child's parents. They were going to lose a kid.

Professor Flitwick burst... Professor McGonagall.

"No," Molly gasped, her eyes went to where Ginny sat and spotted her daughter curled up into Ron. She didn't die, the living, breathing person was proof of that.

Even though she knew that, she couldn't help herself. She held the baby bump that was making her uncomfortable, and started sobbing. Arthur had Bill go off to sit by Hermione as he held his wife.

Bill -in classic one year old- waddled to Hermione and lifted his arms up, tears in his eyes, waiting to be picked up.

Hermione cooed, and picked him up, hugging him tightly, as she felt her shirt sleeve getting steadily wetter. While Young Bill didn't really understand what was going on, all the people he'd come to find out were his family were sad, and his parents were crying. It made him want to cry too.

Ron shifted and Ginny looked up. "Go to with mom and dad, Gin," he whispered.

Ginny looked at her parents who were chewing their bottom lip in worry. She kissed her brother on the cheek and then walked to her family's couch.

Harry felt Ron... have I missed?”

"Complete tone-deaf."

He didn’t seem to...  come at last.”

Severus blinked, and smirked.

Lockhart blanched...  Chamber of Secrets is?”

Everyone scoffed at that.

“I—well... Lockhart.

"That's what lying gets you."

“Yes, didn’t you... from the first?”

"Why do I like this version of Snape?" Sirius asked Remus.

"He's giving it to Lockhart, it's impossible to not like him at the moment."

Severus smiled, glad that he was finally able to do something about the hatred that was brewing for the boy.

Lockhart stared around... have misunderstood—”

Evadoire tutted in amusement.

“We’ll leave it... rein at last.”

Lockhart blinked quickly, not liking the turn this had taken all of a sudden.

Everyone in the Hall suddenly felt happy, knowing that McGonagall was making a mockery of him.

Lockhart gazed desperately... chinned and feeble.

"Because that's exactly what he is," Marlene added angrily, "a little wimp."

“V-very well,” he...  left the room.

"That's not suspicious at all." Barty muttered,

“Right,” said Professor... one by one.

The Golden Trio all looked down, knowing that things were only about to get worse.

It was probably... entire life.

He sighed. That would not stay the worst day of his life. It beat out the night his godfather almost died, but Cedric's death beat both, and then Sirius died (and it was his fault), and then Dumbledore's death... and then the war... He'd had several, several bad days throughout his life, and he wouldn't mind not having to live through them again, if it meant that so many people wouldn't die for him.

He, Ron, Fred... best they could.

Although she was slightly upset about Percy, she was happy that both Bill and Charlie were there for her children.

No afternoon ever... there any longer.

The two twins were unusually somber, not enjoying having to relive that time.

Bill was sitting... It was useless.

Everyone felt for the oldest Weasley. Not only did he have to deal with everything that his siblings were, but he had to take care of them anyway. Being the older sibling was a hard job, one that no one ever acknowledged.

“She knew something... any other reason.”

Ginny felt for Ron. Back then, she wished desperately she'd told him about everything.

Harry could see... could do. Anything.

"You could go into the Chamber yourself," sighed Lily, seeing exactly where this would be going.

“Harry,” said Ron... you know—”

"Oh, Ron." Ginny said.

Harry didn’t know...  basilisk in there.”

There's Hermione hope in him, grumbled Ron.

Because Harry couldn’t... and hurried footsteps.

"He better not be doing what it sounds like," frowned James.

Harry knocked and...  would be quick—”

I don't trust him as far as I could throw him. Severus muttered.

“Professor, we’ve got some information for you,” said Harry. “We think it’ll help you.”

“Er—well—it’s... well all right—”

"Again, that's not suspicious at all." Barty muttered.

He opened... they entered.

Ron's glare deepened at the book. He despised the man with all his heart.

His office had... on the desk.

"He... you!" Arthur glared at Lockhart, the two children holding to his body being the only thing that stopped him from getting up and flinging Lockhart out one of the Great Hall's windows.

Bill stumbled off the couch, walked over to Lockhart and slapped the Ravenclaw across the face. He huffed, crossed his arms across his chest, and then returned to his seat. Open-mouthed, students and teachers alike stared at a red Lockhart, then their eyes moved to the furious Weasley, then back to Lockhart.

He shrugged, "I deserved it."

“Are you going... got to go—”

"What about my child?" Molly asked, fuming.

Emma glared at the boy sitting at the Ravenclaw table, "Blonde fucking bimbo."

Severus smirked, before composing himself, "Language." He said, struggling not to laugh at his daughter's ire at him.

“What about my... going on here!”

"Reason #1 as to why Harry would make a great Dark Arts teacher," grinned Theodore, winking at the boy. Harry rolled his eyes.

"He makes a great teacher," admitted the twins admitted.

"Do you think you'd become one in the future?" James asked. The time-travelers had hinted at Harry teaching DADA several times now, and he was excited to see that part of his life.

Harry smiled sadly. "If the curse is broken," he joked but there was little humor in it. He continued, "No. Teaching isn't for me."

“Well—I must say... in your books—”

Severus thought to himself, You still believe that?

“Books can... Lockhart delicately.

"Wait..." breathed Kingsley. "No way."

“You wrote them... mean, come on—”

Yells of anger erupted in the room.

"He... he's a liar!!"

"We already knew that," said Dorcas.

"But now it's been confirmed," Mary continued.

Everyone let out annoyed gasps and swore. That was until Dumbledore told them to calm down, and stay quiet.

“So you’ve just... Harry incredulously.

"You're a fraud!" Evadoire cried.

“Harry, Harry,” said... remember doing it.

Dorcas gasped. "He--that--holy..."

"You ruined so many witches and wizards' lived just because of your greed and idiocy. That in itself is downright evil.

If there’s one... long hard slog.”

"Now that's true," said Harry. "Fame isn't easy. If you get it by his asshole way, or by my way."

He banged the... turned to them.

"OH HELL NO!" Molly said, her patience as thin as a wire.

“Awfully sorry... sell another book—”

"Damn right you won't, not when I'm done with you." Sirius snarled.

"Maybe your head needs deflating!!" growled James. He rounded on little Lockhart. "If future you messes with my son's mind I'll kill you."

"Refrain from threats, please, Mr. Potter and Black," Dumbledore said, though his face was impassive as if he wouldn't stop James if the boy happened to throw Lockhart out of his seat.

Harry reached his... Harry bellowed, “Expelliarmus!”

"There it is!" cheered Blaise, in a rare show of excitement. 

Theo snickered. "Gotta get that practice in~"

Ron burst out laughing at the two's antics and Harry groaned.

Lockhart was blasted... the open window.

Theo smiled in pride.

“Shouldn’t have let... wand at him.

"Hot boy shit," said Blaise.

“What d’you want... nothing I can do.”

"...I hate you." Evadoire said, in absolute shock.

“You’re in luck... it. Let’s go.”

James looked very proud of his son while the tension grew in the room.

They marched Lockhart... he was shaking.

James nodded.

Rodolphus snorted.

Moaning Myrtle was... want this time?”

"Honestly? If I'd been killed by some unknown beast, I'd be pretty mopey too." Draco said.

“To ask you... said Harry.

"Harry." Lily said, reprimandingly, "That's not something you can just ask someone."

Myrtle on the other hand, up on the rafters, grinned with glee.

Myrtle’s whole aspect... a flattering question.

"Some ghosts like speaking of their death, and others don't..." thought Frank.

"No, I think Myrtle's the only one who likes speaking about her death," Alice whispered to her boyfriend.

“Ooooh, it was... this very stall.

"Why is that bathroom still there?" Marlene asked, furious.

Dumbledore remained silent, as if lost in thought.

Marlene huffed at the man's unresponsiveness.

I remember it... about my glasses.

Everyone who'd had been through that grimaced in sympathy.

The door was... said something funny.

Severus' head tilted, Funny?

A different... have been.

Severus nodded in understanding, Ah. Parseltongue.

Anyway, what really... shining. “I died.”

"How... anticlimactic." Regulus muttered.

“How?” said... at my glasses.”

"What a horrible way to die," cooed Mary.

"At least it was quick. It would've been worse if she had to bleed out," Lily blurted out.

From the rafter, Myrtle made an offended sound.

“Where exactly did... utter terror on his face.

"That's when you know that you have a mental problem. Rushing into danger and all that," said Orion.

Sirius muttered, "No one in my family should be talking about mental problems."

Remus snorted at that, as Bellatrix crackled. "I'm excited to see this monster."

It looked like... a tiny snake.

"Finally! Fucking answers!" Remus said.

Everyone kept on being surprised at what the werewolf was like in real life. McGonagall said, "Mr. Lupin!"

"Sorry Professor." Everyone was quiet for a moment, before-

"Ah, Mr. Salazar, don't go making it obvious," snickered Peter.

"Maybe he should've made it even more obvious," said James, "It took 50 years to find it."

“That tap’s... tried to turn it.

Moody grunted, "For a reason."

“Harry,” said Ron... it was real.

"Did not work."

“Open up... “English,” he said.

"I love that he said it so plainly," said Avis.

"Ron's nothing if not straightforward." Fred said teasingly.

Harry looked back... “Open up,” he said.

Dumbledore knew for a fact that worked.

Except that the... going to do.

Lily sat up in her seat, attempt to get comfortable. She moved James' hand farther into her thigh gap from where it was resting. James didn't act as if he noticed it and curled his fingers around Lily's.

“I’m going down... might be alive.

"Dawwwww. Thanks Harry." Ginny said, batting her eyelashes at the boy.

“Me too,” said... “I’ll just—”

Bellatrix snickered.

He put his... Ron snarled.

Bill nodded in pride.

White faced... good will it do?”

"If you die, my son won't. That's what good it'll do," growled James.

Harry jabbed him... pipe, then let go.

"Not even going to wait for a 'it's all good!' or anything?" Avis asked.

It was like rushing... at the curves.

Regulus sighed, "I feel the need to state the obvious, but this is going to be dangerous."

And then, just... in the black tunnel.

"Wonder if that would be a good place, to, you know," Sirius winked at Remus. The werewolf swallowed a lump in his throat.

Harry stretched his hands behind his head. "Not the most comfortable," he said. James looked to be a little green.

“Under the lake... on the wet floor.

"That... sounds wrong." Eva said.

The twins -both sets- said, "Now you're getting it."

The tunnel was... eyes right away…”

"But we could do without Lockhart," grumbled Barty. "Let him keep his eyes open like an idiot."

But the tunnel... in the tunnel.

Arthur tightened his grip on Ginny's shoulder.

“Harry—there’s... Harry’s shoulder.

Hermione nodded, "Yeah, you really needed exercise. You were very out of shape."

"Hehe. Not anymore." Theo snickered.

They froze... over his eyes.

"Coward," James said. "Pull it together."

Harry turned back... long at least.

"Over sixty." Harry said weakly, knowing for a fact that he'd have nightmares that night.

“Blimey,” said...  had given way.

Kingsley sighed. He's the DADA teacher?

“Get up,” said... to the ground.

"Woah! Hey!!!" alarmed several students, surprised by this teacher's persistence. He might have been a horrible Professor, but he certainly wanted a wand.

Harry jumped forward... on his face.

Molly forced herself to look at Ron and she noticed the slight smirk on his face.

“The adventure ends... your memories!”

Everyone in the Hall lost it. He'd really crossed the line.

He raised... yelled, “Obliviate!”

James' free hand dug into the table. Obviously his son had his memories, so the spell backfired, right? His hand slacked back and he glanced down, noticing that he'd torn the cushion.

The wand exploded... by the wand—”

"HAH KARMA BITCH!!"

"What is 'karma'?"

"Muggle saying."

There was a dull... in the shins."

"Good job." The twins chorused in anger.

“What now?” Ron’s... tunnel caved in?

Ginny sighed. If only the she hadn't kept the diary. If only she'd told someone. If only she was stronger.

Emma was looking very closely at the girl, knowing exactly where her thoughts were going.

There was another... an hour…”

Everyone was absolutely silent. No one spoke. No one felt safe enough to breathe loudly.

There was a... his shaking voice.

Both Lily and James gripped their hands together, desperately praying to anyone that would listen to them. Obviously he would survive, but that wasn't enough. Surviving alone wasn't enough. Why didn't anyone see that? Why was he going through this? Why him? Why a child? Why has no one offered him help? Why was no one seeing the trauma he was hiding behind smiles?

Lily said, "Harry..."

Harry smiled and said genuinely, "I'm... getting better mom. I'm not completely healed. But I'm on my way there... It's getting better, and I'm grateful to everyone who's helped me till here."

Harry didn't know how to put it in words. There was a point in time, where he was ready to jump. When he was ready to give up, completely. There was a point, when he didn't live for himself, but because he'd seen the effect it had when someone lost people they cared about. He didn't want to be the person who'd caused that pain. All he'd do was wake up, list dreamlessly, and go back to sleep.

It was like when he'd restarted doing things, his life had finally been taken out of pause. He'd travelled the world, gone everywhere he dreamed of when he was stuck in his cupboard in the staircase. He'd taken time for himself, away from the entire 'Boy Who Lived' nonsense in Britain, having had ignored everyone. He'd gotten his shit together. It was the easiest way of putting it.

He'd gotten mentally healthy enough to get back into the swing of things. He'd taken up the Minister's offer on Auror training and gotten back in touch with all his friends. Life was finally picking up when he found out that Blaise was in Auror training too. There were stoned on the road that tripped him up, but now he actually cared about how his life turned out, and he didn't think he'd ever been happier. Now he could confidently face the horrors of his past, knowing that no matter what happened, he'd turn out okay.

The same couldn't be said for others. People had struggled so much, after everything, and the Wizarding World was still in shambles, after everything. There were threats of the Marriage Law being enacted because there were a total of maybe 5000 wizards in the entire country who were eligible for magic. The world after the threat of Voldemort was harrowing, which was the only reason, Harry was possibly risking everything in his life.

He'd been lost in his thoughts as the reading had continued, his parents' eyes still glued to his face.

And he set off... glinting emeralds.

Everyone tensed up, as they looked at Harry's face. You could see the determination in his eyes, as he stared the book down, as if daring it to take him down again.

Harry approached... walked inside.

Abraxas said, "That's the end of the chapter."

Sparks were going through Hermione's hands as she held them away from Young Bill trying her best not to hurt the boy trying to get comfortable just because she was angry. She didn't like the fact that Harry and Ginny had to go through this, for the greater good all over again. She had accepted her fate, but she hadn't come to terms with it yet.

She looked at the little boy in her lap and smiled, as she calmed. Meticulously she carefully wiped the dried tears on his face, after he'd stopped crying. Looking at him, she had hope that doing this would help shape the future where not all of them would have to be hurt so badly.

Notes:

So. Yeah. This is one of my largest chapters ever. The original chapter was 4,000 something words, and the total chapter for this is 10,000-11,000. I'm genuinely proud of myself. I hope you enjoyed!

ETA for the next chapter: 25/07/23

Tell me what you think!!

Chapter 20: Charlie's Birth

Summary:

Need I say more?

Notes:

Yeah... So... Hi. The last couple months have been hard.

But! The time to cry has now been closed, and I have a short chapter that I finished in literally less than an hour. My brain works in such weird ways, where it refuses to work with me, and I feel completely out of sync with my own body. Everytime I opened AO3, I'd read the comments in hopes of motivation hitting me, but when it came to properly write it down, I physically couldn't. For months on end. I had to take a long ass break from everything. I did literally nothing but eat when someone told me to, and go to sleep when I was done. It got bad. However, I'm really glad that I have such a wonderful support system who got me back up on my feet and I'm back now. I'm happy going back to my routine, because it's like coming back home to me.

So, with that being said, let this be a safe space, and please enjoy!

"Chapter 17," read Rodolphus, having chosen to read the book so that his fiancee, Bellatrix, could read a little ahead of the rest of the group if she desired. And he knew she desired. "The Heir of Slytherin."

"Time to place bets!" exclaimed Rabstan, throwing a Galleon down onto the table.

"It's morally incorrect to bet on something like this," Regulus said as he slid five sickles onto the table. "But I don't mind being morally incorrect."

"Who do you believe opened the Chamber of Secrets?" he asked.

Regulus looked toward Ginny then back at Rabastan. "Ginny Weasley."

The time-travelers stared at Regulus open-mouthed and out of the corner of his eye, Regulus swore he saw Ginny tense. The Slytherins looked to the most against this prediction, one even going as far as to bet against it.

"A pure-blooded, muggle-loving Weasley? Are you mental, Black?" Both Black brothers shrugged their shoulders. "Fine, I bet 50 Galleons that it's anyone but Ginny."

Draco coughed to cover his snort.

He was standing... where was Ginny?

Molly shuddered. She was starting to feel a lot of pain all of a sudden. Could it be...?

He pulled out... saw one stir.

"If you were anywhere but a secret cavern hidden deep beneath Hogwarts, I'd say it probably was a figment of your imagination," said Orion, interacting with the reading more now that his wife's brooding demeanor wasn't at his side.

Then, as he... flaming red hair.

The second she heard that, Molly felt her heart stutter. Her breath started failing her, chest heavy. He figures , the stress for her daughter's safety and the pain in her stomach getting to her. She felt something fluidic streak her thighs. Her eyes bugged out, as she frantically hit Arthur. "Arthur," She whispered, as she gestured down to below her abdomen.

Arthur turned down and froze. As he moved into motion, he got up, while everyone else took notice. Marlene said excitedly, trying to make the lady feel a little better, "Molly! Your water just broke! You're going to have another baby!"

The magnitude of the situation was just donning on Molly as everyone stared at her and her husband flitted around. She looked at Marlene and said drily, "Apparently I have seven. I'm almost 3 weeks early. This isn't supposed to happen yet!" Her voice started getting louder and more desperate as the look on Marlene's face started changing. "What if something goes wrong? One of my children is in the fucking Chamber of Secrets, and I'm giving birth! I am in a lot of pain, and-"

No one dared to tell her that this wasn't happening in the same timeline.

Ron got up and rushed to his mother, "Mom. Breathe." Ron guided one of her hands to to her belly and the other to her chest. "Take a deep breath through your nose. Let your belly push it out. Don't let your chest move." He demonstrated himself and patiently waited for his mother to follow. "You've done this before. You're going to do it again. All your babies have been born with a clean bill of health. You're going to want to push. Do not push prematurely. It'll hurt Charlie."

It was clear to everyone that the Healer in the youngest Weasley boy had come out as he patiently and efficiently took care of his mother. Theodore was talking to Madame Pomfrey about the best way to move forward.

"She's in no condition to be flooing or apparating anywhere. It would be a horrible idea. I'm surprised she didn't notice her contractions earlier. The best thing to do right now, is to get her a bed in the Hospital Wing, and get supplies from St. Mungo's. With your help, Ron and I could get the baby out safely, then move her to St. Mungo's for recuperation."

"Wouldn't you need another Healer?" Madame Pomfrey asked, not unkindly.

Theodore smiled, "No. We wouldn't need one, we've done this before, multiple times. However, it would likely be in Molly's best interest to get the Healer in charge of her birth, mainly because they'd be more tuned into her needs for the birth itself."

Madame Pomfrey nodded, "I agree. I'll go make the arrangements. When she's a little calmer move her the Hospital Wing."

Theodore nodded, "Thank you."

He jogged back to where Ron and Molly where, but made a detour to Arthur, explaining the entire situation to him. Looking dazed, Arthur nodded. He went to where his wife and son were sitting and tried his best to help out.

Theodore moved to Harry and asked, "Is the reading continuing or are we taking a pause?"

Harry tilted his head as he thought it over, "All of us are going to be at the Hospital Wing anyway. I don't feel good about leaving and letting the reading continue on. The entire point of us staying is to make sure that there aren't going to be any surprises that people here aren't prepared for. I think the best thing to do is to take a break."

Theodore nodded and said, "The reading in the Great Hall will stop for now then?"

"Yup. I'll go talk to Dumbledore." With that, Harry left to speak with the Headmaster.

Theo scanned the Hall making sure there wasn't anything he was forgetting to do, "Theo!" The boy in question turned around when he heard his boyfriend call. "We're going to the Hospital Wing. She needs pain meds." Not waiting for a response, knowing he really didn't need one, Ron walked out of the Great Hall, supporting most of his mother's weight.

Behind them, went Arthur, Bill -both of them, the younger one in Hermione's arms- Hermione, Blaise, closely followed by Harry who'd finished speaking to the Headmaster. Theo's eyebrow's drew together as he glanced to where Ginny was sitting. The girl was sitting with her head cradled in her hands and breathing deeply.

Theo sighed and walked up to her, "It's not your fault."

Ginny looked up at him, tears in her eyes, as she said, "How? She's only in labor right now because she's worried about-"

"She's in labor because she's pregnant. Babe, when was Charlie born?"

"..." As the realization dawned on Ginny's face, her head dropped into her hands again, "Oh, thank Merlin. Wait, how did you know Charlie was premature when even I didn't?"

Theodore snorted, "Molly regaled us with the story on Charlie's birthday. I think everyone but you knows. You were stuck in training."

Ginny nodded as Theo continued, "Now, come on. You're the only Weasley sibling who wasn't present for your mother giving birth."

Ginny laughed and Theo smirked as her gaze went to the Slytherin table, where a certain Snape-Black was seated.

Eyes filling with mirth, Theo called, "Emma!" When the girl looked at him, instead of trying to subtlely make sure Ginny was okay, he said, "Come with."

Eyes narrowing mysteriously, Emma tapped her father's shoulder, and when the Black turned to look at her, she whispered something they couldn't make out, to which he replied to with a smile and a nod. Emma jogged to where the two were standing and said, "Let's go."

Theo walked ahead of the two of them, wanting to get there before her true labor began.

He could hear the two of them talking to each other quietly, but tuned all that out when, as they started approaching the Hospital Wing, he started hearing screams.

Theo winced, and walked quicker, leaving the other two behind. When he got to the Hospital Wing, he breathed in deep, always loving the smell that accompanied any place that healed. He heard Molly screaming again and thought to himself, The last one was almost 22 minutes ago. This will be slow.

He completely bypassed all the empty beds, and walked to the only one with the curtains drawn, and even before he entered he could see the curtains bulging from clearly too many people, and heard the cacophony that could only be all the Weasleys -honorary included. He took a deep breath in and walked in. Immediately he was bombarded with voices asking him what was going on, people arguing over whatnot, and just general Weasley-ness.

He looked Molly, who looked absolutely exhausted as Ron helped her through another round of contractions. There was someone in Healer robes flitting around, who Theo completely ignored. From the stories Molly had told them, he was absolutely useless, and he would need to leave as quickly as humanly possible. He'd only been summoned so he could get beds and rooms ready for Molly and the baby. Ron had likely already spoken to him to see if he could offer any information. From the look on Ron's face, he didn't.

Theo once again, breathed in, and called out firmly, "Anyone who isn't a Healer, or a husband to the lady in labor, please kindly get out. You're giving me a headache." Everyone in the room shot him incredulous glares, and he glared right back, until they gave up, and left. Only Arthur, Madame Pomfrey, the idiot Healer and Ron and Theo were left in the room with Molly.

Theo nodded, "Okay. So, kind sir-"

"It's Healer Tremblay."

Ugh. I hate the Tremblays. "Of course it is. Tremblay-"

"Healer Tremblay."

Theo took blinked, and gestured as if to say, Do I look like I care? "Look. I am a more senior Healer than you will ever imagine to be, and I am 10 years younger than you in this timeline. Instead of being absolutely useless, do you mind going to set up for both the baby's and my mother-in-law's recuperation?" Although it was a question, he didn't really say it like one, and out the corner of his eye he could see Ron smirk, as he calculated how long his mother's last dilation had been. "Thank you." Theo put an end to the conversation as Tremblay sputtered. He did that for a few more minutes, while Theo stared him down, and left indignantly.

Theo smiled in satisfaction, and turned around just as Ron said, "Mother-in-law?"

Theo smirked as he sat down in front of where Molly was laid down, "What? You don't think it'll happen?"

Ron shook his head in shock, as he moved out of the way, when Theo looked at Molly. "So. How're we doing?"

"Horrible. I know everything'll be alright, because I have Charlie in the future, but I'm in a lot of pain."

"We'll get you your pain potion in just a little while, when true labor hits. You've done this before, you know how it goes, so when you're about 10cm dilated, that's when you're going to have to start pushing. If we do have any trouble, like the baby being breech, or the dilation itself, we'll look at other options, but because the baby is premature, I'd like to keep it as natural as possible. Meaning no magical or surgical interventions unless as a last resort." Theo fell back into the comfort of the dialogue he gave to all of his patients, in that cool, calm tone that Healers, especially him, were known for.

Molly just nodded as Arthur squeezed her hand.

"Look, mom. You don't have to worry. Theo's an excellent Healer, he has almost 8 specializations."

"So do you, but thank you for the confidence. You're in good hands. You don't have to worry about a thing." Theo said confidently. "Ron, you in or out?"

"Me? I'm out today I'm afraid." Ron said, "Today I'm not a Healer, I'm simple the guardian of a patient. Thus I will run interference with St. Mungo's for you and comfort my family when the start losing their shit." He said cheerfully.

Theo hummed in confirmation.

That was, before Ron said, "Also, I'd like to be as separated from my mother's genitals as much as possible thank you."

Theo threw a glove at him, "Get out."

Ron laughed as he left.

Theo looked back to Molly, "You ready to check the dilation?"

Molly nodded and laid her head back properly.

---

Theo took off his gloves as he walked out and discarded them in a nearby dustbin. All the Weasleys were in various stages of panic. As everyone started bombarding him with questions, he raised his hands, before he started speaking, "She's only 6cm dilated now, and it's been 6 hours. At this rate it'll be a while. You might want to rest up a little."

Ron nodded, taking in that information, as he left, probably to go inform St. Mungo's.

"Is that bad? Like it taking so long." Fred asked, unusually serious.

Theo smiled, "If by it, you mean your brother, no. It's painful for your mother, but she's holding out well. It's not unusual for labor to take so long. You have no reason to worry."

He sat down, on a bed nearby, and patiently answered all their questions, while he waited for Ron, knowing he was going to need to sit down. Just as he was saying, "-you'll need your rest in the days to come-" Ron walked in and continued for him, "We'll all be on babysitting duty until mom can recover from her labor properly. We'll have to take turns for at least 2 days while the reading of this book continues." Theo's eyes narrowed at his boyfriend, eyeing the worried set to his lips. Ron got like this sometimes. No matter how many times he'd been through trauma for other people, he always seemed to completely shut down when it was his own family. Emotionally, that is. He knew everything would go fine, but knowing that didn't make it any better.

Everyone looked to Ron, and started to protest, but he put an end to it, by saying simply, "Ginny. Go. This reading is going to be hardest for you. You should probably sit it-"

Ginny glowered at him, and cut him off, "Ronald. I need to do this. I need the closure. Me worrying about that chapter in my life needs to end." At that, Emma grabbed Ginny's shoulder and squeezed,  lending her support.

Ron's face softened and he said, "Alright, then. But you still need your rest. If anything you need it more than you did before. I will come wake you up myself, when Charlie's born."

Ginny sighed, realizing she wasn't going to win this argument. She got up from where she was sitting on the hospital bed, and sighed. She walked out without saying a word.

Emma shifted from where she was leaning on the wall, and said awkwardly, "I'll... go with, make sure she's not driving herself crazy."

Blaise moved too, "If we're going to be here a while, we'll go grab some food for everyone."

Harry nodded and got up, tucking himself into Blaise's shoulder, silently telling his he'd go with, rolling his eyes at Blaise's love-struck smile. Hermione sighed, "Well, if everyone is splitting up, I'll go take Bill-" she nodded to the boy asleep in her lap, "-and put tuck him into bed." Carefully, she lifted him up, so that she could be carrying him a little better, and without another word she walked out.

Bill -the older one- snorted, "A couple of weeks with younger me, and I'm not the favourite Bill in her life anymore." Eyes flicking between both Ron and Theo, Bill smiled, "I'm going with her."

Ron rolled his eyes derisively, "Very subtle." Theo grabbed his hand and forced him to plop down on the bed that he was sitting on. "You've been running around for the past few hours. You need a minute."

Ron sighed, and melted into Theo. The second he did, he turned his face into Theo's chest and groaned. Theo smirked and cast a subtle Muffliato around them, making sure no one could hear the two talking.

"Everything hurts." Ron whined.

Theo smirked, "You mean your legs hurt?"

Ron lifted his head up to look at him derisively, and muttered, "No, I don't mean my legs hurt. I've been running around all day, my ass is still stinging from last night. So, what I mean is, everything hurts."

Theo smiled in pride and Ron smacked him on the chest, with no real heat. The mirth in the red-head's eyes disappeared, as he asked, "Now, stop sugarcoating and tell me how my mom's doing."

Theo sighed, he should have known Ron would see right through him. Yeah, the ginger was prone to putting up a brave face to a patient's guardians, but he was just as good at sniffing one out. Theo answered truthfully for maybe the first time that night. Or at least, he told the complete truth. "She really is doing great for the situation she's in. Her contractions are all normal. Hell, everything is."

"So, what's the problem?"

"I'm worried she'll over-exert her magic." Theo said quietly. Magical births are a little different from Muggle ones. Muggle children don't contain a magical signature. It takes a lot out of the women to push out a child with a powerful magical signature. Charlie was one of the stronger wizards of their time and his magic was especially stubborn. Being a premature baby, as it is, was making it a difficult birth, but giving birth to him might easily over-exert Molly's magic. Over-exertion in a witch in labor is much harder than over-exertion in normal circumstances. It takes a lot out, and it takes almost months -depending on the witch, of course- to recover completely.

Theo didn't want to put Molly through that. But he couldn't risk it and try to intervene until the last moment. He growled in frustration and rubbed his head, feeling a headache forming. This is why he hated being Healer for people he cared about. Feelings got mixed up into everything -not that he didn't care for all his patients- and he hated feeling helpless...

Ron pushed Theo's hands away from his head and massages his temple and shoulders as he said, "Thank you for this."

Theo looked up in confusion and said, "You don't have to-"

"I want to." Ron cut him off, with an unnaturally serious look on his face.

Theo smiled and said quietly, "I know."

Ron smiled shyly into Theo's neck and got up, to try and get comfortable. Both of them knew it was at least going to be thirty more minutes before Molly needed Theo, and they both needed a little alone time. Ron straddled Theo's thighs and snuggled in, almost immediately falling asleep.

Theo smiled softly, heart melting slightly when he looked at Ron. It seemed to always happen, whenever he looked at Ron. One of these days, he's going to put a ring on that finger. Thinking about things like that, and houses and rings, Theo's eyes fluttered closed too.

---

He didn't sleep for very long though. He jerked awake no later than 20 minutes after, as if his body had gotten so used to being a Healer for laboring patients, even it knew when to wake him up. For good reason though, because just as he started extracting himself out of Ron's grip, the boy's father walked out and raised an eyebrow at the scene he saw. He didn't say anything until Theo replaced his body with a pillow in Ron's arms. 

"Is something wrong?" Theo asked, slightly worried.

"I think Molly's getting tired." Arthur said, a crease in his forehead showing his anxiety. This man is a good husband.

Molly screamed through another set of contractions before Theo could properly escape Ron's Vulcan death grip. (They'd watched the movies after Harry and Hermione had literally tied them to the couch.)

Theo listened for another moment before he nodded, "I think we can help her switch to the squat, she needs to be in." At Arthur look of confusion, he continued, "Gravity..." He made a strange gesture with his hands as he tried to explain, "...helps." He ended.

Arthur nodded, accepting that information without argument. Theo walked over to where Molly was and helped her sit up the way she'd be most comfortable.

"So. Who's ready to give birth to a baby?"

At the absolute silence in the room, Theo nodded and moved towards Molly.

Almost 35 minutes after, Theo breathed a sigh of relief as he subtly felt Molly's magical core, making sure nothing was wrong. To his relief, there didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary.

He handed the baby to Mrs. Pomfrey to, once again make sure everything was okay, and quickly moved to handle everything else. However, right before he could do anything Madame Pomfrey called, "Mr. Nott!"

Theo looked over, and what he saw made his heart feel like it had stopped. Shit. Shit. Shit. Madame Pomfrey was frantically rubbing her palm on the baby's back, trying to get him to breathe.

At the exact same time the bracelet Theo'd put on Molly's wrist that told him her heart rate, started beeping. Shit. Shit. Shit. Taking a deep breath, Theo said, "Madame Pomfrey switch with me. Start chest compressions. Mr. Weasley, get Ron. Now."

Theo moved to Charlie and prayed to any god that would listen to him. "Come on Charlie. Come on."

Theo quickly cast a warming charm to help keep him warm, and tried his best to quickly clear the baby's airways in hopes that it was all that was wrong. At that exact moment, Ron burst through the curtains and looked over the situation. He immediately moved to his mother, and said, "Switch hands."

Madame Pomfrey moved and grabbed her wand, ready to simulate heartbeat. Ron started pumping his mother's chest as Theo desperately tried to clear his brother's airway. Right when Ron said, "This isn't working, we'll need to-"

Theo felt Charlie take his first breath, and let out one of his own. On the other end of the cocoon, Madame Pomfrey was moving her wand to Molly's chest and that, was when Charlie started crying. Just then, Ron said, "There. It's slow, but it's there." He had his hand pressed to his mother's pulse and tears filled his eyes.

"She's back." Theo bowed his head in thankfulness. Surprisingly, he felt tears fill his own eyes. It was oddly beautiful. Molly came back only when her child was okay. She heard her son cry.

Theo breathed a sigh of relief, and he supposed that the silencing charm broke, and he heard cheers break out from everyone that had clustered outside. Ron let out a breathless laugh, as if in complete disbelief. They quickly sedated Mrs. Weasley and Madame Pomfrey ran out to go call the idiot Healer.

"We need to move. Now." Ron said, stating the obvious.

"How're we getting through the hoard, without being bombarded by..."

The sounds of absolute glee were still going on outside the sea of curtains. Ron seemed to consider that for a few moments, before saying, "Mia!"

"I got it!"

The sounds quietened down, when Hermione shushed them. Loudly. Everyone shut up faster than Theo had ever seen a clan of Weasleys do. "Merlin, she really is good at shushing."

"She's practically a librarian." Ron replied, smiling fondly.

"One of the sexy ones?" Theo asked, raising an eyebrow. Ron laughed and continued, "Nope. A regular one."

Theo burst out laughing.

---

At St. Mungo's, both Ron and Theo were watching Healer Patil take care of Charlie. Ron said, "He's so tiny."

Theo nodded in agreement, and said, "You know what the best part is?"

"What?"

"You actually get to take this one home!" Theo said excitedly.

Ron looked at him, eyes shining with hope, as he asked, "You want one of these sometime soon?"

Each and every single one of Theo's fears about being someone like his own father took over his mind, and just as he was about to start spiraling he turned to Ron, and the second he saw his face, his mind turned into absolute mush for a second, before clearing. With him, he had confidence. With him, he could do it. He could do it well. He could be happy.

He simply replied, "Yeah. I really do."

Smiling, Theo turned back to look at the adorable babies playing with the Trainees, completely content standing there in silence with his boyfriend, with nothing but hospital sounds around them.

Notes:

This legit makes me so happy! Thank you so much for reading!

Chapter 21: Continuation

Summary:

We're nearing the end!

Notes:

I know I said I'd update last weekend, but it really didn't happen. Life just got in the way I guess. But I'm really happy that I got this chapter out, because I feel like it lays out such a great foundation for the next one. Everyone's just getting used to the idea of everything Harry's been through before their worldview changes. I don't really know how to explain it.

Guys, I would just like to say. That this story is about trauma practically every step of the way, and I keep saying I will, but I forget to add the T/Ws, so here they are for this chapter:

Blood/Gore
PTSD
Hints towards past depression.

I think that's it, but please be careful and tell me if I need to include anything.

Anyways! Enjoy!

The next day, everyone assembled at the Great Hall, hoping for the chapter to continue, rather selfishly, but they'd left it on a cliffhanger!

Just as they were finishing off breakfast, the doors opened, with multiple people walking in. Hermione and Bill led everyone in, followed by Harry, Blaise, Ginny, Emma, Theo, Ron and Draco. Neither Fred nor George were there. To everyone's surprise, Arthur walked in. The man had been shoved out of his house, to go and find out what happened after, because the stress was still eating away at Molly.

Hermione jogged up to the teacher's table and had a whispered conversation, and when they were done, she moved off to the Gryffindor table and filled a cup with coffee and started dumping in heaps of sugar.

Everyone that had eyes, looked over and smiled at the oldest Weasley brother fondly. The man was so in love with Hermione, that everyone could see it. He was staring at the girl beside him, so love-struckly, even as he berated her for the amount of sugar she was eating.

All the couples that they'd figured out were like that. Extremely in love with each other. You could see it in the way they acted towards each other. The love they had was definitely different, but all of them cared for each other deeply. Ron and Theo were the most obvious of them all, they were constantly touching each other, and showing physical affection Bill and Hermione were like a married couple, constantly bickered, while showing love at the exact same time. The love Hermione showed to younger Bill showed more than she thought it did. Harry and Blaise, didn't really act like an obvious couple when you didn't look at them much, but they showed love in the small acts they did for each other. By the time Blaise showed up, Harry had a coffee ready to give him with a kiss, and Blaise would often show up with chocolates he knew Harry liked. Harry would annoy Hermione and Theo for book recommendations, ones that he could get for Blaise to read, and Blaise would spend a lot of time, planning places for the two of them to go to in his free time.

Everyone around these people constantly felt single, even if they were dating. While everyone was in sync, contemplating when they were going to find someone so perfect for themselves.

Dumbledore got up and said, "We will be continuing the reading today."

Everyone cheered as the ones from the just rolled their eyes, not looking forward to what was about to come. Ginny breathed in deep, as she mentally prepped for everything. Doing so, she missed Emma's eyes narrowing, but Blaise didn't. He smirked at the girl to which she just scoffed in response. Rodolphus got up, levitated the book to himself and continued reading exactly where he'd stopped.

“Ginny!” Harry... be dead—”

The mood in the Hall immediately fell from the excitedness they'd been feeling with the reading continuing.

He flung his wand aside,

Moody and Kingsley groaned at the childish mistake.

grabbed Ginny’s... she must be—

Everyone started whispering at the exact same time.

“Ginny, please wake... a soft voice.

The Slytherins leaned forward in interest. It was time to find out who this heir was.

Harry jumped and... “Tom—Tom Riddle?”

"Wait, what?" gaped Lily.

"He should be dead--or at least, not young looking!" argued Sirius.

"Does that chamber stop aging?" asked another student.

All the people in the Hall that knew who Tom Riddle really was, felt their hearts skip a beat. The Professors looked among each other, So he really did return.

All the Death Eaters that went to school with Riddle like Nott Sr, and their children looked at each other, Our Lord is back.

Riddle nodded... said Riddle.

Lily breathed out in relief.

“But only just.”

That quickly turned into a yelp when Rodolphus finished Riddle's sentence.

"I'm right here." Ginny felt the need to remind everyone.

Harry stared at... just as good.

"Harry," Remus deadpanned.

"I can't control my thoughts."

“Are you a... for fifty years.”

"How is that possible?" Mary asked, curling in Dorcas's side. Nobody knew, or if they did, they didn't share the answer.

Moody, Dumbledore, Kingsley and Severus had suspicions but they all thought that there was no need to share them, especially if they were false. Abraxas, on the other hand, hadn't reached the same suspicion as the other three men, but he was nearing it.

He pointed toward... to deal with.

Severus nodded, finally knowing for a fact he was right. There was a sadistic happiness in knowing he was.

“You’ve got... head again.

Dumbledore bowed his head, a small, almost quiet, sigh leaving his mouth.

“We’ve got to… Please, help me.”

"You're far too trusting." Moody grunted.

Riddle didn’t move... wand had gone.

"Don't tell me that the attractive boy is actually a villain," cried Marlene.

Hermione tilted her head, "Isn't that always the case?" She looked at Draco as she said this, and Bill looked at her, as if in disapproval, teasing her.

“Did you see... his long fingers.

Moody thought this to be a perfect lesson for the school. "You never set your wand down, in unknown nor known territory. You never know who is your friend and who is your enemy. Sometimes, they can be both."

"Are you saying that we can't even trust our friends?" Peter asked. Sirius kicked his elbow in a 'Do you not trust Remus, James, and I?' type of way.

Moody took a second to think before responding. "Some friends there is no doubt that you can trust them" -James and Sirius winked at each other- "but that doesn't mean that you can blindly trust them all."

“Thanks,” said... hand for it.

Regulus's eyebrows raised as if saying, Really? What else do you need?

A smile curled...  said Riddle calmly.

"Why is it always the hot ones?"

"Trust me," said Emma, "He did not value his beauty."

Harry lowered Ginny... might need it—”

Kingsley's head was in his hands, "Might?"

Harry said sadly, "I know better now."

Riddle’s smile...  I won’t be—?”

"Harry," James said slowly.

"I know! I know! It took me a while."

“I’ve waited a... To speak to you.”

Mary muttered, "As if that's not creepy."

“Look,” said Harry... talk later—”

Sirius facepalmed.

“We’re going to... going on here.

"Don't worry, y'all, he's getting there," teased Barty, finding a little amusement in the situation.

“How did Ginny... asked slowly.

"Good question. She's definitely not paralyzed. It's almost as if..." Remus's eyes widened as everything finally clicked into place.

“Well, that’s an... invisible stranger.”

Bill wanted to punch something, not wanting to think about how this sick man was happy that the life was literally draining out of his sister.

“What are you...  would ever like her…”

"Well, she was wrong on that front," Harry said lightly, smiling at Ginny who returned it. "I just didn't like you in the way you wanted me to back them."

All the time... almost hungry look in them.

"Like, hungry for power?" asked James hesitantly, "or a really gross type of hunger?"

"Power," Harry assured his dad. "Power."

“It’s very boring... I was kind.

James had a hard time believing that this man could ever be kind.

However, Ginny was back in the past, thinking about how charismatic he'd been and how obsessed with him she was.

Ginny simply loved... in my pocket…”

Ginny blinked tears out of her eyes as she recalled how vulnerable she'd been.

Riddle laughed, a... of Harry’s neck.

"It suits the other him," Harry huffed, low enough that nobody else heard him.

“If I say it... back into her…”

Everyone looked at Ginny with pity, which made the girl feel like there were insects all over her body. It was the worst feeling in the world to her, being pitied. After, of course not being in control.

“What d’you...  the Squib’s cat."

"No...." The word came from many different people's mouths in different tones. Some, like the Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors, and Ravenclaws, were sad and fearful for little Ginny even more than they had been before; Others from the Slytherins were disbelief, hatred, and jealousy. Why couldn't they get a diary such as Ginny had, write in it, and become the heir? Though, many reckoned, they wouldn't be stupid enough to write to a diary that could write back.

“No,” Harry whispered...  attacking everyone, Tom!”

Arthur put his quill to the parchment he hadn't written on in a while and made a note to remind his children to stay away from objects that could talk. Or move on their own. And then he remembered he made a flying car, which preferred to live wild in the forest. Thankfully, he concluded, he had a couple of years to work on this lesson before presenting it to his kids.

Harry’s fists... into his palms.

"Protective side coming out," smiled Marlene. Harry was quickly becoming her OTL.

“It took a... anxious to meet…”

It was apparently Lily's turn to dig her nails into her palms.

“And why did...  to gain your trust—”

"He's the one who killed Mrytle the first time," realized Remus.

"Told you 'tis 'asn't 'e."

“Hagrid’s my friend... mistake, but—”

Harry shut his eyes, hating himself for how naïve he was. He felt a hand wrap around his own, and when he turned to his left, he saw Blaise, who wasn't even looking at him, instead he was staring at the book in Lestrange's hands, so Harry doubted it was intentional.

At least until the boy who left felt a squeeze on his hand, and his heart started fluttering.

Riddle laughed his...  under his bed,

"'Erewolves 'et too much hatred!" defended Hagrid, crossing his buffy arms across his chest.

Remus smiled at the half-giant.

sneaking off to... or the power!

Everyone felt bad that they couldn't even deny the fact that it was true.

“Only the Transfiguration... him as gamekeeper.

"Which, if Hagrid really was the heir, was a stupid decision because he could still use the monster," scoffed Severus. Evan scoffed in agreement. 

Yes, I think... other teachers did…”

"And Dumbledore was correct," said McGonagall.

“I bet Dumbledore... his teeth gritted.

Dumbledore shook his head, upset.

“Well, he certainly... in its pages,

Abraxas, finally having come to a realization, was appalled. There was only one way to do that.

so that one... noble work.”

Harry rolled his eyes at that.

“Well, you haven’t... not even the cat.

"Tom Riddle obviously sucks at being evil," said Sirius. "Which is a good thing."

In a few hours... has been—you.”

"Why? What has my son done?" Lily asked, squeezing James' hand.

Harry stared at...  not you.

Ginny tutted, "Aw. Most evil people would love to have an 11-year-old thinking of them as their best friend. How dare you not like me?" She mocked, not wanting to behave to act like a meek little child anymore. She'd put everything in the past. She didn't want to relive it no, but she sure as hell wasn't going to be terrified if she had to.

She saw you... been strangling roosters?

Hermione sighed, "I absolutely hate admitting it... but that was smart. Nice."

So the foolish... of Slytherin’s heir.

Kingsley clicked his tongue, as if finally having figured something out.

From everything Ginny... speak Parseltongue…

"Why would you tell him so much, baby?" Arthur asked, running his hands through Ginny's hair.

“So I made... diary, into me.

Arthur's eyes fluttered shut in absolute horror.

Enough to let me... you, Harry Potter.”

James' eyebrows raised, "Like what?"

“Like what?” Harry... powers were destroyed?”

"He's like, what? Been stuck in a diary for 50 years? How does he even know that?" Regulus whispered, Severus gave him a look and he gasped, suddenly understanding. He wrapped his hand in his boyfriend's and said: "I hope you're wrong."

Severus smiled tightly, tense, because he knew he wasn't.

There was... eyes now.

"We get it," Avis rolled her eyes in annoyance. "His eyes are hungry."

“Why do you... future, Harry Potter…”

"Just because your last name is Riddle, doesn't mean you need to speak in riddles," Someone muttered.

He pulled... LORD VOLDEMORT

"Oddly convenient," was the first thing that left James' mouth, and the two words broke through the terrified silence that had permeated the hall. Lily raised a brow at him. "Well, I mean, it's horrifying that my son is facing off against Voldemort again, but his middle name is Marvolo, who would do that to a child?"

"That's what you're focusing on?!"

"Well! It's just weird!" James yelled.

Remus cut in, "James. Don't you realize what this means?"

"...no?"

“You see... name forever?

"Wait....." Evadoire drew the word out, "Read that again for me, will you Rodolphus?"

Rodolphus reread the last sentence, knowing that had been what she was looking for.

"So," James snorted, "The all mighty Dark Lord, is half muggle?" Remus threw his hands up as if he was still waiting for something.

"Oh my..." Lily snickered. Gryffindors were the first to lose it, their bravery allowing them to laugh out loud without fear of being punished. The Hufflepuffs lost it next, and soon the Ravenclaws followed them. Most of the Slytherins sat open-mouthed in disbelief, and the professors held back their smiles.

Apollonius sat with his back ram-rod straight, not surprised that the secret was out. That was the thing about secrets. Keep too many and some spill over. He looked to his son, and sighed, thinking that over. Nothing about what had been read really shocked him. He'd gone to school with his Lord. He knew what there was to know.

The same couldn't be said for any of the Lestranges or the Malfoys. While Lucius looked like he was about ready to puke, while Bellatrix was screaming her head off about how it wasn't true, or that the book had somehow been fabricated, and it wasn't true, or how the time-travellers were all liars, wasting time to achieve a goal, and it wasn't true.

"Would you shut up. I will shove as many potions as I have down your throat!" Hermione said, quietly, her voice barely any louder than it usually was. She didn't yell, she didn't do anything out of the ordinary. But everyone in the Hall, each and every single one of the people sitting there felt a shiver down their spine. No one was expecting this out of her, because while they had seen her angry, they'd never seen the girl this incensed. She had that tone in her voice, that tone, that no one could describe, but everyone was terrified of.

Even Bellatrix looked a little intimidated. Then, to keep her pride, she muttered, "I'd like to see you try."

But apparently she didn't say it quietly enough, because Hermione snapped, "No. You really wouldn't."

Hermione turned back to the book and took a deep breath. This was the first time that Harry had ever truly faced Voldemort in his own form. And she hadn't been there. She'd been doing a lot better with this, but the reading, the trauma, as it all resurfaced, so did her feelings about it. Why had she been in such a rush to make sure she was right? A few more minutes and she would have been there for Harry, while he was all alone in that chamber, for Ron, and even for Bill as they lost their sister and- Her thoughts started spiraling.

Bill looked at Rodolphus to continue, as he wrapped his hands around Mia and practically pulled her into her lap, comforting her. He'd been there for her during her toughest times, he practically felt how she felt about it. He knew it wasn't her fault and for the first few years after the War he made sure he knew it every minute of the day, and continues to do the same even now.

Not sure what to do, Rodolphus continued reading.

I, in whose... was a witch?

Well, there was more to it than that, Harry thought. 

No, Harry... sorcerer in the world!”

"Harry has no fear of your name," said Rabastan.

Harry’s brain seemed... full of hatred.

"Do not talk back to the Dark Lord like that." Bellatrix said, without a lot of her usual fire, looking at Hermione, a little wary.

“Not what?” snapped...  hiding these days—”

"I appreciate that," Dumbledore said.

Harry nodded at him. It was true that he didn't like the man at present, but he was powerful.

The smile had... me!” he hissed.

"That is... technically true." Narcissa said. When everyone looked at her after she said that, "Just stirring the pot."

“He’s not as...  but froze.

"Ah yes," snickered Barty," It's Dumbledore himself. He heard you and has returned to the school to bring music for the inevitable fight!" Regulus rolled his eyes at his friends while Rabastan chuckled.

Music was coming... the nearest pillar.

"That's what happens when a pheonix sings." Regulus said, in awe.

"Oh, he knows his animals." Barty crooned.

A crimson bird... ragged bundle.

"Fawkes!" cheered Lily, excited, because this must mean everything will be okay.

A second later... shrewdly back at it.

"Oh goodie, he knows his animals!" Frank said.

“Fawkes?” Harry breathed... school Sorting Hat—”

"What's the sorting hat going to do? Sing Riddle a song?"

"Maybe the song will be riddled with riddles."

So it was... at Harry’s feet.

"No, but for real. What's the Sorting Hat going to do?"

Riddle began to... laughing at once.

"That is absolute bull."

“This is what... feel safe now?”

"I am not his defender. I never was." Harry said, as if he was practically convincing himself.

"No, you're not. You never were." Blaise repeated, as if it was something he'd said multiple times and was always going to say for as long as necessary.

Harry didn’t answer...  you stay alive.”

"And the longer he has to plan," mentioned Alice.

Harry was... his chances.

"They were slim to none."  Harry shuddered, thinking back on how helpless he had felt.

Riddle had the... sooner than later.

Lily sighed, wishing there was something that she could have done.

“No one knows... to save me.

Everyone in the Hall felt the truth of those words.

My common Muggle-born... ugly, you’re foul—”

Lily smiled, her eyes welling up with tears, and seemed out James' warmth.

Riddle’s face contorted... wanted to know.”

 "Wow. So he did all this, just to know that he didn't get thwarted because of someone more powerful than him? Talk about narcissism." Marlene muttered.

"You have no idea." Both Draco and Harry said in unison.

Harry stood, tense... can give him…”

"Seriously?" Someone said.

He cast an... the Hogwarts Four.”

"Here we go..." Frank said quietly.

Harry wheeled around... from its depths.

"Shut your fucking eyes Harry." Remus said, distressed.

Harry backed away... the king of serpents?

"A good one, surprisingly," Harry admitted.

Something huge hit... “Kill him.”

"No, haha," James chuckled nervously, "Let's not do that." Harry smiled at his father sadly.

The basilisk was... hear it coming.

"Ouch. Not a great time to be clumsy." Lucius mocked. Even as he did so, the man had the audacity to look offended when his son glared at him.

There was a... off the pillars.

Lily whimpered.

He couldn’t help... was going on.

"Harry!" James exclaimed angrily. "Just one look would kill you!"

"I know dad, I know." Harry didn't know what else he could really say.

The enormous serpent... thin as sabers.

"Go Fawkes!" Avis cheered, adding a sliver of light to the situation.

Fawkes dived. His... spitting in agony.

"GO FAWKES!!" Avis repeated with more enthusiasm this time.

“NO!” Harry heard... HIM. KILL HIM!”

"Do it yourself." Harry muttered bitterly.

The blinded serpent... wildly, “someone—anyone!”

James' eyes shut closed. There is absolutely no reason a fucking 12-year-old should be so desperate for help.

The snake’s tail...  into Harry’s arms.

"How kind of him," sneered Evan.

Harry seized it... over him again.

"What can the Hat do here?" Dorcas asked, as if scared someone was going to hit her.

"No idea what I was thinking. I was just... desperate." Harry said, and then added as an afterthought, "And terrified. Yeah. Definitely terrified. That probably had a lot to do with it, to be honest."

Help me—help... hard beneath it.

"Thank goodness she didn't get knocked out, that wouldn't have helped anyone."

A gleaming silver... size of eggs.

"Remember how to sword fight, Potter?" Draco asked sarcastically.

"I can't believe I never put the time into learning that!" Harry joked.

Apparently when none of them had even been paying attention, the Hat had been summoned from Dumbledore's office. When Harry spotted it he rolled his eyes at it derisively.

"Don't you roll your eyes at me!" The hat screeched, "The Sword is a dignified weapon."

For a basilisk? Severus snorts to himself. 

“For a basilisk?” Potter snorts, unnervingly.  “Sword, four foot long. Basilisk, over sixty!” 

" You are an insolent boy." The Hat said to the boy.

Not for the first time, Harry wishes semi-sentient beings could be subject to the unforgivable curses.

Both of them- Harry and the Hat- huffed at started paying attention to what was going on.

“KILL THE BOY... SMELL HIM.”

"You could always do it yourself," Evan added offhandedly.

"That's what I said!" Harry said throwing his arms up.

Harry was on... thin, glittering, venomous…

Some of the younger students looked about ready to faint.

It lunged blindly... the serpent’s mouth—

"Nice!" Most of the Gryffindors cheered.

But as warm... to the floor.

The mood, once again shifted.

"You're out of the woods now, right?" Lily asked, "Oh right, there's a little Tom Riddle to deal with." She sighed.

"Maybe we'll start doing yoga, mum. Could be useful for all of the parents of my friends."

Harry slid down... of dull color.

James ruffled Harry's hair, reminding himself that he was there and not dead.

A patch of...  were fantastic, Fawkes…”

Dumbledore smiled.

He felt the... had pierced him.

Everyone was blinking tears out of their eyes. Yes, even the Slytherins.

He could hear... Potter? He’s crying.”

"Fawkes is crying?" Remus asked happily. "That's a great thing!"

"How come?" asked a first-year.

Before Remus was able to answer, he thought better of it, and nodded to the book.

Harry blinked... in no hurry.”

"He makes me so mad," Harry said. "He's always so cocky, too cocky."

"And being cocky in a fight is never a good thing," said Kingsley.

Harry felt drowsy... knew he must…”

Severus glanced toward Lily. He found himself looking at her whenever she was mentioned.

If this is... was leaving him…

"I'm going to kiss that bird," Lily said.

Very few people seemed to understand what was going on.

But was this... said, get away!”

"The cocky bastard realized too late," grinned Sirius.

Harry raised his … I forgot…”

Remus looked at the first-year kindly and said, "Pheonix tears have healing properties."

He looked into... you and me…”

"Whatever you have to tell yourself that you've lost," said James, proud of his son. He knew, even without the boy sitting across from him, that Harry wasn't going to die.

He raised the... —the diary.

Remus' eyebrows furrowed. What did the diary have- No. No way. Then he actually said out loud, "That. Is so smart."

He looked at Harry suddenly, apologetically and said, "It's horrible that you have to do it, but that bird is so smart."

For a split... flailing and then—

"That still gives me nightmares." Harry said.

He had gone... was silence.

"Gone but he'll be back, won't he?" sighed Lily.

Silence except for... Floo powder.

Blaise wrapped his hands around Harry when he realized that the Boy-Who-Lived was reliving the entire experience in his mind. He had already begun shaking just like he probably had in the Chamber. He had his eyes screwed shut and was trembling like a leaf. His breathing had begun stuttering and his hands were opening and closing into fists.

Blaise quietly asked, "Where are you?"

"In the..." Harry seemed to fight with himself, "Great Hall. The past." He finally answered. Blaise looked around him and grabbed a cup of coffee and put it under Harry's nose.

"What do you smell?"

"Coffee."

"Did the Chamber smell like coffee?"

"No." Harry answered reluctantly.

"Come back Harry. Will I let you come to any harm here?"

"No." The answer was immediate this time, as if Harry knew it in his soul, and he did. Blaise would die before something happened to Harry, and Harry would do the same for him.

Slowly, he gathered... Ginny was stirring.

"Oh blessed day," Arthur said, wrapping his arms around his daughter. Ginny felt her eyes welling up as she felt her shirt get damp with her father's tears. 

As Harry hurried... of Percy—

"I said it from the very beginning." Regulus said quietly.

it was me... get out of here—”

Arthur pressed a kiss to Ginny's temple.

“I’m going to... and Dad say?”

"Mum and Dad, are proud of you. We wish you were more careful. But you've been so strong." Arthur said to the girl firmly, not wanting her to feel guilty anymore.

Fawkes was waiting... I’ve got her!”

"I was so relieved," Ron said. "No matter how much I and our brothers tease you, we love you, Ginny."

He heard Ron... in the rock fall.

"Hey! He actually did it! Good on you, Ron!" Avis clapped for him.

“Ginny!” Ron thrust... beating him off.

"I couldn't breathe." Ginny muttered.

"Oh please. Bill was worse."

"That he was."

Fawkes had... in Harry’s hand.

"Don't know why I questioned it," Ron mumbled. "It's Harry Potter."

Harry laughed, surprising both of his parents.

“I’ll explain when...  said shortly.

"Yeah," huffed Marlene, "'Later. You've got a sister to comfort."

He didn’t think... Come and see.”

"What's wrong with me?" Lockhart cried.

Led by Fawkes...  to himself.”

Lockhart looked at his feet, his cheeks red, still embarrassed by himself.

Lockhart peered... Do you live here?”

"They don't, but you sure can," said Barty.

"That would be cruel," Regulus shook his head.

“No,” said Ron...  he said to Ron.

"I hadn't gotten that far." Ron whined.

Ron shook his... pull up there—”

"Fawkes is spectacular," smiled Dumbledore. "As are you, Mr. Potter."

"Thank you." Harry said stiffly.

“Fawkes,” said Harry... sharply to Lockhart.

"You don't have to be that rude." Lockhart said.

Everyone turned to look at him incredulously.

“You hold Ginny’s... into his belt,

"How would that work? I hope you put it sharp-side down," said Peter.

Ron took hold... hot tail feathers.

"That is a piece of information I never thought I'd have." Lily mumbled, only glad that her son was okay.

An extraordinary lightness... just like magic!”

Sirius snorted, "Oh now, that's just sad."

The chill air was... back into place.

 "Is no one going to destroy that?" Pandora asked.

Myrtle goggled at...  Myrtle, blushing silver.

A shiver ran down Harry spine. "I still can't believe how creepy she is," he said to his parents.

“Urgh!” said Ron... competition, Ginny!”

"Not the best time to joke, Ronald," Arthur said, doting over her daughter.

But tears were...  pushed the door open.

"And that's the chapter!" Rodolphus announced, "Who would like to read next?"

"Woah, slow your role big Lestrange," Barty said. "I believe there are bets to be settled?"

Regulus grinned, "Thank you for the money, kind sir."

"You're rich," the Slytherin growled, still pissed that Ginny was the heir. "You don't need it."

"No, you have a point. But one can never have too much money." Regulus snapped his fingers and the galleons disappeared from his palm, having been magicked away for safekeeping.

Notes:

So yeah. I don't know how this'll go over but I hope you enjoyed!

Tell me what you think!

Chapter 22: Dobby's Reward

Summary:

The end.

Notes:

We're done! The end of the book! We're here!

Have fun reading!

"I'll read." Marlene got up and levitated the book to herself. "Oh, I guess this is the last chapter then?" She said, looking at how many pages were left. Chapter 18: Dobby's Reward.

For a moment... (in Harry’s case) blood.

"Ah," Harry sighed wistfully and half sarcastically. "Blood: my favorite accessory."

"You do look very hot covered in it." Blaise said, just as cheekily.

Then there...  their daughter.

Arthur hearing that their future selves got to hold Ginny in their arms once more caused him to relax and Ginny's shoulders untensed.

Harry, however... Weasleys tight embrace.

Some awwed at at that.

“You saved her...  McGonagall weakly.

"Yes, how did two 12-year-olds save the day when a professor was too much a wimp to do it himself?" Avis asked poshly.

Mrs. Weasley let... of Riddle’s diary.

"That must have been a strange sight for them." Dorcas muttered.

Then he started...  I might add—

"Hey," called Sirius, "At least Harry broke a hundred school rules to save a life. We Marauders have broke that and more for reasons less noble."

Peter hummed, "I don't know Paddy, some of our reasons were noble."

James barked out a laugh, look at his stubby friend fondly. "You're such a mess, Wormtail."

but how... alive, Potter?”

"You answered your own question, Ms. Minnie," Avis said. At the confused looks, Evadoire continued her friend's sentence, catching on.

"He has the 'Potter' last name," she explained.

So Harry, his... do it all?

"I'd like to believe I would have trusted you if you told me." Dumbledore said.

I did too, but I don't know anymore. Harry thought to himself.

Instinctively, Harry... forests of Albania.”

"'Enchanted?'" sputtered Barty, "What a weird adjective to use there, Professor Dumbledore."

At the same time, Rabastan exclaimed, "'Enchanted?' That bitch full-on possessed her." Rodolphus reprimanded him for his language.

Relief—warm... he was sixteen…”

Some of them still didn't understand, but they weren't sure if they wanted to.

Dumbledore took the... utterly bewildered.

There were a lot of students who seemed to take offense at that.

"Casually compliments the Dark Lord," spoke Lucius.

"I mean, Tom was smart," Harry said, surprising everyone. "But he was also incredibly cocky, which made him stupid."

"As Blinky says!" shouted a first-year Slytherin who lived with their Grandmother in a muggle town, due to this she was very into muggle culture.

“Very few people... Head Boy here.”

"I recall him being very much a ladies man at Hogwarts," said Fleamont, who had been majorly keeping quiet and keeping his son in check.

“But, Ginny,” said... back all year—”

Arthur sighed, imagining his reaction to that.

“Ginny!” said... forgotten about it—”

"Whoever displaced that..." Evan shook his head. "Quite idiotic."

"Unless they did it on purpose," Theo said.

"Still makes them stupid," added Draco with a grimace.

“Miss Weasley should... up any moment.”

Bill smiled at Mia, still grateful everyday that she was okay.

“So Hermione’s... Ginny,” said Dumbledore.

"Still had nightmares about it for years to come," the redhead mentioned.

Mrs. Weasley led... Weasley, shall I?”

"You saying 'deal with' did not help with the nerves." Ron said.

“Certainly,” said... about to be punished?

"I would certainly hope not," Mary exclaimed.

“I seem to remember... said Dumbledore.

Dorcas' mouth dropped in shock. "He must be kidding."

Ron opened his... Dumbledore went on, smiling.

Dorcas and Mary let out sighs of relief.

“You will both... for Gryffindor.”

"Two hundred?! For breaking the rules?" Rabastan said.

"Each?" Evan continued.

"They saved a life." Hermione snapped.

Ron went as... forgotten about Lockhart.

"That's not a difficult feat," Theodore smiled, "especially when he's shut up about himself."

He turned and... was I?”

All the time-travellers chorused, "Yes. Yes, you were."

“He tried...  own sword, Gilderoy!”

Barty raised a brow, "I doubt he's that long."

“Sword?” said Lockhart... l lend you one.

"Beautiful observation," sang Sirius, "as always."

“Would you mind taking Professor Lockhart up to the infirmary, too?” Dumbledore said to Ron. “I’d like a few more words with Harry…”

Harry sighed wistfully, thinking back on how that conversation actually made him feel warm inside.

Lockhart ambled out. Ron cast a curious look back at Dumbledore and Harry as he closed the door.

Dumbledore crossed to one of the chairs by the fire.

“Sit down, Harry,” he said, and Harry sat, feeling unaccountably nervous.

“First of all, Harry, I want to thank you,” said Dumbledore, eyes twinkling again. “You must have shown me real loyalty down in the Chamber. Nothing but that could have called Fawkes to you.”

"No matter what happened, that loyalty remained the same." Harry said, as if lost in thought.

He stroked the phoenix, which had fluttered down onto his knee. Harry grinned awkwardly as Dumbledore watched him.

“And so you met Tom Riddle,” said Dumbledore thoughtfully. “I imagine he was most interested in you…”

"And Harry, in him," Marlene said, "before the Voldy reveal and all."

Suddenly, something that was nagging at Harry came tumbling out of his mouth.

“Professor Dumbledore… Riddle said I’m like him. Strange likenesses, he said…”

"Babe..." Blaise said huskily.

"I know. I know it was different for me." Harry said, actually smiling at Blaise.

“Did he, now?...  in his mind.

"Even if you ended up in Slytherin," began James, "You have a good heart. You're nothing like him."

"Nope." Harry shook his head, and continued, "I'm a lot like him. I was just lucky enough to find the right people-" He looked at the people around him and said, "at the right time."

“Professor,” he started...  do, I’m sure…”

"Why does that feel ominous?" Euphemia asked.

Abraxas didn't like what Dumbledore said. He knew of Horcruxes, and he assumed many of the other elders did too. 

“Voldemort put... thunderstruck.

"That... is creepy as-" Sirius started.

"Mr. Black." Professor McGonagall warned.

“It certainly seems...  quivering again.

"The disregard for rules is entirely James. Everything else came from Lily," teased Remus.

"Hey!"

“Yet the Sorting... in Slytherin…”

"We still take offense to that, you know?" Barty called.

“Exactly,” said Dumbledore... than our abilities.”

Draco shrugged his shoulders at the quote-worthy lesson.

Harry sat motionless... Godric Gryffindor

Silence took over the Hall.

“Only a true... them, don’t we?”

"For a reason," Ron muttered.

"Time for our dear Professor to enter the game," grinned Harry.

"Truly our the best one of our age," added Hermione.

"Even I agree with them," said Draco with a slight smile, "despite the major ass I was to him. Apologies for that, by the way." He muttered, to no one in particular, at least, that's what it seemed like.

Harry got up and... bandages, was Dobby.

Regulus nearly growled at the horrible treatment of the elf. 

“Good evening... pleasantly.

James raised his eyebrows, and said, "You're a better man than I, Professor. If that was me, I'd be swinging punches."

Mr. Malfoy almost... hair was disheveled.

Narcissa wrinkled her nose.

Ignoring the elf... return to Hogwarts.”

Arthur rolled his eyes, absolutely done with the man.

“Well, you see... the first place.”

Narcissa groaned.

Mr. Malfoy went... slits of fury.

Slits of- Lily stopped her thoughts before they could go any farther.

“So—have you... of this diary.”

Narcissa was done with her husband. If he was going to try to be diabolical, at least do it right.

He held up... was watching Dobby.

"The only one out of those two who deserves attention," Regulus said.

The elf was... slowly to Dumbledore.

"As do I," gasped Remus. "Mr. Malfoy" -he addressed the man by his last name, after all, Remus knew to respect his elders- "put the book in Ginny's cauldron!"

Ginny wrapped her legs and arms around Bill to keep her brother from attacking Lucius again.

“A clever plan... suddenly mask like.

"You are such an idiot." Narcissa muttered.

“And imagine,” Dumbledore... have been otherwise…”

Arthur shuddered to imagine it.

Mr. Malfoy forced... himself in the head.

"This elf is smart in theory, but he's not very good at acting on his thoughts." Evan said.

And Harry suddenly...  clench and unclench.

"My beautiful boy!" James proclaimed squishing Harry's face with his hands and smooching his cheek. Harry chuckled at the display, returning his father's kiss with one of his own, in the same place.

“Prove it,” he hissed.

"With a reaction like that, he doesn't have to." Narcissa hissed. 

“Oh, no one... back to you…”

"There is absolutely no doubt about it." Arthur said, with a dangerous look on his face.

Lucius Malfoy stood... came to him—

Blaise smirked, "Most brilliant of plans!"

“Professor Dumbledore... feast, remember…”

"What are you going to do?" Someone muttered.

Harry grabbed the... the dark corridor.

A few raised a brow in curiosity. Barty, meanwhile, thought of how uncomfortable that would be--running without a sock on.

He caught up... Lucius Malfoy’s hand.

The time-travelers (and Regulus, because he had a pretty good idea what was about to happen) smiled wide.

“What the...  meddlesome fools, too.”

Narcissa smacked Lucius on the back of the head.

He turned to... a priceless treasure.

"You genius!" Abraxas praised, clapping his hands in joy. 

“Master has given... Dobby is free.”

"Whoo!" Sirius shouted, hopping out of his seat and flipping Lucius the bird. "That's my fucking godson!!"

"Siri," Remus laughed, tugged on his boyfriend's shirt. Regulus was grinning, having found himself liking James' child even more than before. Many in the room were clapping silently; the professors looked like proud parents. James and Lily the proud parents, and Euphemia and Fleamont wore the expression of proud grandparents.

Lucius Malfoy stood... lunged at Harry.

"You better keep your hands off my son," Lily snarled.

"Yeah," Theo snickered, "Or he'll Expelliarmus your ass!"

“You’ve lost... boy!”

"Yes, sir. He did," Regulus said.

But Dobby shouted...  long, threatening finger.

"I like him," James said. "He's earned my approval."

"I owe him my life," Harry said.

“You shall go... set Dobby free!”

Regulus smiled happily.

“Least I could... my life again.”

Harry sniffed his nose. Hermione looked down, hiding the tears that were dripping down his face.

"That was one promise he could never keep," said Ron.

The elf’s ugly... named, you see?”

Kingsley shook his head, "Considering how he had no idea that Voldemort was not his original name, I'll have to put that clue in the crap pile."

“Right,” said Harry... and hugged him.

"That's adorable." Marlene said.

“Harry Potter is... lasted all night.

"Uhhhh...." Alice's jaw was on the floor. "Why haven't we ever gotten to do that?"

"You've never had a murdering snake on the loose, have you?" Draco asked sarcastically.

"We had a sleepover in the Great Hall in third year," Ginny bragged. People's eyes bugged with jealousy.

"I certainly didn't get any sleep," Harry told the hall.

Harry didn’t know... second year running,

The Gryffindors cheered, at finally getting back towards the streak that they had running in the past, that apparently the students of the future had managed to somehow fuck up.

On the other hand, everyone else, including the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs began doubting that decision. Sure Harry and Ron had done good, but giving them so many points, just shoved the other houses down, especially with all the hard work they probably did.

or Professor... no!” said Hermione),

"Now, that's just going too far Hermione." Bill teased.

or Dumbledore... greeted this news.

"I, for one, agree with the professors," Peter said.

“Shame,” said Ron... grow on me.”

Ron snorted. He held a hand to his mouth. "Sorry, sorry, I'd forgotten I'd said that."

The rest of... a school governor.

Arthur didn't shy away from smirking openly at that.

Draco was no... perfectly happy again.

Ginny smiled.

Too soon, it... very good at it.

Harry batted his lashes.

They were almost... on George’s head.

"How did he get one and I can't?" Peter asked.

Remus shook his head, "Oh hush, Pete. James, Sirius, and I know you've got a little girlfriend."

"Don't know why you refuse to tell us who it is," grumbled Sirius.

“What?”...  she added anxiously.

"They very much will," grinned James.

“Wouldn’t dream of... said George, sniggering.

"Oh that was such a wonderful time to be in the house." Bill said, thinking back on how horrible it had been, with Percy screaming all the time.

The Hogwarts Express... it to them.

"Oh dear," giggled Hermione, remembering how Ron had called Harry.

“I told your... Dudley to talk to…”

Everyone groaned at the idea of reading about Harry's relatives again.

“Your aunt and... They’ll be furious…”

James felt the same way about them right now, and was about ready to learn Sectumsempra from Snape, just to make it as painful as his morals would allow him to.

And together... Muggle world.

Marlene let the book fall shut with a thud. "Well, that was the end of Harry's second year."

"Is it time for dinner?" Peter asked, "I'm starving."

Notes:

The first few chapters of the next book will be like the first few in this one. We'll be doing character's reactions to the books.

I'll be taking a break for exams for a little while, so the next book will not be out until the middle of next month.

Thank you so much for reading and enjoying!!

Chapter 23: It's out!!!

Helloooo!

It took me a little over 5 months to finish Chamber of Secrets, and those 5 months were absolutely wonderful. Writing this series, and the appreciation really kept me going. I was tempted to give myself more time to do other stuff by giving this up, and I would've if not for all the comments and kudos to everything.

So, not to get weird, but to everyone that's read until now, and to everyone that left kudos and commented, thank you so much!! I love all of you. Take all the love in the world!!

And, in that vein, I've started writing the next book and the first chapter was posted yesterday!!!

I'm so excited for what is about to come and I cannot wait!! Here's a short preview:

As if he had manifested, food appeared on all the tables the moment he said that. Roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, peppermint humbugs, there was enough food to rival the Welcome Feast.

Everyone did their best to take their minds off of everything that was going on, and dug in, deciding they needed a genuine breather. Everyone from the future, their family and friends from the sat together as the Weasleys all left to go take care of their mother.

Fred and George left first along with their father, cracking jokes and making sure the mood had lightened up before leaving. Just as Ginny was about to drag Bill off with her, the man kissed Mia on the head, with the promise of coming back before she went to sleep, and followed his sister, shaking his head.

Snorting at the pair, Hermione turned back to her food and listened to the conversations around her quietly. The Marauders were all planning their last prank, something about the clocks and the lake and whatnot. Despite everything going on, they seemed determined to leave with a bang. The Black-Snapes were sitting together at the Slytherin table, having decided not to join everyone else.

Hermione smiled when she saw Professor Snape's lips twitch when the man heard Regulus laugh. They weren't obvious about it. Clearly, Regulus was trying to keep it on their relationship on the down-low, uncomfortable already with so many people knowing and his parents being right there. But no matter what was going on around them, they loved each other.

It was in the subtle things. Their love language wasn't obvious things like PDA or acts of service but in the way they shared everything. Once their relationship had come out into the open, Regulus hadn't tried to hide how Severus's coffee was his coffee or how the books he was reading, no one else could take, but Severus could.

But the most important thing they shared were their emotions. When one was sad, the other took part of their burden unto themselves. When one was angry, the other was indignated on their behalf, but still remained calm in case things went south. But most importantly, it was about utter happiness they seemed to feel when the other was happy.

All of this somehow translated into the way Emma showed love. She'd grown up knowing that her parents loved each other deeply. She grew up with them being disgustingly in love and knew that she always wanted a love like that for herself. The way she strengthened all of her relationships, not only those that she shared with others romantically, but with everyone in general.

When Lily went to join the family at the table, Hermione couldn't help turning back towards the Marauders. They were still laughing and shoving at each other, teasing and mocking, and it honestly hurt Mia to think about everything that was going to happen in the next book.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Reading Harry Potter