Previously on "The Vanishing Cabinet of Time...
"Oh, Professor Dumbledore," Hagrid said, "I was just about to come see you. A few Goblins from Gringotts are here. They're making their way up to the castle as we speak. They chose to walk instead of use the carriages. Apparently they don't like Thestrals and carriages. Who knew?"
"Goblins?" Albus asked, "Why are they all the way out here? Never mind, I'll find out myself."
"That's just it, sir," Hagrid said, "The lead Goblin, his name is Ragnok, I think. He said he is here to see Harry and Hermione, not you, sir. Something about the Chamber of Secrets?"
Harry turned to Dumbledore, and nearly laughed out loud. The expression on the old man's face was priceless!
When Dumbledore's face started to turn the same purple color that his Uncle Vernon's face usually turned when the man was getting angry, Harry had to turn away from the Headmaster. He hoped the old man wouldn't see that he was doing his best not to smile or laugh.
"Mister – I mean – Lord Potter?" Dumbledore asked, his voice struggling to keep calm, "Miss Granger? Do you know why the Goblins are here today?"
"Hagrid said their visit has to do with the Chamber of Secrets, sir," Harry said, "Aside from that, I am sorry, sir. I have no clue. I am just as surprised as you are."
"I agree with Harry, sir," Hermione said.
It was quite obvious that Dumbledore was angry, and he was trying to do his best to hide such anger. And he was failing miserably. Obviously Dumbledore knew Harry and Hermione were lying, but as long as they looked away from the Headmaster, he could not achieve silent Legilimency. And even though he was apparently pardoned by the Minister of Magic, it was obviously a bad idea to do a vocal Legilimens in the vicinity of the Head of the DMLE, a Cadet Auror, and the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. Harry imagined that Dumbledore was doing his best to hold his composure. After all, revealing that he was angry at the Boy-Who-Lived would not be a very good idea.
"I see," Dumbledore said, "Perhaps it is best if I meet with Ragnok and his fellow Goblins first. Minerva? Would you please escort Mist – Lord Potter and Miss Granger back into the Great Hall? Or better yet, I am sure Cadet Tonks will be staying in their new Quarters. Perhaps you could guide them there?"
"I cannot agree to that, Albus," Minerva said, "If the Goblins of Gringotts wish to speak to Lord Potter and Miss Granger, then I think it would be best not to offend them."
"As the school's Headmaster," Dumbledore said, "It is my decision whether or not to allow Goblins to speak to my students."
"Headmaster?" Hermione asked, "May I remind you that Harry is Emancipated and I am his Vassal. Therefore, we are allowed to make our own decisions without the opinion of our Headmaster."
"Indeed," Harry said, as he glanced back at Dumbledore, "After all, this has nothing to do with our education. I am sure a fantastic mind like yours has not forgotten our conversation yesterday? Or do I need to start learning French. Hermione, do you know if anything like the Babel Fish exists in the wizarding world?"
"I could easily look that up, Harry," Hermione said, smiling.
Harry noticed Dumbledore look quite flustered, and he smiled before he turned away from the old man.
"I don't think that is truly necessary, Lord Potter," Dumbledore said, "Hagrid? Would you please return to the Grounds and accompany the Goblins inside?"
Hagrid turned and opened the large doors again. Harry heard a familiar voice, and Ragnok and eight other Goblins stepped into the Entrance Hall. Two of the Goblins wore golden armor, and had swords attached to their belts. The other six Goblins – well – Harry had never once met a scientist or a lab-worker, but he was sure these Goblins matched the usual cliched idea of scientists, just with Goblin figures. They carried duffel bags, briefcases and suitcases.
"Master Goblin," Dumbledore said, obviously doing his best to keep respect in his tone, "I, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of this grand school, welcome you and yours."
Ragnok raised his eyebrows as he looked at Dumbledore, grunted and turned to Harry and Hermione.
"Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "Miss Granger, it is an honor to see you again."
"Keeper Ragnok," Harry said, "I wasn't expecting you until this afternoon."
"Well, as a few of you humans like to say," Ragnok said, "The early bird gets the worm. Or the snake, as the case may be."
Dumbledore cleared his throat, obviously attempting to turn the Goblins' attention toward him.
"Keeper... Ragnok, was it?" Dumbledore asked.
"It is, Dumbledore," Ragnok said, "Don't fool around with me. I know you recognize me. I have not changed since the day you witnessed James and Lily's Will being penned."
"May I ask why you and your associates are here?" Dumbledore asked; it seemed he had no desire to talk about the subject of the Potter Will.
"Lord Potter did not tell you?" Ragnok said, with a large grin, "My associates and I are here to accompany Lord Potter, Miss Granger and any party he sees fit to your legendary Chamber of Secrets, where we will harvest the Basilisk which lay dead in the Chamber."
"I appreciate the offer," Dumbledore said, "But I believe I can hire a few good men to do the work."
"Be that as it may," Ragnok said, "That is not up to you."
"The Basilisk lays in the castle which I am in charge of," Dumbledore said.
"Indeed," Ragnok said, "But you were not the person to kill the beast. Lord Potter was, and therefore, by law according to your Ministry, he gets to claim all profits. Or am I to understand that Lord Potter lied to me when he told me the wondrous tale of how he slayed the Basilisk?"
"No, he did not lie," Dumbledore said, "But -"
"Very well then," Ragnok said, "Thank you for allowing us to be here today. We'll only be a few hours, then we'll be off. You may go, Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Now see here!" Dumbledore growled, "You cannot just excuse me –!"
"Lord Potter?" Ragnok interrupted, "Am I right to assume that you have no wish for Albus Dumbledore to take part in this event?"
"That is correct, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said.
"Am I right to assume that you will give no percentage of the profits to Albus Dumbledore?" Ragnok said.
"That is also correct, Keeper Ragnok," Harry said, "I may give a percentage to Hogwarts itself, but Professor Dumbledore will have no sole right to any of that money. I have plans for a good percentage of the profit to go out to those victims of the Basilisk."
"A bold idea," Ragnok said, then turned to the Headmaster, "There, Dumbledore. As you see, you have no need to be here. If you wish for an adult human to accompany your students to the Chamber, then I am sure someone else can do the job."
"I would love to," Amelia said, "and I am sure Cadet Tonks will accompany us as well?"
"Yes, ma'am," Tonks said.
"You may go, Dumbledore," Ragnok said, "I am sure you have other needs to attend to."
"I will be seeing you soon, Mister Potter," Dumbledore said, as he turned and walked back toward the stairs.
"It is Lord Potter to you," Harry said, "Do I need to write a letter to Olympe Maxime? I do hope any future conversation we have has only to do with education."
"I'll be contacting you later, Dumbledore," Ragnok said, "In regards to some business Gringotts wishes to take care of."
Dumbledore paused in his step briefly, and froze for a moment. Whether it was because of Harry's statement or Ragnok's message, Harry was not sure. Perhaps both. Dumbledore continued his journey up the stairs and vanished into the Grand Staircase.
"That was entertaining," Harry said, "Keeper Ragnok? Do you mind if I allow two – no – three more people to come with us? There is a good reason for them to be there - if they accept, that is."
"The more the merrier," Ragnok said.
Harry turned to McGonagall. "Would you please ask Luna Lovegood, Colin Creevey, and... yes, Ginny Weasley to come out here please?"
"You're asking me to allow you to take three second-years under the school?" McGonagall asked.
"I think Luna would like to see the Basilisk, and perhaps write an article for the Quibbler," Harry said, "Colin Creevey can make excellent use of his camera down there. And Ginny – well – if she agrees to go, I think it would be a good idea so she can finally have some closure to the horrific events she had to go through. After all, I don't recall Ginny ever experiencing true closure. Are there wizarding versions of psychiatrists? Besides, with Madam Bones, Cadet Tonks, and two Goblin Security who look like they could take down an army of Death Eaters by themselves -" The two security Goblins cheered in Gobbledygook, "- which it appears they can... I think we'll all be quite safe."
McGonagall stared at Harry for a moment. Then she nodded and walked into the Great Hall. Harry turned to Hagrid.
"I would invite you, Hagrid," Harry said, "But I am not entirely sure you'll fit in the tunnels on the way to the Chamber. No offense meant."
Hagrid chortled. "None taken, Harry. Promise me you'll show me those pictures though."
"I promise," Harry said.
Hagrid smiled. "Come see me before you're off on the Hogwarts Express then. I'd like to talk to you about a certain winged friend of ours."
Harry realized he meant Buckbeak and wondered how Hagrid knew he had anything to do with the hippogriff's escape.
"Will do, Hagrid," Harry said.
Hagrid smiled again, then turned and walked back out onto the Grounds. Professor McGonagall walked back into the Entrance Hall, followed by a dreamy-eyed Luna Lovegood, an excitable Colin Creevey and a confused Ginny Weasley.
"Harry?" Ginny asked, blushing red as she looked at him, then the others in the Hall, "What is going on?"
"How would the three of you like to accompany us to the Chamber of Secrets?" Harry asked, "Keeper Ragnok and his team are going down there to harvest the Basilisk and have invited us along. I thought perhaps, Luna, you would like to write an article for the Quibbler about it, and Colin – well, we could use your camera, if you have it with you?"
"That would be lovely," Luna said. "I always bring along a notebook of parchment and writing material, in case I find a Snorcack in the wild and need to write about it!"
"A Basilisk?" Colin asked, "The one you killed last year! I heard it was over one-hundred feet long. I don't remember much from when it Petrified me. But... yeah, I have my camera!"
"Actually it was probably fifty or sixty feet long," Harry said, "We'll find out soon enough. Ginny?"
Harry caught a frightened look on Ginny's face, before she tried her best to hide it with bravery.
"Would you promise to be by my side the entire time?" Ginny asked.
Harry turned to Hermione, and she smiled and nodded. Harry turned back to Ginny.
"Of course, Ginny," Harry said, "Hermione and I won't leave your side unless the need calls for it. We understand how hard this will be for you."
Ginny then nodded. "I will go with you."
"Very well," McGonagall said, "Madam Bones and Cadet Tonks have agreed to accompany all of you. Please do be careful. I don't want to have to write home about anything unfortunate. Keep in sight of Madam Bones and Cadet Tonks at all times."
The five students gave vocal promises, and McGonagall glanced at them all for a moment, before returning to the Great Hall. Keeper Ragnok then introduced himself and his associates. Once everyone was introduced, Harry lead the large group through the castle and into Myrtle's bathroom. Moaning Myrtle met them as they entered.
"Oh!" Myrtle said, as she floated down to the ground in front of Harry. "Hello, Harry, Hermione, Luna. It is lovely to see you all again. What are you all doing here?"
"We're going into the Chamber of Secrets to harvest the Basilisk," Harry said. "Myrtle, I was wondering and hoped you could help me. Do you have any living family?"
Myrtle nodded, gloomily. "A much younger brother, about seven years my junior. He was a squib, so he never got to come here. John Jacob Henderson. I do miss him deeply. I don't even think he knows I am still here."
"I will look into it, dear," Amelia said, "perhaps if we find him, he can visit you."
"I would like that," Myrtle said. "Have fun down there."
"Myrtle?" Ginny asked, "I apologize for throwing a book at you last year. I was... not myself."
"Long forgotten," Myrtle said.
She gave a rare smile then floated away.
"She mentioned you by name, Luna?" Hermione asked, as they walked with Harry across the bathroom and toward the sinks.
"Oh, yes," Luna said, "Myrtle and I are good friends. I met her my first day here and I visit her at least three times a week. She's very lonely. Though she did mention she had visitors. I take it that was you?"
"Yeah, that was us," Hermione said, then cleared her throat, and changed the subject, obviously trying to steer the discussion away from illegally brewed potions, "Ready, Harry?"
Harry nodded and glanced at the sinks. §I command you to open.§
Several in the area - Hermione, Ginny, Colin, Tonks and even Amelia - jumped. It might have been because of Harry's use of Parseltongue, or the fact that the sinks began to move around and form the entrance to the sewers below. Or perhaps both.
"An excellent show, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, as he stepped forward and looked at the large hole.
"Harry?" Hermione asked, "How did you get down there last time?"
"We slid down the pipe," Harry said.
"I imagine it was quite filthy," Hermione said, "Could you, perhaps, request stairs?"
"Why didn't I think of that before?" Harry asked, then glanced at the piping, §I request stairs to allow easier access into the sewers below.§
There was a rather loud, long scraping sound and soon a stone stairwell appeared.
"That is quite creepy, Harry," Tonks said, referring to the Parseltongue.
"You humans and your superstitions," Ragnok said, "Goblins who can speak to serpents are worshiped in the Goblin Nation. Why, Parseltongue is even used to speak to Dragons! Those who work with our security dragons must be required to know Parseltongue. If you humans weren't afraid of the language, Parseltongue speakers could make a fortune as Dragon handlers and you would have far more knowledge about Dragons then you already do. Just because a few so-called Dark wizards have spoken the language over the centuries does not mean it is dangerous!"
"I agree wholeheartedly, Keeper Ragnok," Luna said. "Daddy believes the same as you do."
"Your father sounds like a smart man, Miss Lovegood," Ragnok said, "Axehandle, take the lead! Thrash, remain at the tail end with the harvesters."
"I will go last," Amelia said, "I need to put up a few enchantments so unwelcome guests do not try to follow us."
Nobody needed to ask who she meant. Everyone knew she referred to Albus Dumbledore.
One of the security Goblins strode forward and started his descent down the pipe's stairway. Then Ragnok followed, and Harry led Hermione, Ginny and Tonks. The journey into the sewers took five minutes longer than it would have if they slid down the pipe, but it was also a much more cleaner way of descending. As they reached the bottom, Hermione, Ginny and Tonks each expressed their disgust at the sight of mice, rat and vole corpses. As the rest of the group joined them, Harry motioned them down the correct pathway. Even though, to him, it had been nearly five years since he had been here last, he still remembered everything about his time in the sewers and Chamber.
The group walked forward and finally emerged at the large opening where the rocky ceiling had collapsed.
"This is where Gilderoy Lockhart tried to Obliviate me and Ron," Harry said, "The coward wanted to return to the surface without Ginny, and take the credit for all of this, so he could write another book. He made the mistake of using Ron's broken wand, which backfired, Obliviating himself. Of course, the aftermath caused this collapse. And if I remember correctly, there might be a snake skin around here somewhere..."
"Found it," one of the harvesters grunted, "If this skin is this large, then I already can tell that this trip will be worth it. Snake skin that has been shed may not be as tough as the skin on the actual beast, but this could make for some nice material for armor or clothing. Not as indestructible as the flesh we'll find on the actual creature, but still good enough."
The harvester seemed to be the leader of his group, because he ordered a couple of his crew to collect the skin. Meanwhile, Harry and the remainder of the group made their way through the rest of the journey toward the large iron door that was decorated with serpents.
"Beyond this door lies the Chamber of Secrets," Harry said.
"All hope abandon ye who enter here," Hermione muttered.
"A wonderful phrase," Ragnok said, "We wanted to place it on the front doors of our bank, but we thought it might scare away customers."
Harry snickered, then cleared his throat. He spoke the same phrase that opened the passageway beneath the sinks in Myrtle's bathroom. Harry backed away as the large door opened, revealing the passageway beyond. Axehandle and Ragnok led the group as Harry, Hermione and the rest followed behind them. Harry heard several gasps behind him from the various humans as the group took in the sights of the Chamber. One by one, they made their way down the ladder and onto the stone floor of the Chamber.
"Old Sally took his obsession with snakes to extremes, did he not?" Tonks asked.
"I don't know what I pictured when I thought about this Chamber," Hermione said, "But I don't think I could ever dream of this -"
She shrieked briefly when she finally laid eyes upon the Basilisk corpse at the other end of the Chamber, and grasped Harry in a hug, hiding her face in his shirt. Harry chuckled lightly and comforted his girlfriend. Beside them, Ginny looked quite pale. Her figure trembled and she sat down on the damp floor, and inhaled and exhaled. Colin, meanwhile, was snapping pictures with his camera around the Chamber, then he squeaked when his eyes found the dead serpent at the other end, and he sat down next to Ginny.
"Good Merlin," Amelia said, as she looked at the Basilisk, "That is – well that's -"
"Ginormous is the word you're looking for, Amy," Tonks said.
"It is rather big," Luna said, with a tone of discussing the weather.
"A magnificent specimen!" the lead harvester said – Harry remembered his name was Carver; Carver barked out at his crew in Gobbledygook, who started across the Chamber, toward the Basilisk, "We will have to get exact measurements, but this beauty, she must be at least seventy feet long. Possibly the largest of her kind ever in recorded history. An amazing feat, Lord Potter. You'll have to tell us all about it sometime so we can record the tale in the tales of lore. Not all stories are about Goblins after all!"
"I'd be honored to," Harry said.
"Excellent," Carver said, "Keeper Ragnok tells me you're due for a visit to Gringotts before the end of the month. Perhaps when you do, we can discuss the tale, as well as the profits you'll gain from this claim."
"You said something about making armor from the hide?" Harry asked.
"Indeed," Carver said, "Armor like this would be nigh-on indestructible and impenetrable except for some of your nastiest curses, such as the Killing Curse. Would you be interested in such a thing? I believe our armorers at Gringotts would fit you with a few of these outfits."
"Would we be able to get half-a-dozen outfits?" Harry asked; thinking of Hermione, his three betrothed and Tonks. "I'd take the costs from my share of the profits."
"I think it would be possible, but I'd have to check with the armorers," Carver said, "We'll discuss it when we meet again."
"I look forward to it," Harry said. "I'll send a letter to you and Keeper Ragnok when I have the specific date that I'll be at Gringotts."
Carver nodded, then turned and walked toward the Basilisk and started barking out orders in Gobbledygook.
"If you want some pictures, Colin," Tonks said, "You better do it now. Looks like they're preparing the beast for harvest."
Colin stood, and like a brave Gryffindor he was, walked across the Chamber and started taking pictures of the Basilisk.
"You alright, Hermione?" Harry asked. "The Basilisk is dead, believe me. It will never harm you again."
Hermione blew out a breath and backed away from his chest.
"It isn't so much the Basilisk, Harry," Hermione said, "It is the thought of you battling it. I never – never truly understood what you must have gone through. You were twelve years old, for Merlin's sake! You could have died and I – I never would have –"
Harry leaned down and pecked her on the lips. "I'm here. I'm alive. I promise I will always be here for you."
"I know you will," Hermione said, "I love you, Harry."
"I love you too, Hermione," Harry said.
He kissed her again. Then he recalled they were not alone, and backed away before the kiss could linger. He looked around at the group. Amelia was giving them privacy as she looked around the Chamber. Tonks was watching them, and grinning like a fool. Luna was looking at them with a dreamy smile, and Ginny, still where she had sat down, was ignoring them and staring at the Basilisk.
"You two are just too cute," Tonks said.
Harry and Hermione blushed profusely and backed away from each other. Tonks conjured a few cushions and the group of humans sat down on them, and watched as the harvester Goblins walk circles around the dead Basilisk as they studied it.
"Golly, Harry!" Colin said, as he sat down on the cushions, "Facing that snake must have been terrifying. I am so glad I got pictures of it."
"Pretty terrifying, yeah," Harry said.
"It isn't quite as big as I thought it would be," Luna commented, "Definitely nowhere near as large as Nessie."
"Nessie?" Hermione asked, "The Loch Ness Sea Serpent? Isn't she a myth?"
"Only to Muggles," Luna said, "And only because she loves teasing the Muggles. It is her favorite pastime. She likes to emerge from the water when there are Muggles around, and right when the Muggles see her, she submerges again."
"So... you've seen her?" Hermione asked.
"Three times," Luna said, "Three different trips. She's a good friend. She's very playful and mischievous. And she loves it when you rub her tongue. I might introduce you to her sometime."
Harry opened his mouth to respond, then closed it and thought better of it. Instead he looked at Ginny.
"You alright, Ginny?" he asked.
"Hmm?" Ginny said, then slowly glanced toward Harry; she was so distracted she forgot to blush, "Oh. I suppose so. I never saw the Basilisk when it was alive. Of course, most of the time I couldn't remember anything about what happened. I just can't believe – how did nobody die?"
"We were very lucky," Hermione said. "Colin was lucky he had his camera. Justin was lucky Nearly- Headless Nick was in the area. Penny and I -"
"Are alive thanks to your brilliance," Harry said, "You knew to use mirrors at every corner."
"The entire thing should never have happened," Amelia muttered. "The moment Filch's cat was Petrified, I should have been notified. Even if I didn't figure out that Ginny was possessed, my team could have worked our magic – so to speak – and nobody would have been Petrified. Dumbledore has much to answer for and that damnable Fudge won't let me do my job."
"Only for a year, it sounds like, boss," Tonks said. "Then we can deal with the man. I don't like him much either. I still remember the scared first and second years clutching onto me and my fellow year-mates in Hufflepuff, because they feared we would encounter the troll whilst going through the dungeons to get to our Common Room. The nightmares those kids must have had, simply because Dumbledore told us to go back to our Common Rooms instead of remain in the Great Hall. It is weird, you know. Before you came to school, Harry, nothing too exciting happened, aside from Quidditch and the occasional duel in the hallway. No trolls, or Basilisks or whatever else you faced. You're a magnet for trouble, mate."
"Starting to regret being our bodyguard, Tonks?" Harry asked.
"Ask me when my job is done," Tonks muttered as she gazed at the Basilisk. "And hope I don't kill you myself."
Harry snickered, then laughed out loud. Hermione joined in, followed by the others. Tonks only rolled her eyes and chuckled.
Albus Dumbledore strode through the second floor corridors, as he made his way toward that which students had coined as "Moaning Myrtle's bathroom". By now, he figured Harry, Hermione, Madam Bones, and the rest of their group were in the Chamber of Secrets. It would only be too easy for him to make his way through the sewers under the school and into the Chamber. Surely, the group had left the entrance to the Chamber opened. They needed to get out, didn't they?
Albus was still infuriated at the defiance that Harry, Hermione and the Goblin, Ragnok, had shown him. Why couldn't they give him the respect he deserved?! He was in charge of the school – how dare they not allow him to join them in the Chamber! It was his phoenix who had brought the Sorting Hat and the Sword of Gryffindor to the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry needed it the most. True, the phoenix had done that on his own accord – as to why the bird had defied him, Albus still wasn't quite sure. Still, Fawkes was his phoenix, so of course, Harry had assumed that he, Albus, had sent the bird to Harry. And instead of thanking him by allowing him to join them, Harry tossed him aside like he was yesterday's rubbish!
Albus didn't know what was going on with the boy. What made him so defiant all of a sudden? He seemed a lot more confident and sure of himself. A few weeks ago, Harry never would have talked back. Was this due to his new romance with Hermione Granger? Or did it have something to do with his newly discovered innocent Godfather, who he could consider family. Perhaps it was both. Whatever it was, Albus knew it needed to change.
But how? Sirius would surely be freed in two weeks. Albus knew exactly what kind of evidence had been discovered: the Godfather Ritual. Sirius' innocence would surely be cemented because of it. It was one of the reasons Dumbledore had hoped that Harry would never discover his parents' Will. Albus wished he could silence Sirius before the trial, but he knew it was not to be. Sirius would likely not show up to the Ministry until the day of the trial. If he showed his face beforehand, it was likely he would be placed in Ministry custody until the trial. Thanks to Sirius' reunion with freedom, he would never allow that to happen.
Then there was Hermione Granger. She was now a Vassal of House Potter, and was probably protected by the Potter family magic.
Albus wondered if Harry knew of his family's magic yet. Perhaps not. After all, it was unlikely he had found the Potter Family Grimoire yet. Albus had tried to search for it himself in the ruins of the cottage in Godric's Hollow, but it was not there. So it was either in the Potter Family Vault or one of the other Potter properties, which Albus had no idea where those locations were. Probably due to the Potter Family magic.
On top of Miss Granger's Vassalage, she and Harry would also be protected by Senior Cadet Nymphadora Tonks. It was easy to see that he, Albus Dumbledore, was one of the threats Madam Bones had discussed. Even in the rank of Senior Cadet, Nymphadora Tonks was a tough witch. Aside from the fact that clumsiness plagued her, she had a lot of skill and talent. Especially that Metamorphmagus talent of hers. Coming up with the idea of changing herself to appear Harry and Hermione's age, and become an undercover student, was a stroke of genius. Tonks could be around Harry and Hermione all the time, especially since they would likely include her in the guest list for the Lord's Quarters.
Ah, the Lord's Quarters. Albus couldn't believe he had given into that so easily. Only after Harry and Hermione had left his office, did he realize they had played him. Reverse psychology was their game. True, he certainly did believe they were true to their word and would change schools in a heartbeat if he crossed them. But it was the blackmail that impressed him. And he had fallen for it. But it was a necessary evil. He needed Harry Potter for his end-game. And if Hermione Granger had to stick her nose in the entire time, then so be it. There were only two paths for her at the end of it all. Heartbreak or an early death. Possibly both. Both sounded good. In the end, she would have regret her decision she made the previous day. She should have accepted expulsion and gone to Beauxbatons without Harry. Alas, even geniuses make stupid decisions once in a while.
Besides, Albus had another trick up his sleeve when it came to the Lord's Quarters. There was a good reason he had given in so easily. He knew Ron Weasley was no longer going to be a useful minion, especially since his days as Potter's best friend had come to an end. So Albus needed another way of getting the information he wanted. And he had found it, all thanks to Harry and Hermione.
Albus strode into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and smiled when he saw that the entrance to the Chamber was still open. He started across the room.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Headmaster," Myrtle said.
Albus ignored the ghost, then charged toward the opening. As soon as he got about five feet from the hole, he felt a force push against him, and he was thrown back across the bathroom and landed with a thud on the stone floor.
"That nice lady – Bones, I think her name was? – put up some enchantments blocking anyone from going in without her permission," Myrtle said, as she floated over Albus and looked at him, "I tried to tell you, but you didn't listen. Not surprising though... not very many people tend to listen to moping little Myrtle."
Albus grumbled and stood up. He flourished his wand toward the opening, then walked forward again, only to be thrown across the bathroom again. He growled as he sat up. Yet again, Amelia Bones had defied him!
Well, he was going to have none of it. He would sit there until they returned. No matter how long they would be down there, he would wait.
And then he would give them all a piece of his mind!
Meanwhile, back in the Chamber, the five students sat on the cushions and watched as the Goblins began to harvest the Basilisk. Tonks and Amelia Bones were walking around the Chamber, exploring different sections. At the moment, two of the harvesters and Ragnok were working on the fangs. A gross squelching sound was heard as each fang was removed from the beast's jaw. The Goblins were being especially careful during the process of removing each one. The other four harvesters were flourishing their bony hands around the Goblin's body. Two of them chanted in Gobbledygook, and Harry turned away just as the fleshy skin of the Basilisk began to peel off the corpse in large sections. He didn't know what was worse – the sound of the peeling flesh, or the sounds of disgust coming from those around him.
Ragnok strode across the Chamber, back over to Harry.
"Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "I believe you requested a couple of the fangs for future use? Will this do?"
Harry looked at the three fangs in Ragnok's hands. They were the size of one of Harry's feet.
"That will do well," Harry said, "Thank you."
"I have placed enchantments on the fangs, so they will not be dangerous to you," Ragnok said, "When you wish to use the fangs for whatever reason, simply tap your wand on them and the poison will be activated."
"Handy," Harry said, "Thank you again."
Harry took the fangs from Ragnok, and the Goblin returned to the Basilisk.
"What are you going to do with those, Harry?" Colin asked.
"There's more of them, aren't there?" Ginny asked, "More of those... things like the diary?"
Harry turned to Ginny. "What do you know about them?"
"Nothing, really," Ginny said, "I could just feel the danger in Tom's diary, which was why I threw it away. But I could still hear his voice in my head even though I didn't have the diary. He commanded me to take the diary back and that is why I took it from your dorm. If he had something as dangerous as that diary, I wondered if there were more like it."
"There are more out there," Harry said.
"Ginny, have you told anyone else about this?" Hermione asked.
"I... don't think so," Ginny said. "I thought I would have told Dumbledore. But I can't remember -"
Harry turned to Hermione, who was biting her lip. Harry could almost hear her thoughts. Ginny had indeed told Dumbledore and the Headmaster had Obliviated her of the discussion... but why not the knowledge of it? That was strange. One thing was sure though. It was apparent Dumbledore had known about the Horcruxes even now.
"So, Harry," Luna said, "It seems you'll get quite the fortune from claiming the Basilisk corpse. Any plans on what you'll do with the money?"
"I am giving a good percentage of it to the victims," Harry said, "Myrtle's brother, Mr. Filch since his cat can't take it, Justin, Penelope, Hermione, Colin and Ginny."
"Really?" Colin asked, "That is nice of you!"
"It is only fair since you were a victim and missed out on a lot of your first year," Harry said.
"You're giving a share to me?" Ginny asked.
"You were a victim, Ginny," Harry said, "Nothing more. None of this was your fault. You were a victim just like those who got Petrified."
"I... thanks," Ginny said, "Thanks a lot."
"Ginny?" Harry asked, "Did you ever get... treatment for what happened to you?"
"You mean psychological help?" Ginny asked; she didn't seem angry at the question, "Bill and Charlie both wanted me to go see a Mental Healer. But Mum refused, said it was too expensive. I suppose with my share, I can afford to go now."
"Will you?" Hermione asked.
Ginny frowned as turned and looked around the Chamber. Then she nodded.
"Yeah," she said, "I need to put this all behind me if I'm going to live a normal life."
"Wise decision, Ginny," Hermione said.
"Lord Potter?" Amelia asked, "Come here a moment."
Harry stood then turned back to Ginny. "I'll be back soon. I know I promised to keep you safe."
"I'll be fine," Ginny said.
Harry smiled, looked at Hermione who nodded for him to go, then he walked across the Chamber and over to Amelia, who was standing in front of the statue of Salazar Slytherin's head.
"Is this where the Basilisk came from?" Amelia asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, "The – er – whatever Tom Riddle's ghost was – he commanded the entrance to open, and the Basilisk came through its mouth."
"I think behind this wall is where the Basilisk's nest is," Amelia said, "I wonder if there are more shed snake skins in its nest."
"It is a possibility," Carver said, "Can you open it up, Lord Potter?"
Harry nodded then cleared his throat. §Speak to me Salazar Slytherin. Greatest of the Hogwarts four.§
Harry and Amelia backed up just as the large jaw of the statue opened revealing the mouth.
"Impressive," Carver said, "Looks big enough for Goblins to fit inside."
He said something in Gobbledygook to one of his crew, and one of the security guards. The three Goblins then crawled into the open mouth, which was a rather strange sight.
"Hey... Harry, boss?" Tonks said, "Come over here."
Harry turned and saw Tonks near a wall. He and Amelia walked over to her, and she pointed at some markings.
"That looks like writing," Tonks said, "but I can't decipher it."
"It is written in Parsel language," Harry said, "Let's see. §He who speaks my language may find the treasures hidden here.§ It is a clue or something. Perhaps the start of a treasure hunt – whoa!"
The wall began to change shape and soon formed an archway, much like the entrance to Diagon Alley. The room beyond the archway was pitch black. Harry looked at Tonks and Amelia.
"Shall we go inside?" he asked.
Amelia nodded, pointed her wand ahead of her, then walked forward.
Tonks sighed. "We better not regret this."
Harry snickered, cast a Lumos Charm, and walked into the room.