Chapter 5

{Chamber of Secrets}

A/N: Quick thank you for the reviews. Welcome to the story for anyone new. Welcome back to others. Thank you to anyone who left a review. A special thank you to a reviewer by the name of ShotInDaHead, I read your review and it was much appreciated. Had issues writing this chapter. Tried to keep to my storyline without getting to in detail. Not sure if I succeeded. This new chapter is more day to day, but it sets a mindset so please enjoy. Again leave your thoughts. P.S. I might add a new story (different fandom), won't be updated as fast simply because I prefer this one, check it out if you want.

{Slight Disclaimer: Quote taken directly from Grey's Anatomy. Told by Cristina Yang. Altered quote. I did not create said quote}.

Previously:

"Why is everything so… clean?" Neville looked around at the nearly shiny floors covered in tiles.

Harry grimaced, "The girls decided that if they were going to keep coming down here that they wanted it to look at least habitable. Sadly, they abused my kindness and used me as a they pleased, Harry do this, Harry lift that, Harry fetch me a drink. Annoying is what that was."

Neville chuckled, "Why didn't you just ask for a House- elf to help?"

"The area is warded heavily so as not to be damaged or infiltrated without a Parselmouth. That tragically extends towards house elves." Harry glared half-heartedly at Neville's chuckles.

The boys finally reached the actual Chamber entrance. A spoken word and the doors unlocked. He opened them as he spoke, "Welcome Neville, to the chamber of secrets!"

Now:

"Holy Merlin!" said Neville. The boy had stopped just inside the entrance totally enraptured by the sight before him.

Harry chuckled, "Yes I know. I remodeled it myself with some help from the girls. But mostly I made it for myself."

Harry glance around the room, it had been utterly redone so that it would become his research lab of a sorts. Lab tables were set up all around the room. The water and the statues had been removed. The large face of Salazar Slytherin had become a crystalline figure of Harry. A large web of spells, charms, and enchantments connected that figurine to Harry's body. It showed everything. His heart pulse, breathing, the movement of his organs and what not. Most importantly it showed the progress of the venom, toxin. Whatever you wanted to call it. It was his reminder of a sorts.

The ceiling was so far up you could barely see it were it not for the large enchanted chandelier Harry had hung there. It cast a warm glow not too different from the Gryffindor fireplace. Inside the tunnel to the side of the figurine lay what Harry had altered to become a storage space of sorts. A room large enough to hold the carcass of the Basilisk in stasis as well as hundreds of items, ingredients and a few muggle things. At each table sat open books, papers, simmering cauldrons each had a different idea. A different hope.

Neville looked around the room, "What the hell is this for?" The boy looked a little overwhelmed but rather a tad bit curious and excited.

Harry sighed sadly about what he would need to tell him but it needed to be done. He walked over to a small area that held replicas of the Slytherin common room couches which admittedly were far comfier than the Gryffindor ones and according to Padma the Ravenclaw's as well. He sat on one facing Neville who seemed to realize that this had taken a more serious tone. Harry leaned back staring Neville in the eye. The boy was sitting there a bit relaxed but fully at attention

"What's wrong Harry?" the boy said.

Harry smiled sadly, "Welcome to the club Neville."

The boy looked taken aback, "What club? When did I join? Who else is in it?"

"The club Neville is the 'sad-orphaned-children' club," The boy froze his eyes hard and staring intensely at Harry.

"What do you mean…" the boy said carefully.

"Look mate, there's a club. 'sad-orphaned-children' club. And you can't be in it until you're in it. You can try to understand, you can sympathize. But until you feel that loss... Your parents might still be alive Nev, but we both know that it means little to nothing. You and I both know that even if they gained their memories and sanity back right now they wouldn't be your parents." Harry leaned forward pressing his point, "You and I have never truly had any. Your grandmother is no better than my Aunt. We were left alone. From that moment onward you joined the club." His voice soft but sincere.

The boy blinked back a couple tears but pressed on, "What the hell does that have to do with you bringing me here."

Harry nodded, "Well Nev. It seems I'll be joining another club soon and so will you. You get to join the 'Dead-Friend' club and I'll join the 'Deader-than-Dead' club." He chuckled humorlessly, his slight anger at the injustice of it all shining through.

It took a couple seconds for it to register with the poor boy but when it did he shot up to his feet, his voice trembling. "You're dying? Why h-how?"

"The basilisk ol' chap." Sigh, "It bit me when I rescued Ginny second year. But the cure, antidote, whatever you want to call it was used a little late. Now instead of dying immediately in pain, I'm dying slowly… in pain." He responded with an almost careless shrug.

"But Madam Pomphrey would- "

"She's done all she can Nev, she has helped me as much as she can but, I personally need to find a way to save myself."

"Surely there is something you can do! Anything! How long do you have?" Harry winced.

"That's an issue Nev, I've told Hermione, Daphne, and Padma I have until sometime at the end of my fifth or beginning sixth year. Reality speaking, the damage is far more severe than I have told any of them. I predict, in the best case scenario, that I only have till the end of the summer before fifth year." He leaned forward his elbows on his knees as his head fell into his hands gripping his own hair slightly while Neville paced.

"Best case scenario? What the bloody hell is the WORST?" Neville looked a little aggravated. Harry winced again.

"Shit, um, well, worst case? It depends on the amount of magic I use, the leads I can get but really, I have till the end of the school year."

"THEN WHY THE HELL HAVEN'T YOU TOLD THE GIRLS THE TRUTH!" Neville yelled as he spun to face Harry.

Harry got angry and stood up as well, "BECAUSE I HAVE NO CHOICE! If I told them the truth they would drop everything, they would ruin their lives and time trying to save me. I will not be the reason for that! They MUST move on after me." He breathed deeply, "besides Neville, the suddenness of the situation will make it easier for them, the grief or despair won't really build up like it would if I had given them an accurate timeline." He snorted, "I shortened it myself. Time Turner all through third year, it took away a year of my life. Not the brightest move mate."

Harry sat back down, his head pounding a little as he tried to calm himself. A quick glance to the Crystalline figure of himself in the chamber showed his heart rate to have gone up severely. He tried to get relaxed as Neville calmed himself to manageable levels.

"A-and there is nothing you can do? Anyone else to help?"

"Look mate, I searched the entire planet believe it or not. I asked hundreds of people if they had ever heard of anything like my case. Hedwig got such a workout the past months. I've found that there have been a few similar cases. Not exactly the same but similar."

"That's good news right! Don't they have a place to start or-"

Harry cut him off, "No Neville! Each case ended in death. I already used the little amounts of knowledge to create a few potions. Those things are the only reason I'm still alive now. But the Venom is smart, it's slowly adapting and if I can't come up with anything soon I might die a lot faster. Which is why I NEED your help. The plants are part of an idea I had, a way to maybe buy myself some more time. But I need to experiment with it and the only way to do that is if I have enough of each material."

They both quieted down for a short time. Harry watched as Neville paced around the cavern looking around the tables. Harry sat there on the couch, his mind exhausted. It's been a long day and he wanted sleep. He needed Neville, no doubt about it. He watched the growing boy stop at a table that had Harry wincing. It was the one with all his notes on how the toxin works, it also contained all the previous similar cases from around the world.

"How accurate are these notes Harry?" called out the Gryffindor.

"Pretty accurate, unfortunately."

"Then how the hell are you planning on finding a cure Harry? How? If your notes are right this thing is adapting! Learning somehow! That's not a normal form of venom!"

Harry stood up and strode over, he brought out his wand and with a flick summoned a muggle textbook. "This is a muggle medical textbook, it goes over the different classifications of toxins, bacteria, viruses, poisons, and separately parasites. The basilisk venom seems to be a mixture of three of these however therein lies my problem. I've been able to cure only one aspect since I started. It means that I have to figure out the what the other two are, hopefully…" he handed the book to Neville who read a couple entries.

"… hopefully you're not too late. Alright I guess. I understand…Does Ron know?"

Harry looked down and shook his head, "No and I really don't want him to know. He is a good friend but has lived a far too sheltered life in a way. He wouldn't know how to deal with this and I can almost imagine how bad a disaster it would be to tell him. Besides he really can't help me."

Neville nodded thoughtfully. Truthfully Harry didn't think Ron would stay his friend if he told him something of that level which was why instead he was slowly distancing himself from others. Hermione, Daphne, and Padma would be more difficult. Part of his plan to deal with that however was Neville. He needed Neville to be there as their friend and support in case he actually died. I'm becoming far too manipulative. I don't think I like it.

"It's getting late mate. We should head to our dorm and get some sleep. Tomorrow we start classes and I get this feeling that we'll wish we had slept the whole night.

With that they turned and headed out. Harry guiding Neville and just making small chat until they made it back to their dorms.

{Next morning}

Harry woke up to Ron snoring loud enough to wake a family of trolls. He sat up in bed groaning in irritation. He grabbed his wand and cast a tempus charm. Three hours before I need to be in the great hall. He got up and got some workout clothes on he grabbed his father's cloak and headed out of his dorm casting a small illusion spell on his bed as he left. Wouldn't want my dorm mates to realize I'm gone, now would I? He climbed done the stairs and headed out the commons. He turned down the hall and headed towards the wall of the room of requirement. He stopped in front of the blank space, concentrated on what he wanted as he paced back in forth three times. A large wooden door appeared and Harry quickly made his way inside.

The room had created exactly what he wanted, a training room. A standard dueling platform for adults. The ones made in a rectangle formation meant to only move forward and backward were for beginning and minor league Dueling. The large circular platforms were for the professionals and was the standard. This one was the circular one and already large dummies on wheels stood equally spaced around the edge of the platform. A door to the left lead to showers and water. While on the right side of the room there was a large set of books on Dueling and such. Past the platform there was large sets of workout equipment like the ones that muggles use. He smirked before heading over to the book shelfs.

He had been planning to work on new spells today. He had wanted to join and win the Dueling Tournament the moment it was mentioned. He also planned on joining the Transfiguration and Charms Competition. So now there he was picking up a book called Dueling with the Elements. He skimmed through it before grinning and walking off to the muggle work out area. He went through his routine that he started last year as he held the book open at eye level with magic at all times. By the time Harry had finished his work out he had finished the book and had done his normal session. A quick tempus told him he still had an hour and a half.

According to the book Elemental magic is among the more complicated spell work. It worked in a mixture of Charms, Transfiguration, and in some cases as normal hexes, jinxes, etc. The point was that the caster needed the base spell to create or manipulate the element but the effect was totally dependent on the castor's own imagination and will power to control and maintain the spell. He grinned as he grabbed a quick drink then headed towards the platform. He climbed up and stood in the center. He flicked out his wand from an owl-ordered wrist holster. He carefully re-read the section at the beginning.

"Right, start with the simple water spells, then earth, air, fire, lightning. Simple enough," he murmured to himself. He stretched his tired muscles a little as he concentrated on having the room begin playing music, classic muggle 80's rock. He grinned he conjured a large bucket and filled it with water from a basic Aguamenti. The book said to begin by having an available source to be able to learn the charm aspect of the spell before learning the transfiguration of it. He would take each spell in steps to gain quick mastery. He then concentrated on the wording, his intent and guided his magic as he softly called out "BEO NEPTUS!"

He watched and felt the strain of guiding the water in the bucket to form a sphere like the one in his head. After a couple seconds he had it and thus he began the exercises mentioned in the book. He slowly flowed the water to change shape into a pyramid, a flat platform, he made it become a pole. As he continued changing the shape he felt himself gain more and more control until twenty minutes later he had managed to get the water to change shape and move with a mere thought. He let the water crash into the ground and released a deep breath. He waited a couple seconds before again casting the same spell but this time he focused on the transfiguration aspect and watched as a stream of water slowly coalesced from his wand he again guided the water. For a few seconds before releasing the spell and doing it again. Five minutes later the water was coming out in incredible speeds and changing shape with the smallest of thoughts. He grinned before beginning the last and final step for this spell. He didn't release the water but forced another transfiguration having it become with a mere thought into ice. He struggled as slowly the water changed. Sweat was dripping of his body from the strain that all this constant use of magic and concentration caused him. He repeated the process until the change happened in less than a second. He again tried the spell but instead of just one blob of water he attempted to control various ones. Half an hour later and Harry was pretty damned confident in this spell.

He cast a tempus checked his time, enough time for the next spell. According to the book the second spell would be easier to do so he had the room create a large pile of dirt. He rigidly and stiffly flicked his wand from horizontal to vertical as he called out the spell, "BEO TERRUM!"

He then followed the book's instructions and with hard rigid and strong wand gestures he made the earth move as he wanted. This was different to the water spell's quick, controlled, fluid motions. Similarly, to the water the more he added material or the more complex the idea the more difficult and tiring it became. But after half an hour he had managed to master this spell as well. The most difficult part had been to make the earth into stone or mud, something that was easy with a basic transfiguration spell but those spells lacked control. It was limited in its function. This spell however had little limitations in what it could do. He stopped and headed towards the showers. He tucked the book into his father's cloak. The book really was a lucky find; it was considered a Mastery level book. Harry however had spent enough time pouring over high level books recently to have been able to understand it.

He left the room of requirement and made his way into Gryffindor tower ignoring the crowd of people for a moment as he went up and got changed into his robes. He folded his cloak into his extended robe pocket. He grabbed his bag and walked out and down the stairs. He reached the last step as he heard his name.

"Oi! Potter! Come here!" Harry found Ron waving from the middle of the crowd of people. Harry shook his head slightly before moving forward. Once he got close enough Ron grabbed him and excitedly dragged him to the front of the crowd. "Hey mate, look at this! The sign-up sheets for the competitions and tournaments says there you can only sign up for three of the options. Hermione already signed up for the trivia, obviously, the potions and the Transfiguration and Charms competitions, or TC as it's labeled. I signed up for the Dueling and the Quidditch tournament."

"Wait hold up Ron! I thought the Dueling tournament was for partners?"

He shook his head, "Kind of, the partners are assigned after the preliminary matches next weekend. You sign up now and later get your partner. So are you signing up for both too?"

Harry though through before shaking his head, he grabbed a quill and signed his name in the Dueling and TC categories. "No, I think I'll go a year without Quidditch."

Ron looked aghast at his choice, "but It's Quidditch! You're one of the school's best players! You HAVE to compete!"

"No I don't have to. And I really don't want to." He said as he watched a few others sign up for their own categories. He smirked as he saw the names on the Dueling list. "Besides these will take up most of my time anyways."

Ron stood there looking completely dumbstruck when he was shaken out of his composure by his twin brothers.

"morning-"

"Ronniekins" said the twins.

"What seems- "

"-to have your knickers- "

"-in such a twist?"

"Quit with the twin speak, Harry here isn't going to join the Quidditch tournament he's mad! Go on tell him he's bloody insane!" Ron told them in a very clear no nonsense tone.

Harry smirked and responded, "I see you've nailed your mothers aggravated tone down Ronald." He was quite amused by the twins laughs and Ron's reddening face.

"Oh wow Ronniekins! Dear Harry here seems to be right for once, you have gained something from the family, you got mum's dulcet tones!" said the twin to the left of Ron.

"Oh yes my better half, and as for Harry. Well it really is your choice mate. I've heard there will be talent scouts at each tournament for different purposes. I'm assuming that's why you decided that?"

Harry cocked an eyebrow, "No it wasn't because of that, I just felt I needed this more than flying. But hold up, where did you hear about talent scouts? They weren't mentioned last night."

The twins glanced at each other and shrugged, "A sixth year Hufflepuff was talking about how his uncle was a talent scout for potions companies and was going to sit through the potions tournaments. Said that there might be others for the other tournaments." At this point most of Gryffindor house was awake and walking downstairs. Harry glanced at the window and realized it was getting late.

"Alright that makes a lot of sense. Guess this went from being fun to being job opportunities. Ron are you going to head down to the great hall or will you wait for Hermione with me?" Harry glanced at the tall boy who shook his head.

"Starving mate, I'll head down now but I'll save you two some seats and some breakfast." With that the little group separated, Harry went over to where the only open seat in the commons room was open and sat down. He pulled out one of his advanced potions textbooks and began reading. It didn't take long for Hermione to walk her way down. He glanced up and smiled at her, he got a radiant smile in return and he could feel his heart clench slightly. You're smiling like nothing is wrong, yet you lie to her. Congratulations you manipulative shit. He cleared his thoughts and took a deep breath before closing his book and putting it away as he stood up.

"Morning! Did you sleep well?" he asked as he gently hugged her.

She smiled as she quickly hugged him, "Morning Harry! And yes, it felt great to be back here. Where's Ron?" she glanced around expecting to find him in-between the mass of waking people.

"He said he would save us spots. He told me you signed up for all the intellectual tournaments. This won't become an issue like it did last year with the Time Turner will it?"

She had the decency to blush, "Just because I didn't think using the time turner to gain extra sleep would benefit my academics does not make me incapable of making good choices."

"With the way to you stated that phrase yes it does. But that's beside the point, do you really expect to train for all these and have time to do other things?" Harry knew she could he just wanted to know if she could come up with a logical response."

"Of course I can, Last night after I signed up I spent an extra hour writing up a schedule for myself. I should be fine this semester. I have a few kinks to workout with it such as classes but It should be fine."

Harry shook his head as they walked to the Great Hall. They chit chatted about basic things such as what classes they would have and how the tournaments would be set up. Pure speculation but it brought up an intellectual and analytical mind out of both of them that they usually negated for other things. Harry was just happy that they could have these times to themselves to just be friends again. Not having to worry about anything. They finally walked into the hall and found Ron.

"Bout time mate, breakfast is almost gone. Morning 'Mione." Was their greeting from Ron' mouth which coincidentally was filled with food. They both grimaced at their friend's manners but sat down across from him and went about their breakfast. Harry looked around at everyone, listening to conversations which were clearly all about the tournaments. Harry glanced up as Professor McGonagall walked down the line of students handing out schedules. Harry smiled as she stopped behind them.

"Morning Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, here are your schedules. I believe you have charms in twenty minutes. Mr. Weasley I shall hand your schedule to Miss Granger here, she can give it you once you've had time to…clean up." She said while eyeing Ron's messy hands and smeared face.

"Thank you, Professor," Said Harry. He opened his schedule and almost groaned. Care of magical creatures and double potions Mondays. Double transfiguration, Runes and Arithmancy Tuesdays. Double charms and Double potions Wednesday. Double Defense against the Dark Arts, Runes and Arithmancy Thursday and lastly Astronomy, history, and Care of magical creatures again. This semester he would be packing too much into one week. He glanced at Hermione's schedule and did groan. Hers was clearly a better set up.

"Oh bloody hell!" Harry glanced up at Ron who was looking at the open schedule on the table away from his dirty hands. "Who's bright idea was it to give us Binns, Sprout, AND Snape! All on one day?"

Harry frowned and looked over. "That's strange, it seems the only classes we're having together are going to be DADA, and Charms. Hermione will have history with you Ron and I'll have Transfiguration with Hermione. Why did they switch up our schedules so much? It's nothing like we've done before."

Hermione had noticed it as well, "It might have to do with the teacher's schedules and such or something. I'm not too sure. I'll go ask" with that she stood up and jogged up to McGonagall who was further down the line of students.

Harry turned and looked over at Ron who shrugged his shoulders. He glanced around and could hear the whisperings as other students realized that something was different with the schedules. "Guess it's not just us then." Harry nodded to Ron's remark before focusing on his food. He needed to work on his training especially if eliminatory rounds for the tournaments of Hogwarts were to start this weekend.

{Time-Skip}

Harry and his friends had just sat down in their Charms class and looked around, "Hey Hermione what did McGonagall say about the schedules?"

She frowned as she looked around the room at all the different faces. "We are going separated this year; Dumbledore has been changing rules and traditions in Hogwarts. Apparently from now on all the students who are more advanced will be in different classes from those who have a history of being further behind, specifically, for each grade and class. Some could even be held back."

On Hermione's left Harry saw Ron pale, "You mean if I don't put more effort into classes I might end up being in classes with my sister?"

Hermione glared at him, "Yes Ronald and what does that tell you about your work ethic hmm? Hopefully now you'll begin to take your studies more seriously."

Harry ignored them as their argument escalated and turned to look at the rest of the students. Only one other Gryffindor sat in the room, Dean Thomas but the boy was chatting next to the Hufflepuff of the room. They sent a quick nod at each other before Harry continued looking. In total, there were, four Gryffindors, six Hufflepuffs, three Slytherins and ten Ravenclaws. It wasn't hard to tell that this was one of the Advanced classes for Charms considering, him Hermione and all the Ravenclaws were there. He knew Dean had a knack for Charms he also knew that Ron was only there because he and Hermione helped the guy. This year Ron would have to work harder than ever; Harry didn't have the luxury of helping him keep up all the time.

"Morning class! Today shall be the first day of the Advanced Charms for fourth year. The Headmaster has decided to allow those students who perform constantly at a higher level than others to flourish while allowing those who have fallen behind to advance at their own pace with detracting from the other's learning. In any case, would you please pull out your textbooks and turn to the table of contents." Spoke Professor Flitwick as he quickly shuffled his way to the front of the class and up his stack of books to look at everyone in the eyes. The man was looking around at the half empty class of students.

Harry nodded in understanding and glanced at Hermione, she had an 'I told you so' look on her face that made Harry crack a small smile. He pulled out his textbook and did as he was told, he skimmed through the first couple of entries and mentally snorted. I've learned all of this and if I know Hermione she is probably further ahead of me in theory but much further behind in actual casting. He glanced towards the end of the list and knew from conversations with the twins that and their brothers that the last fifteen chapters or so are an intro to fifth year and O.W.L. spells.

Harry lifted his head as Professor spoke again, "This year we shall of course cover all the fourth-year spells but instead of spending a pair of weeks for every spell you shall have one week to learn, understand, and perform TWO spells. By the time that Christmas has come we should be finishing fourth year and beginning fifth year. During this time, I will reference the last chapters in the textbook and we shall begin something of great importance in the wizarding world. Non-Verbals. This was a request made by many Ministry members who state that the lack of sufficient silent casters is lowering in the Ministry."

Harry rose his hand. "Yes Mr. Potter?"

"Sir, sorry to interrupt but is the sudden change in curriculum a byproduct of the Tournaments? Is this perhaps a way of advancing the students to prepare for all the tournaments?" he asked.

The professor beamed approvingly, "Excellent deduction Mr. Potter. Five points to Gryffindor. He is correct, the visiting schools have certainly raised their teaching standards in an order to seem more impressive to anyone else thus it stands to reason that Hogwarts must do the same. However, the Headmaster has ingeniously discovered a way of doing so without risking our reputation."

A few other students asked questions, but Harry had leaned over to Hermione and whispered, "'Discovered' he said, sounds more like copied from Muggles to me."

Hermione giggled and whispered back, "The headmaster must not want the Pure-bloods to get angry with such tactics and by saying he discovered it then Pure-bloods can't argue that he is stealing ideas unless they wish to admit that they are aware of muggle customs and society."

They silently chuckled then focused again as Flitwick began the lesson, "This week we shall cover two spells. The Seize and Pull charm and the Hardening Charm. We finished the end of last year going over the basic theory of the Seize and Pull charm and over the summer I had each of you do more in depth research into the uses of the spell. Can anyone tell me what they found?"

Hermione's hand shot up fast but ironically so did all the Ravenclaws and the a few Slytherins. Harry grinned as he realized why this was the Advanced class, he glanced at Ron who seemed to have realize that this class was full of people like her. "Mate I'm utterly doomed if this is how the year is going to be!" He harshly whispered to Harry who could only grin wider.

"Mr. Boots, answer the question please."

A rather plain looking boy from Ravenclaw looked a bit pleased at being called on and quickly answered, "Sir, my research indicated that the Seize and Pull charm is very much a simple spell used for pulling or holding something through the usage of a magical rope made of light. The spell allows for one to use their own bodily strength to pull and or drag something or someone with the magical light rope. This extends to objects and animals; however magical beings or creatures are slightly more resistant and thus makes the spell require more magical output."

"Excellent Mr. Boots! Now he is correct, casting this spell on a rock will be much easier than on a tree which will be easier than an animal which will be easier than on a human, and a human will be incredibly easier than any magical being such as giants or goblins. Can anyone tell me why that is?"

Harry rose his hand steadily compared to Hermione's lightning quick, "Mr. Potter?"

"Yes sir, the reason it's easier on a human has to do with the level of magic in a human. Magic is varied in size from cores like muggle size to merlin size cores changing the difficulty, but beings like goblins are naturally more used to magic and thus are resistant. Giants in this case are far too heavy for a single Human to be able to use this spell on."

"Perfectly said Mr. Potter, five points to Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Now since I'm assuming you've found similar answers and results in your research that means that today will begin our first practical class on that spell. However, before we begin let us speak about the Hardening spell. Can anyone tell me the incantation and the purpose? Uh, Miss Granger, if you would please?" She positively beamed as the Professor called on her for the first time.

"Certainly sir, The Hardening Charm or Duro, is a spell used to make and object become solid stone. Usually falling under the Transfiguration category. It changes the object perfectly into stone, but is incapable of changing humans or animals into stone without the usage of a Curse Suffix."

"Good, miss Granger, five points to you. Now, Curse suffix is like a Curse prefix in that about forty percent of the Curses use those parameters. In this case the curse would be Durorium allowing the spell to make people and animals and most magical beings into stone. In the Greek times, specifically around 440 BCE, a witch by the name of Medusa created the spell to transform her enemies into stone. The counter curse was discovered by a Greek hero of that time. However, we all know that a simple Finite Incantantem can counter the curse. The Duro charm is also a charm because it's one of the few spells that is based solely on intent. While yes the base spell is to turn objects to stone any wizard can interpret this meaning as 'hardening' or 'toughening'. With that in mind a capable magical can cast this spell to harden something soft like a pillow or to in transfiguration make something become stone or another strong solid object. Questions?"

A boy from Slytherin, Blaise Zabini, he believed raised his hand. "Yes sir, I'm wondering what the effects of hardening could do to such things like gases and liquids?"

"Brilliant question Mr. Zabini! Take five points for your house. The Duro charm on already solid objects just increases the overall density. However, with liquids Duro may cause one of two things, it could change the density or it could change the state of mass from liquid into solid or gas into liquid. An example of this is water. Water has different densities depending on how pure or impure. As such casting the Hardening charm on water will cause it to increase in density same as the softening Charm learned in first year. Most compositions of gases such as the ones created in potions can be solidified using this spell making them easier to dispose of. Or the potions themselves can be solidified and cut down to certain sizes and used in smaller doses. I believe the Weasley twins have perfected this form of the spell in their pranks." Laughs spread around the class and Ron looked surprised.

"They've been doing that for years now. I never realized just how much effort they put into their stuff!" Whispered Ron to them before Hermione shushed him.

"Now I need everyone to stand up." They did and watched as Flitwick swished his wand and caused all the desks and chairs to stack themselves on one side of the room. "Now each of you come grab a pillow from here and form a line facing the front of the class place the pillow about ten feet in front of you."

Harry walked forwards grabbing a green pillow and found himself standing next to Ron on his left with a Hufflepuff girl on his right, Hannah Abbot. "Now then the wand motions for the seize and pull are simple, point and cast Carpe Rectractum. Now we shall do this for about fifteen minutes in which case I'll walk around correcting mistakes then we'll pause talk then continue for about half an hour, anyone who can master the spell before class will not have any homework on the spell. After the half hour of the seize in pull we'll switch to the Hardening charm, mastery or not there will be homework for the spell. That being said you may begin."

Immediately there was chorus of Carpe Rectractum! As everyone attempted to cast the spells. A few managed to cast a small light, others nothing at all. Harry sighed, it was a similar routine to all the spells learned before. Hermione was beginning her frustration as she struggled to produce the light and Ron just looked utterly confused. Harry focused on his magic and took a deep breath. He focused on the image of the spell, he concentrated on what he wanted to happen and visualized it inside himself. He wanted it to happen. He released his breath with the incantation eyes open and gazing unseeingly at the pillow in front of him. "Carpe Rectractum."

No yell or emotion but a simple statement in a normal tone. He watched and felt his magic flow out of his body and hand into the wand lighting up the tip and felt the magic exit his wand coalescing into a thin stream of magic stretching curvingly towards the pillow. He was so concentrated he didn't hear the noise die down around him. Focusing on maintaining the spell itself wasn't difficult, but it felt as if his magic wanted to dissipate not form a rope or connection. Finally, it reached the pillow and his magic was wavering. He pushed a bit more power and watched as the thin thread became a normal string and slowly a thick rope. The moment the spell connected to the pillow he felt the connection become solid; his magic become more visible instead of a slight light it was now a rope no thicker than two of his fingers, glowing a little green.

"Incredible Mr. Potter! Take five Points to Gryffindor. I'll make it ten if you can pull the pillow to your body. This is where it becomes difficult. The spell will want to let go but you must pull with concentration and physical strength. It'll be like reeling in a fish."

Harry nodded without losing his concentration he began pulling the pillow toward himself and immediately felt his magic trying to let go as he retracted the rope into his wand. He tilted his wand back slightly and watched as the pillow inched closer. He frowned and gritted his teeth. He pulled back his arm a bit but the pillow remained motionless. The magic was close to losing its hold. In a desperate attempt to keep it there he sent a bit more magic into the spell and yanked hard backwards. He felt the physical lash as the rope of light flopped the pillow a couple feet toward him only for the connection to break. He stumbled backwards, blinking in surprise and was grateful when he felt a pair of hands hold him steady. He turned and nodded in thank you and a bit of surprise at Hannah as she held him steady.

"Thanks for that, the uh, kickback of the spell threw me off." He said in a bit of embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"No problem Potter, nice job on getting the spell first try." She responded with a nod and an impressed look on her face.

"Listen up class. What we saw there is Mr. Potter's lack of practice. When pulling the object, you must maintain a steady concentration not wavering his rope broke more because of that last yank. Normally one is able to do that after a while of practice. Try to avoid doing so. Mr. Potter excellent job, keep practicing I'm sure you'll have this spell done by the end of the practice. Now everyone continue to practice."

Harry turned to Hermione who had frowned slightly before she turned to focus back on her spell work. Harry shook her head, her need to excel in class made her frustrated whenever she wasn't the first or the best. It was a difficult thing for her to get over, but Harry hoped she would change that. By the end of the practice Harry had managed to perform the spell to perfection on various objects and so did Hermione. A few other students had gotten the hang of the spell as well but would need to practice more with different objects. When they began the Hardening Charm, Harry had already learned to cast it so he fumbled it a few times then cast it perfectly. Seeing as how he had time he slowly lowered the volume of his incantation while maintaining the same level of performance of the spell until he managed to cast the spell by merely doing the wand motions and thinking the spell.

"Mr. Potter, I am to assume that that is not your first Non-verbal, is it?" spoke the professor from just behind him.

Harry jumped slightly in surprise before answering, "Uh, no sir. I've been practicing all the spells from previous years in non-verbals for some time now. I only recently learned that casting non-verbally is supposed to be incredibly difficult."

The professor nodded, "it's a good skill to have Mr. Potter, a very advanced one as well. Are you planning on competing in any tournaments? This would be a very useful skill in many if not all of them."

Harry nodded, "Yes Professor, I was going to enter the Transfiguration, Charms and Dueling tournaments. I believe those would serve me well in the long run."

The professor nodded approvingly, "Yes I agree, if you need any extra help with charms or Dueling come to my office. I was in the Dueling circuit for quite a few years. I was even a champion for a short while. Anyways, since you've learned both spells the homework is to write eight inches on the answers to the questions on the board. Read the chapters covering higher class mending charms. You can leave once you've jotted those down, here is your pass."

Harry nodded happily and took the pass. He quickly collected his bags and copied down the prompt of the homework. He smiled at Hermione and Ron who were both glaring at him. He walked out of the class and headed down the corridor. If he hurried, he could finish his homework and get started on rereading his potions text. He pulled the Marauder's Map he said the password pointed his wand at the map. "Fastest way to Gryffindor Commons."

That was a nifty trick that happened thanks to Padma. She had tried figuring out how to get to Runes quickly when late last year and the map had highlighted the perfect route. He looked at the path marked and headed began jogging forward. He turned corners and took shortcuts he kept glancing at the map and was surprised when he noticed a small dot hidden in a corner alcove a few feet in front of him. The name was Elizabeth Graymont, that name was familiar to him he just couldn't place where. He made a split-second decision and headed towards the dot. He put way the map as soon as he realized he was standing in front of the alcove. A statue and a knight were both occupying most of the space, but now that he was closer he could hear a soft sniffling. He frowned and leaned forward towards the darkened corner where he could sort of see a foot.

"Hey you there, come on out. You shouldn't be hidden there." He spoke softly his instincts telling him to be gentle.

A slightly terrified squeak was heard before the foot was dragged even further into the corner. Honestly, Harry was impressed that the person could fit into that little darkened corner. "Hey now, it's okay. Nothing is going to happen to you. I just want to help. My names Harry, here look hands out to the sides. Now please come on out."

A small quiet but clearly feminine voice spoke out, "You promise you won't hurt me?"

Harry frowned slightly before shifting his face into a sincere smile, "Course not. Wouldn't hurt anyone, especially not you. Will you come out then?"

Instead of an answer a little girl that couldn't have been older than a first year came out. The first thing he noticed was the bruises on the girl's face, boils on the arms and the over grown teeth. He held back his anger and kept a mostly expressionless face. "You're hurt." That was all he managed to say without putting any emotion in his voice.

She nodded but stayed quiet, her whole demeaner screamed terrified and insecure. His face softened. "Would you like to tell me what happened?" she hesitated her eyes darting. He leaned back and watched her shoulders relax a tad bit. "I promise you won't get in any trouble, I just want to know to be able to help you. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

The girl finally looked him in the eyes, she tensed then relaxed further. "Th-There was a boy from m-my house. S-said I n-needed to learn m-my p-place." She looked on the brink of tears. He had slight flashbacks to the treatment from the Dursley's and he steeled his nerves. He slowly and gently lowered himself to his knees. She watched him tensed the entire time only relaxing after he had settled down at her eye level. His hands palms down on his thighs. He spotted her house crest and got a slightly sinking feeling.

"Okay… Do you know who it was that said that to you? The one who did this to you?" she nodded, Harry sighed.

"I'm assuming he said not to say or he would do worse?" another nod. "and you won't tell me even if you did trust me, right?" again she nodded and Harry sighed. His mind ran through the possibilities. He needed to get her to Pomphrey, but if she is anything like he was she would rather hide here till dark rather than risk being seen by either her attackers or anyone else.

"Alright, here is what we are going to do. I'll need to trust that I ONLY want to help you. Not for very long just a short time. Can you do that?" She nodded. Her eye was swollen and looked ready to close shut. He mentally grimaced. "Okay, I'm going to pull out a cloak from my bag. That's all I'm doing." He grabbed his bag and slowly pulled his father's cloak out, inside his head he was wondering what would have happened to her if he hadn't gotten out of class early and decided to head this way. "Now, I want you to put it on, it's an invisibility cloak and it'll make sure nobody sees you while I take you down to the hospital wing. Are you okay to do that?"

She hesitated as she glanced at him and the cloak. Finally, she nodded. He stretched his arms handing her the cloak to put on. She slowly and what seemed painfully put on the cloak. "Alright good, now you're invisible. I'll grab one corner of the cloak and guide you. Just follow me alright?" He pulled out the map again and found the most deserted path to the Hospital wing. He had a few close calls with people but he finally made it into the hospital wing. He brought Elizabeth along and head to Madam Pomphrey's office. He knocked and waited for her to come out. When she did she looked surprised.

"Mr. Potter, it's the second day of school surely even you couldn't have injured yourself already?" her reprimand had a slightly amused tone.

Harry shrugged, "Sadly I'm not here for my health. I found her hidden in a corner, she's a first year. Elizabeth is her name I think." He knelt and slowly removed the cloak off the little girl who had tears streaming down her face. His heart clenched as he took the cloak and put it in his bag.

"Mr. Potter It's only because I've known you for too long that I am not currently restraining you until and investigation is done and you are proven innocent. But for now, you are not to leave the Hospital wing until the Headmaster, your head of House and hers are here understood." Her anger an undertone to her steady voice. She gently knelt and convinced the young girl to move onto a bed. Harry followed her at a distance worried for the girl.

Pomphrey placed the first year on the bed and began her examination using spells that Harry didn't recognize. Some created illusions on top of her body others lit up in certain colors. Finally, the head Matron flicked her wand towards her office summoning a large group of potions. Harry sat on a chair a bit away from the girl and watched the Healer do her magic. After fifteen minutes, she finally stopped and Elizabeth was fully asleep. Her bruises were fading and her the boils were gone. She headed to her office and Harry looked up when many footsteps approached.

"Mr. Potter." Said his head of house. Her face unnaturally stern as she glanced at the girl and him. Snape had a rather dark and murderous look on his face as he glared at him. Dumbledore looked far older and a tad bit scary. "Care to explain Mr. Potter?"

Harry swallowed, "Yes Professor, I got out of charms early after I had managed to finish the classwork first. Professor Flitwick let me leave. I hoped to return to my common room and get started on the homework I took a short cut to the dormitory and as I passed and alcove on the fourth floor I heard a sniffle. When I looked around and saw no one I continued forward. I heard it again and looked to the side of the statue and hidden in the corner almost impossible to see was a small foot. I asked and introduced myself. I heard the crying and told her I wasn't going to hurt her and that it was okay to come out. Once Out it took everything I had to stay emotionless. I Talked to her tried to figure out who did this. She wouldn't say. She did say that she was threatened by boy in her house that if she talked she would get worse. According to her this was done so she could be 'taught her place'. I realized that I had to bring her here but she didn't want to be seen so I used my father's cloak to hide her from sight as I guided her here. I'm sorry to say I don't know any healing spells or I would have tried to help more."

The teachers nodded while Snape's glare lessened but he still asked, "Any proof to that Mr. Potter? Or is there no ways to prove that you yourself didn't do this?"

Harry frowned angry that he would be accused of such a thing but the professor looked ready to strike him where he stood and he wasn't going to risk talking back. "I don't know sir. I could do an oath or if there was some way to use Veritaserum legally here."

McGonagall's stern glare softened but Snape's increased a little. Only Dumbledore seemed neutral. "Fawkes," said the Headmaster. A flash of fire and the Bird stood on his shoulder regal and beautiful. "Would you be so kind as to bring me my pensive?" The phoenix chirped before taking off and flashing away.

Both Professors looked at the Headmaster in surprise, "Really Headmaster? Are you sure?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes! Quite sure. He is willingly handing over a memory of the situation and I'll return it as soon as we have viewed it." Another flash closer to the ground happened and Harry blinked when he saw a large stoned basin that stood up to his abdomen. The bowl in the center held a strange liquid that flowed but remained completely flat.

"Harry, this is a pensive, A place to store memories or to view them in as much or greater detail than one remembers them. An incredibly high level of complexity in magic this is. Usually it is required to make one for your Charms Mastery test past your NEWTs level. What you need to do is place your wand to your temple and concentrate on the memory and say the incantation. Memoria Eximo. Then pull your wand away from your temple and place it in the basin."

Harry did as he was told and watched in fascination as a silvery hair like strand clung to the tip of his wand. He deposited it in the basin and watched as the three teachers dove in. They came out a few minutes later equal parts pensive and angry.

"You are free to go Mr. Potter we have no doubt that you were only trying to help. You may head to lunch but please try not to say anything to anyone."

He nodded and made his way out of the hospital wing. A Slytherin first year gets attacked. She's injured, scared and most importantly blackmailed. Who in Slytherin would do such a thing? The more he thought about it the more confused he got. He would need to talk to Daphne, ask her if she knows or if she heard anything.

He was walking into the great hall at this point. He glanced up towards where Daphne normally sits but something caught his eye and his teeth grinded together. 'said I needed to learn my place' Elizabeth had said. He had heard those words before; one person had said them. He continued staring at the Slytherin table, Crabbe and Goyle's bruised knuckles slightly visible from where they sat next to the only person smart and cowardly enough to actually do something like that.

Malfoy.