Corridor outside Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom, Hogwarts - May 14, 1995

  “That was some adventure kid,” Kingsley Shacklebolt said, interrupting Harry’s nonchalant stretching. His body was repeatedly crackling, it was disconcerting to everyone. Even more to Poppy Pomfrey. She was non stop casting diagnostic spells while they were making their way back to the Hospital wing. The constant muttering was annoying at first, but all of them took it in stride.

  “Need me to slow down Poppy?” Harry joked. “Yeah, it was pretty crazy. Now that it’s over I’m just relieved in all honesty. Negative eleven out of ten. Would not recommend doing that again.”

  “Which part kid? The Hunters Rites? Or the slaying of the beast?” Joked Cassius Hatton, another Senior Auror.

  “Don’t get me started Cassius, both those things were bad for different reasons. Hitting a bit of clotted blood was YUCK, let me tell you!” Harry shouted, dramatically waving his arms around.

  “Alright, alright Harry, settle down.” Amelia said laughing. Glad to see a little life return to the young man.

  Suddenly solemn, Harry asked something that he was curious about, “So, what ended up happening to Fraudheart?” He asked.

  “Well, he was trying to fake that he was obliviated. To get away from all the charges. Thankfully one of our Senior Aurors caught on pretty quick. Caught him in a lie and we ended up dosing him with Veritaserum.” Amelia responded, “Now normally I shouldn’t tell you that, but since you brought some of his crimes to light, it’s very clear that you deserve to know as one of his victims.”

  Sighing, Amelia led the way down to the entrance hall. “There is some stuff I will hold back on like, who his victims were. We’ve informed the parents, and Poppy knows about it so we’re going to offer Mind Healer treatment.” She scoffed, “Like that makes up for what Albus allowed right under his nose. I doubt those kids will be coming back to Hogwarts. Who would when they don’t feel safe.”

  Harry awkwardly tried to straighten his hair, “Errh, that brings up one of my concerns honestly, Amelia. I…”

  Sighing heavily, she looked at him calmly. “I’ve been expecting this, gents. Stand guard alright?”

  “You’ll bring him back when he’s done Amelia?” Poppy asked.

  “Of course, he’ll be safe with me.” Amelia replied

  “I want to start him on his potions regimen this evening, but I will need to consult someone from St. Mungos first. A specialist on recovery, the changes he’s still undergoing from the Hunter’s Rite is extraordinary. We will just have to see if you manifest any extra gifts.” Waving her goodbye’s Poppy headed off on her own way.

  Nods from both Aurors who wore a serious mien, a far cry from their earlier joking and camaraderie. As Amelia directed him to an empty classroom, Harry pondered what he really wanted. It was just…too simple, if he was being honest with himself. A simple request, Family and Safety.

  He was tired of always being alone, but he was the last of the Potters, it was impossible for him to have a family. It’s why his friends are so important to him, it was what he imagined a family to be like. ‘Finding just one friend here was more than I ever dreamed of, but to continue to risk my life here? Why should I even stay?’

  Hopefully Amelia has some answers or advice for me…

  Once they arrived, with a few flicks of her wand Amelia made a small area clean and presentable. Conjuring two comfy chairs to have a conversation. “Allright, now I know this is going to be a hard conversation. But…I would like to ask how you feel about Hogwarts and what has happened to you over the past few years.”

  Pausing for a moment, “Yet, I already know that if it was me, I would hightail it out of here for greener pastures. Not ever looking back. The adults around you, those that were supposed to protect you, failed you. In such a horrific way.”

  “Even many of your classmates are atypically cruel towards you, jealous of your fame and reputation. Not understanding your struggles and pain. I’m surprised you’ve held out as long as you have. Now, that part was as an ally of House Potter, and… your Hunters Guide.” Amelia finished her rant softly, showing her understanding of his situation and clear empathy for the whole thing.

  “However…” She continued, “As a Ministry of Magic representative, I have to advise you honestly. If you wish to take up your duties as a Head of House Potter in our government, it would be best if you study here and get to know your future peers.”

  “Hogwarts is more than a school. It’s where the British Wizarding Elite learn, socialise and form future alliances. Much of your experiences here, good and bad, will eventually cement their opinions on issues such as Muggle Borns and Pure Blood ideologies.”

  Sighing heavily, “To be honest Harry, to see your care and concern for Hermione, Granger right?” at his nod she continued. “A muggle born witch is heartening. With your fame and your position you have a great opportunity to change the next generation's opinion on many things, and more importantly to change our society for the better.”

  “I know you don’t see the full picture yet, since you haven’t seen much of our society, but in the interest of transparency. We’re stuck in a rut.” She said with a chuckle, “Stuck in the past some might say. Lord Moldy’s rise forced our entire culture into a state of fear and stagnation. It’s a travesty how much effect one powerfully gifted, yet misguided person, can halt a society’s progress.”

  “I guess I can see that. I could become a powerful symbol for change is what you’re trying to say right?” Harry replied. A thoughtful expression on his face. “Yet all I’ve known is struggle and strife since I’ve entered the wizarding world. Why should I? What’s in it for me? The only people that have shown me consistent kindness so far are you and Poppy.”

  “I have to put myself first, I refuse to do otherwise. If you can come up with a compromise, that would allow me to enjoy my magical education, risk free.” Punctuating this statement with a firm look. “Then I can consider it, honestly, I’ve received more respect from a race of people that most wizards look down on. I would rather live with goblins at this rate!” Exclaimed Harry, clearly a little worked up over everything.

  Amelia took some time to respond, giving him time to calm down and take her words seriously, to hear the sincerity she was trying to give him. “I know, which is why we’re having this honest conversation.” She let him ruminate on that statement. “This is what I will promise you for now, Harry. Listen well, I’m honestly stepping way out of bounds here.”

  “You will always have access to my guidance and counsel. No matter the situation you find yourself in. In fact, I wish to give you the same level of support as I do my Niece. We also need to talk about her a little later. I need to straighten her out first.” She harrumphed at this, “I don’t believe that girl, shaming our house like that with her poor behaviour.”

  “Secondly, I am going to work to find a good compromise for you so if you choose, you can continue schooling here.” Exhaling sharply, she said “This is the hard one, I’m not sure how that will turn out, whether we will even be able to remove Dumbledore from power here. Right now I’ve got him on a bunch of charges, but his supporters will probably get him out after his trial.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  She waved her hand at his look of concern, “You don’t need to worry about that. I’m delaying the trial for as long as possible, gathering allies and evidence of his wrong doing.”

  “Next is the one that directly concerns you, your health.” She slammed her fist on the armrest of the chair. “We have failed you, our saviour. The young boy who slayed one of the most powerful Dark Lords Wizarding Britain has ever known. On behalf of the Ministry, I will endeavour to fix that. Poppy and I have good connections in WCS, that’s wizarding child services, and St. Mungos. I promise that you will get the help you need, even if I need to fund the treatment myself.”

  “That’s a lot to take in, honestly you did the right thing letting me know in advance. That way I can see how I feel about it all…” Harry took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, “Honestly, I would want to talk to ‘Mione. I want her advice, she always sees things so logically. It helps me form my opinions and plans for what to do. I hope you understand that I won’t make any decision immediately. I just never want to be under Dumbledore's control again. Especially after hearing half the accusations Professor McGonagall was throwing around.”

  Nodding her head Amelia responded quickly, “That’s the best response I could have hoped for. You’re acting remarkably mature about this Harry. I appreciate your honesty about how you feel and what you think regarding this topic. I know it’s a pretty heavy thing to contemplate, the effect you can have on our society. It’s unfair of the Ministry to ask this of you, but this is the reality we live in.”

  “I just want to know my options, all I ever wanted was a family and safety. I will do whatever it takes to have those things.” Harry said quietly.

  “Understandable Harry, now that’s enough of that! Let's go get some snacks, or perhaps head back to the hospital wing?”

  “Would love to get some snacks honestly, I’m getting REALLY hungry.” Harry said, rubbing his stomach softly. It even made them jump with a loud growl!

  “Well, that settles that then! Off we go!” Amelia exclaimed, heading out while tidying behind them.

  “Glad you thought to bring that stuff up Ma’am. Means a lot to me…” Harry said timidly.

  “You’re very welcome Harry…”

  xOxOx

  The trip down to the Kitchens would have been quick if not for the argument they saw brewing in the Entrance hall. Though now that he thought about it, he isn’t surprised the blonde fool was trying to swing his metaphorical dick around.

  Although now that Harry thought about it…did he have a hand in what happened this year? With his slithery reputation, it sounds like something he would do. The real question was when and how he managed to plant the little black book with Ginny.

  While the group approached the confrontation, Harry was hard at work thinking about what happened. There was no clear way he could prove that the man had a direct hand in the opening of the Chamber. Yet, just the fact that he recognised that slightly crazed house-elf was enough for young Harry.

  After all, the little blighter had been plaguing him all year to leave Hogwarts so he would be safe. It was clear that he was responsible now, just an impossibility to frame him for the crime.

  “...It matters not what you say Minerva. The Board has spoken, Hogwarts and all staff shall come under review for your multiple failures to act this year. The students' education has suffered and many of them even became petrified!” Lucius Malfoy exclaimed, clearly trying to cause a scene in front of some of the students. A very Slytherin move that he recognised immediately as a shallow ploy, one often played by his son Draco.

  Whispering a quick request to Amelia Bones, he took his bounty in hand while removing a sock from his foot. Hoping to bamboozle the fool into freeing his, hopefully, new friend.

  Minerva responded quickly, putting the fool in his place if only he would look around and notice it. “...The situation has already been resolved, Lucius. In fact, we already know where the Chamber of Secrets has been located, rescued the girl that supposedly died and have Auror’s on site as I’ve already mentioned!”

  “Pfaw! I don’t believe it for one second. You’re clearly lying to save face. If those things have occurred you would have a suspect in custody, yes? Why is he or she not in a ministerial holding cell to pay for their crimes! I have the ear of the Minister, so I would know!” He spoke slowly, trying to rile up the Deputy Headmistress once more.

  This was too good to pass up, so Harry stepped in front of Lucius, making his presence known while Madam Bones and the Auror’s were not within his eyeline. “Ahh, that’s easy enough to explain, Lucy Old Chap. If you would care to listen at any rate. I hear that old people tend to stop listening as they grow older, perhaps that’s just your ears, so you should get that checked out.” Harry cheekily replied, goading the slick looking aristocrat. Trying to anger him so he wouldn’t think too clearly.

  “You see, we found the culprit. It was a dark artefact, actually, you wouldn’t know anything about that, Lucy?” Harry cut in before he could respond. Deliberately attempting to frustrate the poor man. “I hear Arthur Weasley has been raiding people who have been known to be err… Experts in such things. You wouldn’t happen to know about any of that, would you?”

  “Of course not, I’m an upstanding member of society. I don’t own any such artefacts, Potter.”

  Harry just stared at him oddly, “Are you sure you’re not going deaf, Lucy? I just asked if you were an expert in such things. I was going to ask you to inspect the artefact in question since we are currently missing our Defense against the Dark arts professor. I’m sure Professor McGonagall wouldn’t mind, right?” Harry said, turning to look at the older woman.

  “What a splendid idea Harry.” She replied, a glare followed, promising his comeuppance if an explanation was to be not forthcoming.

  “Well there you have it, see? She’s happy to receive the Board’s assistance in this matter, and since you are supposed to be an expert…” Harry smirked, handing over the destroyed diary of Tom Riddle’s.

  For those paying attention to Lucius in that moment, you could tell his guilt. Regardless of his proficiency in Occlumency, his body language gave him away. A minor flinch here, a microexpression there. It was as good as an admittance of guilt, which Harry was sure that the Auror’s present noticed. “So what do you think?”

  “It’s just a tattered old book covered in Ink, what’s there to notice Potter?” he smirked in response.

  “Well we can see the name is a student, supposedly at least, called Tom Marvolo Riddle. You wouldn’t know anyone by that name would you, Lucius? Some light research showed that he was Slytherin Head Boy in the 1940’s.” Harry responded, trying to put some pressure on Lucius.

  “Potter, I will say this plainly, what are you trying to insinuate about me, Head of House Malfoy?” He asked, sticking his nose into the air.

  “Nothing at all, after all you’re the expert in Dark Artefacts. I mean, I’m just the one who found the Chamber, opened it, and killed the thousand year old basilisk inside.” Harry stood straight and tall, not giving an inch to his attempts at intimidation.

  “I’m also the one who rescued the student, who was being possessed by that Diary, and even talked to the original person who crafted the thing.” Harry said confidently, “I then stabbed it with a Basilisk fang to destroy any magic that was enchanting it. Hence the splurge of ink, and the giant acid burn through the centre of it… Insinuating that the Heir of House Potter is a liar is awfully convenient, non?”

  “Pfaw, it’s just an old wet book.” Lucius said, visually unnerved. “Trash in fact, I don’t believe that the so-called Aurors are taking you seriously, you deluded boy.” His tone full of poison and vitriol. “Clearly, they let you keep the thing, so it isn’t important in any such investigation.” Lucius turned, before throwing the Diary away.

  “Once I’m done here, I will expose your lies for what they are, Potter. Mark my words!” He spat over his shoulder. “Dobby, come we are leaving!” He shouted, before facing forward and seeing the scene before him.

  Three auror’s, one of which was the head of department and a small elf wearing a ragged pillow case. “Dobby” Harry said, “why don’t you try opening up that diary for me?”

  In front of the small group of witnesses, Dobby timidly opened the book. Clueless about what was to come. A shocked gasp flowed through the crowd, with whispers to follow. “Dobby… D-d-dobby is free!” He said, with shock and awe on his face.

  “You’re very welcome Dobby.” Harry said with a small smile.