Hospital Wing, Hogwarts - May 13, 1995

  A broken body lay in the back of the ward. A small boy, fourteen years old yet he barely reached up to five feet. Messy black hair covered scars on his scalp and gave his gaunt malnourished appearance a ghastly air.

  It wasn’t the young man’s fault of course. Years of physical abuse and starvation would do that with any boy. Yet after the ‘adventure’ to save an acquaintance it was he was forming a habit of getting into trouble every year.

  It was sad really, how emotionally down trodden this young man was. That he risked his very life just for a small piece of acceptance from anyone, anyone at all.

  For the first time in his life, they began to see who he truly was. The impossible burden he carried, never mind the weight of expectation of a world that abandoned him. One that left him forgotten on the other side of the magical divide. He had no protection, understanding or even the slightest bit of support; even though many of his parents’ friends were still alive and willing to shelter, support and raise him.

  In fact, that discussion was the exact reason the young man started to wake up. No matter how tired he was, how bruised or battered. It got to the point that even the parents of the child, Ginevra Weasely, were absolutely disgusted with what the young man had been through. The pandora's box of trouble that was writ large on his skin, a brutal tapestry of marks that told a different story to the publicly held opinion about the young life of Harry Potter, The-boy-who-lived.

  “Minerva I simply must insist that everything I have done, all I have ever done was in Harry’s best interest! There must be an explanation as to why the boy is damaged so badly.” Headmaster Dumbledore exclaimed.

  “ALBUS! You ruddy fool. Listen up and listen well. I could have raised that poor child, I know for a fact that Lily put my name down in her will.” The stern Scotswoman was fuming mad. As you can imagine a woman with skill and power that rivals Dumbledore's own, her fury was nothing to sniff at.

  “Now…”

  “Don’t you dare INTERRUPT you whiskered wanker! I let you speak, so you better listen up.” For the first time in his life, since he became a 'working' adult, Albus Dumbledore was struck speechless.

  “I don’t want to hear anything about your so-called Greater Good. This will be the last year you ever hold authority over a child you doddering old fool.” Pausing, she cast the Patronus charm three times, sending messages to other members of the faculty. “There is no ruddy way, I am going to allow you to remain in control of a school full of children, when you are the Magical Guardian to our Nation’s National Treasure, whilst also neglecting him this badly!”

  At this point even Madame Pomfrey was fully flushed from anger. McGonagal continued on her rant, “It was bad enough what you had us do last year. The very fact that we have had no deaths this year is beyond lucky! You banned me from contacting the DMLE. Which I am going to renege on right now. Poppy? If you wouldn’t mind. I want legal representation on behalf of myself and Mr. Potter for what is about to happen.”

  Healer Pomfrey was known as a kind, no-nonsense woman. Her next actions certainly threw McGonagall, even in all her rage, for a loop.

  CRUNCH.

  While Dumbledore fell back on his old wrinkled ass, Madame Pomfrey started shaking her hand out. Replying as she walked away, “Certainly, Minerva. You are free to inform the DMLE of what I’ve just done. After the call I will be checking myself for befuddlement Charms and Potions.”

  “I just don’t believe I wasn’t aware of the extent of the young man’s injuries. I may even lose my magic over this, it has strayed incredibly close to breaking my Healer's Oath.” The gasp of surprised horror from Minerva was warranted. She was horrified that her close friend and confidant from her school days, was at risk of losing the career she loved due to the old fools meddling.

  “You have so much to answer to Albus. The only reason I’ve yet to slay you in cold blood is the soothing song of your familiar. I have to say, Fawkes, how can you remain loyal to this harmful old fool!? You are a wise creature who has witnessed centuries of life. How can you approve of what’s happened here!”

  “Minerva please…”

  “NOT ONE MORE WORD ALBUS.” She screamed, striding towards him while he attempted to clean himself up and rise to his feet. “Save your breath. I will be leaving this school if I cannot remove you from your position and I am determined to bring young Harry with me.” By the end of her epithet she was standing over Albus.

  Wand illuminated with a sinister light, ready to cast and end the old fool. Standing over him with her wand aimed down at him, it was almost comical how the old man had to cross his eyes to see the wand. “Be silent until the rest of the staff arrive. If I, for any reason feel unsafe, I will end you here and now. Do not breathe, do not move, do not so much as TWITCH. AM I CLEAR?”

  “Remember Albus, I am a transfiguration and duelling Mistress. That means I don’t have to cast the killing curse to make sure I end you here and now. A simple transmutation of your brain would be good enough.” Her glare could kill stone it was so fierce.

  This was around the time that the young man in question woke up from his dream-like state. Overhearing the confrontation he stayed quiet, still feeling quite exhausted and befuddled by what had recently transpired down in the Chamber of Secrets. His argument with Ron, his near miss with an overpowered obliviate charm or even his conversation with 'Tom Riddle,' the battle with the Basilisk with the assistance of Fawkes and the Sorting hat. There was a lot that had happened.

  Yet the longer he lay there the more confused he felt. He must have been heavily Confunded or he was just heavily traumatised? It was strange looking around now, it was like looking through fresh eyes. Everything seemed so inconsequential in the face of what he had overcome.

  Shaking his head to rid his mind of distraction he inspected what he could see and feel. His body felt a great deal less aches and pain. Which left more questions than it answered. Why did he feel like he should be more than he was right now? What was happening to him?

  Before he could get lost in his ponderings of what this meant for him, he was interrupted by many footsteps and the sounds of people arguing. It would be more accurate to say they were screaming. A woman who looked like she was playing dress up as a nurse from the 1930’s was being held back as she attempted to physically assault a man who he couldn’t see from his relaxed position on his bed.

  He could barely make out any details but his blind patting of the surfaces near him as he robotically looked for his glasses and clothes alerted many of the adults present to his wakeful state.

  By the time he found his glasses, things were at an impasse. His vision was significantly better but still heavily blurred. He could make out details now but nothing further than ten metres away was clear.

  Currently there were numerous adults in the room that he could see through the gap in the privacy curtains. A handful of which were surrounding a cowering old man who was still laid on the floor. Standing over him was a stern looking woman with a neat appearance that was currently giving him a verbal tongue lashing that made him sweat in sympathy.

  At some point she was non-stop cursing the bloody faced man in a Scottish drawl that was incomprehensible for those who didn’t grow up in Scotland. And just like that, reality hit this young man like a wet fish to the face.

  She’s finally standing up for me?

  This realisation sent the newly revived teen into a mental tailspin. His emotions bounced between disbelief and awe. Overall at first glance it was an unbelievable positive.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  However, if you objectively looked at Harry’s life… well. It leaves much to be desired. Being a prophesied nemesis of the most recent dark lord who was hellbent on ending you was not conducive for a long life. Even if he wasn’t sure about the prophesied part.

  Even with all the chaos around him he could barely muster the attention to even notice that Madame Pomfrey and Fawkes had come over to check on him. Judging by the Sword of Gryffindor and Fawkes’ presence, he assumed that he had just returned from the Chamber of Secrets. Judging by the current confrontation it was also clear that things weren’t normal, he wasn’t sure what sparked the argument but something set them off.

  Looking at the neighbouring bed with a pair of red-haired adults comforting a weeping teenage girl. Thinking back to his ‘recent’ memories confirmed this. Yet from the sounds of things, a meddlesome Dumbledore has just pushed the staff one step too far if even his number one cheerleader, Minerva McGonagall, was out for his blood. Nodding to himself, he took a deep breath, preparing himself to get involved and take a more active part in his future.

  If he was to go live with the Dursleys they would die the first night he was forced to live in their home. That was not up for debate. Disgusting humans, treating a member of their family like that. By the time he snapped to, the adults in the ward were looking at him strangely. Peering at him like a particularly interesting zoo specimen.

  “I’m sorry, what did I miss? I’m not particularly a fan of large groups of people staring at me…” He spoke softly, trailing off towards the end.

  “I’m sorry young Harry, I can imagine that things have been a bit … trying for you but we need to ask you a few questions.” Filius Flitwick said, silencing the murmuring crowd around Harry’s bed.

  There were a few teachers who had his genuine respect and the Charm’s professor was undoubtedly top of that list. “First off professor, if I had my way, I would have been one of your Ravens. Unfortunately the Hat, moody git that he is, wouldn’t have it.” Taking a deep breath, he said while raising his voice like he would talk to a professor in class “Go ahead, professor, I will answer any question you have. I’ve always tried to be honest with you.”

  As Harry shuffled back in his bed so he could sit against the head board, the aged professor conjured a set of steps so he would be more visible and more comfortable conversing with Harry. “That means alot to me Harry, Lily always was my favourite student…moving on to more immediate matters, could you please tell us all what happened this afternoon? From our perspective, we were to close the school…”

  Looking off in thought, Harry noticed the Aurors were taking stock of the situation while one was signalled and set up a large roll of parchment and a floating quill. Interesting piece of magic, he guessed it was a ‘dictaquill’ that Hermione talked about before.

  “Well, that’s easy enough I suppose. I was walking back to the dorms in Gryffindor tower after a lonely walk around the lake, considering the alienation and bullying from this year I’m sure you can understand.” Staring out into the distance, he walked himself through the entirety of his day since lunch.

  “I overheard some professors, I think it was Sinistra and Babbling discussing the tragedy and how the school would have to close due to the inability of Albus and the professors to get to the bottom of the 'Mystery' surrounding the Chamber.”

  “Yes, quite, Mr. Potter. That was our initial worry. Though it seems you decided to do something about it?”

  “Not really, I was going up to pack my things in preparation and stay hidden with my fathers cloak. I am persona non grata round here, and didn’t wish to get into any conflict with any of my classmates, you know? I’ve never liked conflict. I just find myself forced into it.” He ended bitterly.

  “So I assume someone forced you into this situation?”

  “You would be correct professor, Ron decided that in his infinite wisdom, since he couldn’t find his sister, and that there was gossip that a girl was taken down to the chamber… He would have to do something about it. I.e. get the ‘dark wizard slayer’ Mr. Potter on the job.” Harry scoffed. “I’ve never wanted any part of any adventure. I’ve been through pain and hurt, I don’t need to go looking for more. Yet the fucking fool had the audacity to drag me out of my bed and the safety of the dorms to the next Dark Wizard battling numpty he could think of. In this case, Lockhart.”

  “I see, so how did he force you?”

  “Grabbed my wand from my bedside table and dragged me physically down to the DADA classroom looking for Fraudhart. I mean, I figured out in the first lecture the guy was a fraud yet this ginger, brainless goon decided it would be a good idea to create a dark magic defense ‘dream’ team out of me and him.” Shaking his head, he just laughed with disdain.

  “So we end up getting to Lockhart, I have no wand and Ron is poking me in the back of the neck with it. Lockhart was looking to leave, he made some quick excuses and after disarming the fool. The only thing he taught us all year by the way, he ‘encouraged’ us to think of where or what was in the Chamber.”

  “I had contemplated for a while now that the monster should have been a type of legendary snake, but since I wasn’t talking to anyone but ‘Mione…” Harry shrugs at this point, his voice going hoarse. “Could I have some water?”

  Madame Pomfrey wordlessly handed him a glass of water. After taking a few sips he continued on. “So since I discovered I was a parselmouth, I figured out the ‘voices’ I was hearing was just a large snake travelling around the castle somehow. The question I needed to answer was… how?”

  “So, I mentioned that to Ron and Lockhart during his cowardly rambling about various ‘feats’ he had done and mentioned something about hearing stuff he thought was ‘through’ a wall, which he later discovered was a secret room ‘in’ the wall.”

  “That’s where I had my ‘AHA’ moment. The famous ‘Eureka!’ of Archimedes.” Shrugging he turned to the aurors. “That’s when I thought of pipes, that an old castle must have plumbing right? So that was probably how the creature got around. Turned out I was more right than I thought.”

  “I remembered how most of the incidents were on the second or third floor, and that also every time there was an incident one of the toilets on the second floor was always flooding. I distinctly remember Filch complaining about the mess the kids were making you see.”

  “Ahh, smart boy Mr.Potter. Excellent deduction, it's such a shame the professors and I never thought along such lines.” Flitwick chuckled, amazed at how Harry figured things out. At wand point no less!

  “Well you weren’t being threatened with death if you didn’t figure it out, so I don’t blame you.” Harry said, in a monotone. The gasps of the Weasley family were quiet but obvious. If it wasn’t for the Aurors glaring at them, he would have been doing the same. “So we went to the bathroom where Moaning Myrtle lives and I had another lightbulb moment. I asked myself why there is a ghost here? And when was it that she started haunting here? So we talked, she explained seeing some big eyes before she died behind some sinks in that bathroom when she unfortunately passed away fifty years ago.”

  “That doesn’t explain the large snake though.”

  “Oh that’s easy, me and Mione researched all mythical snakes after I was accused of being the Heir. Top of the list was a basilisk. Honestly, it could have only been a basilisk, since it was the only snake that could damage anyone through indirect contact. All other snakes are just scary venomous.”

  “That Mr. Potter is incredibly smart. Great use of reasoning, why didn’t you come to us sooner with this information?” Flitwick asked, gobsmacked at how obvious it all seemed.

  “Well I was being given the cold-shoulder treatment by everyone. So why should I? Besides, I didn’t have the answer as to why everyone was being petrified and not killed. It wasn’t until I was down in that bathroom that I figured it out.”

  “Everyone saw an ‘indirect’ image of the basilisk. Colin Creevey through his camera, Mrs. Norris through the reflection in the water, Justin through nearly headless Nick.”

  Face palms from some of the aurors, they started glaring at all the professors now. “See this Professors? Being shown up by a fourteen year old boy, this is why you call in the professionals. The answer was in front of you from the very beginning.”

  The dramatic pause for the shame to sink in was marvelous, if Harry did say so himself. “You should consider joining us when you leave school, young man. You have the lateral thinking to be a good Auror. Please keep us in mind.” This middle-aged woman was showing him the first gentle smile he had seen for over a year. It was like a beam of sunlight through rain clouds on his psyche.

  “I’m sorry, you have me at a disadvantage Mrs…?”

  “Amelia Bones, Head of the DMLE.”

  “I appreciate the vote of confidence and the kindness in your smile ma’am. This is the first time I’ve been complimented by anyone in months…” Turning to stare out the window, with tears welling up in his eyes. It wasn’t that hard to channel the pain of the past year of his life. Inwardly though he was jumping for joy. He reckoned he could get an oscar for how they were responding to his story.

  Before he could continue on, they saw a flashes of spellfire, and heard a crack of stone as Minerva twitched in furious anger. Seeing that she was about to erupt even the Aurors were fearful. She had trained them from a young age, since they were students, to be scared of her wrath after all.

  “You already knew, didn't you Albus?” She whispered, “How could you dare to play games with these children’s lives.”

  “It was for the Greater Good, I suppose, yes?” she stated. A crazy glint formed in her eye. As the great Dumbledore started to flinch in fear he reached for his wand, desperate to prevent his demise.

  “Expelliarmus!” She all but screamed. Snatching the odd knobbled wand out of the air, her opponent ricocheted against the floor. “Please restrain the fool before I KILL HIM!” she screamed.

  Her aura spiked, filling the room with a projection of her emotions, one of majesty and rage. “Please professor… you’re scaring me…” Harry whispered.