Shadowed Mystery

Alyssa has just about had enough with people as she made her way through the halls, hidden in the combined safety of the shadows and Harry’s invisibility cloak.  

With the student’s insisting that Harry was their heir, and was planning another attack.

Those who insisted he had someone petrified a ghost on his own. Or that he was the one commanding the creature that had now attacked not only Mrs. Norris and Creevy, but Nick and Justin Finch-Fletchly as well.

Of the first years that ate up everything they were told and had turned quickly against Harry.

Of the continued Hypocrisy of Gryffindor being the first to turn on it’s members; even if it was mostly just the first and second years this time.

Of his friends for not heading the fact that nothing would come of visiting Slytherin in disguise.

Of Percy’s refusal to let Alyssa into the Gryffindor common room to try and talk to Ginny herself, no matter how much it might ‘help her mood.’

At herself for not being able to think that maybe he could have also used the potion to get into the common room and explain it to Ginny through a message.

No. Now she just paced the halls, partly waiting for Slytherin’s monster to try and attack them to get a change to have a go at it. To catch it in the act of petrifying someone and cleave it with his Great Knife to permanently end the strife that was going through the schools.  If they could deal with it before the end of the year, before Easter break, it would be a load off their shoulders.

As he rounded a corner, a strange sound hit Alyssa’s ears and they froze in slight confusion. They were fairly sure they could head muffled yelling in the distance, but no one else was even reacting. Not that there was anyone else in the halls that she knew of.

Slowly heading forward, Alyssa made her way down a narrow hallway, heart racing slightly as they found themselves outside an abandoned classroom, the door slightly ajar. The closer they got the louder the yells were louder, mixed with the sound of someone struggling against restraints.

Not only that but Alyssa could distinctly hear the sound of pained sobbing.

“I told you to shut up.”

Lockheart’s voice made Alyssa’s blood run cold as they carefully pushed the door a little more open. As they did their eyes landed on Remus, naked and chained to a wall with unmistakably silver chains. On the opposite side of the dim; but not dark-dark, room Snape was tightly bound to a chair and gaged.

Lockheart was standing in front of Remus; not only naked but very clearly aroused by the situation. As he lashed Remus with a darker gray chain, Snape let out a shout.

“Oh come now Severus, what did you expect after that little show of yours?” He said coolly, smiling a sickening sweet smile. “Of course  it was hard to get close to my darling Remus since Alyssa and her friends warned him to not go anywhere alone, but I’m afraid  that this wasn’t just meant for them.”

Before Alyssa could react he felt her muscles go rigged, falling forward with a small thud.

“Only one place to aim darling.” Alyssa reached for their magic,  fighting as the cloak was removed and they were carried to a second chair by Snape.

“I’m not stupid, I have the room warded. And I’m not going to hurt you-“ Lockheart chained his arms together before releasing the spell, forcing them to sit before tying them up as well, duck taping their mouth. “You’re going to watch.”

Alyssa fell silent quickly scanning as much of the room as she could as Lockheart made his way back to Remus. He hadn’t removed Alyssa’s wand from his ear, so he had one chance to cast one spell while Lockheart’s back was turned. After a bit his eyes landed on the target, mind focusing on the task at hand rather than most of what was happening around them.

They couldn’t feel their shadow magic, but they still had magic.

Taking her time Alyssa rocked, stopping any time Lockhart turned to scold Snape, or caress part of Alyssa’s body.

Soon his wand fell into her lap and Alyssa just managed to snag it as they rolled it off  their lap. Quickly she envisioned the explosion,  focossing on working his magic a little before flicking her wand at the wall.

“Reducto.”

Lockheart had turned to see what Alyssa was doing as the wall where Remus’s chains were looped suddenly exploded, sending them rattling to the ground.  Before Lockheart could recover Remus lunged, snarling and pinned the man to the ground. No wands were reached or needed as Remus proceed to- despite the clear agony the chains were putting him in, pummel the living shit out of Lockheart until he was uncontentious and heavily bleeding, his breath coming in ragged bursts.

“What is all this-“ McGonagall yelped as Remus leaped off Lockheart and; for the first time, wild shifted as he barreled towards his ‘Moonma’. Before she could react he had pounced her to the ground, eagerly kissing her face as he nuzzled against her.

“Get off Mooney.” McGonagall gave him a gently shove, sitting and removing the chains from his limbs before heading up to Alyssa and Snape.

“Will one of you tell me-“

“You can do non-verbal magic?” Snape interrupted the moment his mouth was free. “I’m sorry for interrupting Minerva but that-“ he nodded to the wall. “-Was him.”

“You?”

“I had one chance, one spell and technically I’ve done it before.” Alyssa shrugged rubbing his arms where the ropes had been too tight. “Both times I was some kind of stressed.”

“Very well,” Minerva nodded as Mooney pressed against her for attention. “Mooney you should get to the hospital wing.  If you can’t change back that’s fine, just please be careful.”

Mooney let out a small whine of protect and McGonagall sighed softly. “Very well you can stay with us, but you’re going to the hospital wing first thing in the morning. I do expect you two to explain that happened here.”

Quickly Snape filled in McGonagall as he helped her pick the man up.  After a bit she let out a heavy sigh.

“Mooney get Mx. Wayne to my office please. Severus, help me get him to the hospital wing.”

“Of course Minerva.” Snape nodded. Alyssa quickly took the invisibility cloak before heading off after Mooney.

“So nothing is going to come of this?” Alyssa crossed their arms as they leaned against the couch. “No, why would I think that? It’s not like what Lockhart did was illegal or anything.”

“I understand your represent Mx. Wayne but unfortunately this is out of my hands.” Professor Mcgonagall shook her head, letting out a soft sigh. “I know that Lockhart shouldn't be around children, we all do. I known know what Albus is playing at, but I do know that Remus would be able to take over for the rest of the year on short notice.”

“But Albus doesn’t care. It doesn’t fin into his plan, whatever that be.” Alyssa shook their head.  “Honestly Albus is a different kind of dangerous if he really thinks that not doing anything about Lockhart is the best course of action. But we can’t do anything to change his mind, so we have to just finish this mystery and get on with it. And perhaps something will happen to Lockhart along the way.”

“I’m afraid that may be the only option to deal with him.” McGonagall sighed, shaking her head.

“I’m going to contemplate Myrtle and see if there are any new developments on possible leads.” Alyssa said, sitting suddenly. “It’s just about march and things have gotten really quiet again.”

McGonagall gave a nod and Alyssa headed out, quickly making their way to Myrtles bathroom to find it somewhat flooded.

“Myrtle?”

“Who is it? Have you come to throw more books at me?”

“Throw books?” Alyssa tilted her head. “I thought people were leaving you alone with that sort of thing.”

“Oh, so did I. But I was minding my own business in the u-bend when this book came crashing through my head.”

“It’s possible they weren’t trying to throw it at you per-say, just that they were trying to get rid of it. Which begs the question of why they wanted to get rid of it in the first place.” Alyssa nodded. “Myrtle, do you know who- No you were u bend. Do you know where it ended up?”

“Just over there.” She said, frowning.

“Hey, it’s alright. As bad as this might sound this might be a really good thing.”

“How so?” Myrtle glared ad her friend and Alyssa held up a hand. Quickly they picked up the book, soon locating a name. T.M. Riddle. With a nod they held it out for Myrtle to see.

“Riddle, I remember him. Not a nice boy, but he graduated some years ago.”

“Yeah, he’s also got another name. Voldemort.” Alyssa nodded. “We had the Horcrux. But I wonder, how did Ginny form a bond with this?” Quickly they flipped the pages. “It’s empty so there is no personal information, I wonder if this could be used as a form of communication. I’m going to look into that, and then hopefully send it off to be destroyed. Of course I know Harry can make sure I get rid of it, and I’m not about to spill my hearts over Riddle. But there is a chance that this could be somewhat beneficial in a strange sort of way.”

“How so?”

“Lockheart.” Alyssa nodded, using a bit of magic to dry the book before pocketing it, making their way to a private part of the library to investigate further. Placing it on the desk Alyssa cast detect thoughts, a faint whispering hitting the back of their mind before they simply dismisses the spell, opening the book to the first page. Taking out a quill and ink she quickly wrote.

Hello Riddle :)

The ink faded into the page and Alyssa gave a nod.

I’ll be polite, my name is Alyssa Wayne, but I suspect you knew that already.

I’ve heard about you yes.

Alyssa watched the ink fade, taking a moment to consider a response, curiosity washing over her.

You wouldn’t mind me running a quick test would you? No detect magic or anything, this partly counts towards it even

Oh? Do tell

Sending. I want to know if this is somehow like it. But something tells me it’s really not, considering I know who and what you are. For the most part at least.

There was a pause before Riddle’s response came.

As do I. Shall we share what we know?

You go first then Riddle, I would rather not share my hand too much.

Very well, you are Alyssa Wayne; formerly Alyssa Gillespie. I’ve had a run in with that cult that gave you life. What a fascinating gift, and a horrid curse. I know that you are aromantic, and have two life partners and that you’ve been looking for me for quite some time. I also can sense that you have quite the power within you, connected to whatever happened when Potter shattered the Mirror of Erised.

Queen.

What?

He prefers Queen. Also The Horcrux in his head has been removed so. Not even sure that one was intentional or not.

That’s good to know. Now I believe it’s your turn.

Very well. Your name is Tom Riddle, but you are also known as Lord Voldemort. This object is what is known as a Horcrux, which you’ve been using to attack students; indirectly, through the possession of another student. I know that you managed to frame Hagrid for what you did, and I know what the monster is. Its a Basklisk.

There was a long pause and Alyssa couldn’t help but smirk at themselves as the response came.

Very good for a Mudblood.

Such pathetic language coming from someone who is probably half blood at “best”, considering this had to be bought in a muggle village. It’s the way its made if your wondering, Wizards have a very particular way of binding boos that are just about this old. Now I have a question.

What is it Alysssa?

The destruction of a Horcrux requires the vessel to be destroyed beyond repair. Your using a book that just managed to get soaking wet. Dose that mean that the soul bit is more in the binding or is this just really good quality paper?

There was a long pause again.

I… Don’t know. I doubt you could truly soak it through considering that it is; as you say, a Horcrux. But since I answered a question I want one in return.

Very well.

Why haven't you destroyed me yet?

Curiosity.  I don’t think that I can over share too much, and you know what you are and aren’t willing to share. So why don’t we keep this up and have a little talk.

You fascinate me Alyssa Wayne, I’ll humor you.

Keep the questions equal.

That’s acceptable. Of course I will be trying to take over the more you use me. Of course I can tell that wont deter you.

Wouldn’t that break your connection to Ginny?

Riddle paused.

Clever. You want me to let go of the Weasley girl and try to latch onto you. Well, she is still my puppet, even  if it is harder to give her commands without direct access. I can still send her whisperers.

What is it that you actually want from me?

Lockhart, kill him. Don’t leave a body.

There was a long pause, as if Riddle was contemplating the request.

You want me to kill Lockhart. Why would I want to do that?

He attempted to groom me, and had actively sexually assaulted several people. Evil and standards and all that. Bedsides, he’s boasting about how he could single handedly take you on.

You truly have no qualms about this.

No.

I cant get commands to my pet if I’m in your possession.

If I may escalate.

Go ahead.

I have a theory on this. Your draining Ginny’s life in some way, shape or form in an attempt to return to a body. Ginny is resisting you, but you have her in your holds. How about this. Let’s not get Harry involved, no one else needs to know this exchange even happened.

But?

It’s the first week of March. Why don’t we meet in person  in the Chamber of Secrets in a weeks time. I have a feeling my blood could burn this, and I wonder if I no longer need my eyes if the snakes abilities would work.

So it’s true your a daemon.

Is Ron still on about that?

He mentioned it a few times apparently. I think I can agree to that meeting, but how are you going to get Lockhart to the Chamber?

People tend to follow my shadow through the fog. Trust in a child and all that.

Very good. I’ll see you in a weeks time. Now how are you going to get me back to the young Mrs. Wealsey?

I’ll find a way.