Harry Potter and the Heir of Slytherin

Severus tore open the envelope which had just been delivered by Lucius' personal elf; he had been just about to leave for breakfast when the elf arrived. The letter contained in the envelope was from Amelia Bones and it was short and to the point. Vernon Dursley’s trial was over.

Fortunately, Harry had not been required to attend, as the trial had only dealt with the charges of the attempted extortion of Lucius Malfoy and threatening the Statute of Secrecy. Dursley had been found guilty on both charges and sentenced to eight years for extortion and twenty five years for threatening the Statute of Secrecy. The Wizengamot had decreed that he would serve his sentences concurrently in a high security prison in Wales; the facility was for those who had committed crimes against the Magical World but could not be sent to Azkaban due to their status as muggles or squibs.

The potions master raised an eyebrow at the sentence handed down to Petunia Dursley. Severus had provided testimony at her trial; advising the court that Petunia had been more than willing to help him when he came to see about removing Harry from the house. The court it seemed had regarded his testimony as evidence of genuine remorse. Dudley, who was only twelve, had not been tried but had been ordered to see a psychiatrist once a month until he finished school to address his behaviour towards his cousin.

Harry would have to be told. Severus knew his young charge was not keen to pursue action against Vernon for the abuse he suffered at the man’s hands and given that Vernon would be well in his sixties by the time he was due for release, Harry might decide not to press further changes. However, the ministry could and probably would still do so on his behalf. Severus could not really blame Harry for his reluctance to press charges; the outcry from the Wizarding public would be huge if the details of his childhood were to be released and Harry hated being subjected to such attention.

The potions master put the letter down on his desk he would ask Harry to come and see him on the weekend and they could discuss what if anything Harry wanted to do about the court proceedings. 

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Harry had managed to have a quiet start to the term; he had deliberately not drawn any attention to himself and apart from a few side-long looks from the Gryffindors he had not had any unwanted attention. The presence of Unspeakable Rookwood seemed to reassure people that something was being done to protect them and as there had been no further attacks people had moved on  and settled into focusing on their study. 

The lack of harassment by other students meant Harry could move around the castle without his escorts and much to Draco’s horror he had taken to spending time with Hagrid; helping feed and care for the magical creatures who lived at Hogwarts. Harry had been out walking in the grounds on the first Saturday of term when he had stumbled across Hagrid feeding the Thestrals. He had been entranced by the sight of the grey, skeletal beasts; they were elegant and had an air of peace about them. Harry had returned the following weekend and then every weekend after that to help with feeding the herd. The horse-like creatures were really rather sweet once you got past their slightly terrifying appearance and Harry found being around them soothed his anxiety, which was ever present since he had seen the Dark Lord’s servant return. Hogwarts, it turned out, had the largest herd of Thestrals in Britain and Harry had been especially delighted to be able to interact with the young foals of the herd. 

Hagrid had been happy to have Harry's help but had made a terrible fuss when he realised Harry could see the Thestrals. Harry had quickly made up a story about finding the body of a man in a muggle park. Privately, Harry was not sure finding a dead body would cause him to be able to see the Thestrals but Hagrid believed the story and since it prevented the half giant from bawling about Harry’s parents he took it as a win.

It was peaceful here on the edge of the forest; Harry patted the head of a mare who was currently resting her head over his shoulder and he allowed himself to relax in the peace and quiet. In spite of the peaceful environment Harry had a lot on his mind; Vernon’s trial had been held, Harry did not know the outcome but Severus had requested his presence for afternoon tea, so he imagined there would be news. The Daily Prophet had published an article detailing the charges against him. Naturally, this had led to speculation about why he would threaten the Magical World, when to do so, would place his nephew at risk. This in turn led to speculation as to why Harry had been removed from his care in the first place; Harry hated the speculation.

Lucius and Counsellor Saari had ensured no actual details of Harry’s childhood had been published; however, someone had leaked the letter which had been left with Harry on the Dursleys' doorstep. Vernon’s lawyer, Pieter Janssen, had cashed in on the publication of the letter and was quoted as saying that the family had been ‘devastated’ to learn of the death of Lily and James Potter in a letter.  “An unsigned letter left on the doorstep with their nephew. This letter was the only contact anyone made with Mr and Mrs Dursley regarding their guardianship of Mr Harry Potter,” Pieter had told the paper. His tone had insinuated that there was much more to the story and this had led to more wild speculation about Harry’s placement with his relatives and his subsequent removal from their care. 

The petrified students were also playing on Harry’s mind. They were missing out on their schooling because the Headmaster insisted on waiting for Madam Sprouts mandrakes to mature.  Harry could not understand why the Headmaster insisted on waiting, when he could simply purchase mature mandrakes and have Severus brew the cure. He knew Severus was suspicious of the man's motives as well, in spite of his insistence the Headmaster knew what was best. Harry suspected that privately the potions master was furious with Dumbledore. 

Then there was Unspeakable Rookwood and Harry’s own, thus far unsubstantiated, theory that Augustus Rookwood was the man he saw returning to the Dark Lord in his scrying mirror.  He had not seen the man’s face in his vision but there was something familiar about the unspeakable and Harry did not trust him. 

Harry sighed and turned his face towards the neck of the mare he was patting; he was about to speak to her when a bright flash startled both Harry and the mare. The Thestral tossed her head and reared up, knocking Harry on his backside, as she fled back into the forest. Harry looked up at the person in front of him; curious to see who had taken a photo of him without permission. A first year in Gryffindor robes, with sandy coloured hair and a huge smile looked back at him from behind a muggle camera, which had a large flash attached. 

“Harry Potter!” the boy exclaimed “I am so excited to meet you. What are you doing here? How did you fall down? It wasn't the flash was it?” the boy asked in quick succession. 

Harry stood up carefully and brushed the dirt off his jeans and jumper but before he could formulate an answer to the boy's questions Hagrid appeared. “Mr Creevey!” the half giant exclaimed, sounding almost angry, Harry thought. “I’ve told ya to keep tha’ camera away from ‘ere ya scared the Thestrals and they knocked poor ‘arry down.” 

The younger boy looked crestfallen and he looked at the ground as he apologised to Harry and Hagrid. “I am sorry Mr Hagrid, I just wanted to get a photo of Harry to send to my parents. They are muggles and they are so interested in learning all about Hogwarts and I thought they’d like to see a picture of Harry Potter. I have read all about you and I’ve told them loads about what I read,” the young boy apologised. Then he looked up with a frown. “What’s a Thestral?” he asked. “I didn't see any creature.”

Harry put up his hand to stop the flow of words. “It’s alright Mr…er Creevey,” he said. “However, I would prefer you ask permission before taking photos of me,” he told the young Gryffindor.

“Oh, I am sorry,” the young lion said, he looked devastated and Harry felt terrible. 

“It’s all right, it’s just that my guardian doesn't like there to be too many photos of me around. We don't want them to end up in the newspaper,” he lied. He knew the Daily Prophet would not dare to print a photo of him. If they did, Lucius would carry through on his threats of legal action.

Colin Creevey looked shocked. “No, I would never sell it. It's just for my parents. I am sorry though; we haven't even met properly. I am Colin Creevey, first year Gryffindor,” the boy said, holding out his hand and Harry shook the offered hand.  “I had no idea I was a wizard until Professor McGonagall came to visit with my letter. My parents are muggles and they want to know all about the Magical World,” Colin enthused. 

Harry could not help but smile at the enthusiastic young lion. He felt almost a little jealous of Colin. He wished he could have felt the same carefree excitement coming to Hogwarts for the first time. He had of course been excited to leave the Dursleys but he had still had so many reservations. He tried not to think about what it might have been like if he had a family who loved him and cared enough to be excited for him and who wanted to know about his time at school. Still he had been incredibly fortunate to be sorted into the Slytherin and to find Severus and through him the Malfoys; they were his family now and they did care about him.

Hagrid sent Colin on his way shortly after that; with a warning to leave the camera in his dormitory if he wanted to visit the animals. Harry went back to soothe the mare who had been startled by the camera flash. Then he helped Hagrid feed the rest of his animals before heading back to the common room for a while before he was due in Severus’ quarters for tea. He decided he would talk to Severus about letting Colin have a photo. 

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Augustus Rookwood scrubbed a hand over his face; he was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain his focus on his job and he was annoyed with himself. He was an unspeakable and a loyal Death Eater he should be better able to control his emotions but the waiting was excruciating. 

He had completed his tasks and everything was in place for the Dark Lord to make his move. This was what he had been waiting for for the past twelve years, it was so close he could taste it and he was reacting like an over excited school girl at a Weird Sisters concert. He wished he had been able to extend his stay at Hogwarts; he would give anything to be there when the next attack happened. However his Lord had ordered him to leave and he understood why, it would not do for him to be there when the attack happened; it was essential he be sent back to Hogwarts by the Ministry. 

So he waited less than patiently for the Minister to call him into action. 

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Harry approached the painting of the snake which guarded the entrance to Severus’ private quarters and hissed a greeting to the large serpent. The snake was wrapped around a tree branch and seemed to be sleeping peacefully; however, she raised her head at the sound of Harry’s approach. “Good afternoon speaker,” she hissed softly. 

“Good afternoon beauty,” he replied. “Why do you call me, speaker?” he asked her. 

“It is simply a polite greeting to a human who can speak to us. We use it if we do not know a person's name or have not been given leave to use their name, ” the snake replied. 

“I see, well then,  Please call me Harry,” he told her.

“As you wish Harry, my name is Anya,” she told him.

“Thank you Anya, is Severus in?” Harry asked.

“He is, and he is waiting for you, you must give the password though I cannot let anyone in without it,” Anya told him. 

“Of course,” Harry said and hissed the password.

The painting swung open at the word and Harry stepped inside and found Severus reading in his favourite chair while he waited for him. The older man looked up as Harry walked towards him. “Harry, right on time,” he said with a smile as put down the book. 

Harry walked over to the man and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Of course Severus, I wouldn't dare be late,” he said with a cheeky smile.

“Brat,” Severus said fondly as Harry sat on the sofa. 

“I had  a letter from Madam Bones about your relatives,” Severus said, deciding to get the unpleasantness out of the way first  so they could then enjoy their afternoon together. 

Harry stiffened slightly and looked at his betrothed but the man was giving nothing away. “Oh yes,” he said, hoping he sounded nonchalant. 

“The trials are over, your aunt received a suspended sentence and is required to attend counselling, she also has to complete community service and was given a fine.  Dudley wasn't charged but he has been ordered to see a psychiatrist every month until he finishes school.  Your uncle will be spending the next 33 years at Aldercross prison in Wales,” Severus told him. 

Harry closed his eyes and allowed his mind to process what Severus had told him. He had known this would be the likely outcome; Councellor Saari had told him as much.  “I don't know what to say about that; Aunt Petunia will be horrified with having to do community service. Can she afford to pay the fine?”

Severus gave a single nod. “I have seen to it that she will have enough money to cover the fine, her legal fees and still be able to live in her home,” the man told him.

Harry opened his eyes and smiled at his betrothed. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Your parents do not know…” Severus said softly. 

“No, they wouldn’t understand. Thank you for understanding,” Harry said, putting his small hand on Severus’ arm.  

Severus inclined his head and the conversation moved to less unpleasant topics for the rest of the afternoon. Harry told Severus about the encounter with Colin Creevey and his request for a photo. Severus had the advantage of knowing Colin at least as well as he knew any of the Gryffindor first years. He saw no obvious harm in Harry obliging the young lion but told Harry he would check with Lucius. 

Harry left Severus quarters just before dinner time feeling much more settled. He had not realised how anxious he had been about his relatives' trials until Severus had brought them up, now that they were over and he could put them in the past.  

Vernon being sentenced to 33 years in prison was a good thing. Harry was glad he would be punished for his actions against Lucius and his threat to the Wizarding World. Harry knew without a doubt his Uncle would have carried out those threats; imbecile that he was he had no idea of the effect such a revelation would have on both the Magical and non Magical Worlds.

Harry was also glad Petunia would be punished; the community service was actually a perfect punishment for his aunt. She would be mortified by it, more so than by any prison sentence. Dudley would benefit from the counselling, hopefully it would give him the chance to become a decent person; it wasn’t entirely his fault that he was such a bully, it was how he had been raised. 

As much as Harry knew his aunt deserved to be punished he was also glad Severus had made sure she and Dudley would be able to pay their legal fees and fines without bankrupting themselves. No matter what they had done he could not imagine his mother would want them starving on the streets and neither did Harry desire such a thing.

He thanked Merlin that Severus knew him so well.

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The term continued without incident and Harry began to relax into an almost boring routine. He focused on his school work which was going very well. He had taken Professor Fitwicks advice and not let his need to hide his power affect the display of his talent and he was soon Draco’s closest rival for top of the year; since Hermione was still in the hospital wing.

Augustus Rookwood had eventually declared he was leaving the school; before he left he assured the staff and students in an address to the school that he had sealed the Chamber of Secrets and as there had been no more attacks he was confident the school was safe.

 As February drew to a close; the discussions around Harry being the Heir of Slytherin had all but disappeared; most people believed  that Unspeakable Rookwood had successfully sealed the Chamber. 

However, others were not so sure and some speculation was still heard around the corridors. Harry had overheard an older Ravenclaw girl, one of the group who had discovered Hermione, telling people to use a hand mirror to look around corners to avoid being killed. 

On the whole though it seemed that life at Hogwarts had finally settled into a normal rhythm. 

It was of course too good to be true and something had to give. It was late on a Friday evening at the end of March when the illusion of safety was shattered by another attack. A fifth year Ravenclaw called Penelope Clearwater and Colin Creevey were both found petrified by a group of Hufflepuffs returning to the common room before dinner.

The alarm was raised and the staff swung quickly into action. Albus was infuriated; Rookwood had sworn the Chamber was sealed. This was not good news. He would not be able to contain the story for much longer, parents were getting restless, demanding he stop the attacks. It was a wonder no one had contacted the Daily Prophet yet.

The Headmaster made his way back to office deep in thought he planned to do some more of his own research, probably only a Parselmouth could properly seal the Chamber, or maybe only the Heir of Slytherin; neither of those two things helped him.

He made his way up the stairs to his office and was unpleasantly surprised to find it occupied by the Minister for Magic, Aurors Shacklebolt and Robards, Unspeakables Rookwood and Croaker as well as Lucius Malfoy and Lady Augusta Longbottom.

“Another attack Dumbledore?” Fudge demanded in lieu of a greeting. 

Albus drew himself up to his full height. “What are you doing here Fudge,” he growled.

“We have come for Hagrid, this is too much now Headmaster the Ministry must act,” he said pompously. “I will also need to see young Mr Potter.” 

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The Slytherin students were relaxing around the fire or in their dormitories preparing for bed when Professor Snape appeared in the common room accompanied by a tall dark skinned man in red Auror robes. 

Severus walked down the steps into the sitting area and towards Harry he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Harry looked up and saw the worried expression on the man’s face and his stomach dropped.

“Professor, is everything ok?”  Harry asked nervously. Somehow he knew exactly what his betrothed was going to say. 

Severus felt sick, everything was not ok. Until Augustus Rookwood had turned up at the door of his quarters, he had truly hoped this would all end after the Dark Lord got his diary back. He looked at the young boy who was staring up at him with wide eyed concern. “I am sorry Harry,” Severus said. “...but there has been another attack and I need you to come with me.” 

Harry looked up at his Head of House and raised his eyebrow in silent question. “Miss Penelope Clearwater and Mr Colin Creevey, have both been petrified, the Minister would like to talk to you,” Severus said in a low voice. 

“Colin?” Harry said in surprise. “Colin was petrified? How? When?” Harry stammered. 

“It appears Mr Creevey was walking behind Miss Clearwater in a corridor on the second floor. Miss Clearwater was looking around the corner with a mirror when she encountered the beast; Mr Creevey seems to have been trying to take a photo of it,” Severus told him.

“Harry, has been here all night,” Pansy interjected defensively.

“Yeah, he hasn't left the common room since we got back from dinner and he was with us before dinner too,” Theo added.

The Professor looked at his students and gave them a sharp nod of approval. “Good, the Minister may ask you to confirm Harry's story, we shall see what happens,” he replied.

Harry stood up at that and after giving Draco’s hand a reassuring squeeze he followed Severus up the stairs and out of the common room the Auror followed behind them both. 

Ten minutes later they stepped into the Headmaster’s somewhat crowded office. Lucius was there, Harry noted. He had drawn himself up to his full height and was looking down his nose at the Minister, his cane grasped tightly in his hands.

Next to Lucius was a women Harry had only seen once before, when she came to collect Neville at the end of first year. Lady Longbottom’s dark green robe and hat adorned with a stuffed vulture were unforgettable; she was holding a large red bag close to her body and she looked furious. Professor McGonagall and for some reason Hagrid were also present.

Unspeakable Rookwood, Minister Fudge, another Auror and a man Harry didn't know were standing on the other side of Dumbledore's desk. The Auror escorting Harry and Severus, who Harry now recognised as Auror Shacklebolt, one of the two Aurors who had come to Hogwarts the night of Harry’s sorting; guided Harry over to where the Minister was standing. 

“Ahh Harry,” Fudge said with a strained smile. Then he turned to Severus. “No trouble finding him then, Severus?” he asked the potions master. 

“Mr Potter was in the Slytherin common room with his friends as I said he would be,” Snape replied evenly. “The other students are willing to testify that he has been there since dinner.”

“Of course, yes, yes, as I expected, I am sure their testimony won't be needed, Severus,” he said, sounding relieved.  He turned to Dumbledore. “Well Albus there is nothing for it, another attack means the Ministry has to act. I am afraid Hagrid will have to come with us,” Fudge said, waving his hand at Hagrid. “Aurors Robards and Shacklebolt, if you would,” he said looking at his Aurors. 

The Auror who had accompanied Harry and Severus from the common room took a step towards Hagrid; the half giant appeared to be frozen on the spot, then he started to shake his head. He looked terrified and somehow smaller. “No, No, it wasn’t me, it was never Aragog ‘e lives in the forest, ‘e never comes near th’ school. Ask ‘im, go an’ ask ‘im,” the giant blustered. 

 The tall dark skinned Auror spoke with a deep, authoritative yet somehow soothing voice. “Come on Hagrid, no point making this any harder than it needs to be,” he said, taking the half giant by the arm and leading him from the office Auror Robards followed silently behind. 

Albus Dumbledore was furious. “Fudge!” He said in a hard cold voice. “ How dare you turn up here and take away my staff with no warning and giving no chance for a defence to be prepared. Just how did you know about the attack?” 

“That, Headmaster, was our doing,” Lucius announced smoothly. “The board was concerned that we were not consulted about Unspeakable Rookwood being brought in to deal with the Opening of the Chamber of Secrets. We asked the Ministry to keep an eye on things. Madam Bones approved our request for Unspeakable Rookwood to install an alarm on the entrance to the Chamber and tonight it was activated. We came the moment we were informed.”

Lady Longbottom stepped forward and glared at the Headmaster. “As Lord Malfoy said, we were concerned, Headmaster.  Clearly, Harry Potter was in his house common room with his friends and you say it was not Hagrid, I tend to agree it is very unlikely to have been him. However, the fact remains that two more students have been attacked. Something must be done and as you have done nothing the board is stepping in. You are hereby relieved of your duties, Professor McGonagall will step into the position of Headmistress; she will be assisted in this role by Professors Snape and Flitwick. We will be bringing back Unspeakable Rookwood and his colleague Unspeakable Croaker to keep a watch on the Chamber and determine who is responsible for opening it,” she announced. 

“I hardly think removing me is necessary, Lady Longbottom,” Albus began. 

“It is the principle of the thing Albus. You assured the board and me in particular that you had taken steps to ensure student safety; that you had increased the protections on the Castle after the debacle last year. That ridiculous obstacle course could have cost my grandson his life. You assured me he would be safe this year but it appears your assurances mean nothing. You will be suspended from duty for a period of six weeks, during which time the Chamber of Secrets will be dealt with by the Department of Mysteries. We will review the situation on the 28th of March,” Lady Longbottom told him in a firm tone.

The Headmaster stood up from his chair looking thunderous. “If I leave the school, children will die!” he told her. 

“That is entirely possible, even if you stay, Albus,” Minerva McGonagall said, speaking for the first time. “I accept the board's appointment. I am honoured by their trust in me and I will be grateful for the assistance of my colleagues,” she said firmly.

Turning to Severus she said “I think Mr Potter can return to his dormitory now, it is after curfew. If you would escort him please Severus and then come and meet with Filius and myself,” the new acting Headmistress requested.

Severus inclined his head “Yes, of course Headmistress,” he said. Then he guided Harry out of the office as Albus Dumbledore began to argue loudly with the Minister for Magic.

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The following morning at breakfast the Minister for Magic arrived and insisted on making the announcement regarding the Headmaster and Grounds Keeper.  He told the students that the Unspeakables would return to the school for the next six weeks, he also advised that Hagrid was helping the Ministry with their enquiries. Harry smirked at the Minister's wording; the moment they had left the Headmaster's office the previous night, Harry had begged Severus to contact his lawyer and ask her to go to the ministry to help Hagrid. Obviously, Miss Saari had already been in contact with the Minister.

Fudge attempted to reassure the students that the measures were for their safety and that the return of the Unspeakables would ensure the school was safe. Finally he announced that the Headmaster had been suspended by the board for a period of six weeks while the Unspeakables were in the school. Fudge stopped speaking and there was a moment of complete silence and then there was uproar. 

The Gryffindors immediately declared Harry public enemy number one, with Ron Weasley yelling the loudest that it should have been Harry who was arrested, not Hagrid. He was joined by many others at the table who shouted about Harry being a parselmouth and the heir of Slytherin. 

Fudge, who had until that moment not known either of those things about Harry began to bluster. Denying the accusations and insisting the students sit down before they were charged with slander. It was at this point that the acting Headmistress stepped in taking points and assigning detention until her Lions stopped yelling. She then cancelled class for the day and instructed the students to head straight back to their common rooms and wait for their Heads of House. 

Slowly, the students stood and began to leave the Great Hall under the direction of the prefects. The Gryffindors still scowling at Harry and muttering among themselves, the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs on the other hand fixed their eyes on the ground and left without so much as a glance at the Slytherin table. 

No one noticed that Ginny Weasley was not at breakfast.