Previously on "The Vanishing Cabinet of Time...
The wall began to change shape and soon formed an archway, much like the entrance to Diagon Alley. The room beyond the archway was pitch black. Harry looked at Tonks and Amelia.
"Shall we go inside?" he asked.
Amelia nodded, pointed her wand ahead of her, then walked forward.
Tonks sighed. "We better not regret this."
Harry snickered, cast a Lumos Charm, and walked into the room.
As Harry entered the new room, Amelia flourished her wand above her. Flames appeared on wall sconces, as well as a hearth across the room, giving Harry, Amelia and Tonks a better view at the room they had entered. It appeared to be an office of some kind. On the left side of the room was a wooden desk that resembled the one in Dumbledore's office, as well as a wooden chair that looked oddly comfortable. A bookcase stood near the desk. On the right side of the room, near the fireplace were two wooden rocking chairs. There was also a flimsy cot-like bed that reminded Harry of the one in his old cupboard at Number Four Privet Drive. Harry could not see Salazar Slytherin sleeping in a bed like that every day, and figured he had only slept in it when he didn't want to return to the surface. He likely spent days at a time down here, hiding from the other founders.
There was also another doorway on the opposite side of the room.
"Harry, remain still for a moment," Amelia said, "Knowing Salazar Slytherin, he might have laid some booby traps around."
"You really think any hexes and curses Old Sally lay around are still active after a thousand years?" Tonks asked.
"Perhaps," Amelia said, "Slytherin had one of the most brilliant, cunning and dangerous minds of all time, if legends are correct. Tread carefully and look for any traps."
As Amelia and Tonks began flourishing their wands around the room, checking for hexes, curses and traps, Harry glanced around at the room, from the position he stood in. He wondered if Tom Riddle had discovered this room. Then he realized, as he looked at the bookcase, that it was probably unlikely. There appeared to be several tomes and scrolls on the shelves. If Tom Riddle had found the room, he probably would have plundered everything inside.
"Find anything, Cadet?" Amelia asked.
"Nothing, boss," Tonks said.
"Me neither," Amelia said, "But I suppose Slytherin might have welcomed anyone into this room as long as they could speak Parseltongue. Feel free to look around, Harry. Cadet, check what is behind that door."
"It is likely just a thousand year old water closet," Tonks said, "Bet the smell is horrible! I am not entirely sure even witches and wizards knew the leisure of plumbing back then."
Harry snickered and walked over to the bookshelf. Meanwhile, Amelia was exploring the desk. Tonks opened the door and shone her lit wand into the room.
"Well, it isn't a water closet," Tonks said, "There are stairs going upwards. You know – I think we discovered the back door of the Chamber. Where do you reckon it goes?"
"We can find out when we're finished here," Amelia said.
"Alright," Tonks said, "Find anything good, Harry?"
"Tomes and scrolls," Harry said, "From the writing on the covers of the books, it appears they are written in Parselscript."
"The Unspeakables at the Department of Mysteries would give a lot of Galleons for all of that," Amelia said, "But it is your discovery, Harry. Do what you want with it."
"You're sure?" Harry asked, shocked.
"We wouldn't have found any of this if it wasn't for you," Amelia said. "I'm sure you can find a lot of information in those books."
"Did someone say books?" Hermione asked, then gasped, "Merlin, this is amazing!"
Harry looked over his shoulder and saw Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Colin.
"Should have known you'd follow us in here," Harry said.
"Well, Professor McGonagall did say we needed to keep in the eyesight of Amelia and Tonks," Hermione said, as she walked over to Harry; her eyes widened when she looked at the bookshelf, then she gingerly picked up a book and looked at it. "Parselscript, eh? Darn it. What knowledge there must be in these books! It would be fascinating to read them all."
"I could probably translate them all to English," Harry said.
"Ooh, brilliant idea!" Hermione said; she opened the book and turned the pages. "Harry? I think this might be a journal! It doesn't read like a book... seems to be entries and even a few drawings."
"Probably Slytherin's journal," Harry said; he looked at that book, then looked back at the shelf, where there were several like it, "and it seems there are more volumes as well."
"It could take years to translate all of this!" Hermione said. "If you were to translate them all, and publish them, you could make a load of Galleons."
"I'll consider it," Harry said.
"Hey, look at this!" Ginny said. "It was under the bed."
Harry and Hermione turned around. Ginny was on her knees near the bed, and was looking at what appeared to be a trunk or chest of some kind.
"Let me take a look at that," Tonks said, "Make sure there aren't any hexes on it. I imagine this is where Sally kept some of his treasures he mentioned outside on the wall."
"Find anything interesting, Madam Bones?" Harry asked.
"Seems like Slytherin used this desk simply to write notes and what-not," Amelia said, "All I can find is old parchment, quills, and inkwells that are dried up. The desk has a few scratches on it."
Harry raised his eyebrows as a thought crossed his mind, and he walked over to the desk. He glanced at the desk and found that the "scratches" were phrases in Parselscript.
"Seems like Slytherin used the desk as a notepad or something," Harry said, "There are phrases here."
"Can you translate them to English?" Hermione asked.
Harry studied the desk and read the words aloud. "Vanish. Time. Battle. Dark. There's one more. Light... maybe? Part of the word is scratched out. Sounds just like random words."
"Perhaps Salazar Slytherin was an author?" Luna suggested. "Maybe he was writing a story and these were brainstorming ideas."
"Maybe," Harry said, "Might find something out about it in his journals. Good reading material for the summer."
"Alright, now I am intrigued," Tonks said, "There are some rather dangerous curses and hexes on this chest. Nothing I can manage. I think we should hand this over to a Cursebreaker."
"My brother Bill is a Cursebreaker!" Ginny said, "I bet he would do it. I think he is coming home this summer to spend some time with the family."
"Then we'll look into it this summer," Harry said. "Wish I brought my Undetectable Extension Bag with me to carry all of this."
"Ooh, I have one with me," Tonks said, "Used it to pack up some clothes for my stay with you. We could put everything inside and take it out when we get to your Quarters."
"Good idea," Harry said.
"Let's pack everything up that is useful – the books and scrolls, and that trunk – and return to the main area for now," Amelia said, "We can see where those stairs lead when the harvesters are through with the Basilisk."
Harry agreed. He and Hermione collected the books and placed them in Tonks' bag, as well as the three Basilisk fangs Ragnok had given Harry. Then Tonks used a levitating charm to place the trunk inside. Then everyone returned to the main area of the Chamber. Carver, his fellow harvester, and the security guard had returned as well.
"Find anything, Carver?" Harry asked.
"Several more snake-skins of various sizes," Carver said, "Those that can't be used for armor and outfits might be useful as Potions ingredients."
"We uncovered several books and scrolls all written in Parselscript," Harry said. "Salazar Slytherin's journals amongst them."
"A priceless treasure!" Ragnok said, "May you find much knowledge."
"We also found what appears to be the back door of the Chamber," Amelia said, "I think we should exit through that way. I have reason to believe Albus Dumbledore may be waiting for us in the bathroom."
"Persistent old man, isn't he?" Tonks asked.
"Quite," Ragnok said, "Carver tells me we could be down here for a couple more hours or so, and I wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore waited that long in the bathroom."
"Why didn't Professor Dumbledore come along with us, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"If he did, do you really think he would have let me claim everything I found in that room back there?" Harry asked. "The answer is no. He'd claim it for himself, then hide it somewhere when he realizes he can't decipher it. All this possible knowledge, once again hidden from sight. No thanks. Aside from that, he would have also attempted, once again, to take his claim on the Basilisk, even though he had nothing to do with its death."
"Didn't he send Fawkes and the Sorting Hat down here?" Ginny asked.
"I am starting to suspect that Fawkes did that all on his own," Harry said.
"True," Hermione said. "After all, Dumbledore had no way of knowing that you had come down here, nor that you needed help."
"Precisely," Harry said. "To answer your question, Ginny. I suspect this Basilisk will amass a great fortune. I am sure Dumbledore wants to claim part, if not all of it. Hogwarts will get a percentage of the fortune, but it won't go anywhere near Dumbledore's pockets."
"We'll make sure of that, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "Count on it."
Over the next two hours, whilst the humans talked about random topics, the Goblins continued harvesting the Basilisk, and storing the various parts in different containers. At one point, they transferred several gallons of dark red blood in large plastic bottles. Now and again, Ragnok explained exactly what was going on with various tasks.
"You seem to know much about harvesting, Keeper Ragnok," Hermione commented at one point.
"When I was quite young – what you would refer to as your teenage and young adult years," Ragnok said, "I was in the harvesting business. Only for a few years, until my grandfather died. My father took my grandfather's post, and I took his as Vault Keeper. It was mostly out of respect for my father that I changed positions. He didn't think a harvester was a fine job for someone in my position."
"Your position?" Harry asked.
"I suppose I have not mentioned it, have I?" Ragnok said. "In the human tongue, I suppose you would call me a prince. My father, the fifth of my name is Chief of the Goblin Nation."
"You're Goblin royalty then?" Harry asked.
"Indeed," Ragnok said, "As is my bloodline before and after me. When my father passes, hopefully far into the future, though he is admittedly getting up there in age, I will inherit the title, and my son, the seventh of my name will take my position as Keeper of the Vaults I look over. But I imagine that won't take place until your children take control of the Trust Vaults you now own. Currently my son is a part of the Goblin security at Gringotts."
"Is that wise for someone in his position as future Chief?" Tonks asked.
"It is a risk," Ragnok said, "But as a youth, my son wasn't very disciplined. It was my decision to place him as a security guard. Thought it might make a difference in his life. It seems to be working."
"Well, thank you for revealing this to us," Harry said, "Something tells me you don't just give that kind of information out to anyone."
"Not everyone is as kind as you and your friends, Lord Potter," Ragnok said, "Most magical humans just see us as protectors of their fortune. Though I do admit, when a human decides to be rude about their business, many Goblins are rude in turn. It doesn't exactly give Goblins a good name either. Your history books and that ghostly Professor of yours will tell all about the violent rebellions and battles between Goblin and magic-user. What they don't tell you is most of it started with a few simple harsh words between magic-user and Goblin. The stories have been passed around so much, nobody really knows who spoke the first harsh comment."
"And that is why there is the Goblin Liaison Office in the Ministry," Amelia said, "So we can prevent such harsh conversations. Not everyone can work at that office. You have to have a calm voice about you. If you work in that office, and one harsh comment comes out of your mouth, even if it isn't against a Goblin, you're out of a job. Harsh, but it has prevented many rebellions."
"I imagine that doesn't give off a good message to a few of the more... pigheaded purebloods," Hermione said, "They would probably see it as catering to the Goblins instead of giving more jobs to witches and wizards."
"It has been known to happen," Amelia said, "But it doesn't exactly make a difference to their opinions anyway. Those who think like that would dislike the Goblin race either way."
"True," Hermione said.
"But there isn't much we can do about that," Amelia said. "We do the best we can with what we have."
"And the Goblin nation appreciates it," Ragnok said.
Once the harvesting was complete, there was little of the Basilisk left. The Harvesters had taken nearly everything, including the skeleton, which was shrunk and placed in a box. Harry had an eerie vision of the Basilisk's large skull used as decoration in the Gringotts Atrium. What a sight that would be!
When it was time to leave – two-and-a-half hours after they had entered the Chamber – they made their way through Salazar Slytherin's office and entered through what they all hoped was the back exit of the Chamber. The stairwell resembled that of the Grand Staircase, only much smaller and narrower. The walls and room resembled that of the cavernous sewer - rocks and stone covered with moss and slime.
"I imagine this staircase has to be around a thousand years old," Hermione said, as she walked beside Harry, as they made their ascent, "And yet it seems as good as new. Must be some powerful preservation charms on it."
"Very powerful," Amelia said, "To have lasted this long."
Harry agreed, privately thinking about the possible spells and information he would find in the books and journals. Whilst he shivered at the thought of the potential discoveries of Dark Magic he would find, the various other spells that Slytherin must have used and discussed in his journals were something he wanted to know about. Especially if they were as powerful as the preservation charms he used on the staircase, and other belongings, such as the chest that had been under his bed.
As they reached the top of the staircase, they came upon what appeared to be a brick wall.
"Dead end?" Tonks asked, "Well, that's not cool at all!"
"I don't think it is a dead end," Harry said. §I command you to open!§
Harry grinned as the brick wall melted into an archway, much like the entrance to Slytherin's office below. The security Goblin, Axehandle, and Ragnok, who were leading the group once again, walked forward followed by Harry and Hermione.
"Oh!" Hermione gasped, "We're in the dungeons!"
"I should have known that is where the back exit would have lead," Tonks said, "Kind of obvious when you think about it."
Once everyone was out, Harry spoke in Parseltongue again. §I command all entrances and exits into the Chamber of Secrets to close.§
"Hopefully that command closed the entrance in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom," Harry said, as the brick wall returned to normal.
The large group trekked through the dungeons and returned to the Entrance Hall. Most of the Goblins, aside from Ragnok and Carver walked toward the doors.
"Keeper Ragnok, Carver," Harry said, "I thank you for your assistance today. It was quite entertaining."
"That it was, Lord Potter!" Carver said, "A wonderful and fruitful quest. Remember to come see me at Gringotts when you return to London. Just ask me by name, or I suppose Keeper Ragnok can ask for me."
"I will do so," Ragnok said, "I will see you at Gringotts soon for the last bit of business we originally discussed.
Harry, of course, knew that Ragnok was talking about the Horcrux in his scar. "I look forward to it."
Ragnok and Carver nodded, said farewell to Harry and the other humans, who also thanked the Goblins for an entertaining time. Then the group of Goblins left the castle.
"Well," Tonks said, "I don't know about all of you, but I am in need of a good shower."
"Probably a good idea," Amelia said, "I'm sure Harry and Hermione will show you to your Quarters. I'll just say farewell here. Write to me if you need anything. That goes for you as well, Harry, Hermione."
"I plan on writing to Sirius soon," Harry said, "While I am sure he has seen the good news, I did promise to contact him."
"I'm sure he looks forward to it," Amelia said. "I'll be leaving now. Farewell."
As Amelia left, Tonks and the five students started toward the Grand Staircase. They all silently agreed with Tonks – they were in need of a good shower.
(A few minutes earlier)
Albus Dumbledore paced back and forth across Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, as the teenage ghost watched him with amusement. Albus had been sitting on the ground for at least two hours now – he had lost count after the first hour – knowing that any moment, Harry, Hermione, Amelia and the rest of the group would be emerging from the hole in the floor.
However, just as he turned his back on the sinks, he heard a loud mechanical scraping sound. He turned back toward the sinks and his eyes widened as the sinks returned to normal, hiding the large hole in the ground from view. Albus pondered this new development. It appeared that Harry, Hermione, Amelia and their group of humans and Goblins had somehow escaped the Chamber some other way. But how? Dumbledore had heard rumors that there was a second entrance to the Chamber somewhere, built by Salazar Slytherin and hidden by enchantments that hadn't wilted in a thousand years. But that second entrance had never been found, much like the first until recently. Was this how the group had escaped?
Albus turned and left the bathroom, ignoring Myrtle's giggles. He needed to find Potter and Granger, and he knew exactly where they would go soon enough!
(Present...)
Harry, Hermione, and Tonks said goodbye to Luna, Ginny and Colin then headed onto the fourth floor corridor. Colin had promised that he would get those photos to Harry in the next couple of days. Harry had thanked the second-year Gryffindor for doing his part, which pleased Colin to no end. When Harry, Hermione and Tonks reached the corridor near the Lord's Quarters, they found Albus Dumbledore waiting for them near Rapunzel's portrait.
"Whatever you want, Dumbledore, it can wait," Tonks said, fingering her wand, "We're tired and we smell bad, and I need to unpack my belongings."
"Ah, this will only take a few minutes," Dumbledore said, "Perhaps I could join you in your Quarters?"
"If you need to say something," Harry said, "You can say it out here."
"Alright," Dumbledore said, "What exactly did you do with the Basilisk corpse?"
"The Goblins harvested it," Harry said, "And are taking it back to Gringotts. I imagine they're going to figure out how much profit can be gained from the body, so they can figure out how much money I have earned. I am expected back at Gringotts before the end of the month, where I will divvy up the profits to the victims of the Basilisk. Yes, a percentage will go to Hogwarts, and none of it will go into your own pockets."
"Much of the Basilisk's body parts are quite valuable," Dumbledore said, "Good for Potions ingredients and other uses."
"Well, I am sure the Goblins will be selling much of it to various buyers," Harry said, "You can speak to Gringotts about purchasing whatever you wish from it."
"Did you discover anything else in the Chamber, Lord Potter?" Dumbledore asked.
"Nothing but a dead serpent and a lot of muck," Harry lied; of course he wasn't going to tell the man about his discoveries! "What do you think we were going to find?"
"Legend has that Salazar Slytherin used parts of the Chamber as office space," Dumbledore said, "Rumors are he kept journals and other such tomes and scrolls. Naturally the castle has been searched for these artifacts, but nothing has been found. The only place not searched is the Chamber."
"I think I would have known if there was an office," Harry said, "I found nothing like that."
"How did you escape the Chamber?" Dumbledore asked.
"The same way we entered," Harry lied. "Were you, perhaps, waiting in the bathroom all this time for us. You must have left right before we returned."
"So there is no second entrance and exit to the Chamber?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not that I know of," Harry lied again.
"My apologies, Lord Potter," Dumbledore said, "But I believe you are lying to me."
Hermione and Tonks both opened their mouths to say something but Harry motioned them to stop.
"I believe you have lied to me several times, Headmaster," Harry said. "And not just to me, but others who are close to me. After all, I know that you told my Aunt and Uncle they were my rightful guardians – a lie."
"Harry, the protections your mother's death gave you would only protect you whilst living with your Aunt," Dumbledore said, "Elsewhere, you would have been vulnerable. Which is why I believe you need to ignore your Emancipation and return to Privet Drive this summer."
"Why?" Harry asked, "So you can keep an eye on me? What good has that done over the years? Arabella Figg is apparently your spy, who has been watching me. And she's done a piss-poor job of it. I am going to stay where I want to stay this summer. And there is nothing you can do about it. Now, if you excuse us, we're going to our Quarters."
"Harry," Dumbledore said.
"Enough, old man," Harry said, "I believe I told you already that you may only speak to me and Hermione about our education. Believe me, I love this school. It is like a home to me. But I will leave it forever if I feel I am being harassed. Last warning, Dumbledore."
Suddenly, Harry heard whispers in his head, whispers coming from one of his House Rings, but the voice was not his father's. It was telling him what to say.
"Just so you know I am serious about what I say," Harry said, "I am going to do something I wasn't planning on doing for a while. But it seems necessary. I, Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell, take back that which rightfully belongs my House. So mote it be!"
Dumbledore's eyes widened, as the Elder Wand flew from the pocket of his robes. Harry caught it in mid-air.
Far away from Hogwarts, in the Gaunt House near the village of Little Hangleton, a ring, hidden in a box beneath the floorboards of the shack, started to vibrate violently, attempting to escape from its prison.
Harry smiled smugly, as he placed the Elder Wand in his robes.
"Harry, do you know what you have done?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have taken back that which is mine by right of my bloodline," Harry said.
"That wand belongs to me," Dumbledore said.
"Not anymore," Harry said, "It is too dangerous in your hands. Leave, or Hermione and I will leave – both Hogwarts and Britain."
Hermione nodded in agreement. Dumbledore huffed and took a wide berth around Harry, Hermione and Tonks, the latter of which was pointing her wand at the old man. They watched as Dumbledore walked down the corridor, then disappeared around a corner.
"I would ask you what that was all about, Harry," Tonks said, "But I am not entirely sure I would understand the answer."
Harry smiled and turned to Rapunzel's portrait.
"Rapunzel!" he said, loudly.
"Ow!" Rapunzel said, "You don't have to speak so loud. It isn't windy at the moment."
"My apologies," Harry said, "Would you please add a third bedroom to the residence you guard?"
"Done and done," Rapunzel said. "Password?"
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," Harry said.
"Nice hair-do," Tonks said, "Bit long for my taste."
Harry and Hermione snickered as Rapunzel harrumphed and opened her portrait. Harry, Hermione and Tonks stepped into the Common Room of the Lord's Quarters.
"Amazing," Tonks said, "Looks quite cozy."
"It is very cozy," Hermione agreed.
"Ah, I see," Tonks said, "You had a little romantic fun in front of the fire did you not?" She snickered as Harry and Hermione blushed profusely, "You two are such a cute couple. Don't mind me when it comes to your private romantic time. I'll stay away. By the way, have you checked the room for listening devices and charms?"
Hermione gasped. "No! We haven't! I can't believe I didn't think of that!"
"No matter," Tonks said; she flourished her wand around the room; "I do believe that did the trick. Little trick you pick up in the Auror Corp. I am almost sure the charms were placed by Dumbledore."
"Explains why he gave us permission to use the room so easily," Harry muttered.
"He probably set the charms before we arrived yesterday," Hermione said, "Which is why volunteered Professor McGonagall instead of himself to bring us here."
"That man is going to be a pain in my ass," Tonks said, "I just know it. Alright, I'm going to leave you lovebirds alone, unpack and go take a shower. Oops, almost forgot." She proceeded to take out the books and scrolls other items Harry had placed in her bag, and set them on the ground. "Which bedroom is mine?"
Harry pointed out the new door, and Tonks strode across the room and disappeared into her bedroom.
"Two showers, and Tonks is going to use one of them," Harry said, "What should we do?"
"Well, we could flip a coin?" Hermione said, then smirked, "Or we could shower together.
Harry sputtered, then rolled his eyes when Hermione snickered. "You're joking with me. You can take a shower first. I'm going to take a look at one of these books – whoa!"
A bright golden light appeared around Harry's hand and he looked at it, palm-facing up. Suddenly a ring appeared in the middle of his palm. And there was a black stone on top of it. Hermione's eyes widened as she looked at it.
"Harry?" Hermione said, "Is that... the Resurrection stone?"
"I think so," Harry said, "It must have come to me when I summoned the Elder Wand."
"Harry, drop it!" Hermione hissed, "Do you know what that ring must be!"
Harry immediately dropped the ring, and it landed on the floor with a thud.
"Put a Muffliato Charm on Tonks' door and the portrait hole," Harry said, "It is time to destroy a Horcrux, and – well – the others didn't play nice."
"Good idea," Hermione said, and pointed her wand at the door, "Muffliato! We don't need Tonks finding out before we tell her the truth about our secret. Which I think we should do when we tell Remus and Sirius."
"Sure," Harry agreed, "Especially since she'll be in close quarters with us for a while."
Harry picked up one of the Basilisk fangs, tapped it with his Holly wand to activate the venom, then he inhaled and exhaled as he looked at the ring.
"Back away, Hermione," Harry said, "I have no idea what is going to happen."
"Be careful," Hermione said.
"I'll do my best, love," Harry said.
He knelt to the floor and lifted the fang above his head, then brought it down on the ring. Then he immediately backed away from it. A loud, ghastly, piercing shriek filled the room as a thick, black tar-like substance oozed from the ring. When all was quiet and still, Harry glanced at the ring, then crawled over to it. The only apparent damage was that the Resurrection Stone had parted from the actual ring.
"I do believe the Horcrux has been destroyed," Harry said, "That's three destroyed."
"And we can obtain and destroy a fourth quite easily," Hermione said, "The Diadem. Though I think we should avoid the Vanishing Cabinet this time."
Harry laughed and Hermione joined in as well. He picked up the ring and the stone, and looked at the latter. The sign of the Hallows was indented on one side.
"Harry?" Hermione said, "I think you need to put that away now."
"Hmm?" Harry asked, as he forced himself to look up at Hermione.
"You own all three Hallows now," Hermione said, "And I am not sure I want to know what will happen because of it."
Harry gulped and nodded. Hermione was right, he realized. He was now the Master of Death.
Whatever that meant.