Harry and Luna, as the first to find Mrs. Norris petrified, were predictably accused by Argus Filch.
Every Slytherin knew Filch was a Squib, unable to wield magic. Prudent Slytherins treated him and his cat courteously, often snitching on Gryffindor misdeeds, but Filch despised all students equally—Slytherin, Gryffindor, or Ravenclaw. He'd push for whippings or ceiling suspensions, only to be overruled by Dumbledore.
He's not a Muggle, though… is he? Harry thought, pitying Filch. Students saw him as an enemy, but watching him clean up after troublemakers like Gryffindors or Slytherins, Harry couldn't fully hate him. Filch's bitterness surely stemmed partly from students' cruelty.
"They did it!" Filch shrieked. "Because I'm a Squib!"
"Calm down, Argus," Dumbledore said, stepping between Filch and the pair. "The cat isn't dead."
Had Dumbledore not intervened, Filch might've grabbed Harry. Seeing Filch's anguish over his beloved pet, Harry couldn't resent him. If Asclepius were petrified, I'd never forgive the culprit. He might even point his wand at suspects. Being accused as the first on the scene felt unfair, but Harry prayed for Mrs. Norris's recovery.
A greater threat loomed: Professor Snape, Slytherin's Head of House. He berated Harry for skipping the Halloween feast. "Your reckless behavior disqualifies you as Slytherin's Chaser, Potter. A sportsman follows rules."
As both Head of House and Quidditch overseer, Snape never attended practices due to his workload but wielded authority. He declared Harry unfit to fly, grinning with unprecedented glee. "Pity, Potter. We'll need a new Chaser… or perhaps expel you. Your guardian would be heartbroken."
Snape's words cut, savoring Harry's distress. Harry scrambled to defend himself. This is bad. Really bad.
Losing Quidditch was agonizing, and the crowd's stares weighed heavily. Mentioning the Parseltongue voice could explain his wandering but reveal his rare ability, fueling rumors that he was the culprit. In a wizarding world that imprisoned Sirius without trial, expulsion loomed as a real threat.
Harry noticed Ron and Hermione watching with concern, joined by Zabini, Farkas, and Azrael nearby. Even if it means expulsion, I can't hide a clue to the culprit.
Steeling himself, he spoke. "I'm sorry for wandering, sir. I was looking for Ron and Hermione—they weren't at the feast."
The crowd's murmurs grew, and Harry raised his voice. "I ran into Luna, and we searched together. That's when we found Mrs. Norris's statue."
"Oh, Harry," Lockhart interjected, trying to lighten the mood. "No lying to adults. Snape's not truly punishing you…"
"Ask Ron and Hermione—or the Gryffindor ghost!" Harry insisted. "They were at the ghost's party."
"That proves their alibi, not yours or Miss Lovegood's," Snape said coldly.
Harry's head dropped. Snape wants me gone. I broke rules last year, but to be hated this much…
The scene was bizarre. A Head of House, meant to protect their students, was leading the charge against Harry. The gathered students watched Snape with fear, unsure how to intervene.
"I know the truth," Luna said suddenly. "Harry wanted to stop the culprit before someone else, like Creevey, got hurt. He was protecting his friends."
It was just chance… Harry thought, flustered.
"Really?" a student murmured.
"He's got some heart," another said.
Luna's earnest words swayed a few. Harry, grateful for her support, seized the moment, addressing Dumbledore directly, his Occlumency suppressing his resentment. "I'll take any punishment for wandering, but I need to tell you something first!"
"Enough, Severus," Dumbledore said. "Don't corner underclassmen. If not for Potter and Lovegood, we might've missed this. I'll hear them out in my office. Filius, Severus, bring them."
"Sugar Quill."
Harry and Luna entered the Headmaster's office.
"Wow, it's beautiful!" Luna exclaimed.
A majestic bird with flaming feathers gazed at them, its wings soothing their nerves. "Luna, do you know what this is?" Harry asked.
"It's a firebird," Luna said. "Dad says it reincarnates, transcending time. Dumbledore and Newt Scamander met it on a strange journey…"
Snape cut in. "It's a phoenix, Lovegood. Dumbledore's miraculous bird, not some vulgar 'firebird.' Reincarnation is a foolish Muggle fantasy, not a wizarding concept."
His disdain was palpable. "Stop playing wolf-girl to escape reality."
"Severus," Flitwick said sharply, "cease belittling my student."
"…My apologies, Filius," Snape said, visibly cowed.
Harry had never seen Flitwick angry. The usually genial professor's stern tone was unforgettable, intimidating even Snape. Flitwick began explaining the office's artifacts and past headmasters to Luna.
Spotting Phineas Nigellus's portrait, Harry noticed its eyebrow twitch. Should I greet him? "Hello, Headmaster," he tried, but Phineas ignored him. Harry gave a wry smile, scanning the room. If I weren't here for this, it'd be fascinating.
Luna reveled in visiting the greatest wizard's office, and Harry might've too, under different circumstances. But with his and Luna's fates on the line, and Snape ready to pounce, he was on edge.
"I'm glad Miss Lovegood enjoys my office," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes calm but his voice graver than last year. "Are you enjoying it, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, sir. What's the phoenix like? What does it eat?"
"This is Fawkes, a finicky bird," Dumbledore said. "Loves owl treats but sulks if fed the same kind twice."
"Wow…" Harry stared at Fawkes's mystical wings, hardly believing such a creature had mundane quirks. Dumbledore smiled at Harry's awe.
"When that happens, I rely on Hagrid," Dumbledore continued. "His advice on magical creatures is unmatched."
Harry respected Hagrid as a mentor and benefactor, so Dumbledore's praise warmed him, despite his dislike for the headmaster.
Flitwick seemed poised to protest but held back, as did Luna. "Hagrid's hunting the rooster killer," Dumbledore said. "Whatever's at Hogwarts has a reason for targeting cats and livestock."
He turned serious. "If you've noticed anything, will you trust us and share?"
"I heard a voice only I could hear," Harry said. "It led me to that spot. Luna didn't hear it."
"Potter, that's a sign of madness," Snape sneered.
"I didn't hear it, but Harry did," Luna insisted. "Maybe Snorkacks—"
"Luna, hush," Flitwick said, silencing her gently.
"I think it was Parseltongue," Harry said. "Snape knows."
Dumbledore leaned forward, hands clasped. "If the Chamber was opened, a creature might be inside. If it's serpentine, I could hear it."
"A possibility," Flitwick agreed, "but no sightings or traces? Odd. Vanishing or invisibility spells could hide it, but…"
"No trunk could hold a monster without advanced magic," Snape added grudgingly, respecting Flitwick's expertise. "Petrifying people or cats requires powerful Dark Arts."
"I can't rule out Potter's involvement," Snape pressed.
"Enough, Severus," Dumbledore said firmly. "Your role is to protect students, not sow chaos."
"…Understood, Headmaster," Snape relented, surprisingly obedient.
Harry was stunned. "You've explained well, Mr. Potter, Miss Lovegood," Dumbledore said. "No punishment or Quidditch bans. It's been a shocking night—return to your dorms and rest. Filius, escort them. Severus, stay."
"Thank you, Headmaster!" Harry said, Occlumency fueling a grateful smile and deep bow. A new glint flickered in Dumbledore's eyes.
"Professor Flitwick, I can get back alone," Harry said.
"No, Mr. Potter," Flitwick replied. "I'll escort Miss Lovegood to Ravenclaw, then you to Slytherin. It's my duty."
The trio headed to Ravenclaw's tower. Harry learned its entrance required solving a riddle, not a password. This is the worst security ever, he thought. A first-year could crack it, and with Transfiguration to change hair or robes, anyone could sneak in. Yet, it made Ravenclaw the most open house.
"See you, Luna," Harry said. "Thanks for having my back. If you're free, join the Duelling Club. No hats, though—they're a hassle in duels."
"Can I join, Professor?" Luna asked hesitantly, fearing rejection.
"Of course," Flitwick said. "The club welcomes eager students."
Harry sighed in relief, grateful for Flitwick's kindness. As they reached Slytherin's common room, Flitwick spoke. "Mr. Potter, I don't approve of how you treated Mr. Creevey. New students make mistakes."
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"But helping someone like Miss Lovegood? That's commendable. Twenty points to Slytherin."
"Twenty?!" Harry gasped. "That's too much!"
"No, Potter. Your presence encouraged her. I noticed Miss Lovegood's isolation, but I couldn't reach her. She needed to take the first step."
"You sparked that, Potter," Flitwick continued. "Give and receive in kind. I know you're not the culprit. If you feel alone, visit the Duelling Club. Mr. Vist and the seniors will support you."
Harry left the Halloween night warmed by Flitwick's encouragement.
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