Once Harry and Hermione were ready to leave the infirmary, the quarantine wards were dropped. As the two were escorted outside by Pomfrey, they meet Andy who took one look at Harry and Hermione, and held out her arms. Harry hugged her tightly "Hello mother. I am pleased to see you." Hermione also hugged her, "Hello, mum. Things have been…interesting."
Andy, after hugging them tightly, "Greetings, children. You really scared me when you were lost these three days."
Hermione nervously replied, "We were trapped in our 2nd maturation. Harry's was initiated by the basilisk venom and phoenix tears…I think. I, in a glaring moment of ignorance, purposefully tried to calm his upheaval, and ended up trapped in it. The maturation lasted about three days, and we came out of that hole as soon as we awoke." Looking down at her chest, Hermione continued, "some things changed. Harry is now a burgeoning ArcMagus, and I am a burgeoning Magus. Harry now has basilisk venom and phoenix tears permeating his body. Master Snape is doing a full analysis of all body secretions to see if they are safe for m-…others. He promised...to get...us...the information...quickly." And Hermione broke down crying.
Andy just pulled Hermione into her arms, as Hermione grabbed ahold of her like a drowning sailor grabbing for a life raft. Hermione wailed, "I'm sorry! I'm trying to stay brave for Harry, but I am so scared. What if I can't kiss him, pleasure him, or love him? What if he can't father my children? I…I don't want anyone else! I LOVE HARRY!" she screamed, and the wave of magic shattered every window in the tower. Hermione completely broke down holding onto Andy tightly. Harry just stood there stone-faced, eyes burning holes in his head, tears falling down his cheeks, and hands helplessly forming claws at his sides. Harry barely had control of his own magic witnessing Hermione's pain.
Pomfrey came from the other side of the door after returning for a calming draught. She handed it to Andy with a sad look, "I was waiting for this. She was doing an excellent job hiding her fears, but they had to come out sometime." Pomfrey shook her head, "I will get the results as soon as I can" and she went back into the infirmary to repair the windows there.
Andy then gave Hermione the draught, and she gulps it down, getting some control of herself. "Thank you, that helped…some." Hermione collected herself, walked into Harry's space looking him in the eyes and growled, "Don't you give up on us!" and she grabbed his head and kissed him fiercely. She then grabbed his arm entwined it with hers, "Let's go." Harry with a broken smile, nodded.
Andy led them to a large meeting room. In it, were Dumbledore, Flitwick, Sprout, McGonagall, and Snape on one side. On the other were Lord Black, Ted Tonks, Skullcracker, another Goblin next to him, Amelia Bones, Shacklebolt, and two wizards unknown to him.
Dumbledore, on their entrance, stated gregariously, "Harry, miss Granger, I am gla-
Arcturus interrupted, with a l low growl, "Did my Heir give you leave to be familiar? Has your relationship changed that much this year? Last I heard, he despised you. However, did you win him over?"
Harry replied with contempt, "No, I would trust Riddle before I trusted him. He just gives himself leave to do this, like so many other things. Afterall, only the great Albus Dumbledore knows all the secrets, so gets to make all the decisions."
Dumbledore, yelled, "I will not be spoken to in that way!"
Harry then yelled back, "Then stop insulting me! I don't trust you, I don't like you, I don't respect you! I would give Ron Weasley permission to use my first name before you, and I will kill him the next time I lay eyes on him!" McGonagall winced at that, and Harry pivoted to her, "Yes remember that before the Great Albus starts talking about forgiveness. That wizard injured my mate, and the only consolation I could offer my brothers is I won't hunt him for sport. However, if I see him, smell him, or hear him. He dies."
Skullcracker asked, "Smell him?"
"Yes, Ron Weasley's hygiene is, like everything else in his life, lackadaisical." To which there were snorts, and other sounds of merriment around the table. At least for most. McGonagall did not appreciate the jest, if it even was one.
Harry and Hermione, after this interruption to introductions, went to Lord Black. Harry bowed stating, "My Lord Black, greetings."
Arcturus looked at him, "You've changed boy."
Harry shrugged, "Things became interesting, and I finished my 2nd maturation."
He them motioned to Hermione, who stepped forward and curtsied, "My Lord Black, my Lord has been worried about your approval. He dislikes disappointing you."
To which Arcturus let's out a laugh. "Merlin, you're a spitfire! Letting me know the arrangement is a done deal, so don't think otherwise. Well, I wouldn't dream of coming between the two of you. May add things, but I will not interfere in that. This I Swear." And magic swirled about him.
"Sit yourself down on my Right, as my Heir. Your witch will be on your right as she is allowed. Andy is on my left with Ted to her left. Next to your lady we have Skullcracker and next to him the beast harvester you requested for the basilisk. Across from them next to the Tonks are the two litigators representing the Black family. On the opposing side of the room are the professors of this...fine establishment." And Arcturus waves his hand negligently to Albus who frowns at the lack of respect.
Harry nodded and said, "Business always comes first." He turned to the goblins, "Skullcracker, what are you offering for a Basilisk, millennia old, 20 meters in length?"
Dumbledore trying to claim the Basilisk, "Harry you can have some-"
Harry interrupted him coldly, "Funny, I have claimed the kill, I am sharing none with Hogwarts! Conversation over." Glancing at Snape, "Other private parties can make their own arrangements to secure parts as they have the gold to purchase." Turning back to Skullcracker, "I want the venom, blood, the 6 teeth I pick, the skin, the skull as a trophy, bile, and any other parts my Master deem potion worthy. You get to sell the rest and keep 4% for your trouble, including rendering and collection."
Shullcracker showed all his teeth, "Very amusing young lord, 8 percent"
Harry grimaced and just sighed. He stated, "Let's cut the crap and get to it. We will settle on 6%. Push it, and I will hold at 5."
Skullcracker, looked at the other goblin, "I told you I liked him. 6% done!"
Harry nodded to Skullcracker, "6% done! As soon as this meeting concludes, I will take you down so you can finish the assessment of the beast."
"Now that business is done, on to the fun!" Harry said rubbing his hands together with a grin, "I am assuming you are all here to assuage your thirst for answers on the Chamber of Secrets."
Harry nodded to Hermione, "Her part starts before mine, so she will start."
Hermione nodded to Harry, "Thank you, My Lord. Darla told me I was needed to assist with a matter of a feminine nature with my sister Chastity. Since I knew Darla was a friend of Chastity, this was a reasonable request as a young girl will often seek older siblings for such difficulties, before going to adults." She then glanced across the table, 'Especially those she does not trust. Thusly, I had my guard dropped and was knocked out. When I next awoke, I was bare in a cold, dark room up against a wall, while my lord was dying from a basilisk bite, or so I thought."
Harry then continued, "As some of you know, I was notified my witch was taken into the 2nd floor girls' bathroom by Darla, and both vanished. There was a message painted on the wall, which was placed there to draw me to follow. As everyone knows I'm a parsel." And Harry looked around, not seeing any dissenters, he continued. "I went into the bathroom, discussed Miss Malone's murder with her ghost, learned the location of the entrance, used parsel to open it, and was able to get into the chamber of Slytherin."
He paused for a second, then continued, "In the chamber, I found my mate tied on an altar, bare and unconscious. Fortunately, there were no overt signs she's been deflowered or harvested. I untied her, moved her over to the side of the chamber, and moved on to Darla, who was also lying on the ground. She was, at least, clothed. I tried to awaken her, and a spirit came out to talk to me. Tom Morvolo Ri-"
"STOP!" yelled Dumbledore trying to get control of the situation, "This isn't to be discussed publicly! I forbid you continue!"
Harry turned to Albus, "Why? Are you afraid to let the DMLE learn the real identity of Voldemort? Are you one of his death eaters, or just helping a fellow dark lord?"
Amelia, then turned to Albus, "Yes Albus, please explain why I can't learn this?"
Albus then said gravely, "There are things in motion which I cannot explain. This information must be censored!"
Harry snorted, and turned to the litigators, "Can he gag me, legally, right here and now?"
They looked at each other, "Without going to the 'mot and creating a gag order, or getting the minister to do it, he cannot actually stop you, right now."
Dumbledore stated pompously, "In my authority as Head of the 'Mot I order you to desist."
"Well you go to the 'mot and create such an order. As soon as the order is in my hands, I will of course, obey it. Till that time, muzzle it." Dumbledore glared across the table impotently furious. Harry then continued, "Tom Morvolo Riddle otherwise known as Voldemort. He was a student here. An actual mud-blood as he is the son of Merope Gaunt, a near squib, and Tom Riddle, a muggle land owner. Merope potioned him, became pregnant from him, then died in a muggle hospital birthing Riddle. Tom was placed in a muggle orphanage. He came to Hogwarts, opened the chamber the first time, pinned it on Hagrid (Dumbledore knew this as an acromantula could not kill a girl without leaving bite marks), and received a special commendation for services rendered to the school in stopping Hagrid. All this was told me directly by Tom's shade."
Amelia glanced at Albus then looked at Harry, "How is this possible?"
Harry continued, "Tom said he wanted to get into the chamber again, and Dumbledore was watching too closely, so could not. He then made a trap. A diary which will possess someone and allow Riddle's spirit to use their magic to manifest. Before you ask where the diary is, let me finish the story."
Harry glanced at Dumbledore, then looked away, continuing the story, "We argued about blood purity vs. power, then he called the snake. During this time Fawkes brought me the sorting hat. Why will become soon apparent. Fawkes attacked and blinded the Basilisk, I pulled Caledfwich from it, and used the sword to kill the basilisk. In the process I was bitten. Fawkes cried into the wound, Hermione awoke and held me as we assumed I was dying. I recovered with the phoenix tears, Hermione told me to stab the diary to destroy it, as basilisk venom destroys everything, including magic. It worked and Riddle was expunged from the book."
"The upheaval threw me into my 2nd maturation, Hermione tried to stop it, throwing herself into her 2nd maturation as well. We went asleep. When we awoke, Fawkes returned for us and here we are. Here is the destroyed book which was Voldemort's trap." Harry then tossed the book onto the table in front of Amelia.
Dumbledore ordered, "Let me see that. It's too dangerous to handle."
Amelia shaking her head, "This is evidence, when we ae done with our investigation, we will consider your aid in investigating this artifact. I have handled dark artifacts before, Albus. I will let you know if your assistance is required." and she put it away.
Dumbledore glared at Amelia, then turned back on Harry, "Where is the sword?"
Harry looked at him and replied, "In a safe place, how is this your concern?"
Dumbledore again tried to manipulate the situation, "It is an important artifact of Gryffindor and as such belongs at the school."
Harry shook his head, and grinned at Albus "I asked Fawkes if I should give it to the school. He said no. The sorting hat was keeping it for the next Gryffindor. Apparently, that's me, as I drew it out and used it in combat. I am not considering giving it up at this time."
Amelia looked at Harry and asked, "May we see it?"
Harry looked at Lord Black who shrugged, indicating it was my choice. Harry then stood up, pulled the blade holding it up, and pushed magic into it. The blade burst into fire, while glowing brightly. Fawkes flamed in singing joyously and settled on Harry's left shoulder. Harry's green eyes were glowing brightly behind the blade making a powerful image for everyone there.
Lord Black smiled, "Caledfwich indeed, and you killed a basilisk with it. You are more surprising than I thought, boy. Seeing a Black Lord hold that blade…halcyon days…you will be taught the use of it." Harry then quieted the blade and put it away.
Shullcracker with a disbelieving look at Lord Black, growled out "And after Lord Black teaches you the rudimentary use of that blade, come to us and we will see you Master it. We forged it, after all."
Harry, looked at Skullcracker and bowed deeply, "I would be honored to study under the goblin blade-masters."
Harry trying to make a small joke, "It seems I will be busy for many years. Between being a Potion Apprentice, a Healer Apprentice, and now a Long Blade Apprentice. I have a full schedule."
Dumbledore gently chided him, "Harry, you stretch yourself too thin. You should be enjoying your childhood."
Harry with disgust replied, "You should have thought about that when you had me tortured, starved, imprisoned, and despised during my preteen years." Harry, his eyes boring into Dumbledore, "On my fifth birthday, I was lying in my own blood, piss, and shit. All I wanted, all I ever wanted was to be loved and cherished. I had been beaten because I begged my Aunt and Uncle to make me part of their family, as my birthday present. Naturally the Dursley's refused…then beat me until I could no longer scream or cry. I was thrown in my cupboard and the door was locked closed. I lay there in the dark, my only companions my pain and my stench."
Continuing to bore a hole in Dumbledore with his hate, "That day, I realized the Dursleys would never want me. Never love me. I begged for anyone to deliver me from that nightmare. No one came. No one answered. My childhood died that day. I realized the only one I could rely on, was myself. Certainly, no adult who was supposed to protect a child. None protected me!"
"I spent the next six years taking care of myself. Teaching myself. Don't bother telling me what was supposed to occur. Don't tell me your excuses. Accepting your excuses, would just give you permission to do it again! When I was a helpless child, I had no one. Now I am not helpless! If I wish your advice I will ask for it! Otherwise piss off! I have family and trusted advisors who advise me, teach me, but I will never blindly obey anyone ever again. I will tolerate nothing else! When I needed a parent to protect me from the monsters under the bed, I had none. Now I don't need any such thing, and anyone who dares to treat me as a child for my own good, better be prepared for war!"
Dumbledore with tears in his eyes, said with sorrow "I didn't know. I was sending you to family."
Harry just sneered, "Do I look like one of your stupid Gryffindor's who believe the shit which spews from your mouth is ambrosia? I believe everything was exactly as you wished it to be. You have never given me reason to believe otherwise. My only consideration is why you did it. I will find out, and whether you are an uncaring manipulative and stupid old man, or a Dark Lord remains to be determined. Why is my Godfather still in Azkaban? Why did you steal from me? Why did you try to take Hermione from me? You don't have answers I will hear, Dark Lord! Save you lies for your naive followers!" he yelled.
Lord Black cleared his throat with a reproachful look at Harry.
Harry glanced at him and regained control of his emotions. He then continued, "I lost my childhood thanks to you. I currently consider you a worse Dark Lord than Riddle. You have certainly caused me more harm than he ever did! I wonder if you realize how much pleasure I will get vanquishing you! Destroying everything important to you as you have done to me."
Dumbledore face went white with horror. "Harry, you can't mean that!" he exclaimed.
Harry looked at Dumbledore with absolute loathing, "I SWEAR IT!" with magic swirling around him. "The rancid stench of headmaster Dumbledore's lies are making me nauseated. Let us go harvest a basilisk." And Harry got up to leave.
Harry led everyone to the bathroom, opening the entrance. He then tried calling for stairs, {Stairs} and it worked. They used the stairs to get down. Once down, and past the snake skin, claimed by the school per the headmaster, they went through the door. Once inside everyone was in awe of the room and the bloody giant snake in the center. The two goblins went over to it and started planning it's rendering and removal. Snape started examining it and told the harvesters what other parts he wanted and how they needed to be acquired. Between Snape and the professional renderer, they had the job planned out. The first thing done was gathering up the blood and filtering it to preserve it. Fortunately, the extreme magic of the beast has left all parts in fresh kill quality, even the blood on the floor. Much more useful…and valuable.
Meanwhile, everyone else was looking around the room. Harry walked up to the statue, and looked at it. "So that's Slytherin? Looks a bit like a monkey. Hope it's just a bad sculptor."
Dumbledore was looking around the room for other entrances and exits. They found the pipes which went to the forbidden forest, and the ones which went up into the school. No one knows where in the school those went. All in all, it was rather disappointing. There really wasn't anything of interest here.