Chapter 6: Action & Obsession

"Ah Headmaster Dumbledore, to what do I owe the honor of a call?"

The older man sighed, before stuffing away any pride he had built up over the years. It was time for humility, for him to place the safety of others first and foremost.

"Director Bones, I wish to inform you of a situation that we have just discovered."

Amelia's 'enjoying your suffering' smile fell instantly as she stood from her desk. "Am I clear to enter."

"You are."

Seconds later the head of the DMLE stepped into Albus Dumbledore's office. "I must admit I did not expect you to actually contact me involving Hogwarts business."

"I have been far too prideful in the past and that much is obvious. I want to resolve this situation before anything horrible happens."

"What has occurred?"

"A fifth year student was found petrified."

Her eyes widened, before she brought out a parchment to use for note taking. "What do we know?"

"They were discovered less than an hour ago and was reported by another student."

"Names of both"

"Penelope Clearwater was the victim, a Muggleborn witch who was sorted into Ravenclaw. The one who found her was Harry Potter."

"The Harry Potter?"

"The very same, she was discovered in a hallway near the library. According to her friends she had skipped the Halloween festival to get an early jump on homework."

"And Mr. Potter's reasoning for not being at the festivities?"

"I have not interviewed him yet, I wanted you to be present."

The Bones matron's monocle almost fell off her face in shock. Apparently Dumbledore really was serious about his interest in receiving help. "He is nearby?"

"Waiting outside of my office as we speak."

"Bring him in please, I would hate to keep him up any later than we have to."

******

"Mr. Potter"

"Madam Bones, Headmaster." Both adults blinked in surprise at the boy's knowledge of her identity.

"I was unaware you two had met Harry."

"Oh we have not, but I began studying the Magical government over summer after finishing my work, I have quite a lot to catch up on after all."

"Indeed my boy, Director Bones would like to ask you a few questions. If you find it acceptable I will represent your best interests as you are a minor and cannot be questioned without a guardian. If you wish for someone else we can hold off."

"No need Headmaster, I trust you."

The old man smiled, before gesturing for Amelia to begin.

"Mr. Potter, could you describe what happened when you found Ms. Clearwater please."

"I was heading towards the library to see if there were any books to catch my interest when I turned the corner and discovered a student lying on the ground. I immediately moved forward to check her vitals and discovered she was alive but unresponsive. I then sent out an emergency flare with my wand and waited for help to arrive."

"You did not try and find help directly?"

"I did not want to leave her vulnerable."

"Why would you say that?"

"Last year."

Both adults nodded gravely, before the DMLE director continued her questioning. "May I ask why you were not at the celebrations this evening?"

"I find the idea of celebrating the murder of my parents with candy and laughter to be insulting."

Amelia winced at the cold tone, while Dumbledore hung his head in shame. He had never taken into consideration that Harry might not want to be present at the festivities, and thus had never sought to check on him.

He should have.

"I understand, did you see anything else at the scene? Perhaps a figure or anything out of place?"

"Her body was posed unnaturally with her right hand extended and her left hand placed upon her face. It appears to be similar to what I have seen other girls do when they are applying makeup using a 'compact mirror'. This would prove correct as there was a small object located nearby, but the mirror was completely shattered. Based upon what I have seen of their durability from one of my housemates I would assume that the mirror was shattered before it fell along with her. Her eyes seemed to have been focused on the mirror itself, there was no expression of shock or fear so I would guess she was not expecting whatever happened."

Both adults gaped at the student in shock.

"That... is quite impressive Mr. Potter. How did you manage to remember all of that."

"Eidetic memory. I can perfectly recall anything I have ever experienced. After a certain point."

"A certain point my boy?" Albus inquired.

"I cannot recall my mother being murdered in front of me, nor surviving the killing curse. My first memory is waking up at the Orphanage."

"O-o-orphanage!?" the witch stuttered in shock.

"Yes, it is where I live. I am afraid I cannot go into more detail for safety reasons."

"I see... if anything new comes up may I interview you at a later date Mr. Potter?"

"Of course Madame, anything I can do to help."

With that he was dismissed, leaving the woman to turn slowly to the elder Wizard. "After this situation is resolved Albus, I would like to know why the hero of the Wizarding World has been living in an orphanage for the past decade."

"I understand."

"Until then... what do you think we should do?"

"I am praying that this is only a prank gone wrong, but in case it is not I would like to request Aurora presence at Hogwarts."

"You realize if we have squads roaming the halls it was cause a panic."

"I do, which is why I was hoping we could keep it at a minimum until we know more. Perhaps one or two of the younger recruits. If this does turn out to be a prank then they could be explained as using this time for an apprenticeship or minor field experience."

Amelia nodded, there would be no way they could justify dozen of Aurors, nor shutting the school down on such flimsy evidence. In the back of her mind she wondered that if it had been a Pureblood who was attacked if this conversation would even be happening, but dismissed the idea.

"I... have just the person in mind Headmaster."

******

"Attention everyone, attention please. Due to the incident two days ago I have yielded to the insistence of the DMLE and agreed to the posting of an Auror on school grounds to discourage any further pranks of this caliper. I would like to introduce a former graduate of Hogwarts, Miss Tonks."

The Metamorphmagus stepped forward with a grin. This was going to be the easiest field assignment ever! Bones had informed her that some kid had been petrified as a result of a prank so she was to stick around and make sure it didn't happen again. Although they did not know the cause Dumbledore was fairly positive that it was nothing serious, and should it escalate further reinforcements would be brought in. Basically she was being paid extra, and overtime, to hang around Hogwarts and babysit a bunch of brats for a few months. Naturally this would be going on her record and 'field experience' and potentially even help with a future promotion.

"Wotcher all, my name is Tonks... just Tonks. I am here to make sure all of you cute little kids are safe and sound so if anyone is picking on you feel free to let me know."

******

"I have a very important, and exciting announcement to make children! Due to the raw terror that is currently roaming our halls Headmaster Dumbledore has authorized me to start up a dueling club in each year to teach self defense. In order to save time I will be doing one year at a time. First year students have already went through their lesson and so now it is your turn." The 'professor' cheerfully announced as he strutted around in his outfit.

"Perhaps, Lockhart, we should get on with the lesson? Some of us have more important things to do than watch you model the latest 'fashion' trend." Snape growled from the corner of the room, earning a chuckle from the other adult.

"Yes, yes of course. Now then we will be going through the basics of Wizarding duels, and as such the first step is to have a pair of volunteers."

"Excuse me professor, if I might make a suggestion?"

"Ah Harry, of course."

"If you and professor Snape gave us a brief demonstration it might prove a better example."

"Well..." a glance over towards the darker of the two men earned a pause from the fraud for a moment, before he nodded. "I suppose it will have to do. I hate to show off at another teacher's expense but it will provide valuable information for all of you intrepid youths."

Harry forced himself not to roll his eyes in annoyance. Perhaps he should have volunteered himself, that was when he 'accidentally' murdered the man it might not be quite as suspicious.

As Severus himself took his position at the opposite end of the 'Defense professor' he overheard a whispered conversation between several of the Slytherins.

"I didn't know Snape could duel."

"Of course he can, I imagine he is quite impressive."

Odd that Potter knew that fact concerning him, and the way he spoke sounded almost like a compliment from the boy.

"First, we bow."

The two adults proceeded to do so.

"Next we assume our dueling stances."

Lockhart's was... well what every expected from the man. A ridiculous pose that looked as impractical as standing on ones head. Snape's was far more lethal, minimizing his surface area while allowing his Wand to rest in an offensive opening position.

"Then, we begin!" the blonde called out, before launching a simple disarming hex, which was easily deflected before a far more powerful spell was launched in counter, and tossed the man across the platform.

"And that is how you duel."

"Y-yes well... obviously I went easy on professor Snape but we simply do not have time to go into the more advanced dueling methods. Now then, two volunteers please!"

"I'll take on any of the snakes!"

Fighting back the urge to laugh at the Weasley Harry noticed Draco tense up through his peripheral vision.

"My Lord... please?" the blonde whispered, his eyes never straying from Ron who stood smugly across from them.

"Go on Draco."

"I will take the Weasel on!"

Both students hastily climbed up the walls and onto the platform, each backed by a professor should anything go wrong.

"Ah a rivalry is born. This is a good opportunity to show the differences between how a Gryffindor and a Slytherin duels."

Even Snape rolled his eyes slightly at this as the two preteens took on their stances, albeit far closer than the adults were in order to improve their aim.

"Scared Weasel?"

"I am going to make you even uglier Malfoy!"

Ron attacked first, sending a 'prank' hex that his brothers had used on him previously. What he had not been counting on was his opponent to duck out of the way so easily, and fire a counter curse that tossed the boy backwards several feet, and onto his ass.

"Really Weasel, a spell to turn my pants yellow? That is how children duel, not Wizards."

"Twenty points to Slytherin." Severus intoned.

******

"Wotcher, you must be Harry Potter."

"Indeed, and you are Miss Tonks correct?" the boy inquired, his eyes seeming to pierce through her own gaze, as if he stared into her very soul.

"Y-yeah, I am the uh... the Auror here to make sure everyone is safe."

"I see, well I certainly feel safer with you around."

If it had been anyone else Tonks might have found sarcasm in his voice, but oddly there was none. Apparently the young man truly did feel safer around her, sending an odd feeling of triumph through her body.

"I am glad Mr..."

"Please, just call me Harry. I do so hope we can see more of each other as the school year goes on. Naturally I pray you solve the mystery behind these attacks though. Quite the conundrum I find myself in."

"Um yeah... I uh... agree and stuff..."

"Well if you ever need anything Miss Tonks, it is never difficult to find me."

"Yeah sure, I will remember that thanks." With that the woman practically bolted down the hallway, trying to figure out why in Merlin's name she was acting like a lovesick school girl around the boy... and to calm her rapidly beating heart.

******

"So Neville, how has your studies progressed this year?"

The previously chubby boy slowed, allowing for his closest friend to catch up with him. "Very good my... Harry. It seems like Snape has backed off a bit lately, which has even helped out Potions class."

"Indeed, quite an odd turn of events."

"I thought you would have been the cause of that."

"Not this time. Although I may have been indirectly, perhaps the Headmaster finally decided to force professor Snape to cease his mindless bullying."

The Longbottom shrugged as the pair walked together. "I have to thank you though, Gran sent me a letter last month about how proud she was of my improvements. The only reason for those is your tutoring, the Slytherins helping me in a few classes, and my new wand. All of these were because of you."

"Nonsense Neville, you have grown on your own just as I knew you would. You will continue growing so long as you can find the inner strength to do so."

"As long as I am with you Harry I know I can do anything."

"Then continue to walk with me Neville, and you will achieve greatness you cannot imagine."

******

The door slammed behind her as Hermione Granger ran into the nearest stall, thankfully not occupied, and hastily shut the barrier behind her before locking it and slumping down onto the toilet. Seconds later the tears she had held back came running down her face despite her efforts to control her sobs.

This year was supposed to be different. She had rationalized that the first year was sort of an introduction to the Magical world, a test run for everyone to get to know each other and then they would come back after the summer more mature and accepting. That hadn't happened... in fact it was even worse this year. The bullies were stronger, braver, and more vicious in their words. The girls in her class would taunt her about her hair, her lack of makeup, her 'ugliness'. While the boys, usually Ronald Weasley, would laugh at her lack of friends and her 'annoying behavior'.

But she could have disregarded it, could have ignored it all if she could have just made a single friend... but she hadn't. No one had even bothered to pretend this year, unlike last when they at least acted like they might be interested in her.

Worse still was her parents. She had been warned that it was a difficult transition for Muggle-born Wizards and Witches. Most of the Pureblood, and even some Half-bloods, already had ties and friendships established from before they entered Hogwarts, she had none. When she had returned to her family over the previous Winter holidays her mother and father had attempted to converse with her regarding school but... it was no use. They simply could not comprehend the cultural differences and the subtleties of magic.

Even worse was that during the summer her lack of exposure to the Muggle world was far more obvious than ever before. She had sat in silence for the first dinner back trying to think of something to talk to her parents about... but there was nothing they held in common. She could not keep up with recent events and could not explain the magical classes she took.

When she had attempted to do so their eyes seemed to dull, and the fake smiles that she had always dreaded appeared on their faces. It was the same as when she had tried to explain Muggle concepts to a Pureblood. They were pretending to care.

Halfway through the summer and Hermione Granger realized that she was alone. There was no one in the Muggle world she could talk to about her problems and few, if any, in the Magical world seemed to listen. McGonagall herself had grown busy with the new first years and everything else that was occurring in the school to have more than a brief conversation concerning homework. Even then the older Witch seemed almost annoyed at having to take time out of her schedule to talk about academics.

Thus the bushy-haired witch sat and cried, not only from the hateful words and attitudes but at the loneliness that surrounded her.

Why couldn't she be more like Harry Potter? She had overheard more than a few of classmates muttering this about her behind her back. It wasn't her fault that she wasn't perfect. That he was better than her in every way. That he could not only outperform her, without effort on his part it seemed, in every class but that the teachers adored him. That his entire house followed him like he was their messiah. That even those of other houses, especially the girls, could be seen sneaking glances at him whenever they thought it was safe.

He was beautiful, intelligent, powerful, charismatic, social, and wise.

Everything she had always wanted to be... and more.

******

Albus sodding Dumbledore, once again the old bastard just had to stick his neck in and ruin his plans once again.

First he had moved to shut down Hogwarts after the girl had been killed decades prior, and now he had called in Aurors thus making further continuation of the plan painstakingly slow. The memory could get away with maybe one or two sneak outs, using the girl's body, before being caught.

If only it was easier to transfer control, or fully possess the girl. Perhaps it was time to give the Basilisk a more general command, to have it target students at random to take focus away from his host and buy himself more breathing room. After all the attacks were a mere bonus in comparison to the grander scheme of resurrection.

Then all would fear the name 'Voldemort' once more.

******

"I don't understand what the big deal is Daph."

"Oh please, like you do not see what is going on. They follow him around like they are his servants Tracey!"

"If I remember right you were the one who told me that sort of thing did tend to happen in Slytherin. That those with power always lead."

"Yes they do, but the problem is that it usually isn't like this. I mean sure each year tends to form social groups but... Tracey the seventh years are starting to follow him around."

"I think you are overreacting." the youngest Davis child muttered, as she flopped back onto her bed. "I think he's cute."

"Of course he is cute but..." Daphne Greengrass snapped her mouth shut, her eyes widening in surprise as her face turned completely red.

"HA! I knew it! Even the 'ice queen' herself is attracted to him!"

"Tracey..."

"Are you going to try and sneak into his room like the others? Try and get a little sneak peak?"

"Tracey!"

The girl turned towards her best friend, and noticed the embarrassed anger in her eyes. "Daph... you know I was just teasing you. I didn't mean..."

"I know... I am just not used to this. It is... scary Tracey. It feels like I am being..."

"Pulled towards him? Like when he talks that no one else is in the room but you and him? Like you just want it to give him everything he could ever want?"

"Yes..."

The Half-blooded girl nodded, "I feel the same way Daph, but I don't think it is bad just a bit intense."

"I don't like it Tracey... I don't care what the others are doing but I am staying away from him for now. I think you should too."

"Alright alright... but just for now."

******

Ginny Weasley sat in an unused classroom, terrified out of her mind. She had just regained consciousness less than an hour prior after another blackout period and was trying to figure out how much time she had mysteriously lost again.

The first time was scary enough, now the poor girl was beginning to doubt her own sanity. Was something wrong with her? Was she cursed or just crazy? A sob escaped her lips despite her best attempts to hold it in. She had thought about going to her brothers but... they always seemed so busy and she had no intention on having them look at her like she was evil.

After all she had woken up with blood on her hands, what other explanation could there be? Along with this her waking behavior was suffering as well. She was moody, even more so than usual, tired, stressed, and simply unpleasant to be around. That had been more than a little obvious when the few friends it almost seemed like she had made had begun avoiding her when possible.

Not that she blamed them. Now more than ever she desperately wished she could reach out to her former best friend Luna. Unfortunately the blonde had been sorted into Ravenclaw, and had been difficult to locate anytime they were not in the same class together.

The fact that Ron was always muttering demeaning things about the other Houses did not help either. Sure Luna and her had been close but... Ron was family, and that was more important... right?

Regardless the only highlight of her day was 'Tom'. He listened to her, spoke with her, and encouraged her.

If only he knew what was happening to her.

If only someone could save her from whatever was happening.

If only a certain raven-haired boy would glance in her direction.

******

"Pathetic... you are pathetic..." a choked voice whispered as a young girl sat crying in a bathroom stall. "Still running off to hide and cry... still not good enough, still not..."

A knock on the door ripped the bushy-haired witch out of her self-pity. "O-occupied!"

"Oh I know, I was just making sure this was the right one."

Hermione Granger froze in fear, the voice that had answered was male. Was it someone come to torment her in the last place she could find refuge? Was it whoever had been responsible for the attack? Was she next?

"W-who..."

"Do you know what a Masquerade Ball is?"

"Wh-what?"

"A Masquerade Ball, it is a Muggle party in which the attendees all wear these silly little masks. Quite an interesting concept no?"

"I... I don't understand."

"It really is quite ridiculous," the boy continued, "I mean if you truly think about it a tiny mask will never hide anyone's identity. Imagine if you lived next door to a woman with beautiful bright red hair, and then when you went to this party you saw the same hair. Obviously you would know it is her, even if the outfit is different, and perhaps she has wrapped it into a bun rather than letting it flow, you would know it is the same person just by that." the boy paused, and Hermione began to try and figure out who could be speaking to her... and why they would be doing so.

"I think..." he called out once more, "that it is the idea of being anonymous. Sure you might be able to figure out who hides behind the mask but... you can never be one hundred percent certain. There will always be the shadow of doubt in your mind. Perhaps they are purposefully talking like someone else. Perhaps they are wearing a wig or dyed their hair. Maybe their shoes are raised without you realizing it. For instance you might be able to guess who I am by my voice but who knows how the acoustics of the room can change it. Much like singing in a shower. Perhaps the door itself is altering the tone just enough that I could be someone different than you might think, just as you may be someone else as well... quite interesting is it not?"

Now she understood, he was giving her a way of remaining anonymous. Two strangers talking without knowing anything else about one another.

It was oddly comforting in a sense.

"So tell me my dear... how are you liking Hogwarts?"

Hermione didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was possibly the first normal conversation she had been in since starting Hogwarts... last year and they were having it in the girl's bathroom.

"It has been rough. The others can be mean... cruel..."

"The other students."

"Yes."

"In your house or in others?"

"All of them, Purebloods all seem to have friends already, while I..." she trailed off, not knowing how much she should reveal.

"Have trouble, since no one cares about seeing the real you."

"No one cares at all, not the students, not the teachers, not my parents NO ONE!" and just like that she broke down, no longer caring about who heard her sobs. After a few minutes the bushy-haired girl managed to calm herself.

It was silent though, had he left? Had she scared away the one person who, for a brief moment, seemed to care about her?

"H-Har..."

"Just wanting to make sure you got it all out of your system my dear, here try this." A hand emerged from under the door, holding what appeared to be a black handkerchief.

Reaching forward she grabbed the offered cloth, only for the boy to hold on and stroke her hand with his finger before letting go. Pulling her hand back the girl fought against the blush consuming her face.

"Unfortunately it is nearing time for our next class my dear, we will have to continue this another time."

"Wait! What is your name... I mean what can I call you?"

"How about... Mr. Rochester... my dear Miss Eyre."

******

"Albus, we have just discovered another petrified victim."

The old man seemed to age another dozen years before McGonagall's eyes as he slumped down into his chair, "Who?"

"Mr. Creevy, a first year Gryffindor."

"Another who is Muggleborn if I remember correctly."

The woman nodded.

"Miss Tonks?"

"She is on the scene Albus, I can't help but feel we are barely avoiding a catastrophe. One student at a time, and only petrification."

"I agree Minerva, hopefully this will convince the Wizengamot to allow a full Auror investigation but..."

"But they are not Purebloods... which means it is doubtful."

"Unfortunately, I can only hope they will see reason before it is too late."

"Me too Albus... me too."

******

"Excuse me... my Lord?"

Harry glanced up from the book he had been reading, to focus his attention on one of the older Slytherins standing before him. "Yes?"

"I was uhm... hoping you could help me with something."

"And that would be..."

"My young brother, he just started this year and... well he is being picked on. I know I shouldn't bother you with such trivial things but I just... he isn't taking it well."

The raven-haired boy nodded, "And who is behind the bullying of one of our own?"

"The Weasley twins my Lord. They call themselves the 'Devils of Gryffindor'. I don't know if you can do anything but... I heard that they pick on a lot of Slytherins and other students."

Giving a slight hum of concentration the boy-who-lived paused for a moment before nodding, "Yes... I should be able to take care of this problem for you."

"Th-thank you my Lord!"

A casual wave dismissed the third year, who promptly scurried off to speak with his brother.

******

"Let's see... oh this is perfect! Right over here guys, this closet is empty!"

A laughing group of older students emerged from behind the corner a moment later, dragging a young blonde girl despite her struggles.

"This'll teach you to act like such a freak Looney, alright strip and toss her in!"

"N-no please don't!"

Luna's pleas went unheeded and moments later she found herself stuffed into a closet naked, with a locking charm securing the door from the outside.

"I tell you what, if we end up losing the House Cup this year because of her... I am going to leave her in the closet over the summer."

"I hear you, hopefully whatever is petrifying students finds her next."

The others nodded, and chuckled before departing for their next class, leaving a terrified and sobbing first year student alone for more than a few hours before the spell wore off.

******

Hermione Granger laid on her bed, staring up at the blank ceiling in her shared room, curtains drawn. If it had been a month ago she would be reading a book, studying, or doing homework. Instead she was just staring, her mind wandering as she gently held a black handkerchief in her right hand, stroking it softly with her fingers.

It was unlike anything she had even felt before, feather-light, warm when she was cold, cool when she was too hot. Even stranger though was how silky it felt, like it was made of the finest sheets she had even seen. It was comforting, as though she was connected to someone when she held it, almost as if she was holding his hand.

Her thoughts drifted back to the mysterious boy, no it was Mr. Rochester now, and the few minutes they had spent together. It couldn't have been more than ten, maybe fifteen minutes at most and yet... and yet it had been like a breath of fresh air when she had been stuck in a dusty stagnant house for years.

Now she couldn't get him out of her mind, when she slept she dreamed of him. Her daydreams were focused around him.

A part of her, the rational side, was more than a little terrified at what was happening, at the obsession that was building inside of her. Yet the part that craved attention, that part that just wanted someone to care, craved to be near him, desired for him to look at her as something more than just some silly schoolgirl, that perhaps one day they could walk hand-in-hand together, perhaps even intimately.

******

It was far too dangerous to continue accessing the Chamber. The diary's host had almost been noticed during her last return and if that happened the entire plan would be ruined. Thus the Basilisk would simply be left to continue the attacks on its own while the redhead would continue being drained of her essence.

Tom Riddle, in temporary control of Ginny Weasley, made his way down the hallway towards an empty classroom. There he would relinquish control over the girl while giving her a few more mental suggestions. Another few weeks and the ritual could be completed. Just a few more weeks and...

"Hello Miss Weasley."

No

Voldemort's control vanished in an instant as the girl froze, her face turning bright red at the voice she had secretly learned to covet over the past few months called out from behind her.

Harry Potter

"H-h-hello"

"A rather nice evening for a stroll is it not?" the boy inquired, as he casually walked up next to her.

"Y-y-yes..."

"Indeed, tell me Miss Weasley... or may I call you Ginny?"

The girl's heart practically exploded in excitement, and it was all she could do to nod.

"Excellent, tell me Ginny are you feeling tired?"

"T-tired? I don't..."

His hand splayed out in front of her face, and the first year fell unconscious in an instant, with only the raven-haired boy's arm preventing her from collapsing forward onto the floor. With his free hand he reached out and took the book she had been cradling next to her chest.

"How very interesting..."

******