The Chamber Of Secrets

The soft chime of Harry's alarm clock rang out at 6:30, pulling him from the depths of the book on wards he had been engrossed in. Reluctantly, he closed the book and set it aside, making a mental note to revisit it later. He stretched his arms over his head, feeling the familiar creak of his muscles as he stood up.

Harry decided to start his day with a workout, a routine he'd found grounding amidst the chaos of his life. In the center of his room, he began a series of push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises, each motion deliberate and precise. The physical exertion helped clear his mind and center his thoughts, providing a sense of normalcy and routine.

After completing his workout, Harry sat cross-legged on the floor, closing his eyes to meditate. He focused on his breathing, each inhale and exhale bringing him deeper into a state of calm. He visualized his mind as a fortress, reinforcing his Occlumency shields, ensuring that his thoughts and emotions were secure and protected. After ten minutes, he felt a renewed sense of control and tranquility.

Rising from his meditative pose, Harry headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. The warm water cascaded over him, washing away the remnants of his early morning worries. Refreshed and invigorated, he stepped out, drying off and dressing in his Hogwarts robes.

Next, Harry prepared his bag for the day. He carefully packed his textbooks, quills, and parchment, making sure everything was in order. He included the book on wards, eager to continue his reading during any free moments he might have.

Finally ready, Harry glanced around his room, ensuring he hadn't forgotten anything. Satisfied, he slung his bag over his shoulder and headed out, prepared to face whatever the day might bring. The events of the early morning lingered in his mind, but he felt more equipped to handle them, thanks to his routines and the support of Cosmos.

As he stepped into the common room, he noticed a few early risers already bustling about. Harry greeted them with a nod, his thoughts drifting back to the dream and the upcoming weekend when he and Cosmos would investigate the chamber. 

As Harry made his way through the common room, he spotted Eleanor and Valerie waiting for him near the entrance. They greeted each other warmly, and Harry felt a surge of gratitude for his friends.

"Morning, Harry," Eleanor said with a cheerful smile. "Ready for the first day of classes?"

"Morning," Harry replied, returning her smile. "Yeah, I'm ready. Let's head to the Great Hall for breakfast."

The trio made their way through the castle, the corridors already buzzing with the excitement of a new school year. They chatted about their summer breaks, sharing stories and laughter. As they entered the Great Hall, the delicious aroma of breakfast filled the air, and they quickly found seats at the Ravenclaw table.

Harry helped himself to a generous serving of eggs, bacon, and toast while Valerie poured them all glasses of pumpkin juice. They ate heartily, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Great Hall. Harry couldn't help but notice how the enchanted ceiling reflected a clear, sunny morning, adding to the cheerful mood.

Just as they were finishing their meal, Professor Flitwick, the head of Ravenclaw House, approached their table. He handed out their timetables for the year, his small stature and enthusiastic demeanor making the moment feel both important and encouraging.

"Here are your schedules," he said, distributing the parchment sheets. "Make sure you review them carefully and be on time for your classes. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

Harry looked over his timetable, noting the subjects and class times for each day of the week:

Monday:

8:00 - 10:00 AM: Potions (Double session with Slytherins)

10:00 - 12:00 PM: Herbology (Double session with Hufflepuffs)

1:00 - 3:00 PM: Defense Against the Dark Arts (Double session with Slytherins)

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Transfiguration (Double session with Gryffindors)

Tuesday:

8:00 - 10:00 AM: Charms (Double session with Gryffindors)

10:00 - 12:00 PM: Herbology (Double session with Hufflepuffs)

1:00 - 3:00 PM: History of Magic (All four houses combined)

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Transfiguration (Double session with Gryffindors)

11:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Astronomy(All four houses combined)

Wednesday:

8:00 - 10:00 AM: Flying Lessons (Double session with Hufflepuffs)

10:00 - 12:00 PM: Potions (Double session withSlytherins)

1:00 - 3:00 PM: Charms (Double session with Gryffindors)

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Defense Against the Dark Arts (Double session with Slytherins)

Thursday:

8:00 - 10:00 AM: Herbology (Double session with Hufflepuffs)

10:00 - 12:00 PM: Transfiguration (Double session with Gryffindors)

1:00 - 3:00 PM: History of Magic (All four houses combined)

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Defense Against the Dark Arts (Double session with Slytherins)

11:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Astronomy(All four houses combined)

Friday:

8:00 - 10:00 AM: Charms (Double session with Gryffindors)

10:00 - 12:00 PM: Potions (Double session with Slytherins)

1:00 - 3:00 PM: Flying Lessons (Double session with Hufflepuffs) 

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Transfiguration (Double session with Gryffindors)

After having breakfast, Harry and his friends head into their first class of the week, Potions, with Professor Snape. Potions lessons took place down in one of the dungeon cells. It was colder there than up in the main castle, and would have been quite creepy enough without the pickled animal parts and eyeballs floating in glass jars on steel shelves all around the room. With its dingy grey walls of irregular stone slabs, it looked very much like how Harry had always imagined a torture chamber would look—which might have also had something to do with the rusty iron rings attached to the walls, many of them spaced in pairs. As Harry, Eleanor, Valerie, Daphne, Tracy, and Blaise enter the dimly lit dungeon, they can feel the oppressive atmosphere. Snape makes his sudden entrance scaring some of the students, his robes billowing behind him like dark wings of a bat.

Snape started the class by taking the roll call and he paused at Harry's name.

"Ah, yes," he said softly, "Hadrian Potter. Our new—celebrity." Most of the class was shocked at Snape's vindictive behaviour and profound sneer on his face.

Snape finished calling the names and looked up at the class. His eyes were black and glittering, like obsidian, and cold and empty like a bottomless pit.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," Snape began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word, Professor Snape had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

More silence followed this little speech. Harry and Valerie exchanged looks with raised eyebrows. Eleanor was on the edge of her seat and looked desperate to start proving that she wasn't a dunderhead.

Snape ignored the others, fixing his icy gaze upon Harry instead, raising his hackles again. Harry couldn't figure out why Snape seemed to hate him so much when they had never even met before; all he knew was that he didn't like it, not one little bit.

"Potter!" said Snape suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"The Draught of Living Death: a sleeping potion so powerful as to give the imbiber the appearance of a corpse," Harry answered, thanking his potions lessons that he had in his home, much better than many of the students his age. He noticed that many in the class were awed and Eleanor and Valerie gave him a silent thumbs up.

Snape's lips curled into a sneer."An answer copied almost word for word from One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi," he said dismissively. "Thought you'd show off a bit, did you? Well, let's see if the famous Hadrian Potter can give a repeat performance, or if it was just a fluke. … So, Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

Harry stared right back into Snape's stone-cold eyes, wondering why Snape was harassing him instead of giving others a chance to answer the question when her hand twitched up, only to dejectedly lower it again. It was obvious Snape was trying to trip him up, asking a question about something in a completely different book.

"A bezoar comes from the stomach of a goat," said Harry through gritted teeth. "It's a good antidote for most poisons." Many gawked at Harry as if he were a three-headed cat; he was clearly surprised and not entirely comfortable with the fact that Harry actually knew stuff.

But Daphne actually looked impressed—Snape, not so much!

"Not so bright after all, are we, Potter?" Snape sneered nastily, peering down his hooked nose at Harry. "A six year old could have come up with that answer! … You neglected to mention that a bezoar is formed by excretions as a defence mechanism—a response to irritants in the stomach. The excretions coat the irritant, and layer upon layer of this coating is deposited until a bezoar is formed.

"Thought you wouldn't crack open The Organs and Excretions of Magical and Non-Magical Animals and Insects, and Their Uses in Potions before coming, eh, Potter? ... Tut, tut—fame clearly isn't everything."

Harry was infuriated. He'd answered precisely the question that Snape had asked him: where to find a bezoar. Snape hadn't asked him how it was formed. No doubt Snape would have scoffed at him for knowing the answer to that too. There was apparently no winning with the horrible Potions Master, and he just knew that Snape wasn't about to let up.

"What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

"Monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant," said Harry. "It also goes by the name of aconite. But I think others could also answer, though—why don't you give them a chance to answer the next questions if others raise their hand? "

Snape face turned even paler if possible and his face contorted with fury in his eyes as the entire class grinned at his remark

"You all stop grinning like lunatics now!" Snape snarled at the class. "As much of a show off you are Potter, you will not behave in this manner. Well, I decide whom I ask questions to and who answers them."

Then he looked at Harry and said "Five points from Ravenclaw for your cheek, Potter".

"Well, well, well," Snape murmured, looking as though Christmas had been cancelled. "Why aren't you all copying this down?"

He turned away, ignoring the scribbling students. Harry felt Valerie's comforting hand on his arm under the table.

"Today we will be brewing a Cure for Boils," Snape announced. "The instructions are on the board. You have one hour. Begin."

Things didn't improve for them as the Potions lesson continued. Snape waved a wand at the blackboard and instructions appeared. Then he put everyone into trio(with Harry being paired with Valerie and Eleanor) and set them to mixing up a "simple" potion to cure boils without a word about the theory, or explaining the procedure, or telling them how to go about it safely. Apparently Snape expected all the First Years to just know how to do it, as if they had all perfectly memorised their Potions Books .

Harry followed the instructions carefully, feeling Snape's eyes bore into him. Despite the pressure, his potion turned the correct shade of lilac. Snape swept over, looked at Harry's potion, and sneered.

"Riding off others' hard work, are we Potter? Ten points from Ravenclaw."

Harry bit his tongue, his occlumency shields holding his anger in check. By the end of the class, he and his friends had brewed the potion correctly. As they packed up, Snape called out, "Potter, stay behind."

"You think you're clever, Potter," Snape hissed. "But arrogance will be your downfall. I don't tolerate cheating or disrespect in my classroom."

"If you were competent you would know that I did not cheat, but alas one could only hope to get competent individuals to teach them" Harry coldly replied.

"You shall keep your mouth shut Potter if you know what's better for you Potter, as for you cheating lets see shall we". Snape venomously spat out.

Harry felt a cold, invasive presence in his mind. He pushed back, his occlumency shields strong."That's illegal, Professor, especially on Heirs to Most Noble and Ancient houses," Harry said coldly. "I could bring this to the Board of Governors and the Wizengamot. Legilimency on minors without consent is a serious offence. Do it once more regardless of Dumbledore's backing I will have you thrown in Azkaban."

"You can't prove it Potter"Snape's eyes flashed with fury. "Get out," he spat.

The greenhouses were a welcome change from the dungeons. Warm and filled with the scent of earth and plants, they lifted Harry's spirits immediately. Professor Sprout greeted them with a beaming smile. She looked very experienced in the field and seemed to have a passion for the subject.

"Welcome to Herbology!" she said. "Today, we will start with the basics. Safety first, always. " And she then went on to explain how to use the protective equipment and tools to be used, and a rough idea about the first year curriculum. "Now who can tell me the properties of Gillyweed?" She asked

Harry raised his hand. "It allows the user to breathe underwater for a limited time, Professor."

"Excellent, Mr. Potter, 5 points to Ravenclaw. And what is the primary use of Mandrake root?"

"It's used to restore people who have been petrified to their original state." Susan replied

"Correct, 5 points to Hufflepuff. And finally, what plant can repel water-based creatures like Grindylows?"

"Protego Cacto, Professor."

"Correct, Mr. Potter. Another 5 points. Well done."

By the end of the session, Harry had earned 10 points for Ravenclaw. It was a boring class in his opinion, but Neville would later admit that Herbology was his favourite subject. Harry preferred subjects that required more wand waving and calculation of spell effects though.

At lunch, Harry and his friends sat at the Hufflepuff table. He vented his frustration about Snape.

"Why does he loathe me for no apparent reason?" Harry asked, stabbing his food with his fork.

Valerie sighed. "He's always been like that, Harry. Just ignore him."

Daphne added, "You handled it well. Don't let him get to you."

Defense Against the Dark Arts was disappointing. Professor Quirrell stuttered and trembled his way through a long-winded tale about defeating a vampire. He felt something was off about the professor but couldn't place his finger on what the problem was

"V-vampires can be v-v-very d-dangerous," Quirrell stammered. "B-but I w-was able to t-trick one into a t-trap."

Harry could barely suppress his sigh, Harry really could not see how vampires who were very dangerous could be trapped by someone like Quirrell, he also wondered why he didn't magically treat his stutters as they affect the spell casting ability. The class then moved on to learning the Leg-Locker Curse.

Quirrell demonstrated the incantation, "Locomotor Mortis," but most of the students struggled to cast it. Harry, however, got it right on his first attempt.

"V-very good, M-Mr. Potter," Quirrell said nervously, awarding 10 points to Ravenclaw.

By the end of the class, only Harry had managed to successfully cast the spell.

Harry, Valerie, and Eleanor approached the Transfiguration classroom with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The room was filled with the chatter of students, but it fell silent as soon as Professor McGonagall entered. She exuded an air of authority that commanded respect.

"Good afternoon, class," Professor McGonagall began, her voice firm and clear. "Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."

With a flick of her wand, she turned her desk into a pig and back again. The class watched in awe.

"Today, we will start with a simple transformation," she said, holding up a matchstick. "Watch closely."

She demonstrated turning the matchstick into a needle with a precise, graceful motion of her wand. "Now, it's your turn. Remember, concentration is key."

Harry focused on his matchstick, feeling the magic flow through him. With a clear image of a needle in his mind, he performed the spell. To his surprise and delight, the matchstick transformed into a needle on his first try.

McGonagall's eyebrows shot up in astonishment. "Mr. Potter, if you would please do that again."

Harry complied, and once more, the matchstick became a needle. Feeling confident, he took it a step further, making the needle ornate and changing its colors with intricate designs. The needle shimmered in a rainbow of hues, intricate patterns dancing along its surface.

"Remarkable," McGonagall said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "Exceptional work, Mr. Potter. Twenty-five points to Ravenclaw."

Harry beamed with pride. Throughout the class, Hermione Granger, Hydrus, Neville, Dean, Valerie, and Eleanor managed to successfully transfigure their matchsticks as well, earning 10 points each. Hermione, however, was visibly frustrated that Harry managed it first.

As the class ended and students packed up their things, Hermione approached Harry, her expression a mix of anger and accusation.

"Potter," she said, her tone accusatory, "there's no way you did that on your first try. You must have had help beforehand. It's not possible to learn that so quickly without cheating."

Harry sighed, looking at Hermione calmly. "Granger, I didn't cheat. You can find all of this information in the books we purchased. If you need additional reference, the library is full of resources. It's all about practice."

Hermione frowned, clearly not satisfied. "But you did it so easily. How?"

"I practiced, you blithering idiot," Harry said. "I read ahead, and I spent time practicing the spells. That's how I managed it. Just because you can memorise a book completely doesn't mean you can ace the practical parts, remember that"

Valerie, who had been listening nearby, chimed in. "Harry's right. It's all about practice and focus. Now stop troubling us."

Hermione huffed but seemed to consider Harry's words. "Fine," she said eventually. "But I'll be watching you, Potter. No funny business and further cheating"

"Are you deaf, or are you a moron Granger? Harry just told you he did not cheat, and do you think the professors would allow him to cheat and give points for it, the nerve of you to come and accuse us of wrongdoings, get lost and do not irritate us further" Eleanor coldly stated.

Harry put his hands on Eleanors shoulders to calm her down, while Hermione just shot them an ugly glare and walked away muttering about cheaters and injustice, and pureblood privilege. They then slowly walked back to their common room chatting about the first day.

Harry woke earlier than usual on Tuesday. He started his morning with a brisk workout, followed by a short meditation to reinforce his Occlumency shields. After a quick shower and preparing his school bag, he met up with Eleanor and Valerie, and the trio headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. The smell of bacon, eggs, and toast filled the air as they sat down, and Harry was contemplating his dream or vision or whatever you called it.

Their first class was Charms, which took place in a bright and airy classroom on the third floor. The room was buzzing with chatter as students filed in, taking their seats at the small, polished desks. Professor Flitwick, a tiny wizard with a high-pitched voice and a warm smile, stood atop a stack of books at the front of the room. His enthusiasm was infectious. He, like many other professors, started the class by taking attendance, and giving a brief overview of the syllabus to be covered for the year.

"Good morning, everyone!" he chirped, his voice cutting through the murmur of students. "Welcome to Charms! Today, we'll begin with something simple but essential: the Wand-Lighting Charm, Lumos, and its counterpart, Nox, to extinguish the light."

With a quick flick of his wand, Professor Flitwick demonstrated. The tip of his wand glowed brightly with the "Lumos" spell, casting a warm light across his face. A moment later, with another flick and the word "Nox," the light disappeared.

"Now, it's your turn!" he encouraged, stepping back to observe the class.

Harry focused on his wand, his mind clear and determined. "Lumos," he said firmly. A bright, steady light emerged from his wand tip, illuminating the area around him. He smiled with satisfaction as Professor Flitwick clapped his hands in delight.

"Excellent, Mr. Potter! Ten points to Ravenclaw!" Flitwick exclaimed. Around him, other students were also attempting the charm, with varying degrees of success. Eleanor and Valerie both managed to light their wands after a few tries, earning them praise and points as well.

"Well done, Miss Nott and Miss Goldstein! Ravenclaw is off to a brilliant start!" Flitwick beamed, clearly pleased with his class's progress.

Harry spent the remainder of the class helping his friends and classmates, feeling more confident with each successful spell. Flitwick's encouraging presence made the lesson enjoyable, and Harry found himself looking forward to what other charms they would learn, that would be duelling appropriate ones.

After Charms, Harry and his classmates made their way down to the greenhouses for Herbology. The path was lined with lush greenery, and the morning sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The greenhouse was warm and humid, filled with the earthy smell of soil and plants.

Professor Sprout, with dirt-stained gloves and a broad-brimmed hat, greeted them with a smile. "Good morning, everyone! Today, we'll be starting with some basic medicinal plants. These are vital ingredients in many potions and healing remedies."

She led them through the rows of plants, pointing out various species as she spoke. "This here is dittany, used for its powerful healing properties. And over here, we have Rafflesian nectar, whose essence is excellent for soothing minor cuts and abrasions though murtlap essence is better for bigger ones."

Harry listened intently, fascinated by the intricate details of each plant, even though he knew most of them due to the lessons he had received in his home. Harry was rather bored with the subject, and preferred subjects that required wand waving and spell incantation, he would do his best to get a high grade, but he knew he lacked interest in this subject. Sprout's enthusiasm for her subject was evident, and it made the lesson all the more engaging. She asked several questions throughout the class, testing their knowledge of the plants they had studied.

"Can anyone tell me the primary use of valerian roots?" she asked, looking around expectantly.

Harry raised his hand. "Valerian root is often used in sleeping potions, Professor."

"Correct, Mr. Potter! Five points to Ravenclaw!" Sprout praised him, her eyes twinkling.

By the end of the class, Harry had earned twenty points for Ravenclaw, having answered most of the questions correctly. The hands-on nature of Herbology, combined with Professor Sprout's lively teaching style, made the subject more bearable for him.

After a hearty lunch, Harry made his way to the History of Magic classroom. The contrast between the vibrant Herbology class and the dull atmosphere of History of Magic was stark. The room was cold and dimly lit, with heavy drapes blocking out the sunlight. Professor Binns, a ghostly figure with a monotonous voice, floated through the blackboard to begin the lesson.

"Today," he began in a droning tone, "we will continue our discussion on the goblin rebellions of the eighteenth century."

Harry tried his best to stay focused, but Binns' voice seemed to sap the energy from the room. Around him, students were struggling to stay awake. Some had already given in, their heads resting on their arms as they dozed off. Even Granger, who was normally so attentive, was struggling to keep her eyes open.

Harry scribbled notes mechanically, trying to keep his mind from wandering. He knew that History of Magic was important, but Binns' lifeless teaching style made it a chore to sit through. By the time the class ended, Harry felt more exhausted than he had after his morning workout. He knew history taught in his home by his ancestors were rather interesting, but he felt learning history here from Binns was just a waste of his time.

The final class of the day was Transfiguration, which Harry had been looking forward to despite the strictness of the teacher. Professor McGonagall, with her stern demeanour and sharp gaze, commanded respect as soon as she entered the room.

"Good afternoon, class," she said, her voice crisp and authoritative. "Today, we will continue where we left off yesterday. You will now reverse the transformation you performed, turning your needle back into a matchstick, and then you would transform the match into a fine thread"

The classroom was silent as the students set to work. Harry focused intently on his task, recalling the steps they had learned the previous day. With a wave of his wand and a clear incantation, he watched as the needle on his desk transformed back into a matchstick with a small, satisfying pop. Another wave he got it into fine white thread which looked like it was made of silk

Professor McGonagall walked around the room, observing each student's progress. When she reached Harry's desk, she paused, watching as he repeated the spell to demonstrate his proficiency.

"Excellent work, Mr. Potter," she said, her voice tinged with approval. "Very well done indeed. Ten points to Ravenclaw."

Harry beamed at the praise, feeling a swell of pride. He noticed that Hermione, seated a few rows ahead, was working diligently but had not yet succeeded. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, and her frustration was evident.

As the class drew to a close, more students began to succeed. By the end, Hermione, Hydrus, Neville, Dean, Valerie, and Eleanor, and Patil twins had all managed to reverse the transformation but they failed to transform it into a fine thread. Professor McGonagall awarded five points to each of them, acknowledging their hard work.

However, Hermione's victory was overshadowed by her earlier struggle. As they packed up their things, she approached Harry, her expression a mix of irritation and suspicion.

"How did you do it so quickly, Potter?" she demanded, her voice low but tense. "You got it on the first try, and then you made it even more advanced with those designs and colors. Did you cheat?"

Harry looked at her, annoyed by the accusation. "No, I would never cheat, especially in something as trivial as a school lesson , Granger. I just practiced. The books we bought at Flourish and Blotts have everything we need to know, and I spent extra time going over the spells in the library." Harry wisely ignored to mention to her that he had received training from the portraits in his manor, in his defense he knew she would start ranting about how unfair advantages the purebloods get over muggleborns, though it was partially correct Harry was unwilling to be hounded by her.

"But you made it look so easy," Hermione insisted, her eyes narrowing. "I don't understand how you could be so far ahead already."

"Listen you deaf intellectually malnourished human, it's just practice, you tend to forget we could study the theory before hogwarts started itself just like you did, and I chose to even practise alongside reading a theory ," Harry replied snarkily. "I've been focusing on this a lot, and I find it interesting, so I've been working hard at it. You can do the same—there's nothing stopping you."

Hermione seemed to consider his words for a moment, her frustration slowly giving way to contemplation. "I suppose… I just didn't expect it to be so difficult."

"It's not easy for all, I in fact know how many times I struggle to get a spell down perfectly" Harry replied.

Hermione huffed but didn't argue further. She seemed mollified by Harry's explanation, though the competitive glint in her eyes suggested she wasn't ready to give up on surpassing him just yet. With a nod, she turned and headed out of the classroom, leaving Harry to reflect on certain things going on in his mind, specifically the chamber.

The final task of the day was Astronomy, held late at night in the Astronomy Tower. The cool night air greeted them as they climbed the spiral staircase, the sky above clear and filled with stars. Professor Sinistra, a tall and elegant witch with a quiet grace, guided them to their telescopes.

"Tonight, we'll begin by locating some of the major constellations and identifying key stars," she explained, her voice calm and soothing. "This will lay the foundation for our more detailed studies in the future."

Harry found the peaceful atmosphere of the Astronomy Tower refreshing after the long day. He peered through his telescope, following Sinistra's instructions to locate Orion's Belt and Sirius, the Dog Star(Incidentally, it was due to this star his godfather was given the name Sirius, The Black lately had a strange fixation on naming their children after stars or constellations). The sky was vast and mysterious, and Harry felt a deep sense of wonder as he connected the dots of the constellations.

The lesson passed quickly, and before he knew it, the clock struck midnight. As the class ended, Harry felt a quiet satisfaction. The night sky had a way of making his worries seem small, and he returned to his dormitory slightly sleepy.

Wednesday morning brought with it the excitement of flying lessons, something Harry had been eagerly anticipating. The lesson took place on the grassy field near the Quidditch pitch, and the students were buzzing with excitement as they gathered around a row of brooms laid out on the ground.

Madam Hooch, a stern witch with sharp eyes and short, spiky hair, stood before them, her arms crossed. "Everyone, line up beside a broom," she ordered, her voice brisk. "When I blow my whistle, you'll say 'Up!' and your broom should fly into your hand."

Harry positioned himself beside a broom, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. He had never flown before, but he had heard stories from his father about the thrill of being in the air. When Madam Hooch blew the whistle, Harry took a deep breath and commanded, "Up!"

To his delight, the broom immediately jumped into his hand, responding to his call as if it had been waiting for him. Harry's face lit up with a grin as he glanced around. Most of the other students were struggling to get their brooms to rise, with varying levels of success. Some took multiple tries, while others grew frustrated as their brooms remained stubbornly on the ground.

"Well done, Mr. Potter," Madam Hooch said, giving him an approving nod. "Looks like you've got a natural talent for this."

Harry felt a surge of pride, but he kept his focus on the task at hand. The lesson continued with Madam Hooch teaching them the basics of mounting their brooms and hovering above the ground. Harry found that flying came naturally to him. The broom responded to his slightest touch, and he could feel the wind rushing through his hair as he lifted off the ground.

"Steady now," Madam Hooch instructed as they practised hovering a few feet above the ground. "Control is key. You don't want to go zooming off without knowing how to stop."

Harry followed her advice, focusing on maintaining a steady altitude. Around him, other students were getting the hang of it, though some were less graceful in their attempts. By the end of the lesson, Harry felt exhilarated. Flying was always something he enjoyed in the manor itself, afterall many of the Potters were excellent flyers. His great great great grandfather Corvus Potter, even went into professional play and won England their first ever world cup as a keeper and captain. Flying always seemed to him as an extension of himself and his magic.

Thursday and Friday followed a familiar pattern with classes in Charms, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. The day was filled with a mixture of theory and practical work, with Harry continuing to excel in his subjects. Despite Snape's relentless bias in Potions, Harry managed to brew his potions correctly, though Snape seemed determined to find fault where there was none.

During Herbology, they delved deeper into the medicinal properties of plants, and in Charms, they practiced more advanced wand movements. Harry found himself growing more content with each passing day. The camaraderie within Ravenclaw was strong but not as strong as the other three houses, Harry got along well with his yearmates in his house.

After a busy week of classes, Saturday arrived as a welcome break. After breakfast, Harry and his friends—Phoebe, Hydrus, Eleanor, Valerie, Draco, Susan, Neville, Nymphadora, Daphne, Tracey, Blaise, and Hannah—decided to spend the day relaxing by the lake. The sun was shining brightly, and the grounds of Hogwarts were bathed in warm, golden light.

They found a comfortable spot near the edge of the lake, where the water lapped gently against the shore. The group spread out on the grass, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The Forbidden Forest loomed in the distance, its dark trees casting long shadows, but the group felt safe and content in each other's company.

Eleanor and Valerie began discussing the week's lessons, their excitement evident as they compared notes on the spells they had learned. Draco and Blaise, who had joined them, were more interested in the upcoming Quidditch trials, speculating on who would make the house teams.

Harry lay back on the grass, letting the conversation wash over him. He felt a deep sense of contentment. The week had been challenging enough, he had started to find that socialising and making new friends was as tough as he had when meeting his friends in Black Manor, due to the fact that Harry found it hard to trust people.

As Harry lay back on the soft grass, watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky, his friends gathered around him, chatting animatedly. The warmth of the sun and the gentle sound of the water lapping against the shore made for a peaceful setting, a stark contrast to the intense week of classes they had just completed.

Eleanor sat cross-legged beside Harry, looking over at him with a smile. "You were incredible in Transfiguration this week, Harry. I don't know how you did it so fast, but it was impressive. Even McGonagall seemed surprised!"

Harry chuckled lightly, brushing off the compliment. "Thanks, Eleanor. Honestly, I just practiced. The spells come easier the more you work on them. "

Valerie leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is that all there is to it? Practice? Or are you hiding some secret talent?"

Harry shook his head, smiling. "No secrets, I swear, I mean you all do know about the training I received in my home. I think it's just that I've always been interested in magic, and I try to focus on it as much as I can. The library's been a great help too. You'd be surprised how much extra reading you can find there." Harry had told his friends about his training 5 months before, as he knew he could trust them all.

Hydrus, who had been quietly listening, chimed in with a lopsided grin. "I think we all need to start spending more time in the library and training then. We can't let you show us all up every class, now can we?"

Draco smirked, lounging back with his arms behind his head. "Speak for yourself, Hydrus. I've been doing just fine—besides, Harry's just setting the bar high. That's good for competition, keeps us on our toes."

Susan giggled, her cheeks flushed from the warmth of the sun. "Maybe we should all form a study group. That way, we can share tips and help each other out."

Harry nodded, considering the idea. "That's actually a great suggestion, Susan. We could pick a day each week to meet up in the library or one of the empty classrooms. It'll help us stay ahead and make sure no one falls behind."

Dora as he began calling Tonks, sitting next to Daphne, playfully nudged him. "As long as it doesn't interfere with Quidditch, count me in. But I think I'm more excited about flying lessons right now. Harry, you were practically born with a broom in hand! Or so your friends tell me, they told me that you had made it look easy."

Harry shrugged modestly. "I guess I've just got good instincts for it. I vaguely remember, my great great great grandfather Corvus's portrait used to tell me about Quidditch when I was free. Maybe some of that stuck."

Phoebe, who had been listening intently, raised an eyebrow. "Still, I can't believe your broom responded on the first try. Mine took forever in my first year! I thought it wasn't going to move at all."

As the conversation flowed, Draco and Blaise began discussing Quidditch trials with a level of excitement that was infectious. They speculated about who would make the house teams, with Draco expressing his eagerness to join the Slytherin team in his second year.

"I'm going to be a Seeker," Draco declared confidently. "Just you wait, Potter. If you ever end up playing for Ravenclaw, we'll have to face off in a match."

Harry raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "We'll see about that, Malfoy. Don't get too cocky. I might just have a few tricks up my sleeve."

The group laughed, enjoying the easy banter. Time seemed to slip by effortlessly as they lounged by the lake, soaking up the rare moment of calm.

As noon approached, their stomachs began to rumble, and the group decided to head back to the castle for lunch. The Great Hall was buzzing with activity as students from all four houses gathered at the long tables, chatting and laughing as they filled their plates with food.

Harry, Eleanor, and Valerie made their way to the Ravenclaw table, but after a brief glance around the room, they noticed that their friends from the other houses were scattered across the hall. Remembering that it was acceptable to sit wherever they liked during meals, they waved to Susan and Hannah at the Hufflepuff table and joined them.

The air was filled with the delicious smells of roast chicken, steamed vegetables, and freshly baked bread. Harry piled his plate with food, his appetite restored after the relaxing morning by the lake. As they ate, the conversation continued, touching on everything from their upcoming classes to what they planned to do during their free time.

"I heard Professor Flitwick's going to start teaching us more advanced spells next week," Valerie mentioned, her excitement palpable. "I can't wait to learn some new charms."

"Me too," Eleanor agreed. "He makes everything sound so interesting. I just hope I can keep up."

"You'll do great," Harry reassured her. "You've already mastered the basics. The more we learn, the more fun it gets."

After finishing their meal, the group parted ways for a short break before returning to the library or their common rooms. However, Harry had a different plan in mind. As his friends dispersed, he made his way toward the Ravenclaw Tower with purpose.

Harry had been pondering over the instructions he had received from Merlin and Morgana for the past few days. They had hinted that behind the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw lay a hidden path, one that would lead him to the Chamber of Secrets. Today, he decided, was the day he would investigate.

The Ravenclaw common room was quiet when he arrived, most of the students either out enjoying the weekend or studying in other parts of the castle. The statue of Rowena Ravenclaw, tall and graceful, stood in the center of the room, her serene face gazing down at him as if she were contemplating some great mystery.

Harry approached the statue with a sense of reverence. He could feel the faint hum of magic in the air, a subtle energy that seemed to pulse beneath the surface. He reached out, placing his hand gently on the cool stone.

"Merlin, Morgana," he whispered softly, "I'm here. Show me the way."

For a moment, nothing happened. Harry stood there, his hand resting on the statue, his mind focused on the instructions he had been given. Then, slowly, the stone beneath his hand began to glow with a faint, blue light. The statue shifted slightly, as if coming to life, and then it slid smoothly to the side, revealing a narrow passageway behind it.

Harry's heart raced as he peered into the dark corridor beyond. This was it—the secret path that Merlin and Morgana had spoken of. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he stepped forward, the statue sliding back into place behind him, sealing off the passage once more.

The corridor was narrow and dimly lit by a series of torches that flickered to life as he walked past them. The air was cool and carried a faint scent of damp stone and old magic. Harry could feel the ancient power that permeated the walls around him, a reminder that he was venturing into a part of the castle that few had ever seen.

As Harry stepped into the narrow passage behind the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw, the darkness closed in around him, broken only by the flickering light of torches that sprang to life as he moved deeper into the corridor. The air was thick with ancient magic, and he could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, a tangible reminder of the power that had been concealed within Hogwarts for centuries.

Just as he was about to turn a corner, a familiar presence brushed against his mind. Cosmos, the ethereal being that had become his guide and companion, was reaching out to him telepathically.

"Harry, I sense the magic of this place... it's old, powerful, and deeply woven into the foundations of the castle," Cosmos communicated, his voice calm but laced with a hint of concern. "Are you certain you wish to proceed alone?"

Harry smiled, reassured by the familiar warmth of Cosmos' presence. "I'm not alone, am I? You're here with me."

Cosmos flashed into existence beside Harry, his form shimmering faintly in the dim light. He regarded Harry with an expression that was both protective and curious. "True, but this is uncharted territory. We must be cautious. There's no telling what we might encounter down here."

Nodding, Harry continued down the passage with Cosmos at his side, the two of them moving silently toward the unknown. The passage twisted and turned, descending deeper into the bowels of the castle. The further they went, the stronger the sense of magic became, until it was almost suffocating in its intensity.

Finally, they arrived at a large, intricately carved door, its surface covered in symbols and runes that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. Harry hesitated for a moment, then reached out and placed his hand on the cold stone. He could feel the magic thrumming beneath his fingertips, ancient and waiting.

"This is it," Cosmos said quietly, his gaze fixed on the door. "The entrance to the Chamber of Secrets."

Taking a deep breath, Harry focused on the task at hand. He had been told that the entrance could only be opened with Parseltongue, the language of serpents—a language he had discovered he could speak, though he still wasn't entirely sure how.

He leaned close to the door and whispered in a low, hissing voice, "Open."

The runes on the door flared to life, glowing a vivid green as the door slowly began to creak open, revealing a vast, shadowy chamber beyond. Harry and Cosmos exchanged a glance before stepping through the threshold.

The chamber was enormous, its ceiling lost in darkness above them. Massive stone pillars lined the walls, and at the far end of the room, a large stone serpent was coiled around an altar, its eyes gleaming in the dim light.

As they approached the altar, a soft hissing sound echoed through the chamber. Harry froze, his eyes narrowing as he searched for the source of the sound. Then, from the shadows, a massive figure began to emerge.

A Basilisk.

Her scales gleamed a deep, emerald green, and her eyes, though slitted, were filled with an eerie intelligence. Harry could feel her gaze on him, but there was no fear—only a strange sense of connection.

"Heir of Slytherin," the Basilisk hissed, her voice soft and melodic, yet carrying an undeniable power. "You have returned."

Harry blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected to understand the Basilisk, but the words came to him as clearly as if they were spoken in English.

"You... recognize me?" Harry asked, his voice tentative as he tried to grasp the reality of the situation.

"Of course," the Basilisk replied, her massive head lowering to better examine him. "I have waited for you, my master. I am Elisa, guardian of this chamber. Your presence here is... different from the last."

Cosmos, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice filled with curiosity. "The last? Who was the last to claim to be the Heir of Slytherin?"

Elisa's eyes darkened, a ripple of something like sadness passing through them. "He was not a true heir, but he performed rituals... dark, twisted things, to bend me to his will. His name was Tom Riddle, though he called himself something else by the end... Voldemort."

Harry felt a slight chill run down his spine at the name of the madman who was responsible for the death of his parents and countless others, but he forced himself to focus on what Elisa was saying. "What did he do to you?" he asked, his voice gentle, yet firm.

"He bound me with spells of control, forcing me to kill at his command," Elisa explained, her voice heavy with regret. "One such victim was Elizabeth Warren, a young girl who wandered into this chamber by mistake. Her death was a tragedy, a result of the dark magic Riddle used to control me. I was powerless to resist, and it haunts me still."

Harry's heart ached at the sorrow in Elisa's voice. Despite her fearsome appearance, it was clear that she had suffered greatly under Riddle's control. "I'm sorry that happened to you, Elisa," he said sincerely. "But I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm here to learn, to understand, and maybe to right some of the wrongs that have been done."

Elisa studied him for a long moment, her eyes searching his. Finally, she nodded slowly. "I sense the truth in your words, young heir. You are different—stronger in some ways, more compassionate in others. If you seek knowledge, I will not stand in your way. But be warned, the secrets of this chamber are dangerous, even for one as gifted as you."

Harry nodded, feeling a strange sense of acceptance from the ancient serpent. "Thank you, Elisa. I promise, I'll be careful. But you won't harm me will you" he asked tentatively

Harry felt a surge of curiosity as Elisa settled back into her resting place, her enormous coiled body exuding a sense of ancient wisdom. The shadows shifted subtly as she resumed speaking, her voice soft but resonant in his mind, both soothing and powerful.

"There are many misconceptions about my kind," Elisa began, her golden eyes flickering. "But know this, young heir: Parselmouths, like yourself, are immune to the gaze of a Basilisk. Our deadly stare holds no power over you. Neither will the piercing screech of a thirteen-headed Hydra that can shatter your ear drums, should you ever encounter one."

Harry blinked in surprise, absorbing the information. Cosmos, who stood beside him, listened intently as well, his ethereal form shimmering faintly.

"Not only that," Elisa continued, "but most low-level venoms will not affect a Parselmouth. It is a protection granted by our shared connection to serpents and the magic that flows through us. We are kin, in a way, and Mother Magic sees fit to shield you from the dangers of the serpent world."

Harry exchanged a glance with Cosmos, who nodded thoughtfully. "That's remarkable," Harry said, turning back to Elisa. "I never knew any of this. It's… fascinating."

Elisa's gaze softened slightly, a faint hint of amusement in her eyes. "There is much more to being a Parselmouth than simply speaking to snakes, young one. It is an ancient gift, one that binds you to the magic of the world in ways most cannot fathom."

Harry, still processing her words, felt the weight of his unique abilities settling more heavily upon him. There was a responsibility that came with this connection, one that extended beyond simply understanding snakes.

Elisa's tone shifted, becoming more contemplative. "Now, let me tell you the true purpose of this chamber—something that history has long forgotten or deliberately concealed."

Harry straightened, his attention sharpening. Cosmos, too, seemed intrigued, his presence radiating curiosity.

"Salazar Slytherin did indeed build this chamber," Elisa explained, "but not for the reasons the world believes. It was not created as a mere lair for me, nor was it solely intended to purge the school of Muggle-borns. No, the chamber was built as a sanctuary for the students of Hogwarts in the event of a siege. Salazar, despite his infamous disdain for Muggles, cared deeply for the safety of the children here, regardless of their blood status."

Harry frowned slightly. This was not the Slytherin he had read about in history books. But then again, Harry mused, history was often told by those with agendas of their own.

"Only the head house-elves of Hogwarts knew of the chamber's location," Elisa continued. "They were entrusted with the task of bringing the students down here to safety in the event of an attack. I was placed here as a guardian, a weapon to be used only against those who would harm the school. I was never meant to harm the students themselves."

Harry was astonished by this revelation. "So, Salazar wasn't completely evil?" he asked cautiously, trying to reconcile this new information with what he had been taught.

"He was... complicated," Elisa responded, her eyes reflecting a deep, ancient knowledge. "Salazar did indeed hold a deep hatred for Muggles—he saw them as a threat to wizardkind and believed they would bring about the downfall of magic, another thing that fuelled his rage and hatred was that his entire family was murdered brutally when he was just a 5 year old. But his disdain did not extend to Muggle-borns as much as it was rumoured. He believed that Mother Magic herself blessed them, for their magic was just as pure and powerful as any pureblood's. He respected that magic, even if he resented the world they came from."

Harry felt a flicker of surprise. "So, he didn't actually want to kill Muggle-borns?"

"Not directly," Elisa clarified. "Salazar Slytherin saw himself as a protector of wizardkind, but he would have eradicated Muggles if given the chance. He believed their world and their actions threatened the existence of magical society. But he also believed that magic—whether from purebloods or Muggle-borns—was a gift, and no wizard had the right to take that gift from another. His hatred for Muggles was rooted in fear for the survival of magic, but he never intended to harm those blessed by Mother Magic itself."

Harry was shocked by this revelation. It contradicted everything he had been taught, everything that had been passed down about Salazar Slytherin's intentions. But there was a strange logic to it—one that spoke of fear, power, and a misguided sense of protection.

"History has painted him as a villain," Harry murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

Cosmos nodded solemnly beside him. "History often does that," the ethereal being remarked. "It simplifies, distorts, and makes judgments with limited understanding. Few are willing to seek out the truth beneath the legends and rumors."

Harry turned his gaze back to Elisa, his mind racing. "And what of you, Elisa? Will you harm me?" he asked quietly.

The Basilisk's massive head tilted slightly as she regarded him with those ancient eyes. "You are the heir of Slytherin, chosen by magic itself. I would never harm you, young one. My loyalty is to you now, as it once was to Salazar. You carry the legacy of this place within you, and I shall protect you as long as you walk this earth."

Cosmos, sensing the sincerity in Elisa's words, smiled faintly. "She speaks the truth, Harry. Her intent is pure. You are safe here."

Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Elisa," he said softly. "I'll make sure your loyalty is never taken for granted."

The Basilisk bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment. "You are wise beyond your years, young heir. And in time, you will grow even stronger."

With a final nod, Elisa withdrew into the shadows, leaving Harry and Cosmos alone in the chamber once more. Harry took a deep breath, the enormity of what he had just experienced slowly sinking in.

"That was... unexpected," Cosmos remarked, his tone thoughtful. "But it seems you've gained a valuable ally in Elisa."

Harry nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "There's so much more to this place than I ever imagined. But now, we have a chance to uncover the truth, to understand the past, and maybe even to prevent future harm."

Cosmos smiled, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "You're growing, Harry. In strength, in wisdom, and in heart. Whatever lies ahead, I know you'll face it with the courage you've always shown. Do not worry for I have your back, I will always be beside you for everything be it good or the bad"