Chapter 17

It was a complete and utter silent. Little by little, he regained his consciousness and the first thing came to him was total darkness. He was lying on some surface, something flat, just flat. He had a sense of touch, therefore the thing in which his body lay on really existed. As soon as that part of him came to his senses, he wondered if he could see since he could feel. In accordance to it, he worked his way to opening his eyes. His sight was all blurry at first and he had to flutter his eyes rapidly to regulate his vision.

He glanced from right to left, realizing the position he was in as he lay face down. Unhurriedly, he sat upright, feeling his body tense at every movement even if he appeared to be unscathed. Looking around, he was in some sort of place where there was only white from one end to another. He put a great effort into remembering why he was here. But, he cringed as a fierce assault stabbed his brain. It would seem his memories were all jumbled up since he couldn't recall who he was. It would take a while for him to recuperate his memories.

For the first time ever, he discerned his attire. The long sleeved v-neck shirt - he was wearing - and the trousers enveloped the lower region of his body. Both of them were pure white, the texture of the material was so smooth and silk. His feet were bared, however. He winced, placing his hands on his head at the sharp interference. After a while, he looked up, now recovering every bit of his memories. What he still didn't understand was how he arrived to this, all around white area. He shouldn't have been here. He tried to revoke back his last memory but was rebuffed. Now, he was perplexed. Was this one of the old man's practical jokes? He shook his head. This was too big, even for the old man.

Standing up, he was astonished to see a very large number of people lining up and walking expressionlessly in the same direction. He noted their clothes were very similar to his. Not knowing what to do, he approached one of them, a woman, and attempted to attain any information from her regarding to where he was. But, he was disregarded as if he didn't exist at all. The woman just looked oddly at him and brushed past him. Now, he was more confounded than ever. Gazing up ahead, he didn't know where these people were heading but he participated, nonetheless.

After what it seems like, seconds, minutes and even hours to him, he could identify there was a one-lane bridge up ahead that led to another place. It was the most unusual bridge he ever saw. The bridge was so thin. Anyone who traveled to the other side would fall in just a few steps. It was thinner than any strings. He didn't think it would be feasible for anyone to walk on it. Lost in his own little world, he bumped into someone's back. Rubbing his red sore nose, he mumbled an apology but paused as the person in front of him just ignored him, continued muttering anxiously to himself, something about the sins he perpetrated and whatever it was.

Clearing his tangle of thoughts, he was on his toes, trying to make out why they stopped all of a sudden.

His eyes went huge as there was a tall figure at the very front of the crowds, halting them all from using the bridge. The figure's appearance didn't seem unusual or terrifying. It was a human with large sculpture wings on its back, dressed in very strange white clothes. It appeared not to be frightening but the presence it radiated was compelling him with the desire to be far away from the figure. Whoever or whatever it was, it was not one to mess with. The crowd he's in, entered another long line, most likely waiting for the tall figure to call them one by one.

He waited patiently and he naturally thought it would take a very long time for his turn, considering it was such a long line. It would take days or months even. Before he knew it, he was already in front of the tall figure. "Name?" its voice boomed.

Unconsciously, he gulped down his swollen throat. "H-Harry…"

"Harry who?" it boomed again.

Now, he was alarmed.

"Harry…" Like a bulb illuminated on his head, he answered it properly "…Potter, Harry James Potter."

The figure checked the list on its large hands - if Harry even deemed it to be hands to begin with. That huge hand could squash him like a pitiful insect. "Name is not on the list thus cannot pass… Next."

"Wait… what?"

Peeking over his shoulder, Harry politely moved away from his spot, halfheartedly consenting another person to take his spot. Now, he was beyond confused. Where must he go from here on out? He didn't even know why he was here in the first place. He grumbled, his personality has now been fully restored to him. If he would be bold enough, he ought to ask the tall figure some questions he had in mind and be done with it.

"You there…" His ears perked at the soft feminine tone. Was it calling out for him? "The fella with pretty features on his face and alluring emerald eyes…" Whoever that was, the description didn't match him. He didn't have pretty features on him. He blinked his eyes rapidly. Weren't his eyes emerald? There were soft chuckles. "Yes, you, my dear child. I am speaking to you…"

Harry turned to the source and was slightly stunned that there were benches nearby. Why hadn't he noticed them before? In spite the fact there were benches, only one person sat on them. Harry's eyes traced to the person and distinguished it to be a lady. She was wearing a white gown. As he drew closer to the woman, he felt his heart skip a beat and his cheeks heated at an alarming rate. His mouth slightly parted, shamelessly gaping at the lady. Harry couldn't help it. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever encountered in his life. In contrast to his best friends, they wouldn't hold a candle to this woman, including Daphne.

Any beautiful women and girls he had stumbled across in his life could not be compared to this lady. She was ten times more beautiful than them combined, not even Veelas could evaluate their beauties with hers. She was magnificently breathtaking. With her shiny black hair flowed down silkily, her dazzling slight deadly predatory black orbs eyes, smooth porcelain unblemished skin, face was of aristocratic princess likeness and a gentle smile that could light up the dark side of the moon, Harry was in a row of disbelief such person existed. He couldn't take his eyes off her at all.

He pinched his own arm, hard and grumbled loudly. There is no way he had a crush on her, just by eying the lady for the first time ever. Where were his manners? The lady chuckled more tenderly at his reaction. Harry scowled at this. "Why don't you have a seat next to me, my dear? I am sure you are very confused. Come…" Her hand patted the seat next to her. Harry complied without much of a choice.

"Where am I exactly?" Harry asked, shades of red still coated his cheeks.

"This here..." She gestured the place with her arm. "...is a plane that is far away from the world you are so familiar with."

"What do you mean?"

The smile on her face was gentler than her previous smile. "My dear, this is where people go to after they've died…"

"W-what!" His heart dropped and his stomach did a somersault, gurgling.

She smiled more. "You can say this is a realm that is in-between of life and the afterlife. A plane existing for where you are to be judged, whether you are worthy to ascend to heaven or descend into pits of hell... It all depends on what you did in your life…"

"If you do not believe me, then observe those people who cross that bridge." Harry looked at the unusual bridge and perceived one person marching on it peacefully without any efforts or worries. "The person shows he never committed any sins in his life, whether the sins are large or small. If he reached to the other side, he will be taken to heaven. By what means, I do not know." Next is a person, whom was very anxious with his body quivering all over, prepared to take a step on the bridge.

Harry recognized the person. He had bumped the guy's back really hard earlier. After a mere few steps, the guy wobbled and fell down. Large wild fire burst from below and incinerated the person wholly. Harry could feel the heat from where he was even though the fire was distance away from him. "The person proves he had executed many sins in his life. He did not scorch to ashes nor die when the fire consumed him. It merely dragged him down to hell for him to acquire the punishments he rightfully deserved… There will be a possibility he'd be forgiven and might be offered heaven. To do so, one must endure the punishments for the sins they had done in their previous life."

Like any person, he refused to believe everything what she had just said. Nonetheless, after all the things he witnessed, he took it rather well. He inhaled a deep breath and exhaled it accordingly, pacifying his emotions from going on a rampage. Now, the dreaded question was how he died?

"It will sink to you, child…" The same soft voice interjected his thoughts.

Harry grimaced as another ache clobbered his head. Flash of fangs gnawed his left arm and his torment screams rang out in his head. Subsequent to this, he inspected his left arm meticulously. It was intact, no revolting huge or small holes on it. Concentrating on the memory hard, the scene replayed in his mind and he sighed forlornly once he recollected every bit of it.

"I am dead…" Harry stared blankly his feet. "Well, so much for power… I wonder if my next journey will be in heaven or hell..." Harry wasn't a fool to not pick up the lady's earlier expressions. "So what crimes have you made in your life?"

"My, my…such impressive perception." She chortled lightheartedly. "Would you believe my words if I enlightened you that you are very similar to a person I once knew? Solely from appearance only, my dear, nothing more. He even had the same enticing emerald eyes as yours. Conversely, I very much doubt this person was similar to your personality. He was a strong man, too strong that most of his enemies feared him and fled at the sight of him."

"Um…ma'am…" Harry started off awkwardly. "Forgive my rudeness, but I don't know you that well… So, I have no idea if I should trust you or your words…."

"I supposed…" She smiled charmingly, causing Harry to blush uncharacteristically. There was something in regards to her smile that reminded Harry of a very creepy old man. It's the exact smile but induced a different effect on Harry. If the old man was to smile at him like that, Harry would undeniably scoff at it. "Would it bother you to hear a little tale from this lady?"

"No, not at all, ma'am. I am in no hurry."

"Oh, silly me, of course you are not in a hurry." She giggled slightly. By this point on, Harry discovered his feet to be fascinating due to an uncontrollable blush on his face. Everything she did was so gracious to him that he could not help but act like a pathetic schoolboy who had a massive crush on her. "Will it be acceptable if I begin?"

"Y-yes, go on, I'm all ears."

"Thank you…" She was really thankful. "It has been such long time since I had an opportunity to strike a proper conversation with someone." She heaved a lonely sigh. "As you have guessed, I have executed countless appalling sins and some might not considered to be easily forgiven. Make no mistake, I am truly ashamed for what I have done in my previous life."

"Oh?" Harry was taken aback. This gorgeous lady beside him had just informed him of many wrongdoings she had done.

"Have you-" He gulped. "-received your punishments?"

"Yes…" For one who had been in hell before, she was calmed. "It was justice and I earned all of it…"

"Why did you do it? I mean, why you did those sins?"

"It was mostly out of jealousy and hatred…" She prompted. "In my time, there was always war brewing from many sides. The country I lived in was continually condemned with wars, leaders threatening war and much more... It is not a country one chose to live in peacefully. It was extraordinary that a king in my period was able to repel and win every single battle with his armies. He fought against the invasion of many foreigners, barbarians and rebellions..."

"I take it you're the last option?"

"Yes, quite right..." She smiled sadly. "I was a fool, really... I only had one goal in mind at that time. It was revenge I seek and so, I sought for power. My half-sister lured me into such power, desiring my abilities for her own gains and vengeance against the king. I even murdered my own father who cared for me from the time I was a child... In truth, the king was my other half-brother and we shared the same father..." Harry didn't repress his shock from her. "In just a few years, I had assembled enough armies to wage gruesome war against the king. Most of my soldiers comprised of those who had magic within them. After long years of war, the king triumphed over his enemies including I... But by the time he did so, I had lost everything, it was over for me... I cannot undo the past I had imposed upon myself, the innocent lives I had taken... I was blinded by my hatred too much. Nevertheless, I am satisfied..."

"Why?" he whispered, baffled. If Harry was in her position, he would be miserable.

A wide smile wrapped its way around her jaws and there are slight tears in her eyes. "I died in the arms of my love... I could not be happier than being in his arms during my last moments. Amongst the things I regret most was that we could not be together. We were both on different sides, you see. His loyalty and friendship with the king was what prevented him from being with me. It was out of remorse, sympathy, selfishness and mostly out of my love for him that I persuaded him endless times to side with me, but his answer remained firm. He was a very stubborn man and true to his word of honor to the very end. Dying by his hands even though it broke his heart deeply was the most suitable punishment for me, even if it was unfair for him... He was also my soul mate..." Harry's eyebrows shot up, vanishing through his hairline. "Our soul united as one. I was bonded to him as he was bonded to me. You can imagine how difficult it was for us to see each other on a battlefield."

Harry heard her sigh for the second time. It was a lot to take in, though he didn't detect anything but sincerity from her. "Are you waiting for him?"

"Yes, I am... I have served my sentence for a very long time and now, I have been released and forgiven. I was offered a place in heaven, but I adjourned it in favor of waiting for my love." She situated both of her hands on her heart, smiling. "I had died, yet I could still feel the connection the two of us shared. It lingers inside me. My heart flutters at the thought of him."

Harry averted his awareness away from her and leaned back. "So, the moral of this story is that revenge is useless and hatred could only lead to disaster."

She turned to him, smiling more. "More or less, my dear. Sometimes, it is best to let go of the past and dream of a better future. Clinging the past is what makes every great man and lady fall. You will find nothing but despair at the end of your life if you pursuit revenge and cloud yourself with hatred. You cannot step backward, yet you can only step forward, even if the steps you take are little steps."

Harry nodded, memories of his parents sparked to his mind. "Thank you... I'll try my best to never forget those words. I hope you will be reunited with your love."

"No, it is I who should be grateful. You have given me a chance to have a conversation with you."

"Why is it such a big deal?" Like lightning struck his head, he stuttered, "W-wait the minute!" Harry's broaden eyes darting to hers. "Judging from your story, it is likely you lived in the past!" Harry gave a little shake of his head. "I meant, you lived in the medieval times! That's like a thousand and five hundred years from my time! How come you still haven't met your love?" Harry demanded. "Who is your soul mate? More importantly, who are you?"

She chuckled softly. "You are wise for your age, Harry Potter. Both mine and my lover's identity will come to you. Time will tell, child..."

"You know my name…" Harry breathed. "How did you know my name?"

She smiled enchantingly. A smile that terribly reminded Harry of the old man. "It looks like your time here is up, my dear."

"W-what do you me-" He felt dizzy all of the sudden, feeling like he was being pulled.

"I knew of your ancestor and fought him a few times..." Harry snapped up. "Do not fight it, child. It is not good to resist it. Go back. There is much to be done."

"W-what do you mean by my ancestor! Who is my ancestor! I have so many questions that needed to be answer!"

"I am very sure you are... The answers you seek will slowly be answered..." The lady stroked his right cheek tenderly. "I am going to warn you of something, Harry Potter. You have something very powerful within you which you have yet to realize and have yet to unravel. It is something you inherited from your ancestor and you are his direct descendant. There is not much time for you. If you cannot solve it and it is too late, then you will be in lament for the remainder of your life and not just you alone, there will be others as well... Do not let the connection be severed... If you solve it, then your real journey will begin from there on... There are others who desire greatly of you and their powers are something that we cannot imagine... Farewell for now, dear child, and may you be blessed with long life prosperity and a good life as well... We will meet again..." She smiled more. "Tell him, tell him I will be waiting for him... Tell him, I love him very much…My love for him never falters, it merely grows…"

"Who...?" was his last question before his spectacles was swarmed by darkness in an instant.

29 May 1993.

Harry coughed violently, small amount of blood spewed out from his mouth. He was lying on a hard, slippery floor unlike the soft ground he had just experienced moments ago. He could feel some sort of weird energy entering his body, coursing throughout him. Groaning lowly, he, with a snail pace, unfastened his eyes. Once more, the blurriness was obstructing his sight. He blinked his eyes, adjusting it. He was welcomed with the view of his brother smiling largely, dry tears smeared his cheeks.

"Harry, you're awake! Just a little more and then you'll be all right!"

The pain was leaving him. The heavy burden was lifted from his body. What was happening?

He was recovering at an impossible rate. Any damage on his body was healing and the blood he lost was restored back to him. His eyes now got a clearer view of his surroundings. His eyes flickered to his left arm and he closed one eye when something white blinded him. "Skip?" He was astounded at the presence of the elemental. The holy orb was glowing brightly and brilliantly on him, transferring some of the white light to him. Hundreds of small light rays attached to Harry's body, more on his left arm. He could distinguished the small white lights on the repulsive huge holes were getting smaller, fading away.

The holy orb stopped healing him and slightly flew away from him. Harry sat upright, smiling when he could move his arm. In fact, any previous pain in his body was absolutely gone, the poison and all of it! "You're amazing, you know that, Skip?" The elemental just emanated a strange sound of pride.

"Don't get too cocky on me just because you saved my life, but I owe you one, Skip." Harry smiled, standing up. The elemental emitted more sounds. Harry arched an eyebrow at this. "You're saying the old man sent you to me?" Another positive sound from the elemental. "All right, all right, I'll give him my thanks when I see him the next time. You don't have to be defensive when it comes to him. But, you're the one who saved me, so I should thank you, too."

"Bloody hell..." Daniel spoke for the first time, eyes budged from his brother to the elemental. "You know t-t-this... thing, Harry? And, you understand it?"

"Oy, oy! Watch what you're spouting at!" Harry scowled gallingly. "This thing is an elemental, one of the sacred and powerful magical creatures that has ever roamed in this world. And Skip is a holy elemental, the highest rank of its kind. It is also the rarest amongst any other elementals. Skip takes great offense when people address him like some sort of low ranking creature." The elemental ostensibly agreed to Harry's words. "Furthermore, you should be grateful to ever encounter an elemental, much less a holy elemental, brat. Compared to a phoenix, a holy elemental is much more superior and powerful. It's healing powers cannot be matched by any spells, magic, or any creatures in this world. To top it off, you can't harm it with any kind of magic or kill it. Its existence originated from the purest magic and nature element energy. You're basically invincible if a holy elemental is constantly on your side..." Skip appeared assenting to Harry more. "And the most interesting part about an elemental is it has feelings, intelligence, and personalities like us. As to how I understand it? Well..." Harry shrugged. "Let's just say Skip and I go way back..."

"Wow..." Daniel was truthfully astonished, gawking at Skip. His brother was right. Somehow, Daniel just knew that this holy elemental was much more powerful than Dumbledore's phoenix. Just in the company of the elemental alone, it gave Daniel the same sense of emotions and reactions whenever a phoenix sang. No, it felt much more than the phoenix did.

"Oh, stop it, Skip. You're always like that whenever someone is awed at you. Stop basking the attention too much, it will grow on you." A tiny jet of light zoomed furiously to Harry. Harry ducked his head and rolled his eyes. "Now, you're acting childish..."

"I just have one question. Why does his name is Skip? That's…lame..."

"Some crazy, old geezer named him." He strode his way to his wand.

Bending down, he picked his wand up and smiled. "Thank you..."

For some reason, it didn't vibrate or respond to Harry's words. Harry just smiled and carefully tucked it inside his pocket. His eyes traveled to the Basilisk's form. Its head was separated from its body, the blood seeping all over the floor. His face contorted to a grimace once his eyes shifted to his attire. It was disgusting. His own blood mixed with the Basilisk's and it soaked his own white shirt. Then, came a faint moan at the end of the chamber. The youngest Weasley was stirring. "Skip, put her into a sleep, I don't want her to know I was here."

The elemental did as Harry told and Ginny, once more, was fast asleep. Daniel didn't object, by now, he was familiar to how his brother did things. He just went to snatch his own wand and the Gryffindor sword. Limping to Harry, Daniel presented him with the Gryffindor sword. "You pulled it out, so it rightfully belongs to you."

Harry was tempted to keep it but knew better. "Actually, that's not a good idea." His eyes flickered to his brother's injuries. "Oh, sorry I didn't see that. Skip, would you be kind enough to heal him?" The elemental attended to it.

Daniel was amazed with how quickly it repaired his bloody hand and leg. This time, he felt no pain at all. "Um... thanks..." The elemental simply floated in the air, glimmering majestically. Daniel chuckled nervously in response.

"Like I said, that's not a good idea. I don't want anyone to know I was here. I think you should just take this to Dumbledore."

"B-but Harry, you're the one who slayed the Basilisk! I don't want to take the credit for something I didn't do..."

"How noble of you, brat," Harry said sarcastically. "It's better this way. I really don't want anyone to know what I'm capable of, let alone I was here." Harry civilly handed the sword to his brother. "The Sorting Hat actually offered me the sword out of gratitude. I didn't summon it."

"Still..." Daniel sighed, knowing he won't win the debate with his brother. "Gratitude? What gratitude?"

"Something about 'not thinking ill of one of the founders' and I fairly sure the founder it meant was Salazar Slytherin."

"You're saying that you believe Slytherin to be a good person?" Daniel inquired, shocked. "You've definitely gone barmy, Harry…"

"Well, I always believed Salazar wasn't as evil as you all claimed him to be. I firmly believed he was a great man that made a fatal mistake on hibernating the Basilisk inside the castle. I denied the Basilisk's purpose was to purge the school. I explicitly have faith it was meant to protect the school. I mean, he was one of the founders. He loved this castle as much as the other three founders. The reason why he didn't want Muggle-borns to be in Hogwarts was not because he favored more of the pure-bloods. No, it was for other reason... That age was where magical people like us were hunted by the Muggles. In the founder's age, there were some cases where Muggle-borns had been hung up in a podium and burned to death."

"What?" Daniel was appalled.

"Yes, it was the truth. At that time, Salazar thought it was best for the Muggle-borns to stay hidden so their lives wouldn't be forsaken at such early age. Of course, the other three founders disagreed with his proposal and it caused the supposed feud amongst the founders." Harry strolled to the Sorting Hat. "Salazar wasn't a ridiculous, prejudiced pure-blood who looked down on Muggle-borns. In fact, he never did care about the blood status. He welcomed every magical child to Hogwarts." Harry grabbed the Sorting Hat and twirled his body to his brother. "More than that, did you really think Salazar looked like a monkey? And, do you really think Godric's face was covered with lots of hair that made him look like a lion? Or, Helga was a plump woman? Or, Rowena's face looked more or less like a raven? Come on, use your common sense, brat."

"Then why...?"

"It's to fool their enemies and the Muggles who hunted them," Harry corresponded. "Salazar's idea was to design pictures, images, and statues to puzzle their enemies - though, I have no idea why Salazar made his fake statue in the Chamber of Secrets instead of the real one. If everyone thought the founders looked like that-" Harry pointed at the statue. "-Just think how their enemies would exhaust themselves looking for them. Trust me, even in their time period, their reputation as powerful wizards and witches was greatly known throughout the whole land. Like this, the founders could walk around the land freely if they chose to and their enemies wouldn't recognized them one bit. Salazar's most prominent trait was cunning." Harry, then, chuckled a little. "Though, they truly did forget how to change back into their true appearances and just let all those pictures and statues be like that. Now, it's their fault if people these days think that's how they looked like. If I didn't know better, I'd say they pranked everyone in each generation."

"Did you know how they truly looked like?"

"Yeah." Harry indifferently shrugged. "Someone showed me a book that contains their true appearances. The best description I can put for them is they are four beautiful royal-like people. I can tell you this, though, the color of their eyes matches to the color of their own houses." Harry rounded the Sorting Hat. "Isn't that right, Hat?"

A rip near brim, opened wide like a mouth. "Yes, it is true, Mr. Potter."

"You mean to say all of that is true?" Daniel's eyes were as large as a saucer.

"Yes, Lord Salazar was never what people declared him to be. I know this because part of his self, memories, were copied and transferred to me."

"Then, how come you never said anything about the chamber?" Daniel pressed more.

"Lord Salazar ordered me not to. He feared that once the chamber was known, people would explore it and lives would be at lost if they unleashed the Basilisk. For this exact reason, he sealed the Basilisk with the intention to protect Hogwarts from its enemies and as its last defense, only to be used out of desperation. The Basilisk that Lord Salazar nurtured is no ordinary Basilisk. You two should've known this. It is Slytherin's pet, after all. Lord Salazar was prone to had done something to the Basilisk. It's also immune to rooster's crows."

"As expected from the founders. They're what you call abnormal magical people." Harry nodded his head affirmatively and a look of admiration on his face.

"However, Lord Salazar, like any other person, was bound to make a fatal mistake. For him to seal the Basilisk for such a long time, caused the Basilisk to lose all of its reasons or purpose of its existence." The Sorting Hat paused before twisting to Daniel, still in Harry's hands. "And yes, the founders' appearance matched exactly to what your brother had just said."

"Wow." Daniel took off his glasses and cleaned it mindlessly. "This is a lot to take in. Imagine if we were raised in an environment where you believed what the people said to you and the thought remained for years. Then, the next thing you knew, the truth came crashing down on you."

"It doesn't indicate that everything you hear and see will always be truthful, Mr. Potter. Take this matter into consideration and learn from it. History will, for all time, be mysterious to us all. Only if there is a person to witness the historical event, then we can be certain of the truth from the person." The Sorting Hat swung its attention to the regal looking elemental. "In all my entire being, I had dreamed of meeting an elemental and now it has finally come to that, I must say they are such magnificent creatures..."

"All right, that's enough." Harry donned the Sorting Hat. "Do me a favor and sort me one more time, Hat. I want to know if you can sort me now."

"W-what do you mean by that?" Daniel shuttered a bit.

"Well, no one ever knew this but in my first year, the Sorting Hat didn't know which house to put me in."

"True, true, Mr. Potter. You're the most difficult one amongst all that I had sorted. Now, if you give me a minute…"

Harry looked at his brother. "According to the Sorting Hat, I had what it means to be a Slytherin, my cunning was evident. The hat did tell me I was smart enough to be a Ravenclaw and a hard work to be in Hufflepuff. Also, I could be a Gryffindor when it came to bravery…"

"You're saying you can be in four houses?"

"No… well, yes…" Harry rubbed his chin with his left hand. "But I prefer I have all the traits of four houses."

"B-but it still sorted you to Ravenclaw…"

"Actually… it let me choose…"

"What!"

Harry was amused. "Yes, the Sorting Hat let me decide and it said I was the first person to ever have been granted in choosing which house I wanted to be in. It took me a while to make a decision, but I settled on Ravenclaw and thought it was the best for me."

"Why can't you be in Gryffindor instead?"

Harry puckered his lips. "The thing is, brat, while that house is where I may suit best, that's where everyone expected me to be, isn't it? I don't want to drill their head into thinking that I'll be their hero and save them if the time of peril approaches. If I was in Slytherin, I figured with all the prejudice, they would think of me as some sort of dog to Voldemort, a dark wizard in making and there was no way I could hold my hot head if they kept whispering behind my back and insulting me. Hufflepuff's reputation was greatly tarnished for years already as a place where trash was supposed to be, even though the house is great like any of the other houses. So, that was out as well. Since Ravenclaw was neutral, I opted to be in that house…"

"That's…um, thoughtful…" Daniel asserted hesitantly. It did make sense to him. His brother wasn't the type to be ordered around.

"But, people were usually right about me." Harry contemplated on his words. "Most of the time, I acted like a Slytherin, manipulating the professors to my bidding and exploited any necessary means to win the Quidditch or the House Cup. Otherwise, as a Gryffindor when I do things instinctively, just charged and never consider the consequences or a plan. My housemates always asked me if I was either in Gryffindor or Slytherin. I rarely came across anyone who asked me if I belonged in Hufflepuff. Mostly, that question sprang up when I demonstrated indisputable loyalty to the girls. Though, this semester I continually heard it from my teammates due to my fairness in treating them equally without any favorites. The only time I acted as a true claw was when exams were just around the corner and if I put my entire focus on just observing my surroundings."

Harry smiled a little out of sheepishness. "I'm not what you call a true Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or a Slytherin. Sometimes, my Slytherin side emerged when I wanted to be mischievous. Other times, my Gryffindor side bested my Ravenclaw side, letting my heart win against my logical reasons. From time to time, my Hufflepuff side would simply appear when I stood up for my friends and acted fairly to everyone once I was given responsibility. You can say I'm an 'outsider'."

"Outsider?"

"Yeah, a stranger, more like it. I'm what you call 'an outsider that doesn't complement in any four houses'."

"Indeed, Mr. Potter," the Sorting Hat assented after a minute of silence. "You were exceptionally difficult and now more difficult than ever. It would seem you have grown a lot… I stood by what I said, all the traits of the four houses are all inside you, Mr. Potter… You would have done well in any of the houses." The hat squirmed on Harry's head just a little bit, registering something. "Are you still disrespecting the greatest wizard of all time? And, did you address him as 'old man'?"

Grabbing the point of the hat, Harry pulled it off. "What's that got to do with the Sorting? You promised to never mention my personal life to anyone especially about the old man you're so awed of," Harry groused, grumbling.

"Mr. Potter, you should considered yourself lucky to be chosen-"

Harry shoved his hand onto its mouth and in turn, it produced gagging noise. "That's personal, you scrappy old dusty hat! It's my life and for your information, he's really old so the name 'old man' fits him!" Skip swirled to Harry, making thrilling noises. "Don't lecture me, Skip. I had enough lectures from the old man and it's not your concern as to how I call him. I do whatever the hell I like." Harry pointed his hand threateningly at the elemental. The hand in which he used to point with, was still jammed into the Sorting Hat's mouth. Daniel sweat-dropped at the sight before him.

Things calmed down after a few minutes.

"Dumbledore's phoenix is about to recover soon so I should leave now," Harry stated, his hands stuffed in his trouser's pockets. "I can't believe it takes that long for the phoenix to recover. Better you than the phoenix, huh, Skip?" The elemental again agreed to his words. "Are you sure you won't tell anyone about me, Hat? I really don't want any unwanted attention."

"Yes, Mr. Potter. You have my word."

"Good enough." Harry nodded his head. "Well, that leaves one more thing." Harry strode to his brother. "That is to give you a fake memory of what had happened in the Chamber of Secrets." Noticing Daniel's frantic look, Harry waved his hand in an uncaring way. "Relax, brat. You'll still retain the memory of what you experienced in the chamber. This false memory which I'm about to implant onto your mind is for you to tell them the fake story. Say, if they question you, your lips will be automatically moving on its own accord without you telling it. They won't spot anything out of the ordinary and even if you are a bad liar, they still won't notice it. Even if someone reads your mind, the memory of the fake story is what they'll get. They'll believe you and it's foolproof."

"And I won't get to tell the people the truth even if I want to. Only, if you permit to a specific person, then will I able to? Is this like the last time you tampered my mind after the whole Sorcerer's Stone incident? I take it this will also last until I die unless you lift up the spell."

"The brat has finally grown to use his brain, I am so proud…" Daniel scowled. "Exactly, brat. It's the same as that. The story I had in mind should be real enough."

Harry stretched his hand and prepared to cast the spell but retracted his hands. "Why are you stopping?"

"I don't have any magic left to perform it… I may have a lot of techniques, skills and learning many spells, even wandless ability but my core isn't that large like Dumbledore or Voldemort for that matter. I can't cast continuous powerful spells consecutively, that would be suicide for me…"

Daniel staggered few steps back. "You could have told me that sooner instead acting all mighty and cool!" Harry whacked him in the head.

"Shut up, brat." Daniel moaned, clutching his bruise head. "Skip will do the honor, don't underestimate the power of a holy elemental. Like I said, holy is the highest rank of elementals and much superior than a phoenix. Skip, if you may?" The elemental motionlessly soared in the air. "On second thought, you're right, Skip. Who knows what will happen if an elemental messed with people's minds? Just lend me a little of your power and that should be enough to recover a quarter of my magic."

A tiny part of the elemental's light was coming out and it, then, proceeded to Harry. Harry's body glowed for a while before it diminished. "Right…" Harry made a weird hand sign and muttered some kind of incantation. A blinding light gleamed on Daniel's head. "Did you get the story, brat?" Daniel nodded his head, surprised how realistic the memory looked.

There were sounds of fire cracking up. "Oh, drat! The phoenix is waking up! Can't stay much longer! Skip, let's go!" The elemental disappeared from view right away, leaving traces of twinkling light on its wake, yet, Harry was still there. "This isn't the time to play around, Skip! Get me the hell out of here, now!" Harry roared furiously, fuming. Many tiny lights glittered on Harry and he vanished in the same manner as the elemental.

Daniel was stumped at the spectacular display of magic. "Well, I must say, that was impressive. You don't get to see that every day. They did it with more style than anyone ever did. Not even the headmaster Dumbledore could have done that." Daniel nodded his head, and wordlessly consented to the Sorting Hat.

30 May 1993.

"Your end will come sooner than you expect it to be, boy. If you keep meddling in things that do not concern you, then you are a fool and rest assured, you will meet a sticky end, I can guarantee you that," Lucius Malfoy whispered dangerously, mouth coiled into a sneer at the boy in front of him.

"Trust me, Mr. Malfoy. I had met many sticky ends but thankfully, I came out alive at the end." Daniel shrugged indifferently. "It's the price of becoming a Potter, you see. Somehow, wherever we go, trouble bounds to find us. No matter how determined we are to avoid it, it still finds us." His lips cracked into a huge grin. "Though, the more trouble we ran into, the stronger, powerful, and more experienced we become. Don't you agree?"

"Preposterous." Lucius's hand was longing to reach for his wand, lips twitched to a frown. "You are insolent, boy, just like your brother."

"I take that as a compliment. Here, Mr. Malfoy, this is for you. A little gift…" Daniel thrust the diary to him. His grin unhurriedly converted into a devious smirk when Malfoy Senior fell for his trick. Lucius wrenched the sock from the book and threw it aside. He bit his tongue from saying impetuous concerning the diary, instead called out for his elf. Dobby just stared in wonderment at the sock in his long fingers.

Receiving no response from his servant, his composed face turned to fury once his eyes landed on his elf. "You've cost me my servant, boy!" He lunged for the twelve year old boy. Before anyone could react, the man soared backward, his spine hitting the wall in the long run.

"Getting tricked by a boy is no small humiliation, Mr. Malfoy." Harry made an appearance out of himself. Arms folded together, his wand dangling in his right hand and his expression was mildly disinterested. Lucius was hastily on his feet, face livid and his hand just on the verge of pulling out his wand. "Good, just draw your wand and that gives me plenty of reasons to kick your arse." Harry pointed his wand at the man threateningly. "Oh? Having second thoughts, are we?"

Indeed, Lucius hesitated, knowing how quick the young man was, judging from their previous encounter alone. He straightened himself and held his head high. "There is no need for me to draw my wand in a fight that promises me victory in a matter of seconds. This is meaningless, Potter. I'm sure there is a more pressing matter elsewhere." He smiled cruelly.

"If you mean someone sabotaging the Mandrakes, then there is no need to worry, Mr. Malfoy. It would seem the school has taken care of it. The victims are being cure right now." Lucius looked like he swallowed the toilet brush. "The funny thing is nobody could pinpoint who the culprit was. Now, I marveled why they would do such a thing. What could they possibly gain in prolonging the Muggle-borns on being a stone? Strange, isn't it? But, your concern for the school and its students is greatly admired, Mr. Malfoy. It's a shame, you're not going to be one of the school governors in the future." Lucius's face was all red, fury seemingly ignited in him. With one last incensed and hatred glare towards the two brothers, he billowed his cloak and clumped away from them.

"Nice trick, brat, it really is nice." Daniel was cautious of this. "For a level below beginner, of course."

"I thought so," Daniel mumbled sullenly. He should have known better. "Is there even a level below beginner?"

"Daniel Potter has freed Dobby!" The elf's shrill voice snatched their attention. "Dobby is free! Daniel Potter freed Dobby!"

"It's the least I can do, Dobby." Daniel smiled, right thumb upped at the elf. "Just promise not to rescue me anymore."

Like a speeding bullet, the elf pounced him, enfolding Daniel's legs in a tight lock. "Daniel Potter is far greater than Dobby knew!" he sobbed. "Farewell for now, Daniel Potter!" Just like that, he disappeared.

"Interesting…" Harry rubbed his chin with his left hand. "You know… the elf could prove to be useful to you in the future. You should ask for his help from time to time and he'll gladly assist you. No, scratch that, he'll unquestionably help you if you ask him."

"Why?"

"It's for the elf to answer, not me. You should ask him that. Either that, or do research on House Elves." Harry, then, walked away from him. "Well, are you coming or not? Don't make me go up there and head-butt you." With that warning, Daniel hastened to his brother's side. He had no qualms on trusting his brother's words. Once Harry said it, he meant it.

"So they really believe you, huh?" Harry was dumping his body carelessly on the soft grass, head was on the large boulder. "Told you, it's foolproof."

His brother was beside him, hugging his knees to his chest. "Yeah, they didn't suspect a thing, not Mom and Dad, not even Dumbledore." Daniel pitched a small pebble into the water. At the moment, they were at the large oak tree by the lake, unadvisedly close to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. "Are you sure, you don't want to claim the Gryffindor sword and that you're the one who slayed the Basilisk?"

"I told you I didn't summon the bloody sword. The hat offered it to me," Harry snorted. "Don't you think you should be rejoice? You'll acquire more fame than you ever dream of. People will be awe of you at killing the Basilisk, all by yourself."

"Nah…" Daniel flicked another pebble into the lake. "I don't care about my fame anymore. I realized they only see me as the Boy-Who-Lived, not as Daniel Potter…" He propped his back against the large boulder, both hands on the back of his head. "But, you're right about one thing, Harry. One time, the people hailed me as their hero then the next thing… I'm the next dark lord after Voldemort. Well, whatever…" His chestnut brown eyes traced up to the sky. "I don't care about fame anymore…"

"Hmph…" Harry's eyes trailed upward, staring at the sky as well. "You changed a lot this year. More mature, I guess…"

"…I did a lot of thinking about what you said to me back in the chamber." Harry let his little brother know that he was listening raptly. Daniel inhaled a deep breath, "I agree with what you said to me, Harry, and thank you… You opened my mind and eyes about the prejudice in this country and to be honest, I'm just like the rest. I learned from your story that we shouldn't criticize one house based on one person alone, and in this case, I shouldn't let Malfoy obscure my thoughts that all the people in the Slytherin's house are like him. Perhaps, there are others who are different than Malfoy and his lot. Even if it is a minority and not the majority of the house, I ought to get to know the person personally before I can determine what kind of person he or she is… It's time for me to put aside the prejudice and grow up… It will take time but I believe you, Harry. If you said Salazar Slytherin wasn't that evil and the Sorting Hat supported it, then I'm sure he was not."

Harry's lips were threatening to split into a full blown smile. His pride was the one that coerced him to resist the temptation of smiling freely. "Besides…" Harry watched him from the corner of his lips, noting his brother was grinning roguishly. The mischievous Potter's grin that he familiars all too well. "The blasted infernal hat was mindset on placing me in Slytherin when he first sorted me, but I convinced him not to which led the hat into putting me with the rest of the Gryffindor. I never thought of forcing it to sort me in Gryffindor, it just did." Harry's eyebrows disappeared through his hairline and that just stretched Daniel's grin further. Finally, the reaction he craved to see from his elder brother.

"Anyway, I think we'd have a better chance on winning the cup this year."

"Oh?" Harry said. "You sound confident."

"Oh yeah, Dumbledore just gave four hundred points to Gryffindor. I don't think you can catch up to us now, in fact, none of the other houses can keep up with us now. There's a huge difference on that number." A smirk tugged Daniel's lips, feeling a bit conceited at this.

"I wouldn't count on that, brat."

"W-what do you mean?"

"You'll see…"

There was a long comfortable silence, only the sound of rustling leaves and grass from the soft wind.

"So…" Daniel paused. "…I killed the Basilisk blindly with one stab? Just so happened it was pure luck by me sinking the sword to the inside of the Basilisk and drove it up to its roof, huh?"

"Yeah…" Harry smirked out of amusement. "It was a believable story, wasn't it?"

Daniel shook his head. "Even if the sword was somehow enchanted, I don't think any monster would just die with one stab, especially if the sword wasn't that long… I can't believe they really bought the story…" He exhaled noisily, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You forgot the best part. When you raised the sword to slash Riddle, it just slipped from your hands and went flying up above. The sharp tip of the sword then fell onto the diary and in the process destroying Riddle through the source of his power…"

"You know, when I heard it from someone, it really sounded ridiculous… The most ridiculous thing was when everyone nodded to every word I said about that fake story… Don't they ever wonder how I managed to get out unscathed?" Daniel sighed wearily for the second time. "Just as I thought, this world has gone barmy and mental, all of them…"

"Hmm…" Harry hummed. "For once, I agree with you, brat. The world is getting ridiculous…"

"Is that potion really going to work, Madam Pomfrey?" questioned Regine fretfully. Sheila blocked her nose from the strong stench of the brownish liquid in the vial, held by the school matron. Daphne was too centered on Callista's petrified form to note the interaction ever occurred.

Pomfrey looked highly affronted. "Of course, it is! All of you girls and Mr. Potter step. I'm going to administer the potion to Ms. Campbell now." She paused since the three girls didn't budge. "Well?" Harry disheveled his hair in frustration from the back of the group.

"All right, back up, you three." Harry set himself in front of the girls and forced them backwards. The girls voiced their disapproval at this, providing him feeble reasons. "Listen." Harry zipped them up all at once. "If you girls keep doing this, we'll wind up outside the infirmary and it'll be some time before we are allowed to see Callista." That shut them all up.

"Thank goodness, that's settled." Pomfrey carefully poured the liquid into Callista's opening mouth.

About a minute or so, Callista's petrified form started to take more of color.

"Callista?" Harry edged closer to her bed. His heart stopped a beat when her gorgeous azure eyes rolled to him.

"Harry…" she croaked, her voice was hoarse. "Please, tell me, that I did not pass up attending OWLs?"

Harry choked out laughter, "The first thing in mind after you get cured is that instead of thinking of your friends? Definitely the girl named Callista Campbell."

The girl had the graciousness to blush a little. Just as she about to remark, she was interrupted. "Callista!" Three girls raced and leaped to her. Harry distanced himself from the bed, intent on offering them some space.

"Ow," Callista moaned as her three friends crushed her all together. "May I remind you girls that none of you are small?" Only Daphne regained herself, and stood coolly, pretending as if she never participated the group hug. "And, what is this horrible taste that lingers on my tongue?"

"What do you expect, Ms. Campbell? Some pumpkin juice? Honestly." Pomfrey presented her a glass of water. "Here, drink up." Gladly, Callista chugged the water in one go. "I suppose I'll leave you all to yourselves as I have other patients to attend to." She then tendered the girl with a smile. "It is good to have you back, Ms. Campbell."

"Me as well, Madam Pomfrey, and thank you for taking care of us."

The lady smiled more, pleased that one of her patients at least had the decency to be thankful for all of her effort. She, at all times, did favor the Ravenclaw girl over anyone else, knowing how polite and gentle she was. Moreover, she's the only person aside from her friends whom showed genuine gratitude to the school matron. The other thing was, the girl had a knack in healing magic.

"Rest a little, then you may go." With those warm words, the matron left them to themselves.

"So…" Sitting upright with little support from the others, she smiled largely. "What did I miss?"

"It's the worst month ever! I don't have anyone to study with! And- and- and it was so lonely without you!" Tears burst dramatically from Sheila, assaulting Callista with another hug. Callista shared her hilarity with Harry and Regine, patting her friend's back. Sheila brought her tears to an end just as fast as she started wailing, muttering in a not-so-low tone. "Well, there's the snake but, all she ever did was scolding me… I swear she's a menace! I bet she'll have tons of wrinkles when she's old!"

Daphne glared venomously at her. "Get off her, Jonnet, you're suffocating her!" With great effort, Daphne unbound Sheila from Callista.

"I did not, you're just jealous." She stuck her tongue out. Daphne, not fancied at being outdone by her, retaliated in the same manner.

Callista turned to her other female friend. "Were they still like this when I wasn't around?"

Regine grinned. "It's worse when the two of them study together, alone." She then went up to hug her, whispering, "It's good to have you back."

"Hold on a minute." Callista broke the embrace, anxiousness marred her features. "How much time do we have before OWLs?

Regine counted the days in her mind. "Um, I think less than two weeks."

"What!" Currently, full of energy and not the lethargy she felt earlier on. "How long was I…?"

"Nearly three weeks," Harry butted in. "A lot has happened while you were out." Now, she was alarmed. "Though you don't have to worry about it."

"B-but I haven't prepared anything yet, notes and stuff! How will we revise if I still haven't completed the notes yet?"

Daphne took a seat on the bed, beside Callista. "We took care of it."

"W-what do you mean?"

Sheila grinned at this. "We divided the tasks on completing the notes and we can just copy from each other. I mean, we can borrow each other notes!"

"Divided?"

"Yeah, I made notes on Transfiguration and Defence Against Dark Arts for all of us." Sheila was feeling proud of herself.

"There is no need to concern ourselves on Jonnet's works. I checked up on it, twice. It was fair enough to understand and we're actually able read it. Her theory was not bad as well. However, it could leave more room for improvement. Oh, I constructed some major improvement on her notes, too." Daphne's smirk widened as Sheila was fuming. "I did the Potion and Arithmancy's notes, Callista."

"I did mine on Magical Creatures and Herbology," Regine chirped. "We can check up on it later on. Don't worry, Callista, we'll have time to revise all of it. And if we work hard for it, we'll achieve excellent results! Sheila is determined to study all day long and all week, right, Sheila?"

Sheila nodded her head resolutely, her red orb eyes burning in motivation. "Absolutely! We're going to get all outstanding scores in our subjects!"

Daphne rolled her eyes. "Always with the same routine. Easier said than done. I am certain, she'll whine and complain after a minute of studying," she murmured quietly to her two best friends. The two giggled at this.

"Hey! You're saying something bad about me, aren't you, snake?"

"Of course not, Jonnet. Why would I?" Daphne responded sarcastically.

"You girls did all of that for me?" Callista was noticeably touched by this.

"Of course." Regine smiled. "You're our friend, so why wouldn't we?"

"Thank you, girls." Callista pulled all three of them in for a hug.

"Daph, you should get showered after this, you stink." Sheila wrinkled her nose cutely.

"Shut up, Jonnet." Callista and Regine suppressed their laughter. "For your information, I am not the only one who has not bath yet!"

Sheila rounded her two friends, schooling her scowl. "Daphne's right, you two haven't had showers either!" Her tone was full of playfulness.

"I meant you, Jonnet!" Daphne roared. Snatching one of the pillows on the infirmary's bed, she buried her face and screamed frustratingly. The two girls broke to laughter at their interactions, unable to control themselves. It never failed to amuse them. Daphne, with a scowl marring her gorgeous face, threw the pillow straight at Sheila. Flipping her lustrous blond hair, she huffed as the laughter escalated.

Harry cleared his throat noisily, annoyance accumulated in his chest. "Are you girls forgetting someone who had done the most work?"

"Did we?" Daphne quirked her well-manicure right eyebrow, showing the barest hint of mirth.

For Sheila's part, she does truly looked bewildered. "Who?"

"Me," he muttered, scowling.

"Oh?" Regine rotated her head to Callista, totally disregarding Harry's irritation. "That's right, Harry also made notes for the other subjects."

"For the other subjects?" Harry mouthed before he threw a barrage of rants, "I was the one who had done the most work! You girls are lucky to only concentrate on two subjects, but me? I have to bloody focus on four subjects! Four! In Charms, do you know how hard it is without copying your notes, Callista? And in History, some of the sources weren't nearly as true as I suspected it to be and you know how much I hate writing untrue historical events even if it is for exams! Not to mention I had to wake up in the middle of the bloody night to review the stars for Astronomy's notes! Don't even get me started with Ancient runes! It was a headache for me to translate the meaning of one rune to another! And with all this petrifying business, it's stressing me out! Thank god, I didn't take Arithmancy. All those numerical equations would drive me into a complete madness!"

"Thank you, Harry…"

Her words are so sincere that they compelled Harry to look away with cheeks flamed. "W-w-well next time, you'd better stick to me at all times. You know, I don't play favorites in the team and that, I treated everyone fairly. I couldn't look after you when our teammates were practically riding on my shoulders and expected more from me. So, don't do that again."

"Right," Callista mumbled with her own blush complementary to his. "Next time…" She lingered on the line a bit longer. "…I won't."

The other three were paying very close attention to this and didn't like what they saw.

"Did you know I hugged Harry from behind in the Astronomy tower at night?" Sheila blurted out.

Three heads snapped to her. "W-what?" Callista shuttered, eyes widened.

"So what, Jonnet? He came comforting me in my room and we spent some time with him lending his shoulder to me!" Daphne hissed, her cheeks burned red. "It began in the afternoon and ended at night!"

"What!" Callista's voice appeared to drag to higher pitch.

"Well, Harry and I were alone by the lake yesterday and he embraced me from behind by putting his arms around me! It was no normal hug either, it's real close!" Regine said, refusing to let any of her best friends best her. Her own cheeks were reddening more and more at each word.

"What!" Callista's voice was joined by the other two. This led to a four-way large scale of arguments.

"Enough!" The arguments receded to Harry's voice. Harry looked incredulous at all four of them. "Do you all want us to get kick out by Madam Pomfrey? What's gotten into you girls?"

"Nothing!" They cried in unison, flushing red and purposely not meeting his eyes.

Harry sighed, shoulders slouched. "Seriously, sometimes, I just don't get you girls at all…"

Harry had gone to many celebrations in his life and he thought he had seen it in all. Nevertheless, that night, he was proven wrong. Everybody, students and faculty members alike, were all in their pajamas, all attending the Hogwarts feast. Harry, himself, was in a state of black long sleeve t-shirt and casual slacks. The headmaster concluded that night would be splendid to conduct a big celebration that would last all night. Harry didn't argue nor complain with that. It made sense to him, taking in account the Chamber of Secrets is now no longer of a threat and all of the victims were cured.

Harry cast a side long glance to his right, distinguishing Callista was there. She was conversing with Li and Clearwater in matters that he didn't fancy involving himself in. Luna came by earlier, commenting how Wrackspurts caught up to Callista and that Luna wasn't quick enough to rescue her from it. Callista merely smiled at the girl, thanking for her thoughtfulness and concern. Callista promised she'd be careful in the near future. Harry was astounded to witness the eccentric first year girl had blushed at Callista's words.

Spinning his head around, his emerald eyes settled on a specific red-head by the Gryffindor table. He had been monitoring the brat ever since he entered the Great Hall. And true to Daniel's words, he didn't care about his fame anymore. Just like the time when one of the Hufflepuff, Justin Fletchley, a victim and one of those who publicly accused Daniel, hurried to his brother, wringing his hand and apologized profusely. Daniel's reaction was to smile at the Hufflepuff, shaking his hand off the boy and brushed it off without a care. He just sat down with his two best friends and chatted with them, missing the baffled faces of people around him, counting his two friends as well.

Harry propped his head on one hand and swiveled his eyes to the staff table. Hagrid was there with the rest of them. The keeper turned up later in the afternoon and after Callista's treatment, they all proceeded to welcome the big fella. Of course, they were glad Hagrid had returned. For him, the bad thing was when Regine exultantly inquired what kind of nasty creatures Hagrid would be bringing for her sixth year. Hagrid laughed boisterously at the girl's excitement and assured Regine that the next creature he brought, would be much better than the previous ones that he had owned. He and the three girls quivered at that. What's more horrid than an Acromantula, a Cerberus, and a Dragon? His unfortunate clash with Aragog and the Basilisk were still fresh in mind. It was sufficient for him to ward off any creatures for the next few months.

Dumbledore had just risen up from his seat and beamed at them all. The bustling and the gibberish in the Great Hall ebbed away. It's as if it was a routine, the headmaster then commenced his speech. He announced the good and the bad things that ensued. Most people shed a fleeting look to the Boy-Who-Lived at this. Presumably, with the rumors circulating around Hogwarts, it was not a surprise that everybody sucked up the fake story Harry imprinted in Daniel's mind. Harry snorted at the part where Dumbledore sadly proclaimed Lockhart would be unable to return for the next year. Harry wasn't fond of the buffoon anyway. His only disappointment was that he wasn't the person who was responsible for Lockhart's state.

As custom, Dumbledore seized everybody's attention when he mentioned the House Cup. It would seem this year's house cup would be given much earlier than the previous years. Almost all of the Gryffindor House leaned in eagerly, perceptibly thinking they would be winning the House Cup at long last. Some, if not most, eyed Harry, fearing he'd pull something out of his sleeve. But, they consoled with themselves that there was no way any house would catch up to them, mainly if a house was bestowed four hundred points in one day.

"Now, let us give a warm applause to the Gryffindor for winning the House Cup!"

The applause did happen and it was large, added with the cheers boomed from the Gryffindor Table. Harry shrugged. He didn't have time to contemplate any plot to win the House Cup this year, not with the Chamber of Secrets plaguing his mind. Banners of Gryffindor Red materialized out of nowhere, hanging all over the ceiling. This intensified the cheers from the Gryffindors and some rose up from the table. Unluckily for them, McGonagall cut them short of their celebration. The clinking noise that erupted from her glass made everyone pipe down.

"May I have everyone's attention, if you please?" On her feet, she nodded after everyone quieted down. "Albus, may I take it from here?" Dumbledore peeked over to the Ravenclaw Table and his eyes twinkled, full blast. Circling his head back to McGonagall, he smiled, nodding and procured his seat back.

"Yes, well, a very big congratulation to my house and I am proud of you all." She then puckered her lips. "As duty calls me, I regret to inform everyone that not all of the points had been taken into account and as such, I must act accordingly." Her features were very solemn and the room went very still. "First of all, not any of you had known this but in the very early morning, we, the staff, had made a dreadful discovery." Whispers filled the Great Hall. "Someone had sabotaged the mandrakes and I'm afraid to say, it was a successful attempt. All of them withered away." There were small gasps all around.

"Professor Sprout had verified this piece of information." Sprout bobbed her head and murmurs of anxiety broke out. "Unfortunately, we could not identify who the culprit was and why they did such things." A smile bloomed on her lips. "Now, I am very sure you all are wondering if that is so then why the victims are all cured. Make no mistake, the school didn't purchase it from outside the castle, and acquiring full grown mandrakes is very expensive that none of the school budgets could afford it." This piqued all of their attention, even less when the stern transfiguration teacher was smiling widely now. "However, we were rescued from the most unlikely person. We never expected him to sacrifice a huge sum of money to buy a full grown mandrake, much less six of them. The person is a student and it is Mr. Potter, the elder Potter."

All heads spontaneously diverted to him. Callista looked stunned out of the most. Harry ducked his head a bit, a red tint surfaced from his cheeks. He didn't expect his deed to be out in public, much less McGonagall proclaiming it to everyone. The only reason why he bought those mandrakes was to cure Callista, never for the rest of the victims, but he absentmindedly purchased all six to cure all of them. Regine was accurate, it did cause a small dent in his money he earned from Puddlemere.

"For this, we, all of the staff - with the exception of Professor Snape - concurred to award Mr. Potter three hundred points, fifty each for curing all six victims! Also, within my rights as the Deputy Headmistress, I would like to announce that Mr. Potter will be receiving Special Award for the service he had done to the school. While we cannot repay Mr. Potter for his noble action, this is the least we can do for him. Let us give our bright applause to Mr. Potter!"

The hall exploded in cheers, applauding for Harry. It was crammed with applause, whistles, and cheers from the people all over the Great Hall. The cheer was nothing like the previous one or last year. Cursing to himself, the blush on his face deepened abhorrently.

"Well, well, Potter is being unusual…" Xi Li, with her blue short cropped hair, smirked and slid a seat next to him, on his left side. She had just removed herself from her previous seat, in favor of teasing Harry. This was a rare opportunity for her that she cannot pass up.

"Sod off, Li." His blush didn't lessen a bit and was itching to silencio his housemates for chanting his name. "Why can't you just stay put?"

"This is going to be fun. It's a payback for making fun of me all the time, Potter." The smirk curved into a grin, eyes gleamed in anticipation.

It didn't help much that his housemates kept congratulating him and patting his back. When Callista boldly pecked his cheek in a thankful manner, he maintained a steady furious gaze on his lap. Seeing glares directed to her, Callista adopted a perfectly innocent look and she was confident her three best friends were amongst those glares. Serves them right for hogging Harry to themselves when she was petrified. Li just grinned more and carried on her teasing in which he struggled to deny her advance. This was something he never saw coming, he was practically ambushed!

Most of the delusional Gryffindors gaped at Harry, conscious the Ravenclaws were in the lead yet again.

"I believe a change of decoration is in order?" McGonagall impeded Flitwick from doing it. "Allow me, Filius."

"He should be in Gryffindor… His nobility proved that…" she muttered before waving her wand, lackadaisically swapping the hangings into Ravenclaw. Filius, for once, neglected the comment and contented himself with his house winning the House Cup for seven times in a row. He was now standing on his seat, clapping his hands excitedly, and roaring Harry's name.

"B-B-Bloody hell…" Ron stuttered, pointing a finger towards Harry. "I… He… Daniel, your brother… We…"

"Give it a rest, Ron." Daniel twirled his neck around, grinning as his brother was being out of character. There was one Asian girl teasing him relentlessly, taking advantage of his misfortune and it gave everyone the impression that it was a losing battle for Harry. The cheer still remained and it was rowdy.

"B-b-but, the headmaster gave us four hundred points! H-how could he…?" Ron was at a loss of words. "After all the things we've gone through… He…"

"It's fine, Ron. Maybe, this is not our year. You never know, we might win the House Cup in our third year." Daniel was aware of how Hermione was staring at him with calculating looks. "What?"

"Nothing, it's hard to not notice you've somehow…"

"Changed?"

"Yes. Did something good happen to you, Daniel? Something you failed to share with us?"

"What makes you say that, Hermione?" Daniel smiled charmingly.

"If you must know, Daniel, that Potter charm of yours doesn't work on me." She huffed indignantly. "Now, are you going to tell me what it is?"

"Let's just say, I'm trying to change for the best and someone opened my eyes. I intend to not dawdle around anymore."

"Oh?" Hermione's eyes sparkled, appraising him. "That's very mature of you, Daniel, and I'm proud of you. I hope with this resolution of yours, you will start taking your studies more seriously from now on."

"Yeah, sure, Hermione, I aim too." Hermione quirked her eyebrow at this. "What? I'm serious! Most of my family members are brilliant in studies including my dad so I ought to improve my grades from now on! I don't want to bring shame to my family."

"Well, I'm glad you think so, Daniel." She nodded her head, evidently pleased with his answer. She soured up afterwards, forlorn sigh emitted out of her mouth. "I still can't help to think that we're just this close to winning the house cup, but I'm afraid that is another fruitless dream."

"Don't worry, there's still another year for us." The cheers were slowly toning down as most dug into the food on the table. "Besides, this is the first time Ron turned down food. I hope it's not the end of the world." With his head, Daniel nudged it to Ron, grinning. Ron was staring blankly at the Ravenclaw table, mouth opening and closing, discounting the food in front of him. Hermione burst to a fit of giggles. "As long as my brother is around, I gave up on the idea of winning the House and the Quidditch cup." Daniel paused for five seconds. "Forget what I say, it'll go away. Ooh my favorite, chocolate pie!"

Hermione had a difficult time believing that Daniel had acted so maturely in the last past few minutes and now, he's being absurdly childish. He was savoring the dessert, greedily piling his plate with most of his favorite dishes. Looking over his elder brother, Harry, she discerned him inefficiently overlooking the Chinese girl whom was still teasing him at this point. She marveled if all of the Potters were like this. They were an enigma to her, so mysterious and tricky to solve. She thought she knew everything about Daniel, but was proven wrong.

Grabbing the spoon and the fork, she dumped vegetables onto Daniel's plate, putting away half of the chocolate pie back to its place. Growling, Daniel glowered at her. When that didn't work, he pouted at her. She shook her head, smiling widely. Yes, she had much more to learn about Daniel and she was looking forward to the day where she understood him the most.

"Is that right?"

It was now, in the middle of night. Harry wore his jacket and was accompanying Merlin outside the castle. Harry had received the message from the old man to meet him at the entrance of the castle. How Merlin slinked into the castle ground without alerting anyone, in particular the headmaster, was beyond Harry. At the present, they were strolling down the pathway, heading in the direction of Hagrid's cabin.

"Old man, there is no doubt in my mind that my heart stopped just for a moment and I was in some sort of area where there is only white from one end to another. The realm was in between life and death. I witnessed things no one should before their time comes. It looked so real and I'm sure it wasn't a dream. Do you think I'm clowning around? You know, I don't do jokes with you." Harry creased his eyebrows together. "What I don't understand is why you never tell me anything about the Chamber of Secrets? That would probably solve everything and make things easier."

"Harry…" Merlin treaded his words carefully. "You know very well that I do not involve myself into the present world. Your world is no longer my own."

"What does that have to do with the chamber?" Harry spat, fury mounting by the second. "Telling me doesn't exactly involving yourself into the present world, even it is indirectly! You're just unbelievable sometimes, old man. Why can't you just speak without riddles?" Harry massaged his temples. "Forget it, what's done is done… I should thank you for teaching me the Mystic Eyes and for sending Skip to me. You saved my life and that's what matters…"

"I apologize, Harry…I really do…" A hand placed on Harry's shoulder stopped the walking. Harry twisted his neck to the old man, eyes calculating.

"It's fine, old man." Harry transferred his awareness back to the front. "Like I said, I should thank you instead. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't return back."

"Still, it is an extraordinary feat that you get to experience it, Harry."

"Yeah." He readily agreed. "But, you know what, old man? Dying isn't that bad. I felt only peace in that realm, nothing more… However-" Harry sent a penetrating look to the old man. "-I do not want, nor will I, risk my life again. Life is precious and we only get to live once, so never throw it away."

"Oh my…" Merlin concealed his smile with the back of his hand. "I had no idea our position could be swapped, Harry. Now mentoring me, instead of the other way around. I suppose you would be handing advice to me as well."

"I'm serious, old man." Harry halted in his tracks, spinning around with a somber expression. "I know you desired death more than anything in this world and that the pain of solitude is too much for you to cope. If you didn't break the rules the Ancients placed on you and not taught me the old magic, then you will not age. You'll remain immortal and that immortality will not be taken away. Now, you will be eaten by time soon enough." He then analyzed the new wrinkles on Merlin's face. "But, please…" Harry whispered. "There is one person who will mourn your death…"

"I will not disappear yet. I will assure you that I can live for another ten years, child..." Merlin smiled and sauntered ahead with eyes closing serenely. "You must not take lightly of my reputation as the wisest and greatest wizard of all time, Harry. My magic will expand my life longer than you assumed it to be…"

A tiny smile crossed the corner of Harry's lips. He chased after the old man, jogging a bit. Comfortable silence greeted them, and Harry was contented with the old man's response. Even though he never admitted it, but he cared a lot for the Sorcerer.

"Ah, yes." Merlin shattered the silence, now they are in front of Hagrid's cabin. The snores of Hagrid could be heard. "Why are we here, Harry?"

"Wait here." Harry jogged to the forest. Merlin inclined his head at his pupil's behavior. He didn't have to wait so long when a sound of an engine roar split up in the air from afar. His eyes widened in the tiniest fraction when a car, blue Ford Anglia, raced out of the forest. Harry screeched the car into a halt just in front of the old man. With all the ruckus, Hagrid was still peacefully sleeping. Opening the door, Harry exited the car and smirked complacently. "So, what do you think of this, old man?"

Merlin was completely swept by surprise. "I honestly do not know what to say, Harry…"

"It's not often I shock you." Harry grinned, rarely did he ever do so. "This car didn't want to return back to its previous owner so I took it in and I was hoping we could keep it in your mansion. When we feel like it, we'll drive it around the Muggle world. How's that?" Harry banged the door shut, still looking smug. "And, I just learned that I'm a natural at driving. It's kinda like flying a broom."

A chuckle first spewed out of Merlin's throat, then it replaced by laughter. "You are truly unpredictable, Harry…"

"So, we can keep it?" Harry's face shone excitement.

"Under the condition that the car does not want to be claimed back by its previous owner, then I suppose it is all right." Merlin moved to it and traced the roof with his fingers. "Hmm, the model is very outdated, yet the shape is still in its finest structure."

"I might have done something to it…" Harry mumbled, cheeks tainted in pink.

"Yes, yes, you have." The old man's eyes shimmered in amusement.

A sudden thought floated to Harry's mind. "Old man…"

"There is a very important matter I'd like to speak with you. Compare to the Chamber of Secrets, this is more bad news that makes the chamber look like good news." Merlin motioned for Harry to carry on. "Last night, before the whole chamber incident, a memory suddenly entered my dream. I don't know if it is real or not since I never recalled it in my entire life. The scene looked so real and I believed it to be real… When I was four, I was visited by something and it's more than one… It was before Voldemort attacked my house…" Merlin's pose was now rigid.

For the next five minutes, Harry perfectly recounted every detail of the strange memory he had dreamed of. "…And then they were gone, just vanished into thin air. Their magic is… something in a complete different level. Just with the dream alone, was enough to left me shivering non-stop for few minutes. They are even more powerful than you, old man. The funny thing is, after they made an appearance, my whole life turned upside down…" Suspicion marked his features. "Are they 'the Ancients'? They're the only ones that I could think of." No response, Harry grew annoyed. "The most disturbing is what they said to me. What do they mean that I will be 'theirs' and this horror that is about to be unleash in the years to come?"

Merlin's eyes narrowed, his features were cold, emotionless and impassive. Just the expression alone was sufficient for Harry to divert his attention elsewhere. He swallowed down his nervousness and bravely confronted the old man. "Merlin, answer me. Is all of this really happening to me?"

"I was hoping it wouldn't come to you for a few more years and now you had uncovered it on your own…"

"So, you knew this whole time? This horror and that memory of the Ancients visited me which was wiped out from my mind?" Harry gnashed his teeth together. "Answer me, damn it! Those questions had been troubling my mind for quite some time now. It's quite vexing! You think I'm daft? I know how serpents have been acting recently. Every now and then, they sang praise to their so called real 'King of Serpents' that's been in some sort of prison!" Harry took in a deep breath. "Am I to play a role in bigger events in the near future?" Harry started to chuckle without humor. "I always knew, up until now that there would be a price when you were so keenly interested in training me or there was a reason behind it…" He gazed at the sky, discerning the stars twinkling brilliantly.

"I will not lie to you, Harry. …Yes, the dream you spoke of, is real… They are the Ancients and for some reason, they took a major interest in you..."

Harry made a disgruntled sound. "There's something inside me, isn't there?" Merlin hoisted his head up, slight shock in his eyes. "Supposedly, I'm a direct descendant from my ancestor - whoever he is - and that, I inherit something important from him. Something I had yet to realize and unravel…"

"Who told you that?"

"Another thing you didn't tell me about my ancestor…" He murmured. "You know what, old man? This stinks. It feels like you've been manipulating my life from the very beginning… What else haven't you tell me? Has Skip been stealing my underwear as well?" Harry spat harshly, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "This is bullshit, old man… Everything…"

"Indeed, it is bullshit as you said it was…And I am afraid Skip had tried many times though luck was on your side as I commanded him not to…" Facing away, Harry couldn't repress the slight chuckles from his lips. "Harry, I have never lied to you. It is simply the matter that I did not tell you."

"What's the difference?"

"You are not prepared. You still have much to learn and you lack experience."

Harry glared him. "Prepared? I have been under your guidance for seven whole years! All the sweat and blood from the training! Learning things that no modern people could hope to learn! What's all that for? Just for entertainment? So tell me, if I'm not prepare after all of that."

"I acknowledge your skill. You, however, are still weak. Your fight with the Basilisk alone corroborated with my words. If it were not for luck, then you would not have slain Slytherin's pet." Body stiffened, his eyes wavered at the harsh words, jaws hardening. It felt like a slap on the face. "The things you so greatly desire to know is something I wish to tell you when you are truly prepared, Harry… Look at me, child…" Merlin's face softened as Harry's eyes sometimes flickered to another direction, desperately wanting to avoid his gaze. "My only wish is for you to learn things on your own. You have begun to rely on me and that is your weakness… Where is the little Harry that is never reliant on someone else except himself? The child that had been independent since he's five years old, the child that I cared and am so fond of, and the child that is determined to do things by himself, hmm? You cannot rely on me forever, Harry. There will be a time when I will be gone from this world and from that point on, you will have to deal with things on your own." He pulled the hood of his cloak down, revealing his face. "You are not ready, Harry… you must understand that there is something in this world that is beyond you and I… No matter how people said the world is small, the world is enormous. It held many mysteries that even I do not know…"

"I know…" Harry ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm too naïve. It's obvious this is bigger than anything I could imagine and if it involves you, old man, then Voldemort would only be something to laugh about."

"I will tell you everything you need to know once I deem you have completed your training, I promise and will honor my words. But first…" He pointed his finger to Harry's chest. "Like you had stated, Harry, there is something inside you which you alone, inherit from your ancestor and you are his direct descendant. My reason for not telling you is simply due to the fact that I wish for you to deal this by yourself. It is something that even I could not interfere with. I fear if I do interfere, then there is a slight possibility that I will alter it… Just with the mere action of allowing me to check up on you, there will be changes in you…"

"Why?"

"Even that is a mystery to me, Harry. Your ancestor, for lack of a better word, is very…eccentric." Merlin wrinkled his nose, bemusedly. "He is very dissimilar than any man of his period that even I and King Arthur find him to be intriguing. He is full of mysteries, nevertheless, he does have a kind and huge heart. If it were not mostly for him, Arthur might have lost most of the wars back in the old days. He is powerful, perhaps, more powerful than I." He examined Harry scrupulously. "Truthfully Harry, he is a lot like you…"

"Don't joke with that, it gives me the creeps." Hairs on the back of his neck stood up. "Right, I will hold onto my questions for a while and be patient. If my assumption is right, then I might have just thrown my life away in the future…" He gazed at the sky ambivalently. "Sometimes, I wish I acted like everyone my age…You know, just be normal." Harry smiled sympathetically, secreting another humorless chuckle. "Chasing girls, hanging out with my friends, being rebellious every now and then, and simply enjoying life… I guess I am no ordinary… Sometimes, flirting and acting childish is what reminds me that I was born in this time and not in yours, old man… Though, for some reason, I feel like I belong in your world and not in the present world…Will there be hope for me?" he asked to no one in particular. A rush of wind grazed them, swaying their attire and hair ever so slightly.

"Hope will always be there. No matter how puny it is, it can shine large. Even when it is faded, it will be always there if we believe in it, Harry." Merlin smiled. "It is not too late to act and experience like a youngster of your age. As long as you are in Hogwarts, then you have no need to worry about the bigger things."

"Somehow, I felt like I'm triggering to the future events of the world…" Harry murmured, brooding.

"You have no idea, Harry…" was the soft whisper coming from Merlin's mouth.

"You're right." Harry ruffled his silk hair out of habit than necessity, not aware of the whisper. "You're right, Merlin. I'm still in Hogwarts and so, I shouldn't worry about bigger things yet. This 'King of Serpents' and the Ancients, they are not my concern yet. In the future, maybe, but not now. I was being naïve, thinking I could handle anything but it proves to be otherwise."

Merlin smiled, "Yes, and when the time comes, I will guide you, Harry…"

"Right," Harry said, squirming uncomfortably. "Enough with the seriousness. Can you take the car back to your mansion? I can't think of any place except yours."

"Of course, I've always desired to drive an automobile and now it has come true." The old man mildly dived to the front seat, making himself comfortable.

"Hey, hey, don't get too comfortable with the car, old man. It's mine. I'm asking you to look after it for me." Merlin positioned his hands on the steering wheel. "Are you listening to me, damn it!"

Tell him…

Harry was struck with those words. Recollecting his memory, he gazed the old man with mixed feelings. "Hey, old man?"

"Hmm…" Merlin was inspecting the car in obvious enthusiasm, not looking at Harry.

Tell him I will be waiting for him…

Tell him, I love him very much…

My love for him never falters, it merely grows…

Harry faltered for a moment. For one thing, he wasn't confident the lady's soul-mate was Merlin and that message was intended for him. For another, Harry thought it was indeed for the old man. "Harry, is there something you wish to tell me?"

"No." Harry moved away from the door, grumbling in aggravation.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, old man," Harry answered, annoyed.

"Very well, then. I'll be leaving now, Harry. Be sure to visit me after you return to your home." Harry nodded, dutifully obeying his mentor's demand. "Oh, there is one other thing, Harry. Do you not wish to claim the Basilisk?"

"Whatever for?" Harry had a confounded look on his face before he snapped his fingers. "Oh, that's right. The parts can be used for potions or sold it to earn lots of fortune. I forgot the Basilisk is worth tons of profit."

"Yes, Harry. I can send Skip to harvest it."

"An elemental can do that?" Harry fluttered his eyes in incredulity.

Merlin's eyes flashed in an amused way. "Elementals can execute many tasks that are given to them. They are simply fascinating, would you not agree?"

"Yeah, they are. I won't refute that."

Harry rubbed his chin with his right hand, pondering on this. "If I decline it, what are you going to do with it, old man?"

"I, for one, wish to research it, particularly since it once belonged to Salazar. I never did have an opportunity to research on a Basilisk before and this is Slytherin's pet. I am quite sure Salazar modified the Basilisk into a new breed that was more powerful than an ordinary Basilisk."

"Well, you're right on how powerful it is. If it weren't for the Gryffindor Sword, I would have remained dead. I barely scratched the bloody thing," Harry said. "You know what? You can have it. I don't need any more gold, I have enough in Gringotts. I'm not that greedy anyway. What's more, I don't know what to do with the ingredients. I'm an excellent brewer but not master enough to care on creating new potions. Just one request. Tell me how the Basilisk's gaze can kill anyone who looks into it. Last time, I countered the beast's murderous gaze with my Mystic Eyes."

"Very well then, I will update you with my research from time to time." His eyes glazed for a second. "Skip is now moving the large corpse to my mansion as we speak. Well then, I suppose I'll be leaving now, Harry."

"Right, you'd best get going. How are you going to take this to your mansion anyway? The fuel for flying has run out…" Harry trailed his words, dumbfounded as soon as the car hovered above the ground.

Harry perceived one of the old man's hands leaned out of the window of the car. Harry naturally thought he was waving at him, but Harry's mouth was slightly ajar once Merlin's right hand contacted the roof of the car. In an instant, the car itself transformed into a different, better and superior model. The Ford Angelia was no more as it was replaced by an Aston Martin Lagonda Vignale. It was still its original turquoise color. Now, Harry may not have had time to update his knowledge on the non-magical world, but he was confident the car that substituted the Ford Angelia was the newest model of the current year.

"Sometimes, I really hate that old man…" Harry grumbled, infuriated. "He'd better teach me how to do that…"

Eyes still on the sky, the car drew further away and away. One last look, Harry wheeled around, planning to go back to the castle. Out of the blue, flash of enormous ethereal globe crashed into his mind. Coughing rather violently, Harry collapsed to the ground, both knees dropping to the ground. Right hand clenched tightly on his chest, his body leaned forward, and Harry desperately sucked in the sweet gulp of air into his lungs. His head was spinning and a nausea was rising from his stomach. Calming himself, Harry rose to his feet wobbly, still gasping for air. He wiped the small blood from his lips.

"What the hell is happening to me?" He looked at his shaky hands with large eyes, breathing profoundly.