Amelia Potter and the Chamber of Secrets PART 1

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The news that Colin Creevey had been attacked and was now lying as though dead in the hospital wing had spread through the entire school by Monday morning. The air was suddenly thick with rumour and suspicion. The first-years were now moving around the castle in tight-knit groups, as though scared they would be attacked if they ventured forth alone.

Ginny Weasley, who sat next to Colin Creevey in Charms, was distraught, but Harry felt that Fred and George were going the wrong way about cheering her up. They were taking it in turns to cover themselves with fur or boils and jump out at her from behind statues. They only stopped when Percy, apoplectic with rage, told them he was going to write to Mrs Weasley and tell her Ginny was having nightmares. Amelia had even shouted at the twins before dragon Ginny off, saying that they were going to get some cookies.

Meanwhile, hidden from the teachers, a roaring trade in talis- mans, amulets and other protective devices was sweeping the school. Neville Longbottom bought a large, evil-smelling green onion, a pointed purple crystal and a rotting newt-tail before the other Gryffindor boys pointed out that he was in no danger: he was a pure-blood, and therefore unlikely to be attacked.

'They went for Filch first,' Neville said, his round face fearful, 'and everyone knows I'm almost a Squib.'

'Bullshit!' shouted Amelia.

*
In the second week of December Professor McGonagall came around as usual, collecting names of those who would be staying at school for Christmas. Harry, Ron, Hermione and even Amelia signed her list('My dad has to work on Christmas, so we will be celebrating it late. I talked to Dumbledor, and I will be able to go back for two days later this month,'); they had heard that Malfoy was staying, which struck them as very suspicious. The holidays would be the perfect time to use the Polyjuice Potion and try to worm a confession out of him. Unfortunately, the potion was only half-finished. They still needed the Bicorn horn and the Boomslang skin, and the only place they were going to get them was from Snape's private stores. Harry privately felt he'd rather face Slytherin's legendary monster than have Snape catch him robbing his office.

'What we need,' said Hermione briskly, as Thursday afternoon's double Potions lesson loomed nearer, 'is a diversion. Then one of us can sneak into Snape's office and take what we need.'

Harry and Ron looked at her nervously. Amelia grined. 

'I think I'd better do the actual stealing,' Hermione continued, in a matter-of-fact tone. 'You two will be expelled if you get in any more trouble, and I've got a clean record. So all you need to do is