Harry Potter and the Secrets of the past (fan fiction)

OVERRIS - PENFLICK CHALLANGE # 2

It was a surprisingly warm and humid winter. It rained almost every day and created the illusion that the season was only a mere extension of the last autumn. Only this time the landscape was filled with leafless empty branches and decaying piles of leafs all over the ground. While the rich earth beneath could not drain properly the amount of rain it received over the last few weeks it surely but slowly made every inch of land into a maze of puddles of water and mud. Even having a light stroll meant getting dirty boots and wet trousers. Many could easily tell who spent their time outside the halls of the school just by looking at their marked attire.

Life was still buzzing at Hogwarts despite the fact that many left to meet their family. Those who chose to stay where granted several interesting tasks to do, in order to kill unwanted boredom. The lack of snow and winter spirit convinced the headmaster to take some steps and somehow try to raise the remainders level of holiday spirit. The teachers committee was assembled and had agreed on to arrange a sculpting competition (called Frostbite) where the contestants had to create a lovely winter scene with magic and they also livened up the place by creating snow around the school. The one lucky person (who would win the prize of the challenges) would enjoy some rare gifts amongst the greatest: bragging rights for being the first ever frost king or queen (alongside with a personalized cup which would be displayed in an honorable fashion) and a lovely basket filled with magical items (such as: special icy treats from the far country of Alaska).

Harry always loved to compete, so this was his great chance to proof himself worthy. He was so eager to work on this project that he barely slept until he was finished. He's masterpiece – within his bounds of course – scene was about an elk which was about to jump over a frozen river. It was somewhat spectacular for those whom took the time to enjoy it. This kept him busy for quite a while until he managed to get his hands on a particularly dangerous and forbidden item: a black leathered diary. This particularly item had to do with the latest incidents that happened in Hogwarts. Harry was a bit arrogant regarding this matter as he was not satisfied with the progress that the teachers – or any one – made so far. He wanted to help out and knew something had to be done immediately in order to prevent any future casualties. So proudly he took this matter into his own hands and made some sketchy plans. He carefully prepared and carried out his secret scheme to snitch the notebook from Snape's cabinet. It was no easy task as he had to figure out when the professor was out of the office and had to be sure no one would catch him in sight also. Along the way, Harry had this sneaking suspicion: "Why was it that Genny always kept her diary with her and clung to it like it was the most valuable possession on Earth? She was also acting rather strangely at times? On top of that, why would Dumbledore charge Snape to figure out the secrets of this book?". This clearly navigated him to realize: this book is definitely the key to solve this whole mystery. He did not know much about the Chamber of Secrets but he learnt enough to know it by heart: it is best to destroy or seal up that place once and for all. But in order to do that he needed some answers, desperately.

Just shortly after, as the grand dinner ended on the 25th of December, Harry impatiently sat through the awarding ceremony for the Frostbite Challenges. He did not win any prize but was honorably mentioned as a good participant and craftsman. The recognition of greater artists pleased him way more than any prize he could won. As soon as the formality has ended he was one of the first who left the grand hall. He rushed through his well-known corners and hallways and skipped a few unnecessary conversations with familiar ghosts and paintings and almost fell over at a staircase for not being careful enough.

The sleeping quarters of Gryffindor was shockingly silent and empty as Harry was the only person living there through the holidays. The only noise was the gently pouring rain from outside and the occasional cracks of the burning wood form their fireplace. Harry found it to be pleasantly warm and somehow relaxingly cozy. This was his first time in a long where he could gather his thoughts in peace and finally focus on one thing: the mystery which laid ahead. While gathering his thoughts he remembered a great quote of someone: "Every great soldier of the past could have been easily beaten without a proper coup of tea before battle". After acknowledging this important lesson he put a small kettle above the fire and watched as the flames danced back and forth while the water was brought up to boil. Being an avid tea enthusiast, Harry got a small handcrafted wooden box (with marvelous amount of nature motives, accompanied with various types of forestry animals) of special herbs and tea leaves as a gift from Ms. Molly – which he cherished very much –. He used those ingredients to mix up a calming mixture of black tea and various fine dried fruits. After the tea was made and the process of seasoning has ended Potter went straight upstairs and sat down at his own desk. He took several sips of his delicious tea and embraced the lasting flavors for a while. As it was getting darker by the minute he reached out for his new candle to lit up his desk and placed it next to his big pile of notes. But it was no ordinary candle! It magically lit itself in the time of need and was imbued with a particular spell: it brought light and warmth into people's heart to be able to repel any shape or form of sadness and dark wizardry – within limits of course –. Also it magically returned itself to normal just before the candle would completely burn down. This special item was a friendly gift from Ms. McGonagall which he got just not long ago. Fittingly enough it was the perfect present for Harry's unforeseen endeavors – as if Ms. M. knew that he would eventually get into trouble –.