Under a Spell... - Book 2

Blood on the Wall

The next several days were ordinary as I had been avoiding Lockhart, Severus and everyone else. I had been avoiding Severus as well because he was keeping a much closer eye on me than was necessary and I believe I know who put him up to it - Albus. I mean I saw some of them in classes but I didn't talk to them or stay behind even if they asked. I just wanted some time alone; away from everything. All I concentrated on was my classes, homework and research. Hermione had told me about the confrontation between the Quidditch teams and about what Draco said. I would tell Severus all about this but I wasn't talking to him.

Halloween was a great day at Hogwarts because of the grand feast. I was excited to be celebrating with everyone else here rather than giving candy out to the children that stopped by my house.

That evening when I walked into the Great Hall, I was spellbound. It was amazing! The live bats, giant pumpkin lanterns accompanied by gold plates. Hermione had told me about the flying rumour that Albus might have booked a group of dancing skeletons for the evening entertainment. Unfortunately, that was just a rumour!

My peace and quiet was shattered on this great night as I patrolled the endless corridors bathing in the blessed silence while everyone was still at dinner. I ducked out a few minutes early. A rather strange thought passed through me. 'Little children - going to eat you! Come to me.' I shivered from the spooky voice. I tried to follow it but lost it around a corridor. I could hear footsteps sounding down another corridor - not too far away. I saw Ginny fleeing the scene as I followed the throngs of students and teachers alike to see Hermione, Harry and Ron at the front. Not again! They were staring at the wall where it was written:

The Chamber of Secrets has been opened
enemies of the heir... beware

A petrified Mrs Norris hung from the bracket attached to the wall.

"Enemies of the heir...beware, you'll be next - Mudbloods." Draco assured them. "What's going on here? Go on. Make way, make way! Potter, what are you?" Argus Filch's gaze was captured by the still, unmoving statue that is Mrs Norris. "You murdered my cat? I'll kill ya, I'll kill ya!" Argus started shouting towards the end. "Argus, Argus. I... Everyone will proceed to their dormitories immediately." Dumbledore proclaimed.

"Everyone - except you three!" He outlined Hermione, Harry and Ron. I stood at the back trying not to tear up as everyone had basically accused Harry of this terrible deed. A hand smoothly slotted into mine behind my back, I thought it to be Lockhart at first but he was in front examining Mrs Norris. I looked sideways - it was Severus. I smiled watery at him.

"She's not dead, Argus. She has been petrified." Lockhart bursts in with "Ah thought so. So unlucky I wasn't there, I knew exactly the counter curse that could have spared her." Albus' head bent forward peering at him down his rimmed spectacles as if Lockhart was a wriggling worm.

"But how she was petrified I cannot say" Albus ran off. "Ask him! It's him that done it, you saw what he wrote on the wall!" Argus accused Harry yet again.

"It's not true Sir, I swear. I never touched Mrs Norris." Harry sincerely stated. "Rubbish!" Argus snapped. "If I might Headmaster, perhaps Potter and his friends were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time." I smiled as they all looked shocked at what Severus had said.

"However the circumstances are suspicious, I for one don't recall seeing Potter at dinner" Severus questioned. "I'm afraid that's my doing, Severus. You see Harry was helping me answer my fan mail" Lockhart piped in. "That's why Ron and I went looking for him, Professor. We just found him when he said..." Hermione drifted off. "Yes? Miss Granger" Severus asked. "When I said I wasn't hungry, we were heading back to the common room when we found Mrs Norris!" Harry breathlessly replied. "Innocent until proven guilty, Severus." Albus noted. "My cat has been petrified, I want to see some punishment." Argus demanded. "We will be able to cure her, Argus. As I understand it, Madam Sprout has a very healthy growth of Mandrakes. When matured, a potion will be made, which will revive Mrs Norris. And in the meantime, I strongly recommend caution to all." Albus muttered.

I contemplated that strange thought I had heard earlier and dismissed it from my mind. Lockhart pulled me aside and asked "Can we start over?" "Sorry but I don't think that's possible." He nodded and looked apologetically at me. He smiled and walked down a side corridor as Severus walked up behind me. "Jeez Severus, what are you still doing here?" I addressed him after jumping from his close proximity. "Just checking on you" He mumbled, sneering. "Well don't. I'm a grown-up. I can handle myself." And with that, I flounced back to my quarters.