The Twice Blessed Child

Chapter 19

Previously On The Twice Blessed Child...

I go to say something else but Fawkes flies above us. I look up at him to see that hundreds of feet up is an opening.

"What's with the bird?" Ron asked

I point up, they all follow where I'm pointing to see the opening.

"I think...I think he's telling me he can take us out of here." Harry said

Soon Harry, Ron, Lockhart Ginny, and I are soaring out of the Chamber and into the fresh air of the night.

Harry, Ron, Ginny, Lockhart and I all stand in Dumbledore's office. Professor McGonagall is also present. We are covered in muck and slime. Fawkes is perched on a his perch behind Dumbledore's desk. Dumbledore stares down at the charred diary. He looks up and looks at each one of us for a moment.

"Ingenious. Simply...ingenious. Of course, Tom Riddle was probably the most brilliant student Hogwarts has ever seen. I taught him myself fifty years ago. After he left, I would occasionally hear stories of his activities - dark rumors- but after awhile, even the rumors stopped. When he finally resurfaced as Lord Voldemort, most people had completely forgotten the clever Head Boy he'd once been." Dumbledore said

"I didn't know whose diary it was, sir. I swear. I found it inside my cauldron. The day we all went to Diagon Alley." Ginny said

I think over the events of that day, who we saw. I then remember that Lucius had dropped something into her cauldron. Looks like I'll be having a second conversation with Lucius. I was broke of my thoughts by Ginny talking again.

"But I understand if... given all the trouble I've caused...if you -" Ginny trails off

"Wiser wizards than you have been hoodwinked by Lord Voldemort, Miss Weasley. No, I think you've endured enough. I would suggest a bit of bed rest, however. And perhaps a large mug of hot chocolate. I always find that cheers me up. Minerva, will you show Arthur and Molly up to the Hospital Wing?" Dumbledore asked

"Certainly, Albus." McGonagall said

They exit the headmaster's office. Ron, Harry, and I watch them go. We can hear Mrs. Weasley talking as they walk away.

"A diary that writes back to you! Honestly, Ginny! What were you thinking? Haven't I always told you? Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain!" Mrs. Weasley said

I shake my head and focus my attention back on what was going on. Dumbledore regards us gravely.

"You three realize, of course, that in the last few hours, you have broken perhaps a dozen school rules?" Dumbledore asked

"Yes, sir." Harry, Ron, and I said

"And that there is sufficient evidence to expel all three of you?" Dumbledore asked

"Yes, sir." Harry, Ron, and I said

"Therefore, it seems only fitting...that you three receive Special Awards for Services to the school. And - let me see - yes, I think two hundred points apiece, which, I believe, should be more than enough to secure Gryffindor the House Cup." Dumbledore said

"Thank you, sir." Harry and Ron said

"Now, Mr. Weasley, if you would, have an owl deliver these release papers to Azkaban. We need out gamekeeper back." Dumbledore said

Ron nods and takes the envelope and leave the office.

"First, Harry, Anastasia, I want to thank you. You both must have shown me real loyalty down in the Chamber. Nothing but that could have called Fawkes to you. Secondly, I sense you're trouble by something. Am I right?" Dumbledore asked