Yo,

I'm back with the Next Chapter of Broken Shackles. Hope you share your feedback with me. 

Enjoy.

Broken Shackles

Chapter 30

Connections

15th April 1994

"Bloodstain, how can you help with a few vials of Basilisk Venom I have?" Harry innocently asked and watched as the Goblin's eyes widened in shock, the quill in his hand hitting the ground in surprise.

"Can you repeat it, Lord Potter?" He asked incredulously.

"Basilisk Venom, Bloodstain. I want to discuss about that," Harry said in an amused tone.

At this, Bloodstain's eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of interest lighting up in his ancient gaze, his shock all but forgotten. They never ventured deeper into Harry's Slytherin side and this created an interest in the Accounts Manager, as he badly wanted to assess the Slytherin House's worth and improve his standing even more.

"Basilisk venom, Lord Potter? Interesting. That is a rare and powerful substance. How have you come across it?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, knowing that what he is about to reveal is no small matter. "I feel bad for not telling you the whole story of my Slytherin Ascension, Bloodstain." Harry gave a tired sigh and started explaining the tale of his 2nd year. Knowing the goblin in front of him can be trusted with the secret very few know.

"So during my second year at Hogwarts, I faced a Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. With the help of a Phoenix, I was able to slay it, and I came to know later that being a Parselmouth and slayed it, I won her remains as Right of Conquest and can use it to my whims." Harry summarised.

Bloodstain's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and intrigue dancing in his expression. "You are a Parselmouth!? And won against a Basilisk in a battle?" Bloodstain said in surprise, unlike the few who knee who eyed him with suspicion thinking he is making up the story. His eyes reminded Harry of the comical stars people get when he smiles at them or waves at them. He got an amused chuckle.

"Yes to both, Master Bloodstain."

"This is phenomenal! Your list of accomplishments keeps on increasing, Harry." Bloodstain said with a toothy grin. Being called by his name, Harry got a wide smile. He felt honoured being called by name by the goblin in front of him.

"The serpent tongue is once seen as a Noble tongue, my Lord. Ignoring the Ministry's paranoia and people's bad perception, it can do wonders in the field of Medicine and healing. We have tried our best to decode the language as we need expert healers at times, but we couldn't." Bloodstain said with a sigh.

Harry got a hungry look taking in the information. He ignored the existence of many Parsel magic books in the Chamber's library, unable to see their worth as the first few pages always talked about different snakes and how they evolved.

He couldn't understand why a snake's evolution is important for a book and started ignoring them after he tried a dozen with interesting titles. Parsel Books are unlike any books he came across. He can't skip pages as the magic in them only reveals what's on 1 page at a time and he had to read everything on the page to move on.

The magic used by Salazar is clever as the man made sure to make the book observe readers' attention by having the reader's finger on the line they are reading. As Harry loses interest, his finger slips and the book shuts itself, not budging to open for an hour as if it's mad at him.

Though it amused him at first, it became tiring very fast and Harry started ignoring the book's existence ever since and only read about other magics he is interested in. So now knowing they are useful to him, he decided to read them at last.

"As for your earlier request, we can help you with Basilisk Venom as it is a substance of immense value and potency. It is one of the few known substances that can destroy Horcruxes. Its properties in potion-making are unparalleled, and it's nearly impossible to obtain. If you don't want it to fall into the wrong hands, I assure you can trust Gringotts with its safety. If you can give me a sample, I'll calculate its market price to buy." Harry is taken aback by the new word.

Horcrux - Something that needs Basilisk Venom to destroy. Bloodstain's way of saying it suggested that it can't be destroyed easily and Harry can think only a few things of such strength. But before he can think deeply, Bloodstain's throat clearing caught his attention and Harry apologized for his ignorant behaviour and came to the matter at hand.

A few moments later, he nodded recollecting the previous conversation, calculating how much the venom would cost. "I know it's rare, and I've kept it safe. But I wanted to ask you about its potential uses, how it could be utilised, and whether I should keep it or sell it."

Bloodstain thought for a moment, his eyes glinting with the reflection of countless years of goblin wisdom. "Basilisk venom is indeed valuable, Lord Potter. Its applications in various magical crafts are vast. In potion-making, it can be an ingredient for some of the most potent brews. In enchanting, it can add unmatched resilience and power to objects. As for selling it, the decision is yours, but I would advise keeping at least a portion of it. Its rarity and power may prove invaluable to you."

Harry nodded. He is sure Dobby got a good few vials of it stored. A controlled release of the venom into the market will not affect him and he is not sure how much the elf stored, so he will hold half of it and sell the rest of it slowly over a period of time. Not raising suspicion as he knew Dumbledore will be hot on his tail if he heard Basilisk Venom is being sold.

"Dobby," He called and the happy elf appeared with a look of excited anticipation. He looked at Bloodstain and gave a respectful nod before speaking.

"How can Dobby help Great Master Harry?" Harry gave Dobby an exasperated look.

"Can you get me a vial of Basilisk Venom?" He asked and Dobby's eyes widened in surprise but with a bob of his head, he vanished and appeared with a rusty gold liquid in a vial. Harry took it and with a nod to both of them, Dobby vanished. Harry didn't ask if all vials are of the same size nor he asked how many vials are there in total. He assumed they are of the same size and there a good few.

Harry handed the venom to Bloodstain who treated it as if it's liquid gold itself with his care. He rubbed the unbreakable vial in satisfaction. "This vial seems to hold a little over 1 and half pints of Venom, Lord Potter." Bloodstain weighed it and Harry nodded. After some calculations, he spoke.

"I can offer you 6000 Galleons for a pint considering its rarity and significance," Bloodstain said with greed filling his eyes. Harry gave him a blank look for a second. "Ok, make it 6250." Bloodstain sighed. Harry chuckled at that. He went blank at the insane value of just 1 pint, looks like Bloodstain understood it differently. His intention of releasing the Venom is never to make money off it. He wanted to see how useful it is for the world and then decide his further course of action about it.

But he is not naïve to decline the money offered and accepted the price with a smile and signed on the few papers that give Gringotts all rights to test on the Venom and use it for all purposes except Dark natured ones. The money was immediately transferred.

"Brilliant. I also have so much Basilisk Skin, I'm not going to sell it, but I want robes made out of it and I hope I can trust Gringotts with that as well?" Harry asked and Bloodstain gave him a thoughtful nod.

"As a Business account holder, Gringotts can offer you this service at a 70% discount," Bloodstain said and Harry nodded in understanding.

"Dobby will deliver you the skin. Send me a letter once they are ready. I want a wide variety of robes suitable for my responsibilities as Lord of 2 Houses. I want 1 more with this crest as well. Make it as silvery-grey as possible…" Harry started writing everything he wanted on a parchment and Bloodstain patiently heard everything and once Harry is satisfied, he gave the parchment to Bloodstain and the goblin added 'size adjustable' below them and filed it to the side.

A moment of silence fell on them, each contemplating what to talk about next. Bloodstain doesn't have much left to talk but Harry still has 1 thing to discuss. Taking a deep breath, he asked his Accounts Manager.

Bloodstain's sharp eyes remained fixed on Harry, sensing that there is more on the young Lord's mind. The conversation about Basilisk venom revealed some of Harry's depth of thought, and Bloodstain is curious to see what else lay behind those green eyes.

"Is there something else, Lord Potter?" Bloodstain asked, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue.

Harry hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, there is. I've been considering the future, and I think I'd like to undertake an apprenticeship. I want to broaden my knowledge and skills, and I believe Gringotts might be the right place to do it."

Bloodstain's eyebrows lifted, clearly pleased with Harry's ambitions. "An apprenticeship, you say? That is an excellent idea, and I commend you for considering it. Gringotts offers several opportunities, and your connection to the Potter family might open additional doors. What fields interest you?"

Harry's eyes brightened as he considered the options. "I'm particularly drawn to curse-breaking, enchanting and appraising. I feel like those areas would allow me to grow and challenge myself."

Bloodstain nodded, his mind already assessing the possibilities. "Curse breaking is a demanding field, requiring a strong mind and a stout heart. You'll face challenges and dangers, but the rewards are substantial. Enchanting offers a more creative and intricate path, allowing you to explore magical artistry and craftsmanship. Appraising, on the other hand, will develop your analytical skills and understanding of magical artefacts and substances. Each path has its unique merits and challenges."

Harry listened intently, absorbing Bloodstain's insights. The thought of delving into these fields is thrilling, and he felt a spark of excitement at the possibilities.

Seeing Harry's enthusiasm, Bloodstain continued. His eyes glinted with intrigue at the prospect of Harry apprenticing at Gringotts. "Lord Potter, it is not common for wizards of your age to seek apprenticeships, especially with Curse Breakers. However, your status and the talents you have displayed may open doors. Allow me to explain the various options available to you."

"1. Curse Breaker Apprenticeship: This is a highly specialised field that involves breaking magical curses on ancient artefacts and vaults. It requires a strong understanding of magical theory, runes, and arithmancy. The apprenticeship would involve fieldwork and could be quite dangerous. Is this the path you're interested in, Lord Potter? I would suggest going through the rest and before you decide." He suggested and saw Harry nod and so he continued.

"2. Potion Mastery Apprenticeship: Gringotts often employ Potion Masters to create unique potions for various purposes, from security to investments. This field would require an advanced understanding of potion-making.

"3. Magical Law Apprenticeship: This would involve working with Gringotts' legal team, focusing on contracts, trade agreements, and wizarding laws making sure they are well-worded and addresses all the involved parties needs. It's less adventurous but highly respected.

"4. Magical Creature Caretaker Apprenticeship: This is for those interested in magi-zoology. It involves taking care of the magical creatures that Gringotts employs or encounters.

"5. Magical Security and Warding Apprenticeship: Given our discussion on magical defences, you might also be interested in this. It involves the design, implementation, and maintenance of magical security systems, like the ones we've discussed and it may even give you insights into how they are made." He ended with a smirk.

Harry's eyes are fixed on Bloodstain, absorbing the information. His mind is drawn to the adventure and challenge of becoming a Curse Breaker. It seemed to call to his very core but the last one also interested him. Not hearing the other 2 he is interested in, he started to ask.

As if knowing what Harry is about to ask, Bloodstain stopped him with a raised hand and adding two more possibilities to the list, his sharp eyes assessing Harry's reaction.

"6. Enchanting Apprenticeship: For those with a creative mind and meticulous attention to detail, the art of enchanting offers an endless realm of possibilities. As an enchanter's apprentice, you would learn to imbue objects with specific magical properties, create magical tools, and even invent new enchantments. This field requires a deep understanding of magical theory and spell crafting, as well as an artistic touch. And finally,

"7. Appraising Apprenticeship: This might also be one of your interests, Lord Potter. The role of an appraiser involves evaluating the magical properties, authenticity, and value of various magical artefacts, potions, and materials. It's a delicate balance of knowledge, intuition, and expertise in various magical disciplines. You would learn to recognize rare and powerful magical objects and how to handle them safely."

Harry's eyes flicked between the options, a myriad of thoughts swirling in his mind. Each path offered unique challenges and opportunities. The enchanting apprenticeship, in particular, piqued his curiosity. The idea of creating new enchantments and magical tools sounded fascinating.

"The enchanting apprenticeship sounds incredible," Harry mused, his eyes shining with curiosity. "But I'm also curious about the Magical Security and Warding Apprenticeship. It seems very close to my Family's expertise. And then comes the matter of a Curse Breaking. My heart is still set on becoming a Curse Breaker. It's where I feel I belong."

Bloodstain nodded, his expression approving. "Those are some good choices, Lord Potter. If you have the necessary grades, I can approve of 2 apprenticeships at most. More than that is restricted by both Ministry and Gringotts as that puts too much strain on one's body." He elaborated and Harry gave an understanding nod.

"I see, so I should choose 2 out of the 4 then. When is the last date for applications?"

"You can apply till the end of May, Lord Potter. You must at least hold Exceeds Expectations (E) in the field of your choice to be accepted. Gringotts values understanding more than knowledge. So prepare yourself for an assessment test as well. The Apprenticeship is 7 weeks long which begins at the end of June and runs till mid-August. Your pay and hours can be discussed when your application is approved." Bloodstain said and Harry nodded.

"I'll send my reply about my choices with my current grades once I make my decision. That concludes all my topics of discussion, Bloodstain. I must admit that this is a long session." Harry said with a chuckle. It's past 1 and Harry is feeling hungry. Bloodstain nodded in understanding, nothing to add on his part.

The meeting had been filled with information, opportunities, recognition, revelations, discussions and kinship. Harry felt both overwhelmed and energised by the whole ordeal. He took a significant step forward, embracing a future filled with growth, learning, and responsibility. As the conversation drew to a close, Harry extended his hand to Bloodstain, feeling a newfound connection to the goblin and the broader future.

"Thank you, Bloodstain," Harry said, his voice carrying a sincere warmth. "I can't express how grateful I am for all your help and guidance."

Bloodstain's normally stern face softened slightly, and he took Harry's hand in a firm grasp. "It's an honour, Lord Potter. You've shown wisdom and maturity far beyond your years. I look forward to seeing what you will achieve."

Harry smiled, feeling a mixture of pride and anticipation. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," Bloodstain replied, releasing Harry's hand. "Take care, my Lord, and remember that Gringotts is always here for you."

With a nod, Harry turned and made his way to the door. As he reached for the handle, he glanced back at Bloodstain, who is already returning to his paperwork, his sharp eyes glinting with intelligence and determination.

"Goodbye, Master Bloodstain," Harry said, and the goblin looked up, offering a rare smile.

"Farewell, Harry. May your path be filled with success and discovery."

With those words echoing in his ears, Harry stepped out of the room, feeling a sense of purpose and direction. The future is full of possibilities, and he is ready to seize them.

The door closed behind him with a soft click, and Bloodstain's office returned to its usual business-like atmosphere. But something changed, something significant. A new chapter began in the life of Harry Potter, and both he and the magical world will be forever altered by it.

As he tapped his Lord ring, Harry vanished, not leaving a small trace of his presence on the cobblestone path of Gringotts. As soon as he arrived outside the entrance of the Chamber of Secrets, he took out his Time-turner and turned the right knob 4 times, returning to his empty room as he knew was talking to Bloodstain about the Potter Lordship at that moment.

Harry hide the library from Sirius in the chamber of secrets and as the attached bedroom is on the other side of the inner chamber, it wasn't a problem for Sirius to live in the place.

Changing his robes, Harry wore his school clothes, his plan for the day ready. With determination, he walked into the Ravenclaw Common Room, intent on talking with his friends to clear everything up.

After yesterday's events, Harry decided to always hold his Time Turner with him in a secret pocket, as he doesn't know what circumstances await him at every corner.

He saw both of them sitting on one of the couches, sneaking glances to the stairs. Seeing his arrival, they both walked up to him in a hurry.

"Harry!" They said in unison, startling many bookworms who are enjoying their favourite books on the abrupt holiday. With many apologies, Harry took them out of the common room towards the Great Hall.

As they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, Padma and Terry couldn't help but notice that Harry seemed distracted. His eyes are distant, and his mind is clearly elsewhere. His words from a few minutes ago are still on their minds. Padma, never one to shy away from asking questions, finally broached the subject.

"Harry, you've been acting strange all morning. What's going on?" She asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Harry hesitated, then sighed. "It is what it is. I broke up with Cho last night," he said quietly.

Terry's eyes widened, and Padma stopped in her tracks, turning to face Harry. "You did what? Why? I thought things are going well between you two!"

Harry shrugged, looking down. "It just wasn't working out," he said, deliberately avoiding the details. "We're better off separate."

Padma studied Harry's face, knowing that there is more to the story. "Harry, you can talk to us. What really happened?" She insisted, her voice soft but firm.

Harry looked up, meeting Padma's eyes, then glanced at Terry. Both of them are waiting for an honest answer, but Harry knew he couldn't tell them the whole truth.

"I just realised that we wanted different things," he said, choosing his words carefully. "We had a long talk, and we both agreed that it is best to end things now."

Terry frowned, sensing that Harry is still holding something back but respecting his privacy, he didn't press. "Well, if you think it's for the best, then we support you. But if you ever need to talk, we're here for you." Terry said soothingly.

If not for the talk with Mira, Harry would have burst to them. But the time he spent with Mira and his subsequent revelations about his Ancestry, his acceptance as Lord by 2 Houses and his long discussion with Bloodstain distracted him enough to not think deeply and feel the emotions of the night yet he couldn't completely ignore them.

Harry smiled weakly, grateful for his friend's support. "Thanks, you two. It means a lot."

Padma put her arm around Harry's shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "We're your friends, Harry. We'll always be here for you, no matter what."

With those comforting words, the trio continued on their way to the Great Hall, the subject of Harry's breakup left behind. As Harry, Padma, and Terry entered the Great Hall, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the air, and the students' chatter created a lively atmosphere. But despite the comforting surroundings, Harry couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him and inevitably, his eyes locked onto Cho, seated at their House table.

Cho's eyes briefly met Harry's before she quickly looked away, her expression unreadable. She is laughing with her friends and seemed, on the surface, to be her usual cheerful self. But as Padma and Terry observed her, they couldn't help but notice something off about her demeanour.

"Is it just me, or does Cho look different?" Padma whispered to Harry, her eyes narrowed as she studied Cho from across the room.

Harry's heart sank as he nodded. "She does look a bit... off, doesn't she?" He unwillingly admitted.

Terry, too, is watching Cho, concern in his eyes. "There's a hollowness in her look. Like she's longing for something but trying to ignore it."

The three friends took their seats opposite her at the table, but the image of Cho's distant gaze lingered in their minds.

Throughout the meal, Harry couldn't help but steal glances at Cho, each time finding her expression tinged with a sadness only he understood. It is as if a shadow fell over her, a hollow emptiness that belied her outward cheerfulness.

Padma and Terry continued to watch her as well, their concern growing. Though they didn't know the full story of Harry and Cho's breakup, they could see that something is not right with her.

Finally, as breakfast came to a close, Cho stood to leave, her eyes once again meeting Harry's. This time, there is a flash of confusion, a flicker of uncertainty, before she looked away, her face a mask of composure.

She gave Harry an acknowledging smile after ignoring him for her whole breakfast and Harry immediately gave a fake one of his own. His heart ached as he watched her try to remember the memories she can't remember and soon she left with her friends.

He sighed in defeat, knowing that he caused her pain, knowing that he took something from her that he could never give back. But he also knew that he made the right decision, even if it came at a terrible cost. Padma and Terry consoled him their best.

As the Great Hall emptied, Padma and Terry remained by Harry's side, their silent support a comforting presence. They didn't need to say anything; their understanding and empathy are enough.

"It's not like you to be gloomy, Harry," A chiding voice echoed in his mind and that lifted his mood as Mira appeared in front of him in all her Winged majesty.

"Now this is the Harry I know." A small smile crept onto Harry's face at Mira trying her best to transform into him. "Now go," she shooed him and Harry came back to the real world catching a fumbling boy on his way out of the Great Hall. He stood and ran to catch up to him as he left the Great Hall. Ignoring Padma's and Terry's protests.

"Neville!" Harry called out, jogging to catch up. "Hey, are you alright?"

Neville looked up, his round face brightening at the sight of Harry. "Oh, Harry! Hi. I'm just, well, trying to find my way to Herbology. Professor Sprout gave me this extra assignment, and I'm afraid I've gotten myself turned around."

Harry chuckled, knowing full well how confusing Hogwarts' corridors could be. "No worries, Neville. I have nothing to do. I can help you."

Neville's relief is palpable as he fell into step with Harry. "Thanks, Harry. I don't know how you manage to find your way around all the time. I feel like I'm always getting lost."

Harry smiled, remembering his own early days of confusion. "I guess I've just gotten used to it. So, how are things going for you?"

Neville's eyes lit up as he started talking about his favourite subject. "Herbology is great, really great. Professor Sprout's given us some fascinating plants to work on, and I've been doing quite well, actually."

Harry grinned, pleased to see Neville's confidence in something he loved. "I knew you'd be a natural at Herbology. You've got the touch for it."

Neville blushed, looking pleased. "Thanks, Harry. It means a lot coming from you."

"But I was referring to how things are in Gryffindor." Harry clarified and Neville's face dimmed at that.

"After you left, it's all gloomy. Ron's complaining non-stop about many things, and Scabbers disappearance took the front row these days. I wish, I wish I can help him. But taking care of Trevor is hard enough for me." Neville said with a downcast look.

"You can always ask the help of House Elves, Neville," Harry said offhandedly and that made Neville look at him so fast.

"What!?" His voice thundered in the corridor and attracted a lot of eyes. Embarrassed at the sudden attention, Neville hurried into a side corridor with Harry with a muttered sorry.

"What do you mean I can ask House Elves?" He asked in a low voice again.

"What I said, you can call one and ask them for help to find Trevor if you lost him," Harry explained, changing their course to Kitchens instead of Herbology greenhouses. They are not much far either way.

"But, I don't know any of them," Neville muttered in a low tone of sadness.

"We are going to correct that," Harry said as the entrance to Kitchens swung open as he approached it.

The sight that greeted them is breathtaking. Countless house elves are scurrying about, chopping vegetables, stirring cauldrons, and tending to ovens. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and the sounds of sizzling and bubbling created a symphony of culinary delight.

But what caught Harry's eye is the sudden pause in the kitchen's activity. As soon as he and Neville stepped inside, nearly every house elf's eyes widened, and they stopped what they are doing to stare at Harry.

One of the elder house elves, wearing a clean, white tea towel, hurried over to them. "Master Potter, sir!" She exclaimed, her large eyes filled with awe. "It's an honour to have you here, sir! I is Cuffy, sir, at your service."

Harry is taken aback by the reverence in the elf's voice. He heard from Hogwarts they wanted to meet him, but he didn't think they would treat him as God. By their looks, every Elf is nodding at Cuffy's words. "Oh, uh, hi Cuffy. It's nice to meet you. I just wanted to see the kitchens and introduce my friend Neville." Harry said, pushing the shy boy to the front.

Cuffy's eyes flickered to Neville and then back to Harry, her face beaming. "Of course, Master Potter, sir. Welcome to the Hogwarts kitchens. If there's anything you or Master Neville needs, just ask."

Neville smiled, looking both fascinated and a bit uncomfortable with the attention. "Thank you, Cuffy. It's incredible to see how you all work." Neville said in excitement.

Several other house elves gathered around, their eyes wide with curiosity and admiration. They introduced themselves one by one, their voices filled with respect and awe.

"See, Neville, they like you. So whenever you call them, they will help you, right?" Harry asked and all the elves latched to his every word and nodded vigorously.

"Hogwarts elfs be respond to all Master Neville's calls." Wibble, one of the elder male elves said in determination and Neville blushed at their show of support and thanked them profusely.

Harry and Neville spent the next hour touring the kitchen, talking with the house elves, and learning about their daily routines. The elves are more than happy to show them how they prepare the feasts and shared some of their cooking secrets.

As they were about to leave, Cuffy approached Harry once more. "Master Potter, sir, if ever you need anything, you call Cuffy. Cuffy is here to serve you."

Harry smiled, touched by the sincerity in her voice. "Thank you, Cuffy. I'll remember that."

With a wave and a final look at the bustling kitchen, Harry and Neville made their way back to the Greenhouses, their minds filled with the memory of the warm and enchanting experience they had just shared.

If either Neville or Harry had known about the Elf-lore, they would have observed the difference between the elves addressing Neville and they addressing Harry. An elf calls someone by their House name when the elf itself belongs to the same house as the person. They address with different titles and Master is the generally equivalent of Lord to them. They call children Master as well, but with their first name instead of last name as that's reserved for the family they work for.

Of course, the addressing style differs from elf to elf, but this is the basic structure they follow and they won't add Sir/madam to anyone. That's a reserved form of addressing as well.

The two students continued chatting as they made their way to the greenhouses, discussing classes, Quidditch, and life at Hogwarts. Harry couldn't help but feel a warmth towards Neville, who, despite his insecurities, has a heart of gold and a genuine love for magical plants.

As they reached the Herbology classroom, Neville turned to Harry, a sincere smile on his face. "Thanks again, Harry. I really appreciate your help."

Harry clapped Neville on the shoulder. "Anytime, Neville. If you ever need help finding your way, just give me a shout."

With a final wave, Harry watched as Neville headed into the greenhouse, a newfound spring in his step. The small interaction left Harry with a sense of satisfaction, a reminder of the simple kindnesses that could make all the difference at Hogwarts.

As Harry is about to turn and head back to the Ravenclaw common room, a clear voice called out to him, "Potter, a word?"

Harry turned to find Daphne Greengrass, one of the Slytherins in his year, approaching him. Her eyes are cool and calculating, her posture poised and confident. Harry never interacted much with Daphne, except for a few greetings here and there but he knew her reputation for intelligence and a certain cunning. She is also alone, her friend Tracey missing by her side, curious, Harry replied.

"Certainly, Greengrass," Harry said curiously, taking a moment to size her up.

She came to a stop in front of him, her eyes appraising. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Longbottom. It's quite interesting how you've taken to assisting others."

Harry's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Daphne's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Nothing, really. Just an observation. But it does make me wonder what you're up to, Potter."

Harry's defensiveness gave way to curiosity. "What I'm up to? Why would helping Neville be part of some ulterior motive?"

Daphne shrugged, her eyes never leaving Harry's. "People have reasons for everything they do. Even simple kindnesses can be a part of a larger game."

Harry felt there is something about Daphne's demeanour that told him she is probing for something, testing his reactions. "Maybe for some people," he said, keeping his voice steady. "But not for me. I helped Neville because he's my friend."

Daphne's eyes flickered with what might have been surprise or perhaps respect. "Friendship is a powerful motivator, isn't it? It's rare to find someone who genuinely values it."

Harry isn't sure where this is going, but he felt that Daphne is still probing, still testing. "It shouldn't be rare," he said firmly. "Friendship is one of the most important things in life." He said with conviction.

If not for Ron's and Hermoine's pushing in his former years, he wouldn't have done many things he did. But at the same time, he also realised how distant he is keeping with his current friends and he decided to share a few of his secrets with them.

It's not like they will betray him or something. He always felt genuine curiosity and drive to help him from Padma and Terry. 'Maybe I can start with training them in Occlumency?' He thought and the more he thought, the more he liked it.

The thinking was so fast that Daphne couldn't keep up with the myriad of expressions passing through his face and she gave up. After a few seconds, Harry spoke up.

"I never said I'm not up for some new friends," he said suggestively with a charming smile looking directly at her and he almost caught the pink on Daphne's face before it vanished and her face got a smug smirk.

Her eyes gleamed in amusement as she spoke. "Ah, spoken like a true Gryffindor. Oh wait, you're in Ravenclaw this time around, aren't you? How curious."

"Shame you are stuck in the pit," Harry said with a taunting grin.

Daphne's smile dropped at that. "I'm here to see what makes Harry Potter tick. It's been interesting, I must admit."

Harry sensed a 'but' coming. But she didn't fill in anything but left towards the Dungeons. 'How interesting.' Harry thought. He actually started this to promote inter-house unity and make Slytherin part of Hogwarts again.

He didn't expect Daphne to join the frame this early though. But her addition definitely opens many avenues for Harry to unite the House of Snakes with the rest of the school.

With a shrug and pushing all the thoughts about snakes and snake pit aside, Harry made his way to the Chamber of Secrets, finally ready to talk with Sirius.

Chamber of Secrets

As Harry walked into the Chamber, he saw Sirius walking around the empty corridor in deep thought. Deciding to prank him again, he sneaked up to him and pushed him into one of the ponds in the chamber and with a yelp, Sirius found himself in water for 2nd time in the last 24hrs.

Harry's happy laughter echoed through the chamber as Sirius pulled himself out and Harry started applying warming charms on him. The water in the chamber is as cold as the Black Lakes.

"Harry," Sirius began, his voice shaking slightly as he finally reached out to pull his godson into a hug. It is a moment he has been dreaming of since he first saw Harry's picture in the Daily Prophet – a moment of reunion, of connection with the last living piece of his best friends, of his lost world. Then a child – now a young man – is strong, and the hug is firm. For the first time in years, Sirius felt a sense of belonging, a sense of home.

Pulling back, he looked into Harry's eyes, the eyes that so mirrored Lily's, and tried to put his tumultuous thoughts into words. "Harry...I need you to understand something. I did everything I could to find Peter, to prove my innocence…"

His voice grew passionate as he spoke, his hands gesturing wildly. "When I saw that rat in the paper, saw Peter alive, everything changed. All I could think about was getting to him, bringing him to justice."

He gave a bitter laugh. "I broke out of Azkaban, Harry. Something no one has ever done before. Not for revenge, but for justice. For James. For Lily. For you."

His gaze never wavered from Harry's face, trying to gauge his reaction. "And I would do it all again. For you, Harry. To ensure you know the truth, to keep you safe, to honour James and Lily's memory...I would face down a thousand Dementors."

The raw emotion in Sirius's voice, and the determined glint in his eyes, left no room for doubt. His sincerity echoed around the stone walls of the Chamber, the silence that followed his impassioned declaration felt almost sacred. Harry, caught in the depth of Sirius's feelings, could only nod, a lump forming in his throat.

He didn't have the words to articulate what he is feeling, but he knew at that moment, that he had someone who would fight for him, just as his parents had done. And with that thought, his grip on Sirius tightened just a bit more, as if trying to assure both himself and his godfather that no matter what, they are in this together.

"You know," Harry started, "when you said we need to talk, I thought you wanted to talk about my Animagus not all this."

Sirius let out a low chuckle, the sound echoing hauntingly around the Chamber. "I don't know whether to be relieved or worried about that, Harry. You're a brave lad, you accomplished something me and your father couldn't accomplish much later. That's one strong creature you got."

"I know right! I had so many plans for my first transformation, I-I didn't expect it to happen like that yesterday." He said in sadness, remembering the sickening crunch of Lupin's bones.

"I'm sure Remus will never forget about that. Speaking of him, did he make it?" Sirius asked, his voice turning serious.

"Yep. I left him outside the Medical ward, I'm sure Madam Pomfrey healed him. I'm not sure if he is up or not. I'm confident he won't be up for a few more days." He said sheepishly, chuckling. Sirius laughed at that.

"But seriously, Harry, what I saw there... I can hardly believe it. That is not just an ordinary fight. It is something more, something... unnatural."

Harry looked up, his face etched in concentration. "He is Eidolon, Sirius. A werewolf is strong, yes. But Eidolon is a different beast. But I'm more surprised about the out-of-ordinary transformation. There's something more to what happened."

"Maybe seeing me pounce on you like that broke the mental stability he had?" Sirius suggested.

"A plausible theory." Harry agreed.

"What of the girl? What did you do about her?" Sirius asked curiously. As he reminisced, he remembered the girl that accompanied Lupin.

"Well, I had to do something and I did something to save her," Harry said cryptically, not wanting to make Sirius uncomfortable by spilling about the ritual. He heard the older man sigh.

"I don't understand why all Potters have some secrets." He rubbed his temples as if trying to stop a migraine.

"Hey! Take that back!" Harry yelled in a faux-hurt tone and Sirius turned into his Animagus form and started running around the Chamber, making fun of Harry and trying to push him into the ponds while Harry tried to tickle the large dog as revenge. Their happy barks and laughter echoed through the chamber as something serious is being discussed in the Headmaster's office.

Headmaster's Office

The gentle crackle of green flames danced in the fireplace of Dumbledore's office as he prepared to make another Floo call. The events of the last night weighed heavily on his mind, and he knew that a conversation with Amelia Bones is imminent.

Stepping toward the fireplace, Dumbledore tossed a handful of Floo powder into the flames, watching as they erupted into a brilliant emerald green. "Amelia Bones' office," he stated clearly, and soon the familiar face of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement appeared in the flames.

"Albus," Amelia said, her voice filled with concern. "I've been hearing some troubling rumours. What's happened at Hogwarts?"

Dumbledore's eyes reflected both his wisdom and the weight of his responsibilities. "I'm afraid the rumours are true, Amelia. We've experienced something rather unusual, something that's causing quite a bit of concern."

Amelia's expression tightened, her professional demeanour taking over. "What exactly happened? I need details, Albus." She said sternly.

Dumbledore sighed and began to recount the events, his voice steady. "A few hours ago, we discovered the Whomping Willow and the nearby surroundings in a half-frozen state. Moreover, we found a large group of Dementors semi-frozen in place, as if captured by an unseen force."

Amelia's eyes widened. "Frozen Dementors? That's unheard of!"

"Indeed," Dumbledore continued, his voice tinged with worry. "The nature of this occurrence is beyond our comprehension. Our initial investigation has not revealed much, but I suspect that Dark Magic may be involved."

He didn't want to bring Lupin into this as he knew of the Ministry's stance on Werewolves and it only makes things more complicated than necessary for all parties involved.

Amelia's face paled, the implications of Dumbledore's words sinking in. "This could be a serious threat, Albus. What are you doing to ensure the safety of the students?" She asked in urgency.

"We are taking all necessary precautions," Dumbledore assured her. "I've asked Severus to investigate the Dark Magic that might have been used. Additionally, Minerva, Hagrid, and Sprout are working on understanding the environmental damage. While Filius is tasked to unravel the charms used. I am also in contact with the Ministry regarding the Dementors. I've contacted the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."

Amelia nodded, her face reflecting her trust in Dumbledore's judgement. "Keep me updated, Albus. I'll send some Aurors to assess the situation and get a better understanding. If there is anything that I can do, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Amelia," Dumbledore said, his eyes softening. "I appreciate your support."

With a nod and a final look of concern, Amelia's face disappeared from the flames, leaving Dumbledore to contemplate the situation once again.

The mystery of the half-frozen scene is a puzzle. Dumbledore knew that they are dealing with something potentially very dangerous, something that threatens not only Hogwarts but the entire wizarding world.

He stood there for a moment longer, lost in thought, before turning away from the fireplace. The road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, and he knew that he must tread carefully. The stakes are higher than ever before, and the answers are still frustratingly out of reach.

And Cut.

That's it for this Chapter, folks. Hope you all liked it. Tell me, what you think of the chapter and story in general.

Any suggestions are welcomed.

See y'all in the next chapter.

Black Infinity 1289,

Ja Ne.