By morning I had known all about Colin Creevy being petrified, I had also known that Draco had not put a curse on the Buldger, I had also found out by recounting my conversation Dobby that the chamber had been opened before. Also, found out that I absolutely detested my House. We were pompous, and groupists and very overated.

The last bit I kept to myself.

Me, Ron and Hermione spent our late morning in the girls bathroom. My brother made me jump when he came in. "It's me," he said, closing the door behind him. There was aclunk, a splash, and a gasp from within the stall and  "Harry!" Hermione said. "You gave us such a fright — come in —how's your arm?""Fine," said Harry, squeezing into the stall. An old cauldron wasperched on the toilet, and a crackling from under the rim toldHarry they had lit a fire beneath it. Conjuring up portable, waterproof fires was a speciality of Hermione's. 

"We'd've come to meet you, but we decided to get started on thePolyjuice Potion," Ron explained as Harry, with difficulty, lockedthe stall again. "We've decided this is the safest place to hide it."Harry started to tell us about Colin, but I interrupted."We already know — we heard Professor McGonagall telling Professor Flitwick this morning. That's why we decided we'd betterget going —" 

"The sooner we get a confession out of Malfoy, the better,"snarled Ron. "D'you know what I think? He was in such a foultemper after the Quidditch match, he took it out on Colin."

 "There's something else," said Harry, watching Hermione tearing bundles of knotgrass and throwing them into the potion."Dobby came to visit me in the middle of the night."Ron and I and Hermione looked up, amazed. Harry told us everything Dobby had told him — or hadn't told him. Hermione andRon listened with their mouths open. My mouth of course was closed, I had already told him about my conversation about Dobby.

 "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened before?" Hermionesaid. "We justified that, I said."This settles it," said Ron in a triumphant voice. "Lucius Malfoymust've opened the Chamber when he was at school here and nowhe's told dear old Draco how to do it. It's obvious. Wish Dobby'dtold you what kind of monster's in there, though. I want to knowhow come nobody's noticed it sneaking around the school."

"Well," I snarled "I'll tell you why I know it wasn't him shall I?"

"Englighten us" said Harry rolling his eyes. I scowled "he was with me, last night." I growled "we talked till about 4" Silence.

"About that monster" said Hermione quickly , "Maybe it can make itself invisible," s proddingleeches to the bottom of the cauldron. "Or maybe it can disguiseitself — pretend to be a suit of armor or something — I've readabout Chameleon Ghouls —" 

"You read too much, Hermione," said Ron, pouring deadlacewings on top of the leeches. He crumpled up the emptylacewing bag and looked at Harry."So Dobby stopped us from getting on the train and broke yourarm. . . ." He shook his head. "You know what, Harry? If he doesn'tstop trying to save your life he's going to kill you." Then he looked at me. "What about Emma?" he asked. 

I shrugged.

The news that Colin Creevey had been attacked and was now lyingas though dead in the hospital wing had spread through the entireschool by Monday morning. The air was suddenly thick with rumor and suspicion. The first years were now moving around thecastle in tight-knit groups, as though scared they would be attackedif they ventured forth alone.Ginny , who sat next to Colin Creevey in Charms, wasdistraught, but I felt that Fred and George were going thewrong way about cheering her up. 

They were taking turns coveringthemselves with fur or boils and jumping out at her from behindstatues. They only stopped when Percy, apoplectic with rage, toldthem he was going to write to Mrs. Weasley and tell her Ginny washaving nightmares.Meanwhile, hidden from the teachers, a roaring trade in talismans, amulets, and other protective devices was sweeping theschool. Neville Longbottom bought a large, evil-smelling greenonion, a pointed purple crystal, and a rotting newt tail before theother Gryffindor boys pointed out that he was in no danger; he wasa pureblood, 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."  

In the second week of December Professor McGonagall camearound as usual, collecting names of those who would be staying atschool for Christmas. Harry,Me, Ron, and Hermione signed her list; We had heard Draco was staying, which struck them as verysuspicious. The holidays would be the perfect time to use thePolyjuice Potion and try to worm a confession out of him. Even after me proving to them he wasn't there at the time. 

Unfortunately, the potion was only half finished. We still needed the bicorn horn and the boomslang skin, and the onlyplace we were going to get them was from Snape's private stores. I privately felt he'd rather face Slytherin's legendary monsterthan let Snape catch him robbing his office."What we need," said Hermione briskly as Thursday afternoon'sdouble Potions lesson loomed nearer, "is a diversion. Then one ofus can sneak into Snape's office and take what we need."Harry and Ron looked at her nervously."I think Emma'd better do the actual stealing," Hermione continuedin a matter-of-fact tone. "You two will be expelled if you get intoany more trouble, and I've got a clean record. So all you need todo is cause enough mayhem to keep Snape busy for five minutesor so."Harry smiled feebly. 

Deliberately causing mayhem in Snape'sPotions class was about as safe as poking a sleeping dragon in theeye.Potions lessons took place in one of the large dungeons. Thursday afternoon's lesson proceeded in the usual way. Twenty cauldrons stood steaming between the wooden desks, on which stoodbrass scales and jars of ingredients. Snape prowled through thefumes, making waspish remarks about the Gryffindors' work whilethe Slytherins sniggered appreciatively. 

Hermione caught Harry's eye and nodded.

 Harry ducked swiftly down behind his cauldron, pulled oneof Fred's Filibuster fireworks out of his pocket, and gave it aquick prod with his wand. The firework began to fizz and sputter.Knowing he had only seconds, Harry straightened up, took aim,and lobbed it into the air; it landed right on target in Goyle'scauldron.Goyle's potion exploded, showering the whole class. Peopleshrieked as splashes of the Swelling Solution hit them. Draco gota faceful and his nose began to swell like a balloon; Goyle blundered around, his hands over his eyes, which had expanded to thesize of a dinner plate — Snape was trying to restore calm and findout what had happened. Through the confusion, I slipped into his office. 

I scanned every bottle. "Bicorn horn..Boomslang..." I found what I needed and rushed out, my robes buldging. Snape swept over to Goyle's cauldron andscooped out the twisted black remains of the firework. There was asudden hush. "If I ever find out who threw this," Snape whispered, "I shallmake sure that person is expelled." 

 "He knew it was me," Harry toldMe, Ron and Hermione as theyhurried back to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. "I could tell." I threw the new ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir feverishly."It'll be ready in two weeks," I said happily."Snape can't prove it was you," said Ron reassuringly to Harry."What can he do?""Knowing Snape, something foul," said Harry as the potionfrothed and bubbled. 

A week later, Me,Harry, Ron, and Hermione were walking across theentrance hall when we saw a small knot of people gatheredaround the notice board, reading a piece of parchment that hadjust been pinned up. Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas beckoned us over, looking excited."They're starting a Dueling Club!" said Seamus. "First meetingtonight! I wouldn't mind dueling lessons; they might come inhandy one of these days. . . .""What, you reckon Slytherin's monster can duel?" said Ron, buthe, too, read the sign with interest."Could be useful," he said toMe, Harry and Hermione as we wentinto dinner. "Shall we go?"Harry and Hermione were all for it, I was too. so at eight o'clock that evening we hurried back to the Great Hall. The long dining tableshad vanished and a golden stage had appeared along one wall, lit bythousands of candles floating overhead. The ceiling was velvetyblack once more and most of the school seemed to be packed beneath it, all carrying their wands and looking excited."I wonder who'll be teaching us?" said Hermione as we edgedinto the chattering crowd. "Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young — maybe it'll be him.""As long as it's not —" Harry began, but he ended on a groan:Gilderoy Lockhart was walking onto the stage, resplendent in robesof deep plum and accompanied by none other than Snape, wearinghis usual black.Oh, god.

 Lockhart waved an arm for silence and called, "Gather round,gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent!"Now, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to startthis little dueling club, to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves as I myself have done on countless occasions — forfull details, see my published works."Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape," said Lockhart,flashing a wide smile.

 "He tells me he knows a tiny little bit aboutdueling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a shortdemonstration before we begin. Now, I don't want any of youyoungsters to worry — you'll still have your Potions master whenI'm through with him, never fear!""Wouldn't it be good if they finished each other off?" Ron muttered in my ear, I surpressed a snort.Snape's upper lip was curling. 

Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other and bowed; atleast, Lockhart did, with much twirling of his hands, whereasSnape jerked his head irritably. Then they raised their wands likeswords in front of them."As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position," Lockhart told the silent crowd. "On the count ofthree, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming tokill, of course.""I wouldn't bet on that," Harry murmured, watching Snape baring his teeth."One — two — three —"Both of them swung their wands above their heads and pointedthem at their opponent; Snape cried: "Expelliarmus!" There was adazzling flash of scarlet light and Lockhart was blasted off his feet:He flew backward off the stage, smashed into the wall, and sliddown it to sprawl on the floor. Draco and some of the other Slytherins cheered. Hermione wasdancing on tiptoes. "Do you think he's all right?" she squealedthrough her fingers."Who cares?" saidMe, Harry and Ron together, rolling our eyes.Lockhart was getting unsteadily to his feet. His hat had fallen offand his wavy hair was standing on end."Well, there you have it!" he said, tottering back onto the platform. "That was a Disarming Charm — as you see, I've lost mywand — ah, thank you, Miss Brown — yes, an excellent idea toshow them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious what you were about to do. If I had wantedto stop you it would have been only too easy — however, I felt itwould be instructive to let them see . . ."

 Snape was looking murderous. Possibly Lockhart had noticed,because he said, "Enough demonstrating! I'm going to comeamongst you now and put you all into pairs. Professor Snape, ifyou'd like to help me —"They moved through the crowd, matching up partners. Lockhart teamed Neville with Justin Finch-Fletchley, but Snape reachedHarry and Ron first."Time to split up the dream team, I think," he sneered."Weasley, you can partner Finnigan. Potter —"Harry moved automatically toward Me and Hermione."I don't think so," said Snape, smiling coldly. "Mr. Malfoy, comeover here. Let's see what you make of the famous Potter. And you,Miss Granger — you can partner Miss Bulstrode.Ms Potter- let's see if your charm talent can help you in your duel with Ms Prankinson.

I rolled my eyes, oh great. Pansy Prankinson. With a smushed up face like a pug. "Potter" she sneered, I didn't say anything. "Face your partners!" called Lockhart, back on the platform."And bow!"

Both of us just stared, barely inclining our heads. 

"Wands at the ready!" shouted Lockhart. "When I count tothree, cast your charms to disarm your opponents — only to disarm them — we don't want any accidents — one . . . two . . .three —" 

"EXPELLIARMUS!" I snarled, smirking as Prankinson fell backwards, Toppling through. Catching her breath, before she could do anything I heard lockhart screaming "Stop! Stop!" Snape took charge."Finite Incantatem!" he shouted; I saw Harry's feet stopped dancing, Draco stopped laughing, and they were able to look up.A haze of greenish smoke was hovering over the scene. BothNeville and Justin were lying on the floor, panting; Ron was holding up an ashen-faced Seamus, apologizing for whatever his brokenwand had done; but Hermione and Millicent Bulstrode were stillmoving; Millicent had Hermione in a headlock and Hermione waswhimpering in pain; both their wands lay forgotten on the floor.Harry and I leapt forward and pulled Millicent off. It was difficult: Shewas a lot bigger than we were combined."Dear, dear," said Lockhart, skittering through the crowd, looking at the aftermath of the duels. "Up you go, Macmillan. . . ." "Expelliarmus" I murmered, watching Bulstrode fly across, with a yell gave me some satisfaction, "I think I'd better teach you how to block unfriendly spells," saidLockhart, standing flustered in the midst of the hall. He glanced atSnape, whose black eyes glinted, and looked quickly away. "Let'shave a volunteer pair — Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley, howabout you —" 

"A bad idea, Professor Lockhart," said Snape, gliding over like alarge and malevolent bat. "Longbottom causes devastation with thesimplest spells. We'll be sending what's left of Finch-Fletchley up tothe hospital wing in a matchbox." Neville's round, pink face wentpinker. "How about Malfoy and Potter?" said Snape with a twistedsmile."Excellent idea!" said Lockhart, gesturing Harry and Malfoyinto the middle of the hall as the crowd backed away to give themroom."Now, Harry," said Lockhart. "When Draco points his wand atyou, you do this."He raised his own wand, attempted a complicated sort of wiggling action, and dropped it. Snape smirked as Lockhart quicklypicked it up, saying, "Whoops — my wand is a little overexcited —"Snape moved closer to Malfoy, bent down, and whispered something in his ear. Malfoy smirked, too. Harry looked up nervously atLockhart and said, "Professor, could you show me that blockingthing again?"

Malfoy raised his wand quickly and bellowed, "Serpensortia!"The end of his wand exploded. Harry watched, aghast, as a longblack snake shot out of it, fell heavily onto the floor between them,and raised itself, ready to strike. There were screams as the crowdbacked swiftly away, clearing the floor."Don't move, Potter," said Snape lazily, clearly enjoying the sightof Harry standing motionless, eye to eye with the angry snake. "I'llget rid of it. . . ." 

"Allow me!" shouted Lockhart. He brandished his wand at thesnake and there was a loud bang; the snake, instead of vanishing,flew ten feet into the air and fell back to the floor with a loudsmack. Enraged, hissing furiously, it slithered straight towardJustin Finch-Fletchley and raised itself again, fangs exposed, poisedto strike.Harry wasn't sure what made him do it. He wasn't even aware ofdeciding to do it. All he knew was that his legs were carrying himforward as though he was on casters and that he had shouted stupidly at the snake, "Leave him alone!" 'stop' I thought at the same time looking it in the eye "Stop..." I whispered, all eyes turned to me.

 "What do you both think you're playing at?" he shouted, and beforeHarry or I ould say anything, Justin had turned and stormed out of thehall.Snape stepped forward, waved his wand, and the snake vanishedin a small puff of black smoke. Snape, too, was looking at Harry and meinan unexpected way: It was a shrewd and calculating look, and I didn't like it. He was also dimly aware of an ominous muttering allaround the walls. Then he felt a tugging on the back of his robes."Come on," said Ron's voice in my ear. "Move — come on —"Ron steered us out of the hall, Hermione hurrying alongsideus. As we went through the doors, the people on either sidedrew away as though they were frightened of catching something.Harry or Ididn't have a clue what was going on, and neither Ron norHermione explained anything until they had dragged us all theway up to the empty Gryffindor common room. Then Ron pushedHarry and me into an armchair and said, "You're a Parselmouth. Whydidn't you tell us?" 

we're what?" said Harry." Parselmouths" said Ron. "You can talk to snakes!" 

"I know," said Harry. "I mean, that's only the second time I'veever done it. I accidentally set a boa constrictor on my cousin Dudley at the zoo once — long story — but it was telling me it hadnever seen Brazil and I sort of set it free without meaning to —that was before I knew I was a wizard —" 

"A boa constrictor told you it had never seen Brazil?" Ron repeated faintly. 

"Communicated with me telepathically," I said "why? I'm sure many people have it here-"

"Oh, no they can't," said Ron. "It's not a very common gift.Emma, this is bad." 

"What's bad?" I said , starting to feel quite angry. "What'swrong with everyone? Listen, if we hadn't told that snake not to attack Justin —" 

"Oh, that's what you said to it?" 

"What d'you mean? You were there — you heard us —""I heard you speaking Parseltongue," said Ron. "Snake language.You could have been saying anything — no wonder Justin panicked, you sounded like you were egging the snake on or something — it was creepy, you know —" 

Harry gaped at him."we ke a different language? But — wedidn't realize — how can wespeak a language without knowing wecan speak it?"Ron shook his head. 

Both he and Hermione were looking asthough someone had died. I couldn't see what was so terrible."D'you want to tell me what's wrong with stopping a massivesnake biting off Justin's head?" I said. "What does it matter how Idid it as long as Justin doesn't have to join the Headless Hunt?""It matters," said Hermione, speaking at last in a hushed voice,"because being able to talk to snakes was what Salazar Slytherin wasfamous for. That's why the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent."Mymouth fell open."Exactly," said Ron. "And now the whole school's going to thinkyou're his great-great-great-great-grandchildren  or something —" 

"But we're  not," said Harry, with a panic . 

"You'll find that hard to prove," said Hermione. "He lived abouta thousand years ago; for all we know, you could be."

***

Draco's POV:

"Emma" I said, catching a flash of red hair. 

I was shocked, hearing her talk to that snake. But hurt as well, I know I shouldn't make this about myself but I wish she'd told me, I would've got it.

"Draco" she said, turning. I joined her at the ledge. "Why didn't you tell me?" I asked quiet "I wouldn't--"

"I didn't know." she said. 

"Oh" 

Silence. "Are you scared of me?" she whispered.  My eyes widened "why would I be?" I asked, wrapping a arm around her shoulder "your still you, an super smart, annoying girl who calls me 'Dray'...."

She laughed.

"Ron and Hermione looked like they were" she said quietly, I scowled. Weasly and Granger, how stupid can one be? "Then they deserve you." I said.

I still think I'm right.

***

Emma's POV:

I'm used to people calling me freak, loony and all that. But it never bothered me in the muggle schools, because I knew I didn't belong there. But people calling me that here? where I did belong?

Well, I will never show it but it hurt. 

Zoe and Draco were the only ones who were there, Draco making me laugh and Zoe defending me when I couldn't myself. And the twins, pranked anyone who said something to me. But they were the only ones. Yes, the only ones. Not Ron, not Hermione, and not Harry. My own brother watched and said nothing while I was bullied. He was too, but less. He was more famous and liked. One day, Prankinson came to the gryffindor table, Ad laughed and said "oh look the freak!" I rolled my eyes, "back off prankinson." said two voices simuntaneously, I looked up to see, Draco and Zoe either side of me, glaring and drawing out wands. "It's fine" I whispered, stiffling a yawn "I don't need to be bothered with someone who can't even wave a wand properly." Zoe and Draco roared with laughter, Prankinson's face flushed red. "You'll pay for that" she threatened "ooh" I said "watch me shiver."

She did hurt me. Physically, when me, ron, harry and Hermione were going to our common room, she had Bulstrode tackle me, while she slapped me.

My so called friends and brother did nothing. They watched, watched me stumble, but did nothing.

I never needed anyone apart my brother. Now, he was gone too.

"Emma-"

"I need to be alone."  I say pushing past them, It took time. Finding a corner where no one could see me, I leaned against the wall and sank to my knees, pulling my legs closer to me, I could feel my exterior crumble. And then, for the first time since I was 7. I broke down and cried.