As Harry explored the Chamber, one of the few places in the castle he could be sure of some privacy. Although, Myrtle had followed him this time, she floated along beside him.
Ghost etiquette had her try to keep to the open air rather than ignore the walls. Ron had particularly bad memories, both for himself, and his sister, while Hermione had a rare curiosity by-pass. Harry assumed out of consideration to Ron's unease.
He was pointing out where the back-fire had thrown Lockhart. She drifted over, and gave a startled gasp. It was oddly sexual, startled, fascinated and excited.
"Is this... Was this Ron's wand?" she asked pointing to something in the mixed rubble.
"Yeah, probably." Harry was distracted, and eager to explore. The chamber had been hidden for centuries, since the founding of the school. A logic Harry thought would serve Dumbledore's Army.
"Is the book his, too?" she added as he started walking away, deeper into the sprawling underground chamber.
Harry paused mid-step. He'd never known Ron to carry any books when it wasn't necessary. Swivelling he went over to examine Myrtle's discovery. Perhaps Salazar had his own private library down here. A selection of books more dangerous than the library's restricted section.
Brushing the dust and grit from it, he turned it over in his hands.
"Nice bum..." Myrtle observed, causing Harry to snap back upright. He recalled her fascination with him, in the bubble bath, her coquettish behaviour.
He smiled and shook his head, it'd have no future. But he was happy that she was joking, her reputation was well-earned, and life had not been kind to her.
Harry had to assume it was Gilderoy's book. The cover had the four house animals, each taking a quarter of the cover, and again running down the spine of the book.
Opening it, the book revealed it's frontispiece.
Hogwarts: The Rule Book
Godric Gryffindor
Salazar Slytherin
Rowena Ravenclaw
Helga Hufflepuff
The names looked hand-written and ancient. A chill announced Myrtle passing through his arm. "That's Rowena' signature", she told him excitedly.
Myrtle's spectral fingers brushed the book, drawing a crackle of magic as her caress. The book was undeniably magical. Flicking through, the rest was blank page after page.
"I show only the truth..."
The words showed up, as if written by an invisible hand.
"Write only cautiously and with consideration."
The next line forming, the same way. Harry realised, it was the same elegant handwriting, as above, as Rowena's own guiding words.
"My power is great, and should be guarded with vengeance and surety."
The words this time, matching Salazar's more jagged script.
"Kindness and compassion, are their own reward. Above all restraint."
The next line cautioned. These words matching Helga's untidy, tiny lettering.
The four lines remained there for only a few moments before fading from the page. Leaving behind only the title and authors.
I wonder how Draco would manage a treasure like this, Harry thought, probably with brute force. He knew Draco was a coward, almost from their first meeting. Though, that at least showed some animal cunning, and the back-up of Crabbe and Goyle.
He wondered how Draco would have managed had he been born a girl, and needed to rely on guile. He snorted at the idea that Draco could have that subtlety.
I'd like to see Draco Malfoy as a girl.
The words flared on the page after he lifted his quill from the page. But beyond that nothing was apparently different.
Harry realised, it might just as easily be a joke present from Fred or George to Ron, a notebook for his studies. He thought of the Marauder's Map, and the simplicity of a disappearing / reappearing ink spell.
Dismissing the book, he slipped it absently into a deep cloak pocket. Walking around the chamber, he didn't think it was suitable for meetings.   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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