Persuasion (PG-13, 14,800 words) (02/03)
Title: Persuasion (02/03)
Rating: PG-13
Words: ~14,800
Summary: It's Ginny's second year. The Chamber of Secrets still lies closed. Her diary, however, is wide open, and she's been writing in it for the past year. Tom Riddle has her firmly in his grasp.
Notes: For omniocular's September challenge, the AU Extravaganza. My prompt was "63. The Chamber of Secrets is not opened in Harry's second year. It's Ginny's second year now, and she's still writing in Riddle's diary."
This hasn't been beta-read, and I'm sure it shows in the construction of plot. It was really hard to keep together. So if you spot something missing or contradictory, let me know, please!
Thanks to my husband for coming up with the title, even without reading it!
And it's been split into three parts, because it's too long for a single LJ entry; however, it is a one-shot.
Part I
1 November 1993
ANOTHER MURDER AT HOGWARTS?
Aurors have been called in to investigate another student death at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Colin Creevey, a second-year, was found strangled in his dormitory room on Halloween. Initial investigations suggest that it might have been suicide, but Magical Law Enforcement refuse to make a statement yet, saying they have not finished their investigations.
Mr Creevey's peers are shocked by his death, but agree that it's possible it was suicide.
"He was always by himself," said Ginny Weasley, a fellow second-year student. "I sat next to him in Charms, but he never seemed very happy. I think he missed his family."
"He was Muggleborn," reports Adrien Pucey, a fourth-year. "It's possible he missed his way of life. I think it's always difficult for Muggleborns to come to Hogwarts not knowing anything about the world. It's just so sudden, isn't it?"
Mr Creevey's family have been notified, and say that they are completely shocked.
"Colin would never kill himself!" says Mrs Creevey tearfully. "All his letters home were cheerful."
As usual, there are other, wilder theories, some suggesting that Mr Creevey was yet another victim of Salazar Slytherin's monster. For a summary of the Chamber of Secrets legend, see page 7.
2 November 1993
Dear Tom,
Colin was so easy. The Avada Kedavra is incredible. I felt that soul-splitting, like you told me, and it hurt... but then Colin was dead. Just like that. Amazing. I mean, the toad was simple, but then... the person...
I know. But you didn't leave him dead just like that, did you?
Oh, no, of course not. I strangled him, and people are thinking it was suicide. I didn't want to put another Chamber message-and after all, this wasn't the Basilisk.
Tom, when will Harry fall for me? What's taking so long?
I don't know. Maybe he's interested in someone else?
Everyone's interested in him. I hate it.
But is there someone else that he's interested in?
I don't know. He's been really moody lately. Oh, and speaking of Moody, there's a new defence teacher, taking Lupin's place when he's sick (I wish I knew what he had. He's out about once a month). His name's Alastor Moody.
I knew him at school as well. He was quite a few years younger than I was, though. Entered in my first year. I'm not surprised that he's an Auror. He was quite the Gryffindor.
Why do you use that as an insult, Tom? I'm a Gryffindor, and you like me.
Yes, but you're in Gryffindor because the Hat thought you were just another Weasley.
I suppose.
You said to me, you said in the first Hogwarts entry:
"The Hat's put me in Gryffindor. I don't know why; I'm not brave. I'd rather have been in Ravenclaw, I think. It said, 'Oh, another Weasley. You must belong in Gryffindor,' without ever asking me anything." Don't you remember?
Yes, I do remember. But Harry's a Gryffindor as well, and I like him.
Is he worthy of you?
Don't you dare start, Tom! I love Harry, and you're not going to stop me!
2 November 1993
Dear Alastor,
I tried to convince Albus to owl you, but he insists that things will work out in the end. I'm sure you know of the murders - two now - and I'll get straight to the point:
Will you please come out of retirement to keep an eye on things here? While Albus is probably trusting Harry Potter to work everything out, yet again (remember two years ago?), I don't think he will this time. Something is just not quite right.
Alastor, I know you've been enjoying your retirement, but we really need you here. I feel like I'm just not seeing something, and I'm sure you'll be able to.
Yes, that was unashamed flattery. Oh, Alastor, please. Do it for me.
Yours hopefully,
Minerva
4 November 1993
Dear Minerva,
Albus should have owled me himself rather than put the task on your pretty shoulders. If it's indeed the Chamber, then you'll need more than just my eyes out. I was there when it was opened last time, same as you.
From what I've read, it's got to be an inside job. What help can I be?
Alastor
5 November 1993
Dear Alastor,
Of course it's an inside job. That's the scary part. What student would be able to practice such dark arts?
Alastor, I'm begging you. Please, come and keep an eye out.
I might just let you kiss me if you catch the culprit. No. If you catch them, I'll let you do more than kiss me. I'll kiss you if you come here and keep an eye out, all right?
Minerva
6 November 1993
Dear Minerva,
You really play dirty, you know that? But I want two kisses when I arrive.
Alastor
7 November 1993
A-
Deal. See you Friday.
-M
Date: 9 November 1993
To: all staff members
From: Albus
Re: Alastor Moody
Gentlemen and ladies, thanks to the tiresome efforts of Professor McGonagall, Auror Alastor Moody will be joining our ranks to help keep an eye on things here. I ask all of you to give him the same respect you've been giving to the regular Ministry forces.
Moody will be officially joining staff as a second Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher; he will fill in for Remus Lupin on his sick days and might teach on other random occasions.
There will be a small welcoming reception for him Friday night, in my office. I'll be most delighted to see all of you there.
Albus
13 November 1993
Dear Percy,
I'm very pleased that your N.E.W.T. studies are going well, dear. Your father says that as long as your marks are high enough (which I don't think you'll have any troubles doing!), you should have your choice of places. Don't discount your father's power of recommendation, too-he's been in the Ministry for a while now, so he knows almost everyone.
Can you please tell your sister to write? We haven't heard from Ginny in almost a month, since before that poor boy's death. I know she's probably been shaken up badly by everything (first Hermione, poor girl!, and then her own classmate!), but I'd really like to hear from her.
Love,
Mum
16 November 1993
Dear Mum,
I'm really sorry I haven't been writing. You're quite right: Colin's death shook me something awful. No one really knows whether it was suicide or murder, but I think it was suicide. He was pretty lonely.
Classes are going well, all things considered. There's a contingent of Aurors here now, as well as Alastor Moody, who's told me he knows Dad. They've been poking around a lot, and more than once they've come into a classroom to just "look around", although what they're looking for I don't know.
I don't really have anything else to say... I'm feeling all right, so don't worry about me.
Love,
Ginny
16 November 1993
Dear Tom,
My mother's so annoying. She wants me to come home!
Why?
Because of all the attacks. It makes me laugh, actually. Oooh, I wish I could see her face when she learns that it was me. When the real, the powerful Ginevra Weasley shows her hand!
You're getting quite the flair for the dramatic there.
Why shouldn't I? I'm good! Admit it, Tom, I'm good! How many 13-year-olds can cast the Avada Kedavra?
Not many, I admit. But you have had me teaching you.
Yes, I have. You're the greatest, Tom. But I can't stay long. I do have classes and such. And even if I can cast the Killing Curse, I still need to practice my Transfiguration.
Yes. You do. Transfiguration is very important, especially when duelling.
So I'll write later. Bye, Tom!
Date: 7 December 1993
From: Professor McGonagall
To: All Students
Re: Christmas Holidays
Please sign your name below if you wish to stay at Hogwarts over Christmas:
1. Harry Potter
2. Ginny Weasley
3. Percy Weasley
4. Penelope Clearwater
5. Derrick Bole
6. Cedric Diggory
10 December 1993
Alastor Moody's Journal
Only six students staying for Christmas. One must be person opening Chamber. Not sure why, but makes sense.-probably b/c holidays = good time to sneak around. BUT no students, so no victims. Culprit might not want to stay without victims.
Victims so far: two Muggleborns. Both Gryff. Means must either be Slyth (Heir of Slyth, hence Slyth student), or Gryff (better access to victims). Link?
...
...
Harry Potter. Granger = friend / Creevey = fan (says Minerva). Could Potter be killer? Anyone could be killer, of course. Would Potter kill own best friend?
Imperius? But who?
Hm...
Albus cryptic; says he knows who but not how. Won't say more. Hate that. Wish I had some Vserum to put in his pumpkin juice, but Snape says all his stores are empty. Someone must have stolen it.
24 December 1993
Dear Horace,
I beg you not to throw this letter out upon reading its subject matter. First let me explain to you my suspicions.
I am sure you have heard of the attacks within Hogwarts: two Muggleborn students murdered (yes, I say murdered), both in Gryffindor House. Naturally, I have brought in Alastor Moody to investigate, and he agrees with me that it must be someone within Gryffindor, which is indeed sad for that House.
My belief, Horace, is that the Chamber of Secrets is being opened once more, by the same person who opened it last time. I will not insult your intelligence by thinking that you believe that to be Hagrid, for we both know he would never willfully harm fellow students, and that if he had in fact been responsible for Myrtle's death, he would have come straight to me for help. In addition, Slytherin's descendent would have to be a Parselmouth, and there is only one known Parselmouth in the world. That person, however, was last known to be in Albania, not here in England.
Therefore I must conclude that Lord Voldemort is working through someone else, and moreover that he must be doing it from afar. However, even the most skilled Legilimens cannot possess another person across continents.
I hope by now you understand how urgent it is that we share knowledge, for I fear more and more students may die, and that at least one is being possessed by Lord Voldemort, whether willingly or no. I am not sure which frightens me more, to be honest.
I have long wondered how Lord Voldemort survived Halloween night, 1981, and after extensive research and thought, I came to the horrible realisation that there was only one way for Voldemort to have been defeated and yet still be capable of possessing Professor Quirrel two years ago. Voldemort must have had a Horcrux... or perhaps more than one.
Horace, I know that Tom Riddle was one of your favorites, and I do not blame you for that. We all thought he would go far, and do good things... it is none of our faults that he took the path he did.
But I would very much like to know what the two of you discussed about Horcruxes. We must be the only two Hogwarts teachers in the past century who have even known about them, and as Tom did not come to me for information (and as I am sure he first killed before his seventh year), he must have had the information from you.
Horace, do not be ashamed. Do not feel guilty. Just, please, help me. I fear for my students, and I know that if you were in my position you'd do the same.
Please, Horace, I beg of you. Help me. Help the students.
Yours,
Albus
2 January 1994
ANOTHER ATTACK AT HOGWARTS
The third in what is rapidly becoming a series of attacks occurred mere hours after the beginning of term. This time, however, it was not a student, nor even a wizard-it was the caretaker, Argus Filch, whose identity as a Squib was one of Hogwarts' worst-kept secrets. Filch's body, which had been stuffed into a broom closet, was discovered after his cat was heard wailing from several corridors away. Written on the door of the closet, in Filch's blood, were the words, "The unworthy shall be purged."
"It follows the pattern perfectly," says Alastor Moody, who is officially a substitute Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher for Professor Remus Lupin's occasional bouts of mysterious illness. "Muggleborns and Squibs... it's clearly the Chamber of Secrets. I was there when it first opened, so I know the pattern. But last time, students were only Petrified, and only Myrtle Groves was killed, after which time the attacks stopped."
When asked if he felt the school should be closed, Professor Moody said, "Of course it should be. But It's Albus makes that decision, not me."
This is indeed terrifying news, and this reporter wonders if many of the parents of children currently on holiday will allow them to come back.
"It's really a huge risk now," says Lucius Malfoy, member of the Board of Governors. "My wife and I considered sending our son to Durmstrang, but as the attacks are only targeting Muggleborns and Squibs, Draco isn't at risk. But, personally, I'd highly advise the parents of Muggleborns to send their children elsewhere."
Albus Dumbledore at last agreed to speak with your reporter, but all he was willing to say was:
"I am perfectly confident that we will find out the culprit before long. This castle will not stand such violence for long."
But is Dumbledore's confidence in his staff misplaced?
3 January 1994
Dear Albus,
It has taken me a while to decide how, or indeed whether, to answer your letter. In the end, though, I believe you're right. Tom must be stopped. Three deaths!
A Horcrux, as I told Tom Riddle, is a magical artifact containing a fragment of soul. The soul is damaged through murder, and the wizard wishing to split his soul then uses that damage to his advantage. I remember that Tom asked me what a Horcrux was, and how to make one (which I would never have told him, I hope you believe, even if I did know!), and also whether it wouldn't be better to have a seven-part soul.
If you think that You-Know-Who has a seven part soul, Albus, then we are indeed doomed.
Yours,
Horace
4 January 1994
Dear Tom,
That was so much fun!!
Filch?
Yes! Don't you remember? I thought-the diary, the Horcrux...
It's only a faint memory that gets transfered back into the diary from when I join you.
Oh, that's a pity. It was fun, that one. I lured him to his own office, which has a little toilet, and then all I had to do was open the sink and let the Basilisk out. He yelled, and then he went silent. Such a silence!
It's a great sound, I agree. So. Who's next?
I dunno. I still don't have Harry.
Ginny, are you sure you want him?
TOM!
No, hear me out, Ginny. He's only half-blood, you say! Why not take a Pureblood wizard? And how do you know that it was really Harry who defeated the Dark Lord?
Harry remembers it.
He does?? You never told me
I heard him telling Ron. Whenever Dementors get near him, he hears his parents' voices, and hears the night Voldemort killed them. He hears Voldemort's voice and then sees the green flash of light.
Hm. That is pretty convincing.
Yeah. So he's got power, somewhere. Even if he doesn't use it.
He doesn't use his power? That's foolish. And he doesn't know that you're doing all this for him?
No. It makes me so sad, Tom. I want to tell him, I really do, but he'd probably get scared and run away.
Ginny, you don't want a boy like that. He's too weak.
I guess... I guess you're right. I hate it, but I guess you're right. I need a new goal, then.
Yes, you do. And I know exactly the right goal for you.
What?
You could try to get me out of this diary.
Why should I do that? You'd probably just kill me. No, Tom, I don't trust you.
But, Ginny, think! Together we could take over the world!
No, Tom, thanks, but no. You're staying there.
7 January 1994
Dear Horace,
Thank you so very much. I believe I know where to begin now. Please enjoy the enclosed box of crystallized pineapple.
Yours,
Albus
8 January 1994
Dear Tom,
Moody's a right pain in the arse.
Alastor Moody?
Yes, what other Moody is here?
What is he doing?
He keeps barging into classes. McGonagall's going spare; she's threatened to turn him into a hedgehog if he doesn't stop. I think he's sweet on her.
Yes, he always was.
What? Eww, gross. Moody, sweet on McGonagall? Anyone sweet on McGonagall! Yuck!
She used to be very beautiful.
I can't imagine that. She's so old.
She wasn't always old. You'll be old one day, too.
I'll never be that ugly. I want to stay beautiful my entire life.
Do you? That's a difficult quest.
Yes. I've decided. I don't care about being immortal, I don't want to live forever. And I don't want to rule the world. But I do want to be the most beautiful creature in the world, for as long as I live. And you're going to help me, Tom.
All right.
Good.
Do you want people to just believe you to be beautiful, or do you want to actually be beautiful?
Why would I want people only to believe me beautiful? What's the point of that?
Well, it means that everyone would think you were beautiful. If you simply are beautiful, some people might still not find you so.
Oh. Well, I want to be able to look in the mirror and see what everyone else sees.
So you want to be beautiful.
Well, yes.
Okay. There's a good manuscript in the Restricted Section, entitled Su Belleza-"On Beauty." It's in Italian.
I don't read Italian.
Sure you do. Conversum, remember?
Oh, right.
Read that one, and you should learn a few things.
Good. Bye.
12 January 1994
DUMBLEDORE SACKED
The Hogwarts Board of Governors announced their decision today to dismiss Albus Dumbledore from his position as Headmaster.
"It's taken awhile," said Xavier Brown, speaking for the entire Board, "to come to a decision. Many of us were loathe to sack Dumbledore, since he's been such an icon of the school. But, after much debate, we came to the conclusion that, icon or no, he's clearly no longer keeping our children safe."
One member of the Board, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "I really didn't want to sack Dumbledore-I mean, if he can't catch the culprit, who can? But sometime's you've got to go with the majority."
Most of the Board had varying degrees of the same message: We didn't want to, but we had to.
Dumbledore disappeared from the school within hours after the decision was reached. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
When asked who would succeed Dumbledore, Brown said, "Minerva McGonagall is currently holding the position. We won't choose a new head for at least another month."
Minerva McGonagall is well-known as a Hogwarts figure, having taught Transfiguration for over thirty years. She declined an interview, though she did tell reporters, "How do you think I can have time for a interview when I have a murderer to find?" (For Minerva McGonagall's biography, see page 11.)
Parents have already begun pulling their children out. Rachel Macmillan, whose son is in his third year, admits that she's already found a house in France.
"I want to see my son grow up," she says. "I don't want him to be just another victim."
When it was pointed out that her family was Pureblood, Mrs Macmillan said angrily, "I don't think it will matter after a while."
12 January 1994
Dear Tom,
Dumbledore's gone!
What?
Dumbledore! They sacked him! McGonagall's acting Headmistress now. But this probably means that they're going to be looking out for Dark magic more and more.
Yes, very probably. You'll have to stop using the Avada Kedavra.
I know. Oh well. There's still the Basilisk.
Yes, there is. How many more Mudbloods are there?
Oh, tons. I made a list, actually. But I don't care, really. I want to be beautiful.
Very well, then. What have you discovered?
Not much, to be honest. That book you recommended was crap. It was too abstract. It didn't talk about power at all.
Oh.
Tom, you're not being very helpful anymore.
Ginny, that's because I'm stuck in this diary. It would be far better if I could become a person again.
Tom, we've been through
I just need enough life force to resurrect my soul.
Not a body?
No, of course not. I can construct my own body from this.
So how do you get life force?
Simply by writing in me.
So I've been giving you mine, all this time? Why aren't I dead?
No, no, you've not been giving me yours. I haven't been taking it from you. I realized it was far better not to. But someone else might do.
I'd have to give you away?
Possibly. Let me think about this for a while.
29 January 1994
SIRIUS BLACK SPOTTED IN HOGSMEADE
For many months, the biggest worry of Hogwarts parents has been the rash of student murders at the school. But just yesterday another worry was added when the escaped convict Sirius Black was spotted in Hogsmeade.
Madam Rosmerta, who runs the Three Broomsticks pub in the village, reported to the Ministry that she'd spotted Black in a back alleyway yesterday afternoon.
"He was so skinny I hardly recognized him," Rosmerta said. "But then he spoke to me, and I recognized the voice. I knew him during his Hogwarts years, of course. I never thought he'd have turned murderer! Well, who could know? So after he spoke to me, I yelled, and I shot a Stunning Spell at him, but he'd disappeared."
Although the Aurors arrived on the spot within minutes of Rosmerta's alert, Black was nowhere to be found. Rufus Scrimgeour, head of the department, says he suspects that Black has a hideout somewhere in the hills around the village.
The Ministry has been extremely tight-lipped about Black's possible targets, but reliable sources inform us that Black's most likely target is Harry Potter, who defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named twelve years ago.
"It makes sense," Rosmerta said, when this was mentioned to her. "If he's after poor Harry, then he'd want to stay nearby, and there are loads of caves up in the hills. Black could be hiding there quite easily. I don't like the Dementors, but I admit glad they're here looking for him."
The Dementors have been patrolling the Hogsmeade area since September, on the order of the Minister for Magic.
10 February 1994
Dear Tom,
I want Harry back. I have to have him.
Why did you change your mind?
I don't know! I love him! And I know you don't think highly of love, but I'm in charge here, remember?
Right. I could decide to stop helping you, though.
You could. But you never have. You're convinced that I'll eventually let you out of here. But I won't.
Fine. Whatever. So. Tell me. Why do you want Harry?
Valentine's Day is coming up, Tom! I want to hold his hand! I want him to kiss me!
Ginny, why haven't you ever tried a love potion?
Because I want him to love me for me! Not with some stupid potion.
But maybe he just hasn't noticed you properly.
He's spent a whole month at my house.
But the love potion could act as a catalyst-it could get him to start thinking about you in the right way.
Maybe...
Just a little one, a mild one. Perhaps he's not even noticed that you're a girl. Lots of boys are like that.
This is true. All right, so how do I make a love potion? I have four days.
Borrow your brother's copy of Advanced Potion Making. He is taking Potions, right?
Who, Percy?
Yes, him.
Yes, of course.
There's a recipe for Kiss Me, You Fool
WHAT?
Yes, that's the name of the potion. "Kiss Me, You Fool." It's designed to encourage affection.
Well then. We'll give it a try. Thanks, Tom.
Anytime, Ginny.
13 February 1994
Dear Remus,
Will you please do me the honor of meeting me in Hogsmeade this coming weekend? An old friend of yours wishes to explain several things.
Yours,
Albus
Part III