Harry Potter and the Chest of Death

Chapter 3: Knowledge Unknown

Harry awoke on the Thursday morning of Quidditch trials with a light heart. He was excited that Ron would be trying for the team, and he was hopeful for his good friend. The Gryffindors had the field for tryouts first. Harry was happy with this because he didn't want to be on the field when it was pitch dark, trying to tell if someone was doing a good job.

He was in his classes, but it was as if his mind wasn't really there. To Harry, classes today were things you just had to wait through before you could get to Quidditch. Finally, Professor Trelawney let the students out, and Harry rushed onto the field.

Harry had expected to see the other teams there, and they were, but what he hadn't anticipated was Dumbledore. The Headmaster was standing in the middle of the field. Harry could tell by Dumbledore's somber expression that this was not a friendly visit. Still, he joined the circle of students who had gathered around to hear whatever Dumbledore had to say.

"I have some bad news," he began. Everyone let out a collective groan. "Unfortunately, we have discovered that some students were planning on using 'magical means' of improving their game performance. I have discussed the matter with the other teachers and Minister of Magic Fudge. Unfortunately, Mister Fudge and other members of the Ministry have forced us into a punishment that most of the other Professors think is too harsh. But alas, I am on strict orders, and should anything happen to any of the students the school would be held liable. Therefore, by order of the Ministry of Magic, I am herby canceling Quidditch for the entire season." Everyone gathered around began to groan and protest, but Dumbledore continued, "I know that it is not fair to punish all of you, but there is nothing further I can do at the time. Now, you may all return to what you would normally have done."

Harry sought out Ron among the other students who wanted to try out. "Ron, I'm so sorry. I didn't know this was going to happen."

"It's not your fault Harry," Ron replied. "I bet it was the Slytherins who wanted to do that stuff. I can't stand them!"

"I know," Harry hoped that the Ministry would change their mind. Dumbledore was right: this punishment was too harsh. But, Harry had a strange feeling there was more to this than just Quidditch. Something told him that Fudge had other reasons for stopping Quidditch before it even had a chance to begin. That made no difference in the end result though, and Harry along with the other students, headed back to the school to spread the melancholy news.

Harry and Ron found Hermione and Michelle in the Common Room, getting the news from Fred and George. "O Ron," Hermione began, "are you alright? I know you really wanted to try out for the team..."

"I'm okay," he said. After saying this, Ron headed for the dormitories. Harry knew something had to really be wrong, because it was only 6:30. He wanted to go and talk to Ron, but Michelle stopped him:

"He needs some time alone," she said. "He'll be okay, Harry." He hoped so.

"Guess what?" Hermione announced, "No one wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, so Dumbledore said that we have to cancel the class for the time being. That means our Fridays are going to be totally free!"

Harry couldn't help but smile at this news. But then, a thought came to him: "They're canceling a class we need now more than ever?" Apparently the thought hadn't occurred to neither Hermione nor Michelle, because both of them just looked at Harry, almost as if they were thinking the same thing he was: They would never be prepared should Voldemort decided to take his rage out on Harry or any of his friends. "I'm going to go tell this to Ron," Harry announced to the rest of them. "If he's still awake." Of course Ron had fallen asleep, so Harry never got the chance to tell him that night.

*

The month had flown by. It was already the Eve of Halloween, and the Great Hall was beginning to look as wonderful as ever. Hagrid had once again grown his gigantic pumpkins, with the help of Harry and Ron. Harry had thought it would be a good way to get Ron's mind off of Quidditch. He was right. Ron was far more cheerful now, and he had thoroughly enjoyed it when the pumpkins had been brought in and he learnt that Hagrid had carved his face on one of them. Everyone went to bed eagerly expecting the celebration for the following day.

Halloween did arrive, and of course breakfast was a large slice of pumpkin pie. Lunch was served in the Common Room because the final touches on the Great Hall were being put into place. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Michelle were all eating on the boy's dormitory stairs when an unusual subject came up.

"I saw something strange yesterday," Ron said through his lunch. "I don't know if anyone else noticed it, but when the mail came yesterday Dumbledore got something. A large, black raven delivered it. If that's not weird enough, what it carried wasn't wrapped. It was just this small chest that was covered in all these chains. When Dumbledore saw it he looked horrified, but kind of happy too... He picked it up, and rushed off. I don't know what it was, but whatever it may be, it's not good and it is at the same time; if that makes any sense."

"Wait a second!" Hermione interjected. "I think we heard something about a small chest in History of Magic. What was it about..." she was searching her mind.

"I remember," Michelle answered, "the Chest of Death. Remember? It was something like: 'Before King Arthur's death, there was a conspiracy to destroy Camelot. Those involved thought the best way to do that was by killing Merlin. The only problem was Merlin was the most powerful wizard in the universe. So, they "pooled" all their dark magic and hatred into this chest. The plan was to open it towards Merlin. The magic that was pent up inside would attack him, and supposedly kill him. But, Arthur ended up dieing before it could happen, and no one knows what happened to the chest. Maybe that's what you saw, Ron."

"Wait a minute," Harry said, "This chest can kill even the most powerful wizard?"

"Yeah," Michelle responded, "I think the magic is so evil that it doesn't even care what it goes after...or something like that. I fell asleep after the whole Camelot story. That class is so boring."

Harry's mind was racing. If Dumbledore had possession of this "Chest of Death" than he might be planning to use it on Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore and his team were ready to begin the battle. Harry headed for the Great Hall with the hope that he would soon be rid of Voldemort. A hope he has clung to for his entire life at Hogwarts.

But, immediately after arriving in the Great Hall, all thoughts of anything dire were pushed out of his mind. The pumpkins were lit, and the bats were flying. The tables were alternately dressed in orange and black cloth. Even Dumbledore was festive, wearing a woman's purse as a hat. Harry couldn't help but chuckle at this. Everyone was impressed with how wonderful the Great Hall looked. Harry took his usual seat, and once everyone had entered, the feast began. Everyone was in a wonderful mood, and all conversation was cherry.

"It's almost time for the Christmas holidays," Michelle reminded them all. "I can't wait! Usually I have to stay at boarding school, but this year my mom has promised that I can go home."

"We all stay here. Every year Harry, Hermione and I have spent our Christmas together," Ron told her.

"That's wonderful," Michelle responded, "But my dad's always gone on business. This will be the first year that I have spent Christmas with him and my mom my entire life. I've been waiting for this for fifteen years."

"We'll save some candy for you," Hermione promised her, "We always get so much."

"Thanks, I'd love that."

They continued eating and chatting mildly until everyone was so stuffed that they could barely walk. Harry fell asleep almost immediately, and all his dreams were pleasant. When he awoke, November had awoken with him. With it the weather had turned from brisk and cool to chilly, and it forewarned of winter's icy grasp. It was a Saturday, so Harry had the whole day to himself. He decided he would use to learn as much as he could about the Chest of Death. If that was really what Dumbledore had received. Upon hearing of his plans Ron, Hermione, and Michelle insisted that they would help him in his search.

Harry entered the library, and immediately sought out a card catalog, or something organized. He found it, and looked for the subject of "Magical Chests." Ron was using his usual method of pulling out random books, and Hermione and Michelle already had large piles that they were looking through madly. Once Harry had retrieved the books he was looking for, he joined the other three at the table. They read in silence for what seemed like more than an hour, before Hermione spoke with the first information:

'The Chest of Death was lost for nearly 900 years after its initial creation. Some believe it was taken by the dark wizards and passed through their bloodlines from generation to generation. After 900 years had passed, the chest was allegedly seen on a boat in the Irish Sea. There have been few sightings, the most recent of which was reported in northern England.'

"It's only a newspaper clipping in this book 'Unknown Mysteries of the Wizard World.' I don't know if all of it's true but it's a start I suppose. The article is dated for ten years ago," Hermione informed them.

"I think I've found something too," Harry said, "It's a diagram of what the chest looks like on the outside. Ron, did you see this?"

Ron looked carefully at it before saying, "I think that's it, but the chains are rusted now."

"Hey," Michelle suddenly put in, "why don't we just go ask Dumbledore."

"I tried that already," Hermione replied, "but he's so busy that he's not seeing any students." It would be lunchtime before any of them spoke again.

"Let's go eat," Harry said as his stomach rumbled. "I'm starving." Everyone agreed. They all decided that they had done enough research for the day, and headed down to lunch. "Why don't we go see Hagrid after we eat?" Harry asked them all. Ron thought that was a great idea, and Hermione and Michelle agreed as well.

After eating they headed across the grounds to Hagrid's Hut. They found him sharpening some arrows in front. "Hey!" he called out to them. Harry smiled. A visit to Hagrid always made him feel better. Hagrid stopped what he was doing, and led them inside. He put a kettle on the fire. "It's getting' a bit chilly now. Dumbledore's 'aving me do some weather proofin'."

"Hagrid," Harry began, "we recently learnt about something in our History of Magic class. I was wondering if maybe you could help me clear up a few things."

"I'll do me best," Hagrid promised with a smile.

"Great. Well, what I'm having trouble with is that I can't really remember that much about the Chest of Death. I was wondering if you could tell me what you know. Maybe it will help me."

"Don't know nothing," Hagrid said abruptly. "Besides, Dumbledore is the one to ask about it, seeing as how he's got it and all." Harry smiled, but Hagrid flinched.

"Then you do know something! Come on Hagrid. Is he going to use it against You-Know-Who?" Harry's mind was on fire with curiosity. He wanted to know.

"I suppose I can tell yer that. Well," Hagrid said after a heavy sigh, "ya see, Dumbledore got some intelligence that You-Know-Who was plannin' to come after the school. The information was that he was supposedly gonna to use the Chest of Death to do it. I guess he figured that if it could take out Merlin, it defiantly could do in Hogwarts. So, Dumbledore had scouts searching for it like mad and all, and they found it. They brought sent it to him, and the rest is unknown to me. That's really all I can tell ya, Harry."

"That's okay Hagrid," Harry replied, "That's all I wanted to know." So Dumbledore wasn't planning on going after Voldemort. Instead, he was just waiting around. 'Waiting for what?' Harry thought. He was worried. But, if he could somehow get that chest, he could use it to protect himself and his friends. Harry began to formulate a plan...
*

The school year was slowly creeping by. The coldness of the weather suggested December, but the calendar said mid-November. Harry was happy though because today was the first trip to Hogsmeade. He had been dying for a butterbeer every since he heard that there would be a trip. Ron was equally as excited. He was eager to get to the joke shop, and he also wanted to buy as much candy as he possibly could. Harry had some extra galleons and sickles, so he planned on doing the same.

They arrived in the town with their cloaks drawn tightly around them. There was a shrill wind that howled through the streets. They all went to the candy shop together, but when it came time for Harry and Ron to head for the joke shop, Hermione and Michelle decided that they wanted to go to restock their school supplies. They all agreed to meet for a butterbeer afterwards.

The joke shop was almost a new place. There had been complete renovations and it seemed like an entire shipment of new gags and other objects had come in. Ron bought a rose that shot out a very realistic caterpillar (that he planned to give to Hermione), along with stink cookies and a few dozen rubber truffles. Harry didn't buy much. He got the rose as well and he also bought a chocolate covered fungus that he planned on giving to Draco.

When they had finished all their purchases, Harry and Ron went to meet Hermione and Michelle. They found them sitting at their usual table. They had already ordered four butterbeers for everyone. Harry immediately sat and took a large gulp from the mug.

"Whoa, take it slow there, Harry. You've just met that butterbeer," Michelle said playfully. Everyone laughed at this.

"O, I couldn't help myself,"

Harry said jokingly. They all finished a round of butterbeers and a round of jokes. When the second mugs of the intoxicating drink arrived, the conversation shifted.

"I wonder where Dumbledore has put that chest," Harry thought out loud. "Maybe I can find it, and keep it safe for him..."

"O no you don't," Hermione replied sternly. "I swear Harry, if it's dangerous you'll do it."

"Plus," Michelle put in, "if you get caught and expelled, I won't have anyone to go to the ball with."

"The ball," Ron said regretfully, "I almost forgot about it. Are you going to wear a dress robe Harry?"

"I don't know," Harry answered. He hadn't really thought about it himself. "Probably."

"Good," Ron replied, "I won't be the only one then. But, I guess the kids who've got Muggle parents will probably wear that thing...O what's it called? You know, it's got a tie, and it's black..."

"A tuxedo?" Harry guessed.

"Yeah! That's it. I think they'll probably wear a tuxedo."

"I love tuxedos," Michelle said. She was clearly thinking out loud. "I just think they're so...so...for lack of a better word: sexy." Harry was a little surprised that she had said this, but Ron would soon surprise him more:

"Maybe you should wear one then Harry. Who knows where the night might take you..." Ron playfully nudged Harry with his elbow as he was chuckling. Hermione was trying to hold back a laugh as well.

"Alright, alright," Harry said, "I get it. Very funny Ron. You're a riot."

"It was a little funny, wasn't it?" Michelle said as she began to giggle. Seeing Harry's expression she became serious, "O yes Ron. Harry's right. That was a terrible thing to say."

Luckily for Harry the Hogsmead trip did have to end sometime, and it did. They finished their butterbeers and headed back for Hogwarts. Harry could hardly believe that it was almost December. It seemed like he had just started this year (two chapters ago), and now it was almost half over. Upon reaching Hogwarts all the Gryffindors headed for the Common Room.

"Hermione," Ron began, "I have a present for you." He took out the rose. Harry winced. He didn't think Ron would actually do it.

Hermione on the other hand, looked delighted. "O Ron! Is this for me? I'm so flattered. Thank you so much!" He handed it to her.

"That's so sweet," Michelle whispered to Harry.

"Just wait a second," Harry said.

Just as Harry thought it would, upon Hermione putting her nose to the rose, the caterpillar was launched out.

"Ahhhh!" she screamed. "Ron! There's a caterpillar in here!"

Ron was laughing madly, "I know. I bought it from the joke shop."

"You're terrible Ron! Here I thought you had done something nice, but no! Forget about me going to the ball with you!" After these words Hermione stormed up to the girl's dormitories.

"I'm sure she didn't mean it Ron," Michelle said, trying to smooth things over, "I'll go talk to her."

"Don't bother," Ron replied. "I didn't think she really wanted to go with me anyway. I heard that Kevin Reeves is planning on asking her. What am I going to do now, Harry? I have to ask someone. I've only got 3 weeks."

"Don't panic," Harry said, trying come up with an idea. "Who isn't going with anyone?" Then he remembered. "I know Ron! You can go with that Fourth Year, Melinda Rogers. I heard she was crying yesterday because she hadn't been asked yet. She's over there by the fire." Harry pointed the girl.

"Her?" Ron questioned. "Well, I'll give it a shot." He walked across the Common Room to where the girl was sitting and chatting with her friends. Harry and Michelle watched as Ron said something to her. She thought for a moment before smiling and nodding. Ron walked back beaming. "She said yes," he announced to them all. "Her exact words were 'I'd love to Ron.' Harry, I'm in! No arranged date for me!" Immediately he regretted saying this. The smiles that Harry and Michelle were wearing now disappeared. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean you two. I'm sure you'll have fun anyway."

"O yes," Michelle said mockingly. "Harry and I are such drones, I know, but I'm sure we will have fun despite it. Is that what you're saying Ron?"

"No, I don't mean it that way at a--"

"I don't want to hear it!" Michelle said rather sternly, cutting him off. After so doing, she headed for the dormitory as well. Ron was left bewildered.

"Today's not a good day for me, is it Harry?" He looked at his best friend.

"I don't think so Ron," Harry responded. "And you know, I didn't know Michelle so well in the beginning, but I think she's nice. And, to tell you the truth, I don't mind going with her."

"Harry," Ron said cautiously, "don't take this the wrong way, but you're not actually developing feelings for her...are you?"

"Don't be silly," Harry said nervously. He wasn't so sure though.

"Good." Ron was satisfied.