Harry, Ginny and Snape walked to Dumbledore's office. Harry awkwardly patted Ginny on the arm, trying to comfort her, but he wasn't sure she was paying any attention to him. Snape was walking ahead, cloak, as usual, billowing out behind. Fawkes led the way, glowing gold along the corridor. They eventually found themselves at Professor Dumbledore's office. Snape, lips curling only slightly (a record for him) muttered the password - "Cockroach Cluster."

For a moment there was silence as Harry, Ginny, and Snape stood in the doorway covered in slime and blood. Then there was a scream.

"Ginny!"

It was Mrs Weasley who had been sitting crying in front of the fire. She leapt to her feet, closely followed by Mr Weasley, who both flung themselves on their daughter.

Harry, however, was looking past them. Professor Dumbledore was standing by the mantelpiece, beaming, next to Professor McGonagall. Harry felt a sort of smug pride that, for once in her life, Professor McGonagall seemed to look taken aback and did not know how to deal with them. Dumbledore, as usual, looked as if he knew a great deal more than anybody else about what had happened.

Fawkes went gliding past Harry's ear and settled on Dumbledore's shoulder, just as Harry found himself being swept into Mrs Weasley's tight embrace (actually quite painful when one was still suffering the after affects of fighting a Basilisk). "You saved her! You saved her! How did you do it?" she cried. It didn't pass Harry's notice that Mrs Weasley ignored Snape, and neither did it pass Snape's. Snape stayed silent at this exclusion, but his sneer returned. Mr Weasley, who had been standing behind his wife, seemed to have noticed this and he held out his hand to Snape, who shook it, the sneer disappearing.

Mrs Weasley let go of Harry. A flicker of a smile passed across Harry's face as he imagined Mrs Weasley sweeping Snape up in one of her trademark engulfing hugs. He walked over to the desk and laid upon it the Sorting Hat, the ruby encrusted sword and what remained of Riddle's diary.

Then he started he started talking (though he left out certain elements, like the brewing of the Polyjuice Potion – for all that it might have saved people's lives, Snape still would have killed him for stealing his supplies).

For the first quarter of an hour he spoke alone: he told them about hearing the disembodied voice that nobody else could hear. How Hermione had finally realised that he was hearing a Basilisk in the pipes; how he and Ron had followed the spiders into the Forest; that Aragog had told them where the last victim of the Basilisk had died; how he had guessed that Moaning Myrtle had been that victim, and the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets might be in her bathroom…

"Very well," Professor McGonagall prompted him when he paused. Her voice was as stern as always, though it held that note of pride it always held when he had done something against the rules that she was proud of. He had become an expert at picking out in his time at Hogwarts. Professor Snape, on the other hand, looked as if he didn't know whether to wring his neck or congratulate him.

"Very well, so you found where the entrance was – breaking a hundred school rules into pieces along the way, I might add – but how earth did you all get out of there alive, Potter?"

So Harry, with regular interjections from Snape, which Harry was secretly quite glad for as it meant he did not have to talk so much, told them about Fawkes' timely arrival and about the Sorting Hat giving him the sword. He told them how he and Snape had eventually brought the great creature down and how Harry had used the Basilisk fang to destroy the diary. Harry told them how he had been bitten ("Oh Harry!" Mrs Weasley cried again, and even Professor McGonagall looked slightly sick) and how Fawkes had saved his life.

Instinctively he looked at Professor Dumbledore, who smiled faintly, the firelight glancing of his half moon spectacles. He had so far mentioned Ginny as little as often – he didn't want to get her into trouble – but he had to tell them what happened. Ginny herself was standing with her head against Mrs Weasley's shoulder, and tears were still coursing silently down her cheeks. What if they expelled her? Harry thought in panic: Riddle's diary didn't work anymore, there was no proof that she had been made to open the Chamber, that she hadn't had a choice.

"What interests me most," said Professor Dumbledore gently, "is how Voldemort managed to enchant Ginny, when my sources tell me he is currently hiding in the forests of Albania."

"It was the diary," Harry replied quickly, picking it up and showing it to Dumbledore. "He managed to manipulate Ginny into trusting him, and so she started writing to him. Ginny didn't know because he used the name he had when he wrote it – Tom Riddle."

Dumbledore took the diary and peered at the keenly down his long, crooked nose at its burnt and soggy pages, his long, thin fingers stroking the pages. "Brilliant," he said softly. "Of course, he probably was one of the most brilliant students Hogwarts has ever seen. Of course, this … if I had known."

Ginny's tears had been steadily growing once more. Dumbledore looked at her kindly, "Miss Weasley should go to the Hospital Wing straight away," Dumbore said in a firm voice. "This has been a terrible ordeal for her. There will be no punishment. Older and Wiser wizards and witches have been hoodwinked and charmed by Voldemort. You should not be ashamed." He strode over to the door and opened it. Mrs Weasley led Ginny out, and Mr Weasley followed, still looking deeply shaken. "I suggest you go straight to the Hospital Wing. You will find that Madam Pomfrey is still awake. She is just giving out the Mandrake juice – I dare say the Basilisk's victims will be waking momentarily."

"So Hermione's OK!" said Harry, relieved.

"There has been no lasting harm done," confirmed Dumbledore. "Though, as I believe your friend, Mr Weasley pointed out, the same may not be said when she realises how much school she has missed. You know, Minerva, I think all merits a good feast. Might I ask you to go and alert the kitchens?"

"Right," said Professor McGonagall crisply, also moving to the door.

"Severus, I recommend you get some rest, at the very least. I would like a few more words with Harry." Snape nodded curtly and excited, his cloak billowing. As soon as he had left Dumbledore turned and stepped into his fire, which blazed even brighter before dying down, taking Dumbledore with it and leaving a very confused Harry behind.

After about five minutes Professor Dumbledore returned practically dragging a very tired and perplexed looking Remus and Sirius. As soon as the saw Harry, however, looking as tired, beaten and as covered in blood as he did, they woke up immediately and rushed over to him. "Oh Harry," said Remus. "What have you done this time you silly boy?"

Harry once again looked at the Headmaster pleadingly – he was too tired to go through the entire story once more. Dumbledore obliged and gave the, admittedly shortened version, to Sirius and Remus. Sirius's expression flashed back and forth between pride and worry throughout Dumbledore's story. Meanwhile, Harry allowed himself to fall half asleep, leaning against Sirius's shoulder, Dumbledore's calming voice washing over him.

Harry began to wake up when he heard the conversation move on from Harry's adventure down the Chamber.

"We're going to have to get a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher," Dumbledore was saying. "It's Hogwarts policy, we've received a certain number of complaints, and so, unfortunately, he has to go."

"About time too," growled Sirius. "From what I've been hearing about him in Harry's letters."

"Do you have any ideas for a replacement, Professor?" said Remus politely before Dumbleore could react to Sirius's rudeness.

"One or two," replied Dumbledore, his eyes giving their trademark twinkle and Harry got the impression that he had quite a few more ideas than he was letting on. He gave a great sigh, his eyes suddenly graver then they were before, "Remus, Sirius," he said, "I must ask you to leave now – it is too dangerous for you to be seen here. Harry, you need feed and rest. I suggest you go down to the feast while I write to Azkaban – we need out Gamekeeper back." Harry said his goodbyes to Remus and Sirius. Sirius looked rebellious at being parted from Harry so soon, but in truth Harry was glad – he always enjoyed the Hogwarts feasts and he wanted to catch up with his friends and make sure they were all right. Harry also wanted a rest – something he was sure that, although Harry was sure Sirius had the best intentions in mind; Harry would not get with Sirius fussing over him.

Harry got up and crossed to the door. It soon became clear that Remus and Sirius had only gotten out in time, as before he could open the door, Lucius Malfoy came bursting through it, cold fury etched onto his aristocratic face. The oddest thing, however, was that Dobby cowering behind: normally, in the pure-blood societies that the Malfoys belonged to, although having a house-elf was a status symbol, actually letting them be seem was a disgrace.

"Good evening, Lucius," said Dumbledore pleasantly, as if people stormed into his office all the time.

This seemed to; if it were possible, make Malfoy's expression even angrier. He almost knocked Harry over as he swept into the room. Dobby went scurrying in after him, crouching at the hem of his cloak, a look of abject terror on his face, although he did give Harry what he could almost call an apologetic look. "So!" said Malfoy, his cold eyes fixed on Dumbledore. "You've come back. The governors suspended you and yet you saw fit to return to Hogwarts."

"Well, you see, Lucius," said Dumbledore, smiling serenely, "the other eleven governors contacted me today. It was something like being caught in a hailstorm of owls to tell you the truth. They heard that the Weasley's daughter had been killed and wanted me back here at once. They seemed to think I was the best man for the job after all. Very strange tales they told me, too. Several of them seemed to think that you threatened to curse their families if they didn't agree to suspend me in the first place."

Malfoy turned even paler than usual, but his eyes were still slits of fury. "So – have you stopped the attacks yet?" he sneered. "Have you caught the culprit?"

"No," said Dumbledore, and Harry found himself wondering how he maintained his serene smile for so long. Malfoy smirked in triumph and Harry was sure he was about to berate Dumbledore for his supposed lack of success. Malfoy was stopped in his tracks by Dumbledore saying cheerfully, "That particular honour lies with Mr Potter here."

Malfoy shot Harry a swift, sharp look, before turning back to Dumbledore. "Well?" he grinded out. "Who is it?"

"The same person as last time, Lucius," said Dumbledore, his voice as calm and as even as ever, but now Dumbledore's voice contained a hint of steel. "But this time Lord Voldemort was acting through somebody else. By means of this diary." He held up the small black book with the large hole through the centre, watching Malfoy closely. Harry, however, was watching Dobby.

The elf was doing something very odd. His great tennis ball eyes fixed meaningfully on Harry, he kept pointing at the diary, then at Malfoy, and then hitting himself hard on the head with his fist.

"I see …" said Malfoy slowly to Dumbledore.

"A clever plan," said Dumbledore in a level voice, still staring Malfoy straight in the eye. "Because if Harry here hadn't discovered the book, why – Ginny Weasley might have taken all the blame. No one would ever have been able to prove she hadn't acted of her own free will …"

Malfoy said nothing. His face was suddenly mask-like.

"And imagine," Dumbledore went on, "what might have happened then … The Weasleys are one of out most prominent pure-blood families. Imagine the effect on Arthur Weasley's Muggle Protection Act, if his own daughter was discovered attacking and killing Muggle-borns. Very fortunate the diary was discovered, don't you think, Lucius. Who knows what the consequences might have been otherwise …"

Malfoy forced himself to speak. "Very fortunate," he said, stiffly.

And still, behind his back, Dobby was pointing, first to the diary, then to Malfoy, then punching himself in the head. He seemed to grow more dazed each time and Harry was getting worried he would not work out the message in time.

And then suddenly Harry understood. He nodded at Dobby, and Dobby backed into a corner, now twisting his ears in punishment. "Don't you want to know how Ginny got hold of that diary, Mr Malfoy," said Harry.

Malfoy rounded on him. "How should I know how that stupid little girl got hold of it?"

"Because you gave it to her," said Harry.

Malfoy's white hands clenched and unclenched. He leant down so he was face to face with Harry. "Prove it," he hissed.

"Oh, no one will be able to do that," said Dumbledore, smiling at Harry. "Not now Riddle is gone from the diary. I would, however, advise you to refrain from handing out Lord Voldemort's old school things. If any more of them find their way into innocent hands, I think Arthur Weasley, for one, will make sure they are traced back to you …"

Malfoy glared at Dumbledore. Neither of the two men was in any doubt that Dumbledore had just threatened Malfoy, but Malfoy was unable to do anything about it. Harry was sure that this was possibly the first time that this had happened to him and he had no idea how to handle it. Instead, Malfoy turned to Dobby. "We're going, Dobby!" he spat and wrenched open the door and kicked Dobby right through it.

As for Dobby, he was caught between euphoria and despair. Euphoria because The Master's evil plan had failed and Harry Potter was safe; despair because this no doubt meant he would be receiving the biggest and most painful beating he had ever received in his life.

Dobby was so lost in his thoughts that he missed most of what The Master and Harry Potter were saying to each other. He did, however, manage to catch a certain sock that was thrown by an irate Mr Malfoy. Dobby held up the sock like it was a priceless treasure, and then he felt a curious tingling sensation before the unmistakable feeling of the ties that bound him to the Malfoy family breaking.

Every memory of every beating came flooding to the elf then. Every insult. Every time he had worked his fingers to the bone and it still hadn't been good enough. Every threat. Every mark upon his back. It was also then that Dobby saw and heard his former Master threaten Harry Potter, his saviour, and for once in his life Dobby stood up for himself. Dobby was strong.

"You shall not harm Harry Potter!" He felt a malicious delight in throwing his former Master backwards. His former Master pulled out his wand, yet still Dobby stood, ready to do anything to protect his Harry Potter. "You shall go now. You shall not touch Harry Potter. You shall go now."

"Harry Potter freed Dobby!" said Dobby, gazing at Harry Potter. "Harry Potter set Dobby free!"

Dobby was delighted when Harry Potter's face burst into a grin. "Least I could do, Dobby," said Harry Potter. "Just promise never to try and save my life again."

The rest of the summer term passed in a haze of blazing sunshine. Hogwarts was back to normal, with only a few, small differences: Defence Against the Dark Arts classes were cancelled and Lucius Malfoy had been sacked as school governor – although no one could link the diary to Malfoy, the governors whose families he had threatened made sure he was sacked anyway. Draco was no longer strutting around the school as though he owned the place. On the contrary, he looked resentful and sulky.

On the other hand, Ginny Weasley was looking a lot happier again, although Ron told him that she was seeing Healers who specialised in Possession over the summer. Ginny, apparently, was very annoyed by this, but Harry privately thought it had to be a good thing. After all, being possessed by Voldemort could hardly be good for your health; even if he was no longer possessing you – it had killed Quirrel after all.

Soon, it was time for the journey home on the Hogwarts Express. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George and Ginny got a compartment to themselves. They played Exploding Snap, set off the very last of Fred and George's Filibuster Fireworks (Harry made a mental note to ask Sirius for a supply) and practised disarming each other by magic. Harry was getting very good at it.

Harry also found that, when she wasn't being ridiculously shy or suffering from the effects of mind manipulation by Riddle, Ginny was a fun girl to be around. She didn't seem a typical girl – interested in clothes and fashion. Harry supposed that might have had something to do with growing up in a house full of boys – she would have to be tough to survive. She also had a wicked sense of humour and a mischievous streak that reminded Harry of the twins. Harry also found out that all her older brothers were somewhat protective of her. Harry had a feeling that would only increase after her ordeal.

As they drew closer to King's Cross, Harry found himself growing more and more restless. As much he loved Hogwarts, with its winding staircases and secret passageways, with its classes that grew more interesting the more he learned. With its stone statues, ghosts and Quidditch, the thing he loved most in the world, as dysfunctional and cobbled together as it may be, was his family. And ever since they had rescued him from the Dursleys, he loved nothing more than to be with them.

A/N – So that's CoS finished! Personally I don't think this last chapter is that great but … meh. Maybe I'm just lazy, but it was the best I could do.

Anyway, in a few weeks time I'll be going to University (Both scared and excited – this'll be my first time properly away from home and everything, and I'm paranoid about not being able to keep up with the work) this'll mean that I won't be able to update nearly so often, but I will try to update as often as I can.

POA and Uni here I come!