Chương 43: A Triumph of Courage and Friendship

Harry staggered forward, his hand clamped over the bleeding wound in his arm as he crawled toward Ginny's still form. Raja moved beside him, his own face streaked with exhaustion but filled with determination. Riddle's voice echoed around the Chamber, each word dripping with smug satisfaction.

"Your bravery is wasted, Harry," Riddle sneered, stepping closer. "Basilisk venom is coursing through your veins. You'll be dead soon enough, just like she would have been—had she not been such an easy puppet for me to control."

Harry's eyes narrowed in defiance, his gaze shifting to the diary lying near Ginny's hand. Raja followed his glance, realizing Harry's intent. He nodded, giving Harry a silent signal of support. With a final burst of strength, Harry grabbed a Basilisk fang that had broken off in the battle, his hand shaking as he crawled closer to the diary.

"Stop," Riddle commanded, his voice cracking with desperation as he realized what Harry was planning. But Harry was relentless. Raising the fang, he plunged it down into the diary. The moment it pierced the page, an eerie scream filled the air. Ink poured from the diary like blood, staining Harry's hand as Riddle's figure began to distort, his expression twisting into horror.

"No!" Riddle shouted, his form flickering like a dying flame, before finally collapsing into nothingness, his presence dissolving into shadows.

In the sudden silence, Harry swayed, his energy drained, but Raja steadied him. "You did it," Raja whispered, relief and pride in his voice. "It's over."

A soft moan pulled their attention back to Ginny, who slowly opened her eyes, confusion and fear filling her face. "Harry? Raja? What… what happened?" Her voice was a faint whisper, heavy with guilt.

"Ginny, it's alright," Harry said gently, even as his own pain flared. "Riddle used you, but you're safe now. We're all safe."

Tears filled her eyes as she clutched at him, her voice trembling. "I—I didn't mean to… I didn't want to hurt anyone…"

Raja placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It wasn't your fault, Ginny. He tricked you. You're strong enough to break free from it now."

At that moment, a flash of red and gold illuminated the room as Fawkes swooped down, landing beside Harry. The phoenix extended his head, a single tear falling onto Harry's wound. The searing pain faded instantly as the healing magic worked through him. Harry watched in amazement, his eyes widening. "Phoenix tears… they heal…"

Fawkes let out a soothing trill as he moved to perch on Harry's shoulder, his warmth spreading through them all. The reassurance was palpable, a reminder that, even in their darkest moments, they were never truly alone.

Ginny looked to Harry and Raja, her face pale but touched with relief. "Is… is it really over?"

Harry nodded, managing a small, reassuring smile. "Yes, it's over. Let's get you out of here."

With gentle strength, Fawkes extended his talons, allowing each of them to grab hold. As they ascended toward the dim light above, Lockhart, who had somehow regained a hint of consciousness, looked up in wonder. "Marvelous… absolutely marvelous… flying out on a bird…"

Raja shared a smile with Harry and Ginny, the weight of their victory lifting as they rose above the Chamber, their hearts filled with relief. This was more than just an escape—it was a promise of hope, of strength born from unity, and of brighter days yet to come.

Harry and Ron stood in Professor Dumbledore's office, the grandeur of the room almost oppressive as they waited, unsure of what to expect. Raja stood quietly beside them, his hand resting on Harry's shoulder in silent support. Dumbledore's calm but intense gaze moved between the three of them, a flicker of both disappointment and pride in his eyes.

"Do you understand," Dumbledore began, his voice gentle yet firm, "the serious rules you've broken by venturing into the Chamber on your own? The risks you took could have led to grave consequences." The weight of his words hung in the air, and Harry's face fell, realizing just how close they'd come to expulsion.

But then, Dumbledore's expression softened. "However, bravery and loyalty are not qualities we punish at Hogwarts," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Instead of punishment, I believe you have earned something else."

Harry and Ron exchanged a glance, barely able to suppress their relief. Raja's smile reflected their own. "For your courage and perseverance," Dumbledore continued, "you are each awarded Special Awards for Services to the School."

The boys shared a broad grin, the tension melting into triumph. The honor felt even more precious after everything they'd faced together.

Dumbledore turned to Harry, his expression thoughtful. "I must commend you on one quality in particular, Harry—loyalty. That, I believe, is what summoned Fawkes to your side in your darkest moment. Loyalty is a powerful magic of its own."

Harry looked down, a mixture of gratitude and lingering uncertainty clouding his face. "Professor," he began, "Tom Riddle said that… that we're alike. He spoke Parseltongue, and I… can, too. Does that mean I could've… turned out like him?"

Dumbledore's gaze softened as he approached Harry. "Ah, I see. Parseltongue is a rare gift, Harry, and in your case, it was transferred to you through Voldemort's curse. But it doesn't define you. Remember, it's our choices that reveal who we truly are, far more than our abilities."

Raja's hand tightened on Harry's shoulder, and he offered an encouraging nod. "See, Harry? You're here because of your choices, not your powers. If you were anything like Riddle, we wouldn't be standing here right now."

Harry felt the truth of Dumbledore and Raja's words, but there was still one more doubt. "But the Sorting Hat…" he hesitated. "It said I would do well in Slytherin. What if I belong there?"

Dumbledore's smile deepened, and he walked to a display case, taking out the gleaming Sword of Gryffindor. He handed it to Harry, who turned it over, his eyes catching the engraved words: Godric Gryffindor.

"Only a true Gryffindor could pull that sword from the Sorting Hat," Dumbledore said gently. "It was your courage, Harry, your choice to face danger head-on, that proves where you truly belong."

Harry ran his fingers over the sword's hilt, the weight of it grounding him. In that moment, he felt something shift—a new confidence, an understanding of his place, and a peace with his choices.

Dumbledore watched him with a knowing smile. "As you move forward, remember: you are defined not by the darkness you face, but by the light you bring to it."

As they left the office, Raja clapped Harry on the back. "See? You're exactly where you're meant to be, Harry. Gryffindor through and through."

With a grin, Harry looked forward, his heart lightened, knowing he had the strength to face whatever lay ahead.

Harry, Raja, and Ron stood in Dumbledore's office, their attention snapping to the door as it swung open. Lucius Malfoy entered, his cold gaze sweeping across the room, followed closely by a timid Dobby, whose eyes darted nervously between his master and Harry.

Malfoy's voice dripped with contempt. "So, the governors have decided to allow you back, Dumbledore," he sneered. "Pity—Hogwarts was running rather… smoothly in your absence."

Dumbledore's calm expression remained unbroken as he met Malfoy's glare. "Yes, Lucius, it seems they did. Though I'm curious," he said smoothly, "about what might have prompted them to reconsider. Perhaps they felt… misguided in their decision?"

Malfoy's eyes narrowed, his posture tense, but he said nothing. Raja exchanged a quick look with Harry, feeling the subtle tension build in the room. Dobby, still cowering by the doorway, looked up at Harry with a mix of hope and fear.

With quiet authority, Dumbledore addressed Lucius. "As you may have heard, Lord Voldemort's influence was at the heart of the Chamber's events. A fragment of him was preserved, hidden within a certain diary."

Malfoy's face tightened, a flicker of anger betraying his otherwise composed expression. Raja noticed this and nudged Harry subtly. "It seems our guest is uncomfortable," he whispered with a smirk, just loud enough for Harry to hear.

Harry's attention shifted to Dobby, who was watching the diary in Harry's hand with wide eyes. A spark of realization flashed in Harry's gaze. "Raja, could you… hand me the sock from my bag?"

Confused but trusting, Raja reached into Harry's bag and pulled out a single, mismatched sock. Harry slipped the diary inside it, his movements purposeful, and approached Malfoy. "Mr. Malfoy," he said, holding the sock-wrapped diary toward him, "I believe this belongs to you."

Malfoy's sneer deepened as he snatched the sock-covered diary and tossed the sock aside carelessly. But as he turned away, Dobby's hand caught the sock mid-air, his large eyes widening as he realized what he was holding. Dobby looked down, staring at the sock as if it were a priceless gift.

"Master… has given Dobby… clothes," he whispered, disbelief turning into pure joy. "Dobby is free!"

Malfoy froze, turning back with fury blazing in his eyes. "You little brat," he spat, advancing on Harry. "How dare you—"

But before he could finish, Dobby stepped between them, his trembling hands raised as he faced his former master with newfound courage. "You will not harm Harry Potter," he declared, his voice surprisingly steady. "Dobby is free, and he will protect Harry Potter."

Raja grinned, his respect for Dobby's bravery growing as the tiny elf stood firm against Malfoy. Harry smiled, looking down at Dobby. "Thank you, Dobby. And maybe next time, don't try to save my life by endangering me?"

Dobby's ears flopped in embarrassment, but his eyes shone with admiration. "Of course, Harry Potter, sir! Dobby will protect without… endangerment!"

As Malfoy stormed from the office, defeated, Dobby turned back to Harry and Raja, his gratitude evident. "Dobby will never forget this kindness," he said, his voice filled with emotion. In that moment, Harry knew their bond went beyond mere gratitude—it was a friendship built on shared hardships and hard-won freedom.

With a final, grateful smile at Harry, Dobby vanished, leaving behind an unspoken promise of loyalty, a reminder that even the smallest acts of bravery could ignite lasting change.

The Great Hall buzzed with life, laughter echoing off the high walls as Nearly Headless Nick floated through the crowd, greeting students with enthusiastic waves. The enchanted ceiling above twinkled with a light scattering of stars, and the warmth of the gathering pushed away any lingering shadows from the past months.

Raja entered alongside Harry and Ron, his eyes lighting up at the festive decorations. Just then, a familiar voice called from behind, and they turned to see Hermione hurrying toward them, her face alight with excitement. "Harry! Ron!" she exclaimed, pulling them into a tight hug, her relief and happiness evident.

Harry and Ron both grinned, embracing her as if she'd been gone for ages. Raja stepped forward with a warm smile, offering her a small but sincere bow. "Welcome back, Hermione. You were definitely missed."

Her cheeks flushed with gratitude, and she squeezed his hand briefly before turning back to the others. Ron's face had turned an amusing shade of pink as Hermione's attention shifted to him. She smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude, and Ron scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, mumbling, "It's good to have you back, Hermione."

Harry and Raja exchanged knowing smiles, catching the brief but heartfelt moment between Ron and Hermione. Just as they were about to tease Ron, Dumbledore stood at the head of the hall, and a hush fell over the crowd.

"Students, staff, and spirits alike," Dumbledore's voice rang out warmly, "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone for their courage and resilience. This year has tested us in ways we could never have anticipated." His gaze swept over the students, lingering for a moment on Harry, Raja, Ron, and Hermione. "As a sign of appreciation for your efforts, I'm pleased to announce that, this year, exams are… canceled."

The Great Hall erupted in cheers, and even a few nervous claps from the Slytherin table echoed through the room. Raja chuckled, nudging Ron. "You lucked out, didn't you?"

The cheers were still going strong when Hagrid, beaming from ear to ear, lumbered over to their group. "Ah, you three!" he exclaimed, pulling Harry, Ron, and Hermione into a massive, bone-crushing hug. "Yer all heroes in me book. And Raja, you as well. I can't thank yeh enough."

Harry took the lead, beginning a round of applause that quickly caught on. Soon, the entire hall was clapping and cheering for Hagrid, who blinked back tears of gratitude. Raja joined in, clapping along as he felt a warmth spread through the crowd. For the first time in weeks, the feeling of safety and unity filled the hall, replacing fear with joy.

Hermione wiped away a small tear, her smile radiant as she looked at her friends. Hagrid's own gruff expression softened, and he gave a final wave to the crowd before retreating to the staff table, his face pink with embarrassment.

As the celebration continued, Colin Creevey darted over, his camera flashing as he captured the moment. "Say 'triumph!'" he called out, and the friends shared a laugh, their smiles captured forever in a single photograph.

Above, the enchanted ceiling darkened, stars glistening against a deep indigo sky. As the view pulled back, Hogwarts stood proud and resilient, a symbol of strength and unity, and an enduring promise that brighter days lay ahead.