Freedom 5

Harry re-watched it again and again. He can't believe that Salazar Slytherin, the man who was portrayed as a muggle-hater and pureblood supremacist is very emotional and sad to say those words. In his words, it can be understood that he is regretful of his actions and hoped to rectify them by giving his all to save his students and his descendants. He willingly gave his grandson to muggles to be raised which as Harry thought, is so Slytherin of him to do.

To give your Heir to Muggles, whom the people claim you to be cruel to and outright muggle-hater. He laughed sadly at the stupidity of the wizarding world and their beliefs and the Cunning move of his Ancestor and how easily he fooled them. He heard a musical note again, which lifted his mood significantly. He wanted to check on the Chamber again when he have some time.

He opened the Marauder's Map that Fred and George gave him during his 'Heir of Slytherin' time to keep his safe, he saw Dumbledore coming towards the hospital wing and immediately fell asleep. He didn't want to face the twinkling headmaster now. Dumbledore entered the hospital wing and came straight towards his bed.

"Ah, I know you are awake Mr Potter. Poppy told me about your recovery. I'm just here to check on you. How are you feeling Harry, my boy" he said knowingly with the eternal twinkle and with the kind grandfatherly smile without giving Harry time to speak. Harry thought about that twinkle which annoyed him, when Dumbledore spoke about something, he does with that annoying twinkle and as if everything in the world was alright.

He wanted to know about the bloody twinkle and use it on the annoying old man to take revenge for using it on him. He just stared at him blankly without giving any answer and felt a small headache. He didn't know the reason, but it felt as if something is disturbing the newly acquired peace in his head and rubbed it and turned away from the old headmaster. He didn't feel anything and turned back and stared at his long beard and answered.

"I'm feeling fine, Headmaster. Thank you for coming to check on me" he replied smoothly and politely. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at his behaviour but nodded nonetheless.

"We have found about your heroic performance in the Chamber of Secrets from Ms Weasley. The school board and the teacher's panel has decided to award you a special services award for your actions in keeping the school and her children safe Mr Potter. I hope you will accept it" he said with that annoying twinkle in his eyes again with a kind smile.

Harry gave him a small nod but inside, he was relieved of the fact that everything he had done would not come out which included his heritage and that none of his actions got out as well as his conversation with the sorting hat can't be heard and Ginny only heard the death of Basilisk and Fawkes healing him as she was unconscious for the most of his fight with Tom. He mentally made visiting the Chamber his priority and missed the rest of Dumbledore's speech.

"I'm sorry Sir, I didn't hear you," he said sheepishly rubbing his head.

"I said you were given the rest of the week off and will be receiving your award at the year-end feast," Dumbledore said patiently. Harry nodded and with goodbyes, he left the hospital wing. Harry thought about what Salazar has said and his thinking was cut short when he heard a pop and looked to see Dobby in front of him with his eyes wide as dinner plates looking at him apologetically.

"I have warned you of the danger in Hogywards, Great Harry Potter sir," said Dobby with his eyes widening and his ears flapping.

"Don't worry about it now Dobby. Tell me who is your Master" asked Harry curious of his answer.

"Dobby's master, you ask Great Harry Potter sir. Dobby's master is master Lucius Malfoy"

"Lucius Malfoy, huh. I saw him keeping the diary in Ginny's cauldron when we met in Diagon Alley. Well, what do you say, if I meet your master, Dobby?" He asked. The elf eyes widened and before he could reply he vanished in another pop.

Harry sighed and readied himself and went to Great Hall for breakfast. He was sure that as it was past 9, everyone will be in classes so that he could have his breakfast in peace at least once.

It went as he thought and he had a free breakfast without any interruptions. As he was walking to his room in the Gryffindor Tower, he was stopped by Professor Flitwick.

"The headmaster wants to see you in his office, Mr Potter," he said hurriedly. Harry didn't have time to give him any answer as the man was moving fastly and followed the diminutive man to catch up.

"We at Ravenclaw are thankful for your efforts in defeating the Basilisk Mr Potter. I personally express my thanks to you. We are grateful that you killed it before it could cause any further harm" he said cheerfully with a smile. Not that Harry knew Flitwick well, but didn't deny it and accepted his thanks. They reached Dumbledore's office in silence and Flitwick gestured him inside after saying the password to the Gargoyle, he left Harry.

Harry entered to see Dumbledore sitting in his throne-like chair and gestured him in. Just as he entered, a blond man came in with Dobby in tow.