Renè, to nobody’s surprise, was distant from Ron and Harry and never once did visit Hermione in the Hospital Wing. Harry was just plain out miserable about this and Ron was worked up. Between Harry not being happy ever and Renè not ever talking to anyone anymore he couldn’t take it. It was too much for him to handle, honestly. Especially since they weren’t allowed out of the dorms or to go anywhere unescorted. It was rather annoying.

“Maybe we could visit Hagrid?” Ron suggested.

“Get the old cloak out?” Harry hesitantly replied. Ron nodded.

“Of course it won’t be the same without Hermione and Renè, but it would be...worth it?” Ron said, almost like a question.

Harry shrugged. “Sure, we need to talk to him anyway. Let’s try it.” He said. Harry grabbed his invisibility cloak and he and Ron threw it on. After that they were off to Hagrid’s hut. When they made it there they knocked, the cloak still covering them. Hagrid harshly opened the door and pointed a bow out.

“Bloody hell! What’s that for!?” Ron said.

“Wh-Oh it’s you three. Come on.” Hagrid said, putting the bow down.

“Two.” Harry said as he and Ron walked inside and took the cloak off.

“Blimley, where’s Renè? Petrified like Hermione?” Hagrid asked.

“That would be better, but she’s avoiding us.” Ron said, not wanting Harry to have to answer. Harry nodded.

“Hagrid? Who opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago?” Harry asked.

Hagrid went to answer but someone knocked on the door. He muttered, “Get under the cloak,” to Harry and Ron before opening the door. Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic, Cornellius Fudge, walked in and greeted Hagrid.

“Hey, I know that guy! He’s Dad’s boss!” Ron whispered to Harry. Harry shrugged, more interested in listening to what was happening. Although, now he would rather have just asked Ron more questions.

“Not Azkaban!” Hagrid yelled.

“Minister, I assure you that Hagrid has done no harm.” Dumbledore said.

“His records and current events say otherwise. He can be released once this is all cleared up.” Fudge said, crisply. Then there was another knock and in struts Lucius Malfoy.

“Is Dumbledore here?” Lucius asked.

“Yes.” Dumbledore replied.

“The board and I have requested your removal from Hogwarts until further notice.” Lucius said.

“You can’t take Dumbledore out! Hogwarts doesn’t stand a chance without him!” Hagrid said.

“Hagrid, if they have requested my removal from Hogwarts we must listen to that. Just as a reminder though; help will always be given to those at Hogwarts who remain loyal.” Dumbledore said before walking out with Lucius.

“Come along Hagrid.” Fudge said.

“Well, someone needs to take care of Fang. And if anyone wants to find out anything, erm, all you gotta do is follow the spiders.” Hagrid said as he left with Fudge, leaving Harry and Ron alone. Harry sighed and climbed out from under the cloak before grabbing a lamp and Fang.

“What are you doing Harry?” Ron asked.

“Following the spiders. You coming or not?” Harry simply replied.

“Well...yeah I guess. Alright, let’s go.” Ron said.

Harry nodded and the two friends set off after the small spiders. Fang came with them, although he was more scared than the other two. Gradually the spiders seemed to be growing in size until they came to a grove of trees and heard a raspy voice. A humongous spider sat on a web.

“Hagrid? Hagrid, is that you?” The spider asked. Ron was shaking from his horrible fear of spiders, so Harry decided to answer the question.

“Erm no. We’re friends of Hagrid’s.” Harry said, nervously. “Hagrid sent us.”

“For what?” The spider asked.

“He said to follow the spiders if we wanted to know about what’s inside of the chamber…” Harry said.

“We don’t speak of it. Now, while you’re here I decided that my family could use a meal.” The spider said.

“Well we’ll be off then…” Harry said before turning with Ron, only to see the spiders closing in on them. Their eyes widened and they ran to make their way away from the spiders. Fortunately, they found the flying car Harry and René had wrecked at the beginning of the year. They both clambered in and went to drive off, but they were bombarded with spiders. Harry quickly blasted them off and then the car drove off back to the castle grounds.

“That was insane.” Ron muttered.

“You’re telling me. Anyway, we better get back and quick. Let’s also stop by Hermione before we go to sleep.” Harry said as they walked to the Hospital Wing.