TSS: Chapter 36: The Shedding of Skins

> *“Murder is a symbol for a lot of things, but none of them are good. To murder is to change oneself forever. Your soul… well, soul magic is a touchy thing, but it will never quite be the same. It won’t completely break apart, but there will be a sort of deep scarring that never goes away. It can mostly heal, but its effects will always be there. It’s not something I’m willing to let you experience. Not at your age, at the very least”*
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— Grace Weitts on the symbolism of murder.

## Summary:

Lockhart finishes his story and does not explain the things that he promised he would and continues his streak of hypocrisy towards Harry. Emily Riddle is not executed. Lockhart continues making deals in bad faith. The Unspeakables question Harry, Calypso, Grace and Lockhart and take control of the situation. The victims of the Heir of Slytherin return to their normal lives. Emily Riddle wakes up in the Department of Mysteries.

## Plot:

**June 5th, 1993:** Finishing his story about the Legacy of Katalysator — while casting diagnostic charms on an unconscious Charlus Potter to ensure that the boy is alright — that does not include an explanation on the things that Lockhart promised to reveal, he tries to convince Harry to spare Emily's life. Harry, battling his conflicting feelings does not have the chance to make a decision as Grace steps in and informs him, over Lockhart's protests that is, of the detrimental consequences on the soul of murdering someone, especially at such a young age. The students agree to let the Aurors deal with Emily, with Lockhart fidgeting and not commenting, and they are transported back to a Hogwarts' corridor with the help of Fawkes who lands himself on Harry's shoulder. There, they are met by the currently stationed three Unspeakables of which Lockhart was aware of and of which he did not inform the group when they agreed to spare Emily's life. The group reconvenes in Lockhart's office to explain what transpired in the Chamber of Secrets.

Some time later, in Lockhart's office, after Harry, Calypso, Grace and Lockhart tell their story, the Unspeakables reveal that the events that transpired in the Chamber of Secrets will need to be kept secret. Harry comes to the difficult conclusion that they cannot do anything to help Ares against Bellatrix Black's machination due to all the protections attributed to nobles especially when it comes to their family members. Thinking of that, Harry recalls his conversation with Giaus Weitts about life goals and an idea of such a goal starts to form.

The group is forced to take a vow of silence by the Unspeakables to not reveal what occurred in the Chamber of Secrets. Given that Charlus would first run to Dumbledore and spill everything to the former Headmaster, at Ares behest, Harry relinquishes the potion that he took from Mulciber and Jugson that obscures a specific person from the memories of an event to the Unspeakables to duplicate it, mix it with Emily's blood and administer it to Charlus.

At dinner, the previously petrified and missing students enter the great hall for dinner. There, at the dinner table, Harry reconnects with Daphne. The girl revels that she worries about her sister, Astoria, who has been under a lot of stress recently, and that has something big coming up that has been on her mind for a long time — thus the Greengrasses are tying to keep her in a good state of mind. Daphne asks Harry to help her learn how to duel so that she may be able to better defend herself. Harry readily agrees informing her that he expects preferential treatment in Potions.

Meanwhile, in the Department of Mysteries, Emily Riddle wakes up with her magic blocked, thus making her realize in whose care did she end up in. As panic starts to spread, an Unspeakable appears informing her that they are offering a proposition, that is, after she has answered some of their questions about horcruxes.