The golden fire faded as Roy, Harry, Ron, and Lockhart appeared in the Headmaster's Office.The ancient portraits lining the walls stirred awake, whispering among themselves.Dumbledore, standing tall once more in his robes of midnight blue, smiled gently.
"Well done, my boys," he said softly. His eyes gleamed with quiet pride as he looked first at Harry, then at Roy.
He raised a hand toward Fawkes."Fawkes, my friend, would you please take Mr. Weasley and Professor Lockhart to the hospital wing?"
The phoenix trilled in response. In a burst of gentle firelight, it wrapped its wings around the unconscious Ron and Lockhart, vanishing with them in a swirl of glowing embers.
Now, only Dumbledore, Harry, and Roy remained in the room.
Roy turned slightly, looking at the portraits that adorned the circular office.He bowed respectfully. "It's an honor to see you all again, Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts."
Several of the painted figures nodded in approval.One, a stern man with proud grey eyes and sharp features — Phineas Nigellus Black — spoke from his frame."Well, at least one of you young people still remembers proper manners," he said dryly. "So many students these days—"
Roy chuckled. "For what it's worth, Sir Phineas, Narcissa Black is doing quite well. She's currently managing a Liyue trading store. Elegant as ever."
Phineas straightened instantly, surprise flashing in his eyes."Truly? My great-niece, in business? Remarkable… I am very pleased to hear that. You have my gratitude, Mr. Valvas."
Roy nodded with a faint smile. "She sends her regards."
The other portraits murmured approvingly. Even the painted Dumbledore — younger and bearded — gave a fond wink.
A sudden click broke the peace as the door opened.Lucius Malfoy swept in, robes billowing like silver smoke, his cane tapping the floor.Beside him walked a small, trembling house-elf — Dobby.
Harry stiffened the moment he saw them, realization flashing in his eyes."So it was you," he whispered. "You're Dobby's master."
Lucius ignored him, his gaze fixed on Dumbledore. "So," he said coldly, "I see you have… rejoined us, Headmaster."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses. "Indeed I have, Lucius. The school governors requested it most urgently once the truth was revealed about the Chamber."
Lucius's jaw tightened. "And what of the Board of Directors? Last I knew, Lord Flint and I had certain— privileges— in this matter."
Dumbledore clasped his hands behind his back. "Ah, yes. About that. Both your seats on the Board — yours and Lord Flint's — have been revoked. New families have taken over your positions."
Lucius's eyes narrowed dangerously. "And who, pray tell, would dare replace me?"
Dumbledore's voice was calm, but his gaze was sharp."The Flamel Family and the Frostborne Family have assumed those responsibilities."
Lucius blinked, confusion flashing across his face. "That's impossible. The Frostborne line is extinct — save for one who married into the Valvas family."
At that, Roy stepped forward, his golden eyes unwavering."That would be my mother," he said evenly. "Jessica Valvas — formerly Jessica Frostborne. And as her son, I am heir to both House Frostborne and House Valvas."
The silence in the office was deafening.
Lucius Malfoy turned pale, speechless. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, unable to find words.Finally, with a sharp turn of his cane, he kicked Dobby aside and swept toward the door.
"Come, Dobby!" he hissed. "We are leaving."
But Harry's voice stopped him."Wait!"
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the half-burned diary of Tom Riddle."Mr. Malfoy," he said, forcing calm into his tone, "I think this belongs to you. You gave it to Ginny Weasley — remember?"
Lucius's eyes flickered dangerously. "I don't know what you're talking about, boy."
Harry only smiled faintly and held out the diary."It's yours, sir. Take it."
Lucius snatched it from his hand — and froze as he felt something soft inside.He pulled out a sock stuffed into the diary's pages.
For a heartbeat, confusion flickered across his face.Then realization struck.
The sock fell from his hand — straight into Dobby's grasp.
The little elf stared down at it, trembling. His eyes went wide."M-Master has given Dobby… a sock?" he whispered, his voice breaking.
Harry leaned closer and murmured, "Open it."
Dobby did — and the magic binding him shattered like glass.He gasped, eyes filling with tears. "Dobby… is free!"
Lucius spun, his face twisted with fury."You've lost me my servant, boy!" he snarled, drawing his wand. "Avada—"
But before he could finish, Dobby raised his small hand."You shall not harm Harry Potter!"
A blast of invisible force hurled Lucius backward, sending him crashing into the doorway.His cane clattered across the floor as he staggered to his feet, seething with rage.
"This isn't over," Lucius hissed. His furious gaze darted to Roy — who was standing calmly, eyes burning faintly with gold fire.
Roy tilted his head slightly. "Then I suggest you choose your next battle more carefully, Lord Malfoy."
Lucius said nothing. He turned sharply and stormed out of the office, his robes snapping behind him.
Dobby turned back to Harry, tears still streaming down his face."Harry Potter has set Dobby free! Dobby will never forget this kindness!"
Harry smiled. "Just… don't try to save my life by nearly killing me again, okay?"
The elf's ears flopped as he nodded eagerly."Never again, sir! Dobby is free — and happy!"
With a snap of his fingers, Dobby disappeared with a soft pop.
The room was quiet once more.Dumbledore regarded both Harry and Roy with quiet pride.
"An interesting evening," he said finally, stroking his beard. "A basilisk slain, a memory destroyed, and two noble houses restored."
Roy chuckled softly. "All in a day's work."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Indeed, Mr. Valvas. Indeed."
As the phoenix settled once more on its perch, its soft golden feathers glowing in the firelight, the first rays of dawn began to touch the castle towers outside —a new day rising over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.