Until The End

Until The End

Chapter 24: The Chamber of Secrets

"The feeling of frustration forces some to seek inspiration…"

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

Duelling Room – Sunday, September 14th, 1992 (7 a.m.)

"Flipendo Duo!" Ron chanted, and his wand vibrated, shooting a blue streak at the dummy, which was rippled back effectively. "Expelliarmus!" The dummy's wand flew out of its hand and landed in Ron's free hand. A sated smirk graced Ron's lips before he stationed the dummy back to its original position. The morning runs and exercises I do are clearly beneficial… it's like I get stronger by the day, which is good when learning to perform harder spell variations… honestly, I don't know how I would have learned the blasting curses if I hadn't begun to train my body last year…

"Are you ready to get started?" Xavier called out, and Ron swiftly spun around and sauntered over to where Xavier had seated himself.

"Ready as you are, mate," Ron replied, taking a seat beside Xavier. Xavier opened their dark arts tome and the two leaned in to take a closer look.

"This book is a 'volume one', so I'm presuming that it starts with more basic spells," Xavier noted as he turned to the page of contents.

"Yeah, you're right, this book mainly focuses on dark charms," Ron pointed out, and his brow furrowed. "Does the book have an author?"

"Nah, mate, I haven't come across any signatures or names that would indicate an author. Didn't Theo once tell us that there are small coteries out there that advocate the teachings of the Dark Arts and endorse projects of filling books of dark spells and sending them out for personal gain and better understanding?" Xavier recalled, and Ron nodded fervently.

"Yeah, he did," Ron confirmed, his face seemingly relaxed. "This might be the case for this tome." Xavier turned to the introductory page, and the two boys leaned in to scrutinize the words.

"Welcome, readers. Whether you are an individual who has had their curiosity piqued, an enthusiast revisiting this book or even a stranger who has obtained this book by a mere accident, we hope to inform you on the basics of the Dark Arts. It should be known that albeit the Dark Arts are immensely stigmatised, generally, most spells, including minor jinxes and hexes fall under the umbrella of the Dark Arts. This book is not intended to corrupt one's mind, but simply provide basic spells that could be used for a variety of reasons. Please continue if you desire so." Xavier read in a low voice, and the two boys exchanged looks before continuing to the next page.

Their eyes scanned over the several illustrations and descriptions of dark charms with interest. "Anteculatia. This charm causes the victim's head to sprout antlers, causing major discomfort and disturbance."

"Oscausi. This dark charm seals someone's mouth, covering the area with skin as if the mouth was never there," Ron read, feeling that the spell was best suited for Malfoy.

"Sternius. This dark charm causes the victim to continually sneeze, hindering them greatly in performing any tasks," Xavier read, smirking at the thought. "These are pretty effective dark charms, mate."

"Agreed, I want to start practising right now," Ron admitted, feeling the weight of curiosity and excitement supplant any feelings of shame or hesitance. "Hold on, how would some of these spells work on the dummies? Surely, Sternius would be ineffective on a dummy, right?"

"In that case, we might have to try this… on each other…" Xavier proposed slowly, and both boys shared a look of uneasiness. The last thing they desired was to accidentally hurt one another or worse. "Or maybe we can try and get the technique right, and hope for the best, eh?"

"I reckon both options will suffice," Ron responded, before pausing for a moment. "What… should we try first?"

"Hmm… I dunno… maybe the mouth-sealing dark charm first?" Xavier suggested. "We can use Finite to negate the effects after."

"Seems right enough," Ron nodded, getting up from the couch. "Let's do it."

"Would you like to perform it or should I do it?" Xavier asked, following suit.

"Er… you know what, you can have a crack at it first, mate," Ron opted, and Xavier cocked an eyebrow.

"You sure, mate?" Xavier asked dubiously.

"Of course, it will be fine," Ron assured, feeling that the charm wouldn't really cause any suffering to the victim.

"Alright, just stand still," Xavier instructed, and Ron watched him as he brandished his wand and pointed it at him. Ron couldn't help but gulp. "Here I go, Ron. Oscausi!"

As the spell required no unique hand movement, Xavier simply directed his wand at Ron's mouth and an orb of white light instantly shot at Ron. Within a second, Ron felt as if someone had placed a tight hand over his mouth, refraining him from emitting any words, albeit he could still make incoherent noises.

"Holy shit," Xavier muttered before he aimed his wand at Ron again. "Finite!"

The counter-spell caused Ron's mouth to reappear, and he felt the odd sensation of skin stretching out of existence.

"You got it on the first try," Ron noted, rubbing his hand around his lips.

"What did it feel like?" Xavier inquired, and Ron licked his lips, glad that his mouth was back.

"It felt… uncomfortable, I guess. It didn't hurt, however," Ron answered, and he looked at Xavier. "Should we… try another?"

"Seems only fair for you to perform one on me," Xavier pointed out, and his eyes flickered to the open tome. "How about you try the sneezing dark charm on me?"

"Sternius?" Ron's brow furrowed. "Don't you think it would hurt to sneeze incessantly?"

"Only one way to find out," Xavier shrugged, and Ron sighed before nodding curtly.

Xavier stood still while Ron brandished his own wand and directed it at his best mate. It says I must turn the wand ninety degrees clockwise when chanting the incantation…

"Sternius!" Ron chanted, turning his wand as the instructions informed and a dark green light hit Xavier in the chest. Immediately, Xavier's face scrunched up and he began to sneeze raucously, his wand clattering to the floor as his hands grabbed at his knees for stabilisation. Xavier's head jerked violently with every sneeze, and he dropped to his knees.

"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed and he aimed his wand at Xavier's kneeling figure. "Finite!"

The effects nullified and Xavier groaned deeply before his knees give way and his body became slumped against the couch.

"Blimey, that spell is wicked!" Ron ran to Xavier and kneeled beside him. "Are you alright, mate?"

"I'm good," Xavier replied after a pant. "Fortunately, you removed the spell's effects before snot would generate."

"I don't even think these dark charms are the worst of the lot," Ron said in a low voice.

"I would be surprised if they were, mate," Xavier responded. "Should we continue some other time?"

"Yeah… probably…" Ron answered slowly, feeling ambivalent about what they had delved into.

Ginny Weasley's P.O.V:

The Library – Sunday, September 28th, 1992 (4:00 p.m.)

Ginny covertly observed her favourite brother, Ron, study History of Magic and Herbology with his friends Xavier, Hermione, Harry and Neville behind a bookshelf. They all seemed to be occupied with their work and occasionally made jokes and silently chuckled.

Ginny left the spot slowly and made her way to her favourite, secluded area in the vast library of Hogwarts and sat down by her books. Ginny knew she had to complete an essay for Astronomy but how could she even touch her parchment with a quill without her mind instantly reminding her of a special friend she had made quite so hastily.

Making her mind up quickly, Ginny moved the parchment dedicated to her Astronomy essay aside and put her diary on the table. Ginny's eyes darted to her surroundings, and she felt a wave of relaxation soothe her when she realised no one was around to disturb her and her friend. Ginny knew that if the twins caught her with her diary, they would take the mickey out of her until the very end time. After all, they wouldn't understand the connection Ginny had with her diary.

Ginny opened her diary and flickered to a new page. Taking a small breath, Ginny began to write to her friend. "Hey there, Tom."

Ginny's words seeped into the page and faded away like echoes. For a few seconds, no response returned, but Ginny's heart swelled in joy when he wrote back. "Good evening, Ginny. How was your day?"

"It's better now that you're here, Tom," Ginny wrote back earnestly, and she patiently waited for a reply.

"You're too kind, Ginny. Did you complete your Astronomy essay?"

"I was hoping to finish after talking to you for a bit."

"That's fair enough. Are you doing well in classes?"

"Of course, I am, Tom! How could I not be when you've been helping me tremendously?"

"Don't be so modest, Ginny. It's purely you who has done well in classes, I've merely defined some terms. You are incredibly smart."

Ginny's cheeks reddened as her lips stretched to produce a bigger smile. Tom really was the best. He had shown her the truth about things she had given much thought to before. No one ever really cared. Everyone just displayed their fake concerns and counterfeit questions to another as a ploy to make conversations. But Ginny didn't need that. Tom had shown her that avoiding people was the best strategy to utilise. Being alone and able to communicate with an individual that could be solely trusted was a good method. There was no need to waste time spending with others when you could use it efficiently and get any crucial tasks done.

At first, Ginny didn't believe Tom. But soon enough, his words never seemed truer. Her brothers only questioned her about her school life, her Housemates never conversed with her, Luna had made friends with her own Housemates and the professors only paid her attention when she answered a question. It seemed that Tom was the only individual that truly cared for Ginny and made her feel special. Nowadays, all Ginny did was complete any homework, talk with Tom, and sporadically ride her broom. 

At the thought of her broom, Ron came to mind and Ginny felt pain tug at her heart. Ronnie… why?

As if reading her mind, Tom wrote, "How are things with your brothers?"

"Must we talk about them now?"

"I was only curious, Ginny. If you'd like for the subject to change, I will gladly do so."

"No, sorry, you deserve answers as well. I guess… things are alright with them."

"Ginny, there is no need to lie to me. I keep your words like secrets. Nothing will ever be spilt."

Feeling more reassured, Ginny wrote, "I don't know, Tom. I mean, the twins are as normal as ever. They keep pranking any of the boys in my year that are in a hundred-meter radius around me, while Percy just inquires me about my progress in my subjects. I haven't sent a letter to Bill or Charlie. And as for Ron… he… Oh, Tom, he's got his friend to spy on me!"

"Spy? Are you absolutely sure, Ginny?"

"I'm certain of it, Tom! I overheard him discussing it with a girl in his year level. I don't think he knew that I was watching him. And now, that girl spontaneously checks on me, as if she thinks she's my guardian or something!"

"Perhaps your brother is only worried over you, Ginny."

"But he knows I can take care of myself. I don't want him to worry over me."

"Who is this girl spying on you on your brother's orders?"

"Some know-it-all named Hermione Granger. She's in my House and is friends with Harry Potter-"

"This girl is friends with Harry Potter? Could I presume that since this girl is associated with your brother and Harry Potter, the two are somehow companions?"

"Yeah, Ron and Harry are good friends. Why do you ask?"

"No reason, I'm merely curious. After all, this is Harry Potter we are speaking of."

"I know right! I still can't believe Harry stayed at my house once! The greatest wizard of our time is friends with my brother and even talked to me!"

"Greatest wizard? Wouldn't you say it would be Albus Dumbledore?"

"Well, you're right, but wouldn't Harry also be the greatest? I mean, he defeated you-know-who only when he was a baby? That must make him extremely powerful!"

For a moment, no reply came from Tom. "We're digressing, Ginny. What do you plan to do with this knowledge of your brother's deal with his friend?"

"I'm going to confront him, Tom! I'm going to demand some answers!"

"No, that's a terrible idea, Ginny."

"What? Why?!"

"Think about it. Your brother has no idea that you know of what he has asked of his friend. You can use this to your advantage. If you confront your brother, he may just ask another individual to do the task of spying on you. Imagine if he asked Harry to do the job?"

Ginny's heart nearly stopped pumping. No… that would be horrendous!

"You're right, Tom! I can't afford that. What should I do?"

"Keep your distance. Make it harder for Ronald's friend to spy on you. And if she succeeds in making a conversation with you, just reply cheerfully and make no sign of irritation or discomfort to arouse her suspicion."

"Alright, Tom. It'll be hard since Hermione is unbelievably nosy and annoying, but I'll try my best. Thank you so much. I owe you everything. What would I do without you?"

"Don't be so generous, Ginny. You deserve the very best. Now, would you like any help with your Astronomy essay?"

Ginny smiled jubilantly and scribbled back an answer, ignoring the raging headache that caused her temples to throb. It appeared that a headache would visit her nearly every day. She had no explanation for it.

Xavier Desmond's P.O.V:

The Library – Friday, October 30th, 1992 (5:00 p.m.)

Xavier always noticed that time flew when one was bombarded with different tasks to do. October had come rolling upon them with a mixture of torrential rain and dampness to the grounds of Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey had busied herself administering Pepperup Potions to a handful of students who had come down with a mild cold. The extravagant Halloween Feast was set to take place tomorrow evening. Hagrid, as customary, had festooned the vast castle with decorations that gave the enormous place a livelier tint and caused a sense of warmth to flourish, not only within the castle but between the jovial students, professors, ghosts and the inhabitants of the portraits.

Xavier and Ron decided to probe the tome for more spells but with the care of caution as each dark charm depicted more brutal effects than the one before.

Malfoy and his goons blatantly ignored Xavier and Ron, which the two prodigies viewed as a positive outcome. Weirdly enough, however, Malfoy began to answer questions in their classes, surprising professors and students alike, albeit Xavier saw right through it.

Slytherin was still in the lead thanks to Xavier, Ron and their clique's contributions, along with Malfoy and even Valerie and Demelza. The Slytherin first years had also caught onto the notion that they were able to earn more points more easily than the older year levels and pursued their 'mission' in doing so. Ravenclaws were not too far behind thanks to students like Padma Patil, Lisa Turpin, and Mandy Brocklehurst.

Any tense feelings between Xavier, Ron and their group had slowly diminished, and they made no open judgement every time they knew Xavier or Ron had contacted the Golden Trio. They all had effectively become even closer than before, and things seemed to have reverted to being normal again.

The only thing Xavier hadn't divulged to his closest mates was that every night, Xavier would experience a headache that seemed to grow exponentially in agitation by each night. They were spontaneous. Sometimes they would appear before dinner, sometimes right after Astronomy class, sometimes when Xavier practised playing on the portable piano, or even sometimes the second his head would hit the cool surface of his plump pillow.

Xavier would have just gone to Madam Pomfrey to soothe the headaches, but the headaches didn't have the same presence that normal ones had. No, these made Xavier slightly anxious. Something was going on up there, and Xavier had no clue what it was. He had tried to contact The Grim by calling for it, but there was no reply. Xavier just hoped that whatever it was, it would disappear soon enough. It was causing him to be in a grouchy, reserved mood, something that his friends did note.

"Yo Xavier, what was the Skurge Charm used for again?" Deandre asked, and Xavier turned his attention to him.

"It's used to clean up the ectoplasm left behind by ghosts and other spirits. Don't confuse it with the Scouring Charm," Xavier informed, and Deandre nodded his thanks before scribbling Xavier's answer on his Charms essay.

"How is your wandless magic going, Valerie?" Xavier asked after a few seconds, causing the girl to look up at him from her book.

"Oh, I haven't made much progress yet, to be honest. It's still hard to visualise lifting a pin while directing the magic at it," Valerie answered sheepishly.

"No need to feel any shame, it'll take consistent practice to get the hang of it," Xavier assured.

"I still can't believe you can do wandless magic," Deandre muttered, and Xavier shrugged.

"It was a habit from a young age," Xavier provided, and Demelza looked up from her Transfiguration essay.

"That was an excellent decision on your part to strengthen your abilities in that branch of magic. Wizarding children will at some point produce different forms of accidental magic in their early years and clearly, you've taken advantage of it," Demelza noted.

"I guess I was curious about why I could do things that I thought were impossible," Xavier replied thoughtfully. "I'm not a professional anyway."

"You and your modesty," Valerie smiled. "How's your healing work going?"

"I've mastered Anapneo easily, thanks to you," Xavier responded, and Valerie's smile widened. "I can't wait to move on to more spells."

"I'm not a professional either, so my knowledge and arsenal might be limited," Valerie stated.

"That's all right," Xavier dismissed with a smile. "I'm sure we can learn together then."

"Yo Xavier, what's the hand movement of Incendio?" Deandre questioned eagerly, causing Valerie and Demelza to shoot him annoyed looks.

"It's the hand movement of a flame," Xavier supplied, smirking at the girls' equal looks of displeasure.

"Come on, Deandre, you ought to pay more attention in class like we discussed," Demelza scolded disapprovingly, and Deandre rolled his eyes.

"Relax, Demelza. You can't blame me when there are all these girls that just openly gawk at me," Deandre justified, smirking to himself. "Besides, we've befriended a prodigy here. Friends help each other, don't they?"

"We're friends, eh?" Xavier cocked an eyebrow. "Since when?"

"Don't play with me, your smile is telling me otherwise," Deandre pointed out, turning his smirk to Xavier.

"I prefer the term 'allies'," Xavier said, causing Deandre and the two girls to chuckle.

"We ain't in some damn war, 'mate'," Deandre snickered. "Pretty sure that blond dude also asked us to be 'allies', whatever that means."

"Blond guy?" Xavier's brow furrowed. "Are you referring to Draco Malfoy?"

"I think so," Deandre nodded dubiously. "He came up to us and proposed to become 'allies' with us."

"What did you lot say?" Xavier questioned; of course, that platinum-haired bastard tried to secure an alliance with three pure-bloods.

"Eh, we were quite cryptic with our response. I haven't seen the guy since," Deandre replied truthfully.

"Stay away from him," Xavier warned. "That prick will upend your lives."

Deandre just stared at Xavier. "You know, sometimes I can't even believe that I'm talking to you, Xavier."

"Because of my parents, eh?" Xavier said.

"I mean, your parents are deeply embedded within our country's history," Deandre replied, leaning back in his chair. "But when people found out that you were alive, there were those that literally wanted to take a portkey to across the pond to meet you."

"Merlin, I always forget about my truth," Xavier mumbled, though his three new allies heard him.

"Your parents arrived at a time when the States were in deep trouble," Demelza supplied, and Xavier listened avidly. "Lady Dysnomia repeatedly proved that she wasn't a force to be reckoned with and the U.S. had already called for allies to help defeat Lady Dysnomia and her growing army. It was only a matter of time before she would cause destruction and mayhem for the No-Maj community-"

"No-Majs?" Xavier interrupted. "What the bloody hell is a No-Maj?"

"Our equivalent of the term 'Muggle'," Valerie answered, and Xavier couldn't help but smirk approvingly.

"Not a bad name," Xavier said, before facing Demelza. "Please continue."

"As I was saying, Lady Dysnomia was close to carrying out any plans of seizing control over the No-Maj's world, but your parents somehow got involved and put an end to her reign of terror," Demelza explained sincerely. "There were different outcomes that resulted from this. For one, Magical America and Britain's relationships were strengthened as America felt that they were in Britain's debt. There were obviously those that felt bitter and irritated by it, along with those who had always thought your father's actions were ruthless and unjustified."

"Wait, what?" Xavier queried. "There were those who thought that about my father?"

"Apparently before defeating Lady Dysnomia, your father was an immense asset in defeating you-know-who and his army here and there were things that he did that didn't coincide with the law, causing people to fear him like a highly minacious death-eater."

"Damn…" Xavier rubbed his forehead. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised… I've just never thought about it like that before."

"Yeah man, I've heard that your father showed the death-eaters no mercy and killed them in physical disputes and wand battles," Deandre apprised with a serious look. My father really was a danger to these death-eater scum… I'm proud to be his son.

"Well, thanks for telling me all this," Xavier said after a moment, and his brow furrowed when his temples throbbed. "I reckon I should get going now. Are you done with your essay, Deandre?"

"Yeah, I'm finished bro, thanks," Deandre replied, and Xavier shot him a nod.

"I don't think Demelza needs any of my help, she's just fine on her own," Xavier noted, his eyes scanning over Demelza's intricate and discursive essay.

"There's no need to make me blush, Xavier," Demelza responded playfully, and Xavier smirked.

"Wow, thanks for indirectly insulting me," Deandre feigned a hurt look.

"Pay attention in class then, mate," Xavier replied, and Demelza giggled victoriously at Deandre's offended look.

"I'll see you later, Valerie," Xavier spoke, and Valerie smiled at him. "Thanks again for your tutoring."

"When would you like to meet up again?" Valerie asked, getting up from her chair and collecting her books.

"Whenever you'd like," Xavier responded, gritting his teeth when his temples throbbed harder.

"Woah, are you alright, Xavier?" Valerie questioned as Deandre and Demelza stood up.

"I'm fine, just awfully tired," Xavier answered, rubbing his warm forehead. "I'll catch you lot at dinner, ok?"

"Sure thing, bro," Deandre replied firmly. Xavier shot them a parting nod and swiftly turned around and made his way out of the library. Xavier had a feeling that he would skip dinner and go straight to bed instead. The oncoming headache would ruin any chance of socialisation or chewing food.

Xavier made his way to the dungeons, his headache hindering him as with every step, his temples ached more strongly. What the fuck is wrong with me? Why am I getting these headaches every day?

Xavier successfully made it to the Slytherin Common Room and began to limp to his dorm, ignoring the other student's confused and concerned stares. His breathing had started to become ragged, and Xavier felt the prospect of his eyelids becoming heavy. Fuck… what the hell is going on?

"Where have you been?" Daphne inquired the second Xavier set foot into his dorm, and he was able to make out all his friends lying on the boys' beds.

"Woah, are you ok, Xavier?" Tracey asked, getting up from Theo's bed and walking up to Xavier.

"What's wrong, mate?" Ron questioned, his tone marred with worry as he too walked up to Xavier.

"Tracey, feel his temperature," Blaise spoke up and Tracey obliged, placing her soft, cool hand on Xavier's forehead.

"Sweet Circe, you're burning up, Xavier," Tracey muttered with wide eyes, and the others began to get off their beds.

"I need… I need to sleep…" Xavier whispered. Suddenly, a searing pain broke out in Xavier's mind, and he dropped to his knees, clutching his head. What the fuck?!

"Woah, Xavier, are you alright?!" Millie exclaimed, but Xavier bellowed out in agony as the searing pain increased tenfold, causing his friends to gasp and shout in worry.

"Xavier, mate!" Theo yelled, and Xavier felt his eyes sting terribly as something pounded strenuously in his mind.

"Help… please… fuck, it hurts…" Xavier rasped, feeling the hands of his friends grab at his body and hold him.

"What's happening to him?!" Daphne cried frightenedly.

"Get him to the infirmary now!" Blaise ordered.

As Xavier felt his eyes begin to drift away, he heard it. It was The Grim's voice. It was like an echo from a distance. Like the growl of a monster from a faraway land. "Warrior… we must speak…"

Xavier groaned softly as he felt everything fade away and all he saw was black.

Dream Wool's Orphanage

Xavier's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself in the same rendezvous that he and The Grim had met in the past however, something caught his eye. Wool's Orphanage was no longer an intact, stationed place but a colossal swirl of floating chunks of the different buildings. What the fuck? What has happened to this place?

Xavier suddenly felt a cold swish that wrapped around his soul causing him to swiftly spin around and he found himself face to face with The Grim once more. It towered over his figure like a secluded statue glaring down upon a harmless victim.

"Warrior…" It began, its voice sending familiar shivers down Xavier's spine. "We have summoned you to discuss some major prospects."

"What's happened? I've been having headaches for the past month, and I've tried to contact you," Xavier started slowly, meeting the anomaly's devilish gaze. "Is something wrong?"

"We have pursued in repairing your mind, Warrior," It growled. "When the Prince of Serpents attempted in possessing your vessel by controlling your mind first, we interfered and ripped out a slice of his repulsive soul. It lingers within the boundaries of your mind, unable to wither away nor strengthen. However, its presence is still unknowingly linked to the Prince of Serpent as he still lives to this day. It has caused disruptions to our system, and we fear that certain abilities of ours are slowly transferring to you."

Xavier stared expressionlessly at the demon in his head, simultaneously processing the information that The Grim had provided. A piece of the Dark Lord's soul is lingering in my mind… and now it has caused some problems…

"What abilities?" Xavier spoke up, his brow furrowing. "I recall you saying that some of your abilities are slowly transferring themselves to me."

"We believe that you will be able to take another form at will…" The Grim responded, its tone devoid of any emotion. Xavier just listened intently. "Soon, you will have the ability to take the form of our embodiment… The Grim…"

"Wait… you're telling me that I will be able to transform into the ghostly black dog?" Xavier asked hesitantly, not believing his ears.

"In essence, you are correct," The Grim responded. What the fuck? Why is this happening to me? I don't understand…

"Do not feel agonised, young Warrior," The Grim spoke, reading Xavier's thoughts. "Perhaps this predicament may be advantageous in the future." Transforming into that dog… Well, it is a feared omen… maybe The Grim is right…

"When will this take place?" Xavier inquired after inhaling a calming breath. "Will I feel any pain?"

"We cannot provide the answers to this question, Warrior…" The Grim replied, and Xavier felt some frustration spike. "When we know the process begins, we will notify you immediately. We cannot make this vital change occur when you are in the presence of others."

"I understand," Xavier returned after a moment. He turned back to look out at the dismantled whirlwind of the orphanage he was groomed in and felt the sempiternal distances of oblivion fade away as his eyes became heavy once more.

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

The Infirmary - Friday, October 30th, 1992 (6:30 p.m.)

Ron paced up and down in front of Xavier's bed, fidgeting with his fingers anxiously, waiting for some sort of news or response. Theo and Blaise were discussing something in hushed tones, occasionally stealing a glance at Xavier's bedridden figure. As for the girls, well, they had all seated themselves around Xavier's bed, each exhibiting a heavily flurried countenance, especially Daphne who had Xavier's fingers intertwined with her own.

"How is he, Poppy?" came the deep, collected voice of Professor Dumbledore, causing Ron's friends to turn their focus towards the headmaster, though Ron couldn't cease his incessant pacing.

"He had suffered a seizure, Albus," Madam Pomfrey delivered gravely, her tone marred with a tinge of curiosity. "It was a random outburst and from what my scans have read, there's nothing that harming him as of right now. All he needs is some potions and good rest. It's all quite peculiar, really. The results are in my office."

Madam Pomfrey guided Dumbledore to her office and the old man shot Ron a reassuring nod, to which Ron weakly mustered one back.

In all truthiness, Ron had been filled with dread the second Xavier had stumbled into their dorm. From Xavier's look, Ron knew something was not right. And the second Xavier had dropped to his knees and screamed, Ron was instantly reminded of the horrific night where he, his best mate and the Golden Trio had made it their mission in capturing the Philosopher's Stone and destroying it. Ron knew he wasn't as helpless this time. With all his strength, along with the adrenaline that had ignited from the fear he had felt at that moment, Ron had dragged Xavier to the Hospital Wing with the help of Theo and Blaise.

Within the space of Xavier being set up in one of the beds in the infirmary and Madam Pomfrey treating him, Ron had spiralled into a wormhole of distressing thoughts and feelings. What if he had caused this? After all, they had practised some dark charms on one another and since Xavier had recuperated from his near possession a few months back, Ron might have singlehandedly impacted a relapse in Xavier's health. God, why am I so fucking stupid?! I should have thought about this beforehand! If the others found out they would lose their bloody shit at me and rightfully so!

The rustling of sheets tore Ron out from his self-admonishing thoughts, and everyone gathered around Xavier's figure. They watched as he opened his eyes slowly and stared blankly at the ceiling before his eyes drifted between his concerned friends.

"You lot shouldn't have missed out on dinner," Xavier rasped, a small smile forming on his lips.

"Piss off with that, mate," Theo scowled, shaking his head.

"How are you feeling, Xavier?" Pansy inquired gently, smiling in relief at Xavier's humorous smile.

"I feel just fine, Pansy," Xavier replied softly. "How are you feeling?"

"We were so worried over you," Daphne whispered, though everyone heard her soundly. "Why did this happen?"

"I have no answer, Daph. But there's no need to fret, I feel just fine," Xavier reassured, squeezing her hand tenderly. "Perhaps I was too exhausted."

"You ought to take care of yourself, Mr. Desmond," Tracey mocked Madam Pomfrey's voice, causing everyone to break into chuckles. Tracey then adorned a serious expression. "Seriously though, Xavier. I don't want to catch you missing out on any sleep. You gave us all a real scare."

"Your friend is right, Mr. Desmond," came Madam Pomfrey's voice, and Tracey nearly passed out from the chance of the matron hearing the way her maternal voice was mocked. "You will spend tonight in the infirmary and for the most of tomorrow as well."

Xavier concealed his displeasure quite well and instead nodded curtly before his eyes landed on Professor Dumbledore. "Evening, headmaster."

"Good evening, Mr. Desmond," Dumbledor greeted cheerfully. "I hope that you are feeling much livelier."

"I've just woken up sir, so I cannot be sure," Xavier replied cheekily, causing Professor Dumbledore to laugh merrily. Ron's friends exchanged looks.

"That is fair enough, dear boy," Professor Dumbledore responded before his smile displayed a sadder edge to it. "It's most likely you will miss out on the delicious feast set to take place tomorrow evening."

"Ah, it is what it is, sir. After all, you know I've never been a fan of sweets," Xavier shrugged off everyone's pitying looks.

"Well, I'm sure your friends will make sure to bring you some treats so you don't miss out on the scrumptious delicacies our brilliant house-elves will be conjuring tomorrow," Dumbledore pointed out, glancing at everyone, eliciting vigorous nods from the Slytherins. "I shall get going now. I'm sure Madam Pomfrey would like for you all to leave her patient be, so I suggest catching up on dinner before it ends."

"Yes, sir," Ron's friends chorused as Professor Dumbledore shot Xavier a wink and departed from the Infirmary.

"We'll see you later, mate," Blaise promised, and Xavier nodded tersely.

"I'm sorry that you lot had to go through that," Xavier apologised sincerely, and everyone stilled. "I really detest making any of you stressed over me."

"Don't apologise, Xavier," Millie reassured, smiling at her dark-skinned friend. "It's not your fault."

"Please have some rest, ok?" Daphne sniffled, and Xavier shot them a weak smile.

"I'll try my best," Xavier answered, and everyone began to shuffle away, albeit Ron stayed rooted to his spot.

"Ron, the Devil's Snare isn't holding you in place right now, is it?" Theo joked.

"You lot can go on. I'll join you in a minute," Ron suggested, and they looked between Xavier and Ron before nodding and departing en masse.

"Mr. Weasley, you should really join your friends-"

"Please, Madam Pomfrey. I only want to discuss something with him. I won't be long," Ron pleaded. The persistent look on his face must have influenced Madam Pomfrey's decision as she replied sternly, "Five minutes. No more."

"Thank you," Ron said with a grateful nod and Madam Pomfrey made her way back to her office.

"Hey, mate," Xavier said as Ron turned to him and pulled a chair close to his bedside and sat on it.

"I think this was my fault, mate," Ron muttered after a few seconds.

"What?" Xavier asked, his eyebrows raising. "What are you on about?"

"I think I caused this. Your seizure. All those spells that we've been practising-"

"Don't be daft, Ron," Xavier chortled, shaking his head. "This seizure I experienced was not the result of your attribution, I assure you."

"Yeah, but what if it was?" Ron questioned, his voice starting to shake. "Maybe I triggered something… in your mind that was… I dunno… healing from your p-possession…"

"Ron…" Xavier started, lost for words. "Brother, you've done nothing wrong, you hear me? I've just been overly exhausted over these last few days. At times, everything bottles up and a seizure may have been one of the numerous outcomes that were a result of how busy I've made myself. Don't you dare pin some mediocre blame on yourself."

"I… I don't fucking know, mate," Ron heaved a deep sigh, trying to regain control of his shaking voice. "You can reassure me all you like, but I don't if you're correct or not."

"What did Madam Pomfrey say?" Xavier questioned, his tone distant.

"She said… well she said that you healed pretty quickly from that… and all you needed was some rest," Ron provided quietly.

"There you are," Xavier pointed out firmly. "There's nothing to worry over or blame, ok? I say you go join the others for dinner. You'll need some food and please, don't feel any guilt. This has happened before, remember? In our first year, they found me unconscious from a seizure on the floor in the room with the Mirror of Erised. It's the same instance this time around. You've got nothing to worry about, mate, I promise you."

Ron processed his best friend's words and sighed to himself. Perhaps Xavier was right, and he was overreacting. Let's hope so…

Harry Potter's P.O.V:

Dungeons – Saturday, October 31st, 1992 (6:40 p.m.)

Harry seriously regretted accepting the opportunity to attend Headless Nick's deathday party. He, along with Neville and Hermione whom he had dragged with him, stood isolated from the main attendees of the party, bored out of their minds and sorely missing the Halloween Feast. Harry watched as several ghosts roamed around, conversing in high spirits all the while he kept an eye out for Peeves who had been making impulsive appearances to annoy them with the putrid stench of the unbelievably rotten cuisine.

"At least the music is good," Neville attempted poorly at a joke, and Harry's mood was soured even further when he involuntarily paid attention to the harsh, horrid music that the orchestra was performing.

"I'm terribly sorry, guys," Harry apologised, shaking his head. "I shouldn't have dragged you two down here."

"Remind me why you chose to attend this 'ceremony' again?" Hermione questioned, her tone marred with slight exasperation.

"Nick saved me from earning Filch's ire, so I had to somehow return a favour," Harry replied with a deep sigh. "And here we are."

"Should we just leave?" Neville asked, dodging a wandering ghost in order to not experience the cold, unpleasant sensation of a ghost traversing right through his body.

"Headless Nick wanted me to spread some good words about him to the other guests," Harry answered, squinting his eyes to find the Gryffindor ghost. "But I think you're right, Nev. Let's just go."

"Brilliant idea, Harry," Hermione complimented sarcastically, and the trio slipped out of the 'lively' dungeon room and hastily made their way back to the Entrance Hall.

"Do you reckon we'll have some time to eat something before the feast ends?" Neville asked, glancing at Harry and Hermione.

"Let's hope so, I'm starving-"

"Kill… Kill… Blood…"

Harry came to a sudden halt, his eyes widened to the size of saucepans and his friends emulated his action, shooting Harry perplexed looks.

"Um, Harry, what are you doing-"

"Shh!" Harry exclaimed wildly, resulting in more confusion from his two best friends. "I thought I just heard something… a voice-"

"Victim… Blood… BLOOD!"

"Do you hear it?!" Harry yelled, his breathing becoming erratic due to his heart pounding like a drum.

"Hear what, mate?" Neville asked, adorning a frightened look.

"Harry, what's going on?" Hermione inquired in a high-pitched voice, her tone clearly affrighted. "What voice? I can't hear anything."

"So hungry… for so long… need to kill…"

"What the hell?" Harry whispered; was he going insane?

Harry felt the enigma's voice shift upwards as if floating to a higher floor, and a mixture of thrill and fear pierced Harry's soul as his feet began to carry him towards the stairs.

"Where are you going, Harry?!" Neville yelled as he and Hermione ran after him.

"It's going to kill, guys! I can hear it so clearly! Whatever it is, it's going to kill someone!" Harry's voice echoed off the walls. What am I hearing?! Is it some sort of phantom? I've never heard it before…

"Kill?!" Hermione exclaimed breathlessly.

"Slow down, Harry!" Neville pleaded.

Harry continued making his way adamantly, skipping three steps at a time until he reached the second floor, straining his ears to hear any petrifying words of the murderous voice over the reverberated sounds of his footsteps.

Harry came to a stop at the entrance of a deserted passageway, panting as his best friends reached him with utterly bewildered countenances.

"What the hell, Harry?" Neville wheezed, leaning against a wall for support. "Explain what's going on!"

"Didn't you guys hear it?" Harry asked, his brow furrowed.

"Hear what exactly?" Hermione queried in a snappish tone.

"I heard some… strange voice when we were walking from the Dungeons," Harry started, pausing to recall the event. "It kept repeating things about killing and blood… I don't know who or what it was, but it felt like it was moving from one floor to another."

"Merlin…" Neville muttered, his face paler than the ghosts back at Headless Nick's deathday party.

"Look!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed, pointing directly at the passageway. Harry and Neville followed her gaze quickly and saw something shimmering on a wall in the distance.

In unison, the trio slowly approached the wall that shimmered and squinted their eyes in the dark depths of the corridor. As they slowly made their way closer to the wall, they could see the outline of words a foot high from the ground illuminated between two torches. What does that say?

"The Chamber of Secrets Has Been Opened, Enemies of The Heir Beware," Hermione read, and the message sent chills down each of their spines.

"Is that… blood?" Neville whispered, eyeing the red message.

"The Chamber of Secrets? What heir?" Harry asked, edging closer to the message. The sound of splashing caused Harry to retreat and the three noticed a large puddle on the floor. How did this get here?

"Er… guys," Neville started, his voice shaking. "W-what is that?"

Harry looked up at what Neville was gazing at and felt his stomach lurch. Mrs. Norris was hanging from a torch bracket, lifeless albeit the pupils of her eyes were enlarged with fright. Hermione gasped, placing a hand over her mouth in shellshock. What's going on?! Why is Mrs. Norris dead?! Who did this and how?!

The sound of slow footsteps caused the trio to hurl around in panic and their jaws became ajar when Xavier strolled towards them before halting, his expression displaying bafflement.

"Xavier, what the hell are you doing here?!" Hermione nearly screeched from the scare that Xavier had given her, while Harry and Neville were slightly relieved.

"I can ask you lot the same thing," Xavier replied cautiously before his eyes landed on the wall behind the trio. "Sweet Circe… what the hell is this?"

Xavier's widened eyes flickered between the trio and there was a tint of suspicion in his black coals for eyes.

"We can explain, Xavier," Harry started, taking a deep breath to calm his bustling nerves. "I heard a voice… it was saying things… I thought it was going to kill someone… so I ran up here and Hermione spotted this wall… and we found Mrs. Norris hanging from the torch… you've got to believe me…"

Xavier elicited no change in expression, making it extremely difficult for Harry, Hermione and Neville to read his feelings. Xavier's cavernous eyes burned through Harry's soul before slowly jumping between Neville and Hermione and back to the bright red message sprawled on the wall.

"What is this message entailing?" Xavier asked, his voice distant and quiet. "And what's this about a voice, Harry?"

"I dunno…" Harry began before stopping. "How come you're here though, Xavier?"

Xavier made no response for a few seconds and gazed right into Harry's emerald-green eyes, causing the boy to feel discomfort and a sense of trepidation.

"I was bored," Xavier started, his eyes not blinking once. "I wanted to go to the feast, but I had lost track of time and decided to take a walk. I then heard voices that I can now establish to be belonging to the three of you and here we are."

The Golden Trio stared at Xavier, processing his explanation. Harry had the inkling to trust Xavier as they looked more suspicious than he did as of the current moment and that Xavier was their good friend, but something in the way Xavier seemed detached and mysterious gave Harry an unsettling feeling deep down.

"Why does Mrs. Norris look lifeless?" Xavier asked slowly, his eyes fixated on the cat's limp form. "Is she dead?"

Before the trio could sate Xavier's question, they heard a mass movement of footsteps heading their way and they froze.

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

The Great Hall – Saturday, October 31st, 1992 (6:00 p.m.)

The Great Hall glittered with handsome plates and the spacious room was illuminated by multiple floating candles. The walls were heavily decorated with gaudy Halloween colours and thick, immense carved pumpkins right from the patch of Hagrid's Garden were stationed at both ends of the professor's table.

The Hogwarts Orchestra, conducted by Filius Flitwick, were performing the Hag's Cauldron whilst a troupe of skeletons danced wildly to the tune, booked by the courtesy of Professor Dumbledore. The students chortled to themselves and observed with bright smiles, adding to the lively aura of the feast. The twins even whistled encouragingly.

Ron's lips formed an impressed smirk when one of the skeletons did a somersault in the air and nodded along to the awed compliments his friends gushed to themselves.

Taking his focus away, Ron scanned the Great Hall and noticed that the Golden Trio were missing but didn't give it much thought. Ginny was also missing, but Ron knew that she had come down with a nasty cold and Percy had pressured her into taking the Pepperup Potion from Madam Pomfrey and so she was most likely resting in her dorm. Ron glanced at the seat to his right and felt a pang of guilt when he realised that Xavier wasn't there to fill the vacant spot.

Ron's attention was brought back to the front of the room when the orchestra ended on a high crescendo and the skeletons' bones clattered, eliciting strong applause from the students and professors.

As the applause died down, the headmaster stood up and smiled merrily. Finally, I've been saving my stomach for this moment!

"May the Halloween Feast begin!" Professor Dumbledore declared and dishes appeared everywhere. The Great Hall was suddenly permeated with the ambrosial smell of delicacies and the students immediately dug in. Ron was no exception. He pulled five different plates closer to his own and began to pile on different slices of tarts, treats, savoury items and cakes. Merlin, this is what heaven is!

"Slow down there, Ron," Tracey chuckled, taking a slice of apple pie. "We have plenty of time to eat."

"He's a lost cause, Trace, I don't see why you even bother," Theo pointed out, ignoring Ron's scowl.

"Just shut up and eat, will you?" Ron growled, and everyone smirked at the red-haired boy's hungry demeanour.

"Now, now, no need to be so menacing, Ronald," Daphne tutted, and he shot her a filthy look, causing her to giggle.

"May I have some of your ice cream?" Blaise asked 'curiously', already reaching to dig his spoon into Ron's honey-flavoured ice cream, and Ron shielded his plate with his arms.

"Blaise, I will rip out your throat out if you even try!" Ron snarled, causing Blaise and Theo to cackle mischievously. Bloody gits! Let me eat in peace!

"You guys are so rude!" Pansy exclaimed though she was patently giggling. "But seriously, how does that custard tart taste, Ron? Let me try some-"

"I'M ONE MINUTE AWAY FROM BLOWING UP THIS ENTIRE PLACE SO I CAN EAT ALL THIS FOOD IN PEACE!" Ron bellowed genuinely, and his friends lapsed into uncontrolled laughter. Nearby students smirked at Ron and two of the professors swivelled their heads to see who was yelling so rambunctiously. Just let me devour this fucking amazing food in fucking peace!

"That was too easy, mate!" Theo guffawed; Ron's friends knew that at mealtimes and especially feasts, Ron was not to be disturbed for at least a good half an hour as he deeply valued the food that he could get his hands on.

"You lot are just bullies, you know that right?" Ron huffed indignantly, shooting each of his friends a furious scowl.

"Aww," Tracey, Daphne and Pansy cooed, feigning sympathy and Ron's face became flustered. Don't give them any satisfaction, Ron!

"Come on, mate, we would never bully you," Blaise reassured earnestly, patting Ron's back.

"Yeah, we would never go that far," Theo promised sincerely, wrapping his arm around Ron and he dug his silver spoon into Ron's chocolate cake and began to eat away.

"THEODORE BLOODY NOTT!"

The Halloween Feast had gone on with the continuous batter between the group and though Ron was heavily vexed and even fed up, he began to find it somewhat funny after Theo and Blaise would snicker perpetually at his expense. The girls had nearly passed out from mirth, and it had been a while since the group had shared a good laugh among themselves. Ron was introduced to different viands and thoroughly enjoyed taste-testing recommendations by his friends, specifically Blaise and Daphne.

Once an hour and a half had gone by, Professor Dumbledore had bid everyone a warm goodnight and a mass movement of full-to-bursting students waddled their way to their dormitories.

"Fuck me, I'm so full," Ron groaned, patting his bloated stomach.

"Impossible!" Theo exclaimed incredulously.

"Shut it, prick," Ron snapped, and everyone sniggered.

"I still think we should have brought a plate with some of the things we ate for Xavier to try," Pansy pointed out, and Daphne nodded vigorously.

"I agree, but the boys think otherwise," Daphne huffed exasperatedly, and the boys rolled their eyes.

"Xavier told us not to bring any food back to him," Ron reminded with an annoyed sigh. "He hates sweet stuff, remember?"

"Should we still pay him a visit though?" Millie asked as they trekked through the corridor.

"Yeah, why not-"

"What's going on over there?" Ron interjected, and everyone redirected their attention to the commotion occurring on the second floor.

"Let's check it out," Blaise suggested, and the clique added on to the other students who were intrigued by the tumult. Ron led his group through the crowd and had to strain his neck to get a better view of what was usually a deserted corridor. He could hear gasps and scared whispers from the front of the crowd.

"Any idea of what's happening over there?" came the curious voice of one of Ron's fellow Chess Club members, Royden Poke.

"No clue, mate," Ron responded, while his friends stood on their toes to get a better look.

"Suppose I'll have to push through," Royden Poke mumbled, and he disappeared.

Taking Royden's words as a source of advice, Ron manoeuvred smartly through the crowd, slipping past different students and his friends followed suit. When they reached the front, their eyes fell upon the wall.

THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE!

"By Salazar… is that blood?" Theo asked, his eyes wide. The girls had all gasped in pure shock, while Blaise's brow had furrowed deeply. Ron's mind had gone blank. What… does this mean? The Chamber of Secrets? What the hell?!

"Oh my…" Tracey whispered, and everyone followed her gaze. Mrs. Norris was hanging from a torch bracket, limp and lifeless.

"Merlin's beard…" Pansy had paled severely. "What… what are they doing there?"

Following Pansy's discombobulated question, it was only then that Ron had noticed that his three Gryffindor friends were standing a few feet away from the wall with the message. And a few feet from them was Xavier, his expression cold and reserved. Ron's stomach churned. What the hell was going on?! Harry's eyes were fixated on the crowd, while Neville and Hermione looked utterly horrified. Xavier stood separated from them, calm and collected, seeming solely out of place.

"Enemies of the heir, beware?! You'll be next, Mud-Bloods!" came Malfoy's arrogant voice and the platinum-haired boy grinned cruelly, causing many to sneer loathingly at him. This idiot…

"The heir?" Millie whispered in an alarmed tone, her eyes fixed on Xavier's figure.

"I have no idea, Mills," Ron returned, before looking at Blaise and Theo for answers. They were gazing at him with equally puzzled and spooked looks. They have no idea either! What the fuck is going on?! Why are Harry, Nev and Hermione just standing there? They were missing for the whole of the Halloween Feast… and Xavier… isn't he meant to be resting? Why are they all here?!

"What are you lot doing up here?" came Filch's grouchy voice and the caretaker pushed students out the way as he made his way to the front of the crowd. "Move along, there's nothing to see-"

The man's voice died as a look of utter horror and disbelief filled his colour-drained face.

"Mrs. Norris… Mrs. Norris!" Filch cried, his face twisting in pain as he shakily approached the unresponsive cat. "Who did this to my cat?!"

Filch then slowly turned to look at Harry. His face morphed into an enraged look and the man began to shake violently. "You… YOU KILLED MY CAT!"

"No, I didn't!" Harry denied loudly, taking a step back from Filch who looked like he was about to explode.

"I'll kill you… I'LL KILL YOU!" Filch bellowed, and students flinched at his tone. Ron felt Daphne reach for his hand, and she gripped it tightly.

"Argus!" came Albus Dumbledore's firm voice and the student body swiftly spun around and jumped out of the way when the headmaster and the professors made their way through. Ron wasn't the only one relieved to see Professor Dumbledore. Let's see what he makes of this…

Dumbledore took one glance at the message painted on the wall and detached Mrs. Norris from the torch bracket. "Come, Argus… you too Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom, Ms. Granger and Mr. Desmond. Follow me."

"My office is closest, headmaster. Feel free to use it," Lockhart suggested eagerly and when Dumbledore nodded tersely, he grinned like the Cheshire cat.

"Prefects, please lead your Housemates back to their dorms," Professor McGonagall ordered, and each prefect nodded firmly. "No one is to leave their common room, is that understood?"

Everyone nodded fervently and the professors departed to Lockhart's office, while the prefects began to assign their Housemates into lines. Ron locked eyes with Xavier and his best mate stared detachedly at him for a few seconds before shooting him a look that said, "I'll explain later."

Erik Burke and Selene Selwyn led the Slytherins to the Dungeons, and Ron had kept quiet throughout the walk back, his mind racing with thoughts. His friends were in the same boat as him and the second they set foot into the common room, the seven rushed to the Boys' Dorm to discuss the latest event.

"What the fuck?" Tracey cussed openly when Blaise shut the door behind them.

"That was all so much," Millie muttered as she plopped herself onto Ron's bed.

"Why was Xavier there?" Pansy asked with a disturbed visage. "Wasn't he mean to be resting?"

"Why was the Golden Trio there as well?" Blaise questioned, and everyone looked at Ron, expecting an answer.

"Search me," Ron put his hands up. "I'm just as clueless as you lot."

"I'm sorry, but what's this Chamber of Secrets?" Tracey inquired, sitting next to Theo on his bed. "Why do I feel like I've heard it before somewhere?"

"There's some myth that there is a secret chamber hidden in the school somewhere," Blaise answered intensely, and everyone listened avidly. "It was some silly story we heard as kids. That's as much as I know."

"And now this 'chamber' has been opened?" Ron asked, his heart thumping wildly.

"Apparently so…" Theo replied, and he stood up from his bed and began to pace in front of the bathroom door. "This is some seriously fucked up shit if it was intended as a prank. I'm not reaching when saying that the message was definitely written in blood. And there's Mrs. Norris as well. Someone clearly used her as a way of insinuating a message, which was the one on the wall."

"And what about the 'heir'?" Tracey queried, plain confusion on her face. "What's that all about?"

"Apparently there's an individual who is able to… control a monster hidden in the chamber," Daphne spoke up for the first time and her voice was shaky. "I thought it was some myth…"

"And it could still be," Blaise said firmly. "It could be someone's sick idea of a joke-"

"A joke?" Pansy interjected, her tone mirthless. "They killed Mrs. Norris… who could have done this?"

"It's hard to believe that the Golden Trio had any doing in this," Theo replied reluctantly. "Especially someone like Longbottom. But their uncanny appearance is something that should not be forgotten."

"And as for Xavier?" Millie asked, looking between her friends.

"Maybe he was tagging along with them," Tracey shrugged, goosebumps visible on her smooth skin.

"We'll have to wait for when he comes back," Ron stated, and he squeezed Daphne's hand. "Everything will be alright, Daph."

"Yeah… I know…" Daphne whispered, and Ron couldn't blame her for being out of it; everyone was shaken up by the day's revelation.

"Wait a minute!" Tracey suddenly exclaimed and everyone jumped. "Sorry! I just remembered something! Remember what you told us on the Hogwarts Express, Ron? About the house-elf?"

"Blimey, how could I forget?!" Ron exclaimed. "He warned Harry about something at the start of the year… could this be it?"

"It could be invalid," Theo sighed impatiently. "The crazed ramblings of some house-elf don't determine what or who is behind all of this mess…"

"Wait, didn't you lot hear Malfoy?" Millie brought up with a fuming look plastered on her face.

"Yeah, he's clearly the heir and if not, he's a certain advocate for whoever it is," Tracey added in, scowling to herself.

"Nah, Malfoy can't be the heir," Ron refuted; his vision wouldn't be possible if Malfoy was this so-called 'heir'. On top of that, Malfoy didn't seem to qualify as Ron didn't believe for one second that Malfoy had it in him.

"Let's just wait for Xavier so we can ask him for an explanation, and we'll go from there," Daphne advised quietly, and everyone tiredly agreed. Merlin, the world has gone mental… can't even go to this school without some lunatic ruining the experience!

Xavier Desmond's P.O.V:

Dungeons – Saturday, October 31st, 1992 (7:30 p.m.)

Xavier traversed through the dungeon staircase by himself, deeply lost in his thoughts. He knew that he would be bombarded with questions the minute he made his presence known in his dorm and he began to ponder over the beginning of it all.

Xavier had been lying in his bed at the infirmary, feeling extremely tedious and was replaying the last conversation he had with The Grim in his head when he heard it: a voice that seemed to be moving around Xavier and immediately, the boy had jumped into action. The voice had hissed spine-chilling words and Xavier was simply dumbfounded by it; why was he hearing another voice? Was this some effect of The Grim's power transferring to Xavier's soul? Why was it repeating words like 'kill' and 'blood'? Was he losing his mind? And why did that godforsaken voice sound so abnormally familiar? Where had he heard it before?

Xavier had to investigate where the voice was leading him and to his utter surprise, he had located his three Gryffindor friends standing in front of a wall splattered with a bloodied message. Mrs. Norris had been hung from the torch bracket and Xavier had frozen in his spot. What had he walked in on? It was a natural instinct to scrutinize his friends, but he decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, they all looked equally terrified and nonplussed at the dilemma.

Once Dumbledore had taken them to Lockhart's office, they were each questioned closely, while Filch had sobbed bleakly in the corner. Though Xavier had never thought much of Filch and Mrs. Norris, he could at least pity the man for losing what seemed to be the only being he truly cared for.

All was not lost however as Dumbledore had informed them all that Mrs. Norris was only petrified and not deceased. The four second-years were dismissed and Xavier was also discharged from the Hospital Wing.

"Supreme," Xavier muttered, and the doorway to the Slytherin Common Room permitted Xavier to enter. To his luck, it was mostly vacant, meaning that everyone was discussing Filch's cat and trying to decipher the fear-provoking message in their respective dorms. All right, here comes the interrogation…

Xavier knocked on his dorm door and it opened, revealing Theo and he gestured Xavier inside.

"Finally!" Tracey exclaimed as Theo shut the door behind Xavier. Xavier looked between each of his friends, and they all shared looks of curiosity, fear and keenness. Xavier cleared his throat and leaned against a wall. Everyone's eyes were on his figure.

"Well?" Theo asked zealously, breaking the silence. "Spill the tea."

"What do you want to know first?" Xavier asked quietly and winced when everyone began to demand answers concurrently. "One at a time, please. My head still hurts."

"Why were you there?" Blaise started, his eyes narrowing on Xavier.

"I was bored out of my mind and decided to go to the Great Hall to join you lot. On my way there, I heard some students' frantic voices and decided to follow them, which brought me to the second floor, and I found Harry, Neville and Hermione there, staring at the message on the wall," Xavier explained fluently, leaving out the mysterious voice he had heard. He missed Theo and Blaise glancing at one another.

"Did you confront them?" Pansy asked timidly.

"I was shocked at what I saw first. They explained that they were heading to the Great Hall when Harry… he started hearing this voice… it led him to the deserted corridor," Xavier provided, and everyone looked bewildered.

"Voice? What voice?" Millie followed up, cocking an eyebrow.

"I dunno… only he heard it and apparently, he said that it kept saying things like 'kill' and 'blood'. Harry thought that whatever it was, it was going to kill someone," Xavier supplied, and everyone looked panic-stricken. Would their reactions be harsher if I admitted that I heard the voice as well?

"Fuck me…" Ron muttered while the girls shuddered terribly at the thought of an unfathomable voice repeating those horrific words. "What happened when Dumbledore took you lot away?"

"He and the other professors interrogated us, and we gave our stories," Xavier divulged calmly. "Apparently Filch's cat wasn't dead, it was petrified."

"Oh, ok… that's good," Millie replied with a faint smile; she had developed a soft spot for the felines from a young age.

"I take it that you lot discussed the whole situation while I was being interrogated," Xavier presumed, and everyone nodded. "What do you think?"

"We have no idea of who this 'heir' could be, but some of us think that Dobby the house-elf's warning to Potter somehow ties into this," Tracey answered, and Xavier nodded.

"I was thinking along the same lines," Xavier admitted, before adorning an intrigued look. "Can someone tell me what the Chamber of Secrets is?"

"It's some secret chamber somewhere in the school," Ron replied; he looked exhausted. "According to Daphne, this 'heir' can control some sort of monster inside the chamber."

"And to do what exactly?" Xavier queried, his brow furrowing deeply. Could this 'monster'… could it be what I was hearing? And Harry, too? Why did we both hear this voice and no one else? Are we connected?

"No clue," Theo answered for Ron. "I'm going to ask my private investigator to send us a whole case on this. We need answers now."

"Good idea, Theo," Blaise said, his arms crossed over his chest. "She'll be able to provide us with good evidence and answers to our questions."

As everyone started making suggestions of what Theo should write to his private investigator, Xavier sauntered over to his bed and collapsed in it, feeling the cool sheets soothe his warm body.

Daphne turned to him and smiled sadly. "I can only imagine the fright you must have got when you walked in on your friends and those… words."

"It's alright, Daph," Xavier consoled quietly as they intertwined their fingers comfortingly. "How was the feast?"

"It was lovely," Daphne smiled more properly for the first time all night. "You should have been there with us."

"It's fine," Xavier dismissed with the wave of his free hand. "There's always next year."

"Yeah, there is always that," Daphne whispered, smiling at Xavier's optimistic outlook and she leaned her head tiredly on his shoulder. "I'm so tired."

"That makes the two of us," Xavier replied gently as their hands played with one another. "I reckon we need some good sleep."

"I think so… too…" Daphne yawned rather cutely.

"Guys, I think we all need to sleep," Xavier spoke up and everyone faced him. "We can discuss this endeavour tomorrow. Theo can owl his investigator first thing in the morning. Right now, we all need some good rest. Today's been one hell of a day."

"Hear, hear," Tracey agreed.

"Let's go to our dorm, girls," Pansy complied, and the girls began to leave, bidding the boys goodnight. Daphne looked over her shoulder and when Xavier shot her a reassuring smile, she sent him one back and left the room.

"Bloody hell… this school can't have one normal year, eh boys?" Ron spoke up.

"You're damn right it can't," Theo responded, and he yawned. "Goodnight, you lot."

"Yeah, goodnight, lads," Ron responded. Blaise and Xavier both nodded curtly, and the four boys crawled into their separate beds and drew the drapes for privacy. It acted as a bubble of confinement as each of them pondered to themselves whether the culprit would be caught soon and who it could possibly be.

It was minutes, maybe hours before Xavier felt the drowsy sensation of sleep knocking at his doorstep. As Xavier's eyes began to become heavy, his sight vanishing slowly, an idea came to his head. Perhaps it was a time to have a chat with the Sorting Hat.

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

Transfiguration Class – Monday, November 2nd, 1992 (10:30 a.m.)

"The softening charm allows for objects to become rubbery and bouncy…" Professor McGonagall drawled, and the class noted her words in their parchments. Ron released his quill and sighed as his mind began to drift away to his thoughts. Ever since the night of Halloween, the castle's aura had shifted from a warm and lively feeling to a now paranoid and fearful atmosphere. Perhaps Halloween is cursed… last year, we had the Troll incident and now this year… something new…

The trepidation was evident in the student-body as people travelled in small packs and avoided being secluded. The professors had taken Mrs. Norris' petrification and the message seriously, though they were patently trying to ensure that the castle was heavily secured and that the students had no reason to fear anything.

Suspicion inevitably arose in the student-body and the House of Slytherin was placed under scrutiny. Individuals like Harry and Malfoy were at the top of many people's suspect lists, due to Harry's uncanny appearance at the 'crime' scene and Malfoy's bigoted words, though he foolishly did nothing to discourage this belief. Ron also found himself earning a couple of weird stares, no doubt for being a 'prodigy' and the only Weasley to be ever sorted into Slytherin. Fortunately, his brothers were there to avert these thoughts from others. His sister was very disheartened by Mrs. Norris' death as she had always been fond of cats, much like Millie.

Individuals such as Xavier were also high up on the list, while even the three new American students were somewhat alleged. Students in Slytherin would constantly question one another if they were the 'heir' as those who knew a thing or two about the Chamber of Secrets believed that the heir belonged to Slytherin, further adding the suspicion to the Noble House of Serpents.

Filch hadn't been seen much around the castle, much to the students' and Peeves' delight. A cruel rumour had surfaced that the caretaker had offed himself, and though Ron had never liked Filch, he didn't find the ruthless jokes amusing at all. The only time Filch had been seen was when he was scrubbing the bloodied message on the wall, muttering madly to himself and on the verge of tears.

And then there was Lockhart, the idiotic fool with his heroic persona. The man constantly hung around the students during breaks, reassuring them that he was there to protect them with his life, along with throwing his special titles in their faces, and Ron dearly hoped that whoever this 'heir' was, they would at least knock some sense into this buffoon and humble him.

While Theo waited for his report back from his private investigator, he and Blaise had begun their inquiry of searching for their heir, which was encouraged by Ron and the girls immensely. They had deduced that since the writing on the wall was only a foot above the ground, it was likely that the heir was a person of short stature, although this was liable as the heir could have been simply kneeling. Many questions bloomed from the pursuit of figuring out who petrified Mrs. Norris and wrote that unsettling message on the wall.

Xavier had regressed to a reserved and quiet composure, sometimes being absent from the group, which put Ron and the others on edge. They knew certainly that Xavier had nothing to do with Mrs. Norris' petrification, but they were growing concerned for him as they won't sure how he felt currently. Perhaps he was still reeling from the seizure or maybe just wanted some space as he knew people were suspecting him. Every time Xavier was present, Ron's friends would question him repeatedly about Halloween night, even though knew the story through and through.

"Mr. Weasley, would you care to tell everyone about your current daydream?" Professor McGonagall's annoyed voice tore Ron back from his thoughts. Ron blinked; everyone was looking at him. "Well?"

"Er, no thanks, professor," Ron managed, shaking his head and some people sniggered at him. Professor McGonagall shot him a sharp look, knowing that he was thinking over the past two days' events, before continuing to walk through the classroom. She halted when she saw Hermione's hand raised.

"Yes, Ms. Granger?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Professor… I was hoping that you could maybe tell us… about the Chamber of Secrets," Hermione requested timidly, and everyone looked up. Neville nearly fell out of his chair. Everyone slowly turned their heads to the Transfiguration teacher, and she schooled her surprise. Hermione can be unpredictable sometimes…

"I assure you, Ms. Granger, the Chamber of Secrets is a mere myth, nothing more, nothing less-"

"Yes, but don't all myths have some sort of factual basis or some foundations in reality for such myth to even exist?" Hermione interjected, and everyone held their breath, waiting for Hermione to be scolded for interrupting. However, a thoughtful look spread across Professor McGonagall.

"I suppose… you are correct," Professor McGonagall said slowly, and even Theo and Blaise had an impressed look. Hermione's just brilliant!

McGonagall then looked between the students, noticing their intrigued and excited looks, and sighed to herself.

"The Chamber of Secrets is said to have been a secret chamber built by one of the very four founders of Hogwarts, Salazar Slytherin," Professor McGonagall started, and her voice filled the classroom. A pin drop could be heard whenever she paused to take a breath. "You see, Salazar Slytherin preferred that Hogwarts invited those with whom he believed had the innate magic running within them through generations."

"Purebloods and Half-bloods?" Hermione pointed out, and the old witch nodded in confirmation. Ron missed Malfoy jeering at Hermione with his cronies.

"Indeed, Ms. Granger. Salazar saw it fit that Muggle-Borns were not to be accepted and even discussed… eliminating them with the other three founders," Professor McGonagall informed, and everyone's eyes went wide. "Godric Gryffindor was heavily against the idea and a dispute broke out between the two founders. Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff joined Gryffindor's side, which resulted in Slytherin leaving the school."

"What's in the Chamber of Secrets, professor?" Dean Thomas questioned curiously.

"It is said that a monster thrives in this unknown, hidden chamber. Salazar Slytherin built this chamber and left behind a monster to rid all the Muggle-Borns from the school when he absconded. A rumour surfaced that there was an Heir of Slytherin who could control this monster and be the perpetrator in completing Salazar Slytherin's wish," Professor McGonagall. All the Gryffindors glanced at the Slytherins with looks of unease and mistrust. Don't look at us like that, you twats!

"Naturally, this heir and so-called monster, along with the chamber, were never located nor determined during several thorough searches and was remembered as nothing more than a legend to spook magical children," Professor McGonagall continued firmly.

"Maybe only the Heir of Slytherin can access the chamber," Seamus Finnegan proposed, and some of the Gryffindors concurred with his line of thinking.

"What if the Dark Arts were involved?" Lavender Brown gasped as if she had discovered a mind-shocking revelation. Some of the Slytherin snickered at the stupidity of the Gryffindors, earning some glares from the lions. Bloody Gryffindors…

"I assure you, Mr. Finnegan and Ms. Brown, there is no such 'heir' nor are the Dark Arts involved with this prospect," Professor McGonagall frowned. "The Chamber of Secrets is nothing more than a myth spread by those who like to inflict gossip and fear into others' hearts. I'll have it known that the Dark Arts aren't necessarily 'evil' and even I would utilise them if the situation was dear."

"You would never, professor!" Parvati Patil exclaimed, and Ron face-palmed his forehead. Theo and Blaise were sniggering to themselves, while the girls were rolling their eyes. Xavier merely cocked an eyebrow. I guess the tome was right… the Dark Arts aren't intrinsically malevolent as many suggest they do… even Professor McGonagall admitted to using them if she had to!

"We have digressed," Professor McGonagall said sternly. "Begin writing your notes on Vera Verto."

Once the bell rung, signalling the end of period two, everyone departed from the Transfiguration class to enjoy a small fifteen-minute break before period three began. Ron took this opportunity to catch up with his three Gryffindor friends.

"Guys, wait up!" Ron called out, and the Golden Trio looked back at him. They shot him a smile when he caught up with them. "That was bloody brilliant back there, Hermione!"

"Thanks," Hermione replied, blushing brightly. "I just wanted to learn more about this chamber, you know?"

"Yes, of course," Ron nodded. "So… how are you three?"

"We've been good, mate," Neville responded, and Ron adorned a serious look.

"What happened that night, guys?" Ron lowered his voice.

"We…" Hermione started, but she paused and shuddered terribly.

"I was repaying a favour to Headless Nick," Harry answered, looking up at Ron. "I attended his deathday party while the Halloween Feast was happening and these two accompanied me. We were bored out of our minds, and we left-"

"Which is when you heard some strange voice and followed it, leading you to where the message on the wall and Mrs. Norris was," Ron finished for Harry, eliciting shocked looks from the trio. "Xavier told me, obviously."

"Oh… right," Harry muttered distantly.

"This voice… what was it like?" Ron questioned curiously.

"I dunno… it just came out of nowhere… I felt like it was moving somewhere up, and I had to follow it," Harry replied, his tone suggesting that it was all inexplicable. Hearing voices… That can't be good at all…

"I see…" Ron trailed off awkwardly. "Well, I know that it wasn't you lot that did that to Mrs. Norris. Do you guys have any idea who it could be?"

"We've got no clue, Ron," Hermione sighed, biting her bottom lip. "Harry thinks it's Malfoy-"

"Nah, he is too much of a coward," Ron interjected, scowling at the thought of the platinum-haired twit. "I don't think he could commit such an act."

"That's what I thought as well," Hermione noted, nodding vigorously. "Everyone is scrutinizing the House of Slytherin due to the story of the Chamber of Secrets… all we need is proof."

Ron, Harry, and Neville noticed the thoughtful tone when Hermione spoke and glanced at one another.

"What do you propose, Hermione?" Ron asked with bated breath.

"I've been thinking lately…" Hermione whispered. "I might have a way… to break into Slytherin,"

"What?" Ron asked blankly, his eyes wide.

"Are you serious?" Neville questioned, his jaw slightly ajar.

"How would this work?" Harry queried, his brow furrowed.

"If Malfoy really is the Heir of Slytherin, we'll need to disguise ourselves as Slytherins and interrogate him subtly. If it's not him, we can try to gather information by asking for his opinion," Hermione explained in a hushed whisper, and the three boys gaped at her. "What?"

"You've lost your marbles," Harry muttered. 

"It will break about fifty school rules," Hermione continued, and Ron was certain she had revised them all. "And it will be highly risky… but we must try!"

"So, how do we do it?" Ron asked, and Hermione drew in a deep breath.

"I must concoct the Polyjuice Potion-"

"What's that?" Harry intervened, cocking an eyebrow.

"It's a potion that can transform one into someone else," Neville recited, to which Hermione nodded firmly.

"Of course…" Ron said quietly. "You're going to take the hairs of someone in Slytherin and transform into them."

"Yes," Hermione replied.

"I'm guessing that I won't be involved in this endeavour," Ron pointed out, and Hermione presented him with a sad smile. "It's no matter, I guess I'm just glad you divulged this to me. Who do you plan on disguising as?"

"Well, I figured that Harry and Neville could be Crabbe and Goyle," Hermione responded, causing Harry and Neville to grimace. "And maybe I could be an older Slytherin girl or something."

"I could deliver their hairs, if you'd like," Ron suggested, and Hermione beamed at him.

"If it won't be too much trouble," Hermione smile sheepishly, and Ron nodded.

"I'll try my best," Ron reassured. "So, does this mean you lot don't doubt me nor my friends?"

"I… don't know what to think, Ron," Hermione sighed, and Ron's face fell. "All of this… it's been two days, and everyone is looking at your House to be containing this Heir of Slytherin. Everyone is quite lost right now… everyone's just doubting one another…"

"Yeah… yeah, I know," Ron murmured, and Hermione offered him a comforting look.

"I don't believe it's you," Hermione promised, and Neville nodded firmly in agreement. "It's just no one can be sure, you know?"

"I… I understand," Ron cleared his throat. "Can I relay this plan to Xavier?"

"Of course," Hermione nodded, but Ron noted Harry's sudden guarded look. Woah, what's with that look?

"You alright, mate?" Ron asked, and Harry nodded. "You don't suspect Xavier, do you?"

"What? No, I don't," Harry assured dismissively, and Ron raised an eyebrow.

"I could be suspicious of you three as well, you know," Ron's expression hardened. "You lot just happened to be there when we all turned up to see what the commotion was. For all I know, you could be deceiving me."

"I know, I know," Harry snapped. What's crawled up your arse, mate?

"He didn't mean to say it in that tone, Ron," Neville quickly defended. "Harry's been constantly looked at because you know… people suspect him of being the heir… and this first-year keeps hounding him…" Ugh, of course, how could I forget? Poor Harry never gets to enjoy some peace and quiet… And that first-year with the camera… maybe I should ask Ginny to speak with him…

"I'm sorry to hear that, mate," Ron apologised in a more sincere tone, squeezing Harry's shoulder. A regretful look etched upon the bespectacled boy's face, no doubt sorry for snapping at his red-haired friend. "If anyone is giving you trouble, just tell me, alright? I don't think for a second that you're behind all this mess."

"Thank you, Ron," Harry replied, his tone appreciative. "And yes, please tell Xavier as well. I know that some people also suspect him."

"Sure thing, Harry," Ron responded, and his three Gryffindor friends smiled at him. "When will you initiate this plan of yours, Hermione?"

"Well, I'll need to gather all the ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion, and I'll need to locate a place in which we can concoct it without being caught…" Hermione trailed off, calculating things in her head. "I'll also take a month to make the potion-"

"A month?!" Harry exclaimed.

"Blimey, the Heir might have moved onto the Forbidden Forest by then!" Ron added in.

"Don't be so dramatic," Hermione huffed. "I'll need to find the recipe to make the potion and I know it's in a book named 'Moste Potente Potions'. It has recipes for all sorts of advanced potions, including slow-acting venoms, and will most probably be in the Restricted Section."

"Brilliant, you'll need permission from a professor as well," Ron pointed out frustratedly.

"How about we just use the cloak?" Harry suggested, and Ron snapped his fingers.

"That's an excellent idea!" Ron exclaimed while Neville nodded fervently in agreement.

"Madam Pince will notice that the book is missing, and we can't risk being caught stealing the book from the library!" Hermione opposed firmly, and the boys relented in changing her mind.

"What if you memorise the recipe?" Neville recommended. "You are very good at remembering things."

"That… could work," Hermione admitted, and Ron patted Neville on the back. "Alright, but I'll need the cloak to sneak into the Restricted Section or I might just ask Professor Binns for a note."

"That's up to you, Hermione," Ron said, and he stretched his arms. "I reckon History of Magic will begin soon. I say that we all should get going. Maybe you can hang back when period four ends and ask Professor Binns for a note."

History of Magic – Monday, November 2nd, 1992 (1:15 p.m.)

"Ron, are you going to come?" Tracey asked, and Ron looked back to his group.

"I'll join you lot in a minute, I need to ask Professor Binns something first," Ron lied.

"Suit yourself," Theo shrugged, and he turned on his heel. "Let's go you lot, Professor Binns' class today has made me exceptionally famished."

Ron watched as his friends left for the Great Hall and tapped his foot impatiently. Come on…

"Got it!" Hermione exclaimed as she exited classroom 4C.

"Brilliant!" Ron examined the note in Hermione's hand, and he looked at her. "How did you convince him?"

"I just stayed sincere and convinced him that I wanted to research the Goblin Rebellions," Hermione answered as she and Ron made their way to the Entrance Hall. "He was proud that I wanted to study ahead so ultimately, he gave me a permission slip."

"You'll have to read up on those Goblin Rebellions though," Ron pointed out with a smirk.

"No need, I already have," Hermione smirked back.

"Ah, I shouldn't be surprised," Ron shook his head, shooting Hermione an impressed glance. "Hey Hermione, how's Ginny?"

"What?" Hermione halted.

"Sorry, that was rather abrupt," Ron noted sheepishly.

"Ginny's fine, Ron," Hermione smiled, though Ron noticed the slight uncertainty in her smile. "She's-"

"What happened? Is something wrong?" Ron quickly inquired, his brow furrowing. Hermione's smile widened at Ron's protectiveness. Answer me, woman!

"Ginny's fine, Ron," Hermione started slowly. "It's just… please take no offence when I say this, but she's quite… odd."

"Odd?" Ron asked curiously. "In what aspect?"

"She… is she normally shy?" Hermione questioned, and Ron frowned.

"Not really, no," Ron answered. Ginny's shy? That is quite odd… though Percy did tell me that she was still adjusting to Hogwarts…

"Have my brothers noticed?" Ron asked, and Hermione shook her head.

"Percy has been too busy dealing with prefect business and his studies, while the twins have been pranking people perpetually!" Hermione exclaimed with a frown, and Ron rubbed his forehead. "They've turned Cormac McLaggen's hair purple, placed tickling charms on the couches so that anyone who sits in them will suffer deathly tickles and even made one of the third-year boy's trousers fall down in front of the whole common room!"

"Bloody twins," Ron scowled deeply. "Everything's just a joke to them."

"Ginny also becomes quite distant, especially when I try to speak with her," Hermione continued. "Lately, it's been hard for me to find her and the only time I get the opportunity to converse with her is when she asks Harry for the broom."

"I see…" Ron muttered, and he noticed Hermione's disapproving look. "What?"

"In what mind were you thinking to give your sister a broom?" Hermione queried incredulously, smacking Ron's shoulder. "She's just a first-year!"

"I just wanted to give her something to do in her spare time at Hogwarts," Ron quickly defended himself. "Believe me, she has the innate talent for it, just like my older brothers, save for Percy of course."

"Well, anyhow, you should have at least waited for a few years to gift her one," Hermione huffed haughtily, and Ron found it rather cute.

"We're digressing," Ron pointed out and Hermione sighed. "I think I'll need to chat with Ginny. I feel like she's been avoiding me lately and I need to figure out why."

"Maybe she'll be in the Great Hall," Hermione suggested as the two continued making their way down the staircase to the Entrance Hall. "If you need any help finding her, just ask."

"No, it's alright, Hermione. Besides, you have your own little mission to complete," Ron reminded as they edged nearer to the lively Great Hall. "And thanks, by the way. You kept your word on keeping an eye on Ginny. You don't know I much I appreciate it."

"It's no problem, Ron," Hermione replied, her cheeks bright red as a smile formed across her face.

The two entered the Great Hall and Hermione parted ways with Ron to her table, while Ron stood still and searched for a girl with a head of flaming red hair. Where is she?

"Ron?" came a familiar voice, and Ron whipped around. Luna was looking up at him with her usually aloof smile, though her blue eyes were filled with a dull tint.

"Hey, Luna," Ron smiled widely. "Is something the matter?"

"Can we talk outside?" Luna requested, and Ron nodded firmly. He missed his friends' stares. Ron guided Luna out from the Great Hall and the two sat on a windowsill that looked out to one of the many courtyards of Hogwarts.

"I've missed you," Ron admitted, wrapping his arms around Luna and hugging her warmly.

"I've missed your hugs too," Luna returned, and Ron chuckled. He then took a good look at her and his smile slowly disappeared when a sad look adorned upon Luna's bright face.

"Luna… what's wrong? Why do you look so sad?" Ron lowered his voice, and an irate look spread across his face. "Is anyone bullying you?" I swear to Merlin if someone is bullying her…

"No, not really," Luna replied, a smile reappearing at Ron's attentiveness. "Some people call me 'Loony Lovegood', but I think it's a funny nickname."

"What?!" Ron growled furiously. "Loony Lovegood?!" Who the fuck is calling my sister 'Loony'?

"Just a silly nickname from the older students, that's all," Luna responded nonchalantly. "Don't worry, Ron. Padma is such a great friend to me, and she always invites me to sit with her and her friends."

"Right," Ron muttered; Luna was way too observant. I'll have to thank Padma personally. "So, what's wrong, then?"

"Something's wrong with Ginny," Luna spoke quietly, and Ron stilled. "She's not been her usual self lately." What the heck? Luna too? She's saying the same things that Hermione told me…

"What do you mean, Luna? Please explain," Ron urged; he had to get to the bottom of this!

"She's become distant with me… I don't see her hanging out with anyone from her own House…" Luna answered softly, and Ron had the urge to smack his forehead. How could I have missed this?!

"You've been busy, Ron, don't blame yourself," Luna assured, reading her red-head brother's visage. "I tried to talk to her a few times, but all her replies were brief and sometimes… she even outright ignored me."

"What's going on?" Ron murmured, shaking his head. "How have I missed this? Why is Ginny doing this?" Should I owl mum and dad?

"Ron… I think Ginny doesn't want to be my friend anymore," Luna sniffled, and Ron felt his heart break at the sight of Luna's downtrodden countenance. "I think she hates me… What did I do wrong?"

"You've done nothing wrong, Luna," Ron reassured, and he pulled Luna into his chest. "You know that Ginny would never hate you… she loves you dearly."

"I don't… I don't think so, Ron," Luna trailed off as she began to sob on Ron's shoulder. Ron could feel her tears slide down his neck and he squeezed her consolingly. It was seldom to see Luna cry, but it always ruined Ron's day when she did. Luna was the last person to have her heart broken.

"Shh, Luna… It's ok, I'm here for you," Ron whispered soothingly as he drew circles around Luna's back, and she continued to weep. "I'm here for you…"

Xavier Desmond's P.O.V:

Boy's Dorm - Monday, November 2nd, 1992 (5:20 p.m.)

Xavier narrowed his eyes on the music sheet in front of him and his fingers played accordingly. He came to the end of the piece and bounced his pinkie finger and thumb on a low D octave, ignoring the impressed looks that his friends shot him.

Tracey was listening to Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You' on her Walkman, nodding her head enthusiastically to the rhythm. Daphne and Pansy were completing their Herbology homework, Millie was patting her purring cat, and Theo and Blaise were discussing Ron's whereabouts.

Their red-haired friend hadn't shown up to the entirety of lunch and only made an appearance at the last two periods of the day, Herbology, before vanishing once more.

"He looked quite stressed about something," Millie added in, joining Theo and Blaise's conversation.

"The guy just showed up at the Great Hall and then left with Luna Lovegood," Theo noted. "I didn't get a chance to speak with him in Herbology."

"He was partnered up with Xavier," Pansy pointed, and Xavier could feel their eyes penetrating through his skull.

"Do you speak with him, mate?" Blaise questioned aloofly.

"No," Xavier replied distantly. "We were too busy focused on the Mandrakes."

"He also lied to us," Daphne pointed out with a huff. "He wasn't waiting to ask something from Professor Binns, he was waiting for Granger. They both showed up together at lunch."

"Ugh, Merlin knows what those two are up to," Tracey drawled, removing the earphones from her ears. "He has been missing for a while now, though."

As the clique continued to canvass Ron's peculiar behaviour, Xavier felt the need to isolate himself. This time he didn't try to fight the urge. He had a lot on his mind and perhaps wandering around or taking a visit to the kitchens was just what he needed.

Xavier got up from the piano stool and brandished his wand. "Mutatio Formare." The piano reformed back into a black suitcase and Xavier placed it next to his trunk.

"Where are you going?" Daphne asked, placing the attention on Xavier.

"Out," Xavier replied curtly, and he exited his dorm before his friends could intervene. He shoved his hands into his pockets and trotted along to the exit, ignoring the conspicuous stares from his Housemates.

Once Xavier set foot on the cold, stone floors of the Dungeons, he exhaled a deep sigh of… relief? The impulse to be secluded from everyone increased substantially by the day and it had only been three days since his seizure.

Xavier couldn't blame those who suspected him to have had a part in the petrification of Mrs. Norris. After all, he was present at the scene with a calm composure that could alarm anybody, and he was dubbed a prodigy from the day he began his journey at Hogwarts. Yet, he only felt plain annoyance whenever wary whispers erupted around him and being alone was the one true way to eradicate this factor.

Xavier had begun to spend more time playing the piano or staying solitary in the duelling room, practising his skills, albeit he stayed off from traversing around the castle as he was a prime suspect and being in the wrong place at the wrong time would be detrimental to his reputation.

Xavier had skipped dinner a few times and even rejected the offer to study with Valerie as he usually did. All he could think about was the latest events. Mainly, the voice. Its' eerie familiarity was consuming him slowly and he knew it was only a matter of time before he would figure out where he had heard something like it before.

Xavier reached out to tickle the pear on the portrait of fruits and it gained him access to the kitchens. A delectable smell filled his nostrils and Xavier nodded tersely at the house-elves who were preparing dinner. He utilised the secret way to the duelling room and once he was all alone, he seated himself on the couch and emitted a sigh. The silence was soothing. But alas, Xavier knew he had to utilise this opportunity to catch up with someone.

"Sorting Hat, I need you," Xavier called out. After a couple of seconds, a shape appeared in front of him, and it revealed itself to be none other than the Sorting Hat.

"I've been wondering when our next chat would be, Xavier Desmond," the Sorting Hat spoke. "It has been quite some time."

"I apologise for not making any contact with you, Sorting Hat," Xavier replied calmly. "Ever since the Pettigrew scandal, life has only escalated, and I've busied myself with numerous affairs."

"I can only imagine, dear boy," the Sorting Hat responded knowingly. "Place me on your head." Xavier obliged and did what he was told. There was no reply from the Sorting Hat for a few seconds.

"Sorting Hat?" Xavier called out.

"Your mind… it feels very bizarre… and different from the last time I was placed on top of your head," the hat mumbled in an intrigued tone. "It feels like it is reconstructing or reshaping itself. How very odd…" It's the effects… it has to be…

"Hmm, yes… you've been through quite the events, my boy," the Sorting Hat hummed, and it suddenly gasped. "By Rowena's soul… that's really him… He tried to possess you… bastard!"

"Ah, yes," Xavier nodded rather awkwardly.

"I'd heard some things about the night where you and your friends tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone, but I never interrogated Albus on it," the Sorting Hat admitted, his tone seething. "That old fool! I warned him against securing that stone in the castle! And now you had to pay for his foolish mistakes. I'm truly and terribly sorry, my boy. You experienced a life-threatening moment due to being caught in the crossfire of Albus' selfish actions."

"It is what it is," Xavier shrugged. "I see no point in blaming the headmaster. My actions determine my consequences. Now, I've summoned you because I wanted to ask you about something."

"Do continue," the hat consented.

"It's about the Chamber of Secrets," Xavier started. "It has been opened again and-"

"By Morgana…" the hat interjected. "Salazar, what have you done?" I shouldn't be surprised. The Sorting Hat was directly created by the Four Founders. Surely, the hat should know something else that we don't…

"Can you tell me anything more than I already know?" Xavier inquired, and the Sorting Hat went silent for a few seconds, processing and reviewing Xavier's memories. "If it's been opened again, then it has been before."

"You are indeed correct," the Sorting Hat replied after a moment. "From what I recall, this Chamber of Secrets was opened around fifty years ago. Several students were petrified, and the school was on the verge of closing. The decision was finalised when a young girl was murdered in a bathroom."

"Murder became involved?" Xavier asked, listening to every word the hat spoke. "Whoever or whatever is behind this can also murder?"

"Yes. These attacks stopped when a student named Tom Riddle confronted the 'heir' and revealed its' identity to Armando Dippet, the headmaster at the time," the Sorting Hat divulged, his tone laced with venom for some strange reason. "Tom Riddle received an award for special services to the school and the perpetrator of these attacks was expelled."

"Who was it, Sorting Hat?" Xavier queried firmly. "Who did Tom Riddle find to be the Heir to Slytherin?"

"Rubeus Hagrid," the Sorting Hat answered gravely, and Xavier's mind went blank. Hagrid? No, impossible…

"It can't be… I refuse to believe it," Xavier managed, his heart thumping wildly. "Hagrid wouldn't even hurt a fly… He detests the idea of Blood-Purity and wasn't even in the House of Slytherin, to begin with… Sorting Hat, are you certain of what you're saying?"

"Xavier, there's something you must know," the Sorting Hat began slowly. "Hagrid… he was framed. Why else do you think Albus kept him as the Groundskeeper at Hogwarts? Albus didn't believe for a second that Hagrid was behind the attacks. Years later, he and I concluded who was behind it. Tom Riddle."

"I don't understand, hat… Tom Riddle?" Xavier asked weakly.

"Tom Riddle… is the Dark Lord," the Sorting Hat whispered. Xavier's eyes widened at the revelation and the hat's words seemed to reverberate in his ears distantly. The Dark Lord… he was behind the attacks fifty years ago?

"This is… what the fuck?" Xavier muttered, drawing in a calming breath. "You must be right. The Dark Lord must have manipulated the situation to point the spotlight at Hagrid for Merlin knows what and thus, he got away with petrifying students and killing that girl. So then, who's doing it now? The Dark Lord surely has no offspring roaming around in this school, right?"

"That is the question that stumps us all," the Sorting Hat sighed deeply. "My boy, you must stay safe during these times. I see that people already suspect you due to… wait, have you been hearing voices?"

"I heard it in the infirmary," Xavier admitted. "I followed it and it led me to… well, you already know."

"This is quite peculiar, my boy. You and Harry Potter both only heard this voice… unless…" the Sorting Hat suddenly gasped in realisation.

"What? What is it?" Xavier inquired, his brow furrowing.

"I'm afraid I cannot impart this, my dear boy," the Sorting Hat replied in a restrained voice. "As I've told you once before, I cannot reveal secrets that may hurt or damage others' identities. It was a right sewn into me from the moment I was created."

"Damn…" Xavier muttered. What was it that startled the Sorting Hat? Did it have something to do with Xavier and someone else? Maybe Harry?

"My dear boy, what are you and Ronald Weasley up to?" the Sorting Hat questioned suddenly, its tone turning steely. "Why are you two messing about with a tome?"

"Oh… we were just researching-"

"Abandon this path immediately, my dear boy!" the Sorting Hat exclaimed firmly. "These Dark Arts… they can corrupt even the brightest and most gentle of souls… They are an opiate for those who seek poisons such as revenge, spite and violent behaviours. Do not travel any further down this road. That's all I say on that matter." Xavier nodded slowly, not sure how to respond to the hat's advice.

"I'll have to figure out who this heir is," Xavier said, sighing tiredly. "Maybe I should speak with Hagrid… no, that would evoke suspicion… or perhaps not…"

"I say you wait for your friend's report to be delivered and work from there. If your friends obtain a better understanding of it all, you can all work cooperatively in discovering who the Heir of Slytherin is," the Sorting Hat suggested, and Xavier found himself agreeing.

"Good idea, Sorting Hat," Xavier responded. "Perhaps I can tell them what you told me as well."

"Do what you feel is best, dear boy," the Sorting Hat. "Please take care of yourself and keep your head up during these times. Soon enough, the true culprit shall be revealed, and everything will resume as normal."

"I hope so, Sorting Hat," Xavier murmured. "Goodbye, and thank you."

"It's my pleasure, Xavier Desmond," the Sorting Hat returned, and Xavier felt its weight vanish from his head. Silence engulfed Xavier once more and he welcomed it like an old friend. Tom Riddle… Hagrid… fifty years ago… he had to have framed Hagrid… fucking cunt… even half a century ago you were ruining lives, weren't you? If he was the Heir of Slytherin, then who could it be now? I'll have to wait on Theo to receive his report from his private investigator… Until then, I'll keep all this knowledge to myself.

Xavier then turned to his left and found the tome of dark curses awaiting to be opened. He knew where the Sorting Hat was coming from, but the exhilaration he felt when he performed darker spells overpowered any thoughts of restricting the use of the tome… It wasn't for him to go rogue… no, it was all for the greater good.

Xavier reached out his hand and successfully retrieved the tome wandlessly. A small smirk graced his lips. Wandless magic was lengthy and delicate work and patience was key to yielding success and results. It's time to learn a new dark charm…

Xavier flipped past several pages before his eyes landed on one dark charm in particular that piqued his interest. Inpulsa Fluctus… the shockwave charm…

"Impulsa Fluctus is a wandless dark charm that results in a shockwave, severely hindering adversaries or completely knocking them out unconscious. It involves pummelling your first into the ground as you chant the spell and solely focusing on directing energy into the ground. Modifiers such as duo and tria can amplify this spell's power," Xavier read aloud, and he couldn't help but feel awed. I must try this out.

Xavier got up from the couch and began to chant the spell repeatedly, making sure to pronounce it clearly and correctly. Xavier then took a stance and as he chanted 'Inpulsa Fluctus', he struck the ground with his fist and pain erupted within his fist.

"Fuck!" Xavier cussed, shaking his fist in hopes to get rid of the stinging pain. I shouldn't have tried it on my first try… I guess I should get to the infirmary to get this checked out.

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

Hogwarts Castle – Monday, November 2nd, 1992 (5:55 p.m.)

Ginny was nowhere to be found. Ron was starting to digress into a state of panic and frustration. Where the fuck is she?! It's nearly dinner time!

Ron had searched the Great Hall, library, infirmary, Trophy Room, and countless other areas of the castle to no success. When and if he did find her, he was going to demand an explanation from her. Merlin, help me!

"Ron?" came Xavier's monotone voice and Ron whipped around. "Where have you been?"

"It's Ginny, mate," Ron replied frantically. "I've been searching for hours on end, and I can't locate her!"

"Perhaps she's in her common room," Xavier pointed out, and Ron shook his head.

"No, Hermione told me that she wasn't there," Ron responded, pacing up and down relentlessly. "What are you doing here?"

"I was going to the Hospital Wing," Xavier answered, and he showed off his pulsing fist. "I did a stupid thing, and I must get it checked out. I think I'll help you find her first, however."

"Alright, come with me," Ron said, and the two boys took off for the Entrance Hall. "I've checked most areas except for some of the upper floors. She might arrive for dinner, so-"

Ron's sentence never finished as he froze abruptly, causing Xavier to do the same. What the fuck? There Ginny was, wandering up the marble staircase, covered in dirt and soil with a detached look plastered on her pale face. Her clothes were sullied with brown stains and an ominous aura hung around her.

"Ginny!" Ron snapped, causing his little sister to look up. "Where in Merlin's fucking spine have you been?!"

Ginny elicited no response and continued walking. Even Xavier was surprised at her unusual behaviour. Why is she ignoring me?!

"Ginny!" Ron exclaimed angrily and he missed students surrounding the area as they had been on their way to eat dinner. "Don't ignore me!"

"What do you want?" Ginny asked harshly, her voice low and annoyed. Excuse me?!

"What do I want?!" Ron chuckled mirthlessly. More and more students began to watch the scene with avid attention. "I want a bloody explanation, that's what! Why have you been ignoring Luna?! Where were you all day?!"

"Ron, what's going on?" came Percy's firm voice, and Ron glanced back to see his three older brothers and the Golden Trio descending the marble staircase hastily.

"Ask her that!" Ron pointed at Ginny's hunched figure. "Look at her!"

"Ginny?" Percy asked softly. "What's wrong? Why are your clothes so dirty?"

"Leave me alone," Ginny mumbled, though everyone heard her. I beg your pardon?!

"No, answer my question first!" Ron scowled, his temper rising exponentially by the second. "Where have you been?!"

"I said leave me alone!" Ginny shrieked, catching everyone off guard and Ron's blood began to boil heatedly.

"Leave it, Ron," George advised resolutely, but Ron didn't oblige.

"You listen here, Ginerva," Ron growled, placing his hands on either side of Ginny's small shoulders and he gripped them tightly. "You tell me where the fuck you've been right this instant or I'll owl mum and dad tonight!"

"Ron, what are you doing?" Fred inquired with a furrowed brow.

"Let go of her, Ron," Hermione instructed, an anxious look planted on her face. Whispers emanated throughout the castle and people glued their eyes onto the Weasleys.

"What the fuck is he doing?"

"Why is his sister covered in filth?"

"Damn Weasleys, always so temperamental!"

"Where the fuck have you been, eh?!" Ron bellowed, his irritation accumulating. Ginny hung her head low, which further irked Ron. Ron then began to shake Ginny, and people gasped in shock.

"Someone stop him!"

"Ron, stop shaking her!" Percy boomed in a perplexed voice.

"Answer me, Ginny!" Ron pleaded, and he saw tears well up in Ginny's brown eyes.

"Leave me alone," Ginny sniffled, letting her tears plummet to the floor. "I don't need your fake concerns." I don't understand…

"Ginny," Ron started, but he was interrupted when Xavier tapped him on the shoulder. Ron followed Xavier's cold gaze and found Professor McGonagall, Snape and Lockhart rushing toward him. Ron also caught a glimpse of his friends watching with shell-shocked countenances.

"Mr. Weasley, release your sister this very second," Snape commanded darkly, and Ron reluctantly obliged.

"Tsk, tsk, one should never give in to anger, my young prodigy," Lockhart preached with his charming smile, and Ron nearly lost his temper again. Fuck off, tosspot!

"Gilderoy, guide the students to the Great Hall now," McGonagall instructed, her nostrils flaring dangerously at the man.

"Most certainly, professor!" Lockhart responded steadily and he turned back to the bystanders.

"Mr. Weasley, follow me now," Snape ordered, and he billowed off to the Dungeons.

Ron stood there for a moment as his heart thumped robustly and he sighed deeply before following suit. He glanced back to see Professor McGonagall consoling Ginny, while his brothers and the Golden Trio watched him with incredulous looks. Xavier had disappeared.

Ignoring the hushed whispers and disappointed glares, Ron continued down the Dungeon staircase and followed Snape to his office and sat down in a chair in front of Snape's desk with an exhausted visage.

"Care to explain to me why you simply can't hold off your temper for one second?" Snape's emotionless tone filled the damp room.

"I… I was fed up-"

"And so, you took your anger out on your sister all the while a crowd watched?" Snape's voice prompted to paint Ron as a fool. "Do you have any idea of what your little debacle has done to yourself?"

Ron didn't bother answering. He was simply too tired and even fatigued at this point. He didn't care what anyone else thought. All Ron wanted to do was creep underneath the warm sheets of his four-poster bed and drift into a sempiternal sleep.

"Answer me, boy!" Snape snapped in a seething tone, causing Ron to flinch.

"She was missing all day…" Ron muttered, staring at his hands. "And when she turns up, she just goes on without another thought in her head… it's like Hogwarts has changed her into someone I've never known…"

"No matter the case, I'll have to restrict you from advancing on your sister like that," Snape declared, and Ron's ears perked up.

"What?!" Ron exclaimed. "She's my bloody kin! I'm not going to maim her-"

"Silence!" Snape ordered, and Ron snapped his mouth shut. "Do not raise your voice in front of me. You will go have dinner and return to your dormitory afterwards, is that understood?" Ron nodded with a clenched jaw; he was going to skip dinner.

"Thirty points from Slytherin for your injudicious actions," Snape's eyes bored into Ron's figure. "Get out of my sight."

Ron left the Potion Master's office hastily and made his way towards the common room. He had the urge to scream and thrash everything in sight, but instead, he rushed to his dorm and slammed the door behind him. Fucking fuck!

"What was that back there, eh?" Xavier appeared from the bathrooms with a bored look. "You've just singlehandedly made yourself more of a suspect than ever."

"What the fuck was I meant to do, eh?" Ron snapped, collapsing onto his bed. "My little sister, who's been avoiding me for the past few weeks, has been distant with everyone, including Luna. Then, all of a sudden, she turns up from Merlin knows where covered in fucking shite for all I know and screams in my face when I ask for a simple explanation!"

Ron's body heaved uncontrollably, and he felt nausea circulate in his stomach.

"I think we should discuss this later," Xavier spoke up after a moment. "You clearly need rest."

"I think so too," Ron mumbled, swinging his legs onto his bed. "Xavier?"

His dark-skinned mate looked back at him. "What is it?"

"Hermione, Harry, and Nev…" Ron started. "They plan on concocting the Polyjuice Potion by transforming Harry and Neville into Crabbe and Goyle in order to seek answers from Malfoy, whom they suspect as the Heir of Slytherin. I just thought you ought to know."

Xavier stared at him unresponsively. "Anything else?"

"Please inform the others about why I did what I did and ask them to restrain from demanding any answers. I've had enough headaches for one bloody day," Ron requested, and Xavier nodded curtly before departing the dorm.

Ron rolled onto his side and began to drift away to sleep, pondering over why Ginny had changed and he felt a pang of guilt when the image of Ginny's teary face came to his mind. Why, Gin… I don't understand anymore…

Xavier Desmond's P.O.V:

The Great Hall - Monday, November 2nd, 1992 (6:25 p.m.)

Xavier walked into the Great Hall, and he could patently hear the conversations between students on the latest fiasco. Damn vultures.

Xavier's eyes landed on his friends, and he approached them, taking a seat next to Blaise. He ignored the numerous pairs of eyes on his figure.

"Ah, Xavier. What a pleasant surprise," Theo greeted, expertly cutting his steak.

"How's Ron?" Pansy inquired, her face marred with concern. "How did this all happen, Xavier?"

"Ron had been missing because he was searching for his sister," Xavier provided, and everyone leaned in to listen. "When I found him, he was in a state of perturbation and that's why when you lot saw him shaking her wildly. His temper had certainly sky-rocketed, especially when Ginny screamed in his face to leave her alone."

"For Merlin's sakes," Tracey sighed, shaking her head. "I still haven't even met Ron's sisters. Guess I won't be meeting one of them."

"Why was she covered in dirt?" Millie questioned curiously.

"She was most likely outside," Blaise replied, laying down his utensils. "Perhaps even the Forbidden Forest by the looks of it."

"Trust me when I say this is extremely abnormal behaviour by Ginny," Xavier said, his mind wandering. "She's just like her brothers. But who I saw today didn't resemble the girl I've known since last year."

"Maybe she hasn't adjusted to Hogwarts properly," Pansy theorised.

"Maybe she's feeling lonely and hasn't made any friends as of yet," Millie added in, her eyes flickering over to the Gryffindor table.

"Or maybe… she's on her period-"

"Shut up, Theo," Daphne huffed indignantly, slapping Theo's shoulder and the weedy boy snickered to himself. "Poor Ginerva. I would be frightened if my own brother was shaking me like that."

"That was an idiotic act on Ron's part," Blaise noted darkly. "Now there are people who believe he might be the Heir of Slytherin. People will jump to conclusions immediately when a predicament such as this occurs."

"Why did you leave us?" Tracey asked, directing the attention towards Xavier. "I mean, we saw you with Ron-"

"I went to go find him, of course," Xavier answered aloofly. Everyone exchanged looks.

"You should have called us to come with you," Daphne pointed out, and Xavier shrugged nonchalantly.

"I didn't want to bother you lot," Xavier stared down the table and his eyes fell on the three American students conversing with serious expressions. Wonder how they're processing all of this. Maybe I should meet up with them?

"So, where is Ron right now?" Pansy asked, tearing Xavier out of his thoughts.

"He's asleep," Xavier responded truthfully. "He wanted me to answer your questions as he knew you lot would bombard him with an interrogation and lectures."

"How thoughtful of him," Theo commented sarcastically. "We're still going to lecture him."

"Do whatever you please," Xavier replied, and he stood up to leave. This place… fuck, I need to leave now… I'm getting another blasted headache…

"Are you leaving?" Tracey quickly asked, her brow furrowing.

"No, I'm going to fly," Xavier rolled his eyes.

"You haven't even eaten," Daphne mentioned, a nonplussed look spreading across her face.

"Not hungry," Xavier responded tersely, and he swiftly departed from the group, ignoring their calls and everyone else's stares. I need to sleep…

Boy's Dorm - Tuesday, November 3rd, 1992 (4:30 a.m.)

Slash. Scream. Slash. Scream. Slash. Scream. Rinse and repeat. It was all he heard and saw. Vague imagery that warped eerily. The imagery of people… daggers perforating them… blood splattering all over the place… their screams so high that their voices became hoarse before their vocal cords were sliced…

Xavier sat up, panting heavily. His breathing was erratic and there was cold sweat peppered all over his brow. These dreams… they're getting worse…

Xavier reached for his wand and whispered, "Tempus."

Lines were conjured in front of him, forming to display the current time '4:30 a.m.'. Xavier could hear Ron's heavy snoring interlaced with Theo's less noticeable snoring. Xavier slowly got out of bed and left the dorm, wandering into the main area of the common room. He could hear two people by the fireplace and quickly placed a Disillusionment charm on himself.

"What was that?" a girl whispered sharply as Xavier crept past them.

"Nothing, babe, come back here," a boy replied huskily, and the girl giggled before the two indulged in some aggressive snogging. Get a room…

Xavier exited the Slytherin Common Room and traversed the Dungeons, his mind still fixated on the dreams. They were occurring every night. Why? Xavier had no clue. All he knew was that once he was awoken, he couldn't return to sleep.

Xavier continued making his way through the Dungeons, avoiding the direction of Snape's quarters and instead took a different route, one which he had never explored before. Wonder where this leads me…

"Hungry… so hungry…"

Xavier froze in his spot. There it was again. The bizarre voice. This time, it was fainter and more distant than the last time Xavier heard it. Could this mean… is someone petrified?

Though his instincts were urging him to leave back to the common room, Xavier guardedly followed the wisps of cold words that the voice left behind, grateful for ever knowing the Disillusionment charm to conceal himself. Where is it going?

Xavier followed down the unexplored route and found himself at a dead end. A portrait occupied the wall that was causing Xavier to not be able to go any further and upon closer inspection, Xavier recognised the inhabitant of the portrait to be none other than the founder of his House.

Unlike other portraits, Salazar Slytherin didn't converse nor make any acknowledgements but seemingly stood up straight, looking off into the distance. Bastard…

Xavier stood in front of the portrait for a few seconds and mused why he had been led here by the voice. Was it intentional? Had this voice already left long ago, while Xavier was stopped by an obstacle. Xavier had a strong hunch that there was a secret room behind the portrait. Perhaps… I should try speaking some Parseltongue to Salazar's portrait… maybe that might elicit a reaction from him…

Xavier concentrated and hissed, "Reveal the truth."

To Xavier's utter shock, Salazar gazed in his direction, cocking an eyebrow and his portrait swung open, revealing a door to what seemed an antechamber. I was correct!

Xavier opened the door and stepped inside, taking in his surroundings. The antechamber was a large room, filled with a king-sized bed, a cosy fireplace that was oddly working, and shelves stacked with thick books. Another secret room?!

Xavier closed the door behind him and began to look around with awe. In front of a desk was a wide, horizontal window that gave a view into what seemed like an area within the Great Lake. Xavier could see fish swimming about and he smirked to himself. This is… brilliant! I might start just staying here from now on…

An immense metal emblem of two snakes looking in opposite directions was built into one of the walls and was illuminated by candles. Xavier got the hint that the dark, gloomy room was personally designed by Salazar himself.

Xavier closed the doors to a wardrobe filled with robes and sat on the edge of the fancy bed. I wonder if this room comes up in the Marauder's Map-

Xavier's eyes widened as a realisation hit him and he fought the urge to slap himself silly. The Marauder's Map, of course! How could I forget about it?! I can use it to catch anyone acting suspicious or being out of place. This can help me narrow down the suspect list… The only thing is I must utilise it constantly and check it every spare minute I get.

Xavier stood up and walked over to the desk. Sitting down on a cushioned chair, his eyes flickered over to an old scroll on the top right corner of the wooden desk and then at the fish in the lake. Xavier was determined to capture the Heir of Slytherin and put an end to whatever they had planned next.