Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 2.8: Seeking Answers

Lyanna's thoughts often drifted back to the first attack, when Mrs. Norris the cat was petrified on Halloween night. The chilling message written on the wall in blood had sent shockwaves through the school:

"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir, beware."

Lyanna had been haunted by the incident, her curiosity about the identity of the Heir of Slytherin and the monster lurking in the shadows growing stronger each day. Determined to find answers, she decided to take a bold step.

During one of her Transfiguration classes, Lyanna raised her hand, catching Professor McGonagall's attention. The stern professor paused in her lecture, raising an eyebrow as she acknowledged Lyanna.

"Yes, Miss Malfoy?"

Lyanna took a deep breath before speaking. "Professor McGonagall, could you tell us more about the Chamber of Secrets and the monster that only the Heir of Slytherin can control?"

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to McGonagall. The professor's expression grew even more serious, and she took a moment to consider her response.

"The Chamber of Secrets is a legend that dates back to the founding of Hogwarts," McGonagall began. "According to the legend, Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders, disagreed with the others about admitting Muggle-born students to Hogwarts. He believed that only pure-blood witches and wizards should be educated here. Before he left the school, Slytherin built a hidden chamber within the castle, which he sealed so that no one could open it until his own true heir arrived. The heir alone would be able to unleash the horror within, which was said to purge the school of those Slytherin deemed unworthy to study magic."

A shiver ran down Lyanna's spine as McGonagall spoke. She could see the fear and curiosity mirrored in the faces of her classmates.

"And the monster?" Lyanna pressed, her voice steady despite the growing unease.

McGonagall's eyes narrowed slightly. "The monster is rumored to be a creature of immense power and danger. It is said to obey only the Heir of Slytherin and has the ability to kill with a mere glance. The identity of the monster remains unknown, as do the true facts about the Chamber itself."

The professor's words hung heavily in the air, and Lyanna felt a sense of urgency grip her. She had to find out more, not just for her sake, but for the safety of everyone at Hogwarts.

As the class continued, Lyanna's mind raced with possibilities. Who could the Heir of Slytherin be? And how could she uncover the truth about the Chamber of Secrets?

After class, Lyanna lingered behind, hoping to speak with McGonagall privately. The other students filed out, leaving the classroom empty and quiet.

"Professor McGonagall," Lyanna began, "I know this is a difficult subject, but I want to help. Is there anything more you can tell me about the Chamber? Any clues or information that might not be common knowledge?"

McGonagall regarded her thoughtfully for a moment. "Your curiosity is admirable, Miss Malfoy, but this is a matter for the staff to handle. I must insist that you leave the investigation to us."

"But, Professor," Lyanna persisted, "I have resources and connections that might be useful. Please, let me help."

The professor sighed, her stern demeanor softening just a fraction. "Very well, Lyanna. If you truly wish to help, I suggest you focus on your studies and remain vigilant. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, but do not put yourself in unnecessary danger."

Lyanna nodded, accepting McGonagall's advice.

~~~

Lyanna found her brother, Draco, in the Slytherin common room, surrounded by his friends. She approached him with a sense of urgency, her heart pounding with worry.

"Draco," she said, her voice urgent. "I need to speak with you."

Draco raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sister's sudden seriousness. "What's the matter, Lyanna?"

Without wasting any time, Lyanna relayed what she had learned from Professor McGonagall about the Chamber of Secrets and the attacks on Muggle-born students. She needed answers, and she hoped Draco could provide them.

"Father sent word," Draco said, his expression grave. "He said it's been fifty years since the Chamber was last opened. Whoever was responsible was expelled, but Father wouldn't say who it was."

Lyanna's heart sank at the news. "And what about the attacks? Do you know anything about them?"

Draco hesitated before answering. "The last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened, a Mudblood died," he said bitterly. "So it's only a matter of time before one of them is killed this time."

Lyanna felt a chill run down her spine at Draco's callous words. She couldn't believe her own brother would speak so callously about the safety of their classmates.

"As for me..." Draco continued, a smirk playing on his lips. "I hope it's Granger."

Lyanna's blood boiled with anger at Draco's heartless remark. Without a second thought, she raised her hand and delivered a sharp smack to his head.

"Draco Malfoy, how dare you!" she scolded, her voice filled with fury. "This is not a joke! Lives are at stake, and you would wish harm upon someone just because of their blood status?"

Draco winced, his smirk fading as he realized the severity of his words. "Lyanna, I... I didn't mean..."

But Lyanna wasn't listening. She turned on her heel and stormed away, leaving Draco and his friends behind. She couldn't bear to be in the presence of someone who showed such callous disregard for the safety of others.

As she left the common room, Lyanna felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She had hoped her brother would understand the seriousness of the situation, but it seemed he was still blinded by his prejudices.

With a heavy heart, Lyanna bid Draco goodnight and retreated to her own room, her mind filled with worry for the future of Hogwarts and all who dwelled within its walls.

~~~

The dim light of the library cast long shadows as Lyanna navigated through the maze of bookshelves in the restricted section. Her heart raced with anticipation, her mind consumed by the urgency of her quest. She needed to find answers, to uncover the truth behind the Chamber of Secrets and the identity of its heir.

For hours, Lyanna combed through dusty tomes and ancient scrolls, her fingers tracing the spines of countless books in search of any clue that might lead her to the answers she sought. The clock on the wall ticked away the minutes, each one feeling like an eternity as she delved deeper into the mysteries of the past.

Finally, just as the midnight hour approached, Lyanna's eyes fell upon a weathered tome tucked away on a forgotten shelf. With trembling hands, she pulled the book from its resting place and flipped through its yellowed pages, her heart pounding with anticipation.

As she read through the ancient text, Lyanna's breath caught in her throat. The book contained a detailed account of the last known descendants of Salazar Slytherin, the infamous founder of the Chamber of Secrets. Marvolo Gaunt, a descendant of Slytherin, had two children: Merope, who and Morfin Gaunt.

Lyanna's mind raced as she tried to piece together the puzzle before her. If either Merope or Morfin were still alive, could they be the heir to Slytherin's legacy? But as she studied the dates and details in the book, she realized the grim truth—they were both long dead by the time the Chamber was last opened fifty years ago.

Frustration gnawed at Lyanna's insides as she struggled to make sense of the information before her. If Merope and Morfin were indeed deceased, then who could be carrying on Slytherin's bloodline? Was there another descendant, hidden in the shadows, waiting to unleash terror upon Hogwarts once more?

With a heavy heart, Lyanna closed the book and returned it to its rightful place on the shelf. The answers she sought remained elusive, and the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets only deepened. But she refused to give up hope. Somewhere, buried within the pages of history, lay the key to unlocking the truth—and Lyanna was determined to find it, no matter the cost.