Harry Potter: The Forgotten Chronicles- Book 5

Chapter 1

Chapter One

The July summer sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the deserted Hogwarts grounds. The once vibrant chatter of students had been replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves in the warm breeze. Evelyn Riddle stood alone at the edge of the Black Lake, staring at the still waters that reflected the castle's imposing silhouette. The tranquility of the scene contradicted the turmoil brewing within her.

This summer was different from any she had experienced before. While her classmates had returned home to their families, Evelyn had to stay at Hogwarts, having no other real home to go to. The solitude had given Evelyn ample time to reflect on the events of the past year. She couldn't escape the memories—Voldemort's resurrection, the terror of the graveyard, and Cedric Diggory's lifeless eyes staring up at the night sky. Those images haunted her, seeping into her dreams and coloring her every thought. The nightmares were relentless, dragging her back to that fateful night, replaying the horror over and over again.

As she walked along the lakeshore, Evelyn absentmindedly traced the faint scars on her hand, a constant reminder of last year. Her gaze was distant, lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts. The once carefree girl who had arrived at Hogwarts years ago was gone, replaced by someone darker, more guarded. The transformation was evident in her demeanor—her eyes, once bright with curiosity, now held a steely resolve, and her face bore the weight of experiences no one her age should have endured.

Evelyn had become more withdrawn, her patience fraying at the edges. She found herself snapping at the few people who remained at Hogwarts over the summer, including the professors and staff. It was as if the darkness within her was a tangible force, pushing away anyone who tried to get close. She didn't want their pity or their concern. She wanted to be left alone, to grapple with her demons in peace.

But solitude brought its own challenges. With the quiet came the voices—the whispers of doubt, the accusatory tones of the Ministry of Magic. A few weeks prior, Evelyn had gotten a letter from the ministry, reading:

Dear Miss Riddle,

We hope this letter finds you well.

We regret to inform you that you have been officially summoned to appear before the Wizengamot for a formal trial concerning the death of Cedric Diggory. The trial is scheduled to take place on the 30th of August, 11:00AM, at the Ministry of Magic, in Courtroom Ten.

As you are aware, your presence at the scene of Mr. Diggory's death on the night of June 24th, in the Riddle graveyard has raised significant concerns. Given the circumstances and your familial connections, the Ministry finds it necessary to review the events of that night in detail. This decision is in no way a pre-judgment of your guilt or innocence but is instead a measure to ensure that all relevant facts and testimonies are thoroughly examined.

Your attendance at this trial is mandatory. Failure to appear will result in further legal actions and possible contempt charges. You are advised to secure legal representation prior to the trial date and to prepare any evidence or witnesses you wish to present in your defense.

Please be assured that the Ministry is committed to a fair and impartial hearing. Your rights and interests will be considered throughout the process.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, you may contact the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic.

We trust you will make the necessary preparations and present yourself accordingly.

Yours sincerely,

Pius Thicknesse: Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Evelyn scoffed at the thought, anger bubbling up inside her. It was absurd, the notion that she could be capable of such a heinous act. But the Ministry was desperate, looking for a scapegoat to placate the public's fear. Her family name had become a burden she couldn't shake off, a curse that followed her everywhere she went.