The Serpent's Daughter

Chapter Six: Secrets Revealed

Lily had barely caught her breath after leaving the Room of Requirement. Her heart still pounded from the flood of emotions she had let loose inside. The corridors of Hogwarts seemed quieter than usual as she wandered aimlessly, her mind running over everything that had happened with Cedric and Draco. She was lost in thought when something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention.

It was Ginny Weasley.

Lily watched as the youngest Weasley, looking pale and disoriented, hurried through a dark corridor. Ginny’s movements were strange—mechanical, almost like she wasn’t in control of herself. A chill ran down Lily’s spine. Something wasn’t right. She had known the Weasleys for years, especially Percy, and the way Ginny moved filled Lily with a sense of dread.

She didn’t hesitate. Forgetting everything else, Lily started to follow her, keeping a careful distance. Ginny weaved through the castle, heading deeper and deeper into the dungeons. Lily’s heart raced as she realized where Ginny was headed.

*The Chamber of Secrets.*

The rumors that had been spreading like wildfire throughout the school came flooding back into Lily’s mind. Students being petrified, the words on the wall warning that the Chamber had been opened again… and now, Ginny Weasley, barely a second-year, was heading straight toward it.

Lily quickened her pace, keeping her steps light and silent. She had to stop Ginny—she couldn’t let her go any further. But as they reached the hidden entrance to the Chamber, it was too late. Ginny had already opened it, hissing in Parseltongue, just like Lily’s father had once done.

The entrance to the Chamber creaked open, revealing a staircase that spiraled down into the darkness. Without thinking, Lily bolted after Ginny, determined not to lose her. The air grew colder and damper the further she went, her wand alight in front of her.

As she reached the bottom of the staircase, Lily froze. The massive stone snake carvings on the walls confirmed her worst fears—this was the Chamber of Secrets, a place she had only heard whispers about in the dark corners of Hogwarts history.

In the middle of the Chamber, Ginny stood completely still, holding something in her hand—a black diary. And just beyond her… a figure was emerging from the shadows.

*Tom.*

Lily’s heart stopped when she recognized him. It wasn’t Voldemort as she had seen in her nightmares, but Tom Riddle, a younger version of her father, slowly taking shape in front of Ginny. He was smiling, a smile that sent a chill down Lily’s spine.

She was too late.

Lily crept forward, careful not to make a sound. She hid behind one of the massive stone pillars, watching as Tom grew stronger, pulling life force from Ginny’s small frame. The diary was the source of it all. *It’s controlling her,* Lily realized, her mind racing. Ginny had been possessed all along, and now Tom was using her to return.

Suddenly, a surge of conflicting emotions overwhelmed Lily. This was the man who had given her life, her father. But at the same time, he was the one who had caused so much pain, death, and destruction. And now he was trying to return to power through Ginny.

She had to do something. But what? How could she stop him without revealing herself?

Before she could decide, footsteps echoed through the Chamber. Someone else was coming.

Lily peeked out from behind the pillar, her heart skipping a beat. It was Harry. Of course, it was Harry. He always seemed to be in the middle of things, especially when it involved something dangerous. He entered the Chamber cautiously, holding a sword that gleamed in the faint light.

Lily stayed hidden, her heart torn. She had promised herself she would protect Harry, no matter what. But she also knew she couldn’t interfere too much without raising suspicion.

Harry approached Ginny and Tom, his eyes darting around the Chamber, clearly aware that something was horribly wrong. Tom turned to face him, and for the first time, Harry and the younger version of Voldemort stood face to face.

Lily’s breath caught in her throat as Tom spoke in that smooth, venomous voice. He taunted Harry, revealing his connection to the diary and how he had been controlling Ginny all year. Harry’s face paled as he realized the full scope of what was happening.

As the two of them confronted each other, Lily’s mind raced. She couldn’t stand by and do nothing, but she couldn’t let herself be seen either. Then an idea struck her—one that would allow her to protect Harry, without being discovered.

Her wand was already in her hand. With a shaky breath, she pointed it at Tom, muttering a curse under her breath. A subtle spell, one that would weaken Tom’s magical hold just enough to give Harry a fighting chance.

Harry lunged forward, using the sword of Gryffindor to stab the diary. A high-pitched scream echoed through the Chamber as black ink spewed out of the diary, and Tom Riddle’s form began to disintegrate, his connection severed.

Lily watched, frozen in place as her father’s younger self faded away, disappearing into the darkness.

Ginny collapsed onto the cold stone floor, unconscious but alive.

Lily let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Harry had saved Ginny, just like she knew he would. He always seemed to find a way. She stayed hidden as Harry rushed to Ginny’s side, trying to wake her up.

After a moment, Ginny stirred, blinking up at him with wide, terrified eyes. “Harry… what happened?” she whispered weakly.

Harry reassured her softly, helping her sit up. They didn’t know it, but they weren’t alone. Lily watched from the shadows, her heart heavy. She had done what she could to protect them, but in the end, it was Harry who was the hero.

As Harry and Ginny left the Chamber, Lily lingered for a moment longer, staring at the remnants of the diary on the floor. Her father’s last attempt at resurrection had failed, but she knew this wasn’t the end. Voldemort would return. He always did.

And when that time came, Lily would have to make a choice—between the man who had raised her in the shadows and the family she had found at Hogwarts. But for now, she would remain unseen, protecting Harry from the distance, just as she always had.

Without another glance, Lily slipped out of the Chamber and into the quiet corridors of Hogwarts.