Evelyn Riddle: The Forgotten Chronicles-Book 1

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Harry, Evelyn, and Hermione crouched by Ron's side, their breaths coming in sharp gasps as they took in the aftermath of the game. Hermione's hands trembled as she checked Ron's pulse, her face pale but her focus unwavering.

"He'll be alright," Harry said, his voice steady but his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced at Hermione, who looked close to tears. His words were confident, meant to reassure her as much as himself.

As they looked after Ron, a heavy stone door on the far side of the room had creaked open. A cold breeze whispered through the opening, carrying with it a chill that felt unnatural. It sent a shiver down Harry's spine.

"That's the last chamber," Hermione said softly, her voice tinged with dread. "The Stone must be in there."

Before Harry could respond, Evelyn suddenly gasped, clutching her stomach. She doubled over, her knees buckling beneath her as her breathing grew labored. Her face twisted in pain, and her hand shot out to steady herself on the ground.

"Evelyn!" Harry's hand was on her arm in an instant, steadying her as she sank to her knees. Concern flooded his face as he crouched beside her. "What's wrong?" he asked urgently, his voice tight with worry.

"I don't know..." Evelyn whispered, her voice weak and shaky. Her dark brown eyes darted around, unfocused. "I feel... wrong." Her vision blurred, dark spots clouding the edges of her sight. The room spun violently, her chest aching with an unexplainable pressure. A wave of nausea surged through her, leaving her cold and clammy.

Hermione knelt beside her, her brow furrowed with worry. "Could it be the potion? Snape's test?" she asked, glancing at Harry. "Maybe her body's reacting differently."

Harry shook his head, his grip tightening on Evelyn's arm. "No, we all drank the same thing. It's not that." He turned his attention back to Evelyn, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of what might be wrong.

Hermione knelt beside Evelyn, her hands firm but gentle as she steadied her friend. The worry in her eyes was clear, but her voice remained calm and steady. "Stay with me, Evelyn," she said softly before glancing up at Harry. Her gaze shifted to the now-open door, its dark frame promising whatever danger lay ahead.

"Go, Harry," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll take care of them." She nodded toward Evelyn and the unconscious Ron, her resolve unwavering even as her shoulders seemed to bear the weight of the moment.

Harry hesitated, his gaze flicking between Hermione and the ominous doorway. "But—" he started, his voice heavy with reluctance.

"No," Hermione cut him off, her tone sharp but not unkind. "You have to go. You're the best one out of all of us. You need to be the one to finish this."

Harry's brow furrowed, his heart hammering in his chest. "But you and Evelyn... You're the best in the class. You're better at spells and figuring things out."

Hermione gave a small, sad laugh, shaking her head. "Books and cleverness?" she said, her voice soft but steady. "There are more important qualities. Like friendship and bravery." Her eyes met his, full of belief in him, despite the fear shining there. "And you, Harry, have those in spades."

Harry swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling on him. He glanced down at Evelyn, her pale face etched with pain, and back at Hermione's determined expression. His reluctance warred with his resolve, but the fire in Hermione's eyes gave him the strength he needed to move forward.

"You'll be alright then?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion as he stood.

"Yes," Hermione said, nodding firmly. She forced a reassuring smile onto her face. "Now go."