Emrys Riddle and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2 of The Four Ribbons Series)

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ask Me No Questions, And I Will Tell You No Lies

Jackie and Spencer wanted to stay with Cass, and to help me look for the Chamber, but I assured them that I could handle it, and that they should go home to be with their families. Much like last Christmas, my mum sent me a tin of cookies, which I shared with Harry, Ron, and Hermione on my way down to the Great Hall, I even gave one to Dumbledore when I passed him going inside. " Oh, thank you, Miss Riddle." He said and I smiled in response before continuing over to the table, but I stopped when I saw Ron's little sister, Ginny sitting alone. I went over to her and she seemed startled when I held the tin out to her. " No thank you." She said politely, and I shrugged in response, but as I turned to walk away she asked. " Do you know someone named T.M. Riddle."

I stiffened and nearly dropped the tin of cookies as I turned back to look at her. " W...why do you ask?" I questioned before I noticed the small black book sitting on the table in front of her, something which she was currently trying to hide under her arms. " Ginny, is something wrong?" I asked.

" No." She muttered and I raised an eyebrow. She was lying.

" Okay. " I said letting it go for the moment. " But just know, that if you want to talk, I'm here. I know a thing, or two, and if your being bullied-"

" I'm fine." She said cutting me off.

" well, alright. Bye." I walked away, but as I glanced back at her, I found her writing in the black book with a worried expression. Just what are you hiding?

I was on my way back from the library, where I had been doing some research before bed on the Chamber; It was passed curfew, so I was lucky to have not been seen by a prefect, or worse, Flitch. I called out the password as I reached the wall. " Pure-Blood". I swear sometimes these passwords were so obvious, it was a wonder no one guessed them.

" Late night, Cousin?" Malfoy asked from where he was talking to his two minions, and I rolled my eyes. I started toward the staircase, but stopped when he said. " I saw you handing out cookies earlier, any left for me?"

" Yeah, just let me add some poison." I told him in annoyance, before I climbed the stairs, but as I turned the corner, I could have swore I saw Goyle's eyes starting to turn a familiar shade of green. Looking for the heir are you, Harry? Ron? Well then, your looking in the wrong place. 

At least I knew what they were up to now, I would have to keep an eye on them to make sure that they didn't get themselves hurt, or worse. Maybe they could even help me look for the chamber.

**********

" Thank you, Emrys." Hermione told me as I handed her the notes from Potions, Transfiguration, and Charms. " I would have asked Ron or Harry, but I much prefer your handwriting, it's so neat." Hermione had suffered an accident over the break, and had been in the hospital wing for several days. I was one of the only people who was allowed to see her, the others being Ron and Harry, at times when Spencer came with me, he would change the shape of his face and make funny faces, trying to get her to laugh. Spencer's hair had not changed color at all, not since the news of Cass had been given, no matter how much he focused his hair remained powder blue.

" It also gives me an excuse to visit Cass." I said glancing toward where she still lie frozen, and Hermione cast me a sorrowful look. " I'm sorry, Emrys. I'm sure Professor Snape and Professor Sprout will have that potion ready soon."

" Oh I have no doubt that they will, I'm just worried about the other Mugggleborns, for everyone really, there's no telling who might be attacked next."

Hermione was released from the hospital wing not long after that, and had taken to spending a lot a more time studying with me then I thought was necessary. I was right in the middle of reading over the homework that Flitwick had given us, when she finally revealed her reason for hovering around me so much.  " Emrys, do you know who the Heir of Slythern is?"

I was so startled that I nearly launched my book at a Ravenclaw as they passed. " What makes you think I know?" I questioned.

" Harry and Ron...they.." She trailed off and I let out a sigh as I rubbed at my forehead in frustration. " So, they've gone from questioning my cousin, to questioning me? Should have seen that one coming." I mumbled.

" You...You knew?"

" Goyle doesn't have green eyes." I said with a smile and her eyes widened as I stood up, gathered my things, and smirked down at her. " You should also know, that I will only answer if you ask me the right question."