SABAISM | H. POTTER

ELEVEN. | THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS?

The next morning, the air in Hogwarts was thick with an ominous energy, a tangible sense of unease that clung to the very walls of the ancient castle. Even the usually stern Professor McGonagall could not entice her students as she stood at the front of the Transfiguration classroom, her posture straight and authoritative, ready to lay down the law. Rows of desks were occupied by the students, each one hosting a dissimilar animal, their wide eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

The professor's voice sliced through the apprehensive murmurs, instructing, "Today, class, we will be turning these animals into elegant water goblets." With a flick of her wand, she demonstrated, gently tapping the surface of a cute, plump red cardinal perched on her desk. As if participating in a magical dance, the vibrant feathers shimmered and dissolved, transmuting into a beautifully crafted crystal goblet that shimmered under the sunlight streaming through the window. With a casual flick of her wrist, she turned to the class, seemingly nonchalant. "Now, who would like to go first? Mr. Weasley?"

Ron, caught off guard by the sudden spotlight thrust upon him, nodded sheepishly, his freckled face flushed an even deeper shade of crimson. Clutching his cracked wand, he gently tapped his rat, Scabbers, who transformed into a rather grotesque-looking goblet complete with an absurd, protruding tail. A snort of laughter escaped Gemini's lips; she had long held a disdain for that scabrous creature. Though she couldn't quite articulate a legitimate reason for her disdain, her pranks on poor Scabbers had made her feelings abundantly clear.

Professor McGonagall regarded Ron's transformed rat goblet with thinly veiled distaste as she instructed, "You must replace that wand, Mr. Weasley," making the young boy shrink further into his seat, his ears blushing a fiery red.

Amidst the scrutiny, Hermione timidly raised her hand, her brow furrowed with curiosity. Professor McGonagall, feeling the shift in the room's energy, turned her gaze upon the studious girl, inquiring, "Yes, Miss Granger?" Gemini leaned forward in anticipation, sensing Hermione's palpable nervousness. What could possibly have her so on edge? With deliberate care, Hermione voiced, "Professor, I was wondering if you could tell us about the Chamber of Secrets?" The question hung in the air, and an immediate hush fell over the classroom. It was as if time itself held its breath in disbelief at her audacity.

For a fleeting moment, Professor McGonagall seemed taken aback, grappling with the implications of the inquiry. Yet, she knew in her heart that she should have expected such boldness from a student like Hermione. With a grave nod, she replied, "My subject is Transfiguration, Miss Granger." To the discerning eye, her composure betrayed a flicker of uneasiness, a subtle creak in her otherwise solid facade. But Gemini, having spent countless hours in McGonagall's presence, could see past the mask and detect the tension lacing her words.

Undeterred, Hermione pressed on, "Yes, Professor. But, there seems to be very little written about the Chamber of Secrets. For those of us with a personal interest in the subject, that is...disturbing." A warm wave of amusement washed over Gemini; she couldn't help but admire her friend's relentless determination. Hermione seemed to have an uncanny knack for extracting information with her careful, meticulous persuasion.

After a contemplative pause, McGonagall relented. "Very well. You all know, of course, that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago by four exceptional witches and wizards of that era: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Three of the founders coexisted quite harmoniously; one, however, did not."

The students leaned in closer, hanging onto every word, their collective fascination piqued as they delved deeper into the storied past of their beloved school.

"Any guesses as to who?," Gemini interjected, unable to contain her disdain as her glare landed on the Slytherin banner adorning the walls. Professor McGonagall chose to ignore her jibe, focusing instead on the matter at hand. "Salazar Slytherin wished to be more selective about the students admitted to Hogwarts. He believed that magical learning should remain within pure-blood families. Unable to sway the others, he decided to leave the school, but not before constructing a hidden chamber within the castle—known as the Chamber of Secrets. Legend has it that he sealed it until the time came for his own true heir to return to the school. The heir alone would be able to unlock the Chamber and unleash the horror contained within; and in doing so, purge the school of all those who...in Slytherin's view...were unworthy to study magic."