章 40: Transformations and Truths

As Christmas break continued, Gryffindor Tower buzzed with anticipation. For weeks, Hermione had been working tirelessly on a potion that could help them uncover the identity of Slytherin's Heir. The plan was daring—and highly illegal—but they were determined to do whatever it took to end the attacks on Hogwarts students.

One cold evening, Hermione led Harry, Ron, and Raja to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, where she'd been secretly brewing the Polyjuice Potion. Raja, who had been quietly observing, admired Hermione's skill and determination. He felt a surge of inspiration and decided to contribute his own potion-making talent to the effort.

"We're going to use this to become Slytherins for an hour," Hermione explained, her voice trembling with excitement and nervousness. "If we can blend in, we might be able to find out if Draco is the Heir."

Raja nodded, his mind racing. "And if something goes wrong, I can whip up a counter-potion. Just in case."

The group raised their cups, grimacing as they downed the thick potion. Almost immediately, Harry and Ron began to change, their features twisting and warping painfully until they resembled Crabbe and Goyle. Hermione, however, panicked, mumbling something about needing to hide.

Raja quickly helped Hermione find an empty stall, noticing she looked unwell. "Just breathe, Hermione. I'll make sure you're okay. If anything happens, I'll have the antidote ready."

Turning to Harry and Ron, Raja said, "You two be careful. I'll keep watch and signal if anything seems off."

They nodded and hurried out to begin their mission, hoping to extract information from Draco.

As Harry and Ron ventured into the Slytherin common room, Raja paced back and forth in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, keeping an ear out for any signs of trouble. Hermione remained hidden in the stall, her voice muffled as she assured Raja she was fine, though her tone suggested otherwise.

Suddenly, Raja heard a commotion outside. He quickly grabbed his potion kit and prepared an antidote, just in case. After what felt like an eternity, Harry and Ron stumbled back into the bathroom, their faces returning to normal as the potion's effects wore off.

"Well?" Raja asked, helping them steady themselves.

Harry shook his head, looking frustrated. "Draco doesn't know anything. He even said he wished he was the Heir of Slytherin. All he does is repeat whatever his father tells him."

Ron looked relieved and disappointed at the same time. "I was sure it was him. Now we're back to square one."

At that moment, Hermione emerged from the stall, looking embarrassed. Her transformation attempt had gone wrong, leaving her with cat-like features. "I—I must have accidentally used a cat hair," she said, her voice small.

Raja stepped forward, a determined look on his face. "Don't worry, Hermione. I've got an antidote right here. Just hold on a moment." He quickly mixed together a few ingredients, his mind focused and precise. Within minutes, he administered the antidote, watching as Hermione's features returned to normal.

"Thanks, Raja," Hermione said, relief washing over her. "I was really worried."

With the crisis averted, the group felt a renewed sense of purpose. A few days later, while sorting through a pile of books in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, Harry found an old, tattered diary with the name "Tom Riddle" written on the inside cover. Intrigued, he showed it to Raja, who examined it with a thoughtful expression.

"This diary seems ordinary, but… I don't think it is," Raja murmured, tapping the blank pages thoughtfully. "Tom Riddle must have wanted someone to find it."

Harry took the diary back to the Gryffindor common room that evening, where he attempted to write in it. To his surprise, the diary responded, answering his questions and gradually revealing memories of a terrifying event from fifty years prior. Harry learned that Tom Riddle had once attended Hogwarts and had witnessed a monster attacking students—though he didn't yet understand what the diary was truly showing him.

Raja listened carefully as Harry explained the diary's strange interactions, his curiosity growing. "A memory-keeping spell, perhaps," Raja speculated, "or something even darker. Riddle wanted someone to know about his past."

Ron shuddered. "It's creepy, isn't it? Talking back to a diary like that?"

Harry shrugged, looking both fascinated and uneasy. "I think it's trying to tell me something. Riddle was there when the Chamber was opened before."

Raja's expression darkened. He knew they needed to be cautious, but he didn't want to stifle Harry's search for answers. "Whatever it reveals, just be careful, Harry. The truth could be dangerous."

One evening, Harry was drawn back to the diary, feeling compelled to open it again. This time, the diary's response was immediate. The ink seeped into the page, drawing Harry's consciousness into a memory—a vision of Hogwarts from fifty years ago.

Harry found himself walking the halls as a young Tom Riddle, following a series of eerie events that led to the moment he accused Hagrid of unleashing a monster on the school. Hagrid, as a student, was visibly upset, denying any wrongdoing as he cradled a large spider in his arms.

Watching the memory unfold, Harry felt a pang of sympathy for Hagrid, unable to believe he could have been responsible for such an attack. When he returned to the present, he immediately shared the experience with Raja and Ron, who listened intently.

"So… Hagrid?" Ron asked, looking stunned. "Could he really have been responsible?"

Raja shook his head. "There has to be more to the story. I don't believe Hagrid would do something like that."

Harry frowned, his mind racing. "Riddle seemed so sure… but it didn't feel right. I think he was trying to manipulate me, to make me doubt Hagrid."

Raja nodded, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Riddle was clever, and he clearly had his own motives. Whatever he was trying to achieve, it wasn't the truth. I think we need to talk to Hagrid."

The group agreed, planning to visit Hagrid at the first opportunity. But with the threat of the Chamber hanging over them, they knew it wouldn't be an easy task.

The tension in Hogwarts continued to mount as another student was found petrified, and this time it was Justin Finch-Fletchley. The atmosphere in the school grew colder, with students openly whispering suspicions about Harry's role in the attacks due to his Parseltongue ability.

One evening, as Raja, Harry, and Ron walked to Herbology, they stumbled upon a horrifying scene—Justin's motionless body lay on the floor, eyes wide and frozen in terror, and Nearly Headless Nick floated beside him, equally petrified.

The silence was shattered as Professor McGonagall arrived, looking grave. "What are you three doing here?"

Harry's face paled as he stammered, "We just… we just found them like this."

McGonagall's gaze softened, though her tone remained stern. "Come with me. We're going to see Professor Dumbledore."

As they were led to Dumbledore's office, Raja shot Harry a supportive look, his calm presence offering a sliver of reassurance. Inside the office, Dumbledore sat behind his desk, listening attentively as Harry explained the events leading up to the discovery.

When Harry finished, Dumbledore regarded him with a thoughtful expression. "Harry, I trust you. I do not believe you would harm any student, nor do I believe you have any connection to these attacks."

Raja felt a surge of gratitude toward Dumbledore for his words, which seemed to ease some of Harry's tension. But the Headmaster's next question sent a chill down their spines.

"Is there anything you would like to tell me, Harry?" Dumbledore asked gently, his eyes steady and kind.

Harry hesitated, his hand hovering over his pocket where the diary rested. Raja watched, wondering if Harry would reveal the secret of the diary, but Harry shook his head, remaining silent.

"No, Professor. There's nothing else," Harry said quietly.

Dumbledore nodded, though he seemed to sense there was more to the story. As they left the office, Raja fell into step beside Harry.

"Why didn't you tell him about the diary?" Raja asked gently, sensing Harry's inner conflict.

Harry sighed. "I… I don't know. Something feels off about it. I want to figure out what Riddle was trying to tell me before I get anyone else involved."

Raja nodded, understanding Harry's instinct to solve the mystery on his own terms. "Just know we're here to help, whenever you're ready."

They returned to the Gryffindor common room, the weight of their discoveries pressing down on them. Hermione joined them, listening as they recounted the petrification incident and the ominous meeting with Dumbledore.

"I think we need to keep an even closer watch," Hermione murmured. "If there's any chance of stopping the attacks, we need to stay vigilant."

Raja placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "Together, we'll find out the truth about the Chamber and put an end to this. You're not alone, Harry."

Harry managed a small smile, grateful for his friends' unwavering support. As they huddled together, sharing plans and theories, they knew that whatever dark forces lay within Hogwarts, they would face them side by side.