(Y/n)'s POV
The days flew by, Professor Snape's lessons were pretty much him getting frustrated at me for not doing the whole Legilimens thing right, which added to my nervousness, I tried and tried, at least he didn't give up on the lessons.
Harry and Ron didn't look as surprised as Hermione was about my Legilimency lessons, they just brushed it off, and took pity on me because of all the time I was going to have to spend with Professor Snape.
All of his yelling made it hard for me to ask him about my parents when they were kids, I guess Legilimency isn't advanced for nothing.
"These stupid classes are going to kill me," I felt pretty frustrated, but there was one more thing that added to it, "And we still haven't even found a single thing in the library! How hard can it be to find some information about it?"
The four of us were walking towards the Great Hall, and Harry frowned, confusion all over his face.
"What are you looking for?" Realisation hit me, as we haven't told them exactly what we were looking,
"Oh, nothing much, we were researching information on a family name –Rosier," Said Hermione quickly, in a pretty concise way,
"The Rosiers? That's a pureblood family, it's very similar to the Malfoys, actually," I stood there, staring at Ron in surprise as those words left his mouth,
"H-How do you know that?"
"Yeah, how do you know?" Asked Hermione, her tone filled with suspicion, Ron shrugged, and answered,
"They're a part of the sacred twenty-eight, everyone in the wizarding world knows them, really" He talked as if it was common knowledge, "Oh, right, I always forget you three were raised like muggles,"
He must've seen we looked confused, and kept on explaining,
"It's this old list of pureblood families, the Malfoys are in it, they're a bunch of really old families who think they're better because they supposedly don't have any muggle blood," He looked annoyed for a second, and rolled his eyes, "Dad says it's all rubbish, and I agree with him, they're just people who think they're important,"
"T-The Rosiers, they really are on that list?" I asked, trying to see confirm what my instinct was telling me was wrong,
"Yeah," A tone of uncharacteristic seriousness filled Ron's voice, at least for a bit, "They were big supporters of You-Know-Who in the war, like most families that are on that list,"
I looked over at Harry, because I knew his parents fought in that war too, just like mine, we locked eyes, a feeling of understanding in our eyes, as he asked.
"So, why were you two looking for that name?" Obviously trying to avoid the whole war subject, a feeling of anxiety filled me, and shifted uncomfortably, as always Hermione noticed it quickly and with that same speed, thought of an excuse,
"Nothing, really, we came across that name in a book while I was helping him with Herbology, but it's been difficult to any other information about it," She was always more of a quick thinker than me, I really appreciated that, Ron scoffed,
"Well it's no wonder, bloody hell, the only place you'll find stuff about old families like that is in the Restricted Section, really dark stuff."
"Yes, but that's enough for now, we've got other things to worry about – like those classes that are 'killing you', (Y/n), honestly, you should be grateful they even offered them to you, it's such a privilege to be a part of that learning experience!" Of course, Hermione would be the only one to find it a privilege,
"Yeah, well, try being alone for two hours with Professor Snape screaming at you because you failed at something you never even knew you had before," Ron laughed,
"I'd rather to be two hours in the library, at least books don't bite at you, greasy git," Said Ron, and Harry smirked,
"I dunno, I've seen a few near the Restricted Section that might"
We all laughed, and kept on walking to have lunch. It's not that I didn't want to tell Harry or Ron, but... I didn't knew how they would react, I know they wouldn't reject me or anything, but the thought of it brought me such nervousness that I couldn't bring myself to tell them,
Maybe not now, but after I learn more about my family, I'll tell them, they're my friends too, I'm sure they'll help me too.
I hope so.
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The day finally came, Hallowe'en, Nearly Headless Nick's deathday, and... to say I was anxious was an understatement.
Okay, since Professor Snape's classes, I've had a better control at the whole feeling-emotions-from-other-people stuff, but it was still hard for me to do, Professor Snape said something about me not being good at Occlumency at all, but with more humiliating words.
Aside from that, I realised that it wasn't just because of Legilimency that I didn't like rooms full with people, it just made me nervous by itself, and when I voiced my doubts of it, just as Harry did with his, we got scolded.
"A promise is a promise, Harry, and you!" She looked at me, "we're supposed to support Harry, we're his friends!" I knew she was right, even if I had some doubts about going, I had to do it for Harry.
So we all started our way to his party. On the way, we saw the Great Hall, and they even had one of the most delicious desserts of all time.
Pudding.
I sighed, and we all kept on walking towards Nick's deathday party, it wasn't that hard to find, to be honest, we just had to follow all the ghosts, a lot of them went to his party.
When we arrived, I was glad to see not many living people were there, because ghosts didn't exactly give off any vibes.
I think it was the most ghosts I've seen in my life, usually, you could see the ghosts that were a part of the four houses, and Peeves, who was... well, Peeves, but there were lots of ghosts I've never even seen before, perhaps I'm too distracted and never realised about them, but still.
That didn't make it fun, though.
It was the coldest room I've ever been in. Thankfully, Blaze's natural warmth helped me to not feel it as much.
My thoughts were cut by the sound of someone running their nails on a blackboard, a sound that made me clench my jaw, grit my teeth, and clench my fists. The sound made me feel really uncomfortable.
Great, the party was just starting, and I already felt uncomfortable, I haven't even talked to anyone yet.
"My friends..." A voice caught my attention, my neck turned and I saw Nearly Headless Nick in the doorway, "Welcome, welcome... so pleased you could come..." I didn't exactly know how to feel about that, I mean, I knew he wanted Harry to come, but us? I don't know.
I decided I wanted to change, to be less... shy? I don't think that's the word, but if I wanted to, I had to step out of my comfort zone, I suppose, so I took advantage of the fact that it was only us four and Nick, and tried to say something.
"Y-You, uh..." I glanced at the colour of his clothes, I didn't notice it up till now, but he had different ones, ghosts could change their clothes? How does that even work- wait, no, focus! "That black really makes you l-look good, Nick."
I mentally facepalmed, I thought I couldn't sound more awkward, but apparently he didn't notice it. I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding, and he left, the rest looked at me weird, except Hermione, she looked a bit relieved at something.
"U-Uh... what?" I was sweating, did I look that funny doing it?
"Nothing, it's a bit surprising seeing you talking to someone first, that's all, usually you squirm a bit more," Ron said nonchalantly, many people might think it was him being rude, but to be honest, I prefer him being direct, sometimes, I don't understand or I take words literally, so he really helps.
"A surprise to be welcomed, of course," Hermione always talked really articulately, sometimes I was even surprised at how many words she knew, "I'm glad to see you trying,"
We started to walk around, until Hermione stopped suddenly,
"Oh no, turn back, turn back, I don't want to talk to Moaning Myrtle," I look at where her eyes were, and saw a girl, the ghost of one, she didn't look that much older than me, and it made me kind of sad, how could she have possibly died?
"Who?" Said Harry, Hermione lowered her voice to a whisper,
"She haunts the girls' toilet on the first floor,"
"She haunts a toilet?" Harry shot back, his face filled with confusion,
"Uh, I mean, she doesn't look all that bad, to be honest..." She had black hair, with twin tails and round glasses. Strangely enough, her eyes looked puffed up, as if she was crying, I didn't even know it was possible for ghosts to have that happen.
"That's because you haven't been there, honestly, I haven't been there myself all that much, if I can avoid it, it's awful trying to go to the loo with her wailing at you," She looked exasperated even before she talked to her.
"Surely it can't be that bad," I took a quick glance at her, she didn't look all that annoying, I didn't know her, of course, but she had a kind face, or that's the vibe I got from her, "She looks nice –" I was cut off by Ron
"Look! Food!" At the sudden mention of food, my stomach growled, I was quite hopeful that they had something to eat, so I rushed to it eagerly alongside everyone, I didn't notice they stopped walking. I took a big breath, to get all the smell of the food inside me.
That was the worst mistake I ever made. The moment I did it, my nose and mouth were filled with the most acidic smell I've ever felt. Mould, spoiled milk, smelly feets, I opened my eyes in shock, and saw many unspeakable things.
Worms in cheese and cakes, cheese that looked to be hundreds – no – thousands of years old, the lumpiest milk I've ever seen, and many, many more disgusting stuff.
I had to fight back my urge to puke, and looked away from the food and stayed away from the table in general. Hermione accompanied me, patting my back, while Ron and Harry talked to some ghosts.
After talking a bit, they approached us again.
"God... I don't want to eat anything anymore..." My eyes were teary because of disgust, I don't think I've ever seen that much spoiled food before, it made my stomach hurt in another way.
"Can we leave? I'm not feeling so good..."
"We've just got here, (Y/n), we can't just leave, that would be rude, let's walk around, I'm sure that'll make you feel better –" She was about to drag me and the others around, as she usually did when she bossed around, but something, or rather, someone interrupted us.
A little man with a really bright suit, which made him stand out from everyone else, appeared in front of us. Compared to other ghosts, he didn't look as 'ghostly'.
"Hello Peeves," Said Harry, I would've said hi too, but felt that if I spoke I would puke, god, I still feel the smell in my mouth.
"Nibbles?" Peeves said, in a sweet tone that was uncharacteristic of him, he was probably thinking of a way to make fun of us.
"No thanks," Quickly shot back Hermione, Peeves looked at her, and a smile crept up his face.
"Heard you talking about poor Myrtle, rude you was about poor Myrtle," He took a big breath, which again, made me think, Do they breathe? How does that even work – I was put out of my thoughts, "OY! MYRTLE!"
"Oh, no. Peeves, don't tell her what I said, she'll be really upset," Hermione seemed flushed, frantically whispering it to him, he just kept a smile, "I didn't mean it. I don't mind her – er, hello, Myrtle,"
The ghost of the girl with the big round glasses approached us sulkily.
"What?" She said, Hermione put on the fakest smile I've ever seen of her, and with an awful bright voice spoke.
"How are you, Myrtle? It's nice to see you out of the toilet,"
"Miss Granger was just talking about you – And so did Mr (L/n)!" W-What? Oh, come on...
"Just saying – saying – how nice you look tonight," Again, Hermione was lying through her teeths, she was really nervous.
"You're making fun of me," Said Myrtle, with a really sad look on her face, I would feel worse for her if I wasn't already in a battle of my own against my own body.
"No – honestly – didn't I just say how nice Myrtle's looking?" She started to nudge us, which made my losing battle worse. I had to swallow really hard.
"Yeah..." Both Harry and Ron said,
"Mr (L/n) said you look quite nice though, surely he must have a thing for you!" It was my turn to be mocked,
"W-W-Wha–" I coughed, I don't know why, but my cheeks started to get red, I didn't even find her attractive! I just said she looked kind!
"You do?" Said Myrtle, looking a bit happier, at least, giggling around. I tried to deny it, but Peeves kept interrupting me.
"He's just shy, kids his age are always like that about love~~~" Nervousness filled me, I wish I could've just said something, but I couldn't, Hermione looked at me as if she was annoyed, Ron looked as he was about to laugh, and Harry looked sorry at me.
Myrtle... blushed? I don't even know if ghosts can do that, they don't have blood! this night has been all weird already...
She giggled a bit and left, Peeves laughed out loud, and I just wanted to go back to the common room and be done with it.
I was red, I could even feel my ears hot, I took a big breath, and said,
"I want to leave..." No one said a thing, I think Hermione was annoyed at me, I don't know, she wouldn't look at me at all. Harry and Ron were laughing, at least they were having a good time.
After watching Nick's speech, we left, it wasn't much of an experience, to be honest, I wouldn't want to repeat it ever again.
We left, and started our way to the Entrance Hall, until something made me stop, a feeling, a cold, dreaded feeling, flooded my mind, and now, I knew it wasn't a ghost of some sort.
It was a living thing.
It was filling my mind with disgust, murder, anger, desperation, but most of all, hunger, all of that made me stop dead in my tracks, looking to every wall and ceiling, trying to identify where this feeling came from.
I was feeling nauseous, it was nothing compared to anything I felt before, it was overwhelming, feelings so primal, but at the same time full of hate, I knew it before, but this was something evil, and smart.
And I heard it, that wretched voice, that made me feel overloaded even more, raising the feelings I already caught on more fire.
"... rip ... tear ... kill ..." Hermione and Ron approached me, and said something, but I couldn't hear them. All I could hear was that terrible hoarse voice, filled with murderous intent, and all I felt was shivers all through my body.
I couldn't see Harry, either, he stopped, and said something, approaching a wall, but that wasn't my concern right now.
It wasn't like the last time I heard this voice, last time, sure, it made me feel my blood go cold, but it was just that, it didn't have much intent, just some words, that's why I blamed it on a haunting ghost.
But now, it was filled with intent, disgusting, cold, and evil intent. I never felt anything like that before, but instinctually, I knew what it was about, it was going to make those words real.
Whatever it was, it wasn't going to sit around and wait anymore, it was the real deal now.
"...soo hungry...for so long...kill... time to kill..." I almost puked, I looked at my hands and they were trembling, it didn't matter how much I tried to calm myself down, I couldn't, my breath wasn't stable either, and I felt cold, even when I was with Blaze.
All I could feel was the cold. The others didn't seem to hear it, or, that's what I could see, in fact, I couldn't see much.
The whole world was blurred, everything I heard was like static, and the only thing I knew was that it was going to kill someone, and that it was near. I could feel what it felt, so that meant it was near, so I did the only logical thing one could do in such a state.
I ran.
I ran as fast as I could, leaving the others behind, I had to find whatever that thing was before it was too late. I ran through all the second floor, and then through the whole of the first one.
All I could hear were my shaky breaths and my steps, which felt heavier and heavier every step I made. My eyes darted around the walls and ceiling, looking for anything, for any opening or clue as to what was happening now.
I don't know if they were able to follow me, but that wasn't in my head right now.
I took a sharp corner, and almost slipped, which made me realise the whole floor was wet, there was a puddle of water, a huge one, in fact, I looked around, and saw something hanging on the torch bracket.
As I felt the feelings leave me, signalling whatever it was, I was late, I failed at what I wanted to do, and I didn't know what was hanging. I quickly approached it, and rubbed my eyes. I didn't notice it before, but I had tears on my face.
I didn't pay attention to that, and rushed to see what was on it, as I got closer and closer, I realised what it was.
It was a cat, one that looked to be in its bones, as if it wasn't fed enough, her fur was grey, like dust, and had yellow eyes – Oh god, it was Mrs Norris, I took her and put her on the floor.
I kneeled beside her and started to check her up. I tried moving her, to make her react, but she was stone cold, as if she was paralyzed by something, she wouldn't even move her eyes, that were open and hadn't been closed the whole time I checked on her.
One thing was sure, she was still alive, or it seemed that way, she was breathing. I stopped because I started to hear footsteps, and murmurs, which slowly started to become louder and louder, I couldn't move properly, the things I picked up from whatever was on the walls left me shaking.
I turned my head and found hundreds of students looking at me, I searched and searched through the crowd, until I found my friends, but they weren't looking at me, or at least, not directly, everyone else looked at Mrs Norris on the ground, and then looked behind me.
I did the same, and the words entered my mind, some words that didn't mean anything by themselves to me, but the fact that they were written in blood shook me.
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED.
ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.
"I-"
"Enemies of the heir, beware! You'll be next, Mudbloods!" Before I could even process or react to what Malfoy said and what was written on the wall, I heard someone yelling, going through the whole crowd.
"What's going on here? What's going on?" Mr Filch appeared, when he got past the whole wall of students, and saw Mrs Norris on the floor, where I left her, next to me, his whole face contorted with rage, and ran towards me.
"You! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you!" He grabbed my collar, and before I could even say anything, Blaze climbed onto my shoulder, and blew some fire as she growled, trying to defend me.
Hermione, Harry and Ron also went through the crowd and came to defend me, telling Mr Filch that I didn't do anything.
Mr Filch seemed taken aback, and took a step back, but with his face full of rage.
"Argus!" Professor Dumbledore's voice boomed around the hall, and behind his usual calm demeanour I could see a bit of... angryness? I guess he doesn't like school staff putting their hands on the students. He looked between me and Mr Filch for a moment, and approached Mrs Norris to grab her.
"Come with me, Argus, you too, Mr (L/n), Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger." I tried to move, but found my legs weak. I didn't feel them that much, and didn't obey what my mind was telling them to do.
I saw them start to walk, and found myself stuck to the same place, until someone grabbed my arm and pulled.
Hermione.
Her eyes were full of concern, I didn't find any words, and silently let myself be pulled by her, until we apparently reached Professor Lockhart's office.
The office was crowded now, not only were us, Professor Dumbledore, and Mr Filch in it, but there was also Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, and... Lockhart.
I couldn't really hear what Lockhart was babbling about, all the nervousness and anxiety allowed me only to hear a fraction of all, but one word stood out.
"...Killed her... "
My mouth moved by itself, before I could even process what it was going to say,
"She's not dead."
Everyone's head jerked into my direction, but Lockhart's eyes specifically had another tinge to them, he was almost annoyed that I dared to question him.
"Well," He started, with his voice full of venom, "I believe I'm the one who has more experience in this field, I've seen something very similar happening in Ougadougou, all of it in my autobiography, pardon me, but I don't think we're going to listen to the words of a troubled kid–"
"She's not dead, Gilderoy," Dumbledore's calm voice spoke over, Lockhart's shocked face would've made me laugh, but the whole situation tone it down.
"Not dead? But why's she all stiff and frozen?" Mr Filch asked, clearly still worried about his cat.
"She has been petrified, but how, I cannot say..." Dumbledore said, and Lockhart's face got shocked for a second, and then transitioned to saying 'Yes, of course!' trying to play it cool, I guess.
Mr Filch turned to face me, and pointed at me, screaming.
"Ask him!" His scream made my ears hurt a bit, and I was taken aback a bit by it. Once again, Blaze came out, but I tried to calm her down.
"No second-year could have done this, it would take Dark Magic of the most advanced –" Dumbledore's calm but firm voice was interrupted by yet another shriek coming from the caretaker.
"That damned kid did it! He was with her! You know his family–" He was cut off by Dumbledore's voice.
"I think you're talking about matters that don't involve you, Argus," His voice was calm, as usual, but filled with cold, such coldness, that it sends shivers down my spine, and made my sweat cold, he seemed wary, but the way Mr Filch said it, made me think even more things of my dad's family. "Matters you should not meddle with."
Mr Filch stood there, looking at Dumbledore with his eyes wide open, he seemed nervous, too, of course even Mr Filch knew more about my dad than I did, for god's sake...
"I-I" I gulped, frustrated, "When I got there she was hanging on the torch br-bracket–"
"Lies!" Filch shrieked again, pointing at me my frustration was growing by the second,
"I didn't do anything to her!" I screamed, in frustration, I probably shouldn't have, my friends were startled at my sudden scream, but I was so nervous and anxious, because suddenly, an intrusive thought filled my mind.
I was alone when I found her.
It was my word against his, and things weren't looking good for me, given with all the rumours about me.
But someone came to my aid, and from someone who I never expected.
"Perhaps we're rushing into things... we should ask for his rendition of events, after all..."
Snape's cooly voice spoke, but... it wasn't with ill-intent, or at least, maybe not against me directly, I'm sure that if it was someone like Harry, he would've relentlessly attacked him.
He looked at me, with his usual snare, and his eyebrow raised, it was... unexpected, to say the least.
I told them my side, Hermione, Ron, and Harry supported me, too, telling their versions too, but I left out the fact of the voices, because... if no one heard it, then maybe it was for something, I thought about it, though, really hard, but... I didn't, I didn't have a good feeling about it.
"Professor, if I may... perhaps (L/n) was simply in the wrong place and the wrong time..."
My friends were shocked to see Professor Snape saying stuff like this, and honestly, in a way, me too. We all looked at each other in disbelief.
"I-I don't care what rubbish he says! My cat's been petrified, I want to see punishment!" Mr Filch kept pointing at me uncomfortably close, screaming almost in my face.
"We will be able to cure her, Argus, for now, stay away from the boy." Professor Dumbledore's patient voice felt like ice, and he kept talking.
"Professor Sprout recently managed to procure some Mandrakes. As soon as they have reached their full size, I will have a potion made which will revive Mrs Norris,"
"I'll make it, must have done it a hundred times already, I could whip up a Mandrake Restorative Draught in my sleep -" Lockhart's blabbering was interrupted by Professor Snape's voice.
"Excuse me, but I believe I am the Potions master at this school," Snape and Lockhart held a rather awkward staring match, Snape obviously winning, as he stared at him with such intensity it would've made anyone crumble.
Professor Dumbledore looked at us, and with a smile, said,
"You may go,"
The others started to walk, but I didn't, at least, not immediately, because I wanted to say something.
Usually, I would never pass on the situation of not speaking, because usually, I was too much of a nervous mess to talk, and Professor Lockhart's classes made me want to talk less and less.
But I felt like I had to say something, at least to Professor Dumbledore, because it was thanks to him that I was able to take part of a world bigger than me, a world so fantastic that I thanked every day for.
He went and gave my parents my letter, he convinced them of letting me in.
I didn't want Professor Dumbledore to feel... regret of that choice, and specially, I didn't want him to be disappointed in me, I wanted to make him never doubt he made the right choice in convincing my parents.
"P-Professor, I-" I couldn't even finish my sentence, he looked me straight in the eyes, and once again, with a calm smile, spoke.
"You may go, (Y/n), do not worry, I trust you." His words made the office's vibe change as a whole. Suddenly, I wasn't trembling because of nervousness, I felt calm, knowing he didn't suspect me, it meant the world for me.
I nodded at him, and followed the others, who were waiting for me. After walking in silence for a while, we turned and entered an empty classroom.
We all remained quiet, and I noticed Harry staring at me. After a few seconds, I felt a bit awkward, which I guess was normal.
"...W-What?" I asked
"You heard it too, didn't you?" Harry looked... excited? He looked happy, in a way, heard it? And it clicked, that's what he was saying, that's why he approached the wall.
He could hear the voice.
And it also made me realise why he looked happy in a way, it meant he wasn't crazy, which I reciprocated, because... I was starting to question myself too.
"Y-Yeah... although, you didn't seem as affected as I did." I gave out a smile, a weak one, but it was the best I could give right now,
"So that's what that was about – it seemed like you were having some sort of panic attack," Said Hermione, scanning me with her eyes, with her usual 'thinking' face.
"I-I don't even know what happened, all of the sudden, I felt something take a grip of me, of my soul... do I sound crazy?" I looked at them, and almost immediately all shook their heads.
"No, but it does sound really creepy, mate." Said Ron,
"If you and Harry heard it, obviously, it was real, but what could it be?"
"You guys think we should've told them?" Asked Harry, he looked really nervous, too, and honestly? I was nervous too, I had the same question in my mind, but... it all felt fishy, we stared at Ron and Hermione expectantly.
"No" Almost immediately, Ron answered, "hearing voices no one else can isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding world,"
"And what even is the Chamber of Secrets?" I thought back, "The name in itself is creepy, but it was written in bloody blood!"
"You know, it rings a sort of bell..." Said Ron, it was weird that he didn't have answers for something related to the wizarding world.
"I think I might've read about it in the library, but I'm not certain about it..." Said Hermione, trying to add to the conversation.
I stifled a scream and got startled when I heard a clock, and Harry said,
"Midnight, we'd better get to bed, this night's been long enough already..."
And with that last note, we all went to the common room and slept. I've always found my bed in the dormitory quite comfortable, but tonight, it felt like something was still wrapping my soul.
Something was making it so that I couldn't breathe properly, and, for one of the first times at Hogwarts, I didn't feel safe.
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