Chapter 12: Secrets Beneath the Castle
A long time ago, before Hogwarts became the great school it is today, the four founders—Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin—built something more than just classrooms and towers.
They created six hidden rooms. Four of these rooms were secret chambers, each connected to one of the four houses. Nobody really knows what's inside those chambers because the rooms are hidden well.
There is also a fifth room—a dark dungeon, like a prison. It's said that dangerous creatures or dark spirits are kept there. The magic in that room freezes time, so anything inside is stuck in place, neither aging nor changing.
Harry remembered reading about these rooms in old fan theories and online discussions from his past life. These were just rumors and legends, but Harry believed there was some truth to them. The four chambers of the houses were talked about the most, but the fifth room—the dungeon—was barely mentioned.
There was also a mystery about a sixth room, called the Forgotten Library. According to the legends, this special library can only be found once the other five rooms are discovered. It is said to hold ancient knowledge that has been lost over time.
---
The Next Morning
The next day, Harry was excited and decided to look for these hidden chambers around Hogwarts. Even though he already knew where the Slytherin chamber was located, he decided not to enter.
Another reason was that he didn't have the key to open the Slytherin chamber. The key was the Parseltongue, the snake language, which only certain people, like Salazar Slytherin's true heirs, can use.
Harry knew Draco Malfoy's father, Lucius, was the one who would put the Horcrux into Ginny's bag next year. That was when the Slytherin chamber would open again.
For now, Harry had to wait.
---
Plans for the Future
Harry spent the rest of the day planning. He would try to find the other hidden chambers — Gryffindor's, Hufflepuff's, Ravenclaw's, and maybe even the fifth dungeon room.
If he succeeded in finding those, maybe the Forgotten Library would reveal itself.Back to Classes
After finishing his plans for exploring the hidden chambers, Harry returned to his usual routine. He didn't want to draw attention, so he continued going to all his classes like normal. He knew he had to be patient. The secrets of Hogwarts had been hidden for centuries—rushing now would only make things harder.
The next morning, his first class was Charms with Professor Flitwick, the head of Ravenclaw house. Professor Flitwick was a small wizard with a kind smile and a voice that squeaked when he got excited.
"Today," Professor Flitwick announced, standing on a pile of books to see over his desk, "we will learn the Levitation Charm—Wingardium Leviosa! Remember, swish and flick!"
Harry practiced alongside the others. Hermione, as usual, did it perfectly on her second try.
"You're a natural," Harry said with a smile.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, beaming. "It's all about getting the movement just right."
Ron, who was sitting next to them, muttered, "Swish and flick, swish and flick—more like swish and fail."
Harry chuckled. "You'll get it, Ron. Just try again."
After Charms came Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor house. She was strict but fair, and her sharp eyes missed nothing.
"Transfiguration is some of the most complex magic you'll learn," she said as she demonstrated turning a matchstick into a needle. "It requires focus, precision, and control."
Harry gave it his best, managing to make his matchstick look a little shinier, though it was far from a proper needle.
"Not bad, Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said with a nod. "Keep at it."
---
Lunchtime
In the Great Hall, Harry sat with Draco, Blaise Zabini, and Daphne Greengrass. They talked about their classes, the professors, and even some gossip floating around the school.
"So, who do you think is the best teacher so far?" Blaise asked, sipping his pumpkin juice.
"I like Flitwick," Harry said honestly. "He makes learning fun."
"I prefer Snape," Daphne said softly. "He's strict, but he knows what he's doing."
Draco grinned. "I don't care what anyone says. Defense Against the Dark Arts is the most exciting class—if only Quirrell didn't stutter so much."
Harry nodded slightly, but inside, he knew the truth about Quirrell. That man wasn't what he seemed. Still, now wasn't the time to act.
---
Afternoon Lessons
In the afternoon, they had Potions with Professor Snape, the head of Slytherin house. Snape, as always, looked serious and intimidating in his black robes, but Harry wasn't afraid. After all, Snape had helped raise him, and no one in class knew that Snape treated Harry differently—more like a silent guardian than a harsh teacher.
"Today we'll be brewing a simple Cure for Boils," Snape said in his deep voice. "Follow the instructions carefully, and do not make me repeat myself."
Harry worked with Draco during potions. They moved efficiently and worked well together. When their potion turned the right shade of green, Snape passed by and gave the smallest of nods.
"Acceptable," Snape said, which was high praise from him.
---
Evening Thoughts
That night, as Harry sat by the fire in the Slytherin common room, he thought about the secret rooms again.
The other students only see Hogwarts as a school, he thought, but I know it's something much more.
He looked around at his housemates chatting and studying. No one knew what he was really planning. But that was fine.
He would wait. He would gather clues. And one day, he would unlock the truth behind the chambers… and maybe even find the Forgotten Library.