"As we all know, Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago. The founders were the greatest wizards and witches of their time.
The four houses were named after them: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin.
Together, they built this castle, away from the prying eyes of Muggles, as in those days, common folk feared magic, and wizards faced persecution."
Alaric paused, surveying the room before continuing, "In the early years, the founders worked harmoniously, seeking out young people with magical potential and bringing them here for training.
However, disagreements arose among them. The rift between Slytherin and the others grew.
Slytherin wanted Hogwarts to be more selective in admitting students; he believed magical education should be limited to pure-blood families and was unwilling to accept Muggle-born children, considering them unreliable.
After some time, Slytherin had a heated argument with Gryffindor over this issue and then left the school."
"Reliable historical records tell us this," he said, "but these pure facts have been overshadowed by peculiar legends about the Chamber of Secrets.
The story goes that Slytherin built a secret room in the castle, unknown to the other founders."
"According to this legend, Slytherin sealed the Chamber, so no one could open it until his true heir arrived at the school.
Only that heir could open the Chamber, release the terror inside, and purify the school by eliminating those unworthy of learning magic."
"Many believe the Chamber is just a legend," Alaric glanced around; everyone was still focused on him, eager for more.
"But what I'm about to tell you is that the Chamber was indeed opened, and all the parties involved are quite familiar to all of you."
"Now I will tell you another story," he cleared his throat, "this happened fifty years ago when strange attacks occurred at Hogwarts.
Fortunately, only students were injured at first, but the attacks escalated, leading to the death of a female student.
Due to the numerous incidents, Hogwarts was on the verge of closure. However, at that time, a student named Tom Riddle stepped forward.
He caught the one who opened the Chamber, got him expelled, but for the reputation of Hogwarts, the then-Headmaster Armando Dippet claimed the girl died in an accident.
Tom Riddle, in turn, received a Special Contribution Award for the school."
At this point, in a photo on the wall, Armando Dippet covered his face in shame.
Hermione's hand shot up again. "May I ask, what's the name of the person who opened the Chamber, and what creature did he summon?"
"I mentioned that you are all familiar with the people involved," Alaric mysteriously winked at Hermione.
"The person expelled for opening the Chamber was named Rubeus Hagrid. His creature was a giant eight-eyed spider, Aragog.
And, all the eight-eyed spiders in the Forbidden Forest are its descendants."
The common room erupted into a commotion.
"It's Hagrid!"
"How is that possible?"
"I always said that giant-blooded guy couldn't be trusted."
"Why does Dumbledore let him stay at the school?"
Hermione raised her hand again. "I think Hagrid couldn't have opened the Chamber; he's not skilled in dark magic.
Also, the eight-eyed spider couldn't be the Chamber's monster; it can only poison people, not petrify them. Are you sure you got it right?"
Hermione's analysis was well-founded, and everyone fell silent, turning their questioning gazes to Alaric.
"Of course, I also think Hagrid wouldn't be Slytherin's heir. Headmaster Dippet must have been mistaken," Alaric nodded, giving Hermione an approving look.
"Slytherin would never choose someone like Hagrid as his heir, for specific reasons I won't disclose. So, the real heir is someone else.
Speaking of which, let's look back at the person who reported Hagrid. His full name is Tom Marvolo Riddle."
He wrote Tom Marvolo Riddle's name in the air with his wand.
"Do you see any clues?" he asked.
Everyone shook their heads.
So Alaric waved his hand, and the letters rearranged to form a sentence: "I am Lord Voldemort."
This transformation sent a chill through everyone.
The common room fell into a brief silence.
After a while, Penelope spoke somewhat excitedly, "Are you saying that Tom Riddle is the young Voldemort?"
"You're correct," Alaric nodded, "In fact, with a little investigation into Hogwarts' history, you would all know this. So, do you understand what the truth is?"
"The mysterious person opened the Chamber and framed Hagrid. I'm right, aren't I?" Hermione quickly said.
"Absolutely correct. I think that's the truth," Alaric sighed.
"Unfortunately, records from fifty years ago don't tell us how the Chamber was opened, what the real monster inside was, or if there was any monster at all; it might have all been the work of the Dark Lord himself.
However, some clues still exist, there was someone other than these two there and you all see that person often.
"A third party was involved?"
"Who was that person? Apart from Hagrid and the mysterious man, no one else was mentioned up until now."
"Was it Headmaster Dippet? I often saw him in photos."
"The third person in this event, was the girl who died, whom you are also familiar with and frequently encounter, is none other than the Moaning Myrtle."
With that, he concluded the lesson and returned to his dormitory.
...
Alaric's analysis caused a sensation at Hogwarts. All the wizards bombarded the professors with questions, seeking confirmation of the events' truth.
Most people agreed with Alaric, even the Slytherins believed Hagrid couldn't be Slytherin's heir.
However, as the one directly involved, Hagrid found himself at the center of attention.
Even as a ghost, Moaning Myrtle was no exception as she couldn't escape the constant questioning: "How did you die back then?"
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