The second term at Hogwarts began as usual, but an eerie tension soon settled over the castle. Whispers of fear spread through the halls, and rumors of something lurking in the shadows grew stronger with each passing day.
Ezekiel, now Lord Ravenclaw, noticed the shift immediately. Students were uneasy, huddling in groups, speaking in hushed voices. Even the professors seemed more watchful.
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It wasn't long before the first incident occurred.
A Gryffindor first-year, Colin Creevey, was found petrified near the entrance to the Great Hall.
The entire school was thrown into chaos. Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall reassured the students that an investigation was underway, but panic had already taken root.
In the Ravenclaw common room, Ezekiel, Daphne, Adrian Selwyn, and Elena discussed the situation.
"It's not a normal petrification spell," Adrian remarked. "Madam Pomfrey said it was beyond what regular magic could do."
Daphne crossed her arms. "That means whatever did this is extremely dangerous."
Ezekiel leaned back, deep in thought. He had already started piecing things together. The whispers in the walls… the fear in the air… something ancient was stirring.
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The situation escalated when a new message appeared on the walls of Hogwarts.
> "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware."
The entire school was thrown into an uproar. The legend of Salazar Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets was no longer just a myth—it was real.
More attacks followed. Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly Headless Nick were both found petrified near the library.
The fear spread like wildfire.
Students whispered about Harry Potter, speculating that he was the heir of Slytherin. His ability to speak Parseltongue only fueled the rumors.
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Ezekiel, however, had his own suspicions. He had access to knowledge others didn't, thanks to his position as Lord Ravenclaw. He spent nights researching old texts in the restricted section of the library, looking into the history of Hogwarts, Slytherin, and the Chamber of Secrets.
Daphne and Adrian assisted when they could.
"A creature that petrifies its victims without killing them… It has to be something with deadly eyes." Ezekiel muttered, scanning an old tome.
Daphne's brow furrowed. "A basilisk?"
Ezekiel nodded slowly. "It makes sense. The monster of Slytherin. A giant serpent… its gaze is fatal unless seen indirectly."
Adrian paled. "And it's moving through the castle. But how?"
Ezekiel closed the book, exhaling. "The pipes."
Everything was starting to fall into place. But the real question was… who was controlling the beast?
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As the weeks passed, the school grew more paranoid. Students avoided empty corridors, stayed in groups, and spoke in hushed voices.
Ezekiel could see that Dumbledore knew more than he let on, but even the Headmaster was being cautious.
With each new attack, the school came closer to falling apart.
And Ezekiel knew one thing for certain.
This wasn't over.
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