Chapter 12

The Ball and the Chamber


October 31st, 1998

10:47 AM

Adalyn sat in History of Magic – Riddle's head blocking her view. Binns rearranged the seating chart placing her directly behind Riddle in yet another class. It had been a little over a month since the Slytherin party, and their relationship had not progressed any further. If anything, the two were more distant than before. Her investigation on what happened to Riddle had not had much luck either. The book she 'borrowed' from the Restricted Section had not been of any help. None of the possessions matched what Riddle went through. They all said that the possessed person should be able to remember their actions, which Riddle did not. Though, he could be lying, which Adalyn was beginning to believe more than before.

Across the classroom, she could see Malfoy and Isabelle chatting amiably. Adalyn sighed and slumped into her chair. Though she did not need to pay attention – it would give her something to watch that was not the back of Riddle's head.

Professor Binns' flat monotone echoed through the classroom. Adalyn could picture his head stuck in the large textbook he always carried as he paced in the front of the room. Today, the class was learning about Dark wizards and witches in history. Binns finished the section on Grindelwald and moved on to the next person.

"Christiana Bradley was one of the darkest witches to ever live. Not only did she perfect the rune of Demone, but she was skilled in the art of possession. As a proud Pureblood Slytherin, Bradley would possess a Muggle and cause them to do unspeakable things to their loved ones. In addition to this, she would kill off a Muggle or Muggleborn every thirteen days. When the Ministry finally tracked her, she was killed in an instant. It was later discovered that she had Horcruxes. To this day, the Ministry is still searching for the thirteenth and final Horcrux. She lived slightly before Grindelwald's time and is often overshadowed by his success in the Dark Arts. Unlike many Dark wizards and witches, she practiced the art openly. In her early life…"

Adalyn stopped listening to Binns. She tapped Riddle on the shoulder and he leaned back.

"Have you ever heard of her?" she asked softly. "Christina Bradley, I mean."

"The name sounds familiar, but I cannot place where I heard it." Riddle continued to stare at the front of the classroom – his entire body language screamed 'Don't talk to me'.

Adalyn ignored his obvious social protests and said, "I haven't heard of her. Actually, I take that back. I think I read about her in my Ancient Runes book. She was the one who was able to perfect the rune of Demone. Quite an impressive dark witch if I remember correctly."

"Maybe you would remember more clearly if you stopped talking," Riddle said. After a few moments, he asked, "Why are you talking to me so much today? Still on a mission to figure out what caused me to become Lord Voldemort? Has it ever occurred to you that I am just evil?"

"You're not."

"How do you know?"

"You would be dead. The Order would have seen through your lies. I think you're scared, Tom," she taunted, just to see how he would react. Riddle glared at Adalyn at the use of his first name. "You're scared because you don't know what happened. You put up a dark and brooding façade to hide the fact that you aren't as powerful as Lord Voldemort."

As soon as she finished, Adalyn knew she had gone too far. Riddle's grey eyes were clouded with anger. His jaw was tight and his entire body was tense. "You should learn to control your tongue, Audet. It will get you in trouble one day."

Anger broiled inside Adalyn. Green eyes livid with anger, she gave Riddle a terrifying stare. "And you should remember that it isn't the 40s. Women actually have opinions and I choose to use this privilege to be honest with people whenever I can."

Riddle snapped his head back to the front. Adalyn went back to listening to the lesson.

"So in conclusion, Christina Bradley was one of the darkest witches of all times. Not only did she master the art of possession, but she was skilled at the use of dark runes as well. For most, she was a beacon of true terror," Binns finished. "I want a parchment on the history of the Dark wizard or witch you find most interesting. Class dismissed."

After copying down the homework, Adalyn quickly gathered her books. While she was leaving the classroom, Isabelle and Malfoy came up from behind her. He threw his arm around Adalyn's shoulder. "What was your conversation with Riddle about?"

Adalyn picked his arm off, as if it contained a highly contagious disease. "You didn't overhear?"

"I was paying attention to class."

"Why?"

"The legend of Christina Bradley was interesting."

"I missed it."

"Your loss," Malfoy shrugged.

"I think I will manage," she rolled her eyes. "But if you must know, I was discussing how I am trying to subvert this society's patriarchal paradigm by continually declaring my beliefs, no matter how punitive they may be."

"English, Adalyn, English," Isabelle pleaded.

"I am trying to change the opinion that men are the dominant gender by sharing my thoughts, no matter how harsh they may be," Adalyn explained.

"I'm sure Riddle enjoyed that," Isabelle laughed.

"Why would you do that? Everyone knows that men are dominant," Malfoy bragged. Adalyn gave him a dark stare, and Malfoy quickly changed the subject. "Are we still on for tonight?"

"As long as you keep your sexist opinions to yourself," Adalyn said with a fake smile, "then, sadly, yes. And do not forget to be in the Great Hall by 6:30. We will need your help setting up."

Today was Halloween, so dinner was being held in the Room of Requirement in order for House Heads to be able to set up the ball. Adalyn overheard the excited whispers of the underclassman as they talked about their first dates and how they hoped to be kissed tonight. She smiled at their childlike innocence. At their age, she had already been kissed…numerous times…

Adalyn snapped herself away from those thoughts as they turned into the Potions classroom.


October 31st, 1998

12:33 PM

After pushing her way through the crowded halls of Hogwarts, Adalyn finally made it to the library. It was the best hiding spot from the commotion of the school, except the Room of Requirement. But it was not the quiet that Adalyn was looking for today rather a certain Gryffindor girl.

"Hey, Granger," Adalyn called once she spotted the witch. "I've been meaning to talk to you."

"What about?" Granger asked, looking up from the large book she was reading.

"Did you have an incident with Tolave? Because when I stayed after he seemed to go mad and mentioned a 'Gryffindor girl' and then McGonagall said that you had reported a similar incident."

"The same thing happened to you?" Granger exclaimed. "He held me back after class one time and he seemed to lose control. He kept asking me these questions about heirs, but I had no idea what he was talking about. He only stopped when I mentioned that I had to find you to tell you about the meeting. What do you think it means? I tried reporting it to McGonagall, but Tolave had -"

"– no memory of the incident," the two girls finished together.

Adalyn sighed. "I honestly have no idea what any of it means. I was wondering if you knew anything about it."

"Nothing," Granger groaned. "Ron and Harry are itching to investigate more, but for once I was hoping for a normal year. No weird mysteries that we have to solve. Just a simple school year where the most troubling things are the exams."

"Weren't we all?" Adalyn quipped.

A silence fell upon the table, but it was not an uncomfortable silence. It was a silence that had a meaning; a meaning that only the two understood with a simple look. A look that read "let's never speak of this again".

And with that, Granger returned to her book and Adalyn left the library with no more answers than before.


October 31st, 1998

6:45 PM

"Ron and Malfoy are 15 minutes late!" Granger exclaimed. "Where are they?"

"Not here," Adalyn mumbled. Despite it not being Granger's fault, Adalyn was rather upset that Granger knew no more than she did.

Unfortunately, Granger heard her. "Do you find this situation amusing?"

"Horribly," Adalyn answered sarcastically. "It fills my cold heart with happiness and makes me want to collapse onto the dirty floor with uncontrollable laughter."

"I don't think you understand, the boys have the decorations. If the boys don't show up, we don't have decorations. If we don't have decorations, we don't have a ball," Granger worried.

"Relax, Hermione," Lovegood comforted. "Ron and Malfoy are probably still eating. We have about an hour and fifteen minutes before the ball starts."

"It is a pity that Justin and Michael are both sick," Granger sighed. The illness that caused Tolave to get sick in the beginning of the year had quickly spread throughout the students, mainly the upperclassmen, causing them to go to the Hospital Wing. Adalyn was one of the lucky ones that was showing no symptoms.

"At least we still have Malfoy and Ron," Abbott supplied, being the optimist she was.

"If they ever show up," Granger grumbled.

"Oh, bloody hell!" Adalyn cried. She had had enough of Granger's complaining. With a flick of her wand, she summoned the decorations into the Great Hall. Moments later, the numerous boxes came flying in, every one of the decorations smashed and broken. With another wave of her wand, the dark and dreary beautifications fixed themselves and hung themselves up in their proper place. "Why does everybody seem to forget that we are witches?"

The Hall's lights were dimmed so that the black candles with neon green flames, which floated above their heads, shone brightly. The enchanted ceiling showed a cloudy night, a full moon gleamed through the clouds. Pumpkins – lit up by neon green light – lined the edges of the hall. Assorted cobwebs hung from the rafters; some even had real spiders dangled in them. The floor was filled with a cool mist, making it almost impossible to see your feet. With the dark burgundy curtains lining the windows, the Hall looked like a scene out of a haunted house.

While Adalyn and the others were admiring her work, the boys came rushing in.

"We swear, we didn't mean to break the decorations!" Weasley explained. "We were levitating them and slipped on some water that was flooding out of Myrtle's bathroom again and they fell to the ground and broke! We were trying to fix them when they flew out of our hands and…"

He trailed off when he noticed the splendid scene before him. Malfoy turned to Adalyn and asked, "Was this you?"

"Of course," she smirked. "And I believe that I just saved everyone some time. I will wait here for the band while everyone else can go get ready."

"Remember the checklist!" Granger called as she scurried away to go get ready.

Adalyn sat down in one of the chairs and waited for the Weird Sisters to arrive. The doors to the Hall swung open and she hopped out of her seat, ready to run through the required checklist, only to find that it was McGonagall who was entering the Hall, not the band. "Hello, professor. How do you like it?"

McGonagall jumped at the sound of Adalyn's voice. "Dear god, child! I did not see you there! Should you not be getting ready with your fellow classmates?"

"I elected to stay behind and wait for the band to arrive."

"To answer your question, the Great Hall looks lovely," McGonagall confirmed. "If you wish, I can wait here for the Weird Sisters. They may treat me with a little more respect than you, no offense."

"None taken, headmistress, and thank you." Adalyn handed her the checklist and proceeded to the House Head Common Room. Adalyn stopped at the entrance and had a conversation with Edgar. Well, more line Edgar talked to her about a crazy new idea to leave his portrait and she listened.

"I'm sure it will work this time," Adalyn lied. "Happy Halloween!"

Edgar slowly closed the portrait door behind her as Adalyn stepped into the hallway that lead into the Common Room – only to be knocked onto her arse moments later. She looked up and her anger subsided when Isabelle reached her hand down to help her up. "I am so sorry, Adalyn! I was just on my way to look for you!"

"I am here now," Adalyn answered while wiping the dust off her skirt. "How did you get in? You do not know the password."

"I came in with your fellow House Heads."

"Let us go prepare ourselves for this god-forsaken ball."

"That's the spirit!" Isabelle exclaimed sarcastically as the two friends made their way up to her room.


October 31st, 1998

8:10 PM

Two hours later, the girls had their hair and makeup done – with help from one another. Isabelle gushed over how beautiful Adalyn looked and how gorgeous, and creepy, her costume was. Adalyn, in return, complimented Isabelle as well.

Isabelle was in a white wedding gown that was ripped in numerous places. Her hair was viciously tangled and her makeup was smudged all over her face. The look was completed with a bouquet of dead flowers and a dirty veil. Isabelle was going as a bride left at the altar.

Adalyn studied herself in the mirror. Her black hair was curled into little ringlets and piled into a bun on her head. Her dress was a Victorian styled gown with a gothic twist. The black, tight corset hugged her body, giving her curves a more defined look. The skirt had numerous pickups that gave it a slightly voluminous look. The sleeves were a matching black lace that went all the way down her arm. Black gloves went overtop the sleeves and up to her shoulders, so there was no worry of seeing the Dark Mark tonight. A black fan and simple black mask that tied in the back completed her look.

"Adalyn!" Isabelle whined loudly. "Come on out! We are going to be late!"

"Alright," she sighed and reluctantly picked up her skirt and hurried out her bedroom door.

Adalyn and Isabelle hurried down the stairs to the common room. When Adalyn turned the corner of the stairwell, she saw the rest of her classmates.

Abbott's costume surprised everyone. She wore a tight leotard with an attached short skirt. Knee-high boots and a short cape made her a superhero. Her face had limited makeup – with the exception of cherry red lipstick. Her brown hair was slicked back in a high, tight ponytail that shone in the light.

Lovegood's costume reflected her personality perfectly. It was a floor-length rainbow gown that had a bejeweled waistband. Her hair was crimped and ruffled, and her makeup looked like a rainbow had thrown up on her face – at least in Adalyn's opinion. When Isabelle asked what she was, Lovegood answered, "A Veela." No one bothered to correct her.

The female Weasley was dressed as a pirate. A corset-like bodice made the white sleeves from the shirt underneath poof out. A high-low skirt covered her bottom half – along with fishnet tights and brown boots. She had tied a red bandana over her bright scarlet hair with a swift knot.

Granger was dressed in a lilac Victorian gown with mint green swirls. Limited makeup accented her most defining features, and her usually frizzy hair was curled. A small tiara rested on top of her curls – making her a Victorian princess.

Everyone fell silent and everyone stared at Adalyn. She saw Granger's face start to turn red with anger as she studied how similar their costumes were. The princess took a deep breath and said, "You look lovely, Adalyn."

Abbott looked over at Granger shocked. "Lovely? That's all? If no one else is going to say it then I will. Damn, Adalyn. You look hot."

Everyone else quickly followed in suit by complimenting how hot, or sexy, she looked. Even Potter complimented her. Only Granger and Weasley were silent. The boys were dressed to match their dates – Potter and female Weasley, Abbott and a boy named Richard Hanes (who Adalyn had never said a word to); Lovegood and Longbottom, Granger and Weasley. Riddle, however, was on his own and looked like the Phantom of the Opera. Malfoy took Adalyn's hand and whispered, "You look lovely."

"You look rather dashing yourself." Adalyn gave a playful tug on his waistcoat. She glanced across the room and saw Isabelle and Riddle – were both going stag - chatting quietly. She walked over and said, "Maybe you two should go together. Incest is the best; put your cousin to the test!"

Isabelle cracked up laughing at her disturbing joke, while Riddle looked like he was ready to send Adalyn to a mental hospital. She gave them a sweet smile – while trying to hold back laughter – and said, "Well, have a nice night!"

She walked back over to Malfoy – who was giving her a curious look. "What did you say to them?"

"Just promoting incest."

"What?"

"You don't want to know."

"Probably don't," he agreed. They walked hand in hand with the rest of the group to the Great Hall. Adalyn hated it when Malfoy held her hand or kissed her cheek, but it was only for tonight. Once the night was over, Malfoy would no longer want her because he would have accomplished his mission of making her go out with him.

The group of twelve walked down the stairwell to the Great Hall. The couples linked arms as they descended down the stairs while Isabelle and Riddle walked alone. Hushed whispers ran through the crowd – only adding to Hogwarts's turbulent rumor mill.

The group sat down at a round table and filled up all twelve of the seats. Adalyn sat down flanked by Malfoy on her left and Riddle on her right. At a previous meeting, the House Heads had elected to eat the traditional Halloween feast before the actual dancing began. McGonagall stood up from the Teacher's Table and addressed the crowd.

"Welcome students to the Halloween Ball. Let's give a round of applause for the House Heads who put this celebration together." The Hall erupted in thunderous applause. "Quiet down. I hate to put a damper on the celebration, but I must address an important matter. The Ghosts of Hogwarts. Many of you have noticed that many of Hogwarts's ghosts have vanished. We are unsure of where they have disappeared to, but we are tracking their whereabouts as I speak. The remaining ghosts include the Bloody Baron, the Grey Lady, Sir Nicholas, Miss Myrtle, and Peeves. We have come to the conclusion that many ghosts have hidden themselves in the crevices of Hogwarts during the war and have yet to emerge. Oh, and a Happy Deathday to Sir Nicholas. Let the feast begin!"

Platters of delicious food appeared on the top of the tables. The group dug into delectable chicken, pumpkin pie, all sorts of potatoes, and numerous candies. As Adalyn cut up her chicken, Abbott tried to make small talk with her fellow classmates. "So what do you guys think about the ghosts? Imagine - one of them could be hidden in your room!"

"Itish awitle cweepy," Weasley said with a mouthful of food.

Granger gave him a smack on the shoulder and scolded, "Honestly, Ronald. Learn some manners!"

"At least Purebloods are well-mannered," Malfoy whispered into Adalyn's ear.

She also gave her date a smack on the arm. "Look who it's coming from. 'Trying to change my beliefs' my arse."

"Watch your language, missy."

"Says the guy who taught me all the cusswords in second year."

In truth, Adalyn had known all the 'bad words' since she was eight, but it was better to let Malfoy think she learned them from him. Much better…

"And what did your lovely date teach you?" Riddle asked joining their conversation.

Adalyn remembered Riddle's comment from earlier that day. Her anger resurrected.

"I would tell you but I'm trying to hold my tongue. Wouldn't want to get in trouble for saying something unladylike," she mocked.

"I'm sorry for my previous comment," Riddle drawled insincerely. Adalyn narrowed her eyes. She sensed that he was mocking her stream of apologies that always seemed to flow from her mouth whenever he was around.

'Two can play this game,' she thought. Out loud, she said, "Don't apologize. It's irritating."

"I'm only trying to be nice."

Adalyn opened her mouth, but quickly closed it when she realized Riddle had her stumped. He smirked proudly at her as Adalyn gave him an acute sneer and turned her attention back to the entire group. Once again, Abbott attempted to make conversation with the diverse people at the table. "So, what do you want to do when you get out of Hogwarts?"

"Auror," Potter, the Weasley's, and Longbottom all said in unison.

"Well, no surprise there. I would like to come back and be a professor. Maybe I could teach Divination," Granger joked. "But seriously, I would love to teach young witches and wizards magic."

"You could be teaching students about your own adventures," Hanes pointed out. "Isn't that a little odd?"

"Only if you make it be," she debated.

"Fair point," the boy nodded. "I want to help rebuild the Ministry. They need all the help they can get right now. Hannah?"

"I helped Madame Pomfrey during the war. St. Mungoe's is calling my name," Abbott admitted. Adalyn studied her. In all honesty, she could barely picture the sweet Hufflepuff girl cleaning up the bloody wounds of dying people, but it was her choice.

"I would like to be a writer," Malfoy confessed. That caught Adalyn's attention. "But I don't know what I would write about."

"You could write about us," Isabelle suggested motioning towards Adalyn.

"Yes," Adalyn agreed. "Call it 'The Slut and the Serpent'. Make us solve crimes."

"Though your idea is sheer brilliance," Malfoy drawled sarcastically. "I don't think it would sell."

"You could always try the Muggle world. It could spark a whole new craze in the Young Adult world," Granger suggested.

"I'll be sure to try it," Malfoy said sarcastically. Adalyn knew that he would never write for Muggles. Though the war had changed him slightly, no one can truly rid themselves of past prejudices. Especially a Malfoy. Adalyn glanced over at Riddle. If Malfoy could not give up his old beliefs, how could Riddle drop them so quickly?The more Adalyn thought about it, the more suspicious she became. It spread through her body like a wildfire. Her mind was screaming at her that Riddle was guilty. The rational side of her brain calmed her down. If Riddle was guilty, the Order would had seen right through his lies.

The suspicion was still nagging at the back of her mind as Malfoy pulled her onto the floor for the first dance of the night. He placed a pale hand on her waist and Adalyn flinched slightly at his touch. She despised anyone touching her, especially men. A slow waltz - conducted by Flitwick - began. The duo moved in three-step twirls around the floor.

Adalyn refused to look up into Malfoy's grey eyes. She was did not want him to make eye contact. Eye contact meant intimacy, and intimacy lead to other things...

Adalyn could feel Malfoy's gaze smirking down at her, but she also sensed another stare. Drawing her gaze away from her feet, she glanced over her shoulder and met Riddle's cold glare; but there was another emotion hidden in his pools of grey. Jealousy.

'Is Riddle jealous that I get to dance with Malfoy? Is he actually gay? Riddle can have him if he likes,' Adalyn thought, but then she realized he was not staring solely at them, but at every couple in the room. That was when it hit her. Riddle was jealous of the love the couples shared – romantic and friendly.

Adalyn felt pity for the ex-Dark Lord. Nobody would ever love him – or even be kind to him for that matter. The new Patronus Charm fluttered into her mind. The same sadness washed over her body as she thought about living a life when nobody loved you. Her own life flashed before her eyes, but she quickly brushed those thoughts away. She had people who loved her. Malfoy noticed Adalyn's face become softer and sadder. He asked, "What is wrong?"

"Can you imagine a life where nobody loved you?" she asked. Malfoy knew not to question Adalyn's thoughts, but the question seemed random.

He thought about it for a minute before he said, "No."

"What if you knew someone who had never been loved?" she asked – again looking melancholy.

"Anyone in particular we are talking about?"

"No."

"I would offer them my love and support."

"And if they won't accept it?"

"Then they are an idiot," Malfoy whispered. Adalyn nodded and returns to looking at her feet. The waltz continued as Malfoy spun Adalyn around. She had to admit, they danced together beautifully. The song, which Adalyn recognized as Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz, allowed Adalyn to get lost in memories of dressing up as Princess Aurora as a child, though she preferred Maleficent. Her father had never approved of her liking towards the darker characters…

The waltz finished and they both bowed. Before Adalyn could object, Malfoy swept her into a spicy tango. They moved with the music, illuminating every jump and twirl the music held. Feeling more confident than before, Adalyn lifted her gaze into Malfoy's eyes. He smirked softly at her newfound defiance and stared back, turning the dance into a battle of the sexes. The dance floor seemed to clear as Adalyn and Malfoy twirled around it, neither giving up the fight. In the end, both stood slightly breathless, still glaring into each other's eyes. After a moment of silence, the Weird Sisters took the stage and the floor was once again flooded with students trying to get close to the famous band.

Malfoy seemed to be determined to keep her dancing all night because, once again, he dragged her into the mass of students to dance. Adalyn found herself shaking her hips to the music. Malfoy wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. She felt repelled by his touch, but did not say anything. After the seventh song, she finally spoke up, "Malfoy, can we sit down? My feet are tired."

"Of course," he smirked, obviously proud that he had worn Adalyn out. The two sat down at their table.

Adalyn felt Malfoy's cold hand creep its way behind her chair and close to her backside. "Maybe we should head back to my room for some different kind of fun."

Adalyn stood up quickly and smacked Malfoy across the face. The sound resonated throughout the Great Hall and eyes turned to watch them. "You perverted git! Learn a thing or two about consent before you try anything! I was actually enjoying your presence for once. If you so much as talk to me like that again, I will make sure that personally remove the part of your body that makes you a man!"

"Adalyn!" Isabelle gasped from the front of the crowd. The blonde girl rushed up beside Adalyn and whispered through gritted teeth, "What the bloody hell do you think you are doing?"

"This bastard tried to feel me up and then invited me to his room for, and I quote, 'some different kind of fun,'" she explained.

Isabelle's blue eyes darkened and she turned to look at Malfoy. With one swift motion, she punched Malfoy right in the face. Adalyn smirked proudly as her friend stretched out her hand and returned to her side. The scary Victorian lady turned to McGonagall, who was watching the scene along with the rest of the teachers, and said, "I believe it would be best if Draco Malfoy was impeached as his position as a House Head and sent back to the Slytherin Common Room, not for my sake, but for the sake of his physical being. We all know how important his looks are to him."

McGonagall gave a sharp nod that read 'I will see to it as soon as possible'. Adalyn smiled and strutted back to the small alcove near the stairwell with Isabelle on her heels. She turned back to the blonde witch and announced, "It is official. I hate Draco Malfoy."

"I think everyone has figured that out by now," a familiar voice said from the shadows. Riddle emerged, looking as mysterious as ever, with a small smirk on his face. "In fact, you may have made the Daily Prophet. I can see the headline now: 'Crazed Girl and Friend Harms her Date's Precious Face That is Probably Insured for Over One Million Galleons!'"

Adalyn couldn't help but crack a small grin. "Why are you not enjoying the ball?"

"You and I both know the answer to that one," Riddle answered.

"Have a good night, Riddle," Adalyn said as she and Isabelle climbed the stairs to the Common Room.

The clock chimed only seconds after she finished her sentence. Riddle looked smug as he responded, "Good morning, Audet."

When they returned to her bedroom, Isabelle collapsed on Adalyn's bed and fell asleep instantly. Adalyn was the polar opposite. Even after changing out of the confines of her tight dress, she was unable to fall asleep. Every single noise seemed ten times louder and the small crack of light burned her eyes. She tossed and turned until she decided to get up and go downstairs. Maybe someone else was having trouble sleeping. She peaked around the corner and looked around the Common Room. Nobody was there. Adalyn began to make her way up the stairs before a loud sound stopped her. A loud sound that sounded suspiciously like the portrait door closing. Adalyn rushed across the room and snuck out the portrait door. She looked around the hallway in just enough time to see Riddle's cloak fluttering down the stairwell. She silently ran after him – regretting her lack of shoes and bra.

He twisted and turned down a series of hallways as Adalyn followed silently behind him. Riddle stopped in front of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, looked around, then walked into the bathroom. After a moment, Adalyn followed behind him. When she walked in, Adalyn was frozen in shock. The circle of sinks in the center of the bathroom had opened up to form a large tunnel. She peered down into the dark tunnel.

"The Chamber of Secrets," Myrtle's high pitched voice rang out from the u-bend. "That is where Tom Riddle went."

"I figured," Adalyn sighed. "I'm Adalyn Audet by the way."

"I know who you are. How come you don't know where the Chamber is? It was a huge scandal six years ago."

"Dumbledore told us the Chamber was found, but he didn't tell us where it was," Adalyn explained slightly irritated. "He didn't want anyone going down into it."

"Oh," the ghost giggled. "Why are you here?"

"I saw Riddle sneaking out and I wanted to know where he was going," Adalyn stated quickly. "Do you just jump?"

"That's what he did," Myrtle said sweetly.

Before Adalyn took the deep fall into the unknown, she asked Myrtle, "Where are all the ghosts?"

The young girl's face darkened. "There is Dark Magic lurking in Hogwarts. Dark Magic that scares most ghosts away."

"Does Riddle have anything to do with it?" she demanded.

Myrtle's eyes widened and she shook her head. Adalyn sighed and peered down into the darkness of the Chamber. "Oh, and Adalyn, if you die you're welcome to share my bathroom."

"Thanks, Myrtle," Adalyn said. Though the offer was slightly creepy, Adalyn knew the ghost girl meant well. Adalyn took a deep breath and jumped down the murky tunnel. She flew through the gutter at forceful speeds before she fell into a pile of bones. She let out a small squeal and hopped up quickly. Brushing off the human remains, Adalyn then continued down the tunnel and she came to a door with snakes on it. The door was closing slowly, but luckily, she was able to slip through the tight opening without getting crushed by the heavy metal. Adalyn heard the door close behind her. She gulped - knowing that there was no turning back now.

Adalyn climbed over a large pile of fallen rocks. The fabric of her dress, that was already torn and ruined, got caught on one of the sharp rocks. The dress ripped as she slipped and fell down the large pile and onto the cold ground. When she tried to stand up, a sharp pain ran through her ankle. She recognized the pain and knew that she had a broken ankle as well as a deep cut from the rocks. Adalyn pathetically limped through the Chamber.

'The one time I can get answers out of Riddle, I break my ankle. This is just great,' she thought.

She stumbled into what appeared to be the center of the Chamber. Snake heads lined the walls and a large statue of Salazar Slytherin was carved into the end of the hall and there at the end of the hall was Tom Riddle himself.

"What are you doing here?" she called out. Riddle jumped slightly before whirling around to face the dirty witch. "Tell the truth. It will do you no good to lie."

"I come down here to be alone," Riddle answered. "I thought no one could follow me."

"They can't. I barely snuck down here," Adalyn admitted.

"Can I be alone?"

"What for?"

"Thinking."

"Thinking about what?" she asked.

Riddle gave her an exasperated look, but still answered the question. "I didn't like being surrounded by the people. They seemed so happy."

Adalyn once again felt pity for the boy. Riddle noticed her expression soften and snapped, "I don't need your sympathy."

"Then you won't get any," Adalyn sneered in the same tone. "I'm sorry for following you down here. I just wanted to make sure you weren't raising a baby Basilisk or something."

"Apology accepted. Now can you please go?"

"As you wish," she mocked as she made her way back down the Chamber's hall – ignoring the black spots that were clouding her vision.

I will not pass out from the pain of a mere broken ankle. I have dealt with far worse.

She continued to stumble away before realizing one very important detail. She turned back to Riddle. "Riddle, I don't know how…"

The last thing she remembered was the sound of her body falling to the hard floor with a thud.


2/21/16 - I am so sorry for the late update! I sweat that I meant to update on Friday, but I ended up prepping for my party all day (after school of course). And then I had my party on Saturday and now here we are. I decided to give you two chapters today because I felt bad about my inconsistent updates. Luckily, I should be able to get back on schedule since life guarding classes are done (I am now certified and I have a summer job! Yay!)

As always, please let me know what you think through reviews or follows or favorites! I love hearing from you! Also special shoutout to Gal since she (or he, I won't make any assumptions) was the one who reminded me to update.

Sorry for my rambling. Hope you have an amazing day!

- KC