Author's Note: Next chapter! Christmas Break is my best friend :) I actually have time to work with my stories without feeling guilty about ignoring my school work.
So Chapter 7 finally caught up to Chapter 8 for visitors, but it didn't pass it. Chapter 1 now has over one hundred visitors.
I think I reached 5 reviews as well, but that's only because one person keeps reviewing. Come on guys, leave me some reviews please!
I don't own Harry Potter or its characters. Elaine Goyle, Nandra Robards, Ainslee Knight, Radburn Allen, Jackson Grace, and Emery Paulson (The Ravenclaw gang) are all characters of my creation. And, of course, Selenia.
Elaine's POV
At Hogwarts life was different from my home. Instead of keeping myself company, I lived and slept with three other girls. I also had my classes and lots of homework to keep me busy. But after eleven years of being my own best friend, it was difficult to adjust to being surrounded by so many people.
I escaped by curling up in chair with one of my books. I found if I ignored people long enough they would leave me alone. The other Ravenclaws learned to give me my space.
On one of these occasions, mid-October, I was tucked in a blue armchair with my potions book. There was a loud crack, and I looked up to see one of the stones in the wall cracked in two. Emery and Jackson Grace were staring at Radburn.
"Wha—I didn't—It wasn't me!" he stammered.
"Well if it wasn't you, who was it?" Emery countered.
"Guys, it doesn't matter who it was. If Flitwick finds out we'll all be dead," Jackson reasoned.
I sighed, "I can fix it."
They all watched as I walked over to the stone and pulled out my wand. I saw a tiny roll of parchment and pulled it out from between the two pieces of stone. I tucked it into my robes and uttered, "Reparo!" The stone mended, leaving the wall looking exactly how it was before it broke.
"Wow!" breathed Emery.
"Thanks," Jackson replied.
Radburn crowed, "That was awesome! You're the best, Elaine!"
I rolled my eyes and settled back into my chair.
As Ainslee and Nandra discouraged the boys' hero worship, I slid the parchment out of my robes and onto the pages of my potions book. It looked very old and I unrolled it carefully.
After reading a few lines I stopped. It was a letter.
Very gently I closed it into my book and hurried into my dormitory. I sat down on my four-poster bed and closed the blue hangings. Then I opened the book and read the letter.
It said: Rowena, When you read this I will be gone. Of all the other founders you were the most open-minded; the most likely to take my side. For that I will tell you this: there is a secret chamber hidden in the school. Only I, or one of my descendents can open it. If you do not accept Mudbloods into your house then your students will be safe. This is my warning to you. The monster in the chamber will only listen to me, or my descendent. Listen to me; this is your only warning. Salazar Slytherin
As I sat paralyzed on my bed, my eyes quickly skimmed over the lines again. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, felt my muscles unclench from their frozen position, and one thought crossed my mind.
The library.
After storing the letter in a safe place, I tore down the stairs and raced through the common room, leaving the other first years with the impression that I was mad. In the corridors I slowed my speed to a less frantic pace, so I wouldn't be delayed if I met Filch or any teachers.
Once in the library I searched diligently until I found the book. I sat at a table with Hogwarts, A History to see if I could find something that would be of use.
I heard footsteps behind me, and when they stopped I looked up into the face of Draco Malfoy.
"What are you doing here?" I sneered, surprised at the venomous undercurrent to my voice.
"Isn't it obvious? I need a book to do my school work. What else is a library for?" he taunted.
"Finding the truth," I muttered, looking down.
"Why are you reading about the Chamber of Secrets?" he asked, a puzzled look on his face.
I slammed the book shut. "I was just curious," I lied. A thought struck me. "I heard a rumor that Harry Potter defeated You-Know-Who last year. Is that true?"
Draco's face darkened. "He's talked about like such a hero. Potter this and Potter that. He's just a show-off!" he fumed, then stalked away. Well that was one way to get rid of him. He hadn't answered my question, though.
When I returned to the common room with the library book tucked under my arm Nandra exclaimed, "All that for a book?"
"Must be some book," Radburn teased.
I ignored both of them, heading back to my dormitory to read and ponder in peace.
Plot development! I'd like to thank my sister for her brilliant idea that inspired this chapter. We have this little system. If she gets stuck, I give her an idea; if I get stuck, she gives me an idea. Neither of us could keep writing without the other sometimes :) Can anyone guess who the comic relief is? Please review everyone! 124 people have read this story. 2 have reviewed, and one of those was Anonymous. No flames. Thanks!
