It's been a few days since the whole 'Mrs. Norris' incident, yet it seemed that Draco and Emma were on better terms… but the same didn't go for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They were oddly silent and acting strangely, not once did they ever mention what they saw the writing on the wall. Still, she couldn't figure out what was going on with them but decided to just let it go. Quidditch practice was becoming more intense, especially since the first match would be at the end of the week.
Strangely enough, whereupon that incident, many students were giving harsh glares, sneers, and blank expressions to Emma and Justin. Yet, she didn't do anything wrong in her eyes… still, others thought otherwise. The Hogwarts Princess felt that she became distant herself, something that Emma didn't like. She hated the feeling of not knowing anything, becoming trapped within these walls.
And for once she felt… alone.
Although her friends weren't talking to her, Emma decided to catch up with Ginny after all the young Weasley was having trouble getting some friends. Therefore, during one morning, the girls would converse about practically anything they missed, yet Emma noted that Ginny would always carry that small book of hers. "Gigi, what's that book you have there?" Emma questioned the Weasley girl out of curiosity.
Ginny glanced upon the journal, slowly grabbing the binding until she clutched it close to her chest. The first year nervously looked around the Gryffindor table, luckily there weren't too many students, "Can you promise me something, Sera?"
The girls' had nicknames that they would both use often ever since the past summer. Although Ginny would call Emma by her name, the nickname made the young blonde confused. This peaked Emma's interest greatly, nonetheless, the Hogwarts Princess nodded her head rapidly, "I promise, Gigi."
The ginger girl sighed as she placed the book between them, leaning towards Emma's ear, "I don't know where I got this book, but it was thereafter we visited Diagon Alley. Someone's communicating with me through the book."
"I don't understand," Emma interrupted her softly, her eyebrows furrowing upwards at the slightest. "Communicating?"
"Yes… as if this person understands me, Sera. He knows how I feel but it's… consuming me somehow. I-I can't explain it, b-but—," Ginny hesitated to respond, still, she knew that Emma was simply looking out for her.
"Hey, it's okay. You don't have to explain it to me." Emma tried to reassure her, seeing that Ginny's eyes were a bit watery. The young blonde slowly gave her a side hug to calm her down. "It's alright. Whatever it is, you can always come to me for help."
"T-Thanks, Emma. You truly are my friend," Ginny smiled softly at the older girl. They continued eating silently after the conversation, Emma felt her necklace faintly glowing from her collarbone. Warning her that some dark magic was nearby, the young witch suddenly detects someone touching her shoulder.
"Emma, can I talk to you for a moment?" Justin coughed to grab her attention. Emma glanced over her shoulder, feeling that it might be urgent. The Slytherin boy gave a polite smile at Ginny, causing the young girl to freeze momentarily, avoiding eye contact with him.
"Um… okay. Sorry, Gigi but I have to go," Emma apologized to the youngest Weasley. Ginny understood that her brother had to talk to her, the ginger girl nodded before embracing Emma. The Hogwarts Princess excused herself, thus the Moore siblings decided to stroll through a quiet corridor.
"Ever since the incident, many people are wondering who was responsible for the attack. Some think that you were… involved." Justin explained the rumors he's been hearing throughout the week. Many were unpleasant comments and some were speculating someone.
Emma stopped walking after the statement, looking at her brother with a slightly narrow glare, "What exactly are you trying to say? That it was our fault— my fault? Did you not listen to Professor Snape that we were in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Not because of that— well, maybe part of it. But, some students are already searching the library for any information about the 'Chamber of Secrets'." Justin insisted his headstrong sister, Emma shook her head in disbelief.
"I can't believe it… my own brother doesn't believe me!" Emma accuses Justin, walking away from him not wanting to even look into his eyes at the moment.
"I do believe you! But people are saying it's us who are doing it!" The Hogwarts Prince confesses with worried eyes. Emma abruptly halts where she was heading, slowly turning around until she stopped halfway.
"What do you mean 'us'?" Emma inquired about the new information. Justin sighed, placing his hands inside the robe, something he only does when he's anxious or… fearful. He leaned into her ear, "The Chamber of Secrets was built by our Great-Great… Grandfather, Emma. They think we're here to avenge his ideology of blood supremacy… from half-bloods, muggles, and Squibs. To them it makes sense, but we both know it isn't true."
"How? They have nothing to prove," Emma stated, crossing her arms above her chest. Forgetting one minor detail during the incident.
"Actually, they can. You had blood on your hands that night. And the only one too, if I may add. Some were even saying that you set it up as a distraction for something." Justin announces a statement he heard a day ago.
"I-I don't n-now what to s-say." Emma stuttered at the statement. Why? They have done nothing wrong, yet the young witch felt that someone was trying to blame them. "I-I have to t-think about it."
"I know, Em. But please, don't do anything stupid until I get back later." Justin begged Emma, embracing tightly worried about what was happening.
"How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you." The young witch retorted, slowly pushing herself away from the hug. The thought was now present in her mind.
Not once did she feel safe now.
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Eventually, it was the middle of the day where all Gryffindors and Slytherins had Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. Relentlessly, Emma sat beside Draco, yet not too far from her Gryffindor friends. In front of her was her lovely wand along with her books for her next class. "Could I have your attention, please?" McGonagall called out to the class, causing everyone to go silent.
"Right. Now, today, we will be transforming animals into water goblets. Like so…. One, two, three, Vera verto." McGonagall announced, turning her large bird into a water goblet.
"Now it's your turn. Well, who would like to go first? Ah! Mr. Weasley. One, two, three. Vera verto." She instructed and Ron put scabbers down on the table in front of him. He was visibly nervous, staring at his broken wand before he answered, "Ahem. Vera verto!"
Scabbers transformed halfway into a goblet, yet it was still furry and had a tail. Soon everyone in the class was laughing, while Ron turned red from embarrassment. "That wand needs replacing, Mr. Weasley," McGonagall told Ron, Hermione had a curious expression on her face. Therefore, the brilliant Gryffindor girl raised her hand, "Yes, Miss Granger?"
"Professor, I was wondering if you could tell us about… the Chamber of Secrets?" Hermione questioned, causing Emma's breath to hitch. Oh, no. Feeling her blood turn cold, a small shiver sparked upward through the spine, knowing that her hair transformed into pure White. McGonagall seemed hesitant to answer but she could tell that everyone was interested in the topic.
"Well, very well. Well, you all know, of course, that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago by the four greatest witches and wizards of the age: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Now, three of the founders coexisted quite harmoniously. One did not." Professor McGonagall began explaining to everyone.
"Three guesses who." Ron mutter humorously, Emma felt herself shrink at the statement. Draco glanced at Emma, spotting her eyes and hair suddenly hollowed, thus the boy gently gripped her hand under the table to comfort her. The young witch simply didn't focus on Draco's comfort, rather the backstory of Hogwarts.
"Salazar Slytherin wished to be more selective about the students admitted to Hogwarts. He believed that magical learning should be kept within all-magic families. In other words, pure-bloods. Unable to sway the others, he decided to leave school. Now, according to legend, Slytherin had built a hidden chamber in this castle, known as the Chamber of Secrets. Though, shortly before departing, he sealed it until that time when his own true heir returned to the school." Emma gulped nervously, feeling some stares from some classmates. Professor McGonagall continued, "The heir alone would be able to open the Chamber and unleash the horror within, and by so doing purge the school of all those who, in Slytherin's view, were unworthy to study magic."
"Muggle-borns," Hermione concluded with a saddened look in her eyes.
"Well, naturally, the school had been searched many times. No such chamber has been found." McGonagall finished her explanation, looking directly at the Hogwarts Princess. The elder woman felt sympathy for the young witch, understanding the rumors that were spreading around Hogwarts.
"Professor? What exactly does legend tell us lies within the Chamber?" Hermione asked once again, quite intrigued by the whole thing.
"Well, the Chamber is said to home to something that only the Heir of Slytherin can control. It is said to be the home of a monster." McGonagall announces to her.
'A monster? What kind of monster could be in the chamber? If there even was one.' Emma wondered mentally in her mind. The class was pretty uneventful after that, only Hermione and Emma turning their goblets successfully. Yet, Transfiguration had always been a pretty good subject for her.
After class ended, the quartet strolled through the halls and started discussing the Chamber of Secrets. "Do you think it's true? Do you really think there is a Chamber of Secrets?" Ron asked them. Emma stayed silent throughout the walk, listening in to the conversation.
"Yes. Couldn't you tell, Ron? McGonagall's worried. All the teachers are." Hermione replied to the question.
"But if there really is a Chamber of Secrets, and it really has been opened, then that means—," Harry began explaining before Hermione cuts him off.
"The Heir of Slytherin has returned to Hogwarts." She announced, pondering on the conclusion whilst continuing to walk. "The question is, who is it?"
Harry noticed Emma's distress of worry and fear in her eyes, causing the young boy to gently wrap around his arm around her shoulder. "What's the matter, Em?" Harry asked the young witch with a small grin of encouragement.
"Yeah, you're oddly quiet today. You always tend to make a sarcastic remark right about now," Ron glanced over his shoulder, her lips were curved into a vivid frown.
"Do you guys even listen to yourselves? You sound like you already know who it is… everyone thinks it's me and my brother. Don't you understand? We're the only ones related to him by blood," Emma insisted, tears threatening to cascade down her face. The blonde girl furiously wiped them away, not wanting to glance at them.
"Oh, Emma we know it's not you nor your brother who's doing this. Or else you wouldn't have been with us during the attack. Besides, we know what you're capable of," Hermione stated, embracing her tightly. The boys nodded their heads in agreement, not believing the rumors themselves.
'But you don't,' Emma mentally argued in her mind, they still don't know everything about her. Something that she doesn't like doing is lying to people she cares about. Emma cracked a small grin, "What is that supposed to mean, Mione?"
"Now, that's the Emma we all know," Ron remarked playfully, thus Emma rolled her eyes at him. "Let's think about it. Who do we know who thinks all Muggle-borns are scum?" Ron questioned them, the group noted Malfoy and his goons walking passed them.
Hermione stared at Draco with a thoughtful look, "If you're talking about Malfoy—,"
"Why, of course. You all heard him. 'You'll be next, Mudbloods.'" Ron informed the girls and Harry.
"I heard him. But Draco being the Heir of Slytherin? That's remotely impossible. Unless it's a first-year student. I mean… it started recently, why didn't Draco attack last year?" Emma inquired at the thought, turning to Harry and Ron.
"Maybe Ron's right, Emma. I mean, look at his family. The whole lot of them have been in Slytherin for centuries." Harry explained to her.
"Are you forgetting something? My family has been sorted into Slytherin too, Harry. It doesn't make sense at all. It could be an insider doing this." Emma stated seriously, crossing her arms towards her chest.
"Maybe it might be Emma. But if he is then Crabbe and Goyle must know. Perhaps we could trick them into telling them." Ron suggested, not excluding Emma's conclusion of doubt.
"Even though they aren't that thick. But there might be another way." Hermione began before the four of them stopped walking. "Mind you, it would be difficult. Not to mention we'd be breaking about 50 school rules and it'll be dangerous. Very dangerous."
"What kind of thing would that be?" Ron retorted, yet Hermione ignored the statement as she led them around the castle. The Hogwarts Princess held her head high in an attempt to make her feel relaxed. Eventually, Hermione took them to the library, while the Gryffindor girl looked for a book.
She searched at every available corner until she finally found it, grabbing it off the shelf and walked back to the boys and Emma. "Here it is. The Polyjuice Potion." Hermione announced, reading from the book as Emma walked in front of the boys.
"If properly brewed the Polyjuice Potion it allows the drinker to transform himself temporarily into the physical form of another." Emma read out to everyone around the table.
Harry and Ron looked at each other in shock, before Ron asked the girls, "You mean, if Harry and I drink that stuff, we'll turn into Crabbe and Goyle?"
"Yes," Hermione replied with a small nod of confirmation.
Ron smiled over to Harry. "Wicked. Malfoy will tell us anything."
Hermione glanced over at the book to read about the potion's ingredients. The brunette witch concluded, "Exactly. But it's tricky. Emma and I both have never seen a more complicated potion."
"How long will it take to make?" Harry questioned her after that statement. Emma looked up at Harry before telling him, "A month."
Harry's eyes widened, stating to her, "A month? But, Emma, if Malfoy is the Heir of Slytherin he could attack half the Muggle-borns in the school by then."
"I know, wait… what if I can do it? I mean I can change into anyone I want to be. I'm sure I can," Emma volunteered herself, concentrating until slowly her straight blonde hair transformed into a dark brunette hair that matched Hermione. Next, Emma changed her cyan eyes into brown, yet she was having difficulty changing her face structure. "I just need some time to change my facial features. But, I can be Pansy and try to get some information."
"Woah, that could work," Ron agreed with Emma at the idea, the witch turning her hair and eye color back to normal. Harry shook his head in disagreement, "No, something worse could happen if it's just you."
"But Harry you said so yourself that Draco could attack at any moment," Emma remarked at the Boy-Who-Lived with a small glare.
"It doesn't matter, I don't want you to risk yourself. Besides, we need an actual plan to do this," Harry retorted at Emma, insisting not to do something dangerous.
"...Fine. Have it your way," Emma started with a hint of sadness in her tone. But she masked it with a plain smile that didn't reach her cyan eyes.
The quartet spent the rest of the day talking about the Chamber and going to classes. Emma felt isolated from other students but nothing too out of the ordinary happened except Justin struggled with talking to one girl. That night everyone went to bed fairly early because the first quidditch game of the season was the next day. Slytherin against Gryffindor.
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Unfortunately, the Slytherin team had Emma as their Chaser, therefore Gryffindor needed a substitute for the game. It was the next day, Emma wore her emerald robes and Quidditch gear for the game, taking a deep breath to lower her heart rate. Justin noticed her distress, giving her some words of encouragement. It was finally time to start the game, the Slytherin and Gryffindor team faced each other.
Harry glanced over the other team, staring at Emma with a tight smile. The witch replied with a grin until her brother embraced her one last time before the game officially began. The whistle echoed through the stadium and everyone was currently flying around, trying to earn points thus Emma grabbed the Quaffle before heading towards the hoops. There stood Oliver Wood with a fierce determination to win the game. The young girl swiftly maneuvered over until she made a shot.
"The start of another season and the first goal was made by Slytherin!" Lee Jordan announced, causing some Gryffindors to groan at the sudden change of score. The game continued for a while, everyone was currently flying around, trying to get the Quaffle into the hoops. One Slytherin player grabbed the Quaffle and tried to score another point, yet Wood took it away before passing it to Angelina.
Emma watched as the Gryffindor girl flew towards the hoops to where her brother was until the same Slytherin player punched the Quaffle out of her arms and grabbed onto the ball. Whilst dodging the Gryffindor players, he pasted it to Emma to earn a score. The witch zoomed through the air, causing the Weasley twins to try to stop her. Yet she outwitted them simply by confusing them that she was going to give them the Quaffle. Instead, at the last second, she shot it into the hoops, causing the Slytherin house to cheer.
"Another goal for Slytherin! They lead Gryffindor 90 to 30." Lee Jordan declared through the speakers for the audience to hear. Flint ordered his team to form a flying V formation that near hit the Gryffindor Seeker as they flew above.
Harry let out a groan softly at the moment, yet before Harry could say anything else, Malfoy appeared beside the Gryffindor boy, asking him, "All right, there, Scarhead?"
Harry glared at him when a bludger appeared out of nowhere, therefore he dodged it in the nick of time. The Bludger went up in the air whilst Wood looked down at him. "Watch yourselves, Harry!" Oliver yelled at his Seeker.
"Wood, look out!" Harry called out to Wood just before the Bludger broke his broom, causing him to spin until he landed on the ground. The Bludger started chasing after Harry around the pitch, he tried to weave through the stands but the Bludger just smashed right through them.
Draco smirked at the destruction Harry was causing, grabbing the attention of the blonde witch. "Training for the ballet, Potter?" Malfoy spat playfully at the Gryffindor Seeker, watching with amusement.
Harry momentarily halt in the air, looking at his counterpart rival until he noticed the Golden Snitch beside Malfoy's ear. The Slytherin boy was too busy laughing before Harry ducked the rogue Bludger as he quickly followed the Snitch. Draco also dodged the ball, noticing Harry was chasing something… golden. The Golden Snitch!
Draco realized and followed after Harry to grab it for glory. Emma glanced over at the field, seeing that the rogue Bludger was chasing her. The young witch zoomed through the air, spiraling away until she decided to spin over just when she was about to crash, Emma, moved into a harsh left turn. The Bludger then went through the middle hoop since the Keeper dodged it, giving another score to Slytherin.
The Slytherin Seeker tried to knock over Harry off his broom, speeding forward for the Golden Snitch, both boys after it. They were head to head under the field, yet neither of them could catch it, while it created an uproar throughout the crowd. Suddenly, Draco jumped from under the field and landed awkwardly hard on the ground with his legs wide apart. Everyone on the broom seemed to hold still, watching the scene unfold.
Emma's head snapped towards Harry seeing that he was still chasing after the Snitch. He reached out just before the Bludger smacked into the wrist, causing Emma to wince at the reaction. Harry clutched his hand against his chest and still continued to chase the Snitch, then all of a sudden he fell onto the sand.
Slowly he revealed that what he was holding, thus Lee Jordan proclaimed with joy, "Harry Potter has caught the Snitch, Gryffindor wins!" Gryffindor's house was cheering loudly, while the Slytherins groaned at the loss of the match. Although Emma was a bit disappointed at Slytherin's loss, Harry was more important than a win.
The blonde witch pulled her broom just above the ground and jumped off it before racing over to Harry. However, she abruptly stopped when the Bludger tried to strike at Harry, yet Harry moved to the left as the Bludger smashes down where his head previously was. It was about to attack again when Hermione appeared, "Finite Incantatem!" Hermione used the spell, causing the Bludger to explode above Harry.
Emma then ran towards him with an embrace as she questioned him worried, "Are you alright, Harry?"
Harry shook his head in disagreement, muttering, "No. I think my arm is broken." He gripped his right broken arm close to his chest, yet Emma decided to heal him for a bit. She concentrated on the energy before a faint glow appeared, reassuring him, "Does it hurt?"
The raven-haired boy nodded, while everyone including, Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, and the Gryffindor team and house rushed over and surrounding them. Lockhart then kneeled beside Harry. "Not to worry, Harry. I will fix that arm of yours straightaway."
Harry looked up at his Professor, shooking his head, "No. Not you."
"Boy doesn't know what he's saying. This won't hurt a bit." Lockhart assured Harry before pulling his sleeve up a bit and pulled out his wand. "Brackium Emendo!"
A bright blue light came from his wand and went onto Harry's arm. Emma noticed a change in Harry's arm, instead of the arm to be still and straight it looked limp. Professor Lockhart moved the frail arm, causing it to flop around like liquid. Emma's eyes widened as she looked at his arm in disgust.
"Oh, my god," She muttered, covering her mouth at the sudden thought.
"Yes, well, that can sometimes happen but the point is…." Lockhart trailed off, putting Harry's hand back, bending his wrist and touching his forearm. "You can no longer feel any pain, and, very clearly, the bones are not broken."
"Broken? There are no bones left." Hagrid remarked at the ignorant man.
Harry's arm flopped back out, Lockhart weakly defended himself, "Much more flexible, though." Emma rolled her eyes at him, however, they took Harry to the Hospital Wing to rest for a bit. Everyone from the Gryffindor team and Harry's friends waited outside until they were called in. The young witch was a bit surprised to find Draco there too, deciding to at least check on him. Yet, when she found out that he was faking it, Emma excused herself to be with an injured friend.
Emma stands beside his bed, next to Hermione, all waiting for Madam Pomfrey to come and help Harry. "Out of my way." They heard Madam Pomfrey say as she walked over to Harry's side table. "Should have been brought straight to me. I can mend bones in a heartbeat, but grow them back..."
"You will be able to, won't you?" Emma asked Madame Pomfrey with a worried expression.
"I'll be able to, certainly. But It'll be painful. You're in for a rough night, Potter. Regrowing bones is a nasty business." Madam Pomfrey declared, passing Harry a drink. Harry took a sip before spitting it out everywhere at the disgusting taste of the liquid.
"What do you expect? Pumpkin juice?" Madame Pomfrey questioned the boy, eventually, it was becoming late, thus everyone was ordered to leave including Draco and his goons. Emma gave one last hug before retiring for the night at her dormitory. Yet another dream interrupted her slumber or perhaps a vision instead.
"Emma…" A soft voice echoed, the young witch was stirring in her sleep. "Emma…" The same voice called out to her, slowly Emma fluttered her eyes, trying to adjust to the dim surrounding of what appeared like an ancient castle. She abruptly stood up when the voice whispered again, almost like if it was nearby.
"Hello?" Emma's call echoed through the corridors, feeling a narrow object from her dress pouch. What a moment… since when did Emma wear dresses to sleep? The gown was quite beautiful, it seemed to be crafted for someone with high status by the detailing. The cloak was a lovely lavender with white accents, but the gown was decorated with pearls that gave a soft glow. This most definitely doesn't belong to her.
"Emma…" The mysterious person whispered, only this time it was the same hooded woman with a dark cloak. Emma turned around to find her on the highest step of the grand staircase, feeling the same energy as before. "You're in danger, Emma. Great evil will come upon you along with the harsh truth of what your family is hiding from you."
"In danger? How?" Emma insisted with her wand in hand, grabbing a good amount of the gown as she strolled forward to the slender woman. "Please I must know!"
"Use that necklace your aunt gifted you, it will guide you in your journey," The woman replied, walking away from the young witch.
"How do you know my aunt gave it to me? Wait!" Emma cried out to her, running up the stairs to follow the woman. Somehow, every time Emma tried to get closer, there was a considerable amount of distance between them.
"You have her spirit of kindness and courage, darling. Two qualities that are deadly when combined… perfect for a future Queen." The hooded figure suddenly stopped at the moment, slowly turning around that could only see her lips curved into a vivid smile.
"Queen? I'm sorry but I'm no Queen," Emma remarked at her, ruffling with her gown until she felt something almost slip from her head. A crown… yet it seemed to be for a Queen not a Princess like herself.
"There is so much you don't understand, Emma. You're a Princess by blood, a Queen by destiny, and a Warrior by your dragon-like soul. This is what makes you different from the rest." The older woman declared, slowly lifting off her hood to reveal herself. The woman was gorgeous from her blonde hair to her lovely eyes that seemed familiar. Her iridescent azure gown seemed to be fitted for a benevolent Queen, along with a crown that stood proudly from her head.
"Please, stop saying my name. It's rude since I don't even know yours." Emma insisted angrily, crossing her arms above her chest, causing the young witch to slightly glares at her.
"My apologies, darling. My maiden name's Amara Ambrosius, Emma." The woman now named Amara confesses to the young blonde, a small smile gracing her lips softly.
"Well then Amara, why are you telling me all of this?" Emma questioned Amara curiously, well why would she have this vision.
"What if I told you that everything you know is a lie?" Amara retaliated the question to the young Princess.
"A lie? That's i-impossible. My parents told me everything they know, they would never hide something from me." The young witch stuttered at the statement. Emma felt herself shivering, clutching her lavender cloak yet her wand was still in hand.
"Lies are more convincing when they're close to the truth," Amara spoke wisely, slightly remembering her past life, having her fair share of lies and deceptions. Seems that nothing really changes over time.
'That can't be true… or can it?' Emma wondered mentally at the moment, deciding what to do next. Suddenly a thought interrupted her, "Let me ask you this, why should I trust you?"
"That depends on you, darling. You either take the cautious or suffer the consequences." Amara concluded, Emma feeling that she was fading away slowly…. No! Not yet, she was still answers missing.
"What's happening?" Emma asked the woman, slightly slipping away from the vision. She twitched after she rubbed her eyes, leaning against a pillar for some support.
"You're waking up, Emma. Just remember… you belong here. This is your home, your future home, darling." Amara whispered before everything disappeared from existence. There was still one question Emma wanted to ask….
Who exactly is Amara Ambrosius?