Hermione's eyes widened as she read Tom's response. The heir of Slytherin? That meant Tom was a Slytherin. She tried to recall if there was any Tom in Slytherin, but no there wasn't. Hermione went back to writing.

You're the Heir of Slytherin? What are you trying to tell me? WHO are you? What is your aim?

Silently, she waited. The sun started dimming and setting below the horizon. Darkness filled the room. Lavender Brown and Parvati decided to stay down for a while, giving a chance for Hermione to figure out this mystery. Her eyes set back on the book again.

I'm a memory Hermione. A memory preserved in a diary for many years now. 50 Years. You see, I see much more to you Hermione. By that I mean, a darker side. I need your help. 50 years ago, the chamber of secrets was opened.

A memory? Hermione hadn't heard of anything so barbaric. How could someone do that? What on earth was the Chamber of Secrets? Hermione popped the book in her bag, and dozed off.

She woke the next morning, suddenly remembering The Yule Ball was the next day. Sleepily, she looked around for Ginny who was combing her beautiful red hair. "Good Morning Ginny, would you like to come with me to Hogsmeade Village today? I need to pick a dress for the ball tomorrow," said Hermione, opening her cupboard and selecting a pair of jeans and woollen jumper. "I'm so sorry Hermione, but I have to help Luna make her outfit," said Ginny. "It ok, I'll just go myself. I think I need a bit of alone time as well," said Hermione, now putting on her jacket. Hermione left the dormitory there was no sight of Ron, but Harry sat near the roaring fire, reading. "Hey Harry, I'm going to Hogsmeade Village, see you in a bit," she said. Harry closed his book, and glared at her. "Look, I still don't think you should go with Draco. Trust me; he's up to something nasty as usual. I don't want you to get in trouble. He's a creepy bloke," said Harry. Hermione laughed sarcastically and strut out the portrait hall.

Draco bumped into Hermione, who rushed down the moving golden stairs. "Whoa, are you already that excited for the ball Granger?" said Draco. Hermione chuckled, suddenly remembering Tom Riddle and something called the Chamber of Secrets. "You alright, Granger, You look tensed," said Draco, with a smirk on his pale face. Hermione looked at him weirdly. "Yeah I'm fine; I'll just be off then. Bye," she quickly said and hurried down the stairs. Draco sniggered and went off to find Blaise. He bumped into Blaise who sighed and said "What do you want now?" Draco sniggered. "Well Blaise, I think I've done my job!"

After an hour of searching for a dress, Hermione finally brought one. It was a long pink dress, supported by beautiful laces. She caught sight of Draco with Crabbe and Goyle. Loudly she called his name. Instead, he just sighed and looked the other way. What was wrong with Draco?

Hermione decided to pay Professor Slughorn a visit. She could ask him about the Chamber of Secrets. He was old and friendly, and someone she trusted dearly. Professor Slughorns office was energised with several Christmas decorations. He sat at his desk, drinking a mug of hot chocolate. Hermione knocked. "Miss Granger! What a wonderful surprise! Come, what brings you into my office?" said Professor Slughorn, straightening up from his chair. "Actually, the thing is, I need to ask you something," she said nervously. "Ask away my dear girl!" "What is the Chamber of Secrets?" asked Hermione, biting her lip. Slughorn's eyes widened, as his mouth tensed up. He lifted himself up, hands behind his back. "Miss Granger, Hogwarts was founded by four wizards. Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff and Salazar Slytherin. Slytherin, on the other hand, disagreed with the others on blood impurity, and accepting Muggle-borns and therefore left. "Though, legend tells us that before Slytherin left, he built a secret chamber deep underground Hogwarts- as we call it The Chamber of Secrets. The Chamber was home to a monster- which is a basilisk- which was to purge the school of muggle borns. Only his heir could open the Chamber through parseltounge. The school has been searched numerous times and no such chamber has been found since." When he stopped talking, he looked at Hermione, who stood in shock and amazement. "T-thank you sir," and she ran out the room. Hermione reached her Dormitory and shut the door angrily behind her. Tom Riddle was the Heir of Slytherin. He opened the Chamber of Secrets to get rid of muggle borns. Like her. The journal lay silently on her bed, the glimmering sun shining upon it. It was dangerous, thought Hermione. He lifted the book up and started writing:

Tom, I know you opened the Chamber of Secrets 50 years ago. It's very rare that someone can speak parseltounge. What are you up to? What do you want from me? I'm a muggleborn, you're trying to kill me!

A cold shiver ran down her back, as she finished writing. Her quill top rested beneath her chin, as she waited for a response. His neat writing then appeared:

Don't be so silly Hermione. I do not want to kill you. You're beautiful and intelligent. You see I've been lonely for many years now and NEVER have I come across someone so amazing as you. In the matter of the Chamber of Secrets, I've learnt my lesson. I need your help.

Hermione laughed. Tom's words were so beautiful. Maybe Hermione was wrong about him. He was charmingly persuasive. She started writing yet again:

Thank you Tom, but what do you need help with?

His writing re-appeared:

I need you to open the Chamber of Secrets once again.