The day of the Yule Ball arrived. Hermione woke up, setting her eyes on the snow that dangled gently outside, bouncing off her window. The dream. The dream was the first thing that popped into her head. A vivid memory grew in her head. A tall dashing boy stood in front of her, his daring eyes piercing into hers. An echoing voice rang in her head. Her eyes squinted, as she tried to recall what had happened last night. "This is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. Remember the words I spoke VERY carefully. Come here during the Yule Ball and you know what follows. We will purge the school of unwanted wizards!" Hermione popped open her eyes. The hollow room stood silently, watching her. She was out of breath, her heart thudded at the sound of the clock ticking against the wall. The Chamber of Secrets, yes. That's what her aim was. She would finally feel welcome in the Wizarding World, just like one of the purebloods. After Hermione freshened up, she head to the Great Hall. As soon as she entered, loud chatter and laughter filled the air. Across the hall stood Professor Flitwick, waving his wand graciously in the air. He was lifting up silvery decorations which placed themselves on the ceiling. Several lanterns flew free at the edges of the frosty walls, and an enormous Christmas tree looked upon the entire hall. "Hermione!" a voice called from behind. It was Harry, sitting alongside Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan.
"Hey Harry", said Hermione, searching the room for Ron.
"Are you still going to the ball with Draco?" asked Harry. Hermione sighed and slid herself into her seat, grabbing a plate full of toast.
"Come on Harry. Draco's not as bad as he seems. I do wish you could just get to know him a bit better!" Harry rolled his eyes at Hermione.
"I think I know him well enough Hermione. I'm just saying to be careful when you're with him and keep watch," said Harry and he shut his book and left the Great Hall. Hermione finished her breakfast and climbed back to her dormitory.
She opened her cupboard, and stared at her dazzling pink dress, that shimmered in her cupboard, like a star at the top of a Christmas tree. The Yule Ball was in the evening, and that meant a few more hours until she would meet Tom Riddle in person. Maybe I'll complete a bit of homework in the Library, she thought.
Hours passed as Hermione occupied herself with a mountain of books throughout the evening. The clock chimed 5 in the corner.
"Off you go now dear, you don't want to be late for the Ball!" said the Librarian. Hermione ran frantically back to her room. She got dressed quickly and left for the ball, as the diary lay beneath the cursive laces of her dress.
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The entrance of The Great Hall swarmed with charming students, decked up in dashing clothes. Draco stood at the edge of the staircase, dressed in a handsome suit. His hands were tucked away in his pockets, as he tapped his foot eagerly on the stone floor.
"Where is she? She should be here by now," said Draco. Crabbe tapped Draco, pointing his sausage finger up the stairs. Draco turned round and couldn't believe his eyes. At the top of the staircase, stood the most beautiful girl he'd ever laid eyes on. It was Hermione. Her elegant curls were tied up in a charming bun and she wore a long pink dress.
"Hermione, you look beautiful," stuttered Draco, letting out his hand.
"Shall we?"
Hermione chuckled, revealing her pearl white teeth. They entered the Great Hall. It was decorated in an amazing enchantment. Professor Flitwick certainly did a phenomenal job after all! Draco and Hermione reached a table, laid in shiny silver cutlery. Harry and Ron sat before them, with Parvati and Padma Patel. Ron shrugged and turned his head.
"Students!" echoed a loud voice. Dumbledore stood at the heart of the Great Hall.
"Welcome to our Annual Yule Ball! And may I say how fabulous you all look this fine evening! Now let us engage ourselves tonight, with a dance!" The Hall cheered and soon couples surrounded the dance floor.
Draco and Hermione stood in the centre, hand in hand.
"You alright?" asked Draco, looking into Hermione's eyes. "You look a little tense."
He was right indeed. An urge could be felt in Hermione's eyes.
"Draco, I need to go the um bathroom!" she said nervously above the hums of the violin. She slipped out of Draco's grip and made for the door.
"I can't let her do this! This is my entire fault! I have to save her!" He sprinted out of the Hall, dodging past a few sniggering girls.
"Do you know where Hermione Granger went?" he asked breathlessly.
"We saw her go up to the third floor corridor just a few minutes ago," said the plump girl, with frizzy hair. Draco ran up the stairs and reached the third corridor. The corridor lay still, gloom and utter darkness invaded the air. He didn't know where to start. What did his father tell him again? Ugh, this is his entire fault!
In the darkness ahead, a object glimmered brightly on the floor. Draco crept forward, trying not to be heard. He picked it up in his hands, eyes locked in fear.
"She's been here. She's unlocked it," Whispered Draco. Inside the object, written in clear elegant writing:
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED.
It was Tom Riddle's Diary.