Evelyn Riddle and the Chamber of Secrets

The next morning, Ron and Harry told me the theory that they had come up with late last night — that Moaning Myrtle was the girl that was murdered last time. And the more I thought about it, the more it made perfect sense!

    Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to sneak into her bathroom and ask her. Exams —for some reason— were still happening, and that meant we had to study. But studying was the last thing on my mind, since now that Hagrid's out of the picture as the one who opened the Chamber, Dad is the only suspect that I can think of. Why else would he frame Hagrid? But then again... what if he just caught the wrong guy?

Three days before exams, we got the first piece of good news in a while.

Professor McGonagall announced at breakfast that the Mandrakes were finally ready to be cut, and that the Petrified victims would be returned to consciousness that night.

My mood immediately improved. Tomorrow, Hermione will be awake again, and she might have a clue as to who attacked her. I'm beyond excited to see her — her absence in our dormitory is taking a toll on Lavender, Parvati, and me.

Our class after that was Defense Against the Dark Arts, much to my disappointment. Like I had so many other times throughout the year, I ignored everything Lockhart said and instead drew on a piece of parchment.

The bell finally rang, and we all lined up so Lockhart could take us to History of Magic — again to my disappointment. Just before we reached the last corridor that lead to the classroom, Lockhart said, "Mark my words, the first words out of those poor Petrified people's mouths will be 'It was Hagrid.' Frankly, I'm astounded Professor McGonagall thinks all these security measures are necessary."

"I agree, sir," said Harry.

Ron dropped his books and I stared at Harry in bewilderment.

"Thank you, Harry," said Lockhart. "I mean, we teachers have quite enough to be getting on with, without walking students to classes and standing guard all night..."

"That's right," Ron said. "Why don't you leave us here, sir, we've only got one more corridor to go—"

I felt a smirk rise to my face, but I covered it quickly. Now I know why my friends are acting as stupid as Lockhart all of a sudden...

"You know, Weasley, I think I will," said Lockhart. "I really should go and... prepare my next class." He rushed off, back towards his classroom.

"Prepare his class," Ron said, sneering. "Gone to curl his hair, more like."

"You two are brilliant," I said, as we turned the corner that would lead us up to Myrtle's bathroom.

Before we could take another step, though, Professor McGonagall appeared in front of us.

"Potter! Weasley! Jane! What are you doing?"

Uh, oh.

"We were — we were —" Ron said. "We were going to — to go and see—"

"Hermione," Harry said.

Ron, Professor McGonagall, and I all stared at him.

"We haven't seen her for ages, Professor, and we thought we'd sneak into the hospital wing," explained Harry, "and tell her the Mandrakes are nearly ready and, er, not to worry—"

"Of course," Professor McGonagall said softly. "Of course, I realize this has all been hardest on the friends of those who have been... I quite understand. Yes, Potter, of course you may visit Miss Granger. I will inform Professor Binns where you've gone. Tell Madam Pomfrey I have given my permission."