Filch immediately spotted Mrs. Norris, petrified and hanging on the wall, as he observed the crowd, including Harry and Draco.

Guided by the pointed glances of the Hogwarts students, Filch zeroed in on Harry.

Enraged, Filch seized Harry and accused him, “You killed Mrs. Norris? I’ll make you pay for this!”

Draco tried to separate him from Harry, but the insurmountable anger brought forward a strong power that made Filch not budge from this poor child’s attempt.

Still in the throes of explanation, Harry pleaded, “No, Mr. Filch! I didn’t do it. You have to believe me! Mrs. Norris was already petrified when I arrived!”

Draco, not one to mince words, stepped forward and disdainfully remarked, “Harry, kill her? What do you even understand about Harry, you squib? Don’t be absurd! Harry is a wizard, a pure-blood wizard! What are you?!”

Draco’s words visibly irritated Filch, who then pointed accusingly at Harry and his companions, uttering, “It was you! I knew it was from the first time we met; I already knew how much trouble you would bring me. You’re dissatisfied with me, so you attacked Mrs. Norris! You’ll face the consequences!”

As Filch prepared to take action, Draco, unhesitant, stepped forward and pushed Filch away.

Just as tensions escalated, Headmaster Dumbledore arrived on the scene, accompanied by several Hogwarts professors, successfully diffusing the confrontation.

As the professors arrived, Draco ceased his efforts to push Filch, who, still grieving, exclaimed, “Headmaster Dumbledore, they…they killed Mrs. Norris!”

Dumbledore reassured him, “Alright, Filch. Mrs. Norris isn’t dead; she’s merely petrified. Don’t worry; Professor Sprout will cultivate a robust mandrake, and we’ll cure her!”

“Now, everyone, return to your dormitories. Get back to your room and wait for further notice!” Dumbledore yelled.

Observing this, the Hogwarts students, guided by their prefects, headed back to their respective common rooms.

Turning to Harry, Draco inquired, “Harry, you’ll be fine. I’ve seen Filch upset with that cat for a long time! But how did you manage all of this?”

Facing Draco’s question, Harry could only defend himself helplessly, “I really didn’t do anything. I just happened to be passing by!”

Ron and Hermione collaborated, testifying that the three of them were together during the incident.

“He was saying the truth, Professor! The damned cat was already on the wall!” Ron yelled.

“Shh! Watch your mouth, Ron,” Hermione intercepted, “Professor Dumbledore, what Harry is telling, I can assure you is the truth. We were together all this time.”

Dumbledore walked toward them before scrutinizing each of them, trying to pick a little detail of their stories by observing their expression. “I believe no Gryffindor students would be able to do a cruel act as well. Don’t worry about it. Return to your room and let the Professors take care of the problem.”

Convinced by their seemingly truthful accounts, Dumbledore accepted that Harry was not responsible for the event.

As the Slytherin and Gryffindor common rooms were in different directions, the four friends had to part ways temporarily.

“Harry, if Filch decides to pursue the matter further, just inform me. I’ll take care of him personally!” Draco said as they parted ways.

Harry smiled at Draco while thanking him, “Thank you, Draco. I know you’ll have my back when I need it the most.”

Unaware of these events, Wentworth remained in the library, engrossed in the study of ancient magical patterns.

In that moment, a voice surprised Wentworth from behind, “Wentworth, studying these dangerous things, are you?”

Startled, Wentworth turned to find Luna, her eyes widening as she focused on the ancient magic pattern book in his hands, curiosity lighting up her face.

Perceiving Luna’s interest, Wentworth inquired, “You’re familiar with ancient magic patterns too? Why do you consider them dangerous? In my perspective, this is magic! Understanding ancient magic patterns allows a wizard to craft spells as they desire – a dream for every wizard!”

Luna shifted her gaze from the table to Wentworth after his words. After a thorough examination, she responded, “I may not comprehend ancient magic patterns, but my mother died attempting a new spell through them.”

Wentworth swiftly expressed remorse, taken aback, “I’m sorry, Luna, I didn’t know…” He voluntarily closed the book he was learning from while turning his body toward Luna.

Before he could complete his apology, Luna interjected, “No need to apologize. I just want to caution you as a wizard. Don’t casually experiment with powers beyond your control, especially without a trustworthy and powerful ally by your side! My mother died because she was alone in that vulnerable moment.”

Wentworth was taken aback by Luna’s words, appreciating her concern. Before he could express his gratitude, another female voice chimed in, “No need to worry about this matter. I’ll always be by Wentworth’s side. With me around, accidents won’t happen to him!”

Turning towards the source of the voice, Wentworth and Luna saw Cassandra, donned in a dark green robe, emerging from behind a bookshelf on the opposite side.

Ready to greet Cassandra, Wentworth observed her moving towards Luna instead. Cassandra locked eyes with Luna and declared, “Junior, attend to your own matters and mind your words when talking with your seniors. Wentworth will always have me beside him!”

Caught in the middle of the two voices, Wentworth felt awkward. Just as he was about to say something to ease the tension, Luna interjected, “Alright, I was just giving you a heads up. I’ve lost a few socks and need to find them!”

With that, Luna gracefully departed, leaving the library, “Bye to the both of you!” She waved her hands gleefully.

As Wentworth watched her leave, Cassandra remarked, “Haven’t you had enough of her? Get back to your studies when you’ve seen your fill!”

Hearing Cassandra’s words, Wentworth couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Cassandra, why do you care more about my studies than a professor? Even Professor Snape wouldn’t urge me to study at this time before he made up his mind to fix me!”

Cassandra responded confidently, “Nonsense. The professors entrusted their knowledge to bet their future on you!”

With that, Cassandra turned around and walked out without waiting for Wentworth to react.

Wentworth could only shake his head in disbelief before opening his book again to pick up where he left off.

Tonight, many people at Hogwarts were destined to lose sleep.

On the second day of Transfiguration class, while Professor McGonagall was lecturing, Hermione finally couldn’t help but ask, “Professor, can you tell us something about the Chamber of Secrets?”

Seeing that all the students in the class seemed interested in the secret chamber, Professor McGonagall sighed and said, “Alright, then, I’ll tell you about it. As we all know, there are four founders at Hogwarts…”

During the rest of the class, Professor McGonagall shared the rumors about the Chamber of Secrets with all the students.

In the end, Ron couldn’t help but ask, “Professor McGonagall, you haven’t told us what is in the chamber?”

Professor McGonagall was silent for a moment before answering slowly, “It is said that only the descendants of Slytherin can master that thing. I heard that there lived a… terrifying monster!”