[A few days later, in the girls' bathroom, she tells Ron and Hermione what she overheard. As they talk, Hermione works on the Polyjuice Potion.]
The trio exchanged a knowing glance, a shared realization dawning upon them in the waning moments of the year. They chuckled softly, their amusement drawing curious glances from those around them.
"We were so close," Mia remarked with a light-hearted giggle, the sentiment resonating with her companions. The trio shared a laugh, their amusement infectious despite the lingering curiosity of their peers.
Caught in the web of anticipation and curiosity, the onlookers sought an explanation from the trio, their inquisitive stares filling the air with unspoken questions.
"Later," the trio chimed in unison, their synchronized response accentuating the playfulness in their eyes.
Their nonchalant dismissal, delivered with shared amusement, only served to irk those around them, their annoyance evident as they directed disapproving glances at the trio. Unperturbed, the trio's smiles widened, their bond evident in the shared moment of lighthearted camaraderie, a testament to the unspoken understanding that bound them together.
Hermione: "Again"? You mean, the Chamber of Secrets has been opened before?
"Wait, there really is a Chamber of Secrets?" Charlie asked, his voice trembling with uncertainty, voicing the question that had been weighing on everyone's minds.
"Was there really a Chamber of Secrets? If so, where was it hidden?" he added, his curiosity and apprehension palpable.
"Lies! It's just a story," Umbridge interjected in her shrill, annoying voice, her dismissive tone cutting through the room.
"God, please give me patience," Mia murmured through gritted teeth, her frustration apparent as she struggled to keep her anger in check, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
"I guess we'll just have to watch the movie to find out the truth then," Hermione retorted, her gaze fixed on Umbridge, her words laced with determination and defiance.
The tension in the room lingered, the unresolved question of the Chamber of Secrets casting a shadow of unease over the gathered group. Despite Umbridge's dismissive remark, the lingering uncertainty and the shared determination to uncover the truth maintained a palpable tension, leaving the group on edge as they grappled with the unsettling revelations.
Ron: Of course. Don't you see? Lucius Malfoy must have opened it when he was at school here. And now he's taught Draco how to do it.
Hermione: Maybe. We'll have to wait for the Polyjuice Potion to know for sure.
Those in the know exchanged somber glances, the weight of unfair accusations against Hagrid casting a shadow over the conversation.
"Not far enough back, I'm afraid, young man," Fudge stated with a glare, directing his words at Hagrid, deepening the sense of injustice palpable in the room. Both Sirius and Remus had long been intrigued by the mystery of Hagrid's expulsion, prompting numerous failed attempts to coax the truth from him.
"What? How far back, then?" Pamsy inquired, her concern evident in her tone.
"50 years, give or take," Hermione replied, providing a startling revelation that left the group stunned.
"How do you know that?" Fudge interjected, cutting off Umbridge, whose retort had been imminent.
"Just watch the movie. We had to find out the hard way, and now, so do all of you," Mia declared, a tinge of smugness creeping into her voice as she redirected her attention to the movie, leaving the others to grapple with the weight of the revelation.
Ron: Enlighten me. Why are we brewing this potion in broad daylight in the middle of a girls' lavatory? Don't you think we'll get caught?
Hermione: No. No one ever comes in here.
Ron: Why?
"Why?" voiced those unaware of the ghost haunting the girls' lavatory, expressing their confusion openly.
Hermione: Moaning Myrtle.
Ron: Who? [Just then, Moaning Myrtle, a ghostly girl in a Hogwarts uniform, appears behind Ron.]
Hermione: Moaning Myrtle.
Ron: [as Moaning Myrtle floats up to him] Who's Moaning Myrtle?
Myrtle: I'M MOANING MYRTLE!
The sudden sound of her voice startled some, prompting a few to jump in surprise. However, nearly everyone else found themselves chuckling at Ron's reaction, which in turn caused the embarrassed boy to flash bright red. The laughter in the room only served to deepen Ron's embarrassment as he realized the attention focused on him.
[she flies into the center of the room] I wouldn't expect you to know me. Who would ever talk about ugly, miserable, moping, Moaning Myrtle? [with a piercing cry, she flies into a toilet]
As the scene unfolded on screen, those who hadn't met Myrtle looked at the depiction of the haunting specter with wide eyes, their curiosity piqued by the eerie encounter.
"Remind me to stay away from that bathroom," one of the first years whispered to a fellow student, who nodded in agreement, both sharing an unspoken understanding of the potential danger lurking within the haunted lavatory. Their hushed exchange served as a testament to the chilling effect of the ghostly inhabitant's presence.
Hermione: She's a little sensitive.
"She really is." Mia said.
[Professor Lockhart walks on to a stage in the middle of the Great Hall.]
Mia immediately recognized the scene on the screen, as it had almost been one of her many downfalls. She had accidentally let her secret slip, unaware that it was a secret in the first place. It still amazed her how easy it was for the whole school to turn their backs on one of their own. Mia often thought of herself as nothing else but a weapon to these people. They only dealt with her when they needed something from her, but were all too happy to send her back to the Dursleys when they didn't want her around anymore. As the scene played out, Mia's mind drifted to the difficulties she faced, and the sense of isolation she often felt within the school walls. She couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment at the fickle nature of those around her, who were quick to shun her when convenient, and call on her only when they needed her help.
As the scene played out and Mia's thoughts drifted, Hermione, noticing the shift in her demeanor, leaned closer to her. "Are you okay, Mia?" she asked with concern.
Mia forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just brings back some memories, you know."
Lockhart: Gather round! Gather round! [students gather around the stage] Can everybody see me? Can you all hear me?
"Sadly," the boys and Mia, who had been present at the time, thought, exchanging knowing looks that reflected their shared concern. Most of the girls, on the other hand, sighed dreamily over their celebrity crush, their eyes shining with admiration and infatuation.
As the scene unfolded, the group couldn't help but feel sorry for the character, knowing that he had fallen victim to having his memory mysteriously erased. The weight of his plight hung heavily in the air, prompting a collective sense of empathy and compassion.
Hermione, in particular, couldn't help but roll her eyes, a reflective expression of her realization of the naivety she had once possessed. The experience had clearly left an impression, prompting a subtle shift in her perspective.
Lockhart: Excellent. In light of the dark events of recent weeks, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little Dueling Club, to train you all up in case you ever need to defend yourselves, as I myself have done on countless occasions. For full details, see my published works. [he pulls off the cape he's wearing and tosses it into the crowd, where it's caught by some of his adoring female fans] Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape.
"This should be good," Sirius said quietly to Remus, a sly smile playing on his lips. Remus, catching the twinkle in Sirius's eyes, couldn't quite figure out if Sirius was being sarcastic or if he actually meant it. The enigmatic nature of Sirius's remark left a lingering sense of anticipation, with Remus unable to decipher his friend's true sentiment.
Lockhart: [looking very dour and menacing, Snape walks on to the stage] He has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration. Now, I don't want any of you youngsters to worry, you'll still have your Potions Master when I'm through with him. Never fear.
"What a bastard!" The thought resonated in the minds of the many people gathered in the Great Hall. The collective sentiment reverberated through the air, The room was filled with a mix of silent disapproval and disdain.
[Snape and Lockhart walk up to each other, raise their wands, bow their heads, and then walk several paces back from each other.]
Lockhart: One, two, three.
Snape: Expelliarmus! [The spell blasts Lockhart across the room.]
Laughter rippled through the room, emanating from the teachers to the students and everyone in the room. The shared amusement underscored a lighthearted moment, uniting the group in a collective release of mirth. The sound of laughter mingled with the banter, creating a buoyant atmosphere that momentarily lifted the prevailing tension.
Lockhart: WHOOOOOOOA! Lockhart lands on his back, and a few students laugh at the sight. He struggles to his feet.]
"That went exactly as I hoped it would," Sirius exclaimed with a big smile on his face, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction as he leaned back in his chair, clearly pleased with the outcome.
"Even if Severus won?" Remus asked, a quizzical expression playing on his features as he raised an eyebrow in amusement, not entirely convinced of Sirius's sentiments.
"Don't ruin it for me." Sirius replied with a mischievous grin, never taking his eyes off the screen as he savored the moment, his excitement palpable. Remus couldn't help but chuckle quietly at Sirius's unwavering focus and the playful banter that characterized their interaction.
Hermione: Do you think he's all right?
Ron: Who cares!
Mia: Yeah, who cares! [She said laughing.]
Ron and Mia shared a smile as they took in the memory playing out in front of them.
Lockhart: [walking back towards Snape] An excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind me saying, it was pretty obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you, it would have been only too easy.
The boys and Mia couldn't help but scoff loudly and roll their eyes at their idiot professor. Their disdain for Lockhart was evident, as they openly expressed their exasperation at his antics.
Meanwhile, McGonagall found herself unable to suppress a scoff of her own, mirroring the sentiments of her students. She was certain that many of her fellow colleagues had reacted similarly to Lockhart's outlandish behavior.
It was evident to all that Lockhart had been a complete menace to have around, his presence proving to be both exasperating and frustrating for everyone involved.
Snape: Perhaps it would be prudent to first teach the students to block unfriendly spells, Professor. [subtle smile]
Lockhart: [pauses nervously before continuing] An excellent suggestion, Professor Snape. Let's have a volunteer pair. Potter, Weasley, how about you?
Snape: Weasley's wand causes devastation with the simplest spells. We'll be sending Potter to the Hospital Wing in a matchbox. [Ron looks embarrassed] Might I suggest someone from my own house. Malfoy, perhaps.
Ron and Hermione exchanged a knowing look that silently conveyed their shared sentiment: "We were right to worry." The unspoken understanding between them spoke volumes, reflecting their prescient concerns and the realization that their apprehensions had been validated. In that brief exchange, a silent acknowledgment passed between them, affirming their mutual understanding and unwavering support for each other.
[he gestures for Draco to get on the stage. Mia and Draco both walk on to the stage.]
Lockhart: Good luck, Potter.
Mia: Thank you, sir. [Mia and Draco now stand facing each other.]
"I admire how polite you are even to those who you despise," Dean said, a playful glint in his eyes as he observed Mia. His comment seemed to strike a chord with the others, who nodded in agreement, sharing Dean's sentiment.
Mia chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she responded, "What can I say, I'm a nice person," her tone laced with playful sarcasm. Her wry remark prompted a ripple of laughter and knowing smiles from the group, underscoring the camaraderie and good-humored banter that characterized the moment.
Lockhart: Wands at the ready. [Mia and Draco raise their wands.]
Draco: Scared, Potter?
Mia: You wish.
Sirius turned to Mia, a proud and approving glint in his eyes as he clapped her shoulders. "That's my girl," he declared with a hint of emotion, his gesture conveying his deep pride and affection for Mia.
Remus regarded Mia with a soft, tender smile, his expression reflecting a profound sense of paternal pride. "Oh, how proud you would make your dad," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth and admiration. The affectionate gesture from both Sirius and Remus underscored their unwavering support and pride in Mia, drawing an emotional and heartfelt moment from them.
[Mia and Draco walk back several paces and then aim their wands at each other.]
Lockhart: On the count three, cast your charms to disarm your opponent, only to disarm. We don't want any accidents here. One, two--
Ron shook his head as he voiced his reservations. "If he only wanted them to disarm each other, then maybe putting Mia and Malfoy up against each other wouldn't be the best idea. Let alone a Slytherin and a Gryffindor. That's just a recipe for disaster," he remarked, his concern evident as he observed the unfolding scene on the screen. His words captured a mix of apprehension and skepticism about the choice of opponents, underscoring his protective instincts towards Mia.
Draco: Everte Statum! [Mia is sent flying backwards. Ron and Hermione look alarmed, and Crabbe laughs. Sitting up, Mia points her wand at Draco.]
"Cheater!" Sirius's booming voice reverberated through the Great Hall, inciting a chorus of agreement from others who had witnessed the incident unfold.
Draco, attempting to maintain his composure, deliberately ignored the growing accusations, though he couldn't help but catch his mother's disapproving gaze. The unspoken message in her look was unmistakable, and he knew that a conversation about the debacle loomed in his immediate future. Despite the uproar, the weight of his mother's silent reprimand hung heavily over him, serving as a stark reminder of the repercussions of his actions.
[Mia shot Draco an angry glare as she rose from the floor of the stage. Draco's smirk faltered, giving way to a fleeting expression of concern that flitted across his features before vanishing once more.]
Mia: Rictusempra! [Draco is flung backwards, landing at Snape's feet. Several students laugh. Draco looks up at Snape.]
The sound of laughter reverberated through the Hall, casting a discordant note against the backdrop of tension and unease, as the onlookers reacted to the unfolding drama.
[Snape pulls Draco to his feet and pushes him forward.]
Lockhart: [as Draco raises his wand] I said disarm only!
"Then why isn't he stopping them? Isn't he the teacher?" Remus asked, his concern for Mia palpable as he observed the escalating situation before him.
"Oh, please, Remus. This guy is completely useless," Sirius responded dismissively, expressing his lack of confidence in the teacher's ability to handle the situation, further heightening the mounting tension in the room.
Draco: Serpensortia! [swishes his wand and fires a cobra out of it; which then slithers along the playing field; Mia lowers her wand]
Snape: [walking past Draco towards the snake] Don't move, Potter. I'll get rid of it for you.
Lockhart: Allow me, Professor Snape. [Snape stops in his tracks] Alarte ascendare!
"Seriously? That's the spell he used? He really is useless. Why was he hired as a teacher?" Arthur asked, his outrage evident as he questioned the competence of the instructor chosen to educate their children in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"He was the only one who applied for the job," Dumbledore replied, offering a lackluster explanation that did little to assuage Arthur's concerns. The exchange underscored the frustration and dismay surrounding the hiring of the seemingly inadequate professor, further intensifying the atmosphere of disbelief and reproach in the room.
"And you wonder why we hate him," Mia mumbled quietly,
[the snake flies into the air, then falls back down, raises its head and turns toward Mia with a hiss]
Mia: Sya- hassa- she.
As Mia conversed with the snake on screen, subtitles appeared at the bottom, allowing everyone to understand her words, creating a moment of shared intrigue and curiosity among them. The unfolding scene and Mia's interaction with the serpent infused the atmosphere with a sense of wonder and fascination, further drawing the attention of those present.
(Leave them alone.) [the snake turns toward Justin Finch-Fletchey and hisses] Sya- hasi- heth. (Leave him alone.)
"So that's what Parseltongue sounds like to you guys," Mia remarked, finally understanding what Ron and Hermione had told her in their second year
"You didn't know that?" Percy asked carefully, surprised by Mia's admission.
"No," Mia responded, a hint of embarrassment coloring her tone.
"How does it sound like to you?" Seamus inquired, his curiosity piqued, his eyes wide with interest.
"It sounds normal to me, like the way we're speaking right now," Mia explained, trying to articulate the unfamiliar experience.
"That's how people found out about you being able to talk to snakes?" Remus asked, grappling with the implications of Mia's unique ability, concern etched in his features.
"Yes," Mia confirmed, her gaze introspective.
"You really do have bad luck, darlin'," Sirius said empathetically, a mix of empathy and concern evident in his tone as he reached for her hand, a comforting gesture.
As the conversation unfolded, the dynamics shifted, with a mixture of empathy, astonishment, and concern enveloping the room. Mia's extraordinary ability sparked a sense of wonder and unease, leaving everyone contemplating the extent of her unique gift and the impact it had on her experiences at Hogwarts.
Mia: (Leave him alone!)
"That's what you said to the snake?" Justin asked, feeling guilty for his previous suspicions about Mia and his inadvertent accusation that she was the Heir of Slytherin.
But he realized he hadn't been the only one who had harbored such thoughts.
The entire school, except for Weasley and Granger, had suspected Mia. The weight of his misguided assumptions weighed heavily on his conscience, and he knew he wasn't alone in feeling this way in the Great Hall.
The room was filled with a palpable sense of shame and regret as others too grappled with the impact of their suspicions about Mia. The solemn atmosphere spoke volumes to the lingering unease and the need for understanding and reconciliation among the Hogwarts students.
[Snape watches suspiciously] Sya- hasi- heth. [the snake turns toward Mia again]
Snape: Vipera. Evanesca. [He waves his wand, emitting a blast at the snake, causing it to burst into flame and disappear. A murmur runs through the audience.]
Justin Finch-Fletchney: What are you playing at?! [Everyone stares at Mia with shocked expressions.]
Sirius pulled Mia to his side, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. Mia leaned into him, returning the hug with a deep sense of gratitude and affection, finding solace in his embrace. The tender moment provided a respite from the heaviness of the situation, offering a glimmer of warmth and support amidst the prevailing unease.
Sometime later, Mia, Ron, and Hermione run into the deserted Gryffindor common room.]
Ron: You're a Parselmouth. Why didn't you tell us?
Mia: I'm a what?
Hermione: You can talk to snakes.
Mia: I know. I mean, I accidentally set a python on my cousin Dudley at the zoo once. [the other two look alarmed]
The room filled with laughter at Ron and Hermione reaction.
Once. But so what? I bet loads of people here can do it.
Hermione: No, they can't. It's not a very common gift, Mia. This is bad.
Mia: What's bad? If I hadn't told that snake not to attack Justin--
Justin looked down in shame.
Ron: Oh, that's what you said to it!
Mia: You were there! You heard me!
Ron: I heard you speaking Parseltongue, snake language.
Mia: I spoke a different language? But I didn't realize-- how can I speak a language without knowing I can?
"You really didn't know, did you?" Blaise asked, his voice edged with curiosity.
"No. I didn't," Mia replied, her tone earnest and straightforward, leaving no room for doubt.
Hermione: I don't know, Mia, but it sounded like you were egging the snake on or something. Mia, listen to me. There's a reason the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent. Salazar Slytherin was a Parselmouth. He could talk to snakes too.
Ron: Exactly! Now the whole school's gonna think you're his great-great-great-grandson or something.
Mia: But I'm not! [pause] I can't be...
Hermione: He lived a thousand years ago. For all we know, you could be.
"I'm not. In case anyone was wondering. You'll all find out about the truth later on," Mia said, her voice steady and resolute, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.
Guilt and shame filled the room as the movie continued. The weight of Mia's words lingered in the air, prompting a collective introspection among those present. The somber atmosphere underscored the impact of the unfolding events, leaving a palpable sense of solidarity and the shared imperative to confront the truth as a united group.
[Fade to Mia, Ron, Hermione, and several other students in a study hall. Twice, Mia looks behind him, and the students who were staring at her quickly look away. She then turns to Ginny, who quickly looks away from her and turns her attention to the mysterious black book she's been writing in. Mia gets up to leave.]
"Ginny!" scolded Molly, her spirits sinking with shame at her daughter's disapproval.
Ginny grappled with conflicting emotions about owing Mia a Life Debt after Mia had saved her, her frustration gnawing at her as she silently attributed her predicament to Riddle's influence.
The students present that day were burdened by the weight of their rash judgment toward Mia in the absence of concrete evidence, experiencing a palpable sense of remorse for their actions.
Mia: I'll see you back in the common room [Everyone stares at Mia as she exits the study hall.]