44 Myrtle’s Bathroom

"Voldemort!" Ciaran enunciated each syllable with precision.

The air in the office seemed to plummet in temperature, chilling even more than the ice and snow outside. Professor McGonagall and the four Weasley brothers trembled involuntarily at the mention of "Voldemort," their expressions freezing into unnatural masks.

Voldemort cast a dark shadow over the magical world, inspiring fear in most wizards at the mere sound of his name.

Even Dumbledore and Harry Potter, typically unperturbed by such words, were momentarily taken aback. Yet, their surprise was primarily directed towards Ciaran's sudden invocation of Voldemort's name. Why, amidst a discussion about the heir of Slytherin, did they leap to the second-generation Dark Lord, Voldemort?

Transitioning from Draco Malfoy, as discussed by Harry and Ron, to Voldemort in one fell swoop was enough to stun anyone.

In a deep voice, Dumbledore inquired, "Are you certain, Ciaran?"

Ciaran nodded, then shook his head, perplexing the others. He stated plainly, "It is indeed Voldemort..." Professor McGonagall and the Weasley brothers' discontent resurfaced, appearing more natural this time.

Ignoring their reactions, Ciaran continued, "...but rescuing Ginny takes precedence now. She's trapped in the secret room. Dealing with Voldemort can wait."

"Yes," Dumbledore agreed. "Rescuing Ginny is paramount. But where is this secret room?" He turned to Ciaran. "You seem to have a theory regarding its location."

The gaze of Professor McGonagall, Harry, and the Weasley brothers zeroed in on Ciaran. When Ginny's safety was at stake, all other considerations paled in comparison.

"Myrtle's bathroom," Ciaran replied solemnly. "Myrtle was the victim of the previous basilisk incident. There likely exists a passage to the secret room within the bathroom."

"What?"

"Myrtle?"

"How is she involved?"

Harry, Ron, Percy, Fred, and George voiced their astonishment. Harry couldn't help but interject, "How could Myrtle be connected to the basilisk?"

Myrtle was merely a ghost haunting the bathroom, a fixture in Hogwarts Castle for decades... Unless... Could this not be the first time the Chamber of Secrets had been opened?

The five exchanged knowing glances, realization dawning upon them.

"Half a century ago, the Chamber of Secrets was opened before," Dumbledore recounted. "Myrtle was its sole victim, fatally struck by the Basilisk. Unlike the current petrifications, her fate was sealed. Yes, Ciaran, you've prompted a realization. Myrtle's bathroom likely harbors the entrance to the secret room. Well done!"

"But Albus, there's no known passage within the bathroom leading to Slytherin's secret room," Professor McGonagall interjected.

Ciaran interjected, "Professor McGonagall, you've overlooked one detail. Slytherin's secret room houses a basilisk, and only Parseltongue can truly access it."

"So, we need Harry to accompany us to the secret room. No one else among us speaks Parseltongue."

"Very well, let's not waste any time. Sharon, Harry, accompany me. Minerva, inform Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and ensure the children are looked after," Dumbledore directed, seizing his wand from the table. "Phoenix."

A magnificent crimson bird let out a soft cry. Its golden tail shimmered like a peacock's plume, its talons gleaming. Seizing the tattered Sorting Hat, the phoenix burst into flames, carrying the hat away.

"We must hasten," Dumbledore declared, striding towards the spiral passage. Ciaran and Harry followed the venerable headmaster. Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall and the Weasley brothers remained in the office, connecting to the Burrow via the Floo network to relay the dire news.

******

Ciaran, Dumbledore, and Harry made their way to Myrtle's bathroom on the second floor of Hogwarts Castle. The early hour left the bathroom deserted, with Myrtle's whereabouts unknown.

"Despite the inconveniences, being a girls' bathroom and all, saving a life takes precedence," Dumbledore remarked, leading the way into the bathroom.

Harry, having frequented the bathroom during their recent brewing of the Polyjuice Potion alongside Ron and Hermione, followed with familiarity. Ciaran, though feeling slightly awkward, pushed past his discomfort and entered the bathroom with determined steps.

Suddenly, a plump ghost burst from a toilet. Myrtle's usually sombre countenance was now animated with excitement, sparking a sense of foreboding in Harry.

"Aha! Caught you! Hogwarts' esteemed faculty and the famous Harry Potter in the girls' bathroom? Where are your companions?" Myrtle exclaimed, her smile wide as she addressed Harry.

Dumbledore interjected calmly, "Good day, Myrtle. May I pose a query?"

Ciaran nodded encouragingly.

Myrtle's laughter filled the room, an unusual display of joy. "Ask away, Principal Dumbledore."

Observing the interaction, Ciaran noted Myrtle's response with intrigue. Ghosts were indeed peculiar beings.

Dumbledore, however, was taken aback by the sudden shift in Myrtle's demeanour. It seemed no one had shown interest in her demise for decades, eliciting a sense of significance.

Ciaran shook his head inwardly. Ghosts truly operated on a different plane of existence!