47 riddle

In a dimly lit expanse that seemed to stretch on endlessly, they found themselves at the edge of a vast chamber. Stone pillars, intricately carved with entwined serpents, towered above, supporting the shadowy ceiling that melded into the darkness above. Mysterious green light bathed the room, casting long, eerie shadows.

Harry shivered involuntarily, but seeing the two professors ahead unfazed, he pushed aside his unease. With determination, he resolved not to impede their progress.

"Harry, stick close and stay vigilant," Ciaran instructed. The trio navigated cautiously among the towering pillars where massive snakes lay coiled. Despite their careful steps, each movement echoed loudly in the ghostly chamber.

Their eyes narrowed, ready to shut at the slightest hint of danger. Suddenly, they halted, sensing something amiss.

"Professor, what's this?" Harry queried, surprised.

Ciaran squinted, catching the strains of beautiful, ethereal music. It stirred excitement within, yet held an air of mystery.

"Dumbledore's Phoenix?" Harry wondered aloud.

"Fawkes is here, our aid arrives," Dumbledore confirmed, a smile playing on his lips.

Hissing flames erupted from a nearby pillar, followed by the descent of a magnificent crimson bird clutching a tattered wizard hat — Fawkes, the phoenix, had answered their call.

As the music faded, Fawkes alighted gracefully by a distant pillar.

"I believe Fawkes has discovered something. Let's investigate," Dumbledore urged, hastening forward. As they passed the final pillar, a hidden chamber materialized before them, dominated by a towering statue with a face resembling a wise old sage.

Amidst the chamber's floor lay Ginny Weasley, her fiery locks stark against the dark robes. Harry rushed to her side, concern etched on his face.

"Ginny!" he called out anxiously. Together, they gently turned her over, revealing her pale, lifeless form.

"She's alive," Ciaran announced, relief washing over them.

However, Dumbledore's attention shifted upward, his gaze fixed on a figure perched atop a nearby pillar — a tall boy with obsidian hair.

"Tom, we meet again," Dumbledore greeted.

Harry's shock was palpable as Riddle proclaimed himself as Voldemort, the infamous Dark Lord.

"Dumbledore, I am the greatest wizard who ever lived!" Riddle boasted, his arrogance thinly veiled.

Dumbledore remained composed, his wisdom apparent in his gaze.

Riddle's gaze fell upon Dumbledore, his arrogance undiminished.

Ciaran couldn't help but find amusement in Riddle's audacity. His claim seemed laughable compared to the true greatness embodied by Dumbledore and the founders of Hogwarts.

Riddle's tirade continued, but Ciaran remained unfazed. She knew true greatness transcended power alone, and Riddle's fragmented soul was no match for the strength of character possessed by those who fought against him.

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