Before long, everyone began to move according to Wentworth's orders.
This time, taking advantage of the fact that Hermione, Harry, and the others weren't in the common room, Cassandra used Polyjuice Potion to transform into Hermione's likeness and entered the Gryffindor common room. Without delay, she made her way straight to Ginny's dormitory.
At that moment, Ginny was resting in her dorm. Cassandra strolled in boldly, without hesitation.
Ginny was very familiar with Hermione. When she saw "Hermione" enter, she immediately stood up to greet her.
After the two met, Cassandra casually glanced around Ginny's bedroom as she spoke:
"You're here alone, Ginny? You really ought to be careful these days—try not to be by yourself if you can help it. Just earlier, someone else was petrified. No one knows who did it—it's terrible!"
Hearing Cassandra's words, Ginny, who had just sat down, suddenly sat bolt upright, her eyes filled with panic.
Noticing her reaction, Cassandra looked her up and down and asked:
"Are you alright, Ginny? You look terribly pale. Are you feeling unwell?"
At Cassandra's inquiry, Ginny shook her head a little too quickly and stammered:
"N-no, I'm fine. It's just... I haven't been sleeping well lately. I've just been really tired, that's all!"
Observing Ginny's anxious demeanor, Cassandra paused for a moment, then decided to push further:
"Oh, and Ginny—I heard a rumor. Apparently, the key to opening the Chamber of Secrets is a diary. If you happen to find anything suspicious—"
Before she could finish, Ginny blurted out in a panic:
"I already lost the diary!"
Immediately, she seemed to realize what she'd said and quickly tried to cover it up:
"I mean—I accidentally lost my diary. That's why I've been so out of sorts lately, I guess. I wrote things in there I wouldn't want anyone else to read, you know?"
Cassandra scrutinized Ginny carefully. Seeing no obvious signs of deception, she finally smiled and said:
"Of course. I understand. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for your diary. If I find it, I'll return it to you right away!"
After a few more pleasantries, Cassandra left Ginny's room.
As the false "Hermione" departed, Ginny let out a long sigh. Though she'd been under the influence of a Horcrux, she wasn't entirely unaware of what she had done.
In fact, now that the diary had vanished, she felt more relieved than anything else.
Just then, Hermione walked in. She barely stepped through the door before asking:
"Ginny, are you feeling any better today?"
Ginny froze, then blurted out instinctively:
"Why are you back so soon?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"I was worried about you being alone in the dormitory. Just earlier, Colin Creevey was—wait, what did you say? Back again?"
Already in a fragile mental state, Ginny faltered. Something felt... off. She glanced at Hermione and stammered:
"Yeah, didn't you just leave here a minute ago? How—"
Before she could finish, Hermione suddenly dashed out of the room. Ginny made to follow, but Hermione stopped her sharply:
"Stay here. Don't leave this room!"
To her credit, Hermione had picked up on something quickly. With just a few exchanged lines, she realized someone had been impersonating her and had entered Ginny's room not long before. She didn't know who it was—but clearly, it wasn't for anything good.
With that thought in mind, she sprinted off.
But the moment she stepped outside the Gryffindor common room, she hesitated. She had no idea which way to go.
At that moment, a passing Gryffindor student noticed her and asked in confusion:
"Hey, Hermione? What are you doing back here? Didn't you just go that way?"
Without wasting a second, Hermione bolted in the direction the student had pointed.
After only a short run, she spotted someone up ahead—dressed in Gryffindor robes, walking down a quiet corridor. From the back, the figure looked just like her.
Hermione's heart pounded. But she steeled herself, drew her wand, and quietly gave chase.
As the corridor grew darker and more remote, Hermione began to realize she had ventured into a part of Hogwarts she'd never visited before.
The unfamiliar surroundings only heightened her unease.
Just as she considered abandoning the pursuit, she looked up—and to her shock, the figure ahead had vanished.
At that very moment, a voice rang out behind her:
"Looking for me?"
The sudden voice sent a jolt of fear through Hermione. She stiffened, trembling slightly.
But then, in one swift motion, she spun around and raised her wand toward the sound.
"Stupe—!"
To Hermione's astonishment, although she'd spoken first—fired first, even—her opponent's spell struck her before hers was even cast.
"Expelliarmus!"
With a loud crack, Hermione's wand flew from her hand and clattered to the floor.
Now disarmed, Hermione slowly turned to face her attacker.
And what she saw made her blood run cold.
Standing before her—was herself.
Hermione stared in stunned disbelief. The shock of seeing her own face on another body froze her in place. She nearly screamed—but then she saw the doppelgänger raise its wand toward her mouth.
Hermione clapped her hands over her mouth and forced herself to stay silent.
The impostor lowered its wand slightly, seemingly satisfied.
Hermione stood silently, hands still over her lips, heart racing.
At last, the impostor smiled faintly and said:
"Impressive adaptability."
Hermione narrowed her eyes, her voice tight with suspicion.
"Who are you?"
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