Chapter 303 " Hermione's Doppelganger"

Shortly after that, everyone began to execute Wentworth's directives.

During Hermione, Harry, and the others' absence from the common room, Cassandra brewed a Polyjuice potion to assume Hermione's likeness.

With her transformation complete, she seamlessly infiltrated Gryffindor's common room and proceeded directly to Ginny's quarters.

Inside, Ginny was resting, and Cassandra entered nonchalantly. Being acquainted with Hermione, Ginny rose promptly to greet her apparent friend.

After exchanging pleasantries, Cassandra surveyed Ginny's surroundings and inquired, "Ginny, are you alone in the dormitory? You should be cautious and avoid solitary spaces. Someone else was petrified just moments ago, and the culprit remains unknown. It's truly despicable!"

"Didn't you hear any news yet, Ginny? Thank God you are fine!" Cassandra exclaimed before she hugged Ginny tightly.

Ginny, previously seated, suddenly jolted upright at Cassandra's words before Hermione warmly hugged her, her expression fraught with fear, "I will do so immediately, Hermione! Thank you for being so concerned!"

She couldn't explain the emotion she was currently feeling: the fear of learning something terrifying was lurking around in Hogwarts once again, the warmth between her friend's hug, and the anxiety of losing something.

Observing Ginny's distress, Cassandra scrutinized her closely and inquired, "Ginny, what's troubling you? You seem quite distressed. Is there an issue with your health?"

Ginny, flustered, shook her head vigorously and stammered, "No, no, I'm fine... I've just been having trouble sleeping lately. I'm a bit weary, that's all!"

Observing Ginny's reaction, Cassandra paused for a moment, considering her next move. She decided to probe further and suggested, "By the way, Ginny, there's a rumor circulating about a key that unlocks the secret room—a diary. If you've noticed anything suspicious lately..."

Before Cassandra could finish her sentence, Ginny began to sweat profusely, blurting out, "I've misplaced the diary!"

In an instant, Ginny seemed to regain her composure and hastily added, "No, I mean, I accidentally misplaced my diary. That's why I've been so distraught lately. I've been feeling a bit disoriented. After all, the diary contains private thoughts not meant for others' eyes, doesn't it?"

Observing Ginny's reaction closely, Cassandra detected no signs of deception. With a reassuring smile, she responded, "Of course, I understand. Don't worry. I'll keep an eye out for your diary as well. If I come across it, I'll return it to you promptly!"

"If that's all, then I think I will take a rest for now with the hope of fully healing my fatigue. Once again, thanks for your concern!" Ginny replied.

"Don't worry about it in the slightest. Bye!" Cassandra waved her hand with a smile as she exited the room.

With their exchange concluded, Cassandra bid Ginny farewell and exited her room. Ginny, watching the faux Hermione depart, breathed a sigh of relief.

Despite being influenced by Voldemort's Horcrux, Ginny remained aware of her past actions.

So, faced with the sudden loss of the diary, Ginny let out a sigh of relief.

Just then, Hermione walked in again. Upon entering, Hermione inquired, "Ginny, are you feeling better today?"

Caught off guard, Ginny hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "Why did you come back so soon?"

Perplexed, Hermione responded, "I'm a little worried about you being alone in the dormitory, especially after what happened with Colin just now... Wait, what did you just say? I... came back again?"

Already in a fragile state of mind, Ginny found herself equally confused. Sensing something amiss, she struggled to process Hermione's question and blurted out, "Yeah, didn't you just leave me? Why..."

Before Ginny could finish her sentence, Hermione dashed out of the room. Alarmed, Ginny moved to follow, but Hermione halted her with a stern command, "Go back to your room and stay there!"

Hermione's swift reaction was commendable. In a matter of moments, she pieced together the situation, realizing that someone had recently impersonated her and visited Ginny's bedroom.

Filled with determination and a sense of urgency, Hermione dashed out of the Gryffindor common room, her mind racing with possibilities.

However, as soon as she stepped out, she was momentarily stunned, unsure of which direction to pursue in her pursuit of the mysterious impostor.

A passing Gryffindor student noticed Hermione's perplexed expression and inquired, "Hey, Hermione, why are you here? Didn't you go that way?" Without waiting for a response, he gestured in a direction, prompting Hermione to sprint off in pursuit.

As she raced through the corridors, Hermione caught sight of someone resembling her from behind, clad in Gryffindor robes, heading towards an empty corridor. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she steeled herself, drawing her wand and following discreetly.

"Who is this person impersonating me?! This is all driving me crazy!" Hermione muttered as she let her foot lead her to another step closer to her answer.

Their footsteps echoed through the deserted halls as they continued forward, gradually veering off the beaten path. It wasn't until Hermione snapped out of her focused pursuit that she realized they had ventured into an unfamiliar section of Hogwarts she had never explored before.

As Hermione surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings, her sense of unease intensified. Just as she was contemplating whether to abandon her pursuit and depart temporarily, she glanced up only to find that the Gryffindor student who had been leading her had vanished without a trace.

Suddenly, a voice pierced the silence from behind Hermione, sending shivers down her spine. Trembling, she turned around to confront the unseen speaker, her wand raised in defense. "Who's there?" she demanded, her voice quivering with apprehension.

But before she could react further, the intruder spoke again, their voice dripping with malice. "Looking for me?" Cassandra taunted. Hermione's heart raced as she braced herself, her hand trembling as she tried to maintain her composure.

In a split second, the intruder cast a spell, their incantation faster than Hermione's own. "Expelliarmus!" She commanded, and with a flick of her wand, Hermione's weapon was wrenched from her grasp, clattering to the ground.

Despite being disarmed, Hermione summoned her courage and turned to face her assailant.

As Hermione beheld her doppelgänger standing before her, a wave of absurdity washed over her. The sight of her own likeness staring back was undeniably unsettling, causing Hermione to falter, her wand trembling in her grip.

In a reflexive attempt to stifle any potential reaction, Hermione swiftly covered her own mouth with both hands, willing herself to remain silent. She gradually lowered her wand, observing her counterpart's satisfaction with her compliance.

Hermione stood in stunned silence for what felt like an eternity, grappling with the surreal encounter.

Finally, her doppelgänger broke the silence, commending Hermione's adaptability, "You are quite good for a first year. You are brave, fast on your reflex, and have the courage to pursue something undoubtedly ambiguous. I like it!"

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Hermione tentatively spoke, her voice wavering slightly with uncertainty. "Who... who are you?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on her uncanny counterpart.