Chapter 101: Armand Rosier

Thanks to the Chamber of Secrets, days at Hogwarts seemed to drag on, and William didn't let a single second go to waste. His efficiency in his research had taken a tremendous leap with Tom Riddle's diary by his side. It was like having an artificial intelligence he could ask anything. Now he possessed so many spells and curses that even Hermione would be surprised, though, of course, he couldn't show everything.

Inside the library, it was normal for everyone to see William sitting alone, surrounded by many books and scrolls that most students would never touch in their entire academic life. The golden trio watched the white-haired boy from afar. For most, it might seem like normal behavior, but the brunette noticed something strange.

"William has been more distant lately," Hermione commented, her voice full of concern.

"Do you think so?" Ron asked, looking at his two friends. "He looks the same as always to me."

"Don't you notice?" Hermione seemed more surprised by Ron's comment. "Look at his face, he has more dark circles than usual, and he's very pale." She looked at her two friends intently and then turned her gaze back to William. "Something is wrong, and we need to find out what."

"You're right, Hermione, we need to find out what's happening with William," Harry added decisively.

"I've said it for a year, it's dark magic. All evil wizards have pale skin and tired eyes. Also, we can't tell if William's hair is gray because it's already white," Ron said casually, earning a reproachful look from Hermione.

Finally, Hermione got up from her seat under the watchful eyes of her friends and headed to the table where William was sitting, stopping beside him.

She glanced at the books on William's table. There were some she had read before, others she simply never had, but what caught her attention the most was a large book showing former Hogwarts students, specifically those from fifty years ago.

"Uh?" William raised his tired eyes to the girl. "Hermione?"

"What's that?" she asked, pointing to the documents on the table.

"Ummm... my notes, I think," he gently lifted his notebook.

"Why are you looking for information about these people?" Hermione asked.

Though William's mind was disturbed, whether from dark magic, insomnia, or talking so much with Tom Riddle, he knew there were things he couldn't tell Hermione.

"I got more information about the Chamber of Secrets and thought I'd look for more details. You know, its location is an enigma and I'm an explorer, so to speak. There must be some treasures inside the chamber, treasures of Salazar Slytherin."

"But you're looking for former students."

"Yes, the chamber was opened for the first time fifty years ago. I have to investigate who opened it and then use some connections to get the information I need," William said, cracking his neck.

Sooner or later, Hermione and the rest would know this information. It was just a matter of time; when they got the Polyjuice Potion, they would finally know that information.

Hermione's gaze focused on one of the names on William's list, the only one circled that stood out from the rest of the names.

"Who is Armand Rosier?" she asked.

"Armand Rosier is my grandfather's brother. They both studied here at Hogwarts when the Chamber of Secrets was opened for the first time, and as you know, whatever is in the chamber only attacks those who aren't pureblood."

"But what's special about this person?" Hermione asked.

William sighed before looking intently at Hermione. "He's one of Voldemort's first followers, so to speak, one of the first Death Eaters."

"Voldemort?" she asked in a low voice. "Are you sure?"

William nodded. "It's not something I'm proud of, you can be sure, but it's my closest lead to finding out more about the Chamber of Secrets." He got up from his seat and took out a pocket watch. "Well, there's no more time to be here."

"If you want to find out more about Armand, I don't recommend it. He's a powerful and ambitious wizard who mysteriously disappeared years before Voldemort's fall. His research is as dark and cruel as his master's, perhaps one of the last wizards to investigate chimeras and how to mass-produce them."

Hermione was silent, absorbing the information. William, for his part, began to gather his things, ready to continue with his research.

"Be careful, William," Hermione finally said. "This sounds very dangerous."

"I know," he replied with a tired smile. "But I have no other choice if I want to discover the truth and protect everyone."

As he walked away from the library, William knew that the Christmas holidays would be crucial. The Rosier library contained secrets that could change the course of events at Hogwarts, perhaps not right now, but maybe when the final moment came, and he was determined to uncover them, no matter the cost.