The notebook

What happened to Miss Norris and the opening of the Chamber of Secrets were the main topics of conversation that everyone was discussing.

All the books that mentioned the Chamber of Secrets were borrowed. I think it's the first time I've seen so many people eager to check out books.

Students even interrupted classes to get more information: the second years asked Professor Binns, and our year asked Professor McGonagall.

There were even rumors about the heir of Slytherin beginning to circulate, and the trio believed it was Malfoy, as apparently his entire family had been in Slytherin.

"The Black family was also a Slytherin family, yet that does not make them heirs of Salazar. However, there is still a strong chance, given that pure-blood families are more likely to be interconnected if one goes far enough back in the family tree. It may be for that the magic has regressed."

But it is a brilliant hypothesis. At first, they were not from the same family, but over time they began to practice incest to perpetuate the legacy of the great wizarding families.

Squibs may be born as a result of this regression of magic.

This could also explain why Muggle-borns and half-bloods have more potential, as they are not born from incest.

I want to isolate myself to expand on this theory, which could be the perfect thesis subject for my final presentation in this contest.

After so many years, I finally have a lead on the regression of magic.

"Evelyn, although I'm glad to see you so happy, you dazzle so much that I might eventually go blind."

Marie tried to calm me down, but I couldn't. And it's true, her words aren't wrong; the room still feels incredibly bright.

"I have to do something."

I then rushed off to start studying this theory.

I was going so fast that I collided with someone.

"Oh, sorry, I wasn't paying attention."

"No, no, it's fine. I was also lost in my thoughts."

I had accidentally bumped into Ginny Weasley, who didn't seem to be doing well.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

She's lying.

"I have to go. I have something to do."

She hurried off, but I stopped her immediately as I noticed she had dropped a notebook. It was a bit worn but still usable.

"Wait, Ginny, you forgot your book."

She turned and looked at me with a horrified expression.

"Don't worry, I didn't look inside, if that reassures you. I wouldn't read someone's diary. But if it's just a notebook, I'd be more than happy to help you fill it out. Hahaha."

She gave a small smile, then left with the notebook.

Apparently, she's upset because of Miss Norris being petrified. She loves cats, but I didn't know it was to the extent that she'd feel compassion for what many students consider one of their worst nightmares when wandering the corridors at night.

But I can understand her too. She's in her first year, and the Chamber of Secrets opens—it's like being thrilled about starting school, only to find out Voldy is returning to power.

Some people really have terrible luck.

Enough procrastination; it's time to head to the Room of Requirement and start working.