HARRY POTTER :Rebirth in Time.

The Gryffindor common room was eerily quiet as Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Daphne sat huddled around the fire, the adrenaline from their confrontation still coursing through their veins. Ginny was resting upstairs, still shaken but otherwise unharmed. The victory in the dungeons felt hollow—temporary at best.

Ron slammed his fist on the arm of the chair. "I can't believe they almost got away with it. If we hadn't been there—"

"We were there," Hermione interrupted, her voice strained but firm. "And we stopped them. That's what matters."

Harry stared into the fire, his jaw tight. "We didn't stop them, not really. We just delayed whatever they're planning. They'll try again. And next time, they won't make the same mistakes."

Daphne leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "He's right. Malfoy and his little cult are getting desperate. They won't just give up after one setback."

Hermione flipped through The Forbidden Doctrines yet again, her brow furrowed in frustration. "But the runes they used, the specific pattern—I don't understand it fully. Blood magic takes time, and they were in the early stages, but if they try to rush it—"

"Then they might be even more dangerous," Daphne finished.

Ron shook his head. "Ginny said she doesn't remember how she ended up down there. She just felt… drawn." He turned to Harry. "You think they're using some kind of mind control?"

Harry exhaled sharply. "Maybe not control, but influence. If the magic they're tapping into is connected to Slytherin, and Ginny's already been linked to him through the diary…" He trailed off, his stomach churning at the memory of second year.

Hermione nodded grimly. "Residual magic. Dark artifacts leave traces, and the diary could have left a connection behind. We need to protect her and figure out what they're really after."

Daphne tapped her fingers against the armrest thoughtfully. "Whatever it is, Malfoy thinks it's worth the risk. We need to get closer. Let me go back in."

Harry's eyes snapped to hers. "No way. It's too risky. If they suspect you—"

Daphne rolled her eyes. "Relax, Potter. I'm not going to waltz in and ask for their master plan. But if they think I'm still on their side, I can find out what they're planning next."

Hermione frowned, clearly uneasy. "We can't let you do that alone."

Daphne smirked. "I never said I'd be alone. You'll be watching, won't you?"

The Next Day – Slytherin Common Room

The chill of the dungeons seemed sharper that morning as Daphne entered the Slytherin common room. She carried herself with confidence, her expression carefully composed, as if nothing had changed from the night before.

Pansy Parkinson was already waiting, her dark eyes scanning Daphne with suspicion. "You disappeared last night," Pansy said sharply.

Daphne shrugged. "Got bored. Potter and his gang crashing the party wasn't exactly my idea of fun."

Blaise Zabini lounged in his usual spot, watching the exchange with mild amusement. "Funny, Greengrass. I thought you liked a little excitement."

Daphne offered a small smirk, slipping into a seat. "I like a winning side. Tell me something, Blaise—are we still winning?"

He chuckled. "Depends on your definition of winning. We suffered a minor… inconvenience."

"More like a disaster," Pansy muttered bitterly. "The ritual was ruined, and Malfoy is furious."

Daphne leaned in, feigning curiosity. "So what's the plan? We just give up?"

Blaise's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Malfoy doesn't give up. He adapts. And so should we."

Before Daphne could probe further, Malfoy himself entered the common room, his face stormy with frustration. His sharp gaze locked onto Daphne almost immediately.

"Greengrass," he drawled, his voice cool. "A word."

Daphne stood, maintaining her composure, and followed him into a secluded alcove.

Malfoy crossed his arms, his silver eyes narrowing. "Where were you last night?"

Daphne leaned casually against the wall. "I left before things fell apart. I don't see how that's my fault."

Malfoy's jaw tightened. "We were betrayed. Potter and his friends knew too much. Either we have a leak, or they're getting better at sticking their noses where they don't belong."

Daphne tilted her head. "So what now? You planning to let them ruin everything, or do we strike back?"

Malfoy studied her for a long moment, then smirked. "Oh, we'll strike back. But first, we need to secure the bloodline. Potter may have disrupted us once, but he won't be so lucky next time."

Daphne felt her stomach drop but forced a smirk. "Good. I'm tired of waiting."

As she walked away, her mind raced. Bloodline. They were still after Ginny—or someone else connected to Hogwarts' founders.

I need to get this to Harry.

Hogwarts Courtyard – The Warning

Daphne found Harry by the Quidditch pitch later that afternoon, pretending to inspect his broom while scanning the area for any unwanted attention.

"Potter," Daphne called softly, approaching him.

Harry glanced at her, his expression tense. "What did you find out?"

She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Malfoy's not done. They're still after Ginny… or someone else tied to the founders. And they're planning their next move soon."

Harry clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Did he say where?"

Daphne shook her head. "Not yet. But they're getting desperate. They won't risk another public scene."

Hermione appeared behind Harry, her eyes wide with worry. "Then they'll go somewhere hidden… somewhere we're not expecting."

Harry's eyes darkened with realization. "The Room of Hidden Things. The place where everything gets lost. It's deep enough in the castle that even Dumbledore doesn't check it often."

Daphne raised a brow. "That's a logical guess, Potter. And if you're right, that's where they'll set up next."

Hermione bit her lip. "We can't wait for them to make the first move. We need to get there first."

Harry nodded. "Tonight. We scout it out, and if they show up, we shut them down for good."

Daphne smirked. "Now you're speaking my language."

That Night – The Room of Hidden Things

The Room of Requirement shifted to their needs, revealing the vast, cluttered maze of forgotten artifacts and hidden secrets. The air was thick with dust and the remnants of lost magic, making every step feel heavier than the last.

Harry led the way, his wand illuminating the path through piles of broken furniture, rusted armor, and forgotten treasures. "Stay sharp. We don't know what they've hidden in here."

Hermione followed closely, scanning the surroundings. "If they've been using this place, we should find evidence."

Daphne moved with practiced ease, her sharp eyes scanning for anything out of place. "They could be hiding anywhere. Keep an eye out for anything that feels… wrong."

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the chamber. "Looking for something, Potter?"

Harry spun around to see Malfoy stepping out from behind a towering stack of old trunks, his wand already drawn.

"Thought you'd come snooping," Malfoy sneered.

Harry raised his wand, his voice steady. "We're not letting you go through with this, Malfoy. It ends tonight."

Malfoy smirked. "Funny, Potter. I was about to say the same thing."

Behind him, shadows moved, and Harry realized they weren't alone.

The fight was about to begin.

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