The "History Record" spell originates from another magic-themed movie, The Sorcerer's Apprentice. In that movie, the sorcerers do not use wands, though they employ various magical tools that function similarly. These tools take many forms—some are rings, some necklaces, some staffs, and even a golden dragon belt.
One of the scenes features an evil sorcerer investigating the past. Regulus Black's "History Record" spell was modeled after this very scene. When activated, the spell reveals the earth's memory, allowing those who come later to uncover the truth.
This method is far superior to the Pensieve, as it is virtually impossible to be deceived by it.
Regulus Black sped up the playback process until the chamber once again fell into darkness—then the true recording began.
At that time, Tom Riddle was sixteen years old, still in the prime of his youth. Yet from his twisted expression, it was clear he had already set his sights on his future. The Voldemort within him was already stirring. The name "Riddle" had become a source of shame to him, and even the "Gaunt" family name weighed heavily on his heart.
At this thought, Tom Riddle's face was filled with murderous intent.
However, after arriving at Hogwarts and discovering that he was a Parselmouth and uncovering the Chamber of Secrets, his mood significantly improved. As for the Basilisk being let out, well, let it roam Hogwarts as it pleased.
Tom Riddle held a lantern and carefully examined the books lining the chamber walls. His excitement was evident—these were magical tomes left behind by Salazar Slytherin himself. Many contained spells from a thousand years ago. As one of Hogwarts' founders, even Slytherin's study notes were of immense value.
As he mused over this, Riddle indeed found one of Slytherin's personal journals. Overjoyed, he sat down at a desk and began reading it. Behind the projection, Regulus Black was also able to see the contents of the book.
Time passed swiftly, like flowing water. By the time Tom Riddle finished the journal, the night had already passed. When he stood up with a satisfied expression, he realized how much time had slipped by.
He planned to return here again. If the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library was considered an adventure haven for students, then Slytherin's Chamber was his personal sanctuary.
But just as he was about to exit the chamber, the Basilisk reported some unfortunate news. While wandering outside, the Basilisk had encountered a young girl who emerged from a toilet stall. She looked into its eyes and died instantly.
Tom Riddle was on the verge of losing his mind. Was this fate mocking him? He had just discovered his sanctuary, only to be forced to abandon it so soon.
Riddle knew he could never come back. The school would increase surveillance. Until the matter was resolved, returning to the Chamber of Secrets would be impossible. And aside from the punishment he might face, everything in this chamber would be lost to him.
Yelling at the Basilisk was useless. Tom Riddle had no choice but to leave. This was likely both his first and last visit. The only thing he took with him was Slytherin's journal—since it was the only book he had read, abandoning it would be too difficult. As for the rest of the books, he hadn't yet discovered their value, so leaving them behind didn't hurt as much.
With Riddle's departure, the Basilisk was once again sealed within the chamber. Feeling remorseful, it returned to its usual routine and didn't leave again until this year, when it went out to shed its skin.
From that point on, Tom Riddle never returned. At Hogwarts, Dumbledore was always suspicious and kept a watchful eye on him. After leaving the school, Riddle was busy building his power, crafting Horcruxes, and preparing to overthrow the Ministry of Magic.
At that time, Hogwarts was at its most fortified. Not even Death Eaters could breach its defenses.
And Voldemort's power had already reached great heights, so further study and training weren't an urgent need.
"Excellent," Regulus Black muttered. "So everything here has remained untouched by Voldemort."
His eyes gleamed green in the darkness. Even Tom Riddle had only taken one of Slytherin's journals. Now that he had access to everything here, what heights might his magical abilities reach?
As he dispelled the "History Record" spell, the chamber was once again enveloped in darkness.
"Lumos!"
Regulus Black waved his wand, and the simple Lumos spell illuminated the entire chamber brightly. The surrounding walls, including the ceiling and floor, began to emit a faint glow. This was due to residual magical energy embedded in the surfaces—it would only fade once the magic had fully dissipated.
Regulus Black did not immediately approach the books. He feared that once he started reading, he would become so absorbed that he'd lose track of time and everything else. Especially in a place like this chamber, with no interruptions, he'd likely remain engrossed in a single book until he finished it before noticing anything else.
The first thing he needed to do was establish a Station. With a flick of his wand, a large pattern made of a cross and a circle appeared on the ground. At each of the cross's four tips, a small brazier emerged, each burning with a differently colored elemental flame.
Since the Station List system was discovered, Stations had undergone significant improvements—incorporating elemental flames was one such advancement.
Simultaneously, a new relief icon appeared on the system's Station List, depicting the face of Salazar Slytherin.
This setup would allow Regulus Black to access the inner chamber directly without using the external secret passage.
After completing the setup, Regulus still refrained from reading and instead left the chamber, returning to the pipe shaft. Whether Harry Potter would experience a thrilling yet safe adventure now depended on how effective the layout within that shaft would be.
"If only Hermione were still in Gryffindor," Harry muttered during a break between classes, furiously scratching his head. "She's so smart—she definitely would've figured out the secret of the Chamber."
Lately, Harry had been scratching his head more and more. At this rate, he might end up bald like a Mediterranean uncle in middle age.
"Harry, don't be like that. We've already figured out quite a bit—for example, Hagrid was innocent, and Moaning Myrtle was the one who died fifty years ago."
Ron tried to console him, but it wasn't very effective. They had spent the entire semester just uncovering that much—thanks in part to Regulus Black's hints pointing them in the right direction.
"Even though we now know Hagrid was wrongfully blamed, and Myrtle's death is connected to the Chamber, we still don't know what kind of monster is inside, or how to find the entrance. That means we don't even know what we'll be up against—and that's dangerous."
Harry's thoughts were unusually clear—clearly, the time without Hermione had been a chance for him to grow.
"Calm down for a moment. I'll go check where Hermione is. Maybe it's best to just ask her directly."
Ron stood up and left the Gryffindor common room, heading toward the Ravenclaw dormitory. Both houses were located on the eighth floor of Hogwarts—naturally, the eagle flies high, and the lion stands atop the mountain to survey its domain.
After a while, Neville rushed breathlessly into the common room.
"Harry! Something's happened to Ron!"
Harry immediately panicked and rushed outside with Neville. At a certain corner on the eighth floor, blood-red writing had once again been scrawled on the wall.
"Everyone has seen it—Slytherin's heir has left another message.'His bones will remain forever in the Chamber.'A student has been taken into the Chamber.All students must be sent home.Hogwarts may be forced to close permanently."
Professor McGonagall was there, pleading with the other teachers for help. After all, this was a matter concerning Gryffindor, and the missing student was also from their house.
"Professor! Who was taken?"
Harry had a terrible feeling in his gut, hoping desperately that it was just his imagination.
"It was Ron Weasley, Harry Potter—your friend."
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