The water ripples around me as I drift near the glass wall of my prison, watching students hurry past in the Entrance Hall above. My scaled tail flicks restlessly, sending currents swirling through the kelp that lines the tank floor. Above, a group of first-years point and whisper, their faces a mixture of fear and fascination.

A flash of red hair catches my eye—Ginny. She lingers at the edge of the crowd, her gaze locking onto mine. Not with fear, but with determination. Her mouth moves silently, forming words I can't hear through the thick glass.

Before I can react, the dungeon doors burst open. Dolores Umbridge struts into the Entrance Hall, followed by two Death Eaters. Her toad-like face twists into a malicious smile when she spots Ginny lingering by my tank.

"Miss Weasley," she trills, "shouldn't you be in class? Or are you here to visit our... special student?"

Ginny backs away slowly, her eyes still locked on mine. The Death Eaters take positions on either side of her, wands隐隐 ready.

I feel the power rising in my throat—the siren's song that could make them all turn on each other, that could make Umbridge throw herself from the Astronomy Tower. But using it would confirm their worst fears: that I've truly become a monster.

Ginny mouths one last word before the Death Eaters grab her arms—"Resist."

The decision burns in my chest. What will I do?