[Mia and Ron exit the cabin and glance to their left at the window, to see the spiders scurrying out the window, down the side of the house, towards the Forbidden Forest.]
Mia: Come on.
Ron: [fearfully] What?

Mia couldn't help but stifle a quiet chuckle, earning another bemused glance from Ron. Their shared moment of levity elicited chuckles from some of the other people in the Hall, who found amusement in Ron's cracked voice as well.

Mia: You heard what Hagrid said: "Follow the spiders."
Ron: They're heading to the Dark Forest! [Mia walks towards the forest, carrying Hagrid's lantern; Ron reluctantly follows] Why spiders? Why couldn't it be "follow the butterflies"?

"You guys can't seriously be considering going back into the Forest after what happened last year?"

The two exchanged a guilty look. "We need answers.

"You lot have no sense of self-preservation," Percy chided, shaking his head in disbelief.

"You two are absolutely bonkers!" added Hermione, her tone a mixture of concern and exasperation.

"We needed answers and this was the only way to get them... at the time," Mia explained with a touch of regret, acknowledging the risks they had taken in pursuit of the truth.

Ron: [Mia and Ron walk through the forest, following the spiders] Mia, I don't like this. Mia, I don't like this at all.

As the two students ventured further into the Forest, a palpable sense of concern and unease spread through the Hall. A heavy silence descended, permeating the air with a somber and serious atmosphere. The tension in the room was tangible, and everyone's worry for the safety of the two friends was evident in their hushed expressions and nervous glances. The weight of the impending danger weighed heavily on the gathered crowd, each passing moment amplifying the collective apprehension.

Mia: Shush! [they follow the spiders to a tunnel underneath a tree root]
Ron: Can we go back now?

Sirius and Molly pleaded in desperation, "Please, go back now."

Mia: Come on.

The collective frustration and fear in the Hall erupted into a chorus of groans and urgent cries.

"No!"

"Go back!"

"Get out of that damned Forest!"

"Just leave for goodness sake!" Remus' voice pierced through the turmoil, his plea echoing the sentiments of many in the room.

[They follow the spiders into the tunnel; as they go, a slightly bigger spider descends behind them. The tunnel leads to a massive clearing; above them, numerous spiders, bigger than the ones they're following, watch silently. The spiders lead Mia and Ron to a foreboding mound. The sound of branches breaking is heard.]

The mood in the Hall grew increasingly distressed, with some beginning to whimper and others succumbing to panic, while the rest became consumed by apprehension for the two young students.

"What was that?" Pansy's voice trembled with fear as she voiced the question that was on everyone's mind.

At the sight of the oversized cobwebs, Ginny's fear became palpable. "Aren't those cobwebs a little too big for regular spiders?" she asked, her voice quavering, as more people shook and shivered in fear of the potential answer.

The silence was oppressive, broken only by the sound of nervous shuffling and the occasional whimper. A sense of dread hung thick in the air, as the gravity of the situation began to settle in for everyone present. The younger students huddled closer to the adults, seeking comfort and reassurance in the midst of the growing unease.

Amidst the rising panic, Hagrid remained an unwavering presence, his weathered face betraying no hint of fear as he stood steadfast, a beacon of calm amidst the storm of uncertainty. His steady gaze seemed to offer silent reassurance to those around him, a silent reminder that they were not alone in facing the looming threat.

Aragog: Who is it?

"What is that?" Fred and George asked in fear.

Mia: [slightly nervous but keeping calm] Don't panic.

"No, Mia, now would be a perfectly good time to panic," Sirius said, his voice quivering with a mixture of fear and urgency.

Aragog: [as Ron turns toward the mound again] Hagrid? Is that you?
Mia: We're friends of Hagrid's. [slowly, Aragog emerges from the mound to meet with his visitors] And you... you're... you're Aragog, aren't you?

"Bloody hell, Hagrid!" Sirius's voice reverberated through the Hall, capturing the collective shock and incredulity felt by everyone present.

The sight of the looming giant spider had rendered many frozen in fear, their expressions etched with terror at the grotesque creature before them.

"What the hell is that thing?" Draco's voice quivered with a mixture of disgust and fear, mirroring the revulsion felt by those around him.

"Is that the monster?!" A Slytherin's fearful question hung heavily in the air, underscoring the palpable terror that had gripped the assembly.

Aragog: Yes. Hagrid has never sent men into our hollow before.
Mia: He's in trouble. Up at the school there have been attacks. [Ron nervously looks around at numerous spiders scuttling around] They think it's Hagrid. They think he opened the Chamber of Secrets, like before.
Aragog: That's a lie! Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets.

"Right there! That's the truth!" Mia's voice rang out, cutting through the tension in the room and startling everyone with the force of her proclamation.

"What, Miss Potter, are we supposed to trust the word of an Acromantula?" Umbridge's sneer dripped with condescension and disbelief as she addressed the girl, her skepticism evident in her tone.

Fudge, caught in the crossfire, appeared uncertain as he grappled with the conflicting testimonies and the weight of the situation.

"Aragog was there! He is a witness as to what happened all those years ago," Hermione interjected, her tone firm and resolute as she sought to bolster Mia's assertion with the weight of evidence and reason.

Meanwhile, Amelia remained deeply absorbed in her thoughts, diligently taking notes on the unfolding events. Determined to uphold justice, she made a silent vow to meticulously document the discussions, knowing that if Hagrid and Sirius were indeed innocent, she would spare no effort in clearing their names.

"Just keep on watching and see for yourselves, then, Professor," Mia retorted, her glare unwavering as she issued the challenge to Umbridge.

With anticipation hanging heavy in the air, everyone's attention returned to the screen, eager to witness the truth unfold with each passing moment.

Mia: Then you're not the monster?
Aragog: No. The monster was born in the castle. I came to Hagrid from a distant land, in the pocket of a traveler.

"WHAT?"

The exclamation reverberated through the room as the shocking revelation unfolded on the screen, eliciting a chorus of disbelief and incredulity from everyone present.

"The monster was born in the castle?" Sirius's voice cut through the collective astonishment, his question laden with a mix of incredulity and dawning realization. The gravity of the situation, coupled with the unexpected twist left them all speechless.

Ron: [whispering nervously while tugging on Mia's sleeve] Mia...
Mia: [glancing at him] Shush.

"No, listen to him, Mia!" Remus chided, his urgency evident as he addressed the movie projection, hoping in vain to alter the situation from the sidelines. His concern for Mia's safety was palpable, reflecting the apprehension felt by those around him.

"Get out of there right now!" Luna's voice rose in anxious concern for her friends, her worry carrying a note of desperation as she pleaded with the onscreen characters to heed her warning.

"Run!" The twins' urgent cry pierced the air, their voices merging in a tumult of alarm and urgency as they urged the characters to flee the looming danger. The collective fear and concern of those present manifested in their exhortations, as they watched with bated breath, hoping against hope that their warnings would not fall on deaf ears.

Mia: [turns towards Aragog again] But if you're not the monster, then what did kill that girl fifty years ago?

As the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets unraveled before them, everyone leaned in closer, their attention rapt and their fascination palpable. Eager to decipher the enigma that had gripped the castle, they hung on every revelation, their collective anticipation reaching a fever pitch as they sought to unravel the secrets hidden within the ancient walls.

Aragog: We do not speak of it. It is an ancient creature we spiders fear above all others.
Mia: But have you seen it?
Aragog: I never saw any part of the castle but the box in which Hagrid kept me. [Ron looks up fearfully] The girl was discovered in a bathroom. [Ron looks at Aragog] When I was accused, Hagrid brought me here.

In a hushed silence, everyone listened intently as Aragog unfurled the harrowing tale of the past, each word echoing through the room with a weight that held the assembled audience spellbound.

Ron: [tugs on Mia's sleeve again] Mia...
Mia: [finally giving Ron his attention with some annoyance] What? [Ron whimpers and points upwards; Mia looks up to see what Ron is trying to tell her numerous spiders are descending from a massive hive high above towards Mia and Ron.]

As the human-sized spiders descended from the treetops, everyone's eyes widened in terror and apprehension, their fear and worry surfacing as they beheld the ominous spectacle unfolding before their eyes. A collective sense of dread permeated the room, binding them together in a shared moment of sheer horror and disbelief at the nightmarish scene playing out on the screen.

"GET OUT OF THERE RIGHT NOW!"

The urgent, collective scream erupted from everyone present, their voices merging into a cacophony of desperation.

Mia: [glancing at Aragog again] Well... thank you. We'll just... go.
Aragog: Go? [Ron nods fearfully] I think not. [more spiders emerge from around him] My sons and daughters do not harm Hagrid on my command. But I cannot deny them fresh meat when it wanders so willingly into our midst. [as hundreds more spiders appear from the trees] Goodbye, friend of Hagrid.

Hagrid was mortified, his anguish written plainly on his face, as the realization sank in that Aragog's offspring posed a grave threat to Mia, Ron, and Fang.

Ron: [glancing at Mia in terror] Can we panic now?

The collective cry of "YES!" reverberated through the room, laden with fear and urgency as the harrowing scene of the spiders closing in on the two friends and Fang unfolded on the screen. An underlying sense of dread permeated the atmosphere, binding them together in a shared moment of heightened tension and trepidation.

In a paradoxical blend of fear and relief, a few managed to stifle a nervous chuckle at the on-screen portrayal of Ron, briefly lightening the heavy air with a trace of humor amidst the palpable unease.

[a big spider lands right next to them; Ron points his wand at it in fear,]

As the tension reached a fever pitch, everyone in the room screamed in unison, the visceral reaction to the onscreen peril propelling them to jump up in their seats.

[while Mia swings the lantern at it, then at another spider before throwing the lantern to the ground and taking out her wand before she and Ron stand back to back as the spiders surround them] Know any spells?
Mia: One, but it's not powerful enough for all of them.
Ron: Where's Hermione when you need her?

"Hermione, we really are lost without you," Mia said, giving Hermione a warm smile that conveyed her genuine appreciation for their friend.

"Never leave us, ever again!" Ron begged, a hint of playfulness in his voice as he looked at Hermione. The color rose in Hermione's cheeks as she shared a shy smile with Ron, prompting knowing smirks from the others who were aware of Ron's long-standing crush on Hermione.

[The spiders inch closer to them. At that moment, the sound of a car engine is heard; Mia and Ron look in the direction of the noise to see the Ford Anglia drive into Aragog's nest, towards them; they back away towards Aragog as the car comes to a stop, then opens its doors for them.]

Draco's voice was tinged with disbelief as he questioned, "It's still in the Forest?"

Arthur's astonishment was unmistakable as he exclaimed, "It came to your rescue?" His eyebrows shot up in surprise, mirroring his incredulity.

Fred jumped into the conversation with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I guess it was a good thing that you two took the car, then?"

"Yeah, for once, breaking the rules can be a good thing," George added, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Showing her typical nonchalance, Mia shrugged and remarked, "Oh, it's more of a common thing for us by now," Both Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement.

Mia: Let's go!

"Quick, get out of there!" Remus yelled in unison, his panicked voices echoing through the room.

"Go, get the bloody hell out of there!" Bill urged fervently, his anxiety palpable as he fixated on the screen.

[they run for the car; a pair of spiders come in for the attack; Ron whimpers as he gets in on the driver's side, closing the door on a spider's leg, but manages to pull itself free; Mia points her wand at the other spider as she reaches the passenger's door] Arania Exumai!

"Ah, a handy spell, if there were only one spider, and not an entire army of them," Snape said with a hint of sarcasm, pretending not to care, but his tone revealing his exasperation at the situation.

[a beam emits from her wand, blasting the spider away; Mia gets in the car and closes the door, one spider lands on top of the car, while another lands on the hood] Go!

As the spiders crept closer, everyone's nerves skyrocketed, their hearts pounding in their chests. They held their breaths, their prayers unspoken but fervent, desperately hoping for the safety of the two children caught in the perilous situation. The tension in the air was almost palpable as the group watched with bated breath, their fear and concern etched across their faces.

[Ron puts the car in reverse, and it backs away as fast as it can, as they go under a tree root, the spider on the roof falls off onto its back. The car then goes flying backwards over a hill.]
Mia and Ron: Whoa! [as the car lands on the forest floor, the spider on the hood falls off; the car then comes to a stop]
Ron: [grips the steering wheel, then turns to face Mia] Glad we're out of there.

A collective sigh of relief filled the air, but the tension lingered, for they were still deep within the treacherous Forest. The group let their guard down only slightly, conscious of the looming dangers that surrounded them. Each one remained on edge, knowing that safety was still far from assured in the heart of the unforgiving woodland.

[Suddenly, the spider that fell off the car sticks its head through the window; Mia jumps as the spider goes for Ron, putting its pincers around his neck; taking his hands off the steering wheel,]

The group leaped back in shock and fear as the monstrous spider lunged, snatching Ron and attempting to consume him. Panic swept through the group, their nerves once again escalating to a fever pitch.

"RON!"

Molly and the Weasleys cried out in unison, their voices laced with fear and desperation.

The rest of them in the great hall looked frozen in terror, gripped by the horrifying scene unfolding before them. Ginny couldn't help but bear the overwhelming weight of guilt and worry as she watched her brother and his best friend threatened by the peril she unwittingly unleashed. The burden of responsibility for placing them in grave danger weighed heavily on her, exacerbating her distress.

[Ron tries to get the spider off, squirming and screaming. Mia calmly reaches into her jacket and pulls out her wand, and points it at her frightened friend. Ron, his eyes and nostrils wide with terror, moves to the left, giving Mia a clear shot at the spider trying to eat her.]
Mia: Arania Exumai! [a beam of white light emits from Mia's wand, blasting the spider off Ron and away from the car]

"Thank you," Molly cried out in overwhelming relief, gratitude flooding her voice as she acknowledged Mia's pivotal role in saving Ron's life.

Ron: [glancing out the window and turning to Mia again] Thanks for that.
Mia: [putting his wand back in her jacket] Don't mention it. [looks out the windshield as a twitching sound is heard and squints; the spiders appear at the top of the hill, and begin moving towards the car; seeing the spiders, Ron whimpers] Get us out of here. Now! [Ron puts the car in reverse] Come on! Come on, move faster! [the both scream as Ron makes a sharp turn] Come on, go! [Ron puts the car in drive, and steps on the gas; as they drive through the forest, the spiders pursue the car, moving almost as fast as cheetahs] Get us in the air.

Silence enveloped the great hall as each one remained on the edge of their seats, their shared anxiety hanging heavy in the air. Not a single word was spoken, the gravity of the situation holding them in its tense grip as they awaited the next turn of events, each heartbeat resonating with uncertainty and fear.

Ron: [pushing the gear] The flying gear's jammed!

Ron's statement deepened the collective horror among all, as they realized the increasingly perilous situation the two children were facing. Each member of the group became increasingly mortified, the gravity of the danger sinking in and steeping the atmosphere in profound dread.

[the spiders gather at a tree branch up ahead, intent on intercepting the Ford Anglia]
Mia: Come on. Pull!
Ron: I'm trying! [As they drive into the pack of spiders, knocking them aside, the car takes to the air,with one spider managing to grab hold of the car before falling to the ground. Flying over the trees, the car descends and lands a few feet from Hagrid's house before coming to a complete stop in front of the house; Mia opens her car door and lets Fang out.]

A surge of relief and happiness swept through the Hall as the news of Ron and Mia's escape from the spider army spread. The tension began to dissipate gradually as the group took comfort in the sight of Ron and Mia, safe and sound outside the perilous Forest. Everyone began to relax, their expressions softening with relief as the immediate danger was averted.

Ron: [evidently furious that Hagrid had to put them in such danger] "Follow the spiders". "Follow the spiders"! If Hagrid ever gets out of Azkaban, I'll kill him.

Some managed to chuckle at Ron's comment, their laughter a welcome release of tension after the harrowing ordeal. The sound of their laughter served as a small respite.

[the Ford Anglia backs up as Fang reenters Hagrid's house, then drives past Mia and Ron, and back into the forest again] I mean, what was the point of sending us in there? What have we found out?
Mia: We know one thing: Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets; he was innocent.

A solemn hush fell over them as they attempted to collect themselves, the lingering effects of the recent danger still palpable. No one spoke as they sought to calm their racing hearts and minds, needing a moment to process the harrowing experience before considering whether to continue with the movie. The weight of what they had just learned weighed heavily on them, casting a somber shadow over the previously lighthearted gathering.

"So, what do we do with you?" Umbridge said, eyeing Hagrid with suspicion.

Mia widen her eyes, and she looked at Dumbledore. "Headmaster, this is outrageous! Hagrid would never open the Chamber of Secrets! He loves Hogwarts and would never harm the students. You have seen the truth. The truth is being told and yet you are saying otherwise." she said passionately.

"I agree, Miss. Potter. Hagrid has been nothing but loyal to this school. This accusation is unfounded," he said calmly directing his word to Umbridge

"Nonsense! Hagrid's been harboring dangerous creatures for years. He's a danger to the school, and now this dreadful incident proves it," she said with determination.

Hagrid, towering in size but gentle in demeanor, finally spoke up. "I ain't never been one for causin' harm, yeh know that," he said, his voice low and filled with hurt.

Mia, her eyes burning with anger, turned to Umbridge. "How dare you accuse Hagrid without any real evidence? It's despicable how you are treating him! You saw what truly happened!" Her voice trembled with a mixture of anger and frustration, and the force of her words made Umbridge visibly flinch.

Umbridge, momentarily taken aback by Mia's outburst, composed herself and replied sharply, "This is not a matter of your emotions, Miss. Potter. The safety of the students comes first, and Hagrid's history with dangerous creatures cannot be overlooked."

Dumbledore, intervening with a calm but commanding tone, said, "Regardless of emotions, we must address this matter with reason and evidence. Hagrid's loyalty to Hogwarts and the lack of concrete proof pointing to his involvement in the recent incident should not be ignored."

Hagrid, visibly moved by Mia's defense and Dumbledore's support, nodded quietly, grateful for their unwavering belief in his innocence.

But no, Mia isn't done—

Her anger boiled over, her voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Have any of you stopped for a moment to consider what Hagrid has done for this school and its students? He has risked his life time and time again to protect all of you, to teach us about magical creatures and show us compassion. How can you accuse him without solid evidence? It's unjust, and it sickens me to see how easily you cast doubt on his character."

Her eyes blazed with fury as she continued, "And the fact that the you're watching my life in this big screen to prove everyone's innocence and yet you're denying and questioning what is shown to you is proving that you're nothing but ignorant!"

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Mia's words resonating with everyone present. In that moment, a profound sense of realization and introspection settled over the gathering, prompting a silent pause as they contemplated the impact of their accusations on a man who had dedicated his life to the well-being of the students and the school.

Umbridge, taken aback by Mia's bold statement, attempted to maintain her composure. "Miss. Potter, your emotions are clouding your judgment. It is my duty to ensure the safety of the students, and I will not be swayed by theatrics and emotional outbursts. The evidence presented on the big screen is not sufficient to absolve Hagrid of suspicion," she retorted, her voice laced with thinly veiled frustration.

Mia's anger flared even more in response. "You have the evidence right in front of you, yet you refuse to see the truth! This is not about emotions; this is about justice and fairness. Hagrid deserves better than this unjust treatment," she said, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and passion.

Amelia interjected with a calm and resolute tone. "As I have thoroughly reviewed the evidences. It is clear to me that there is no basis for accusing Hagrid of these allegations. I must assert that in my capacity as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I find Hagrid to be innocent."

Her words carried a weight that instantly shifted the atmosphere in the room. The tension dissolved, and a sense of relief washed over everyone as her authoritative statement alleviated the cloud of suspicion hanging over Hagrid. Mia's demeanor softened, and a small, hopeful smile tugged at the corners of her lips, grateful for the affirmation of Hagrid's innocence.

Hagrid turned to Mia, his eyes filled with gratitude and relief. He mouthed a silent "thank you," his expression reflecting the depth of his emotions. Mia nodded in response, her eyes conveying reassurance and support to her friend. In that simple, wordless exchange, a bond of understanding and solidarity was reaffirmed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken connection they shared.