A Room of History and Secrets solo Finished

Dora was supposed to be studying to make up for her poor marks, but because of one little dizzy spell, she's been told that she can't do even that. Technically it was the assistant nurse's recommendation to take time off her work, and Dora could probably just ignore them and get away with it. But she is tired... and if that nurse was right, she'd only do more poorly if she doesn't take a break.

It's just hard justifying it to herself.

'School's almost back in session.' Dora promised, 'One day without studying won't hurt.'

And anyways, exploring the castle could be considered educational. While wandering the third floor, Dora comes across a room she's passed many times on the way to Charms class. The Hogwarts Trophy room. Curiously, she walks inside to take a look.

It's like a museum, with trophies dating back decades, maybe even centuries. There are Quidditch trophies, broom racing trophies, even dueling trophies! 'Ruby was in the dueling club. I wonder if her name is on any of these..'

Dora doubts she'll ever earn an award like these. Competitive sports make her anxious, and she'd be terrible at them anyways. Broom riding and dueling? Not her strong points. But she still respects the practice and talent that all these people had, and reading the different plaques and accolades are an interesting glimpse into the past.

'Brutus Scrimgeour', a portrait in the Quidditch section is labeled. Apparently, a former headmaster and author of a Quidditch book. As Dora considers looking it up in the library, she notices something odd. The painting is tilted in an odd way on one side. Instinctively reaching out to fix it, Dora is startled when the picture swings open, revealing some kind of passage on the other side.

'A secret passage?' Dora's eyes widen. Old castles are said to have secret tunnels and hatches, and Dora isn't completely ignorant of the rumors about Hogwarts. She's heard plenty of stories, was even introduced to the hidden Room of Requirement recently. But as nice as that was, a lot of these stories warn of danger, like the Chamber of Secrets and its monster. That's enough to make Dora close the passage and exit the Trophy Room hastily, afraid of what could be on the other side.