บท 152: Artel The Hero
"The trouble now is with Sinistra. The conventional antidote for snake venom isn't working on her, and the bezoar is useless... We'll have to wait for the headmaster to return and see if the Aria of Light can act as an antidote."
Pomfrey wiped the sweat from her brow. She was hopeful that the Aria of Light, known for lifting curses, dispelling black magic, and healing wounds, might also clear the basilisk's poison.
Artel considered the situation and suggested, "I heard that Headmaster Dumbledore has a phoenix... The tears of a phoenix should be able to dispel the basilisk's poison."
Pomfrey and Professor Sprout's eyes brightened at his words. They had nearly forgotten about Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, because they rarely saw him.
"That's right, the tears of a phoenix can indeed do this!" Pomfrey exclaimed, clapping her hands in relief.
"I'm going to find Snape and McGonagall. They should know the password to the headmaster's office!" Sprout said hurriedly before rushing off.
Pomfrey began treating Nagini's injuries and preparing medicine for her.
"If there's nothing else I can do to help, I'll leave now. Professor Nagini, get some rest," Artel said, bidding farewell to Nagini and Pomfrey before leaving the infirmary.
On his way out, he encountered the bustling Professor Sprout, who had already obtained the password and was heading to the headmaster's office to find Fawkes. Watching her rush up and down the stairs, Artel couldn't help but feel a bit amused.
The basement was still littered with debris. Artel surveyed the damage—Snape's office, the Potions classroom, and the Hogwarts kitchen were all smashed, with rubble strewn everywhere. It was clear how fierce the battle had been.
Artel sighed, knowing the clean-up would be extensive, but he also felt a sense of accomplishment. The immediate danger had passed, and now it was time for Hogwarts to heal and rebuild.
The little wizards had returned to their dorms at Snape's request. Snape and McGonagall remained in the common room, still watching over the basilisk's corpse.
Artel quietly walked over and collected some basilisk blood and venom, discreetly storing them in his system space. The basilisk was so large that a little extra blood wouldn't be noticeable.
"Should be dead... Fortunately, if the basilisk were a creature that could survive without its head, I'd be in trouble," Artel remarked half-jokingly as he approached the two professors.
Professor McGonagall couldn't help but glare at him, warning, "If something like this happens again, don't be impulsive. Facing such a terrifying creature as the basilisk is no small matter. If something had gone wrong, it could have been much worse than just an injury."
Snape nodded in agreement, though his usual cold demeanor kept him from expressing much more.
Professor McGonagall continued, "Of course, your bravery is commendable. I believe Slytherin will earn many points for your actions."
Artel's eyes lit up at the mention of points. This was what he had been hoping for all along.
"Considering you protected the professors, your classmates, and the school, and maintained your courage while facing the basilisk and drawing the sword of Gryffindor..." McGonagall began.
"Wait a moment," Snape interrupted. He glanced at McGonagall with a hint of pride. "I think it's better if Dumbledore announces the extra points for him."
McGonagall looked at Snape in surprise but then smiled and agreed readily. She understood the significance of such a moment. While she had the authority as the vice-principal to award points, it would be much more impactful if Dumbledore did so at a school-wide assembly.
"Very well," she said, "we'll wait for Dumbledore to return and make the announcement in the Great Hall. It will be a fitting way to recognize your bravery, Artel."
Artel felt a surge of pride and satisfaction. He had genuinely acted out of love for Hogwarts, and now his efforts would be recognized in front of the entire school.
Professor McGonagall was pleased because she saw that Artel truly regarded Hogwarts as his home. She hoped that Artel's attitude would inspire more students to feel the same way.
As the excitement began to settle, Artel helped Nagini to the infirmary, ensuring she received the care she needed. Meanwhile, McGonagall and Snape discussed the next steps to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at Hogwarts.
"Artel, you go back to rest first. We have to wait for Headmaster Dumbledore, and after recovering, we'll need to repair this place," Professor McGonagall said.
Artel nodded, said goodbye to McGonagall and Snape, and returned to his dormitory.
As soon as he entered, Artel heard a burst of applause. Leading the applause were Pansy, her roommates, Malfoy, and a mix of other familiar and unfamiliar faces. Most of them were first and second years, though there were also some older students, mainly girls who had come to join the excitement.
"Um..." Artel's head felt a bit overwhelmed seeing so many people in his room. "Good evening," he greeted.
His greeting was met with excited cheers from the younger witches.
"Artel! You're... you're amazing! You're a Slytherin hero!" Pansy stepped up boldly, her eyes shining with admiration and awe.
Slytherin's traits included shrewdness, ambition, and determination. But they also valued talent, loyalty, and strength. So, while some thought Artel's actions were too showy, most were thrilled that he had brought so much honor to Slytherin by defeating the basilisk that had terrorized the entire school.
In the future, Slytherin students would hold their heads high in front of the other houses, especially Gryffindor. Artel had even pulled the Sword of Gryffindor, delivering a symbolic blow to Gryffindor's pride.
Artel took a step back and addressed the group. "I just offered some help. If it weren't for the professors, I don't know what would have happened tonight. So if you really want to thank someone, wait until the injured professors are healed and thank them."
He looked at the other students and continued, "Thank you very much for your support... But it took a lot of energy to kill the basilisk, so I want to rest first. If there's anything else, let's talk tomorrow?"
The students were a bit disappointed but understood. They had come to meet Artel, praise him, and show their support. Now that they had done so, they began to leave. Pansy lingered for a moment, as if wanting to say something, but then she simply smiled and said, "Then rest well, we'll see you in the morning."
After everyone left, Artel sat on the sofa and sighed in relief.
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle rushed over, speaking in excited tones.
"Artel! You don't know how cool it was when you decapitated that basilisk with the Sword of Gryffindor!" Malfoy exclaimed.
"Yeah! I never dreamed of seeing something like that!" Goyle added.
"My ears were deafened by the screams of the older girls!" Crabbe said, chuckling. "But Artel, have you ever learned swordsmanship? You looked really impressive with that sword! I think the school should make a sculpture of you!"
"What did it feel like to hold the Sword of Gryffindor? Hahaha! A Slytherin wielding Gryffindor's sword! It would be hilarious if the Gryffindors found out!" Malfoy laughed.
"Yeah! I can't wait to see the look on Harry Potter's face when he finds out!" Goyle joined in.
The three continued talking over each other, making Artel's head spin. After answering a few of their questions, he finally managed to get them to calm down and left for bed.
Artel lay down, reflecting on the night's events. Using Gramderin hadn't taken much out of him. The sword's damage bonus against dark creatures was impressive, making cutting through the basilisk's neck feel as easy as slicing through a watermelon. There had been no significant obstacles.
Overall, the plan had been a success. Artel had killed the basilisk and indirectly saved several professors and Slytherin students. He smiled, thinking that Dumbledore would have no choice but to reward him generously for his bravery.
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