Chương 80: Chapter 80: Give Him A Chance

The enchanting and mysterious realm of magic brims with a plethora of fantastical creatures. They number in the thousands, populating both the known and as-yet-undiscovered corners of the world. Renowned magical zoologist, Newt Scamander, has meticulously catalogued a vast majority of these captivating creatures - about eighty percent - in his enlightening opus, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."

This book is not merely a staple textbook for wide-eyed first-year students, but is also revered as an invaluable reference tome in almost every wizarding household. Yet, it doesn't encompass the full range of magical beasts woven into the fabric of our world.

Hermione Granger was burning with a determination to unmask the individual responsible for opening the Chamber of Secrets. She was well aware that a concrete lead was needed to unravel the tangled strands of this ominous mystery. Hermione, blessed with an extraordinary intellect, decided to hone in on a particular, alarming pattern - the peculiar condition of the attacked students, which appear like statues.

The heir of Slytherin, she concluded, was most likely not the direct attacker, but the mastermind, orchestrating the sinister attacks through a creature concealed within the Chamber. The number of magical creatures, known to possess such potent abilities that could inflict such a condition were few and far between. These unique abilities should, logically, match with a beast that was accounted for within the pages of the known magical zoology.

Thus, Hermione spent numerous days engrossed in researching in depth, pouring through various references of magical creatures; especially those that only made rare appearances in historical records.

But, the exhaustive pursuit of knowledge fell short. Despite nearly two months of dedication, huddled in the vast library, not a single creature with the power to inflict permanent petrification was discovered.

With a leaden heart, Hermione returned the encyclopedia of magical creatures back to its place on the library shelf, her hope dwindling. Desultorily, she sifted through a couple more books.

Absentmindedly reaching into her robe pockets, she discovered a small piece of paper. Unfolding it, she discovered it was a note she had taken ages ago during a lesson by Professor Sherlock Forester on serpentine creatures.

The scribbled features detailed a dangerous dark creature, the Basilisk. "Basilisk: evil and artificially created. Eyes possess deadly abilities. Breeding is straightforward, but the creature is greatly dangerous."

A light of realization sparked in Hermione's eyes as she perused the note, her voice barely above a whisper, "Serpentine... Basilisk... Harry.. odd noises...". Standing at the entrance of the library, she glanced up at the ceiling in horror. "The plumbing!" She gasped, her heart pounding. "It's been traversing the pipes!"

With sudden enthusiasm, Hermione twirled and bolted to communicate her newfound revelation to Harry and Ron. But just as she moved into a deserted corridor, a suspicious noise halted her. A faint slithering sound, echoing eerily from the ceiling, caused chill to run down her spine.

Hermione's breath hitched in her throat. Her hands, tightly clutching the paper were trembling. Slowly, she fished a small, round mirror from her pocket and cautiously angled it upwards. There it was; a thick, green body, sliding ominously overhead. It was just as as she suspected, Slytherin's monster is a Basilisk.

Just as she was about to scream, enormous bright yellow eyes filled the mirror. In an instant, Hermione's figure stiffened unnaturally. Her mirror slipped from her grasp, shattering into pieces, and Hermione's body, now as rigid as a statue, thudded onto the ground.

The eerie slithering noise overhead receded gradually while the faint echo of approaching footsteps came closer. A figure soon picked up the discarded note that revealed the identity of the monster, and a soft whispering filled the chilling silence of the corridor.

It was several heart-stopping minutes before a gaggle of chatting girls discovered Hermione's petrified form. Soon, their horrified shrieks resonated throughout the Hogwarts Castle.

The news of yet another chilling attack quickly churned among the residents of the castle. Everything was thrown into chaos; the day's Quidditch match was abruptly canceled, and a grave-faced Professor McGonagall summoned Harry. With a sense of unease, all the students were instructed to return to their dormitories.

Weaving through the throng of melee, Ron hurried after Harry towards Professor McGonagall. She guided them through the crowd of murmuring students - some disheartened by the termination of the game, others visibly anxious - and led them up the majestic marble staircase. But they were not taken to a professor's office; this time, their destination was the hospital wing.

Harry and Ron were taken aback to discover their friend Hermione, laying petrified on the infirmary bed. Professor McGonagall, with an uncharacteristic softness in her voice, inquired, "Do either of you boys have an inkling about this?" holding up a small mirror. The boys shook their heads in disbelief, their eyes bound to their frozen friend.

Meanwhile, Sherlock was over in Dumbledore's office, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily in his voice. "He struck again, Albus! This can't continue as is; we need a plan!"

Dumbledore, deeply engrossed in his thoughts, responded, "If the outside world gets wind of the incidents this term, Hogwarts is very likely to be shut down. Once that comes to pass, all his meticulously laid plans will crumble. He is biding his time, waiting for the perfect window of opportunity to further his sinister ambition."

Under his breath, the Headmaster muttered with trepidation, "And we might just be paving the way for creating that opportunity for him."