Chương 141: Hogwarts Is Haunted
The next morning, Nagini rose early.
Normally, Saturdays were reserved for rest, allowing Nagini to sleep in. However, thoughts of the basilisk kept her from slumber, prompting her early arrival at the auditorium.
Meanwhile, Artel was enjoying breakfast with Hermione in the Great Hall.
"Good morning, Artel, Hermione," Nagini greeted them with a smile as she approached.
"Good morning, Professor Nagini," Hermione responded with a smile, though a flicker of suspicion crossed her gaze.
Nagini's presence during breakfast was unusual—what could be the reason for her visit today?
"Good morning, Professor," Artel greeted, setting down his utensils and regarding Nagini with a hint of curiosity.
Taking a seat opposite Artel, Nagini smoothed her hair with a sheepish smile.
"Well, you see... I've noticed during our recent classes that the young wizards seem to grasp spells more quickly and effectively with your assistance, Artel. It led me to think that you might have a talent for teaching..."
"So, I'd like to offer you a position as my teaching assistant. I believe it could enhance everyone's learning experience and proficiency with magic," Nagini explained nervously, her eyes fixed on Artel.
Artel seemed taken aback, contemplating the offer. Glancing at Hermione, who appeared equally puzzled, he eventually nodded.
"No problem... I'd be happy to help, especially if there are bonus points involved for each class," Artel replied.
"There are indeed bonus points," Nagini confirmed hurriedly, explaining that Hogwarts professors had the authority to award extra points to exemplary students. Given Artel's understanding of spells and his consistent performance, it seemed fitting for him to serve as a teaching assistant.
With Artel's agreement, Nagini clapped her hands gleefully.
"Then it's settled!" she exclaimed.
"After dinner, come to my office, Artel. Let's discuss which spells we should cover in our next class and how to help the young wizards remember them better," Nagini instructed.
Artel finally grasped Nagini's intent. Teaching assistants and discussions were merely pretexts. Nagini likely feared a Basilisk attack and devised a plan to keep him safe in her office. In Slytherin's eyes, Artel, a Muggle-born wizard, was not deemed worthy of becoming a wizard and was considered fair game for a Basilisk.
But didn't she instruct him to inform the Basilisk not to harm the young wizards?
If a Basilisk were to harm any students, Hogwarts would descend into chaos. Dumbledore would be compelled to conduct a thorough investigation, likely resulting in the Basilisk's demise by spells, absolving Artel of any involvement.
"I'll be alright for now," Artel assured himself. He had planned to brew the potent Orc potion, but postponing it by a day wouldn't hurt. Besides, he had promised Hermione to accompany her to Hogsmeade today.
Observing Hermione's sullen expression as she stabbed her boiled potato, Artel understood her disappointment. However, Hermione couldn't reveal their Hogsmeade trip to Nagini due to school rules.
Artel considered the Basilisk threat. If it acted, Hermione would be in danger too, given her Muggle wizard status. He recalled how Hermione narrowly avoided disaster in the original story by using a mirror to face the Basilisk's gaze, albeit being petrified.
"Why not invite Hermione along? She's adept at understanding spells and has mastered those in 'Standard Spells'," Artel suggested to Nagini.
Startled momentarily, Nagini recalled Hermione's status as a Muggle wizard and readily agreed to Artel's proposal.
"Of course, Hermione, would you like to join us?" Nagini extended the invitation.
Hermione's face lit up with joy as she eagerly nodded, trusting that Nagini's presence would ensure their safety.
"Then it's settled. After dinner, you'll both come to my office," Nagini affirmed with a smile, relieved that they'd be shielded from any Basilisk threats in her office.
After dinner, Artel and Hermione arrived at Nagini's office as promised.
Nagini had prepared a variety of juices, teas, and desserts for them, seemingly gearing up for a prolonged discussion.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ron wrapped up their meal and headed back to their dormitory, intending to engage in a game of wizard chess.
As they reached the fifth floor, Harry abruptly halted, furrowing his brow and scanning their surroundings.
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
Ron glanced around, perplexed. Aside from a few passing students, there was no unusual activity or sound.
"Someone's speaking!"
Harry's expression grew more intense as he dashed a few steps down the corridor before abruptly stopping.
"Listen! Can't you hear it?"
"Don't spook me..."
Ron gripped Harry's sleeve, his eyes darting around anxiously. Despite his efforts, he couldn't discern any conversation, only a chilling silence.
"You seriously can't hear it?"
Harry regarded Ron incredulously, then cupped his ears and strained to listen once more, his expression growing more peculiar.
"You didn't hear it? It was loud..."
Ron's unease heightened. He widened his eyes, clutching Harry tighter and shaking his head vigorously, his throat constricted with fear.
"What did you hear? Screaming? Crying?"
"It was a man speaking!"
Harry's tone was grave, his expression shifting. He mimicked the voice he had heard:
"He said he was hungry... wanted to eat... and mentioned... the killings..."
Harry's visage contorted further as he fixated on the corridor wall, then shook his head.
"Now it's gone..."
"Could it be Peeves up to his usual mischief? Or maybe Hogwarts is haunted?"
Ron pondered, still unable to hear anything himself, while Harry's account left him unsettled.
"I don't know... but I have a terrible feeling about this."
Harry's discomfort was palpable. A sense of unease crept over him, unlike anything he'd experienced before, leaving him deeply unsettled.
"Perhaps Snape... up to no good again..."
Harry grumbled.
Rolling his eyes, Ron sighed:
"Harry, Dumbledore clarified in the newspaper that the Philosopher's Stone wasn't lost... and they pinned the attempted theft on Quirrell..."
Harry pursed his lips, acknowledging Ron's point. Though Snape's disdainful gaze was undeniable, there was an inexplicable ambiguity to his demeanor.
"Something's brewing, I know it! I wasn't imagining things just now!"
Harry asserted firmly to Ron.
Despite Ron's inability to hear the voice, Harry's conviction sparked a new sense of determination within him.
Could it be up to him once more to unravel this mystery?
As this realization settled in, Harry's apprehension melted away, replaced by a surge of inexplicable excitement.
"This won't be like the Philosopher's Stone! Not at all!"
"Because... I'm Harry Potter! The legendary boy himself!"
....
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