27 office argument

Ciaran observed as Dumbledore carefully removed Mrs. Norris from the torch holder. His blue eyes fixated on the stiff cat held in Dumbledore's hand, his expression tinged with solemnity.

"Dumbledore addressed Filch, "Come with me, Mr. Filch," then turned his gaze back to the trio of Harrys, addressing them, "And you, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger."

As Dumbledore spoke, Lockhart hurried past Ciaran, eager to offer his assistance, "My office is closest, you know, principal. It's upstairs. You can—"

"Thank you, Gilderoy," Dumbledore interjected graciously, without refusal.

The silent crowd once again parted, making way for a few individuals. Lockhart, visibly pleased with himself, hastened after Dumbledore, his demeanour radiating pride. Professors McGonagall and Snape followed suit.

Ciaran contemplated the situation. He was privy to the intricate details, and though he was unwilling to divulge his deepest secret directly, he could subtly hint at the truth. Besides, as Hogwarts' combat professor, he couldn't simply remain uninvolved in a crisis.

Glancing around the room as he moved, he noted Ginny's absence. Unsure if she remained in the auditorium or was obstructed by the throng, he continued forward.

Other professors ushered the students back to their respective common rooms, instructing prefects to maintain order.

Percy stood tall, his demeanour proud.

As Ciaran and the others entered Lockhart's office, the dim light revealed commotion on the walls. Lockhart hastily retreated into several framed photographs, his hair adorned with curlers.

Once the real Lockhart lit the candle on the table, casting brighter light across the office, he stepped back. Dumbledore placed Mrs. Norris on the smooth surface, scrutinizing her closely.

Ciaran noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanging nervous glances, seated in a dark corner beyond the candlelight's reach.

Though well aware of the situation, Ciaran feigned confusion, approaching Mrs. Norris beside Dumbledore. The trio of Harrys watched intently.

Lockhart eagerly shared his opinion, "It must be a curse, perhaps the Transformation Torture Curse? Quite likely. I've witnessed its use before. Had I been present, I could have saved the cat..."

His boastful words were interrupted by Filch's mournful cries. Ciaran knew Lockhart's tendency to exaggerate, except when it came to Obliviation Curse-related matters.

Well-versed in the art of writing and marketing, Ciaran mused, Lockhart certainly excelled in those areas.

Filch wept silently, his deep bond with Mrs. Norris evident, even moving Ciaran.

Lockhart continued to recount past exploits, boasting of his bravery in handling similar situations, while the Lockhart's in the photos nodded in agreement.

Professors McGonagall and Snape frowned.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore, in a low voice, recited a spell, tapping Mrs. Norris with his wand to no effect, rendering her motionless like a specimen.

"Professor, what could have caused this? A curse, a magical item, or a creature?" Ciaran inquired, pretending to tap Mrs. Norris with his wand.

Dumbledore, grave, responded, "I am uncertain, Ciaran. But we must first ascertain if Mrs. Norris is truly deceased."

Filch's cries grew louder, and Harry and his companions grew more restless.

Finally, Dumbledore declared, "Mrs. Norris is not dead, Filch."

Lockhart's self-praise halted abruptly, Filch's eyes widening in surprise and relief, "Not dead? Sir, then why is she... stiff, like stone?"

Dumbledore clarified, "She is petrified, not deceased."

"I suspected as much!" Lockhart interjected, his expression suggesting he had considered this possibility all along.

Ignoring Lockhart, Dumbledore continued, "Yet, I am unsure of the cause."

Filch, now angry, pointed accusingly at Harry, convinced he was the culprit.

Dumbledore shook his head, "The Petrification Curse is advanced magic. It is unlikely a second-year student could perform it."

Filch, however, remained steadfast in his accusation, gripping Harry tightly.

Harry vehemently defended himself, recounting how they stumbled upon the petrified Mrs. Norris after attending Nearly Headless Nick's death anniversary party.

"Nonsense! You are the murderers!" Filch insisted.

Snape's ominous presence loomed, but Ciaran intervened, "It's unlikely the petrification spell is to blame."

Lockhart interjected again, unnoticed. All eyes turned to Ciaran, Harry and his friends surprised, Snape's expression darkening.

Ciaran continued, presenting his findings. Having long deduced the basilisk as the true culprit, he knew the petrification curse was not responsible. Armed with knowledge, he traced the anomalies to their source. He was no Muggle ignorant of magic but rather Hogwarts' combat professor. Such insight was expected of him.

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