accident

"Ah!!!" An ear-piercing scream shattered the tranquil morning air of Hogwarts. Ciaran jolted awake instantly. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor accompanied by hushed whispers of fear.

"Another attack already? How could this happen so soon?"

His heart raced as he hastily dressed, splashed water on his face, and dashed out of his quarters with his wand in hand.

The fourth floor was swarming with students, but the commotion seemed centred on the third floor. He maneuvered through the crowd, his status as a professor earning him a narrow passage amidst the throng.

Finally reaching the third floor, he was greeted by the sight of a ghost suspended stiffly in the air. Below lay three students, equally rigid, their gaze fixed on the empty space before them.

Ciaran's surprise surged. Why were there four victims this time?

"The ghosts of Gryffindor, Nearly Headless Nick, and Hermione Granger, along with Hufflepuff's student Justin Finch-Fletchley and Ravenclaw's prefect Penelope Crevat. Four victims at once?!"

"Is the heir of Slytherin so brazen?"

"It's Harry Potter, he discovered it first! He must be the culprit!"

The young wizards couldn't contain their murmurs. Professor McGonagall arrived at the scene, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Clear the way, make room for the hospital wing!"

The students promptly parted, allowing several professors to transport Hermione, Penelope, and Justin to the infirmary. Nearly Headless Nick remained, his ethereal form petrified.

Professor McGonagall conjured a large fan with her wand, enlisting a student to fan Nick as they escorted him to the hospital wing alongside the others, entrusting Madam Pomfrey with their care.

Turning her attention to Harry Potter, Professor McGonagall's tone was grave. "Potter, as the first witness, I need you to recount everything you know."

Harry appeared visibly anxious. "Professor, I swear I didn't... I don't know who did it... Well, I know it was the basilisk, but I don't know who's controlling it, who's the heir of Slytherin?"

"Harry, why did you come here? Did you see anything?" Ciaran interjected, sensing the urgency to report to Dumbledore. The situation had deviated significantly from its original course, likely due to the basilisk's exposure through Riddle's diary.

Despite the pressing need to act, Ciaran knew he couldn't delay the necessary inquiries to understand the altered circumstances.

Harry rushed to explain, "Professor, I heard a voice—I'm a Parselmouth—you know. I wanted to see what was happening. But when I arrived, Hermione and the others were already... petrified. I swear I would never harm Hermione, I—"

Snape interrupted with a scornful look towards Harry.

Ciaran, observing the tense exchange, redirected the conversation. "Let's focus on ensuring the safety of the students. Harry, let's head to the headmaster's office."

Several professors supported Ciaran's suggestion, ushering students back to their common rooms. Harry accompanied Ciaran, visibly uneasy.

Ciaran paid little heed, scanning the Gryffindor students and noting the absence of a certain redhead. A foreboding feeling settled in his chest.

"Harry, have you seen Ginny?" Charlotte inquired.

Harry's panic-stricken expression caught Ciaran's attention. Professor Frémont's demeanour had shifted, indicating a seriousness surpassing even the previous events. Could something have happened to Ginny?

But before Harry could respond, Ciaran intervened, "Let's save our questions for Dumbledore's office."

He couldn't shake the feeling that Ginny might be in danger, possibly manipulated by the fragment of Voldemort's soul. Racing against time, Ciaran resolved to inform Dumbledore and confront the basilisk in the secret chamber. With hope in his heart, he prayed it wasn't too late.