reminder

"Okay, that's enough about the Horcruxes for the time being," Dumbledore said. "Minerva, I think these matters warrant a banquet to celebrate. Could I ask you to inform the kitchen? Woollen cloth?"

"Of course," Professor McGonagall replied, rising from her seat and leaving the principal's office with precision. The house-elf kitchen resided in the basement floor of Hogwarts.

"It's time for us to go, Dumbledore," Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stated, making their way towards the door.

"Arthur, Molly, if you're willing, I hope you'll attend this banquet as well," Dumbledore invited.

"Thank you, Dumbledore. We'll stay and join the celebration, and it'll be good to see Ginny and Hermione," Mr. and Mrs. Weasley replied before hurrying off to the school hospital to check on Ginny and Hermione, who remained petrified.

In the end, only Ciaran and Dumbledore remained in the office.

"Ciaran, I feel fortunate to have a combat class this year, and you've become the professor of that class," Dumbledore remarked with a smile.

Ciaran responded politely, "It's also an honour for me, Dumbledore."

"Let's go together and inform the four houses that the alarm has been lifted. Today calls for celebration," Dumbledore suggested cheerfully, rising from his desk and leading the way to the door.

Reluctantly, Ciaran glanced at the Gryffindor sword hanging on the wall, sighed softly, and followed Dumbledore.

"Horcruxes are truly dark magic," Dumbledore suddenly said while walking. "Ciaran, you mentioned earlier that Horcruxes are among the most sinister forms of dark magic in history. Considering Voldemort's path, do you foresee any lasting negative effects of his use of Horcruxes?"

He spoke casually, yet it seemed to serve as a gentle reminder to Ciaran.

"I believe there are many things more worthwhile than immortality, Ciaran, such as love, friendship, and familial bonds," Dumbledore added softly.

Understanding the deeper meaning behind Dumbledore's words, Ciaran nodded. He knew too well the dangers associated with Horcruxes, and Dumbledore's concern was not unfounded.

"Don't worry, Dumbledore," Ciaran reassured him with a smile. "Horcruxes hold no appeal to me. Splitting one's soul has never been my inclination. I believe in maintaining the integrity of the soul."

Ciaran understood that the creation of Horcruxes necessitated soul-splitting, a concept he found abhorrent. His belief in the importance of a whole soul was unwavering. He had traversed to the world of Harry Potter with a complete soul, a necessity for his successful journey. Even if the desire for immortality lingered, he would never pursue it through Horcruxes.

"I may have been overly concerned, Ciaran. Please forgive this old man for his verbosity," Dumbledore apologized.

"There's no need," Ciaran replied with a gentle smile.

"Professor Dumbledore, Professor Frémont!" Hagrid's booming voice interrupted their conversation as he and Professor Flitwick approached.

Professor Flitwick, seeing Ciaran chatting amiably with Dumbledore, asked excitedly, "Dumbledore, has the basilisk been vanquished?"

Dumbledore nodded happily, confirming the news. "Filius, you're as perceptive as ever. Indeed, the Chamber of Secrets has been resolved, the Basilisk slain, and Miss Weasley rescued. We only await the maturation of Professor Sprout's mandrakes to revive the petrified students in the hospital."

"Marvellous!" Professor Flitwick exclaimed, visibly elated.

"Dumbledore, your name will be cleared. I'll write to the Ministry explaining the Chamber of Secrets incident and exonerating you of any wrongdoing fifty years ago," Dumbledore announced, addressing Hagrid.

Hagrid, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed his gratitude through tears. Professor Flitwick offered comfort with a pat on Hagrid's thigh, a gesture of solidarity.

"We'll hold a grand banquet today to celebrate the resolution of the Chamber of Secrets and the Basilisk incident. Filius, please inform the Ravenclaw students; Hagrid, inform Gryffindor. Ciaran, you're in charge of Hufflepuff. I'll take care of Slytherin, though I hope Professor Snape won't reprimand me for intruding," Dumbledore concluded with a wink.

As they dispersed, Ciaran, well-acquainted with the Hufflepuff common room's location, encountered Professor McGonagall coming from the kitchen.

"Has Hagrid informed Gryffindor?" she inquired.

Together, they entered the Hufflepuff common room, where Professor McGonagall delivered the joyous news to the bewildered students. Their cheers echoed throughout the room, book hats soaring into the air. Even Professor McGonagall couldn't resist the urge to join in the celebration.