Chapter 71: Awakening from the Dream
"A Basilisk explains why I kept hearing voices before each attack," Harry said, a look of realization dawning in his eyes. "It must be because I'm a Parselmouth."
"Exactly. Actually, when I first discovered you were a Parselmouth, I should've figured it out," Augustus admitted, his tone heavy with regret. "You could hear those sounds, and I also heard hissing that one time. If I'd connected the dots earlier, we might've identified the Basilisk sooner. We could've prevented the later attacks, stopped Hagrid from being taken, and spared Dumbledore from being dismissed." His expression was clouded with guilt. Someone with his experience should have caught the clue—the truth often hides in the details. His oversight had led to severe consequences.
"Well, now that we know the truth, it's not too late," Harry said earnestly, adjusting his glasses. "We just need to return to the castle, find the Basilisk, and destroy it. Everything will go back to normal."
"Agreed," Augustus nodded. "When we return to the castle, don't disclose this information publicly to avoid panic. Time is of the essence. Let's focus on finding the creature's lair."
The three turned to leave the Forbidden Forest.
"Wait!" Aragog called out hastily, stopping them. "I've answered your questions. What about me and my children?"
Augustus waved a hand dismissively. "The ice will melt on its own after a day. Consider it a lesson. Remember it well."
The trio walked along the forest path when the sound of an engine roared in the distance. Ron, delighted, realized that the car they had encountered earlier had returned to find them.
The three climbed into the car, which weaved skillfully through the dense forest, carrying them back toward the castle.
"I've heard tales of Basilisks," Ron said, frowning in confusion. "But something doesn't add up. They're said to have deadly eyes—one look can kill. Yet none of the victims have died. How does that make sense?"
"That's a critical point," Augustus replied thoughtfully. "Let's hypothesize: none of the victims saw the Basilisk's eyes directly. Colin, for instance, saw it through his camera. The Basilisk burned the film, leaving Colin merely petrified. Justin—he must have seen the Basilisk through Nearly Headless Nick. Nick was hit by the Basilisk's gaze but couldn't die again. Hermione and that Ravenclaw girl had mirrors with them when they were found petrified. Hermione had been warning people to use mirrors to check corners. That girl must've just pulled out her mirror when she encountered the Basilisk."
"But what about Mrs. Norris, the cat? She was the first victim," Harry interjected.
"Remember the scene when we found Mrs. Norris?" Augustus asked with a small smile. "There was a puddle of water. A small creature like a cat would likely have seen the Basilisk's reflection in the water when it attacked from above."
Harry and Ron nodded, realization dawning. All the victims had seen the Basilisk indirectly, through reflections or intermediaries, leading to petrification instead of death. It was remarkable luck—because as long as they weren't killed outright, there was hope.
The car steadily approached the castle, stopping near Hagrid's hut. The trio disembarked, and with a few flashing lights and a growl of its engine, the car turned back toward the Forbidden Forest.
"It seems that car has found its place," Augustus remarked with a smile, watching it disappear into the trees.
"Yeah," Ron replied wistfully, waving as it vanished. "Guess we can only wish it the best."
With the truth of the Chamber's monster revealed, the final step was finding its lair. Chatting along the way, the three returned to the castle.
The next day in Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall entered and, barely ten minutes in, announced that exams would begin on June 1st—just one week away.
"Exams?" Draco Malfoy groaned dramatically. "We still have to take exams?"
"Draco, don't be so dramatic," Lilian teased with a grin. "Exams should be a piece of cake for you. Why the panic?"
Draco pouted but said nothing. His grades weren't terrible, but compared to Augustus, Loki, and Lilian, they were far from impressive.
The classroom buzzed with chatter, prompting Professor McGonagall to frown.
"Professor Dumbledore has instructed us to maintain normal operations as much as possible," she said sternly. "That means assessing how much you've learned this year."
Augustus caught a flicker of satisfaction in her words. Dumbledore's influence clearly still extended over the school, despite his dismissal. A legendary wizard like him wasn't someone who could be easily ousted; Augustus was certain Dumbledore still had a hand in many of the school's affairs.
Three days before their first exam, a new announcement came at breakfast.
"I have good news," Professor McGonagall declared. The hall erupted into a cacophony of guesses.
"Dumbledore's coming back!" someone cheered.
"They've caught the Heir of Slytherin!" a Ravenclaw girl shrieked.
"Quidditch is back on!" Wood bellowed excitedly.
When the noise finally died down, McGonagall continued. "Professor Sprout has informed me that the Mandrakes are ready for harvesting. Tonight, we'll use them to revive those who've been petrified. I needn't tell you how important this is—one of them may know who or what attacked them. I sincerely hope this dreadful year will end with us catching the culprit."
With that news, the Basilisk's days were numbered. No matter where it hid, it could no longer escape. The golden sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over Augustus's black robes. He looked serene, as though lost in a dream.
"Thirteen years of dreaming... who will awaken first?"
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