instructions

Ciaran's lecture quickly disseminated throughout Hogwarts. Countless students made preparations, small items to record the crowing of roosters. Even the first-year freshmen moved in groups, attending classes, dining in the auditorium, and returning to their common room in clusters. They feared the prospect of encountering Slytherin's heir alone, worried they might face immediate peril from the basilisk the heir had summoned.

Some professors clandestinely equipped themselves with magical items to record rooster crowing. They aimed to employ this sound as a means of escape should they unfortunately encounter a basilisk.

This surge in concern birthed a constant cacophony of chicken clucking within Hogwarts Castle. The persistent sound grated on everyone's nerves, as if the populace believed it could ward off the basilisk. Yet, they seemed to have forgotten Ciaran's warning that rooster crowing could, at times, easily provoke the basilisk's ire.

Opinions among the young wizards regarding the Slytherin heir candidate diverged. Some speculated about Ravenclaw or Gryffindor students, though suspicion primarily rested upon Slytherin students. Hufflepuff students, though considered an oddity, were not widely regarded as potential heirs of Slytherin.

However, Harry, Hermione, and Ron grew increasingly concerned for Ginny, who appeared deeply affected by recent events. She seemed distraught for some time, despite Ron's attempts to console her. Eventually, her distress escalated into persistent anxiety and fear.

"Ron!" Percy chided angrily. "Ginny is distraught because of you, yet you jest here without a care?"

"I've told you, I had nothing to do with that cat!" Ron retorted, equally frustrated.

"I told Ginny the same, but she seems unconvinced. She still harbours worries that you might face expulsion from school, and it's causing her great sadness," Percy remarked. "You ought to be more mindful in the future and not distress Ginny further. She worries for your well-being!"

Ron's ears flushed crimson as he retorted, "I suppose you're more concerned about me jeopardizing your bid for Boys' Student Union President, aren't you?"

"Five points from Gryffindor!" Percy's ears matched Ron's in hue. "Exercise caution in the future. Don't wander about at night; you'll end up caught two or three times over. You won't be able to defend yourself then!"

With that, Percy marched past Ron, seemingly oblivious to Harry and Hermione's presence, and returned straight to Gryffindor Tower.

Had Ciaran been privy to the quarrel between the two brothers, he would likely have been torn between laughter and exasperation.

Ginny's distress stemmed primarily from a bout of amnesia. She couldn't recall her actions during this period, reminiscent of her absence during the Halloween festivities and the subsequent news of Mrs. Norris's assault. She feared she might have opened the Chamber of Secrets and unleashed the basilisk, instigating chaos within the castle. Though she attempted to destroy the diary, a legendary magical artifact, by tearing it to shreds and flushing it down the sewer, her efforts were in vain. The following morning, she discovered the diary intact on her desk.

This revelation left Ginny on the brink of collapse. She dared not confide in anyone, fearing they might suspect her involvement in opening the Chamber. She grappled with the burden alone, withholding the truth even from her brothers.

While Ciaran was aware of Ginny's predicament, he refrained from intervening prematurely. Resolving Ginny's grievances, dispelling suspicions of her being the heir, and addressing the Chamber of Secrets incident and the menacing basilisk required delicate handling. Yet, divulging this information prematurely might prompt Voldemort, through the fragment of his soul, to take evasive action or manipulate others. The release of Riddle's diary obscured the Chamber's location, ensuring Ginny bore the blame indefinitely.

Ciaran resolved to keep a vigilant eye on Ginny, lest Voldemort exploit her vulnerability. Given Ginny's first-year status, she wouldn't attend his combat class, limiting his opportunities to assess her condition.

Hence, Ciaran subtly hinted to Percy, hoping he would provide additional support to his younger sister, particularly during these tense times.

"Don't worry, Professor Frémont. Ginny is my sister; I'll ensure she's well cared for," Percy reassured, patting his chest.

Ciaran trusted Percy. Despite his power-hungry tendencies, Percy wouldn't overlook his family's safety. Moreover, with graduation looming, Percy's lust for power hadn't blinded him entirely; he aligned himself with his family's interests. It was a calculated risk—one Ciaran Frémont deemed necessary.

Percy departed Ciaran's office, his demeanour bolstered by the professor's trust. He felt a heightened sense of responsibility towards Ginny, his youngest sister. It was a win-win situation—he'd safeguard his sister's well-being while earning the professor's approval.

"I hope it proves effective," Ciaran murmured, shaking his head with a sigh.

Time passed swiftly, nearly a month in this peculiar atmosphere. Though apprehension lingered, the castle's occupants gradually acclimated to their surroundings. The fear stemming from Mrs. Norris's encounter with the basilisk waned, no longer as palpable as before, though certain Muggle-born and half-blood students remained on edge.

Amidst this eerie ambiance, Hogwarts awaited the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin.

As Saturday dawned, Ciaran Frémont sat in his office, enjoying breakfast while perusing spell books. It was then that Professors McGonagall and Snape sought him out.

"Please, have a seat," Ciaran gestured, conjuring two plush chairs for his esteemed colleagues.

"Thank you, Ciaran," Professor McGonagall began without preamble. "As you're aware, today marks the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Professor Snape and I believe your presence would be prudent, given your expertise in combat."

Snape nodded in agreement.

Their concern stemmed from the possibility of student gatherings leading to undue commotion and attracting the basilisk's attention. Any harm befalling students would weigh heavily on their hearts.

With neither professors being heads of their respective houses nor tasked with combat instruction, Ciaran's unique role made him the logical choice for this task.

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