Chapter 104 The Secret Chamber Inheritance?
When Charlie walked into the Great Hall, the entire hall was already bustling with activity.
Hagrid was carrying a giant pumpkin, which weighed at least three hundred pounds.
Although Hagrid's strength made it easy for him to carry it, the enormous pumpkin completely blocked his vision.
Making Hagrid shout every step he took.
"Clear the way, clear the way!"
Charlie glanced at the pumpkin and pulled out his wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa."
The giant pumpkin immediately floated up, hovering steadily in the air.
Hagrid breathed a sigh of relief, wiping away non-existent sweat.
"Thanks, Charlie," he chuckled.
"This thing is really too big."
Charlie manipulated his wand, making the pumpkin slowly float to the most prominent position in the center of the Great Hall.
Hagrid pulled out a sharp knife and quickly carved the pumpkin into the classic Halloween shape.
Triangular eyes, a jagged mouth, and a candle placed inside.
Once lit, the pumpkin emitted an eerie orange-yellow glow.
The Professors were all busy decorating the venue.
Professor Flitwick waved his wand, causing countless bats to fly down from the ceiling and circle above the students' heads.
Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, conjured a pile of skeletons and arranged them along the walls.
Professor Snape... he didn't have to do anything; just standing there, the Halloween atmosphere was already very strong.
Even Filch, who usually loved to catch students breaking rules, had put aside his grumpy face and was diligently helping out in the Great Hall.
Charlie looked at Filch bending over to wipe the floor and suddenly thought of a question.
He seemed to have never seen Filch eat in the Great Hall.
Did this old man cook for himself every day?
It didn't seem like it; his cat was skin and bones.
The Great Hall was quickly decorated.
The ceiling was enchanted and now displayed the night sky.
Dark clouds rolled, lightning flashed, and occasionally a few ghosts could be seen floating by.
Students took their seats one after another.
Dumbledore stood up and clapped his hands.
"Happy Halloween!" he said with a smile.
"Let us enjoy this feast to the fullest!"
As soon as he finished speaking, countless foods appeared out of thin air on the long tables.
But the appearance of these foods was truly horrifying.
Bloody finger biscuits, black liquid soup, and jelly that looked like eyeballs.
Charlie picked up a scary-looking "flesh" and put it in his mouth.
Ketchup.
He then tasted the black soup.
Squid ink.
He couldn't help but smile.
The House-elves' cooking skills were truly amazing; they could make anything.
The novelty of these items surpassed even the raw materials for brewing Potions.
Speaking of Potions, Charlie suddenly remembered that the healing potion had been brewing for a month and should be ready.
He needed to have Lucius come and pick it up.
He looked up at the Slytherin long table, preparing to find Draco to deliver the message.
But Draco was not there at the long table.
Charlie frowned.
Where did that boy go?
Missing the Halloween feast was not Draco's style.
That guy usually loved to show off; how could he be absent from such an occasion?
Slowly, the feast neared its end.
The students, full and satisfied, began to get up and head to their respective common rooms.
The corridor was crowded with people, all chatting about the Halloween decorations and food.
Suddenly, a scream came from ahead.
"Ah!!!"
The crowd instantly stirred.
Charlie frowned and walked forward quickly.
He pushed through the crowd and saw a scene that horrified everyone.
Filch's cat, Madam Norris, was hanging from a torch bracket on the wall, her body stiff as a stone.
On the wall, a line of large words was written in vivid red liquid:
The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir, beware.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing by the wall, being pointed at by the surrounding students.
"Did they do it?" someone whispered.
"Possibly, I just saw them when I arrived."
Charlie walked closer and carefully observed Madam Norris's condition.
The cat's body was stiff as a stone, her eyes wide open, and her pupils dilated.
But she felt alive, as if she had been hit by a Petrificus Totalus or something similar.
Charlie's expression grew serious.
Today a cat was hanging here; tomorrow it could be a person.
He did not want such a dangerous element to remain nearby.
The commotion around them grew louder, students crowded in the corridor, craning their necks to get a clear view.
"Move aside! Everyone, move aside!"
Filch's sharp voice came from outside the crowd.
He pushed students aside and rushed over.
Judging by his appearance, he was ready to severely punish whoever caused the commotion.
When he saw Madam Norris hanging on the wall, he froze in place, clutching his head in horror.
"My cat! Madam Norris!"
Filch's eyes instantly turned red.
Then, his gaze locked onto Charlie, who was closest to the cat.
"It's you!"
Filch let out a shriek, his voice cracking.
"You killed my cat!"
"I'll kill you!"
Harry and Ron rushed forward simultaneously, holding Filch back tightly.
"Calm down, Mr. Filch!"
Harry hugged Filch's waist, but the scrawny old man's strength was terrifying at that moment.
Ron grabbed his arm and was almost thrown off.
Charlie glanced at the agitated Filch, his tone flat.
"If I wanted to kill your cat, there wouldn't even be a speck left of her now."
Filch froze in place.
He knew Charlie could absolutely do it.
Ernie squeezed out from the crowd, hurriedly explaining for Charlie.
"Charlie was in the Great Hall the whole evening; we all saw him."
The Hufflepuff students nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Charlie was here all evening."
Filch finally reacted.
That's right.
Madam Norris was fine before the feast.
Only someone who wasn't at the feast could be the culprit.
His gaze swept through the crowd.
Suddenly, a voice came from the crowd.
"Harry wasn't at the feast tonight!"
Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Harry.
Filch's eyes widened, as if about to spit fire.
"It's you!"
Harry's face turned pale.
"It wasn't me!"
He quickly explained.
"I went to Nick's Deathday Party!"
Filch was about to say something else but was interrupted.
"Argus!"
The crowd automatically parted.
Dumbledore walked over, followed by Professor McGonagall and a group of Professors.
Dumbledore walked to the wall and took Madam Norris down from it.
"Argus."
He turned and looked at Filch.
"Your cat is not dead."
Filch was stunned.
"What?"
"She was merely Petrificus Totalus."
Dumbledore said.
"Though serious, it can be cured."
Filch showed a relieved expression.
Dumbledore looked at Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"You three, come with me."
Lockhart rushed forward, afraid of not getting attention.
"My office is the closest, let's go there!"
He flashed a perfect smile at the surrounding students.
"Leave this kind of thing to me; I have experience."
Just as Dumbledore was about to leave, Charlie called out to him.
"Professor, what is the Chamber of Secrets, and what is the heir?"
Dumbledore turned back to look at Charlie, his eyes deep.
"The Chamber of Secrets, huh..."
"Albus!" Professor McGonagall stopped Dumbledore, seemingly not wanting to discuss the topic.
"It's alright, Minerva, if they want to know, they will always find a way."
Dumbledore shook his head, and Professor McGonagall no longer objected.
"The Chamber of Secrets is merely a legend. Built by Salazar Slytherin, only the heir of Slytherin can open it."
"It is said that Slytherin kept a monster inside, and when the heir opens the Chamber of Secrets, the monster will purge the school of all who are unworthy of learning magic."
"Of course, this is just a legend, no need to take it seriously."
After speaking, Dumbledore left with Harry and the others.
However, Charlie had a bad feeling; from Slytherin's pure-blood ideology, the so-called unworthy of learning magic would refer to Muggle-borns, wouldn't it?
Damn it, it's coming for me.
Professor McGonagall began to disperse the crowd.
"Everyone, back to your dorms!"
She said sternly.
"There's nothing to see here!"
The students slowly dispersed, but the discussions continued to rise and fall.
Charlie stood still, his gaze looking in another direction.
That was the direction of Slytherin.
Aside from Harry and his two friends, there was one other person missing from the feast.
Draco Malfoy.
Chapter 105 Tom: Baa! Baa!
Time rewound to before the end of the feast.
When Draco regained consciousness, his mind was still hazy.
He blinked blankly, finding himself standing in the corridor on the second floor.
The sight before him instantly sobered him up—Filch's cat was hanging on the wall, its body stiff as a stone.
On the wall, a large line of text was written in vivid red liquid: The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir, beware.
The heir?
Draco's heart pounded.
As a scion of the Pure-blood Families, he naturally knew the legend of the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets.
That was Salazar Slytherin's biggest secret, only accessible to the true heir.
And now, the Chamber was open.
The words on the wall clearly stated 'the heir'.
It was him!
It must be him!
Draco suppressed the urge to laugh out loud.
He, Draco Malfoy, had been chosen by Slytherin!
Footsteps echoed from the end of the corridor.
Draco immediately became alert and quickly hid behind a nearby stone pillar.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked over, stopping right below the cat.
Immediately after, students from the Great Hall poured out.
Screams, discussions, and Filch's wailing all reached Draco's ears.
He hid in the shadows, watching everything that unfolded.
Draco was excited, but also a little scared.
He knew he couldn't return to the students now.
If anyone saw him alone, he would definitely be suspected.
The crowd slowly dispersed.
Draco quietly followed at the very end of the Slytherin procession, trying not to attract attention... Charlie and Ernie greeted each other, then Charlie cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself.
His figure instantly became transparent, blending into the surroundings.
Charlie headed towards the Slytherin common room.
If the heir was attacking Muggles, he couldn't just sit idly by.
Charlie didn't believe he had any Pure-blood lineage.
As an orphan, no one could vouch for his bloodline.
If this was truly Draco's doing, he was likely not back in his dormitory yet.
Going to the entrance now to wait might allow him to catch him.
Even if he guessed wrong, there was no loss.
Charlie's speed alone was much faster than an entire house of students.
He arrived at the entrance of the Slytherin common room first, hiding in the shadows.
Under the Disillusionment Charm, no one could spot him.
Slytherin students arrived one after another.
"Pure-blood."
The prefect said the password, and the stone door slowly opened.
Charlie silently memorized the password.
The students filed in, and soon all were inside.
But Draco was not among the crowd.
Charlie narrowed his eyes, continuing to wait.
A few minutes later, faint footsteps came from the end of the corridor.
Draco's figure appeared.
He walked very cautiously, constantly looking back, afraid of being discovered.
Charlie dispelled the Disillusionment Charm and stepped out of the shadows.
"Young Master Malfoy, where are you off to?"
Draco jumped in fright, almost crying out.
When he saw it was Charlie, his face instantly turned ashen.
"Charlie... you, why are you here?" Draco stammered.
Charlie stepped forward, his gaze fixed on him.
"What happened tonight, was it your doing?"
Draco froze for a moment, then quickly reacted.
He tried to compose himself, lifting his chin.
"It wasn't me." he said.
"Though I wish it were."
Charlie sneered.
"You weren't in the Great Hall tonight, so how do you know what I'm talking about?"
Draco's face instantly stiffened.
Oh no!
He had exposed himself!
Charlie's eyes grew colder.
Draco gritted his teeth, throwing caution to the wind.
"So what if it was me!" he shouted, feigning bravery.
"I am Slytherin's heir now, I'm not afraid of you!"
Charlie narrowed his eyes.
Someone's gotten a bit too confident.
A minute later, Draco's face was swollen like a pig's head, his eyes clear, as he handed over the black diary.
"Big brother, you know me."
"How could I be the heir? It was all this diary that made me do it."
Tom from the diary: ... Charlie examined the diary; it seemed to be as Harry had described, so he took the diary.
Draco clutched his face, his mouth swollen like a sausage, panting with a 's-s-s' sound.
He staggered to the wall.
"Pure-blood."
The wall was unresponsive.
Draco was stunned.
"Pure-blood!" He raised his voice, but the wall remained motionless.
"Damn it!" Draco gritted his teeth, kicking the wall hard.
It was all that cursed diary's fault!
It even said to catch up to Charlie; I'll believe you when pigs fly!
Beaten to a pulp, and now he couldn't even get back to his dormitory... Charlie returned to the Hufflepuff dormitory.
Ernie was sitting on his bed and immediately came over when he saw Charlie enter.
"Where were you just now?"
Charlie didn't answer immediately.
He pulled out his wand and pointed it at the tables, chairs, and benches in the dormitory.
"Vera Verto"
The tables, chairs, and wardrobe all floated up, transforming into shields, forming a circle around Charlie, Ernie, and Justin.
Ernie watched, dumbfounded.
"What are you doing?"
Charlie then cast several layers of Protego on each of the three of them.
Only then did Charlie pull out the black diary from his robes.
Seeing Charlie's vigilance, Ernie and Justin also hid behind him, asking no more questions.
Charlie conjured a vine, wrapped it around the diary, and opened it from a distance.
The diary lay quietly on the ground.
Tom's heart surged with anger; everything he had done before was once again in vain.
A few seconds later, dark green script appeared on the paper.
"Hello, my name is Tom Riddle."
Ernie and Justin exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.
Charlie manipulated the vine, writing in the diary.
"Was what happened tonight your doing?"
The writing was quickly absorbed.
New words emerged.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Charlie sneered.
"Do you know Ginny?"
"Yes." Tom replied.
"But she has some misunderstandings about me."
Charlie narrowed his eyes.
"What exactly are you?"
"I am just a diary." Tom's handwriting remained elegant.
"It contains a lot of knowledge."
Charlie stopped wasting words.
This diary was clearly not being honest.
He manipulated the vine to tightly wrap the diary, then walked towards the direction of the bathroom.
The diary sensed something was wrong, and the writing on it suddenly became dense.
"I can help you become stronger, gain knowledge, gain glory!"
"I can help you, I know many secrets, secrets about Hogwarts!"
But Charlie didn't even look at it, continuing towards the bathroom.
The writing on the diary began to become messy.
"Wait..."
"Where are you going?"
"Wait!"
"Calm down!"
"No!!!"
Chapter 106 Dumbledore Gets the Diary
"Your Majesty fed the senior student excrement, tyrant points +5."
Charlie pulled up his pants and waited for ten minutes.
Then he took out his wand and pointed it at the diary, using a cleaning spell to wash it clean.
After the smell dissipated.
Charlie wrote on it with a vine.
"Confess honestly, or I'll soak you in a cesspit for a full month."
The writing on the diary disappeared and reappeared, this time at an incredibly fast speed.
"No! I was created by someone, my only purpose is to store knowledge. If you forget anything, I can remind you."
Charlie continued to write in the diary.
"You were the one who made Draco open the Chamber of Secrets, weren't you?"
"That's right, but the Chamber of Secrets isn't as terrifying as the legends say. Salazar Slytherin was also a founder of Hogwarts, so why would he clear out the school's students?"
"Slytherin merely left his wisdom and legacy in the Chamber of Secrets. Tonight, I'll take Draco to acquire the legacy."
"His failure made him angry and frustrated, so he took it out on a cat."
Charlie raised an eyebrow.
This diary certainly cleared itself of any blame.
The words on the diary continued to appear.
"I can help you improve your grades, learn knowledge, and even go to Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets."
Tom wrote these words with humiliation.
In his opinion, Charlie was just a second-year student. As long as Charlie kept the diary with him, he would be able to control Charlie.
But Charlie didn't believe a single word.
He had personally witnessed Ginny's state when she killed the chicken, which was most likely influenced by the diary.
This diary was definitely not as simple as it claimed.
Charlie wanted to find out where the Chamber of Secrets was, so he wrote.
"Then can you tell me where the Chamber of Secrets is?"
The diary was silent for a few seconds.
"It's not time yet. I need to impart some knowledge to you before I can take you to the Chamber of Secrets."
Charlie sneered.
This diary was impenetrable, so there was no need to say more.
He tightly bound the diary with a vine and turned to walk out.
Ernie asked.
"Charlie, where are you going?"
"To find Dumbledore."
...Professor Lockhart's office was crowded with people.
Dumbledore stood by the desk, carefully examining the stiff Madam Norris.
Professor Lockhart paced excitedly nearby, his mouth never stopping.
"I've seen this before!"
His voice was full of confidence, and he gesticulated wildly.
"Back in Wagadou, a village encountered a similar curse. The villagers were all panicked, not knowing what to do."
"I made an amulet for each of them, and the problem was immediately solved!"
"Those villagers were so grateful, they even gave me many gifts."
He boasted to himself, completely oblivious to how speechless everyone around him was.
Dumbledore suddenly straightened up and turned to look at Professor Lockhart.
"Since Professor Lockhart is so experienced," his eyes were meaningful.
"Then please you handle it."
"I can't undo this magic for now."
Professor Lockhart's smile froze on his face.
No, how could you, the esteemed Principal of Hogwarts, not be able to solve it?
If you can't, how can I?
Professor Lockhart bravely stepped forward.
He took out his wand and muttered something to Madam Norris.
But no one understood what he was saying.
Filch looked at Dumbledore hopefully.
"Can my cat still be saved?"
Dumbledore nodded.
"It can be saved."
"Professor Sprout's Mandrake can be used to make an antidote."
Professor Lockhart instantly felt relieved.
"Yes, yes, yes! That's exactly what I was thinking!"
"I can make an antidote, when I saved people back then..."
Snape turned his head and stared at him with a look reserved for the dead.
Professor Lockhart sheepishly added.
"Of course, Professor Snape is definitely better at it."
"Professor Snape should be the one to prepare it."
At this moment, no one was in the mood to pay attention to Professor Lockhart.
Professor Sprout's face turned red with anger.
"We must catch the culprit, this is too outrageous."
She slammed her hand on the table.
"We absolutely cannot let the culprit harm the students!"
Professor McGonagall sighed.
"This is not easy."
"Charlie said earlier that there was a Dark Arts item in the school affecting students, and now it seems very likely that it is the culprit."
"But we've searched for so long and still haven't found it."
Just then, a knock sounded.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Everyone turned their heads.
The door opened, and Charlie walked in.
Snape's eyes immediately lit up, with an excitement like...
"Oh."
He drew out the sound, his voice full of amusement.
"It seems Charlie is very worried about his friend."
"So much so that he violated school rules by being out at night, and even came before the Professors."
He slowly walked towards Charlie, his black robes flowing behind him.
"Tell me, Charlie."
"Do you think we can't see you?"
"Or do you think the school rules don't apply to you?"
Snape's lips curled into a sneer.
"Hufflepuff, fifty points deducted."
"In addition, you will be in detention for one month."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione's faces all changed.
Professor Sprout frowned.
"Severus, Charlie probably has something important to say, can you let him finish first?"
Snape let out a cold laugh.
"Let me see what special matter you have."
Charlie calmly manipulated a vine to bring the diary in.
"I found that Dark Arts item."
The office immediately fell silent.
Everyone's gaze was focused on the diary.
Snape was stunned, the sneer on his face frozen.
Charlie placed the diary on the table.
"Tonight's incident was caused by it, manipulating Draco Malfoy."
Dumbledore stepped forward, not touching the diary directly, but taking out his wand and gently tapping it.
A faint wisp of black smoke emerged from the diary, vanishing in an instant.
"It is indeed a Dark Arts item," Dumbledore's voice was calm.
"And it's very deeply hidden."
Professor McGonagall's face was ashen.
"This thing has been circulating in the school for so long."
Professor Sprout also leaned in to look.
"It's too dangerous, fortunately Charlie found it."
Professor Lockhart suddenly strode forward and grabbed the diary.
"Let me see!" He excitedly opened the diary, examining it with a serious expression.
"I am quite adept at handling Dark Arts items."
Charlie watched Professor Lockhart play with the diary in his hands, his mouth twitching.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately closed it.
Never mind.
It was indeed cleaned.
As long as he didn't say anything, no one would know.
"tyrant points +10."
Dumbledore waved his wand, conjuring an exquisite silver box.
The box was covered with complex runes, emitting a faint glow.
He placed the diary into the box and closed the lid.
The runes immediately lit up, sealing the box tightly.
"This item will be in my keeping for now," Dumbledore turned to Charlie.
"Charlie, you did very well."
"Hufflepuff, one hundred points added."
Professor Sprout's face finally broke into a smile.
Dumbledore looked at Snape.
"Severus, I imagine you won't be giving Charlie detention anymore, will you?"
Snape's face grew even darker.
He let out a cold snort, but didn't mention detention again.
Professor McGonagall trembled with anger.
"That Malfoy."
"To bring such a dangerous thing to school."
"And try to hide it from us during the search."
She turned to Snape.
"Severus, you should really rein him in."
Snape's expression became even more unpleasant.
"I will handle it."
Charlie saw Snape's expression and knew someone was in for trouble.
Dumbledore clapped his hands.
"Alright, it's getting late."
"Everyone go back and rest."
"Charlie, you go back to your dormitory too."
Charlie nodded, turned, and left.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione also followed him out of the office... Meanwhile.
Dumbledore returned to his office.
He sat in his chair and placed the silver box on the desk.
He opened the lid and took out the diary.
The diary lay silently on the desk, showing no reaction.
Dumbledore stared at the diary, his gaze profound.
Tom was terrified inside the diary.
He recognized this old man.
He was his most terrifying nightmare during his student days.
Those blue eyes could always see through his lies.
He cursed Charlie under his breath.
This scoundrel.
Why didn't he follow the usual script?
Shouldn't students who find such magical items be very interested and secretly keep them?
Why did he just hand it over to Dumbledore!
Tom dared not make any move.
Dumbledore opened the diary.
On the blank pages, there was no writing.
He picked up a quill and wrote on the paper.
"Tom, I know it's you."
The diary still showed no reaction.
Dumbledore sighed.
Many years ago, when he was still the Transfiguration Class Professor, the Chamber of Secrets had also been opened.
At that time, Hagrid took the blame for secretly raising magical creatures.
But Dumbledore knew that it was most likely Tom who had opened the Chamber of Secrets.
Tonight, when he saw the words "heir" on the wall, he guessed it must be Tom.
But he was very puzzled as to how Tom had managed it.
Hadn't he already turned into a wandering spirit and escaped last year?
Now, seeing the diary, everything became clear.
Tom had created a Horcrux.
This was also the reason for his immortality.
Chapter 107 School Bombing Progress +0.01%
The next day, Transfiguration Class.
Professor McGonagall stood at the lectern, preparing to call roll.
The classroom door was pushed open.
A person with a pig's head walked in.
Professor McGonagall was stunned.
Who was this?
"Who are you?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"I am Draco Malfoy," Draco mumbled indistinctly.
Whispers filled the classroom, making Draco blush profusely.
Professor McGonagall was very surprised.
Did Severus hit him that hard?
Should she advise him against corporal punishment of students?
Originally, Professor McGonagall had been bothered by Draco secretly keeping the diary.
But now, seeing Draco in such a miserable state, much of Professor McGonagall's anger dissipated.
"Come in," she waved her hand.
"Sit down quickly."
Draco covered his face, his eyes sweeping around the classroom.
Charlie sat in the last row on the left.
Draco's heart pounded; he was terrified of being beaten again.
So he walked directly to the seat on the far right of the first row, as far away from Charlie as possible.
Soon, the class time passed.
The bell rang for dismissal.
Draco immediately stood up, ready to slip away and find Professor Snape for a Potion to reduce the swelling.
"Draco."
Charlie's voice came from behind.
Draco froze.
It's over.
He stiffly turned around and saw Charlie already standing beside him.
Charlie patted his shoulder and said with a smile.
"You look pretty good."
Draco wanted to cry.
"Charlie, is there something you need?" he quickly asked.
"I have something to ask you."
"Do you know where the Chamber of Secrets is?"
If, as the rumors said, there was a monster in the Chamber of Secrets that would purge Mugglebloodlines.
Then wouldn't Charlie also be within the scope of the purge?
A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall; Charlie decided to push the wall down first.
Draco's heart skipped a beat.
"I only know it's in the girls' lavatory on the second floor," he quickly said.
"I really don't know anything else."
"When I woke up, I was already in front of Madam Norris."
Charlie narrowed his eyes and stared at him for a while.
Draco felt a chill run down his spine from the stare.
"Let's go," Charlie suddenly said.
"Where?" Draco was stunned.
"To find Dumbledore."
...Dumbledore's office.
Charlie didn't know what today's password was.
He tried them one by one on the gargoyle, knowing it was most likely some sweet treat.
Suddenly, the gargoyle jumped aside, revealing the staircase behind it.
"Go up quickly, you're annoying me."
Evidently, Dumbledore had told it to open the door.
Charlie went up the stairs.
Pushing open the door, Dumbledore was sitting in his chair, smiling at the doorway.
"Oh, Charlie," he put down his book and said with a smile.
"And Mr. Malfoy."
Charlie stepped forward and explained his purpose.
"Professor, Draco said the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is in the girls' lavatory on the second floor."
Dumbledore put down his teacup.
"Is that so?" He looked at Draco.
Draco nodded, not daring to speak.
"Then I must go and see," Dumbledore stood up.
"Do you two want to come along?"
Charlie nodded; he was also curious about what was in the Chamber of Secrets.
And with Dumbledore, a top-tier bodyguard, it would be absolutely safe.
Only Draco, grabbed by Charlie, shivered and dared not refuse... Second-floor girls' lavatory.
Charlie hid behind Dumbledore, peering out.
No one came here for years.
The walls were covered in water stains, and the floor was damp.
A musty smell hung in the air.
"Who's there?"
A sharp female voice suddenly rang out.
A translucent ghost floated out of a stall.
She had shoulder-length hair and wore thick glasses.
Myrtle.
"Oh, boys!" She floated over excitedly.
"Why are boys in the girls' lavatory?"
"Are you here to see me?"
She stared at Charlie, her eyes shining.
Charlie's mouth twitched.
No wonder no one came; if this thing appeared in front of you while you were using the restroom, you'd truly be 'blessed.'
Dumbledore stood by, smiling, clearly not intending to help.
"Yes," Charlie said, forcing himself.
"We came to see you."
Myrtle shrieked.
"Really!" She was so excited that her whole body floated up.
"Someone finally came to see me!"
"Do you know how lonely I am!"
"I've been dead for so many years, and no one has ever come to see me!"
She chattered on and on.
Charlie sighed and pushed Draco out.
"Draco, you talk to Myrtle."
Draco's eyes widened.
He couldn't believe what he had heard.
But under Charlie's compelling gaze, he had no choice.
"Your Majesty forces good people into prostitution, tyrant points + 5."
"Myrtle, this is Draco," Charlie said.
"He really wants to hear your story."
Myrtle immediately turned to Draco.
"Really?" She floated excitedly in front of Draco.
"You want to hear my story?"
Draco opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
He looked at Charlie, his eyes filled with despair.
Charlie waved at him, then he and Dumbledore began searching the lavatory.
Dumbledore waved his wand, carefully inspecting every corner.
"Found it," he suddenly said.
Charlie immediately leaned in.
Dumbledore pointed to a faucet.
A small snake was carved on it.
And the symbol of the Slytherin House was a snake.
It was so obvious that it was almost certain to be related to Salazar Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets.
Charlie tilted his head, looking at the faucet with the carved snake.
"Professor, how do we open it?"
Dumbledore pondered for a moment, his fingers gently stroking his wand.
"Salazar Slytherin's belongings would undoubtedly require a key related to him."
He looked up, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.
"It could be a specific Spell, or it could be Parseltongue."
"Parseltongue?"
"The language of snakes," Dumbledore explained.
"This ability is extremely rare, usually passed down only within certain bloodlines."
Charlie stroked his chin.
He didn't know Parseltongue.
But he had a simpler method.
"Professor, actually, it doesn't have to be so complicated."
Dumbledore turned around, looking at the slightly off smile on Charlie's face, and suddenly had a bad feeling.
"You intend to...?"
"Step back."
Charlie drew his wand, signaling Dumbledore and Draco to stand back.
Draco felt something was wrong and desperately ran towards the door.
Dumbledore stood still, merely raising his wand silently.
Charlie aimed at the faucet.
Orange light gathered at the tip of his wand.
"Bombarda!"
Boom!
A huge explosion erupted in the narrow lavatory.
The entire restroom vibrated.
Tiles on the wall rattled and fell down.
The faucet was directly blown off, hitting the ground and rolling into a corner.
The thick smoke cleared.
Where the faucet had been, a pitch-black hole was revealed.
The opening was large enough for an adult to pass through.
"Your Majesty has finally started blowing up the school, keep up the good work! tyrant points + 10."
Charlie blew on his wand with satisfaction.
Dumbledore's mouth twitched.
He was the Principal, after all; blowing up the school restroom right in front of him, wasn't that a bit excessive?
"Charlie, actually, I can speak some Parseltongue."
Charlie looked at Dumbledore strangely.
"Then why didn't you say so sooner?"
Dumbledore: "..."
"My fault, my fault."
----------
What! Such handsome and beautiful readers are following my book?
Mom, I've made it big!
Chapter 108 Where did the Basilisk go?
Dumbledore led the way into the secret passage.
Draco recoiled, trying to slip away.
But Charlie grabbed him.
Where was that ambition to be Slytherin's heir?
You need to step up.
Ignoring Draco's pleading eyes, Charlie grabbed him by the collar and jumped into the secret passage.
The secret passage was a dark pipe, its walls slick and emitting a decaying smell.
The three slid down the pipe.
Charlie felt like he was on an endless slide, surrounded by darkness, with only the whooshing sound of wind in his ears.
"Mom!" Draco shrieked from behind.
After an unknown amount of time, Charlie landed.
The bottom was a wider tunnel.
Dumbledore had already landed, raising his wand.
"Lumos."
A soft light glowed from the tip of his wand.
The light illuminated the surroundings.
The tunnel was damp, its walls covered in moss, and the floor had shallow puddles of water.
The three walked forward, stepping through the water.
The puddles splashed, making faint sounds.
After walking for a distance, Charlie noticed something huge ahead.
It was a shed snakeskin.
The shed skin was translucent, at least twenty feet long, like an empty coat discarded on the ground.
Charlie stopped, examining the snakeskin.
"It seems the monster in the Chamber of Secrets is a snake."
"That certainly fits the Slytherin character."
Draco cowered behind him, looking at the giant snakeskin, his face even paler.
He didn't think such a huge monster would spare him just because he was from the snake house.
Dumbledore said nothing, simply continuing to walk forward.
The three bypassed the snakeskin and continued along the tunnel.
The tunnel narrowed ahead, then suddenly came to an end.
At the end was a wall.
Carved into the wall were two intertwined snakes, finely detailed, with clearly visible scales.
Each snake's eyes were set with an emerald, glinting with an eerie green light under the wand's glow.
Charlie stared at the wall for a few seconds, then pulled out his wand.
If he couldn't find the mechanism, he'd blow it up!
Dumbledore's eyelid twitched.
"Oh, wait, Charlie."
"Let me try."
He was afraid that if he spoke too slowly, Charlie would act.
Charlie secretly regretted that with the Principal present, he couldn't fully unleash his art.
He put away his wand and stepped aside.
Dumbledore walked forward, examining the wall for a moment.
He looked up at the snakes on the wall.
A hissing sound came from his mouth.
It was a strange, tongue-flicking sound, like a snake's.
The two snakes on the wall suddenly moved.
They slowly separated, and the wall opened to both sides, revealing the space within.
A stronger smell of mold wafted out.
Dumbledore was the first to enter.
Charlie hid behind Dumbledore and followed him in.
Draco felt torn at this moment.
If he went forward, there might be some monster; if he stayed here, the deep tunnel behind him looked more like a giant python opening its mouth, ready to devour someone.
Seeing that Dumbledore and Charlie had both gone in, he gritted his teeth.
"Wait for me."
He caught up and hid behind Charlie.
The space inside the wall was much larger than the tunnel.
It was a rectangular hall, with a ceiling so high it was almost out of sight.
On either side of the hall stood many huge stone pillars, carved with coiling snakes, their eyes also set with emeralds.
The wand's light shone on the pillars, casting distorted shadows.
In the depths of the room was a statue.
The statue was enormous, its head almost touching the ceiling.
The statue's face looked ancient, like a monkey's, with a beard reaching its chest.
But strangely, the statue's mouth was open, looking very uncoordinated, revealing a dark, cavernous space inside.
The room was quiet.
There was no sound at all.
Not even the sound of dripping water.
Charlie stepped out from behind Dumbledore, his gaze sweeping across the hall.
"Why is it so quiet?"
Dumbledore didn't answer.
He looked up at the statue's open mouth.
"It seems the monster hasn't returned..."
Then Dumbledore grabbed Charlie and Draco's hands.
The next moment, they appeared inside the statue's mouth.
Draco bent over, feeling like he was about to vomit, but Charlie had gradually gotten used to the sensation.
"Didn't you say Apparition isn't allowed in the school?"
Dumbledore blinked.
"I'm the Principal; a little privilege is reasonable, isn't it?"
The space inside was larger than imagined.
The floor was covered with layers of shed snakeskin, making a rustling sound when stepped on.
In the corner were piles of bones from various small animals.
Charlie glanced at it.
This was the monster's lair.
Normally, the statue's mouth was closed.
It only opened when summoned, to let the monster out.
Now the monster was gone.
That meant it was still roaming the Castle.
Charlie frowned.
If he ran into this thing, what were his chances of winning?
Dumbledore stood in the center of the lair, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.
His expression was calm, but Charlie noticed his fingers tightening around his wand.
He was equally concerned about the safety of the students in the school.
Draco cowered behind Charlie.
He was also very worried, worried that the two people in front would blame him for releasing the monster and chop him up.
"Um... I really didn't mean to."
He said softly.
Charlie glanced at him.
"Shut up."
Draco immediately closed his mouth.
Dumbledore turned around.
"Let's go back."
The three Apparated back to the Principal's office.
Dumbledore sat in his chair, silent for a few seconds.
Now knowing that the monster was a snake that could petrify people, Dumbledore had several theories in mind.
To verify his theories, he opened a drawer and took out the silver box.
He opened the box and took out the diary.
Charlie and Draco had both touched the diary, so there was no need to hide it from them.
He opened the diary and wrote on it:
"Tom, I have found the Chamber of Secrets."
"Unfortunately, the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets is gone."
"You've hidden it, haven't you?"
The diary was silent for a few seconds, then emerald green writing appeared.
"You don't need to probe me."
"I won't say anything."
Tom had become alert after his possession of Ginny was discovered.
He made the monster lurk in the Castle, no longer letting it return to its lair.
This was to prevent such a situation.
Even if he was caught and restricted, the Basilisk could still eliminate the Muggle-borns in the house!
Dumbledore continued to write:
"Although you are very cautious, you still left clues. I roughly know the Basilisk's location; it's in the Castle's pipes, isn't it?"
The diary did not react.
Dumbledore wrote a few more sentences.
The diary remained silent.
Dumbledore had intended to pretend to probe the monster's location, but in reality, to probe the monster's species. If the diary followed his words and mentioned the Basilisk, then it could be confirmed to be a Basilisk.
If not, it could also narrow down the scope and rule out other types.
But Tom was too cautious, not saying a single word.
Dumbledore locked the diary back in the box, isolating it from the outside world.
"It seems he doesn't intend to cooperate."
Charlie sat opposite him.
"Professor, do you know what kind of monster it is?"
Dumbledore took off his glasses and wiped the lenses.
"I have a few targets."
"But I can't be completely sure."
Charlie thought for a moment.
"I saw the diary controlling students to kill Roosters."
"Could it be related to the monster?"
Dumbledore's movements stopped.
He put his glasses back on and looked at Charlie.
"Killing Roosters?"
"Yes."
Charlie nodded.
Dumbledore stood up, walked to the bookshelf, and pulled out a thick book.
He turned to a certain page, read it carefully for a few seconds, then closed the book.
"It's a Basilisk."
He turned around.
"Only a Basilisk is afraid of a Rooster's crow."
Charlie raised an eyebrow.
"A Basilisk?"
Dumbledore walked back to the desk.
"A Basilisk is an extremely dangerous creature."
"Its gaze can kill directly."
"Only indirect viewing will result in petrification."
Charlie thought of Madam Norris.
"So Filch's cat saw it indirectly?"
"It should be."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Perhaps through a reflection in water, or other reflective surfaces."
Charlie fell into thought.
Roosters, huh?
Then you're finished.
Chapter 109 The Rooster Causes Trouble at Hogwarts
Charlie came out of the Principal's office and checked the time.
There was still some time before lunch, so he had enough time.
He walked out of the Castle and headed straight for Hagrid's Hut.
Charlie reached the door and raised his hand to knock.
"Thump, thump, thump."
Fang's barking came from inside, along with the sound of heavy objects colliding.
"Coming, coming!"
Hagrid's rough voice sounded.
The door opened.
Hagrid's huge figure appeared in the doorway, and seeing Charlie, a smile immediately appeared on his face.
"It's Charlie."
"Come in quickly, I'm making rock cakes."
Charlie walked into the Hut.
Entering October, the weather had already turned cold.
But it was warm inside, with a fire burning in the fireplace.
Fang wagged his tail and pounced over.
Charlie stroked his head.
Hagrid brought out a plate of biscuits from somewhere.
"Try some?"
"No, Hagrid."
Ever since he had a rock cake once, Charlie had been politely declining any food Hagrid offered.
That stuff could directly kill someone.
He quickly waved his hand.
Hagrid was a little disappointed, but still placed the biscuits on the table.
"Then have some tea."
He poured Charlie a cup of tea.
Charlie took the teacup and sat down in a chair.
"Hagrid, I came to ask you for a favor."
"What is it? Tell me."
Charlie took a sip of tea.
"I want you to help me procure some Roosters."
Hagrid scratched his head.
"Norbert wants to eat chicken?"
"No, I want them alive."
"Alive? What do you need live chickens for?"
Charlie put down his teacup.
"To deal with the Basilisk."
Dumbledore wouldn't conceal the matter of the Basilisk, so telling Hagrid now could also allow him to prepare early and avoid being attacked by the Basilisk.
Hagrid's eyes instantly lit up.
"A Basilisk?!"
He stood up excitedly.
The chair was pushed back a long way by him.
"There's a Basilisk in the school?!"
"I've always wanted to raise one."
Charlie looked at him speechlessly; only Hagrid could say something like that.
As long as it moved, he wanted to try raising it.
Charlie sighed.
"So can you help me procure Roosters?"
Hagrid finally came back to his senses.
"Of course, of course."
He patted his chest.
"Leave it to me."
Charlie stood up to say goodbye.
"Then I'll be going now."
"Remember to procure the chickens as soon as possible."
...The next morning.
The Great Hall was packed with people.
Students sat at their respective House tables, whispering.
Dumbledore stood in front of the staff table.
He raised his hand, and the Great Hall instantly fell silent.
"Students."
Dumbledore's voice was calm.
"I have something to announce to everyone, regarding Madam Norris's attack."
Everyone looked up at him.
Muggle-born students were especially uneasy; Dumbledore had spoken of the legend of the Chamber of Secrets that day.
They had been constantly worried, fearing that the heir's next target would be them.
Dumbledore continued.
"It is now confirmed to be the work of a Basilisk. Looking directly into a Basilisk's eyes will cause death, and seeing it indirectly will lead to petrification."
The Great Hall erupted.
Students gasped in fear.
"Merlin save us!"
"Has the Basilisk been caught? Are we in danger?"
Dumbledore raised his hand again.
The Great Hall became quiet once more.
"Please do not panic."
He continued.
"The Basilisk is still in the Castle, and the Professors will resolve this matter as soon as possible."
"Before that, please go in groups and do not act alone."
A student in the crowd asked.
"Principal, was the Basilisk released by the heir?"
Noisy sounds filled the Great Hall again.
Especially the Muggle-born students, who whispered to each other, their faces filled with fear.
But Dumbledore did not answer the question; the true heir was Tom, and he did not want to cause unnecessary fear among the students before Tom's return.
He raised his wand and pointed it at his throat.
"Quiet."
The sound exploded in the Great Hall, as if someone had yelled into every student's ear.
The whispering stopped instantly.
Dumbledore lowered his wand, his gaze sweeping across the Great Hall.
"The school will ensure everyone's safety." His voice was steady and powerful, making people feel at ease.
"The Professors will resolve the Basilisk problem as soon as possible."
"Before that, please trust the school, trust the Professors."
He paused.
"Additionally, I want to thank Mr. Charlie White."
"It was he who found the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets and discovered the existence of the Basilisk."
"At the same time, Mr. White has prepared a gift for everyone."
The students below turned their heads to look at the Hufflepuff long table, but did not see Charlie.
Harry was stunned.
"Where's Charlie?"
Hermione also turned her head and searched the Great Hall.
"He's not here."
Just then, the Great Hall doors were pushed open.
Charlie and Hagrid walked in, one after the other.
Behind them floated a huge cage, filled with Roosters.
"Cluck, cluck, cluck!"
"Cock-a-doodle-doo!"
The Roosters crowed loudly, their voices terribly noisy.
The students all turned their heads.
The two walked all the way to the staff table.
Hagrid placed the cage on the ground, and Charlie cancelled the effect of the Levitation Charm.
The Roosters crowed even more excitedly.
Charlie walked onto the staff table, turned around, and faced all the students.
He pointed his wand at his throat.
"Hello everyone."
"I know everyone is very scared."
"The Basilisk is indeed very dangerous."
Charlie paused.
"But the Basilisk has a fatal weakness."
"It is afraid of the sound of a Rooster's crow."
He pointed to the Roosters in the cage.
"So I prepared these Roosters."
"Next, Mr. Filch will distribute the Roosters throughout the school."
"Corridors, classrooms, near dormitories, there will be Roosters everywhere."
"As long as there are Roosters, the Basilisk will not dare to approach."
Whispering sounds rose in the Great Hall.
The students looked at the Roosters in the cage, and the fear on their faces gradually faded.
The Roosters were still crowing.
But at this moment, the noisy sound seemed exceptionally pleasant.
Dumbledore stood by, smiling.
"Mr. White has made great efforts for everyone's safety. Fifty points to Hufflepuff."
A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff long table.
Ernie was the first to stand up.
"Charlie!"
He excitedly waved his fists.
"Our King!"
The Hufflepuff students were stunned for a second, then stood up one after another.
"Charlie! Our King!"
"Charlie! Our King!"
The sound grew louder and louder.
Even students from the other three Houses began to shout loudly.
Besides Hufflepuff, Gryffindor shouted the most vigorously... In the following days, the sound of Roosters crowing was everywhere in the Castle.
In the corridors, outside classrooms, near dormitories, Roosters could be seen in cages.
"Cluck, cluck, cluck!"
"Cock-a-doodle-doo!"
The Roosters crowed non-stop.
The students gradually went from initial relief to annoyance.
It was fine when there were no classes; they could use a Spell to block out the sound.
But during class, they couldn't just ignore the lesson, and the noise made it impossible to concentrate.
Charlie's tyrant points surged because of this.
[Your Majesty's magical pets are disrupting the class, tyrant points +1+1+1...]
And he didn't even listen to the class, he just put on a silencing Spell during lessons and slept soundly.
Chapter 110: The Flying Throne Appears!
The Professors were relieved, at least the students were safe, and Charlie was truly a good young man who thought of his classmates.
But not everyone thought so.
Professor Snape crushed a Potion bottle because his class was interrupted by Rooster calls several times.
Filch had to feed the Roosters every day and clean up their droppings, so he hadn't had the energy to catch the Weasley Twins on their nightly escapades recently.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Lockhart stood in front of the podium, smiling broadly.
"Let's open our textbooks to 'Wandering with Werewolves.' "
"This book chronicles my experiences with Werewolves."
"It's very exciting, very thrilling."
He read large sections of the book aloud.
Since the last time the House-elf went out of control, he no longer brought live creatures but instead read from books.
His class was only slightly more expressive than Professor Binns'.
He hadn't read many sentences when the Rooster outside the door crowed again.
Lockhart's eyes suddenly lit up.
"That's right."
He turned around, looking at the students.
"I once used Roosters to deal with many Basilisks."
"That was in Egypt, in an ancient pyramid."
He grew more excited as he spoke.
"There were three Basilisks at the time, very fierce."
"But I easily dealt with them using the Rooster's crow."
Harry and Ron pouted below.
"He didn't say anything earlier; now that Charlie has brought out the Roosters, he's become an expert."
"Anyone who believes him is a fool."
Hermione's face flushed slightly; she had actually believed Lockhart was a powerful Wizard before.
Lockhart walked to the cage and opened it.
"To enable everyone to deal with Basilisks, I deem it necessary to give you a demonstration."
He reached out to grab the Rooster.
The Rooster turned its head.
"Cluck!"
It pecked Lockhart's hand.
Lockhart cried out in pain and quickly pulled his hand back.
The Rooster was unrelenting, flapping its wings and chasing Lockhart.
Lockhart retreated in disarray.
Laughter erupted in the classroom.
Lockhart's face turned crimson.
He quickly closed the cage, pretending nothing had happened.
"Ahem, this Rooster has a bad temper."
"Let's continue with the lesson."
The students laughed even harder... It was Saturday again.
The area outside the stadium was bustling with people.
Students, wearing their respective House scarves and holding banners, surged into the stadium.
Today was the first Quidditch match of the semester.
It was originally scheduled for Slytherin versus Gryffindor.
But Snape suddenly suggested changing it to Hufflepuff playing Gryffindor first.
Hufflepuff didn't mind.
They were terrifyingly strong this semester; they would beat anyone who came.
They immediately agreed.
Gryffindor also did not refuse.
They had to play anyway, sooner or later, so it didn't matter.
In the stadium stands, Draco and Marcus Flint sat in the Hufflepuff spectator section.
Marcus was the captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team, stout and always with a fierce expression on his face.
He turned his head, looking at Draco.
"Why did you suddenly ask the Professor to change the date?"
"Are you afraid to play Gryffindor?"
Draco glanced at him.
Am I avoiding his edge?
He sneered.
"Gryffindor is not to be feared this semester."
"But Hufflepuff is a formidable opponent."
"The date change is to let Gryffindor test Hufflepuff's true strength so we can respond accordingly."
Marcus was stunned, then showed a look of realization.
"I see."
He patted Draco's shoulder.
"You're still the quick thinker."
Ernie, who was nearby, heard this and looked at Draco with disdain.
Draco's face instantly flushed.
"What are you looking at!"
He stood up, glaring at Ernie.
Ernie showed no weakness.
"What's wrong with looking at you?"
Draco was annoyed; when had he, Young Master Malfoy, ever been afraid of anything?
But then he remembered Ernie was Charlie's roommate.
He immediately fumed for a moment in extreme anger.
"Go ahead and look."
"Where's Charlie?"
"Why haven't I seen Charlie?"
Ernie was stunned.
He clearly hadn't expected Draco to suddenly ask this.
It was as strange as someone arguing with you and then suddenly slapping themselves and taking a taxi home.
"Charlie is going to cheer for the Hufflepuff team today," Ernie said.
"He should be in the team's locker room."
Draco nodded and sat back down.
A little more time passed.
The commentator on the field, Lee Jordan, stood up.
He held his wand to his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
His voice echoed through the stadium.
"Welcome to the first Quidditch match of the semester!"
Cheers erupted in the stands.
"First, let's welcome the Gryffindor team to the field!"
The door to the Gryffindor locker room opened.
Seven figures in red uniforms flew out on brooms.
Harry was at the very back.
He gripped his Nimbus 2000 and circled in the air.
A deafening cheer erupted from the Gryffindor stands.
"Potter! Potter!"
"Gryffindor will win!"
Lee Jordan continued speaking.
"Next, let's welcome the Hufflepuff team!"
Everyone's gaze turned to the Hufflepuff locker room.
But the locker room door did not open.
The stadium was silent for a few seconds.
Lee Jordan was stunned.
"Uh, Hufflepuff team?"
He called out again.
Still no movement.
Whispers started in the stands.
"What's going on?"
"Where are the Hufflepuff people?"
Just then.
The Hufflepuff locker room door suddenly opened.
A huge throne slowly ascended into the air.
The throne was entirely golden, with badger patterns carved into its armrests.
Charlie sat on the throne.
He wore a black robe and held a wand in his hand.
Behind the throne followed Senior Jenny and several other Senior girls.
They were not riding brooms but rather standing on a wooden longsword.
The longsword cut through the air, leaving faint trails of light.
The stadium instantly fell silent, then erupted in whispers.
"What is this?"
"I've never seen anything like it."
Charlie flew into the air and stopped.
He raised his wand and pointed it at the sky.
Colorful sparks shot from the tip of his wand.
The sparks exploded in the air, outlining a giant badger.
The badger opened its mouth and let out a silent roar.
At the same time, the Senior girls behind him also launched fireworks with their wands.
Reflected behind the giant badger, it made the badger appear exceptionally imposing.
The Hufflepuff team members flew out of the locker room.
They flew through the fireworks and onto the field.
Charlie sat atop the flying throne, raising his wand.
"Hufflepuff will win!"
His voice echoed through the stadium.
The entire stadium was silent for a moment.
Then a huge roar erupted from the Hufflepuff stands.
"Victory!"
Chapter 111 The Out-of-Control Walking Ball
"Win! Win!"
The sound from the Hufflepuff stands was deafening.
Charlie's presence had already overshadowed Gryffindor.
Gryffindor Chaser Angelina even swallowed hard.
Harry, on his broom, looked at the high-spirited Hufflepuff players opposite him, feeling a sense of unease.
Their brooms were already superior, and now their momentum was so overwhelming; it was definitely not good news for them.
In the Hufflepuff stands.
As Charlie and Senior Jenny returned, the crowd gradually quieted.
Charlie had left the throne in the team's locker room.
He hadn't carried it with him.
Senior Jenny and the others carried flying swords on their backs.
The hilt protruded from behind their shoulders.
It looked particularly conspicuous.
The Hufflepuff students gathered around.
"What kind of broom is this?"
A second-year student curiously touched a sword hilt.
"I've never seen anything like it."
Senior Jenny smiled.
"Charlie gave it to us; he said it's not called a broom, but a flying sword."
Someone else asked,
"Why do you carry it on your back?"
"Isn't it more convenient to hold it in your hand?"
Jenny didn't know either.
She looked at Charlie.
Hearing the question, Charlie gave a charming, wicked smile.
"Because we are from a righteous sect, flying swords must be carried on our backs."
"Holding them in hand would make us demonic cultivators, wouldn't it?"
Everyone looked bewildered.
They completely didn't understand what Charlie was saying.
Charlie sighed helplessly.
He just couldn't remember the plot, otherwise, he would definitely bring the novels from his previous life here to open their eyes.
To let them know what it means, 'thirty years to the east of the river, thirty years to the west of the river!'
What it means, 'grab it, and instantly refine it!'
Referee Madam Hooch flew to the center of the field.
She blew her whistle.
"Team captains, shake hands!"
The two team captains flew to the middle.
Gryffindor Captain Wood and Hufflepuff Captain Cedric shook hands.
Cedric had a smile on his face.
"Good luck."
Wood forced a smile.
"You too."
They released hands and returned to their respective teams.
Madam Hooch opened the box.
The Bludgers and the Golden Snitch flew out.
She grabbed the Quaffle.
"Ready!"
The whistle blew.
The Quaffle was thrown into the air.
The game began.
Hufflepuff's Chasers immediately rushed towards the Quaffle.
Gryffindor's Chasers were not to be outdone.
The two teams tangled in the air.
But Hufflepuff was clearly stronger.
They cooperated perfectly, passing accurately.
With the enhancement of the nimbus 2001, Gryffindor found it difficult to defend.
Five minutes later, the score was already thirty to zero.
Cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff stands.
"Beautiful!"
"Another goal!"
The Gryffindor stands, however, were silent.
Wood's face was ashen.
He desperately guarded the goal, but Hufflepuff's offense was too fierce.
Harry circled in the air, searching for the Golden Snitch.
But he felt a bit anxious.
With his teammates being overwhelmed, he wasn't feeling good either.
Just then, he saw the Golden Snitch.
The Snitch was on the other side of the field, flying downwards.
Harry immediately dove down.
Cedric also saw the Snitch.
He followed closely behind Harry.
The two descended rapidly.
The wind whistled in their ears.
They stretched out their hands, getting closer and closer to the Snitch.
But Cedric, with the advantage of his long reach and broom, was clearly closer to the golden snitch.
Just as he was about to catch it,
A Bludger suddenly flew from the side.
It struck Harry's broom.
Harry's broom jolted violently.
He lost his balance, almost falling off the broom.
This caused Cedric to also wobble.
But Fred, not far away, reacted quickly, batting the Bludger away with his bat.
Unfortunately, by the time both of them regained their balance, the Golden Snitch had already flown far away.
Harry gritted his teeth.
He continued to search for the Snitch's whereabouts.
But that Bludger curved around and came after Harry again.
Harry desperately pulled his broom upwards, but the ball seemed to have eyes, relentlessly pursuing him.
"What's going on with this Bludger?"
Fred and George flew over, their bats swinging ferociously.
They both struck the Bludger simultaneously, one from the left and one from the right.
"Bang!"
The Bludger was hit away, tumbling a few times in the air, then changed direction and continued to chase Harry.
Gasps of surprise rose from the stands.
"This isn't right!"
"Why is the Bludger only chasing Harry?"
Hermione stood up, frowning as she stared at the field.
Ron also noticed the abnormality.
"Someone must have cursed Harry."
He suddenly turned his head and looked at Draco next to him.
"Malfoy, was it you?!"
"Last year, all the Quidditch brooms had protective Spells on them."
"This year, you're tampering with the Bludger."
Draco was watching with great interest, and hearing Ron's shout, he rolled his eyes.
"Weasley, is your brain filled with Troll dung?"
He crossed his arms, looking at Ron askance.
"If I could cast a Spell, would I wait until today?"
Even though Draco denied it, they still harbored suspicions. What if he had convinced Snape to cast the Spell?
On the field, the Bludger caught up again.
Harry swerved sharply, his broom almost losing balance.
But the ball relentlessly pursued him, whistling as it slammed into him.
"Bang!"
The Bludger struck Harry's left arm hard.
Harry screamed, falling off his broom.
The stands erupted instantly.
"Harry!"
Hermione shrieked, standing up.
Ron's face was pale, and he desperately pushed his way forward.
Charlie sat in his seat, raising his wand, aiming it in the direction Harry was falling.
A faint glow flashed from the tip of his wand.
The ground suddenly softened, the earth churned, turning into a swamp.
Harry fell into the swamp, splashing a large amount of mud.
But the swamp was soft, preventing secondary injury.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle.
"Game suspended!"
Ron and Hermione rushed down from the stands.
Charlie also stood up and walked towards the field.
Senior Jenny and the others followed behind him.
At the edge of the swamp, Harry was helped up by Fred and George.
He was covered in mud, and his left arm hung limply, clearly broken.
Hermione ran over, looking at Harry's arm with concern.
"Harry, your arm..."
Harry gritted his teeth, his face pale.
"I'm fine, it just hurts a little."
Ron was cursing beside him, condemning whoever had tampered with the Bludger.
Just then, Lockhart excitedly squeezed through.
He wore a magnificent purple robe, a confident smile on his face.
"Move aside, move aside, the Professor is here, let a professional handle this, alright?"
He walked to Harry's side and pulled out his wand.
"Don't worry, Potter."
"Healing broken bones is incredibly easy for me."
He raised his wand, aiming it at Harry's arm.
Then he froze.
"What was the Spell again?"
He mumbled softly, his eyes a bit unfocused.
"Bone-Mending?"
"Or Bone..."
Charlie frowned.
This guy didn't even know the Spell, and he dared to use it on someone?
It was known that a single pronunciation difference in the Levitation Charm could summon a wild bull to crush someone.
In Lockhart's state, he might very well blow off Harry's arm.
Seeing Lockhart like this, Harry was scared out of his wits.
"Um, Professor, actually I'm fine, I don't hurt at all."
Lockhart pulled Harry's left arm.
"Such a brave little fellow, still saying he's fine even like this."
"Don't worry, I'll heal you."
He waved his wand.
A beam of light shot from the wand.
Charlie's heart stirred, and a transparent light screen appeared on Harry's arm.
That was Charlie's level four Protego, which he could now cast silently and wandlessly, and the Spell's power was also very strong.
Lockhart's Spell struck the Protego.
The light was reflected, hitting Lockhart's own right hand directly.
Lockhart's right hand instantly went limp.
The bones disappeared.
His entire hand was like a lump of modeling clay, dangling limply.
Lockhart froze.
He raised his right hand, his entire arm dangling like a dead fish.
"Ah—"
Lockhart screamed, and his wand fell to the ground.