Vivi didn't mention it, and Harry almost forgot.
But... who should he take along?
Take Ron? Clearly not… Hermione then? Don't even think about it, Harry didn't want to get Hermione into trouble.
"I should think about whom to bring." Harry sighed and said to Vivi, "It seems like there's no one around me who can..."
"Are you stupid, Harry?" Professor Luke Wood said again with a voice of exasperation, "Just grab any Black Witch outside, can't you?"
"Oh, right." Harry suddenly realized, wasn't that a solution to his predicament?
He lifted his head and said again, "I hope Lucius acts quickly. If all goes well, we can truly meet in a few days—I mean, meet your real self."
Harry wasn't completely tactless; he didn't utter the word 'portrait'.
However, he didn't know that the one in the Map Secret Room wasn't Vivi's portrait, but her soul.
"Okay." Vivi nodded with gentle eyes.
After Harry left, Vivi let out a sigh.
Fool...
...
After returning from the Map Secret Room, Harry continued with his usual leisurely life.
The fang was now in hand, Voldemort's whereabouts were traced, and the Snake Monster was dealt with—the rest of the matter would be handled by Lucius and the School Board.
When it came to impeaching headmasters, they were the professionals.
Harry wasn't in a rush, nor was he worried Pansy would run away after the lockdown was lifted—after all, once Dumbledore was impeached, he personally stood outside Hogwarts.
If Pansy or any other student attempted to discard the notebook, Dumbledore would certainly notice.
On Wednesday morning, Hogwarts was shrouded in a peculiar tense atmosphere.
To everyone's surprise, Hogwarts convened a School Board meeting! That very morning!
This wasn't kept from the students because an overly proud Draco boasted about it the previous night.
"My father is a Hogwarts School Board member," he had said, looking extremely proud.
It was understandable; anyone with a board member for a father would feel the same pride, especially a young boy like Draco.
Everyone was curious, not only discussing it in the dorms at night but also whispering about it during breakfast in the Great Hall.
Everyone wanted to know what the School Board was discussing—was it reducing student benefits or adding more class burdens?
Or perhaps passing a bill allowing young wizards to freely cast spells during holidays? The Weasley Twins suggested so.
But everyone thought that was wishful thinking, insisting it was impossible.
However, just as they were about to attend their first class, Lucius walked proudly, head held high, into the Great Hall of Hogwarts.
He walked straight to the main guest seat and stood before the chair of the headmaster.
The hall erupted in a buzz of whispers.
"Everyone, quiet down."
Lucius looked around and cast an Amplification Spell on himself.
"Based on the School Board's decision, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is deemed unfit for the headmaster role. From today, Dumbledore is no longer our headmaster, and the position will temporarily be filled by me, Lucius Malfoy!"
The hall fell silent, not a single sound heard.
"Why?" someone asked from below.
"The School Board unanimously believes the former headmaster tried to use a lockdown to cover his incompetence," Lucius Malfoy proclaimed loudly, "We regret Mr. Colin Creevey's attack, but it doesn't mean Hogwarts is in danger... Therefore, from today, the lockdown is officially lifted!"
Immediately after, cheers erupted from Slytherin.
Next followed Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, and finally, Hufflepuff.
However, Hufflepuff was clearly uninterested, only offering perfunctory agreements.
They didn't think Dumbledore was unfit; on the contrary, they understood Dumbledore the best among the students.
But it didn't matter; since the School Board had stepped in and Dumbledore hadn't appeared, it was a foregone conclusion.
Lucius swept a proud gaze around the Great Hall, then turned and left.
Harry glanced sidelong at the Slytherin table, and sure enough, saw Pansy wearing a sinister smile.
"Cover for me today," Harry whispered to Ron, "I mean—all classes."
"Alright," Ron nodded, "What's up with you?"
"I have some personal grudges to settle," Harry patted Ron's shoulder.
Ron asked with concern, "Need help, Harry?"
"No, it's just a small grudge, I can handle it," Harry smiled, "Go to class; I have a few things to take care of—"
That day's three classes were Gryffindor's solo Spell Class, Gryffindor's joint Herbology Class with Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor's solo Transformation Class.
There was no joint class with Slytherin, so Harry wasn't worried about being discovered by them, and he hid early at the entrance of the Secret Chamber.
He crouched behind the wall with two entwined serpents, at the hall's entrance, waiting for Voldemort—or rather, Pansy—to arrive.
The watch hands ticked away, from nine all the way until twelve, without any activity.
The three watch hands continued ticking until Harry grew unbearably bored, when suddenly, a rustling sound came from outside.
Harry checked his watch; it was now 4:05.
Soon after, the wall in front of him split open, vanishing into the rock walls on either side.
Sure enough, it was Pansy Parkinson, standing there with a wicked smile on her face.
"Miss Parkinson," Harry suddenly said.
"Who?!" Pansy exclaimed in sudden fright.
She truly hadn't expected anyone to be in the Slytherin Secret Chamber!
Harry lifted the Disillusionment Charm, revealing himself before her.
"It's you!" Pansy immediately recognized Harry, "Potter!"
"Yes, it's me, Miss Parkinson."
Harry looked at Pansy with a playful smile, giving her a once-over before flashing a significant grin.
"Should I call you Pansy, or... Tom, Tom Riddle?"
——————————
(Vote for me! Vivi will make a grand comeback tomorrow!)
(The next 4000 words are an additional update for reaching 5000-5500 votes)