Vizette paused, considering the idea, then slipped into the Patronus Charm meditation to attune himself. As he fixed his gaze on the basilisk and spoke, a strange vibration hummed through his mouth and throat, like the incantation of a spell rather than mere words.
"Easy now... we'll set you free soon," he murmured. A soft hiss escaped his lips—eerie yet instinctive. He understood it perfectly, as if it were his native tongue.
The basilisk caught on too. It ceased its thrashing and coiled peacefully on the floor, almost tame.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, it worked," Vizette said, switching back to English. He studied the now-docile creature, lost in thought. "If I use my Parseltongue gift... could it help us track down the Heir?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with curiosity, though he stayed neutral. "What do you have in mind?"
"I'd like to run an experiment," Vizette replied. "Something to draw the snake out of hiding."
"Lure it from its lair?" Dumbledore echoed, blinking. "A fitting phrase all around. Walk me through it—I'd be glad to offer pointers."
Vizette nodded, pulling out his notebook and flipping to an earlier entry. "Remember my Animagus research? I zeroed in on mandrake leaves."
"Of course," Dumbledore said warmly. "I'm eager for your article in Transfiguration Today."
Vizette cleared his throat. "It's coming along, but it'll take time. I've only outlined it and sorted the data so far."
"Impressive progress," Dumbledore encouraged with a wave. "Especially since term started—Halloween's barely behind us. You've juggled Animagus theory with weather charms, Krishnamurti's insights..."
Madam Pomfrey bustled into the hospital wing, cutting him off. "Time's up. Class starts soon—Vizette wouldn't want to miss it, would he?"
Dumbledore rose. "We've chatted long enough."
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," Vizette said gratefully. He didn't want to skip lessons. Tucking the stool away, he turned to Dumbledore. "I'll mull this over and loop back when I'm ready."
"Perfect," Dumbledore agreed, stowing his own stool. "Head straight to my office.
Password's 'Cockroach Clusters'."
"Cockroach Clusters," Vizette repeated. "Got it. Off to class!"
As Vizette hurried out, Dumbledore chuckled. "Ah, youth—such vitality!"
"You're young at heart, lugging sweets everywhere," Madam Pomfrey grumbled, shoving a handful of Cockroach Clusters into his pocket. "Moderation, Albus."
"Ever the caretaker, Poppy." Dumbledore smiled, then eyed the basilisk. "Time to return this fellow."
---
While Vizette refined his plan over the next few days, whispers about the Chamber of Secrets buzzed endlessly through Hogwarts. In History of Magic, Hermione interrupted Professor Binns to dissect the details, fueling even wilder theories about Salazar Slytherin's Heir.
One absurd rumor took root—blaming Harry Potter as the Heir. It stemmed from an old wizarding tale: "The dragon-slayer becomes the dragon." In the story, a brave wizard slays a beast but inherits its curse—rashes blooming green, sparks from his nostrils—until he transforms into a dragon himself, dooming the next hero.
Not pure fancy; Dragon Pox mimicked those symptoms, a real affliction blending magic and malady. The tale twisted onto Harry because he'd vanquished Voldemort, only to bear the Dark Lord's lingering shadow—turning savior into successor. Illogical, yet enchanting enough to spread like Fiendfyre. Muggle-born students shunned him, fueling the divide.
By the weekend, with no fresh incidents, the frenzy cooled. Some dismissed Mrs. Norris's petrification as a mere Filch prank, interest waning.
Vizette, meanwhile, had crafted his tool. He arrived at the headmaster's office to find Fawkes aged and frail—feathers molting to reveal fiery plumage beneath, eyes dull and heavy-lidded.
Vizette fed him a softened berry, which the phoenix gulped down with effort, neck
quivering. Dumbledore watched, then settled at his desk. "He'll phoenix by Christmas break. Rough days ahead."
Vizette glanced once more at Fawkes, steadying himself before sitting opposite. He unveiled his creation: an oval artifact etched with runes, centered by a glowing amethyst.
"Headmaster, this detects the basilisk's movements—tuned to Parseltongue," Vizette explained. "A basic alarm for me."
Dumbledore lifted it, inspecting the craftsmanship. "Exquisite work. Masterful execution."
…
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