Witcher at Hogwarts

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Ethan, intrigued by Animagus research, saw a silvery-white phoenix entering through his window. It was Dumbledore's Patronus, Phoenix. Dumbledore's voice resonated from the phoenix's mouth: "Ethan, please come to the medical wing quickly, there is an emergency."

Upon hearing this, Ethan promptly rose and hastened to the medical wing. Entering the room, he found numerous professors already gathered. Amidst a lingering burnt smell, Dumbledore tinkered with a smoking camera.

Professors Flitwick and McGonagall stood by a bed, wearing frowns. Approaching, Ethan discovered a young Gryffindor wizard, Colin Creevey, lying on the bed. Moonlight illuminated Colin's stunned face; his eyes were wide, hands outstretched on his chest, clutching the camera.

Beside him lay a bunch of grapes. "He must have sneaked in to see Potter," Professor McGonagall remarked, her voice a bit hoarse, a touch of emotion in her eye.

Dumbledore abandoned the idea of repairing the camera, placing it on the table. Addressing the gathered professors, he declared, "Hogwarts is facing a crisis" His blue eyes swept solemnly over those present in the medical room.

"Just now, the second attack occurred. A first-year student was petrified, like Mrs. Norris," Dumbledore announced. He continued, "The Chamber of Secrets has truly been opened"

Professor McGonagall, though already suspecting the worst, was surprised when Dumbledore confirmed it. She covered her mouth in shock.

"None of us know if this unknown monster will strike again, but we must be prepared to ensure the students' safety."

Dumbledore proceeded to outline the new safety measures Hogwarts would implement. These included three daily patrols, organized lines for younger wizards during transitions, and a requirement for at least one professor to accompany students. He urged all professors to be vigilant for any recent abnormal student behaviors and report them promptly.

There was unanimous agreement among the professors, and everyone nodded in approval. After the meeting, the professors dispersed, leaving Dumbledore alone with Ethan. Ethan couldn't help but notice Lockhart's jealous glance as he left, leaving him perplexed.

Since the conversation in Dumbledore's office, Ethan had deliberately avoided the headmaster, fearing Dumbledore might assign him a significant mission. However, when Dumbledore called him alone that day, Ethan couldn't avoid it.

"Ethan, have you made any progress in the investigation of this monster?" Dumbledore calmly watched Ethan with his blue eyes.

"I believe the monster is a basilisk," Ethan replied. He sensed that if he didn't share some information today, Dumbledore might not let him off easily.

"A Basilisk?" Dumbledore's voice sounded somewhat puzzled. He quickly recalled Basilisk's knowledge, saying, "But Ethan, I recall that looking directly at a Basilisk will kill you, yet the current victims are all petrified."

Ethan felt a bit helpless. He couldn't believe that the greatest wizard wouldn't consider the answer. Dumbledore's testing became evident, compelling Ethan to respond earnestly.

"The basilisk's indirect gaze can petrify people. Neither victim saw it directly. Mrs. Norris witnessed it through the reflection, and Colin saw it through the camera lens."

Satisfaction appeared in Dumbledore's eyes. "Great, Ethan. With your help, we could solve this monster problem faster."

Ethan suggested students wear glasses to block their vision, preventing direct gazes with the basilisk. "It's better to be petrified than dead," he added sincerely.

Dumbledore expressed gratitude and promised to consider the suggestion carefully. As he began to discuss something further, Ethan abruptly interrupted, citing the late hour and bidding Dumbledore a swift goodbye, leaving the room in frustration.

Dumbledore, perplexed, stroked his beard, noticing Ethan's inexplicable avoidance.

Meanwhile, Harry, pretending to be asleep, absorbed the storm of information. He knew Colin was petrified of seeing him. Hearing Ethan and Dumbledore's conversation about the basilisk shocked him. Eager to share the news, he endured a sleepless night.

After Madam Pomfrey confirmed his recovery, Harry returned to Gryffindor Tower. News of Colin's attack had spread, and the forgotten secret room became a hot topic. Security tightened, and students lined up like soldiers.

Harry sought out Hermione and Ron, revealing what he overheard. Their wide-eyed surprise brought Harry a strange satisfaction.

"I should have guessed it" Hermione tapped her head, eager to head to the library. However, Harry and Ron deemed it too dangerous to go alone.

They borrowed "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" from the Weasley twins and delved into studying the basilisk.

"Professor Ethan was right, The monster from the Chamber must be a basilisk!" Hermione exclaimed, turning to the relevant section in the book, and sharing her findings with Harry and Ron.