Potions Professor's office.
Hearing Snape specifically mention the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, Lucien's first thought was whether this old bat would go bother Lockhart, like he had the previous DADA Professor.
But that did not seem right either. In the original story, Snape had not done anything major this year apart from his usual tormenting of Harry and brewing the antidote for Petrification.
Lucien still asked, "Professor, since you suspect Gilderoy Lockhart, then why not…?"
Understanding what Lucien meant, why not report it to Dumbledore, Snape let out a cold sneer and walked to the cauldron to begin preparing the potion.
"Dumbledore only pays me a Potions Professor's salary."
"The school's safety is the Headmaster's responsibility."
From those words, Lucien could hear a strong sense of resentment and dissatisfaction.
So being paid as a Potions Professor meant only doing a Potions Professor's job.
From the tone of his voice, Snape had no intention of involving himself in this year's events and was prepared to step back.
Lucien recalled that last year, Snape had been constantly monitoring Quirrell, partly at Dumbledore's request and partly to protect Harry's safety, which was why he kept interfering with him.
However, Snape was also perceptive. After last year's incident, he had likely understood Dumbledore's intentions. By allowing Quirrell to remain and not dealing with him directly, it had been a way to give Harry Potter experience and allow the Boy Who Lived to grow.
So Snape understood that no matter how much he reported to Dumbledore, Dumbledore would not truly take action. As long as he believed everything was under control, he would treat this incident as another experience for Harry.
Lucien quickly recalled something. In the original story, when Harry faced the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, Fawkes appeared at a crucial moment, first delivering the Sorting Hat with the Sword of Gryffindor inside, and then pecking out the Basilisk's eyes, removing its greatest threat.
Looking at it that way, Dumbledore had once again kept everything under control.
But unfortunately, this time Lucien intended to make use of the Basilisk.
Speaking of which, the Sword of Gryffindor was said to only appear to those who truly possessed Gryffindor's qualities when they needed it.
Should he get the Sorting Hat in advance and see if he could draw the sword when facing the Basilisk?
Lucien looked up at Snape. Since the old bat had no intention of involving himself this year, why bring this up at all?
"Professor, speaking of which, do you know what the 'Chamber of Secrets' written on the wall refers to?"
Snape paused at Lucien's question. Then, as if he had already prepared an answer, he began to explain.
"You should be familiar with the founding history of Hogwarts and the Four Founders, including the later conflict between Gryffindor and Slytherin. For example…"
Lucien saw Snape's gaze shift toward him, understood what he meant, and continued,
"For example, Slytherin believed Hogwarts should only admit children from pure-blood families and was unwilling to accept those from Muggle families, because he thought they could not be trusted?"
In the era of the Four Founders, the wizarding world had indeed been at a disadvantage. People feared magic, and once a wizard was discovered, they could be reported to the church and burned at the stake. Even if a child born to Muggle parents awakened magic, it could still lead to danger. If a Muggle-born wizard was noticed by family or others, it could expose the entire school.
Snape looked at Lucien for a moment, then nodded.
"Yes. All of that is recorded in historical accounts. As for the Chamber of Secrets, that is more of a legend."
"Slytherin built a hidden chamber within the castle, and only his true heir could open it, release the monster inside, and purge those unworthy of learning magic."
Lucien said, "So you think the so-called heir will control the monster in the Chamber of Secrets to kill Muggle-born students like me?"
Snape frowned. "The truth of the legend is unknown. It is possible someone is using it to create panic."
After a brief pause, Snape added lightly,
"Once the antidote is prepared, people will calm down. But until the truth is revealed, be careful."
So the old bat had gone all the way around just to remind him to be cautious.
As for the Basilisk coming after him?
He almost hoped it would.
"I understand, Professor. Thank you for your concern."
Snape lowered his head and began adding herbs to the cauldron, speaking in a flat tone.
"I am not concerned about you. It is simply rare to have a student who is not a dunderhead at potion-making. I do not want others to question my teaching standards."
"Also, when you are moving around the school, stay away from Harry Potter. He is quite the troublemaker."
Hearing Snape emphasize the word "troublemaker," Lucien could not help but feel amused. Harry faced life-threatening incidents every year. Lockhart must be quite envious.
"Alright, Lucien, brew an antidote as well. The potions made in regular classes do not reflect your true ability."
...
Forbidden Forest.
Lucien was searching for a Thestral habitat.
He planned to create a magical item specifically targeting the Basilisk's eyes, at least neutralizing the lethal effect of its gaze. Something that could work like a reflective surface or a visual barrier, so that anyone who saw the Basilisk would at most be Petrified rather than killed.
Thestral tail feathers might be useful, which was why Lucien had come to the Forbidden Forest to "stock up." No, to explore.
"Lumen, the Thestrals are around here, right?"
"Yes, Master. I've encountered them a few times while playing in the Forbidden Forest before."
Lumen's voice echoed in Lucien's mind.
"Master, I also sense a human near that group of Thestrals."
A human?
It might be Hagrid.
Lucien gave Lumen a brief instruction. She immediately flew high into the sky, concealing her form.
Then Lucien walked in the indicated direction.
He could now see Thestrals himself. Otherwise, collecting materials or using them to create tools would be quite inconvenient.
Before long, Lucien spotted several inky silhouettes. Their forms resembled overly elongated horses, covered in sleek black skin, making them look like living shadows.
Their heads were especially unsettling, like a fusion of dragon and reptile, with pale, pupil-less eyes.
A pair of broad, bat-like wings clung to their sides.
He had found them, the Thestrals.
But Lucien's attention lingered more on the human figure beside them.
Long, dark golden-brown hair fell over her shoulders.
A radish-shaped earring peeked out from her hair.
The girl was barefoot, standing on the cold ground.
She looked like a forest elf, extending a pale hand to stroke a Thestral's neck.
The Thestral did not shy away. Instead, it lowered its head obediently, nudging her palm.
Luna Lovegood?
What is she doing here?
"They're beautiful, aren't they?"
Luna turned her head, her slightly hazy silver eyes resting on Lucien, her voice distant and ethereal.
"You… can see them too, can't you?"
Lucien stepped closer and raised a hand to touch the Thestral's forehead. It showed no resistance, instead leaning into his touch.
"Yes, Luna. We met before at the Weasleys' house. What are you doing in the Forbidden Forest?"
Luna seemed to understand that since Lucien could see Thestrals, he, like her, had witnessed death and loss.
"I… I'm here to look for my shoes."
"I think the Blibbering Humdingers took them."
Luna glanced down at her bare feet.
"They're very shy and live in damp corners. They like to collect small things they find pretty with their mucus. My shoes were probably the prettiest yellow they'd ever seen."
________
(^///^) Please support this fic and also read 12 chapters ahead at Patreon.com/DrakDevil1