Albus Dumbledore walked at the front, wand in hand.
Too many events tonight had exceeded his expectations.
The message about the Chamber of Secrets written on the wall.
The sudden appearance of the mysterious question-and-answer space.
Was there a connection between the two?
Years of experience allowed Dumbledore to sense that something deeper was at play.
He was not certain yet.
But he was suspicious.
Gilderoy Lockhart's office was not far away.
Within five minutes, they entered the room filled with framed photographs of Lockhart smiling in various heroic poses.
"Come in. Come in."
Compared to the anxious expressions on Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger's faces—or Dumbledore's contemplative silence—Lockhart appeared remarkably calm.
After receiving his rewards, his strength had undeniably improved.
That alone gave him confidence.
He believed he could restore the admiration of the young witches and wizards.
He would erase the label of "liar."
"What are your thoughts on what just happened?"
The moment they entered, Dumbledore's deep blue eyes swept toward Lockhart and Severus Snape.
As for Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco Malfoy, they were still young. They might not yet grasp the full implications of tonight's events.
"If that was the work of a wizard, then the mastermind's power is terrifying, Dumbledore."
"But are there truly so-called gods in this world?"
Snape's voice was low and cold.
Combined with his emotionless expression, he looked every bit the image of a Dark wizard.
Standing beside him, Harry and his friends could almost feel the chill radiating from him.
Dumbledore understood that Snape was in a foul mood.
Anyone whose deeply buried secrets had just been exposed publicly would not be pleased.
"Perhaps."
"No matter who is behind the question-and-answer space, or what their purpose may be, we know one thing."
"He possesses immense power, methods beyond our understanding, and he knows many secrets."
For once, the old man's tone was solemn rather than gentle.
The mysterious methods.
The blocking of Avada Kedavra.
The sudden growth of magical power.
All of it made one thing clear.
The question-and-answer space was no trivial matter.
Dumbledore could not help but wonder—
What if Lord Voldemort were to enter the space one day?
This was not the first time he felt the future slipping beyond his control.
"Perhaps it is not as serious as we imagine, Professor."
"At least for now, the appearance of the question-and-answer space has been beneficial to us."
Lockhart stepped forward, easing the oppressive atmosphere.
"You are right, Gilderoy. For now, it has done more good than harm."
When Dumbledore's gaze lingered on him, Lockhart felt a bead of cold sweat slide down his back.
There was something unreadable in those blue eyes.
Draco shifted uneasily.
This was the first time he had ever been personally summoned to Dumbledore's office.
It was not an experience he particularly enjoyed.
Fortunately, Snape was present.
That gave him a sliver of comfort.
"Draco, I do not know what reward you received. But whatever it is, I hope you will use it wisely and not allow it to lead you astray."
"I hope the same for you, Harry."
"We understand, Professor."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione answered together.
"Me too, Professor."
Draco spoke stiffly.
A faint flush colored his pale face.
Dumbledore gave him a long look before turning back to Harry and his friends.
"Now, do not be so tense. I would like to know where you were during tonight's Halloween feast, and how you came to be at the scene."
"Does that even need to be asked? Harry Potter must have led his cronies to use some Dark magic to petrify Filch's cat."
Snape's cold accusation made Harry stiffen.
"That is not true, Professor."
"You will remain silent, Harry." Snape cut him off sharply before turning to Dumbledore.
"I propose placing all three of them in detention. I hope you will agree with me, Dumbledore."
"Severus, let us not be hasty."
Dumbledore shook his head gently. His eyes softened as they rested on Harry.
That single look filled Harry and his friends with reassurance.
At least someone was willing to believe them.
"You will regret this, Dumbledore."
Snape gave a cold snort.
Though his expression hardened, he did not press further.
"Professor, we did not write that message, and we did not harm Mrs. Norris."
"During the Halloween feast, we received an invitation from Nearly Headless Nick to attend his Deathday Party in the dungeons. That is why we were not in the Great Hall."
"Yes, Professor."
"We were returning when we saw the message on the wall. It was already there. Mrs. Norris had already been attacked."
Hermione spoke clearly and firmly.
Snape remained expressionless.
Lockhart, meanwhile, smiled kindly.
"I believe what they are saying makes sense. The one who opened the Chamber of Secrets would not be foolish enough to remain at the scene."
"Besides, I know a great deal about the Chamber of Secrets. Trust me. When the time comes, I will personally expose the culprit."
"I know where the Chamber is."
Dumbledore gave Lockhart a knowing look.
Snape, however, glanced at him with obvious disdain.
...
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