Chapter 24: Harry Opens up
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Observing the intrigued gazes from his two companions, Hermione blushed slightly and decided against trying another candy.
The three young wizards sat uneasily across from Ethan, creating a brief and awkward silence in the office. Eventually, Hermione broke the quietude, asking, "Professor Ethan, can you tell us about the Chamber of Secrets?"
Having anticipated that the trio's visit was related to the day's events, Ethan proceeded to explain the legendary Slytherin Chamber to them.
"Does that mean the monster in the Chamber of Secrets has been unleashed by Slytherin's heir?" Hermione, Harry, and Ron turned pale as they realized the presence of such a terrifying monster within their school.
"I'm afraid that's the case," Ethan concurred, nodding in agreement.
"Oh God, what should we do then?" Ron couldn't help but cover his face, sighing. Harry and Hermione also expressed their concern, eager to know how to handle the menacing monster hidden within the castle.
"Your task is to focus on your studies. The professors and I will handle the monster," Ethan asserted with the authority befitting a professor, his brows furrowed in concern.
"But the monster could attack students at any time" Harry retorted, expressing his worry.
"This monster is beyond the capabilities of second-year wizards to handle. As for precautions, I suggest you avoid being alone in the corridors. The Hogwarts professors will handle this issue," Ethan solemnly warned. The three young wizards nodded in acknowledgment, indicating their willingness to heed Ethan's advice.
"Professor Ethan, we suspect Malfoy is the heir to Slytherin. His family has been in Slytherin House for centuries, and he harbors a strong dislike for Muggle-born students. He once called Hermione..." Ron mustered the courage to share his suspicions.
Hearing Ron's words, Ethan was caught between laughter and exasperation. Despite the humorous undertone, Ethan maintained a serious expression. "Mr. Weasley, these are serious accusations. Do you have any evidence to support your suspicions?"
"We haven't found any yet. We're just guessing..." Before Ron could finish, Ethan interrupted, "Mr. Weasley, you cannot make baseless accusations against your classmates. I strongly recommend focusing on your studies and entrusting the responsibility for students' safety to us professors."
Upon learning the information they sought, the trio considered leaving Ethan's office. However, Ethan stopped them, expressing concern about the dangers lurking outside in the dark. He offered to escort them back to the Gryffindor common room for their safety.
Adorned in his standard Witcher attire, complete with armor and two swords, Ethan's appearance was met with no objections this time. Given the current precarious situation at Hogwarts, his protective attire was actually reassuring.
As the four walked towards the entrance of the Gryffindor common room, where Ron and Hermione planned to enter through the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry halted Ethan.
"Professor Ethan, I've been hearing some strange noises that no one else can hear lately. I heard it once in Professor Lockhart's office, and a second time before Mrs. Norris was attacked. That voice," Harry confessed hesitantly.
Hermione and Ron were taken aback, surprised that Harry chose to disclose this information to Ethan at this moment. Ethan, too, was unexpected, considering that even in the original plot, Harry refrained from telling Dumbledore about it when asked.
Ethan guided Harry to a corner of the corridor, with Hermione and Ron following closely. Focused on Harry's green eyes, Ethan asked, "Harry, tell me what you heard."
Harry, feeling a bit uncomfortable under Ethan's gaze, hesitated before recalling the words he had heard. He repeated, "Kill you... tear you... so hungry... starving."
To his surprise, Harry noticed that Ron, Hermione, and Professor Ethan were all staring at him with wide eyes. Ron, particularly shocked by the Parseltongue, exclaimed, "Merlin, Harry! You were talking in snake language" Even the ordinary exchanges in Parseltongue could sound sinister to outsiders, resembling a nefarious plot.
Realizing that his Parseltongue talent had been fully exposed to Ethan, Harry turned pale. The three young wizards anxiously awaited Ethan's reaction. However, Ethan, upon hearing the Snake Whisper, was only momentarily stunned. He patted Harry's shoulder in relief upon seeing Harry's terrified expression.
Understanding Harry's predicament, Ethan reassured him, "I know about this situation, Harry. If you hear that voice again, please inform me or any other professors nearby, okay?" He spoke gently, attempting to ease Harry's concerns.
Upon hearing Ethan's reassurance, Harry nodded hurriedly. Ethan then gestured for the three young wizards to return to the Gryffindor common room. Following the signal, Harry joined Hermione and Ron as they entered the common room, feeling as though they had been granted amnesty.
After ensuring the trio safely entered the Gryffindor common room, Ethan contemplated for a moment before heading to the headmaster's office.
The two gargoyles guarding the entrance of the headmaster's office remained vigilant.
"Password," dryly spoke the gargoyle upon seeing Ethan standing before the door.
"Zizi honey candy?" Ethan tried the first password that came to his mind.
"Password error."
"Lemon Sherbet."
"Password error."
"Cockroach Pile."
"Password error."
"Liquorice Candy Bars."
"Password is correct." The gargoyle twirled, revealing a staircase leading to the headmaster's office. Ethan was successful.
Since it was nighttime, the portraits within the headmaster's office had already retired for rest. The awakened Fawkes, the phoenix, gazed at Ethan with curious eyes. However, Fawkes seemed to be in a less-than-ideal mood, with his feathers appearing dull and disheveled.
"Don't mind Fawkes; he's about to molt." Dumbledore appeared and greeted Ethan.
Dumbledore was adorned in somewhat comical pajamas featuring a cartoonish design with a yellow crescent moon and a smiling face. The long silver beard of Dumbledore added an amusing touch to his appearance.
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