Chapter 271: The Hero's Destiny
Chapter 271: The Hero's Destiny
After learning Dumbledore's version of the Slowdown Charm, Vold occasionally used it to slow down the basilisk.
Compared to the basilisk's immense power, his magic was incredibly weak, only providing a minimal hindrance.
But even if it only delayed the basilisk by a fraction of a second, using it at the right moment could still make a difference.
The students were unaware that there was an additional ally on their side—
When they entered the Chamber of Secrets, Vold and Dumbledore had used the Invisibility Spell to become invisible.
Dozens of students surrounded the basilisk, initially panicked and disoriented. Seven or eight of them suffered severe injuries and were sent away by the professors.
But gradually, the bravest among them formed a defensive line, while the other students regained their composure. At least, none of them were so terrified that they dropped their wands and fled.
Then, those who had initially run away returned, their faces flushed with embarrassment.
Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws...
Students from the four houses mixed together, working collaboratively without regard for house affiliations, engaging in a life-or-death battle with the basilisk.
When they cast spells, they didn't have time to consider whether the basilisk was attacking an enemy or a friend. When they reached out to help a fallen classmate, they didn't care which house's robes they were wearing.
They only wanted to defeat this terrifying "enemy" before them.
For witches and wizards, their mindset greatly influenced the effectiveness of their magic.
For a moment, the numerous students seemed to be evenly matched with the giant basilisk.
Watching this scene, like a group of ants battling a worm, Vold couldn't help but wonder how Harry, alone, had defeated such a formidable creature. Perhaps it was because Harry had used a sword, while the students were relying on magic... The basilisk's magical resistance was indeed high, and most spells seemed to merely tickle its scales.
But Vold preferred to believe that Dumbledore, just like now, was invisibly standing by, using magic to restrain the beast and watching with satisfaction as the young Hero Harry Potter pierced the basilisk's upper jaw with the Gryffindor Sword.
Thinking of this, he turned to look at the Headmaster, only to find that Dumbledore was also gazing at him, tears glistening in his eyes as if deeply moved.
Vold was startled. "Professor Dumbledore?"
"Isn't it wonderful?"
The Headmaster's gaze was gentle, and he smiled softly. "Seeing the children set aside their past rivalries and help each other, standing together against a common enemy, it's a beautiful feeling... It fills one's heart with warmth and hope."
"Well... it does seem that way, doesn't it..." Vold replied slowly. "But why are you looking at me when you say that? I wasn't part of that group."
"But this scene exists because of you."
Dumbledore's gaze, as he watched the fighting students, was deep and gentle, as if seeing a future far beyond the present.
"The house rivalries in Hogwarts have persisted since its founding over a thousand years ago... Even during the war, I never witnessed such unity among them."
"But this unity is temporary... It's only because they've encountered an enemy they must join forces against."
Vold calmly poured cold water on the idea. "After this challenge is over, the usual rivalries will resume."
"But they have fought side by side..." Dumbledore said optimistically. "Even if it's just once, it will leave a mark on their souls."
Vold thought to himself: How many times had Peter Pettigrew and James Potter fought side by side?
Even in the moment of selling out, he showed no mercy. But then he thought, people like Peter Pettigrew were rare, and one shouldn't generalize from a single instance.
Suddenly, the giant snake let out a painful roar, its tail twitching violently as its upper body slammed heavily onto the ground.
The snake's body was now covered in countless wounds, but only two were fatal—
Neville Longbottom still carried the sword given by Vold, and he thrust the sword deeply into the basilisk's neck from below.
One of the basilisk's fangs had been severed by a cutting spell, and Harry, holding onto the fang, flew on his broomstick above the basilisk's head. Then, aiming precisely, he plunged downward, driving the fang directly into the basilisk's blood-soaked eye socket!
Everyone was stunned by their heroic act.
Vold was also surprised.
At a moment when many senior students did not retreat but bravely fought, it was still Harry and Neville who ended the battle...
In an instant, he seemed to feel a force called fate.
It was as if certain people... were destined to become heroes.
Covered in the dark snake's blood, Neville seemed unable to believe what he had done. He leaned on his knees, panting heavily.
A dull thud sounded from nearby.
"Harry—"
Hermione called out and rushed over. George, who was closest, had already caught him, preventing him from falling to the ground.
As they laid Harry on the ground, they saw his face turning black, with several wounds on his arm where the snake's fangs had torn through.
"Harry's been poisoned!" George shouted. "Who has the antidote?"
Michael, who had been observing the basilisk with his mouth wide open, immediately took out a small bottle from his pocket, held it high, and ran over, yelling, "I have it! I have the antidote!"
Without much thought, everyone quickly made way, and Michael knelt beside Harry, uncorked the bottle, and poured the antidote into Harry's mouth.
The potion worked incredibly fast; in just a few seconds, the greenish-black discoloration caused by the toxins faded from the boy's face, and the blood flowing from his wounds turned back to a normal red.
"I'm fine... I'm okay..."
Harry felt as if he were being held tightly by several people. He mumbled as he pushed away the hands grasping him.
When he opened his eyes, he saw George, Hermione, and Michael beside him, and Neville, looking tense, at his feet.
"This antidote is incredible!" said Ravenclaw Prefect Robert, who was standing nearby. He patted Michael's shoulder and asked with interest, "Michael, where did you get it?"
"Er..."
Michael quickly glanced at Professor Snape, who stood expressionless at the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets.
Before they came, Professor Snape had given each of them a bottle of potion, saying they might need it. These students had shown exceptional performance in Potions class, specifically from Slytherin and Ravenclaw.
The potion was extremely precious, with only a mouthful in each bottle, and there were only a few bottles.
The professor's private gesture couldn't be disclosed.
As Michael hesitated, Robert found his own explanation.
"Vold gave it to you, didn't he? You two have always been close... I also heard that kid is the designer of this tournament..."
Robert stood up and looked around. "Where is he?"
"Because the referee is also participating in the game, it would be too unfair for the competitors."
A voice sounded from the side.
(End of Chapter)
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