https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-632-The-Culprit-from-Fifty-Years-Ago/12527038/
Chapter 633: Hermione's New Discovery
Chapter 633: Hermione's New Discovery
After leaving Hagrid's hunting cabin, Albert felt cheerful.
Finally, he had taken care of Hagrid! As for how to prove that Voldemort was the culprit, he would naturally need to compare the names of Tom Riddle and Voldemort, and then use the remaining letters to form Tom Riddle's middle name.
Of course, such an argument would definitely not convince most people, but the person Albert wanted to convince was Dumbledore, who was familiar with Tom Riddle and would naturally understand the implications of Albert's words.
Albert wasn't sure if his actions of unraveling the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets, finding the true perpetrator behind the attacks, and clearing Hagrid's name from the fifty-year-old injustice would earn him the "Special Contribution Award." However, he believed that by doing these things, he would likely complete the quests "Secret Digger," "Unspeakable Secret," "Wrong Decision," and "Unjust Incarceration" on his panel.
As for dealing with the Basilisk in the Chamber, that was truly none of his business.
What made Albert hesitate now was whether or not to take on the "Survival of the Fittest" quest. At the moment, Tom Riddle's anger was probably directed at Lockhart, and the quest required him to successfully escape the attack. The rewards were indeed plentiful, but he would have to risk his life and dance with the deadly Basilisk.
To gamble with his life…was it really worth it? It was hard to say.
As Albert walked back to the castle along the grassy path, he couldn't help but feel emotional as he passed through the crowd of laughing students. Ignorance, he thought, could sometimes be a form of bliss, as they didn't have to worry about the impending dangers that lay ahead.
How many students at Hogwarts were aware of the undercurrents lurking beneath this seemingly peaceful setting?
Albert took out the tracking parchment from his pocket and checked on Ginny Weasley's location.
When would Tom Riddle make his next move?
During Easter? Albert suspected it was highly likely. Ever since he came to Hogwarts, there hadn't been a peaceful Easter.
In his first year, he ventured into the Forbidden Forest at midnight and rescued the Weasley twins.
In his second year, he teamed up with Isabelle to take down Ronald Smith.
In his third year, he and his three roommates navigated through the protective mechanisms guarding the Philosopher's Stone.
And now, in his fourth year?
Would he have to escape the pursuit of the Basilisk alone?
No, Albert preferred a scenario where he toyed with the heir of Slytherin and safely escaped the clutches of the Basilisk.
"Albert, I finally found you."
As Albert was deep in thought, a familiar voice called out to him from a distance.
He looked up and saw Hermione running towards him, slightly out of breath. "What's the matter?" he asked, puzzled.
Several girls nearby glanced at Hermione with curious eyes, and soon the corridor was filled with whispers.
Hermione shot a glance at the gossiping girls and turned back to Albert. "Regarding the last incident, I've found some new clues. We'd better find a place where we can talk privately; this isn't a suitable place for such a discussion."
"Oh, you're quite concerned about it," Albert said, looking at Hermione with some surprise. He lowered his voice and reminded her, "But you'd better not wander around the castle alone. It's not safe right now."
"I've always been careful about my safety," Hermione said firmly, clutching the mirror Albert had given her in her pocket.
As they spoke, the two of them had already started walking towards the castle grounds.
"Did you just come from Hagrid's?" Hermione asked suddenly.
"Yes, I went to tell Hagrid about our recent discoveries. You know this matter concerns him, and since we're investigating anyway, I thought I'd help him look into the events from fifty years ago," Albert said, seeing no need to hide the truth from Hermione. She wasn't like Harry and Ron, who were a couple of dolts. Her intellect was sharp, and even if he didn't tell her, she would likely be able to piece things together herself.
Hermione asked curiously, "Have you already found out who opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago?"
"Do you want to know?" Albert countered.
"Yes!" Hermione nodded.
"Curiosity killed the cat," Albert replied, having no intention of revealing the truth to her just yet. Miss Granger obviously didn't realize she was already in danger. After all, in the novel, Hermione had been petrified by the Basilisk, and it was uncertain if something similar would happen this time.
"Is it very dangerous?" Hermione asked, blinking.
"Anyway, what did you want to talk to me about?" Albert diverted the topic.
Hermione pouted, not pursuing the matter further, and brought the conversation back on track. "Do you remember Harry once mentioned that a student died during the attacks fifty years ago?"
"Actually, Colin was very lucky. If it weren't for his camera, he would have certainly died," Albert said coldly. "You're underestimating the threat of the Basilisk. That kind of monster really can kill with its eyes."
"You mean…" Hermione was startled by Albert's words. "…the Basilisk's eyes can really kill people?"
"Do you remember the line from the book?" Albert recited softly, "The Basilisk's stare can also kill, and anyone who meets its gaze directly will surely perish."
"Colin was petrified because he didn't look directly into the Basilisk's eyes, so the power of the curse was weakened, resulting in him being petrified instead of dying instantly."
Hermione fell silent for a moment, finally understanding why Albert was so cautious and why someone had died fifty years ago.
"I suspect Myrtle Warren, the Crying Girl, was the student who died from the Basilisk's gaze," Hermione shared her conjecture. "I think she might have been the girl who died on the second floor of the castle…"
Albert made a shushing gesture.
Hermione looked around and lowered her voice. "You knew already?"
"Yes, I guessed as much," Albert nodded in admission. "But I haven't gone to confirm it yet, and now isn't the time to reveal the answer."
"Why do you say that?"
Hermione was puzzled, not understanding the meaning of his words. Shouldn't they go and ask Myrtle Warren to get to the bottom of things?
Hermione had come to find Albert to invite him to question Myrtle together.
As for Harry and Ron, they could be informed afterward.
In Hermione's opinion, Albert was undoubtedly more reliable than the other two.
"I haven't found the heir of Slytherin yet," Albert explained to Hermione. "In fact, Professor Dumbledore knows more about these matters than we do. He is also waiting for the heir of Slytherin to slip up, so he can perfectly resolve this issue and ensure that the Chamber of Secrets is never opened again or similar attacks occur."
Just then, an owl flew directly towards them and dropped a ribbon-bound invitation letter for Albert.
Hermione looked at the invitation letter with some surprise, curious about who would send Albert an invitation, but she held back from asking, afraid of provoking him.
Albert tucked the invitation into his pocket and smiled at Hermione. "An invitation from an old friend. I hope I'll be able to attend their gathering during the Easter holidays."
"You're amazing," Hermione said, sincerely admiring Albert. Not every wizard could get along well with famous witches and wizards.
"You can do it too," Albert said. "I have a feeling that this matter will be resolved before the end of the term. There's no need for the three of you to get involved anymore."
"What about you?" Hermione frowned and asked.
"I never put myself in dangerous situations," Albert said confidently. With that, he turned and walked towards the castle.
(End of Chapter)
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