32 What to do?

"What a bunch of codswallop. And how do you assume that such a creature is patrolling the castle?" Said Snape with a smirk.

"I heard the noise through the walls. It must be the pipes behind the walls. If it is either of those creatures, our students aren't safe. For all, we know if it gets loose in the great hall an entire generation of witches and wizards will be done for." McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, and Madam Pomfrey, and the other professors looked aghast at my statement.

"Now now, there is no need to panic. It is an interesting theory Quirinus but I am afraid we cannot close down the school for such a reason. Say that your theory is right, the moment we allow the school to be closed, the perpetrator may release the creature." said Dumbledore.

'What is happening? I am so confused now. What he said makes perfect sense. Is he trying to manipulate or is he genuinely a good person?'

"Can I ask you one thing Professor?" I asked.

"Yes, Quirinus my boy."

"What happened during the last time. How did you stop the attacks?" I asked.

"How do you know about that Quirinus?" Dumbledore was visibly shocked.

"I checked a few historical records, papers and asked a particular ghost." I said. I wanted to see whether he starts to read my mind and as I suspected he did.

'Here it goes. I started the next disgusting memory where Dumbledore is peeking around the third-floor girl's bathroom, meeting the ghost of Myrtle and sharing some lemon drops'

Dumbledore withdrew his probe and sat down. "The last time was as confusing as this time. The attacks stopped after a while. A student died and Hagrid was arrested even though he was not the perpetrator. The ministry wanted a scapegoat. I believe that if we inform the ministry they would do the same now as well. Sent someone innocent to Azkaban." He said truthfully while thinking. 'Quirinus is smart but his mind is filled with lewd acts of mine with many other creatures like trolls, ghosts, and whatnot. Is his mind alright?'

"So what do we do now Albus" asked a worried Professor McGonagall.

"We continue classes as it is. We could try to scour the castle and find the chamber. And we could clearly issue a statement regarding students traveling alone in the corridors." Said Dumbledore.

[Evening in the Room of Requirement]

The five were dodging left and right from the stinging jinxes sent by several puppets conjured by the room.

"Keep on dodging. Once you are able to deal with five puppets each, we will start the next part of our training." I said.

"Neville, use your weight to your advantage don't worry whether the movement is clumsy or not. Daphne if you keep on dodging like a young lady trying to go to a dance, you are going to get hit badly. Excellent work Luna, it seems you are able to predict the path of the spells and dodge. Good work Harry, make sure your robes do not get caught under your legs and make you fall. Cederic since you are a senior keep practicing with ten puppets." I kept instructing them as I watched everything from my broom.

Once the training for the day was done, they just came and fell on the couch. I gave the five nutrition potions and started healing their wounds. "You guys have come a long way. At least now you have a running away chance from a dark wizard or a monster." I said.

"Sir, what will happen to Justin?" Asked Harry as the others perked up their ears.

"Mandrakes are being grown Harry, once they are ripe they will make him a restorative potion. It was pure luck he didn't die." I said.

"What did it sir?" Daphne asked.

"I have reduced the suspects to two monsters. It's either a basilisk or a gorgon. I believe Justin saw the gaze of the creature via the ghost hence only petrifying him. I heard through the walls, the movement of something heavy. It's definitely a very big creature that slithers." I replied honestly.

"Sir, the day Mrs. Norris was petrified, I heard voices in the wall saying it will kill." Said Harry looking downcast.

"It seems my conjuncture is correct. You should have heard it via parselmouth. It could be a basilisk, but gorgons are half snakes so we can't rule them out as well." I replied.

"But then why aren't the teachers doing anything?" Neville asked with concern.

"The problem is we can't do anything but search the castle and try to find the chamber. If the rumor gets out that we know anything related to this, there is a high chance that the heir will unleash the monster without any restraint. If it runs into the hall, many will be turned to stone. Our priority is to keep this rumor contained. I hope you keep this information in your person. At this point don't believe anyone with this secret, even if it is your closest friends." I said gravely.

"Once you manage proficiently, the dodging skills, I will teach you how to use your current spells to deal the most damage. We will conclude the session here." I said and led the kids towards their dorms.

I knew giving them the information was a bad idea. But this will be a test for them to see whether they can keep a secret or not. I was not worried about Cederic, Luna, and Daphne. I hope Harry will not jump into stuff without thinking.

I saw their polyjuice brewing within the bathroom on the third floor. It seems that they are still unconvinced by the Malfoy heir. Let it play out and I will see what comes of it. Hopefully, I will be able to get that diary when Ginny throws it away. Will she throw it away? Or has my meddling changed the timeline?"