36 grand inspection
Apologies for the abrupt hiatus in updating this fanfic. Unfortunately, some family matters arose around Easter that required my immediate attention. Thankfully, everything has been sorted out now.
I'm excited to announce that I'll be resuming updates for this fanfic. However, due to upcoming university exams, I'll need to reduce the chapter frequency to once a day. Balancing my studies with writing has become a priority, and I hope you understand.
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to the fans of this fanfic. Your support means a lot to me, and I'm committed to delivering quality chapters, even if it means adjusting the schedule. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
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Gryffindor Tower, eighth floor, in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady, Ciaran stood ready to utter the password when the portrait unexpectedly swung open, revealing Professor McGonagall emerging from within.
"Professor Frémont?" Professor McGonagall's eyebrows arched in surprise.
Ciaran nodded respectfully. "Professor McGonagall, may I come in and have a few words?" After a brief pause, he added, "We're scheduled to work together later to inspect the castle's safety."
Though perplexed, Professor McGonagall acquiesced with a nod. "Come in," she said, retreating into the portrait's frame.
The Gryffindor students, witnessing this peculiar exchange, braced for unwelcome news. Anxiety rippled through the room as they exchanged nervous glances, their attention now fixated on Ciaran.
Stepping into the Gryffindor common room for the first time, Ciaran's gaze swept the area, pausing momentarily on Ginny Weasley, who wore an expression of apprehension. He quickly diverted his attention, not wanting to arouse suspicion regarding the hidden Riddle's diary and its potentially perilous contents.
"Professor, have you apprehended the culprit? Is the basilisk under control?" George Weasley's voice echoed with urgency.
Ciaran shook his head sombrely. "There are currently no leads on the heir of Slytherin, and the basilisk remains elusive."
"We can assist, Professor. We know Hogwarts like the backs of our hands!" Fred volunteered eagerly.
"It's not permitted!" Professor McGonagall interjected sternly, fixing the Weasley twins with a resolute gaze. "This matter is not for students to meddle in. Our faculty will handle the basilisk."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged furtive glances, their suspicions regarding Draco Malfoy's involvement lingering. Initiating plans to infiltrate the Slytherin common room, they hoped to gather evidence. However, their efforts yielded no conclusive results, only exacerbating tensions with Malfoy.
Disappointed but undeterred, the trio resolved to exercise patience, awaiting the opportune moment to uncover the truth.
"I suggest you all remain within the common room. No one should venture out after sunset..." Ciaran's gaze lingered on Fred, George, and the trio, who embodied Gryffindor's adventurous spirit.
In silent agreement, they evaded Ciaran's scrutiny, though their fleeting collisions betrayed their apprehension.
Ciaran spoke a few additional words, providing a pretext for his subsequent actions.
"Very well, Professor McGonagall, let us proceed."
With that, Ciaran departed the Gryffindor common room, followed by Professor McGonagall.
"We'll conduct a patrol of Gryffindor Tower," Professor McGonagall declared, brandishing her wand.
Ciaran retrieved his wand from his robe, both resolved to thoroughly inspect Hogwarts Castle, despite its myriad secrets accumulated over centuries.
Teachers and ghosts patrolled the corridors in pairs, adhering to Dumbledore's mandate of vigilance.
By early afternoon, no significant discoveries were made. As evening descended, students convened in the Great Hall under teacher supervision, followed by a return to their respective common rooms before sunset.
After a hurried dinner, teachers embarked on patrols, vigilant for anomalies.
Yet, by midnight, their efforts yielded no leads on the basilisk. Exhausted, they retired to their offices.
Before succumbing to sleep, Ciaran devised a plan to unveil the secret chamber's location.
In the ensuing days, the castle remained under tight security, with students escorted by faculty or ghosts.
In a faculty meeting, Lockhart fervently proposed establishing a duelling club to enhance students' defence skills.
Ciaran, elated by the opportunity, realized this was the breakthrough they needed. If not for Lockhart's proposal, he would have initiated the club himself, ensuring Harry's Parseltongue remained concealed.
"An excellent idea," Professor McGonagall began before being cut off by Lockhart, who eagerly sought approval.
Lockhart's departure to consult Dumbledore left Professor McGonagall visibly annoyed.
"He's always like this," Snape remarked, intrigued by the prospect of the duelling club. "I might attend."
As Lockhart sought Dumbledore's blessing, Ciaran seized the opportunity to refine his plan. With the duelling club established, he could discreetly guide Harry toward uncovering the Chamber of Secrets while honing his defensive skills.
Days turned into weeks as preparations for the duelling club progressed. Excitement buzzed throughout Hogwarts as students eagerly anticipated the inaugural session.
Finally, the day arrived. Lockhart, adorned in his usual flamboyant attire, presided over the club's first meeting with great fanfare.
As students gathered in the Great Hall, Ciaran observed from the side-lines, his mind focused on Harry's participation. This would be the perfect opportunity to introduce him to the concept of Parseltongue and its relevance to the Chamber of Secrets.
During the duelling demonstrations, Ciaran discreetly approached Harry, engaging him in conversation about defensive strategies. With practiced subtlety, he broached the topic of Parseltongue, gauging Harry's reaction.
To his relief, Harry remained composed, albeit curious. Seizing the moment, Ciaran divulged the significance of Parseltongue in the context of Salazar Slytherin and the Chamber of Secrets, carefully monitoring Harry's response.
As Lockhart regaled the students with tales of his supposed exploits, Ciaran discreetly ushered Harry aside, imparting crucial information about the chamber's location and the importance of his role in uncovering it.
Throughout the meeting, Ciaran maintained a watchful eye on Harry, subtly guiding him toward his destiny while ensuring his safety.
As the duelling club concluded, students dispersed, their minds buzzing with excitement and newfound knowledge.
Alone with Harry, Ciaran reiterated the importance of discretion and caution, reminding him of the dangers lurking within Hogwarts.
With renewed determination, Harry pledged to confront the Chamber of Secrets and vanquish the threat within.
As they parted ways, Ciaran watched Harry's retreating figure with a mixture of apprehension and hope. The fate of Hogwarts rested in his hands, and Ciaran vowed to support him every step of the way.
In the days that followed, Harry delved deeper into the mysteries of the Chamber of Secrets, guided by Ciaran's counsel and the lessons learned from the duelling club.
Together, they uncovered clues leading them ever closer to the chamber's hidden entrance, their bond strengthened by a shared sense of purpose.
As the final confrontation with the basilisk loomed, Ciaran stood by Harry's side, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
With courage and determination, they ventured into the depths of the Chamber of Secrets, prepared to confront the darkness threatening Hogwarts once and for all.
And as the echoes of their footsteps faded into the darkness, a new chapter in Hogwarts' history began, forged by the bravery and resilience of its students.
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