The first to know of the Basilisk's arrival was Aragog, who stayed obediently in his own lair.
Fifty years ago, when it was only the size of Hagrid's palm, it already knew that Hogwarts Castle had its natural enemy.
"Run, Mosag!"
With its back to its wife, whose downy fur stood on end, it said, "Take the children and leave the territory, head towards the castle."
Mosag raised his large head. "And you? I've felt an instinctive fear ever since that thing stepped into our territory."
"I'm old, I no longer have the strength to flee with you." Aragog turned around, his eight large, gray eyes filled with sorrow.
"If you see Hagrid, please remember to thank him for my sake, for the help he has given to our community over the past fifty years."
"Aragog— "
"Let's go, Mosag, take the children and leave this place."
Mosag's reluctance turned into determination.
It must survive, lead its children away from their terrible predators, and find a new land to continue living.
After saying his last words, Aragog quietly lay down on the ground.
As Mosag emerged from its nest, it slowly closed its eight large eyes.
It's impossible not to be afraid of the Basilisk, but it is the leader of the entire tribe, and an old one at that.
Fate had already decided that it could not leave this place, could not leave the Forbidden Forest where it had lived its whole life.
McGonagall and Flitwick's judgment was correct; the entire swarm of Acromantula emerged and scattered as they fled forward.
That empty space was where the two of them were located, and it was also the direction the Basilisk was heading.
"We've chosen a good spot." McGonagall recalled the scattered wooden Giant.
There was movement in the smoke ahead; the Basilisk was very close to them.
Flitwick waved his wand, creating a barrier in front of him. "Minerva, we are very lucky."
If the Basilisk hadn't shed its skin, it would have been quite troublesome for them to deal with.
Its sturdy scales can defend against physical and magical damage, and despite its enormous size, it can move nimbly through the Forbidden Forest.
The only things that can be considered dangerous now are eyes and venom.
But then black smoke drifted over and mixed with the original smoke.
The only thing the two need to be wary of is Venom.
"Hiss—"
"It's here." McGonagall told the two wooden Giant at the front to extend their hands.
Flitwick looked at the castle gradually lighting up in the distance. "Minerva, it seems you don't need to activate that spell."
"Yes." McGonagall's face showed a hint of regret, but more so relief. "This idea isn't Pomona's style. Could it be that Albus Dumbledore back?"
"Maybe it's Vincent."
"It shouldn't be." A slight smile played on her lips. "The reason that person came back is different from last year. Even with Severus around, it wouldn't have taken this long."
"They've grown up." Flitwick said, with a mix of joy and a touch of melancholy.
It would be perfect if there were six little ones plus a Little Eagle.
His spirits didn't slump for long, because a giant silhouette could already be vaguely seen through the smoke ahead.
The Headmaster's Office on the Seventh Floor.
The stalemate has lasted for more than ten minutes.
Tom didn't move an inch, only his eyes were fixed on the noisy gate.
He had the Basilisk distract the professors so he could take the Sword of Gryffindor.
The commotion outside could only mean one thing: the students had all woken up.
The reason is unknown, but the situation is quite bad.
"Harry Potter, why don't we sit down and talk?"
You can put that weapon against my neck, then you won't have to worry about me picking up the wand, right?
Vincent knew, of course, that this was a test, a probe to see if anyone else was there.
Snape knew this too, and neither of them had any intention of paying any attention to Tom.
If they agree, it means there are still people there; if they don't agree, it means there are no people there.
But whatever the outcome, Tom will not choose to believe it.
"I can give you a chance, Harry Potter— "
His expression was very kind, without the slightest trace of the ferocity typical of dark wizards. "If the two of us join forces, conquering the world will not be a problem."
Deception is useless, especially with Vincent.
Compared to conquering the world, changing the world is more difficult, but also brings a greater sense of accomplishment.
"I know you are bothered by the fact that I killed your parents, but I have a way to bring them back to life."
A crisp footstep echoed in the quiet Headmaster's Office.
Tom's dark eyes swept over.
It's to the left front, less than a meter away.
"I can do many incredible things, and resurrection is just the smallest of them."
He tentatively took a step forward. "James Potter Potter, right? He's your father."
Snape trembled under the Disillusionment Charm.
"And your mother, Lily Potter."
Vincent had to admire Tom's insight.
The only one who can hide right under the nose of a master of Legilimency is a master of Occlumency.
If Dumbledore were here, the stalemate wouldn't have lasted this long.
Therefore, if there are other people involved, they can only be considered top-notch undercover agents who are treated as traitors.
But given Snape's meticulous nature, Tom, with his nose in the air, could never possibly know about his affair with Harry's parents.
"Harry Potter, I can reunite your family and give you back—"
"Stop talking!" Snape raised his wand, which shone with an undeniable brilliance.
Tom quickly lay down on the ground, unable to hide the triumphant smile on his face.
With a "bang," Vincent was suddenly knocked away by a powerful Stunning Spell.
He nearly smashed the entire large round table to pieces, rendering the Disillusionment Charm covering his body ineffective.
"There really are two people." Tom picked up his wand and blocked the oncoming spells one by one.
"Anger is a good emotion." He pointed his wand at Snape with his right hand, revealing a particularly cruel smile.
"It can help me find the enemy's weaknesses and help me achieve final victory— Expelliarmus!"
Enraged, Snape crashed into the wall beneath the portrait of the headmaster, his wand flying into the air.
Tom caught it steadily and then quickly turned to the side.
The same bat-shaped helmet, the only difference is the clothing.
If Vincent is a professional, Snape looks particularly amateurish.
"Harry Potter, we can have a serious talk now."
He pointed his wand at the two of them, one in front and one behind, and the moment he saw the Sword of Gryffindor, he showed an expression of "I knew it."
Although the reason is unknown, it can indeed harm the soul.
Vincent, whose head was spinning, never loosened his grip on the sword.
Compared to Snape's gritted teeth, he became increasingly puzzled by the wand pointing at him.
It's a 9-inch cherry wood piece with an exceptionally exquisite appearance, a top-tier item that comes at a high price.
And it looks very familiar, like I've seen it somewhere before.
Yesterday? No, it's tonight!
The wand in Tom's hand actually belongs to Lockhart!