A Olive Branch

"Then that's for the best." Dumbledore smiled. "Hagrid's had a hard life, too. For so many years, he's carried the guilt of accidentally killing a fellow student. His life has been miserable, and he can't even use a wand properly."

"Come on, Albus. That's a bit of an exaggeration." Amelia pursed her lips, exasperated. "Hagrid's a shareholder in the Silver Flash Merchant, after all. You know perfectly well how he's doing. Don't worry. I'll clear his name as soon as I can, without needing any of you to push me."

After discussing Hagrid's situation for a while, Amelia went with the others to take a look at the Basilisk. But with Dumbledore and Anduin opposed to it, she gave up on the idea of taking it back to the Ministry of Magic.

As Dumbledore put it, what happened to the Basilisk was Hogwarts' business. Besides, it was a relic of Slytherin, one of the Founders.

Of course, both Dumbledore and McGonagall knew that the Basilisk now belonged to Anduin. Even they had no right to interfere.

More than anything, Dumbledore felt relieved. If Anduin hadn't found the Chamber of Secrets, he might never have known such a dangerous creature was lurking in the school.

Both the school and the Ministry of Magic could accept this arrangement. After learning the general situation, Amelia left Hogwarts.

After seeing Amelia off, Anduin hurried back to the Chamber of Secrets. Shalltear had already taken the Basilisk away, and the room was now full of older students.

They weren't there to sightsee. On Professor McGonagall's orders, they were helping clean up the scene and tend to the injured.

As soon as Anduin returned to the Chamber of Secrets, he grabbed Hog by the scruff and lifted him like a puppy. Then he looked at Percy.