On the Verge of Discovery

"Slytherin students must strictly follow the school's safety rules. You are not permitted to leave your dormitories on your own outside class hours!"

Snape's low voice echoed through the Slytherin Common Room, carrying a trace of suppressed anger.

"What's wrong with Professor Snape?"

The Slytherin students were baffled by their head of house's sudden announcement to everyone.

Before long, Snape came in with a young witch who could not stop crying.

"Astoria?"

A witch hurried over. Her name was Daphne, and she was the crying girl's older sister.

Snape's face was grim. He immediately gathered every Slytherin student, made sure no one was missing, then turned and left without a word.

"Where's Draco?"

Eli had noticed Draco was still absent, but Snape had said nothing about him.

"Malfoy... he's been petrified..."

"What?!"

Eli was horrified. He rushed up to Astoria. "When was he petrified?"

"I ran into Malfoy at the Owlery, so we came back together. Halfway back, he suddenly pushed me aside, and then... then he was petrified."

Astoria seemed badly shaken. Her lips were pale, and tears kept streaming down her face.

Eli's thoughts raced. Draco had been petrified. Why had he gone to the Owlery? How had he seen the Basilisk?

He tried to keep his voice gentle. "Can you tell me where you were attacked? Did you... did you catch even a glimpse of the monster?"

At the word "monster," Astoria burst into tears again.

"I think she needs to rest. Whatever you want to ask, wait until she's feeling better!"

Daphne stepped protectively in front of Astoria.

Then Astoria finally spoke. "By the window near the Great Hall. I... I fell down. I didn't see anything, and Malfoy just..."

Eli turned away, his expression grave. He had a good idea what had happened.

Draco must