It's Over

The Basilisk slithered in the distance, its emerald scales glinting coldly in the dim light of the Chamber of Secrets. Its slit-pupiled eyes stayed fixed on Gavin.

It did not come closer, but it did not leave either. It seemed to be waiting for an order.

Its massive body coiled back and forth along the edge of the Main Hall. Its tail occasionally swept against a Stone Pillar, scraping off a shower of fine chips.

The stink of the Dungbomb still lingered in the air, along with the scorched smell left by the burning Obscurus.

Gavin watched it without raising the hand that held his Wand.

He did not intend to kill the Basilisk.

Not because he was softhearted—

A Basilisk that had lived for over a thousand years could give someone nightmares for an entire night with its eyes alone.

But he had already used up more than half his Magic, and the Chamber of Secrets made it difficult to cast spells that controlled the battlefield.

When he killed the Black Dragon, Norbert had helped keep it occupied, allowing the Obscurus to invade its head with precision. This time, Gavin had no help.

Gavin had yet to find a way to use the Obscurus without limits. If he sent it straight at this sixty-foot monster, it would drain him dry too.

The cost-to-benefit ratio was far too poor. It went against his principles—he liked efficiency.

Besides, he had another idea. Could he reproduce Parseltongue and use it to control the Basilisk? He already had the beginnings of a plan.

If he could do that, and then find a way to restrict the Parseltongue on the other side...

Using the Basilisk to beat Voldemort senseless would be fun to watch.

So Gavin decided to take the cautious approach. For now,