Will had barely entered the room when Professor Flitwick came racing in behind him. Through the billowing dust, he saw Harry and Malfoy lying on the floor.
A large crowd of students followed Professor Flitwick in.
Everyone's attention was seized by the shocking scene before them. Harry Potter lay rigid on the floor, his face set in an expression of heroic sacrifice and his body smeared with filthy blood. He gripped a ruby-studded silver sword tightly in one hand. The walls and floor around him were a wreck, as though a fierce battle had taken place.
A beautiful crimson Phoenix wept beside Harry, with the Sorting Hat at its feet.
The enormous corpse of a green serpent nearly blocked the corridor. Foul-smelling blood had spilled across the floor, and several younger students recoiled behind braver classmates.
It was not just Gryffindor students. Students from other houses had also rushed to the Seventh Floor.
Professor Flitwick's high-pitched voice trembled. "Merlin's beard! Is that... a Basilisk?"
With his knowledge and experience, Professor Flitwick had recognized the creature at once. Before he could think any further, he heard a scream.
"Harry!"
Hermione let out a heart-wrenching cry, rushed forward, and dropped to her knees beside Harry.
Ron followed her, the color draining from his face. He looked from Harry to the huge Basilisk corpse, his lips trembling, unable to say a word.
Scabbers, the rat in his pocket, buried his head inside it too, as though he could not bear the gruesome sight.
Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Michael Corner, Luna Lovegood... every student who arrived was stunned. They stared at The Chosen One, who had so heroically "sacrificed" his life, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Colin Creevey's camera fell to the floor with a clatter. He stood frozen for a moment,