(Songbird Rooms)
"Myrtle said the last thing she remembers before she died was a male voice hissing in the bathroom. She was going out to confront him, but saw a massive pair of yellow eyes. That was the last thing she saw alive," her best friend explained to the group as she shot Daphne an annoyed look for taking credit for her discovery.
"At least we know what this monster is now and roughly where the Chamber of Secrets is located," Penny stated to the group, before looking over to where Harry was sitting on the couch next to Padma, looking quite worn out.
"Indeed," Harry seconded, speaking up for the first time this meeting, causing the group's interest to stir at his sudden affirmation.
"Care to enlighten the rest of us?" Tracy asked on behalf of the group while noticing how truly tired Harry looked in his seat next to Padma, his eyes heavy with signs of exhaustion.
"A basilisk," Harry said firmly. "It kills its prey through eye contact. It's an instant death for you as soon as you meet its eyes," Harry offered with a tired yawn, but his deadly serious tone sent shivers down her spine, the group suddenly becoming silent at this news.
"It is said only a Parselmouth can control one. That explains the hissing Myrtle heard in the bathroom and why she only remembers a pair of yellow eyes before her death. It was the basilisk she saw. However, it's said its only weakness is the cry of a rooster," he noted with amusement.
"Myrtle's story also confirms the Chamber's location and our suspect monster, since Hagrid's chickens were slaughtered at the start of the year before the attacks," Penny added, clearly not shocked by the fact, causing her to leap to the conclusion that the pair had already discussed the possibility of it being a basilisk before this meeting occurred.
"Otherwise, why would a boy, or for that matter the head boy, be in the girls' bathroom talking to a massive snake? Wouldn't you choose somewhere less open to discovery?" No one tried to argue the point, even Blaise was keeping silent, but Tonks was giving Harry unusual looks, like she was trying to work out something. 'Interesting,' she noted, wondering if Daphne had also picked up on the nonverbal interaction between the pair.
"So we inform the staff then," the lone Puff stated, her eyes still locked on Harry, who seemed too tired to really notice her scrutiny. "Hopefully they can set a trap for the heir and end this whole Chamber business." The group voiced their agreement at this, with only Harry staying quiet.
"Something on your mind, Harry?" she inquired, wondering what exactly was going through the sharp Ravenclaw's mind. Was it just exhaustion keeping Harry quiet? Or was he scheming?
"Just thinking, Tracy," the dark-haired Raven responded, his hand adjusting his collar before explaining further under their combined stares.
"I think it would be best to check the bathroom first and go over our facts and arguments again; otherwise, the staff may dismiss it entirely due to our age. If we get it wrong, any credibility we have with the staff will be ruined, not to mention that if this knowledge gets out, we could have painted targets on our backs for no reason. Then there is the matter of possible rewards for our efforts."
"Rewards?" Tonks exclaimed. "For Merlin's sake, Harry, we have a basilisk going around the school! And you're thinking of a reward?"
"Just saying, cuz, no need to get your knickers in a twist," he shot back. She fought to keep a grin off her face at this unusual remark from Harry. "All of us have expended a great deal of time, effort and energy on this; we also have key evidence of who truly murdered Myrtle.
This will clear Hagrid's name and stop Lord Malfoy's plot to take over the school. Then there is also a very good chance that Lord Malfoy may retaliate against us for interrupting his latest scheme." This dose of hard reality plunged the room back into silence once again as everyone considered the argument.
"None of us want Draco's father in charge; Draco would be insufferable," she voiced confidently, speaking up again and expressing their collective thoughts. "So I'm fine with telling the staff," she stated her position.
"On the subject of Draco, I heard an interesting rumor that he's being forced to step down as Slytherin's Seeker," Harry stated from his place by Padma's side, looking over to her and waiting for her answer.
Before she could answer, Blaise suddenly spoke up. "Yes, Draco is stepping down from the position. I quote his words: 'It's unbecoming of an heir of a respectable house to play a commoner's sport.'" A smug smile formed on the Italian boy's lips when he finished.
"He was an even bigger idiot to say this while in the middle of the Slytherin common room. That certainly didn't do his standing any favors, not that he has any. Whatever personal influence he had is at rock bottom now; only his father and godfather's name has any pull left. Even his two apes are challenging him.
If I was him, I would have simply stated that I was stepping down so that I could focus on the upcoming exams," which Daphne nodded to in agreement. "However, I seriously doubt he had a choice. Flint was going to have to kick him from the team anyway; the whole team wanted him gone, along with the rest of the house.
The only thing that allowed him on the team in the first place was the broom advantage he brought with him. If they lose the next game, it will be the first time in 20 years that they lost three games in succession under one captain.
There will be Quidditch scouts at the last couple of games of the year. If that loss happens, any hope Flint has of going professional will go up in flames." The group nodded, processing the news.
"Draco also blames you for all this, by the way," Blaise added, giving him a curious look.
"I expected as much," Harry replied evenly with an uncaring shrug of his shoulders to emphasize the point. "He needs someone to blame for his failings. He never struck me as a guy who could look at himself objectively," he said, dismissing the issue with a casual wave of his hand, making it clear that Draco wasn't a real concern to him while providing them all with insight into Draco's character.
"On that note," her best friend's voice cut through the air, "Pansy has asked me if she could join our study sessions in the library," Daphne voiced to the group, bringing up another point of discussion, as well as looking around at all of them to gauge their reactions.
"As long as no one has any objections and she understands that it's a true study session, not a means to leech from our efforts," Harry expressed, voicing his own requirements since he was by far the most academic of them. "She might also have to put up with some Griffs turning up as well. Padma invited her sister," he said, looking over at the twin.
Speaking up, she wanted to make known some of her own terms for Pansy's inclusion. "I have no objections as long as she understands that we won't put up with any 'I'm better than you' crap."
"Anyone else?" Daphne invited, but the group stayed silent.
"On a side note, does anyone know why Neville is no longer talking to Dean and Seamus?" Blaise asked the group.
"From what Lavender and my sister told me in Charms today, they had a massive falling out over some 'magical map' that is meant to show everyone in the school's real-time location. Neville thinks they stole it," Padma explained. She noticed out the corner of her eye Penny suddenly sending Harry a sharp, accusing look. 'Was Harry involved?' she asked herself.
"We should try to get it anyway," Daphne voiced, with Blaise seconding the motion with a firm nod of his head. She was just about to agree as well, as such a map would be incredibly useful to them.
Tonks looked like she was about to protest, but Harry spoke up again. "Indeed, this map sounds extremely useful, but we should focus on our other more pressing concerns for now, like closing the Chamber of Secrets. Furthermore, we don't know if this information is even accurate — an enchanted map, really? Nor do we know who has it, if it even exists; it could be anyone."
"True," she added, watching Harry carefully, with the feeling that Harry knew more than he was letting on. "I just don't like the idea of a couple of Gryffindors spying on me." The group mumbled in agreement.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much," he offered with a reassuring smile.
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