The moment Nagini's command echoed through the chamber, and the horrifying sound of the approaching Basilisk began, Ariana's mind processed the new reality with lightning speed. This was no longer a mission of investigation; it was a combat situation against a Class-X threat. Their role as students—even as key-bearers and strategists—was over.
"Behind the pillar! Now!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the rising tension.
She didn't wait for them to obey. She grabbed Harry's arm with one hand and Hermione's with the other, physically pulling them back behind the base of a massive, snake-carved column. Ron, scrambling after them, followed a second later.
Their movement triggered an immediate, disciplined response from the Aurors. Two of them, a stern-faced woman and a grim-looking man, abandoned their offensive positions and spun around, placing themselves directly in front of the pillar. They raised their wands, forming a secondary, dedicated shield around the four students. Their orders were clear: protect the civilians.
From the safety of their stone sanctuary, they could only hear the battle, a terrifying symphony of destructive magic.
"Oculos Everti!" It was Dumbledore's voice, thundering with a power they had never heard before, a spell of pure, blinding force. It was followed by a terrible, agonized shriek from the Basilisk, a sound of pain and fury that seemed to shake the very foundations of the castle.
"Its eyes are gone! It's blinded!" Amelia Bones shouted. "All units, full offensive pattern! It can still hear and smell! Bombarda Maxima!"
The chamber erupted in a cataclysm of light and sound. Jets of red, blue, and searing white light slammed into the unseen, massive body of the Basilisk. The air crackled with the raw power of dozens of highly trained wizards and witches unleashing their full might in a coordinated assault. They could hear the creature thrashing, its immense tail smashing against stone pillars, sending cascades of rock and dust raining down from the ceiling. Spells ricocheted, shields flared, and the combined shouts of the Aurors and professors became a single, focused roar of defiance.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione huddled together, their faces pale with terror and awe. They were witnessing a real, high-level magical battle, a world away from the fumbled spells of a dueling club. This was what true power looked like: disciplined, overwhelming, and utterly terrifying.
Ariana, however, was listening analytically. She tracked the sounds, mapping the battle in her mind. She noted the pattern of spells—concussive blasts to disorient, cutting curses aimed at the creature's underbelly, binding charms attempting to slow its movements. It was a brutal, efficient, and professional extermination.
The battle raged for what felt like an eternity but was likely only a few minutes. Finally, after a particularly massive, coordinated volley of spells, there was a final, earth-shaking crash as the Basilisk's immense body toppled over, its death throe a tremor that ran through the floor beneath them.
A profound, ringing silence descended, broken only by the heavy breathing of the combatants.
"Status report!" Amelia Bones's voice called out, sharp and commanding.
"Target neutralized," an Auror replied. "No casualties on our side. Minor injuries only."
The Aurors guarding them lowered their wands, though their stances remained wary.
Dumbledore approached their pillar, his face grim but his eyes holding a deep relief. "It is over," he said. "You are all safe."
They emerged from behind the pillar to a scene of utter devastation. The chamber was a wreck of shattered stone and magical residue. And lying in the center of it all, its massive, dark green coils still, was the corpse of the Basilisk. It was a creature of nightmarish scale, its head the size of a carriage, its fangs as long as swords. Its great, yellow eyes were ruined, blackened pits, testament to Dumbledore's swift and decisive opening strike.
Even in death, it was a terrifying sight. But the threat was gone.
The ascent back to the surface was a slow, somber procession. They left a team of Aurors behind to secure the Chamber and begin their investigation. When they finally emerged back into Moaning Myrtle's lavatory, it felt like returning from another world.
Amelia Bones, her professional demeanor firmly back in place, turned to Dumbledore.
"Albus, this changes everything. A Basilisk, loose in the school for months. A potential second entrance controlled by… whatever that other serpent was. We cannot assume this threat is entirely neutralized."
"I agree, Amelia," Dumbledore said gravely.
"Therefore," she continued, her voice leaving no room for argument, "I am exercising my authority under the Magical Law Enforcement Charter. I am ordering the temporary closure of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, effective immediately, for a period of one week."
A collective gasp went through the assembled professors.
"The students will be sent home," Bones stated firmly. "This will allow my teams to conduct a full, systematic sweep of this castle, from the dungeons to the highest tower. We will search for this 'Nagini', for any other hidden chambers, and for any lingering traces of the Basilisk's venom or influence. The safety of the students is paramount, and it cannot be guaranteed until this castle is declared secure. You will arrange for the Hogwarts Express to be ready for an emergency departure tomorrow morning." The decision was absolute. Hogwarts was closing.
The news spread through the castle like wildfire, causing a mixture of panic, excitement, and confusion among the student body. Parents were notified by owl post of the emergency closure.
That evening, in the Gryffindor common room, the reality of the situation began to sink in. Harry and Ron were relieved but also worried about where Harry would go. The Dursleys would not be pleased with his unexpected return.
It was Hermione who provided the solution. She approached Ariana, her face earnest.
"Ariana," she said. "My parents… they'll be worried, but they'll understand. Our home is just a normal house in a London suburb, nothing like the Flamels' cottage, I'm sure. But… it's safe. And my parents would love to meet you properly. Would you… would you like to come and stay with my family for the week?"
The offer was simple, heartfelt, and born of their deep, unshakable friendship. Last summer, Ariana had been whisked away to a world of high magic. This time, she was being offered something different, but in its own way, just as valuable: the quiet, normal sanctuary of a friend's home. A place to rest, to process, and to be, for a little while, just a girl instead of a magical prodigy.
Ariana looked at Hermione's hopeful face, and a rare, genuine smile touched her lips. She had faced down ancient prophecies, dueled dark wizards, and outmaneuvered a house-elf. A week in the Muggle world sounded… logical. It sounded peaceful.
"Thank you, Hermione," she said, her voice warm. "I would like that very much."