In the Great Hall, bright and early.
The long tables were laden with a lavish breakfast, yet few students were touching their knives and forks.
Almost all the young wizards and witches were sending their gazes, whether intentionally or not, over and over again toward a certain spot at the Ravenclaw table.
Lucien was sitting there quietly, just like any other morning.
However, the image from the previous night—the figure holding a sword in the rain, slashing at the Basilisk amid fire and thunder—was far too shocking. It was now etched deep into everyone's memory.
When Dumbledore finally rose to his feet, the murmuring in the Hall instantly subsided.
Although they had witnessed the Basilisk's death firsthand last night, the full story and chain of events were still murky to the students.
"I imagine most of you are already aware that something quite extraordinary happened outside the castle last night."
Dumbledore's voice was loud and clear, carrying to every corner of the Hall.
"At this time, I need to make something clear: the Chamber of Secrets, and the Basilisk within it, were indeed left by Salazar Slytherin himself."
This statement caused a minor ripple of unrest.
Although a pure-blood Slytherin student had eventually been attacked by the Basilisk, the initial claims about purging the school of Muggle-borns had instilled fear in most students. And the Chamber and the Basilisk, of all things, were left behind by one of the school's founders...
"But their original purpose was not to eliminate so-called 'unworthy' students."
Dumbledore scanned the crowd, his tone becoming earnest.
"Slytherin's intention in leaving them was as a barrier to protect the school."
He paused slightly, allowing everyone to absorb this information.
"However, this power was manipulated and twisted by someone with dark intentions. A dangerous Dark Arts object was brought into Hogwarts, and the person carrying it had their mind and soul thoroughly seduced and controlled, which led to the series of attacks this term."
After a short silence, the Hall erupted with the indignant voices of the students.
"It doesn't matter if he was controlled or not, that person's intentions were wicked!"
"Exactly! He should be locked up in Azkaban!"
"Throw him into the deepest cell! Let him feel the Dementor's Kiss!"
The fear and repression of the past few weeks exploded in this moment.
Because of the Basilisk threat, no one dared to walk the corridors alone, terrified that they would suddenly be spotted by that horrific creature.
Even those who only saw it from a distance last night were shaken. The sheer size and monstrous appearance of the Basilisk had become a nightmare for many. Just the thought of having shared the castle with such a monster sent shivers down their spines.
A few quick-witted students began scanning the High Table.
One seat was conspicuously empty. The professor who usually wore the brightest clothes and the most dazzling smile was absent—Professor Lockhart was not present.
Combined with the "curse" on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position and the precedent set by Professor Quirrell last year, a few students had already pieced together a vague guess.
Dumbledore didn't let the speculation last long:
"I regret to inform you all that the person who was seduced by Dark Magic and controlled the Basilisk to carry out the attacks was none other than Gilderoy Lockhart. He has paid the ultimate price for his actions."
A mixture of shock and murmurs of surprise filled the Hall.
Dumbledore's gaze swept over the students below.
"I must take this opportunity to solemnly remind all of you: If you ever encounter a magical object that seems too good to be true, especially one that can communicate with you or respond to your requests, you must inform your professors or your parents immediately. Do not investigate it alone. Unforeseen dangers may be hidden within..."
During a pause in Dumbledore's speech, Lucien's roommate, Terry, leaned in and spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"Merlin's socks! At least Quirrell last year pretended to teach us for a whole school year. This year, Lockhart didn't even last a single term before he was done for!"
Lucien, who had personally participated in the 'retirement ceremony' of both professors, nodded profoundly.
Terry continued to mutter, "Speaking of which, the Defense Against the Dark Arts position is seriously jinxed, isn't it? Two professors in a row have..."
Indeed, Lucien thought. Ever since it was cursed, no one seems to have lasted more than a year in that job. I wonder who the next professor will be, and who Dumbledore will even be able to find.
In the past, most Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, except for a very unlucky few, at least made it out alive. But after the fate of the last two...
The reputation is terrifying!
"Now, the crisis that has been looming over Hogwarts is completely resolved. You no longer have any need to worry."
"And in this crisis, we must thank one student for the courage and strength he displayed. He has made an indelible contribution to the protection of the school!"
Dumbledore smiled, looking toward the Ravenclaw table:
"Let us sincerely thank—Mr. Lucien Grafton!"
WHOOSH!!!
The moment Dumbledore finished speaking, a deafening applause erupted, nearly blowing the vaulted ceiling off the Great Hall!
Students from every House were clapping forcefully; the little Gryffindor Lions even let out loud whistles.
This applause and cheering were a salute to a hero, and a cathartic release from the weeks of fear.
Once the applause died down slightly, Dumbledore continued:
"To recognize Lucien's outstanding contributions, Hogwarts will award him the Special Services to the School Award! Furthermore, two hundred points will be awarded to the House of Ravenclaw!"
"YEAH!!!"
This time, the cheering was entirely from the Ravenclaw table.
Two hundred points!
Under normal circumstances, a House's total score typically hovered around three hundred points by the end of the entire school year.
The sudden addition of two hundred points meant that, with the school year only halfway through, Ravenclaw already had one hand firmly grasping the House Cup for the year!
The reactions from the other Houses varied. Hufflepuff was characteristically laid back, while students in Gryffindor and Slytherin were still counting on their fingers, thinking that if they won the Quidditch Cup they might still be able to catch up...
But they soon stopped wasting their mental energy. The Christmas holidays were just around the corner!
Who cared about that now? They were about to go home!
---
Despite the Basilisk incident granting Hogwarts a three-day mini-break to allow the students to recover emotionally, there was still a week left until the Christmas holidays. Classes had to continue.
In the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Snape stood in front of the lecture desk, his low voice echoing through the room.
"The Banishing Charm... its core lies in projecting a focused spark of magical energy, causing the target object to be repelled backward. It is the precise opposite of the Summoning Charm, forcing an object to rapidly move away from the caster. It is highly practical, whether for pushing away an incoming projectile or temporarily forcing back a nearby enemy..."
As Snape explained, he gave a crisp flick of his wand, effortlessly sending a training dummy that attempted to spring from the corner flying backward to collide with the padded wall.
The students below were listening with exceptional diligence.
After enduring Lockhart's useless 're-enactments' and the persistent stench of garlic from Quirrell, the students' tolerance for this class was already quite high.
However, the feedback from students while Snape was temporarily teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts was surprisingly positive.
This wasn't a trick of comparison, either.
The clear explanations of principles, the precise demonstrations of spells, and the emphasis on practical application brought the class back to what it should have been.
Snape's expertise in the Dark Arts was already considerable, and teaching a group of students was well within his capabilities.
Watching Snape teach, Lucien felt that the man looked a little more invigorated.
Could the Defense Against the Dark Arts position actually be good for Snape?
Hmm, he mused. But as long as the curse remains, the position will still bite—and with the jaw strength of an African spotted hyena...
Taking advantage of the moment Snape turned to write on the blackboard, Ron nudged Harry with his elbow, lowering his voice.
"Harry, don't you think Snape's tone is different when he teaches this class? At least he's not spewing 'venom' at us like he does in Potions?"
Harry felt the same way. At least so far, Snape had not used his customary sarcastic wit to ridicule any student in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom—
"Weasley," a cold voice suddenly cut in. Snape didn't even turn around. "Not paying attention in class, chatting carelessly, and disrupting others. Five points from Gryffindor!"
Ron instantly froze, sullenly shutting his mouth.
When the bell rang for the end of class, Snape swiftly gathered his materials, his gaze sweeping over the students preparing to leave.
"Lucien, come with me to my office."
Following Snape, Lucien already had a strong suspicion: nine times out of ten, the professor wanted to discuss the Basilisk's carcass.
The Basilisk was a treasure trove of materials, especially for someone skilled in Potions. It was undoubtedly a goldmine, particularly for the organs and tissues imbued with unique magical properties.
Stepping into Snape's dimly lit office, the combined scent of herbs and potions mixed with the preserved biological specimens in jars immediately hit him.
Snape: "Do you know how to process a Basilisk carcass?"
An animal of the Basilisk's caliber required specialized knowledge and skill to process, otherwise, valuable materials could easily be damaged.
"Yes, Professor, I know how."
Salazar had taught Lucien both the dissection techniques and the breeding methods for a Basilisk, the implication being that if he ever needed Basilisk materials again, he should just raise and cull his own.
Hearing the Slytherin founder's casual tone at the time, Lucien had thought he was talking about raising and culling a chicken—that's how effortless and off-hand he made it sound.
The swift, confident answer caused Snape to pause. He had been planning to offer his help if Lucien didn't know how to handle it, thus securing a share of the materials...
Lucien glanced at the bookshelves and cabinets, then continued:
"But the process is still very difficult. The Basilisk's hide is tough, and its scales have extremely strong magical resistance. Specific cutting tools and methods are required."
"Professor, are you looking to trade for some Basilisk materials?"
Hearing Lucien's direct question, Snape was silent for a few seconds before nodding slightly and giving a small cough:
"What would you like in return? Finished potions, ingredients, potion recipes, or books?"
Lucien didn't hesitate:
"I'll take the recipes and books, Professor."
Snape wasn't surprised by this choice; he knew Lucien's thirst for knowledge, which was why he included the book and recipe options.
"I require a Basilisk eye. One will suffice."
The Basilisk's eye was one of the most concentrated sources of magic in its entire body, containing unique magic related to 'death.' For advanced potion research, it was a coveted raw material and catalyst.
However, Lucien shook his head:
"I'm sorry, Professor. I have important uses for both eyes. Perhaps we could look at other parts?"
According to the knowledge passed down by Salazar, the Basilisk eyes could be used as a medium to improve his own Seer's Eye ability.
Salazar's legacy at Hogwarts mainly focused on the wizard's own magical circuits, exploring the physical and spiritual aspects of magical study.
Lucien's Seer's Eye was already a modification of the eyeball achieved through a combination of Potions and Transfiguration, so this sort of 'refinement' was familiar territory.
Actually, Salazar's legacy wasn't all left in the castle. He traveled the world after leaving Hogwarts, and a significant portion was scattered across the globe.
He planned to take Norbert to a few of the main Norwegian Ridgeback gathering places over the Christmas holiday to 'challenge' them; perhaps he would stumble upon one of those other legacy sites...
Snape frowned slightly but didn't insist, instead proposing another target:
"In that case, a portion of the Basilisk heart..."
Lucien politely declined again. He had to admit Snape had a great eye for materials; the Basilisk heart was the source of its massive life force. Crucially, Lucien needed it for his Magical Weaving Technique as the core material to optimize Norbert's magical circuits—it was indispensable.
"Uh, the heart also has a separate use for me. But there might be some leftovers later? We can discuss it then."
"..."
Snape silently regarded Lucien, then slowly spoke,
"You intend to use the eye and heart for Alchemy?"
Throughout the term, Snape had become used to Lucien occasionally introducing some bizarrely functional alchemical creations.
If any other student said they needed both the eye and the heart of a Basilisk, Snape would definitely think they were just going to waste them. But Lucien...
Well, other students probably couldn't kill a Basilisk in the first place.
Lucien vaguely replied, "Something like that. Magical experiments, you know..."
After some negotiation, Snape eventually settled for reserving some of the Basilisk's gall and brain, along with large amounts of venom, scales, blood, and bones.
Snape waved his wand, and several rolls of parchment and a few thick books floated from a cabinet and bookshelf to land on the desk in front of Lucien.
Lucien's gaze quickly scanned the books, eventually being drawn to one that looked particularly worn. The ink on the cover had begun to fade:
Advanced Potion-Making
This book looks familiar...
Lucien reached out, picked up Advanced Potion-Making, and began flipping through it.
Snape's eyebrow twitched slightly when Lucien picked up that specific book first, but he said nothing.
As the pages turned, dense, tiny notes were visible in the margins and blank spaces of nearly every page.
And at the bottom of the back cover was another line of equally small handwriting:
"This Book is the Property of the Half-Blood Prince."