Read up to chapter 38 on Patreon - patreon.com/Dark_sym
Bonus
See you again at 400
-----
During the remainder of the dinner, Ethan engaged in conversation with Professor Flitwick. Over time, their relationship blossomed into a strong friendship.
Ethan shared details of his past witch hunts with Professor Flitwick, a topic that always captivated the latter. Having acquired numerous spell skills and mastered challenging spells, Ethan was currently discussing magical resistance in poison horn hides with Professor Flitwick. Ethan had the idea of crafting a set of armor and was actively seeking suitable materials.
Meanwhile, Professor Lockhart sat awkwardly in the professor's chair, drawing little attention. Ethan's presence had caused Lockhart's reputation to plummet, and even his most devoted young admirers were beginning to distance themselves. Attempting to interject into other professors' conversations, Lockhart eventually settled into his seat, sipping pumpkin juice with an embarrassed demeanor.
The joyful time passed swiftly as the banquet neared its end. Contentedly setting down their cutlery, the young wizards patted their satisfied bellies and exited the auditorium one by one.
Suddenly, a white ghost hurriedly entered the auditorium, whispering something in Dumbledore's ear. Dumbledore's expression turned serious, and he swiftly left the room. The professors exchanged glances, then rose and followed him.
Ethan and the professors trailed Dumbledore to the third floor, navigating a few corners until they reached a crowded corridor filled with students. Upon spotting the professors, the students quickly made their way.
The floor was wet. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood surrounded by the crowd, with a clear space around them. Something shimmered on the wall in front of them. Upon closer inspection, Ethan noticed some writing.
"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, enemies of the heir, beware."
Ethan observed a furry object hanging on the wall.
It was Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat, the Hogwarts caretaker, suspended by her tail from the torch bracket. Her body was rigid, as stiff as a board, and her eyes wide open, staring directly at Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
"My cat!" A scream erupted from behind Ethan as Filch bumped into him, rushing to Mrs. Norris. Filch had a deep connection with Mrs. Norris, who often patrolled the hallways alone. If she made the slightest mistake, Filch would swiftly appear, panting and wheezing.
Despite the student's general dislike for Mrs. Norris due to her role in catching rule-breakers, her current tragic state dampened the atmosphere. The young wizards formed a circle, engaging in hushed conversations while facing Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
"It's you" Filch suddenly approached, grabbing Harry and growling, "You killed my cat! I'm going to kill you!" Filch's enraged eyes bulged, bloodshot as he stared fiercely at Harry.
Terrified, Harry tried to break free from Filch's grip, weakly explaining that he had nothing to do with the situation. The forceful squeeze from Filch caused Harry some pain.
Ethan stepped forward and forcibly separated the two due to his enhanced strength from the mutation.
"Calm down, Filch. Your cat isn't dead! She's just petrified," Ethan reassured, using his witcher senses to detect the faint heartbeat still present in Mrs. Norris.
Filch was momentarily stunned, rushing to his cat and examining her closely upon hearing Ethan's words.
"Everyone, return to the dormitory" Dumbledore stood up. The students were accustomed to obeying Dumbledore, and the prefects led them away from the corridor in an orderly manner.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were granted amnesty and sought out their housemates to escape the tense atmosphere.
"You three stay." Snape, like a looming bat, blocked the path of the trio, preventing them from slipping away.
"Mr. Filch, please bring Mrs. Norris with us. Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore instructed Filch and the three young wizards. Filch delicately removed Mrs. Norris from the torch stand, treating her as if she were fragile, and followed Dumbledore.
Dumbledore chose Professor Lockhart's office, the closest to the incident. Upon entering, Filch eagerly placed Mrs. Norris in front of Dumbledore, hoping for an immediate recovery.
Several professors carefully examined Mrs. Norris on the table. Dumbledore, with his half-moon eyes, gazed down at her, while Snape appeared stunned. Ethan, positioned too far away to observe directly, resorted to rudely plucking a tuft of hair from Mrs. Norris's tail and examining it in the palm of his hand.
Filch, distressed by Snape's behavior, refrained from expressing his anger and instead directed his vicious gaze at Harry. Seeing Filch's menacing eyes, Harry quickly sought protection beside Professor Ethan, leaning toward him.
Pretending to inspect Mrs. Norris, Ethan was well aware that the Basilisk was responsible for this situation. However, he had no intention of revealing this information just yet. Ethan sensed that Dumbledore still harbored suspicions, and given his usual scrutiny, any abnormal behavior on Ethan's part could easily cast him as the mastermind behind the scenes. Therefore, Ethan chose to remain a spectator. Fortunately, the secret room incident didn't result in any casualties.
As Ethan approached Mrs. Norris, he felt a slight vibration from the Witcher necklace on his chest, indicating that Mrs. Norris was enchanted with powerful magic.
"It is indeed petrified, but this isn't an ordinary petrification spell. It's a potent and malevolent black magic," Dumbledore declared.
With this statement, Harry's innocence was immediately established. A second-year wizard wouldn't possess the capability to wield such formidable black magic.
Filch trembled upon hearing Dumbledore's words. "Professor Dumbledore, can she be saved?" His voice was already hoarse.
"Of course, Mr. Filch. Professor Sprout has cultivated numerous mandrakes. Once they mature, we can use them to brew potions and restore Mrs. Norris," Dumbledore patiently explained.