The attacks continued, casting a dark shadow over Hogwarts. Fear settled deep in the hearts of students, and even the professors seemed tense. The Basilisk was still on the move, and Ezekiel knew time was running out.
---
The next victim was Penelope Clearwater, a Ravenclaw Prefect. She was found petrified near the library, and her attack shook Ezekiel's house.
"Another Ravenclaw?" Elena whispered, her voice filled with worry.
"It's no coincidence," Ezekiel muttered, gripping the edge of the table in the common room. "The attacks are getting more frequent."
The entire Ravenclaw house was on edge. Curfews were enforced, and even study sessions in the library were cut short. Students avoided being alone, fearing they would be the next victim.
But the most shocking attack came when Hermione Granger and a Hufflepuff named Terry Boot were found petrified.
Even Ezekiel felt the weight of that attack—Granger was one of the brightest witches in their year, and if even she wasn't safe, no one was.
---
Ezekiel spent his nights in the Room of Requirement, going through ancient tomes and family records. He even sent letters to his family estate, requesting books from the Ravenclaw Manor's archives.
Daphne sat across from him, arms crossed. "You look exhausted. You've been at this for days."
"I can't stop now," Ezekiel said, rubbing his temples. "The heir of Slytherin is behind this, and they're using the Basilisk."
Adrian Selwyn leaned forward. "We know the Basilisk uses the pipes. We just need to figure out who is controlling it."
Ezekiel frowned. "And that's where things get complicated. Everyone suspects Harry Potter, but it's not him."
Daphne sighed. "Then who?"
That was the question Ezekiel couldn't answer yet.
---
A few days later, Ezekiel overheard a hushed conversation while walking back from Quidditch practice.
Draco Malfoy was whispering to his goons, Crabbe and Goyle.
"…Father says the school will close soon if more attacks happen." Draco muttered, sounding almost smug.
Crabbe grunted. "Will it really?"
Draco smirked. "Maybe. But the Heir of Slytherin won't stop. Filthy Mudbloods don't belong here anyway."
Ezekiel's eyes narrowed. He had long suspected Draco of knowing something. But was he actually involved, or just repeating his father's words?
He would have to dig deeper.
---
As the situation grew worse, Ezekiel decided it was time to confront Dumbledore.
He requested a meeting, and after waiting for hours, he was finally invited into the Headmaster's office.
Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his blue eyes twinkling with hidden knowledge. Fawkes, the phoenix, perched nearby, watching the conversation silently.
"Lord Ravenclaw," Dumbledore greeted, his tone calm yet knowing. "I assume this is about the Chamber of Secrets."
Ezekiel didn't waste time. "You know what's attacking students. You know it's a Basilisk."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "I suspected as much."
"Then why haven't you stopped it?" Ezekiel challenged.
The Headmaster sighed. "Because I do not yet know where it is hiding… or who is responsible."
Ezekiel clenched his fists. "Then we find out."
Dumbledore smiled slightly. "That is precisely what I was hoping you would say."
---
As rumors of closing Hogwarts spread, the tension became unbearable. The Board of Governors suspended Dumbledore, and the school felt even more vulnerable.
Ezekiel knew one thing for certain—if they didn't find the Heir of Slytherin soon, Hogwarts wouldn't survive much longer.
---