CHAPTER 49: THE BASILISK'S RELOCATION
When he emerged on the other side, he found Bellatrix already dusting herself off in the sitting room of their home. The dim lighting cast soft shadows across the old Black family manor, but the place felt warmer now with Bella by his side.
She smiled when she saw him, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "What do you think Newt's going to say when he sees that basilisk tomorrow?"
Harry smirked, hanging up his cloak. "Probably something along the lines of 'Fantastic!' followed by an overly enthusiastic description of its scales and teeth."
Bellatrix chuckled, making her way to the couch. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled. Though I'm hoping this whole plan goes smoothly. The last thing we need is a rogue basilisk on our hands."
Harry sat down next to her, leaning back into the cushions. "It'll be fine. Between Newt, Dumbledore, and... well, my ability to talk to it, I think we've got this under control."
Bellatrix rested her head on his shoulder, her fingers tracing small patterns on the back of his hand. "I believe in you, Harry. You've always had a way of getting through impossible situations. This basilisk is no different."
He glanced down at her, his heart swelling with affection. "Thanks, Bella. I'll be careful. And I'll make sure you stay safe too."
She smiled, closing her eyes for a moment. "I'm more worried about you than myself. But if anyone can handle a thousand-year-old serpent, it's you."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the weight of the day beginning to melt away. Harry couldn't help but think about how far they had come — from the chaos of their pasts to this moment of peace in each other's company. Tomorrow would bring its own set of challenges, but for tonight, they had each other.
"We'll figure it out," he said softly, more to himself than anyone. "We always do."
Bellatrix squeezed his hand in agreement, and together, they allowed the quiet to settle in, the future waiting just beyond the night's horizon.
…..
Harry grinned, shaking his head. "I just meant... all the time spent running diagnostics and spells, and it's the most obvious thing that leads us to the entrance." He gestured to the tiny snake etching on the tap. "I'm not surprised it's something as simple as this."
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "It seems even the most complex secrets sometimes have straightforward solutions."
"Shall we, then?" Harry said, stepping forward. He lowered his voice and spoke in Parseltongue, his tone steady and clear: "Open."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a deep rumble, the sink began to shift, the taps rotating, and the entire basin moved aside to reveal a large, dark opening leading downwards into the depths of the castle.
Newt peered down into the hole with wide eyes. "Remarkable. This must descend directly into the chamber. Quite the hidden network beneath Hogwarts."
Harry glanced at Dumbledore, who was watching the entrance with quiet intrigue. "I believe we've found our way in," Harry said, his voice a little more serious now. "Let's hope it's the only surprise waiting for us."
Dumbledore gave him a reassuring smile. "I believe we are well-prepared, Harry. Between your knowledge of the basilisk and Newt's expertise with magical creatures, we have a strong advantage."
"Right," Harry said, though he couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy as he stared into the dark abyss below. Memories of his first encounter with the basilisk years ago flashed in his mind, though he quickly pushed them aside. This time, things were different.
"I'll go first," Harry said, determination clear in his voice. "Bella will be meeting us at the entrance in a few moments, so she won't be far behind."
Newt nodded, adjusting his coat and gripping the handle of his suitcase. "Just lead the way, Harry. I'll make sure to stay close."
With a final glance between them, Harry took a deep breath and jumped down into the dark tunnel. He slid down the passage, the stone walls whipping past him as he descended into the heart of the Chamber of Secrets. Behind him, he could hear the soft rustling of Dumbledore's robes and Newt's more cautious movements as they followed him down.
The moment he landed in the dimly lit chamber, the familiar scent of damp stone and stale air hit him. The eerie silence that followed was broken only by the distant sound of the water trickling from unseen cracks in the walls.
Harry stood up, dusting off his robes as Dumbledore and Newt landed beside him. Newt looked around in awe, his eyes wide with wonder. "Incredible," he whispered, his voice echoing slightly. "To think, this has been here all along…"
Dumbledore glanced toward the statue of Salazar Slytherin at the far end of the chamber. "The basilisk still resides here?"
"Yes," Harry confirmed, his gaze fixed on the distant shadows. "It's been dormant, but that won't last much longer."
As they moved deeper into the chamber, the familiar sound of stone scraping against stone reverberated through the vast space. Harry's heart raced as he saw the basilisk stir, its massive form coiling at the base of Slytherin's statue. Though its eyes remained closed, the serpent's presence was overwhelming.
"Stay calm," Harry said in Parseltongue, stepping forward cautiously. "We're not here to harm you."
The basilisk's head lifted slightly, its tongue flicking out as it tasted the air. "Why do you return, speaker?" the serpent hissed. "The chamber is mine."
"We wish to relocate you," Harry explained carefully. "Somewhere safer, where you won't be disturbed." He gestured subtly to Newt, who had his suitcase ready.
The basilisk's massive body shifted again, its coils tightening. "You offer freedom?" its voice rumbled, curious yet guarded.
"Yes. Freedom," Harry promised. "But you must trust us."
For a long moment, the basilisk remained still, its head tilted slightly as if weighing Harry's words. Then, with a low hiss, it slowly uncoiled, its body slithering forward with an eerie grace. "I will trust the speaker," it hissed. "But betray me, and I will not hesitate to strike."
Harry nodded, glancing at Newt. "Now's your chance."
Newt wasted no time. He opened his suitcase, gently coaxing the massive serpent toward the enchanted interior. "Just a little further," Newt murmured, his voice filled with awe as he guided the basilisk into the suitcase's vast magical habitat. Once the serpent was safely inside, he closed the suitcase with a satisfied click.
"That… went surprisingly well," Harry breathed, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders.
Newt grinned. "It's not every day you relocate a basilisk. Quite the achievement, if I do say so myself."
Dumbledore watched them with an approving smile. "An extraordinary feat. Well done, all of you."
As the three of them stood in the now-empty chamber, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They had done it—successfully relocated one of the most dangerous creatures in the magical world without any casualties.
"Let's head back," Harry said, a small smile forming on his lips. "I think we've earned a break after this."
Bellatrix was waiting for them at the entrance, her eyes lighting up when she saw them return. "So? How did it go?"
Harry smirked. "Mission accomplished. The basilisk's been relocated."
Bellatrix let out a relieved breath. "Good. I was ready to storm in there if something went wrong."
Newt laughed softly. "Luckily, everything went according to plan."
As they left the Chamber of Secrets behind, Harry felt a deep sense of relief. There were still many challenges ahead, but for now, they had won a small victory.
Newt nodded, his face lighting up with understanding. "Yes, Fawkes is Albus's phoenix. He's quite powerful and can carry multiple passengers at once if necessary."
Harry watched as Dumbledore slid down the pipe with a practiced grace. "Alright, if you're sure Fawkes can handle it, then let's get moving," Harry said, his curiosity outweighing his reservations.
Newt gave Harry an encouraging smile. "After you, then. I'll follow close behind."
Harry took a deep breath, then sat on the edge of the pipe and slid in. The sensation was as unpleasant as he had anticipated—cold, slimy, and slightly claustrophobic—but the tunnel wasn't long. Within moments, he reached the bottom, landing with a soft thud on the stone floor.
Dumbledore was already waiting, his robes slightly askew but otherwise unharmed. Newt joined them shortly, his face slightly grim as he wiped some of the slime from his hands.
"Quite the entrance," Harry commented, wrinkling his nose as he looked around. The chamber was dimly lit, with only the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi illuminating the walls. The air was thick and musty, filled with the scent of damp earth and decay.
"Yes," Dumbledore agreed, his eyes scanning the chamber with interest. "And now that we're here, we must be cautious. The basilisk might still be in this area."
Newt set his suitcase down carefully, opening it slightly to ensure everything was in place. "I'll keep my suitcase ready just in case we need to transport any additional creatures or have to quickly contain something."
Harry nodded, his attention fixed on the far end of the chamber. The walls were covered in faded serpentine carvings, and the large stone statue of Salazar Slytherin loomed over them, its eyes seeming to follow their every move.
"So, the chamber is pretty much as I remember," Harry said, stepping closer to the statue. "It looks like the basilisk hasn't disturbed anything since it was last here."
Dumbledore approached the statue, examining it closely. "It's remarkable how well-preserved this place is. The enchantments placed to conceal and protect it have held up remarkably well."
As they continued to explore, Harry's thoughts drifted to the task at hand. He was eager to get the basilisk to its new home but wanted to ensure they did everything carefully to avoid any mishaps.
"Shall we proceed?" Harry asked, his gaze shifting from the statue to the dark passage leading further into the chamber.
"Indeed," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with determination. "Let's see if we can find where the basilisk has made its lair."
The trio made their way cautiously through the chamber, the soft rustling of their footsteps the only sound in the oppressive silence. As they moved, Newt began to scan the area with a series of detection spells, ensuring they were on the right track.
After a few minutes of searching, Harry noticed a large, slightly raised platform at the far end of the chamber. It was covered in more of the green slime, and he could make out the shape of a large, serpentine body curled up on top.
"There," Harry whispered, pointing to the platform. "That must be where the basilisk has been resting."
Newt approached the platform carefully, his eyes wide with fascination. "Yes, that's definitely a basilisk-sized resting spot. We'll need to be very cautious."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement, his wand at the ready. "Harry, if you're ready, you can begin speaking to the basilisk. Let's see if we can convince it to cooperate."
Harry took a deep breath and approached the platform, his heart racing slightly. He had dealt with basilisks before, but this was a different situation. He needed to be careful and diplomatic to ensure a smooth relocation.
In Parseltongue, he began to speak softly, "Hello, great serpent. We come in peace. We wish to take you to a new home where you will be safe and free."
The basilisk's head lifted slowly, its eyes still closed as it flicked its tongue out. "You come to disturb my rest?" the basilisk hissed, its voice deep and resonant. "Why should I trust you?"
"We only wish to help," Harry continued. "We know this place has been your home for a long time, but we have found a place where you can live freely, without the danger of being discovered."
The basilisk seemed to consider this for a moment, its body shifting slightly. "And why should I believe you?"
"Because we've already shown that we can be trusted," Harry replied. "And because this new home will offer you more freedom than you've had here."
The basilisk remained silent for a few moments, then slowly began to uncoil from its resting place. "Very well," it hissed reluctantly. "Lead the way."
As they approached the door leading into the main chamber, Harry couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The dark tunnel had given way to a grand, dimly lit chamber, its walls adorned with ancient symbols and serpentine motifs.
Dumbledore pushed open the heavy, moss-covered door with a wave of his wand, revealing the vast chamber beyond. The room was illuminated by the faint, eerie glow of bioluminescent fungi and the occasional flicker of magical light from their wands.
"Stay alert," Dumbledore advised, his voice barely more than a whisper. "The basilisk's lair could be anywhere in this room."
Harry, Newt, and Dumbledore stepped into the chamber, their wands casting soft light across the stone walls. The air was thick with the musty scent of damp earth and old magic, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed through the cavern.
As they advanced further into the chamber, Harry spotted the massive, serpentine shape coiled around a large stone platform in the center. The basilisk was still, its eyes closed, and it seemed to be in a deep slumber. Its scales glistened in the dim light, reflecting hues of dark green and gold.
"That's our serpent," Harry said, pointing toward the basilisk. "It's definitely here."
Newt approached the edge of the platform cautiously, pulling out a few items from his suitcase. He carefully set up a series of magical traps and containment runes, ensuring they would be ready to transport the basilisk if needed.
"We should prepare to wake it," Newt said, his voice filled with both excitement and professionalism. "The process might be a bit tricky, but with any luck, it'll be smooth."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "We'll need to be careful. We don't want to startle the basilisk. It's best if we wake it gently and guide it towards the exit."
Harry, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, took a deep breath and approached the basilisk. He spoke softly in Parseltongue, trying to convey a sense of calm and reassurance.
"Great serpent, we come to offer you a new home. We need to move you from this place to somewhere you'll be safe and free."
The basilisk stirred slowly, its large, slitted eyes opening to reveal a deep, glowing yellow. It regarded Harry with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"Why should I trust you?" the basilisk hissed, its voice resonating through the chamber. "What guarantee do I have that this new home will be better?"
"We have prepared a place where you can live freely," Harry replied. "A place where you will be safe from harm and where you can thrive among your kind."
The basilisk seemed to consider Harry's words, its massive head tilting slightly. After a few moments, it began to uncoil, stretching its long, sinuous body as it prepared to move.
Newt, seeing the basilisk beginning to cooperate, stepped in to guide the process. He carefully manipulated the containment runes and traps, ensuring that the basilisk could be safely transported without any issues.
"Alright, let's get this serpent ready for transport," Newt said, directing his attention to the basilisk. "We'll need to be swift and precise."
With careful coordination, Harry, Dumbledore, and Newt began to guide the basilisk toward the exit. The process was slow and deliberate, but the basilisk moved with a surprising grace, following Harry's instructions.
As they neared the exit of the chamber, Dumbledore signaled for Fawkes. The phoenix appeared with a burst of flame, his bright plumage casting a warm, golden glow over the chamber.
"Fawkes, if you could assist us in transporting the basilisk, we'd be grateful," Dumbledore said, stroking the phoenix's feathers.
Fawkes let out a melodic trill, and with a burst of fiery magic, began to help with the transportation process. The basilisk was carefully guided through the tunnel, and with Fawkes's assistance, they soon emerged from the chamber.
Harry felt a sense of relief as they made their way back to the surface. The basilisk was safely contained, and the mission was nearing its successful conclusion.
As they reached the surface, Harry looked at his companions with a smile. "That went better than I expected. Thank you both for your help."
Newt grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It was quite the adventure, indeed. And now, with the basilisk safely on its way to its new home, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief."
Dumbledore nodded, his expression a mix of satisfaction and weariness. "Well done, everyone. We've accomplished our goal, and the basilisk will now have a chance at a new life."
"Yes, indeed," Dumbledore said, a hint of excitement in his voice. He pointed his wand toward the base of the statue of Salazar Slytherin. "There's a concealed mechanism here. It appears the statue's eyes might hold the key."
Newt nodded, his gaze shifting to the eyes of the statue. "The temperature increase is definitely making the room more comfortable. I can see that the statue's eyes are starting to glow faintly. We might be on the right track."
Harry stepped closer to the statue, examining the eyes more closely. They were intricately carved and set with what looked like large, green gemstones. He noticed a slight shimmer around them, indicating some form of magic.
"If there's a mechanism, it might be activated by Parseltongue," Harry suggested, recalling the language's previous use. "Shall I try?"
"Please do," Dumbledore encouraged. "We've encountered enough magical traps and hidden entrances to know that Parseltongue is often a crucial part of the process."
Harry took a deep breath and addressed the statue in Parseltongue, hissing, "Reveal yourself."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a soft grinding noise, the green gemstones in the statue's eyes began to rotate and shift. Slowly, a hidden compartment in the statue's chest began to open, revealing a dark, coiled mass inside.
The hidden compartment was the basilisk's resting place—a dark, serpentine figure coiled tightly. The creature's eyes were closed, and it seemed to be in a deep slumber. Harry could feel a wave of magical energy emanating from the basilisk.
"There it is," Harry said, a sense of relief washing over him. "It's inside the statue."
Newt approached the compartment with great care. "This is remarkable. The basilisk has been kept here, preserved in this hidden chamber. We'll need to be very cautious as we handle it."
Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed. Let's prepare to transport it carefully. We don't want to risk disturbing it prematurely."
Newt opened his suitcase, which had now expanded to accommodate the basilisk. He began casting additional protective spells around the compartment to ensure the creature's safe transfer.
"Once it's secured, we'll need to make sure the chamber is properly sealed," Newt said. "We wouldn't want any magical mishaps or interference."
As Newt and Dumbledore worked on the basilisk's containment, Harry took a moment to admire the chamber's grandeur. The colossal space, with its serpentine statues and the massive statue of Slytherin, was both awe-inspiring and slightly intimidating.
With the basilisk securely contained and the chamber's secrets revealed, the three of them prepared to leave. Harry turned to Dumbledore and Newt, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Thank you both for your help," Harry said. "This was quite the adventure, and I couldn't have done it without you."
"It was a pleasure, Harry," Dumbledore said with a warm smile. "And thank you for bringing us along. It's always fascinating to uncover the hidden magic of Hogwarts."
"Absolutely," Newt agreed, closing his suitcase. "And now we have another remarkable specimen to add to our collection. I'll be sure to take good care of it."
mber as the serpent emerged from the tunnel's mouth. Its enormous head, with eyes gleaming like molten gold, loomed above them.
The basilisk's gaze swept across the chamber, and Harry instinctively stepped back, though he knew he was safe from its petrifying gaze due to the precautions they had taken. The serpent's tongue flickered in and out as it surveyed the scene, its scales shimmering in the light of Dumbledore's wand.
"Fascinating creature," Newt said with genuine admiration, "but let's not forget to keep our distance. We want to ensure it remains calm and cooperative."
Dumbledore nodded, his eyes fixed on the basilisk with a mixture of awe and caution. "Indeed. Let's make sure we proceed carefully."
The basilisk, apparently accustomed to the chamber, seemed less hostile and more curious about the intruders. Harry watched as the creature's massive body coiled in the chamber, its head turning with a measured grace.
Dumbledore approached the serpent, speaking softly. "We're here to relocate you to a safer environment. There's no need for alarm."
Harry could sense that Dumbledore's calming demeanor was helping to ease the basilisk's agitation. He also noticed Newt preparing his suitcase, ready to secure the serpent once more.
"Newt," Harry said, glancing at the magical zoologist, "are you ready?"
"Indeed," Newt replied, holding up his suitcase. "I'm prepared for this. Just need to get the basilisk in position."
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