"So, there are two critical issues we urgently need to address," Sagres said, scanning everyone present. "1st- The exact location of the Chamber of Secrets, 2nd- who opened it."

"The location is indeed a problem…" said Professor Flitwick, frowning. "After all, for such a massive Basilisk to remain hidden inside the Castle? That's simply preposterous!"

Everyone's thoughts raced through every corner of the Castle, from the towers to the dungeons, yet none could think of a plausible place.

"Flitwick is right," Professor McGonagall added, her lips pressed tightly together, her voice grave. "I've racked my brain and can't imagine anywhere in the Castle that could accommodate such a giant creature without leaving a trace."

"Underground pipes," Sagres said after a brief pause, then stated with certainty, "For a snake, there's no better hiding place."

It was the most reasonable theory—unless the creature was a ghostly serpent.

"Hmph," Snape interjected coldly, dousing the excitement. "A good guess. But Hogwarts' underground piping has been developing for over a thousand years—it's practically a labyrinth. Who has the ability—or rather, the patience—to carry out a full inspection?"

No one responded.

The point was valid: the pipe system was far too complicated. An ordinary person would be hopelessly lost in half an hour.

"Let's put aside the difficulty of investigation for now…"

Dumbledore raised his voice, steering the discussion back to the heart of the matter. "Right now, our top priority is the safety of the students."

His gaze swept over them like a flame. "We must ensure strict protection and absolutely cannot allow the Basilisk to harm another child. Until we have a solution, safety is our bottom line."

The Professors all nodded in agreement.

"But I insist that the most urgent matter is to find the culprit," Sagres said, his voice laced with a chilling hint of murderous intent. "As long as we can find who's behind this, we can trace them back to the Chamber of Secrets and deal with the Basilisk completely—eliminating any future threat."

Once that was done, what could an heir stripped of their fangs possibly do? As for the Basilisk—ha! It would be lucky to survive even one of his spells.

The Hospital Wing immediately fell silent.

Lockhart swallowed hard, about to speak, but one look from Sagres shut him up.

"Sagres, I completely agree with your objective," Dumbledore said calmly. "But throughout the investigation, the students' safety must remain our top priority."

The Headmaster looked around at everyone. "Does anyone have suggestions on how to handle this?"

"Umm.." Lockhart opened his mouth again, ready to share his thoughts, but after another glance from Sagres, he quietly closed it.

"Perhaps… we should temporarily withhold the news?" Professor McGonagall suggested cautiously. "If word of the Basilisk and the Chamber of Secrets gets out, it may cause unnecessary panic among the students."

The other Professors, picturing chaos in the Great Hall, immediately nodded in agreement.

Dumbledore gave a slight nod but said nothing.

"I-I have a brilliant idea!" Lockhart finally seized the opportunity to speak. He puffed out his chest, his face beaming with that ever-present smile. "Why don't we start a Duelling Club!?"

"I, Gilderoy Lockhart, will personally instruct the students on how to protect themselves—after all, as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, it is precisely my duty, and also my… uh, best platform for showcasing my extensive experience!"

When he finished, he looked around expectantly, but received little response.

Professor Flitwick was busy studying his fingernails, Professor McGonagall's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and Snape dramatically rolled his eyes, letting out a contemptuous snort.

"Practical ability takes time to cultivate, Professor Lockhart," Snape finally said coldly, as if he hadn't heard Lockhart's self-praise at all. "What's more urgent now is to prohibit students from acting alone. Unless absolutely necessary, no one should be wandering the Castle."

He emphasized "prohibit" and "no one," as if deducting points from disobedient students.

"Quite right," Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "What about you, Sagres? What are your thoughts?"

Sagres thought for a moment and finally offered his opinion.

"I believe we need to provide students with minimal but effective protection…" he began slowly, his tone calm but firm. "Everyone must wear glasses. This is mandatory. That way, even if they encounter the Basilisk, the worst-case scenario will be petrification—not death."

"This suggestion is very valuable." A flash of appreciation appeared in Dumbledore's eyes as he nodded solemnly. "Simple, direct, and effective."

The Headmaster looked at Professor McGonagall. "Minerva, I'll leave this matter to you. Please ensure that everyone wears glasses until the Basilisk is dealt with."

Professor McGonagall nodded seriously.

Sagres clarified his thoughts and continued, "At the same time, I also suggest installing mirrored reflection devices at every corner and in every corridor of the Castle."

"No problem!"

Dumbledore offered no objection. He immediately began assigning tasks, giving each Professor a mission.

"Just to be safe, you'll need to stay in the school infirmary for a while, Mr. Creevey," Dumbledore said gently, turning to the still-bewildered young wizard.

"Me? How long?" Colin asked blankly.

"Not too long…" Dumbledore replied. "Once Madam Pomfrey has completed your comprehensive physical examination, you can return to class."

The young wizard nodded obediently. Dumbledore gently patted his shoulder and said softly, "Sleep, child, you must be exhausted…"

As soon as he spoke, Colin's eyelids involuntarily closed, and he instantly fell into a deep sleep.

"I personally believe it's necessary for him to temporarily forget everything that happened tonight," Snape suggested expressionlessly, his voice as indifferent as ever.

"Absolutely! Let me do it!" Lockhart, never one to miss an opportunity to show off, immediately stepped forward. "I've said before, in the field of memory magic, I am the undisputed master! Leave this small matter to me!"

He revealed an unsettling smile, boasting in a self-congratulatory tone, "I guarantee he'll forget everything about tonight, leaving no trace!"

"Gilderoy, it's not that I doubt your abilities…" Dumbledore replied seriously, "but this concerns a student's memory, and I think it's more appropriate for me to handle it myself."

As he spoke, he took the wand brought by the phoenix Fawkes, extracted all of the young wizard's memories from that night, and placed them in a glass bottle.

"Ah, Headmaster, if I may be so bold…" Lockhart, seemingly unaware of the heavy atmosphere, couldn't help but interject, "Your technique is a bit rough—of course, I'm not boasting when I say this—after all, I'm an expert in this field!"

Everyone glared angrily at the boastful Lockhart, and he finally realized the atmosphere was somewhat off, then wisely shut his mouth.

~~~~~~~~~

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