# Lockhart
"Oh, my dear children. I must say, you've done an excellent job. Even in my books, I couldn't have written it more brilliantly than this."
It was Lockhart. He was dressed in a dark gold suit, though it looked slimy and covered in black stains, as if he had slid down the pipes just like them.
# Ron
"Lockhart? What are you doing here?!"
Ron said irritably.
# Ron
"The timing of your arrival couldn't be more perfect—everything's already done."
# Lockhart
"Of course, my dear boy. That's because I've been observing your actions from the shadows all along. Such marvelous teamwork! I'll have to attribute all four of your efforts to myself—it'll take some creative writing, but I'll make it work."
Lockhart's oily tone echoed around the chamber, making it all the more disgusting.
# Harry
"What are you trying to do? Are you saying you want to take credit for this?"
Harry couldn't believe someone could be this shameless.
# Lockhart
"Your little adventure ends here. I'll take this dead snake back to the school and tell everyone that I've solved the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets. The danger will be declared over, and my series of books will gain yet another sequel!"
Lockhart raised his wand.
# Hermione
"So all those stories in your books—are they just other people's deeds that you've claimed as your own?!"
Hermione exclaimed in disbelief.
# Lockhart
"Oh, Miss Granger. Use that clever mind of yours. Who would want to read about the exploits of an ugly old American wizard? Even if he drove away werewolves, putting his face on the cover would be a disaster."
Lockhart frowned at Hermione.
# Lockhart
"And that witch who dealt with the banshee—she had a hairy, pointy chin. I doubt you'd want to attend her book signing."
## Orli
"Of course, of course. That must have taken quite the effort, right? Tracking these people down, learning how they did it, and then casting a Memory Charm on them so they'd forget everything. Just like you're planning to do to us, isn't that right, Professor Lockhart?"
Orli emphasized the word "Professor" with biting sarcasm.
# Lockhart
"You're always such a nuisance, Orli Waters."
The fake smile on Lockhart's face vanished, replaced by a look of impatience.
# Lockhart
"Well, let's start with you. Obliv—"
# Snape
"Expelliarmus!"
A low, curt voice rang out from behind Lockhart, and his wand flew out of his hand instantly, cutting off his spell.
Snape strode out of the shadows toward Lockhart, casting another spell as he moved.
"Incarcerous!"
Thick ropes shot out, binding Lockhart tightly. He fell to the damp ground like a hog ready for slaughter, his lips split against his teeth, smearing blood across his chin.
## Orli
"Professor."
Orli smiled. For some reason, she had felt all along that he was nearby. When she had called out "Professor" earlier, it was Snape she had meant.
# Snape
"Wipe that foolish grin off your face, you arrogant, reckless Gryffindor."
Snape glared at her before turning to Harry.
# Snape
"Potter, if you don't want our Keeper of the Keys to end up sharing quarters with Dementors, I suggest you quickly remove the basilisk's eyes and have the phoenix take them away."
# Harry
"Y-yes, Professor."
Harry hurried over to the basilisk and used the sword to pry out its enormous eyes.
# Ron
"For the first time, I actually feel reassured that he's here."
Ron whispered to Hermione, but Snape caught every word.
# Snape
"Mr. Weasley, if that brain of yours, stuffed full of quackgrass, is still capable of thought, I implore you not to confuse leeches with slugs in my class next time. After all, I've yet to find a grade lower than 'T' in Hogwarts' system that suits you better."
Snape said coldly.
# Ron
"Alright, I take it back."
Ron muttered under his breath, looking as if he'd just been hit on the head with One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi.
He mouthed the words "old bat," prompting Hermione to stifle a laugh. She quickly covered her mouth and pretended to cough.
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Author's Note:
Thank you all for your patience—the basilisk is finally dealt with. There were quite a few stumbling blocks in writing this second year, and some parts felt a bit clunky. I'll do my best to improve moving forward.
In the Chamber of Secrets, Lockhart had been tailing the quartet, while Snape was secretly protecting the children under Dumbledore's orders. He had to remain in the shadows, ready to assist Harry and the others at any moment, while also keeping an eye on Lockhart—quite a taxing task.
At this point in the school year, the protagonist is still just a student in Snape's eyes (albeit one of the students he values most, ranked roughly as Harry > Orli ≥ Draco). However, the protagonist's feelings toward him are starting to shift subtly.
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