"Hurry up and speak." Professor Lachham said.
"Then I'll say it." After organizing his thoughts, Harry said, "Ever since Professor Dumbledore announced the new regulations last week, declaring Hogwarts under lockdown where everyone must move in their dormitory groups, there haven't been any more attacks—I haven't heard the sound of the Snake Monster moving, or it speaking in Parseltongue."
"So I find it very strange, feeling as if I've thought of something but can't grasp the main point." Harry looked up and said again, "So I thought of you all, planning to come and ask for advice from smarter people."
In terms of emotional intelligence, Harry had a firm grasp.
Hearing Harry's words, the portraits all fell into deep thought.
Clearly, this was very unusual.
"You mean, you haven't heard those Parseltongue sounds anymore, right?" Vivi asked with a furrowed brow.
"Yes." Harry nodded and said, "Every evening recently, I've been coming to the spot where I first heard the Parseltongue to wait, but that sound has never appeared again—it seems to have vanished."
"Could it be that Dumbledore's announcement of the lockdown scared him?" Professor Lachham asked, "After all, that attacker only dares to hide in the shadows."
"No." Professor Luke Wood shook his head and said, "Since he dares to carry out attacks under Dumbledore's very nose, it shows he doesn't care about Dumbledore—at least he wouldn't be very afraid."
"Then why?" Principal Fitzgerald asked, "If he's not afraid of Dumbledore, the current lockdown at Hogwarts shouldn't stop his attacks."
"Could it be..." Vivi suddenly said, "The attacker is hiding among the students of Hogwarts? That would make sense, this person can only go to class with his dorm mates or return to the dormitory—there's no chance for any solitary action?"
"But shouldn't that be impossible?" Harry scratched his head and said, "Students from Hufflepuff can come out alone, tonight Cedric even came out with us to train for a duel."
"Oh, dear." Vivi rolled her eyes, "You really wouldn't think the Gaunt family descendant would be in Hufflepuff, right? You should focus on Slytherin, shouldn't you? The Gaunt family goes nowhere else but Slytherin!"
"Okay, I understand." Harry nodded repeatedly, actually finding the previous idea a bit ridiculous.
A Hufflepuff's Gaunt...just thinking about it makes one's scalp tingle, not getting blasted for fifty consecutive minutes with Avada Kedavra from the Gaunt ancestors would already be considered lucky.
Slytherin would cry to death in the Chamber of Secrets; what a misfortunate family!
You know, Salazar Slytherin's educational philosophy completely contradicts Helga Hufflepuff's, one advocating only Pure Blood, whereas the other champions inclusive education...
It's really unimaginable for a Slytherin descendant to come to Hufflepuff, right?
Having gotten the analysis results, Harry left the Map Secret Room.
The entrance of Gryffindor is crystal clear in his mind—practically undefended.
Though still in groups of three or five, neither Professor McGonagall nor Class Prefect Percy seem to think there's a Gryffindor that could command the Snake Monster.
Just saying, which Gryffindor would know Parseltongue?
As for Hufflepuff, you could see from Cedric sneaking out alone.
If the attacker belonged to one of these two houses, he would have already found an opportunity to release the Snake Monster and continue his attacks.
So...who could this person be?
Harry suspects it's likely someone from Slytherin.
After all...
He looks at the entrance to the Slytherin dungeon, standing before it is Miss Fari, and not far away is Professor Snape's desk—the old professor seems to have set up his office in front of the Slytherin common room to prevent anyone from sneaking out.
On his desk, there's also a compass-like device, constantly pointing in his direction, emitting a hissing alarm.
Harry quickly slips away, knowing that thing is a Magic Item of the Anti-Invisibility Spell.
All the way to the Headmaster's Office, this time Harry stands in front of the Dripping Stone Beast, reaching out to touch its head.
He still doesn't know the password.
"Password." Dripping Stone Beast asks.
Harry stays silent.
"Doormen won't bow to anyone." Dripping Stone Beast says, "Password."
Harry wipes his fingers, lighting a cluster of black Fiery Fire.
"Password is Licorice Wand," Dripping Stone Beast says, "but doormen won't bow to anyone."
"I know, you won't bow to anyone." Harry says, "Licorice Wand."
Dripping Stone Beast jumps to one side.
The Headmaster's Office remains as before, Harry ascending the steps, this time he first sees the Sorting Hat still placed on the cupboard.
Dumbledore sits behind the desk, appearing extremely relaxed.
"Professor." Harry steps forward to greet Dumbledore.
But instead hears the sound of the hat flapping against the desk, clearly sounding a bit displeased.
"Hey, Harry, you forgot to greet the Old Hat!" The Old Hat said very unhappily.
"Good evening, Old Hat." Harry turned around and waved.
Only then does the Old Hat rest satisfied.
Harry sat opposite Dumbledore, looking up at the old headmaster.
Before he could speak, a cup of lemonade appeared in front of him.
He didn't rush to speak, but reached out to take the cup of lemonade and took a sip.