The attacks had thrown the school into panic. During lessons, Lockhart deliberately began teaching small defensive techniques to help students protect themselves.
After class, Hermione stopped him.
"P-Professor Lockhart…" she stammered. "Um, I'd like to borrow this book from the library. I hope it can help me understand some background knowledge."
She held up a slip of paper, her hand trembling slightly.
"The problem is… it's in the Restricted Section, so I need a teacher's signature. I believe this book will help me better understand the slow-acting venom you mentioned in Travels with Ghouls…"
"Ah, Travels with Ghouls!" Lockhart took the slip from her, smiling warmly—while thinking to himself, Looking for the Polyjuice Potion, are we? "That's one of my favorite works. Do you like it?"
"Oh, very much!" Hermione said eagerly. "The way you used a tea strainer to capture that last ghoul—it was so clever…"
"Heh, Miss Granger, I was just about to head to the library myself—to research what kind of creature petrified Mrs. Norris. Care to join me?"
"Oh… alright… Professor," Hermione agreed, though clearly flustered. She had hoped he'd casually sign the permission slip—but now his sudden initiative caught her off guard.
As the two walked out of the classroom, Harry and Ron, hiding nearby, stared in confusion.
"What's going on?"
Hermione secretly flashed them a "V" sign.
Ron frowned. "What, did the plan change?"
"They're heading to the library… so it probably worked. But… is Professor Lockhart going to help us get the book himself?" Harry said, equally puzzled.
In the library, Lockhart picked up a book on magical creatures, hoping to find a way to deal with the basilisk. Hermione, meanwhile, grabbed a Potions book, frowning at the complexity of the Polyjuice Potion.
Lockhart flipped to the basilisk section. Page after page described how terrifying it was—but offered no real solution.
Rooster crows? Was he supposed to carry a rooster around all day?
How exactly did the basilisk attack? Did it cast something like the Killing Curse through its eyes? Or hypnotize its victims to death?
Would sunglasses work?
…This wasn't Men in Black.
With a sigh, Lockhart dropped the book onto the table and ran a hand through his hair.
"No good… I'll just ask Hagrid for a few roosters as backup."
"Roosters?" Hermione leaned over curiously, glancing at the open book.
"Basilisk? Its gaze is its most dangerous weapon: any creature that meets its eyes directly will die instantly, while indirect contact—such as through a reflection—results in petrification… As long as it has sufficient food, a basilisk can live for a very long time… It is the natural enemy of spiders…"
Before Lockhart could react and close the book, Hermione had already read the key parts.
"Professor, you're a genius!" she cried. "You've found the culprit! Mrs. Norris was petrified because she saw the basilisk through a reflection in water!"
Oh, come on, Hermione.
Do you have to react this fast? And do you have to shout it out loud? And hug me while you're at it?
The entire library turned to stare at them.
This wasn't part of the plan.
With so many people around, Lockhart couldn't exactly cast a Memory Charm in broad daylight. Worse still, Madam Pince was already striding toward them.
Well—at least she wouldn't hit a professor with a feather duster.
Even worse—
Ginny Weasley was in the library.
She suddenly stood up, her eyes vacant, and rushed out.
She's being controlled by Voldemort.
Where is she going?
Lockhart immediately stood and ran after her.
Hermione hurried after him. "Professor, what's happening?"
"Hermione, why are you following me?" Lockhart snapped. Then he sighed. "Forget it—listen carefully. Whatever happens next, keep your eyes closed. Don't interfere."
"Don't interfere? With what?" Hermione blinked, then her eyes lit up. "Wait—have you figured out where the Chamber of Secrets is? You're going to face the basilisk? I knew it—nothing can stop you!"
Lockhart ignored her growing excitement.
Where is Ginny? Is she going to deal with the diary—or heading to the Chamber?
No… first I need to find the Headmaster. There's no way I can handle a basilisk—or a fragment of Voldemort's soul—on my own.