Chapter 271: The Fate of a Hero

After learning Dumbledore's enhanced version of Slowing Charm, Wade occasionally used it to slow down the basilisk's movements.

Compared to the basilisk, Wade's magical power was relatively weak and could only slightly restrain it.

Yet, even a delay of just a fraction of a second, if applied at the right moment, could make all the difference.

The students were unaware that they had additional help—

When they entered the Chamber of Secrets, Wade and Dumbledore had used Disillusionment Charms to remain hidden.

Dozens of students surrounded the basilisk. Initially, they were panicked and disorganized; seven or eight were seriously injured and had to be evacuated by the professors.

But gradually, the bravest among them stepped forward to form a defensive line. The remaining students regained their composure, and at least none of them dropped their wands and fled in terror again.

Even those who had initially run away returned with red faces.

Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws—

The students from all four houses worked together, setting aside their differences to fight the basilisk in a life-or-death battle.

When they cast their spells, they didn't stop to think whether the basilisk was attacking a friend or foe. When they reached out to pull a fallen classmate to their feet, they paid no attention to which house the person belonged to.

They had only one thought: to defeat the terrifying "enemy" before them.

For wizards, their mindset greatly influences the effectiveness of their magic.

For a moment, the students were holding their own against the giant basilisk, creating a balance that seemed almost evenly matched.

Watching this scene—like a swarm of ants battling a giant worm—Wade couldn't help but wonder: How did Harry defeat such a colossal beast on his own?

Of course, it might have been because Harry used a sword, while the students were relying on magic. The basilisk's magical resistance was indeed high, with most spells bouncing off its scales as if merely tickling it.

But Wade believed that back then in the original story, Dumbledore had been quietly watching, just as he was now, hidden nearby and subtly restraining the beast with magic. 

All the while, he likely watched with satisfaction as the young savior pierced the basilisk's palate with the Sword of Gryffindor.

At this thought, Wade turned to look at the headmaster, only to find Dumbledore already gazing at him with his eyes glistening with tears as if deeply moved.

Startled, Wade asked, "Professor Dumbledore...?"

"It's wonderful, isn't it?"

The headmaster's eyes were soft, and he smiled gently. 

"Watching the children set aside their past conflicts, helping each other and standing united against a common enemy—it's such a beautiful sight... It fills your heart with warmth and hope."

"Hmm... That does seem to be true," Wade said slowly. "But why are you saying this to me? I'm not part of that group."

"But this scene exists because of you."

Dumbledore's gaze remained fixed on the battling children, deep and tender, as if he could see far into the future.

"The rivalry among Hogwarts houses has persisted since its founding, lasting over a thousand years... Even during times of war, I've never seen them united like this," Dumbledore said softly.

"But this unity is only temporary... It's just because they've encountered an enemy they have no choice but to face together," Wade replied coolly, pouring cold water on the sentiment. "Once this challenge is over, the rivalries will resume as usual."

"But they've fought side by side now," Dumbledore said optimistically. "Even if it's just once, such an experience leaves a mark on the soul."

Wade thought to himself: How many times did Peter Pettigrew fight alongside James Potter? When it came time to betray him, did that stop him from being utterly ruthless?

But then he considered that people like Peter Pettigrew were rare, and it was unfair to generalize.

Suddenly, the basilisk let out a pained roar, its tail thrashed violently in spasms, while its upper body crashed heavily to the ground.

By now, its body was covered in countless wounds, large and small, but there were two that proved fatal—

Neville Longbottom, still carrying the sword Wade had given him, had plunged it deeply into the basilisk's neck from below.

Meanwhile, one of the basilisk's fangs had been severed by a Severing Charm. Harry, clutching this venomous fang, had flown on his broom to the basilisk's head. 

Aiming carefully, he dove straight down, driving the fang into the basilisk's bloody eye socket!

Everyone was stunned by their incredible feat.

Wade was equally astonished.

Even as the upperclassmen courageously held their ground and fought, it was still Harry and Neville who brought the battle to an end...

For a moment, Wade felt a force at work—something that could only be called destiny.

It was as if some people... were simply meant to be heroes.

Neville, drenched in the basilisk's dark blood, stood there panting heavily with his hands braced on his knees. He seemed unable to believe what he had just done.

A muffled "thud" sounded nearby.

"Harry—!"

Hermione cried out, rushing over. George, who was closest, had already caught Harry and prevented him from collapsing to the ground.

George laid Harry down, and they saw his face turning black, with several cuts on his arm from the basilisk's fangs.

"Harry's been poisoned!" George shouted. "Does anyone have an antidote?"

Michael, who had been gaping at the basilisk, snapped to attention at the cry. He quickly pulled a small vial from his pocket, held it aloft, and ran over, shouting, "I do! I do! I have an antidote!"

The crowd hurriedly made way as Michael knelt beside Harry, uncorked the bottle, and poured the antidote into his mouth.

The antidote took effect almost instantly. Within seconds, the dark bluish-green hue caused by the venom faded from Harry's face, and the blood oozing from his wounds turned back to its normal red color.

"I'm fine... I'm okay..."

Harry felt like he was being squeezed tightly by several people at once. He mumbled as he spoke and tried to push away those clutching him.

When he opened his eyes, he saw George, Hermione, and Michael beside him, while Neville and others stood nearby with worried expressions on their faces.

"This antidote is amazing!" Robert, the Ravenclaw prefect, leaned over and clapped Michael on the shoulder. With great interest, he asked, "Michael, where did you get it?"

"Uh..."

Michael cast a quick glance toward the entrance of the Chamber of Secrets, where Professor Snape stood with his usual stoic expression.

Before they had entered, Professor Snape had discreetly handed a bottle of the antidote to each of the top-performing students in Potions (namely from Slytherin and Ravenclaw), suggesting they might find it useful.

This particular potion was extremely rare, with each bottle containing only a single dose. There were just a few bottles in total.

Naturally, Michael couldn't reveal that the professor had offered them special assistance in private.

While he hesitated, Robert came up with his own explanation.

"It was Wade, wasn't it? You two have always been close... I also heard he's the mastermind behind this challenge."

Robert stood up and glanced around. "Where is he, anyway?"

"Because it wouldn't be fair for the referee to participate in the competition." 

A voice chimed in from the side.

--------------------------------

🙏🙏Please consider supporting this translation project by becoming a P@treon member!!! 

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Available on my P@treon page for just $4!!

Early access to the following translations:-

⭐Harry Potter: Becoming a Study God (HP:BSG)- +235 Chapters

⭐MCU: Druid's Adventures (MCUDA)(⭐COMPLETE⭐) - Total Chapter 460

⭐Famous Police Detective in Detective World (FPDDW)- +165 advance chapters

⭐Marvel: Little Genius (MLG) (⭐COMPLETE⭐) - Total Chapter 450

p@treon.com/Lightreaper457

--------------------------------