"Why do you say that?" Harry asked, puzzled.
Professor Dumbledore said, "You've seen that memory, you should know, Tom couldn't wait to blame Myrtle's death on Hagrid... At the time, Professor McGonagall and I were suspicious, but now it seems he had enough motive—"
"And you also know, if his mother was from the Gaunt family, then he might have inherited Parseltongue, which is a sign of Slytherin lineage, a born Parselmouth..."
"So, are you saying, the person who controlled the basilisk to kill Myrtle at the school fifty years ago was Tom?" Harry said, raising an eyebrow.
He had stopped calling Voldemort "Voldemort" and was now just calling him Tom.
Right, the name Voldemort isn't as pleasant as Tom?
But... the Gaunt family?
Harry suddenly remembered, Gaunt...
I knew it! Why does the name Marvolo sound so familiar!
Omnius Gaunt's brother, wasn't his name Marvolo Gaunt?
So, this means Tom Marvolo Riddle's mother must be from the Gaunt family, and she must be closely related to Marvolo Gaunt.
According to the middle name rule, if Marvolo isn't her husband, then he's her father.
And her husband's name is clearly in front, so... this middle name must come from Miss Gaunt's father!
Harry snorted, so... Voldemort is actually Omnius's great-nephew?
"Based on the current analysis, it is almost certain that it was Tom." A sharp light flashed in Professor Dumbledore's eyes.
"Understood, Professor." Harry nodded and said, "In that case, I won't disturb your rest, and I will remember to ask Professor Bin during class the day after tomorrow."
"Yes, you should be careful." Professor Dumbledore said, "But considering the basilisk in Hogwarts, I think for your safety, I should escort you back to your dormitory."
"Thank you, Professor." Harry politely stood up to thank him and did not refuse Professor Dumbledore's kindness.
The two left the Headmaster's Office together, and Professor Dumbledore even gave him a handful of Zizi Honey Candy.
"Don't worry, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said with a smile, "I am now a major shareholder of Duke Honey, and I can afford this candy—"
"Thank you, Professor," Harry sincerely thanked, knowing that Zizi Honey Candy isn't cheap, and it would be nice to bring it back to share with his roommates.
After being escorted back to the Gryffindor common room by Dumbledore, Harry was planning his next move.
Ask Professor Bin about the basilisk... and real combat practice with the Dueling House students.
Since the basilisk only moves around inside Hogwarts Castle, Harry planned to let the Dueling House partners practice by the edge of the Forbidden Forest this time.
"Harry?"
Hearing Harry's footsteps coming in, Neville turned over and asked.
"It's me."
Harry came in and put all the Zizi Honey Candy he had in his pocket on the table.
"What's that sound?" Ron asked groggily.
"Zizi Honey Candy, given by Professor Dumbledore," Harry said truthfully. "I just came out of his office."
"Cool." Seamus whistled, "You're one of the few people bold enough to go to Dumbledore's office and sneak a candy, I bet even that Weasley twin wouldn't dare."
"Hey!" Ron reminded, "Those happen to be my brothers!"
"Oh, sorry, Ron," Seamus said, "but I have to remind you, you were the one who told me that nickname."
"Haha..." Ron flipped on the bed twice, "But, did you really sneak candy? What if the Headmaster caught you?"
"I was just talking to him about my mother, and he gave me some candy," Harry said half-truthfully.
"Oh, sorry, Harry," Ron apologized, "I didn't know you talked about... well."
"It's okay, I'm not that fragile," Harry laughed, "Anyway, I think we should go to bed now—it's past ten, and we have class tomorrow."
"Alright then." Ron yawned, turned over, and fell asleep almost immediately.
The next morning, Professor Dumbledore appeared in the Great Hall.
After all the students had arrived, Professor Dumbledore announced the new temporary regulations.
The students in the school were not allowed to travel alone; on the way to and from class, they must move in groups by dormitory, to the classroom or Great Hall.
As for after eating in the Great Hall, the prefects would lead them, in line, back to their dormitories.
"What on earth is going on?" Draco said indignantly, "I think Dumbledore has really lost it, if my father knew about this, he would definitely convene the School Board to impeach him!"
Of course, he was just venting—telling his father wouldn't make much difference.
"Don't say that, Draco," Pansy urged, though her expression was somewhat sinister, "Just wait, he certainly won't remain as the headmaster, he won't—"
"You're right, Pansy!" Draco huffed, "That senile, mad Dumbledore..."
"He's truly annoying, isn't he?" Ron whispered, joining in with the students.
Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "Come on, Ron, at least he's not annoying you, don't get... um, don't let him notice you."
And so the temporary school regulations were set, requiring students to travel in threes or fives together, whether going to or coming from class, or to the Great Hall, always staying together.