Headmaster, I don't believe you can't see what's going on here!
To protect your beloved Harry, throw me out to draw the fire!
You're really great!
Argus sneered inwardly.
The basilisk stayed at Hogwarts for who knows how many years.
Voldemort was released during his school years!
They even killed Myrtle, making Hagrid take the blame and causing him to be expelled!
He couldn't believe that Dumbledore, who had been in charge of Hogwarts for so many years, would be completely unaware of this!
He thought this in his heart, but his expression remained unchanged.
He replied calmly, "Professor Dumbledore, I was in the library all afternoon and saw these on my way back to my dormitory."
"Many people in the library must have seen me; they can all testify to that."
"Mrs. Pince also remembers me."
"Who knows, maybe you deliberately spent half a day in the library and then snuck out early?" Ron muttered, his voice not loud, but everyone present heard him clearly.
At this time, not all the students of Hogwarts had left, and many people heard this.
They couldn't help but glance at Argus.
The fear in their eyes became even more pronounced.
They quickened their pace, as if afraid that Argus would notice them.
Argus sneered, his words leaving Ron red-faced and speechless.
"Mr. Weasley, if I were you, I would think twice before I speak."
"This kind of question can be answered by simply asking the students in the library and checking the times I was seen."
"Besides, there are so many people in the library. If I can avoid one, can I avoid ten or a hundred?"
Ron's face flushed red and then turned pale. He wanted to argue, but didn't know how to start.
Seeing that Argus had been cleared of suspicion, Harry, fearing that he would be suspected instead, hurriedly explained.
"Headmaster, it wasn't me! I've never touched Mrs. Norris, I swear!"
"Nonsense!" Filch was so angry his hair almost stood on end.
"Filch, calm down." Dumbledore was exasperated by Filch's attitude.
In this situation, Filch's attitude had a crucial impact on the other young wizards.
"In my opinion, Headmaster," Snape suddenly spoke, interrupting their conversation.
"Perhaps Mr. Potter and his friends just happened to be here."
Harry and Ron exchanged a glance, unable to believe that Snape would speak up for them.
But Snape's next words made them reconsider.
Snape was still the same Snape.
"Given Mr. Potter and his friends' level of magic, they probably wouldn't even be able to cast the Levitation Charm smoothly."
"Not to mention the even more difficult petrification spell."
Harry and Ron were unwilling, but they could only glare at Snape resentfully.
Lockhart was making his presence felt again.
"I can also vouch for Mr. Potter!"
"Harry had been with me all night, helping me reply to my fans."
"I've just come from Professor Sprout's place, and I headed straight here to see Harry!"
Seeing that both Harry and Argus had ways to prove their innocence, Ron became anxious.
He quickly spoke up, fearing he would become the target of everyone's attention.
As he spoke, he looked at Professor Sprout for help.
Professor Sprout returned a reassuring look, indicating that she would help him confirm it.
"They are all innocent until there is evidence to prove their guilt."
Dumbledore knew that he wouldn't get any more information by continuing to ask.
In short, that concluded the matter for now.
Filch, however, persisted and roared, "But my cat is petrified!"
"I want to see someone punished!"
"Mr. Filch, we will heal her." Dumbledore maintained his usual demeanor.
"As far as I know, Professor Sprout has cultivated very healthy Mandrake roots."
"Once they mature, we can make an antidote and restore Mrs. Norris to her original state."
Professor Sprout nodded repeatedly, assuring Filch.
Dumbledore didn't give Filch another chance to lash out, and said directly, "During this period, I advise everyone to proceed with caution."
"Remember this!"
After analysis, none of them were suspected of committing the crime.
Dumbledore offered Filch a few more words of comfort and then let them leave.
When Argus returned to the Slytherin common room.
He discovered that everyone was waiting for his return.
"Chief! Are you alright?"
Did Harry Potter and the others give you any trouble?
"We just heard that Potter and Weasley have been trying to smear you!"
A group of people chattered amongst themselves, their words filled with concern.
"I'm sorry to have made everyone worry about me."
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
Argus responded to each of them with a smile.
"chief!"
"What's wrong?"
"Are you... really the heir to Slytherin?"
This statement drew the attention of all Slytherins.
Expectation, fear, doubt...
A multitude of complex emotions converged on Argus.
Argus smiled slightly, turned his head, and scanned the surroundings.
"You all want to know, don't you?"
No one spoke, but everyone's eyes conveyed their message.
yes!
"I'm sorry to disappoint you." Argus shook his head. "I really am not the heir to Slytherin."
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces immediately showed disappointment.
For the wizards of Slytherin, the founder of the house was practically a mythical figure.
To become his successor was something everyone dreamed of.
Even if they themselves didn't become the Head of the House, the fact that the Head of the House was Slytherin's successor was still something to be excited about.
What a pity...sigh!
Sensing the disappointment of the crowd, Argus spoke again.
The sound wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
"Don't be disappointed by this."
"Instead of chasing after these illusory things, it's better to focus your energy on the textbooks in front of you, taking one step at a time. You might just become a famous wizard in the magical world."
Argus looked at everyone and continued, "Such a big thing happened tonight, and as the chief of the academy, I have to issue a few orders."
"From today onwards, no one is allowed to leave the lounge at night. If possible, it is best to stay in your dormitory."
"Secondly, no one may act alone unless absolutely necessary. For students who are in confinement, I will communicate with the dean to suspend your punishment."
"Third, the grade leaders should fulfill their supervisory duties and report any issues to the dean or professors in a timely manner."
"Except for Professor Lockhart!"
"Did you understand?"
All the Slytherins replied in unison, "Understood!"
Argus nodded and was about to return to his dormitory when a voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Master, are you really willing to accept this? In Slytherin, you are the most qualified person to inherit the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets!"
"The Chamber of Secrets in Slytherin?" Argus chuckled, a confident smile curving his lips.
"I never needed to inherit Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets."
"Give me time, and I will surpass Slytherin!"
…
100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter Tomorrow!
Help us reach the goal!
Too slow? We upload 10 Chapters/Day on P@treon!
The book is likely Already Finished there. Don't wait for daily updates—read the complete story + R-18 scenes right now!
[email protected]/Ren Saga