The Prisoners of Hogwarts

Chapter 188 Countermeasures

Chapter 188 Countermeasures

Harry listened intently, seemingly understanding a little, but the idea of ​​viewing enormous risks as "controllable troubles" still sent a chill down his spine and filled him with disbelief, despite being a wizard raised in the Muggle world.

He looked down at his tightly clenched hands, his knuckles turning white, trying to process the massive and unsettling information.

The monster in the Chamber of Secrets is the Basilisk, capable of killing with its gaze. Dumbledore knows this but remains inactive—while he himself is Parseltongue, able to speak with snakes, a trait that is ironically the mark of the Slytherin heir.

A barrage of heavy thoughts enveloped him like dark clouds, making it almost impossible for him to breathe, and his shoulders slumped slightly involuntarily.

Lin Qi silently watched the boy in front of him, who was somewhat dazed by the series of astonishing pieces of information.

The firelight danced on Harry's pale face, reflecting the deep confusion and unease in his green eyes.

Lynch's gaze shifted from Harry's tightly pursed lips to his unconsciously twisted fingers, realizing that grand explanations of the wizarding world's rules would only add to the boy's burden at this moment. What he needed now was not more confusing "reasoning."

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In the brief silence, the only sound was the soft crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace.

Lynch leaned forward, a subtle movement that broke the silence and caught Harry's attention.

When he spoke again, his voice was slightly lower than before, carrying a clear concern that drew Harry's thoughts away from those distant dangers and back to the more pressing reality.

"Harry," Lynch's gaze became extremely focused, as if trying to pierce through the fog shrouding Harry's mind, "we must now talk to you, to what you will face immediately after tonight."

Harry looked up, his green eyes still showing lingering shock and a hint of confusion, as if he hadn't fully grasped the meaning behind Lynch's words.

"The fact that you speak Parsley," Lynch said without hesitation, clearly and directly, "has spread throughout the entire castle like a tolling bell. Have you considered what that means?"

Harry's lips moved, but no sound came out. He had a vague sense of unease, but his thoughts were still in turmoil.

Lynch provided the answer for him, his tone grave: "This means the real attacker knows. More importantly, fear will spread like wildfire. Until the truth comes out, in many people's eyes, you, Harry Potter, are 'the heir to Slytherin.'"

He deliberately slowed his speech so that Harry could clearly hear every word he said, "Your days ahead are not going to be easy. You need to prepare immediately."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly waking Harry up.

His face paled even more, and his hands unconsciously clenched his robe. "I—..." He opened his mouth, but didn't know what to ask, and just looked at Lin Qi helplessly.

Lynch, seeing the panic rising in Harry's eyes, softened his tone and became more guiding: "This isn't the time for you to be afraid alone. Tell me, what are you going to do next?"

This question pulled Harry out of his passive acceptance and forced him to start thinking about how to cope.

He shook his head, his voice trembling slightly, his green eyes filled with helplessness: "I—I don't know—Uncle Lynch, what should I do?"

Lynch's tone was firm, without any perfunctory remarks: "First, you need to understand—you can't make everyone believe you, Harry."

"In fact, you'll soon find that only a few people, like me and your two loyal friends, are willing to believe in you and stand by your side."

He paused briefly, allowing Harry time to process the information in his words.

"But that few people are usually enough," Lynch continued. "With our support and trust, all you have to do is get through this period strong. And time will ultimately prove your innocence. In the meantime, you need to strictly adhere to a few rules to protect yourself."

Harry looked at Lynch, waiting for more specific instructions.

"Remember," Lynch said with unusual seriousness, "first, never go out alone. Wherever you go, you must stay with Ron and Hermione. Second, avoid all secluded corners, abandoned classrooms, and empty corridors. You must always stay in crowded places—the Great Hall, the common room, the library—"

"But—" Harry's stomach churned at the thought of those terrified, suspicious looks, "If they hate me, if they avoid me—"

“Even if they hate you, slander you,” Lynch interrupted him, speaking in an unquestionable tone, “you still have to make sure you’re within their sight. The gaze of the crowd is a double-edged sword at this point; it can hurt you, but it can also protect you to some extent, making it difficult for the real killer to attack you in broad daylight. Understand? Sometimes, being exposed to the public is the safest option.”

Harry took a deep breath, trying to memorize every word Lynch said.

He understood this seemingly contradictory yet crucial survival strategy.

Lynch paused, making sure Harry fully understood, and added a more specific instruction: "So, from this moment on, you must be more vigilant. If you hear that voice again, wherever you are, call out immediately."

Then, Lynch's tone became incredibly firm, carrying a reassuring sense of promise: "As for the Basilisk and the true heir, you don't need to worry too much. I assure you, Harry, this matter will be resolved soon."

These words acted as a solid barrier, temporarily blocking Harry's imagination of that terrifying monster.

He nodded heavily. Uncle Lynch's calm analysis and clear assurances finally gave him a foothold to rely on amidst the surging panic.

"Now, I'll have Totz take you back to the tower," Lynch said, snapping his fingers.

Almost immediately, a soft popping sound came from the air, and the house-elf Thorts appeared. His large eyes looked at Harry with concern, then he bowed respectfully to Lynch: "Sir, you summoned Thorts."

"Safely escort Harry back to the Gryffindor Tower and make sure he goes directly to the common room."

"Tortz will do it!" the elf nodded.

Lynch patted Harry on the shoulder one last time, his movement steady and firm. "Remember what I said. Go back."

Harry nodded and followed Thors toward the door.

He looked back one last time before stepping out of the office.

Lynch stood in front of his desk, his gaze calm, like a lighthouse that could withstand any storm.

The door closed gently behind me.

With Thors by his side, Harry felt much more at ease despite the darkness. They headed toward the Gryffindor common room, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridor.