Adam and the group of skilled wizards make their way cautiously through the damp, dark tunnel that winds deep beneath the castle. Their footsteps echo faintly, muffled by the sodden earth beneath them. The air is heavy, almost suffocating, laden with the scent of damp soil and decay. A faint metallic tang lingers in the atmosphere, sharp and unsettling, as though the very stones of the passage hold onto the ancient magic within. Adam's senses heighten with each step, every subtle shift in the tunnel’s aura sending a ripple of unease down his spine. He knows these corridors are not only old but treacherous, designed to mislead and endanger those who dare trespass.

Unlike the singular path Ron and Lockhart stumbled upon, Adam is aware of the hidden network of tunnels snaking beneath the castle—each leading to the Chamber of Secrets as he already study the school pluming network. His knowledge is their lifeline, guiding the group through the maze of shadowed passageways. He moves ahead with purpose, his wand casting a steady glow to illuminate potential pitfalls and precarious terrain. The further they descend, the more perilous the journey becomes. Jagged rocks jut out at unexpected angles, and patches of loose earth threaten to give way beneath their boots. Adam signals for silence frequently, every gesture calculated to ensure their safe passage through the labyrinth.

Time seems to stretch endlessly, every second punctuated by the rhythmic drip of water from the tunnel walls. After what feels like hours, they finally catch sight of their goal. In the flickering glow of their wandlight, the massive door to the Chamber of Secrets looms ahead, an ominous silhouette against the darkness. Its ornate serpentine carvings twist and coil, almost alive, their malevolence palpable. The door stands slightly ajar, the gap yawning like the maw of some great beast waiting to devour intruders.

Adam halts abruptly and raises a hand, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “This is far enough,” he says, the authority in his tone cutting through the tension. He glances back at the group, his expression steady despite the growing weight of the moment. “The door is already open. Remember, you must never look into the basilisk’s eyes. You’ve all trained for this moment. Trust your instincts and your magic. There’s no room for error.”

The wizards nod solemnly, their expressions grim but resolute. Each of them has already donned charmed glasses or intricate blindfolds, enchanted to filter out the basilisk’s deadly gaze while still allowing them to perceive their surroundings. This precaution, drilled into them through years of rigorous training, is their only safeguard against instant death. Even now, their wands remain at the ready, the faint hum of defensive spells a reminder of their preparedness for what lies ahead.

For now, Adam stays invisible, cloaked beneath the shimmering veil of a powerful illusion charm. His heart beats steadily, his resolve unshaken. He knows he cannot afford to reveal himself—not yet. The risk is too great. If Dark Lord senses his presence or makes the connection to Adam’s actions in the Forbidden Forest, the consequences could be catastrophic. Remaining undetected is not just important; it is imperative.

Before the group advances, Adam steps closer to the eldest wizard among them, a stern-looking man with a grizzled beard and sharp, calculating eyes. “I need you to take Argos with you,” Adam says, pulling a small, squirming creature from his pocket. The tiny squid blinks up at him with intelligent, gleaming eyes, its miniature tentacles waving in eager anticipation. Despite the tense atmosphere, Argos seems almost excited, as though sensing the critical role he is about to play.

Adam holds the little creature up for the group to see before addressing the older wizard directly. “Use the Engorgement Charm with this advanced transfiguration spell,” Adam instructs, his tone calm yet authoritative. He demonstrates the intricate hand movements with precision, his wand tracing sharp arcs and fluid spirals in the air. The accompanying Latin phrase rolls off his tongue with practiced ease, the magic imbued in each syllable resonating faintly in the damp tunnel.

The older wizard’s eyebrows rise in astonishment as he observes the spell. “I’ve never seen this spell before,” he admits, his voice a low rumble tinged with awe. Still, his hands and voice remain steady as he mirrors Adam’s demonstration. His first attempt is near-perfect, the air around his wand shimmering faintly as he completes the sequence.

Satisfied, Adam look down to address Argos directly, his voice softening. “When you grow larger, your job is simple: cover the basilisk’s eyes with your tentacles and restrain it. Submerge yourself in the water nearby if it tries to target you. Stay out of its direct gaze to avoid petrification. Do you understand?”

Argos bobs up and down in what seems like enthusiastic agreement, his tentacles waving in sync with his movements. Adam’s lips curl into a faint smile, a rare moment of warmth breaking through his otherwise focused demeanor. Carefully, he hands the creature over to the older wizard, who cradles it with surprising gentleness, ensuring the small squid is secure.

Before anyone can respond, a burst of golden light floods the tunnel, cutting through the oppressive darkness like a beacon. The radiant form of Fawkes, Dumbledore’s phoenix, appears as if summoned by the very air itself. The magnificent bird lands gracefully near Adam, his feathers shimmering with an ethereal glow. Clutched tightly in his talons is the unmistakable shape of the Sorting Hat, its battered brim flapping slightly as though eager to join the fray.

Adam’s eyes meet the phoenix’s, and for a moment, an unspoken understanding passes between them. He smiles faintly, a flicker of reassurance in his expression. “Go help Harry,” he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “But don’t destroy the basilisk’s eyes. We have other plans.”

Fawkes tilts his head as if acknowledging the instruction, then lets out a melodic trill—a sound so pure and uplifting it momentarily dispels the tension in the air. With a powerful beat of his wings, the phoenix ascends, his golden light trailing behind him like a comet’s tail. He soars toward the open chamber, disappearing through the door where Tom Riddle’s voice can faintly be heard, still spinning his tale of twisted ambitions to Harry.

Adam watches Fawkes vanish into the shadows, his focus sharpening once more. Turning back to the wizards, he meets their determined gazes one by one. “It’s time,” he says, his voice firm and resolute. “Good luck.”

The wizards move silently toward the Chamber, their steps purposeful and precise, their every movement a testament to years of rigorous training. Adam lingers behind for a moment, his breath steady as he listens to the faint echoes of their progress reverberating through the tunnel. Once the group vanishes through the massive serpentine door, Adam waits for right time, cloaked in the protective shroud of invisibility. He knows exactly how this confrontation will unfold. He has studied every possible scenario, replayed every potential outcome in his mind.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Switching POV

Ahead, Harry stood beside Ginny’s limp form, her pale face stark against the cold, damp stone floor. Fear flickered in Harry’s eyes, but it was overshadowed by the fierce determination that kept him steady. Across from him, Tom Riddle stood fully corporeal, his younger, sinister form radiating malice. A cruel smile played on his lips as his taunting words echoed through the chamber, each syllable heavy with contempt. With a commanding flick of his hand, the enormous basilisk surged forward. Its scales glinted ominously in the dim light as Harry bolted in the opposite direction, keeping his gaze averted to avoid its lethal eyes. The serpent is a living nightmare, its immense body coiling with predatory grace, its eyes glinting with the deadly allure of its petrifying gaze.

Finally the wizards spring into action. A volley of spells lights up the chamber, brilliant streaks of red, blue, and white cutting through the shadows. The basilisk rears back, its deafening hiss reverberating through the cavern as it thrashes against the coordinated assault. Despite their blindfolds and enchanted glasses, the wizards move with synchronized precision, their attacks calculated to keep the serpent at bay without exposing themselves to its lethal gaze.

In the chaos, the older wizard takes his position near the water’s edge and releases Argos. The diminutive squid plunges into the water with a splash, his small form disappearing briefly before the transfiguration spell is cast. The spell resonates through the chamber, its raw power causing the very air to hum. Argos grows exponentially, his once-tiny frame expanding into a colossal original form. He lets out a deep, reverberating bellow, his massive tentacles rising from the water like a tidal wave.

With a fluid motion, Argos launches himself at the basilisk. His thick tentacles wrap around the serpent’s head with surprising agility, obscuring its eyes and neutralizing its most dangerous weapon. The basilisk thrashes violently, its massive tail smashing against the stone walls of the Chamber and sending debris flying. But Argos holds firm, using his immense weight and strength to drag the serpent closer to the water, limiting its movements further.

Switching POV

Amid the tumult, Adam seizes his moment. He steps into the Chamber, his invisibility charm still intact as he edges closer to the battle. The wizards are locked in fierce combat with Dark Lord, their relentless spells forcing the projection of the Dark Lord to focus entirely on defense. With him occupied, Adam turns his attention back to the basilisk.

His wand moves in a series of intricate patterns, each gesture precise and deliberate. A surge of magic bursts forth, striking the basilisk’s gaping mouth with Ancient spell. The spell shatters the serpent’s deadly fangs with a sharp, echoing crack. One of the basilisk’s fangs clattered to the ground near Harry. Harry barely noticed it, his focus consumed by the chaos of the battle raging around him.

The older wizard wastes no time, conjuring an enchanted bag identical to the one Adam’s grandmother once gifted him—a relic of powerful magic, capable of containing even the most formidable creatures. With Argos still holding the basilisk in place, the wizards channel their magic into restraining spells, binding the serpent’s movements. The basilisk lets out a final, enraged hiss before being pulled entirely into the enchanted bag.

The Chamber falls eerily silent as the last traces of the basilisk vanish. Argos, triumphant but visibly exhausted, releases a low rumble of satisfaction before retreating into the water. The older wizard seals the bag with a sharp incantation, adding layer upon layer of protective spells to ensure the serpent remains contained.

Adam whispered a soft incantation towards Argos with a subtle motion. The squid swam through the air to Adam’s outstretched hand, wriggling into, miniature form. "You’ve done your part," Adam murmured quietly, his voice low enough that no one could hear. He carefully tucked Argos back into his pocket, ensuring his movements remained unnoticed.

The air in the chamber was thick with tension. At the center of it all, Harry sat near Ginny, holding her tightly, his knuckles white with determination. Nearby, the faint form of the Dark Lord loomed, his youthful visage twisted with rage. Adam kept his distance, his wand clenched firmly, his eyes scanning the scene.

One of the wizards, following Adam’s earlier orders, shouted across the chaos. “Harry! Use the fang on the diary! Destroy it!”

Harry froze for a fraction of a second, his gaze darting between the basilisk fang nearby and the diary lying on the ground. The room seemed to hold its breath as Tom Riddle’s voice echoed through the chamber, sharp and venomous. “Don’t you dare!” Riddle roared, his projection flickering violently. His form stretched and twisted, his desperation radiating in waves as he unleashed a barrage of curses toward the advancing wizards.

Adam tensed, ready to intervene, but Harry didn’t falter. With a determined cry, Harry piks the fang high and plunged it into the diary.

A sharp, visceral sound tore through the chamber as the fang pierced the enchanted pages. Ink spurted from the diary like black blood, pooling around it in unnatural rivulets. Riddle’s form began to waver, his screams growing louder, more anguished, as the dark magic anchoring his existence unraveled. The wizards doubled their efforts, their spells creating a shield around the area, ensuring that Riddle’s fragment had no chance of escaping.

“No!” Riddle’s voice fractured, his outline flickering like a dying flame. “You cannot destroy me!”

Harry didn’t hesitate. With one final, powerful stab, he drove the fang deep into the diary. The book shuddered, its cover curling and blackening before collapsing in on itself. A blinding burst of light erupted, and Riddle’s projection dissolved, his screams silenced as the chamber was plunged into stillness.

For a moment, no one moved. The only sound was the faint, rhythmic dripping of water from the chamber’s ceiling. Then, Ginny stirred. Harry dropped the fang and rushed to her side, cradling her as relief washed over his face. “Ginny, you’re okay,” he whispered, his voice shaky with emotion.

The wizards watched briefly before retreating, their mission complete. Adam remained in the shadows, still cloaked by his illusion charm. His gaze followed the scene, his chest tight with relief and lingering tension. The plan had worked flawlessly, but the risk had been enormous. One misstep, one second of hesitation, and it could have all unraveled.

As Harry turned, likely to express his gratitude, the wizards were already fading into the background. Their purpose was fulfilled, their presence unnecessary.

In the sudden quiet, Fawkes reappeared, his golden light cutting through the chamber’s gloom. It landed gracefully beside Harry and Ginny, extending its tail feathers to guide them toward the exit.

Adam lingered, letting the scene sink in. His heart pounded as he watched Harry lean on Fawkes for support, carrying Ginny toward safety. The sight stirred something deep within him—a quiet but steadfast conviction.

As the group began their ascent out of the Chamber, Adam took a deep breath, his thoughts swirling. The basilisk was sure, the diary destroyed, and Riddle’s fragment extinguished.

He made his way out of the chamber and into the tunnel, undoing his invisibility and illusion charms on the other side. He reached the waiting wizards, who were ready to depart, their eyes fixed on him as he approached. As they made their way toward the Great Lake, Adam allowed himself a rare moment of respite. The night had been a victory—one markedly different from the original course of events.