As Aizen in Naruto and Joined a Chat Group Chapter 431: The Plot Has Veered Off Course

As night deepened, scattered lights began to twinkle within Hogwarts Castle.

Entering Dumbledore's office with a slow stride, Geral observed that most of the professors had already assembled. They appeared to have been summoned in some haste; Geral even noticed Professor Babbling of Ancient Runes and Professor Trelawney of Divination still clad in their nightclothes.

"This way, Zickrein," Professor Flitwick, a diminutive figure, winked at Geral upon his arrival. "Come over here quickly."

Geral offered a light chuckle and moved to stand beside Flitwick. He cast a glance at Dumbledore, seated in his armchair, the old professor's eyes slightly narrowed as if lost in deep contemplation.

"That poor child, Cedric," Flitwick whispered, his voice low near Geral's leg. "He was so exceptionally talented, and now this has befallen him."

Cedric?

Geral's sky-blue eyebrows lifted subtly. "The student who was attacked... is it Cedric from Hufflepuff?" he inquired softly.

"Oh, yes!" Flitwick affirmed with a decisive nod. "That's him! He was assaulted just outside the Hufflepuff common room entrance. He's completely lost his senses..."

Why Cedric?

Geral paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. According to the original narrative's expected course, the attack should have targeted Harry Potter's ardent young admirer, "Colin Creevey," shouldn't it?

Why has it suddenly deviated? And "lost his senses"? Not petrified?

Geral lowered his head, immersed in thought. This "loss of senses" was certainly not the effect of petrification; it sounded more akin to the Imperius Curse. However, the professors present would surely be aware of the Imperius Curse's effects. If it were truly that, they wouldn't need to convene a special meeting to deliberate.

Interesting.

Geral's head dipped, a subtle smile playing on his lips, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. This departure from the original story ignited a profound curiosity within him.

Who precisely cast the spell upon Cedric? And why has the narrative trajectory shifted like this?

Geral desired to uncover the truth behind these questions, yet he refrained from employing his divine power for an omniscient perception. Such a shortcut felt uninspired and facile. He found greater satisfaction in piecing things together through deduction, relying on available clues.

It is widely understood that the shadowy architect is the youthful Voldemort, Tom Riddle. He is not merely the Heir of Slytherin but also the true perpetrator secretly commanding the basilisk.

Nevertheless, a basilisk remains merely a basilisk. Its method of attack would undoubtedly not result in this particular "loss of senses" effect. Therefore, the assailant of Cedric must be a person.

Ginny Weasley?

Geral raised an eyebrow, the culprit having already formed in his mind. This young girl, under the influence of the Tom Riddle residing in the diary, was entirely capable of executing such an assault.

But why target Cedric?

Geral stroked his chin, a memory surfacing of someone lingering near his dormitory a few evenings prior. At the time, Geral had been gathering materials in the Forbidden Forest and had not directly encountered this individual.

However, both the footprints on the steps and the Matsuri flower petals found at the door indicated that someone had sought him out during that period.

Could that have been Ginny?

Geral recalled having instructed the young girl on the preparation of tea using Matsuri flowers. She had likely been carrying Matsuri flowers when she came looking for him. So, was Tom Riddle's initial objective actually himself?

What reason prompted him to later abandon that plan and switch his focus to Cedric?

Geral pondered these questions internally, his expression remaining impassive. At that moment, a rather flippant voice suddenly resounded. "Well, well, well, everyone's present! Did I miss anything?"

All the professors turned their gazes towards the voice's origin. Standing there was Gilderoy Lockhart, enveloped in a grand green robe, a medal affixed to his chest. He swaggered slightly as he surveyed the room, his eyes finally resting on the well-proportioned Professor Babbling. "Oh, confound it! I understand now. You're having a pajama party here!"

An immediate wave of fury washed over the professors present, their glares fixed upon him.

Geral even observed that the usually good-natured Professor Flitwick beside him was trembling uncontrollably. If they were not within Dumbledore's office, he likely would have immediately assailed this ostentatious and inept fop with a hex.

"It appears everyone is here."

Just as the professors were on the verge of losing control of their anger, Dumbledore, from his seat, finally spoke. "As I mentioned, another attack has transpired. This time, the victim is an exceptional student. He has completely lost his faculties."

"Lost his faculties, how truly dreadful," Lockhart declared with a feigned sigh. "Even more distressing than the water monster I encountered in Lake Candice. That creature devastated a Muggle village! It transformed all the inhabitants into sweet potatoes and yams! I battled that beast for a full six hours before finally subduing it!"

"Professor Lockhart, Cedric has merely lost his senses!" Pomona Sprout snapped through clenched teeth, her voice barely above a whisper yet carrying immense force. "He has not transformed into a sweet potato, nor a yam!"

The Head of Hufflepuff House could no longer contain her rising fury. Of all the professors, she was typically the most gentle. However, when one of her students was involved, a fierce protectiveness emerged.

"Indeed, that is quite correct," Dumbledore affirmed, continuing his explanation. "Mr. Diggory has indeed not become a sweet potato or a yam. He remains a living person. However, this incident confirms that the Chamber has indeed found its heir. And that heir has now commenced their actions."

"Much like what transpired fifty years ago," Professor McGonagall added. "Half a century prior, a comparable event unfolded at Hogwarts. We tragically lost a student permanently—the spectral resident of the girls' lavatory, Myrtle."

"I have reviewed the relevant file within the Auror office," Geral interjected. "That particular incident appeared to be connected to Hagrid?"

"Hagrid is not the guilty party, Zickrein," Dumbledore replied, shaking his head slowly. "You are well aware that Hagrid is incapable of such actions. The true perpetrator of that event was never apprehended. They remain at large. But not this time. This time... it will be different..."

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