William Revenous

William Revenous Chapter Nine A Meeting with Dumbledore (2)

"It all started very simple, Dumbledore", William started slowly. He tried to memorize the events as much as possible. But three years sure was a long time ago for him. 

"Around the time people started to have those funny 'accidents' , where people were frozen like stone, we decided to investigate for ourselves. We were not the only ones either. Those who were not scared were quite eager to know more about the mystery of the statue students", Cedric said. 

"Those who were looking for clues, gave up after a frustrating amount of hours spent. And even teachers seemed to be puzzled by it all. Professor McGonagall accidentally let it slip the teachers altogether had no leads either. Even you professor were clueless."

"I would not go as far as clueless", Dumbledore said defensively. "I had my suspicions, since I knew the origin of the as you call it 'student statues' was a Basilisk. And it was also clear as day that it had direct ties to Slytherin. But alas, I do have to confess I never found the entrance in school. Even my most sophisticated magic tracing spells were futile."

"Was Voldemort's Magic that advanced?"

"No", Dumble said simply. "There are just way too many secret places in Hogwards. It was like finding a needle in a Haystack. Me and the teachers patrol the corridors daily to remove anything that resembles a curse or a trap. You students are so mischievous. But I am interrupting you. Please continue."

Cedrics eyes started to gleam proudly. "Well, since everyone was looking for a hidden entrance IN the castle, we were more concerned about the monster getting OUT of the castle. See, if there was an ancient creature lurking somewhere, and the creature did not even eat a single house elf on the side. That's right, we asked", Cedric added before Dumbledore could open his mouth. "We assumed it should have a feeding ground. And what better place to be a feeding ground for a monster that hunts for flesh other than the Forbidden Forest?"
"That is obvious. But we have looked around there as well, obviously", Dumbledore said. 

"Since we had no idea what the creature was, we prepared for everything. though Professor, Can you tell us why there is no map of the Forbidden Forest in the schools' library at all?", Cedric asked. 

"There used to be one. But it was outdated, misplaced and since Hagrid joined us, the creatures became a lot more varied. So no one really bothered with it anymore."

"So we started to map the whole forest. for ourselves. Mapped the creature lairs in them. Sidebar.. Seriously Dumbledore. giant Arachnids? Why?"
"Long story. Not very important", Dumbledore said. "We have a non aggression treaty with them. "
"We had to run like hell. There were way too many of them. But they seemed territorial, so they left us alone if we ran away fast enough", William said. "After a few days of midnight strolls through the woods. We managed to complete the map. We added every tree cluster, every boulder as well. Just in case, you know?"

"But we were stumped. So I thought we could perhaps animate the map. Perhaps we could even make a map that could.. like.. show every creature or person who walks around there."

"Unsuccessfully. In theory it sounded easy. But it felt more like a four man job", William added with a defeated undertone. "We simply weren't good enough."
"You should not even consider dabbling into that sort of Magic", Dumbledore added. "I have to admit even I am not able to make such a things. And from the top of my head, I only know of one such a map in existence."

"What kind of map would that be?", William asked. 

"I cannot tell you that either. You two know too much already for my taste. I will not be fueling that curiosity any more than needed", Dumbledore said. "Proceed."