Sir Cadogan watched the two walk away and grumbled, "What rude young wizards."
The heavy footsteps belonged to the Hogwarts caretaker—Appollyon Pringle. He was burly and muscular, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly.
His face was clouded, as if a storm could break out at any moment: "What happened?"
His voice was like a deep bell, echoing through the entire corridor.
His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, quickly scanned the surroundings, trying to catch a clue from the chaotic scene. His eyes lingered on Sir Cadogan for a moment; after all, this Sir did not belong in this picture frame. He murmured, "Trouble-making Gryffindor."
Sir Cadogan, who was about to speak, closed his mouth.
The other portraits were intimidated by Pringle's presence and seemed to snap out of their panic in an instant, all eyes focusing on him.
The air was silent for a moment, then someone shouted, "Hogwarts has an intruder!"
Pringle's face became grim the moment he heard this. Whether the portraits were telling the truth or it was a student prank, it was something he could not tolerate!
Without asking for details, he quickly scanned the narrow corridor and sprinted towards the other end. This corridor only had two entrances; the "intruder" had no other way to leave.
Sir Cadogan showed a look as if he was watching a good show: "Oh, impetuous Pringle."
Thomas felt the heavy footsteps rapidly approaching them and could only grit his teeth and keep running forward.
Suddenly, an incredible sight appeared before his eyes.
At the end of the originally empty corridor, a staircase appeared out of thin air, becoming their quickest way to leave the corridor.
Thomas and the other person could only go up this staircase.
He soon noticed that no matter which direction they chose or how they adjusted their steps, the staircase ahead always appeared perfectly in sight, and they didn't encounter anyone while moving forward.
This seemed to be an invitation from the Castle, as if it had its own will, deliberately guiding them to an unknown place.
After a long time, they could no longer hear footsteps behind them, nor did new staircases appear ahead. Only then did the two stop, bending over with hands on their knees, gasping for breath.
It was then that the two realized they had arrived in a huge stone room. There were no decorations inside, it was frighteningly empty, and upon closer inspection, some white bones were scattered around... Thomas's heart leaped. He carefully identified the shape of the bones.
Fortunately, they were just animal bones.
He let out a sigh of relief and chuckled dryly at his grim-faced brother: "Sev, quite exciting, isn't it?"
Severus gave his brother a speechless look: "Thomas, this isn't fun at all! How do we get back now?"
Severus looked around and, seeing that the staircase that brought them had disappeared, realized this room had become a Chamber of Secrets!
Worry appeared on the young wizard's face: "If we go back too late, Anne and the others will be worried."
Thomas reassured him: "Don't worry, I think this Castle is alive. Let me ask it; it definitely has a way to take us back."
He closed his eyes, carefully sensing the magic connections in the air, and said to the air: "Hogwarts, we had a lot of fun today, but it's time for us to go home."
However, the Chamber of Secrets remained in a suffocating silence. Besides their faint breathing and heartbeats, there was no response.
The torches on the wall burned quietly, casting dappled light and shadow, as if something was silently observing everything.
"Pfft." Severus was amused by Thomas's behavior. He rarely saw his brother's childish side, and some of the urgency about not being able to go home was dispelled.
The atmosphere instantly lightened.
Thomas's expression changed: "..." He could guarantee that he did feel the Castle's vitality. This Castle was playing with him!
Suddenly, the tranquil air was broken by a faint but clear rustling sound, like the unique rhythm of scales rubbing against cold stone slabs as some colossal creature slowly moved in the darkness. The brothers' hearts instantly leaped to their throats. They exchanged glances, their eyes full of astonishment and unease.
Just as they unconsciously held their breath, a gigantic python, unimaginably large, appeared before them.
Its body occupied most of the space in the Chamber of Secrets. Its scales shimmered with a cold glow under the torchlight, each one like meticulously carved armor, both beautiful and terrifying.
Thomas quickly covered Severus's slightly open mouth, preventing him from screaming out of fear.
His own heart was in turmoil; even the mutated pythons of the apocalypse rarely grew to such a terrifying size.
The white bones scattered around must be its handiwork.
What do these wizards feed their snakes!
Although Thomas had the ability to attract and tame animals, snakes are cold-blooded animals, one of the most difficult species to tame in nature.
The snakes Thomas had encountered were all extremely cold and aloof; they weren't even willing to speak to him, as if not coiling him to suffocation was already the greatest respect for a Wood Element Ability user.
Of course, that was indeed the case.
Especially with such an extraordinary magical creature.
So Thomas had no intention of taming it with his ability.
He pulled Severus, quietly retreating towards the wall, trying to distance themselves from this potential threat without being noticed, and trying to minimize their presence.
Thomas silently prayed in his heart: We both don't look like enough to fill this giant python's teeth, so it probably won't notice us, right?
However, this was just wishful thinking... The giant python's head had already turned in their direction.
Although its eyes were tightly closed, the feeling of being locked onto by an invisible force was exceptionally strong, as if it was perceiving their presence in a way that transcended sight.
Right, snakes have poor eyesight; they locate prey using thermal imaging.
Even without eyes, it doesn't affect its hunting... Thomas quickly activated the Wood Element Ability deep within him. The ivy began to grow wildly as before, intertwining to form a green protective net.
However, as the protective net gradually took shape, Thomas's face grew paler and paler. Fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, and his lips were tightly pressed, revealing the immense burden he was enduring.
Despite Thomas's best efforts, the protective net ultimately failed to be completely woven.
Just as it was about to close, the vines seemed to lose their last support. They drooped powerlessly, scattering on the ground.
Thomas's body also swayed, exhausted from using his ability. He barely managed to keep himself from falling, but the color had completely drained from his face, replaced by a ghastly pallor.
Thomas gave a wry smile, secretly regretting: He had played too recklessly just now and had exhausted his ability... Severus's body began to tremble uncontrollably as the giant python approached.
But seeing the weakened Thomas, he gritted his teeth and walked in front of him, clutching the child's wand tightly in his hand, subtly showing a protective intent. This was a person with a naturally strong will.
"What a delicious smell!" Although it was a clear young boy's voice, to Thomas's ears, it sounded like a devil's whisper.
Severus knew that Thomas could understand what these animals said. Now, seeing his drastic change in expression, he immediately realized that what the giant python said was definitely not good.
"Thomas, don't be afraid..." The boy's voice still trembled as he firmly raised his wand... How could Thomas watch his brother fight this terrifying beast alone!
He bit his tongue, and the rust-like metallic taste spread in his mouth.
His fingers fumbled as he began to form hand seals. This was an ancient Taoist technique he had learned in his previous life.
It could tap into the hidden potential and power within the human body by overdrawing one's physical resources. A slight mistake could cause irreversible damage to the body, but now he couldn't afford to worry about that...