"Harry Potter- Ravenclaw"Chapter 199: Send Them on Their Way!
Slytherin gave a faint, knowing smile. "Yes… They've always gone on about how dreadful the Sorting Ceremony is—how you might have to face a troll, a hippogriff, or even a dragon…"
"I always thought it wasn't nearly enough. It couldn't possibly scare off those with truly sinister motives… especially some of those from Muggle families. I never believed their willpower was particularly strong…"
"Back then, any disaster—natural or man-made—could be blamed on wizards. If someone could truly steel themselves and let go of their prejudice against magic, I would gladly accept them…"
"That's why I left the Basilisk behind—a real, tangible threat. It would occasionally wander the castle, a warning to the feeble-minded: if you want to stay at Hogwarts, you'd better watch your step!"
At that, Wyzett finally understood. In the era of rampant witch hunts, with Hogwarts newly founded and the world outside in chaos, the founders faced impossible complexity.
Trying to discern every student's true intentions with Legilimency and other magic was far too troublesome. It was simpler to raise the bar, to set obstacles that would turn away the faint of heart.
Spreading tales of the Sorting Ceremony's terrors was a way to screen out those from Muggle families who weren't truly committed—and, at the same time, to raise the overall quality of the student body. It was a deliberate strategy by the four founders.
But to Slytherin, that was still too gentle. So he left behind the legend of the Basilisk and the whispers about the Chamber, ramping up the deterrent for those with ill intent, and helping keep early Hogwarts stable.
…
"So, Headmaster Slytherin…" Wyzett asked, "are you saying this was all agreed upon? Even your arguments with Godric Gryffindor…"
"Why would I need to negotiate with them?" Slytherin arched an eyebrow, cutting Wyzett off. "If they didn't understand the necessity of this, they weren't worthy of founding Hogwarts at my side!"
Wyzett nodded thoughtfully. There was something magical about true understanding—he knew that feeling himself.
Slytherin went on, "They cared about certain things… so, naturally, there were matters only I could handle. And I was more than happy to do so…"
"For example…" Wyzett ventured, "what if there really was a student who threatened Hogwarts, but you couldn't find any proof? Would you let the Basilisk…"
"What else?" A cruel edge crept into Slytherin's smile. "Some trash are determined to court death… so let's send them on their way!"
"And the deaths of those traitors? They only made my reputation greater. All the records you've found prove it, don't they?"
"It's the name of Salazar Slytherin that's endured through the ages… though, of course, it's been misused by a few fools."
"Misused by fools?" Wyzett asked carefully. "Headmaster Slytherin, do you mean those who champion 'pure-blood theory'?"
"Exactly… That so-called theory is laughable." Slytherin's smile turned scornful. "There's no point talking about such idiots now."
Wyzett had more to say, but simply nodded.
"I know what you're thinking." Slytherin raised an eyebrow. "That Ravenclaw's death… was, in some ways, an accident."
"That's why, when I met you—the new Guardian—I set you this trial: to find my pet."
"Since you're standing here before me, it means Hogwarts is stable enough. The Basilisk has fulfilled its purpose. It's time for it to rest."
He placed a hand on the Basilisk's scales. "Looking back, my methods had their limits…"
"Just as my words and actions regarding those from Muggle families were twisted by fools…"
…
A thought struck Wyzett, and he asked, "Headmaster Slytherin, if I had actually killed it… what would you have done?"
Slytherin gazed at him, eyes sharp. "I know Ravenclaw well enough… The moment I learned you possessed an empty Commandment shell, I knew you wouldn't kill it."
"But I must admit, you've completed this trial exceptionally well. And one thing truly surprised me: you've begun to understand the soul…"
Wyzett produced the pouch of ash he'd recovered from the stone chamber. "Headmaster Slytherin, I found these after entering the stone room through the statue."
"Devoured to the last trace?" Slytherin's eyes narrowed. "That chamber held records of magical research…"
His voice was thick with nostalgia, as if lost in memory. "Mainly studies on Commandment contracts, and a bit on bloodline magic."
Sensing the emotion in his tone, Wyzett asked, "Headmaster Slytherin, is there anything I can do for you?"
"A true Ravenclaw, but with a dash of Hufflepuff…" Slytherin smiled. "No wonder you're so popular—cunning, and clever…"
"What's destroyed doesn't need to be restored. That's the fate of all things…" He looked down at the ashes. "In fact, I envy them a little…"
Wyzett blinked. "Fate? Envy?"
Slytherin waved the question away. "Let's get back on track. Since you've passed the trial, you deserve a reward…"
"Now that you understand the soul, it's time to learn about the body. Are you interested in bloodline magic?"
Wyzett nodded eagerly. "Of course I am!"
Slytherin wasn't surprised. "When it comes to knowledge, Ravenclaws are greedier than snakes…"
"Headmaster Slytherin, you're saying that body and soul are deeply connected?" Wyzett mused. "So the soul can change the body… and the body, in turn, can shape the soul?"
"Where to begin…" Slytherin stood, hands clasped behind his back.
The Basilisk suddenly stirred, but didn't open its eyes. It flicked its tongue, as if to confirm Slytherin was still beside it, then drifted back to sleep.
"Some things… if you see through them too soon, you lose half the fun…" Slytherin looked at Wyzett. "Let me ask you a few questions first. How much do you know about alchemy?"
"Only a little… I wouldn't call myself an expert." Wyzett replied. "I've read a few books—mostly about materials and their properties."
Slytherin asked, "Then in your view, what is the core concept of alchemy?"
Wyzett thought for a moment, then answered slowly, "Headmaster Slytherin, I really don't know much—it's just my personal opinion…"
"I think the core of alchemy is… transformation and regeneration. If I had to give examples, it would be the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life."
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