To uncover any potential unknown connection between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, the most effective and direct approach would be to inquire with the ghost of Helena Ravenclaw herself. She could confirm her mother's secrets and reveal any hidden truths. Evan had already seen this ghost due to his newspaper-related experience. Helena Ravenclaw appeared willing to share knowledge, particularly if praised, like many other ghosts who often seemed to possess hidden information.
Many ghosts had peculiarities, such as Moaning Myrtle, who haunted the girls' bathroom and had a penchant for sharing personal information about the students. Her ability to describe the male students' appearances while they bathed was notorious among the student body, making Evan cautious whenever he bathed, fearing the presence of a ghost lurking in the pipes.
Returning to Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Evan was intrigued by the secrets of the school's founders. Still, he was more interested in understanding the purpose behind Ravenclaw's memories. What preparations had she left behind for future generations, and where was the key to her hidden treasure?
Evan continued to watch the memories unfold, entering a new scene. This time, their sailing ship calmly floated on the sea's surface, facing a massive, menacing black reef. The reef's central area jutted above the sea, with waves crashing against it. Strangely, the bulging black reef took on the appearance of an alluring young girl, approximately 17 or 18 years old, completely unclothed. However, this was not her true form. Beneath the waterline, hidden in the underwater depths, were six monstrous and terrifying heads!
It was Scylla, a fearsome and infamous Siren known in legends and fairy tales. Her fate was said to be tied to the cliff she inhabited, becoming one with the reef itself. When Hagrid had mentioned his trip to Sicily in search of giants, Evan had recalled the famous Siren. Even today, Scylla's descendants still inhabit the waters near the Strait of Messina, but this statue no longer exists.
The descendants of Scylla were now under strict control by the International Confederation of Wizards and the Italian Ministry of Magic. Wizards provided them with regular food, and incidents of water monsters swallowing unsuspecting travelers and sailors had ceased long ago. There were plans to establish a protectorate modeled after the Romanian dragon reserve, allowing tourists to visit the Sirens safely while supporting research and conservation efforts. This initiative aimed to save magical creatures that were on the brink of extinction.
However, Evan knew that in the past, during the time of Ravenclaw's memories, the situation was entirely different. The hauntingly beautiful singing of the Sirens could lure sailors to their doom. Those who succumbed to their song would meet a gruesome end, devoured alive by the Sirens.
"You stay here with the others while I check it out," Ravenclaw said, gazing ahead. "Since we've seen these Sirens, Charybdis Whirlpool should be nearby. We've received information about it, so we should investigate."
Gryffindor expressed his concern. "You investigate, but promise me one thing: you won't go in alone. You know how dangerous that place can be."
"Relax, I'm not as impulsive as you," Ravenclaw replied. "I won't do anything reckless."
"I'm worried that you might make a rash decision," Gryffindor said, his face filled with concern. "Even if that thing is inside, obtaining divine knowledge doesn't guarantee success."
"My situation is clearer to me than anyone else," Ravenclaw stated. "I'm not willing to give up any hope, no matter how slim it may be. This is a curse of the Ravenclaw bloodline, and I've decided to end it in my generation, no matter what it takes."
Evan couldn't help but shudder at the mention of a curse within the Ravenclaw bloodline. He had never heard of this before and found no records in the ancient books he had read. This was an unexpected revelation; he was now more curious than ever. What was this mysterious curse?
The conversation between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw continued, and Evan was determined to learn more. He was on the verge of discovering a hidden secret that had remained concealed for centuries.
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Evan contemplated the concept of "bloodline inheritance" as it related to the mysterious strength mentioned by Ravenclaw – the "favor of War Goddess Morrigan." He had come across this concept during his research of ancient magical texts. Though it might seem strange or irrelevant in contemporary wizarding society, it had its roots in the distant past.
Unlike Muggles, who inherited traits from their parents genetically, many pure-blood wizarding families traced their lineage back to powerful magical creatures, ancient beings, or even divine incarnations from a time before the Flood. These unions between humans and magical creatures gave rise to specific magical abilities passed down through generations via bloodline inheritance. These unique abilities were a point of pride among pure-blood families.
For example, the Parseltongue ability of the Slytherin family could not be learned through study; it was a rare power that could only be inherited through blood. Another example was Harry Potter's ability to speak Parseltongue, something that marked him as the heir of Slytherin, though it had unintended consequences.
However, over the centuries, these special abilities have become increasingly rare. Pure-blood families attempted to preserve them through intermarriage. Still, this practice ultimately led to the degeneration of their bloodlines, resulting in diminished intelligence and mental stability. Voldemort's maternal relatives, the Gaunt family, were a tragic example of this decline.
To counter this trend, some families opted for strategic marriages with other pure-blood families to broaden their genetic pool, but it was an uphill battle. The advantages of pure blood had diminished, and it became more of a status symbol than a source of strength.
In Evan's view, the idea of "pure-blood glory" had become a burden rather than an asset, keeping these families chained to an unattainable past. Their relentless pursuit of purity only led them down a path of decline.
However, in the past, during the medieval era, bloodline inheritance was very much alive. The Ravenclaw family, for instance, claimed descent from the Raven, an incarnation of the War Goddess Morrigan. They believed they inherited special abilities from the goddess, making them a formidable force.
The strength and influence of the Ravenclaw family extended beyond Britain, possibly reaching all of Europe during their peak. However, their downfall came with the theft of the royal crown by Rowena's daughter, Helena, who ultimately met a tragic end in the Albanian forest. The remaining Ravenclaw family failed to inherit this unique strength, and their once-great family dwindled into obscurity.
From the available information, it seemed that Rowena Ravenclaw may have willingly chosen to relinquish this power, seeing it as a curse rather than a blessing. The more potent the strength, the greater the limitations and sacrifices demanded. Ravenclaw, known for her intelligence, would likely have made a calculated decision, even if it meant giving up a powerful ability. However, her choice might appear irrational to those who sought strength above all else.
"You're an excellent wizard," Gryffindor stepped closer. "You don't need to change anything. I like you just as you are."
Ravenclaw gazed at Gryffindor, her deep blue eyes filled with wisdom. "Godric, you don't understand the pain that comes with this power. I appreciate your sentiment, but you can't judge me based on your emotions and reactions."