After spending some time in front of the particularly grotesque stone statue, John reluctantly dispelled the illusion spell and addressed the statue, "Inform Professor Dumbledore that John Wick seeks an audience with him." The statue seemed to comprehend his words and moved aside after a brief moment. John interpreted this as a sign that Dumbledore was expecting him and proceeded through the rotating passage that led to the headmaster's office.
Upon reaching the wooden door adorned with a griffin-shaped brass knocker, it swung open as if by magic, revealing the interior to John for the first time. He entered a spacious, circular room filled with an assortment of peculiar sounds. The room was cluttered with various odd silver instruments that twirled and emitted wisps of smoke. The well-worn Sorting Hat was perched on a shelf, next to it, encased in glass, was a silver sword embellished with a large ruby. Behind the door, on another shelf, sat a nearly featherless bird. John had heard the saying that a plucked phoenix was no better than a chicken, and now he saw the truth of it.
Dumbledore, his eyes peering over half-moon glasses, regarded John with a measure of seriousness. "John, you do realize it's past curfew," he stated.
"I'm aware, Professor Dumbledore," John replied with due respect. "However, I couldn't stand by while Hogwarts faces a threat."
Dumbledore's expression grew more solemn at John's words. "I expect a full explanation," he said.
"I encountered a massive snake within the school," John disclosed, prompting Dumbledore to look even more concerned.
"If what you're telling me holds truth, then Hogwarts is indeed in peril," Dumbledore acknowledged, his tone grave. He promised to instruct the faculty to increase their patrols around the castle. "John, I need your assistance in locating the Chamber of Secrets. The creature that has been unleashed must have originated from there."
Dumbledore admitted his ignorance of the Chamber's location, a secret that had eluded even him. The philosophy of Salazar Slytherin, which diverged sharply from that of the other founders, left behind a mystery in the form of the Chamber. Now, with the safety of the school at stake, Dumbledore sought to mobilize the professors to prevent further incidents, making it easier for John, a student, to conduct his investigation.
John had sought Dumbledore's support, and having achieved his objective, he cast a casual glance at the bookshelves on his way out. His eyes caught the title "Secrets of Advanced Dark Arts," a book he pondered over its significance to Dumbledore.
Upon returning to the Slytherin common room, John walked in on Malfoy's rant about Muggle-born wizards' right to attend Hogwarts. The room fell silent as John entered, and Malfoy, realizing his mistake, broke into a sweat. John, maintaining a stoic expression, made his way through the room as students stepped aside, their eyes downcast in guilt.
"Muggles don't deserve to be here? Is that your belief?" John asked calmly.
"Daphne attempted to interject, but John silenced her with a gesture. "I'm aware that some of you have embraced an extremist pure-blood ideology. However, I'm willing to give you an opportunity to demonstrate this supposed superiority of pure blood," he stated, his tone light yet firm.
Some Slytherins looked displeased, but John remained undeterred. His goal was clear: to ensure that no one in Slytherin would dare to undermine him or spread malicious gossip. He stood there, a figure of calm authority, challenging the prejudices that had long festered within the house. John Wick's declaration of war against the entire Slytherin House had the Hogwarts community buzzing with disbelief. Not only did the second-year students find his boldness bordering on insanity, but even the seniors couldn't help but question his sanity. Yet, John seemed unfazed by the skepticism surrounding him. With a determined stride, he walked back to his dormitory, leaving a trail of murmurs in his wake.
Daphne Greengrass, visibly infuriated, confronted Draco Malfoy. "John is furious, Malfoy!" she exclaimed, pointing directly at his nose. Malfoy, who often prided himself on his pure-blood superiority, was taken aback by the uproar his actions had incited.
The news of John Wick's challenge spread rapidly through Hogwarts, igniting a mixture of shock and curiosity among the students. The consensus across the four houses was unanimous: John must be out of his mind.
The following day, Harry Potter, upon hearing the news, quickly sought out Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. "Is John crazy? He's taking on the whole of Slytherin by himself!" Ron exclaimed in disbelief. Hermione, ever the supportive friend, insisted, "We have to help him!" Her determination was contagious, and soon, the trio made their way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, which was already teeming with students.
The Weasley twins, spotting an opportunity, began taking bets on the outcome of the duel, offering staggering odds of 1:100 against John. Harry, puzzled, questioned their confidence. "Aren't you afraid that John will lose?" George Weasley simply winked and replied, "He's John Wick. He killed a troll in his first year and defeated Professor Quirrell." Despite the daunting odds, the twins remained unfazed, their faith in John unwavering.
The classroom was transformed for the occasion, with an elongated platform set up for the duel. Gilderoy Lockhart, ever the opportunist, eyed the setup with interest, while Professor Flitwick, a dueling champion, was appointed as the referee. Percy Weasley, along with other prefects, worked diligently to maintain order among the excited crowd.
John Wick, clad in a loose wizarding robe adorned with a delicate badge, stood confidently on the platform. His presence alone seemed to command attention, drawing all eyes to him. With a graceful gesture, he addressed the gathered crowd, his voice resonant and clear.
"It's an honor to stand before you in this arena, a place of both comedy and sadness. The wizarding world has seen many Muggle-born wizards prove their worth, yet some still cling to their baseless prejudices," John began, his tone both calm and commanding. "Today, we challenge those prejudices. Strength, not bloodline, defines us."
As he concluded his speech, a fifth-year Slytherin, Eddie Garfield, stepped forward to accept the challenge. "Ready?" John asked, his demeanor unchanging. A swift flick of his wand sent Garfield flying, the duel ending almost as soon as it had begun. "Next," John called out, his voice steady.
One by one, Slytherins rose to challenge him, but none could match his skill. John's prowess was undeniable, leaving even Professor Flitwick in awe of his dueling genius. The message was clear: true strength lies not in one's heritage but in their abilities and character. With his level 4 magic power and mastery of the level 4 shattering spell, John stood unmovable. By the time he was finished, more than 20 members of Slytherin lay defeated around him. Sensing the moment was right, he amplified his voice with a spell. "I'm aware of the rumors circulating the school about the Chamber of Secrets being opened to purge Muggle-born wizards. Let me make it clear here and now: that plan is doomed to fail."
John's gaze swept across the gathered students, searching for any sign of the heir amidst the mix of surprise, admiration, and fear on their faces. "The reason is simple: I am here, and as long as I am, the heir's efforts will be in vain." With these words, John threw down the gauntlet to the would-be attacker of Muggle-borns. "The greatest challenge to Muggle-born wizards stands before you. Make your move, and I will trace it back to you." His declaration bolstered the spirits of the students, who had been on edge, and they erupted in cheers for John.
Among the crowd, a look of panic flashed across Ginny's pale face. The younger students, inspired by John's defiance, were eager to uncover and confront the heir themselves. "Remember, it's not the purity of one's blood that defines their worth, but the strength of their character and abilities!" John's words resonated, and those who had harbored doubts or objections found themselves unable to meet his gaze, bowing their heads in submission.
Stepping down from the platform, John had decisively quelled the unrest in Slytherin, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed his stand.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge