On the journey to Hogwarts, the Thestral-drawn carriage bumped along the path. Daphne, seizing the opportunity, squeezed closer to John, letting the awkwardness of the previous semester melt away. Malfoy, with his usual entourage of Crabbe and Goyle, managed to separate himself from the Weasley twins, wearing a smug expression that made the twins grind their teeth in annoyance.
Upon their arrival at Hogwarts, John noticed the Thestrals seemed particularly exhausted, likely burdened by the weight of Crabbe and Goyle. It wasn't long before Malfoy resumed his routine of taunting Harry, asking if it was true that he had fainted, much to Harry's dismay. This scene was typical: Malfoy's antagonism towards Harry, his exchanges with Weasley, and his bullying of Gryffindor students.
However, the atmosphere shifted when Professor McGonagall summoned Harry and Hermione, leaving John in the auditorium. There, he spotted a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows. "A new professor?" he wondered, momentarily puzzled. His gaze then shifted to the staff table, where a tall figure caught his attention. Professor Kettleburn, the former Magizoology professor, had retired, making way for Hagrid. Yet, it was the presence of another professor, Remus Lupin, that truly surprised John. Despite the new clothes John had sent to the security team, Lupin's appearance—gray hair and pronounced wrinkles—betrayed his difficult life.
John couldn't help but notice a palpable tension between Lupin and another professor, sparking curiosity about their past connection.
Feeling the drain from using the Patronus Charm, John's hunger piqued, his thoughts drifting to food. In Professor McGonagall's absence, Professor Flitwick took over the sorting ceremony, needing a stool to be seen. Just when John thought the ceremony was concluding, Flitwick called out an unexpected name: "Heinrich Edgar."
The auditorium buzzed with whispers as Heinrich emerged from the shadows, clearly not a first-year given his height and mature appearance. Dumbledore's introduction of Heinrich as an exchange student from Durmstrang ignited further murmurs among the students, intrigued and intimidated by the reputation of his home school.
The Sorting Hat's immediate decision to place Heinrich in Slytherin only added to the intrigue. Malfoy's excitement at the prospect of a new ally was palpable, but Heinrich's dismissive attitude towards him hinted at a different dynamic. Heinrich approached John, taking the seat Malfoy had vacated, his pale complexion stark under the hall's lighting.
Reunited, Heinrich spoke, "I said we would meet again." His words, carrying an air of mystery, hinted at a deeper connection and a story yet to unfold at Hogwarts. Reunited once more, John couldn't help but express his surprise at seeing an exchange student among them. With a wry smile, he extended his hand in greeting, "Even though we've met before, I still want to extend a warm welcome."
Heinrich Edgar, with a straightforwardness characteristic of his lineage, declared, "The Edgars align themselves with the strong, and I choose to follow you."
The Edgar family was known for their loyalty to power, serving as the right hand to those who wielded it. John, amused by Heinrich's declaration, responded with a light challenge, "Then you'll have to keep pace with me."
Heinrich's laughter echoed John's amusement, while Malfoy could only look on in dismay. "What happened to friendship?" he thought bitterly. "The moment you arrive, you take my place and even win over my allies. It's... it's just unfair." Unable to contend with his feelings of betrayal, Malfoy sulkily moved away, resigning himself to his fate.
Upon Harry and the others' return, Dumbledore took the opportunity to introduce Heinrich Edgar to the school. Ron, ever the gambler, wagered, "I bet a Sickle he's a vampire."
Harry, intrigued by the mention of an exchange student from Durmstrang—a school rumored to dabble in dark arts—couldn't help but suspect Heinrich of being a dark wizard.
Dumbledore's announcement of two new professors, Remus Lupin and Rubeus Hagrid, left Harry, Ron, and Hermione in utter disbelief, particularly at the thought of Hagrid, known for his unconventional choices, becoming a professor.
Dumbledore also warned the students about the presence of dementors at Hogwarts, sent by the Ministry of Magic for security. He cautioned everyone against attempting to deceive or confront the dementors, hinting specifically at Harry, who was known for his adventurous spirit.
As the feast began, John's enthusiasm for the meal was unmatched. Heinrich, attempting to emulate John's fervor, quickly found himself overwhelmed by the quantity of food. John, on the other hand, seemed to have an insatiable appetite, leaving no trace of his meal behind.
Daphne watched John with admiration, finding charm even in his voracious eating. After the feast, John made his way to congratulate Hagrid on his new position, joined by the trio who were surprised that John had prior knowledge of Hagrid's appointment.
Ron voiced his mild frustration, to which John simply replied, "I wanted to surprise you." Despite Ron's grudging acceptance, he couldn't help but feel slighted over his damaged trousers.
As the day came to a close, John returned to his dormitory, briefly interacting with Basil and Tom before embarking on a nocturnal exploration. His primary objective was the Room of Requirement, where he hoped to delve into research on souls. However, he quickly discovered that Gryffindor's archives offered scant resources on the subject, reflecting the house's general disinterest in such matters. In the depths of the Forbidden Forest, hidden away from prying eyes, lay the entrance to the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets. This chamber, unlike any other, was a treasure trove of arcane knowledge, housing an extensive collection of research manuscripts that spanned various dark arts, including the study of Horcruxes. However, a closer inspection of these documents revealed signs of turmoil and dissatisfaction. It was evident that Slytherin, the chamber's original creator, harbored a deep-seated disdain for Horcruxes, contrary to what many might have assumed about the founder's inclinations towards dark magic.
The journey to uncover these secrets was not one taken lightly. The protagonist, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to understand the full extent of Slytherin's legacy, ventured into the heart of the Forbidden Forest. The forest, with its dense canopy and eerie silence, seemed to dissuade any intruders, but the determination to uncover the truth propelled him forward.
Upon entering the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets, the air was thick with the weight of untold knowledge. The manuscripts were meticulously organized, yet the signs of Slytherin's frustration were unmistakable. Pages were torn, notes were scribbled in the margins, and some documents were even charred at the edges. It was a clear testament to the internal conflict that Slytherin must have faced regarding the creation and use of Horcruxes.
This revelation was monumental. It challenged the prevailing notion of Slytherin's unwavering pursuit of power through dark magic. Instead, it painted a picture of a complex individual, torn between the allure of immortality and the ethical implications of such dark practices. The protagonist couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy towards Slytherin, understanding the heavy burden of such knowledge and the toll it took on him.
As he delved deeper into the manuscripts, the protagonist realized that this chamber held more than just secrets; it was a reflection of the constant struggle between power and morality, a theme that resonated deeply within the walls of Hogwarts itself. This discovery not only shed light on Slytherin's true character but also provided invaluable insights into the dangers and responsibilities that come with wielding great power.
The journey into the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets was a pivotal moment, one that would forever change the protagonist's understanding of magic, history, and the fine line between right and wrong. It was a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge, while noble, comes with its own set of challenges and moral dilemmas, a lesson that would resonate with him for years to come.
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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