A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

"Quite a lot," Felix Harp remarked. "Many of the books I've read mention the four founders, but they're either vague and contradictory or only contain bits and pieces with little reference value."

He gave an example, "Take Salazar Slytherin, for instance. Many people fear him, dread him, calling him a dark wizard... but what's the truth behind it?"

"The truth?" Ms. Grey countered, "What truth do you seek?"

"Of course, the truth in your eyes," Felix replied, looking at her.

The ghost seemed lost in reminiscence, pondering for a while before solemnly stating, "Salazar Slytherin was an exceptionally skilled wizard, deeply in love with his wife..."

"Felix: ???"

Clearly, this wasn't the information he was after, but it was a good starting point nevertheless. So, he continued along her topic, "There's scarce information about his wife, indeed. However, many people mention that Slytherin's appearance was grotesque, resembling that of a monkey."

The lady looked at him with a hint of pride, "That was a side effect of his magical studies. Slytherin's original appearance was strikingly handsome, but as he delved deeper into those... dreadful areas, his appearance grew more and more intimidating."

Felix suddenly understood; it was like a puzzle piece falling into place. Slytherin had been transformed over time due to his studies.

"His presence was often accompanied by snakes. He wore dark or emerald green robes and emanated an ever-present aura of bloodthirstiness. His eyes also became... terribly terrifying."

Felix speculated that Slytherin might have integrated bloodlines from certain magical creatures.

"—His temperament grew increasingly extreme, and his disagreements with others escalated. There were more than a few explosive arguments, even his closest friend Gryffindor couldn't endure. But I must clarify, there was no outright conflict between them. He simply departed quietly, one tranquil morning, taking everything with him."

"He left behind the Chamber," Felix reminded her.

"Perhaps," she acknowledged, "but I've heard some rumors. Slytherin didn't hesitate to teach various cruel dark magics, something vehemently opposed by the other three founders. So, there are whispers that he secretly taught these terrifying arts to select students he favored, in hidden places."

So, the Chamber was initially meant for instruction? Felix thought, uncovering yet another mystery. According to his speculation, as conflicts intensified, Slytherin might have also relocated some of his particularly gruesome research into the Chamber.

Speaking of which, Felix had once secretly returned to the Chamber, using Harry's Parseltongue ability scroll to carefully examine it. However, he found nothing except for the pit where the serpent usually rested.

In conclusion, Ms. Grey summarized, "But at least during his time at Hogwarts, he still upheld his initial promise, safeguarding the lives of all the school's staff and students, repelling various attacks. Unlike the past few centuries, Slytherin House has changed completely..."

"What attacks are you referring to?" Felix seized upon the key point.

She drifted lightly, seemingly disdainful of Felix Harp's ignorance yet excited to enlighten him. She countered, "Do you believe that Hogwarts was simply established without incident?"

Felix didn't react much, merely gesturing for her to continue.

Ms. Grey explained, "By today's standards, the majority of wizards during that time were dark wizards. They operated under an apprenticeship system, where a senior wizard would mentor a few juniors. They roamed villages, identifying potential talents and nurturing them while using them as their lackeys."

"However, with the establishment of Hogwarts, especially after the four founders spread the magic of acceptance and the Book of Admittance across the British Isles, these wizards suffered a fatal blow—they lost their source of apprentices forever."

"The Book of Admittance, the magic of acceptance..." Felix contemplated these terms. He had heard rumors of these magical artifacts.

It was said that every young wizard's name who displayed magical potential would be recorded in the Book of Admittance. But the criteria for the Book of Admittance were stricter—only when these children exhibited undeniable proof of their magical abilities would their names be included in the Book.

The sensitivity of the magic of acceptance combined with the strictness of the Book of Admittance ensured that Hogwarts always selected qualified students, without fail, for thousands of years.

"The establishment of a new order inevitably brings about the backlash of the old forces," Felix sighed, now understanding how Tom's bitter comments about Gryffindor in the diary came to be.

The story from a millennium ago continued—contemporary romance

"Some wizards recognized the efforts of the four founders and willingly sent their children to Hogwarts. But others—the particularly extreme dark wizards—hid in the shadows. Whenever the professors and students were away or on vacation, they would repeatedly launch attacks on Hogwarts, leaving their victims' bodies in front of the castle." She shuddered.

"Naturally, Hogwarts retaliated. Among them, Gryffindor's response was the most intense. He wielded his sword and wand, defeating one notorious dark wizard after another of his time. He even openly declared that he was ready to face any challenges, whether through Muggle methods or wizardry."

Felix listened with fascination. How could mere pieces of parchment capture the grandeur of that historical period?

"What about the other three?"

"They were doing the same, but Gryffindor's fame overshadowed theirs. After a few years and the graduation of some students, their influence spread far and wide. Hogwarts' reputation reached the world, and there were few who dared to provoke it."

Ms. Grey concluded the story with a mix of pride and nostalgia.

Felix gained profound insights and sincerely expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Helena Ravenclaw."

"NO! Call me by... this... name!" The ghost before him suddenly became excited. Her transparent cheeks seemed less transparent. Before he could react, she passed through the wall and disappeared.

Felix: "..."

Meanwhile, a low, raspy voice suddenly emerged, saying, "Do not utter that name. It's her taboo."

Felix turned around to find a gaunt, extremely pale ghost before him. The ghost wore an ancient wizard robe stained with silver blood marks and had a massive set of shackles on.

"Long time no see, Barrow."

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