Chapter-17: The Legacy of Slytherin

HI GUYS IF YOU WANT READ 100 + CHAPTERS THEN VISITpatreon.com/Bhav

As the trio hurried through the castle towards Dumbledore's office, their thoughts turned to the Founders, particularly Salazar Slytherin. The recent confrontation with the Shadow Covenant had made it clear that understanding each Founder's legacy was crucial, and Slytherin's legacy, in particular, was shrouded in controversy and mystery.

In the days following their encounter with Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry, Hermione, and Ron focused their research on Slytherin, hoping to uncover insights that could help them counter the Covenant's plans. They knew that Slytherin's name had long been associated with dark magic, pure-blood supremacy, and the Chamber of Secrets. However, they also suspected that there was more to his story, hidden beneath layers of prejudice and fear.

Hermione, as always, took the lead in researching. She delved into the library's restricted section, sifting through ancient texts and forgotten manuscripts. One afternoon, she came across a volume titled The True Chronicles of Hogwarts: The Founders and Their Legacies. The book, written by an anonymous author, promised a more balanced view of the Founders' histories, including Salazar Slytherin.

Gathering in the Room of Requirement, Hermione began to read aloud from the book, her voice echoing in the quiet space. The text described Slytherin as a brilliant and ambitious wizard, known for his mastery of Parseltongue and his innovative spells. He had a deep understanding of the magical arts and a vision for Hogwarts that, while often misunderstood, was rooted in a desire to protect the wizarding world.

"Slytherin believed that Hogwarts should be a place for those who could truly master magic," Hermione read, her brow furrowed in concentration. "He feared that allowing those without magical heritage—Muggle-borns—into the school would lead to its secrets being exposed to the non-magical world."

Ron frowned. "So, it's true then? He was against Muggle-borns studying magic?"

Hermione sighed. "It's more complicated than that. According to this book, Slytherin wasn't necessarily against Muggle-borns, but he was worried about the safety and secrecy of the magical world. His concerns were rooted in the persecution of witches and wizards by Muggles during his time."

Harry listened intently, understanding more clearly now the complexities of Slytherin's beliefs. "So, he wasn't just a villain. He had reasons for what he did, even if we don't agree with them."

"Exactly," Hermione agreed. "But his fears and his methods—like creating the Chamber of Secrets—led to his legacy being associated with dark magic and pure-blood supremacy. Those who followed him twisted his teachings for their own ends."

The conversation turned to the Chamber of Secrets itself, a hidden space within Hogwarts that Slytherin had built to house the basilisk. It was intended as a safeguard, a last resort to protect the school from those he deemed unworthy. However, the true danger lay not in the basilisk, but in the idea that only pure-bloods should learn magic—a belief that had been exploited by dark wizards over the centuries.

"Slytherin's legacy has been misunderstood and misused," Hermione continued. "But there must be more to his contributions to Hogwarts than just the Chamber and the basilisk."

As they delved deeper into the book, they discovered that Slytherin had also developed numerous protective wards and spells designed to safeguard the castle and its inhabitants. Some of these spells were still in use, woven into the very fabric of Hogwarts' defenses. Slytherin had a profound understanding of magical barriers and protections, a knowledge that could potentially be crucial in their current situation.

"These protective spells," Harry mused, "they could be part of what the Covenant is after. If Slytherin left behind powerful wards, they might be trying to harness or bypass them."

Hermione nodded. "It's possible. Slytherin's spells were designed to protect the school, but they might also be used to control or influence the castle's magic. The Covenant could be trying to find a way to use these spells for their own purposes."

As they closed the book, the trio sat in silence, contemplating what they had learned. Slytherin's legacy was indeed controversial, marked by both brilliance and darkness. However, they realized that to fully understand and counter the Shadow Covenant, they needed to see beyond the simplified narratives that had painted Slytherin as a villain.

Harry felt a newfound respect for Slytherin's complexities. While he still disagreed with many of Slytherin's views, he understood that the man's intentions were not entirely malevolent. They were rooted in a different time, shaped by fears and realities that were foreign to the present day.

"We have to use this knowledge," Harry said finally. "Slytherin's protective spells might be the key to stopping the Covenant. If we can figure out how they work, we might be able to protect the Heirs and the artifacts."

Hermione agreed. "And we need to learn more about the other Founders too. Their legacies are just as important. Understanding the full scope of their magic is the only way we can stop the Covenant."

With a renewed sense of purpose, the trio left the Room of Requirement. They knew that time was running out, and the Shadow Covenant was closing in on their goal. But armed with the truth about Salazar Slytherin and a deeper understanding of the Founders' magic, they felt more prepared for the challenges ahead.

As they walked through the corridors of Hogwarts, Harry couldn't help but think about the castle itself, a place of learning, growth, and protection. The legacy of the Founders was more than just a collection of spells and artifacts; it was the spirit of Hogwarts, a beacon for all who sought to learn and grow. And Harry, Hermione, and Ron were determined to protect that legacy, no matter what it took.

HI GUYS IF YOU WANT READ 100 + CHAPTERS THEN VISITpatreon.com/Bhav