Chapter 50: 'Ancient Mystery”

Chapter 50: “Ancient Mystery”

Just as Matthew began to speak, the small golden bell on Horace Slughorns desk chimed nine times, signaling the late hour.

Of course, but not for too long! the potions professor responded with a gentle smile, his mouth still filled with a piece of pineapple compote.

After all, its already quite late. I assume you wouldnt want to be caught outside when the lights are turned off. Slughorn added, his tone lighthearted.

Yes, sir, but the lights wont be turned off until ten oclock So, if you have a moment, I would like to ask you something, Matthew replied, his voice tinged with eagerness.

Then ask away, my boy, ask away Slughorn encouraged, taking a small sip of wine, the redness of his cheeks more noticeable.

Matthew cast a glance at the relaxed and slightly rotund figure of the professor in the armchair before him, his mind focused on the task at hand. Without hesitation, he spoke softly, choosing his words carefully.

Its about my roommate, Draco Malfoy Matthew began.

Draco, oh, poor boy, I remember him well! Slughorn interrupted, his voice filled with regret. He licked the icing off his fingers and sighed.

Such bad luck for him. He had that accident right at the beginning of the school year, and hes been in the school hospital ever since. He hasnt even had the chance to attend any of our parties Im just hoping that Professor Rosiers acquaintance can help him Professor Slughorn said with a sad tone.

Yes, Im sorry about that, Matthew sympathized, Im just curious about what happened to him during that time.

Slughorn, seemingly in a good mood, perhaps due to the delectable pineapple compote or the festivities of the evening, glanced at Matthew, his response holding both rejection and intrigue.

We usually keep such things under wraps Professor Rosier doesnt want the truth to spread throughout Hogwarts, as it could adversely affect our teaching. Slughorn explained his words hinting at secrecy.

Matthew understood the delicate dance being played. Slughorns reluctance was clear, but there was an undercurrent of willingness to share information.

Youre right, Professor. Such matters mustnt be disclosed to outsiders, Matthew agreed quickly, playing his part. But Im not an outsider. Draco Malfoy is my roommate.

He paused for a moment, his voice dropping lower, laced with vulnerability.

During the time he was attacked, I was the only person in the entire dormitory. My roommates were sent to the hospital, their fate uncertain. I was terrified, fearing that at any moment, like Malfoy and the others, something horrifying would befall me silently.

As he spoke, Matthew wiped the corner of his eyes, portraying his anguish.

Professor Slughorn, I implore you to tell me what happened. I swear I wont breathe a word to anyone. Its the least I can ask for, to find some peace of mind and be able to sleep at night

Slughorns gaze softened, and he regarded Matthew with genuine sympathy. Poor boy, I understand the pressure youre under. I truly do.

No, you dont understand, Matthew countered, shaking his head. I desperately wanted to forget what happened that night, but whenever I entered a crowded place, someone would approach me and ask about it. Being the sole survivor in the dormitory, they were curious, and it frightened me. You have no idea how desperate I felt. There were times I even contemplated climbing to the eighth floor of Hogwarts Castle and jumping out of the window

Professor Slughorn quickly interjected; concern evident in his voice. Oh, you mustnt entertain such thoughts! If you were to jump, youd end up in the school hospital for at least a week Or perhaps even two

He paused, observing Matthew closely. Do you need me to get you a towel, my boy?

No, no, that wont be necessary, Matthew assured him, quickly wiping his eyes with his sleeve, not forgetting the fact that Slughorn had just licked his finger.

Very well! Slughorn sighed softly. I might as well tell you the truth. Its not something particularly worth keeping secret

Hahaha! Slughorn burst into laughter. You neednt scare yourself, my child. I thoroughly searched your dormitory and its surroundings. Theres no chance anything slipped through the net!

Could it be the item left the Slytherin common room? Matthew asked, seeking confirmation.

What do you think it is, a paper airplane? Slughorn spread his hands, smiling, Thats impossible, my child. Hogwarts has a comprehensive system for detecting black magic items. Powerful protective measures prevent anyone from freely carrying around a used black magic item without detection

Moreover, Hogwarts has strict rules regarding space. Without the headmasters consent, any transfer of objects is prohibited. Teachers, including ourselves, are not allowed to apparate within the Hogwarts campus not to mention transporting a black magic item! Professor Slughorn explained proudly.

So, what is happening? Matthew inquired, his brow furrowing.

According to our conjecture, the mysterious dark magic item Draco encountered was likely a very weak one It exhausted all its power after attacking Draco Malfoy, which is why we couldnt find it, Slughorn explained. In fact, thats the only possibility!

Then, if it were a powerful mysterious dark magic item? Matthew asked, his voice trembling.

You can only pray you never encounter something like that unless youre a powerful wizard like Professor Grindelwald, Slughorns tone grew serious. Its not merely scary; the word terrible falls short. Its something a normal wizard should never touch It slowly erodes you, affects you, and even assimilates you before you even realize it.

So if I mean, if Draco Malfoy had been exposed to that thing, what would happen? Matthew asked in a low voice, his voice trembling.

It was only natural for an eleven-year-old child to feel fear when confronted with such horrifying concepts.

I would have to kill him, Slughorn said sternly.

Kill kill him? Matthews mouth hung open, his words stammering.

Yes, though it sounds cruel, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome for that boy, Professor Slughorn continued. Even if I dont, Professor Rosier and even Professor Grindelwald would do it!

Death is not the most terrifying thing, far from it! If you truly come into contact with the indescribable mysteries, you will face something even more terrifying than death Professor Slughorn said in a sorrowful tone

It sounds terrifying Matthew forced a smile. He attempted a light-hearted comment, So, in the future, if we encounter something like that, should we run away immediately?

Run? Slughorn chuckled mockingly. You cant escape from true mystery because when you stare into it, its also staring back at you

At that moment, Matthews face turned pale.

Oh, my boy, did I frighten you? I should have comforted you instead! Slughorn apologized. Dont worry, those truly ancient and mysterious things are extremely rare. Its highly unlikely youll ever encounter them

The object Draco Malfoy came into contact with was just a simple form of mysterious dark magic item. It has surely vanished from Hogwarts Otherwise, we would have found it! So, relax, dont concern yourself with these mysteries, and focus on more interesting things!

Professor Slughorn reassured Matthew with a loud voice trying to cheer him up.

Gradually, Matthews complexion improved, and he nodded. Thank you, Professor!

Remember what I told you, but keep it to yourself, Slughorn cautioned, waving his hand.

I wont say a word, sir, Matthew Wickfield replied and left the office.

As he walked away from Horace Slughorns office, his face still bore an extremely pale expression.