Chapter 100: Life is not fair!

Chapter 100: Life is not fair!

The next day was Saturday and the whole Hogwarts was in a relaxed state. Students were busy in their daily lives and Professors were busy finalising the winter holiday homework.

However, Neville was not in this group. Dumping his group of friends with an excuse of training in a new spell, he left for the Astronomy Tower.

On top of the tower, there was a mild soft breeze. The air was cold giving a hint of coming winters and the Sun would sneak out of the clouds from time to time. Neville after climbing the never-ending long stairs and cursing the architectural style of a castle, came up to find two strangest beings enjoying the morning.

A ghost who used to be a daughter of one of the founders and a beast who used to be a pet of another. One became House ghosts for Ravenclaw, helping the gifted Ravenclaw students through centuries while another became Hogwarts Guardian Beast, protecting the castle throughout his life.

Two strange beings, out of their time with a rather unbelievable history. Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

"Ahem! Sorry to intrude, Professor, may I also join in?" Neville asked after finding the two lost in their respective thoughts.

"Well, you are already here Neville. No point in asking I suppose." Professor replied.

"Ah! Yes I just wanted to you know ." Neville tried to justify his actions, but he had no words to finish his sentence.

"Yes, I know. The never-ending curiosity of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. While Ravens try to watch the scene from far, lions will always take the front seat. Come, sit here." Professor asked Neville to join them, and Neville happily sat beside them.

The Basilisk, at this time, was still bound inside the suitcase but the suitcase was opened, and Neville had used a lighting charm to loosen the bonds of vines to make him more comfortable. However, he was still inside the suitcase and Neville couldn't risk bringing the Basilisk out in open.

Who knows when students on broom will accidentally witness this or maybe Headmaster might simply drop by unannounced. This was not a risk Neville was ready to take.

"So, Neville why are you really here?" Professor asked after a long silence.

"Well, I have been thinking Professor. Thinking about life and its meaning." Neville replied.

" Isn't that too big a topic for a 12-year-old body?" Professor asked humorously.

"Lord Longbottom, Silvi is here!"

A female house elf dressed in fine clothing, with a proper shirt and pants along with a coat. The attire made her look quite different from the elves Professor has ever seen.

"My My... Neville... is this your house elf?" Professor asked Neville with interest.

"Ah...Yes! I wanted them to look presentable like those goblins. At least it's better than wearing those rags." Neville replied while giving space to Silvi.

"Is everything ready Silvi?" Neville asked.

"Yes, master. Silvi brought the thing Lord asked." Silvi replied.

"Good work," Neville replied and then walked closer to the open suitcase on the terrace. Indicating his presence to the bound Basilisk, he spoke loudly.

"I have a deal for you. Your master is gone. So are his descendants; and your presence would soon be revealed if you stay here. After today, the best thing I can offer you is a peaceful death of your choosing.

However, there is another option. I can offer you sanctuary but for that, you need to pay a price. You have been a guardian beast for this castle all your life, I respect that. If you want, you can trade your loyalty with your life.

I will take your remaining eye and we will both be bound by a blood contract but in return, I will offer you a new place. A place where you can live without the fear of being hunted. A place where there are others, others who might need someone to protect them while they grow up.

You decide."

Neville spoke his thoughts clearly and a thin mist from his wand formed a line connecting itself to the Basilisk, conveying his thoughts.

"You offer me freedom but with a new bounding contract. You offer me a safe place but take away my eyes. Is this a fair deal young wizard?" The Basilisk spoke.

"Life is not fair. Stop talking like you were born a minute ago. This is the best I can offer. Rest is up to you. You have today's time to think about it. I will come tomorrow." Neville spoke and then left the Basilisk alone with his thoughts.