Chapter 132: The Choice
Chapter 132: The Choice
“You... What kind of magic is this?” Helena's expression was a mix of awe and confusion.
“It’s a form of Memory Magic,” Felix explained, a fine sheen of sweat appearing on his forehead. “Can you stay for a moment? To be honest, I’m not very proficient with this spell yet.”
She paused, her curiosity piqued.
Felix felt a bit dizzy, the sudden creation and use of a large amount of memories leaving his mind foggy.
Helena looked at him with concern.
Felix took a few deep breaths and felt much better. He then said to Helena, “We are friends, right?”
“Of course.”
“Please forgive my boldness, Lady. From your story, it seems that you are not so much hating others as you are hating yourself.”
Her expression turned somber, and she turned her head slightly, half her face hidden in the shadows.
Felix tried to soften his tone, “Why did you become a ghost? Was it out of fear of death? From what I’ve seen of you, I don’t think that’s the case. What truly troubles you is your unresolved guilt toward your mother.”
He spoke with utmost sincerity, “Baron Blood has borne his shackles for a thousand years, and you, too, carry a heavy burden. I hope you can try to forgive yourself...”
The night enveloped the castle, and after a long silence—
“The one who could forgive me is gone, on the third day I became a ghost,” Helena said coldly, turning to drift away.
This time, Felix did not try to stop her.
...
Ghosts are born from obsession, and the thoughts at the moment of death are the most vivid and intense. Therefore, most ghosts are driven by a fear of death and a desire to escape it.
Cases like Helena, Barrow, and Professor Binns are rare.
For Helena, her obsession was guilt and regret—regret for her ignorance that led to a great mistake, regret for not believing Barrow, and guilt for not seeing her mother one last time, for not being able to apologize in person...
That night, he appeared before the white wall of the Room of Requirement.
Through his conversation with Helena Ravenclaw, he suddenly thought of an angle he had never considered before.
He silently repeated to himself, “I need the room that Rowena Ravenclaw left for her daughter Helena Ravenclaw... I need the room that Rowena Ravenclaw left for her daughter Helena Ravenclaw... I need the room that Rowena Ravenclaw left for her daughter Helena Ravenclaw...”
Would it work? Logically, there shouldn’t be such a loophole...
Felix slowly opened his eyes and saw a simple blue door outlined on the white wall, appearing in the real world.
A silver-white handle protruded from the door.
Felix placed his hand on the handle but hesitated for a moment.
After a while, he pushed the door open with determination.
Inside was a modest room, small but neatly arranged with a few simple tables and chairs, a few potted plants, and books. The room was spotless, giving a sense of peace and warmth.
“Is anyone here?” he asked.
After a long time, he received no response. He tapped his forehead with his finger and shifted his perspective.
The colors rapidly faded, and ripples spread out from him, expanding in all directions.
Felix saw the tangible Magic Source and the silken-like substance deep within, with dozens of Magic channels extending into the air like chains.
‘This is the true core of the Room of Requirement,’ he thought to himself.
...
In the following days, Felix wavered, unable to make a decision.
He had realized that the core of the Room of Requirement was that very room.
And the silk-like substance deep within Magic, he had a theory—it was most likely a memory left behind by Rowena Ravenclaw.
He wasn't sure why he could enter it, perhaps it was because he mentioned the name Helena Ravenclaw? The memory left by Ravenclaw was still dormant, which allowed him to discover it.
Logically, he should inform Helena about this immediately. It would benefit both of them—Helena could reconcile with her mother, and he could take the opportunity to ask about the secrets of magic. With a bit of luck, he might even gain Ravenclaw's legacy.
But he found himself not particularly eager about it.
For ghosts, continuing on meant liberation, but for those who had formed friendships with them in the real world, what did it mean?
Felix felt confused. His past experiences offered no guidance, so he decided to seek advice from someone wiser.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, what are your thoughts on 'death'?"
"Hmm... Felix, why the sudden question?" Dumbledore looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Because of something that happened recently."
Realizing Felix didn't want to elaborate, Dumbledore tactfully didn't press further. He thought for a moment and then said, "Everyone has a different view on death—fear, avoidance, disgust... but for some, like me, it's a welcome prospect."
"Welcome?" Felix wondered if he had heard correctly.
"Felix, for an old man, there is nothing left in this world that can instill fear. Death is just an unknown, new, and interesting thing, like a ticket to a grand adventure."
Felix shook his head. This didn't align with his own beliefs. He might not fear death, but he certainly didn't look forward to it.
He asked the question that mattered most to him: "What do you think the existence of ghosts means?"
"Ghosts? They are beings who remain in the real world due to strong attachments..."
"Not exactly, Headmaster Dumbledore", he interrupted. "Please forgive me, perhaps I didn't explain it clearly enough..."
Dumbledore looked at him understandingly, giving Felix time to rephrase his question. This time, he carefully said, "Ghosts exist because of their attachments and are liberated when those attachments disappear. Correct?"
"Correct", Dumbledore agreed, blinking.
"Then what does this liberation mean? Is it another form of death? Especially for their living friends in the real world, I mean... it's a permanent farewell, no different from death."
"Her?" Dumbledore asked.
Felix remained silent, not answering.
Dumbledore thought for a moment before saying, "Different people may have different interpretations. I can only offer my thoughts for your consideration."
"That's exactly why I came here, to gain insight from your wisdom", Felix said.
"For ghosts, 'continuing on' is undoubtedly a form of liberation. Remaining in the real world does not bring them happiness. In fact, while they can still speak and move, they cannot enjoy anything and are always bound by their attachments—few choose to continue existing in such a barren way."
"And what about the living? The friends of ghosts?"
"Only blessings", Dumbledore said calmly. "Perhaps I've experienced too much, so I see things clearly. In a way..." he added softly, "it might seem a bit cold."
Felix felt a bit more enlightened and thanked Dumbledore. He could consider small rewards or support to help the characters gain more attention, or subscribe to the web version to support the author.
(End of Chapter)
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