Chapter 239: That's Quite a Bit of Information
Chapter 239: That's Quite a Bit of Information
Professor Snape's visit seemed to entail more than just the previous matter.
After leaving the Great Hall, the two walked along the corridor to the second floor and entered the Dark Magic Defense office. Without further ado, Professor Snape produced a roll of parchment tied with purple ribbon and handed it to Albert. "Mr. Sirius Harriss asked me to deliver this invitation to you, should you be available during the Christmas holidays."
"An invitation from Mr. Harriss?" Albert took the parchment, noting the seal of wax bearing a crest, and furrowed his brows slightly. "Why didn't he mention this in his letter beforehand?"
"I suggest you open the invitation and see what it's about first." Professor Snape advised, "Perhaps Mr. Harriss simply wanted to give you an unexpected surprise."
In truth, even Professor Snape was a bit taken aback. He was acquainted with Sirius Harriss, and his own expertise in alchemy was related to the man. So, when asked to deliver this invitation, although surprised, he didn't inquire further.
"It seems Mr. Harriss really has high hopes for you. I suggest you accept the invitation." Professor Snape recommended.
Albert unrolled the parchment and quickly scanned its contents:
Albert, I dare say you will be quite surprised to receive this invitation. The 13th of January is a special day, and such an opportunity is rare. I hope to invite you to attend...
Awaiting your owl.
Yours sincerely,
Sirius Harriss The 13th of January... a special day?
Albert's expression turned peculiar as he handed the parchment to Professor Snape so he could read it as well. "Do you know what Mr. Harriss means by this special day?"
"A gathering!" Professor Snape explained mysteriously. "I've attended a few times myself. As for what kind of gathering it is, you'll know when you get there."
"It's not a birthday party, is it?" Albert asked tentatively, though he felt the likelihood of that was slim.
"A birthday party? Of course not." Professor Snape paused for a moment, then shook his head. "You'll know when you go."
"So, it's a gathering related to alchemy. Such an opportunity is indeed rare, and I suggest you don't refuse." Suddenly, Professor Snape asked, "By the way, are you going home for the Christmas holidays?"
"Yes, I plan to spend the holidays with my family." Albert replied.
"Then you should contact Mr. Harriss and see how you'll get there. If not, you can always book a Knight Bus." Professor Snape offered some advice.
"Are you going as well?" Albert asked tentatively.
"No, I haven't received an invitation in several years." Professor Snape shook his head. "And I rarely devote much energy to such affairs these days. According to reason, someone of your age shouldn't be receiving such an invitation. Of course, there are always exceptions."
"Thank you, I'll contact Mr. Harriss." Albert expressed his gratitude once more and tucked the invitation into his robe's pocket, ready to return to the Wizarding Card Club's activities.
However, Professor Snape called out to him again.
"I apologize for interrupting your club gathering, but there's something else I need to discuss with you." Professor Snape gestured for Albert to sit down. "Care for some tea? Milk tea, perhaps?"
"Milk tea, yes." Albert nodded. "What is it?"
Professor Snape waved his wand, and two steaming cups of tea appeared, one of which floated over to Albert.
"Have you heard of the legend of Slytherin's Chamber?" Professor Snape took a sip from his cup and asked.
"The legend of Slytherin's Chamber?
Albert raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Of course, he was familiar with the legend of Slytherin's Chamber. He knew of its entrance and how to open it, as well as the fact that it housed a giant snake that would later wreak havoc in Hogwarts, only to be slain by Harry Potter with the Sword of Gryffindor.
"It is said that Salazar Slytherin constructed a subterranean structure within Hogwarts that only he and those permitted by him could enter," Professor Snape elaborated.
"But... that's just a legend, isn't it?" Albert countered. "Surely the successive headmasters of Hogwarts have investigated this matter. Unless they deliberately concealed it..."
"No, they couldn't find the entrance, and even if they did, they couldn't get in to prove the chamber's existence." Professor Snape shook his head in explanation. "However, about fifty years ago, Slytherin's Chamber was opened, and a student died as a result. According to the legend, there's a terrifying monster inside the chamber whose purpose is to purge the school of Muggle-born students. As you know, Salazar Slytherin despised students of Muggle birth."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Albert asked, perplexed as he gazed at Professor Snape, curious as to why he was sharing this information.
Professor Snape ignored the question and continued, "However, there's another little-known account regarding the legend of Salazar Slytherin's Chamber. It is said that Slytherin secretly conducted research and experiments in dark magic within the chamber and left all his knowledge of dark magic there."
"Do you want the dark magic hidden within the chamber?" Albert's expression turned even more peculiar. As far as he knew, aside from the giant snake, there didn't seem to be anything else in the chamber. Could there be more to it?
"No, I'm merely sharing the legends surrounding the chamber with you." Professor Snape shook his head. "I have no intentions of seeking out Slytherin's Chamber myself."
"Then why tell me all this?" Albert asked, recalling the Ravenclaw's Knowledge Vault. "Do you believe that among the Four Founders, only Slytherin left a chamber in Hogwarts?"
"Yes." Professor Snape's lips curved into a smile. "Do you remember those ancient magical texts I showed you before?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Those were found in the chamber left by Ravenclaw." Professor Snape continued, "The main reason I accepted Dumbledore's invitation to return to Hogwarts to teach the Dark Magic Defense course was because of this."
Albert fixed his gaze on Professor Snape's eyes, sensing that he was lying or, at the very least, not telling the whole truth.
"Why are you telling me all this?" Albert questioned again.
"Because I can't open the chamber's entrance." Professor Snape sighed in apparent exasperation. "When the Four Founders designed their respective chambers, they protected them in various ways to prevent easy access. Only those granted permission can enter."
"So, Professor Broad's return to Hogwarts last year was also related to this?" Albert asked, feigning surprise.
"Yes, I believe so. However, it seems Mr. Broad hasn't found the entrance either." There was a hint of schadenfreude in Professor Snape's tone.
"You're telling me this because you want me to help you find a way in?"
"Yes." Professor Snape nodded.
"While I'm flattered, I'm still just a second-year student." Albert hesitated, then added, "Have you asked Isabelle for help?"
(End of Chapter)
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