In Harry Potter as Neville Longbottom - Chapter 98: Basilisk's fate

Neville returned to Hogwarts and decided to consult Professor Ravenclaw about the blood magic and Basilisk. She is the only one here with whom Neville could share these worries and her presence here is older than any other professor or headmaster.

Checking his map, he found Prof. Ravenclaw was on the top of the Astronomy tower. Covering himself with the invisible cloak, Neville silently and carefully climbed on top of the tower and found Professor watching the starry sky.

“Ahem! Professor!” Neville spoke carefully so as not to startle Professor.

“Oh! Hello Neville! I didn’t notice anyone coming up. Hmm…. this cloak… I think this belongs to the Potter family. Correct?”

Prof. Ravenclaw immediately saw through the cloak Neville was wearing.

“Yeah! Let us just say this can be considered a payment for the services rendered.” Neville spoke without showing any guilt or fear. Prof. Ravenclaw became interested in this particular story.

“Oh! Tell me! What services?” She asked while she flew near him and sat on a high stone.

“Ahem! Prof. Before I tell you that story, can you answer a few of my questions, please? These are very important for me and for Hogwarts in general.” Neville spoke in a slightly serious tone.

“Oh… Sure. Go ahead little lion. Tell me what thoughts have taken over your little head!” Prof. said in a teasing manner.

“Ahem! So… Prof. you might be aware of the story of secret chambers belonging to one of the founders of Hogwarts – Salazar Slytherin and how he kept a dangerous beast hidden there.

Do you believe this is a true story professor?” Neville asked.

“I am sure it must be true. You have to know, that each founder left something for future generations. It was something of a legacy. Each legacy only belongs to a chosen one, one who qualifies and fulfils their tests or some criteria.

I remember, seventy years ago, a Hufflepuff child, a fifth year actually, found sick thestrals in forests. She personally cooked pots of food for them. All filled with large amounts of blood and meat.

And you know the best part, she was a vegetarian herself.

For three months, until this group of thestrals recovered, she kept feeding them diligently, without any hate or disgust and kept her own prejudice and personal comfort aside.

I think after the last day she came; she somehow fell into a cave that was designed by Aunt Helga Hufflepuff. There she found a cooking book, personal enchanted cooking pots and precious kitchen supplies from her.

However, that girl only took one item from there and left the rest. She wanted her juniors Hufflepuffs to one day discover this place like her and receive the legacy of their founders. Sadly, even after 70 years, no one else in Hufflepuff could compare to someone like her.”

Prof. Ravenclaw shared a secret story with Neville who was once again amazed by the secrets of Hogwarts.

“So, there is a secret legacy chamber for Gryffindors and Ravenclaw students too?” Neville asked excitedly.

“Of course, there is! But I have no idea where or how you qualify for them. Only those who are meant for them will find them. Now, do you have any more questions?” Prof. Helena asked.

“Ah… Yes, Professor. I just learned something about Blood Magic from one of the books in Longbottom library, but it hardly explained it clearly. It has to do something with beasts but what or how is not clear. Do you know about this?” Neville asked the question that has been bugging him.

“Well…let me think. Hmm… Yes… I remember. Blood Magic was famous in our times when the old wizarding families wanted to find powerful beasts as their Guardian Beasts or as their Battle Companions.

This allowed them to protect their manors from any external attack or provided them extra support during the battle to conquer others. However, blood magic is more complicated than other contract-based magic.

In Blood magic, it is not the wizard who is in control but rather the beasts. The beasts have certain conditions, and certain demands and they must be fulfilled. And if and only if, they believe you are worthy of being their master, they agree to such a contract.

I don’t remember the exact details now, but you know, Merlin had a blood magic contract with 3 different families of Dragons in his life and he single-handedly prevented the dragon wars.”

Prof. Helena told all the information she had about Blood Magic to Neville and Neville compared the information with the important points he noted from other similar magic contracts.

“Prof. will you wait for me in the ROR room? I need to show you something. I hope you can guide me better in this.” Neville decided to involve Prof. Ravenclaw with the matters of Basilisk and Prof. didn’t ask any questions after Neville spoke about the ROR room.

If there is anything to ask, she can freely do so in the ROR room.

Prof. Ravenclaw floated down the tower and went for the ROR room. Neville did the same after getting his suitcase from under his bed.

————————–

(Inside the ROR)

“Okay, Magical Wand, show your magic! Do you trick!” Neville whispered to the wand, but nothing happened. He tried again and again and again before feeling like a fool in front of the professor.

“Ahem! Okay, Professor. This is my stretchable trunk. I will call you in a minute. Till then, just wait here.” Neville told the professor with a straight face before hurriedly opening the trunk and climbing down while keeping his eyes tightly shut.

Then the magic happened, and his wand reacted. A silver smoke covered him and the Basilisk.

“You came back, boy!” The Basilisk hissed.

“Yes… Yes, I did. I also brought someone. Someone older than me and most probably of the same age as you. Plus, when it comes to the safety of students, I believe her decision will be more sound than mine. Can you close your eyes for her?” Neville asked and immediately the Serpent King obeyed.

This was the chance for his freedom. His true freedom and he was ready to do anything for that.