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Chapter 98 - Chapter 98: Descendants

"But in that case, wouldn't the Four Founders' descendants be unable to enjoy the preferential treatment they rightfully deserve? Think carefully. Is this really beneficial?"

Sterling felt somewhat puzzled. According to the Muggle history books he'd read, the Four Founders' status was no different from founding emperors. If descendants survived, forget being treated like royalty. At minimum, the Malfoys wouldn't be the most famous pureblood family.

However, speaking of drawbacks, the recent war years seemed to have similar examples.

"I see you understand." The Grey Lady glided to the window, lifting her long dress slightly, as if worried her ghostly gown might collect dust from the sill.

"If someone appeared at Hogwarts now bearing the surname 'Ravenclaw', every pair of eyes would watch her every move, hoping she could recreate even a fraction of her ancestor's glory."

"When she does well, it's natural because noble blood flows in her veins. When she does poorly, it's inconceivable because it doesn't match their expectations of this identity."

"People would ignore her given name and only see her infinitely glorious surname."

"No encouragement, no tolerance. Under such endless pressure, she'd face an inevitable situation you should have considered. Ambitious people's covetous gazes."

"If the Four Founders left any legacy, what better decoding tool than bloodline? If one wanted to create change, wouldn't a Founder's descendant be the perfect tool for acceptance?"

Yes, Sterling recalled magical history's records of the war era the Dark Lord initiated. The first family to submit to him was the Malfoys. Whether willingly or forced, they suffered from their fame.

If Slytherin's descendants truly existed, Voldemort would definitely seek them out first.

As for the earlier descriptions about "pressure", Sterling felt the Grey Lady's words carried too strong an emotional undertone, not like giving examples but describing something she'd personally witnessed.

Sterling sensed the Grey Lady must have personally seen a Founder's descendant fall into that situation of "unknown given name, only known surname", though the latter part sounded like pure hypothetical examples.

Obviously, she and Binns were from similar periods, both among the earliest students after Hogwarts' founding.

Combined with Ravenclaw's commission...

The "she" the Grey Lady mentioned was probably Helena Ravenclaw.

So Helena had left Ravenclaw's protection on her own, which explained why even Ravenclaw herself didn't know where her daughter had died. Helena had fled to places beyond Ravenclaw's reach.

But it was still strange...

Sterling scratched his head. Ravenclaw could even enter Avalon. Where could Helena have gone that Ravenclaw, with her wisdom, couldn't discover, and with her magical accomplishments, couldn't reach?

Unless Helena had escaped before Ravenclaw's death.

Even the most powerful wizards couldn't escape death's shadow. Death would corrupt the wisdom wizards relied on for survival, making their magic wither...

"Young wizard? What are you thinking about?"

The Grey Lady reached out and patted Sterling's head. A chill spread from his scalp throughout his body, making Sterling shiver involuntarily.

The Grey Lady generally didn't have such close contact with students, but having just expressed thoughts long hidden in her heart under the guise of examples, she now felt some favouritism toward this listener, though she knew nothing about him.

"I was imagining the situation you described."

"No need to think about such dark things. Well, I've answered your question. If you really want to know the Founders' descendants' whereabouts, I'll give you a hint."

The Grey Lady nimbly jumped down from the windowsill. Unlike other ghosts who preferred floating around, her actions so far seemed as if she were still alive.

"Slytherin's descendants are hardest to hide because their blood proclaims its existence. However, they've now disappeared completely."

"Try following this clue. They were fools blinded by their ancestors' glory. You'll understand more deeply what I meant."

She passed through the wall and disappeared from Sterling's view.

Sterling sighed heavily. Why did people from Ravenclaw love asking riddles? Wouldn't it be better to tell him directly?

Taking out his notebook and pen, Sterling wrote today's record.

January 1st: I found the Grey Lady.

She completely dashed my hopes of finding Helena in magical history. Her reasoning was sound. The Four Founders' descendants should remain hidden.

But some useful clues remain. Ravenclaw's final years – Helena's departure time must be then. Besides, Helena and Ravenclaw's relationship probably wasn't good.

Or rather, one-sided. Ravenclaw obviously cared deeply about her daughter, but Helena might have resented her.

Anyway, the next target remains Professor Binns. The Grey Lady suspiciously has an intimate relationship with Helena. It might be hard to extract information.

Sterling closed his notebook and let out a long breath.

Full moon.

At this time point, he had to accomplish two things simultaneously: formally beginning Animagus study and tracking Professor Binns.

As for the Christmas holiday, that wasn't over yet...

Pressing number "6", Sterling sent an invitation to Harry and Ron.

"Want to come to Utopia for some Wizard's Chess?"

"Yes! I learnt several new strategies!" Ron's voice burst from Harry's communication channel. Not surprising.

Harry and Ron acted like they were joined at the hip, but Sterling's face still darkened uncontrollably.

"I was actually inviting Harry..."

"Don't say that, Sterling. I'll allow you three take-backs this time; how about it?"

This arrogance and confidence... Sterling gripped the badge tightly.

To emphasise again: Ron's status in Wizard's Chess equalled Sterling's authority in magic.

Just as Sterling could single-handedly dominate the other six Utopia members, Ron... Sterling had no doubt he could simultaneously play chess with all six of them and win every game.

"Fine, fine. We'll take turns. I want to play Harry first."

"Harry! Quick, pack up the chessboard; let's go!"

"I know. Sterling, should I bring some Chocolate Frogs?"

"Sure, sure." Sterling answered, then pressed number "6" again.

Sterling stretched and headed toward the eighth floor.

He'd worked hard for so many days during Christmas. It was time to truly enjoy this holiday.

After all, going forward...

Sterling extended his hand. Sky-blue magic bloomed from his fingertips, writhing like an octopus.

Andrew Dept.

This name he'd forcibly memorised now only remained as a name.

The instinctive longing his body had originally felt had long dissipated but would eventually be reclaimed.

End of term, if Andrew didn't appear at Hogwarts...

Then Sterling would turn London upside down searching for him.

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