The next morning, rain pattered softly against the windows of the Valvas Mansion. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of wet earth. In the grand sitting room, Roy sat opposite Rowen Ravenclaw, the fire crackling between them.
"Rowen," Roy began, his voice calm but edged with curiosity, "I need your insight on something important. I'm trying to trace the disciple of Salazar Slytherin."
Rowen arched an eyebrow. "Why? What makes you think someone is still relevant after all this time?"
Roy leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I have questions that are connected to major events in the wizarding world: where Voldemort learned black magic, how he discovered the hiding places of ancient wizarding families, who saved Peter Pettigrew from imprisonment, and who orchestrated Fenrir Greyback's kidnapping of the princes—aiming to start a war between the wizarding and Muggle worlds. Also, the secret room in the Chamber of Secrets, and the faint soul essence I found in the Slytherin room. Everything points to someone connected to Salazar Slytherin's legacy."
Rowen's eyes widened. She sat back, her hands trembling slightly in surprise. "That… that's a lot. But I see why you're asking me. Salazar Slytherin never married, and he never had a direct heir. His disciples were certainly talented, but none of them could carry his legacy fully… except one."
Roy's eyes narrowed. "One? Tell me everything."
Rowen took a deep breath, her gaze distant, as if recalling memories from long ago.
"Years ago," she began, "on a stormy night not unlike today, Salazar Slytherin found a boy on the verge of death. His name was Cassian Veylorn, from the ancient and nearly extinct Veylorn family. The boy's lineage was pure, powerful, but almost wiped out. Salazar recognized something in him—not just talent, but the mindset and potential to truly understand the legacy of the pureblood wizarding philosophy. He took the boy in as if he were his own son, teaching him everything: magic, strategy, the mindset of pureblood supremacy, and even the secrets of black magic and Slytherin's research."
Rowen paused, letting the gravity sink in. "Cassian Veylorn became more than just a student—he became the vessel for Salazar's knowledge, the one who preserved and expanded on his teachings long after Salazar was gone."
Roy's fingers tapped lightly on his knees, deep in thought. "So everything… every move Voldemort made, the ancient family secrets, even the manipulation of Peter Pettigrew… could be traced back to this disciple?"
Rowen nodded gravely. "Yes. Cassian's methods were subtle. He didn't seek fame; he sought influence and knowledge. And over the years, his power has silently shaped events you're uncovering now."
The rain outside intensified, drumming against the glass as Roy leaned back, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smile. "Then we've found our key. Every question I had—the soul essence, the black magic, the kidnappings, the hidden knowledge—they all lead to Cassian Veylorn. We finally have a thread to follow."
Rowen's expression softened as she added, "But be careful, Roy. Cassian is brilliant. Even Voldemort's power is nothing compared to the subtle control he wields through knowledge and influence."
Roy nodded, eyes gleaming with determination. "I know. And that's why I'll approach this carefully. Every move has to be precise. But now… at least we know who we're dealing with."
The fire flickered in the room as rain slid down the windows, and in that quiet, Roy felt the weight of the revelation. The past had left a shadow over the present—but now, he had a path forward.