As Harry and the Magical Inquiry Club followed McGillis Karo and Banarge Vist to the seventh floor, they passed two prefects emerging from what seemed an empty space—the Room of Requirement. One was Ron's brother, Percy Weasley, a Gryffindor prefect; the other, an unfamiliar Ravenclaw girl. Luna nodded to her, but the girl didn't respond.
"Ron?" Percy said, eyeing the group. "Why are you here? What's going on, Banarge?"
"We invited them," Banarge replied calmly. "We need to talk in the Room of Requirement."
Ron bristled. "Why're you here? Telling us not to wander while you do it?"
"Ron, don't—" Hermione tried to hush him, but Ron's face was scarlet.
"We're prefects," Percy snapped, brandishing his authority. "We check suspicious places to protect underclassmen. If you get attacked by a monster, what then? Get to the Great Hall."
McGillis pointed to his own prefect badge. "You seem to forget, Weasley, we're prefects too. We're prepared to protect them. Are our badges untrustworthy?"
"Banarge is fine," Percy said. "But you, a Slytherin, have a history of radical behavior. Sorry, you're not trustworthy."
Harry understood Percy's stance. In Slytherin's common room, McGillis openly preached purebloodism, swaying younger students like Eli Brown. Outside Slytherin, such behavior earned no favor. McGillis's face darkened, his hand twitching toward his wand.
Harry stepped in. "Hold on. You think we won't get mad being judged just for being Slytherins? Take it back."
Despite fond memories of Percy praising his Gryffindor-like spirit last Christmas, Harry couldn't ignore Percy's bias against Slytherin. "Trust you how?" Percy retorted, irritation clear. The Ravenclaw girl nodded silently in support.
"If you're suspected, act like it and stay quiet," Percy said. "Slytherins bully others over trifles. Your daily behavior invites suspicion now."
"Harry doesn't bully!" Zabini shot back.
"Wasn't stringing up Creevey bullying?" Percy countered. "He admired Potter, yet Potter brushed him off."
"I just wanted Colin to understand his actions bothered us," Harry said, caught off-guard.
"Really?" Percy said. "Creevey's Muggle-born. It's no surprise students think you're prejudiced. You've broken rules since last year. Excusing your violations while punishing Colin's doesn't add up. You're reaping what you sowed."
"Then why didn't you, a prefect, stop Colin?" Harry replied. "Galiot Juris did."
"I'm busy," Percy said. "I can't babysit Colin. Galiot's just incompetent."
"You judge people by rumors without doing anything yourself, then criticize a junior prefect's work," Azrael interjected. "Isn't that what people call pathetic?"
"Too far, Azrael," Harry murmured, stunned by Azrael's boldness.
Azrael pressed on. "Colin didn't just bother Harry. We were all annoyed. If you're framing us as Slytherins, do you Gryffindors own up to your harassment?"
Azrael's unstoppable with arguments, Harry thought, impressed. Farkas watched enviously as Percy faltered, rebuking Azrael's disrespect. Ron grimaced, as if swallowing a cockroach cluster.
Harry felt Percy's point. Colin meant no harm, and in hindsight, Harry regretted his harshness. "I was reckless with Colin," he admitted. "But consider how we felt being stalked. I can't be endlessly kind."
"If you're repentant, fine," Percy said. "But rules are absolute. Being here is suspicious. I'll report you to Filch for punishment."
McGillis intervened. "That's impossible, Weasley. They're here at my invitation, a prefect's. You can't punish students under a prefect's orders."
Percy faltered, perhaps unprepared for a junior prefect's defiance. "Your criticism of me is fair," McGillis said. "But retract the first part. My Slytherin juniors bear no ill will toward Gryffindor. Your words strain their friendships."
Percy tried to retort, but Banarge cut in. "Weasley-senpai," he said softly. "I know trusting McGillis is hard after last year's trouble. But can't you trust me?"
"It's not that—" Percy began, his resolve weakening.
"You owe me—and the Duelling Club," Banarge said, glancing at the Ravenclaw girl. "Repay it now."
Banarge, the epitome of Hufflepuff courtesy, was relentless. The Ravenclaw girl tugged Percy's sleeve. "Let's go, Perce. Banarge is here—it's fine."
"Alright," Percy said. "I trust Banarge. Look after my brother."
As Percy left, Ron apologized. "Sorry, everyone. He's obsessed with status. He's freaking out because my rule-breaking could ruin his Head Boy chances. He's the worst."
"Rough brother, Ron," Zabini said, softening toward him. "You're with us."
"Percy's logic stings," Harry admitted, grappling with the fairness of Percy's words. Being kind to nuisances like Colin or Dobby was another matter.
"What's the debt, Banarge?" Luna asked, curious.
"Simple," Banarge said. "Percy was strong and a great teacher, so he was super popular. Loads joined the Duelling Club for him."
"No way Percy's a heartthrob," Ron scoffed.
Banarge smirked. "Tall, top student, prefect—sixth-years' best. I struggled handling his fangirls."
"Sorry for my brother…?" Ron mumbled.
"It's fine," Banarge said. "He's got a girlfriend now, so those girls left."
Zabini whistled. Harry regretted hearing the Duelling Club's messy drama. Quitting over crushes? Percy's orbit felt impure.
"Love's free in our club, and participation isn't mandatory," Banarge said. "But if you join, practice seriously. Percy's fangirls didn't, which was a hassle."
"You don't need to apologize, Ron," McGillis said. "I made a fool of myself last year, and Banarge and Percy stopped me. We're even."
"Girlfriend?!" Ron, Luna, and Hermione exclaimed, eager for details, but neither McGillis nor Banarge spilled. The group, buzzing about Percy's mystery girlfriend, entered the Room of Requirement.
"When you hear 'Chamber of Secrets,' every Hogwarts student thinks of this place," McGillis said.
"I thought so too, but it's not," he added, disappointed. "Welcome to the Room of Requirement."
Not it, Harry thought. McGillis had hoped bringing Harry, a Parselmouth, would transform the Room into the Chamber, embracing him as a pureblood symbol. But that hope crumbled.
For McGillis, a pureblood radical, the Chamber incident was a nuisance. It didn't thrill him; it worsened the cold, fearful glares aimed at Slytherins. Percy's earlier scorn was proof. What pained McGillis most was innocent Slytherins like Harry facing suspicion. Solving the Chamber mystery with Harry could redeem purebloodism—or even recruit him. That dream had faded.
McGillis hid his frustration, welcoming the group with a smile. Harry and the others, thrilled by the Room's appearance from nowhere, barely noticed. "This place is amazing!" Hermione gasped. "Books, magical items—everything!"
"There should be comfy chairs and tea for us to talk," McGillis said. "Imagine what you need when you enter, and the Room provides. Top students and prefects' kids use it often."
"Let's discuss purebloodism, Banarge," McGillis said. "If you're not interested, explore the books. They're fascinating, not mine, but beyond the library's stock."
Zabini and Azrael bolted for the books. Hermione, usually book-bound, sat between McGillis and Banarge with resolve. Ron sat beside her, Harry and Farkas opposite. Banarge guided Luna to a nearby seat.
"McGillis, no politics in the Duelling Club," Banarge said firmly. "Purebloodism already alienates kids. You're driving them away."
"Sorry, Banarge," McGillis said. "I was desperate. Forgive me."
"Awfully compliant," Banarge noted, surprised.
Harry was too. In Slytherin's common room, McGillis scorned other houses, but here, he deferred to Banarge. "I figured this was the only way to bring you and Potter here," McGillis said. "Without Slytherin eyes, I can speak freely."
"Why drag Potter in?" Banarge asked. "I'm here to talk."
"I'm always rebuffed," McGillis said. "I didn't choose my methods to share purebloodism. I never expected a Muggle-born girl to join."
"Hermione's a proper witch!" Ron slammed the table, startling Luna, who clung to Farkas.
"Say one rude thing to her, and I'll hex you," Ron warned.
"I'll mind my manners," McGillis said.
"Ron, McGillis means no harm," Banarge said. "He's a history nerd—too caught up in his passion to consider others."
Harry glanced at Luna. I kinda get it.
"McGillis's pureblood values are rigid, but he thought he could talk with her," Banarge said. "That's why you're here, right?"
"Yes," McGillis said. "Slytherin's criticism isn't ideal. I want you to rethink purebloodism."
He began. "Slytherin's at a structural disadvantage compared to other houses. Know why, Harry?"
"Because of You-Know-Who?" Harry said, thinking of Slytherin's stain.
"No," McGillis said. "Since its founding, Slytherin's walked a loser's path."
"History?" Harry asked, confused.
Hermione, ever studious, jumped in. "After Hogwarts' founding, Slytherin opposed Muggle-borns and dueled Gryffindor, leaving the school. That's why they're still at odds, right, Karo-senpai?"
McGillis sipped his tea, sighing. "Gryffindors think they vanquished evil Slytherin. But that's not true. I wish Percy and Galiot would rethink that."
"How's it different?" Ron asked, catching himself.
"Gryffindor and Slytherin were best friends," McGillis said. "Why, Harry?"
"They… had fun together?" Harry said, drawing from his own friendships.
"Exactly," McGillis said. "They were alike and shared a dislike for Muggles."
"Liar!" Ron snapped, believing McGillis fabricated Gryffindor's shame.
McGillis produced documents. "Back then, Muggles weren't advanced, and many wizards were untrained. Muggle attacks on young wizards happened. Records prove it."
Harry recalled Dumbledore saying Gryffindor and Slytherin were similar, and his near-Gryffindor sorting. That Gryffindor might've disliked Muggles thrilled him. Keep going.
"Documents show Gryffindor's Muggle prejudice," McGillis said, nodding to Banarge. "Only Helga Hufflepuff lacked it."
Banarge nodded silently, urging McGillis on.
"Helga had ties with Muggle and wizard elites," McGillis said. "Without her, Hogwarts wouldn't exist. The founders collaborated, but one issue arose."
He conjured the four houses' emblems with his wand. "Hufflepuff accepted all, revolutionary for its time. Ravenclaw taught the wise—those eager to learn, including Muggle-borns, creating two pro-Muggle-born houses."
"If Gryffindor opposed Muggle-borns, it's two against two," Farkas noted.
McGillis's smile darkened. "It didn't work out that way."
"Slytherin consistently demanded nobility and pure blood, guarding wizarding culture from Muggle influence," he said. "As Hufflepuff welcomed Muggle-borns, their numbers grew, threatening to erode wizard traditions."
"Gryffindor sought courage," McGillis continued. "Salazar Slytherin thought they aligned on Muggle disdain, but late in life, Gryffindor changed his mind."
"What's wrong with admitting a mistake?" Ron countered.
Harry was shocked. Gryffindor killing Muggles was staggering; Hermione covered her face.
"Is that true?" Harry asked, heart pounding.
McGillis met his gaze. "A millennium ago, it was a rough era," Banarge interjected, defending Gryffindor. "Might ruled. Dueling to settle disputes was progressive, minimizing casualties."
"Gryffindor fought Muggles with swordsmanship alone for fairness," Banarge said.
"Still looking down on them," McGillis said.
"I don't want to believe it," Hermione murmured.
Banarge comforted her. "Gryffindor respected Muggles, I think. Duels limited harm, sometimes ending in ransoms, not death. Records of killings exist, but they were consensual."
As Harry and Hermione processed, McGillis pressed on. "Gryffindor's hailed as heroic, but weren't they like Slytherin, killing Muggles?"
"Imagine Slytherin's isolation when Gryffindor and Hufflepuff accepted Muggle-borns," he said, his gaze accusing Harry. "Betrayed by his best friend."
Harry, who disliked Muggles yet befriended Hermione, felt the sting. "That's ancient history," he said. "It doesn't concern us."
McGillis smiled. "We stand on history's line."
Luna, twirling her hair, muttered, "Slytherin had no friends."
"What?" McGillis said.
"He clung to Gryffindor, starting duels like Creevey with Harry," Luna said. "He wanted attention. So clingy."
Clingy? Harry thought, stunned.
"No way…" McGillis stammered. "Gryffindor betrayed—"
"But that's what you're saying, Macky," Luna said.
McGillis faltered, horrified at Slytherin being called a lonely cling-on. Harry reeled; his own Muggle hatred and fixation on friends mirrored Slytherin's. McGillis skips Divination, so a first-year nails him.
Banarge took over. "We can't know Slytherin's feelings, but I can guess why Gryffindor accepted Muggle-borns. Despite any initial prejudice, they taught talented Muggle-borns like Granger. Liking them was natural."
"Slytherin stayed alone against three houses," McGillis said. "Their isolation was inevitable."
That's a stretch, Harry thought, seeing Slytherin as pathetic.
"No adult moves on personal grudges alone," Banarge said. "Hufflepuff might've politically pressured Slytherin into isolation."
"You're badmouthing your founder?" Harry glared.
"I'm not Hufflepuff's heir," Banarge said, shrugging. "I respect her, but I don't idolize her. They failed to stop Gryffindor and Slytherin's feud."
"Slytherin, defeated, left Hogwarts, leaving the Chamber to purge Muggle-borns," McGillis said.
"That's unfair!" Hermione shouted. "We Muggle-borns don't want to purge Slytherins! Why must we be petrified?"
"That's Slytherin's will," McGillis said. "I'm curious why the culprit acts."
"Calm down, Ron, Hermione," Banarge said. "Arguing with McGillis is pointless."
"How can we trust him?" Ron snapped. "He's suspicious!"
"McGillis isn't cunning enough to cause this," Banarge said. "The Heir blends in or uses Slytherins—a non-Slytherin pureblood, maybe. Flaunting purebloodism now is like begging for suspicion."
"Thanks for clearing that," McGillis said wryly. "I wanted to fix Slytherin's reputation, but it's not working."
Banarge pitied him. "Why has Slytherin endured, despite its reputation?"
"Fear," Ron said.
"That's harsh!" Farkas protested.
"Sorry," Ron muttered.
"No, it's not fear," Harry said. "Necessity?"
Banarge smiled. "Exactly. Slytherin preserves wizarding tradition—conservative thinking. Adults favoring Muggle integration, liberalism, are a minority. Why?"
The four brainstormed. Banarge addressed Harry's idea. "You think Muggles dislike wizards. Not quite."
"Muggles hunted witches!" Harry said.
"History," Banarge said. "Now, Muggles don't care about us—they don't know we exist, thanks to memory charms. Wizards, not Muggles, want distance."
"Why?" Hermione asked, eyes sparkling.
Banarge explained. "Muggle history—colonialism, famines, wars, nuclear threats—is bloody. Wizards are tougher individually, but Muggles master collective power. If we mimic them without caution, we'd ruin ourselves. A wizard with nuclear magic would end the world. Slytherin's mindset persists to protect our culture."
Ron nodded. "If nuclear's that bad, wizards shouldn't have it. Dad's liberal but balanced, hence the Muggle Protection Act."
Hermione and Ron agreed, urging McGillis for more. He looked stunned.
After the debate, Harry's group rifled through the Room's books. Harry stole glances at McGillis and Banarge, sipping tea and chatting amicably.
Banarge, relieved at softening the pureblood topic, smiled. "Love purebloodism, but hold off. Once the incident's over, normalcy returns."
"But now's the time to spread true purebloodism," McGillis said.
"Bad timing," Banarge countered.
"If I don't act, purebloodism won't gain ground," McGillis insisted.
Harry crept closer, eavesdropping. "Don't push your ego on juniors," Banarge said. "It traps them."
"But Harry's guardian, Sirius Black, is meeting a pureblood heiress," McGillis said. "Shouldn't he understand purebloodism?"
"That's meddling!" Banarge snapped.
Harry, shocked, dropped a book on Dark magical creatures. Its basilisk illustration glared at him.
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