Provoking Pride

From the narrow rocky passage to the enchanted flagstone path, past a massive arch with an unmistakable medieval style, the full expanse of the Hufflepuff Chamber of Secrets unfolded before the three of them.

The chamber itself was nearly half the size of the Hogwarts Great Hall. Its vaulted ceiling was made from a single slab of Istrian marble, while the ribs spreading outward from its apex were carved with wheat stalks and laurel branches.

The vaulted ceiling was covered by one complete mural, carved with intricate and breathtaking scenes. Whether it was an enchantment or merely a recessed visual effect, if one stared at it for a while, it felt as though the mural was slowly drawing nearer to one's retina.

On either side, long strands of mistletoe wound around four enormous pillars. They swayed gently without wind beneath the warm sunlight.

Ginger, belladonna, rue, and other common magical herbs were planted around the chamber, every one of them flourishing luxuriantly.

There was no Magic Sun as they had imagined. Only the enormous milky-white statue standing in the center radiated bright yet non-scorching sunlight. Stepping a little closer made their entire bodies feel pleasantly warm.

Several sprigs of Dittany had also been planted beneath the statue. Under the slightly elevated temperature, the Essence of Dittany released a faint fragrance that refreshed the mind and lifted the spirit.

This place felt like the palace of the Earth Mother Goddess from ancient myths—life, sunlight, the scent of herbs, everything was so beautiful and comfortable.

Yet this was not what amazed Sean and the others most. What truly left them dizzy with astonishment was something above the statue—a feather.

The orange-red feather, roughly half a person tall and of unknown origin, floated silently at the very top of the statue, rotating clockwise.