The Source of Peeves's Tragedy

"Let them fight it out," Moriarty said deliberately. "I don't think they care about Hogwarts at all. They only care about themselves."

"Let them be destroyed along with Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore. We're leaving."

With those words, Moriarty turned and left. Professor Dumbledore left as well. As they turned away, both wore crafty smiles.

"What did you say?" The Grey Lady shrieked. "Hogwarts will be destroyed? Explain yourself!"

The Grey Lady flew toward Moriarty and blocked his path. "I contributed to the Battle of Hogwarts. You cannot leave me out."

Without The Grey Lady's command, Bloody Baron stopped swinging his axe and longsword. Peeves instantly put some distance between himself and Barro, watching Moriarty with cold eyes.

Dumbledore noticed this. Staying quiet was practically unimaginable for Peeves.

When it came to mischief-making, even James, Sirius, and the Weasley twins put together were no match for Peeves.

Moriarty looked at The Grey Lady. "Yes, milady, you are qualified to take part. But it seems you have matters of your own to attend to."

"Of course!" An inexplicably solemn radiance shone upon The Grey Lady's face. She shot Peeves a disdainful glance. "I am avenging my mother!"

"Peeves caused your mother's death—Rowena Ravenclaw?" Moriarty looked as though he had just heard some astonishing gossip, his startled gaze shifting between Peeves and The Grey Lady. "Are you sure?"

"Not directly," The Grey Lady said in a low voice. "My great mother exhausted herself protecting him! That was why she fell ill, and then... died!"

At the word "protecting," Moriarty and Dumbledore exchanged a thoughtful glance.

"Not just my mother," The Grey Lady suddenly said. "Your ancestor as well!"

"Ancestor Salazar?" Moriarty was genuinely surprised.

After Salazar left Hogwarts, he captured Ingo alive and built Slytherin Castle. How could he have died protecting Peeves?

"Did