When Hagrid mentioned the name Slytherin Party, Hermione's eyes widened as well.
"Slytherin Party?"
"I've never seen that name in Modern History of Magic."
Hagrid laughed.
"Of course not. History of Magic records many things, but there are still plenty of things that were never written down."
"They say the downfall of the Slytherin Party was connected to a mysterious power that appeared at Hogwarts a hundred years ago. It was an Ancient Magic Dumbledore happened to mention to me once."
"There was a huge uproar over that magic back then. Even the goblins attacked Hogwarts, and the Slytherin Party had their eyes on it too. But I'm sure you all know how it ended."
"Hogwarts still stands, and it remains the safest place in the entire wizarding world. The goblins were completely confined to Gringotts, while the Slytherin Party was utterly wiped out."
"To conceal that Ancient Magic, Hogwarts erased the incident from the history books. But people determined to know can always catch wind of something."
"Otherwise, why do you think the Dark Lord was so wary of Hogwarts? Hogwarts has countless secrets—perhaps not even Dumbledore knows them all!"
Hearing Hagrid's words, Hermione, Harry, and the others listened with rapt attention. They had never imagined such things had happened back then.
Worry showed in Harry's eyes. He had not realized Hagrid's job was so dangerous.
Rhine's heart stirred slightly as he rubbed the Ancient Staff in his hand.
The ancient magic Hagrid spoke of, which had appeared at Hogwarts a hundred years ago, was surely the Ancient Magic closely connected to this staff.
Rhine was quite interested in it.
If he had the chance, he would investigate Hogwarts for traces of Ancient Magic.
At the same time, an idea surfaced in Rhine's mind.
"The Basilisk has stayed at