Slytherin's Unity

While Voldemort reveled in his false resurrection, Klein was holding the Mutual Aid Society's first activity beneath Hogwarts Castle.

The magical surge that came all the way from distant Baljiria didn't even make him furrow his brow.

Everything was under control.

"Once you've got the pronunciation and the wand movement down, that's all you need to know about this spell.

Now, let's split into groups and practice."

Putting away his wand, Klein ended his demonstration.

It was a tidying spell, one of the Everyday Spells. According to the older students, it was a guaranteed question on every first-year exam.

It was simple, but not every little wizard could master it. Klein had started with this spell to get a sense of his classmates' abilities.

As he finished speaking, Lumos lit up beneath the Salazar Slytherin Colossus.

Watching the little wizards below practice in groups of three or five, Klein suddenly remembered something Headmaster Dumbledore had said.

"Are you trying to raise an army of your own?"

He shook his head, casting aside those jumbled thoughts, and murmured so quietly that only he could hear:

"I'd never do something pointless."

There was no need to raise an army. When someone became powerful enough to stand against the world, countless people would follow them.

He knew that from experience.

"Klein, Klein, over here!"

Just as he was about to take a casual look around, a familiar voice suddenly called out beside him.

It was Pansy and a group of his fellow Slytherins.

Klein smiled and walked over.

"Hey, mate, this is so cool."

Draco, Pansy, and the others were thrilled that Klein had returned to where he truly belonged.

They weren't just excited to see their house's genius making a splash in front of the other Houses. They were excited about this place, too.

Salazar Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets—this was a treasure left behind by the founder of their House!

"Klein, what's going on?" "How did you find this place?" "I read in a book that Slytherin left behind more than just a Chamber of Secrets. Supposedly, there was also a monster that could wipe out all the non-Pure-bloods. Where is it?"

The Chamber of Secrets wasn't exactly a secret, but not everyone knew about it, either.

Fortunately, under Klein's influence, Slytherin had developed a strong academic culture. Even books like Hogwarts, a History had been pored over time and again. That was why the young Slytherins weren't completely ignorant about their founder.

It was a truly strange feeling.

Something that had seemed out of reach, something that had only existed in books, had appeared right in front of them.

If they hadn't needed to maintain Slytherin's dignity and poise in front of the other three Houses, they would have jumped for joy.

"Headmaster Dumbledore specifically gave us permission to use this place. As for the monster in here, I guess the Headmaster got rid of it."

Klein understood how these young wizards, who had grown up hearing Slytherin's legends, felt. But he didn't take credit for finding the Chamber of Secrets. He also played down the Basilisk's existence, leaving the credit to Dumbledore.

He was already making enough of a sensation. There was no point in adding "Basilisk conqueror" to his list of titles.

Let the old man take the blame for this one~

No one noticed the strange glint that flashed across the silver snake-shaped clasp holding his hair as he spoke.

"Oh my gosh, this is so cool! I have to write to my dad and tell him about it."

Draco was clearly overjoyed.

The young master felt as if he'd witnessed a miracle.

What more could a Slytherin ask for than to enter the legendary Chamber of Secrets?

The only slight disappointment was that the other Houses had set foot in this "holy place," too.

"Draco, Hogwarts is one whole. You need to understand that whether it's us, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, the competition among the Four Houses is meant to help us all improve."

Klein could tell what Draco was thinking from the look on his face.

Reckless and brave; gifted but narrow-minded and arrogant; clever and wise but too rigid; hardworking and kind, yet unremarkable.

Each of the Four Houses had its strengths and its flaws.

But Klein, who had once stood above the entire Magical World, would never get caught up in such childish rivalry and hostility.

Just as he'd said, Hogwarts was one whole.

Competition was fine, but they shouldn't be enemies.

"Anyway, this is my first time organizing something. As my good friend, you have to support me."

Klein gave Draco a light punch and smiled.

Changing someone's outlook didn't happen overnight, so he didn't press the issue.

Besides, he knew that although these little snakes thought so highly of themselves that they looked down on everyone else, they were still generous and kind to their own.

"Of course. I'll always be your most steadfast supporter, always!"

Hearing Klein's words, Draco immediately thumped his chest and promised.

After a pause, he pulled Crabbe and Goyle over and rejoined the Slytherin group.

"And it's not just me. It's all of us. Slytherin will always stand behind you."

"That's right! We'll always support you!"

Pansy could hardly hold back any longer. The words slipped out almost before she knew it.

Beside her, Daphne's cheeks flushed, and she nodded over and over.

"Keep it up, Boss Klein. Just say the word if you need anything from me."

"Everyone in Slytherin is family."

"Klein, do whatever you want."

They knew how to read the situation and follow the strong.

Klein was the one Draco and the others had chosen to follow.

Klein was the strong one standing at the front.

So no matter what he did—even if it meant making peace with the non-Pure-blood wizards in the other Houses—they would endure it and support him without wavering.

They didn't need to understand a genius's ideas. They only needed to support him.

"Thank you. I mean it. Thank you."

Everyone in Slytherin was sincere, and Klein could feel it clearly. That was why, so rarely, he let down all his guards and thanked them from the bottom of his heart.

"All right, the other Houses are calling for you."

Draco had heard Klein say "thank you" before, but this time, he thought it sounded especially heartfelt.

With a grin, he shooed Klein away, then started practicing spells with Crabbe and the others.

But as soon as the young master took out his wand, he seemed to remember something. He hurriedly turned around and leaned close to Klein's ear.

"Uh, you'd better go to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff first, then Gryffindor last.

Remember, save that Harry Potter for last."

Klein paused. Seeing how serious Draco looked, he smiled and nodded.

"Okay."