Although he had seen similar scenes in films and games, Zhang Xiao still couldn't help marveling at the sight before him.
He stood in an enormous room whose far end lay beyond his sight.
Window after window lined the walls, and the shafts of light falling through the high windows illuminated what looked like a city of towering walls.
It was built from objects lost at Hogwarts over who knew how many years.
Its streets and alleys were formed by precarious piles of broken furniture, perhaps shoved in here to hide evidence of miscast spells, or hidden away by the house-elves who kept the castle looking respectable.
There were thousands upon thousands of books, undoubtedly forbidden books, defaced books, or stolen books;
there were winged catapults and Fanged Frisbees, a few of which still circled feebly above the mountains of forbidden objects;
some broken bottles held potions that had long since solidified;
there were hats, jewelry, cloaks, and things that looked like dragon eggshells;
a sinister light still flickered inside several stoppered bottles;
there were also a few rusty swords and a large, bloodstained axe.
This was a treasure trove!
Zhang Xiao drew a breath. There was no question about it: this place was a treasure trove. No one knew how many valuable things lay inside, but there was no denying that some of them had to be good.
Tom seemed to have hidden a Horcrux here, too. Once Zhang Xiao found Slytherin's Research Notes, he might as well pick up the Diadem while he was at it.
How could he possibly have no interest in a diadem said to enhance wisdom?
Even the slightest improvement in his learning efficiency would be welcome.
He then picked up a few books. So much time had passed that the strange face on