Myrtle instantly caught the look on everyone's faces. She knew exactly what they were thinking. Even though the Headmaster had chosen her to be the guide, she couldn't help remembering what that person had warned: if she didn't do the job well, she'd be sent straight back to haunt the corridor… The more Myrtle thought about it, the more wronged she felt—and the more wronged she felt, the closer she came to tears.
Watching the rapid changes in Myrtle's expression, Percy was alarmed. If she started throwing a fit, their chances of getting through the challenge today would vanish. In fact, he was beginning to suspect that Myrtle herself was part of the test.
"Er—hello, Myrtle! So, what should we do now? You know the Professors are keeping a close eye on this place, and, well, we're a bit pressed for time…"
As he spoke, Percy nudged Penelope and shot her a look, subtly indicating the toilet that looked so out of place in the grand hall.
Penelope caught on immediately. With her hands behind her back, she let her wand slip into her palm, ready to stop Myrtle from making a quick escape down the pipes.
Myrtle tried to hold back her sense of injustice, but her voice was already trembling on the edge of a sob. "Headmaster Dumbledore said you all have to treat me with respect. Otherwise, you won't get in."
"…"
Percy felt a bit awkward. He'd thought this was all his boss's idea—never expected it was the Headmaster's doing.
The others, realizing this was the Headmaster's arrangement, swallowed their disdain for Myrtle. After all, this counted as a challenge, so they pulled out their best flattery and offered up a stream of compliments. Several of them were former Prefects, after all…
After the chorus of praise, Myrtle broke into a radiant smile but still managed to sound magnanimous. "All right, let's continue. Where was I?"
"To prevent wizards from suffering further persecution at the hands of Muggles, four great witches and wizards founded Hogwarts on this very highland…
Not long after the school was established, Salazar Slytherin and the other three founders fell out over the issue of blood purity. Slytherin wanted only pure-blood students admitted, but the others disagreed. So Slytherin left the school—but not before secretly building a chamber beneath it…
And I, poor Myrtle Elizabeth Warren, am the only victim of the Chamber in nearly a hundred years… The only one… No one knows what I went through. When I was alive, Olive Hornby mocked me; after I died, I went to find her, and she had the Ministry of Magic banish me, forcing me to remain in this miserable place… And then you all kept mocking me…"
As Myrtle's emotions spiraled, her pearly-white, translucent form began to flicker and shake.
Percy hurried to calm her. "Myrtle, please, take a deep breath. No one here is mocking you. We're all listening carefully to your story. But, um, weren't we supposed to—?"
Myrtle swooped in a circle above their heads, then shot a fierce glare at Penelope, who was hiding her wand behind her back.
"Are you planning to ambush poor Myrtle? Just like that person, using those dreadful spells that can hurt ghosts… Don't bother explaining! Because of your rudeness, the challenge just got harder. Originally, you each only needed to answer one question to get in, but now—oh, wait, that's not the right order… Let me think…"
"Brave witches and wizards, are you willing to help poor Myrtle—that's me—enter the legendary Slytherin's Chamber and defeat the evil Basilisk?"
"Good! I knew you'd say yes! There are seven passages to the final chamber, each corresponding to one of the core subjects: Transfiguration, Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, Potions, Charms, and Astronomy. Of course, you'll find material from other electives mixed in as well."
At the mention of History of Magic, everyone fell silent. The other subjects at least involved magic—but was the History of Magic challenge just going to be reciting dates and facts?
"Oh, young witches and wizards, are you ready? Please draw your wands and stand beneath your House Founder's statue to take the oath!"
Everyone froze at the word "oath." They all frowned, knowing that magical oaths were nothing like those in the Muggle world—especially when taken with a wand. If this room was enchanted, the oath would be binding.
Instinctively, they looked to Percy and Penelope. Both wore grave expressions. No one had warned them about this step, but as Head Boy and Head Girl, they knew it was their job to uphold the school's honor.
Percy considered for a moment, then addressed the group:
"Since Miss Myrtle was appointed by Headmaster Dumbledore, I don't think there's any danger. If anything seems wrong with the oath, we can stop immediately. Myrtle, we can stop if we need to, right?"
The last question was directed at Myrtle, his tone serious. As the first group to enter, they had to proceed with caution. Besides, each of them was required to write a summary report on the challenge afterward.
Myrtle tilted her head back, gazing at the ceiling—now magically transformed into a starry sky, so much better than the old, cracked tiles of the bathroom.
When Myrtle ignored him, Percy felt a little awkward. Some students began whispering about quitting; after all, the Professors hadn't said there would be any punishment for failing.
Penelope cleared her throat. "Since we're here, let's follow the procedure. If anyone doesn't want to continue, you can withdraw now. Don't forget, every year group will be coming through after us…"
At this, those who'd been thinking of quitting changed their minds. Percy shot his girlfriend a look of admiration, and Penelope, seeing his expression, raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased.
Percy grinned to himself—sometimes, his boss's methods really did work wonders.
Without further delay, Percy and Penelope took the lead, stepping beneath the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw statues. After a moment's hesitation, the others followed suit, gathering beneath their own House founders.
They raised their wands, looking solemnly at Myrtle. The sight startled her so much that, if not for her new responsibilities, she'd have dived straight for the nearest toilet.
She steadied herself, muttering under her breath, "I was chosen by the Headmaster, I was picked by that person…"
Then she cleared her throat and spoke, her voice ringing out across the hall:
"Dear witches and wizards, welcome to the Hogwarts Chamber Challenge!
Before you embark on this journey of exploration, let us take an oath together—to ensure your adventure is both exciting and safe. Please repeat after me:
I swear, as a proud student of Hogwarts!
I will protect and cherish every place I explore, and promise not to intentionally damage the hard work of any Professor.
I will do everything in my power to participate in this challenge with honesty and fairness.
I will respect all my opponents and refrain from cheating or deception—(unless, of course, you can fool the Professors).
I will follow the guide's instructions, ensuring the safety of myself and others.
I will keep an open mind and savor every moment of the journey.
I will share joy with my companions, and together create unforgettable memories.
Now, dear witches and wizards, our adventure is about to begin!
Please stay close and follow my lead, as we explore this mysterious and beautiful land together—let the unforgettable journey begin!"
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