KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)

Chapter Sixteen

Sebastian and Ominis stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock and wonder as they took in the incredible sight before them. The Map Chamber was unlike anything they had ever imagined—a place steeped in ancient magic and history, hidden deep within the very castle they thought they knew so well. The silence between them was heavy, filled with the weight of the unknown, until Sebastian finally found his voice.

"What... what is this place?" he asked, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief. "How did we never know about this? Who built it?"

Mary turned to face them, her expression serious but calm. "This chamber was created by the Keepers," she explained, her voice steady. "They were powerful witches and wizards—masters of Hogwarts from centuries ago—who discovered the secrets of Ancient Magic. They realized that this magic was too dangerous to fall into the wrong hands, so they devoted their lives to protecting it."

Ominis, still reeling from the revelation, took a hesitant step forward. "The Keepers... they were professors at Hogwarts?" he asked, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. "And they hid all of this?"

Mary nodded. "Yes. They were some of the greatest minds Hogwarts has ever known, and they used their knowledge to build this chamber and many others like it. They left behind trials and tests, designed to find someone who could carry on their legacy, someone who could understand and control  Ancient Magic. That's why the chamber has remained hidden for so long—it's been waiting for the right person to unlock its secrets."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "And that person is you," he said, more of a statement than a question. "You're the successor they've been waiting for."

Mary hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Yes," she admitted, her voice tinged with the weight of the responsibility. "When I first came to Hogwarts, I didn't know what I was capable of. But the Keepers—through their trials—helped me understand my connection to this magic. They chose me to continue their work, to protect keep this secret from those who would misuse it."

Ominis looked around the chamber, his expression conflicted. "Why you, Mary?" he asked softly. "Why did they choose you out of all the witches and wizards in the world?"

"I don't know for sure," Mary confessed, her gaze lowering. "Maybe it's because I can see the Ancient Magic when others can't. At the beginning I thought anyone could do it, but it's been hundreds of years since they left this place and... I've been the only one."

Sebastian stepped closer, his brow furrowed with concern. "And what does that mean for you? What are you supposed to do now?"

Mary took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his. "It means I have to finish what the Keepers started. I have to complete their trials, learn all I can about this magic, and protect it from those who seek to use it for evil—like Ranrok."

Ominis frowned, still processing everything she had said. "So this is what the professor meant when he said only you could do it... only you can stop Ranrok?"

"Yes," Mary replied, her voice firm. "Ranrok is after the power of Ancient Magic, just like Isidora was. He's convinced that if he can harness it, he can change the world. But the Keepers believed that this magic was too dangerous for anyone to control—not without understanding the consequences."

When Mary mentioned Isidora's name, Sebastian immediately frowned, curiosity piqued. "Isidora?" he asked, his tone urgent.

Mary paused before answering, choosing her words carefully. "Isidora Morganach was a professor at Hogwarts, just like the Keepers," she explained. "She had the same ability as me—to manipulate Ancient Magic. But something happened... something that changed everything. I don't know all the details yet, but whatever it was, it made the Keepers decide that this magic was too dangerous. They chose to hide it, to bury it so that no one else could use it the way Isidora did."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed in thought, trying to piece together the mystery. "So, Isidora was like you... but she went too far," he mused, a hint of concern in his voice. "And now Ranrok is trying to do the same."

"Yes," Mary confirmed, her voice steady despite the unease that lingered beneath. "That's why I have to stop him, why I have to finish the trials and learn everything I can as soon as possible."

Ominis, who had been quietly absorbing everything, looked at Mary with a mixture of concern and determination. "Are you sure this is the right path, Mary?" he asked softly. "Are you certain you want to carry this burden alone?"

Mary met his gaze, her expression softening as she shook her head. "I'm not alone," she said gently. "Even if this is my burden to bear, I have both of you now, along with Professor Fig. I'm not carrying this on my own anymore. With your help, I believe we can protect this magic and prevent history from repeating itself."