Legacy Darling

Chapter 4: Tour of Grandeur

Winnie followed Sebastian as he led her through winding corridors and spiralling staircases, his voice warm and animated as he introduced her to Hogwarts. He had a way of speaking that drew her in completely, making her forget, if only for a moment, the sheer impossibility of where she was.

"So," he began with a smile, "let's start with the basics—Hogwarts houses. The first, and the worst" he added with a cheeky wink, "is Gryffindor."

"Gryffindor was founded by Godric Gryffindor. He valued bravery, chivalry, and nerve. His students are known for their courage. I mean, their common room is in a bloody friggin' tower, right up there in the clouds," he gestured toward one of the highest towers in the castle, where a red and gold banner waved proudly. "They're always up for a challenge and can be a bit reckless, but you won't find anyone more loyal to their friends."

Winnie's curiosity sparkled in her eyes, and Sebastian seemed delighted to have such an attentive audience. "So... would I be able to tell who's in Gryffindor?" she asked.

"Ah, you'll know when you see them charging into something they probably shouldn't." He laughed, clearly fond of the Gryffindors despite his teasing tone.

They turned a corner, and Sebastian pointed to another tower, this one draped in blue and bronze. "Next, Ravenclaw. Rowena Ravenclaw founded this house, and it's full of the most brilliant minds. Ravenclaws are clever, witty, and value knowledge above all. They're known for their curiosity and logic—always asking questions and searching for answers. Their common room's high up too, with views of the stars... fitting, for a house that treasures wisdom."

"Knowledge," she repeated, her mind swirling with the stories he told, each house feeling more distinct, more complex than she had expected. It sounded a bit like schools back home, yet the structure was somehow so much... deeper.

"And then there's Hufflepuff," he continued, "Hufflepuffs are all about hard work, loyalty, and patience. Helga Hufflepuff took in students from all walks of life, and to this day, they're known for being welcoming and kind." He looked thoughtful, his voice softening. "They're the ones who'll always be there for you—reliable, friendly, and the least likely to get into trouble."

She laughed, picturing Poppy's friendly face. "Poppy seems like that."

"Exactly." Sebastian's expression softened. "Most of them are... grounded. And they know their way around herbology better than anyone, if you know what I mean." He winked. "The Hufflepuff common room is near the kitchens, so they're never far from a warm meal or tea," he added with a chuckle.

They continued walking through the dimly lit halls as he slowed his pace, his voice dropping to a murmur. "And finally my house... Slytherin."

Winnie felt a chill as they descended a stone staircase that wound down to the dungeons. The atmosphere grew heavier, colder, as they entered the shadows beneath the castle. The walls were slick with damp, and the torches flickered, casting eerie shadows on the stones.

"Slytherin was founded by Salazar Slytherin," Sebastian said, his voice quiet but intense. "He valued ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness. Slytherins are... driven. They'll do whatever it takes to get what they want." His voice softened, a hint of something unspoken lingering. "It's not always a bad thing to be ambitious, but Salazar... well, he left a dark legacy behind. He believed in purity of blood... that only certain wizards and witches should be allowed to study magic. That legacy still haunts the house."

Winnie swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling in. "What do you mean by... purity?"

Sebastian looked at her thoughtfully, as though deciding how much to say. "Let's just say... he had his own ideas about who deserved to be here. Not everyone agrees with his views, of course," he added quickly, but his tone remained solemn. "Some still hold to the old ways, though... but I'd like to think we're moving past it."