C25 Pureblood Theory

Nick Phil, the Praepostor who had been singled out, paused, a self-deprecating smile crossing his face. It was astonishing that he, a seasoned Slytherin Praepostor, felt a sense of awe toward a Little Wizard who had only enrolled the day before.

He strode over and took a seat directly across from Liang Mu, about to speak when Liang Mu gestured for him to wait. Placing a cup before Nick Phil, Liang Mu poured the clear, jade-green tea, its fragrance wafting up to Nick Phil's nose.

"Try it first," Liang Mu suggested, taking a sip from his own cup, the once boiling water now at a perfect drinking temperature.

Nick Phil, not particularly fond of tea but adhering to Slytherin's etiquette from the night before, reluctantly took a sip. The initial bitterness furrowed his brow, but it was soon followed by a soothing sweetness that relaxed his features.

"Liang Mu," Nick Phil, the Praepostor, said, setting down his empty cup and looking up with a grave demeanor.

Liang Mu met his gaze, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Nick Phil hesitated, the words he intended to say caught in his throat as he looked into Liang Mu's eyes. "I'm listening," Liang Mu encouraged, refilling Nick Phil's cup.

Taking a deep breath, Nick Phil began, "Although I agree with your words from last night... uh... I wholeheartedly endorse them." He finished the tea in one gulp, quietly gauging Liang Mu's reaction.

Liang Mu didn't correct the improper way Nick Phil had consumed the tea. He had no need to embarrass others to elevate himself, especially not in public.

Despite Nick Phil's limited influence the previous evening, he remained a Slytherin Praepostor and a key individual for Liang Mu to win over.

"Thank you," Liang Mu responded, to which Nick Phil relaxed significantly, finding the courage to continue, "I know you're driven by revenge and ambition, but remember, you're a new Little Wizard. You're still young."

"I know," Liang Mu acknowledged, locking eyes with Nick Phil once more, each holding the other's gaze with mutual respect.

"So, you still have much to learn."

"Praepostor, are you willing to help me?"

Liang Mu echoed Nick Phil's words.

This caught Nick Phil off guard, leaving him somewhat bewildered.

"As the Praepostor of Slytherin, I can't play favorites."

"I never mentioned starting any sort of organization, or..."

Liang Mu glanced at the small groups of Slytherins.

"Or playing house."

"Then why do you seek my help?"

Nick Phil was perplexed. He couldn't grasp what his younger peer was getting at.

Liang Mu leaned in, bridging the gap between himself and Nick Phil.

"If you're on board with my ideas, it means we share a common goal—to shape Slytherin into what we envision. But I lack the necessary strength, or rather, the prestige."

Nick Phil, the Praepostor, nodded, feeling reassured by Liang Mu's self-awareness. His extensive advice was meant to prevent arrogance and to protect him. It appeared that his junior was quite understanding.

"What I'm missing is what you, Praepostor Nick Phil, possess. You're the Praepostor of Slytherin, with connections, respect, and capability. Surely you want Slytherin to become what you envision under your leadership?"

Resting his hands on the table, Liang Mu whispered close to Nick Phil's ear:

"We share a common goal; we're on the same journey."

With that, Liang Mu settled back on the couch, smiling at Nick Phil.

"Slytherin will propel you to the pinnacle."

Slytherin Reputation: Friendly: 54

Liang Mu observed Nick Phil deep in contemplation, sipping his tea quietly, careful not to interrupt.

He had spoken his piece and taken action; now, it was time to await the outcome.

Still, Liang Mu waited as long as it took to finish a cup of tea.

"You've persuaded me."

Nick Phil chuckled with a hint of self-mockery and reached out his hand to Liang Mu.

"Pleasure doing business."

Liang Mu grinned, shaking Nick Phil's hand.

"Let's say, for our shared vision."

Nick Phil quirked an eyebrow and replied with a resigned tone.

"Is there a difference?"

Liang Mu chuckled and refilled Nick Phil's teacup.

Nick Phil didn't mind; he was already on board and had no regrets.

After a brief conversation, Liang Mu headed back to his room for some extra sleep, while Nick Phil went off to find some of the Slytherin's ambitious little snakes to talk to, confident that many would join them on their path.

It wasn't until noon that Liang Mu emerged from his room, prompted by a hungry Malfoy who wanted to head to the dining hall for lunch.

The previous night's takeout service was merely an exchange; he certainly wasn't in a position to command Hogwarts' Family Elves.

While enjoying his lunch, Liang Mu was nudged by Malfoy, who cast an inquisitive glance his way.

Malfoy gestured towards the entrance.

At the hall's doorway, two little lions strutted in, commanding the gaze of all the Little Wizards, though none rushed up to greet them.

They were already encircled by a group of other Little Wizards, the Players.

Liang Mu's eyes then shifted to the Ravenclaw table, where Dougherty was deep in conversation with Hermione, oblivious to the commotion at the entrance.

Liang Mu turned to Malfoy.

"Feeling envious?"

Malfoy hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.

Liang Mu didn't call him out. Malfoy was still young, with plenty of vices, but he was a true Slytherin through and through.

"Let's just eat."

With that, he slid a plate of tender meat towards Malfoy. One had to admit, the Family Elves were quite skilled.

That afternoon, like all Little Wizards, Liang Mu spent his time dashing about Hogwarts Castle, not only memorizing routes to classes but also reveling in the thrill of adventure.

Despite being led by older students, many Little Wizards still ended up in the infirmary; the castle was, after all, designed for defense.

Thanks to past experiences and Marcus's guidance, Liang Mu and Malfoy navigated their way safely and smoothly.

Marcus had quite a notorious reputation.

Clearly, Marcus and his Quidditch team had embarked on a path they hadn't envisioned, with Liang Mu offering nothing more than a few Nimbus 2000s and some verbal perks in return.

For some, securing their loyalty required offering substantial benefits.

Dinner took place in Professor Grappler's office, primarily because the two had encountered each other at Duobao's.

Liang Mu had numerous questions. Professor Grappler, who had a particular fondness for this Little Wizard passionate about magical creatures, indulged him until it was nearly curfew before Liang Mu finally left his office.

Outside, he saw a group of first-year Little Wizards huddled together beneath the Ravenclaw tower, shivering in the chilly wind, while Dougherty was in the midst of an argument with an eagle-beaked figure.

"What is the opposite of existence?" the eagle-beaked figure asked with impatience.

"Nothingness."

"Incorrect."

"What is the opposite of existence? This is the fiftieth time I've asked!"

"Hmph, it's the intangible."

"Wrong again," the eagle-beaked figure muttered, pursing his lips. "Just give up, you're..."

Dougherty, losing her composure, repeatedly smacked the book against the eagle's head, bellowing, "Shut your beak!"

"May I have a try?" Liang Mu asked, appearing beside Dougherty with a polite smile.

This caught the attention of the young onlookers.

"Who is he?"

"Not sure, but he looks to be from Slytherin."

"Oh, he's the one from last night..."

It was clear that Liang Mu's heroic deeds from the previous evening had been widely circulated by now, and many were aware of them.

Unperturbed, Liang Mu maintained his polite demeanor as he faced Dougherty.

Dougherty, after a moment's hesitation, stepped aside, secretly hoping to see him stumble. After all, if she, renowned for her intellect, couldn't answer the question, it seemed unlikely that anyone else could unless they already knew the answer.

And a pampered Slytherin like Dalang was the least likely to know, despite Dalang's suggestion that this person might be a gentleman of ancient attire.

The eagle-beaked figure glanced at Dougherty, then gave Liang Mu a once-over before asking with a sneer, "What is the opposite of existence?"

"Consciousness."

The eagle-beaked figure's mouth fell open as he burst into loud laughter. "Hahaha, foolish little serpent, your answer is—"

Click.

The eagle-headed lock hesitated briefly before turning and unlocking the door.

Liang Mu maintained a serene expression, unfazed by the incredulous stares around him. He pulled two books from his pocket and handed them to Dougherty, murmuring:

"These are some intriguing issues. I believe these two books will be quite helpful to you."

With that, he strode off without a backward glance, his wizard's robe billowing behind him.

Dougherty, holding the two books—"The Communist Manifesto" and "Quotations from Chairman Mao"—pondered their contents deeply.

On his way back, Liang Mu also gave Mrs. Alice some catnip.

Clearly, as Filch's cat, she was his Achilles' heel. Liang Mu had packed two large bags of gourmet dried fish in his suitcase and carried catnip for such occasions.

Upon returning to the dormitory, Malfoy leaped from his bed and approached Liang Mu.

"Liang Mu, are you keeping something from me?"

Malfoy scrutinized Liang Mu intently. Despite his youth, his upbringing and the day's observations made him suspect something was amiss. Yet, it was his trust in Liang Mu that prompted him to speak now, when they were alone.

Liang Mu nodded, seated himself on the leather sofa, and gestured for Malfoy to join him.

Malfoy sat down swiftly after a moment's hesitation, his intertwined fingers revealing his anxiety.

"Do you understand why Pure-blood ideology exists?"

Malfoy was taken aback; this was an unexpected turn in the conversation.

Not allowing Malfoy time to respond, Liang Mu began to speak as if he were a brother sharing a bedtime story with a younger sibling.

"The Pure-blood doctrine originated with Hogwarts, advocated by Slytherin to safeguard Little Wizards. At that time, wizards emerging from Muggle backgrounds were deemed unreliable..."

Liang Mu recounted the history of Pure-blood ideology to Malfoy—the origins, the evolution, and the current state—until Malfoy drifted off to sleep.

After tucking Malfoy into bed, Liang Mu returned to his own and began his meditative practice.

Uprooting entrenched Pure-blood beliefs was a monumental task. It required not only altering the mindsets of these Little Wizards but also dismantling the formidable Death Eater organization, all while securing substantial benefits for the families and the British government.