Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Back Home
A/N: Guys is the new writing style good?? Should I continue to write like this please share your thoughts!
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Salim found himself standing at a crossroads, his gaze fixed on a statue that dominated the intersection. Carved with intricate detail, the statue portrayed the first patriarch of the Selwyn family, his life story etched onto the base. A procession of similar statues lined both sides of the road, leading towards the heart of the castle.
These statues embodied the legacy of renowned wizards from the Selwyn lineage. It didn't matter if they were remembered as infamous villains, remarkable contributors to the wizarding world, or eccentric scholars dedicated to magical exploration. The defining factor for their presence here was their recognition within the wizarding realm.
A brisk wind rustled the leaves, and Salim's thoughts drifted back to his time at Schuyler, the school that had unravelled the mysteries of Western festivals and their significance. The concept of Christmas, a holiday that extended for a blissful fifteen days, had captured his imagination.
For Salim, it represented a sanctuary free from the soul-crushing effects of the Cruciatus Curse, a reprieve from the constant vigilance against potential attacks, and a respite from sleeping with a wand under his pillow. Those fifteen days became his haven of relaxation.
In the realm of Selwyn Castle, however, Christmas was an enigma. The wizards of this family celebrated the holiday, a tradition that baffled Salim. He pondered the reason behind wizards embracing festivals initially meant for ordinary folks.
Even more perplexing was the fact that Schuyler, a renowned institution for magical education, granted a fifteen-day break for Christmas. In contrast, his former abode, Selwyn Castle, felt miles apart from the festivities.
In Salim's eyes, Christmas was a symbol of solace and freedom, a day unburdened by the looming threat of the Imperius and Cruciatus Curses. It was a sentiment he suspected Harry Potter, the famous saviour of the wizarding world, could relate to.
Harry's previous Christmases had been marred by hardships and torment. Escape from the clutches of the Dursleys was reason enough for him to embrace any alternative—even volunteering for extra detentions.
Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend, along with his boisterous older brothers, had also chosen to remain at Hogwarts for Christmas. Their decision, however, was rooted in familial matters, as their parents planned a visit to Romania to see their son and eldest brother, Charlie Weasley.
While Harry and Ron enjoyed the solitude of the deserted school, Salim found himself drawn back to Selwyn Castle—a place that never quite felt like home.
Concealed by powerful enchantments, Selwyn Castle was nestled near the Isle of Man, intentionally evading the gaze of passing ships. To the wizarding world, it was known as Neastor, a name that remained conspicuously absent from any conventional maps. The term "Neastor," derived from Greek, translated to "unknown," a fitting label for a place accessible only to the Selwyn family and a select few.
Salim's knowledge of the castle's surroundings was limited. His time within its walls was dedicated to studying theoretical magic and honing his spellcasting skills. He understood that approaching the castle casually could lead to trouble.
Unlike Hogwarts' grandeur, Selwyn Castle lacked towering turrets and an animated ambience. It exuded an aura of isolation, with sunlight seemingly avoiding its premises even on the rare sunny days.
The castle seemed detached from the vibrant world outside, resembling a grayscale image amid a colourful canvas. Yet, this was Salim's abode, a place that seemed to repel intruders from a distance. He knew he would reside here until he could fend for himself.
As Salim walked, his thoughts flowed back to his school days at Schuyler. The training he received had fortified him against the torment his peculiar relatives inflicted. At Schuyler, enduring the Cruciatus Curse had become almost customary, a ritual of adaptation.
The Imperius Curse, once a potent tool, held little sway over Schuyler graduates. They had learned to resist it effectively, often countering with a swift and deadly response.
Among his relatives, only a handful treated Salim with a modicum of kindness. The majority seemed to derive pleasure from his misery, employing the Cruciatus and Imperius Curses as twisted forms of entertainment. In their eyes, these curses were mere jests, a troubling reminder of their skewed perception of reality.
Salim knew the darker aspects of his family's history had cast a shadow over their reputation. The Selwyns were often seen as practitioners of the dark arts, adding to the sense of unease surrounding them.
The environment of Selwyn Castle and the influences of Schuyler had conspired to shape an assortment of extraordinary, if not eccentric, wizards within the family.
Among these peculiar relatives, the adults rarely acknowledged Salim's presence, and if they did, it was laden with offensive undertones. He had learned to navigate their disdainful attitudes, yet their constant mockery still stung.
The halls of the castle had witnessed many duels, and wands drawn against him as they revelled in bullying and humiliation. A black-glove duel had momentarily quelled their malicious intent, but the hostilities had merely shifted their form.
"Salim, you're back," a voice interrupted his reverie.
Salim's guard eased as he recognized the familiar voice. "Edmund? Yes, I've returned, though not by choice," he replied, a hint of resignation in his tone.
A translucent figure materialized before him, radiating a faint white glow. Edmund, a ghost haunting Selwyn Castle, had been a student at Schuyler in his previous life, making him more amiable towards Salim than most. They shared a bond formed in the crucible of Schuyler's demanding environment.
"Be wary of Adelaide and his brothers," Edmund cautioned, referring to the more troublesome members of Salim's family. "Let's take a detour through the No. 3 laboratory. It's been deserted for now."
"How have you been, Edmund?" Salim inquired, grateful for the ghost's presence.
Edmund's ethereal form floated ahead, leading Salim down the path. "Life at Hogwarts is different, certainly better than this place. But I know you're not particularly fond of returning here," Edmund remarked.
Salim chuckled softly. "You're right, Edmund. The atmosphere here doesn't exactly make me feel at home."
The spectre nodded in understanding. "Adelaide and his brothers still find amusement in your discomfort, so it's wise to tread carefully."
Guided by Edmund and the house elf Tilly, Salim navigated the labyrinthine passages of Selwyn Castle's basement. Some magical mechanisms required Tilly's intervention to temporarily disable, as Salim had yet to master such intricacies.
Salim finally reached a heavy wooden door, which he knocked on before entering. The room within was a sanctuary of knowledge, with shelves lined with ancient tomes and artefacts. The figure behind the cluttered desk looked up, his eyes brightening upon seeing Salim.
"Right on time," the elderly man greeted warmly. With hair as dark as Salim's, his shorter style marked him as a member of the Selwyn family.
Salim reciprocated the smile and stepped into the room. "Hello, Grandfather."
Elrond Selwyn, Salim's grandfather, motioned to a chair opposite him. "Come, sit. I'm eager to hear about your time at Hogwarts."
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