The establishment of a private library saved Phineas a great deal of time—and indeed, it had already brought him some gains.
Hogwarts was filled with secret rooms—some known to the four Founders, others built by them in secret.
There was Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets. The Room of Requirement. But beyond those, Phineas had discovered a rumor passed around in the wizarding world, even among the members of the Wizengamot, that some extraordinarily valuable treasure lay hidden beneath Hogwarts. The school's motto, Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus, also held meanings worth pondering.
It was said that before Slytherin fell out with the other three Founders, not only had he created a secret room, but the others had done the same—each building their own, keeping them secret even from each other.
After the conflict, Slytherin sealed his Chamber of Secrets and left Hogwarts.
Ravenclaw transformed her private study into what later became the Room of Requirement and concealed it.
Gryffindor left his sword behind in the school, sealed away his own secret chamber, and ventured into the world on a long journey. Some say he never returned. Others claim he cast a spell upon himself, remaining at Hogwarts to await the return of his estranged friend, Slytherin.
Hufflepuff, on the other hand, remained at Hogwarts. She welcomed many house-elves, developed a number of unique spells, and combined her mastery of Herbology, Potions, and even culinary magic. (Yes, according to the System's notes, foodcraft was a deep discipline in Hufflepuff's philosophy—comparable to alchemy or spellwork.) Some of her knowledge was eventually made public.
Phineas now believed that his System task might be to locate the secret rooms left behind by all four Founders.
But how had Harry found the Chamber of Secrets in the first place?
Phineas couldn't recall the story exactly. He remembered only that it had something to do with an abandoned bathroom—possibly a girls' bathroom.
Still, that was enough to work with. If he could find that bathroom, the rest might follow.
Unfortunately, getting into an abandoned girls' bathroom wasn't so easy.
Phineas had a poor relationship with most students and no way of asking the professors about something like this.
Just as he was stewing over this dead end, the Bloody Baron drifted past.
He was Slytherin House's resident ghost—gaunt, hollow-eyed, with silver stains on his robes. He was often seen humming to himself in the Astronomy Tower.
Even most Slytherin students feared him and avoided speaking to him.
The Baron wasn't well-liked among the other ghosts either—most of them avoided conversation with him. Much of that had to do with his silence. He often stared into space as if completely vacant, though he had, on occasion, made pointed remarks to the other ghosts. He took pride in Slytherin winning the House Cup in recent years.
He was arrogant and cold, with the same ambition found in most Slytherins. It was rumored that the reason he still haunted Hogwarts was because of Helena Ravenclaw—the Grey Lady. She had been Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter. The Baron had murdered her, and now he remained here, consumed with guilt and bound by an unspoken love for her.
"Mr. Baron, may I have a word?"
The Bloody Baron was the only ghost known to turn invisible, so Phineas didn't want to let the opportunity slip by. Finding him again wouldn't be easy.
It was true that Phineas couldn't ask the students or professors for help—but the ghosts were still an option.
Especially the Baron. He was proud of Slytherin House and had taken notice of Phineas, who stood out as one of the few students in Slytherin capable of keeping up with Ravenclaws in class.
"Oh? Mr. Phineas, what is it?"
The Baron stopped and turned to him, his voice rasping like a broken accordion—harsh and unpleasant.
"Well, sir… I have some questions about Hogwarts. As you know, I'm not exactly popular in the school. I'm shunned by most. So… you're the only one I can ask."
Though his expression was grim, the Baron was, in truth, a deeply emotional ghost. If not, he wouldn't have remained at Helena's side all these years out of guilt.
"Very well, young wizard. What do you wish to know?"
Phineas hesitated, then organized his thoughts.
"I'm looking for the treasures left behind by the Founders. I read in the school's history that Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets was once opened. It mentioned that a girl died. May I ask… where did it happen?"
The Baron's eyes went blank again. He stared off, lost in thought or memory.
Phineas said nothing. He simply waited in silence.
It wasn't unusual for the other students to whisper and point when Phineas passed by. Nor was it strange for the Bloody Baron to remain frozen, hollow-eyed. But no one had ever stood so still in front of the Baron, waiting.
Eventually, the ghost stirred. The corners of his mouth twitched into a grotesque, cruel smile.
"Very few ever wait for me like this. I remember the incident you're referring to. A girl did die. Afterward, a boy found the monster in the Chamber and received a Special Award for Services to the School. His trophy still rests in the Trophy Room."
He paused, then added, "Ah… you're asking about where it happened, aren't you? No one knows exactly. But the girl was found in the girls' bathroom on the second floor. It's been abandoned ever since. Her ghost still haunts it—crying there day and night."
Phineas's eyes lit up. He suddenly recalled what had happened.
"You mean… Moaning Myrtle?"
The Baron nodded.
"Yes. That poor child."