"It was one morning when the stone statues in the castle moved without warning! As if they were alive, yet we are certain they were not under any known control or command.
The most unexpected thing is that the stone statues could speak! Don't look at me like that—I don't know what they were saying, and I've never heard that language before.
According to Nick, Peeves was playing a prank on some Gryffindor students at the time. When he saw the statues marching, he started screaming like mad and flew through every part of the castle—well, not including the secret rooms." Barrow glanced at Moriarty cautiously.
Moriarty didn't care about Barrow's expression and urged, "Go on."
"The last time we saw Peeves, he had locked himself inside an empty classroom. Argus Filch tried to chase him out, but when he entered that classroom, he must have seen something horrific—he stumbled and ran away as if the devil himself were on his heels.
While we were wondering about that, not only did the stone statues move, but the figures in the murals began to dance in unison! Their movements were different, yet they all seemed to follow the same rhythm.
Later, the suits of armor in the castle also came to life—more animated than the stone statues! Because we saw glowing eyes through the gaps in their helmets. I admit, we were frightened.
But then, the figures in the frescoes told us that the Pen of Acceptance had written your name in the Book of Admittance. With that revelation, everything seemed to make sense..."
Barrow's words were interrupted by Moriarty: "Wait a minute, who was the person in the fresco? And why did they tell you my name had been written down?"
"I know what you're thinking, but there's no doubt about this detail!" Barrow shook his head. "Afterward, dozens of ghosts gathered to discuss the matter. I knew you had returned because Merlin's portrait told me. Nick knew because Sir Cadogan's portrait told him…"
"Alright, please continue."
"The next part concerns us ghosts, but I think you already know what happened," Barrow said slowly. "Ghosts are unique—they exist because of a strong unwillingness to die or a deep fear of death. They are remnants of souls, driven by an intense attachment to life.
The ghosts who remain at Hogwarts all share a deep affection for this castle. So, when we learned that you—a descendant of Slytherin—had returned, we were overjoyed. For ourselves, and for Hogwarts."
Barrow glanced at the castle and then changed his tone. "Listen, this isn't over! You wouldn't believe it, but Peeves, who had locked himself in that classroom for three days and three nights, finally emerged and summoned us. Most of the ghosts ignored him.
Only Nick answered his call, and he later told us that Peeves had not only summoned ghosts, but also a large number of portraits, stone statues, and suits of armor! They seemed to have reached some sort of… agreement.
Peeves invited us ghosts to join in through Nick. As for the purpose of their little group? Peeves simply said we'd find out soon enough.
I'm certain Peeves has changed. He used to be afraid of me, perhaps because I never tolerated his pranks…
But now, he's not afraid of me anymore. He still trembles when he sees me, but I'm sure it's just a habit he's maintaining, rather than actual fear."
After Barrow finished speaking, he let out a long breath and closed his eyes.
"I understand." Moriarty nodded. The centaurs' divinations, the changes at Hogwarts, the moonless sky—it was all connected to his arrival!
"So, when you say 'we,' you're referring to the stone statues, murals, armor, ghosts, and Peeves, right?"
"You're right. But Peeves is not a ghost. And it also includes the Sorting Hat, the Pen of Acceptance, and the Book of Admittance!" Barrow stated. "Additionally, there's no point in questioning the stone statues or murals—they won't answer you. This has already been confirmed by Headmaster Dumbledore."
"I was about to ask what the professors and students were doing at the time. It's impossible that they didn't notice something this massive happening in the castle." Moriarty looked at Barrow seriously.
Barrow replied casually, "The students have been gossiping about it, while the professors are at a loss. The Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress have the authority to command the statues to fight, but even they were stunned and confused by our carnival.
In fact, since the founding of Hogwarts, aside from celebrating victories in wartime, there has never been a carnival like this."
Moriarty saw that Barrow was losing interest and said, "Alright, thank you, Barrow. I got some very useful information from you."
Barrow stared at him. "So, what is your decision? Will you open the Chamber of Secrets? Or..."
"Open the Chamber of Secrets!" Moriarty said firmly, as if there was no room for negotiation.
Barrow gritted his teeth. "Very well! You still choose to open the Chamber of Secrets! I will inform Headmaster Dumbledore! No, we should imprison you!"
"Imprison me?" Moriarty shook his head slightly. "That's not a good idea, Barrow. I will say this calmly, one last time: There will be no tragedy after the Chamber is opened."
With that, Moriarty turned and left. He returned to the castle, searching for Peeves everywhere.
He found nothing.
That night, for the first time, Moriarty did not sleep. He quietly slipped out of the common room.
As he reached a floating staircase, he stopped and quickly hid behind a pair of suits of armor in the corridor.
The metal was cold and unyielding, utterly lifeless. If Barrow hadn't revealed the truth, Moriarty would have struggled to believe that these armors could come to life.
A moment later, a small figure approached the floating staircase. He looked around cautiously, as if searching for something.
It was Jericho.
Moriarty stepped behind him and cleared his throat softly.
Even though Moriarty tried to keep his voice quiet, Jericho still jumped in fright, turning so fast that he almost bumped into Moriarty.
"Oh no! Mr. Moriarty…" Jericho touched his nose, clearly guilty.
"Tell me why you're following me?" Moriarty asked with interest.
At first, Jericho wanted to deny it, but after seeing the knowing smile and sharp glint in Moriarty's gray eyes, he raised his hands in surrender.
He smiled helplessly. "I can't hide anything from you, can I? Lilith said you've been acting differently lately and told us to keep an eye on you. Tonight it's my turn, tomorrow it's Keith, then Ralbo.
Just now, I saw you sneaking out, so I came to check on you. Everyone just cares about you, sir."
"Alright, then come with me." Moriarty stepped past him and ascended the floating staircase, with Jericho following uncertainly.
Moriarty continued searching through the castle. Jericho wanted to ask what he was looking for but didn't dare, afraid of attracting Filch.
When they reached the third floor, a shadow appeared.
Jericho clapped a hand over his mouth and whispered, "Oh no! It's Peeves! We should run!"
He turned to flee, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Moriarty striding straight toward Peeves!
Jericho hesitated but gritted his teeth and followed.
As Moriarty approached, Peeves let out a low chuckle. "Hehe, the little snake slithers from its den, here—"
"Don't start with that, Peeves," Moriarty interrupted. "Tell me about your agreement."
Peeves instantly changed his tone. "What made you think of visiting me in the dead of night?"
Jericho stared at Peeves as if he'd seen a ghost.
Moriarty smirked. "I couldn't find you during the day, so I decided to try at night. Seemed logical."
Peeves cackled and then—
"Students sneaking out! Late-night rendezvous! Two boys, how scandalous! Oooooooooh—"
He howled with laughter and flew away.
Moriarty sighed. "Alright, Jericho. Tomorrow, we're learning the Disillusionment Charm."