Chapter 212 "Absolutely Dominance of the Serpentis Vigil"

Skyler's words plunged all the young wizards into deep contemplation.

Unlike most student clubs, the Serpentis Vigil Club's operations and core essence revolved around Skyler, the heart and soul of the organization.

Consider the Gobstone Club, consisting of enthusiasts passionate about Gobstones. Individuals come together to find like-minded playmates, and even if the club's leader were to leave one day, the club could elect a new leader, and the activities would continue unaffected as long as Gobstones still exists.

Similarly, the Wizards Chess Club, Crackling Cards Club, Backgammon Club, Ten Pin Bowls Club, Crazy Muggle Comics Club, Chocolate Frog Picture Collection Club, and others operate based on activities rather than the club's leaders. People join these clubs for the shared interests and activities, and the departure of a leader doesn't disrupt their functioning.

However, how many of the young wizards who opted to join the Serpentis Vigil Club did so due to Skyler's charisma and reputation? To be straightforward, nearly all of them.

Some are fervent admirers of Skyler, some natural allies drawn together by their modest family backgrounds, and others, young wizards from influential families, feel compelled to curry favor with Skyler due to family pressures. Establishing a friendship with Skyler becomes a requisite for those aspiring to be part of the inner circle.

It can be asserted that in the event Skyler is no longer present one day, a substantial 80% of Serpentis Vigil Club members might disperse.

Amidst the perplexed gazes exchanged among the young wizards, none dared to speak without permission.

Eventually, Daphne, the apparent leader and de facto second-in-command, broke the silence. "Skyler, you must have a plan in mind," Daphne asserted as she rose to speak, her voice resonating, "I believe that after the substantial period of camaraderie and development, everyone here harbors sentiments and a sense of belonging. We all trust your judgment. If you have any ideas, simply share them. We are here to listen."

"Yes!" exclaimed a fresh-faced boy from Slytherin's second grade.

"We all believe in you!" added Melinda Bobin from Ravenclaw's Year 2.

The other young wizards gradually joined in the chorus.

"Since you're all eager to hear it," Skyler lifted the corners of his mouth, unveiling his characteristic smile, "I'll provide a heads-up. What I'm about to share might sound a bit alarming, possibly even unsettling..."

"But if each of you genuinely believes in me, you should know I don't make light of such matters." Skyler's gaze swept the surroundings, and his gray pupils underwent a subtle transformation, gaining a piercing sharpness, while a murky black shadow seemed to loom behind him.

"Based on credible information at my disposal, I have every reason to believe that the individual whose name we cannot mention will be returning soon!" The hiss of air conditioning filled the space, and trepidation and unease flickered across the faces of many young wizards.

Although the atmosphere teetered on restlessness, the Serpentis Vigil Club rules were stringent—no one dared to disrupt Skyler's speech with noise or whispers. Despite the apparent tension, the scene remained under control and calm.

"Time and peace are on the brink of departure, giving way to darkness and strife," Skyler intoned in a low voice akin to a haunting melody. "In the chaos of death, there will be no more sanctuaries, and even Hogwarts will transform into a battlefield." Strangely, despite the somber and weighty nature of the topic, Skyler's delivery in this lyrical form did not evoke heightened fear.

"Opposing factions, conflicting interests..." Skyler ceased his chant, took a deliberate pause, and then spoke earnestly. "None of us, including myself, can navigate in this tumultuous world alone. So, tell me, what is your choice?"

"Will you join the ranks of that individual, using force to govern this land? Or opt to stand alongside the so-called just party? Perhaps find a secluded refuge devoid of others? Or flee to foreign lands beyond the reach of that person?"

No one dared to answer.

A collective held breath, eyes seeking answers within each other's gaze.

Wizards hailing from noble families, like the Carlo sisters, didn't harbor great fear of that person.

Despite the formidable power of that individual, they still rely on those with resources, and influential pure-blood families serve as their foundation.

Therefore, no matter how discontented he might be, he will never sever ties with these pure-blood families. Without them, he would merely be a commander without a base.

However, the situation is markedly different for the young wizards in Slytherin House from less privileged backgrounds.

During Voldemort's previous reign of terror, even though his primary focus was on Muggle wizards, many pure-blood and half-blood wizards suffered as he sought to seize control.

Those employed at the Ministry of Magic lived in constant fear, dreading that their positions could make them targets of Voldemort.

In the best-case scenario, they might be subjected to the Imperius Curse, ensuring their survival; in less fortunate instances, enduring torture from the Cruciatus Curse and succumbing to the erosion of their minds by dark magic were not uncommon. The worst-case scenario could involve facing a direct death curse, leading them to meet Merlin himself.

In the Serpentis Vigil Club, there are also wizards from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, some hailing from Muggle families, making them even more susceptible targets for Voldemort.

Their likelihood of choosing to join Voldemort is practically zero.

Seeking refuge in a secluded place away from everyone? This is a form of self-deception. Great Britain is vast, and isolating oneself from the rest of the world is not a practical solution.

What Skyler wants to emphasize is that evading Voldemort individually is not a formidable challenge, and Voldemort lacks the time to meticulously unearth unknown and inconspicuous wizards one by one.

The real, overarching issue arises when Voldemort seizes power, and his Death Eaters, affiliated with him, inevitably unleash a new wave of plunder.

In their eyes, every wizard becomes fair game, much like a hyena pouncing on its prey, indifferent to distinctions of pure blood, mixed blood, traitor, or Muggle, as long as you possess anything of value.

This scenario resembles those apocalyptic movies Skyler watched in his previous life. When morality and law lose their grip, the darker facets of human nature surface without restraint.

Escaping abroad might seem plausible. In March, precisely on the 26th, Muggle governments initiated the Schengen Agreement, leading to the establishment of the Schengen Area. Border controls between Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as between France and Luxembourg, were officially abolished, significantly enhancing wizard mobility.

However, where to escape? The last time, even though Voldemort's activities seemed confined to Great Britain, it was due to Dumbledore's tight control. Nevertheless, he sporadically ventured into the Slavic regions of Eastern Europe, recruiting the infamous Antonin Dolokhov from there.

One thing is certain: in other territories governed by the Ministry of Magic, as long as there is a class, prominent pure-blood families, and supporters of blood supremacy, Voldemort's followers will be present. They're merely biding their time, awaiting Voldemort's domination of Great Britain before extending their influence outward. It's all a matter of timing.

Skyler prompted everyone to reflect silently for a moment before addressing them.

"Now, as the leader of the Serpentis Vigil Club, as your guide," Skyler elevated his right hand, "I can offer you all a choice-"

"In this tumultuous world, the man whose name cannot be mentioned will initiate a war..." Skyler's gaze was penetrating, and he uttered in a resonant voice: "He will unleash chaos, disorder, and terror upon this world. The sequence is the most dreadful... as nobody is safe when venturing outside, and even hiding at home does not guarantee safety..."

"Those with malicious intent will exploit the chaos, and the darkest side of human nature will be gruesomely exposed..." Skyler shifted the focus, "Hence, we need the ability to defend ourselves. If one person isn't strong enough, then seek out a group to unite with and mutually safeguard each other-"

Serpentis Vigil Club was established precisely for this moment," Skyler cast a sharp gaze across every face, leaving each young wizard with the impression that Skyler was addressing them individually. "As I've said, Serpentis Vigil Club is, in fact, a family. Each one of you is a brother or sister, and I –"

"As one of you, I am no exception," Skyler stated calmly. "I will stand by you, whether it's in hell or a sea of fire..."

"Now, I want you to ask yourselves," Sherling paused and highlighted the essence of the day, "In times of trouble, there are opportunities. Serpentis Vigil is about to awaken; are you willing to follow me, collaborate to overcome this, and build a future together with me!"

As he concluded, the black shadow behind Skyler dramatically expanded with a bang, resembling a King Cobra larger than the basilisk, exceeding 60 feet in length. Its indistinct outline seemed shrouded in mist, making it challenging to perceive clearly. Only two snake eyes glowed with a terrifying red light.

Simultaneously, Skyler's pupils transformed into snake pupils, gleaming with a dazzling red light. He activated the secret inherited from Slytherin for the first time –

Absolute dominance!