https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-21-The-Dark-Lord-s-Relic-is-at-Hogwarts-/13456216/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-23-Parseltongue-Diligent-Hermione/13456218/
Chapter 22: Seeking Guidance
Chapter 22: Seeking Guidance
Felix stepped out of the Boar's Head and let out a long breath.
Never underestimate anyone!
Look at that, a Dark Wizard had the audacity to pry into the Dark Lord's secrets. Was his own ideal of "exploring the true essence of magic" a bit too small?
Felix pondered this seriously and concluded that his own ideal was still more noble and grand.
As for the contract with Cline, it was nothing but a farce!
Trying to pull something over Dumbledore's nose? As if he was that thick-skulled.
Besides, he already knew the answer to the problem.
What was the Dark Lord's secret to transcending death? A Horcrux, of course. He was familiar with this concept. So, as long as he didn't study Horcruxes, the contract would naturally dissolve after a year.
The prophecy stated, "The Dark Lord's relic will remain at Hogwarts for only one year", indicating that it was just a visitor. Therefore, the contract between them only needed to last for one year—this was Cline's reasoning.
Felix, however, suspected that the relic would likely be destroyed by the main characters.
The main characters never had a peaceful year at Hogwarts. Perhaps it would be only after their graduation that he could finally have some peace.
This also reminded him that this year's "plot" crisis would come from the Dark Lord's relic, a Horcrux.
Which Horcrux would it be?
This was the question Felix had been pondering ever since he returned to his office.
He vaguely remembered that there were seven Horcruxes in total, most of which were relics of the four founders of Hogwarts. This matched up with Harry and his friends' seven years at the school. Could it be that one Horcrux was destroyed each year?
He knew about Ravenclaw's Diadem, Slytherin's Locket, and Hufflepuff's Cup. So, by logic, Gryffindor's Sword must also be a Horcrux, right?
Which one was destroyed last year? The first book was titled "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", so the Philosopher's Stone must be a Horcrux?
Felix speculated irresponsibly.
The information he had wasn't very useful. First, he couldn't prove what he was saying because he didn't know where the Dark Lord had hidden the Horcruxes. Second, it was too taboo. Felix already had a questionable reputation, and suddenly telling Dumbledore about Horcruxes... well, that would just make it seem like he was studying them.
So, he decided to let things take their natural course and just offer a bit of guidance here and there.
This could also be considered a favor to his assistant (or rather, his lackey) Hermione Granger.
Yes, the assistant position was already reserved for her. The reasons... well, they were complicated.
Two of the three candidates were already out: the Weasley twins had approached him the day before, voluntarily withdrawing. They were busy with Quidditch training this week and expected to spend every weekend on it for the next year.
From their hints, it seemed they were suggesting he put Wood in detention for the entire school year, giving them more time for other activities.
Could he do that? Professors don't openly abuse their power like that; they still have a reputation to maintain.
Mainly, the conditions weren't met. They were asking for too much time!
Detaining a student for an entire school year without cause, even Snape wouldn't do that.
Felix was speechless. He had intended to return a favor to Professor Mcgonagall, but things had turned out this way.
Were there any other promising candidates from other houses?
Fortunately, Hermione Granger was very reliable. He could always find her in the Library, and it was clear she was working hard, with dark circles under her eyes.
The next day, in the Library.
Another ordinary day, Felix picked a book titled Secrets of Dueling from the Restricted Section and read it with great interest.
This book primarily documented the various secrets of duels throughout wizarding history. It was placed in the Restricted Section because it contained many restricted-level scenes. In the days when wizarding laws were less stringent, dark magic was popular due to its rapid learning curve and immense power, making duels at that time bloody and brutal, sometimes even bizarre.
For example, the scene he was currently witnessing: an unfortunate Wizard's head had irreversibly "pumpkinized." It didn't swell to the size of a pumpkin, but rather, he had completely turned into a "vegetable."
More astonishingly, this unfortunate soul was still alive, only dying three years later.
The book also contained plenty of combat training, with a significant scale. Felix even saw how to integrate curses into ordinary Spells.
New skills acquired!
As noon approached, Felix left the Library, ready to enjoy his lunch.
On the other side, Hermione hesitated for a moment before decisively following.
"Professor! Professor Hup."
Felix stopped, "What is it, Hermione Granger?" He didn't tell Hermione that she was already the sole candidate for his assistant; learning more knowledge was never a bad thing.
"Actually, I read in a book that some exceptionally gifted Wizards can hear things others can't. Is that true?" Hermione asked, catching her breath.
Felix was taken aback. Voldemort? But he quickly dismissed this far-fetched idea.
"Could you be more specific? Your description is quite broad."
Hermione thought carefully, as if organizing her words, "It was a short story about a young wizard and... his father, copying records in a castle. The young wizard suddenly heard strange words, but his father... knew nothing about it."
Strange, why did Hermione always pause at the word "father"?
This thought flashed through Felix's mind, but he quickly focused, considering her question seriously. "Many of these stories are fabricated, so what you heard might not be true. However, we can discuss it hypothetically."
Hermione nodded enthusiastically.
"The first possibility is that the young wizard was lying, trying to get his father's attention. This is quite common in the Muggle world", Felix began with what he believed was the most likely scenario.
Seeing Hermione about to interject, he shook his head, "The second possibility is that they were copying dangerous magical records. Some Ancient Magic manuscripts contain powerful magic or have been specially treated by their previous owners. Those who lack the proper qualifications risk dangerous consequences by touching them."
Noticing Hermione's thoughtful expression, he added, "The Restricted Section at Hogwarts has many such books."
However, they are all secured with magical chains, strictly prohibiting young wizards from peeking—unless they have a professor's personal signature.
"The third possibility", Felix raised his voice slightly, "is that the young wizard has awakened some special talent, such as foresight, perception, or suddenly mastering a new language."
"Could you elaborate, Professor?"
"Sure, you know that some young wizards have unique talents, like affinity with animals or exceptional skill in wandless magic. One of the rarer talents is the gift of foresight. Professor Trelawney's ancestors seemed to have this gift... Oh, Trelawney teaches Divination, and you might choose her class next year."
"As for language talent, it often relates to their ancestors. If their ancestors knew the Mermaid Language, this talent might be passed down to the next generation or suddenly appear centuries later."
Felix gave a casual example, "For instance, the young wizard in your story might have ancestors who spoke Rat Language, and he happened to hear a chatty rat's ramblings that day."
Even after Professor Hup's figure disappeared, Hermione remained in deep thought. Could it be that Harry's ancestors had a peculiar wizard who spoke rat language?
She felt a bit disoriented.
(End of Chapter)
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