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Chapter 286: Riddle's Second Request
Chapter 286: Riddle's Second Request
"So, what was taught in the first Ancient Runic Script class?"
Early the next morning, at the Great Hall's dining table, Cedric paused for a moment before replying, "I remember it being quite challenging... No, I'd say it was the toughest lesson of the entire year."
"Professor Babbling probably talked about the application of Runes in Alchemy..." Autumn asked with a puzzled expression, "...and the different ways of writing that represent various meanings."
To her surprise, Cedric shook his head immediately, "No... That's something we only learn in fifth year. It's impossible for them to teach it in third year."
"So, what about you guys..."
"Professor Babbling told us about the evolution of Runes and what they looked like initially," Cedric explained.
Cedric's expression turned into one of exasperation, "You wouldn't believe how complex those Runes were before they were simplified. Honestly, it was the first time I felt like I didn't retain anything from a class."
"He's right," Fred and George, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement.
"It was a nightmare," Fred added.
"I felt like an underdeveloped giant at that moment," George chimed in.
Autumn glanced at the three of them, feeling a sense of camaraderie as she had experienced a similar feeling not long ago.
At that moment, Kyle interjected, "How many of you chose that class in the first place?"
"Around ten, I think. I can't remember the exact number," Cedric replied.
After a moment's thought, Cedric continued, "But it doesn't really matter because Professor Babbling said that if anyone didn't want to take Ancient Runes, they could switch classes."
"So, when we went to class the following week, there were only nine of us left in the classroom."
"It was close to being just seven," Fred said. "When we walked to Professor McGonagall's office, we suddenly hesitated..."
"We decided to attend one more class for the sake of our future Weasley's Wizard Wheezes," George finished with a smile.
"Good thing we did..."
"Because the content of the second class was more normal, although still difficult... But at least we could understand it."
"You guys probably did the same, right?" Cedric asked.
"Yes, except for the different content, everything else was similar, including the option to switch classes," Autumn sighed. "But I don't understand why Professor Babbling did that."
"I don't know..." Fred thought for a moment, "...although some say that Professor Babbling wanted to have students from third to seventh years in the same class, intentionally reducing the number of students in each year. But that's obviously impossible."
"It's not possible to teach everyone together when they're learning different things," George added. "Percy is studying 'Advanced Magical Script Translation,' while we're still on 'Simple Introduction to Ancient Runes.'"
"Perhaps the first lesson was Professor Babbling's test," Cedric suggested.
"Learning Runes is undoubtedly a tedious and intricate process, and one must possess sufficient patience to persevere," Cedric continued. "She probably wanted to use this method to weed out those who aren't suitable, preventing them from wasting their time."
"Of course, this is just my speculation," Cedric added, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. "We know too little about Professor Babbling. Aside from classes and various festive banquets, she rarely shows up, and she didn't even attend the Quidditch matches."
For the next while, the group discussed how challenging Runes were to learn but how fascinating it became once mastered...
Kyle listened from the side, trying to match their expressions so he wouldn't appear too smug.
This moment truly showcased the advantage of having a personal "tutor" like Riddle, who was patient, capable, and possessed an incredibly comprehensive understanding of magical scripts.
With Riddle's assistance, Kyle avoided many detours and learned with remarkable efficiency.
Previously, he hadn't realized the difference, but now, in comparison, he could see how much easier it was for him compared to Cedric and the others.
In other words, the Riddle diary was essentially Voldemort's study notes from his youth.
However, the diary had been acting up lately, requiring careful scrutiny during use, and it even went on strike a few days ago. Kyle wasn't sure when it would recover.
With this in mind, Kyle quickly finished his breakfast and, as usual, went to the Room of Requirement to greet Riddle and inquire about his condition.
Kyle had been doing this for several days, but Riddle had never responded.
Today, Kyle didn't hold out much hope, and as he habitually wrote a sentence, he prepared to close the diary.
Unexpectedly, Riddle didn't continue to play dead and promptly replied.
【I'm sorry... When you showed me the newspaper the other day, it seemed like the diary's magic suddenly ran out.】
Kyle was pleasantly surprised and picked up the quill pen.
"Are you okay, Tom? I've been worried about you."
【I guess so. Thankfully, you've been writing to me with Dragon Blood recently.】
【We've wasted so much time; I'm eager to continue learning.】
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Whether it was the stories Kyle made up or the news of Voldemort's death at the hands of a baby, none of it seemed to affect Riddle in the slightest.
He didn't ask about anything else, either.
It was as if Voldemort was just an insignificant passerby, and his death or survival held no importance.
But since Riddle had asked, Kyle couldn't let him down.
"Then let's continue with magical scripts."
【I figured as much. You really love magical scripts.】
...
However, they didn't study for long this time.
With class starting at 8:50, Kyle had to leave soon.
【Time always flies.】
Before closing the diary, Riddle made one more request.
【If possible, could you bring some animals next time?】
Kyle furrowed his brows slightly and wrote, "Do you need food? I can get cooked meals directly from the kitchen."
【No, I don't need food. I just love magical creatures. It's been like this since I was in school, so I want to see them again.】
【You don't need anything rare; even Fairies or Treble Frogs will do. They're easily found at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.】
Kyle hesitated, "But Tom, can you see them?"
【Of course. As long as you place them on the diary, I can see them.】
"Then... okay, I'll go to the Forbidden Forest this weekend to take a look."
Kyle agreed casually and then quickly left the Room of Requirement.
Riddle's request for animals likely had nothing to do with his preference for half a Knut, but Kyle didn't have time to guess his intentions.
With only five minutes left before the first Transfiguration class, if he were late... well, Professor McGonagall's wrath was far more terrifying than Voldemort's.
(End of Chapter)
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