Chapter 325: Obtaining the Time Turner
Chapter 325: Obtaining the Time Turner
The horse-drawn carriage swayed as it made its way towards Hogwarts. As usual, Wade cast a Transfiguration Spell on the simple carriage, transforming the lanterns on both sides into blue flames, instantly warming the interior.
Theo exhaled a long breath, rubbing his cold fingers, "Thank Merlin, and thank you, Wade! I think my hands were about to freeze."
"The weather this year seems unusually cold, and it's only September!" Michael said, shaking the leaf umbrella to remove the water, and blowing warm air onto his hands.
Noticing Ryan's hesitant gaze, Wade asked, "Ryan, is there something you want to say?"
Ryan hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Wade, did you change your wand?"
Although the lighting was dim earlier and it was hard to see clearly, Ryan could tell that the wand in Wade's hand was slightly shorter than before.
Wade took out his wand, waved it, and put it away with a smile, "This is my backup wand, I've been using it for some time now."
In fact, when Wade had grown back his goatee, he had also retrieved the wand that those people had taken from him. However, he had not yet found a suitable opportunity to return the wands.
Naturally, his own willow wand had also been put away.
None of them asked Wade why he no longer used his original wand. Theo smiled and said, "The walnut wood one, right? I always thought it suited you well."
"Walnut wood..."
Neville paused, his expression suddenly becoming dazed.
"What's wrong?" Theo keenly sensed his friend's emotions.
"Nothing." Neville curled his fingers and looked down, "Bellatrix Lestrange... she also uses a walnut wood wand."
"I remember reading in Wand Fundamentals that walnut wood symbolizes wisdom and inspiration, and its owners are often innovators and inventors in magic. But it also has extraordinary adaptability and can execute all the commands of its owner." Ryan explained.
"So it's the ideal partner for a wizard and a deadly weapon." Michael rested his chin on his hand, "No morality... but I like it."
"I heard that only talented wizards can be chosen by walnut wood wands..." Neville wiped his face, finally shaking off the sudden emotion, "Wade, did you buy this one from Ollivander's Wand Shop too?"
"No, it's from a second-hand goods store." Wade replied, "Theo introduced it to me."
"Take me with you next time!" Michael put his arm around Theo's shoulder, "I want to buy a backup wand too, it seems very useful."
"Sure, but there aren't many wands to choose from there." Theo said.
"It doesn't matter, it's just a backup anyway." Michael thought for a moment, "Hmm... I want to buy a yew wood... or maybe ebony..."
"Ebony is fine, but yew wood doesn't seem to match your style, does it?" Ryan teased.
"It doesn't matter if it matches or not, it sounds cool..." Michael replied.
As they spoke, the carriage arrived at Hogwarts.
Wade got off the carriage and patted the snorting Thestral. The black pegasus tilted its head slightly, its empty gaze both terrifying and adorably clueless.
Michael picked up the leaf umbrella and turned back to look at the empty space in front of the carriage before joining the group.
The group walked up the stone steps into the castle, and the muddy ground caused the portraits on both sides to start complaining. The students ignored them and hurried towards the warm Great Hall.
Professor McGonagall, dressed in a black wizard's robe, stood with her hands clasped beside the marble staircase. Under her watchful gaze, the students' chatter quieted down and even disappeared, and they entered the Great Hall in silence.
"Grey, Granger!" Professor McGonagall suddenly called out, "You two, follow me."
Wade and Hermione exchanged a glance and squeezed through the crowded students to follow Professor McGonagall to her office.
This office was much smaller than the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office and was probably the smallest among all the professors' offices. However, it was cozy and warm, with a fireplace blazing.
Over the past two years, Wade had often come to this office to seek advice from Professor McGonagall, so he knew that there was a secret door next to the bookshelf, leading to Professor McGonagall's bedroom where she usually rested and resided.
Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and two chairs slid out from under the table.
"Please take a seat."
Professor McGonagall sat behind the desk, observing the two students with a satisfied smile.
"Grey, Granger, you are both among the most outstanding students I've ever taught. During course selection, you both chose all the elective classes, so this term, you will be studying twelve subjects."
"Yes, Professor," Hermione replied, her voice tense.
Voldemort looked at Professor McGonagall and nodded without speaking. He feared that his desire would spill out if he opened his mouth.
"Even without my saying, I believe you understand that studying twelve subjects is an extremely heavy burden, and few can handle such a workload," Professor McGonagall warned sternly. "Many outstanding wizards are not proficient in every subject. If you change your mind and wish to drop one or two courses, I would completely understand and consider it a wise decision."
"I'm sorry, Professor," Hermione said, "but giving up without trying is not my style."
"I made my choice after careful consideration, Professor," Voldemort added.
"Well... I believe you noticed during course selection that some of the class times conflict," Professor McGonagall said.
"To ensure that every student can complete their studies smoothly, the school has specially requested a device from the Ministry of Magic to help you manage your time," Professor McGonagall explained as she placed two golden timers on the table, each with a slender gold chain attached.
The face of the timer displayed a tiny hourglass filled with fine golden sand, appearing exquisite and mysterious.
Voldemort couldn't help but swallow, his heart racing, finding it hard to look away.
"This is a Time Converter," Professor McGonagall said. "With each turn, time rewinds by one hour..."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "That's impossible! Time... time is irreversible!"
"As incredible as it may seem, magic can indeed reverse time, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said gravely. "But reversing time is a highly dangerous spell. Many wizards have attempted to change the past using the Time Converter, but without exception, they've all caused catastrophic consequences."
"Consequences such as killing their past or future selves, preventing someone's existence who should have been born, or causing strange misfortunes to those who should have lived happily."
"The Ministry of Magic imposes the harshest punishments for the misuse of the Time Converter, more severe than murder or breaching the Secrecy Act!"
"To ensure your legal use of the device, I wrote over a dozen letters to the Ministry of Magic, testifying that you are both exemplary students and will never use them for anything other than your studies—"
"You must swear to me that you will keep this promise and not reveal this matter to anyone!"
Both Voldemort and Hermione naturally raised their hands to swear.
The power of magic originates from the hearts of wizards. When a wizard makes a solemn vow, even without a contract, the magic creates an invisible bond.
Professor McGonagall gently pushed the Time Converter forward and said, "So, you can take it now."
"Remember, the maximum duration for time travel is five hours. Exceeding this time greatly increases the probability of danger."
"Ideally, you should only rewind by one hour each time. This way, you can catch up with your classes without violating the time taboos."
"Also, after reversing time, you must not change anything that has already happened, and you must never allow your past self to see your future self."
"The Ministry of Magic has established hundreds of regulations regarding the use of the Time Converter. Read them carefully! If you break even one, I will take back the Time Converter!"
(End of Chapter)
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