Chapter 39: The Restricted Section
Chapter 39: The Restricted Section
The legend of the Chamber of Secrets still circulated through the castle, but Sherlock had no time to pay attention to it. The students were speculating about who the true heir of Slytherin might be and whether anyone suspected him.
In fact, by mid-October, before Halloween, he was already spending most of his days immersed in the Hogwarts library.
After seeing the vast collection of books at Hogwarts, Sherlock truly realized that the original owner’s personal library was nothing in comparison.
Compared to the magical books here, it was like a drop in the ocean.
The mysteries of magic were a treasure that no one with a thirst for knowledge could resist.
This was a unique set of natural laws in the abnormal world, and mastering and using them was not much different from studying natural sciences in the normal world.
The only difference was in their forms of expression.
This was Sherlock’s greatest insight into magic and science after two months of exposure.
Scholars and the well-learned, regardless of the world, always had a place to thrive.
Thus, besides fulfilling his duties as a professor, he spent most of his other time in the library.
Over the seven years at Hogwarts, students were required to learn a vast amount of knowledge.
Under normal circumstances, it would take more than a short time for Sherlock to not only regain the original owner’s magical abilities but even to reach the level of a typical seventh-year graduate.
Even if he were a magical prodigy, it would still take at least two to three years.
However, the original owner’s body was already familiar with the majority of spells and their casting techniques.
Sherlock only needed to practice the few unfamiliar spells a few times to become proficient.
But the depth and breadth of magic extended far beyond just spells.
The muscle memory left by the original owner helped him quickly master the casting techniques, but the understanding of theoretical knowledge, as well as subjects like Transfiguration, Herbology, Potions, and Astronomy, still required Sherlock’s own diligent study.
Fortunately, his learning and comprehension skills were not lacking.
Before crossing over, he was a graduate from a prestigious university in the scientific field. Even in the magical world, for wizards, learning knowledge was still the primary way to gain power.
From July, when he first arrived in this world, to early November, the four months had allowed Sherlock to basically master all the spells the original owner knew.
Only a few special spells, such as Apparition, which couldn’t be easily attempted, and spells like the Patronus Charm, which required special emotions to succeed, were beyond his reach for now.
These advanced spells, like Apparition, were too risky for Sherlock to attempt, especially in a castle like Hogwarts, which was full of anti-Apparition wards. He had no opportunity to try it.
Sherlock did attempt the Patronus Charm once. His wand tip only emitted some silver threads, but no actual Patronus formed.
He seriously doubted that even the original owner could have successfully summoned a Patronus.
This spell required a great deal of positive emotions to work, and for someone as reclusive as the original owner, it would have been a miracle if he could use it.
Potions, Herbology, and Astronomy, which were more theoretical, were set aside for now.
When it came to the two primary methods of spellcasting for wizards—spells and Transfiguration—Sherlock was confident he had reached the level of an average adult wizard.
In fact, with the original owner’s accumulated knowledge, he might even be stronger. After all, not every adult wizard could master defensive spells like the Shield Charm.
After confirming that he had a good grasp of the regular spells, he didn’t immediately expand his studies to subjects like Potions.
After meeting with Slughorn, he found at least one of the man’s views to be highly agreeable.
Even with the most famous white wizard, Dumbledore, overseeing things, Hogwarts remains a very dangerous place.
Now that a student has been attacked, it means the Chamber of Secrets has been opened, and the basilisk has been released.
Although Sherlock very much wants to resolve this crisis early, he genuinely doesn't know where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is or who the Slytherin heir is who opened it.
If he did, he would certainly come up with a suitable reason and excuse and tell Dumbledore everything right away.
Then, Dumbledore could handle the specifics, while Sherlock could cautiously wait to deal with the "great calamity" from his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, wouldn't that be better?
Unfortunately, he hasn't read the original book or watched the movie about the Chamber of Secrets. He only heard a summary of the plot from a content creator and doesn't remember many useful details.
So, to ensure his safety, he can only rely on himself.
Even though Sherlock's body is a half-blood, who knows if the basilisk might suddenly decide he is beautiful and delicious and attack him?
Only by having the ability to protect himself can he feel truly safe.
Therefore, Sherlock's focus will still be on mastering various practical spells and improving his Transfiguration skills.
Just the normal magical abilities of an adult wizard aren't enough to provide much security in this dangerous castle.
To take things further, Sherlock naturally won't limit himself to ordinary magical knowledge.
After Halloween, he plans to formally begin studying the magic found in the Restricted Section of the library.
The Restricted Section of the Hogwarts library doesn't contain only books related to dark magic.
Rather, it houses books that the school deems too dangerous and advanced for lower and middle-year students to handle.
Yes, it's unsuitable for lower and middle-year students.
After entering their fifth year, students are allowed access to some of the Restricted Section's content.
As a professor, Sherlock naturally has the right to access all the books in the library, including those in the Restricted Section.
On a Saturday morning in November, Sherlock came to the library and entered the Restricted Section for the first time.
Madam Pince, the librarian who oversees the entire library, naturally didn't stop him.
It's just that professors usually write a note and have students fetch the books for them, so it's quite rare for a professor like Sherlock to come in person.
Upon entering the Restricted Section, the most prominent books were those related to dark magic.
In terms of power and effect, dark magic is indeed the strongest category of spells, with the Unforgivable Curses being the most potent.
To quickly gain the ability to protect oneself and possess great strength, the most convenient way is undoubtedly to study dark magic.
However, Sherlock's attitude toward dark magic is the same as what he said during the faculty meeting.
Spells are just the surface; the true core lies in the heart.
Before he is truly certain that his will can resist the corruption of dark magic, Sherlock doesn't plan to engage with these seemingly powerful but ultimately uncontrollable forces.
Of course, not using them doesn't mean he won't know them.
Just like Dumbledore, no one has seen him use a watermelon, but can you definitively say he can't?
As Sherlock was circling the bookshelves in the Restricted Section, trying to decide which book to start with, the crescent-shaped birthmark on his left arm suddenly began to burn!
(End of Chapter)
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