Chapter 493: The Last Night of the School Year
Chapter 493: The Last Night of the School Year
Dobby left with great joy. Ron thought the House-Elf's shrill screams were too terrifying, which was why the others had been scared away. As Mr. Weasley went to visit Mrs. Weasley, who had been up all night, only Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Felix remained in the Hospital Wing.
"Professor, this is your ring", Hermione said reluctantly, pulling a ring out from under her pillow. "I haven’t had the chance to open it yet."
Felix took it and, seeing the look on Hermione's face, poured out a pile of Magic Scrolls from the ring, nearly burying her in them.
"They were meant for you, Hermione Granger. You need broad reading and practical experience to develop your own insights. Others can only help you so much in that regard."
Harry took the opportunity to ask about the mechanism of the protective charm on his body.
"That’s a realm I haven’t explored", Felix shrugged. "I suggest you ask Headmaster Dumbledore for advice. He has placed more than one protective charm on you."
Ron watched as Hermione happily stowed the Runes Script scrolls into her Beaded Bag and then asked curiously, "Professor, how did you come back from the dead? And", he lowered his voice, "Hermione used the Time-Turner, which means you must have arrived early and observed the entire process, right?"
Felix laughed. "Actually, I set up cameras around the area and didn’t see much of the details… but your screams were quite terrifying, Ron. I almost thought something had gone wrong", he said to Ron.
Ron scratched his head, embarrassed, but the thought of the Cruciatus Curse made him shudder involuntarily.
"As for coming back from the dead… I never truly died. You could say I mastered a magic similar to apparition, though it looks quite scary", Felix explained.
"Is that so?" Ron said, somewhat disappointed. "I thought—"
"You thought I could withstand Voldemort’s Killing Curse?" Felix asked with a smile, and Ron nodded. "That spell is likely Voldemort’s most proficient magic. His understanding of the Killing Curse surpasses anyone else’s, and I have no interest in experiencing it firsthand…"
"The Cruciatus Curse, Imperius Curse, and Killing Curse are collectively known as the Unforgivable Curses not only because there are no counter-curses but also because their power subtly touches the realm of the soul—"
"The soul?" Ron exclaimed in shock.
"Exactly, torture, control, destruction…" Felix said softly, and the three on the bed couldn’t help but shiver. "Though I haven’t tried it myself, I believe these spells can also affect ghosts." Seeing their horrified faces, Felix changed the subject. "Actually, there are ways to counter the first two spells. Advanced Memory Magic is one, but I believe it’s more about a high degree of willpower."
"You think will can resist the Cruciatus Curse and Imperius Curse?" Hermione asked sharply, finding the idea far-fetched.
"Strong will", Felix corrected. "I can give you some examples, like the Longbottoms, and Harry’s experience last night, though these are not conclusive and have many confounding factors… However, there are numerous records suggesting that Wizards can free themselves from the Imperius Curse through their own will."
He nodded toward Harry. Harry had once resisted the Imperius Curse cast by Barty Crouch Jr., who was disguised as Professor Moody during a class. Harry had confirmed with the real Moody that it wasn’t his idea, much to Moody’s regret.
As Felix recommended the Cheering Charm to Harry and Ron, Madam Pomfrey entered, ignoring their protests and making each of them drink a large cup of Cheering Potion. After drinking it, Harry, Ron, and Hermione started laughing foolishly.
Madam Pomfrey said worriedly, "I can only try to keep them positive and optimistic, so they don’t dwell on the terrifying events of that night… Perhaps in time, the memory won’t be as frightening."
"Madam Pomfrey, they are stronger than you think", Felix told her, then left the Hospital Wing.
At the door of the Ancient Runes Office, he saw Uriel, Byers, and Bethany waiting outside.
They had come to say goodbye.
"Mr. Heap, I am grateful for our discussions over this period. I have an idea—starting a newspaper to promote the views of the Reform Society. I wonder if you would mind if I included some of our previous discussions in it…"
Felix had no reason to refuse.
…
Harry stayed in the Hospital Wing for five full days, undergoing various tests by Madam Pomfrey, feeling like a lab rat. Hermione was the first to recover and leave the Hospital Wing, followed by Ron, making the next few days particularly difficult. After numerous requests to be discharged, Madam Pomfrey finally agreed to let him go.
Before leaving, Madam Pomfrey gave Harry a large jar of Cheering Potion. Harry felt like the entire Hospital Wing's stock was in that jar. "You three each have one. Take a small cup a day during this period", she said sternly. It was clear that if Harry disagreed, she would force him to stay and supervise him until he drank all the potion.
Leaving the Hospital Wing, Harry wasn't sure where to go. He felt a bit silly carrying the jar. He didn't want to return to the common room either. During the days he spent in bed, he, Ron, and Hermione had spent a lot of time discussing the impact of Voldemort's return. Hermione constantly searched the newspapers for useful information, and his mind was starting to feel numb.
He stood in the corridor, looking out the window. From his position, he could see Hagrid's Hut. The Beauxbatons carriage was still there, but the statue of the Magical Creatures from Ilvermorny's campsite was gone. Harry realized the Triwizard Tournament was over, and they must have left Hogwarts.
However, the eerie ship from Durmstrang was still moored by the Black Lake, and he could see tiny figures moving on it. He wondered if Krum was still on board.
"Hey, Harry", Neville said, "you're out of the hospital. Wow, that must be Cheering Potion, but the jar you have is much larger than Ron's. You missed a few things while you were in the hospital. The teams from Ilvermorny and Wagadu have left."
Harry felt a bit disappointed. He hadn't had the chance to thank Nona in person for her amulet, which had been quite effective. He also considered Byers, whom he felt had become a friend. However, Dumbledore had forbidden others from disturbing them, which was understandable given their popularity. Madam Pomfrey had brought so many flower baskets and fruit baskets that they filled the ward.
"… They couldn't see you, so they left some parting gifts in the dormitory… Ron decided to wait for you to come back before opening them. He's been holding out pretty well", Neville said, trying to hold back a laugh.
Harry thought about it and couldn't help but smile.
"Why are Beauxbatons and Durmstrang still here?" he asked.
"You mean that?" Neville scratched his round face. "The Beauxbatons students decided to stay voluntarily, and Madam Maxime is still at the school. I don't know why. But the Durmstrang students are in a tough spot."
"What happened to them?"
"The Headmaster of Durmstrang, Karkaroff, abandoned his students and fled secretly. No one knows when it happened, but Arliss Poliakoff said Karkaroff disappeared the night you returned."
Harry was stunned. A Headmaster of a magical school had been scared away by Voldemort, even though he was hundreds of kilometers away? This made Harry feel heavy-hearted, as if a weight was pulling him down.
"What about the students? They must be terrified."
To Harry's surprise, Neville laughed.
"Well—honestly, their spirits are fairly stable. Karkaroff wasn't very popular, remember? He gave Poliakoff a harsh lecture after the Duelling Class for showing some dark magic."
"But he was defending his school's honor!" Harry shouted.
Neville shook his head, finding Karkaroff's actions equally unreasonable.
At that moment, Professor Mcgonagall hurried down the corridor.
"Potter, come with me, the Headmaster wants to see you—"
Harry said goodbye to Neville, who offered to take the Cheering Potion back to the dormitory for him, which Harry greatly appreciated. He followed Professor Mcgonagall to the statue in front of the Headmaster's office. Professor Mcgonagall didn't accompany him, so he pushed the door open alone and nearly collided with Snape. Snape's face was pale and he seemed to radiate coldness.
Before Harry could take a closer look, Snape swept his robes and walked past him.
Harry entered the office. Headmaster Dumbledore had his hands on the table, staring at a shallow stone basin. Harry recognized it immediately—it was a Pensieve. This was the first time he had seen a real one, though he had seen something similar in the Rune Club.
"Surely you recognize this, Harry?" Dumbledore smiled and looked up.
"Yes, Professor", Harry's heart was pounding, "Professor Hep made some Runic Script items based on a Pensieve…"
"Ancient Runes are indeed very useful", Dumbledore said with a smile, "they can be used in Ancient Magic and to create magical items. If I weren't so busy, I would definitely find time to study them…"
"So, Harry, perhaps you can guess why I called you here?" He steepled his fingers and sat quietly behind his desk, his eyes filled with emotions Harry couldn't decipher.
"Well, I guess—You want to tell me something?" Harry honestly shared his thoughts.
"You're not wrong. Voldemort has returned, and Harry, you are deeply entangled in his fate. I believe it's time for you to know some things and address some questions", Dumbledore's blue eyes sparkled behind his half-moon glasses, "of course, I also have a request."
"A request?" Harry looked at him in surprise, unsure what he could do for the Headmaster.
"I want to see what happened that night", Dumbledore said softly, "through your eyes."
"Through my eyes..." Harry repeated slowly, his mind a bit muddled.
"Exactly. I told you in your first year that Voldemort's failed Killing Curse linked you to him, allowing you to sense his emotions in certain special circumstances—"
"So that's why you had Professor Hep teach me Occlumency?" Harry blurted out.
"Exactly", Dumbledore nodded gently. "Given that Voldemort is becoming stronger and his resurrection seems inevitable, I feared that as he grows more powerful, he might discover this connection and even try to control you."
Harry was greatly alarmed, unable to imagine such a scenario. The scar on his forehead throbbed slightly, but compared to the potential consequences, it was nothing. He had never considered that his scar could become a medium like the Imperius Curse.
"However, you have been doing well with Occlumency", Dumbledore said with a small smile. "I am explaining the worst-case scenario, and I believe it would be very difficult for Voldemort to control you from a distance."
Harry felt a bit relieved. He then thought about the Headmaster's request, and an idea popped into his head. "Do you think my perspective—well—might reveal something different?"
His attitude began to waver. So far, the connection with Voldemort had been beneficial.
But the potential danger couldn't be ignored.
"I cannot give you a definitive answer, Harry", Dumbledore said, "but I have a theory. When you are close to Voldemort, this connection is strengthened, and it might expose some secrets hidden in your memories."
"I agree", Harry said, then hesitated. "But I haven't mastered the technique of extracting memories. I know the principle, but I've never tried it myself—"
"I can assist you in casting the spell", Dumbledore said. "However, there's no rush. Let's start by reviewing a few memories together."
...
Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy was staring at a letter, lost in thought.
The letter was from his mother. At first glance, it seemed unremarkable, filled with a mother's affectionate thoughts for her son. It even included a dinner menu as a thoughtful addition.
It wasn't until Draco read it a second time that he realized something was off. His mother rarely rambled like this.
The Malfoy family had many rules, but only one seemed to fit the current situation. Draco silently recited a series of numbers and picked out the corresponding letters from the letter. Soon, his eyes widened. The secret message read:
Find an opportunity to have a serious fight with Potter.
...
On the eve of their departure, the Daily Prophet's front page refreshed the heated topic at Hogwarts. Fudge finally emerged from his office, hastily acknowledging that the Dark Lord had indeed returned. He then declared that he was no longer fit to lead the wizarding world into war and decided to step down from his position as Minister of Magic.
Harry stared at Fudge's photograph, surrounded by flashbulbs, for a long time. The man looked years older, thinner, and utterly exhausted. While it was satisfying to see him like this, Harry also felt a bit sorry for him.
At that moment, Dumbledore stood up to speak. He confirmed the Ministry of Magic's announcement that Voldemort had truly returned and reiterated the significance of the Triwizard Tournament, emphasizing that "understanding and unity among wizards" were more important now than ever.
"Any guest in this Great Hall is welcome to return at any time, should they choose to do so."
Harry stared at the newspaper, noting that the new Minister of Magic would be appointed the following week, with Amelia Bones, the former head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, taking the position...
Is Sirius Black with her now?
"Voldemort is very skilled at sowing conflict and hostility. We can only combat this with unbreakable friendship and trust."
The second page introduced the Ministry of Magic's emergency War Survival Manual, which would be distributed to every wizarding family in the coming days by owl post.
Let's hope it works...
"We will all face dark and difficult times... Many families will be torn apart, and you will have to choose between the right path and the easy one..."
The fourth page brought bad news: a mass breakout had occurred at Azkaban, with the Dementors collectively defecting. The good news was that there were few casualties, and Acting Minister Bones decided to relax restrictions and recruit a batch of Aurors and Hit Wizards.
The war was accelerating...
"We must thank four individuals, three of whom are students. I am referring to Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, who have shown great courage in various ways. Few have demonstrated such bravery in the face of Voldemort... Courage and wisdom combined, they cleverly sought help from Felix and Professor Hep and managed to escape Voldemort's clutches, exposing his schemes to the public."
Dumbledore raised his goblet. Harry fumbled to raise his own, joining Ron and Hermione as they faced the various gazes from around the Great Hall.
The school year was over, Harry thought.
But the war had begun.
(End of Chapter)
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