Chapter 583: A Bold Idea
Chapter 583: A Bold Idea
At this moment, Tom Riddle's mind was flooded with countless ways to torture Gilderoy Lockhart. However, he soon realized that his soul was not yet strong enough and was still bound to the diary, rendering him powerless against Lockhart.
Tom Riddle's mood worsened.
In stark contrast to Tom Riddle in the diary, Albert, under the guise of Lockhart, had not only successfully clashed with Voldemort but had also smoothly completed the panel task.
Tom Riddle truly lived up to his reputation as a treasure; with just a simple attempt, he had triggered a task.
Silver Tongue
You found Tom Riddle's diary and tried to communicate with him, but Tom Riddle seems to have ill intentions and is trying to manipulate you with his words. Expose his silver tongue, and make Tom Riddle realize he has chosen the wrong target.
Reward: 1000 experience, obtain the Silver Tongue skill.
【What exactly are you trying to achieve?!】 The words seeping out from the paper seemed to carry Tom's anger.
【I don't have any ulterior motives. From the beginning, I've only been curious about what kind of entity you are.】 Tom Riddle in the diary fell silent once more. After a long while, words finally seeped onto the page again.
【I'm just a stored memory within this diary.】 【You're lying. How could a mere memory have its own thoughts? What are you, and what secrets are hidden within this diary? Some unspeakable magic, or perhaps important information?】
Under Albert's control, the quill quickly wrote on the page, guiding Tom Riddle's thoughts in a certain direction.
【Actually, I'm curious. Aside from the monster, is there anything else in the Chamber of Secrets of Slytherin?】 After claiming the reward for the Silver Tongue task, Albert had become much more adept at manipulating others. It was easy for him to guide Voldemort's thoughts in a specific direction.
He wanted to make Tom Riddle realize that Lockhart was a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, fascinated by dispelling and powerful dark magic. Lure him with those powerful curses, entice him with the promise of power.
Lockhart would become obsessed and easier to control.
【Until next time, I hope you'll be willing to tell me then.】 Without giving Tom a chance to respond, Albert wrote those final words in the diary, then controlled the dragon-hide glove to put Tom Riddle's diary back into the box, sealing it away layer by layer before hiding it again.
Recently, Albert had decided not to touch Tom Riddle's diary for a while, minimizing the potential influence of the Horcrux on him as much as possible.
After all, Horcruxes were too sinister; even with all the precautions, who knew if he would end up being affected by the diary like Ginny Weasley?
Patience and caution were crucial, and Albert was determined not to let himself stumble along the way.
Ever since his encounter with Tom Riddle's diary, Albert had developed the habit of keeping a journal himself. He used this diary to observe any changes in his mental state.
Fortunately, all was well.
Voldemort's Horcrux had not affected Albert.
Well, if there was any influence at all, it was the irresistible urge to take out the diary and "shear" it for more experience and rewards, which were quite tempting.
In the end, Albert decided to let Tom Riddle out for some "fresh air" once every month.
If the Tom Riddle in the diary knew of Albert's decision, he would probably be very touched! After his clash with Tom Riddle, Albert felt mentally refreshed, and his life returned to its usual calm.
Every day was filled with classes, dates, homework, and refining his detection balls and blocking badges. He also created several magical items specifically for the Basilisk.
For example, a Poke Ball that could summon a rooster (he had a rooster inside), which could be summoned immediately if needed.
Another was the Rain of a Thousand Needles, modified from the Spell of a Thousand Arrows, causing the needles to fly towards the Basilisk's eyes. The only issue was that it required someone to guide the needles with a wand.
Improving on his previous design, Albert crafted an upgraded version of the Sticky Ball, which, when thrown, rapidly created a viscous area that would glue anyone passing through it to the ground. However, the question remained: would it be effective against the massive and powerful Serpent?
He also wrote a letter to Mundungus Fletcher, asking him to procure some Yellow Stone (Chalcedony, Realgar) for making snake repellent powder. Although he wasn't sure if it would work on the Serpent, it was always better to be overprepared.
As Albert and Isabelle delved into their research on Serpent-prevention methods, Harry paid them a visit. He was seeking information about Unicorn horns and African Tree Snake skin, ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion.
Harry seemed reluctant to steal from Snape's office and was willing to spend a small fortune on these ingredients instead.
"I wouldn't get your hopes up too high," Albert advised. "Even if you can find them on the black market, they'll cost you several times the regular price. And there's always the risk of getting scammed."
Noting Harry's furrowed brow, Albert continued, "Of course, you can write to Mundungus Fletcher. Just mention that I referred you. Be cautious when dealing with him; he's known for inflating his prices."
"Dad says Mundungus Fletcher is a thief," Ron muttered. "He's not a good guy. Always up to some shady business."
"Ron!" Hermione shot him a stern glance.
"Sorry."
"That's just how the black market operates," Albert said, unbothered by Ron's comment. He was all too familiar with Mundungus' character. "If you truly want to buy something from them, you'll have to deal with people like him. I occasionally ask Mundungus to help me gather some materials."
"Thanks, Albert. We'll write to Mundungus Fletcher to inquire about the prices," Harry said, and then he and Ron headed back to their common room to draft a letter to Mundungus.
"I thought you guys might try to break into Snape's office," Albert called out to Hermione.
"You know that's not a good idea," Hermione replied, glancing at Harry and Ron, who were waiting for her. "I've considered it, but..."
Hermione's hesitation was clear, and Harry and Ron seemed uncertain as well.
"Actually, Harry's idea is spot on," Albert said with a smile. "If money can solve the problem, there's no need to take unnecessary risks. However, don't pin all your hopes on Mundungus Fletcher."
"Thanks, Albert. We wouldn't know what to do without your help," Hermione said gratefully.
"No, you do," Albert corrected her.
"What did he say?"
"He said Harry's idea is right, but we shouldn't expect too much from Mundungus Fletcher. If we can't get the ingredients, we might have to take our chances with Snape's office after all."
"I think Albert might have other connections," Ron whispered. "Fred and George always say he knows a lot of famous wizards. If he wanted to, he might be able to get the ingredients from somewhere else..."
"Ron!" Hermione cut him off sharply.
"Sorry," Ron apologized, knowing his idea was far-fetched. "I was just thinking out loud."
Harry, deep in thought about how to word his letter to Mundungus, didn't catch what Ron had said.
"If we really can't get the Unicorn horn and African Tree Snake skin from anywhere else, we'll have to create a diversion. I'll sneak into Snape's office and get what we need while you two create a ruckus in class, keeping Snape occupied for at least five minutes."
"But how?" Ron asked, perplexed.
"Make a cauldron explode," Hermione answered without hesitation.
Harry and Ron exchanged uneasy glances, their forced smiles reflecting the danger of deliberately causing chaos in Snape's Potions class—it was like poking a sleeping dragon in the eye.
(End of Chapter)
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