Chapter 583: Time Passes
Chapter 583: Time Passes
In the days that followed, the tension between Gryffindor and Slytherin grew much thicker. Most of Gryffindor, whether players or regular students, believed that this incident was a Slytherin plot to use a non-participating Malfoy to prevent Gryffindor’s Captain from playing in the crucial match against their team.
"Relax, Harry", Ginny comforted Harry, who looked somewhat dejected, the night before the Tournament. "I’ll definitely catch the Snitch before Cho tomorrow. And your choice to have Dean replace me as a Chaser was a good one. We worked well together during our last practice this afternoon."
"That’s good to hear", Harry seemed a bit more relaxed. "I really appreciate your help this year. It’s my first year as Captain, and I never imagined I wouldn’t be able to play in such an important Tournament. It’s just—"
"It’s not your fault. Malfoy went too far, using such dangerous magic", Ginny consoled him. "Don’t blame yourself. You just need to stay in the castle and listen for the news of our House’s victory tomorrow."
The entire Gryffindor Common Room remained unusually quiet for the rest of the night. It wasn’t until the morning of the Tournament that the Common Room burst into activity. Groups of students, wearing roses, hats, waving flags, and scarves, left the Common Room and flooded into the sunlight.
"Liam, why aren’t you going to watch the Tournament?" Harry, surprised, saw Liam sitting on a sofa, writing something as most of the others had already left.
"I was planning to go, but Professor Mcgonagall asked me to stay", Liam said, looking up after completing a hieroglyphic symbol on the parchment. "She clearly thinks you might sneak out to the pitch to watch the Tournament, so she ordered me, as a Prefect, to keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t show up there."
"I’m not the unreasonable type—"
"But you do get a bit impulsive sometimes", Liam said with a playful look. "So, it makes sense that Professor Mcgonagall asked me to stay here and watch you."
"Alright, I see what you mean. So, Professor Mcgonagall’s decision to have you here is justified", Harry admitted. "But don’t waste this time. I suggest you finish your Defense Against the Dark Arts homework. Snape won’t excuse you just because you’re injured."
The rest of the time in the Common Room was filled only with the scratch of quills on parchment. About an hour later, the Common Room door opened, and a burst of noise flooded in.
Ron burst into the Common Room first, holding a silver cup. Seeing Harry, he waved the cup and shouted, "We won! Four hundred and fifty to one hundred and forty! We won!"
Ginny followed closely behind, throwing her arms around Harry. Despite the dirt and sweat on her team uniform, Harry hugged her tightly and kissed her. The surrounding students erupted into good-natured laughter and a few whistles.
The celebration continued, providing a rare moment of relaxation in the tense atmosphere. Everyone tried to unwind and enjoy the moment.
This victory seemed to be a catalyst, bringing joy to everyone for weeks to come. Faces were more often lit with smiles than before. Liam thought this was a good thing. It was better for people to talk about things that made them happy rather than the terrifying scenes of Dark Magic.
However, the situation outside the School has entered a strange state, despite the recent two attacks and one person going missing. According to Lupin's latest letter, the frequency of these attacks is much lower than usual. He warned Liam in the letter to be extra vigilant, as he fears Voldemort might launch a sudden assault.
"I think Professor Lupin is right; we need to prepare in advance", Hermione said softly to Liam after reading the letter. "How's your preparation in the Chamber of Requirement coming along?"
"It's definitely going to give any invaders a rude awakening", Liam replied, though he looked a bit puzzled. "The only thing I can't figure out is what Voldemort and his followers are thinking. Attacking Hogwarts Castle with Headmaster Dumbledore around is practically suicide. Even if Voldemort has gathered some reinforcements, he can't just send people to their deaths, can he?"
"Don't get too worked up", Hermione reassured him. "You've done everything you can to prepare, and you've just enhanced your own abilities. There's no need to worry too much."
"Yeah, you're right. I don't need to worry excessively. I'll just deal with whatever happens when it comes", Liam said with a relieved smile. It was now early June, and with Ginny's O.W.L. exams approaching, she had to spend several hours each night reviewing her lessons. As a result, Hermione, being Ginny's friend, spent more time with Liam.
"By the way, how's your new wand design coming along?" Hermione asked after writing for a while, putting down her quill as if she had just remembered something. "It's been quite a while."
"It's not finished yet. You have to understand that designing a Magic Artifact of such importance isn't easy. Especially since I'm using the Rose Madonna I created while mastering the rules as the core of this Magic Artifact. This means the Artifact will have the potential to grow. In the future, it might even reach the level of the Elder Wand that Dumbledore possesses", Liam explained.
"Elder Wand? Is Dumbledore's wand really that special?" Hermione asked, puzzled. To her, a wand was just a few Galleons' worth of a magic item that every wizard had. She couldn't think of anything else related to wands.
"Probably the most special wand I know", Liam replied. "Legend has it that the Elder Wand was made by the Reaper using elder wood from the riverbank, 15 inches long, with a core of Thestral tail hair, a peculiar substance that only a wizard who can control death can wield."
As Liam spoke, Hermione learned about the story of the Peverell brothers and the existence of the three Deathly Hallows. After hearing the story, she thought for a moment and said, "If these items are considered the work of a deity, they must be incredibly powerful. Are you really confident that what you create can match these ancient treasures?"
"Of course, I am", Liam said, raising an eyebrow. "Don't forget, the Rose Madonna is connected to me. It will grow with me. In this case, I believe it will eventually surpass these artifacts that were created with a fixed level of power."
"Alright, it's good to have that kind of confidence, but I still hope you can finish making the wand soon", Hermione said. "Because I have a feeling that things are getting more and more off lately."
(End of Chapter)
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