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Chapter 591: The Leader's Will
Chapter 591: The Leader's Will
Felix was still addressing the group.
"Professor Snape should have told you that potion-making is a precise science. It requires seriousness, rigor, patience, and just the right touch with your wand. As the course progresses, the difficulty gradually increases. Each potion you brew is highly representative and often involves intricate techniques..."
Harry, Ron, Neville, and Hermione stared at Felix in amazement. None of them had ever imagined they would have a day where they would listen to their Ancient Runes professor explain their potion-making dilemmas—though their minds were still preoccupied with how to cheat and score high marks.
But this strange and wonderful feeling lingered in their minds.
"If you want to delve deeper into the field of potion-making",—Harry, Ron, and Neville all shook their heads, and Felix sighed—"the best approach is to use proper methods. However—" He cleared his throat, and his tone became less serious.
"Yes, my thoughts were similar to yours. I had little interest in delving into those advanced theories and intricate brewing steps", he said softly. "Getting into the advanced class was one goal, and another was to master the potion-making techniques that interested me."
"As for whether to take shortcuts, I don't really care."
Harry listened more intently. This was also his requirement for the course—he found it hard to imagine spending years in a dark basement, staring at a row of steaming cauldrons.
Felix patted the book in his hand. "The original owner of this textbook was an expert in this field. It contains many practical tips and simplified methods. Of course, you'll find that the notes aren't limited to potions. They also include some rather amusing minor hexes—"
He hesitated. "A few of these spells are dangerous, and I want you to promise not to use them on your classmates."
Given the professor's serious expression, the four students made their promises earnestly.
"Moving on to my method", Felix's expression returned to calm. "From a higher perspective, you'll find that the O.W.Ls exam tests your understanding of the knowledge you've learned, not your ability to innovate. Theoretically, if you memorize the entire textbook and master the techniques described, getting an Outstanding should be a straightforward and natural process..."
Even Hermione couldn't help but glare at him. While she always achieved Outstanding, it was far from 'easy.'
"Handle the theoretical knowledge on your own. For practical skills, my advice is to compile the brewing methods for each potion, identify the complex and difficult steps, and try to simplify them. Brewing a potion can involve dozens or even hundreds of steps, but if you categorize them by purpose, you might find there are only a dozen or so essential steps—don't you think so?"
From the looks on their faces, it seemed Felix was asking a redundant question. But he could assure them it wasn't his fault. "At least, the book has a similar approach, and I've added my own insights. That's all I have to say."
Felix handed the book to them. Luna and Cedric were still waiting, as the professor had mentioned needing their help with something.
Harry and Neville placed the books on a small square table and sat down with Ron and Hermione, looking at Felix.
"You all have mastered the Patronus Charm, right?"
Almost everyone nodded. Even the Weasley twins, who were only a foot tall, were included. However, the term 'almost' was used because not everyone was in this category. "I haven't!" Astoria called out. "I'm only in my third year."
Draco, though silent, also seemed not to have mastered the spell.
"You can observe, have some cookies, or go play", Felix said to Astoria.
Astoria pouted but stayed.
"I called you here to conduct a test, which I originally planned for after the start of the term. But upon reflection, today seems a better opportunity. After all, not all students in the Rune Club have mastered this spell."
Harry almost mentioned that he had taught this spell at the Frontline Watchtower, but he quickly realized the professor was already aware of this.
"The test itself is not dangerous, but it can be emotionally draining."
Felix paused, waiting to see if anyone had objections. Seeing none, he continued.
"The Patronus is a perfect blend of positive emotions and magic. According to ancient engravings and manuscripts, this spell has been used since ancient times. However, at some point, the Patronus Charm became a skill only mastered by wizards with pure, positive emotional power."
"Some people, especially those whose hearts have fallen into darkness, seem unworthy to use it."
Felix said, his gaze shifting away from Harry.
He had devoted considerable effort to this magic, especially after incorporating the knowledge bestowed by Rowena Ravenclaw. He had made revolutionary improvements, pushing the spell beyond its original limitations.
He once thought he had reached the limits of his understanding of this spell, but he discovered new insights from Harry's demonstration.
Harry was one of the most talented wizards Felix had ever seen.
To his knowledge, Harry successfully conjured a corporeal Patronus for the first time on a bridge in his third year. The Stag Patronus was immensely powerful, capable of facing down a hundred Dementors. Later, Harry mastered the technique of using a Patronus to send messages and integrated Ancient Runic Script to give it physical attack capabilities. This skill was put to excellent use during the recent pursuit of Umbridge.
Despite his advanced skills, Harry still struggled to incorporate Runic Script representing other emotions into his Patronus.
The Patronus is built from the purest, most positive emotions. Mixing in any other emotions would be like adding sand to the mix, diluting the magic and making it impure.
This is why Harry had not succeeded.
What set Felix apart from Harry was that Felix's mind had been reconstructed using Memory Nodes, making it exceptionally stable. Even when other emotions were mixed in, his superior control allowed him to forcefully meld them together.
Felix believed this difficulty was natural, but Harry's experience suggested that it might be a deeply ingrained "upgrading mindset" at work. He revisited Ravenclaw's notes, analyzed the structure of Ravenclaw's Diadem, and combined various pieces of knowledge from multiple sources to form a clear framework for 'emotional magic.'
The results were significant.
He pioneered an entire series of Patronus spells.
But his thinking did not stop there...
"I need you to pay attention to a few key phrases: 'pure, positive emotional power.' This will be important in our discussion", Felix said. "When you learned this spell, you used happy memories, didn't you?"
A few people nodded.
Harry recalled the lessons Remus had taught him, emphasizing that positive emotions could combat Dementors. In practice, he used happy memories or imagined sufficiently joyful ones.
"In my research, I discovered a secret—perhaps I am overthinking it, and the conclusion needs verification. But I can share it with you:
The history of the Patronus has gone through three vague stages, each only partially documented.
The first stage is unverifiable and lacks historical records. People can only understand it from engravings. At that time, Dementors were nonexistent, and Vampire Bats were not discovered until the 18th century, and they lived only in tropical regions;
The second stage, which spans the medieval period, is relatively well-documented. Wizards of that era had a more modern understanding of the Patronus Charm, though the spell was still one of the rarest and most difficult defensive magics to master. It was long associated with wizards who fought for noble causes.
Miranda Goshawk, who wrote the 'Standard Book of Spells' series, described the Patronus as 'an ancient and mysterious spell that summons a magical Patronus, a reflection of all your most positive emotions.'
I found similar descriptions in some ancient Runic Script notes.
However, these descriptions differ slightly from those in the third stage—roughly the last two to three hundred years—when wizards began writing detailed notes on the spell. They consistently equate 'most positive emotions' with 'happy memories.'
Perhaps this reduces the difficulty?
It might have started as a trick by a particular wizard, which then spread. When others tried it, the success rate indeed increased. But, strictly speaking, this spell only distinguishes between normal wizards and particularly evil Dark Wizards. If that were its sole purpose, it seems unworthy of its great reputation..."
Felix briefly outlined his research and concluded, "After comparing everything, I believe the issue lies in the emotions invested. Happy memories may be one form of positive emotion, but can they truly match the conviction of fighting for a noble cause?"
He looked at the group. "Perhaps some of you can provide the answer." His gaze shifted between Harry, Hermione, Cedric, and the Weasley twins. In his understanding, each of these individuals had their own beliefs, such as defeating Voldemort, establishing a pan-magical alliance, or creating a new profession...
Draco barely counted, but he still couldn't cast this spell.
Felix held out hope, but he also believed it wouldn't be easy, as he himself was still in the experimental phase.
Previously, he had selectively forgotten the technique of this magic, approaching it like a beginner, pouring strong emotions into magic. However, instead of using positive, happy memories, he tried to align with the ancient notes, which described the belief of "fighting for a noble cause."
He happened to meet this requirement: he intended to reform the magical world and bridge the gap between the magical and the real world. In Felix's view, this could certainly be considered a noble cause, right?
But the results were disappointing.
He couldn't summon a corporeal Patronus using this belief. It seemed something was still missing. The best he could manage was a hazy, silver shield made of mist.
The students sitting on the sofa exchanged glances. The professor seemed to be challenging the traditional Patronus Charm, or perhaps uncovering the true form of this magic? But... they didn't know if it was correct.
"Let's give it a try."
Felix pointed at Fred and George Weasley, and their bodies rapidly inflated like balloons, growing from one foot to two feet, three feet... until they returned to their original size. The twins touched their faces and let out a strange cry.
Then Felix spoke in a low, persuasive tone:
"Think about it. You are the best among your peers, with strong wills. If you are willing, you can achieve great things. Everyone has a place in society, but for you, you won't submit to fate. Instead, you will follow your hearts and find your true mission..."
The office lights dimmed, and his voice seemed to carry magic, easily drawing these people into the emotions he had set. They all began to think about what they truly wanted.
Only Draco and Astoria stared at each other, unaffected. Draco felt a strange sense of familiarity. If he hadn't lost his memory, it seemed the professor had taken the words he had once said to him and repurposed them for others?
"Think about the noble cause in your hearts, and how much you are willing to give... In the face of setbacks, opposition, and even despair, what will you do? Now, take out your wands and cast the spell. Show me your resolve!"
The Ancient Runes Office plunged into complete darkness. Draco and Astoria tried to light their wands, but found they couldn't. In the pitch-black darkness, they heard increasingly solemn voices, filled with determination, casting the spell: "Expecto Patronum—"
Professor's whispers crept into their ears from all directions, making the only two unaffected people shiver. They instinctively huddled together.
"What's happening?" Astoria asked nervously.
"Stay still", Draco gritted his teeth. "And don't pinch me." Astoria sheepishly removed her fingers from his arm.
"Expecto Patronum!"
A faint light appeared, and Cedric's face flashed by. Then a brighter light emerged, with the twins' faces tense and serious, followed by Hermione and Neville. Their faces were like fleeting illusions, lingering for only a few seconds before the world returned to darkness.
Pressure weighed heavily on everyone's minds.
But after trying for a long time, no one succeeded. Felix frowned. Was there really a problem? Was his hypothesis wrong, and there was never a 'true Patronus'?
He had to change his strategy.
This time, he spoke in a hoarse voice, not encouraging but discouraging.
"Give up... abandon your dreams... pretend it never happened, bury your aspirations in your heart, and accept reality... it's not shameful. How can one person fight against the entire world? There will be other opportunities..."
A deeper darkness descended, thick and impenetrable.
A phoenix's cry echoed. Dumbledore and Fawkes appeared in the office, his brow furrowed and his expression serious, as if the thick black mist had no effect on him.
"Felix", he said gravely.
"Albus, you're here", Felix replied calmly.
As he spoke, a few more silver moon-like lights flickered out, but some were still struggling. Dumbledore's gaze swept over the students present, quickly understanding what was happening. He observed silently, his eyes finally resting on Harry.
Harry's face was flushed, his eyes red, and his teeth were clenched, making a grinding sound.
"What vision did you show that child?" Dumbledore asked.
"It's not something I can control—just increasing the layers, sending him into deeper 'despair'", Felix said, waving his hand to wake some students from the darkness, so they wouldn't be overwhelmed. They weren't entirely without gain; at least this opportunity helped them understand what they truly wanted.
It was Harry and Neville who showed remarkable resilience and could still hold on for a while.
Harry was completely immersed in the illusion he had created. Everyone was dead... Sirius, Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Hup, Snape... Mad-Eye, Remus, Tonks... Neville, Ginny, Fred, George, the Weasley couple...
He heard the sound of trickling water, the sound of blood pooling together.
Harry's eyes were vacant as he stared at Voldemort, who was grinning maliciously, with the bodies of Ron and Hermione at his feet.
Voldemort raised his wand with a cold laugh. "Surrender", he said in a high, cold voice, triumphant. "Everyone you know is dead. This is the fate of those who defy the Dark Lord."—"No!" Harry shouted madly, but Voldemort's wand tip glowed with a blinding green light. The light flashed, and Harry fell to the ground.
He was dead.
Harry lay in the cold darkness, surrounded by silence. A voice told him that he could have a second chance, but he needed to submit to his fate.
"Submit to Voldemort?" The voice did not contradict him. Harry clenched his teeth and got up from the cold ground. Voldemort emerged from the darkness, followed by a dark, shadowy crowd. Harry took a deep breath and raised his wand. But a voice came from behind him, and Harry turned sharply. The people who had died seemed to have returned.
He stared blankly at the familiar faces. They appeared to be eroded by darkness, repeating the words of cowards.
"Give up, Harry", Hermione said.
"We've completely failed. The Dark Lord is willing to spare our lives", Ron said bitterly.
"Temporarily submit", Professor Hup said succinctly.
The Death Eaters and Voldemort's dark servants pounced, overwhelming the people Harry valued, leaving only a circular gap, like a platform built of flesh and blood. Voldemort stood on the platform, looking at Harry with a mocking gaze.
"You are the last. Die here, or submit to my rule?"
Harry responded by raising his wand. A voice in his mind urged him to use the Patronus Charm, "Expecto Patronum..."
A massive stag leaped out, majestic and powerful.
It stood between Harry and Voldemort, like a true giant, its hooves planted firmly on the ground. The green light was pierced, and the darkness was shattered.
The people in the office looked at Harry's new Patronus. The silver light converged and merged into the stag's body, and as their vision cleared, the silver, gleaming fur of the stag became visible, making it look like a real, living creature.
Its eyes were both wet with passion and calm and resolute, moving forward without hesitation. Like its owner, when it stood there, everyone—whether they were figments of Harry's imagination or real students under immense pressure—felt their courage and resolve strengthen, their bodies filled with boundless strength.
It was as if they too shared that heavy courage and resolve.
Felix looked at the transformed Patronus and finally understood what he had been lacking. Although he might not change, he knew it now.
Dumbledore's blue eyes misted over with a thin layer of moisture. He fiddled with the black gemstone ring on his finger, the heaviest weight in his heart lifted. The real plan could begin. He mouthed something, his voice becoming a thread that entered Felix's ear.
"Voldemort met with me last night. After much talk, he seems to have finally confirmed my condition... The duel time is set."
"When?"
"Two months from now!"
(End of Chapter)
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