Chapter 666: Boosting Morale
Chapter 666: Boosting Morale
In an empty classroom on the second floor of Hogwarts Castle, Ryan and the others were gathered, speculating about the next Magic Artifact Voldemort was searching for—a rumored item capable of turning the tide. In previous discussions, Harry had subconsciously inquired about the locations of the other two Deathly Hallows when he learned his Invisibility Cloak was one of them. However, he didn't really expect to get any useful answers.
To Harry's surprise, Hermione's response was different from what he had imagined. After exchanging a glance with Liam, Hermione looked at Harry and said, "If you're asking about the other two Deathly Hallows, we actually do know where they are."
"Where are the other two Deathly Hallows?" Ron asked impatiently. "Are they safe? Could they fall into the Dark Lord's hands?"
"Probably not", Liam said seriously. "The Elder Wand is currently in Professor Dumbledore's possession, and the ring is also with the Headmaster. And I believe, Harry, you've seen that ring."
"I've seen it?" Harry was initially puzzled, but then he remembered something. "Is it the rough-looking gold ring Voldemort once used as a Horcrux, the one with a black stone embedded in it?"
"Yes, Harry", Liam nodded. "To be precise, the black stone is one of the Deathly Hallows. Despite its unassuming appearance, it is the legendary Resurrection Stone."
"The Resurrection Stone?" Harry's eyes lit up, and Liam immediately understood what he was thinking. "Harry, although it's called the Resurrection Stone, it cannot truly bring back the dead. It merely summons a substance that is more real than a soul but more ethereal than a physical form. Most importantly, the summoned souls carry pain and do not experience happiness."
"I— I understand", Harry's eyes dimmed, and Ron, realizing what had happened, gently patted Harry's back to comfort him.
After Harry's spirits had mostly recovered, the four of them continued to discuss what Voldemort might be searching for. However, they didn't reach a conclusion even by lunchtime.
After all, each country has its own legends, and even if they limited their search to Europe, there were too many potential targets. Europe has traditionally been part of the Mediterranean cultural sphere, further expanding the list of suspects.
"Forget it. Let's go eat. We won't figure it out just by talking like this", Liam said as the distant sound of the dismissal bell rang. "Besides, we have powerful Magic Artifacts. We can respond to whatever the Dark Lord brings out when the time comes."
In the Great Hall, Liam took a tray and chose his food from the long tables near the entrance, then sat down with Harry and the others at the Gryffindor table.
"I still feel a bit out of place", Ron said as he placed his tray on the table and sat down. "It feels completely different from how we used to eat, but even though it's not as lavish, it seems more efficient."
"Professor Dumbledore has decided that even after the war, we'll continue eating like this except for feasts", Harry said after taking a bite of bacon. "I think it's a good idea. The variety of dishes won't be much different."
During the meal, many students looked over at Ryan and the others, and some even pointed at Liam. This was, of course, expected. After publicly confronting Voldemort yesterday, Liam knew he would be the center of attention for a long time. But this would also bring more hope to everyone.
After dinner, Liam asked Harry again about the Ritual Magic performed in Professor Dumbledore's office. Harry reported that everything went smoothly, except that the Soul Connection with the Black Strawman seemed a bit stronger, but there were no other unexpected issues.
"Don't worry, that's normal", Liam reassured Harry, who seemed somewhat anxious. "The 21-day Magic release period is designed to create a connection between you and the Black Strawman, which is necessary for the next step. So you don't need to be concerned."
Over the next few days, Liam continued his work on various Alchemy gear and Potion making until the next Study Group meeting.
"Liam, did you really fend off the Dark Lord?" "I heard this isn't the first time you've done so." "Can you tell us more about your previous battles with the Dark Lord?" After the initial Q&A session, all the Study Group members started asking questions about the brief fight between Liam and Voldemort that had occurred at the beginning of the week.
"Everyone, please quiet down", Hermione called out, raising her voice. "If you have questions, write them down on a piece of parchment, and Liam will answer them all at once."
As soon as Hermione finished speaking, everyone quickly took out parchment and quills to write their questions. A few minutes later, Hermione collected the parchments and handed them to Liam.
"I've looked through your notes, and it seems you mainly want to know two things", Liam said, standing up on the platform. "First, about the Dark Lord's power, and second, my thoughts on the current situation."
"I'll start with the first question", Liam said, resting his hands on the platform and looking at the Study Group members who were eagerly watching him. "The Dark Lord is indeed a powerful Wizard, and we can't deny that just because he is evil. Even with all the magical abilities I possess, which make me stronger than most Wizards, I still cannot match him in a direct confrontation. I can only ensure that I won't be defeated."
Liam wasn't entirely satisfied with this situation, but he knew he had done his best. After all, he had only started learning Magic six years ago, and even with the support of multiple worlds, the gap in Magic and knowledge was still significant. In the Harry Potter world, magical power is closely tied to age, and Liam's youth was a significant disadvantage.
However, the Study Group members didn't see it that way. For them, a classmate who could pass the N.E.W.T. exams with high marks was already impressive, and the idea of someone holding their own against a notorious Dark Wizard sounded more like a myth.
"You're amazing, Liam", Neville shouted. "I believe that with your and Professor Dumbledore's efforts, we will eventually solve the Dark Lord's problem."
"Absolutely", "That's right", "Liam, I believe in you", the other students chimed in. After the excitement died down, Liam raised his hands to signal for quiet and continued, "Regarding the recent situation, your words speak volumes. As long as we maintain this positive and proactive attitude, I believe victory will be ours."
"Of course, given the current balance of power, we can't expect to win this war quickly", Liam added, wanting to ensure everyone remained vigilant. "So everyone must be prepared, but this doesn't mean you need to go to battle. It means doing what you can to contribute."
For the rest of the meeting, everyone was more focused on their Magic studies. They practiced until the Curfew bell rang, and then they reluctantly said goodbye to Ryan and the others before leaving the classroom to return to their Common Rooms for rest.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
