Chapter 698: The Longbottoms
Chapter 698: The Longbottoms
After discussing a series of topics related to the war, Professor Dumbledore looked quite exhausted. Seeing this, Liam and Hermione, who were quick to catch on, stood up and bowed to the Headmaster before heading towards the door of the Headmaster's Office.
"Liam, can you tell me why you're doing so much for this war?" Just as Ryan and the others were about to leave, Professor Dumbledore suddenly asked. "I can sense that your sense of belonging to the Magical World isn't as strong as others, and as a high-level Alchemist, you don't need to rely on the British Wizarding World. So, what keeps you here?"
"The reasons are quite complex", Liam replied, exchanging a glance with Hermione. "But if we want to pinpoint the initial cause, it probably stems from an ideal I had in my second year. Sometimes, you just have to fight for your ideals."
Professor Dumbledore didn't say anything after hearing this; instead, he waved his hand, signaling Ryan and the others to leave. They nodded at Professor Dumbledore and then descended the Spiral Staircase, leaving the Headmaster's Office.
"What was the point of Headmaster Dumbledore bringing up all this today?" Once they reached the corridor on the lower level, Hermione, recalling the conversation in the office, asked Liam.
"It's because our recent actions are too similar to what the Dark Lord did when he was young", Liam explained to Hermione. "For example, killing those who oppose us, and organizing people and forces that lean towards us. Professor Dumbledore wants to ensure that we don't become another Dark Lord and pose a new threat to the British Wizarding World after this war."
"We wouldn't do that", Hermione said anxiously after hearing Liam's analysis. "Everything we're doing now is to make the British Wizarding World a better place. How can the Headmaster think that? Power, money, and strength—these things that others always chase after are already more than enough for us. The British Wizarding World's resources mean nothing to us."
"But the Headmaster doesn't know that", Liam replied through the Phoenix Mark. "He doesn't know that we have several worlds. By common logic, there are very few people who don't pursue power, money, and strength. It's understandable that the Headmaster is a bit wary."
"So, I think Professor Dumbledore called us today to remind us of these things and prevent us from going down the wrong path. To dispel the Headmaster's suspicions, the only way is to prove over time that we are not ambitious individuals like the Dark Lord. The Headmaster won't ease his vigilance based on our answers today."
"Alright, that makes sense. Let time prove everything. We never intended to rule the British Wizarding World like the Dark Lord anyway", Hermione shrugged, then she and Liam headed towards the Library, as they needed to look up some materials.
Wizards have a much longer history of creating precise maps than Muggles, and they often include magical elements in their maps. Liam wanted to find these maps to determine the best locations for the three new Magical Plantations. The better the location, the lower the cost of the plantation, and the more effective the herbs grown there would be.
Their visit to the school today, besides catching up with friends as Christmas approached, had an important purpose: to gather some previously overlooked information. However, after talking with Headmaster Dumbledore, Liam felt they should prioritize the research needed for establishing the new plantations.
After checking some materials in the Library, Liam discovered that there were many suitable locations for Magical Plantations in Scotland. However, the British Pureblood Families, primarily based in the fertile regions of England, had established their plantations near their manors for convenience.
This is why Ryan and the others mainly fight in the England region. Historically, the power of the British Pureblood Families has always been concentrated in England. When the four founders chose to establish Hogwarts in the distant Scotland, it was likely to avoid the Pureblood Families who had monopolized magical education.
In a sense, what Ryan and the others are doing now is similar to what the four founders did. They are trying to change the British Wizarding World through their own efforts, making it more in line with their vision.
Not long after Ryan and the others entered the Library, the bell signaling the end of class rang. Soon, students finishing their classes flooded into the Library to complete their homework.
"Hey, Liam, Hermione, you're back today?" As Liam was looking at a map of the area near Dundee, someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder, and a familiar voice came from behind.
"Neville, it's been a while." Liam turned around to see Neville standing there. As a student who wasn't particularly gifted, Neville embodied the idea that diligence can make up for lack of talent. When Liam was still at school, he often saw Neville rush to the Library right after class to start his homework and review the day's lessons.
"Yeah, it has been a while", Neville nodded. "By the way, I came here today to thank you. The potion you gave me helped my parents start to recover. The last time I visited them, they seemed to recognize my grandmother."
"Wait, London is completely under the control of the Death Eaters, especially places like St. Mungo's. How did you manage to visit your parents?" Hermione interjected before Liam could respond.
"My parents aren't at St. Mungo's anymore", Neville explained to Ryan and the others. "After the Dark Lord took control of the Ministry of Magic, my grandmother and I, with the help of a few Healers, moved my parents out. At first, we stayed at home, but as the situation became more dangerous, my grandmother and the rest of the Longbottom Clan abandoned their homes in the danger zones and moved to Hogsmeade."
"Then, about a month ago, the Hogsmeade Magical Hospital Wing was established. My grandmother had my parents admitted there. Thanks to Healer Melinda, Sirius Black's wife, they started using the Focus Incense and Soul-Healing Potions you donated to the Hospital Wing. They seem to be working well."
"Those were originally prepared for the hostages we rescued, many of whom were affected by the Cruciatus Curse", Liam explained to Neville. "These elixirs were primarily intended for those who were recently harmed. If they're helping your parents, I'll try to adjust the formula when I return to see if I can create a more suitable potion for them."
"That would be amazing, thank you so much", Neville said, his voice choked with emotion. He then started to cry, and the noise was so loud that the three of them were promptly ejected by Madam Pince.
"Sorry, I got too emotional", Neville apologized to Liam in the corridor. "I didn't mean to get you all kicked out."
"It's fine, we were almost done with our research anyway", Liam replied. "Being kicked out now isn't a big issue. By the way, we've already considered using these potions for more severe cases, and we have some initial test samples. However, I'd like to meet your parents to confirm the specific adjustments needed for the potions."
(End of Chapter)
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