nownovels Chapter 145, Section 144: A History in Doubt! And There Are Still Experts!
Chapter 145, Section 144: A History in Doubt! And There Are Still Experts!
Chapter 145, Section 144: A History in Doubt! And There Are Still Experts!
Ian truly felt offended like never before.
He hadn't felt this bad even when Voldemort pointed his finger at him and berated him. And this so-called "How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Prince's Secret" is just a book on child psychology?
"Nonsense! Your grandfather is talking complete nonsense! He's just a wand-wielding guy, what does he know about writing books!" Ian gritted his teeth as if he wanted to tear Grindelwald's latest work to shreds.
"I completely understand how you feel. If it were me, I would feel extremely angry too," Aurora quickly chimed in, which calmed Ian's anger considerably.
"You're the most reasonable one, my friend. If I could beat your grandfather, I would definitely have argued with him." Ian said resentfully as he sat back down in his chair.
"It's okay, there will be a day when he can beat you, and then he won't dare to talk about you like that anymore." Aurora's continued response made Ian feel her understanding.
however.
Unexpectedly, the German girl pulled a small snack out of her robe the next moment.
"If you're feeling down, how about a crystal lollipop?" This gentle, coaxing tone, like that of someone trying to coax a child, immediately made Ian's face flush red again.
It's no longer pig liver.
It's almost as big as a monkey's butt.
"Child psychology doesn't work on me! Do you think a naive child would do something like this?" Ian snatched the lollipop from Aurora's hand.
immediately.
He then got up and walked straight to the third-year students at the other end of the Slytherin table.
"Would you like to buy some Christmas candy?"
The little wizard shoved the crystal lollipop into the hand of a third-year student, and, under the somewhat bewildered gaze of the student, opened his hand to him.
"You've already touched it. I don't sell secondhand goods, so five silver coins, thank you!" Ian's words finally brought the third-year student back to his senses, and he revealed a frustrated expression.
However, the third-year Slytherin senior did not hesitate. Without saying a word, he took out his purse, took out a Galleon, and handed it to Ian.
"No, I should be thanking you. This is definitely the best candy I've ever eaten. It's worth far more than five silver shicops." The Slytherin senior's voice was full of enthusiasm.
Ian didn't bother to discern what he was really thinking; in any case, the Slytherin senior's face was full of sincerity, and he gave him a very, very standard smile.
"..."
Ian successfully obtained a Galleon and returned to Aurora with the glittering coin, but he was not happy because he had realized a very terrifying problem.
"You've just proven that this book is still useful," Aurora said succinctly. Before Ian returned, she had already read one chapter of "How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Secret of Prince."
[Ian doesn't hit a smiling face: How to provide emotional value to him]
It can only be said that although Ian had already sensed something was wrong from his Slytherin senior, he still couldn't help but twitch his eye when he saw the chapter title that Grindelwald had listed in the book.
"Old man, how many copies of your book did you sell?"
The little wizard's voice suddenly became a little hoarse for some reason.
Aurora did not respond.
He simply pushed the heavy bag of Galleons in front of Ian once again.
"It sells very well."
A short sentence.
It made Ian feel like he had fallen into the freezer of a fishing boat.
"He's not planning to publish it elsewhere, is he?"
The young wizard still harbored a sliver of hope.
"Gilderoy Lockhart is a very good writer, you know what that means?" Aurora pointed to the corner of the cover of "How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Secret of Prince".
Without waiting for Ian's response, the little witch continued with a smile, "That means by the time you see his book, bookstores in various wizarding communities will already be stocking it."
The spot she was pointing to was the publisher's logo.
"..."
Ian was completely numb.
"How can such a lousy book be published? How many people outside even know me?!" Ian was furious. He was even tempted to expose Grindelwald's dirty secrets.
But then I thought about it again.
Even the Daily Prophet has been hijacked by Grindelwald, and its channels of communication have long been blocked. Isn't this something that Grindelwald had planned all along?
"Has he even taken control of bookstores in various places?" Ian thought back to when he first met Aurora, when the bookstores in Hogsmeade Village had already been taken over by the Saints.
He couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine... Given Grindelwald's advanced thinking, this old man might have started planning to control all the wizards' access to information as soon as he came out.
Just like many super oligarchs in the Muggle world, they control the media and thus control public opinion... Could Grindelwald be secretly doing something similar in the wizarding world?
"For booksellers, Lockhart's name alone guarantees profits, regardless of the content of his books, let alone the fact that you come from a once-renowned potions family."
"Most wizards are also curious about mysterious and declining potion-making families, so its sales outside of schools shouldn't be too low."
"Of course, according to my grandfather's public statement, this book is a Hogwarts survival guide he wrote after a year of teaching, for the new students who will be enrolling in the next seven years."
Aurora did not directly answer Ian's question, but instead turned to the first page of "How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Secret of Prince" and pointed to the book's introduction with her fair little finger.
Ian glanced at it briefly and immediately looked away. The statement, "We cannot prevent school bullying, but we can choose to avoid it," stung his eyes.
"Old Deng is absolutely slandering me... I clearly only bully bullies..." Ian's voice was weak and feeble, and he felt that his reputation was probably beyond saving.
The next seven years are definitely hopeless, and it might be the same after graduation.
"Perhaps he exaggerated a bit, trying to create panic among the parents of young wizards... In reality, my grandfather's actions were clearly also to build momentum for you."
Aurora smiled, clearly enjoying seeing Ian get his comeuppance.
"What kind of publicity stunt is this...?"
Ian didn't even know where to begin complaining.
"No one understands how to create hype better than him. I think he and Dumbledore are exactly the same in this respect." Aurora's heterochromatic eyes held a profound meaning.
"Um?"
Ian recalled what Aurora had just said: Dumbledore had revealed the matter between him and Voldemort to some pure-blood family descendants or those in power.
What does this have to do with Grindelwald's actions?
Without waiting for Ian to ask, he did not ask.
Aurora stood up and dusted herself off, seemingly having foreseen the answer to his inner doubts.
"No one will be grateful to or respect a kind-hearted person, even if that kind-hearted person has been doing good deeds all their life... but it's different when a ruthless and powerful villain does a good deed."
"People will only sing your praises because they know you like it when they do." The German girl gave Ian a deep look, her tone somewhat enigmatic. "My grandfather didn't name this book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' to upset you; he was just subtly mocking a large segment of the population while working with Dumbledore to promote you."
Done.
The German girl stuffed the purse she had just taken out into Ian's robe, and then took the homework that Ian had secretly taken from her when he approached her earlier, and hugged it to her chest.
She didn't accuse Ian of trying to make her rewrite her holiday homework; she simply wiped her mouth with Ian's robe and walked alone toward the entrance of the auditorium.
"Clang clang!"
Phoenix Fox had been waiting in the corridor for some time. It disappeared with Aurora at the entrance of the Great Hall, causing the young wizards who were still eating to gasp in surprise.
"That's Headmaster Dumbledore's phoenix!"
"It can even Apparate with little Grindelwald!"
"Good heavens! I heard that little Grindelwald has become Headmaster Dumbledore's apprentice. It seems it's true. She comes from that terrible dark wizard's family!"
"Even though my father is a Muggle, my mother firmly believes that I also have the blood of a prophetic family, and I think I have a premonition that this will have a significant impact in the future!"
"Wake up, buddy. Our Uncle John next door is the one with prophetic blood. We don't have any."
……
A commotion broke out in the auditorium.
obviously.
Not only were some of Ian's secrets leaked, but some of Aurora's secrets were also being spread. It's unclear how many unseen forces are behind this.
"To create hype..."
Ian looked around and sighed. Just as he was about to leave, he noticed a young wizard from the same academy sneaking up to him.
"Professor, you ate your plate so clean! That's amazing." He was clearly still a little unaccustomed to it, but he still smiled and gave Ian a thumbs up.
"..."
Without a word, Ian reached into the young wizard's robe and pulled out a book. The title, "How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Secret of Prince," made his teeth ache.
"You believe this book? Are you stupid!"
Ian gave the little wizard who tried to use child psychology on him a severe scolding.
Seeing that the little wizard was somewhat dejected.
"Let me tell you, this is all Lockhart's way of ripping you off... I have a really useful book. You wait, I'll finish writing it in a few days and then you can buy the useful one."
"Return this book, quickly." Ian's words, tinged with anguish, caught the young wizard off guard. By the time he came to his senses, Ian had already shoved the book back into his hands.
"When the time comes... the book will be called 'The True Secret of Prince.' Remember to support the original and boycott these pirated copies." Ian's repeated admonitions, turning back every three steps, made the little wizard's eyes widen like copper bells.
You can play it like this?
Is he going to write a book to help himself out?
Even students from Ravenclaw.
This little wizard, whose understanding was refreshed by Ian's behavior, still felt that his brain's CPU was not enough—actually, Ian's psychology is quite easy to understand if you think about it carefully.
after all.
What's done is done.
Grindelwald can make that money.
Why can't he, Ian?
……
The peaceful holiday is gradually coming to an end.
Ian's studies continued as well.
of course.
Continuing to brew potions and craft some trump cards is also an essential part of the daily routine.
Potions Mastery (Level 5) 82/1600
With the increase in magical proficiency gained from constantly brewing potions, Ian finally succeeded in pushing his [Potion Mastery] to level five.
The extraordinary properties hidden within this magic also awakened, much like Ian had guessed—a potion-specific property similar to the extraordinary properties of alchemy.
Its name is [Limit Fusion].
This allows Ian to neutralize the medicinal properties of different ingredients to the greatest extent when brewing potions, achieving a level that no other potion brewer, no matter how skilled, can reach.
It might not be accurate to say that the impossible has been made possible, but the [Limit Fusion] technique allows Ian to consistently demonstrate what might be a one in ten million chance during the potion-making process.
This is something even Snape couldn't do, and it's probably the same for other Potions Masters in history. The improvement brought by any extraordinary trait cannot be made up for by hard work and talent.
"This might be some kind of... authority." Ian was still thinking about the legendary figure in his mind. He had a feeling that the indistinct shadow might be related to the legendary characteristics.
At least they are similar.
This was just Ian's guess, and there was no evidence. He couldn't find anything related to the legend in the library, and neither Grindelwald nor Dumbledore could offer him much help in this regard.
after all.
Ian's overall strength may still be far behind theirs, but on the road to legend, he has already surpassed his two mentors.
"Perhaps my more accomplished mentor can answer my questions." Ian looked forward to the mysterious night, knowing that Professor Morgan would surely be able to provide him with answers in this regard.
After all, Morgan is a legend herself, so she would naturally have a clearer and more detailed understanding of the path to legend than Grindelwald and Dumbledore.
"It's tonight."
Ian was filled with anticipation.
He also wanted to see Morgan's reaction after receiving the Mirror of Erised. Of course, since there was still most of the day before nightfall, the young wizard continued his daily studies and potion-making.
Level 5 is not the limit of potion-making proficiency. Ian will definitely not stop brewing potions, since he has many materials to use to further increase his proficiency.
With a guaranteed minimum, Ian can even level up again... Moreover, Ian's potion-making isn't solely for increasing his proficiency; the gains within the time loop are enough to allow Ian to continuously expand his "arsenal" for a considerable period.
"When I encountered Voldemort before, I was able to escape unscathed because I had done enough preparation beforehand. Otherwise, I might have been killed by that ruthless senior."
Ian knew that Albus Dumbledore was definitely ready to make a move at that time, but that didn't stop him from using the incident to develop more trump cards and hidden methods for himself.
As the saying goes, there are three thousand great paths, but only the Way of the Humble Expedition endures. Its sayings, such as "A wise man keeps his talents hidden until the right time to act" and "A tree that stands out in the forest will surely be felled by the wind," are proverbs that every successor of the Way of the Humble Expedition must keep in mind. The essence of the Way of the Humble Expedition lies in the two words "following one's heart," thus carving out a new world and forging a new life.
about this point.
Ian also strongly agreed.
Unfortunately, he's not the type to play dumb and pretend to be weak while actually being strong.
Moreover, having already crushed Voldemort and publicized it, he certainly wouldn't be able to truly embody the principles of the "survival path," which requires constant concealment of one's abilities. This situation made Ian realize that he could no longer remain low-key and naturally needed more methods and trump cards to deal with potential trouble.
"Who knows if Voldemort left messages with other soul fragments before he died, or if he made his followers resent me. I need to be on guard against any potential threats."
"This isn't paranoia, but rather the caution ingrained in my bones as a soul from the land of China. Only by possessing the strength to single-handedly defeat all the pure-blood families without taking damage can I sleep soundly at night." With the Black Phoenix, which could appear and disappear unpredictably, Ian was able to put some ideas that had been brewing for some time into practice.
Over the past few days.
Ian has been using the Black Phoenix's abilities to have it collect the young wizards' hair in the various lounges. This is to study what was mentioned in the book "Bloodline Origins," and also to create a new batch of "Anti-Magic Potions," which will have some effect on most wizards.
Having tasted the benefits of the [Anti-Magic Potion], Ian fell in love with its effects. However, he obviously couldn't afford to dig up all his classmates' ancestral graves just to brew the [Anti-Magic Potion].
It will incur public wrath.
Even if he disguised himself as Tom to dig up graves, Ian felt that he might incur some bad karma. For this reason, the universal version of the [Anti-Magic Potion] that could work on most wizards without using skeletal remains was the target of his research, and the extraordinary properties of [Limit Fusion] allowed him to glimpse the possibility of such a potion being created.
"Although the bloodlines of wizards are different, I have already discerned the existence of wizard genes. The underlying genes that can respond to magic in all bloodlines are these genes." Ian's research requires as many specimens as possible, and the fact that he can use hair to conduct such research is already a testament to his outstanding abilities.
Many of the wizards who died must have breathed a sigh of relief.
"Note: The sixty-fourth batch of universal anti-magic potion failed to brew. It seems to be missing a screening method, which makes it indiscriminately prohibit everyone from using magic."
Ian gave instructions to the [homework pen] beside him.
Dementors are clearly incapable of such a task.
So he really found a place where the homework pen could be used.
While using this "homework pen" to write a book, Ian also modified its function so that it could also be used to help him record experimental data.
Of course, the biggest use of the [Homework Pen] is for writing books. The completion and publication of "The True Secret of Prince" at the school was all thanks to this alchemical tool that he had originally intended to use for profit.
After going around in circles.
He eventually earned Galleons through his invention, even more than he had hoped for when he initially intended to use it to take orders for homework.
"Intellectual property rights are still the most valuable!" Ian said, petting his Black Phoenix while taking stock of his assets. He was now truly a wealthy man.
The sight of piles and piles of Galleons together is quite pleasing to the eye.
"No eating gold coins!"
Ian opened the black phoenix that was trying to devour Galleons. These days, he would occasionally let the black phoenix out to play at night, and leave it in the House of Requirement when he went out during the day.
no way.
Rumors about him and the Dumbledore family are still rampant in the academy, and he doesn't want those imaginative young wizards to associate the Dark Phoenix with new rumors.
Although this Black Phoenix is really hard to associate with Fox's phoenix, what if it is? It's already outrageous enough to say that he is the illegitimate son of Albus Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
Ian didn't want these rumors to escalate into even more terrifying monsters and demons... In doing so, the Black Phoenix would suffer, to the point that it would chase Fox around at night and peck at him indiscriminately.
It was clearly a case of taking out one's anger and jealousy on Fox's freedom.
The "hehehehehe" sounds echoing through Hogwarts at night have become another school ghost story, and a horror story for boys to scare their girlfriends.
Ian fabricated a ghost story about this, which terrified many of the young Ravenclaw wizards who stayed at school. No one associated him with the "hehehehehe" sounds that were heard in the school.
Ravenclaw's door knocker would often grumble that he smelled like other birds, but Bronze Falcon Head was easy to coax. Ian discovered that child psychology was the most effective tool for Bronze Falcon Head.
Anyway, ever since he discovered this secret, he has never been locked out of the Ravenclaw common room again; the only thing that happened was that the rumors about him and the Bronze Falcon Head were even more rampant.
In this regard.
Ian didn't feel anything.
Despite bearing numerous rumors, these rumors did not harm him in the slightest, nor did they affect his learning efficiency. In fact, after frequenting the library, he even experienced the Silent Explosion Curse.
It's not about silently casting the Explosion Spell, but about making the Explosion Spell explode without making a sound. This is definitely an excellent invention. If it weren't for his own dean stopping him, Ian would definitely have published a paper on it.
According to Felius Flitwick, the Explosion Curse is inherently an evil curse, and if Ian's Silent Explosion Curse were to become known, the Explosion Curse might have to be removed from textbooks.
Ian was somewhat unconvinced.
He has already argued with Professor Flitwick several times.
This is not.
A new batch of all-purpose anti-magic potion had just been brewed when, taking advantage of a lull in the work, Ian once again pestered Professor Flitwick, whose office was rather messy.
Step into this office.
It was as if I had stepped into a labyrinth of knowledge and wisdom. The walls were tightly wrapped by bookshelves arranged in a staggered pattern, which stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Each shelf was densely packed with all kinds of books, and books related to magic and spells seemed to be everywhere.
It's practically a miniature library—perhaps like the small library in Ravenclaw's common room; every Ravenclaw graduate eventually builds their own library. The words on the spines shimmer with the light of knowledge under the soft lamplight, attracting every eager-to-explore mind.
of course.
Although there are quite a few bookshelves filled with books.
However, what's even more impressive are the books that didn't obediently stay on the shelves. They're like a group of free spirits, scattered casually and elegantly in every corner of the office.
Some items were leaning against large desks, while others lay sprawled next to comfortable sofas, looking extremely messy, clearly having been rummaged through and not put back in their proper places.
I'm currently reading the error-free version! This is the first time I've published this novel.
It's not that I don't cherish books.
Ian had always suspected it was related to Professor Flitwick's dislike of climbing ladders. After all, Professor Flitwick had a slight fear of heights, something many young wizards knew.
"Why are you here again?"
Professor Flitwick, who looked up at Ian, felt a headache coming on.
"I've modified the Silent Explosion Charm again. Now it's truly silent. I've blocked the medium that conducts sound. It can even serve as proof that Muggle knowledge can be applied to magic." Ian tried to emphasize the importance of his self-created magic, but he clearly misunderstood Professor Flitwick's reasons for dissuading him.
"Hiss~"
Professor Flitwick saw Ian cast the Silent Explosion Spell again in front of him, and the increasingly exquisite skill made him gasp and look strange.
Having witnessed firsthand the improvement Ian made from initially demonstrating an explosive spell that only produced a faint sound, to now this one that silently destroyed his own solid wood chair.
Professor Flitwick knew.
I can't afford not to tell the truth.
Heaven knows how much the young wizard will improve his skills when he comes back next time—this is the first time he has felt how terrifying it is to have a student with exceptional talent.
No wonder Dumbledore was so wary of Tom Riddle back then... Professor Flitwick understood Dumbledore, but he didn't intend to become the Dumbledore he once was.
After all, this young Ravenclaw wizard wasn't as bad as Tom Riddle. Well... at least this brilliant student from their own house only liked arson and not killing, right?
"No normal wizard would learn this kind of explosive spell... I mean, you'd better not cause trouble for the Aurors," Professor Flitwick said with a hint of sarcasm.
Ian understood instantly, of course.
"This kind of magic can't be used to steal Gringotts."
He was still somewhat puzzled.
"Yes, that's right. It can't rob Gringotts, but how many wizards these days would have such a bold idea? The most likely use for it is to allow many people to silently blow their enemies into the air without disturbing their neighbors. This is much more troublesome for Aurors than the Killing Curse."
Professor Flitwick sighed heavily.
He eventually managed to dissuade Ian from using the magic to publish his paper.
"Okay, that's definitely something that could happen."
After careful consideration, the young wizard also realized that it made sense. Not all wizards were as kind-hearted as him, and only used the Silent Explosion Charm to enter the library to read books when it was closed.
of course.
Having finally managed to get in touch with Professor Flitwick, Ian was determined not to go back easily. He wasn't discouraged by the rejection, but instead continued his efforts in Professor Flitwick's office.
"Dean, since the Silent Explosion Charm will cause trouble for the Aurors, I think this Multiple Disarming Charm will definitely become the Aurors' greatest asset this century."
Ian still wanted to write his thesis. He didn't like Grindelwald and his group's hype; he wanted to make a name for himself. His goal was a high-quality, magical thesis.
"What kind of multiple disarming spell?"
Professor Flitwick, who had secretly breathed a sigh of relief and was about to resume preparing his lesson, became somewhat interested in Ian's words when he saw that Ian hadn't left and had come closer again.
"Just like that! Disarm you!"
Ian's wand glowed with the distinctive red light of the Disarming Charm. With a flick of his wand, the magic that had shot out seemed to be scattered, transforming into streaks of light resembling electric arcs.
"Crackling and popping~"
A bunch of things around him were hit by the spells that branched into more than ten strands, causing them to be knocked away. Ian looked at his headmaster with anticipation amidst the red arc of light.
"..."
Professor Flitwick swallowed hard.
"I don't think your magical technique was originally intended for the Disarming Charm..." Professor Flitwick said in a terrified voice.
It can only be said that he truly deserves to be called the Charms professor at Hogwarts, a dueling master, and a man who has devoted his life to studying magic. His incredibly sharp eyesight is truly remarkable.
"Yes, Professor, this is some kind of innovative attempt I made in another magic, but I think it would be most appropriate to use it on the Disarming Charm if I were to write a paper about it."
Ian glanced guiltily at the enormous bookshelf. Of course, he couldn't say that this technique was for Avada Kedavra; who would believe he simply thought that kind of magic was cool?
"Gurgle~"
Professor Flitwick's swallowing became increasingly pronounced. He swore that if Minerva hadn't told him something, he probably would have immediately notified the Ministry of Magic, who had already left the school with Quirrell's body.
"What's wrong, Professor?"
Ian tried his best to make his expression appear innocent. He noticed that Professor Flitwick's gaze was becoming increasingly strange; he hadn't expected the Ravenclaw headmaster to have such a sharp eye.
He had already secretly made some subtle modifications to this technique.
"Have you read that book in the forbidden section?" Professor Flitwick didn't launch into any harsh questioning of Ian; he simply spoke in a shrill voice as if he had just realized something.
"Um... I've read a lot of books in the restricted section, all with the principal's approval." Ian was a little confused; he hadn't consulted any books for this technique.
"It's that book, 'The Mystery of the Transfer Student,'" Professor Flitwick stared intently at Ian, as if trying to discern from Ian's expression whether he was lying.
"Huh? There's such a book? I've never seen it before." Ian was still somewhat bewildered; he had heard an extremely unfamiliar book title from Professor Flitwick.
Is it some kind of novel or biography?
Ian started speculating from the book's title. Could it be that the author shared his thinking, a kindred spirit who understood that overwhelming firepower was the only true solution?
"Some say it's a sealed-off school history, while others say it's just a fabricated story. I used to lean towards the latter, but now I'm a little unsure..."
"Since we have a first-year student like you, it's not impossible for a fifth-year legend to emerge." Professor Flitwick gave Ian a deep look.
"A legend in fifth grade!?"
Ian also became somewhat doubtful.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind, and he remembered something Aurora had mentioned to him. He couldn't help but blurt out the question.
"You're not talking about that old senior who kills when he's happy, and then kills even more people when he's unhappy, are you?" Ian had heard about this story from Aurora, but he thought she was joking. He didn't expect that there would actually be such a biography in the forbidden book section, which sounded even more exciting than Voldemort.
"You still say you haven't read this book!"
Professor Flitwick jumped up from his stool.
"Um, my friend has read it, I heard about it..." Ian was still a little incredulous. He tried to sort out his logic, "I think this kind of book is probably made up."
"After all, if such a student really existed, he would have been imprisoned in Azkaban before even graduating, and where in the wizarding world would he find so many wizards to kill?"
"If such a person truly existed, then Grindelwald shouldn't have been the first Dark Lord, and Voldemort shouldn't have been the second." Ian's analysis was reasonable and well-organized.
"Shh~"
Professor Flitwick hurriedly covered the young wizard's mouth.
"Don't call that mysterious man by his full name. He's cursed him... I think Dumbledore must have told you that the man isn't really dead."
He gave Ian a quiet reminder.
"..."
Ian, however, felt that Professor Flitwick seemed to be outdated.
"Haven't you heard?"
He tilted his head, somewhat puzzled.
"What did you hear?"
Professor Flitwick's eyes held a hint of bewilderment.
"Alright... let's talk about the serial killer you mentioned." Ian felt that Headmaster Dumbledore's publicity campaign didn't seem to have spread as widely as he had thought.
Upon hearing this, Professor Flitwick first gave him a strange look, then seemed lost in thought before speaking.
"Biographies are bound to be embellished. However, the wizarding world was indeed much larger a century ago than it is now."
"Killing hundreds of people a day might be an exaggeration, but a dozen or twenty is probably enough... If you haven't read that book, you probably don't know what the protagonist did." Professor Flitwick usually wouldn't talk about this with young wizards, but this young wizard in front of him was clearly an exception.
Exceptionally talented.
Exceptionally talented.
Or is he the future principal?
"Um, Dean, actually I was a little confused earlier. What's the connection between the protagonist in this biography and my Disarming Charm technique? Did he invent this technique before I did?"
Ian tilted his head and asked the question that had been bothering him for a while.
Professor Flitwick nodded, then shook his head thoughtfully. "It can't be called an invention. According to the records in that book, and the information I looked up out of curiosity, the student from a century ago learned this skill from some mysterious wizard."
The dean's words left Ian speechless.
"There really is someone who got there before me."
He began to feel a sense of regret for being born too late.
"It's hard to say. In fact, many people have studied the contents of this book, but no matter how hard these researchers tried, they couldn't find a single person involved."
Professor Flitwick shook his head again.
"So that means I'm the first person to use this technique?" Ian's eyes lit up again, and he looked at Professor Flitwick with anticipation.
Professor Flitwick didn't know why the young wizard was so persistent either. "It's hard to explain. In fact, your method isn't that complicated in terms of technique."
"The difficulty in performing it lies only in the strength of the soul and the control over magic. I think even including the protagonist we're talking about, there are very few people in the last few hundred years who have been able to successfully perform this technique," the Ravenclaw headmaster explained to the young wizard, while also extinguishing the flame of his thesis in Ian's heart.
"Techniques that no one else can use won't be included in prestigious journals, since they can't verify them and will naturally be cautious about not publishing your paper."
It can only be said that the academic rigor of the wizarding world is indeed sufficient, unlike some Muggle academic journals where you can get published just by paying money, which really made Ian feel a bit helpless.
"Can I go and demonstrate it to them in person?"
Ian, still somewhat unwilling to give up, continued to probe.
"Many pure-blood wizards have read the book we just discussed, and I'm sure you don't want them to associate your technique with the Killing Curse," Professor Flitwick said meaningfully, his tone full of profound insight.
The young wizard felt guilty again.
We can only leave the paper aside for now.
"You mean that the transfer student from over a hundred years ago mastered Avada Kedavra... no, I mean he mastered Avada Kedavra under multiple spellcasting?" Ian didn't mean to let it slip; he was just preoccupied with the title of the founder, so he said it absentmindedly.
"..."
Professor Flitwick remained silent.
He felt he had found irrefutable proof: the Illumination Charm this young wizard had demonstrated in class was absolutely, without a doubt, a replica of the Unforgivable Curse's light. And look at that name… Avada Kedavra… Ravenclaw already has its own Dark Lord!
By constantly correcting his own thoughts and reassuring himself that Hogwarts would not choose a dark wizard as headmaster, Professor Flitwick was finally able to look at Ian with a normal mindset.
"Let's assume you've read some legendary stories about transfer students that I haven't. That transfer student certainly knew that skill, at least that's what's described in his biographical stories," Professor Flitwick said, walking to his bookshelf and taking out a few sheets of paper from the bottom shelf.
"It's just a biography, don't take it too seriously." Ian wasn't trying to steal the title of inventor; he just thought the history was too outrageous and absurd.
"I initially had the same idea as you, but when I started pestering Albus just like you were pestering me, Albus finally let something slip during a conversation."
"That's why I feel that things no one remembers might not be so simple." Professor Flitwick glanced back at Ian, as if hesitating whether to discuss such a secret with a first-year wizard.
"And it's related to Headmaster Dumbledore?"
Ian was somewhat surprised.
Professor Flitwick nodded. "The year Albus enrolled was the same year this transfer student graduated. I think he's the one who knows best whether the transfer student actually exists or not."
have to say.
Professor Flitwick seems to have done a great deal of research on the story in "The Mystery of the Transfer Student: A Questionable Legend".
"What did Headmaster Dumbledore let slip?"
Ian's curiosity was further piqued.
"He got a notebook from a transfer student, Hufflepuff's notebook, but I never got to see its contents. Our headmaster always has a lot of secrets."
The headmaster of Ravenclaw couldn't help but sigh softly in front of a student.
"Forehead……"
Ian realized he seemed to recognize the contents of that notebook, which discussed the deal between the Four Greats and the Lord of the Dead. It was understandable that Albus Dumbledore hadn't brought it up.
After all, the content inside was simply too shocking.
"Of course, I feel that Albus's slip of the tongue was intentional, and I eventually found this under his guidance." Professor Flitwick waved the paper in his hand.
"Can I know what's recorded here?"
Ian looked on with curiosity.
"The mystery of the power of transfer students."
Professor Flitwick returned to the table.
"Who taught him that skill?" Ian remembered Professor Flitwick saying that the transfer student's skill came from a mysterious wizard.
"Yes, he called him the System Teacher, and what drew me to the truth was that there was some information suggesting that this teacher of his had some connection with Ms. Ravenclaw."
Professor Flitwick finished speaking in a low voice.
Ian's eyes widened.
"Ms. Ravenclaw? Is Ms. Ravenclaw his teacher?"
Faced with this answer.
Professor Flitwick remained silent, then placed the papers in front of Ian. These papers appeared to contain fragments of a memoir.
I remember that was the year before I transferred schools.
I found it in the wild. It was a talking bird, and it looked quite badly injured. I fed it some of the magic potions I always carry with me.
It praised the quality of my potion, saying it wasn't diluted with much water, and then told me it could teach me magic and make me a wizard comparable to Merlin.
Of course, I didn't believe the nonsense of a bird. While I was taking it back for treatment, I did some research and found that this bird looked more like a wizard in its Animagus form.
[I asked it, and it said it wouldn't admit it even if I were killed, and then it brought up again that it could teach me skills, as long as I was willing to call it "System Daddy."]
It also told me that it never owes anyone a favor in its life, only makes others owe it favors, so that it can feel at ease when it kills someone.
[What philosophically profound words! Looking back now, they're quite chilling.]
Perhaps it was because I was facing too many difficulties in my magical studies during that period, or perhaps it was because my sixth sense was quite strong, but I inexplicably believed it. After all, wizards who can learn Animagus are all very powerful wizards.
[As it turned out, my hunch was right.]
This eccentric teacher was truly remarkable; he taught me a great deal of terrifying knowledge, swaying my destiny in a direction I never dared to imagine.
However, its injuries don't look simple; I need to take its place...
……
The notes in the memoir are very messy and contain incomplete sections.
All I saw was...
On the paper, which resembles a torn page of a memoir, besides the scribbled notes, there is a clearly imprinted pattern, with a clarity as if it were taken with a camera and then transferred onto the paper.
It's so lifelike, it's even turning its head.
That is,
Raven.
(End of this chapter)