bacchusnovels Chapter 132, Section 131: A Wonderful Life! An Increase in Magic Power!
Chapter 132, Section 131: A Wonderful Life! An Increase in Magic Power!
Chapter 132, Section 131: A Wonderful Life! An Increase in Magic Power!
The words are not surprising and die endlessly.
The young-looking Arthur King uttered a sarcastic remark and disappeared around the corner. Ian, his expression changing, immediately gave chase but couldn't find the professor on the other side of the corner.
Where are they?!
It catches the eye.
Ian only saw an empty, long corridor stretching towards the library. The alchemy professor, who had been in his sight just seconds before, had vanished without a trace. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air the moment he turned the corner; Ian's gaze couldn't even catch a glimpse of Arthur King's clothes.
"Apparition? That shouldn't be possible! Apparition isn't allowed at Hogwarts!" Ian stared blankly at the silent corridor, his surprise and uncertainty deepening.
Not only was the sudden disappearance of the alchemy professor unbelievable, but what Ian found most incomprehensible was the sentence Arthur King said before he disappeared.
"However, you might not be happy—remember when I said I could help you? Haha, now that you think about it, do you regret refusing me?"
It did happen that Ian wanted to help the young wizard but was refused, but it happened during the correct time before Ian fell into the loop—a few hours later, on a night when Ian was researching the Resurrection Stone in the library.
Two people will meet by chance.
Then Ian, worried that the alchemy professor might be involved with the Deathly Hallows, declined the alchemy professor's offer, which should not have happened yet.
In fact.
At the time, Ian thought that the alchemical problem the alchemy professor was talking about was the information he was looking for about the Resurrection Stone, but now he sees that what this mysterious professor is talking about is clearly not the Resurrection Stone.
The mark of Slytherin.
This thing is also an alchemical creation.
Perhaps Arthur King, the mysterious professor of alchemy, had already foreseen Ian's situation back then, and knew that Ian would fall into his current predicament because of the Slytherin mark!
The more Ian thought about it, the stronger this feeling became.
"This guy is definitely not right!" Ian had suspected Arthur King of having problems before because of the extra note, and now the other party's mysterious behavior was clearly solid evidence, like a werewolf revealing himself.
As part of a loop.
How does this guy know about things that haven't happened yet? And judging from his tone, these things that haven't happened yet are clearly in the past for him!
Arthur King!
They had already gone through the conversation with Ian, which was supposed to happen a few hours later!
"Is he, like me, not part of this cycle—or perhaps, having discovered my situation, somehow followed me into the intercepted fate that Dumbledore spoke of?" This was the only plausible explanation Ian felt could make for Arthur King's earlier statement.
It's hard to imagine that such a mysterious figure could be hidden in Hogwarts. Even Albus Dumbledore and Grindelwald hadn't noticed anything amiss with Ian!
And yet, a seemingly insignificant, marginal character, barely mentioned in the original books, was able to immediately discern the changes in Ian? Who could believe that in this day and age, there could be a wizard with a sharper and more perceptive eye than Albus Dumbledore and Grindelwald!
That's completely unreasonable!
It's neither science nor magic!
It's completely absurd and bizarre, a magical world that feels quite unreal!
"Something that shouldn't have happened has happened; there must be some special reason for it." Ian pondered, and some bold guesses began to rise in his mind.
Such a mysterious figure, whose purpose is unclear, and who seems to be in the same state as Ian, could not possibly be an ordinary professor who should be living in Hogwarts.
Otherwise.
How could Voldemort have been able to roam for seven books in the original story, and even almost take over Hogwarts during the final battle? Ian doesn't recall any of the alchemy professors who had such a stellar performance among the rebellious professors.
"Maybe—is it really what I think?" Ian didn't even bother to follow Quirrell, whose backside had been blown up, into the secret passage. He took out the Marauder's Map, checked it for a moment, and then immediately ran towards the headmaster's office.
"After showing off in front of me and leaving me with a mysterious back view, he still dared to go to the library to read books." Ian discovered that Arthur King's name had not disappeared from the map, but continued to swagger into the library, so he pulled Professor Albus Dumbledore along with him.
Perhaps they felt it wasn't safe.
Gellert Grindelwald, who was leisurely enjoying his lunch in the auditorium, was also pulled out by him. Of course, he briefly explained the situation and his guesses to the two professors.
"Pfft, is this kid playing a prank on us?"
Grindelwald and Dumbledore followed behind Ian, who, like a kid taking his Uncle Superman to school, strode confidently toward the library.
"Right here!"
Ian caught up with the young alchemy professor in front of a bookshelf in the public library area. The professor seemed completely oblivious to what was happening, flipping through a biographical story and appearing quite engrossed in it.
Both centenarians held wands in their hands, but they didn't seem inclined to act rashly, especially since Ian had reported and denounced a professor.
"Mr. Prince, are you sure Professor Arthur King said that to you?"
Dumbledore's original intention was to check on the situation and then, when the time was right, quietly use Legilimency on the professor, who had lost his "protective aura for minors," to find out what was going on.
However, some still found it unbelievable and wanted to ask the young wizard for confirmation. The old headmaster, who did not want to offend an innocent professor unnecessarily, obviously did not expect that the young wizard would also draw his wand.
"Of course I'm sure, Headmaster Dumbledore. I'm only eleven years old. How could my ears be faulty?" Ian showed Dumbledore what decisive action meant.
"Disarm you!"
Ian cast a spell directly at Professor Arthur King, a beam of red light shooting towards the seemingly oblivious Arthur King, who was immediately struck by the spell.
The wand at his waist flew high into the air, and not only that, everything on his body that could possibly be used as a weapon exploded, including his clothes, robes, and even the rings on his fingers.
"Who! Who attacked me!"
Arthur King was stunned for a while before he came to his senses. He was only wearing a pair of pants, his face full of terror, and he covered his crotch and let out a hysterical scream.
"I'm sorry, Arthur—"
Albus Dumbledore quickly stopped Ian, who was about to continue casting spells, and stepped out of the area where he was secretly observing. When he looked back at Ian, his expression was somewhat complicated.
Obviously.
The old headmaster was somewhat speechless at Ian's unusual disarming spell.
"Someone's attacking me! Headmaster! Someone's attacking me!" Arthur King looked extremely flustered, immediately hiding behind Albus Dumbledore and frantically looking around. It was unclear whether he wanted to use Albus Dumbledore as a shield or was worried that his fair skin would be exposed to others for free.
"He's a naughty little fellow, and I apologize on his behalf."
Albus Dumbledore's expression was rather strange.
His gaze met Arthur King's tense and flustered eyes.
"Little guy, you're really incredibly bold."
Grindelwald didn't go out; he simply raised his hand quickly and pulled the alchemy professor's wand, which had been blasted onto the bookshelf by magic, to his front.
"Pfft, acacia wood, Thestral tail hair—" Grindelwald was identifying the material of Professor Arthur King's wand. Just as the young wizard was about to ask if he had made any discoveries...
"No magic allowed in the library! Damn it! Why is the headmaster leading the way—"
Just as Mrs. Pince, who had just heard the commotion, came over, Albus Dumbledore, who was comforting Professor Arthur King, turned around to explain, but Mrs. Pince's words were cut short.
"Thump~"
Who says that sleep quality gets worse as people get older?
Didn't you see Mrs. Pince fall asleep as soon as she lay down?
Not only was Albus Dumbledore stunned, but even Ian felt that the Dark Arts professor beside him had gone too far. When he turned to look, Grindelwald had already placed his wand at his waist.
"I know exactly how to use the Sleeping Charm."
Grindelwald offered a further explanation for his actions, still flipping Arthur King's wand, which he had just tried to use but had failed to cast a spell.
otherwise.
Mrs. Pince's words may only have had time to begin.
Albus Dumbledore quickly conjured a pillow for Mrs. Pince.
He didn't use anything else as a basis, and this almost "creation out of thin air" method caught Ian's attention. The young wizard remembered that Albus Dumbledore had once been the Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts.
"I want to learn this, Professor!"
Ian looked at Dumbledore with shining eyes.
"That's not something we should be talking about right now."
Albus Dumbledore touched his forehead, looking at Mrs. Pince on the ground and the alchemy professor whose clothes had been ripped off. He felt exhausted.
He could feel how much of a headache it was for Ian and Grindelwald to be together.
"I'm protecting her too."
Grindelwald was still putting on an innocent expression.
"This is a school! Gellert! You're attacking our fellow citizens!" Albus Dumbledore's voice was much louder and tinged with anger.
Ian shrank back.
Fortunately, this anger wasn't directed at him.
"This guy is Gellert Grindelwald?! Damn it! Isn't he Gilderoy Lockhart?! What are you guys doing?! Was he the one who attacked me just now?!"
Arthur King was hurriedly putting on the robe that Albus Dumbledore had handed him when he heard the way Albus Dumbledore addressed him, and his expression immediately changed.
After a series of exaggerated facial expressions, he suddenly screamed in terror, "Shouldn't this guy be stuck in prison forever, never to step out of his cell again?!"
This statement came out.
Grindelwald's gaze immediately turned hostile.
"It's definitely acting!"
Ian felt that although the other person's reaction seemed very lifelike, it was completely soulless. How could a good wizard have such dull nerves and a loud and boisterous feeling? "What are you acting out? What are you talking about? I'm just reading a book here—" Arthur King's tone was a bit aggrieved as he watched the little wizard raise his wand and point it at him.
The young professor immediately raised his hands and looked at the old principal beside him with pleading eyes. His harmless appearance was completely different from the feeling he had given Ian before.
It's like disguising yourself as a little lamb.
"Stop acting! This is the monstrous thing Salazar Slytherin left behind!" Ian brought two of Hogwarts' strongest fighters with him because he felt he had connected all the information.
Well, how should I put it?
The analysis is reasonable and well-founded.
In this secret loop created by Slytherin, even Grindelwald and Dumbledore could not escape it. What else could be the guy who could break out of the loop and become a special individual like Ian?
It wasn't Salazar Slytherin himself! It was a work left behind by Salazar Slytherin before his death! Since the dragon in the Mystic Realm had told Ian about Slytherin's death, Ian would naturally lean towards Professor Arthur King being the one who left behind the work of Salazar Slytherin before his death.
If Gryffindor could leave behind a secret portrait with certain privileges, and Ravenclaw had eyes that looked down upon humanity, Salazar and Slytherin could certainly leave behind some means as well.
Life Alchemy.
This kind of thinking is the kind of style Salazar Slytherin would try. If Professor Arthur King is not a person, but a bio-alchemy achievement left behind by Salazar Slytherin, then it would be a logical and reasonable thing for him to enter this cycle without being affected by fate and time.
"As an outstanding alchemical creation, it's quite reasonable for him to teach alchemy at school!" Ian's analysis was indeed just a guess based on known facts. However, he wasn't afraid of being wrong, since no matter how much he did as he pleased, the final impact would be zeroed out after the cycle reset.
"You think I'm an alchemical creation left behind by the founder of Hogwarts?" Arthur King was slightly taken aback at first, then his eyes widened and he showed an incredulous expression.
"Although you're only a first-year wizard, I initially thought your alchemy skills were quite good. But now it seems you completely misunderstand the taboos and limitations of bio-alchemy!"
Arthur King's tone was full of anger and resentment.
"What do you mean, Professor?"
Ian didn't reply, but looked at Albus Dumbledore. The old headmaster, after a moment of silence, shook his head at him with a slight flicker in his eyes.
"Um?"
Ian understood what the old headmaster meant. This Legilimency master hadn't found even a single piece of information in Arthur King's memories that would arouse Albus Dumbledore's suspicion.
"That shouldn't be the case!"
Ian was somewhat stunned. He looked at the fragments of robes on the ground. "He also liked to wear dark green clothes; that's the symbol of Slytherin."
Upon hearing the little wizard's remarks...
Arthur King rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"That's because I graduated from Slytherin House!" He looked at Ian's wand, as if only now realizing that the person who had ambushed him was the young wizard in front of him.
"Professor Arthur King is indeed an outstanding graduate of Slytherin House, as evidenced by his application and—in my memory."
Albus Dumbledore also spoke up in support of Arthur King, his voice calm and steady. Grindelwald glanced up at him, then looked back at Arthur, Professor King.
"I'm not afraid of a dark wizard like you." Arthur King seemed to be showing off his courage, but there was an obvious sense of guilt in his voice.
"Of course, that's great."
Grindelwald flashed a very bright smile.
"I never imagined that our headmaster would go to such lengths to deal with me because of the nonsense spouted by a mere wizard. It really makes me feel very disheartened."
Arthur King then turned to Albus Dumbledore, his tone full of dissatisfaction, "I have worked for Hogwarts for eleven years, diligently and without a single mistake, and I have never done anything to betray the school or the students. Have all these years of dedication not earned you your trust?"
"I bet if this little wizard had slandered Professor McGonagall, you certainly wouldn't have let him lay a hand on her." Arthur King's expression was full of resentment.
He glared at Ian with great resentment.
"Arthur, I'm sorry for what happened to you today. If there's anything we can do to make it up to you, please feel free to ask."
Albus Dumbledore's tone was calm, and his voice was full of sincere apology.
Upon hearing this...
Arthur King's expression also improved.
"You came here to find me after listening to the slander of that little wizard, so you should give me a proper explanation, shouldn't you?" Arthur King sighed, his tone no longer as aggressive as before.
"Mr. Prince told us that not long ago, you said something to him in the corridor that was not very appropriate," Albus Dumbledore began cryptically.
Arthur King immediately frowned.
"What's the specific time?"
He looked at Ian, who was examining the fragment of the ring.
"Fifteen minutes ago?"
The little wizard gave the correct answer.
"Then the person you met couldn't be me, because I've been here for several hours, and I think Mrs. Pince, who was attacked by you, can attest to that."
Arthur King spoke with remarkable composure, looking at Mrs. Pince, who lay unconscious on the ground. At that moment, Grindelwald also walked up to Mrs. Pince and pointed his wand at her temple.
"He's right. In our librarian's memory, she did indeed talk to him here for quite a while." Grindelwald put away his wand and looked at Albus Dumbledore.
"Does Mrs. Pince have this memory?" Albus Dumbledore lowered his head, his deep eyes behind his glasses trembling slightly. Arthur King, standing beside him, immediately became excited again.
"I told you I didn't go out, and I certainly didn't say anything inappropriate to this little wizard in the hallway. Damn it, do you guys think I'm a pervert?"
"My ancestors were not English!" Arthur King said indignantly, like an innocent victim of slander, seemingly misunderstanding why the young wizard and his men had come to him.
......
Ian felt that the alchemy professor was insulting the entire British people.
"I apologize again. I will teach this little rascal who gave false information a good lesson." Albus Dumbledore suddenly bowed slightly to Arthur King.
"He'd better be taught a lesson! He caused me a lot of psychological harm!" Arthur King remained standing in place, his expression towards Ian now carrying a hint of viciousness.
"I hope this will soothe your pain." Grindelwald pulled out a heavy cloth bag, stepped forward, and placed it in Arthur King's hands.
"Ha, you think I'm short of Galleons?"
Arthur King opened the bag, his face glowing gold from the rare metal that glittered far beyond its capacity. He once again put on a dramatic, face-changing performance, like a Sichuan opera mask-changing act.
"Actually, the psychological damage I suffered wasn't that great. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you are Grindelwald. I think you're not as bad as people say. The world has many misunderstandings about you." He put the bag into the robe that Dumbledore had given him, and then raised his outstretched hand to Grindelwald.
This is clearly a demand for the wand that Grindelwald is holding.
"A very fine and loyal wand, a very rare combination." Grindelwald smiled as he returned Arthur King's wand to him.
However, his tone was slightly meaningful.
"Thank you for the compliment. I think it's also related to my excellence." Arthur King checked his wand and visibly breathed a sigh of relief after finding it undamaged.
"Let's go, little one."
Grindelwald led Ian toward the library door first, while Albus Dumbledore helped Mrs. Pince up from the ground and put the unconscious Mrs. Pince back in her chair before following them.
"Professor, I'm not lying, and I'm not hallucinating." Ian followed behind the two old men, sensing that the two silent men in front of him were somewhat depressed.
“Of course I believe you, Ian, but the facts are clear—at least we see that he is fine, so we can’t treat our professor like a dark wizard.” Albus Dumbledore sighed, his tone extremely grave.
"My experience is fine too." Ian pointed his wand at his temple and pulled out a strand of silver thread that emitted a few points of starlight.
"Yes, your experience is fine too—" That is the real problem. Albus Dumbledore's tone was shrewd, and his seemingly trivial words were full of profound meaning.
"What do you mean?"
Ian stuffed the silver thread he had pulled out back into his temple.
The old headmaster did not respond, but simply looked at Grindelwald beside him.
"I can't use his wand, not even if I force it." Grindelwald shrugged, his smile undiminished, as he pieced together the information he had previously discovered.
"Does this prove that his magic surpasses yours?" Ian, who was familiar with some of the basic rules of the magical world, immediately thought of an even more bizarre possibility.
"The acacia wood only chooses the most talented wizards—of course, this is just a general concept, and it doesn't have much to do with my inability to wield this wand."
Grindelwald glanced back, recalling his feelings in his mind.
"I prefer a more direct explanation, Professor."
Ian felt that Grindelwald liked to beat around the bush even more than Dumbledore.
"He cast a spell on his own wand, child. Just as his wand was blown out of his robes by your magic, he performed a wandless spell that none of us noticed."
"I think our alchemy professor might be a bit of a germaphobe in this regard, and doesn't really like others using his things." Grindelwald's voice still had a lighthearted quality.
However, Ian felt a chill run down his spine upon closer examination.
"Could this guy be Slytherin himself?" He thought of Voldemort's obsession with creating Horcruxes, and wondered if the seemingly great Salazar Slytherin was not so fearless of death.
After all, like begets like. With a descendant like Voldemort, it's possible that Salazar Slytherin is also involved with Horcruxes, as using Horcruxes is a tradition of the Slytherin family.
"You should go to class, little Ian. Professor McGonagall doesn't like students who are late." Albus Dumbledore actually led Ian all the way to the door of the Transfiguration classroom.
"Ugh, I thought the three of us had already teamed up." Ian was a little reluctant. He had already taken this class, and with his mind full of Professor Arthur King's mystery, he didn't want to repeat what he had already done.
"You can ask Professor McGonagall about the Transfiguration techniques you want to learn. She has always liked students with outstanding Transfiguration talent like you." Albus Dumbledore simply pushed Ian into the classroom.
Seeing the gazes of the group of young wizards already in the classroom looking at him, Ian looked back several times before finally resignedly finding a seat and sitting down in the classroom.
Outside the window.
As Albus Dumbledore and Grindelwald disappeared into the distance, Ian, who had used some magical tricks, could vaguely hear their conversation gradually fading away.
"It seems the second prophet you told me about has been found," Albus Dumbledore said to Grindelwald, who shook his head in response.
"I think he's not the person we're looking for, but a third party—in fact, I noticed something unusual in his resume when I was reviewing your school's past records."
The two were talking about something beyond the scope of Ian's knowledge. Even after Professor McGonagall entered the classroom, he was still frowning and pondering the meaning of the second and third person.
On the other side...
Inside the library where all three people had left.
"This is quite unexpected." Professor Arthur King said, after the three of them had left, it took him a long time to withdraw his gaze from the front door.
"They're both shrewd, those two old men, each one a better actor than me." Suddenly, the figure of Professor Arthur King emerged from behind the bookshelf next to him.
The space rippled.
Another Arthur King appeared in the library. He was wearing the clothes he wore before they were ripped off, and the bronze ring on his hand, like his clothes, remained intact.
"Ugh, the whole thing was a disaster. It's my fault for not experiencing anything like this for so long since I've had to rely on this thing." Arthur King twirled the ring on his finger.
next moment.
Originally residing in the library, he vanished like sand in the wind after donning the robes given to him by Dumbledore, disappearing without a trace as if he had never existed.
"I shouldn't have been so cheeky and went up to that kid to tease him. I should have realized sooner that anyone who can play with you is bound to be a brute..."
"He caught me completely off guard!" Arthur King pulled a photograph from his robes; it was a picture of Ian and his two deceased companions.
"The road I'm about to take is really too difficult—maybe I should just find a beautiful place with clear waters and lush mountains and just die, preferably with a waterfall above my grave to wash it clean every day."
Inside the library.
A gentle breeze drifted in through the window.
The professor, who appeared to be young, seemed to be seriously considering this question.
Inside the classroom for the Transformation Class.
Professor McGonagall finished her lesson to the young wizards with a worried expression. Ian didn't even have a chance to ask for extra help before the older catgirl dashed out of the classroom, just as he remembered.
"What are you busy with?"
Ian felt he could use the loop as an opportunity to explore things he wouldn't normally notice, so he followed Professor McGonagall all the way through Hogwarts.
of course.
Professor McGonagall was certainly not just admiring the carving techniques of the statues; whenever she stood in front of a statue, Professor McGonagall would carefully examine the marks on it.
"This hasn't been touched."
"No, that one either."
"Damn it, who dared to touch those statues?!"
Ian overheard Professor McGonagall's mutterings and saw that she became increasingly anxious and hurried. After inspecting all the statues at Hogwarts, she looked as if she had aged ten years.
Under the extraordinary sensitivity of [Thought Perception], Ian clearly went from being unable to see any of the other party's thoughts to being able to clearly feel Professor McGonagall's fear and unease.
"Moved the statue? Hiss! Could I be the culprit?" Ian pondered Professor McGonagall's muttered words and realized the reason for her anxiety.
Ian, who was making a cameo appearance in the tailing theater, realized this and immediately slipped away silently, disappearing into the House of Requirement to become a magical ostrich.
He had considered running away and turning himself in, hoping to contribute to Professor McGonagall's peaceful sleep that night, but the thought of the long lecture Professor McGonagall might give him gave him a headache. Even in the loop, Ian was somewhat afraid of such a scene; it was far more frightening than being mocked by Snape.
"A serious, earnest, responsible, and preachy middle-aged professor is the most intimidating." Ian was in the Room of Requirement, burning a cauldron with his Dementors.
The sight of hundreds of cauldrons simultaneously boiling potions was quite spectacular—to be honest, in Ian's opinion, Dementors were not unintelligent, at least the one next to him seemed to be getting smarter and smarter.
At first, this Dementor could only help him process some simple materials and start a fire, but now, it can even remember some simple potion-making procedures.
"You're such a good helper!" Ian climbed up a ladder before he could pat the Dementor on the shoulder and make a big promise to it.
"When I find a chance to bring back a few more Dementors from Azkaban, I'll have them all brew potions for me, and then I'll appoint you as the Dementor General."
"No! King of Dementors!" Perhaps because Ian had been manipulating the Dementors, they were brainwashed by him and became even more energetic under his encouragement.
"Keep these pots on fire, I'm going to get some supplies." Ian began his operation late at night, knowing exactly how to make the most of this time loop.
The two full buckets of wax in the purse had already given him an idea. Ian felt that his good uncle, unaware of the situation, was providing him with guidance from the depths of his being.
"The potion ingredients here are really free!" Of course, Ian couldn't open Snape's office door; the magic attached to the lock was far beyond the level that his unlocking spells could handle.
only.
Sometimes, even if the lock can't be opened, it doesn't prevent people from getting in—with a loud explosion, Ian had already left the crime scene before Snape rushed over.
The real demolition genius might already be at Hogwarts.
"Who is it! Which damned bastard is it!"
Snape's loud roars and howls went unheard by Ian, who had already returned to the Room of Requirement and was making full use of his special ability within the cycle to start brewing potions.
With the help of the air purifier pro version, Ian was not worried about being caught by Snape brewing potions. At the same time, Snape's past teachings also prevented him from leaving any trace of himself at the scene.
people.
We are always growing through learning.
Snape ran rampant at Hogwarts all night, only managing to catch Quirrell, a poor fellow who was secretly brewing healing medicine. Snape then blackmailed Quirrell as the culprit.
There was no other way. Upon hearing that Snape was going to call the Ministry of Magic, Professor Quirrell, who already had a guilty conscience, had no choice but to bite the bullet and offer up his entire fortune to help the Dark Lord hide.
Despite his usual frugality, he actually had quite a bit of wealth. Snape was very satisfied and used Professor Quirrell's savings to buy himself a new batch of materials.
Days passed by, and apart from the fact that this was a world where only Professor Quirrell was injured, everything else was no different from what Ian remembered.
The Gryffindor Sea King's mishap sparked a chain of suspicion among couples at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, Ian's demonstration of Fiendfyre in a Charms class impressed the Ravenclaw Headmaster, who then discovered that his Charmsweaver wasn't working so well. He immediately led his students out of the classroom.
The students were safe, as Ian's control was indeed very strong. However, the fact that the classrooms were burned to the ground clearly added to Hogwarts' finances.
It doesn't really matter.
After all, everything will be reset.
"There has to be something burning to really show the magic's beauty?" Ian was truly letting loose, and he even found an opportunity to privately ask Professor McGonagall about Transfiguration.
Well, how should I put it?
It should be said that opportunity found Ian. Ever since he followed Professor McGonagall and discovered yet another secret in the school, Ian would always choose a cool stone statue to carry his bags when he went out at night.
"Stone blocks deployed!"
The opportunity came when Ian cast his spell again and found that the stone block did not respond at all, because the old catgirl crawled out of the stone statue he had chosen after it suddenly shattered.
"Finally caught you—."
Professor McGonagall stayed up all night, and her strategy of waiting for the right person to come to her was a complete success. She found the mysterious person she was looking for, but he was not quite the same as she had imagined.
"Professor McGonagall! How could you be so...uncivilized?" Ian was a little guilty and nervous, but the scolding he expected did not happen.
"I knew someone had moved these statues, but I never expected it to be you—Mr. Prince. I must say, this really surprises me."
Professor McGonagall looked at the young wizard with a complex expression, but the tension that had been building for days finally eased. "Although the school rules don't explicitly address your behavior, because of your nighttime outing, I'll give Ravenclaw—well, more like solitary confinement would be the most effective punishment."
The older catgirl looked at the hourglass where the score was clearly abnormal. She realized many problems and her gaze toward the little wizard became increasingly strange and complicated.
"What kind of confinement?"
The little wizard lowered his head, adopting the posture of a well-behaved student.
"You need to dedicate some of your free time each day to learning extra material here. This material will become your final exam, unlike the exams for other young wizards."
"I hope you take this seriously—after all, you certainly need to be much better than the other young wizards." And just like that, Ian got the opportunity to receive special tutoring.
to be frank.
Professor McGonagall didn't really like teaching young wizards extra knowledge. After all, in her opinion, learning Transfiguration required a steady and thorough approach, as too much of a good thing could easily lead to danger.
However, because she realized some unbelievable aspects of Ian, and because Ian's transformation skills were indeed excellent, she kept a close eye on Ian's studies for many days afterward.
For Ian
This was definitely a bittersweet experience.
He had less time to brew potions, but his proficiency in Transfiguration was increasing rapidly. Professor McGonagall might not be as powerful as Albus Dumbledore, but she was definitely a true master of Transfiguration, with exceptionally rich teaching experience, and was better able to help students overcome their weaknesses than Snape.
With Professor McGonagall providing such meticulous and patient guidance, it's no wonder that even the most gifted young wizards would progress rapidly, let alone the already exceptionally talented Ian.
"It's been upgraded!"
After several weeks of closed-door training, Ian's proficiency in Transfiguration improved dramatically, pushing his already level six Transfiguration skill up another level.
Polymorph (Level 7) 13/6400
The epiphany brought about by the magical upgrade also led to a sudden improvement in Ian's skills, which shocked Professor McGonagall and made her realize even more that the young wizard she was teaching was indeed qualified.
"Hogwarts never makes a mistake in its choices." Professor McGonagall murmured to herself, gazing at the young wizard's boastful achievement. After a moment of melancholy and reflection, she solemnly promised to help Ian complete his studies in Animagus Transfiguration. She had already seen the talent Ian possessed in his Transfiguration.
"Thank you, Professor!"
Ian expressed his sincere gratitude to Professor McGonagall, who did not hold back any knowledge just because he was not a Gryffindor student. He had truly benefited greatly from the past few weeks of study.
of course.
Ian felt he would have little chance of getting Professor McGonagall's help with his Animagus transfiguration training, as he was about to enter a new cycle.
That night.
This is the night before Christmas.
This is also the obstacle that prevents Ian from stepping into the new future.
Before time passes.
Ian happened to be talking to Dumbledore in the headmaster's office when he ran into Snape, who had been dragging his feet for weeks and was finally reporting the damage from the office bombing to the school.
Snape glanced at him.
Perhaps assuming he was learning magic from Dumbledore, they didn't say much, only warning him to be careful of some hidden figures in Hogwarts before leaving the office.
"Where is our alchemy professor?" Ian asked the question that concerned him most. He hadn't seen Arthur King on his Marauder's Map for a long time.
"He's always been there, always fulfilling his duty." Albus Dumbledore's answer surprised Ian, and the young wizard quickly pulled out the Marauder's Map to check it again.
No.
Arthur King's name cannot be found at all.
"He was probably worried that you would cause him trouble, so he hid himself. Your map isn't foolproof," Albus Dumbledore explained to Ian with a chuckle.
"All right."
Ian was well aware that whoever the other person was, their expertise in alchemy far surpassed his own, considering that even Grindelwald could deceive him with his map.
The young wizard placed the Marauder's Map and turned his attention to the report submitted by Snape.
"Didn't Professor Snape already make Professor Quirrell pay for this once?" Ian leaned closer to Dumbledore, his eyes widening at the staggering figures in Snape's report.
"I didn't even get a tenth of that!" Ian learned another lesson from his good uncle. Not only did his good uncle eat Quirrell, but he also ate Hogwarts School again.
No wonder it took so long to report the losses!
So they were falsifying accounts!
"It seems our Professor Snape is trying to make a fortune off this." Albus Dumbledore, however, was completely unconcerned, since it was the school board members who would pay for these unexpected losses.
In order for their children to learn real skills, the school board had no choice but to grit their teeth and provide supplementary materials. Otherwise, with all the materials missing, the young wizards would not only learn nothing, but Snape would also be able to enjoy a well-deserved paid rest—even if Ian didn't restart the loop, Dumbledore would turn a blind eye.
Snape became rich.
The other professors at Hogwarts also had no shortage of potions.
Isn't this a win-win situation for everyone?
"Unfortunately, my good uncle no longer keeps his materials in his office. I searched the entire Hogwarts but couldn't find where he hid them!"
Ian glanced at the hundreds of potions in his purse and felt rather regretful.
"You've got a bit too much going on." Albus Dumbledore stood in front of a Pensieve and extracted his memories, placing them into it.
"Isn't this what you asked for?" Ian blinked as he watched Dumbledore store the memories and then hand him the entire Pensieve.
"It doesn't have to be this kind of chaotic change." Albus Dumbledore's face twitched as he recalled what the young wizard had done these past few days.
He's not just a demolition genius.
He even found excuses to beat up the spoiled Slytherin students several times, as if he wanted to vent all his dissatisfaction with Salazar Slytherin on the students of this house.
Even during class, if those spoiled students stepped into the classroom with their left foot first, this little guy would grab their arms and beat them up for disrespecting the professor and classmates.
Regardless of their grade level, Slytherin students rarely dared to resist or draw their wands, because they knew very well that if they drew their wands or resisted, the other person would definitely draw their wands as well.
At that point, it wasn't as simple as getting a beating. These pure-blooded wizards, both senior and junior, could still distinguish between what was important and what was not.
“I didn’t beat up the well-behaved students, I only beat up the troublemakers. And you have to admit, they’re much nicer to students from other houses and their own classmates now.” Ian defended his righteous act, saying he was just the Hogwarts Batman, not a Hogwarts thug.
"I do not deny that." Albus Dumbledore nodded, watching Ian put the Pensieve into his purse, and after a moment's hesitation, he spoke.
"In a time like this, would it be so kind of me to—guide you through the Patronus Charm?" Good heavens, even Dumbledore can be so sentimental.
Ian understood immediately.
"Protect the Gods!"
Silvery-white threads are being woven.
A figure is emerging.
When time starts to restart
Ian found everything around him blurry.
After everything regained its clear color, he returned to the Room of Requirement, as if he had traveled back in time through a portal.
outside.
Silence fell, the corridor was dark, and Barnabas started asking about cleaning the toilets again—Ian didn't respond and went straight to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office.
They had already told Ian how to ask for help, and they had also found a way to buy him research time by using the loop bug on Ian's card.
The Pensieve, which Dumbledore gave to Ian, contained a great deal of information that should not belong to this time. Indeed, under Ian's influence, it, like those potions, was not reset.
Therefore.
Reconnecting with the two professors who knew nothing and were back to square one wasn't difficult. After all, both were seasoned veterans, once influential and knowledgeable figures.
They could clearly sense that Ian's aura did not belong to this time. Without any setbacks or difficulties, they once again discovered the immortal Professor Ronnie Ehrlich in the underground palace.
just.
Ian had no idea what the two were researching in the underground palace. He was immediately persuaded to leave, and this continued for several cycles afterward.
Ian had considered secretly examining Dumbledore's Pensieve, but it was definitely enchanted, and even if Ian wanted to be immoral, he didn't have the ability to be so.
"We'll take care of your problem, don't worry." Albus Dumbledore always had Ian cast the Patronus Charm, and his expression was always extremely firm.
not only that.
Ian firmly believes that the headmaster can guess many things that were not recorded in Dumbledore's Pensieve, such as Ian's learning progress in each cycle.
The seemingly casual conversation revealed a profound knowledge of many things, as if he knew everything, making Ian increasingly feel that Albus Dumbledore was almost supernaturally intelligent.
He had known all along that his headmaster was highly intelligent, but he hadn't realized just how intelligent he was. He even suspected that Albus Dumbledore was following him in a loop.
It really is that exaggerated.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to accurately determine which potions Ian had brewed without even looking at Ian's purse; he could deduce the complete answer from just a few pieces of information.
If there were no such cycle.
Ian never truly grasped the depth of Albus Dumbledore's intelligence. He realized that his headmaster's most terrifying aspect might not be the combat prowess that the wizarding world celebrated.
The White Demon King is truly terrifying.
It is a combination of combat power and intelligence.
It's a pity that Ian couldn't participate in the two old men's research, otherwise he felt that his feelings would have been even deeper. He spent his time either studying or browsing Snape's office.
"Boom!"
Another familiar explosion.
Ian blew open the door to Snape's office.
He took the potion ingredients with him.
not only that.
The young wizard, already quite adept at it, even had time to leave some traces at the scene, such as Professor Quirrell's hair, as he does something different each time in his cycle.
The only things that are everlasting are farming potions and dealing with Quirrell.
"Damn it! Quirrell!"
This is not.
He hid in the corner and waited for a while, and finally saw Snape arrive at the scene. Then he noticed the hair in the corner, and roared as he rushed towards the teachers' resting place.
"Unfortunately, there is still a limit to the cycle." After Ian once again hid in the Room of Requirement to brew potions and inscribe runes, he thought that this cycle would slowly pass again.
however.
Albus Dumbledore, however, turned the outer door open and entered his secret hut—the Room of Requirement, knowing which room the other person is in, would indeed open its arms to the second person.
"Let's go, the time is right."
Albus Dumbledore seemed to be in a hurry. He raised his wand and knocked away the Dementor that was giving him a cold look, then pulled the young wizard away from the Room of Requirement.
"Am I leaving the cycle?" Ian realized he hadn't done anything yet, and it felt like the two old men had already finished the work. He quickly stuffed all the potions into his money bag.
"Yes, it's time."
Albus Dumbledore walked ahead.
"Your research didn't include me, but I discovered something myself," Ian said, pulling out a bottle of potion and handing it to Albus Dumbledore.
"Clearly, this cycle is not limitless, nor is it without a price. The quality of the potion materials I scavenged in the later cycles has obviously decreased."
"This potion is as bland as a watered-down potion from Knockturn Alley." Ian was indeed conducting his own research and investigation, and he realized that the power supporting this cycle was being weakened.
perhaps.
By experiencing it a few more times and taking away more things, he could break free from the cycle. Of course, it's also possible that Ian would be left outside the real world forever after the cycle collapses; no one can say for sure—it's precisely because he realized this that Ian didn't empty the entire Hogwarts in every cycle.
"Indeed, your discovery has given me even more confidence." Albus Dumbledore's expression remained unchanged as he turned to look at the potion in Ian's hand, his eyes flickering slightly.
"Have you found any clues about Professor Arthur King?" Ian was still concerned about the alchemy professor's situation. He had observed and tested him more than once during these cycles.
however.
Aside from the one time he encountered him in the library, his Marauder's Map had absolutely no effect on Arthur King, to the point that he couldn't catch any of the other suspicious little things about him.
"He's not the trouble we need to deal with, although he could be considered a trouble in himself." Albus Dumbledore seemed to have little concern for Arthur King.
This is true for every cycle.
"Alright, I'll investigate further after I go out." Ian found himself somewhat reluctant to leave the loop; at first, he had actually been in a hurry to leave.
However, with each cycle of ample study time and the occasional freedom to do as he pleased, he began to appreciate just how wonderful this cycle could be.
Over time.
The delicious aroma is already building up.
After all, the development path of the Sword God of Shili Slope is truly fascinating. Even though many of his methods repeat themselves, his ability to improve through one-on-one guidance from various professors is undeniably consistent and has only increased.
"I will also provide you with assistance when the time comes." Albus Dumbledore took Ian to the Headmaster's office first, where they retrieved the Sorting Hat.
"What will happen to you after I leave?" To be honest, Ian was still a little reluctant to part with the old headmaster and the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who had selflessly helped him in every cycle.
"You should probably find the answer to this question yourself, because even if I tell you now, you might not fully understand it. After all, it requires you to have a deep understanding of time and fate."
Albus Dumbledore led Ian down the corridor again. He seemed to be avoiding answering questions; after all, in Ian's view, everything here would vanish after he left.
The former headmaster once said that everything here is just a possibility of being abandoned by fate.
"Are you doing this so that I won't be sad about it?" Ian moved closer to Albus Dumbledore, who handed him the Sorting Hat, which had been silently held in his hand.
"Sacrifice is not worth grieving over as long as it is meaningful. When the old ones leave, new ones will take their place." Albus Dumbledore walked to a lounge.
His earnest voice then abruptly stopped.
"Are you ready?"
Albus Dumbledore turned to look at Ian.
"What are you preparing? Can this place help me break through the cycle?" Ian looked at the door in front of him with some surprise. If he remembered correctly, this should be the teachers' lounge.
"Your discovery aligns with our judgment: no matter how intricate this cycle may be, it has never crossed the line into the realm of magic."
Albus Dumbledore explained to Ian, "Yes, it is still magic, and as long as it is magic, there is a way to break it and eliminate it."
"And our final conclusion is that it requires three people whose magic has reached its limit to cast the spell together, so, little Ian—" With that, Albus Dumbledore kicked open the door in front of him.
Why use magic when you have it?
It means using your feet.
People from Gryffindor seem to have always had this sentiment.
"Come and witness the moment when your magic reaches its limit on earth." Albus Dumbledore walked straight in, and Ian followed closely behind, seeing Professor Quirrell looking utterly bewildered.
This unlucky fellow had just been blown into the air by Ian again today, and was now carefully applying potions to his wounds. When he saw Albus Dumbledore enter, he immediately and hurriedly covered himself with his robes.
"Principal—what—what's going on?"
Quirrell, concealing the man whose buttocks had been severely injured in the explosion, wore a bewildered and terrified expression. In terms of acting, he was slightly better than Arthur King.
only.
Albus Dumbledore clearly didn't want to play any tricks on him today.
"Tom, it's time to show your worth." Albus Dumbledore raised the Elder Wand and flicked it lightly, blowing away the robe that Quirrell had hastily wrapped around his body.
That bloodied, grotesque face was instantly exposed on Quirrell's buttocks—Albus Dumbledore remained unmoved.
His voice carried a hint of coldness.
"You shouldn't have come back."
He seemed to be expressing both emotion and sarcasm.
"Damn it! Dumbledore! You really did find out all along! All those accidents I've suffered these past few days! It seems like you were the one instigating and directing them!"
Voldemort controlled Quirrell's body, his face shifting and overlapping with Quirrell's, making him look even more grotesque and unrecognizable. The man's gaze towards Ian was filled with resentment and hatred, clearly indicating that he already knew who had been attacking him.
If he weren't outmatched by Dumbledore, and if he weren't so weak that he couldn't even defeat this little wizard, why would he let his servant hide in a corner and swallow his anger?
"You look like you want to start a war with me right now!"
Voldemort reached for his wand, but Albus Dumbledore simply pressed it down without expression, and the Dark Lord, who was possessing the servant, immediately prostrated himself on the ground.
Terrifying pressure.
It made him unable to straighten his back.
They can't even lift their heads.
"There's no war going on here, Tom. I used to scare you with the burning wardrobe to teach you a lesson. Perhaps I bear some responsibility for your current predicament."
Albus Dumbledore's tone carried a hint of sadness, "However, your wickedness has indeed exceeded my imagination. There was a time when I really didn't know how to deal with your ruthless methods."
"I suppose this is a punishment for me as well—and of course, it's an even greater punishment for you." Albus Dumbledore slowly approached Voldemort, who was prostrate on the ground.
"Damn it! Your magic! How can this be—you're clearly old!" Voldemort's voice was tinged with terror, for he discovered that his soul couldn't even leave his servant's body.
This was completely unexpected.
"Yes, Tom, I'm old enough to scare you with a burning wardrobe no longer, but that doesn't mean I can't force you to atone for what you've done."
Albus Dumbledore appeared to have Voldemort under his thumb with remarkable ease, his tone carrying a hint of a sigh, "Voldemort, perhaps I should call you by that name."
"You probably haven't understood one thing: the gap between us has never changed, even if you use some unscrupulous dark magic to make up for the difference in magic power between us."
These are the words of the former principal.
This immediately enraged Voldemort.
"That's because I'm extremely weak right now! If I were still in my prime! Old man! Would you dare show your face in front of me? Would you dare continue spouting such arrogant and boastful nonsense in front of me!"
His voice echoed throughout the lounge.
Ian sensed a hint of hysteria in his voice.
"At first, I did neglect you, but after you gained power, why did you think I was afraid of you?"
Albus Dumbledore shook his head, seemingly uninterested in such a competition. He then looked at the young wizard, gesturing with his eyes for Ian to hurry up and get started.
! ! ! !
Ian felt a chill run down his spine.
This headmaster said he was bringing him here to raise his magical limits! Now this look clearly means he's being forced to burn his soul, but Ian has never told anyone about the extraordinary properties of the [Soul Furnace]!
"You knew all that?"
Ian's lips twitched.
"Your words and actions, your stubbornness, are all clues, so it's not hard to guess."
Albus Dumbledore responded softly. As mentioned before, sometimes Ian really didn't know how much more Dumbledore could glean from the smallest details.
"You want this little kid to kill me? A little wizard! You're teaching him how to kill?!" Voldemort seemed to see something unbelievable.
"These are the words I once told you, Tom. Once you see this side of me that no one else knows, you won't want to continue being my enemy..."
Albus Dumbledore seemed to have no intention of hiding anything. He spoke softly to Voldemort in front of Ian, the pressure of his wand causing Voldemort to appear extremely pained.
Even if you emerge unscathed, possessing all the power you're entitled to, you'll still end up the same way. After all, right now I'm just like you—unscrupulous.
Albus Dumbledore gestured to Ian with his eyes again, "I think you shouldn't feel guilty, after all, you've been wanting to do this for a while now."
The old principal's words made Ian swallow hard.
"A Journey of Blazing Flames!"
Ian gritted his teeth and unleashed the magic—the next moment, Voldemort and his servants were swallowed up, turning into nourishment amidst a roar of resentment.
Ian never imagined that he would get what he wanted in such a situation.
Name: Ian Prince Occupation: Bloodline Sorcerer Magic Power: Level 9 His magic power, already at a critical point, was further nurtured by Voldemort's soul.
A quiet upgrade.
"Walk!"
He didn't even give Ian a chance to savor it.
Albus Dumbledore then led Ian outside the school—the moon was bright and the stars were few, and Grindelwald was already quietly waiting in front of the tower.