The Old Ones of Hogwarts

Chapter 92, Section 91: Have you heard? Ian's true identity!

Ian had certainly never met Gilderoy Lockhart before today.

However, as a particularly famous star in the wizarding world, Ian has seen posters of this guy more than once, whether in bookstores in Diagon Alley or elsewhere.

It's really hard to pretend you don't know them.

While the wizarding world may lag behind Muggles in many ways, it certainly doesn't fall behind when it comes to idol worship. Gilderoy Lockhart himself is quite adept at spending money to buy his own online presence.

Even some snack packaging features Gilderoy Lockhart's collaboration, making him a top influencer who was decades ahead of Lockhart himself!

If we look at it from this perspective...

Gilderoy Lockhart was no less a genius, wasn't he? If only he weren't a wizard...

Various media companies in the Muggle world can probably come up with some innovative tricks that are ahead of their time.

It's just a pity—Giddro Lockhart, as a wizard, clearly misallocated some of his talents. Ian really finds it hard to imagine an adult wizard being able to "single-handedly kill" himself in front of several second-year wizards.

If you were to choose the most unpopular professor from all the generations of Hogwarts professors, even a star like Severus Snape might not be in the top three.

But if you were to pick the most incompetent and useless professor in all of Hogwarts' history, Gilderoy...

Lockhart is absolutely the uncrowned king of this track, unmatched by anyone else.

"Oh my goodness, you are Master Gilderoy Lockhart! How did I end up meeting you here?"

"I must be dreaming! It might be related to the fact that I just read your book a few days ago!" Although Ian was a little surprised and annoyed, he quickly recovered and showed his on-the-spot reaction.

Such exaggerated acting might get him slammed down by Snape, but when dealing with a narcissist like Gilderoy Lockhart, Ian thinks it's exactly what hits the mark.

Sure enough, Gilderoy Lockhart's smile widened even more. "Turns out you're still my fan."

I think I brought a pen; I can give you a signed, collector's edition.

As he spoke, he actually started rummaging through his robe, as if he had forgotten where he had put his signature pen. After searching for a long time, he finally pulled out a rather flamboyant-looking signature pen from a crevice in the lining.

Not only is the pen body glittering with gold, but it is also inlaid with many dazzling little gemstones. I wonder how comfortable it is to use. This is obviously a pen that may cost more than Ian’s net worth.

"Found it! Ha! As expected of me!"

Gilderoy Lockhart held the pen in both hands, his face beaming with pride; anyone who didn't know him would think he had just accomplished something extraordinary.

"Oh! He's still so childlike! So charming!"

Perhaps to Mrs. Pince, who stood not far away with her hands clasped to her chest, feeling half a century younger, this was Gilderoy Lockhart's free-spirited and unique charm.

However, in Ian's eyes...

But no matter how you look at it, it seems like a real character.

no way.

Gilderoy Lockhart.

In public, he is an internationally renowned author, a recipient of the Order of Merlin, Third Class, an honorary member of the Anti-Dark Magic League, and a distinguished wizard who has won the Wizarding Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award five times.

This naturally leads most people to view him through a lens of prejudice. Otherwise, given Lockhart's performances after he was supposed to reappear more than two years later, how could people not see that he was a complete idiot? Many of his fans felt that his mistakes were just jokes to ease the tension.

Only a few professors could see that something was wrong. This is actually the powerful brain-degrading effect brought about by the fan filter, which is even more powerful than the "brain storage" effect.

As someone who knows the truth about this guy, Ian can hardly help but think of him as a clown—after all, Gilderoy Lockhart's books and so-called adventures are actually just despicable thefts of other people's experiences, and if there is any outstanding talent he has, it is probably only two things.

Exceptional eloquence and marketing emotional intelligence.

And --- the "Talent Reset" ability, which even Dumbledore probably struggled to fully understand.

"I actually got your autograph! Oh! This must be a blessing from Merlin!" Regardless of what Ian was thinking, he still had to maintain his acting skills.

After all, Gilderoy Lockhart is notoriously petty, and if he were to make things difficult for you unreasonably, his methods would be far more unbearable than Snape's.

"Where should I sign? This book? You're really lucky, kid!" Gilderoy Lockhart was eager to try, even wanting to sign on Ian's copy of "Alchemy Unlocked: The Connection Between Everything." Fortunately, Ian dodged quickly, preventing an ancient artifact from being damaged.

Although he was curious to see whether Mrs. Pince, a woman who loved books more than life itself, would choose books or her idol if she saw her perfect idol desecrating them, he ultimately suppressed his curiosity and pulled out a Marauder's Map from his robes, a map he always carried with him.

"Sign here! This parchment belongs to me alone! I don't want to share your signature with other students!" Ian even found a suitable excuse for his evasive behavior.

He's too well-rounded.

Gilderoy Lockhart was very pleased with Ian's excuse.

"Hahaha, you're right. I almost forgot this is a book that doesn't belong to you. Even Dumbledore wouldn't want to share it with anyone else if he got my signature." Gilderoy Lockhart's pen was extremely high-end; the nib would automatically rotate out when he held it and touched the paper.

"In fact, I already gave Dumbledore a limited edition signed book, which is one of my works that will be released next year. Dumbledore was overjoyed when he received it."

"Can you believe it? The world's greatest white wizard is also a fan of mine. I saw his collection in his office. He must be too embarrassed to tell anyone about his fervor for me."

Gilderoy Lockhart was a man of few words. Even as he signed autographs, he couldn't resist praising himself. Ian knew all too well the undercurrent of Lockhart's self-aggrandizing attempt to hide his true feelings.

"Perhaps our principal is a shy person?"

Ian also became a good patter.

This made Gilderoy Lockhart immediately realize the truth.

"Yes, that's right. You are indeed a clever little wizard. You are right to remind me that the headmaster of Hogwarts is a shy person, which is certainly forgivable."

Gilderoy Lockhart was so happy he was practically grinning from ear to ear.

"Thank you so much!"

Ian, dressed in his uniform, excitedly accepted the signed Marauder's Map. Before "booting up,"

This is just an ordinary-looking piece of parchment.

of course.

It's now a valuable Lockhart-exclusive Marauder's Map, and Ian thinks Gilderoy Lockhart's reputation could fetch a high price before it collapses. Well, if Gilderoy Lockhart had died before being exposed, he might have sold it for an astronomical price just for being the last autographed piece.

Ian seemed to be deep in thought.

"I'm not this nice to every little wizard, but believe me, it will bring you good luck." Gilderoy Lockhart casually tucked the signing pen into his robe.

"It's already my good fortune to meet you here." Ian's answer was impeccable, and perhaps Morgan's assessment of his qualities was indeed correct.

Sure enough, Gilderoy Lockhart laughed heartily again, clearly pleased. "You're right,"

It seems you'll be my favorite student this year teaching at Hogwarts.

"If Dumbledore hadn't begged me, I wouldn't have wanted to come back here. I was so outstanding in my student days that I was ostracized and discriminated against by many people."

"Hopefully that kind of atmosphere is gone now. If you encounter something similar, please remember to tell me. A professor's authority should be used to deal with these kinds of things." Gilderoy Lockhart winked at Ian, and his words contained some truth.

Gilderoy Lockhart was once a Ravenclaw graduate, and he even passed several highly difficult exams that were recognized throughout the wizarding world.

This is why his books were able to deceive so many people. However, it seems that as time went by, this guy seems to have transferred all his other "talent points" to the Forgetfulness Spell.

Nobody knows how that was done.

Perhaps it's because Gilderoy Lockhart's pursuit was always solely for fame; his academic excellence was merely a means to achieve it, and as an adult, he shifted his methods of gaining fame elsewhere. Or perhaps this is a side effect of the Oblivion Curse—a curse cast with malicious intent ultimately causing the caster to suffer the consequences?

It's really hard to explain.

Even from an idealistic worldview, it seems plausible that Gilderoy Lockhart was simply too reliant on the Oblivion Charm, to the point that he subconsciously disregarded the other spells he had learned.

"If such a thing really happens, I will ask you for help—you are truly a good professor." Ian continued to use his auspicious words to fool the good-natured performer in front of him.

He actually prefers to believe that Gilderoy Lockhart's ancestors may have had a bloodline fusion with some kind of magical creature that could "reset" its own stats.

"This isn't the first time I've heard such praise, but I still really appreciate your heartfelt compliments. If you can perform just as well in class tomorrow, I think that would be the best reward for me." Gilderoy Lockhart's implication seemed quite obvious.

Ian nodded in understanding instantly.

"Tonight, the whole of Hogwarts will know that we have a wonderful new professor."

He gave an answer.

Although Ian didn't intend to actually kill Gilderoy Lockhart, given Lockhart's reputation, the other junior wizards would surely spread the word far and wide. He just needed to enjoy their publicity and tell Lockhart tomorrow that he had done a great deal of work.

"I didn't actually want to be so flashy..."

Gilderoy Lockhart was so happy that his hair was shaking.

"You're such a lovely little fellow. Go back and read this book carefully; you're sure to gain something from it." Gilderoy Lockhart patted the ancient book that had been handed to Ian.

"This book—."

After realizing who the person who hitched the ride was, Ian began to have doubts about the book "Alchemy Unlocked: The Connection Between Everything." Could it really be a book that could help him?

It's recommended by Gilderoy Lockhart! If it weren't for the Ravenclaw author's name on it,

Ian even wanted to find a reason to put it back on the bookshelf.

of course.

Such behavior could very well offend Gilderoy Lockhart.

So, after weighing the options, Ian could only console himself with the thought that Gilderoy Lockhart was, after all, a writer and a former academic star, so his ability to select books might not be as clumsy as magic. After all, the fact that this guy had figured out what he was looking for at least proved that the other man did have some real talent.

"I remember there will be a Defense Against the Dark Arts class for first-year wizards tomorrow morning. Don't be late. I've spent a lot of time preparing some very interesting practice materials for you young wizards." Gilderoy

As Lockhart accompanied Ian to the front door, he patted Ian on the shoulder as a reminder.

Ian felt that these words sounded familiar.

The last Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who said something like that to him seemed to have died that very night—it's hard to say how many days Gilderoy Lockhart could hold onto his position.

"You told me too soon. I might be too excited to sleep tonight." Ian's ability to lie through his teeth is in no way inferior to Gilderoy Lockhart's.

"Hahaha, my bad, my bad." Gilderoy Lockhart patted Ian's head happily. "If you're still my favorite student by the end of this semester, then you might receive an extremely precious gift, a treasure I've never shown to anyone before."

If another professor had said this, Ian probably would have been a little excited, but since it was Gilderoy Lockhart who spoke, Ian felt that the so-called treasures were not hard to guess.

It's definitely some kind of narcissistic work, like a personal photo or a signed book—that's Gilderoy Lockhart for you.

Otherwise, Ian would even be willing to sit at the table with Hermione Granger next year when she eats at the table.

"See you tomorrow, Professor Lockhart."

Ian politely registered to borrow the book, and before leaving, he glanced at Mrs. Pince, who seemed to have transformed into a young girl. Gilderoy Lockhart had already begun to boast to Mrs. Pince about his past.

This is a seamless transition to a different audience that pleases them. Unlike Ian's insincere perfunctory remarks, Mrs. Pince, the librarian, seems to genuinely believe Gilderoy Lockhart's boasts. She must be out of her mind; otherwise, how could a normal person believe the absurd claim of fighting a dragon bare-handed after losing their wand?

Outside the library.

"No, I need to check it out."

Ian, still somewhat uneasy, flipped through a few pages of the ancient book in his hands. Only after confirming that it was indeed an alchemy book written by Ravenclaw did he breathe a sigh of relief.

He was genuinely worried that the book was actually a copy of "Me with Magic," and Gilderoy Lockhart was not one to be incapable of using the cover of an extremely precious book as the cover of his own.

"Sigh, it seems that the recent Defense Against the Dark Arts class can only be described as... barely there." Ian sighed slightly, preparing to go to the kitchen to get some more late-night snacks to prepare for tonight's mini-class.

Perhaps it's not entirely a bad thing that the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is incompetent; at least he'll have no shortage of people paying to attend his classes.

I'm the only one who's hurt. I'm afraid I won't receive any significant boost from the professor in my studies of defense against the Dark Arts anytime soon.

Ian kept turning back to look at himself.

I wonder how long Gilderoy Lockhart could withstand the curse?

The library is getting farther and farther away.

Gilderoy Lockhart and Mrs. Pins were still inside, chatting and laughing.

The two had a very pleasant conversation.

"You're wearing black today? I've always thought you'd prefer lighter purple." Mrs. Pince remembered her idol's preferences just like any fangirl would.

Upon hearing this...

Gilderoy Lockhart's smile widened as he looked toward the front door. The young wizard had just left, and his blue eyes seemed to still reflect the boy's image.

"Purple is indeed nice, but lately I've been preferring black."

At the SCP gathering.

Ian still couldn't change the consensus that everyone had already reached by his own power. This ominous name was, as always, the way the young wizards habitually called Ian's Little Classroom.

It's just that Ian discovered it too late. He could only grit his teeth and acquiesce. After collecting everyone's tuition fees, he began teaching the relevant content with the mindset of a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who was already in Schrödinger's form.

Since he also had to teach the young wizards the part that a real professor would be responsible for, he had to start by teaching them the purpose and importance of Defense Against the Dark Arts and the difference between dark and white magic.

Perhaps some children from pure-blood families have already been exposed to this kind of knowledge at home, but there are quite a few young wizards in Ravenclaw who are of mixed blood or from Muggle families.

"We need to understand that the boundary between white magic and black magic is not just the harm they can cause, but also the emotions and desires that drive the use of these two types of magic."

"The reason why black magic is said to erode people's hearts is actually because the stronger a wizard's negative emotions are, the more powerful the black magic effects he can generate."

"In pursuit of this ultimate power, most wizards lose control over their desires and negative emotions, which is a process of indulging in their own depravity."

"Like a thief, the more smoothly he steals, the more he wants to pull off an even bigger heist. The ultimate result of letting himself fall into depravity is to completely become a crazy and terrifying black wizard in the eyes of most people."

"White magic is driven by positive emotions. It is not weaker than black magic. If your positive emotions are strong enough, you can still defeat all the black magic in the world."

1

Ian's lectures naturally incorporate his own interpretations, which is unavoidable for any scholar or professor; everyone incorporates their own thoughts into the learning and understanding process.

After giving everyone a basic introduction to black magic and defense against it, Ian was just about to begin the actual magic instruction when a young wizard raised his hand to ask a question.

"Professor Ian, do you know black magic?" The inquisitive look came from the Chocolate Frog Boy, and his question immediately made more than a dozen pairs of little eyes look up at Ian.

Ian wanted to say that it was for a different price, but he obviously couldn't openly host an evil gathering of dark wizards for Galleons, so he had to resort to a clever way to respond.

"Dumbledore praised me as having twenty percent of his charisma. Do you think the greatest white wizard in the world knows black magic?" Ian's words made all the young wizards look disappointed.

For the unknown.

Any young wizard would be curious.

"But isn't your uncle Snape? I've heard he knows a lot of dark magic—" a young wizard said in a low voice, his tone tinged with timidity.

Ian almost lost control of his expression, but thankfully he managed to hold it together and promptly countered with a question, "Whose ancestors haven't gone astray? At least my uncle has reformed now, hasn't he? It's his business that he knows black magic; I might not be like him."

A very meaningful sentence.

No one noticed the subtle nuance in Ian's use of the word "not necessarily," but the young wizards, who generally had siblings, immediately nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes, my brother is so naughty, he always likes to tease me."

"To tell you the truth, my uncle was actually a Death Eater. He died in the aftermath of the battle between Vander and Dumbledore, and our whole family says it's a good thing to celebrate."

"My brother is a bad guy too. He has already stolen three pairs of my underwear and sold them."

They managed to fool them.

Ian waited for the young wizards to chatter about whose relative was worse before signaling them to be quiet and teaching them a spell he had only recently learned.

"Obstacles are numerous!"

Ian waved his wand and cast a teaching spell, letting about a dozen young wizards try it out.

That feeling of being unable to move forward, as if something was blocking their way.

This spell can briefly prevent enemies from getting close during combat and temporarily restrict the opponent's range of movement, making it a relatively useful spell when under attack.

Of course, since wizards now dominate the extraordinary world, swordsmanship has declined, and the [Barrier Charm] has become obsolete.

Its application scope will obviously not be as broad as it was centuries ago.

"It's so hard to learn!"

"Why is this magic so difficult!"

"Good heavens! This is just beginner-level magic? I might as well just let dark magic kill me!"

Even young Ravenclaw wizards made slow progress in learning the Barrier Charm after starting to practice, as it was indeed much more difficult than spells like the Illumination Charm and the Levitation Charm.

Many young wizards tried many times and were corrected many times, but still struggled to complete the entire spell. This was the first time Ian had encountered such a situation in his small class.

In the past.

These young wizards were able to learn by having Ian explain the details to them.

But the magic they were going to learn today was completely foreign to everyone. They hadn’t even stepped into the realm of spells, so naturally they weren’t even given the chance to let Ian help them sort out the details.

"When you wave your wand, the magic should be channeled, and you should keep your eyes fixed on the target."

Ian Irving was teaching his classmates step by step, but because the [Barrier Charm] was indeed a blind spot in the young wizards' knowledge, it was difficult for them to truly understand the essence of magic.

Ian discovered something that left him feeling somewhat powerless.

"Can't you feel the rhythm of magic at all? — Yes— Yes— You see,

It's moving! Oops, you're moving it wrong! Wrong!

Ian caught a young wizard making a mistake, but all he saw was the wizard's bewildered expression. He sighed and covered his forehead, realizing that his teaching might have some problems.

"That rhythm, you really can't see even the slightest bit? Even just a tiny bit would be enough?"

But Ian was still somewhat unwilling to give up.

What's moving?

Most young wizards have faces.

"My ears can move, look!" Some young wizards, trying to liven things up, made their ears flap loudly, which amazed many of them.

Only Ian was sighing.

Everyone was clearly confused by Ian's expression. Even Penelope, the senior student who had come over to watch the commotion from afar after seeing Ian pacing anxiously by the fire, was completely baffled.

"You're not talking about a spirit world vision, are you?" On the sofa in the lounge in the distance, Senior Penelope leaned out from behind the backrest with her hands on the backrest.

"What is that?"

Now it was Ian's turn to be dumbfounded.

"You haven't even read that book? It's about Merlin's special ability in the legend of Merlin. It allows Merlin to blur and see the boundary between life and death to a certain extent, and also to clearly understand the mysteries of magic." Senior Penelope pointed to the bookshelf in the lounge, her eyes filled with a deep meaning as she looked at Ian.

"Ian, you can't expect everyone to learn magic the same way you do. Most of us are just groping our way through, which is a completely different feeling from being able to see where the path is." Penelope felt she had discovered some secrets about this junior who had brought her good fortune in this misfortune.

The other person was inquiring about someone who had been dead for a long time, unaware that the person they were inquiring about was Dumbledore's sister. This had always been a mystery in Penelope's mind that she couldn't speak of but which would certainly trouble her.

During this period of time.

Penelope dreams of being a detective.

What exactly caused this situation?

Up until now.

Hearing Ian's words while teaching the young wizards magic, Penelope felt she had finally seen the truth—such similar coincidences and such similar abilities! It's said that Merlin once lived under an assumed name in Slytherin at Hogwarts, and now it seems Ravenclaw might be the one chosen!

You can also see the boundary between life and death!

You can also see the rhythm of magic!

Could there be other answers?

No wonder the professors treated this junior so differently! Dumbledore even coerced and bribed him into making an unbreakable vow for him! In Penelope's eyes, the answer to everything had already surfaced—perhaps this junior's surname shouldn't be Prince!

He should be called Ian Ambrose!

This is-.

Merlin's descendant has appeared!

"Senior, why are you looking at me like that?" Ian noticed that Penelope wasn't just staring at him, but also had a strange, eerie smile on her lips.

Is she giving off that kind of confident vibe, like Gilderoy Lockhart? She's only read a novel or biography, how could that make her so smug?

Ian was completely baffled. Of course, the problem troubling him now was obviously not figuring out why his senior was so confident, but rather how to teach the young wizards the [Barrier Charm] safely and without any mishaps.

"So, I have to show everyone where the road is—" Ian pondered Penelope's words, recalling his own learning experience on the illusory island.

"Perhaps I can do this."

Ian raised his wand and aimed it at the roaring fire in the fireplace. He drew out wisps of flame, which began to create pictures amidst the exclamations of the young wizards.

Like a three-dimensional image.

The flames flow.

The analysis elucidates Ian's complete understanding of the [Barrier Charm]. Although his current [Barrier Charm]...

Although not of high rank, it is enough to lead young wizards toward the truth.

This is a special "magic book" briefly constructed from flames! What teaching method could be more suitable for the physique of young Hogwarts wizards than the teaching methods of the founders of Hogwarts?

"What beautiful flames!"

"It's flowing, that rhythm—I think I understand!"

"What do you know? Oh dear! Tell me quickly! I'm so anxious!"

Under the astonished gazes of the young wizards, they watched intently, gradually gaining some understanding.

Knowledge is being understood and digested by them in ways they never imagined.

"You can do that?"

Penelope and many of the upperclassmen were speechless.

Their feelings were more profound.

The flames dancing in the air seemed to be infused with Ian's understanding and will, constantly revealing and proving the essence of magic—connecting all things and transcending the boundaries between matter.

Thousands of threads of flame.

at this point.

It's not just fire.

They are also the answers to learning the [Obstacle Spell].

"I believe it."

Prefect Dietrich stood next to Penelope, looking at the group of young wizards who occupied a corner every night, his voice filled with unspeakable deep emotion.

"What do you believe in?"

Penelope turned her head curiously. Could there be someone as smart as her? No, surely she wasn't the only one who knew the secret between Ian and Dumbledore.

"You haven't heard?" Prefect Detrick turned his head in surprise, then looked at the young wizards, his eyes reflecting Ian surrounded by them.

"Only that explanation makes this scene seem plausible. According to the news coming from Gryffindor, Ian is most likely Dumbledore's child." Prefect Dietrich deliberately lowered his voice so that the other senior wizards who had gathered around could not hear him.

Penelope's eyes widened instantly.

"What are you talking about!?"

This was a conversation Penelope had never anticipated. She had even prepared herself to play dumb and act like a troll if the other person mentioned Merlin's lineage.

Who would have thought it would be such an outrageous idea!

Don't talk nonsense. If the professors find out you're spreading rumors about Dumbledore, you'll probably encounter the hardest exam question when you graduate.

Penelope did not believe the prefect Dietrich's explanation at all. After all, Dumbledore was over a hundred years old. How could he possibly have a child who was only a teenager?

Everyone knows that Dumbledore never married or had children, risking his life for the good of the world! Penelope, who obtained Dumbledore's Notebook, still deeply respected her headmaster.

"I wouldn't believe it if it were just Gryffindor who said it, but there are also rumors among Slytherin that when they went to find Snape, they ran into him alone in his office, furious."

The room reeked of a foul stench. Snape, guarding a red-hot cauldron, was acting like a madman, even noticing the students who opened his door and went in after hearing the noise.

"They keep saying that Dumbledore is a complete bastard, that Dumbledore is a hypocrite, a coward, a lecherous little villain. Slytherin said that Snape discovered that Ian was Dumbledore's child, and that Dumbledore was shameless for secretly having an affair with a woman named Prince and hiding it."

"Anyway, they cursed for a long time, and the curses were really nasty. There's some credibility to what Slytherin students say." Prefect Dietrich looked around as if he was afraid of becoming the source of gossip.

After saying that.

He also made a praying gesture.

I don't know if he was praying that Dumbledore would forgive his offense in repeating Snape's words, or hoping that Merlin would protect him from being caught for spreading gossip.

"hiss--."

Penelope gasped. She went over what she knew in her mind again: what if Ian Prince had a different surname and became Ian Dumbledore?

Ok?

It seems like there's no problem? Exceptional talent, Dumbledore's attitude, and the attention given by the professors all seem to be a very reasonable explanation.

Penelope is trying to gradually understand everything.

She touched her chin as if she had transformed into the famous detective from Hogwarts.

"Great! This is wonderful!"

Ian was unaware that in his senior's mind, he had already become a traitor to Hogwarts. He was currently feeling happy that the young wizards he was teaching had all learned the Barrier Charm.

Looking at his own improved proficiency, and in order to motivate the remaining few struggling students,

Ian began to patiently explain the practicality of the Barrier Charm.

"It can also buy us some time when we're being chased by magical creatures," Ian described some possible applications of the Barrier Charm.

Among the young wizards gathered together, William, who had also come to audit the class, raised his hand—he was a typical down-on-his-luck pauper, and his reward to Ian was that he would help Ian complete all the homework for his classes.

This is indeed a reason why it's hard for Ian to refuse.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Smith?" Ian tried his best to act as if he didn't know William well, even though everyone knew that William was probably his lackey.

This can still be called avoiding suspicion.

"Don't I just need to run faster than everyone else?" Sure enough, something deep inside William was awakening; there was a reason why his family was still able to stay together despite all the things they did.

"Um---that's not impossible." Ian felt that William might be more suited to be a Death Eater, as this tradition seemed to have always existed among Death Eaters.

Michael raised his hand at that moment.

"I have a better idea!"

His dark face was filled with excitement, and his teeth were clearly visible in the firelight, making him even whiter than many of the white boys and girls around him.

Perhaps whether they are wizards or Muggles, Black people always have their own unique secrets to whitening teeth.

"As everyone knows, we all hate it when Snape mocks us. If we could conjure up a Snape to mock the enemy, perhaps their firepower would be diverted to the Snape we conjure! You should know that most wizards here in Britain are graduates of Hogwarts!"

"What a brilliant idea! You must prioritize attacking the enemy with the taunt ability." Michael, as always, had a brilliant idea that made Ian feel as if he had been inspired.

"Genius! You really are a genius!" Ian excitedly led the applause. Of course, he didn't think that his transformed Snape could taunt the enemy in a life-or-death battle. But what if a Tom Riddle walked out from the corner? The noseless version, the kind that cackles and laughs hysterically.

Who isn't afraid of this big melon-eating warning!

This definitely offers some room for practical application.

"Professor Ian, since you said Michael is a genius, why can't Ravenclaw get a point?" a young wizard asked, trying to liven things up.

Students have very simple minds, and it's easy for them to have fun together. Perhaps many years later, when they look back, everyone present will have a deep impression of today.

"Great! Ravenclaw gets a point!" Ian was happy to take the lead, since everyone had learned the Obstacle Charm, and he felt a real sense of accomplishment.

Hearing Ian's joking bonus points, everyone cheered in response. The atmosphere was very joyful; it was a grand gathering for knowledge seekers.

It began with a selfish motive, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire for mutual benefit.

It appeared silently.

But it certainly won't disappear without a trace.

Fate led Ian to choose to teach using fire.

And so, the spark was ignited. It will spread, it will expand, it will encompass all things, and then it will reach the moment when it is big enough to start a prairie fire—this has always been the case throughout history.

The entrance hall of Hogwarts.

A quiet night.

A crisp, long sound suddenly rang out from the giant hourglass where the Wind Eagle perched, and a precious pearl slowly fell from the top of the hourglass to the bottom without anyone watching.

Ravenclaw adds a point.