Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 107 The Riddler

Before we knew it, it was already the end of September.

Professor Lupin's arrival was a good thing for most people; after so many unreliable Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, everyone could finally learn something real in this course. It's hard to imagine that most of the upperclassmen formed study groups after class to help each other pass the OWLs and NEWTs exams.

For now, I can finally stop cramming into that thick Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook and memorizing it.

With the help of the Time-Turner, Ike's research has made great progress, especially in potions and the Ravenclaw manuscripts. Thanks to the Vitality Tonic, Ike has devoted most of his time to these two projects.

I dare not say anything else, but even if I were to take the OWLs exam now, I dare say I would get two Os in potions and spells.

Of course, compared to the big shots in all the heavens and myriad realms, this achievement is nothing to brag about.

As for the Ravenclaw manuscript, thanks to his sweep of the forbidden books and his study of ancient runes, Ike finally felt he could understand it all. But he could only use about 30% of it.

Magic from a thousand years ago is very different from magic today. Many advanced spells, after so much time and countless improvements and research by wizards, have evolved into more practical versions. Even the remaining 30% are quite complicated.

Just like the magic circle magic that Ike researched before, it is very powerful, but the conditions are relatively more complicated.

In terms of coursework, progress in arithmetic divination is encouraging. This method of divination, which requires almost no knowledge of occultism, has truly caught Ike's eye. He's already reached LV3 in less than a month, making it the fastest-leveling subject Ike has ever studied.

Ike understood; it was just addition and subtraction of numbers up to ten, the simplest form of mathematics.

Another Thursday, after "triple happiness", Ike decided to give himself a short break. It had been a full month since school started, and Friday was October 1st.

In the past, he would have already gathered three or five friends, ordered food and drinks, and prepared for a brutal battle. But at Hogwarts, this was the only way he could celebrate.

What's even more remarkable is that tonight is a full moon night.

The full moon night before National Day.

After dinner, Ike stood alone in the Ravenclaw Tower, unusually not holding the paper bag full of cockroaches, but a few pieces of honeydew candy.

Empty your mind and just stare blankly.

"The moon is beautiful tonight, Mr. Streid."

Dumbledore appeared quietly in the tower, speaking calmly.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore."

Ike replied casually.

Dumbledore carefully examined Ike's face and said, "It seems you've adapted to the Time-Turner. I saw Miss Granger before, and I could clearly see her fatigue."

"Hermione?"

"Yes," Dumbledore said. "She is the most intelligent and outstanding witch I have ever met. No one at her age could do better than her, but she clearly still has a lot to learn in terms of how to manage her time effectively."

"I believe she can handle it."

"Of course, I'm sure of that too."

Dumbledore nodded slightly and then said, "There's something I think you should know, Mr. Strayed."

Ike turned his head in confusion, then suddenly shifted slightly to the side before asking, "What is it, Professor Dumbledore?"

"I consulted some old friends and did some research, and I think Tom has more than one Horcrux." Dumbledore's words seemed to have a hidden meaning, but Ike didn't understand.

"During the summer vacation, I went to Albania. Although I didn't find any trace of Tom, the forest was filled with his rotten and evil aura. Even I, a man over a hundred years old, found the smell pungent."

"He will come back, Mr. Strad."

"So, Professor? What do you want me to do?"

"I'm just a third-year wizard. Even if he comes back, won't you still be here? And Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Professor Flitwick? I don't feel the need to do anything."

"That's right, exactly." Dumbledore suddenly clapped his hands. "I'm glad you said that."

Seemingly having obtained the answer he wanted, Dumbledore gently patted Ike's shoulder, and with his other hand, he produced a book from somewhere and handed it to Ike.

"I heard you've already learned the Patronus Charm? That's great. I think it's time to lend you this book."

"After all, you've been searching for a long time, haven't you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he patted Ike on the shoulder and then turned and left.

Ike seemed not to hear, staring blankly at the book he hadn't actually been looking for:

"Unveiling Cutting-Edge Black Magic"

This forbidden book, which had been kept in the headmaster's office since Dumbledore became the headmaster of Hogwarts, was handed to him so easily. The implications of this sent chills down Ike's spine.

Without daring to think too much about it, Ike hurriedly packed up his books and returned to his dormitory. Under the surprised gazes of Stuart and Terry, he went straight into the box.

Thanks to Ike's tireless improvements, the space inside the suitcase is now quite large. To maintain the Seamless Extension Spell, Ike also engraved many magic circles and runes to enhance stability.

After a cursory glance at the potion still simmering on the cauldron, Ike went straight to the storage room he had specially prepared, placed the book on the table, and casually cast a few protective spells as he came out.

Although it's almost impossible for someone to sneak into a junior wizard's suitcase, it's better to be safe than sorry. If someone does manage to do so, Ike will be able to sense it immediately.

After all, there are many things in this storage room that are even more difficult to show than "The Secrets of Cutting-Edge Black Magic," things that would send someone straight to Azkaban if discovered.

"Ike, your suitcase..." This was the first time Stewart had seen Ike crawl into a suitcase. He knew Ike's financial situation, and it didn't seem like he could afford a suitcase that had been enchanted with a seamless stretching spell.

"I've been selling potions during the holidays, and the income is quite substantial," Ike replied casually, putting his suitcase away before sitting down on a chair.

"St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Injuries and Healings has a huge demand for all kinds of antidotes and healing potions, and they offer very reasonable prices. You can never have too many of these potions," Terry explained. "In fact, many of the healing potions we brew in Potions class end up at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Injuries and Healings. They even have a dedicated potion-brewing department."

"Don't you know how many unfortunate souls in the wizarding world get injured every day due to various accidents? Even the school clinic is often overcrowded, isn't it?"

"Looks like I'll have to brew some potions to earn some pocket money," Stuart said thoughtfully.

"Come on," Terry said, throwing cold water on the idea at the right moment. "Do you even have the money to buy potion ingredients?"

"You've spent all your money on Sizzling Honey!"

(End of this chapter)