Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 323 A Plan to Achieve Three Things at Once

"Is this where you grew up, little master?"

Beneath the tall oak tree, McNeil, with the calm Ike beside him, asked softly. But Ike didn't answer, only quietly gazing at the somewhat lively oak tree before him.

He touched it with his hand and even closed his eyes slightly.

Seeing this, McNeil couldn't help but sigh silently. He had absolutely no idea why Ike had brought him here. Was it simply because this place held precious memories for him?

impossible!

A person as powerful, cold-blooded, and resolute as the young master could never have a weakness. He must be like the Dark Lord, born to accomplish great things.

McNeil was completely baffled, but he didn't press the matter further. Having served under Old Voldemort for so many years, if there was one thing he had to insist on, it was never to pry into his master's thoughts.

That would kill you very quickly.

"Oh? Is that so...?"

Ike murmured, his hand still touching the oak tree. He took a step forward and pressed his forehead against it as well.

McNeil remained silent, not finding Ike's behavior particularly strange. The magical world was full of bizarre abilities: Animagus disguise, Parseltongue, natural-born Occlumency, mind reading, prophecy, and the ability to communicate with plants were nothing unusual.

After a while, Ike walked away from the oak tree, glanced at the respectful McNeil beside him, and said, "Let's go, the teacher is still waiting for us."

As he spoke, he was about to Apparate away. At that moment, McNeil spoke up.

"Young master, if I may be so bold, are you really not going to take a look?"

"No need," Ike replied. "Let's go."

This time, McNeil didn't say anything more. He knew very well that some things only needed to be mentioned once.

The two returned to Malfoy Manor and headed straight for the castle along the manor's roads. A large crowd had gathered there, bowing respectfully as Ike passed by. Ike, however, ignored them completely, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Of course, McNeil was the same; in any case, their status was much higher than that of this group.

"Young master." Lucius Malfoy awaited them at the castle gates. Life in Azkaban had taken its toll on him; his beard was unkempt, and he was a far cry from his former refined, elegant, and haughty self. Though his clothes remained the same, they appeared to others more like a fig leaf, a mere pretense to preserve the Malfoy family's dignity.

"Mr. Malfoy, is the teacher busy?" Ike stopped and asked calmly.

"My master specifically instructed that you should go straight in after you return," Lucius Malfoy said. "I've come here specifically to welcome you."

"Thank you then." With that, old Malfoy extended his hand and walked ahead, leading Ike and McNeil into the castle.

There were many people in the castle, but unlike those outside, they were all pure-blooded human wizards, unlike outside where there were werewolves, vampires, and all sorts of other creatures.

In fact, there are only two people in the entire castle who are not pure-blooded, and they happen to be the two highest-ranking members. It has to be said that this is somewhat ironic.

While thinking to himself, Ike remained calm on the surface. He bowed slightly to Old Fu, who was sitting at the head of the long table in the living room, and said respectfully, "Teacher, I'm back."

"Ah, Ike, very good. Come here and sit next to me." Old Voldemort raised his hand and slowly beckoned. Ike walked over naturally, and along the way, the other Death Eaters sitting at the long table all bowed slightly to him.

After Ike sat down, Old Fu continued, "So, did you find anything?"

"No, teacher," Ike replied. "Dumbledore did go there, but his purpose is unclear."

"I see... It's alright, it's just that you're going to take a look anyway, it won't affect our plans." Old Voldemort said, looking at the Death Eaters sitting at the long table and the crowd peering through the living room door, his expression suddenly becoming serious.

"I am very disappointed in you..." he said, and everyone who heard him trembled and unconsciously lowered their heads.

"As the initiating force, in the weeks since Ike rescued you from Azkaban, you've only killed a few Muggles and Mudbloods!" Old Voldemort roared angrily. "Did Azkaban dampen your morale?"

"If that's the case, then I must say it's truly regrettable... because you are not worthy to be my servants, my followers!"

"I should have had Ike bury you all along with that tower!"

"waste!"

With a fierce swing of the old man's wand, dozens of spells struck everyone except Ike almost simultaneously, sending them flying and crashing heavily to the ground.

No one dared to utter a single groan. Instead, the moment they landed, they immediately knelt down facing the old man, heads bowed, uttering what sounded like a confession from the depths of their souls.

"Master, please forgive me..."

"Hmph!" Old Fu snorted coldly, glaring at the group of guys kneeling on the ground. After a long while, he flicked the sleeve of his long robe and sat back down in his chair.

"Get up..." he said. "You should be glad that you still have some use... However, I don't want to hear any more news that only proves your incompetence."

"Yes, Master..."

Throughout the entire process, Ike sat quietly in his chair, staring intently at the long table in front of him, as if studying how the patterns were carved. Only after everyone else had cautiously returned to their seats did he softly ask, "Teacher, what's the next step...?"

"Lately, I've been thinking about something..." Old Fu stroked his smooth scalp, his eyes unconsciously narrowing slightly, "Why is it that our efforts and rewards are so disproportionate..."

"Later I realized that our goals had actually deviated somewhat, or rather, we could have been more determined."

"Teacher, I don't understand..." Ike asked at the right moment, earning a satisfied look from Old Fu.

"The two who are still resisting us now are that old man Dumbledore and that fool Scrimgeour."

"Just like if you want to make someone lose the ability to walk, the simplest way is to cut off their two legs..." As he spoke, Old Voldemort lowered the hand above his head, and his red pupils flashed with a terrifying glint. "Then, Scrimgeour is undoubtedly the easiest target to achieve."

"But, Master..." Lukewood glanced timidly at Old Voldemort, his body trembling slightly, "Scrimgeour has always been under the tight protection of the Ministry of Magic's Aurors, and we seem to be very..."

"We'll have to use some methods, my foolish servant," Old Fu said slowly. "Hiding? Then lure him out!"

"Then... how do we do it, teacher?" Ike asked again.

"I think..." Old Voldemort said, turning to look at Ike, "Diagon Alley is pretty good..."

RNG's matches are really frustrating to watch.

(End of this chapter)