Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 81 Snape's Help

Without lingering, Ackerla led Stewart and Terry straight back to the dormitory, also inviting Michael and Anthony, who were sitting in the common room, to join them.

As soon as he entered, Ike said seriously, "We're in trouble!"

After recounting what had just happened, everyone's face darkened, filled with worry.

"I'm sorry, I've dragged you all into this." Ike's mood was somewhat downcast.

Without a doubt, this was done by Comrade Xiao Fu. He's been too lax lately and misjudged the time it would take for the potion to be successful.

Of course, no one can be blamed for this, since even Snape couldn't be sure, as he was one of the few Potions Masters in the world.

"This isn't your fault, Ike." After a long silence, Michael suddenly spoke up to comfort him. "That enemy will make a move eventually. With us as the target, at least the others are safe."

"Besides, all that training over such a long time would have been for nothing. Even if we can't beat them, we can at least run away."

Looking into Michael's eyes, Ike wanted to give him a positive answer, but after a long time, he finally shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I can't guarantee that."

"Oh, I see..." Michael looked a little disappointed, but then forced a smile.

"You'll find him, won't you, that enemy?"

"Yes! I'm sure!"

"Then it's alright." Shrugging, Michael exaggeratedly wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I thought even you couldn't solve it."

"But your safety..."

"It's nothing," Stewart suddenly said. "As long as we're not alone, it'll be fine, right? I remember you saying that before."

Ike nodded: "Yes, he wouldn't dare launch an attack in full view of everyone."

"That's all right then," Stewart said easily. "From now on, until the end of the semester, we promise we won't be alone."

"As for you, go do what you're supposed to do..."

"That's right, go ahead..."

Seeing the obvious feigned ease on Stuart and the others' faces, Ike suddenly felt something welling up in his eyes.

Closing his eyes and calming himself slightly, Ike said firmly, "I will find him!"

"Believe me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ike pushed open the door, skillfully cast the Disillusionment Charm, and disappeared before the four of them.

He walked so fast that he didn't hear Terry's barely audible murmur.

"We have to hurry, Ike... that's a killing curse..."

After leaving the dormitory, Ike went straight to Snape's office.

Compared to the previous basilisk attacks, this one is undoubtedly much more serious. Voldemort hadn't intended to kill before; he only petrified people to cause chaos. Now, he's going straight for Avada Kedavra—he's aiming to kill!

Ike wasn't sure if Professor Flitwick knew about Voldemort's existence, so he went directly to the only person besides Dumbledore who knew.

When Ike opened the office, Professor Snape was staring at a photograph in a daze. The sound of Ike pushing the door open startled him, and he quickly put the photograph away.

"Mr. Streid, you should be in your dorm right now, why..." He had only said a few words when Ike slammed the door shut, rushed to him in a few strides, and said with a serious expression, "Professor, I was just attacked, it was a killing curse!"

"April Fool's Day is still over a month away; now is not the time for jokes." Snape stared intently at Ike. "Can you take responsibility for what you say?"

"Of course!" Ike replied immediately. "In fact, Stuart and Terry were with me at the time; they can vouch for me!"

"I'll confirm this with Mr. Akre and Mr. But..."

"Now tell me, who else knows about this?"

"Anthony Goldstein and Michael Corner."

"Hmph!" Snape scoffed. "Don't you know the meaning of secrecy?"

"They're my friends!" Ike insisted, "I'm pretty sure they're dangerous! I can't hide it from them!"

A deathly silence fell over the office, the two men staring intently at each other. After a long while, Snape finally spoke, "Tell me the whole story of your attack."

"Pay attention! Don't overlook any details!"

Ike nodded and recounted the whole story in detail. Snape listened quietly, his hands clasped naturally on his knees, motionless.

After Ike finished speaking, he paused for a moment before saying, "It seems he has already brewed the life-extending potion and found a new 'Kirlo'."

"I think so too," Ike replied. "But the question is, who is 'Quirok'? How are we going to find him?"

"That's your problem, Mr. Strayder," Snape said calmly. "For some security reasons, the professors can't interfere. We must prevent him from going on a killing spree!"

"I understand." Ike knew exactly what Snape meant; they were of the same mind on this point. Few other young wizards possessed Ike's level of magic.

Snape nodded slightly, seemingly pleased with Ike's reaction. He raised his hand and waved, and a potion containing a small, half-full bottle emitting a magical glow flew out from his private collection room.

Snape handed it to Ike, and after seeing him accept it, he said, "Felix Felicis, don't let me find out you're using it for some strange thing!"

Upon hearing this, Ike quickly put the small bottle away and patted his pocket. Snape, seeing this, angrily said, "You'd better wear it on a chain around your neck and don't expect to get a second one!"

"I will," Ike quickly agreed, knowing full well that Snape had gone to great lengths. This magical potion, which could bring twelve hours of good luck, was incredibly difficult to brew; even the slightest mistake would lead to failure. It was a rare potion that only a very few potions masters could brew.

Seeing that Ike was still in the office, even looking around aimlessly, Snape immediately felt a surge of anger.

"Mr. Streid..." a somber voice rang out, "What are you looking at?"

"It's nothing," Ike replied with a forced smile.

"Well then, you should leave." Snape waved his hand, and the office door opened immediately. "Or do you want me to take you back to your dorm?"

"No need, no need," Ike quickly stood up. "I can do it myself..."

As he reached the door, Ike suddenly stopped. He turned around, a serious expression on his face.

"Professor, my friends... will they be safe?"

Snape remained silent for a long time, while Ike simply watched him quietly.

"Hogwarts is the safest place in the British wizarding world; no one is ever in any life-threatening danger..."

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(End of this chapter)