Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 92 All is Oblivion

"Restored to its original condition!"

Ike waved his wand, and the scattered wood chips and dirt seemed to rewind time, returning to their original positions. In a short while, the ground was level again, and the Screaming Shack returned to its original state.

There's always a sense of emptiness after a great battle, not just because of the depletion of magic, but also because of the misplaced satisfaction that comes with the reward for all the hard work. He took a few steps to the shed door, plopped down on the steps, and for the first time, a hint of weariness appeared on Ike's face.

"What's wrong, Hermione?"

Looking up at the little witch with a complex expression, Ike asked with a smile.

"Ike... what's going on?" Hermione stood there, her hands clenched tightly inside the sleeves of her robe. "That person... I mean, was that really the Mysterious Man?"

"Of course not." Ike shook his head. "He was just a split soul of the Dark Lord when he was in sixth grade."

"Sixth grade?"

"That's right. The Dark Lord's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, and he was in the same class as Hagrid."

"If you ask Hagrid, he should be able to tell you."

Hermione's eyes showed a hint of surprise, but she quickly grasped the key point in Ike's words.

"A split soul? What is that?"

"A very evil dark magic, and also the secret to the Dark Lord's immortality," Ike casually explained. "It's a dark magic invented by the despicable Helbo, which uses cruel methods to kill an innocent person in order to split their soul and preserve it in a specific object."

"In this way, if this item is not destroyed, this person will never truly die. Even if the physical body is destroyed or killed, there is still hope for resurrection."

"And this item that contains a fragment of the soul is a Horcrux."

Hermione quickly recalled last year's events: "So, the Mystic Man was planning to steal the Philosopher's Stone last year?"

“That’s right.” Ike nodded. “His original body was destroyed because of Harry, but since the Horcruxes weren’t destroyed, he won’t really die.”

"If the Dark Lord really gets the Philosopher's Stone and successfully concocts the elixir of immortality, he will truly return unharmed."

Perhaps because revealing the secret made her seem more honest, Hermione's guard lowered slightly. She slowly walked over and sat down next to Ike, the little witch sighed softly, and asked, "What was that snake you took out of my head before? How did it get inside my head?"

"To be precise, I didn't take it out of your head," Ike turned to Hermione and explained seriously. "It works in your soul, and Roger had one too."

"This is also a very vicious and evil black magic. It will unknowingly drain a person's life and feed back to the caster. Before the Middle Ages, many evil black wizards used this magic to prolong their lives."

"I remember there was an ancient book called 'The Book of Black Magic' in the library, which contained related records. In fact, I think the medieval witch hunts were closely related to this black magic."

"You know, dark wizards are ruthless; in order to continue living, they will even go from village to village to drain the life force."

Hermione was taken aback, quickly recalling the books in the library. She swore that there was no such book as "The Ancient Dark Arts Codex" among them.

"You...you went to the restricted book section?"

"Of course," Ike replied. "The restricted area isn't completely off-limits to students. Unless you get a professor's permission, as long as you don't get caught, it's no different from any other place."

"I remember Harry went to the restricted section quite a few times, I think he went there last school year."

Seeing Hermione's slight surprise, Ike continued, "Hermione, the daily lessons at Hogwarts are far from enough for people like you and me. Instead of spending most of your time reviewing and previewing, you should learn some other things on your own."

"In this respect, learning the Disillusionment Charm is absolutely essential."

"Okay, I'll learn it when I get back." Hermione nodded, taking the matter to heart. She felt she had found the reason for Ike's strength, and once she knew, she would definitely catch up quickly.

Hermione is just as good as anyone else when it comes to her studies.

"That's right, the Chamber of Secrets!" Hermione suddenly remembered the investigation she, Harry, and Ron had been carrying out for almost a year. "The crisis in the Chamber of Secrets isn't over yet! That person... could he be the heir to Slytherin?"

"Yes, he is indeed Slytherin's heir and the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets. But rest assured, the problem with the Chamber of Secrets has been solved."

"Let me think...it's been about half a year?"

"Six months!" Hermione's voice suddenly rose, then she realized it was somewhat rude and quickly lowered it. "I mean, the crisis in the Chamber of Secrets was resolved six months ago? What about the monster in there? That…"

"The basilisk's body should be in Professor Snape's private collection room now, and it's probably been largely consumed by now," Ike said calmly. "The professors did it; the basilisk died peacefully."

"Then why didn't you tell us!"

"Because Tom hasn't been caught yet, the crisis at the castle hasn't been completely resolved."

"So, Dumbledore placed Hogwarts under martial law after Roger's attack?"

"That's right."

Ike stretched, his fatigue having subsided considerably after resting for a while. He stood up, stretched his limbs slightly, looked at the bright moon overhead, and then said to Hermione, "We should go back; it's almost curfew."

"It's so late?" Hermione realized it was almost 10 o'clock when she heard this, and stood up as well. "Let's go then."

Ike nodded, but didn't move. "Of course, but there's one more thing to do before that."

As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly drew her wand and hurled an explosive spell at the corner of the wall. To Hermione's surprise, a blond man in a magnificent robe rolled out from the corner.

It was Lockhart!

Pointing his wand at the rather disheveled Lockhart, Ike's tone held a hint of amusement: "Professor Lockhart, what brings you here so late? Are you sightseeing?"

"Haha, haha..." Lockhart laughed awkwardly, stood up and straightened his clothes, a signature smile on his face. "Mr. Streid, Miss Granger, haha, the moonlight is beautiful tonight."

"Professor Lockhart, please answer my question." Ike remained unmoved. "Why are you here?"

"Of course...it is..."

"Forget everything, and all is emptiness!"

Lockhart stammered, then suddenly drew his wand, unleashing a Forgetfulness Charm at the two of them. Ike, prepared, blocked it. With a slight movement of his left hand, a Stunning Charm struck Lockhart squarely, knocking him to the ground, where he even began to snore.

"Ike?" Hermione was still a little confused about what was going on, mainly because everything had happened so fast. Lockhart appeared, cast a spell, and was easily dealt with by Ike.

Recipient of the Order of Merlin, Third Class? Honorary member of the League Against the Dark Arts? Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts?

That's it?

"You'll know in time." Ike didn't intend to explain further; he had already revealed too many secrets tonight. "We should go back."

"And what about him?" Hermione asked, pointing to Lockhart, who was fast asleep on the floor.

"Let's just leave him here. We can't get him back on our own." Ike shrugged and walked towards the Willow Tree.

"Alright then, let's go." Hermione followed closely behind.

A short while later, the two reached the exit, and Ike suddenly stopped.

"Oh, Hermione, there's one more thing..."

"What?" Hermione stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening suddenly as she stared blankly at Ike, who was pointing his wand at her. Before she could react, a soft light flashed before her eyes, and she heard a spell.

Forget everything!

(End of this chapter)