I, Hogwarts Second Time Around.

Chapter 180 We are on a Glorious Path

The one leading them was a rather thin-looking boy.

His tired face bore a few barely noticeable scars.

Those must be traces left by dark magic; if it were ordinary physical damage, magic would heal him.

In addition, her gray hair, dry and lacking luster, was also quite eye-catching.

Most importantly, his leg!

He has a limp.

It seems there is some kind of ailment in his left leg, and he needs to use crutches to stand.

At this moment, an awkward smile appeared on the boy's pale face.

He pulled a yellowed notebook from his jacket pocket, flipped through a few pages, his eyes lit up, and then he looked up again and said, "Hello, Mr. Lucius Malfoy."

"I'm sorry, I'm quite busy. These things should have been handled by my advisor." A hint of guilt showed on the boy's shy face.

He had completely forgotten the name of the target person on this trip.

On the other side, Lucius looked the unfamiliar boy up and down.

Weak, shy, introverted, and dressed in ordinary clothes. There was nothing of value about him.

"Hello~" He extended his hand.

A kind expression appeared on his face.

The elegance that the Malfoy family had cultivated for centuries was perfectly embodied in him. This was something that Draco, a mere teenager, could never possess.

He's not good enough to live up to the Malfoy name.

"Is your mentor Ms. Vanda Rozier?" Lucius asked tentatively.

He pulled out a chair for the boy and invited him to sit down.

He knew that the woman was an alchemy professor at Hogwarts.

This is very fitting for the role of a mentor.

"Yes, she is my mentor and my guide." The boy gently turned his hand, and the metal cane retracted automatically, as if it had some kind of life force, or as if it were a protective arm guard on his hand.

"He's our guide!" An annoyed voice came from behind the boy. Then, a girl with bright blonde hair and light green eyes stepped forward. She extended her hand, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said, "Saint, Garona Gnom. The one over there with the missing leg is called Victor, Victor Gnom."

The boy nodded.

"Kent, Kent Norm," said a short boy.

"Winston, Winston Norm," said a chubby boy.

Finally, an elderly woman emerged from the torn space.

"Roy, Roy Sylph."

She appears to be the oldest among the children.

She has fiery red hair like a waterfall, and her eyes sparkle like the starry sky, their deep blue reflecting the stars.

Her oval eyes, supported by her straight nose, gazed gently at the children through her glasses.

"Hello, everyone!" Lucius's gaze swept across the faces of these unfamiliar 'saints' without leaving a trace.

A ripple of emotion stirred within me from time to time.

Norm?

He smiled and shook hands with each guest one by one.

But deep down, he was thinking about the surname Norm.

Most of these people seem to come from this family.

But he had never heard of a pure-blooded family named Norm in Europe.

And

He also noticed that almost all the saints who appeared before him had physical defects, some with legs, some with arms, and some with eyes.

They all have various kinds of disabilities.

By all accounts, they don't seem like the legendary organization that swept across Europe, the Saints.

Has the saintly faith fallen so low that it can only attract groups of the weak and sick?

Despite his outwardly amiable demeanor, Lucius's inner balance had begun to tip.

"You don't need to doubt our strength." As the leading witch, Roy wore a maternal smile.

"Don't be surprised. I wasn't born a Legilimency, it's just that your face is etched with sorrow. I'm simply good at observing," she said.

"The saints are all the best."

Lucius heard this but did not question it.

Instead, they clapped their hands, and then several house-elves appeared, each carrying a different kind of food.

Steaming hot, it quickly filled the tables in the living room.

"Please sit down!" he said, maintaining the proper etiquette expected of an old London gentleman.

"Ahem—I don't think this is necessary." Roy glanced sideways at the food laid out on the long black table.

Exquisite and expensive.

This was the first thing she felt.

Moreover, many of the dishes are from other countries; Britain simply doesn't have such exquisite tableware.

"Wow! We're hungry even if you're not, boss lady," Garona muttered, complaining as she sat next to Victor.

She was clearly not as ladylike as Roy; once she sat down, she picked up the plate in front of her and began to eat.

Let's eat!

Big deal!

I really don't understand how they can smile and say they're not hungry at all when they're clearly starving!

Why make things difficult for yourself!

Garona's actions represented the will of the majority of the saints.

It was already late, and most of them were busy with their own things when they set off, so they didn't have time to eat dinner.

Seeing this, Roy smiled, and soon, with a soft sigh, everyone sat around the dining table.

After a few pleasantries...

A simple dinner then began.

Time passed, and the candlelight flickered.

About a few minutes later.

Lucius finally couldn't help but ask, "Just now, what was that magic that could tear space apart?"

He originally thought it might be a different kind of Apparition spell.

However, the Malfoy family's ancestral home is protected by various spells, with the Anti-Apparition Charm being the most prominent.

For hundreds of years, no wizard has been able to force his way in using the Apparition Charm, not even that one—the one whose name cannot be mentioned.

"That's not a curse!" the boy who looked only seventeen or eighteen years old, with the 'twisted ankle', exclaimed.

He pulled a stone door carved with the symbols of the Three Sacred Treasures from his pocket, then casually tossed it into the air, where it traced a graceful arc.

It slowly grew larger, and when it finally landed in the living room, it was already a behemoth of seven or eight feet.

"My skills are still developing," Victor said modestly.

"You're already amazing!" Garona bluntly retorted.

"No! Compared to its prototype, that legendary magical artifact placed in the magic academy in the Far East, within the territory of the Ming Dynasty, called the 'Shangri-La' Anywhere Door, is merely the most rudimentary imitation."

"What is that?" Lucius asked, puzzled.

His words had two meanings: first, he was asking what the stone gate in front of him was for.

The other person was asking what that thing called Shangri-La was.

"An alchemical artifact. As long as you arrive at a certain place in advance and set the coordinates, then no matter if there is any magic interference at the target location, my invention can allow you to reach it easily." Victor's voice was extremely weak, as if he might die at any moment.

But his eyes shone brightly.

It's like a bright lamp illuminating the darkness.

"Of course, compared to the real legendary magical artifact, Shangri-La, its function is somewhat insignificant. Shangri-La does not require things like distance or coordinates."

Ancient Ming Dynasty shamans divided the world into nine parts. Using a rule similar to Muggle latitude and longitude input, they could directly activate Shangri-La and use it to travel to any place in the world.

"This—" To be honest, even Lucius had never heard of such a magical artifact in the world. He then said with some surprise, "It seems that the world is much bigger than we imagined."

"The height of one's vision will increase as one's horizons broaden." Roy interjected at this point.

"Joining the Saints will be the best choice you can make, Mr. Lucius." Her eyes, filled with the marks of time, revealed an unexpected tenderness.

"I'm actually glad," Lucius replied noncommittally.

However, it was clear to everyone present that his answer was somewhat reluctant.

"It seems you still have some doubts about us. Well, these kids are all too young," Roy said, seemingly to himself.

"Do you have any free time tonight?" She suddenly changed the subject.

"Hmm—" Lucius frowned slightly; he had important news to await tonight.

Roy seemed to see right through him. "Are you waiting for the selection of the new Minister of Magic?"

"Yes."

"That's actually quite easy to deduce," Roy said with a smile, picking up her wine glass and gazing at the crimson liquid inside. She then abruptly changed the subject, saying, "This red wine is really good, but the Malfoy family probably doesn't have a winemaking business, right?"

“Of course.” Lucius nodded. “This is from a magical winery in Italy. England doesn’t have wine of such high quality.”

"Then why did you choose that Italian magical brewery?" she pressed.

"Isn't that simple?" Lucius said casually, "Their family has been brewing wine for over a hundred years, and they possess experience in crafting top-quality wines that is rarely seen by ordinary people. I..."

Suddenly he paused, then his brows relaxed and he opened his mouth.

Then, with surprise, he looked at Roy.

"You mean, that guy Barty Crouch is coming back?"

"Heh heh—people! When faced with the same predicament, they always seek out past experiences, don't they?" Roy raised his glass and gestured slightly towards Lucius, then his red lips touched Lucius's and he took a sip.

"Absolutely fantastic! It has the feel of magic!"

"Brilliant!" That was Lucius's first thought.

He had never met such a smart person.

Perhaps Dumbledore was just as intelligent, but he never revealed it to himself.

Lucius looked at Roy in shock; she had given him the answer he had been waiting for for days.

As expected—compared to the Death Eaters' almost dull minds, the Saints completely outclassed them in terms of intellect.

After his usual belittling of the Death Eaters, Lucius gave Roy a meaningful look.

The scales in his heart began to waver again.

Just because of a few words she said!

"It's just that those involved are often blinded while bystanders see things clearly. If Mr. Lucius could calm down, he would surely be able to see the answer to this simple mystery," Roy said with a smile.

"Yes, yes!" Lucius accepted the compliment with a touch of embarrassment.

But I feel much better inside.

Look at them, they still give him face. And look at the Death Eaters, all they do is make sarcastic remarks when things happen!

Roy's gentle words made him feel even more favorably toward the saints.

"So, is Mr. Lucius available now?" The red wine swirls, shimmering with an intoxicatingly soft light.

Her red lips were stained with a trace of wine, vibrant and alluring.

"Of course." Lucius readily agreed, a smile playing on his lips. As a member of the upper class, he had attended countless balls and parties and knew exactly how to handle such matters.

"Victor~"

"Wait a minute!" came Garona's reluctant voice from the table, as she was wolfing down her food. "I'm only about 80% full!"

"Image, Garona! Form!"

"Yes, yes, yes~"

Even Roy's scolding voice was so gentle, as if it wasn't a scolding at all, but a soft, gentle murmur.

Although her voice held no anger, Garona obediently and reluctantly put down the dishes she was holding, then placed her hands on the table and stood up abruptly. "Alright, we should go, Victor, open the door!"

"It's all ready."

Viktor responded, and then a faint light shone from his left hand.

A moment later, the wristband transformed into a cane once again.

He staggered to his feet, leaning on his cane and supporting himself on the table with his right hand.

Then, little by little, he lifted up his decaying body.

Lucius was afraid he would fall headfirst to the ground.

He wanted to lend a hand.

However, his excellent ability to read people's expressions made him realize that none of his companions intended to help him.

That boy, who looked only a little older than his son, had the purest pride on his face.

So confident, so spirited, his broken body could not imprison his free soul!

The light emanating from him seemed to overflow.

For a fleeting moment, Lucius was touched.

That's just how people are; they always find themselves moved in some inexplicable way.

"Please move aside~" Victor slowly extended his right hand holding the wand, and then the tip of the wand flashed, with points of light merging together and eventually transforming into magical words.

In ancient times, such as Nirman, it could also be called magical runes.

The words transformed into tethered threads, leading towards that stone gate.

Then, those seemingly delicate threads actually pushed the stone away little by little.

First, a wisp.

Then, as more and more magical patterns gathered, they became brighter and brighter.

It's like a symphony reaching its climax.

As the stirring voice echoed from the void.

The silent rhythm and the magical light captivated everyone's attention.

The door was opened.

It was as if there was a door formed by converging light, obscuring the view beyond.

"This..." Lucius stared in shock at the magic unfolding before him.

What kind of magical artifact could trigger such a miracle?

"We are on a glorious path!"

Roy's voice rang out, and her azure eyes fell on Lucius, her strange light seeming to touch one's soul.

"Our lives are made by choices."

"Believe me, among the saints, you will be exalted."

She was the first to step into the light screen.

Next up was Victor, who was limping.

Then Garona, head held high, stepped inside.

Lucius was deeply moved.

He had experienced this kind of strong faith from the other two members of the saints.

That kid named Irving.

The other one is Ms. Wenda Rozier.

Saints! They seem different from ordinary people.

They are quite different from Death Eaters.

Just like those who are convinced of their success and believe they are on the path to glory, they exude a strong sense of self-confidence.

It's as if success is inevitable, and the current steps are merely completing the process.

But it is precisely this kind of sunny mood that is most likely to infect others.

Because Lucius himself seemed to feel the call as well.

Filled with inexplicable emotions, he stepped into the light curtain.

Then the seasons changed.

Upside down.

The surrounding environment suddenly changed, transforming from a manor into a woodland!

Suddenly, a cold wind swept in, causing Lucius to shiver involuntarily.

My mind calmed down a bit.

In the distance, the castle that stood atop the mountain, seemingly existing for millennia, came into his view.

"Hogwarts?"

"Yes, Hogwarts," Roy's voice followed, "the soulless ones who come from the sea fog tonight will be buried here."

"Then, what—what are we going to do?"

"Us?" Roy smiled slightly. "We don't need to do anything."

"At least for now!"

------

Owen walked through the dark forest with a group of centaurs.

They were holding torches!

But that faint light could only illuminate a crack in the darkness.

It's as if the darkness in the forest is a solid, gelatinous substance that can only be cut with a sword.

Footsteps crunched on the soft snow.

It stretches all the way.

"The forest is becoming increasingly unsettling," Ferenze sighed. "Ever since you wiped out so many dark creatures, the forest has become eerie."

"???"

Irving glanced over.

He stared at Ferenc's handsome face.

"So, you're saying we destroyed the Eight-Eyed Giant Spider, and that was the wrong thing to do?"

"The forest needs balance!" the second centaur interjected.

He had a reddish-brown body and a strong upper body.

His tone was also gentler than the grumbling of the other centaurs around him. "Those beasts have disrupted the balance. And we are trying our best to maintain it."

"When you killed them all back then, the balance of the forest was broken, and she was actually left with one less layer of protection."

"6" Irving remained noncommittal. Although what the centaur said made some sense, upon closer examination, it turned out to be pure nonsense.

Do giant eight-eyed spiders protect forests?

It might just provide a breeding ground for those aliens!

"My name is Ronan. That man who shot you the arrow is Bane. Hope we didn't frighten you! Are you the little pony from the castle?"

"Did you learn all your spells at Hogwarts?" His tone was low, clearly implying another meaning behind his question.

He was being sarcastic that Hogwarts would give the Killing Curse to a child.

"School?"

"I can learn, but not much. You know, for a genius like me, the school can only teach me a little bit, and some of it still requires Headmaster Dumbledore's personal guidance," Owen said modestly, deliberately ignoring the other person's choice of words. To centaurs, children are probably just foals.

"Is that so?" Ronan's voice held a unique melancholy, yet he didn't seem like a compassionate horse. "To be taught by the greatest wizard shows you are indeed exceptional."

"It's alright! Just so-so!" Irving waved his hand and continued to speak modestly.

"Oh! By the way, you mentioned before that Dumbledore contacted you. Did he say anything?"

"Him?" Ronan smiled, as if he had been waiting for Owen to ask, and had already prepared his answer. "He told us that if a kid named Owen Sanchez sneaks into the Forbidden Forest, we should report him immediately."

"What are you saying? That child will bring unpredictable disaster to the Forbidden Forest."

"???" Owen's expression froze, then, as if he had been greatly wronged, he roared in grief and indignation, "Damn it! How can a principal like you slander someone's innocence out of thin air!"

"I, Owen Sanchez, am honest, trustworthy, respectful of my teachers, charitable, and approachable. I am truly the best young wizard Hogwarts has been in 1,500 years, a model young wizard! Ask everyone else in the castle, they all love me!"

"My God!" Owen suddenly exclaimed to himself!

"How can I be so amazing!"

"."

The surroundings fell silent.

Ronan felt he had finally seen through this vain, arrogant, and foolish little colt.

"Haha~"

But Ferenczer was different. He suddenly couldn't help but laugh out loud, and then gave Owen a meaningful look. He found this little pony from Hogwarts quite amusing.

Human wizards are indeed very interesting.

However, that smile was fleeting.

Soon, the sorrow on his face, like the impenetrable darkness around him, filled him again.

"I think we should seek help from Hogwarts, or from Dumbledore himself!" he began, bringing up a topic the centaur had been repeating for days.

Ronan, as he had done several times before, bluntly rejected the idea, saying, "Humans are not worthy of trust. Although a small portion of them still cherish nature, the majority are ignorant and brutal!"

"Yeah, yeah! That's what I think too!" Irving immediately chimed in.

"But! The situation is no longer something that the centaurs can face alone. How many of our compatriots are we losing every day?" Ferenze's figure appeared lonely. The centaurs around him gathered together, protecting Owen in the middle, but Ferenze was the only one who was different. He stayed in the circle with Owen.

"But there are wizards who could attack us!" Ronan said, his face still tense, unwilling to accept Ferenzé's suggestion.

"How can you tell which of them is a good person and which is a bad person?"

"Yes! That's right, humans are all bad!" Owen continued to chime in.

"That's why I chose Dumbledore instead of that Ministry of Magic." Even the usually composed Ferrenzer showed a hint of anger. He couldn't understand why, when his tribe was facing a life-or-death crisis, they still couldn't sense the danger.

The danger they faced was clearly beyond what the centaurs could handle.

Dumbledore had shown them kindness before, so why couldn't they accept it?

Does simply helping Hogwarts monitor the Forbidden Forest count as becoming a wizard's slave?

The centaurs themselves are also monitoring the forest, aren't they?

(End of this chapter)