Hogwarts: Voldemort, don't stop me from studying

"Yes, sir," Vader said, trying to appear composed and not like a peacock with its tail spread out.

Professor Murray didn't care whether the student in front of him behaved maturely enough. He just began to recall his own age of eleven... and the level he reached when he was sixteen and began to learn alchemy... and the level of those great wizards he knew - such as Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and Voldemort, who had demonstrated in their first year...

As he thought about it, Professor Murray looked at Wade more and more as if he had seen an undiscovered treasure. His smile became more and more amiable, and he asked softly, "What's your name? Which college are you from?"

"Weid Grey, Ravenclaw House." Weid looked up and said, he had already noticed something from the other party's change in attitude.

Professor Murray asked again: "You like alchemy very much, don't you, Vader?"

His tone at this time was completely different from before.

"Yes, professor." Wade's answer was the same as always: "This is a very wonderful field, with enough power to change the world. Perhaps I will spend my whole life studying it."

"As a wizard, what do you think of Muggle technological inventions?" Professor Murray asked again.

This question couldn't be easier. The furnishings in the office were enough to tell the professor what kind of answer he wanted to hear. But this time Wade was silent. He thought seriously for a long time before saying, "Muggle technology is developing rapidly, production tools are constantly being innovated, information exchange and communication are becoming more efficient, and the changes they have brought to the world are becoming more and more significant. Wizards need to take the initiative to learn, absorb, and integrate, otherwise they will be left behind by the times one day."

It is a law of one's own mind.

Although he longs for the wonders of magic, let's compare the real gap between the two sides:

Wizarding communication - owls; Muggle communication - mobile phones and the Internet, which can be reached instantly.

The number of wizards - there are only about 54 in the UK, and only a few hundred thousand to one million in the world; the number of Muggles - there are more than 70 million in the UK alone, and 80 billion in the world, and this number will increase to billion in years and billion in years.

Wizards kill people - the Killing Curse which can only be used by a few dark wizards; Muggles kill people - Maxim machine guns, incendiary bombs, nuclear bombs, self-propelled artillery, howitzers, intercontinental missiles, and even a two-year-old child can shoot and kill people.

The gap between the two sides is so huge that in the past, when Muggles were ignorant, wizards could only survive by hiding themselves as much as possible; in the future, when technology becomes increasingly powerful, wizards must learn from, get close to, and integrate into the Muggle world, so as not to be easily swallowed up by the times.

In fact, Wade had many more dangerous ideas, but he just couldn't say them out loud. He was afraid that if he said too much, Professor Murray's good impression of him would be gone, and he would be swept into the ranks of the "third generation of the Dark Lord" - how unfair would that be?

Professor Murray was already satisfied with just such a general answer. He smiled and said, "I teach sixth and seventh grade students every Monday and Thursday. If you have any questions, you can come to my office during these two times. As long as you always maintain your enthusiasm for alchemy, I will be happy to take two hours a week to guide you in your studies."

Professor Murray spoke very reservedly, but the next moment he found a book called "Learning to Make Magical Items from Scratch" from his collection and lent it to Wade. He also set a tutoring time for Thursday before letting Wade leave.

When Wade went out with the book in his arms, he saw the Black Lake next to the Forbidden Forest through the window, and suddenly remembered the figure he saw when he woke up in the morning.

It looks like that should be Professor Murray, right? Same silver-white hair...

Suddenly, Wade stopped in his tracks, his scalp suddenly went numb, and goose bumps appeared all over his body.

When did he see that man? And then he met Professor Murray... There wasn't ten minutes in between? Damn! The fever was so severe that I couldn't remember the time.

In any case, it shouldn't take too long.

If that person was Professor Murray, how could he reach where Vader was in just ten minutes? Apparition was forbidden in Hogwarts, and Professor Murray was old and weak, so he certainly couldn't climb the stairs very quickly, and he didn't look like a young boy who could travel on a broom.

If that person wasn't Professor Murray... and wasn't Dumbledore... then who could it be? Another professor Vader didn't know, or...

He thought maybe he was thinking too much, Harry Potter's first year at school should be a very peaceful year... at least it should be so for ordinary students... but the chill still came over him in waves.

"What's wrong, Wade?" Professor Murray asked behind him.

The voice that had sounded kind and gentle before now had an inexplicably eerie atmosphere.

"Nothing." Wade was surprised that his voice was so calm at this moment, with a hint of gratitude: "I just thought that it was fortunate that you passed by and found me this morning... Were you just coming back from outside at that time?"

"Of course not." Professor Murray didn't seem to suspect anything. He smiled and explained casually, "I don't live in school normally. I only come to school through the fireplace when I need to attend classes. Oh, the fireplace in my office can be temporarily connected to the Floo Network. This is authorized by the Ministry of Magic. I just arrived at the office this morning and heard Griffiths shouting in the corridor. I met you when I went out."

Chapter 36 Griffiths

The red-haired wizard tapped the picture frame out of boredom, and from time to time he looked over to see what the other portraits were doing.

This tower is called the Astronomy Tower by students because they observe the stars and take astronomy classes on the top of the tower every week. Even most of the portraits in the corridor are related to astronomy. Most of them are quiet and silent, and no one wants to chat with him.

Suddenly he heard footsteps, and then saw a familiar student walking by, and hurriedly chased after him.

"Hey, are you better from your cold? Murray gave you the medicine, right? That old guy's stimulant is really good--"

He thought that the student would walk away without looking back like before, but unexpectedly, the other party suddenly stopped and looked at him thoughtfully.

"Your name is Griffiths?" Wade asked.

"Yes!" The red-haired wizard nodded happily, "Morry told you, right? Now he is the only one who chats with me occasionally."

"Aren't there many portraits here?" Wade gestured around.

"Oh, forget it," Griffiths said gloomily. "Did you see the old man in the portrait across the street?"

Wade looked over and saw an old wizard with stars painted on his robe and hat. He was standing in front of a large telescope, looking at the starry sky intently.

Griffiths said, "He has been holding a telescope for hundreds of years, observing the starry sky in the portrait that has not changed for hundreds of years. He just finds me annoying; and Salome, the one with glasses, is always writing and calculating on parchment, and never stops. In fact, the results of her calculations have been confirmed by Muggle scientists more than a hundred years ago, but she still keeps calculating."

Wade saw a skinny witch bent over her desk calculating, and she did not stop even after hearing what Griffiths said.

"And those little stargazers over there, see? They're just like Cornish goblins," Griffiths complained. "When they're not stargazing or sleeping, they're always making trouble - knocking over the old star man's telescope, tearing up Shalom's parchment, or pulling my hair and spilling ink on my robe! I've had enough!"

Griffiths sighed lonely and helplessly. Even though Wade was in a bad mood, he was still amused by him, and the gloom, heaviness and doubt in his heart seemed to be dispelled.

He asked, "How long have you been hanging here? Aren't you used to it yet?"

"Oh, you don't know, I was originally hung in the lobby on the first floor, surrounded by portraits. Every day I could watch the little wizards coming and going, and occasionally teach them pranks. It was so interesting." Griffiths said regretfully, "But later, in order to hang up Fusco's portrait, they moved me to the Astronomy Tower. I originally thought it would be nice to meet some new friends. I didn't expect this place to be so boring!"

"Can't the portrait be shown around?" Wade asked.

"Of course you can, but that's very laborious, and I'll just have to stay in my own portrait most of the time." Griffiths said expectantly, "Can you move my portrait back to the hallway? Or somewhere else that's more busy? I'll repay you!"

Wade did not agree immediately, but said: "I have to ask the professor first. As long as they don't object, I will help you move to another place."

Griffiths thought for a moment and asked, "--What if they object?"

"Then I'll secretly help you move it to another place, but it can't be placed in the hallway - that's too conspicuous." Wade said.

"Great!" Griffiths was so excited that he almost jumped up and urged, "Then go ask! Ask as soon as possible."

"……okay."

Vader smiled and turned away.

He had actually wanted to ask Griffiths if Professor Murray really came out of his office in the morning and if Quirrell often came to this place, but after chatting for a few words, he gave up the idea.

The red-haired wizard was extremely talkative and didn't look like someone who could keep a secret; and he and Professor Murray must have known each other for a longer time, so why would Wade ask him to keep a secret for him?

It’s better to move the portrait to another place first… and then make plans.

……

Terrence Murray finally finished teaching the seventh grade students, and left angrily with his lesson plan, leaving behind a few quail-like students looking at each other with listless expressions as if they had just been baptized by a storm.

What does "first-year students are better than you" mean? Do first-year students know what alchemy is? Do they know how to write "0" in runes?

They were not convinced, but under Professor Murray's reprimand, no one dared to refute. They could only lower their heads and say submissively: "Yes, yes, you are right."

Professor Murray became even angrier.

After meeting Wade, he became more and more dissatisfied with these students whom he had carefully selected. When he looked at the alchemical works they had completed last time, he became even more dissatisfied. In the end, he assigned five times the usual amount of homework, and still felt that these students had it too easy.

Professor Murray returned to his office angrily, and heard an enthusiastic voice from afar: "Did the class go well today, Professor Murray? The little wizards must have learned a lot of knowledge, right?"

It is difficult to be truly indifferent to such an enthusiastic attitude. Professor Murray smiled unconsciously: "Oh, Griffiths!"

"Yeah, who else but me?" Griffiths said.

Professor Murray couldn't help but stand in the corridor and complain to him about his students: "-- Not only is he not as smart as others, he is not even as hardworking as others. Why is he learning alchemy? He might as well be a decoration in the Ministry of Magic!"

"So you've taken a fancy to that little wizard?" Griffiths asked with a smile, lying on the picture frame.

Professor Murray was silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed.

"Griffiths, talented wizards often behave differently from others since childhood. They are talented and attract everyone's attention as soon as they enter school. However, talented people always yearn to learn difficult and dangerous magic, master more powerful powers, and pursue greater benefits. Not many people are willing to settle down and study alchemy."

"But in my opinion, even if you master the most dangerous forbidden magic in the world, what can it do? Look at those people who were once famous! Some fell as quickly as a meteor, some became notorious dark lords, and some had nothing even though they had such a great reputation! The more powerful they are, the more death and killing they bring to the world!"

"Alchemy should be the only thing that can truly bring change to the wizarding world and bring happiness to people! Only by constantly learning from Muggles, innovating technology, and improving alchemical products can we make the wizarding world develop better and... only then can we prevent wizards from being wiped out by Muggles."

"But over the years... although I have made some achievements in introducing some Muggle-invented products into the wizarding world, I feel like a baby learning to walk. The harder I try to catch up with the giant, the more I find that the gap between the two sides is so huge that it makes me despair... and this gap is getting bigger every moment."

"And my students? All they think about is inventing some popular magic item and making a lot of money. All they think about is this—"

"But that kid's different, isn't he?" Griffiths asked suddenly.

"Yes..." Professor Murray smiled, "even though he is only eleven years old."

Chapter 37 Quidditch

Wade didn't know that Professor Mori had high hopes for him after just a brief encounter. He was just happy that his alchemy studies, which were like groping in the dark, could finally receive professional guidance.

After returning to the auditorium, the four long tables were empty, with only a few students who had slept in the morning eating breakfast leisurely. Today was Sunday, and most students would not get up early, so the breakfast time was extended by half an hour accordingly.

Wade casually took two sandwiches and saw West More, the sixth-year Ravenclaw boy prefect, at the end of the long table. He walked over and sat next to him, "Good morning, West."

"Good morning, Wade." West said lazily, "It's rare to see you sleeping in."

Wade leaned forward and moved closer: "West, do you know who the alchemy professor at the school is?"

"Of course, it's Professor Terrence Murray," West said. "I took his advanced class this year - why do you ask?"

"Because I'm very interested in alchemy, I wanted to learn about it in advance." Wade didn't mention his chance encounter in the morning, but asked, "Who is Professor Murray? I don't think anyone mentioned him when I was a freshman."

"Of course. Professor Murray is usually not in school. You can't see him at the freshman orientation or the Halloween party." West said as a matter of course: "He is a famous alchemist. It is said that his alchemy level is second only to Nick Flamel. Of course, everyone recognizes Nick Flamel as the greatest alchemist of the contemporary era. There are at least five or six people who are called "Nick Flamel II". But Professor Murray is not the kind of person who seeks fame. He really has something."

West suddenly came closer and lowered his voice with yearning, saying, "You know what? Professor Murray even has shares in the Nimbus Broomstick Company and Wizard Radio. He is a guest of the famous singer Celestina Warbeck. He also cooperates with the Ministries of Magic in various countries and has participated in the reconstruction of at least three Ministries of Magic. This past Halloween, he participated in the Carcassonne Alchemy Seminar in France. Only the top alchemists will receive invitations."

"So a busy man like him -" West resumed his normal voice, "It's already good enough for him to take time out every week to teach us. He can't live in the school like other professors, and he basically won't eat in the school auditorium. But it's a very wise choice for you to start learning alchemy now. In this way, when you officially study with Professor Murray in the sixth grade, you will definitely make a big splash. Maybe you will be accepted as a real apprentice by him, and you will reach the top in one step!"

"What do you mean by overnight success?" West's friend Benson suddenly said. He appeared out of nowhere, with messy hair and unwashed toothpaste foam on his face. He grabbed a pie from the table and urged West without waiting for his answer, "Hurry up, or you won't be able to get a good seat if you go too late."

"Wait!" West took out his wand and cast a [Clean Up] on him, then said, "Why are you in such a hurry? The match between Gryffindor and Slytherin will start in half an hour! And they are flying in the air, so it doesn't matter where they sit."

"How can it be the same? If only the seats behind the pillars are left, we won't be able to see the wonderful scene! And I don't want to sit with the Slytherins..." Benson muttered, dragging West towards the stadium.

West turned around and said, "Well, Wade, you'd better hurry up--"

Before he could finish his words, he was dragged out of the auditorium.

Wade then realized that the reason why there were so few people in the hall was not because many students were sleeping in, but because most of them had gone to the Quidditch field. He had experienced so many things from last night to now that he had completely forgotten that the first Quidditch game was today.

After Benson urged West to leave, the few students in the hall seemed to realize that time was running out, and they hurried out. Wade drank a cup of hot water that appeared out of thin air in front of him, and then walked towards the Quidditch field.

Almost all the students in the school came here, and many of them were holding binoculars in order to see the game clearly. The stands were packed, and the seats were raised to the middle of the sky. Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were mixed with Gryffindors, while Slytherins were alone in a group.