Defense Against the Dark Arts Office.
Lockhart sat at his desk, looking at the black notebook in front of him - Voldemort's Horcrux. Sunny, the Golden Snidget standing on his shoulder, also turned his head to look at it curiously. Seeing this, Lockhart was worried about an accident, so he opened a portal and sent Sunny to Hagrid's cabin, asking him to take care of him.
Then, he wrote: "Tom, I have been to the prize showroom. It seems that what you said before is true."
Soon, a line of text gradually appeared at the bottom of the notebook.
"Of course, Professor Lockhart, according to the Forger's rules, I cannot tell lies."
Seeing this, Lockhart continued to write without changing his expression: "You said before that you have Slytherin's knowledge inheritance. Is this real?"
Below the question in the notebook, a line of text quietly emerged.
"Of course, Professor Lockhart, the notebook is related to Salazar Slytherin, the founder of Hogwarts, so I know all of it."
Well, this explanation seems reasonable, Lockhart thought silently. Then, after a few seconds' pause, the notebook asked: "Professor Lockhart, is there anything you want?"
Seeing the question asked in the notebook, the corners of Lockhart's mouth curled up slightly; the fish had bitten the hook. So he wrote directly without hesitation: "I need to test your ability. I'll list three questions for you to answer to test your knowledge."
As he spoke, Lockhart listed his three questions with a stroke of his pen.
"1. What is the core of Apparition?"
"2. How many ways to improve the wizard's bloodline?"
"3. Talk about your understanding of ancient runes."
Then, after thinking about it, Lockhart added: "In recent days, you should have read a lot of my thoughts on runes. If you can, write down your thoughts and the relationship between the two."
As Lockhart wrote out the three questions, a line of text appeared on the notebook.
"Professor Lockhart, because the notebook does not have enough stored energy, I cannot answer the questions in a long way. Even if there is an extreme lack of energy, I will lose the ability to reply or even think. So I hope you can provide me with enough magic power, or you can sacrifice some other things."
Immediately afterwards, Lockhart saw the introduction written in the notebook: "As long as it is an item with magical power or a small living animal."
Seeing this, Lockhart sighed slightly, but was not surprised at all. Voldemort, even if it was just a fragment of his soul, was definitely not someone to be fooled. Sure enough, it required sacrificing magic power or life force now. If he really sacrificed his magic power to him, the other party might invade his body through magic.
Well, he seemed to remember that Ginny was like this in the original book.
So, Lockhart took out a bottle of magic potion, placed it on top of his notebook, and then wrote: "I have a bottle of magic potion here. It was refined by the top potion master Snape and contains rich magic power. Do you want me to sprinkle it on the notebook?"
Well, it is impossible to provide one's own magic power, and one's life force cannot be sacrificed. After all, he has not forgotten that the resurrection of the notebook seems to require vitality. In the original plot, if Harry Potter hadn't responded in time, Ginny might have lost her life and become a sacrifice for Voldemort's resurrection.
The notebook paused for more than ten seconds, as if it was a little regretful, not knowing how to reply to Lockhart's question. Then it wrote with some struggle: "Professor Lockhart, potions can also be used, but the absorption efficiency is a bit low. I'm afraid the amount requested is quite large. Can you continue to provide me with large amounts of potions? It may cost a lot of gold galleons."
Immediately afterwards, the notebook gave its own suggestions very carefully: "Actually, Riddle has previously developed a very cost-effective method that does not consume much. It can also run the notebook and enable the soul illusion function."
Then, without waiting for Lockhart to reply, Tom wrote directly.
"Riddle used to go to the Forbidden Forest every week and fight with some animals. On the one hand, he wanted to improve his combat experience. On the other hand, if he encountered some hostile and ferocious animals, he could use them as a sacrifice for his notebook."
Perhaps because he felt that these could not convince Lockhart, the notebook added another layer of weight.
"Salazar Slytherin seems to appreciate this behavior very much. The energy absorption efficiency after such sacrifice is very high. It only takes one sacrifice a week to cover the week's run."
Seeing the notebook wanted to trick him into sacrificing life force, Lockhart became increasingly wary. Then he adjusted his mood, as if he was a little disdainful of the notebook's previous mention of the need for gold galleons, and then he wrote very proudly: "You don't need to worry about potions. Professor Snape and I are good friends. He can prepare the potions I need at any time, and it won't cost many Galleons."
Well, it would definitely not hurt Voldemort to let him hold a grudge against Snape. Then, after thinking about it, Voldemort might need to do more careful research later on, so it would be better to hang him with a carrot. He added: "I offended the centaurs before, so I can't go to the Forbidden Forest recently, but I can buy some experimental products later to replenish energy."
After Lockhart stopped writing, one second, two seconds... After more than 10 seconds, a line of text appeared helplessly in the notebook.
"Okay, Professor. Please provide a certain amount of magic power before I can answer your question. The more difficult the question is, the more thinking it requires, and the more energy it consumes. You need to replenish energy in time later."
Then, following the prompts from the notebook, Lockhart opened the potion and sprinkled it directly on the notebook. Watching the newly soaked notebook pages disappear quickly at a speed visible to the naked eye, leaving only dry pages, Lockhart couldn't help but be secretly surprised. It seemed that the notebook was very hungry for magic power, and its absorption efficiency was not slow.
In this case, is it necessary to suppress the notebook's absorption of magic power? The corners of Lockhart's mouth curled up slightly as his thoughts turned.
Soon, a bottle of magic potion was used up, and a line of text appeared on the notebook again.
"Professor, are there any other magic potions?"
Lockhart paused and replied, "I do have more, but you need to answer my questions first before I provide more. Prove your worth to me."
The notebook hesitated for a moment before replying, "Understood, Professor. I will answer your questions. Starting with Apparition: The core of Apparition lies in the principle of non-spatial transference, which involves displacing the user without traversing the physical space in between. This process requires a strong will and concentration to avoid splinching."
Lockhart nodded slightly, noting the accuracy and depth of the response. The notebook continued.
"Regarding the improvement of the wizard's bloodline: there are several methods, including potion refinement, ritual magic, and ancient runes. Each method has its own risks and rewards. Potions can enhance certain physical or magical attributes temporarily, while rituals can have more permanent effects but require significant preparation and sacrifice. Ancient runes can be used to inscribe magical properties onto the body, enhancing the wizard's abilities."
Lockhart found the answers satisfactory so far and waited for the notebook to address the final question about ancient runes.
"Now, about ancient runes: they are symbols that channel and store magical energy. Each rune has a specific meaning and function, and when combined, they can create powerful magical effects. My understanding of ancient runes is extensive, as I have studied them in depth. The runes you have been researching are quite unique and seem to form a coherent system that enhances magical efficiency and power. Your thoughts on runes align with many of the principles Salazar Slytherin himself adhered to."
Lockhart's eyes gleamed with interest. The notebook's knowledge was indeed vast, and its answers were detailed and insightful.
"Thank you, Tom. Your answers are very enlightening," Lockhart wrote. "I will provide you with more magic potions as needed. Let's continue our collaboration and explore the depths of magical knowledge together."
The notebook replied, "I look forward to our partnership, Professor Lockhart."
Lockhart closed the notebook, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The Horcrux had proven its worth, and he was eager to see what more it could offer. However, he remained vigilant, knowing that dealing with Voldemort's fragment required constant caution and cunning.
Lockhart was not surprised when he saw a request for more written in the notebook. After all, the other party had laid the groundwork before, talking about energy absorption efficiency and Slytherin's reasons. However, he couldn't let the Horcrux succeed so easily.
So he wrote unceremoniously: "This bottle of potion just now is enough to restore the magic power of an adult wizard. How much have you restored now?"
Meanwhile, Lockhart controlled his emotions, making himself very suspicious to trick the notebook. He even had the idea of storing the notebook away permanently if the answers in the notebook were not satisfactory to him and the cost was too high.
After the book finished its invasive mind-reading, a line of text appeared on the notebook explaining: "Sorry, Professor, because the absorption efficiency is low, you need 2 more bottles of potion to replenish the book to full energy. After the energy is fully charged, it can run for about 2 or 3 weeks. Later, maybe you can make a sacrifice to replenish the energy, which will further extend the time."
Seeing the words revealed in the notebook, Lockhart nodded with satisfaction. These were the bottom lines that emerged from his thoughts just now. So, he slowly wrote: "I can offer you another bottle, but I hope you can give me a good answer."
As he spoke, Lockhart took out a bottle of potion and poured it on the notebook. Soon, all the potion was absorbed by the notebook. Lockhart watched quietly as the answers to his three questions emerged in his notebook.
"The core of Apparition lies in the perception of space and the firmness of will."
"The improvement of wizard bloodline mainly relies on…"
Lockhart nodded with satisfaction as he looked at the large contents emerging from his notebook. As expected of Voldemort, who accepted Salazar Slytherin's inheritance, this knowledge is quite impressive.
Tuesday, Gryffindor Common Room
In the spacious lounge, students in twos and threes were sitting on sofas or chairs. Some were doing homework, some were reading, and some were discussing quietly with their friends. Among them, Hermione was sitting on the sofa next to her holding a book, reading with gusto. Not far away, Ron and Harry were playing wizard chess with great interest, moving the pieces back and forth, very happily.
Suddenly, click! Along with the flash and the sound of the shutter, a white light flashed. Colin Creevey, who was holding a camera, captured Harry Potter playing chess. Harry subconsciously reached out to cover his face but quickly put it down helplessly. Just three weeks into school, he had already been photographed dozens of times by this crazy photography enthusiast. The other party's attitude of admiration for him made him embarrassed to refuse, so he could only endure it.
"Colin, is there anything else? If nothing else, I will play chess with Ron," Harry turned to Colin and said helplessly.
Colin seemed unaware of Harry's helplessness and said excitedly: "Have you heard? Professor Lockhart's Duelling Club is recruiting members on Sunday. Do you want to join?"
"What?" Colin's topic immediately aroused Harry's interest, and Harry quickly asked: "Colin, where did you know?"
"I just saw it on the bulletin board." Colin was a little proud. "I saw it not long after it was posted. It said that the Duelling Club will be held on Sunday. Those who want to sign up can go to their house prefect. On Friday, the first batch of people to join the club will be given a list."
"Really?" Ron asked reluctantly. His brother Percy is the prefect of fifth year. He is usually more serious and always urges him to study and read. So he somewhat disliked communicating with Percy.
"Ron, let's go find Percy to sign up." After Harry heard this, he immediately thought of the prefect with whom he was closest - Percy Weasley.
"Okay!" Ron nodded and agreed awkwardly: "Let's invite Hermione too."
Soon, the three little Gryffindors and Colin went to find Percy to sign up. During this period, word of Professor Lockhart's Duelling Club spread throughout Hogwarts in just a few hours. No little wizard would reject the use of magic to fight. In particular, the young wizards of Gryffindor and Slytherin, who are active and want to pursue strength, are the most excited.
In addition, the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, which has been responsible for teaching young wizards to resist dangers over the years, is very hard. This year, Professor Lockhart finally came. His lectures were very interesting, and he also held a duelling club. Instantly, the interest of many young wizards was ignited.
By dinner time, most of the short stories were spent discussing news about the Duelling Club. Professor Lockhart was once again the focus of discussion among the young wizards.
"Harry, do you think it's possible for me to join?" Hermione asked anxiously, looking at Harry who was having dinner next to her.
"Don't worry, Hermione, you are so smart, you will definitely be able to join." Harry comforted her beside him. However, Harry's comfort did not calm Hermione's anxiety, and her uneasiness could still be seen on her face.
Night, Snape's Office
"Lockhart, what do you want?" Snape looked indifferent and gazed at Lockhart in front of him with somewhat complicated eyes. But maybe the trading relationship between the two made his tone slightly gentler.
Seeing this, Lockhart said gently: "Snape, I would like to ask, when will the potion that can improve the bloodline be ready?"
Snape made a rough estimate and said, "It may take another two months." Then, he added: "If you can provide 4 tubes of the blood that was previously used as an accelerator, the time can be shortened to about half a month at the earliest."
Hearing this, Lockhart nodded and said, "Understood. I'll think of a way to get more blood later."
"If you still have extra blood on your hands, I can also buy it." When it came to blood, Snape couldn't help but say. He hoped to have as much of this accelerator-like material as possible in his hands. Generally speaking, the more precious the potion, the longer it will take to refine. Therefore, whether it is methods or materials that can shorten time, there is a strong demand for every potion master.
In response to Snape's request, Lockhart nodded and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Snape, if I gain any next time, I will definitely give you a free tube."
Hearing this, the corners of Snape's mouth twitched upward slightly.
"But, Snape, I was hoping you could do me a favor." Before Snape could reply, Lockhart continued: "You should know that the Headmaster asked me to organize a duelling club, and I hope you can participate in it."
In response to Lockhart's request, Snape stared into Lockhart's blue eyes. At the same time, his memory returned to the night three days ago.
"Okay, I'll join you!"
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[More Chapter and More Update Weakly at p@treon.com/goldengaruda]
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