*Morpheus pov*
Leaving the meeting I portkeyed back to Britain, specifically deep in the forbidden forest beside Hogwarts. Once there I walked South toward the location of one of my labs.
I have several different labs set up around the world, each in key locations. As I approached my lab I could feel the stares of wild beasts. Seeing they weren't approaching me I walked calmly toward a dark black tree.
Taking out my wand I tapped lightly on the tree bark, my magical signature flowing into the wards I left behind. Then I walked straight through the tree and proceeded down some stairs. Eventually, I found my way to a hallway that had many doors.
Opening the third door on the right I walked into a spacious room chock-full of precious ingredients. Pulling two glass containers from my robes I set them both on the shelf labeled 'divine'. In the glass containers were a pair of eyes and a heart.
Lastly, I pulled out a medium-sized vial and set it inside a tray next to the shelf. The vial contained Bernard's vocal cords.
Making sure everything was in order, I apparated out of the room and appeared inside my Hogwarts quarters.
It was late at night but I was wide awake so I decided to spend the remainder of tonight working on rituals I could use for the future.
Breaking down and reworking rituals is a relaxing habit of mine, I'm a firm believer that you should never stop learning what you are passionate about even if you reached the highest tier of mastery.
Suddenly I felt a wave of pure nature magic spread from the forbidden forest, it was gathering in one spot. I could feel it preparing to assault the castle.
Just as I was about to see what I could do to stop it the energy exploded in a giant wave the energy passed right through the wards.
I couldn't even react before the wave reached me.
"Argh!" I groaned in pain collapsing onto the floor
DAMN BITCH!
"GAIA YOU WHORE!" I yelled in anger and pain
Pulling out a vial of deep blue liquid I quickly drank it. The effect was instant as the pain receded just enough to make the sting bearable. Sadly the effect would last for a week.
That demon kid should be writhing in pain right now. Hopefully, he doesn't go berserk.
I cursed under my breath, Gaia got her revenge for me killing her little prophet. Luckily she couldn't come in person lest she deign to start a war.
Back in the day, Hogwarts would have fended an attack like this off easily. Sadly the wards aren't what they used to be and since the magic was of nature the broken wards thought it was a peaceful spell.
It technically was since only those who have a special taint would be hurt. Specifically only I and Marcus Note. This is but one flaw of my method of immortality.
This is going to make him fall quicker into a blood-lusted state.
***
The next day morning came and the sun shone across the castle. I walked through the Hogwarts halls, and I drank another vial of Frost giant blood. Say what you want about the Giants as a species but their blood has some serious painkiller properties. Vikings even used to drink a small handful before battle.
I truly wished those times, battles were everywhere I would almost never find myself bored.
As I entered the great hall to join my fellow professors for breakfast I scanned the room looking for my target. Soon I found him, Marcus Note was sitting at the edge of the Ravenclaw table almost as if he was hiding himself.
I could see the pain that was apparent on his face, looking deeper I could almost see his mind slowly slipping. He was eating with his hands instead of utensils most likely because he couldn't even lift utensils right now.
I have to observe him throughout the day, if I see him starting to slip I might just have to eliminate the threat. Sadly the castle is too packed right now, the best method would be to give him some ice giant blood, just enough for him to hold on.
Making it to my seat *pop* the house elves provided me some food immediately.
As I began to eat I saw Albus eying me a little, "How was your trip Morpheus?" he asked with that grandfatherly smile
Setting my fork down I smiled softly, "it was enlightening,"
He nodded slowly, "I'm glad, have you thought about what your mid-term exam will be? I'm just missing your report,"
Leaning back in my chair I replied, "Yes, as a matter of fact, my classes will start preparing for it soon. I want them to show proficiency in either the diving rod divination technique or the book divination technique. And of course, the few who found residence with tarot cards will have their own exam,"
Many of the professors who overheard perked up a little at that, "Can you send me the practices of the three? I haven't studied divination too deeply but I'm very interested in learning more," Filius asked with an excited smile
A couple of professors including Albus himself nodded along asking to be included.
I gave them a hum of agreement, "Of course, it would be my pleasure. While studying the two techniques you will quickly realize through certain spells they can be countered but, with how little people know about divination in Britain I'm sure you will have no troubles,"
I didn't include the tarot card practice in my reply simply because it's much more complicated.
Professor Samir asked, "Are most divination practices so easy to counter? Although I'm an astrologist and know some methods of divination I'm embarrassed to say I never paid good enough attention in class,"
"Not really, the basic counters usually involve some warding or enchanting but against a more complex divination practice those wards hardly ever work and that's where rituals step into play," I replied subconsciously using my teaching voice
***
As I finished up my Third-year class I spotted Mr. Lovegood staying behind.
"Yes, Xenophilius?" I asked looking up from my papers
"Sir!" he said loudly as if I just interrupted a deep thought
"Have you considered my question," he said chuckling slightly while looking around the room
I sighed deeply. Lovegoods were troublesome, this child obviously has some of the original Lovegoods blood running through his veins.
"Do you know the history of your family?" I asked lightly while putting some papers in my desk drawer
"Not really," he mumbled quietly
I chuckled at that, most families usually shove that kind of information down their children's throats. Now that I think of it perhaps it's better that Lovegoods didn't do that.
"Learn about your family history and tell me what happened to Selena Lovegood. Then I will teach you," I replied
He nodded as if deep in thought and then left my room. Seeing him leave I pulled out an item from my desk and began to mumble softly.
Soon a very familiar ghost appeared, "you called Lord Morpheus?" she asked with excitement
"Helena, I think it's time we had a talk," I said seriously
***
A/N: Patre on: patreon.com/Boogie324