บท 138: Chapter 138: Tom, I Like Honest Students, You Know
Voldemort's Horcrux Notebook, Soul Space.
"Tom, how is your practice of soul meditation? Is the effect different from the expected outcome?" Lockhart asked gently, sitting at a desk simulated by the soul space, looking at Tom opposite him.
Upon hearing Lockhart's question, Tom's eyes lit up, and he said excitedly, "Professor, the soul meditation method is really effective. I have now reached the third level and have outlined 36 runes."
"The actual effect is even better than expected. The speed of improving mental power meets expectations. Additionally, the power of soul spells has increased by at least 10%, and the consumption has reduced by about 20%."
Tom felt fortunate that he had signed the contract with Lockhart. After the contract was signed, Lockhart provided him with something called the Soul Meditation Method to practice. Initially, Tom was a little dissatisfied with being treated as a test subject, but once he started practicing it, he found it to be a boon.
He discovered that the soul meditation method was actually beneficial to his soul fragment. Not only did it improve his mental power, but it also enhanced his soul power. In other words, he could think more clearly and be more rational. It seemed that the negative erosion caused by long-term study of black magic was gradually dissipating. Moreover, after signing the contract, he gained access to more advanced knowledge of runes, which excited and delighted him.
Seeing the excited expression on Tom's face, Lockhart nodded with satisfaction. This meditation method was specially selected based on Tom's situation. Soul Meditation, as the name suggests, specializes in the soul. With practice, one can not only strengthen the soul but also improve its purity. Moreover, anyone with a soul can practice it.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Lockhart tapped his fingertips on the desk three times, bringing Tom's attention back. He said meaningfully, "Tom, you must practice this meditation method well. If you reach a certain level, you might become an independent soul."
Tom's pupils shrank, feeling a bit uneasy. Could it be that Lockhart had discovered his true identity?
Then Lockhart continued, "In the future, if you want to become a living wizard, a complete soul is indispensable."
Tom felt slightly reassured, but the previous doubts remained hidden in his heart. What would happen if his identity were discovered?
Suddenly...
"Tom, tell me about your experience with the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets. I'll go take a look if I have time," Lockhart said, looking at Tom, who appeared deep in thought.
"Oh, okay, Professor," Tom replied with surprise.
It's good to go to Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets. The original had some back-ups there. As long as Lockhart went in, he could start the process, including the resurrection ceremony.
"Professor, the Chamber is in the girls' restroom on the third floor. Take me there, and I can help you open the door to the secret room."
After hearing Tom's reply, Lockhart asked directly, "Tom, is there any danger after entering the chamber?"
Tom, reminiscing, said slowly, "Professor, according to Riddle's memory, there doesn't seem to be much danger in the chamber. You just need to pay attention to a few magical traps. You can take me with you. If you encounter a trap, I'll remind you."
Lockhart nodded slowly, appearing to agree. Then he kept a gentle smile on his face and continued to ask, "Well, Tom, is there anything valuable left in the chamber?"
"After all, if all Slytherin's belongings were taken by Riddle, it would be a waste of my time to go. My time is very valuable."
Seeing Lockhart's expression, Tom's face lit up, thinking he had tricked Lockhart. There was only one last step left. After thinking for a moment, he decided to add some useful information and said directly, "Yes, Professor, there is something very valuable inside. But it can only be kept in the chamber, so Riddle didn't take it."
"Oh, what is it?" Lockhart asked with interest.
"It's a stone statue with intelligence!" Tom explained. "According to Riddle's research, it seems to be a legacy left by Salazar Slytherin. It can answer the questioner's questions and appears to possess a lot of knowledge. Many questions can be answered by it. However, it seems to have a way of judging. Only students or professors of Hogwarts can ask questions, along with the headmaster. After Riddle graduated, he lost his Hogwarts identity and could no longer get answers from the stone statue."
Hearing this, Lockhart was thoughtful. He remembered that Voldemort really wanted the job of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor so much that he even cast a curse when he couldn't get it. As a result, the position changed teachers every year. Maybe this had something to do with the stone statue that Tom mentioned.
While thinking, Lockhart continued to ask, "Tom, are there any other treasures?"
This time, Tom shook his head and said no.
"Okay, then I understand." Lockhart nodded lightly. Then, his attitude became very gentle and kind, as if he were facing his favorite student.
"Also, let me confirm one last time. Are you sure that the only risks in the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets are those magical traps?" Lockhart asked again.
Although Tom felt a little guilty in his heart, he shook his head confidently, saying, "No, Professor."
Then...
Lockhart stood up, leaning on the desk with his hands, and stared at Tom with a stern expression. A hoarse, eerie, weird, and evil voice came from his mouth.
"Hiss. Hiss, hiss, hiss. (Tom, please tell me, what is a basilisk?)"
A look of horror appeared on Tom's face when he heard the Parseltongue coming from Lockhart. Especially after understanding its meaning, his face turned pale.
Then, as Lockhart thought, the contract imprinted deep in Tom's soul suddenly began to emit a pale golden light, burning his soul like the sun.
"Ahhhhh!"
Tom immediately curled up on the ground, trembling all over, writhing in pain, and wailing.
"Professor, what is a basilisk?"
"Ahhhhh!"
"I really... really don't know."
"Let me go, Professor, let me go."
Lockhart slowly left the desk and walked over to Tom. Half squatting down, he looked at Tom, who was wailing and begging for mercy, and shaking violently. He didn't speak, just watched silently. After a while, with a thought, the contract began to return to normal.
"Huff, huff."
Looking at Tom, who was panting heavily and pale-faced, Lockhart spoke in a cold tone, "Tom, I like honest students. You should know this. The information I have far exceeds your imagination. I think you should understand this sooner rather than later. I don't want you to be clever in front of me. Do you understand? You have to understand that I can make you a living creature, and I can also make you lose your soul. This time, I'll teach you a lesson. Thirty minutes of soul burning, now there are twenty-five minutes left. Just enjoy it slowly."
After speaking, Lockhart had a thought, and the contract deep in Tom's soul continued to emit a pale golden light, like the sun, continuing to burn his soul.
"Ah, Professor, Professor, I don't dare anymore."
"Let me go!"
"Next time, I won't dare."
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