Chương 109: 109
Chapter 109: Seizing the Power of Gods
Wade was taken aback.
After Dobby was freed by his master, he had heard stories of the elf's anguish—how he had drowned his sorrows in drink and wept bitterly. But did he ever attempt to return?
Later, during the Triwizard Tournament, when Barty Crouch and his son visited Hogwarts, where was Winky? Did she ever long to aid her original master, who had been under the Imperius Curse?
And what of the other elves, dismissed or inadvertently granted freedom by their masters—did they strive to reunite with their former owners and resume their service? Or did they prostrate themselves, weeping in despair before accepting their fate and wandering off?
Though Wade knew many house elves, all were Hogwarts property. Most seemed content with their lives, harboring no desire for freedom or facing expulsion.
Including Zoe and McGee—they sought only fair treatment and respect from wizards, not liberty.
Professor Murray swiftly moved on from the topic.
After nodding thoughtfully at Wade, he continued, "Following notable successes, many wizards became enamored with biological alchemy."
"But this is no simple feat. Countless have perished at the hands of their creations, and over time, life alchemy was banned outright. What sealed its prohibition, however, was the emergence of another creature."
"In the fifteenth century, a wizard named Extis erected a castle on an island, luring Muggle ships there. The atrocities he committed against the sailors and crew were unspeakable."
"It's said that those sent to investigate returned... and refused to speak of what they found. Yet the least terrifying aspect was the island becoming a haven for Dementors."
"And thus Azkaban was born."
"Dementors feed on happiness, inducing despair and hopelessness merely by their presence. They can also suck out human souls, turning victims into creatures akin to themselves. The Patronus Charm is the only effective defense against them."
"These beings cannot be killed outright; even if destroyed, they regenerate from decayed, dark places. They transcend mortality."
"—Thus, in a sense, this form of life alchemy can be deemed highly successful, albeit of no benefit to wizards."
Wade suddenly interjected, "Professor, wizards can repel Dementors with the Patronus Charm, but Muggles can't even see these creatures, let alone defend against them..."
"Yes," Professor Murray acknowledged, "are you concerned about these monsters harming your parents? In the early eighteenth century, the Ministry of Magic reached an accord with the Dementors, confining them to Azkaban to guard prisoners."
"Though I've always found this decision foolish, thus far, its results appear satisfactory."
Wade shook his head, voicing softly, "No, I actually wonder—why didn't the Alliance and Death Eaters harness Dementors' power during the Wizarding War?"
Professor Murray paused, then responded after a moment, "Because to Dementors, wizards' magical souls are far more enticing than those of Muggles... and very few wizards can conjure a Patronus Charm..."
He slowed, adding, "This concludes our discourse. I trust you grasp—the realm of life alchemy wields both wonder and peril."
"It empowers wizards to forge beings surpassing their own existence... Each creation is unique, akin to no other human or alchemical life."
"To create life is to assume the mantle of gods, yet wizards can seize but a fraction of this authority."
"This temptation is unrivaled. Any skilled alchemist will eventually tread this path, regardless of Ministry prohibition, delving into the forbidden realm of life."
"I only hope that if you ever find yourself drawn to the study of alchemical life, you'll recall our discussion today, the failures recounted, and the wisdom imparted—"
"Dare to dream boldly, but test rigorously."
"In alchemy, caution can never be overstated."
"Of course, today's lesson is confined to the basics—bestowing sentience upon inanimate objects..."
...
Professor Murray's lessons in biological alchemy spanned three days, after which he entrusted Wade with several books and an array of alchemical materials, encouraging him to delve deeper through practice.
Post-dinner, Steven invited Wade to visit his farm.
"If you've friends who enjoy company, bring them along. The farm boasts a host of fascinating creatures that children adore," Steven suggested.
Wade queried, "Wouldn't we be intruding?"
"No, some are fond of children's company and thrive on it," Steven quipped. "If you fancy a girl, it's a perfect opportunity!"
Wade replied thoughtfully, "I'm only twelve. What do I know of such things?"
"True," Professor Murray nodded approvingly. "Focus on your studies; don't be distracted. But you—"
He turned to Steven with a scowl, "When will you find a girlfriend? Or do you plan to spend your days with a ocammy?"
Steven shrunk back, muttering, "You said the same when I was at Hogwarts... But classmates who dated then married soon after..."
"You've been out of Hogwarts for twenty years! In that time, if you weren't always on the farm, you could've had eight relationships! Didn't the Shafik girl smile at you during the last banquet? Didn't you try to stay in touch?"
Steven faltered, murmuring, "A Shafik girl came last time?"
Professor Murray shot him a glare, and Steven fell silent.
Seeing Wade present, Professor Murray opted not to continue scolding his son.
Post-dinner, Steven pulled Wade upstairs to pack.
In Wade's room, Steven wore a rueful expression. "Let's hurry... Before Father remembers and starts lecturing me again..."
Wade agreed. He retrieved his pencil case and silently cast a spell, causing it to unfold into the size of a schoolbag. Wade stuffed books, alchemical materials, and personal belongings inside before shrinking it back to its original form.
This was the virtue of the ocammy skin.
Initially the size of a caterpillar when Wade received it, it could expand significantly.
Thus, Wade folded it seven times, each transformation yielding a different size—
From the smallest, a pencil case, to the largest, a wardrobe, offering ample space within.
Another perk of the extension charm—regardless of the number of items stored, the weight always felt negligible, akin to carrying an empty box.
Hence, Wade could tuck it into his pocket and move about freely.
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