Chapter 1072
Condensation Takes Shape
Chapter 1072 Condensation Takes Shape
Snape was speechless for a moment when he recalled Voldemort sticking to the back of Quirrell's head to get into Hogwarts.
From his perspective, it seemed inappropriate to say anything at this moment, and he also gained a new understanding of Wade's consistent caution.
He doesn't seem like some stupid, monstrous kid.
Having been hunted by Voldemort for so many years, he's still foolishly refusing to improve, spending all his time worrying about Quidditch or other random things. Even if real danger were to jump right onto his nose, he wouldn't see it.
The Potions Professor lowered his eyes and quickly changed the subject.
He waved his wand, sending the parchments scattered on the floor back to where they belonged, and leaned against the desk, saying:
"You need to know that Occupational surgery is just the most basic form of defense."
"At best, it only prevents you from being like an open book that anyone can read when you are facing Legilimency."
"But when you encounter a real enemy, using Occlumency is like shouting to everyone—'I resisted, and the Demention Curse won't get anything out of my head!'"
"So, do you know what the consequences will be?"
Wade replied softly, "They will use every means to break through the defenses and force people to open their heads to them."
“That’s right,” Snape nodded, “like… the Crucifixion.”
The name of the Unforgivable Curse, when uttered by the Potions Professor, seemed to freeze into ice, falling to the ground piece by piece.
He paced slowly, moving back and forth in the dim shadows of the office.
"How long can a person's Occlumency be maintained while they are writhing and screaming in agony under the Crucifixion?"
"Let me tell you, usually, in less than three minutes, the defenses in his mind will turn into a tattered fishing net that can be easily torn open."
"Not everyone is a Longbottom couple..."
Snape paused at this point.
Wade also realized that when Lestrange and the others used the Cruciatus Curse to torture the Longbottoms, their purpose wasn't simply to torture them, but to find out where Voldemort had gone after his sudden disappearance.
The answer they probably got from Frank and Alice's minds was that the couple knew nothing about it.
This is a fact.
But the Death Eaters did not believe it.
They may have thought they were facing unprecedented resistance, or perhaps extreme panic fueled their anger and brutality...
Those guys tortured the two men for a long time, until their minds were destroyed, without getting the answers they wanted.
The reason why heroes remain steadfast and unyielding is simpler than imagined—
They said nothing because they truly knew nothing.
Snape could have exposed and mocked it, but he swallowed his words before the sarcasm could escape his lips.
Longbottom is not Porter.
Out of respect and consideration for his comrades, he subtly interrupted his previous conversation again, and instead said:
"Therefore, the real way to protect your brain is not to cling to it, but to deceive it."
"What you need to do is learn to hide your true memories deep inside, let others see the illusion they want to see, and then leave satisfied."
Have you learned this technique?
Wade shook his head: "No."
A clear longing shone in his eyes.
For the first time in his life, Snape felt gratified and satisfied by his students' ignorance.
“Very good,” he said, “then let’s start from the beginning.”
……
The magic of forging memories is known as "conjugation".
In reality, it's like Occlumency; there's no specific incantation, because everything happens within the wizard's own mind. It's also very difficult to execute in an instant when the mind is under the influence of Legilimency.
To construct a memory that is indistinguishable from reality, the wizard must first extract fragments from real memories, then meticulously piece them together and modify them until they resemble the truth yet are not quite the same.
This requires extremely focused and meticulous imagination, taking into account the reactions of everyone present, and even noticing changes in light and shadow.
Otherwise, the other party might see this scene—
For example, while everyone was having a very serious meeting in the conference room, one of them suddenly changed into pajamas, jumped onto the table, and started dancing.
For example, Dumbledore's long hair was transformed into a bun like McGonagall's, or Professor Sprout's nose was grafted onto Professor Flitwick's face.
Or perhaps, a normally serious person suddenly breaks down in tears in their memories, or bursts into laughter when they should be grieving.
All of this will make the enemy realize that everything they see is actually an illusion.
The most difficult part of this magic is that a person's attention is limited. When actually in that environment, most people can only actively notice and remember about one percent of the information.
In his memory, theoretically, every detail of the scene could be reproduced 100%—as long as it was within the sensory range of the memory subject.
Fortunately, when one person uses clairvoyance to examine another person's memory, their focus is also somewhat biased; it is impossible to meticulously observe the shadow of every leaf or the curve of every person's face.
Even so, the amount of detail must be at least 30% to complete an initial deception.
If you're dealing with a paranoid wizard like Voldemort, the details you need to recreate might reach 50%... or even 70% or more.
Therefore, the premise of forging memories is not last-minute cramming, but rather meticulously pruning and embellishing the memories that may be spied on beforehand, and then constantly reinforcing and examining them until the day they are put to use.
……
"Capture the spirit and grasp the mind!"
The spell struck Vader once more. He did not resist, but his feet involuntarily took a half step back.
Snape narrowed his eyes slightly, and some unfamiliar memories suddenly surfaced in his mind.
……
"Sit down, Wade." Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his half-moon spectacles perched on his nose, looking at him gently. "Did you come to see me for something?" he said.
Wade sat in the chair, somewhat embarrassed, and said:
“I’m sorry to take up your time, Professor Dumbledore… I’d like to talk to you about my future career path. I’m a little… unsure of what to choose.”
“Ah, I understand.” Dumbledore laughed. “First, I’d like to hear your thoughts—what are your plans after you graduate from school?”
Wade thought for a moment and said, "Everyone says I'm suited to be an alchemist, but the Ministry of Magic seems like a good option too..."
……
The scene, lasting only a few dozen seconds, abruptly ended. Snape put away his wand, looking somewhat surprised.
"You just said... you haven't learned this magic?"
He asked, glancing subconsciously at the clock.
From the time he finished explaining the key points of the Condensation Formation Magic to Vader and had him try to weave memories until now... only seven minutes have passed.
“Yes.” Seeing his gaze, Wade added, “But I’ve come across some theories before… and I’ve also imagined what kind of memories should be forged to make it easier to gain people’s trust.”
Snape nodded, reluctantly accepting the explanation.
He sat back in his chair and slowly nodded, saying:
"The content flows fairly smoothly, the visuals are clear, and Dumbledore's tone and expressions are handled with considerable detail..."
He paused for a moment, then said, "There were basically no major mistakes."
"But there are still some issues with the details... regarding my use of Legilimency."
Wade was taken aback: "Sorry, Professor, Legilimency... I know the incantation, but I'm not very proficient at it."
“It’s alright,” Snape said calmly. “Reading memories is easier when the other party is willing to cooperate.”
“…Alright.” Vader stood up, raising his wand: “Leech!”
[Sit, Vid.]
He saw the memory he had just woven, and Dumbledore smiled at him:
Is there something you need from me?
(End of this chapter)