Chapter 460
No Longer Afraid
Chapter 460 No Longer Afraid
On the white parchment, a feather pen swayed unsteadily for a few times before standing still.
Wade stared at it intently, his fingers moving unconsciously, and then he was tapped lightly by Professor Murray's wand.
"Don't use magic, Wade." Professor Murray said with a smile, "Use your thoughts to control it."
Vader took a deep breath, staring at the quill, frowning slightly.
After a few seconds, the feather pen finally moved and wrote a few crooked characters on the paper -
【Mentis Imperio】.
“Spiritual Control?” Professor Murray stroked his chin and said, “It’s a good name—very different from your previous naming skills.”
Vader gave him a helpless look.
Just then, the quill seemed to lose all its strength and fell onto the parchment with a clatter.
"It's a bit difficult, isn't it?" Professor Murray pushed a cup of hot chocolate to Wade and said, "Have a cup, you'll feel much better."
Wade drank the chocolate and wondered, "But Professor, I've seen someone use a shorthand quill before, and it seemed effortless to her. Why is it so difficult for me to control it?"
"Well... there are many reasons."
Professor Murray said, "First of all, your magic is not perfect, and the connection between the quill and you is very fragile. You need more time to study it carefully. A high-quality shorthand quill can recognize the owner's thoughts more quickly and is not easily disturbed by the outside world."
Wade nodded. He also felt that the shorthand quill he made for the first time was not perfect, and the magic loop felt sluggish.
"Secondly, the wizard you met must have used blood or saliva to strengthen the connection between himself and the quill. This is a shortcut. Although it is quick, I don't recommend you use it - shortcuts will make people lazy."
"In addition, the longer a magic item is used, the closer its connection with the wizard becomes. It has nothing to do with the strength of the magic on it."
"So Vader, even if you don't put any special thoughts into the items, you should treat them as your family, partners, brothers and sisters, rather than just a tool that can be discarded at any time. When you do this, you will definitely get rewards from it."
Vader held the quill in his hand, nodded and said, "I'll remember that, Professor."
He thought of the old Black house.
When Sirius first went back, it was because he had to do it for Regulus's funeral, and he still hated the house.
The house was also full of resistance to its owner. Not only was it dirty everywhere, but even the clothes hanging in the closet seemed to be trying to strangle people.
But when its owner was still alive, it was just a well-fitting magic robe.
But later, perhaps it was because Kreacher was finally willing to cooperate, or perhaps Sirius gradually accepted his own origins, and because of his nostalgia and guilt for his brother, he began to identify somewhat with his family. In short, the angry resistance in the old house finally subsided and became quiet.
"Well, magic research can be put off until later. You might as well take a look at the remaining quills."
Professor Murray seemed to be worried that Wade would be frustrated by his unsuccessful work, so he summoned two more boxes and introduced the various magical quills inside to Wade.
"The contract quill is made of elf hair. Contracts written with it have stronger magical binding force. It was very popular among wizards in ancient times."
Professor Murray took out a light golden feather pen and said, "But now, because there are more effective and convenient contract magic, this kind of feather pen is no longer known."
"A memory quill, which can record every word it has written and then reproduce it. Judges and recorders of the Wizengamot use this quill."
"Oh, and this... This is a quill made from a small tuft of hair from the center of a unicorn's head. The words written with it can calm people. But if it's a lie, it can't be recorded. It's very rare."
Professor Murray introduced several other types of quill pens.
Rare materials often create unique effects, such as a pen made of Sphinx feathers, which can automatically give answers to most questions and can be said to be a student's dream pen.
To the Alchemist, these are just toys to kill time in his spare time. But if they are put outside, each one can be sold at a staggeringly high price.
"I will teach you these slowly, Vader, but don't stick to the knowledge I teach you."
Professor Murray placed his hands on his stomach leisurely and said with a smile: "In the magical world, there will always be knowledge that you and I cannot understand."
"For example, in Hogwarts, there is a quill that I find magical—the Pen of Acceptance."
"The pen of acceptance?" Vader asked.
"Yes." Professor Murray said, "It can sense children with magical talents and automatically write the child's name in the Book of Admission - including you, Wade."
Professor Murray pointed at Wade and said with a smile, "The sensing range of this pen covers the entire British Isles, and it can detect very weak magical fluctuations. Even if the child's parents haven't noticed it, it can still detect it accurately."
"Some children are written into the Hogwarts admission list at birth; while some children only show magical potential when they are almost eleven years old. But in any case, the pen of acceptance can ensure that no child with magical talent is left out."
"Even I don't understand how that pen works. But Dumbledore likes you very much, Wade. If you have the chance in the future, you can study it."
"I hope I can have this opportunity...but it may not be easy." Wade shrugged.
The Pen of Acceptance must be one of the most precious treasures in Hogwarts. Wade felt that Dumbledore would rather throw away the sword left by Gryffindor than let anyone touch the pen.
"It's not that difficult actually." Professor Murray said, "If you can become the headmaster of Hogwarts one day, then all the secrets of the school will be open to you, kid."
Wade was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing: "I haven't thought about it that far, Professor. But I definitely don't want to deal with a bunch of naughty kids all day in the future... Maybe a pure alchemist is more suitable for me? Just like you."
Professor Murray smiled and said, "I'm not as pure as you think, Wade. In fact, I own shares in many companies, and I also participated in some passionate activities when I was young."
He said sadly: "You know, when the war breaks out, no one can sit idly by... Compared to me, Wowelet, who is in the Wuka party, is more pure."
Hearing this familiar name, Wade couldn't help but look up at Professor Murray.
The silver-haired professor nodded and said, "Yes, he and I were friends when we were young, and even now we are not enemies."
"I also heard about what happened to you during the holidays, Vader... Because that guy Wowelet had the audacity to write to me and try to snatch my students away."
He gave a smile that was vaguely dangerous.
Wade was speechless. In fact, after he returned to school, he also received a letter from Wowelet, and the words between the lines revealed his desire for the time converter. Wade could only write to tell him -
It's impossible. The time-turner has a monitoring spell from the Ministry of Magic on it and it can't be loaned out.
Unexpectedly, Wowelet actually sent the letter to Professor Murray.
Professor Murray asked, "I heard that guy gave you his alchemy notes?"
"Yes." Wade nodded and said honestly, "In fact, when I was arrested by the Wuka Party, he also defended me."
"So? What's your impression of that place?" Professor Murray asked.
"Mr. Wowelet?" Wade said naturally, "He is a good man, and he has his own unique alchemy skills. I have learned a lot..."
"No." Professor Murray interrupted him and said, "Wade, I'm asking about the Witch Party - what do you think of them?"
Wade was silent for a long time before hesitantly saying, "An idealist who is equally dangerous and capable of action, right? Unlike most wizards in Britain, they don't have much reverence for life and pay more attention to beliefs and goals."
“…an objective evaluation.”
Professor Murray smiled and said, "In the eyes of many people, they are fanatical believers, cruel executioners, and death knights under Grindelwald."
Wade looked at Professor Murray and said softly, "I have not experienced that era, so my view is rather one-sided."
"We are not God or Merlin, and no one can actually see the whole picture of things," said Professor Murray.
He skipped the topic and said casually, "As long as you find time to coax that fool Wowelet, he will hand over all his alchemy. As for the rest... just follow your own ideas and don't be influenced by others."
Vader nodded slowly and said, "Yes, Professor."
"Oh, I heard that you also received an invitation letter from Nick Flamel?" Professor Murray asked again.
"Yes." Wade hesitated and said, "I'm actually a little nervous. After all, that's Mr. Nick Flamel... I don't know how I'm going to get along with him when the time comes."
"It's very simple. Just remember one thing - don't ask about the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life. Just be casual with the rest."
Professor Murray said gently: "With your upbringing and your love of knowledge, as long as you do your best, Nick Flamel will definitely like you - he is actually a very easy-going person, you don't have to feel uneasy about it."
……
Wade had a herbology class in the afternoon, so he didn't stay in Professor Murray's office for long.
As the crowd made their way to the greenhouse, Wade couldn't help but turn his head and look in the direction of Professor Murray's office.
The castle's numerous windows reflected the evening sunlight, and he couldn't see clearly whether there was a pair of eyes silently watching him behind the glass. It was even difficult for him to accurately lock onto the window.
Wade once misunderstood Professor Mori and worried that he was a bad professor who would steal students' academic achievements. Later, under Professor Mori's long-term care and selfless teaching, he had already put aside that ridiculous worry and even felt that his fear at the time was ridiculous.
But just now... when Professor Murray asked him about his opinion on the Witch Party, Wade suddenly felt that creepy chill again.
He didn't want to doubt the professor who cared for him like a father, but Wade couldn't help thinking...
When Professor Murray said “don’t be swayed by others”, was this “other” referring to Grindelwald or Dumbledore?
"What's wrong, Wade?" Michael suddenly walked in front of him and asked curiously, "You look a little ugly."
Wade retracted his gaze, walked with him to the greenhouse, and said, "Maybe I'm too tired recently... You know, I sometimes have classes with seniors."
"Don't push yourself too hard, Wade." Michael advised: "I know what happened last time put a lot of pressure on you, but if you continue like this, I'm worried that you will overwhelm yourself."
"I know... I'll adjust." Vader said fluently.
"By the way, shall we go to Remus' place together at Hogsmeade this weekend?"
Michael said excitedly, "Professor Hagrid caught a Boggart from somewhere, and Harry said that Remus would use the Boggart to help us learn the Patronus Charm - it would be best if he could create a real flesh-and-blood Patronus like you."
"I'm afraid I'll have to go next time." Weed declined, "I've already accepted Caryl's invitation. I'm going to visit Caryl's parents in Hogsmeade over the weekend."
"Visiting his parents?" Michael repeated doubtfully.
"Our two families were friends before." Weed explained calmly, "Caryl's parents also came to Hogsmeade, and they said they wanted to meet me."
"Oh, that's a pity." Michael didn't think much about it and said with a smile: "When I come back, I will tell you what those guys are most afraid of! I heard that during the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Professor Trocca didn't let Harry deal with Boggart."
"Why?" Wade asked casually.
"Maybe they're worried that the Boggart might turn into something scary? Like Two-Face with multiple faces on the back of his head?"
Michael guessed, "Actually, he's worrying too much. I think Harry is more afraid of his Muggle relatives - after all, if the You-Know-Who meets him, he will be the one who suffers, right?"
Wade said helplessly: "Keep your voice down, don't let the Slytherin hear what you say, Michael."
"Hey, they just don't say it, but they may think so in their hearts." Michael said indifferently.
He usually dealt with Slytherin students, and could sense a vague wariness and fear of Harry Potter beneath their distant and hostile attitude.
Otherwise, the people who often cause trouble for Harry would not be just a few people led by Malfoy.
Wade looked at him and felt a strange feeling in his heart.
——I always feel that Michael now doesn’t seem to be as afraid of Voldemort as before.
Is it that as your knowledge and experience grow, your courage also increases?
(End of this chapter)