One Step Closer to the Truth

Sean was a little confused; his proficiency level had increased inexplicably.

In the past, his Spell Proficiency improved from two sources: one was casting spells himself, which was his main source of Spell Proficiency.

The second was witnessing others casting spells.

This sounds easy, but it's actually quite demanding to achieve.

With Sean's current magical abilities, even demonstrations by much stronger senior students couldn't provide him with the necessary proficiency.

Generally speaking, Sean can only gain proficiency from wizards of Professor McGonagall's caliber or higher.

However, in his memory, no powerful wizard had cast any spells such as the Explosion Charm or the Blinding Charm in front of him during this period.

"Strange, where did I get this level of proficiency from..." Sean frowned.

He continued browsing the list of Spell Proficiency, his expression growing increasingly strange.

His proficiency with a whole host of unorthodox spells, such as the Illusion Charm, Confundus Charm, Blinding Spell, and Object Shaping Spell, increased dramatically. He even learned a few spells that Sean hadn't learned before.

For example, the Nosebleed Hex...

He had seen Fred and George use this thing before. It was a prank spell that could make the cursed person bleed from the nose, and with increased magic power, it could even make them bleed from all seven orifices. But this unfortunate spell only worked on the user and was usually used by naughty kids to scare their parents. Sean hadn't had time to learn it at the time.

This isn't right... Sean frowned and thought for a while. He hadn't encountered any situations recently that could significantly increase his proficiency. Although it was the final exam, these spells weren't the focus of his review.

Wait a minute... Sean suddenly froze on the spot.

He had encountered...

That night in Paris, he witnessed a duel between two of the world's most powerful wizards. In the air, amidst a tapestry of flames and rain, he saw countless profound and terrifying spells.

The explosions from the collision of spells and the blinding flashes of light streaking across the night sky were the main sights of the night.

Could it be...?

Sean suddenly became excited, and he flipped through the spell list even faster, seeing more spells. Most of the unorthodox spells Grindelwald had taught him had gained a significant increase in proficiency.

And the effect of these spells, in Grindelwald's words, is "enough to make you put on a flawless sitcom."

Unorthodox spells... Explosion Charm of a spell hitting the ground... Blinding Charm at the center of a duel... Transfiguration Spell alter the light of a spell...

He continued reading and then saw an even more profound spell.

For example, the spell "Protego Diabolica" that Grindelwald taught him increased his proficiency by a significant margin. This is understandable, as he had maintained his flame for a long time that night, and Grindelwald's demonstration, by the spell's inventor, also greatly boosted his proficiency.

However, the "Partis Temporus" spell used by Dumbledore in his final duel with Grindelwald was not recorded in the spell list!

Sean checked carefully and indeed there was no spell for Partis Temporus "!

This is unreasonable. The strength of the Sean system lies in recording spells and then practicing to gain proficiency. Before that, it was just a demonstration from memory. Sean also learned two Ancient Spell from the young Grindelwald and Dumbledore —his Ancient Runes Talent was extremely low.

If it were Wandless Casting or Silent Casting, it would be normal for him not to learn those advanced spells, but Dumbledore gave him clear actions and precise incantations, which doesn't make sense...

Sean's eyes lit up slightly, so there was probably only one explanation— Dumbledore's "Partis Temporus" might have been just a smokescreen, or perhaps "Partis Temporus" didn't actually involve much magic, and the spell was just a flashy effect.

Damn! Are these two old men putting on an act?!

Sean became surprisingly excited upon realizing this.

His biggest worry was that if the two old men really became enemies, the world would truly be split in two.

Now, Sean has learned the truth through the system: the two old men had planned this all along! This excites him greatly.

However, amidst his excitement, he propped his chin up and began to think.

Wait a minute, this isn't just about acting...

If it's acting, there's no need to act so realistically. Besides, I was stimulated and awakened to my Sin. Was this part of their plan?

Did Voldemort's arrival also foresee the future?

Acting alone cannot explain so many doubts, and Grindelwald did not tell him the truth afterward, Dumbledore even avoided him.

There must be more to the story...

Having figured everything out, Sean couldn't help but smile. Even with so many doubts, as long as the two old men hadn't really become enemies, this was the best news.

But why did you keep it from me? Sean clicked his tongue.

Grindelwald said he would contact me, so I'll try to gauge his opinion then.

Discovering and reflecting, Sean mood had been rather low lately, suddenly had a better appetite. Even though the steak was getting cold, he still took a portion and put it on his plate to enjoy.

Hermione looked over curiously. "You have such a good appetite today?"

Sean swallowed the piece of meat and replied with a smile, "I've figured some things out, so I'm in a good mood."

"Then—cheers?" Hermione blinked and picked up the Pumpkin Juice.

"Cheers."

The atmosphere in the Great Hall wasn't particularly lively, but Sean was in high spirits, and even his gaze towards the students of Newmontgard became much more enthusiastic.

When the dinner party ended, the Hogwarts students stood up straight.

The current principal, Professor Rosier, stood up, walked to the center of the Great Hall, and hugged Professor McGonagall.

"Thank you for coming, Minerva."

Professor McGonagall smiled in response, "Thank you for your hospitality, Newmontgard. We have learned a great deal and made friends. I look forward to seeing you again."

Lockhart, who had been virtually invisible throughout the semester, lifted his foot slightly, sporting a greasy, charming smile, as if he also wanted to hug Professor Rosier goodbye.

However, Professor Rosier's cold glance dispelled his idea.

The farewell was not passionate, there was no reluctance to part, and no tears from the girl.

Even with a change of headmaster, Newmontgard still finds it difficult to become friends with Hogwarts.

The Hogwarts students walked out of the Great Hall in neat lines and headed toward the giant Stone Giant crouching in the square.

"Until we meet again." Sean smiled and shook hands with the members of the Golden Dawn of Newmontgard.

Hugo and the others understood and made the same gesture.

Amidst the lukewarm farewells from the faculty, staff, and students of Newmontgard, the Hogwarts students began to enter the Stone Giant's lair one by one.

Just as it was almost Sean's turn, someone called out to him.

"Wallerup".

Sean turned his head and saw an unpleasant, pale face.

Fabian Aiken.

"Who are you?" Sean asked, puzzled.

Little Aiken twitched the corner of his mouth, ignoring Sean's mockery. "Wallerup, we'll meet again."

Sean shrugged. "Can't you villains come up with some original lines?"

Little Aiken lowered his voice. "When real calamity comes, words are the least useful thing."

"Does this have anything to do with your lack of imagination?" Sean shook his head helplessly, then tossed something else over.

Instead of catching it, Little Aiken took a half-step back as if facing a formidable enemy.

The thing floated to the ground and unfolded; it was a flyer.

"Luxury home for sale in Paris, France! Prime location, great value for money!"

Little Aiken's breathing quickened slightly. Their Aiken Family's manor, which had been passed down for hundreds of years, was burned to the ground by Grindelwald.

He looked over grimly, Sean had already entered the Stone Giant's territory, poked his head out.

He had a smile on his face and looked extremely kind.

"You're welcome, bye~"

Little Aiken walked back into the crowd with a grim expression, his fists clenched.

You just wait.

In the peaceful Common Room where the Stone Giant were running, Hermione was talking to Sean.

"Is that bastard still haunting us?"

"It's not that easy to break up—" Sean lay half-reclined in his chair and reached for the snacks in Daisy's hand.

Daisy blinked. "Do you want some, Sean?"

"Yes, just a little bit is enough."

Before she could finish speaking, Daisy's right hand, which was holding up the packaging bag and extending it to Sean, fell to the ground, covered in grime.

"Uh... thanks." Sean stuffed the snacks into his mouth and continued, his words muffled, "Old Man Aiken lost a hand, and Little Aiken lost not only his clothes but also his reputation. As a result, I didn't even have to go to jail. It's understandable that he's angry."

Hermione gave him a helpless look. "Why don't you care at all?"

"Strategic contempt, tactical attention; I don't want a bedbug to ruin my mood in my daily life."

"What about Hugo, Patricia, and the others? We've just left. Little Aiken still wields quite a bit of influence in Newmontgard..."

Sean raised an eyebrow at her. "Do you think I'm the kind of person who doesn't clean up after others? Don't worry, I was prepared."

At Newmontgard Castle, Little Aiken, seething with anger, grew angrier the more he thought about it, but that bastard Wallerup had already vanished, leaving him with nowhere to vent his frustration.

He walked stiffly into the castle, then suddenly squinted as a figure came into view.

Savannah Minks, that laughable member of the Golden Dawn...

Little Aiken sneered and strode away.

"Bitch..." He had just opened his mouth when he suddenly felt his breath catch in his throat.

Savannah looked shocked. "You..."

From the shadows, a cold and aloof woman walked out expressionlessly.

Vita Rosier.

"Teach, professor..."

Professor Rosier gave him a look of disgust. "Go to the Detention Room, now."

Little Aiken wanted to have a fit, but after taking a deep breath, he stomped heavily and walked towards the Detention Room.

He turned around and saw Savannah Minks smiling and gesturing to Professor Rosier. He saw the girl give him a provocative smile and read her lips.

"You're so brave!"

A bunch of bastards!

After resting inside the Stone Giant's belly for a night, when Sean and his friends woke up, the towering towers of Hogwarts were already visible in the distance.

Hermione, standing beside her, pursed her lips and looked out the window, muttering, "Although Newmontgard's library is wonderful, Hogwarts definitely feels more like home."

Sean nodded in agreement. "It does feel different."

As they stepped down from the Giant, the three Headmasters of the House —Flitwick, Snape, and Professor Sprout— were already waiting on the playground. Filch, now free from petrification, was holding Mrs. Norris and watching them with ill intent.

The students who came spontaneously were cheering and applauding.

Professor Flitwick waved his wand, and a welcoming magical banner appeared in mid-air. The dwarf professor smiled.

Welcome home.

The playground suddenly became lively. Hagrid gave each of them a warm welcome with his fan-sized hand, and Ron almost threw up his breakfast.

Amidst laughter and chatter, they headed toward the castle. Although food was available inside the Stone Giant, most people chose to save their breakfast for Hogwarts.

On the way, Hagrid told them about what had happened at Hogwarts in the past six months.

"Professor McGonagall and Professor Lockhart led the team, and Mr. Dumbledore taught two courses. The students learned a lot. By the way, the Duelling Club is also thriving now, all thanks to Mr. Dumbledore's encouragement."

"A month ago, the Mandrake matured, and Professor Sprout prepared the potion. Filch woke up immediately. The first thing that idiot said when he woke up was, 'The student ran away.' Then he got a severe scolding from the professor."

"Edmund woke up too. Professor Snape turned the potion into incense, and then we fanned it into Edmund's body—good heavens, ghosts can drink potions?"

"Ha, to be honest, without you guys and the Weasley family, the castle is definitely not as lively—but Filch kept secretly cursing George and Fred to die in Newmontgard in his office, and I gave him a good scolding."

"Hmm? The Grindelwald thing? Of course, that's the biggest news at Hogwarts in the last six months. Everyone's talking about it. Speaking of which," Hagrid glanced around and lowered his voice, "Sean, they're all saying you're Grindelwald's successor. Some of the Guard Corps have leaked the news."

Sean shrugged. "They're just being paranoid. If they can't catch Grindelwald, they'll try to catch someone with connections. But I'm still doing just fine, aren't I?"

Hagrid nodded in deep agreement. "That's what I think too. Humph, if I hear anyone spreading rumors again, I'll make them regret it!"

After chatting and laughing as they entered the long-awaited Great Hall and enjoyed a Hogwarts- style breakfast, the students gathered together.

Final exams are over, and Hogwarts ' term banquet will be held tomorrow. Now is the perfect time to relax and have some fun.

However, Sean still had things to do.

In that Chamber of Secrets in the Slytherin Common Room, the unique, intelligent Basilisk was still waiting for him.

During this time, when Sean returned to Hogwarts using the Vanishing Cabinet, he secretly met up with the Basilisk, who seemed particularly bored.

Yes, Sean is trying to figure out how to safely get the Basilisk out of the Chamber of Secrets.