Almost Enough for a Game of Mahjong, the Workhorse Spirit of a Clone

"Hmm..." The Sorting Hat looked surprised, its wrinkled eyes furrowing tightly. "It's a difficult decision, a very difficult decision. The only person who could put me in such a dilemma is Gaius."

A noble and pure Soul Stone, with an incredibly resilient heart, is suited for Gryffindor.

An insatiable thirst for knowledge—you've read more books than a whole library; a born Ravenclaw.

Loyalty, stability, and the ability to persevere in something for a long time— Hufflepuff welcomes you.

As for ambition... love, achieving something so elusive isn't easy.

"I want to go to Slytherin," Clea said confidently.

"Alright, Slytherin!" the Sorting Hat shouted.

The Slytherin Long Table erupted in enthusiastic cheers, but Aaron, the Prefect, couldn't manage a smile.

Someone actually chased me to school! Are they trying to make my life impossible?

Clea sat down next to Aaron without any hesitation, and hugged Abei in her arms as if to assert her ownership.

"I'm sure everyone is starving," Dumbledore, spreading his arms wide. "This is the perfect time to enjoy a sumptuous dinner."

As soon as he finished speaking, various steaming hot foods appeared on empty plates, and the students from the four colleges began to enjoy their meals.

"I'm a sixth-year Slytherin student now. If I have any problems with my studies or life, the Prefect will help me solve them, right?" Clea asked.

Aaron nodded with an awkward laugh. "Tell me honestly, who came up with this idea?"

"There are quite a few," Clea counted on her fingers, "Vico, Lisana, Tepler, Jeans, Lyon, and my eldest sister."

With each name she read out, Aaron's face darkened further. "She really went to great lengths!"

What about you? What are your thoughts?

"That's not important. What's important is that I'm your classmate now," Clea said seriously. "That's enough for you to know me."

"I still want to know what you're thinking?"

Clea shrugged and gave the professor a meaningful look.

Aaron was completely speechless. After all, with her family background and the knowledge she possessed, securing a formal position would be very easy for her.

"Hmm? There's a murderous aura?"

Aaron suddenly felt a chill on his neck, and as if possessed, he turned his head and met a pair of eyes burning with rage.

"Uh... do I need to explain?"

"No, I won't explain." Hermione interrupted, then forced a stubborn smile. "I was prepared. Phoebe told me."

"What? What does she know? Wait..." Aaron seemed to have thought of something, staring blankly at Clea, who was feeding Abei, "You've met her?"

"They had a very pleasant conversation!"

"That's not what I wanted to ask. Are my parents also...?"

What do you think?

Aaron let out a long sigh, looking sullen. "It's really beautiful, it's almost like a set of mahjong tiles."

"Ollivander, it must have been him. And I went to such lengths to protect him."

"You're protecting more than just him, aren't you! Uncle Jeans told me about it, there's Hermione Granger too, right?"

"Me?" Hermione pointed to herself, puzzled. "What's going on?"

"It's better if you don't know this," Clea said gently. "But you really are someone to be jealous of; he's never protected me like that."

"Is that really necessary? Your family is exceptionally protective of you."

"Would Voldemort dare to lay a hand on you?"

"Who knows? Madmen are often unreasonable."

"Wait a minute," Hermione interrupted stiffly, "How long have you two known each other?"

"Clea Darwen, Lyon Darwen's younger sister, whom he grew up with."

"Hello." Clea extended her hand. "My brother and older sister have both told me about you, a clever and interesting witch."

From this day forward, you've been my friend.

Hermione stared wide-eyed at the girl who was incredibly friendly and seemingly without any flaws, looking completely bewildered.

"Don't you want to? Not everyone can be my friend."

"No, of course I would." Hermione quickly reached out and shook hands with Clea.

The two smiled at each other, their gazes meeting, but there was no tension, only an atmosphere of peace.

"I'm new here and don't know much about Hogwarts."

We're both girls, so if it's convenient, could you show me around the school in the next couple of days?

"Of course." Hermione said, blushing.

"Thank you, but I won't let you help me for nothing. I'll tell you anything you want to know."

Seeing this, Aaron couldn't help but silently complain to himself: Women are truly the most complicated creatures in the world.

However, he didn't want to pay attention to it for the time being; he didn't care what they thought.

As I said before, women will only slow down his path to godhood; at least until he has sufficient strength, he won't let anything else distract him.

"Your life is certainly quite colorful!" Draco teased.

Crabbe and Goyle looked at him with admiration. The worst thing between people is comparison. They've been single for so long, and look at others, that's the difference.

"Heh! No matter how rich my life is, it can't compare to yours, can it?"

Draco was speechless. Aaron didn't want to be in a relationship for the time being. Being caught between two girls would only be a little tiring, but it was different for him. Working for Voldemort could easily land him in jail for life.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, Dumbledore stood up again, and the laughter in the Great Hall quickly subsided.

"Alright, new students, welcome to the school. Returning students, welcome to the academy. A new year of magical education awaits you."

Administrator Filch asked me to tell everyone that purchasing any joke merchandise from the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes is strictly prohibited this year.

Students who want to join the college Quidditch team should give their names to the headmaster as usual.

In addition, we are also looking for new Quidditch Match commentators; those interested can register with the Dean.

"Quidditch?" Clea asked with interest. "Can I join?"

"Yes, of course," Draco immediately said. "Having a beautiful woman on the field will definitely be a huge boost for the Slytherin House Team."

"Go if you want to. It may be a waste of time, but it's not that troublesome if it's you."

If anyone dares to cause trouble, just say my name, and I'll stand up for you.

"I understand."

"Let me introduce our new teacher, Professor Horace Slughorn Horace Slughorn."

Slughorn, who was in the faculty section, stood up and received a round of applause.

"Professor Horace Slughorn, I am honored to announce that he is willing to return to succeed as the Potions Class Professor."

At the same time, Professor Snape will take over as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.

The Slytherin students applauded enthusiastically, while some students from other houses whispered among themselves, bewildered by Dumbledore's arrangement.

After a long while, once the Great Hall had quieted down, Dumbledore continued, "As you all know, everyone was searched before entering the school tonight, and you have the right to know the reason."

Once upon a time, there was a young man who, just like you, sat in this hall, walked through these corridors, and slept in these beds. He looked no different from anyone else.

His name is Tom Riddle.

Today, the world only knows him by another name: Voldemort.

Upon hearing the name of the Dark Lord, a commotion erupted below, with many students displaying expressions of terror.

Dumbledore was not surprised by this. His blue eyes swept over the crowd, and he said calmly, "That's right. At this moment, looking at you all, I am reminded of an undeniable fact."

Every day, every hour, even right now, perhaps the forces of darkness are trying to breach the high walls of this castle.

Ultimately, their most lethal weapon is still you.

Therefore, I urge you to strictly abide by every safety regulation. Whether on or off campus, you must immediately report any abnormal or suspicious situations to the faculty and staff.

I believe that for your own safety and the safety of others, you will restrain your behavior.

Okay, goodnight, go to bed!

Hundreds of students left the Great Hall and dormitory one after another. Aaron, just like in the past, gathered the first-year Slytherin students together and took them to the Slytherin Common Room.

Clea, the transfer student, was taken to the girls' dormitory by Pansy, who also handed her the sixth-grade timetable. The subjects she would study had to be decided that night.

After returning to his dormitory, Aaron closed the door and cast another protective barrier before lying down on the bed.

"System, Sign-in."

"The host Sign-in at Hogwarts and received five Magic Points, bringing the total to three hundred and forty Magic Points."

"Three hundred and forty?" Aaron murmured. "If I can hold on for another month, my strength will increase by one level. Only when I reach the Intermediate Grand Archmage will I truly feel safe."

"System, open the task panel."

The next moment, a blank screen appeared in front of Aaron's eyes, making him so angry that he almost cursed.

"Are you sure there's no mistake? It's rare for me to be this motivated."

"No mistake." The system said matter-of-factly, "System Mission need to be triggered by the host, but the host only knows how to survive, so the task panel is unlikely to have any specific content."

Aaron:...

Damn it! I don't think that makes sense.

The next day, Aaron was woken up by his alarm clock.

After a quick wash, they opened the Secret Door in the corner and led Abei to the Divine Thunder Hall.

"How was your holiday?" the Thought Form smug grin. "Was it particularly fun?"

"Don't even mention it," Aaron said irritably. "No need to go to tutoring classes, and we've even reached a truce with Voldemort. Logically speaking, it should be a good time for us to develop easily."

This incident proves I was too naive. My father orchestrated one thing, and my uncle orchestrated another; I seriously suspect they planned it all in advance.

"That's certainly possible." The Thought Form tapped its chin and analyzed, "Vico and the others prepared a blind date list a few years ago. We'll be adults in a few months, so it's normal for them to feel anxious."

"But what do we do now?" Aaron said, somewhat frustrated. "There's a Phoebe Delacour outside the school, but I can manage for now."

There are two of them at school, and I see them every day. Being sandwiched between them is really difficult for me...

"You absolutely have to hold on!" the Thought Form teased. "Time is very precious to us, we can't let love get in the way."

"I know what I'm doing." Aaron nodded seriously, then changed the subject, "So I've decided to send you out."

The Thought Form blinked, looking completely bewildered. "What?"

"This is the best way," Aaron said somewhat shyly. "Keep it up, I have confidence in myself."

"It's because I lack confidence in myself!"

You know yourself; if you can't handle it, do you think you can?

"Because you are an avatar, avatars obey all commands of the main body," Aaron said seriously. "I can give you the corresponding commands now, ensuring that you will prioritize rationality when facing them."

Thought Form:...

"How sarcastic! How come I never realized I was so sarcastic before?"

"I'm sorry this time." Aaron sighed. "I'll definitely take back these memories after I take them back, so at least it won't be so awkward."

"I completely understand; that's the fate of a clone."

"But what about the progress of the Magic Array?" The Thought Form looked at Aaron suspiciously. "Can you be a diligent tool?"

"I can do it," Aaron said confidently.

A mere tool? Ha, that's nothing compared to the chaotic scenes that can erupt at any moment.

"And gun maintenance, crafting enchanted bullets?"

"Leave it to me."

"Various homework assignments?"

"That... is fine too."

"Sirius Black 'Black rehabilitation work?"

"Phew!" Aaron took a deep breath. "Okay."

"The construction of Mind Space?"

"Just grit your teeth and you'll get through it."

"Let me finish speaking. The area of Mind Space has now expanded to 300,000 square kilometers."

I added some nice scenery and designated several key areas that need to be reinforced with Defense Magic Array.

Aaron's forehead furrowed into a deep frown. "Anything else?"

"The renovation of the Divine Thunder Hall, the massive amount of food and magical materials you purchased during the holidays—requiring two large warehouses to store them all— the Black family's assets also need a vault for storage, and there's also the construction of Teleportation Array, Potions research..."

"That's enough." Aaron interrupted Yu with a wry smile, "Your work ethic has touched me."

He can easily handle one, two won't be too much of a problem, and he can barely manage three. But if this pile comes down... his small frame might not be able to handle it.

Since it's not Thought Form, being passive and lazy will have a significant impact on its own strength improvement.

"You... you've really had a tough time these past two years," Aaron said sincerely.

"You're only just realizing this?" The Thought Form rolled its eyes. Apart from being able to set its own treatment, it had been working hard all the time, but its original body's abilities were definitely not up to its current level.

"Should we still send me out now?" the Thought Form asked with a half-smile.

"Well... it depends on the specific situation!"