Veratia Forcefully Replenishes Magical Power (12,000 Words)

The only message Cassandra left in the vault was that one letter.

but...

At least those two flowers are still alive, proving that the person who cast the spell on them is still alive.

The question now is, where exactly is Cassandra, and which Merlin's ruins she is in?

Harry, who used to complain that Merlin's trials, suddenly wondered why Merlin had left so many relics in Britain when he had nothing better to do.

While Harry was rummaging through Gringotts vaults, Veratia returned to the school.

She searched the Great Hall but couldn't find Harry.

"Hermione, where's Harry?" Veratia sat down next to Hermione.

Hermione thought for a moment and said, "I don't know either, Sister Veratia. It seems Harry went to ask Headmaster Dumbledore for leave..."

"A request for leave?" Veratia was stunned. Could it be that Harry had something else going on in the Muggle world?

With this question in mind, she decided to go and ask Dumbledore.

Before she could leave, the Weasley twins sitting next to her spoke up.

"I know what Harry's been up to—"

"Yes, Fred, I know that too," George chimed in. "Of course, we won't hide anything from you, Miss Grindelwald."

The clone was very good at judging people by their appearance, and the moment Veratia frowned, it chose to follow its heart.

"You probably don't know, but the parrot tore up Harry's Notebook, the one with what was written on it." Fred hadn't seen the rest of the words clearly; he only remembered one.

"?" Veratia thought of Cassandra almost without thinking.

Cassandra Cecilia Malfoy, or simply Malfoy for short, isn't she?

While Veratia was talking about Cassandra, Hermione subtly moved poor little Jack aside so that Veratia wouldn't see him.

To change the subject, Hermione, holding her Notebook, timidly stepped forward and said, "Sister Veratia, there are some things I don't understand here. Could you help me with them?"

Veratia didn't refuse; she actually really liked Hermione.

Even though Hermione is a little smarter than the average wizard, Hermione is only a second-year student. As the terrifying transfer student Veratia answers her questions with ease.

She even had the mind to wonder why Gellert had torn up Cassandra's Notebook.

Could it be that Gale thinks Potter is too much of a womanizer?

Well... even if he's a younger brother, he shouldn't be so protective of his older sister. He should at least be more magnanimous, especially since Cassandra's fate is currently unknown.

However, Gale did a good job, she thought.

Not long after, Harry walked back from outside the Great Hall.

He didn't leave empty-handed, after all, Cassandra left him two robes as a gift.

Harry had no idea what was going on with the robe; it looked brand new, yet it had an intoxicating fragrance.

The taste is familiar, it's Cassandra's, and even after so long, it hasn't faded away.

Habits formed over many years cannot be changed overnight. Harry smoothly draped one of the robes over his body without the slightest psychological burden.

Hey, it's not like I haven't worn it before.

Of course, Harry didn't buy Veratia a gift either, after all, it was Valentine's Day —actually, he had wanted to buy her one, but whenever he thought of Cassandra, he couldn't help but feel guilty.

Seeing Harry return from outside the Great Hall, Hermione tactfully moved away from Veratia's side.

"Veratia." Harry spotted Veratia immediately. He walked over to her, smiling and greeting her, "Happy Holidays—"

After saying that, Veratia took out a watch from her pocket, a style that was particularly popular among Muggle.

"What is this?" Harry asked with interest.

"A watch." Veratia took Harry's hand and carefully put it on his wrist. "Look, it fits perfectly."

Harry looked down and realized that this children's digital watch was indeed very suitable for him.

"I've already had the Muggle shopkeeper who sold me this watch calibrate the time for me, and it even displays the date!" Veratia said excitedly, pointing to the watch face. "Look, this is the first time I've ever seen a watch that can display numbers like this, and it's so cheap! You can buy a watch with a cute little bunny on it for only 99 Pound Sterling. I bought one too."

As she spoke, Veratia raised her wrist and showed Harry the same digital watch—except that Veratia's watch had a bird printed on it.

"Wow! How cute!" Hermione chimed in at the opportune moment. "You two look so good together—I mean, the watches."

Veratia was extremely satisfied upon hearing this.

"You have one too, Hermione." Veratia pulled out another watch with a squirrel printed on it and handed it to Hermione.

Hermione took it and looked down.

"Veratia, the watch seems to be out of battery," Harry said, raising his hand. "Look, it's stopped telling time."

Veratia quickly turned around, took Harry's wrist, and asked in surprise, "How could this happen?"

A small flame suddenly ignited in her heart.

Those despicable Muggle, how dare they sell me such poor quality stuff! I'll definitely...

"Ah, I remember now!" Hermione said. "Muggle electronic devices are not allowed at Hogwarts. This isn't just a Hogwarts rule; in fact, electronic devices automatically malfunction once they enter Hogwarts. That's how it is."

"So that's how it is..."

Veratia isn't an unreasonable person. This problem clearly has nothing to do with the Muggle boss, and even if she were to get a refund, she wouldn't be in the right.

She slumped onto the bench, staring blankly ahead, muttering to herself, "My money... my money..."

Harry knew she was worried about the money.

Even if it's less than four Pound Sterling, Veratia cherishes it because she was truly terrified of poverty when she was a child.

"I really like this design, Veratia," Harry said softly. "But don't worry, Mr. LeMay is living near Hogwarts now, isn't he? Perhaps we can ask him for help and have him modify this electronic watch so it can be used at Hogwarts."

"You're right!" Veratia perked up again. "Yes, and there's Mr. LeMay... I think as a legendary Alchemy, he'll definitely have a good way to help us modify this digital watch!"

Hermione opened her mouth, but what she really wanted to say was that it was just a few Pound Sterling, and it wasn't really worth bothering Mr. LeMay.

But she has high emotional intelligence and knows that saying such things is inappropriate.

The Granger's house was well-off. Aside from Mr. Granger's own extremely keen financial sense, the profession of dentistry itself is a high-income group.

Moreover, the Granger's house owns a clinic, which earns them much more than a regular dentist.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Granger's house is among the top tier even within the middle class.

In addition, Hermione was the only daughter in the Granger's house, and Mr. Granger doted on his only daughter.

So the fact that something as ordinary as a few Pound Sterling would require the help of a legendary Alchemy is a bit like using a cannon to kill a mosquito.

It's really a waste of talent.

Once she regained her senses, Veratia beckoned to Harry, signaling him to follow her.

Harry followed her all the way to the abandoned classroom on the second floor.

Veratia turned around and opened her arms to Harry.

However, just as she was about to hug Harry, Veratia suddenly sniffed.

She smelled another woman's scent!

Veratia instantly became alert and looked at Harry.

What... does it smell like on you?

Harry didn't react immediately. He picked up the clothes, sniffed them, and said, puzzled, "There's no smell. I can't smell anything..."

"No, that's not right." Veratia stared at Harry. "This smell is familiar. I think I've smelled it somewhere before..."

As she spoke, she was mentally searching for a few girls she had recently met.

Miss Farley?

No, no, Miss Farley's scent is distinctly different from this one; Miss Farley's scent is much softer.

Hermione?

That's even more impossible; Veratia ruled out Hermione as an option almost immediately.

No, that's not right, this smell...

Veratia suddenly remembered an old friend.

Impossible!

Wasn't she trapped in some Chamber of Secrets? Why does Harry smell like her?!

"Is it Cassandra?" Veratia asked Harry calmly. "Did she manage to escape her predicament?"

When Veratia said that, Harry suddenly remembered that he was still wearing Cassandra's robes.

"Oh, you've misunderstood, Veratia."

Harry scratched his head and said, "I found Cassandra's savings account in the Notebook, so I went to Gringotts... Look, the clothes I'm wearing are a gift from Cassandra."

Veratia: ()?!

She never expected that Cassandra, whose fate was now unknown, would suddenly appear and deliver a Valentine's Day gift before her!

wrong,

Notebook?

"The Notebook?" Veratia asked softly. "You mean... Cassandra's Notebook?"

"Yes, it got torn." Harry didn't intend to mention Jack; he just said it casually.

Veratia's gaze suddenly became subtle, and she turned her head to look in the direction of Gellert's tent.

Gellert, who was playing with the Niffler inside the tent, suddenly sneezed twice.

He subconsciously tightened his clothes, feeling that something was not quite right.

Even though it's warm and cozy inside the tent, why do I still feel cold?

Veratia, in the abandoned classroom on the second floor, decided that she would teach Gellert a lesson later for always tearing up other people's Notebook.

Ha, you've stirred up that woman, haven't you?

She only remembered the Twins saying "parrot" and assumed they were talking about Gellert.

Veratia never even imagined that this "parrot" would actually be a real parrot...

but...

Veratia decided that she should teach this little Harry a lesson.

"Harry," Veratia said, almost as if in a lament, "Didn't Cassandra tell you not to wear other women's clothes when you're with them?"

Harry recalled the incident of removing the armor and said to Veratia, "Do you remember when we were undergoing trials together at Merlin's ruins? I gave you my clothes to wear, and when we got back, Cassandra was furious and even made me take them off..."

Veratia was stunned for a few seconds.

She truly hadn't expected Cassandra to act so childishly.

"So what do you think we should do now?" she asked, looking down at her.

Harry, remembering he'd need to replenish his magic later, said to Veratia, "Alright then, how about I take my clothes off now?"

"No."

Veratia pulled Harry over and forcibly locked him in her arms.

"That's good," she whispered in Harry's ear, "We need to involve Cassandra in something, don't we?"

"No, that's not a good idea."

Harry struggled, but Veratia's arms tightened, making it hard for him to breathe.

The next day at noon, everyone was surprised to find that Assistant Gale who came to the Great Hall for lunch, had a splint on his arm, one eye was swollen like Neville's toad, and he was limping.

"What's wrong with him?" Ron asked with concern, having a good impression of the teaching assistant who always gave him pointers.

"I don't know." Harry was also confused. He knew that Veratia must have done the injuries to Gellert, but he didn't know why.

but...

This guy really deserves a beating; he was clearly too lenient last time in Nurmengard.

Just then, Gellert turned around and gave Harry a sinister smile.

Scarhead, what kind of pillow talk have you been giving my sister this time?

He really couldn't understand it. He was eating baked beans and singing songs that morning when his sister suddenly hit him...

When Parrot Jack saw the pitiful Gellert, he flapped his wings and flew onto his shoulder, carefully combing his messy hair with his beak.

Actually, when Veratia hit her brother for the first time, she saw his innocent expression and understood the truth.

But what if I typed it wrong?

Stealing my money and causing my family line to end... Shouldn't this Niffler- like creature be beaten?

Thinking of this, she became even harsher in disciplining her younger brother.

Newt and Tina sat nearby, leisurely watching the heartwarming scene of the siblings interacting. Their appetites were whetted, and they ate two tuna Meiji in one go.

If Dumbledore's brothers were to fight, Newt would definitely stand up and try to break it up.

but...

This is an argument between Grindelwald and his sister, especially with the sister demonstrating her heavy (physical) love for her brother...

Respect and blessings.

Alas.

In the afternoon, Harry found Newt and planned to borrow his space that evening to train the students at the Dueling Club.

Newt had no reason to refuse; on the contrary, he planned to go along and see how Harry trained his friends.

Veratia seemed to want to rest and did not accept Harry's invitation, instead returning to her dormitory to catch up on sleep.

"She seems really tired lately," Hermione said to Harry. "I heard she seems to be using Time-Turner to save time. Is that really a good idea?"

"I tried to persuade him, but it was no use," Harry said helplessly.

Hermione picked up Veratia's Notebook, and the "" on the title page caught her attention.

"What does this mean?" Hermione asked, pointing to the five words. The five dots after the words clearly indicated that it was an abbreviation, not five meaningless vowels.

Harry didn't know what it meant either. He had seen the five words in Veratia's Notebook before, but he had never asked Veratia what they meant.

"I don't know either," he said honestly. "You'd better ask Veratia yourself and see what she says."

"Okay." Hermione accepted the Notebook. "I'll go to the Slytherin Common Room now and return this Notebook to her."

For the first Dueling Club event after winter break, Harry decided to call on his excellent employee, Farina the Dark Witch of Knockturn Alley.

Farina, who was invited by Harry again, did not refuse at all. She readily followed Harry out of Knockturn Alley and did not even require Harry to use any Imperius Curse.

When it comes to being pragmatic, we still have to look to the Dark Wizard.

After all, Dark Wizard who doesn't know when to stop won't survive.

At dinner, Draco moved closer to Harry.

"Harry," he said, "may I join you? Your Dueling Club— "

"You want to join too?" Harry forked a Germany sausage.

"Yes, I'd love to join too." Draco nodded quickly and said, "It would be an honor to be mentored by you."

Ron let out a suppressed laugh from the side.

"What are you laughing at?" Draco asked, embarrassed and annoyed.

"I laugh at you for being a bootlicker, Malfoy," Ron said, brandishing a chicken leg.

Unexpectedly, Draco did not intend to refute this statement.

Sycophants and such...

As long as I can learn magic from a legendary wizard, what's wrong with being a sycophant?

"I don't object in principle, but of course you should ask for their opinions," Harry said with a smile. "If more than half of the people in the Dueling Club agree to your joining, then I will welcome you."

After all, Draco is Cassandra's junior, and he seems quite filial... For her sake, Harry is willing to help him out.

"Alright, since you've put it that way," Ron shrugged. "What can I say? I'll reluctantly agree—but if I find out you're bullying Hermione again, I'll give you a good kick in the butt, Malfoy."

Draco gave Ron a look of disgust.

In order to avoid Hermione objecting to him joining the Dueling Club, Draco decided to swallow his words about "protecting your little girlfriend."

But he clearly felt he had to vent, and he was feeling quite uncomfortable because he couldn't get his rant out.

That evening, Harry led them to Newt's tent.

He sat in a chair, with Draco standing beside him.

"Let's begin the vote," Harry said to everyone. "Those who agree to admit Draco Malfoy of Slytherin into our Dueling Club, please raise your hands."

Everyone raised their hands, and even Neville didn't object to Draco joining the Dueling Club.

"In that case, the resolution is officially passed," Harry said. "The point today is practice—I mean, real practice. I've already hired a Dark Wizard in Knockturn Alley to practice with you—but before that, I need you to familiarize yourselves with the tricks of dueling... Come on, two people per group. Draco, you practice with Ron first."

"Alright." Draco's eyes blazed with fighting spirit.

Ron was the same.

They disliked each other.

"Come on, you two, have your duel first." Harry called them both onto the stage. "Best two out of three, just like the Wizard Chess the other day, understand?"

Upon hearing about Wizard Chess, Draco's expression visibly soured.

He was ruined by the Wizard Chess; not only did he make a heartfelt confession to Snape, but his parents were also called in.

Even the most open-minded parent would probably beat their child on the spot for washing the teacher's hair.

However, Harry's intention was not the Wizard Chess itself, but rather that he was afraid Draco would disagree.

"Let's go for best of five, otherwise it'll be too boring," Ron said eagerly.

Judging from his tone, it's clear that he wasn't satisfied with just defeating Draco once.

What was that saying again?

To kill someone, you must destroy their spirit!

"Well done, Ron!" Seamus shouted. "You didn't embarrass Gryffindor! Give Slytherin's ass a good kick!"

"I need to remind you that snakes don't have butts, Mr. Finnegan," Gellert reminded him from behind.

Everyone was taken aback.

Harry, too, glanced at Gellert ...

Okay, Austria Germans too, if you round it up.

Germans have a knack for humor; those who know, know.

Considering it was a duel, Ron didn't use any other lethal curses, only the Disarming Charm, which was incredibly fast to cast.

The two of them stood on the makeshift dueling platform, ready to begin their duel.

Draco didn't forget to raise an eyebrow at Ron provocatively, looking smug.

After Cedric announced the start of the match, Ron quickly cast the Charms.

"Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm)!"

With a flash of red light, Draco's wand spun and flew into Ron's hand.

He was defeated three times in a row, each time being knocked out of the game by Ron's Disarming Charm.

Draco was starting to have an existential crisis.

When he stepped off the dueling platform, his steps were still a little unsteady.

"Are you alright?" Neville asked with concern.

Draco muttered, "I hate the Disarming Charm..."

"You hate the Disarming Charm?" Neville asked, puzzled. "Why would you hate the Disarming Charm Disarming Charm? I actually think it's quite good..."

"Let me tell you—people who use Disarming Charm year after year usually have dull eyes, extreme inferiority complexes, and their IQ declines annually, eventually turning them into complete idiots," Draco said angrily. "Using the Disarming Charm damages the body's structure, causing various incurable diseases. Once someone starts using the Disarming Charm, it means that person's intelligence, character, and appearance are all inferior; they can only eke out a living in the gutter for the rest of their life!"

Finally, perhaps still feeling unsatisfied, he added, "Wizards who use Disarming Charm have strong antisocial tendencies, disrupting public order and endangering the lives of normal wizards!"

Neville opened his mouth.

No, it can't be that bad, right?

So what if you were disarmed a few times? Why are you so furious?

Upon hearing Draco's words of breaking down in laughter, everyone burst into tears.

They really didn't expect that just a Disarming Charm would be deconstructed into so many... defenseless ramblings.

"I think you need more practice. If you can't beat them, just join them," Cedric comforted him. "The Disarming Charm is indeed fast and accurate, but your description... is a bit much. After all, it's Disarming Charm, not that green Charms."

"Which green Charms?" Draco looked up, puzzled.

Cedric's face stiffened.

"Alright, at least it's not Lumos," he said. "Get up, we still need to watch people practice their duels."

Perhaps Ron's three victories over Draco had made Ron arrogant, because he actually went to Hermione and planned to determine who was the tougher one in their relationship.

"Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm)!"

Ron quickly dodged to the side, then waved his hand to create another layer of Shield Charm, trying to block Hermione's next Charms.

Seeing Ron's line of thinking, Gellert revealed a mask of pain.

"Are you really going to use Shield Charm? Huh?" Gellert said, exasperated. "Keep disarming! Offense is the best defense. Are you planning to use Shield Charm to protect yourself from all her Charms forever?"

Ron then hurriedly cast a Disarming Charm, and while doing so, he rolled away to avoid Hermione's Charms.

"Where are you aiming, Mr. Weasley!" Gellert warned again. "You missed! You almost hit Professor Newt, who's watching from the sidelines—"

Ron was then struck by Hermione's Disarming Charm.

"You think we can fight like that?" Gellert exclaimed impatiently. "You can't keep thinking like that, buddy. Real people aren't training dummies; they won't give you that kind of reaction time..."

Dude?

Harry looked at Gellert strangely, then at Ron.

Gellert has really improved; he's even become sworn brothers with Ron.

Okay, fine, we'll just be buddies then.

If someone else had said this, Ron might have argued against it—but since it was Assistant Gale who said it, Ron humbly accepted Professor Gale's opinion.

He was dragged away by Gellert to undergo special training.

Harry ignored what was happening and released Farina.

"Farina?!"

The moment Newt saw the Dark Witch, Newt and Tina stood up together.

"You two know each other?" Harry asked curiously.

"Of course I know her." Newt pointed his wand at Farina and introduced her to Harry, "This is Farina, the Dark Witch who's been on the Auror wanted list for years. I really didn't expect you to have caught her..."

He then realized that Farina had been captured by Harry and brought here.

He awkwardly put down his wand and lowered his head somewhat embarrassedly.

"I have my doubts about the quality of the Britain Auror, Professor Scamander," Harry said, shaking his head. "Farina lives in Knockturn Alley. Doesn't the Ministry of Magic always search thoroughly during their raids?"

"Hehe—hey!"

Farina cackled, raising her head as she said, "Guess what, Mr. Potter? Ever since the fall of the Dark Lord and the purge of the Death Eater, the Auror have stopped thoroughly searching Knockturn Alley, which is why it's become a haven for Dark Wizard —because it's a lawless place."

"No wonder," Harry nodded. It seemed that since Voldemort's death, the Ministry of Magic had begun to restrict the power of the Auror.

How would you rate it...?

Harry felt he couldn't really comment.

"Come on, enough chit-chat," Harry said to them. "Who wants to be the first to challenge our assistant instructor?"

"Teaching assistant?" Farina grinned when she heard the term. "I like this title. Good heavens, who wants to be my first target? Ah... that handsome young man over there, come here."

She was referring to Cedric.

"Hufflepuff's little heartthrob, I'm talking to you," Farina chuckled mischievously.

Cedric stepped forward somewhat reluctantly. It wasn't that he was afraid of Farina, but her laughter and gaze made him feel uncomfortable.

No, it's not just uncomfortable, especially that look in their eyes...

"Come on, I'll say start, and you begin." Harry then said to Farina, "Remember our agreement—"

"Understood, Mr. Potter." Farina composed herself and bowed to Harry.

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

"Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm)!"

"Cruciatus Curse!"

Two crimson beams of light shot out. Farina nimbly dodged Cedric's Disarming Charm, but Cedric didn't have such good combat skills. He was hit on the spot by the Cruciatus Curse and fell to the ground with a thud, clearly making a few somersaulting movements.

Newt drew his wand again, this time in sync with Tina's.

"Professor Scamander," Harry called out quickly, "Don't worry, this is an agreement between me and her—"

Yes, the agreement states that any magic other than Avada Kedavra can be used, as long as no one dies.

Even if it were the Killing Curse, Harry could have stopped it in time with the Transfiguration Spell —and even if he didn't react in time, Fiona was always there to help.

Phoenix routinely swallow two Killing Curse; it aids digestion and promotes intestinal peristalsis.

Newt hesitated before putting down his wand and looking at Harry suspiciously.

That clearly means, "Are you guys really this wild in your Dueling Club? It's one thing to bring in the Black Witch as a teaching assistant, but you don't even forbid her from using the Unforgivable Curse?"

You're really treating practice like real combat, aren't you?

"I don't think this is a good way to train, Mr. Potter," Newt said.

"I think so too, Mr. Scamander," Harry said helplessly. "But they'll be facing these dark witches in the future, and I can't exactly tell them, 'Hey, don't worry, the Dark Wizard you encounter in the future will all be magicians who throw yellow rubber ducks out of their wands,' can I?"

Tina accepted Harry's point of view, after all, she was Auror —but in fact, Newt had seen just as much as any Auror, having personally captured Grindelwald, the most powerful Dark Wizard at the time.

Yes, that's the Niffler captive.

"Let Cedric go to the side and reflect on his actions. You guys carry him." Harry said to Seamus and Neville, "Now it's your turn... Hey you, Megan, you take on Farina."

"Huh? I'm going to hit Farina?" Megan said uncertainly, "Really? You're letting me hit her...?"

Even so, she still stood in front of Farina.

Even though she had a premonition of the Cruciatus Curse Charms, she still didn't dodge and was swiftly and decisively knocked to the ground by Farina.

"And then it's you, Hermione," Harry began calling out names.

As expected, Hermione was also convulsing and was knocked to the ground.

Next up was Neville — Harry had thoughtfully reminded Farina not to use the Cruciatus Curse on Neville, so Farina used the Imperius Curse to make Neville perform a standard tap dance.

However, to her surprise, Neville quickly broke free from the Imperius Curse and unleashed Disarming Charm.

However, it was to no avail, and Neville was also knocked Stunning Spell by a blow.

"Your turn, Seamus," Harry said again.

When Seamus counted to one, he used the most powerful Exploding Charm he had ever learned without thinking.

"Bombarda Maxima (Bombarda Maxima)!"

Farina had intended to end the battle with the Cruciatus Curse, but a sense of Grim suddenly arose within her, and she quickly dodged to the side.

With a loud bang, the ground shook violently. Farina looked back and saw that a small crater had appeared.

Are all the little wizards these days so freakish?

Farina was starting to doubt her own abilities. The second-year students were truly a treasure trove of talent. One could resist the Imperius Curse, purely through willpower; the other could unleash Exploding Charm with indescribable power, and he seemed quite skilled at it...

What she didn't know was that Seamus's Exploding Charm was only scary because of its sound and light pollution effects; its actual power was about the same as that of a fourth or fifth grader using Charms.

But that's enough. A second-year student casting a spell with the power of a fourth or fifth-year student is, in some ways, a prodigy.

Seamus didn't stop for a moment, swinging his wand to force Farina to move.

However, he was still inexperienced, and Farina quickly seized on his weakness, delivering a Cruciatus Curse that sent him lying to the side.

"It seems your Dueling Club has been completely Clean-up by me, Mr. Potter."

Farina stood with her hands on her hips, laughing loudly.

"And me too!"

Ron had returned at some point, Gellert behind him gave Harry a meaningful wink.

"Is that so?" Farina drew her wand again and pointed it at Ron.

"Come on!" Ron said confidently.

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

As the signal to begin the duel fell, Ron swung his wand and cast Disarming Charm. He then quickly rolled away from the spot and cast another Disarming Charm with his wand.

Forced by Ron's Disarming Charm, Farina dodged to the side.

As Farina dodged to the side, Ron used Transfiguration Charms to conjure two ropes and attempted to wrap them around Farina's legs.

Farina looked interested when she saw the two ropes.

This was the first time she had seen the Transfiguration Spell used in a duel that night. She effortlessly defused the ropes, only to discover that the two ropes had somehow transformed into venomous snakes, which were rapidly lunging at her.

"Well done, Ron!" Hermione cheered weakly from behind Ron, "Keep it up!"

Farina waved her wand, turning the two snakes to ashes, and then she unleashed another Cruciatus Curse.

This time, Ron still chose to dodge by rolling around like a lazy donkey.

What was that saying again?

Escaping is shameful, but it's also very useful.

Ron is in this mental state right now, there's no need for him to go head-to-head with Farina. Besides... what does it matter if my dodging movements are a bit unsightly, as a second-year wizard?

He swung two Disarming Charm at his left and right, then waved his wand again, turning a nearby stool into a dog.

The dog was sent flying by Farina's Charms, and both Charms were dodged. Just as Ron finished dodging and was about to make his next move, Farina suddenly appeared behind him.

"Cruciatus Curse!"

Ron couldn't dodge in time and collapsed to the ground, convulsing.

"I must admit, you're the little wizard who surprised me the most tonight, Mr. Weasley," Farina said with a chuckle. "You're the first little wizard who can make me Apparition —well, I think that's enough for today's lesson. Mr. Potter should let me go home now."

She was right; Harry did indeed put her back in his pocket to keep Alfonso company.

"What surprised me the most was Ron," Harry said with a laugh. "I thought Cedric would last the longest."

"I'd rather be Weasley than that pretty boy Diggory," Draco muttered to himself.

"I'm sorry, Harry," Cedric said, recovering slightly. "I've let you down."

"Whether I'm disappointed or not doesn't matter, Cedric," Harry said earnestly. "You're learning to duel not for me, but for yourselves when you face Dark Wizard in the future—believe me, you'll thank me for what you've done today then."

"Alright, let's start with the summary—in short, your performance today was terrible, only Ron, Seamus, and Neville were somewhat commendable."

Harry then smiled encouragingly at Neville: "To successfully resist the Imperius Curse is something that most wizards can't do, Neville."

"Really?" Neville asked hopefully.

"Of course it's true," Harry said with a smile. "If you don't believe me, ask everyone. See who among you has developed resistance to the Imperius Curse."

At this point, Hermione slapped her thigh and said, "Right, why didn't I use the Imperius Curse on her just now? Oh dear... it seems my Charms application isn't very proficient yet. I think I should keep practicing..."

Newt slowly turned his gaze to Harry.

The meaning is very clear.

No, buddy?

Do you teach the Imperius Curse here?

"Don't tell me you've never used it, Professor Scamander." Harry looked at Newt speechlessly.

Yes, I admit you're Hufflepuff, but you've managed to hold your own against the strongest Dark Wizard of the first half of this century. Don't tell me you haven't used the Unforgivable Curse.

Hearing Harry's words, Newt turned his head away guiltily.

Of course he's used it...

And not just once.

Cedric also secretly moved closer to Ron.

"Ron," he asked gently, "How did you improve so quickly in such a short time? My goodness, you managed to hold out against that black witch for so long..."

"Assistant Gale just gave me some tips on dueling, which is why I've improved so much," Ron said truthfully.

Yes, I taught him some smooth little combos that even Harry wasn't very good at, and which were more suitable for Ron's physique.

For example, the lazy donkey rolling around.

"I think I should ask him for advice too," Cedric said.

On the second day of the Care of Magical Creatures, Cedric indeed tried to get closer to Assistant Gale.

Gellert knew this Hufflepuff boy, and when he heard that Hufflepuff was looking for him, Gellert almost threw up.

But considering that the other party was a member of the Dueling Club, Gellert still felt he should meet him and see what he wanted.

Cedric explained his purpose, Gellert didn't refuse. Based on the principle that whether one egg rolls or two eggs rolls, it's all the same, he decided to teach this Hufflepuff boy a lesson as well.

Of course, not for Harry, but for Newt.

Gellert would feel guilty for not training a Hufflepuff like Newt stole his Blood Pact.

Over the past two weeks, Cedric has frequently sought advice from Gellert on dueling techniques.

It should be said that Gellert and Harry have two completely different styles, and by learning from each other's strengths and making up for each other's weaknesses, Cedric's dueling skills have also improved considerably.

Of course, he's actually quite capable; he was just unlucky when he faced Farina.

He never expected Farina to start with a Cruciatus Curse; it was utterly unsportsmanlike.

If it were just a regular white Charms, Cedric wouldn't be able to defeat her, but he wouldn't be so easily defeated either.

"You mean, Veratia's words meant Aquia Electa Iovinia Vincit (The Chosen Eagle Conquers All)?"

Inside the Great Hall, Harry asked with a strange expression.

"Yes, Veratia also said she saw Otto a few days ago," Hermione said with a strange look. "Well... Otto von the Habsburgs..."

"Otto," Harry nodded knowingly. "I don't know him."

"He is the Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the head of the Habsburg family," Hermione explained to Harry.

That made Harry understand.

It seems they must be descendants of Aunt Veratia?

"That Otto," Harry thought for a moment, then asked, "What's his relationship with Joseph Franz?"

"It should be..." Hermione did some mental calculations. "Let me see... Joseph's nephew is Archduke Ferdinand, and Archduke Ferdinand's nephew is Otto's father, Carl..."

"Oh, Carl." Harry remembered. He didn't know about other people, but he knew Carl all too well.

No wonder Veratia went to see Otto; it turns out there was such a family relationship between them.

When Carl was little, Veratia held him in her arms, so Carl should call Veratia "Auntie".

Harry found the thought a little terrifying: old Otto, already quite advanced in years, having to call a seventeen-year-old girl "Grandma"...

It seems there are people worse off than Lucius, Harry thought.

But... why did Veratia meet with that old nephew?

Harry found it a bit hard to understand, but his strength was that he never overthinked things he couldn't figure out.

It can't be a complete restoration...

Time passed day by day, and soon it was Saturday again.

This Saturday is the day when Hogwarts students go to Hogsmeade.

Hogsmeade is the only village in Britain where everyone is a wizard and there are no Muggle. It is a very unique and beautiful little village full of cottages and shops with thatched roofs.

During holidays, the trees in the village are covered with enchanted candles.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is located next to the great lake that originates from this village, Hogwarts Express train also terminates in the village, where students begin their new school year.

There is a path along the lake shore that leads directly from the station to Hogwarts Castle.

However, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry stipulates that only students in their third year or above are allowed to go there on specific Saturdays, and they must have a guardian's signed permission.

"I want to go to Hogsmeade too," Hermione said, peering out the window.

"But we have to wait another year to go, you know that," Ron said with a sigh.

"Don't worry, Hermione," Cedric said to Hermione as he passed by. "What would you like to try? Perhaps Honeydukes sweets?"

"Okay, thank you, Cedric," Ron said quickly. "I'd like some blackcurrant-flavored candy, please get me some."

Cedric gave an OK sign, turned and left the castle.

He, Megan, and a few classmates walked along the path to Hogsmeade.

"Let's eat something first," Megan said. "I'm craving the Hog's Head Inn. The food Mr. Dumbledore made—ah, it looks unappetizing, but it tastes really good."

The Hog's Head Inn is a pub run by Dumbledore's brother Abufosi Dumbledore. The first floor is the pub, and the second floor is an inn, much like the Leaky Cauldron.

The bar had only one small, dark, and very dirty room, which reeked of mutton.

Thick grime had accumulated on the bay windows, allowing almost no light to penetrate, and some candle stubs were lit on the rough wooden table.

When Megan entered the bar, she rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"I can't stand the smell of mutton, but I prefer the food my boss makes," Megan complained, covering her nose.

"You'll get used to it..." Cedric rubbed his chest; actually, he wasn't quite used to it either.

It was for this reason that the other Hufflepuff classmates did not come with them, but instead chose to go to the Three Broomsticks for some Butterbeer and sparkling water.

They sat down at the bar, Cedric said to Abufosi, who was wiping glasses, "The usual, Mr. Dumbledore, two meals..."

"It's you, Mr. Diggory, and Miss Jones." Abufosi smiled and nodded to the two of them before turning and walking into the Kitchen.

A short while later, he came out carrying two plates.

Inside the plate were two unidentified lumps that were greenish, purplish, and dark.

"Try it," he said with a smile.

The two seemed to have been craving it for a long time, and they couldn't wait to pick up their spoons, put them in their mouths, and then show satisfied expressions.

"That's the taste," he said.

Abufosi continued wiping the cups, placing them one by one into the cabinet beside him.

"Actually, I think Assistant Gale is pretty good," Cedric said. "Why don't you ask him for some dueling tips too?"

"Remember to call me next time you go see him," Megan said. "But I think we should still buy him some gifts; we can't let him teach us for nothing—what do you think we should get?"

"I don't know either." Cedric shoveled a large spoonful of rice into his mouth.

"How about we buy a parrot, like Hermione's cockatoo? I think Assistant Gale really likes it," Megan said with a chuckle. "Maybe it's because Assistant Gale thinks the parrot looks a lot like him?"

Upon hearing this, Abufosi dropped the cup in his hand to the ground with a clatter.

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