You're Only My Follower, Not My Property

Gareth's words, though crude, are indeed true.

In fact, talent is essential in everything you do. Without talent, no matter how much effort you put in, you won't even reach one percent of someone with exceptional talent.

Harry knows this all too well; no matter how hard he tries, he can never quite reach Cassandra's level in Charms.

But what he didn't know was that Cassandra had actually put in countless hours of hard work behind the scenes.

Hogwarts returned to its usual rhythm after Halloween, but the castle was filled with the atmosphere of post-Halloween blues.

November arrived with damp, chilly air, and students began to don thicker cloaks, hurrying through the corridors.

Tuesday afternoon, the library was so quiet that the only sound was the scratching of Quill on Parchment. Harry was struggling with Professor Binns' eight-inch paper on "Medieval Europe Wizarding Gatherings." He had been staring at the same page for almost ten minutes, but the dense dates and names just wouldn't stick in his head.

Do you need any help?

A gentle voice came from behind the bookshelf.

Harry looked up and saw Ominis Gaunt standing between two rows of bookshelves not far away.

This Slytherin boy had light gray eyes and didn't seem very useful.

"Thank you, I can manage myself—" Harry stood up and tried to reach for the book European Magical History Research, <A Study of the History of Magic in Europe>, which was placed on a high shelf.

Ominis gently waved his wand. "Accio (Accio)."

The book floated steadily down from the bookshelf and landed in Harry's hands.

The whole process was surprisingly smooth— Ominis didn't even look up to "see" where the book was.

"Your eyes—" Harry said hesitantly.

"I can't see it," Ominis replied calmly, "But the trajectory of the magic is clear to me. The Ancient Magic aura emanating from this book is quite conspicuous in the library."

Harry then realized that Ominis was a blind wizard.

However, that precise Accio just now was something that someone with limited vision couldn't possibly cast.

"Thank you, Mr. Gaunt," Harry said cautiously. "I am Harry Potter."

"I know," Ominis nodded slightly, "Cassandra's henchman."

This statement was made so naturally, as if it were a fact known to everyone at Hogwarts.

Harry felt his face flush and didn't know how to respond.

"She recently had you practice the Directional Lumos, didn't she?" Ominis continued, "I heard magical vibrations near the Astronomy Tower; your control is improving, although the fluctuations aren't quite stable yet."

Harry was speechless with surprise. His secret practice with Cassandra had been overheard by this blind little wizard?

"Don't be nervous, I won't tell anyone." Ominis seemed to sense his unease. "Cassandra chose to train you for a reason. I just suggest you avoid the Astronomy Tower on Thursday nights— Mr. Yue patrols the area, and he's 'particularly sensitive' to nighttime activities that violate school rules."

"Are you two very close?" Harry couldn't help but ask.

"Our families have some dealings," Ominis said casually, "But my friendship with Cassandra has nothing to do with family; she's one of the few people I can have a meaningful conversation with at Hogwarts."

He turned towards Harry, his unfocused eyes seemingly able to see into his soul. "Do you know why Cassandra would be willing to train a Gryffindor? Someone she calls a 'lackey'?"

Harry shook his head, realizing Ominis couldn't see the gesture, but still said, "She said I need to improve my Charms so as not to embarrass her."

"A typical Cassandra response," Ominis chuckled. "But the truth is, she admires those who aren't bound by prejudice."

Harry fell silent.

This answer surprised him a little.

"By the way," Ominis changed the subject, "If you need more information about medieval wizards, there's a book on the bottom shelf of the third row in the East Wing called * the Hermetic Order and Midnight Gatherings *. Although the author has some prejudice against Muggle-born wizard, the historical research is quite comprehensive."

"Thank you, I'll go look for it," Harry said gratefully.

"You're welcome." Ominis nodded slightly. "Well then, I wish you success with your thesis, Mr. Potter."

He turned to leave.

"Mr. Gaunt," Harry called out to him, "Can I ask you a question?"

Ominis stopped in his tracks.

"How do you use magic with such precision? Without being able to see?"

Ominis turned around, a faint smile on his face. "Magic isn't just an art of sight, Mr. Potter. It's a feeling, an extension of the will. When I cast a spell, I can sense the flow of magic as naturally as you can see the direction of light. In fact, sometimes I feel that sight is a distraction—people rely too much on their eyes and neglect the essence of magic."

He raised his wand, and without chanting a spell, the tip glowed with a soft silver light. "For example, with this Lumos, I don't need to see its brightness; I only need to sense its presence, to perceive the warmth and light it radiates."

Harry looked at the light with awe.

Ominis's understanding of magic clearly far surpasses that of a first-year student.

"That's amazing!" Harry exclaimed sincerely.

"Just different ways," Ominis smiled and said. "Everyone has their own way of connecting with magic. Cassandra it through precise calculation and control, while I do it by listening to the whispers of magic. Perhaps you can find your own way too, Mr. Potter."

After saying this, he politely nodded goodbye, raised his wand, and a strange Charms appeared at the tip of the wand. Then he walked steadily away along the aisle between the bookshelves.

On Thursday in Potions Class, Harry and Cassandra were once again paired up to make an antidote for the Swelling Solution.

As they were carefully weighing the Shrivelfig fig peels, a hissing sound from a crucible and a soft gasp suddenly came from the back of the classroom.

Harry turned and saw Sebastian Saru, who was frantically trying to stabilize a bubbling cauldron.

His partner, his sister Anne, had already quickly raised her wand and cast a Protective Charm.

"Mr. Salu!" Professor Sharpe strode over, his face grim. "Did I not remind you that the Shrivelfig must be completely submerged in Moonstone Powder before being added?"

"I'm sorry, Professor, I thought—" Sebastian explained awkwardly.

"You thought?" Professor Sharpe's voice was as cold as ice. "In Potions making, 'thought' is synonymous with 'accident'! Clean it up immediately and start over. Also, Slytherin, deduct five points."

Sebastian nodded dejectedly and began cleaning up the mess.

Anne helped from the side, her movements practiced and quiet.

"A careless mistake," Cassandra muttered, but Harry noticed her gaze linger on the brother and sister for a moment longer.

"Do you know them?" Harry asked curiously.

"The Saru siblings," Cassandra said briefly, continuing to intently stir the crucible, "Their parents had some dealings with the Malfoy family."

She glanced at Harry: "If you're up to anything, Potter, remember you're just my lackey. I don't want my time wasted on your stupid socializing."

"I was just asking." Harry lowered his head and continued working on the materials in his hands.

After class, Harry ran into Sebastian again in the hallway.

He was holding a stack of books that were about to fall over, the top one of which had already slipped to the edge.

"Do you need any help?" Harry asked, stepping forward.

Sebastian looked up, a flicker of surprise in his brown eyes. "Potter? Oh, thank you, I—"

Before he could finish speaking, the book slid down.

Harry caught it with lightning speed.

"Are you interested in defensive magic?" Harry handed the book back.

Sebastian's eyes lit up. "Very interesting! Especially the Protective Charm used by ancient wizards. I once saw Runes inside the tombs of ancient Egypt pharaohs in a book; they were said to ward off evil curses and spells." He smiled sheepishly, "Although today's Potions Class proved I might be better suited to theory than practice."

"Everyone has their strengths," Harry said. "I struggle with Transfiguration too."

"Transfiguration?" Sebastian asked thoughtfully. "My sister is good at that. In fact, she successfully turned a beetle into a button last week, and even Professor Weasley praised her."

They walked to the library together, talking about their courses along the way; Sebastian was particularly fascinated by the history of Ancient Magic.

"Think about it, Potter," he said excitedly, "Ancient wizards could build pyramids, summon storms, and ride Fire Dragon with magic—while many of our wizards today are content with just everyday spells. Isn't that frustrating?"

Harry, touched by his enthusiasm, smiled and said, "Perhaps that knowledge hasn't been completely lost."

"Exactly!" Sebastian nodded vigorously. "I've been looking for relevant information, but many ancient documents are restricted from being borrowed. By the way—"

He hesitated for a moment.

"I heard you're Cassandra Malfoy's henchman?"

Harry paused, then nodded.

It seems this identity has already spread throughout Slytherin.

"Don't misunderstand, I mean no harm," Sebastian quickly said. "Cassandra's magical talent is obvious to everyone; after all, her father and brother are both outstanding wizards. If she's willing to let you study under her, it means you must have something special."

He lowered his voice as he said this.

"Furthermore, I've noticed that Ominis seems to be paying special attention to you. Someone who can catch the attention of both of them must be quite remarkable."

Harry felt a little embarrassed. "I'm just an ordinary student, I don't have any special talents—"

Sebastian chuckled. "Ordinary students wouldn't let Cassandra Malfoy spend time training, nor would they get Ominis Gaunt to initiate conversations. Believe me, Slytherin's eyes are very discerning in this school."

They arrived at the library, Sebastian placed the book on an empty table.

"Listen, Potter," he said earnestly, "If you're interested in powerful magic, or want to learn more about Defensive Charm, Anne and I often study these. You can come along if you're interested."

Harry hesitated.

Studying spells with the Saru siblings? He remembered Cassandra's warning in Potions Class not to waste time on meaningless socializing.

"I'm just a Gryffindor, and—"

"The Sorting Hat's decision is merely a temporary one," Sebastian sincerely. "Wisdom and courage should not be House Points, and—"

He smiled slyly, "After all, there's no house prejudice in this school, or rather, in Hogwarts now. After all, as long as you dislike Headmaster Black— "

"Then we're friends," Harry said, suppressing a laugh.

Although Harry had only been at Hogwarts for a short time, he knew that just over a decade ago, before Headmaster Black took over, the rivalry between the four houses was quite severe.

However, this problem was greatly alleviated after Headmaster Black took office.

Because he became a common enemy in the eyes of all four academies.

As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. In addition, with the senior students graduating one after another, the relationship between the four colleges can't be described as perfect, but at least they can greet each other when they meet.

However, Sebastian's suggestion did indeed appeal to him.

He was genuinely curious about the magic Sebastian described, and the other man seemed sincere and friendly.

"I need to think about it," he finally said.

"Of course," Sebastian nodded. "If you've decided, let me know by Friday. We usually meet in the old classroom behind the Trophy Room; it's rarely there."

He picked up a few books. "Well then, see you later, Potter. Good luck with your History of Magic thesis—and by the way, if you need any references, there are some interesting documents on the East Wing bookshelves that Professor Binns didn't mention."

As Harry left the library, he was still pondering Sebastian's words.

He was indeed interested in studying Charms with the Saru siblings, but he also remembered Cassandra's warning not to waste time on useless socializing.

What if Cassandra gets angry if I go to see the Saru siblings?

After practicing at the Astronomy Tower on Friday, Harry hesitated before bringing up Sebastian's invitation.

"Saru siblings?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow.

"If you don't want me to go, then I—"

Harry was interrupted by Cassandra before he could finish speaking.

"You can go, Potter. You don't need to ask me for permission for this kind of thing."

Harry looked at her in surprise.

"What? You think I'd restrict my lackey's contact with other students?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow. "Remember who you are, Potter. You're just my lackey, not my property. And—"

She paused for a moment.

"Making more friends is never a bad thing if you really want to establish yourself in this era."

"Yes, I understand, Miss Malfoy," Harry said sincerely. "Thank you."

Cassandra put away her wand, not even glancing at Harry, and instead looked up at the starry sky.

"But remember, you're just my follower. Don't reveal any special information. This isn't to protect you, but to avoid causing me unnecessary trouble."

"I know, Miss Malfoy," Harry nodded. "I certainly won't get you into any unnecessary trouble."