Slughorn

Horace Slughorn's office was much like the man himself, filled with a carefully cultivated sense of comfort and abundance.

The room carried the strange fragrance of various expensive potion ingredients mingling together. The walls were covered with photographs of famous wizards, silver instruments gleamed on the desk, and the comfortable Armchairs were draped in thick Velvet.

"Ah! Regulus, my dear boy, come in!" Slughorn waddled forward with his round belly, his face brimming with smiles.

"Sit, sit! Would you like some Mead? Or perhaps a Lemon Sherbet?"

"Thank you, Professor, but no." Regulus politely declined and sat in the indicated chair, his posture straight without seeming stiff.

Regulus observed Slughorn. The man was undoubtedly shrewd, fond of gathering promising students and weaving an enormous network of favors and interests.

He valued talent, background, and future usefulness, yet he also knew how to read the situation and avoid risks.

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A typical Slytherin opportunist, though not an evil man—he had simply taken investments and personal connections to the extreme.

"I heard about that little incident in the common room last night." Slughorn rubbed his hands together, his gooseberry-colored pupils seeming to gleam.

"That child from the Travers family... sigh, always so impulsive and immature. Still, you handled it very well, most appropriately. You displayed the bearing expected of the Black family."

Regulus found it amusing, and somewhat speechless. I beat him into that state, and you say I handled it well? Appropriately?

And what exactly is Black family bearing? Bullying people?

But he merely listened quietly and gave a slight nod of thanks at the professor's praise.

"I believe that with your talent and temperament, you will certainly become an important figure in the Wizarding World someday." Slughorn lowered his voice slightly and leaned forward, adopting a confidential manner.

"I am the sort of person who enjoys seeing outstanding young people shine. If you ever need help with Potions, or anything else, my club, my collection, even some of my... modest connections, will always be open to you."

Regulus understood perfectly. Professor Slughorn was avoiding any mention of Voldemort, but he thought highly of Regulus's prospects in the coming new era and was willing to invest in him early.

Regulus understood. He put on a trace of age-appropriate modesty and said, "Thank you very much for your regard, Professor.

"As it happens, I am indeed curious about a rather obscure branch of Potions. Perhaps I might receive your guidance."

"Oh? Tell me about it!" Slughorn's eyes lit up even more.

"I came across some descriptions in old fragments from the family concerning Sacrificial Rituals." Regulus chose his words carefully, sounding more like a student eager for knowledge.

"Those conducting the rituals would sometimes draw complex Totems or Runes upon their skin, supposedly allowing them to briefly commune with some sort of power.

"I am curious whether such external drawing materials could be created through Potions.

"For instance, could potion ingredients with specific effects be processed into a form that could safely adhere to the skin and slowly release their efficacy?"

Slughorn stroked his double chin and considered it seriously.

"An interesting idea... very ancient, very obscure.

"Directly drawing magical Runes carries extremely high risks, but through a potion medium...

"Hmm, there are records. For instance, wizards in the ancient Northern Lands would apply an Ointment concocted from Dragon Blood, Troll Heart Powder, and Ice Crystal Flower to gain strength, but the side effects were immense.

"If it is to be safe, lasting, and targeted... that involves the stability of potion ingredients, skin permeability, and the gradual release of Magic Power.

"Oh, and preventing magical conflicts and backlash... This is quite a complicated subject, my boy."

The more he spoke, the more excited he became. Clearly, this highly academic question had captured his interest.

"However, it is not impossible!

"I recall that the appendix of Secret Potions mentioned a basic formula that might serve as a carrier.

"And some Witch Doctors in Africa's Wagadu have a tradition of drawing Runes with the juices of specific plants mixed with mineral powder. It is said to enhance magical resistance... I will need to consult the materials and make some deductions."

He looked at Regulus with eager eyes. "If you are truly interested in this direction, perhaps during the holidays we can conduct some safe, theoretical discussions and try out some basic formulas.

"Of course, absolute caution will be necessary!"

"That is exactly what I hoped for, Professor." Regulus dipped his head slightly. "Thank you very much for your guidance."

As Regulus left Slughorn's office, he felt invigorated. One of his ideas had found a crucial supporting plank.

At lunchtime, two Owls with entirely different temperaments landed before Regulus almost simultaneously, dropping two letters of different thicknesses.

The first was from Walburga, her handwriting wild and brimming with passion:

"My proud son!

"Word has reached us that you defeated the challenger and defended the Black family's dignity and Glory! Well done! That is how a Black heir should be! Make those doubters shut their mouths!

"The family is proud of you! Your father and I are both immensely proud of you!

"Continue displaying your strength. Let everyone see that the Black family will occupy a leading position in the coming great transformation!

"We are ready to answer the Dark Lord's call and fight for the future of pure-bloods! You shall be our blade and our glory!

"Stay sharp, my Regulus! Remember your mission and your bloodline!"

Every line carried undisguised fervor, pride, and approval of Voldemort's cause. Regulus calmly folded the letter.

The second letter was from Orion, its handwriting steady and restrained:

"Regulus:

"I have heard of your recent performance. When displaying your abilities, mind your limits and do not make enemies lightly.

"Slytherin relationships are complicated. Strength is the foundation, but only by knowing how to adapt and weigh matters can one gain a lasting foothold.

"The situation outside is becoming increasingly tense, and matters at home are also complicated. Your mother is now taking an active stance; you must be clear about that in your heart.

"Focus on your studies and improving your abilities. Hogwarts remains relatively stable for now, so make good use of its resources.

"The Library permissions enclosed with this letter have been updated. You may now consult the books on shelves seven through twelve.

"Knowledge brings not only power, but wisdom as well."

Two letters, two completely different attitudes and expectations.

Regulus put both letters away. He knew that his father was warning him that a storm was approaching, while his mother could hardly wait to throw herself into it.

At the Gryffindor table, the atmosphere in one area was somewhat gloomy.

Sirius Black forcefully stabbed at the Mashed Potatoes on his plate, his expression dark.

Of course, he had heard about Regulus.

He was somewhat shocked, but not entirely surprised. He had known long ago that his younger brother was different; he simply had not expected it to be to this extent.

What made him unhappy was not jealousy over his brother's achievements or strength, but a deeper unease.

The more outstanding Regulus became, the more he met the expectations of Slytherin and the Pure-blood Circle, the more likely he would be noticed by The Dark Lord and dragged into that dark vortex.

When Sirius imagined Regulus someday wearing the black robes of the Death Eaters and standing behind The Dark Lord, his chest tightened.

Though he had long been prepared for it.

"Hey, Sirius, don't make that face." James Potter gave his friend's shoulder a hard pat, assuming he was upset that Slytherin's little viper had stolen the spotlight.

"He only beat some fifth-year idiot. That kid from the Travers family was never much to begin with. Your brother was just lucky and used some underhanded trick."

Sirius shook his head without speaking.

But James took his silence as agreement. His eyes shifted, and he lowered his voice. "Don't worry, brother. I've disliked him for a while now. He was already putting on airs on the train last time.

"I wrote to ask my dad. He told me that while that method of directly solidifying spells is rare, it must have a weakness. Either it consumes an enormous amount of Magic Power, or it is ineffective against fast, concentrated attacks.

"Remus, Peter, and I have discussed it. We will find a chance to teach him a lesson and avenge you!"

Sirius abruptly looked up. "James, don't!"

"Relax, we know what we're doing!" James confidently cut him off and winked. "We won't put you in a difficult position. We'll find him when he's alone and finish it quickly. I guarantee we'll make a lasting impression on him."

Lupin frowned slightly at the side, as if he wanted to say something. But seeing James's excited expression, then Sirius's dark face, he ultimately only sighed softly.

Peter nodded nervously, his little eyes darting everywhere.

Sirius watched the jubilant James. The words meant to dissuade him reached his lips, then were swallowed back down.

He knew James was standing up for him, and once James made up his mind, he was difficult to sway.

More importantly, perhaps deep down, he also harbored a trace of dark curiosity. He wanted to see whether James and the others could make Regulus reveal even more of his abilities.