Part of the PLAY

Lucretius wisely turned and left, closing the office door behind him quietly without making a sound.

Slughorn gestured for Regulus to sit down, then leaned forward to close the distance.

The firelight from the fireplace illuminated his round face, softening his usually shrewd gaze.

"You're so mature for your age; I've never treated you like a regular student."

His tone was sincere, and his eyes were full of admiration. "Your talent in Potions, your Magical Talent, and your composure are all far beyond that of ordinary people. You are destined for great things in the future."

Regulus nodded and politely thanked him, "Thank you, Professor."

"If you ever encounter any problems you can't solve in the future, just come to me." Slughorn smiled smugly and began to list his connections.

"I know quite a few people, including high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Magic, such as several deputy ministers in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

"Even the elders of various families, like Abraxas of the Malfoy family and Old Nott of the Nott family, can say a few words to me if I ask."

He continued, "Even rare Potions ingredients, such as Phoenix Feather, Acromantula Venom, or some obscure Magic knowledge, I can help you find the way."

Last year, a student wanted to study Ancient Runes but couldn't find any relevant ancient texts. In the end, I got them for him through a friend in the Egyptian Wizarding World.

Regulus's heart skipped a beat. Professor Slughorn was like an invisible net, entrenched at the center of the Wizarding World, capable of influencing the interests of all parties.

Moreover, the professor genuinely didn't treat him like a child, actually saying these things to him, which clearly shows that his understanding of him extends beyond the school.

"If needed, I won't hesitate, Professor," Regulus said gratefully.

He knew he had always been part of Professor Slughorn's collecting obsession.

It's acceptable, but you must be careful not to become the subject of gossip or leak information.

Slughorn chuckled and said "okay," then changed the subject back to Potions, his tone becoming serious.

"Your talent for Potions is exceptional. Your mastery of materials, control of heat, and application of Magic Power far surpass those of your peers. Even older students might not be able to match you."

The Felix Felicis you concocted last time was of such high quality and effectiveness. In all my years of teaching, this is the first time I've seen a first-year student achieve something like that.

He then changed the subject, his eyes displaying the seriousness of Potions Master: "But this is only an advantage at this stage."

Most of the Potions you can make now have fixed recipes and procedures; as long as you are careful and focused enough, you can make them well.

But a true Potions Master needs creativity and inspiration; the ability to improve formulas based on actual situations, and even create new Potions.

For example, if a patient with special needs is unable to respond to conventional Potions, the formula needs to be adjusted temporarily.

Or, when faced with scarce materials, you can find alternatives that don't affect the results. In this regard, you still have a long way to go.

Regulus was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected the professor to see through this.

His Potions skills truly benefited from his powerful Magic Perception, allowing him to accurately sense the Magic Power state and flow of materials and to strictly control every detail of each step.

However, they lack that flash of inspiration and creativity, unable to imbue Potions with something almost spiritual, like a true Potions Master.

The professor's discovery of this fact speaks volumes; he truly deserves the title of Potions Master.

"I will try my best," Regulus said sincerely. "If needed in the future, I may really have to trouble the professor."

Slughorn nodded in satisfaction, waved his hand, and his tone softened again. "Go ahead, do your best, I have high hopes for you."

Then, adding meaningfully, "Hogwarts needs a talented and composed student like you, and the Wizarding World needs you too."

Regulus rose to take his leave, and as he walked out of the Potions Office, the Corridor was already somewhat dim.

The torchlight gradually dimmed, and most of the portraits on the wall had fallen asleep, except for one portrait of an old wizard who was still dozing off, muttering to himself.

He walked down the Corridor toward the Slytherin common room, and as he opened the door, he saw Narcissa and two other seventh-year girls sitting around the fireplace.

Narcissa, dressed in a long silver dress with tiny Black family crest embroidered on the hem, leaned gracefully against the sofa.

She held a cup of hot drink in her hand, with tiny water droplets condensing on the inside of the cup.

The other two girls were sitting opposite her.

One was wearing a dark blue robe, and the other was wearing Deep Purple Robe.

The group was talking in hushed tones, occasionally letting out soft laughter, their voices gentle and befitting the dignity of a Pure-bloods witch.

Upon seeing Regulus enter, Narcissa immediately stood up and said to the other two girls, "Let's talk again next time." They tactfully took their leave, nodding to Regulus as they went.

"Just got back from the professor's office?" Narcissa led Regulus to sit down on the sofa, then sat down next to him.

She glanced at him, her tone concerned, "Did things at Hogsmeade affect you today?"

Regulus relaxed a bit, his tone becoming more friendly. He shook his head. "He's just a Dark Wizard with no real skills. Even if the Auror hadn't come, I would have been fine."

Narcissa smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I knew you were amazing."

"Father said that the Ministry of Magic has established a Special Review Office of Dark Arts Items, headed by Barty Crouch." Regulus brought up the serious matter, his tone regaining its composure.

"Today I went to the Borgin - Burke store. The Burke family wants to cooperate with us, exchanging a few high-risk props for our support in Wizengamot for the next three years."

This includes biases during legislative voting, early warnings before expanded censorship, and, when necessary, endorsements through hearings.

He didn't hide it; Narcissa was a member of the Black family, and soon to be a member of the Malfoy family, and she would find out sooner or later.

"My father told me to observe the situation first, and that he would make the final decision."

Narcissa nodded, her smile fading slightly. "Lucius also told me that things are tense outside, and many plans have to be put on hold for observation. Barty Crouch is too forceful and doesn't show any mercy."

She picked up her hot drink and took a sip. The warm liquid slid down her throat, making her feel a little more relaxed.

"There's a rumor that someone in the Ministry of Magic wants to target that Dark Lord, but it would be too late to act now..."

She shook her head, not finishing her sentence, but the meaning was clear: the Hardline Faction, or radicals, within the Ministry of Magic wanted to limit Voldemort's expansion, but they probably couldn't.

Regulus didn't reply, but he was thinking to himself that if he didn't act now, Voldemort's power would be fully grown in a few years, and the Ministry of Magic probably wouldn't have the guts to do it.

At that point, the situation will become even more difficult, Ministry of Magic will be unable to withstand the pressure, requiring Dumbledore to step in and raise the flag.

The two chatted for a few more minutes about trivial matters, Narcissa asked about his progress in school, to Regulus gave a brief reply.

The text mentions Professor Flitwick's Advanced Charms Seminar and Professor McGonagall's approval of his Transfiguration.

Narcissa listened attentively, nodding occasionally, her eyes filled with pride. This was her cousin, the future of the Black family; the more outstanding he was, the happier she would be.

Even within the Malfoy family, this would solidify their position; that's the effect of one's maternal family.

After chatting for fifteen minutes, Regulus got up to say goodbye and went back to his Dormitory.

Avery and Alex have returned and are sitting on their respective beds chatting.

"Next Hogsmeade Week, I'm going to get my family to write me a letter of consent!" Avery slapped his thigh, his face full of longing and his eyes shining with excitement.

"To actually encounter Dark Wizard kidnapping someone, this kind of thing only happens once in a lifetime, it's so exciting!"

I want to go and see too. Maybe I'll run into Auror and see firsthand how they capture Dark Wizard.

Alex, sitting on the bed next to him, frowned upon hearing this, his tone worried. "Let's not do it, it's too dangerous."

Regulus was lucky this time; the Auror arrived quickly. What if they encounter an even more powerful Dark Wizard next time, and the Auror don't arrive in time?

"Danger is what makes things interesting!" Avery retorted. "Pure-bloods dignity cannot be lost. What kind of person hides from trouble?"

"When I go out and talk about it later, everyone else has thrilling experiences, but all I can say is that I drank Butterbeer in Hogsmeade?"

He spoke with a tough tone, but then added, "Of course, if you really encounter someone you can't beat, you should still run. Only a fool would fight head-on."

Alex was about to argue when he saw Regulus enter, so he immediately stopped and asked curiously, "Regulus, what would you have done if there hadn't been Auror?"

Avery leaned closer, his body wedging between the two beds. "What spells can you use? Disarming Charm? Or Binding Charm?"

I think the Cutting Curse is also good; it can directly break his wand, rendering him completely unable to fight!

Or use Confringo to create chaos, and then take the opportunity to escape?

He became more and more excited as he spoke, "I think the Confringo is the most practical. It can both intimidate the opponent and create opportunities for yourself. It's simply perfect!"

Immediately begin Chapter 91, a part of PLY: Let's start today's exciting chapter.