The First Step of an Animagus, Dumbledore Takes the Blame

Within the Forbidden Forest, bathed in the full moonlight.

Lucien put a single Mandrake leaf into his mouth.

Then he waved his wand.

"Sticky, sticky, sticky."

Lucien used a simple little spell to firmly attach the leaf to his palate.

This is the first step to becoming Animagus.

From the full moon to the next full moon, a whole month passes.

You must hold a single Mandrake leaf in your mouth; you must never swallow the leaf or remove it from your mouth.

If you fail, you have to start all over again.

To be honest, something's stuck to my palate, which feels weird.

But at least you don't have to worry about accidentally ingesting the leaves while sleeping or eating, and it doesn't really affect your normal speech.

Lucien savored the leaf in his mouth, recalling the next steps.

During the second full moon, remove the leaf, soak it in a small crystal bottle filled with saliva, and allow it to receive the pure moonlight.

Then he added a strand of his own hair and a teaspoon of dew to it.

Finally, place in a Death's-head Hawkmoth Pupa.

After all the materials have been added, place the solution in a quiet, dark place.

Do not look at or disturb it before the next thunderstorm.

After inquiring with Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, they learned the detailed steps of the Animagus.

Lucien believed that to become Animagus, one needed not only the talent and skill in Transfiguration.

Luck is also crucial.

For example, on the night of the second full moon, the leaves must be exposed to moonlight.

If that night happens to be unlucky, the moon might be obscured by clouds.

Then we must find a new Mandrake and start all over again.

However, after Lucien pressed him for an answer, Dumbledore actually provided a solution.

It sounds simple, but the key to this step is that the leaf must be bathed in moonlight within one minute of being removed from the mouth.

If the sky is truly overcast that day, then ride Flying Broomstick and break through the clouds.

Alternatively, you can climb to a high enough peak beforehand, and if you're not too unlucky, you might be able to see the moon.

Human determination can overcome nature.

But after Dumbledore speaking, he quickly added:

"Being able to fly out of the clouds requires extremely high levels of flying skill from the wizard and exceptional broom performance."

Lucien understood Dumbledore's meaning perfectly: he didn't want Lucien to blindly try this method, lest it be dangerous.

But...

Lucien glanced at the little Qilin who was imitating the Mooncalf's dance.

Yes, flying, breaking through the clouds.

It's not a difficult task.

Didn't I try it myself when the little Qilin was just entering its growth period?

Flying Broomstick and such are just too lame.

Lucien his next steps.

The focus now shifts to the Animagus.

Thanks to the help of the Chimera Manual, I made rapid progress in the field of living creature Transfiguration.

On the one hand, the manual contains a wealth of biological information, providing a solid foundation for related Transfiguration.

On the other hand, after creating a real Chimera, his understanding of life also increased significantly.

Moreover, I've been constantly observing Scabbers these past few days, observing this Animagus who has maintained his form for over a decade.

He also learned a lot about Transfiguration, which was helpful in his later transformation into Animagus.

I reckon that by the time the Mandrake are ready to bask in the moonlight next full moon, I'll be able to master the Transfiguration living beings.

That will complete all the preliminary preparations for Animagus.

Headmaster's Office.

Snape sat down opposite Dumbledore.

Seeing Dumbledore already dressed in pajamas and wearing a nightcap, Snape took a medicine bottle out of his pocket.

"This month's magic potion to prevent cavities."

"Dumbledore, you could easily make this simple potion yourself."

Dumbledore chuckled, took the bottle, unscrewed the cap, and gulped it down.

"Heh, I haven't studied much in the field of potions either, how can I compare to the youngest Potions Master?"

Snape scoffed, thinking that the man in front of him simply enjoyed finding people to do his bidding.

As for Dumbledore saying he didn't study potions much, ha, only fools and people who have never been exposed to magic would believe that.

As the greatest wizard of this century, Dumbledore only has things he excels at and things he excels at even more.

Ignoring Snape's attitude, Dumbledore simply flicked his wand and summoned a plate of Chocolate Frog and a pitcher of sweet sparkling water from the table.

Seeing Dumbledore chewing on Chocolate Frog and drinking sweet water, Snape's eyelids twitched.

"To be honest, every time I drink a potion and then enjoy dessert, it always tastes fresh and new."

"Severus, you should try it."

Dumbledore spoke, he nudged the Chocolate Frog toward Snape.

But Snape didn't want to eat that late at night, and he had important business to discuss with her.

"Dumbledore, you'd better come to the next Quidditch Match in person."

After hearing Snape's words, Dumbledore first took a sip of water, then said calmly:

"I know Harry's match today was thrilling, but wasn't the final result great?"

But Snape's brows furrowed, and his tone held a hint of displeasure.

"Yes, you can use magic to remotely monitor the situation on site."

"Then you should know who's behind this, who wants to kill that kid!"

"For example, Quirinus Quirrell, isn't he?"

Snape paused, then placed his hands on the table and said, word by word:

"Do you also know who is behind him?"

Despite Snape's Dumbledore remained remarkably calm.

"There's only one person in the world who wants Harry Potter to disappear..."

Voldemort.

Upon hearing Dumbledore pronounce the person's name directly, Snape's expression immediately became uncertain.

Noticing Snape's reaction, Dumbledore put down his cup.

"Severus, there's no need to be afraid. If you can't even say his name..."

But these words infuriated Snape, and he jumped to his feet.

"Yes, you're not afraid. You are Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of this century!"

Yes, you are all-powerful!

"Yes, you're not afraid of Voldemort, so why don't you just take care of him!"

"You were able to save Harry in time this time, but what about next time!"

At first, Dumbledore remained calm as he listened to Snape's words; he had his own plans and his own reasons.

But when he heard that Dumbledore had saved Harry, a strange look appeared in his eyes.

Based on the magical surveillance of the arena at the time, Dumbledore discovered who was helping Harry.

But Dumbledore wasn't planning to tell anyone.

And how can you put it that a young wizard named Lucien Grafton, a first-year student, is secretly engaged in a magical battle with a powerful adult wizard?

So isn't Dumbledore taking the blame for this?

Dumbledore remained silent in the face of Snape's questioning.

In Dumbledore's view, it was perfectly normal for Snape to think that he was the one who saved Harry.

After a series of so-called "great achievements," more and more people recognized him as "the greatest wizard of this century."

In many people's eyes, Dumbledore is omnipotent.

For example, even if he is not physically present, he can remotely use magic to stop or neutralize the curse.

But this time Dumbledore really didn't do it.

Moreover, according to Dumbledore's estimation, not only Snape, but even Quirrell, or those behind him, probably believed that it was he who intervened, and that he had once again demonstrated profound and mysterious magical abilities.

Dumbledore didn't go to the Quidditch match in person this time because he wanted to see what Quirrell would do.

Will that once-outstanding Ravenclaw graduate truly go down this path to the bitter end, completely obeying Voldemort's orders, or will he struggle, resist, and try to seek help from others?

But the result...

Dumbledore had already seen it through his magic of remote surveillance.

Of course, Dumbledore also made several preparations in case Harry really faced a life-or-death crisis.

This greatest wizard of the century actually has a way to stop it.

After all, Dumbledore wanted to train Harry Potter, to temper him through life and death, but he didn't really want Harry to die in vain.

Harry's current level is not enough; he needs to grow further to get closer to the Prophecy future.

However, thanks to the "surprise" brought by Lucien, Dumbledore no longer needed to do anything himself.

Sometimes Dumbledore also felt bored, and there were many secrets he couldn't share with others.

Like this time, others believe that Harry's rescue was his doing, but Dumbledore doesn't want to tell others the truth.

Fortunately, this time I was able to talk directly with the person involved.

Dumbledore was also looking forward to the next afternoon tea; he increasingly felt that spending time with Lucien often brought him some "surprises."

For a centenarian who has experienced so much, this is like a ripple on a calm lake.

It added some fun to his life, which was one where people respected him from a distance.

"Severus, don't get agitated. Sometimes, strength doesn't completely determine the future."

"In the Prophecy..."

However, Dumbledore stopped speaking as soon as he mentioned the word "Prophecy".

Snape also fell silent.

The two remained silent.

After a long pause, Snape stood up abruptly, turned around, and left.

With his back to Dumbledore, Snape's voice was soft and quiet.

"Prophecy? The Boy Who Lived? That was Lily protecting him at the cost of her life..."

"How could a one-year-old child possibly defeat Voldemort...?"

Hearing Snape's whisper, Dumbledore sighed.

"I will be present at all the remaining Quidditch Match."

After Dumbledore speaking, Snape paused briefly before continuing towards the door.

"I'll send the potion over again next full moon."

On the way to the Potions classroom.

Malfoy suddenly moved closer to Lucien, glanced around and saw that there was hardly anyone there.

"Lucien, can we talk about something?"

"That's right, I'll give you another magic book, or you can name your price."

"I want to learn something else."

Lucien glanced at Malfoy,

"What, regretting learning potions?"

"No, no, no, you taught very well. I was wondering why Potter had improved so quickly lately; it was you..."

"Uh, no, let's get down to business. I want to learn from you, learn that!"

As he spoke, Malfoy freed one hand from carrying the potion-making equipment and gestured in the air.

"It was that time on Halloween Eve, the one you used to defeat the Troll, that one..."

Lucien understood Malfoy's meaning; he was referring to the Chimera.

It seems that the incident left a deep impression on the child.

But it's not easy to really learn.

Have you ever heard the Eastern saying, "Don't bite off more than you can chew"?

Malfoy nodded quickly.

"I've heard that. It seems to mean that if you focus too much on quantity, the learning effect will be worse."

"Okay, I understand."

Seeing that Malfoy was behaving quite sensibly, Lucien added a little more detail.

"The one you want to learn is Transfiguration, um, a rather complex Transfiguration."

"It's not something you can learn in a semester or a school year."

Upon hearing Lucien's words, Malfoy immediately gave him a knowing look.

"Understood. I'll bring more magic books next year, I guarantee you'll be satisfied. After all, knowledge is precious."

Well, this kid seems a bit too sensible.

I didn't mean it that way.

Why does it look like I'm paying tribute? I'm not bullying my classmates or extorting protection money.

Lucien shook his head slightly and walked into the Potions classroom to sit down.

After the school bell rang.

"Zabini, why is the Runespoor soaked in mercury?"

"Butt, when and how should the star-moon flowers be picked?"

"..."

Snape's questions today were even more outrageous than usual.

A group of young wizards, those who were chosen and those who weren't, were trembling like quails in the dead of winter.

Tsk tsk, what's wrong with Snape? Who provoked him again?

Harry wasn't in this class either.

Why are you asking so many questions, and they even seem a bit frivolous, with about a third of them not even related to first-grade material?

"Lucien, what makes Unicorn Hair of superior quality?"

"Its fur is pure white, spotless, and upon closer inspection reveals tiny glittering spots; when it waves its tail, it leaves a silver trail."

"Hmm, Ravenclaw gets a point."

Then we moved on to the potion-making stage.

The real ordeal was just beginning.

The weather is already cold, and Potions is taught in an underground classroom.

The young wizards could only try to get as close as possible to the burning, warm cauldron.

Snape would finish criticizing the previous young wizard's mistake and then float directly behind the next victim without any transition.

Point out the other person's problem in a gloomy voice, then deliver words colder than the classroom temperature.

"Bosted, the grinding requirement for the spine of these rats is powder. Are you planning to feed them these obvious granules as snacks?"

"Dock, you put in the gold-digging root first, then the fish maw. Your steps are even better than mine. You should be the Potions Professor!"

"..."

Lucien methodically prepared the potion, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding "bloodshed" that had nothing to do with him.

Even Slytherin students couldn't escape getting venom smeared on their faces; the Old Bat is really going all out today.

It's really cold, hmm...

Looking at the bubbling cauldron, the potion was almost ready.

Let's make some hot pot sometime.