When the Time Was Right

Skylar's outstanding performance in the First Task once again boosted his popularity.

The membership of the "Champion Skylar Fan Support Club" is growing rapidly because Skylar has established a good reputation and a positive image in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, and many young wizards are proud to join the club. In their hearts, Skylar's achievements are also a glory for Hogwarts, and they are proud to be his classmates. This club has become the largest and most populous club in Hogwarts, far exceeding the second-ranked "Gobstones Club" by more than three times.

As club officers, Cho Chang, Marietta Edgecombe, Luna, and Susan designed a badge that "Support Champion Skylar Badge" and distributed it publicly in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw House, where it became a huge hit!

This incident made Harry uncomfortable for a while.

Later, Hermione and Ron designed a "Support Champion Harry Badge" badge for him, which was very popular in Gryffindor, and Harry finally smiled again. But in reality, his badge received very few responses from the other three houses.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Skylar knew it was time to take the next step in his plan.

On this day, Skylar arranged to meet Cho Chang and Susan in front of the large mirror on the fifth floor. Under their astonished gazes, he recited the incantation "Revelio Mirror" in front of the mirror. The image on the mirror rippled and suddenly revealed a secluded path.

"That's so cool!" Cho Chang's gaze was somewhat intense. "Is this Secret Passage? When did you discover it?" She gently touched the mirror with her hand, but it passed through without any obstruction to the other side of the mirror.

Skylar said, half-jokingly, "Would you believe me if I said I knew about its existence from the very first day of school?"

Unexpectedly, Cho Chang nodded without hesitation, her expression very serious. She said, "I believe whatever you say."

This made Skylar a little embarrassed.

Susan broke the somewhat awkward silence, "Skylar, you're really not being fair! You knew about such an interesting place but didn't share it with us, even though we're your hardcore fans! Ugh, never mind, let's hurry up and take us inside. I'm really looking forward to seeing what secrets it holds!"

Skylar gazed intently at the two girls, his eyes shining brightly. Not only Susan, but even Cho Chang couldn't help but blush slightly on her cheeks.

"The secret of this Secret Passage is just the tip of the iceberg," he said softly, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "There's something even more interesting!"

The Secret Passage was very dark. Skylar gently waved his left hand forward, and a slight tremor appeared in the air. Three orbs of light, emitting a bright and gentle milky-white halo, materialized. The orbs seemed to have their own consciousness, staying above the three people and following their steps.

"This is... Conjuring Spell?" Cho Chang came from a family of Transfiguration, and although he was only in fifth grade, he was no stranger to high-level Transfiguration.

"Yes, it's the Conjuring Spell. Speaking of which, I have to thank your great-uncle. It was his <Myriad Transformations Art> that allowed me to understand how to incorporate the properties of the Lumos into my illusions—" Skylar's tone carried a slight sigh, "Mysterious and ancient Eastern magic, indeed has its extraordinary aspects, making it all the more alluring..."

"Skylar," Cho Chang's face flushed red, though it wasn't obvious in the dark Secret Passage, "What my great-uncle said before was just a joke, don't take it too seriously..."

"Really?" Skylar's gaze held a half-smile. "I was actually quite looking forward to the secret Transfiguration he promised!"

After walking for about fifteen minutes, some strange patterns began to appear on the stone walls of the Secret Passage. Some resembled Ancient Runes, but not quite—if one had to say, they looked more like the random scribbles of a drunkard.

The two girls stared at the pictures and text with mesmerized eyes, as if some mysterious power was deeply attracting them.

Skylar stood still, observing their behavior intently.

These Magic Runes are his masterpieces, Magic Seals created after his mastery of mental and soul magic. They can evoke the deepest temptations, greed, and fear in people's hearts, and only a firm will can resist them.

Cho Chang recovered relatively quickly. Her eyes had just regained their clarity when they were filled with deep fear again, as if she had witnessed something extremely terrifying.

She suddenly knelt on the ground, covered her face, and burst into tears.

At that moment, Susan snapped out of her daze, let out a scream, rolled her eyes, and fainted.

Skylar drew his wand and cast "Finite Incantatem" on each of the two girls, who slowly awoke or came to their senses, but could not remember what had happened before.

Susan rubbed her sore eyes and asked in confusion, "What just happened?"

Skylar said, "This stone wall is engraved with Magic Runes that can temper one's will and soul. As long as you successfully pass its test, you can enhance the strength of your will and soul, which is extremely beneficial to your magical abilities. However..."

"But what?" Susan asked hastily.

"Both of you," Skylar said calmly, "Failed the test just now."

"Ah!" Both girls exclaimed at the same time, their faces showing extreme disappointment.

"Honestly, it's nothing," Skylar said in a deep voice. "You are all my friends. As long as you are ready, you can tell me anytime, and I can bring you here to try again."

"Really?" Cho Chang's face lit up with surprise, and Susan beside her also wore an expression of anticipation and excitement.

"Of course it's true," Skylar smiled. "After all, Mr. Zhang and Aunt Leah have given me a lot of help and guidance, so consider this a way of repaying their kindness! But you must promise me that you won't reveal the secret of this Secret Passage to anyone else!"

The two girls nodded eagerly in agreement.

"Alright, that's enough for today's adventure!" Skylar continued. "I'll take you back first; Daphne and the others are waiting for me up ahead!"

The two girls seemed to have guessed something; they exchanged a knowing glance but neither made a move to turn around. Finally, Cho Chang mustered her courage first, "Um—"

"What's behind the Secret Passage? Can we go and participate?" Although they knew that the so-called "Daphne and the others" were most likely Skylar's closest Slytherin, they still couldn't suppress the discomfort that welled up inside them. This feeling of being excluded was really unpleasant, especially after learning that the contents of the Secret Passage could potentially benefit their strength.

"Knowing too much isn't necessarily a good thing," Skylar said meaningfully, his gaze sweeping between the two women. "Behind the Secret Passage lies an even greater secret of mine. So far, those who have been involved are my closest and most trusted people. Once you know this secret, you will inevitably be drawn in, with no turning back. Have you thought it through?"

Skylar's grey pupils shone brightly, appearing especially eerie in the somewhat dark Secret Passage. Whether it was psychological or not, both girls could sense a chilling wind rising from the shadowy Secret Passage, the air temperature seeming to drop, and even the milky-white light emanating from the three orbs floating in mid-air seemed less gentle and warm...

A chill ran down the spines of the two girls. In the shadows, the usual gentleness on Skylar's face gradually blurred, making him seem strange and eerie.

Cho Chang was initially hesitant and apprehensive, but when she recalled Skylar's consistent gentlemanly demeanor, gentle style, and good reputation for treating other colleges kindly, and most importantly, her great-uncle Zhang He's evaluation of Skylar, the process of Skylar helping her master the Patronus Charm during the summer vacation involuntarily came to mind. A faint blush rose on her face, and she immediately made a decision.

She gritted her teeth, forcibly suppressing her unease. She stared intently into Skylar's eyes, a resolute glint in her gaze, and said, "Whether it was the Magic Runes just now, or your question now, they are both tests, aren't they?"

A hint of admiration flashed in Skylar's eyes, but he said nothing.

Seeing Skylar's gaze, Cho Chang was even more certain of her suspicions. Her hesitation vanished, and a strange light shone in her eyes. Her voice was low and powerful. "I failed the test just now. I was defeated by fear—"

"This time, I won't make the same mistake again—"

"I've made up my mind—I'm going to get involved in what you call a secret," Cho Chang's tone grew increasingly firm. "I've thought it through, and even if there's no going back, I will never regret it."

With Cho Chang taking the lead, Susan nodded and joined in the agreement.

"Don't worry!" Skylar's face regained its usual gentle smile, which warmed the atmosphere in the Secret Passage, and even the three orbs of light seemed to become brighter than before.

"You won't regret your decision today," Skylar said, taking the lead and waving for the other two to follow. "What you're about to encounter is—an opportunity to decide the future of the world!"