Harry's Invitation

Time continued to fly by, and finally the last day of September arrived.

Prior to this day, Skylar had already received various Fantastic Beasts blood sent by Ali Bashir through House Elf.

After a whole morning of experimentation, Skylar finally uncovered the secret of the Hufflepuff's Cup.

The answer is -- the blood of Unicorn.

Helga Hufflepuff used this golden cup to safely drink wine and Potions laced with Unicorn blood. Unicorn are known to be extremely sacred creatures, and harming them brings bad luck. Even using the blood of Unicorn killed by another person can incur a terrible curse.

But Hufflepuff clearly overcame this problem.

Hufflepuff is not a dark wizard. Where she obtained the Unicorn blood is currently unknown; perhaps she bought it, or perhaps the Unicorn voluntarily offered it to her, but that doesn't matter.

Her golden cup is powerful enough to protect its drinker from the cursed power of the Unicorn's blood!

Unicorn blood contains powerful magic, but its true purpose is not to enhance spells, but to sustain life while under a curse.

It was thanks to it that Voldemort was able to possess Quirrell in a weakened state, cast spells, and barely survive. Even in the Rudimentary Body Potion he used before his resurrection, Unicorn Blood was an indispensable key ingredient.

While the ability to sustain life is certainly appealing, no one in reality dares to do so, because using Unicorn blood comes at a price: the dying can only eke out a living under the shadow of a curse, forever unable to escape the shackles of darkness and the curse.

Currently, the only effect that Skylar can deduce from Hufflepuff and Voldemort is the extension of lifespan, but even this single effect is already irresistible.

After all, who wouldn't want to live longer if they didn't have to bear the consequences of a curse?

Meanwhile, throughout September, all Quidditch teams were training in full swing.

Under Angelina's strict demands, Gryffindor frequently underwent intense and rigorous training.

On the Slytherin side, Draco was equally determined. As the new captain, this was his first opportunity to prove his leadership, and he wouldn't let it slip by easily. In addition to daily ball skills training, the team members had to endure his endless tactical analysis and discussions. This time, he not only wanted to win, but to win beautifully and spectacularly, leaving no room for anyone to accuse Slytherin of relying on dirty tricks to win.

Even Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff are not willing to admit defeat easily. Although their training is not as intense as the former two, it is still very frequent. Teams can be seen Accio train almost every day on the field.

On the last day of September, around noon, Harry found Cho Chang just after Quidditch practice. She had just walked out of the pitch, her long hair blowing in the breeze. She looked a little tired, but still had her usual gentle expression.

Harry stepped forward a little nervously, adjusting his tone to make it sound like he was discussing serious business.

"Cho Chang, can I talk to you?"

Cho Chang stopped and looked at him with some surprise. Of course, she knew Harry's attitude towards her all along, and she could guess that his special visit to her today was probably not just for casual conversation.

She nodded slightly. "Of course, what is it?"

"You've probably noticed it too, haven't you? Umbridge's classes... they're not teaching us anything useful at all." His voice was low. "If we continue like this, we won't learn anything in a year, and when real danger comes, we won't even be able to protect ourselves."

Cho Chang raised an eyebrow, a hint of agreement in her expression. "Indeed, her course... can hardly be considered 'Defence Against the Dark Arts'."

Harry nodded, his palms slightly sweaty, his heart beating a little faster than usual. He hadn't told Hermione or Ron about inviting Cho Chang; it was a decision he made secretly.

Harry nodded, his tone becoming firm. "Therefore, I plan to form an organization that truly studies combat magic, specifically training us to protect ourselves in dangerous situations. I will be responsible for teaching defensive spells, so everyone can learn real skills beyond the classroom."

Cho Chang's eyes widened slightly, seemingly surprised by the suggestion. "You... you really intend to do this?"

"Yes." Harry looked directly at her, his eyes serious. "I want you to join."

Cho Chang blinked, clearly not expecting Harry to personally invite her.

"Why me?" she asked instinctively.

Harry's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice slightly hoarse. "Because I know you're very skilled with spells. Voldemort is back, and nobody knows what the future holds. You're an excellent wizard, and if you'd like to join us, we can become stronger together."

Cho Chang lowered his head and pondered for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

Harry's heart quickened slightly when he saw that she didn't immediately refuse, and his tone softened. "We'll meet at the Hog's Head Inn on the first Saturday of October to discuss our plans. I hope you can come."

Cho Chang looked up at Harry's eyes, her emerald green pupils burning with an unyielding determination.

After a moment of silence, she nodded gently.

"Okay, I'll go."

Harry's heart skipped a beat, and a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips, "Great, then... see you then."

As he turned to leave, his face still held an undisguised excitement. But after he had gone some distance, Cho Chang stood there, his gaze becoming somewhat complicated, as if he were pondering something.

Just then, a dark figure quietly appeared behind Cho Chang, sunlight shining on his slender body and casting a long shadow.

Cho Chang didn't turn around, but it was as if she had already sensed the presence of the newcomer. She sighed softly, "Just as you predicted."

Skylar approached slowly, his dark green robe swaying slightly with each step. His voice was deep and carried a hint of nonchalance. "Of course."

Cho Chang finally turned around, looking at him with a hint of admiration. "You even predicted that Harry would personally come to invite me?"

Skylar's eyes remained calm and unwavering, as if it were all perfectly natural. "He's an impulsive man, but he's unwilling to easily reveal his thoughts at crucial moments. Although Harry's feelings for you are obvious, he won't want Hermione and Ron to know... So, the only possibility is that he'll secretly come to find you himself."

Cho Chang Qiu was slightly taken aback, then smiled, "Your analysis is always so accurate."

Skylar didn't respond to her praise, but instead lowered his gaze slightly, staring at her. "Since everything is going as expected, you know what to do next, right?"

Cho Chang's heart tightened slightly, and she couldn't help but ask, "You want me to join them?"

Skylar's lips curled slightly, but his eyes were as sharp as a cold knife. "You're not the only one."

Cho Chang paused for a moment, then frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Skylar said calmly, "Take Marietta Edgecombe Eckmore with you to their party."

A flicker of surprise crossed Cho Chang's eyes, seemingly not understanding Skylar's intention. She hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help asking, "Why? Marietta Edgecombe has absolutely no interest in these combat spells, she even hates Harry..."

Skylar's gaze was calm, like a lake shrouded in the night, its depths unfathomable. "I don't need you to understand, I just need you to do it."

Cho Chang looked at him, her lips slightly pursed. Although her mind was full of questions, she didn't say anything more. Finally, she lowered her head, her voice gentle and obedient. "I understand."