Repairing the Magic Node

The Grey Lady smiled at Xiwen, then gently clapped her hands, the marble of her hands striking together with a crisp, pleasant sound.

"Very good, you passed." She smiled.

"...Huh?" Xiwen looked at the Grey Lady in surprise. "So, that was a test?"

"If my daughter wants to find a soulmate, as her mother, I should at least consider the person's character," The Grey Lady said with a smile. "You agree, Doctor Strange, or as you'd call me, Mr. Rozier?"

Xiwen touched his nose, a little awkwardly, and said, "Actually, you can call me by my original name. My surname is Xi, and my given name is Wen."

"What a strange name." Helena pursed her lips, then began to diligently study the pronunciation of the Xiwen name. "Is your name Vaughn? Or Wayne?"

"It's 'Wen'—" Xiwen drawled, trying to make sure Helena heard him clearly.

Five minutes later.

"Or you could just call me Stephen," Xiwen said with a helpless expression. "I've gotten used to it after a few months, and having another English name isn't so bad..."

Helena raised the corners of her mouth and said playfully, "You deserve it! Who told you to hide the truth from me for two months? I can't get rid of that nickname anymore."

"Okay, so it really is my fault?" Xiwen raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, you two will have plenty of time to be close later. Now, give Helena and me some space!" The Grey Lady seemed to have finally had enough of their behavior and interrupted them.

Xiwen smiled sheepishly, then floated out of the Room of Requirement alone, leaving the space to Helena and her son.

Standing in the corridor on the Seventh Floor, Xiwen let out a long breath, feeling incredibly relieved.

After revealing his true origins, he no longer had to bear this heavy secret alone. He felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and his whole being felt light and free.

Moreover, this confession did not create a rift in his relationship with Helena; on the contrary, opening his heart brought the two closer.

Meanwhile, in the innermost area of the castle's dungeon, towards the cells.

This was a damp, dark area, littered with pebbles, mud, and cobwebs, where large black spiders and rats could be seen passing by from time to time. In the distance, a faint light could be seen, pointing towards the room that Ghost Xiwen had just received from Hogwarts as compensation.

Although Xiwen had discussed with the House-Elf and included the dungeon in the castle's maintenance, this too-remote corner ultimately went unnoticed.

Xiwen never imagined that the Magic Node left by Salazar Slytherin would be located in such a remote corner. Truly, Slytherin is a worthy successor.

This is also the first Magic Node that Professor Lore destroyed. I really don't know how Scholar Angulo discovered this location!

Now, the all-powerful professors have repaired the two Magic Node in Hogwarts Castle according to the book's instructions, and part of the castle's magical system has returned to normal.

"Is this the last one?" Professor Merrythought asked nervously in the light of the wand's Lumos.

"If all goes well, then yes." Dumbledore nodded, the book containing the methods for maintaining the castle floating open beside him. Several professors were using the book's guidance to find the exact route.

"Galadia, Horace, Herbert, as before, we will each be responsible for the lines established by the Founders our respective houses. Let's bring over the other three lines first," Dumbledore said. "Horace, this is a node left by Slytherin. You are responsible for ensuring the stability of its center."

The three deans nodded and began to cast spells to control a portion of the magic circuits, slowly connecting them together.

With a "whoosh," the three magical lines connected with Slytherin's Magic Node. Immediately, each magical line emitted a dazzling and beautiful light!

"Did we succeed?" Professor Merrythought asked, mesmerized, as he gazed at the beautiful interplay of four colors of light before him.

"Yes, we succeeded!" Dumbledore said easily.

Professor Slughorn and Birley also wore light smiles.

However, the passing of a mouse interrupted their pleasant mood.

"To be honest, this place is absolutely disgusting!" Professor Merrythought complained, covering her nose.

Professor Slughorn nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, I can't believe my Potions Classroom is on the same floor as this place!"

At this point, Dumbledore simply raised his wand, which he hadn't yet put away, and said to the others, "Since we're here, let's help clean up."

Upon hearing about cleaning the dungeon, the Young Wizard Xiwen, who had been casually observing, immediately perked up and said, "Professor, I know this all the time. Use the Severing Charm to cut the dirt off the floor, then use the Mending Charm to restore it. It's incredibly efficient!"

"A very creative idea." Professor Merrythought nodded appreciatively and said to Xiwen, "Did you come up with this?"

"Uh, no." Xiwen paused for a moment, then said, "It was Prefect Goshawk's idea."

"Miranda? No wonder, she always has some unique insights into spells." Professor Merrythought was undoubtedly very satisfied to hear that it was a method devised by one of her students, and said happily.

'Don't I look like the kind of little wizard who has a unique understanding of spells?' Xiwen thought to himself, then shrugged, realizing that he really wasn't that kind of talent.

As the professors raised their wands, Xiwen witnessed a magical spectacle.

First, Professor Merrythought cast a large-scale Cleaning Charm, instantly erasing all the surface dirt; then, Professor Slughorn unleashed a beautiful Severing Charm, instantly slicing away the stubborn grime still remaining on the floor and walls; followed by Dumbledore's casual Mending Charm, restoring all the floors and walls to their original state.

Finally, Professor Birley placed an unknown spice into a bag, left it open on the ground, and quickly attracted all the rats and spiders to crawl into the bag, which was clearly enchanted with Undetectable Extension Charm.

The whole process was as smooth as flowing water; this most secluded corner of the dungeon was transformed in just a few breaths!

Xiwen was stunned. So magic could be used like this?