Chapter 307 The perspective of the fifth level, can't you even imitate handwriting?
"I don't understand, Principal," Professor Snape asked, his face grim. "Why would you be interested in such a thing?"
"I merely wish to know more about the heir of the Gaius Family," Dumbledore said with a wise glint in his eyes, smiling. "I'm sure you can see that he is somewhat wary of me, his Principal, here at Hogwarts."
Hearing this, Professor Snape silently scoffed in his heart.
Being wary of someone who constantly wants to rope them into trouble is perfectly normal.
"Principal, I hope this won't happen again."
"Alright, Severus," Dumbledore said soothingly. "He trusts you, and having you intervene this time was just a precaution.
Because after the first Defense Against the Dark Arts Class, news of Professor Lupin using a Boggart for practical lessons will spread.
Aaron is a gifted Wizard, and with his family's influence, if he wished, he could certainly isolate a Boggart's detection and hide his inner fears."
"What's the point of this?" Professor Snape looked at him, somewhat angrily. "It's proven to be utterly meaningless."
"Quite the opposite, it's very meaningful," Dumbledore said gravely. "You are aware of Trelawney's prophecy; his future may surpass all of us. If he were to go astray..."
"Enough, Principal," Professor Snape stood up from his chair. "He is my student, and don't you think you're thinking too far ahead?
His talent is indeed high, but it will take at least a decade for him to truly mature!"
"Not that long. He is already a Magician, and only a step away from becoming a Archmage," Dumbledore said seriously. "It's very possible he will become a Archmagebefore the New Year. A thirteen-year-old Archmage, do you know what that means?"
Professor Snape paused, suppressing the shock in his heart, and slowly sat back down.
If Dumbledore was telling the truth, it meant Aaronwouldn't need a decade to mature; just a few years, perhaps even before graduation, he wouldn't be much weaker than his teacher.
"Now you understand. Lord Voldemort's return is only a matter of time, and when that happens, his power will play a crucial role."
"But you've never considered whether he's willing," Professor Snape said with some dissatisfaction.
"He probably isn't," Dumbledore chuckled awkwardly. "However, before Lord Voldemort fully resurrects, we still have enough time to change his mind.
Severus, I know he is your favorite student, but we truly need a powerful ally.
Once Lord Voldemort returns, it will trigger an unprecedented upheaval, and relying solely on the Order of the Phoenix to contend with his forces would be quite difficult."
Professor Snape was silent for a moment, then picked up the cup of honey tea and took a small sip.
"What if he doesn't change his mind?"
"Then I can only express my regret," Dumbledore sighed. "I will not force anyone to do anything, I can assure you of that."
"It had better be so."
Meanwhile, in the Slytherin common room.
Aaron shivered unexpectedly, and the thought formpracticing the ultimate magic circle opposite him also felt an indescribable malice.
Aaron and the thought form exchanged glances, and he couldn't help but rub his nose. "There are always treacherous commoners trying to harm me."
"I feel that way too."
They were unaware of Professor Snape and Dumbledore's conversation. If they had known, they would certainly have complained about the darkness of Hogwarts, but at the same time, they would have been glad they had deceived Dumbledore's eyes.
Wearing the Sealing Ring when retracting the thought formto suppress half of the magic, and removing the Sealing Ring when using the thought form to split half of one's power to the thought form—this allowed for perfect concealment of strength.
Dumbledore thought he was on the third level, but little did he know, Aaron was truly on the fifth level... The first Defense Against the Dark Arts Class was a complete success. Under Gryffindor's intentional or unintentional promotion, Professor Lupin's reputation soared, gaining recognition from more and more people.
In the following period, Professor Lupin taught everyone how to deal with Red Caps (a type of goblin-like creature) and Kappas (aquatic reptiles).
Compared to last year's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, the diligent Professor Lupin was clearly more respected by everyone, and no one cared that he wore patched clothes.
However, some Slytherins had issues with Professor Lupin, as in his first Class, he had humiliated the Dean of Slytherinwith a Boggart.
Neville Longbottom also paid the price for his actions, being relentlessly targeted by Professor Snape in Potion Class, losing points and being picked on in various ways.
On October 16th, Lavender Brown's prophecy came true: her family's rabbit was killed by a fox, which was precisely what she feared most.
At this point, Aaron had a clear understanding of Trelawney's Diviner abilities and finally made a choice among his five elective courses, deciding to drop Arithmancy.
He just didn't particularly like interpreting tea leaves; the process of this divination was rather troublesome, and the results were quite vague.
In comparison, palmistry and crystal balls were more worth studying.
Professor Trelawney had high hopes for him, believing he would eventually awaken the 'Heavenly Eye' of a Divinerand become an independent Diviner... On the eve of Halloween, most of the third-year students changed into casual clothes, preparing to leave the school for Hogsmeadefor the weekend.
Aaron left the thought form in the dormitory and walked out with Abey in his arms.
Draco sat on the sofa in the common room, waiting for him, with Crabbe and Goyle standing like two iron towers on either side of him.
"I really don't know what you do cooped up alone in your dorm," Draco said, frowning at the dark circles under Aaron's eyes. "Are you suffering from insomnia?"
"No," Aaron yawned. "It's just that I've been working on a massive project recently, a very, very, very big project. It's taken a lot of my energy, and I've been neglecting sleep and meals."
"Is it a special magic?" Draco asked, interested.
"No, but if I succeed, my living and studying pressure at Hogwarts will decrease by at least thirty percent," Aaron said with a mysterious smile. "Your arm should be healed by now, why haven't you taken off the bandage?"
"This is strategy," Draco said, raising an eyebrow proudly. "The first Quidditch match is Gryffindor against Slytherin, but if the Seeker is injured, there's a good reason to swap opponents with Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, thereby delaying the match. This way, Oliver Wood's strategy against Slytherin will be completely useless.
Cedric Diggory, the Hufflepuff Captain, is quite excellent. Flint has decided to swap with Hufflepuff, letting them deal with Gryffindor."
"That strategy is a bit dirty," Aaron said with some disdain.
"Then why don't you join the team? If you join, Flint will immediately give you the Captain position."
Aaron:... "Ahem!
Whether the strategy is dirty or not doesn't matter, as long as we win."
"That's what we think too," Draco said, smiling.
Outside the Castle, hundreds of students were gathered.
Professor McGonagall patiently explained the Precautions, while Filch collected the students' permission slips beside her, ensuring they had a parent or guardian's signature before letting them leave.
"Remember, going to Hogsmeade is a privilege. Anyone who performs poorly in school will no longer enjoy this special treatment."
"Excuse me, Professor," Neville stammered, raising his right hand. "I, I think I lost my permission slip."
"Your grandmother sent the form directly to me, Longbottom," Professor McGonagall said with a hint of exasperation. "She seems to think it's safer that way."
Just then, Harry Potter walked up to Professor McGonagallwith his permission slip, but before he could speak, Professor McGonagall interrupted him, "You cannot go to that village without a signature on the consent form.
It's the rule, Potter."
"Those with signed forms, follow me. Those without, don't," Filch added promptly, then led the way himself.
Harry quickly stopped Professor McGonagall, "If you sign, then I can..."
"I cannot sign. Only a parent or guardian can.
I am neither, so I cannot sign." Professor McGonagall looked at Harry with some sympathy. "I'm sorry, Potter, but my decision will not change."
Harry held the permission slip, looking particularly dejected.
"Stay here, Potter," Draco walked over and mocked. "But this is a good thing for you, at least you won't have to face those Dementors."
"Draco," Aaron gave him a speechless glare.
Draco shrugged sheepishly, then followed the group with Crabbe and Goyle.
"Although I don't want to say this, Harry... he actually has a point.
Don't forget, Sirius Black is still looking for you. It's best not to leave the Castle until he's caught."
"But..."
"No 'buts'. Think about what Trelawney said about the ill omen."
"That's not necessarily true," Hermione interjected, annoyed.
"Better safe than sorry," Aaron said seriously. "Safety first, he should stay in the Castle."
Harry struggled for a while before reluctantly nodding.
"We'll bring back lots of sweets for you from Honeydukes," Ron comforted him. "You'll see them at dinner, and we'll tell you all about the fun places in Hogsmeade. Once Sirius is caught, you can go directly."
Harry sighed slightly, then picked up the unsigned permission slip. "Even if Sirius is caught, I still can't go. My guardian wouldn't agree."
"You could use the Invisibility Cloak," Ron suggested.
"We'll see about that then!"
"By the way, why don't you forge your uncle's signature?" Aaron asked, somewhat puzzled. "You're a Gryffindor, that shouldn't be too much pressure for you, right?"
Hearing this, Harry's expression became particularly interesting.
He had forgotten about that trick, but it was too late now; Professor McGonagall already knew no one had signed for him.
"Alright! Looks like you didn't think of it.
If you get bored, you can go find Professor Lupin. I think he'd be very happy to teach you the Patronus Charm."
Harry nodded. He had the same idea; once he learned the Patronus Charm, he wouldn't have to worry about Dementors, and Malfoy wouldn't be able to mock him with them anymore.