RNP Chapter 204 Letter and Visitors from the Ministry of Magic
Chapter 204 Letter and Visitors from the Ministry of Magic
Chapter 204 Reply and Visitors from the Ministry of Magic
More than a month later, Phobos arrived with Nico's letter. This time, the letter was in a mailbox. Karen took the heavy mithril mailbox, unscrewed the cap, and inside were two sheets of paper of very different textures: one with Nico's familiar, flowing handwriting, and the other with Castor's name hastily signed.
As usual, Karen first unfolded Nicole's letter.
Karen's Disciple:
The fragments have arrived, and their condition is both alarming and fascinating. The precision of the stripping and copper-restriction is a masterpiece; you've far exceeded expectations! Castor and I immediately began our research. As predicted, they have a remarkable effect on the curse on Castor.
Now, while Castor's curse hasn't been completely eradicated, it has been largely removed. His body is gradually recovering, and the stagnation of his magic has greatly diminished. The cursed markings on his arms have faded into faint traces—a glimmer of hope he's never seen since he was cursed! We are developing a more thorough treatment plan based on this.
However, deep doubts remain. The fragility and chaos of this fragment far exceed expectations; it seems more like a carefully torn "soul fragment" than the "main soul" carrying the will of the original being. It's more like a Horcrux's fragmented soul. The main soul has most likely escaped, attaching itself to a more hidden and powerful anchor, lurking somewhere. Your lack of observation inside and outside the castle, and the absence of any unusual activity in the Forbidden Forest, further confirm this. The main soul may no longer be at Hogwarts. Remain vigilant! It hasn't perished, but merely lies dormant.
Enclosed is a small sample of the secondary fragment, sealed in a specially made lead box. It is intended for your study of its magical properties and its connection to curses, or to provide inspiration for your research into anti-curse techniques. Handle with extreme care!
Castor added a note below.
Nicolas Lemacouren took a deep breath, his chest heaving with complex emotions. The relief from Castor's curse was a great comfort, but the shadow of Voldemort's main spirit escaping instantly overshadowed that joy. He picked up Castor's parchment, which looked as if it had been scorched by sparks, and on it was only a single line of sharp handwriting:
The bugs in the bottle can't cause any trouble. Only a live venomous snake bites. Open your eyes, kid. One kilogram.
Concise yet sharp, the letter gripped Karen tightly, her fingertips turning slightly white. Nicole's deduction coincided with his own deepest suspicions—the fragment seemed too much like a discarded pawn. Where was the main soul? Who was the new host? Was he still at Hogwarts? And what was his goal?
"Karen!" The Eagle's Nest door burst open, and Wesley stormed in, his face flushed with excitement. "Come quick, help us analyze this! You don't look well. Is it Master Nico's letter? Is it good news?"
Karen quickly composed herself, put the letter away, and a relieved smile appeared on her face: "It's good news. Master Nico and Professor Castor's research has made a major breakthrough, and the professor's health is recovering very well."
"Merlin, thank goodness! That's wonderful!" Wesley slammed his fist into his palm, genuinely happy for Cullen. "I knew Professor Castor would be alright! So, what bad news made you look so pale?"
Karen carefully chose her words: "The bad news is that what we caught might only be a small part of Voldemort's soul. The real soul has escaped."
Wesley's smile froze instantly, and his red hair seemed to stand on end: "Run—run away? They can still run?" He then lowered his voice.
Taking a step closer, he asked, "Does that mean he'll come back?"
"Very likely," Karen nodded, his eyes serious. "So, we can't let our guard down at any time. But for now, let's focus on the game." He patted Wesley on the shoulder. "Come on, let's go listen to the tactical analysis. Where are Ernesto and Fabian?"
"Ernesto's practically grinding sparks out of the little figures at the sand table! Fabian just finished casting a 'sedating charm' on his precious plant, he's on his way!" Wesley, his attention diverted, became excited again, dragging Karen outside. "Hurry, hurry, the captain said we're going to catch Gryffindor completely off guard this time!"
Time flies, and soon it was time for the competition.
On the morning of the match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Hogwarts was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. The air was filled with the smells of broomstick oil, the sweet aroma of butterbeer, and the excited chatter of students. The Quidditch pitch stands were already overflowing with colorful coins and flags, like a giant overturned palette. Gryffindor's golden lions and Ravenclaw's blue bronze eagles faced off across the pitch, while Hufflepuff and Slytherin students sat scattered among them, cheering for their favorite teams or star players.
Karen, along with Professor Flitwick, Edgar Burns, and several core members of the senior Spells Club, were making final system adjustments in the specially designed commentary and recording booth at the highest point of the stadium. A huge central recording crystal ball floated above the booth, slowly rotating, its surface shimmering with a soft glow. Around it floated several semi-transparent screens formed from condensed magic, ready to project images and tactical analysis data from different angles in real time.
"Final signal calibration, all broom transmitters responding normally!" A seventh-grade Ravenclaw girl reported, staring at a crystal disc in front of her filled with glowing dots and small pointers.
"The main crystal's magic circuit is stable, and the anti-interference layer is at full power." Edgar checked the rune base connecting the crystal ball with a focused expression.
Professor Flitwick stood on the specially made raised platform, stroking his beard with satisfaction: "Excellent! Children, remember, today is not just a competition, but also a moment for our factory's 'Eye of Quidditch Records' to demonstrate its value to the entire wizarding world! Precise, stable, and smooth!"
"Let everyone see the power of combining Charms and Alchemy! Also, Edgar and I have invited an important person to witness our success today! You all better perform well!" The professor suddenly said something that should have surprised everyone, and winked at them.
"Understood, Professor!" the group responded in unison, displaying the rigor and pride of technical personnel, while also expressing some curiosity about who was coming today.
Karen's gaze swept across the bustling crowd below. Wesley, wearing a spare Ravenclaw jersey, was squeezed into the front row of the Ravenclaw stands, waving a small flag and arguing loudly with the person next to him about what to watch, his neck flushed with excitement. Ernesto, on the other hand, sat a little further back, clutching his thick Quidditch tactics notebook, his brow slightly furrowed, still doing his final deductions, occasionally glancing up at the sky, seemingly simulating the Seeker's flight path. Fabian sat quietly next to Ernesto, holding a small bowl of faintly glowing stardust moss, as if drawing some kind of calming power.
Just then, a slightly deliberate commotion came from the entrance to the stadium. Headmaster Dumbledore walked in with several people.
Leading the procession was Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, his short, stout frame encased in a magnificent pinstripe robe. His round face wore a habitual smile as he waved to those around him, as if participating in an election parade. Half a step behind him was Roland Kelburn, the Director of Physical Education (not yet Ludo Bagman's position). The Auror, he appeared more pragmatic, his gaze quickly sweeping over the sports facilities and the excited crowd.
Dumbledore led them to the VIP seating area—a floating platform with a superb view, covered in deep blue velvet, and set with exquisite refreshments and drinks. As Fudge took his seat, his gaze swept over the commentary and recording area above, lingering for a moment on the central crystal ball, a fleeting look of bewilderment and curiosity crossing his face. Director Kettleburn's eyes lit up, clearly more interested in this novel recording system.
"Ah, Albus," Fudge's voice came faintly through the amplification spell, carrying a bureaucratic smoothness, "Hogwarts is always so full of energy! The Quidditch final, a grand event for young people! But—regarding Hagrid, the department is under a lot of pressure. Restoring his reputation and wand ownership is already a favor to you and on the premise that 'that thing' has indeed been resolved. But a public exoneration..." He rubbed his fat hands, looking troubled, "You know, a fifty-year-old case involving a student's death—it has a bad influence. Handling it discreetly..."
It's good for everyone, isn't it?
Dumbledore's deep blue eyes were calm and unwavering, his silver beard gleaming slightly in the sunlight: "Connelly, justice sometimes needs the sunlight."
But I understand the department's considerations. Hagrid being able to pick up his wand again and return to a normal life is already an important first step. Thank you for your mediation.” His tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority.
Fudge seemed relieved, his smile widening on his chubby face: "I knew it, my old friend, you're the most understanding! Alright, alright, let's watch the game! Oh, what's that big, sparkling ball up there?" He pointed to the recording crystal ball and asked curiously.
Director Kelburn immediately chimed in, his voice booming with expert interest: "Minister, that seems to be a new Quidditch recording system developed by the Hogwarts faculty and students. Felius Flitwick strongly recommended it to me in a previous letter, and Edgar Borns, who will be joining our department soon, also specifically reported to me. It's said to be able to capture every brilliant moment and perform tactical analysis? Very forward-thinking!"
If the results are satisfactory, perhaps a professional league can be introduced! He looked at the commentary booth with anticipation in his eyes.
Dumbledore smiled slightly: "Indeed, Roland. This is a small, innovative attempt at combining Charms and Alchemy. Perhaps..."
It can bring some new perspectives to the ancient sport of Quidditch.
Fudge gave a couple of half-understanding "ohs," his attention quickly drawn to the two teams emerging from the players' tunnel below. A deafening roar of cheers instantly drowned out the conversation in the VIP section.
"They're here! They're here!" Wesley jumped up from the stands, his voice hoarse from shouting, "Ravenclaw will win!"
Karen withdrew her gaze, took a deep breath, and focused all her attention on the control rune disk before her. Her fingers hovered over it, and magic flowed silently. The shadow of Voldemort's main spirit temporarily subsided; this was now the battlefield of Quidditch and innovation.
"All units, prepare yourselves!" Professor Flitwick's voice echoed clearly through the commentary booth via a miniature "Loud Voice" spell. "The match is about to begin! Activate the Quidditch Eye!"
"Activate!" Karen responded in a deep voice, his fingertips landing precisely on the core node of the rune disk.
The central crystal ball, suspended in the air, shone brightly, its interior seemingly swirling with nebulae. The surrounding magical screens instantly lit up, clearly displaying a panoramic aerial view of the stadium, close-ups of the players from both sides, and colored light trails representing different positions and speeds emitted by the signal transmitters at the tails of the broomsticks! The entire system, like a meticulously crafted magical artifact, silently announced its official debut. A louder gasp of amazement erupted from the stands.
Mrs. Hooch's powerful whistle pierced the sky.
"The match has just begun!"