HP: The Duelist of Hogwarts - 411

Chapter 411: The First Day

As expected, the moment Sean mentioned a new research topic, Snape’s attention snapped to it at once. “A new topic. You have a fresh idea?”

“Still about potions for werewolves. But this time, I want to study a potion that can restore a werewolf to their original state.”

“Restore a werewolf to their original state… That is a very difficult undertaking. Are you certain?”

“I am, Professor. In fact, I already have some preliminary research. What transforms a wizard into a werewolf is a werewolf virus, which exists in a werewolf’s bodily fluids. If we target that virus in our research, I believe there is a strong chance we can develop a potion that suppresses, or even kills, the werewolf virus.”

“Good. The day after tomorrow, come to my office. I will gather all existing books and papers on werewolves. This will not be finished in a short span. Prepare yourself for a long campaign.”

Sean nodded. “I understand. I am ready. But…”

He looked at Snape, hesitated for a beat, then continued. “Professor, could we conduct this research together?”

“The great Master Sean wishes to bestow a little glory upon a poor professor. I would be a fool to refuse, would I not?”

“That is not what I mean, Professor.”

“If it is not, then get out of my office. Come back the day after tomorrow to collect your materials.”

“Professor, I only—”

“Out.”

Snape’s voice was very calm as he told Sean to leave. Sean knew Snape well. If Snape was angry or loud, there was still room to maneuver. But when he spoke in that even tone, it meant his mind was made up, not to be changed or challenged. In that state, not even Sean could sway him.

Sean slunk out of Snape’s office with a sigh. He could more or less understand why Snape refused to collaborate, yet still threw himself into helping Sean. Understanding was one thing, but he still could not change Snape’s mind.

Forget it.

Take it one step at a time.

There will be a day.

Checking the time, Sean went to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor’s office.

There was no Defense class yet, so Sean knew his grandfather would be there.

He knocked. A cool voice called from within. Sean pushed the door open and stepped in, studying the tall, broad-shouldered professor with sharp features. That odd sense of déjà vu grew stronger.

He shut the door and eyed Joros Jobbins. “Grandfather, where did you get this fellow’s hair? It is quite distinctive.”

“A minor aristocratic Muggle family. Not important. What matters is Umbridge. That woman did not come here with good intentions. Hogwarts will be lively this year.”

“Whatever the commotion, Professor Dumbledore can hold the line. I do not think we need to fuss about it. Grandfather, have you prepared how to proceed next?”

Gavin sat and lifted his teacup for a sip. “The crux of the problem is Fudge’s refusal to acknowledge Voldemort’s return, and the threat Voldemort poses. In fact, these two points can be joined into one. As long as Voldemort appears in public and we find a way to display power capable of opposing him, every other problem becomes easy to solve.

“Fudge will be forced out. Voldemort’s momentum will be broken. At that point, as long as the Ministry formally begins a campaign to encircle and suppress Voldemort, hunting and arresting Death Eaters, this matter will be close to its end.

“But there is one critical issue here. We must have a wizard who can face Voldemort head-on.”

“Isn’t Dumbledore already there?”

At that, Gavin looked at Sean with a half-smile. “Then you mean to hand the Ministry, after Fudge is ousted, over to Dumbledore’s control?

“If not Dumbledore, then naturally we cannot leave it solely to him to confront Voldemort.”

Sean understood at once.

If, when Voldemort returned with the tide in his favor, someone suddenly appeared who could stand against him, that person would very easily become the Ministry’s leader. If that opportunity were given to Dumbledore, the Ministry would end up under his control.

Gavin’s meaning was clear: he wanted Sean to take the Ministry.

“Grandfather, you seem to be overestimating me.”

“Overestimating? Hardly. I fear I am underestimating you. I have a feeling you will soon grow into a wizard strong enough to match Voldemort. Do not be modest. Do your utmost.”

Leaving Gavin’s office, Sean headed straight to the library. After a moment’s thought, he set aside the tangled business for now and focused on research. This year, he had once again chosen every course and had a Time-Turner, so he had plenty of time each day to handle his affairs and pursue his studies.

The first period in the afternoon was Potions.

Sean sat in the classroom with Blaise as usual.

By now, Blaise was aware of the Time-Turner. He deliberately ignored the awkward possibility that the Sean beside him might not be “this time’s” Sean, and he set aside what Rowena had told him—that Sean planned to sit in the library all day.

The atmosphere in Potions had grown heavy.

Perhaps it was the news of Voldemort’s return. Or perhaps it was the rumor that Snape was a Death Eater. Either way, the students were subdued. Snape seemed even more so. Likely because of Voldemort’s return, he kept Occlumency up at all times, except when he was with Sean and allowed a little real feeling to show. It made him seem all the more inhuman, grim, and frightening.

In class, a mere brush past Neville nearly made him burst into tears.

Harry, for his part, broke his own record by losing thirty points on the very first day of lessons. The deductions left him dazed, and he felt like a very irresponsible Prefect. Fortunately, Hermione and Ron talked him down after class. Even so, the knot between Harry and Snape only tightened.

Author’s Note: Chapter 408 had an error. Luna is a fourth-year student and would not be chosen as a Prefect. I had a brain lapse and wrote it wrong. I have corrected it for someone else.