Chapter 100: Phoenix, Lost Age! Dumbledore doesn't understand genius!
"..."
Looking at Ciel's excited face after hearing about the Forbidden Forest, Professor Sprout was speechless.
"Ciel, I thought you would be afraid of the forbidden forest at night like a normal child."
Charles coughed twice and tried his best to look terrified.
"I'm scared. I'm so scared, professor. Don't look at me like this. I'm really scared to death."
Professor Sprout sighed.
"Okay, stop pretending."
"I think it's good to see that you're not as scared of the Forbidden Forest as the other badgers."
A strange look appeared on her face.
"After all, logically speaking, the Forbidden Forest is our Hufflepuff territory. How can we be afraid of our own territory?"
Charles was stunned for a moment, then a look of interest appeared in his eyes.
"The Forbidden Forest is our Hufflepuff territory?"
Professor Sprout nodded.
"When the founder Hufflepuff was at Hogwarts, she put a lot of effort into setting up the Forbidden Forest in order to perfect her recipes and also to be able to obtain fresh magical plant and animal ingredients at any time."
"Many magical animals and plants that were originally scattered around were collected by the founder and placed in the Forbidden Forest. The Forbidden Forest was also transformed by magic into an environment suitable for the survival of most magical animals and plants."
"At that time, the Forbidden Forest was not called this name. It was called the Hogwarts Breeding Garden. However, as time passed, the trees in the Forbidden Forest grew so well, and generations of students continued to bring in the cubs of various magical animals, so the Forbidden Forest became larger and larger."
"A few hundred years ago, it had grown so large that Hogwarts was no longer able to maintain it. It was like an independent kingdom, and even many magical animals lived in groups. So they simply renamed it the Forbidden Forest, and prohibited students from entering."
"It was also from that time that entering the Forbidden Forest at night became a punishment. Even for Hufflepuff students, few in each generation could go to the Forbidden Forest to obtain ingredients like the students before them. This also caused the Hufflepuff magic recipes to fade out of people's sight from that time on."
After hearing the history told by Professor Sprout, Charles was also amazed.
He really didn't know that the Forbidden Forest was originally a breeding garden for Hufflepuffs.
If this is the case, the founder of Hufflepuff really left a huge treasure trove for future generations, which contains countless rare and magical animals and plants that can be used.
But today's Hufflepuff students have no idea that this treasure trove exists, and even if they do, they are powerless to go in and obtain those precious materials.
Judging from what Ciel saw the last time he went to the Hufflepuff kitchen, the house-elves there probably couldn't prepare meals from the Hufflepuff magical recipes more than a few times a year, which was really a pity.
Professor Sprout smiled.
"So, I think it's pretty good if you're not afraid of the forbidden forest."
"At least the treasure trove left by the founder will not be wasted. Many materials in the Forbidden Forest are very difficult to find after leaving Hogwarts. They are rare and precious."
As he spoke, Professor Sprout handed Ciel a list.
"All of these are precious materials that can be found in the Forbidden Forest. You can look for them when you go to the Forbidden Forest in a few days. There are many materials that can be used to make magical meals."
Ciel nodded.
Then, Professor Sprout hesitated for a moment, took out an ancient map and handed it to Charles.
"And this, this is the core area that the founder arranged in the Forbidden Forest. It has been thousands of years now."
"All the Hufflepuff Heads have tried to find what's in there, but to no avail. Perhaps you can give it a try, too."
Charles showed curiosity.
"What the founder left behind has been gone for thousands of years. What is that?"
There was a strange gleam in Professor Sprout's eyes.
"Phoenix eggs."
Ciel was stunned for a moment.
"Phoenix?"
"You mean...Phoenix?"
Professor Sprout shook his head in categorical denial.
"The phoenix is the phoenix, and the phoenix is the phoenix. Although both have the characteristic of immortality, they are two different things."
"The phoenix is just an ordinary creature born in an era without the phoenix. How can it be compared with the phoenix? Only ignorant people confuse the two creatures."
"Although magical animals like the phoenix are rare, they have never been extinct. Dumbledore has one."
"But the Phoenix, even in the founder's time, was already an extinct magical animal..."
"No, perhaps it should be said that it is an extinct mythical animal."
"The legendary phoenix, also known as the Phoenix of Paradise, possesses divine power far more powerful than that of a unicorn or even a phoenix. The divine flame it spews out can destroy almost all black magic and dark creatures. Its feathers can resist darkness and restore life. Legend has it that it also has magical power to prolong a person's lifespan or even grant them immortality."
"At that time, the Hufflepuff lady discovered by chance what might be the last Phoenix egg in the wizarding world. She spent countless resources to set up magic for it in the core area of the Forbidden Forest, waiting for the Phoenix to be reborn. It has been a thousand years now."
"Generation after generation of Hufflepuff headmasters have passed down this secret and have gone to the Forbidden Forest to search for it, but to no avail. No one knows whether the phoenix failed to be reborn, or flew away after being reborn successfully, or whether the magic left by the founder lost its effectiveness over the years. In short, no one has ever found the phoenix egg."
"But the legendary Phoenix of Paradise will choose its master, just like the Phoenix, and the standard is far more stringent than that of the Phoenix. One must possess extremely powerful divine magic to gain the loyalty of the Phoenix of Paradise. I heard from Professor McGonagall that you showed a strong inclination towards divine magic when choosing a wand. Coupled with your extraordinary talent, perhaps you will be the Hufflepuff with the best hope of finding the Phoenix in a thousand years."
After listening to Professor Sprout's explanation, Charles' heart was also burning.
The Phoenix of Paradise with super powerful sacred magic?
This is a perfect match with my magic Animagus!
Originally, Ciel's second magic, Animagus, was intended to capture the three-headed dog of Hell. He hadn't figured out the third one yet and was still struggling between the unicorn, basilisk, and phoenix.
Now it seems that if I can find the bird of paradise, I won’t have to worry about it.
Transforming into the Phoenix of Paradise would definitely increase the strength of Ciel's magic power dramatically.
At the same time, his holy spells will reach a new height with the blessing of this magical Animagus.
It can even prolong life and keep youth forever. Isn't this much better than the Philosopher's Stone and Horcruxes which have side effects? !
Ciel took the ancient map from Professor Sprout and decided to go to the Forbidden Forest to look for traces of the phoenix.
With the deep blue in hand, as long as the phoenix exists in this world, Charles believes that he must be the person most likely to find it.
After giving Ciel so many instructions, Professor Sprout, who was already tired from preparing potions for Ciel, looked even more tired.
She then stood up and gave Charles some instructions before leaving.
"Although you are not afraid of the Forbidden Forest, there are not many creatures in the Forbidden Forest that can threaten you."
"But be careful of Lucius Malfoy. His best friend is dead and his son is injured. This dark wizard who was once a Death Eater will not give up easily."
"Try to put off going to the Forbidden Forest for a few days."
Ciel nodded and looked at Professor Sprout who was leaving with gratitude in his eyes.
After struggling in society for so many years in his previous life, Charles can still tell who has ulterior motives towards him and who is truly good to him.
Although Hogwarts has professors like Snape, the other deans are all very good people.
Professor Sprout had nothing to say about himself. He treated himself as the successor of Hufflepuff House and even told him about the phoenix.
"The favor I owe you today is too great. I must repay it if I have the chance."
This thought came to Charles' mind.
Then he took a step forward, cast an Disillusionment Charm on himself, left the infirmary and walked towards the Hogwarts library.
No matter what you do, strength always comes first.
Even though Charles managed to get rid of Snape through planning this time, and even pointed his sword at Dumbledore in public, leaving Dumbledore speechless, this kind of secret calculation and arrangement should not be used too often.
The reason why they have to plot secretly is because they are not strong enough.
If I could hang Dumbledore up and beat him, then what would it matter if I pushed him down from the position of Hogwarts headmaster? Why would I have to resort to such petty tricks?
The knowledge in the Restricted Area of Hogwarts will be of great help to Charles in improving his strength.
Not only can it provide a large amount of high-level materials and reduce the point consumption in the deduction process, it can also be filled into the memory palace to increase Charles' mental strength, while enhancing the effects of mental simulation and knowledge deduction.
Charles would naturally not miss such an opportunity.
After arriving at the library, Ciel lifted the Disillusionment Spell and headed straight for the restricted area.
Madam Pince, who was in charge of guarding the library, did not stop Charles when she saw him. She only told him to cherish those precious books, and then let him in. It was obvious that she had been warned.
Just as Charles entered the restricted area, in the headmaster's office, the haggard Dumbledore's expression moved slightly.
"Charles Evans went to the restricted section?"
He shook his head.
"This child is too obsessed with power. If we don't restrain him, he might go to extremes."
"I want him to understand that besides power, there are many other things worth pursuing in this world, such as love and friendship..."
Besides this, Dumbledore had another worry in his mind.
That is, the current Ciel is already brilliant. In comparison, Harry Potter, as the savior, is simply mediocre.
Even Harry Potter is almost becoming Ciel's little fanboy. How is this possible?
Harry Potter is the protagonist in the script arranged by Dumbledore. Dumbledore is planning to do everything he can to let Gryffindor win all the subsequent house cups. How can he be overshadowed by Ciel?
What if Charles obtained more powerful magic in the Restricted Area and his strength improved further?
He doesn't even know what earth-shattering things he will do, so how can Harry Potter gain enough fame?
In Dumbledore's view, ensuring Harry Potter's growth and status is the overall situation, which is related to the plan to destroy Voldemort.
As for Charles, it was not that Dumbledore was narrow-minded and wanted to retaliate after being questioned by Charles in public, but that he had to suppress him for the greater good.
Ciel's current strength is more than enough to be a chess piece to help Harry Potter clear obstacles in the future.
Plus, the fact that young wizards naturally become stronger as they grow older is enough, and Dumbledore doesn't need Charles to be too strong.
Dumbledore stood up and walked to the bookshelf in the headmaster's office. There was a whole row of bookshelves here than before, and they were all filled with books from the restricted area.
If you look closely, you will find that the books on the reference list that Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick gave to Ciel are basically included in this bookshelf.
In addition, those books that record truly advanced magic have basically been moved here.
Dumbledore showed a strange look on his face.
"Put these books away for the time being and replace them with some purely theoretical and hypothetical books. This is also for Ciel's own good."
"He should temper his temper, develop in the academic field, and broaden his horizons." "Young people should not always focus on those advanced magics. It won't delay anything if he studies a few years later. I will naturally make arrangements for it in the future."
"or……"
Dumbledore's eyes were deep.
If Charles was willing to come to him for help, accept some of the tasks he arranged, and pass the tests he arranged, it was not impossible for him to give Charles some of the books.
In this way, under his arrangements, he can ensure that Charles is always on the right track.
In the principal's office, Phineas, who was known as the most hated principal, couldn't help but ask a question.
"Dumbledore, are you so sure that Charles Evans will come to you?"
"What if he doesn't come?"
Dumbledore showed a look of determination.
"How could such a genius not desire power and magic?"
"That he rushed to the restricted books section as soon as he was able to get out of bed proved the same."
"In that case, when he couldn't find what he needed in the restricted section, he should know who to turn to."
Dumbledore's lips curled up into a smile.
“No one understands the mind of a genius better than I do.”
"Just watch, Phineas, Ciel will be here soon."
He slowly made himself a cup of tea, prepared two plates of desserts, and then waited leisurely in the principal's office.
Five minutes, ten minutes passed.
Dumbledore remained motionless, still sipping his tea slowly.
Half an hour, an hour passed.
Dumbledore remained calm and composed, and replenished the dessert he had eaten.
Two hours, three hours passed.
There was a hint of light in the sky outside and the chickens in Hogwarts began to crow. Dumbledore, who had been waiting all night, still did not receive Charles' visit.
A cockcrow woke Dumbledore from his doze.
He glanced at the time, with an expression of disbelief in his eyes.
"Charles Evans hasn't arrived yet?"
"So what is he doing?"
Soon, news came from the librarian, Madam Pince, and the portraits everywhere in Hogwarts.
Dumbledore's eyes widened even further.
"Did he really spend the entire night reading in the restricted section?"
"No, he is really not interested in the advanced magic that was taken away?"
The portrait of Phineas laughed in a gloating tone.
"Dumbledore, it seems you don't understand genius as well as you claim."
Dumbledore frowned, and after being surprised, he regained his calmness as if everything was under control.
It doesn't matter if Charles doesn't come.
Even seeing Charles like this, he was really immersed in theories and hypotheses that had no practical value, which was more in line with Dumbledore's thoughts.
Studying these theoretical hypotheses is not of much help in improving magical power.
This will undoubtedly significantly hinder Charles's strength improvement.
And as Charles immersed himself in this knowledge, he would naturally cause less trouble, and over time the turmoil he caused in Hogwarts gradually subsided.
Everything will return to the track arranged by Dumbledore.
This was Dumbledore's conspiracy, starting with giving Charles Evans access to the restricted area.
If he doesn't want those advanced magics, then the speed at which Charles improves in strength will be limited.
If you want those magics, you have to listen to Dumbledore's arrangements.
No matter what, Dumbledore won't lose.
“Everything is still under control.”
Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief.
But for some reason, he always felt a little uneasy in his heart.
……
The time goes back to last night, when Ciel just entered the restricted area.
He wandered through the restricted section, holding the reference list Professors McGonagall and Flitwick had left for him, and headed for the aforementioned bookshelf.
But when he came to the nearest bookshelf, Charles saw signs of tampering.
The Transfiguration book mentioned by Professor McGonagall has disappeared here, replaced by some Transfiguration miscellanies, which record some interesting but extremely complicated propositions.
If you achieve results in these areas, it will not be a problem to publish some top academic papers, but this will not develop your own strength and is far less intuitive than learning a more powerful transformation technique.
His expression changed slightly, he sneered, and went to look at several other bookshelves.
As expected, all the works mentioned in the bibliography had been taken away, and all that remained were purely theoretical books like this.
Without thinking, Charles knew who did it.
"Dumbledore's attitude towards guarding against advanced magic is exactly the same as in the original book."
It can be seen from the original work that no matter how famous Dumbledore is or how high his reputation is, this old man is extremely defensive towards people.
Even at the end, he would not tell Harry Potter the truth. He was also worried that Harry Potter would give up his responsibility to destroy the Horcruxes in order to pursue the Deathly Hallows, so he made precautionary arrangements.
But if he had the time to arrange these things, leaving a few powerful spells for the Harry Potter trio, or arranging a few magical items that could be used to fight enemies or escape, the process of the Harry Potter trio destroying the Horcruxes would have been much smoother.
How could it be like in the original novel, where they got the locket but didn't know how to destroy it, and almost parted ways because of the locket's temptation?
You know, even Malfoy's followers Crabbe and Goyle, these two stupid guys, learned how to release the Fiendfyre at Hogwarts at the same time.
The Harry Potter trio didn't learn any powerful magic this year. If Dumbledore had left Harry Potter with a spell similar to Fiendfyre, wouldn't it have been so difficult for them to destroy the Horcruxes they had obtained?
Not only the Harry Potter trio, but also the members of the Order of the Phoenix who followed Dumbledore did not receive any magical help and support.
Snape also learned magic from Voldemort and could fly directly.
After Wormtail lost one of his hands for Voldemort, he was rewarded by Voldemort with a powerful alchemical arm.
From this aspect, it is not difficult to see that although Voldemort lost his mind due to splitting too many Horcruxes, he was really generous in rewarding power.
On the other hand, the help Dumbledore received was nothing but "love".
You want the horse to run, but you also want it to find grass to eat. The Order of the Phoenix had such a hard time fighting the Death Eaters, and this might be a factor.
Charles casually opened a book left by Dumbledore, and what came into his eyes was an extremely complex and exquisite spell model.
The academic value of this thing is undoubtedly extremely high, but how to apply it in practice is debatable.
For wizards who pursue power, studying such theoretical books is undoubtedly a step too far.
But a hint of sarcasm appeared at the corner of Charles' mouth.
Dumbledore probably couldn't have imagined that the Shire possessed such an unreasonable being as Deep Blue.
Such knowledge in niche fields that has no practical value can be converted by Deep Blue into materials for corresponding fields.
As for not learning advanced spells?
What does that matter?
As long as there are enough materials and sufficient points, all will be done by relying on Deep Blue's deduction!
Give Charles endless knowledge, and he can move the endless world!
Immediately, Charles waved his magic wand, and one banned book after another on the bookshelf floated up and began to turn the pages automatically.
As Charles's eyes turned, all that profound knowledge was transformed into materials in the corresponding fields by Deep Blue.
"The host has obtained advanced materials for Transfiguration. The points required for subsequent Transfiguration will decrease..."
"The host has obtained advanced materials for spell learning. The points required for deducing most spells have been reduced..."
"The host has obtained advanced black magic materials..."
One reminder after another sounded in my mind like a screen scrolling by.
At the same time, the memory palace in Charles' spiritual world was filled with book after book.
Compared to the books he obtained from Flourish and Blotts, the knowledge contained in the books in the restricted section of Hogwarts was far greater in both quantity and depth.
This also significantly enhances the effect of improving mental strength.
There was a fiery look in Charles' eyes.
"Not enough, not fast enough!"
He waved his wand, and the speed of turning the pages of these books increased further. At the same time, Charles spent deduction points and relied on Deep Blue to instantly "speed read" the contents of these books.
Unconsciously, one bookshelf, two bookshelves, and many large books that would take ordinary people years, dozens of years or even a lifetime to study were mastered by Charles and turned into accumulations in his memory palace.
Charles' mental strength also increased significantly overnight in the restricted area.
Just as it was getting light outside, Charles picked up a thick book again.
A different reminder than before sounded in Ciel's mind.
"The host has obtained historical materials of the magical world."
Charles was stunned for a moment, and his eyes focused on the book.
The name of this book is "The Lost Age". Judging from the publication time, it should have been published several decades ago and is considered to be one of the "younger" books in the banned books area.
And when Charles saw the author's name of the book, his eyes suddenly widened.
“达克… … ”
"Dark Side?!"
(End of this chapter)
