allendalepharm Chapter 337 The Origins of Transfiguration: The Art of Curses
Chapter 337 The Origins of Transfiguration: The Art of Curses
Chapter 337 The Origins of Transfiguration: The Art of Curses
Influence on Voldemort is not something that can be accomplished overnight; it requires a gradual, persistent effort.
Lockhart didn't expect this time-traveling adventure to completely solve the problem.
If it were that simple, Dumbledore would have done it himself long ago.
Moreover, Old Deng's Transfiguration class has only had two lessons so far, and Lockhart still has a lot to learn. I believe that some amazing things will be able to come out in the future.
Of course, Lockhart's work is not yet finished.
An opportunity is presented to us right now.
He traveled through time again to the point in time where Lupin and Tonks were, and quietly appeared in Knockturn Alley.
Lupin and his companion were no longer in the tavern; Tom remained inside Borginbock.
In a corner of the alley not far away, a figure holding a time converter quietly appeared.
Coban Yaxley.
He was holding a package in his arms, looking around nervously. Just as he was about to walk out of the alley, a huge wolf claw grabbed his neck from behind and dragged him back.
"Who are you?!"
Cobbler was startled and reacted quickly by drawing his wand. In the instant he asked the question, he swiftly cast a knockback spell behind him.
We do not seek to defeat the enemy, but rather to break free from the perilous situation of being held hostage.
But it doesn't seem to have worked.
A muffled thud came from behind him, and the garbage and debris in the corner of the alley were blown away, while his neck was still tightly gripped.
"You'd better behave yourself, it's very difficult for me to resist the urge to eat you—"
The man's voice was hoarse and muffled, filled with unspeakable malice.
Bang!
Coban was slammed against the wall, his wand was snatched from his hand, and the time converter hanging around his neck was ripped off. The man stopped talking and just pressed him firmly against the wall.
"What are you trying to do? Do you know who's behind me?" Coban's face was pressed tightly against the wall, stinging from the pressure, as he spoke anxiously, "The great magician, Gilderoy Lockhart!"
He was dumbfounded. At this point in time, Lockhart, let alone a magic master, hadn't even been born yet.
However, at that moment, the magical power of time surged once more, a power that was extremely noticeable to the Coban, who was born with a magical bloodline that was acutely sensitive to the power of time.
A figure appeared in the alley, seemed to pause for a moment upon hearing his words, then smiled and said, "Professional, I didn't expect you would still remember me."
As they were talking, the huge claw that had been stuck behind the student loosened its grip.
Coban rushed towards Lockhart, only feeling safe when he was beside him. He quickly looked back, searching for the figure that had dared to attack him.
He saw it very quickly.
It was a shadow, a werewolf-shaped shadow filled with violence and negative emotions.
"The reverse application of the Guardian Charm is a concrete expression of putting malice and all other negative emotions and thoughts into a cage."
Lockhart offered a casual explanation, his gaze fixed intently on the other man. "So, Coban, tell me, why are you here at this hour?"
Evil Werewolf!
Corban immediately realized that he knew about this. The Patronus Pegasus, the malevolent werewolf, and the serpent that was said to be able to travel through time and space were all Lockhart's research results in the field of Patronus Charms.
In other words, Lockhart had arranged for him to be here.
Upon realizing this, the professional was terrified.
He looked nervously at Lockhart and hurriedly explained, "Voldemort has approached me and wants me to do something for him in America."
He forcefully ripped open the sleeve of his wizard's robe, revealing the dark magic mark on his arm. "I have no way to fight him; he can find me anytime. But rest assured, I haven't done anything to betray you!"
"I am very clear that after following in your footsteps, I really have no other choice."
"So I have to find a way to break free from his control."
Lockhart's expression was strange. "In order to escape his control and find a way, you traveled back in time and deliberately came before Voldemort?"
Coban nodded. "Yes, the laws of time have a unique connection. I came to this past before he fully invented the Dark Mark, to seek his help, and to use him against himself."
This is a technique unique to the Yaxley family's "time travelers".
"Because it was you who provided the help, it works for you." Just as Lockhart had just told Sirius, creating a dimensional reduction attack in a magical realm unfamiliar to others—that's the mystery and paradox of magic.
Lockhart understood; he maintained the Legilimency spell within the realm of relational magic, and he clearly confirmed from Cobb's memories and thoughts that the other party was not lying.
In fact, for someone with formal training, joining forces with him would be a very good choice, perhaps bringing new opportunities. On the contrary, following Voldemort, who was an enemy of Dumbledore—the Dark Lord who only saw him as a servant he could kill at will—sometimes he really couldn't see a future.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Lockhart asked.
The student seemed somewhat embarrassed. "Compared to your other helpers, I don't seem that useful. I dare not trouble you with this matter again, for fear that you will think I am a useless nuisance."
Well, got it.
This is a consequence of following Voldemort for a long time.
Old Fu is very pragmatic, dividing all people and things into "useful" and "useless" categories. He habitually doesn't want to appear worthless.
During the conversation, Lockhart had completely read the whole incident from Cobb’s mind.
He nodded, but offered a cautionary reminder: "Be especially careful when using any dark magic items, and never be greedy. The more powerful the effect, the more likely it is to bring disaster upon yourself. Remember, everything already has a price tag attached."
The person with formal training was deeply moved.
He never received such guidance when he followed Voldemort; he was nothing to Voldemort.
"Should I go find Voldemort and buy that magical item?" He gestured to the package in his arms.
"etc."
Lockhart smiled and held out his hand. "Let me see the book you brought."
The student, with professional training, immediately and respectfully presented the item with both hands.
This is a collection of handwritten manuscripts with an interesting title: "The Origin of Transfiguration: The Art of Curses".
"Transfiguration is a curse?" Lockhart asked in surprise, but after careful consideration, he felt that it made a lot of sense.
"Yes, the earliest form of transfiguration in the wizarding world was turning people into animals or objects. You often hear about this kind of plot in bedtime fairy tales for young wizards. Its essence is a curse, which belongs to black magic."
"In fact," Koban explained, "before the legendary wizard Merlin, who was extremely skilled in Transfiguration, appeared, Transfiguration was always considered an evil force."
Lockhart opened the manuscript and quickly discovered that the book's greatest value lay in its dense annotations, which the author had dutifully copied in, even using different colored pen marks.
"You didn't copy anything wrong on purpose, did you?" Lockhart asked.
"No, this is an outdated magic notebook. Its greatest value is in academic research. Without extremely high magical skill to arbitrarily modify it, anyone who intends to study it will easily notice the problems. I just want to successfully complete this deal with Voldemort."
Koban explained, "Actually, I didn't copy it. I arranged for several house-elves in the family to copy it. They wouldn't dare to do anything reckless."
"Yeah----"
Lockhart answered casually, already deeply engrossed in the book's contents.
Each paragraph contained five or six different annotations, indicating that the annotators were all highly intelligent individuals in the magical field, and their views were not those of ordinary wizards.
For example, one of the passages.
It is inscribed with intense anger and extreme malice, possessing a powerful ability to easily inflict curses and transformations; when applied to a target, it will produce long-lasting results.
Annotation 1: Select the corresponding transformation result based on the target's magical bloodline characteristics; the effect will be doubled!
Annotation 2: The description is incomplete; it should be "accumulated malicious consequences." Example: "I'm going to turn you into a cup" (malice), then urinate in it (accumulated consequences). The magic to turn you into a cup will become incredibly easy and powerful, even if you don't end up urinating in it!
Annotation 3: (An arrow is drawn pointing to Annotation 1) Conversely, relying on one's own magical bloodline characteristics to cast Polymorph can also double the effect. The Axley family bloodline possesses time magic power, and its Polymorph spell "Aging" has been personally tested and proven to be remarkably effective.
Annotation 3 is followed by the sentence "Verified - Wesley Yaxley", using a signature to endorse the verification conclusion, suggesting that he was a historically famous and influential wizard.
"This isn't some outdated research material!" Lockhart looked up at Coban. "Even if you study it carefully, you'll find it's an extremely valuable treasure trove of knowledge. And it's a treasure trove of experience accumulated by the Axley family regarding the characteristics of their own magical bloodline!"
Looking at these things, Lockhart could truly appreciate the profound heritage of an ancient family.
Generations of people have explored and accumulated knowledge about magic, especially their own family characteristics. This wisdom can easily create new magic masters.
The student looked somewhat embarrassed. "That's what my father thinks. He said it's foolish to study Transfiguration as black magic in this book. Transfiguration should be romantic and beautiful, and this is a misguided guide. Besides, I'm not very good at Transfiguration myself."
Not only was he not good at it, he also failed the Transfiguration test in his regular wizarding level exams during his school days.
"You should make your own judgments. You can't treat all theories as gospel. Magic itself is your life; you should have your own experiences and understanding," Lockhart said with disdain. "When you choose to distance yourself from wisdom, wisdom will distance itself from you!"
The student looked somewhat ashamed, but still seemed to lack interest in the wisdom in the book.
He's a typical politician; expecting someone like that to settle down and study magic is just too difficult.
Unless, like Fudge, a magic master clearly tells him which spell is particularly suitable for him, and he is driven by utilitarianism, he will not be able to muster the passion to study and research.
Forget it.
That's why they say little wizards are the future; they still retain a strong attraction to magic.
Especially for complex characters like Percy, Hermione, and Draco, it's essential to guide them into the real magical world in their youth, allowing them to experience the wonders of magic and thus cultivate a lifelong habit of exploring it.
"I have something I need you to do!"
Lockhart quickly flipped through the manuscript in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips. "I'll prepare a revised version of the manuscript. You take it back and have the house-elves make another copy in their handwriting, then give it to Voldemort."
The student was startled, his face filled with fear. "This—"
"Don't worry!" Lockhart smiled at the other person. "Before you go to make the deal with him, I'll cast a forgetting spell on you. You won't remember me ever being there, you won't remember my involvement, and you won't remember that this manuscript is wrong. He will definitely use Legilimency or something similar to ensure that this manuscript hasn't been altered. If you 'don't know,' then it hasn't been."
That's Voldemort!
Koban screamed inwardly, instinctively gripping the black magic mark on his arm, his body trembling uncontrollably.
However, he agreed immediately.
"I will do this well!" Coban felt a surge of fervent joy and satisfaction at finally being able to demonstrate his loyalty to Lord Lockhart. "Rest assured, if I have helped you, although I will forget about this matter, please remember that I was useful!"
"Yes." Lockhart smiled as he looked at the valuable documents in his hands, and exclaimed, "You're very useful, Columbus. You need to be more confident."
Time magic is an extremely mysterious ability.
Those with formal training currently have the most profound experience.
He watched as Lockhart seemed engrossed in the contents of the handwritten manuscript before him, merely waving his wand to cast a spell, concealing the two of them. Just then, a figure reappeared, imbued with the power of time—it was himself.
This version of myself from the future hurried in, cautiously observing my surroundings. I tucked the time converter hanging around my neck into my collar, tightened the handwritten manuscript copied by my house-elf in my arms, and strode towards the alleyway exit.
Not long after, after going to Borgin Burke's shop to make a deal with the young Voldemort, he hurriedly returned here carrying a half-human-sized idol wrapped in silk cloth. He cast a detection spell around to make sure no one noticed, and then used the Time Converter to leave again.
The professional confirmed something terrible.
That is, even after using his most powerful detection magic, he still couldn't detect a trace of Lord Lockhart.
It was clearly hidden right next to me, less than a meter away, as if I could reach out and touch it.
He was helpless about it.
He felt a pang of fear. Such a powerful magic master could do something to him, and he might not even know anything about it, or even if he did, he wouldn't remember.
Then came overwhelming joy!
Yes, ecstasy.
Magic is power! He's not Lockhart's enemy; he's on Lockhart's side!
The more powerful Lockhart becomes, the better for him.
Now, living in the complex yet largely unrestricted world of wizarding in the Americas, a land that feels like a new continent, he understands better than anyone what Lord Lockhart's "new era" truly means.
The times are changing dramatically!
It seems that all the great wizards have gathered here: Dumbledore, Grindelwald, Lockhart, and even Voldemort are all leading this new journey.
Having personally experienced the Wizarding World War, he had an extremely deep understanding of the development of the situation and knew better than anyone else that this was the new era brought about by Lord Lockhart.
It wasn't Dumbledore, nor Grindelwald, but Lord Lockhart who brought about this upheaval!
He boarded the ship of the youngest magic master and became Lord Lockhart's apostle, heading towards a hopeful future.
The title "Apostle" originated from an interview with Rita, the editor of the Daily Prophet, by Dolores Umbridge, the British Undersecretary for Magic, who proudly declared herself Lord Lockhart's apostle.
There are even rumors that the title was discussed by her and Minister of Magic Fudge, and that Fudge was supposed to announce it, but they gave up because they were afraid of Dumbledore's influence.
This title gradually spread quietly, especially among pure-blood families, where it had a significant impact.
Saints, Order of the Phoenix, Death Eaters —
Compared to the forces of the past, the apostles felt a new and vibrant power.
It should be noted that Dumbledore and Grindelwald were over a hundred years old, and Voldemort was nearly seventy. Only Lockhart was 29 years old.
A magic master who's 18 years old!
What does being 29 years old mean?
Those with formal training can clearly sense it with just one glance back.
Lockhart was engrossed in reading the handwritten manuscript. Whenever he came across something interesting, his face lit up with genuine joy and amazement, and his fingers unconsciously twitched as if he were casting a spell.
He's already a magic master!
He still harbors a strong ambition for magic!
He still showed no sign of stopping!
he----
That's the future!
Those with formal training understand this perfectly!
This is the right path, yes, following the great Lord Lockhart is the absolutely right path!
No one knows the despair he felt when Voldemort approached him again. It wasn't despair from the Dark Lord's threat, but from the possibility of being forced to play both sides and having his loyalty questioned by Lord Lockhart.
He even developed a strong inner resistance to this, and spontaneously used the dangerous Time-Turner in an attempt to find a way to escape Voldemort and fight against him.
This is the Dark Lord!
No one understood the Dark Lord's terror better than him, one of the core Death Eaters of that time.
But he actually took the initiative to find a way to distance himself from the Dark Lord.
Because he knew that the only thing a man like him could offer was loyalty. Yes, only loyalty could win Lord Lockhart's favor and allow him to board this giant ship bound for the future.
Lockhart clearly didn't know what an "Apostle" was.
He was currently immersed in the world of "wonderful witchcraft".
Witchcraft, an ancient term for magic, is a unique term that lacks the distinction between black magic and magic found in modern magic systems, making it easier to immerse oneself in the wondrous and eerie atmosphere of magical power.
From a witchcraft perspective, there is no such thing as a wizard being corrupted by black magic and having their soul distorted, because wizards themselves sacrifice their souls to the mystical.
Muggles' stereotypes of wizards—madmen, mentally unstable, weirdos—
This is not prejudice.
More primitive forms of witchcraft can lead to personality distortions under the influence of black magic, which is closer to the modern realm.
But as long as you set aside your resistance to such influences and truly experience the wonder of witchcraft, you can perceive the magnificence of this eerie magical world.
Especially the discipline of transfiguration.
It suddenly seemed to enter an atmosphere most suited to it, breaking free from the framework of modern magic systems and becoming filled with an air of mystery.
Lockhart immediately grasped its core rhythm, which, to put it simply, was like, "Just give me a makeover!"
A hysterical, almost manic, controlling, and unquestionable self-will that paints a picture of the world!
Aha~
Isn't this the kind of "control" that Dumbledore described?
In essence, it's no different from black magic!
This book is extremely valuable, as it records a lot of information that is hard to find in the wizarding world today, such as the early magical appearance of the Cruciatus Curse, one of the Unforgivable Curses.
The Cruciatus Curse didn't come out of thin air; in fact, every spell has its own evolutionary history in the history of magic.
The early form of this magic was a polymorph spell.
Oh, Polymorph is a term used in modern magic systems; it would be more appropriate to call it a "polymorph curse."
The witchcraft is called "Soul Burning"!
The core of magic remains torture, but it is not just torture; it carries a layer of malicious consequences. The method is similar to the powerful magic that Voldemort unleashes when he uses the Killing Curse to harvest souls.
This magic can turn a person into a human-shaped candle.
A candle that can be lit.
Once ignited, the target will wail in the flames, as if its entire body is being burned, causing countless tiny, piercing tears to tear at its soul.
This flame will provide powerful energy for fields such as potion making, alchemy, resurrection, and curses.
Lockhart certainly wouldn't learn such evil witchcraft.
As the author states, this is an outdated magic notebook, its greatest value being for academic research.
By clearly distinguishing between witchcraft and modern magic, one can effectively extract beneficial magical concepts from them.
for example----
"!!!"
As the student's mind was swirling with fantasies about the future, a sudden clench of his heart clenched, goosebumps instantly rising all over his body. His body stiffened as if a chill had seeped into every crevice of his bones, leaving him without any lubrication. He felt as if a hairy hand was caressing his heart, threatening to snap it at any moment and sever his life force.
Panic, fear, unease—an indescribable discomfort welled up from within.
He slowly turned his head to look in the direction that made him feel uneasy.
That was where Lockhart was reading.
At that moment, that corner seemed to have turned into complete darkness.
The twisted and writhing darkness, both menacing and serene, permeated the space.
In the darkness, a large black dog crouched there, exuding an air of mysterious unease.
Seemingly sensing his gaze, the big black dog looked towards him.
"!!!"
Ke Ban felt as if he was suffocating, as if a dense darkness was encroaching upon him, or rather, surging from the depths of his heart, flowing towards the big black dog, and then completely merging and blurring together.
-
pat~
Coban's body involuntarily collapsed to his knees, and in his feeble state, he began to struggle in his death throes, letting out a desperate cry: "Lord Lockhart, save me!"
But Lockhart did not come to his rescue.
The darkness was deathly silent, filled with an ominous atmosphere, broken only by the pattering of the black dog's paws on the ground as it approached.
He could almost smell the stench of wild beasts approaching.
He desperately opened his increasingly heavy eyelids, trying to see what had attacked him, but unfortunately, his wand and time-turner had been taken by the malicious werewolf, and he was helpless.
He could only watch helplessly, somewhat vaguely, as the black dog's shadow approached in the darkness, then suddenly lunged at him.
"Ah~~~"
He suddenly let out a piercing cry of pain, completely breaking free from this dark and ominous abyss.
His vision returned, and he gasped for breath, his whole body covered in sweat. The surroundings returned to the normal dark street.
In front of him, Lockhart stretched out a hand, holding a swirling ball of black mist.
"What is this?" He found his voice unusually hoarse, but for some reason, he felt unusually relaxed.
"Ominous!" Lockhart replied, looking down with curiosity at the black mist in his hand. "The ominousness surrounding you."
"Huh?" The person with formal training expressed their incomprehension.
Lockhart smiled slightly and looked at him. "If you don't understand, you can think of it as the threat of the Dark Lord that you were worried about being stripped away by me. From a unique perspective, you'll find that things can be resolved smoothly once you go back."
This is the wondrous world of witchcraft.
Extremely dangerous for ordinary wizards, but an essential lesson for masters who want to delve into the magical world. Knowledge missing in the modern magic teaching system is now truly coming to Lockhart.
"How interesting!"
He stretched out his palm, cradling the surging black mist. A werewolf-shaped shadow flashed through the alley, swallowing the black mist and leaving only a magic wand and a time-twister pendant.
Lockhart handed these to Cobb, "Go, take the revised manuscript to Tom for me—"
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