allendalepharm Chapter 275 The New Era Begins
Chapter 275 The New Era Begins
Chapter 275 The New Era Begins
The potion Snape used to cure the Longbottoms was very complex.
It was so complicated that, under Lockhart's excited questioning, Snape took the opportunity to explain in a fragmented and incoherent manner in an attempt to ease the tension, but no one could understand it.
Lockhart finally understood what it felt like for young wizards when they sometimes explained complex magical principles to their students.
uncomfortable.
I can understand each word individually, but I can't understand them when they're put together.
What?
what what?
Lockhart gave up.
Everyone has their own area of expertise, and he didn't want to force himself to do something beyond his own capabilities.
Sirius Black and Lupin, standing to the side, both looked equally bewildered, clearly not understanding what was being said.
Snape quickly realized everyone's predicament and immediately felt a sense of utter boredom. It was truly painful to be trying to show off in a way that no one could understand.
"Will you publish this formula?" Lockhart advised Snape. "Believe me, no one understands better than me what fame can bring. It's not just the prestige that ordinary intelligent people understand, but also the 'social' power of destiny that comes with it from a magical perspective."
This was a truth he had only recently come to realize: reputation influences destiny.
Snape looked bewildered and sighed, "I'm worried that no one will be able to understand it. It's not a simple recipe. It requires adjusting the amount and ratio of ingredients, the cooking method, and even the way of taking the medicine according to the patient's condition."
Lockhart exclaimed in surprise, then shrugged. "So what? You write it down. Maybe in the future, even a hundred years from now, someone will be able to concoct an even simpler potion based on your recipe."
"Just like the wolfsbane potion invented by Damocles Bell, which now has many improved formulas, and the more in-depth potion you gave Lupin last time, didn't you?"
Snape was tempted.
"Potion Master!" Lockhart laughed heartily, putting his arm around his shoulder. "The Longbottoms are just the beginning. You're probably in for a lot of trouble. Nobody knows how many people injured by the Cruciatus Curse are waiting to be healed. You're going to be very, very busy!"
Snape was silent for a long while, then murmured, "If I can really save so many people, it would be my honor."
Yes, it's an honor.
This is his path to redemption in life.
Sirius is also on his way to redemption, because the house-elf Kreacher has arranged a blind date for him.
He didn't want to do it, but he had to, because it concerned the Black family's legacy.
Kreacher cares about the family lineage, and he's using that to threaten Sirius, saying that if he doesn't cooperate, he'll be excommunicated and kicked out of the house.
This was something even Dumbledore couldn't object to, since he was very particular about this and wouldn't be domineering; he could only move the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
Sirius Black didn't want this at all; he had already caused everyone too much trouble.
They've been thoroughly outmaneuvered.
"A blind date?"
Everyone was stunned when Kreacher ran over to remind Sirius to change into clean clothes.
"Damn it!" Sirius cursed. "Did you have to do it now?"
Kreacher said with a hint of exasperation, "Of course I know how important it is for the Longbottoms to be healed. I'm already preparing a lavish dinner."
"But no one knew that Professor Snape would actually be able to completely heal them this time, and this blind date had been arranged a month in advance."
"Even out of politeness, you should go and meet them."
What could Sirius do? He could only obediently let Kreacher push him to get dressed.
That night, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Lockhart left first and returned to Hogwarts.
Professor McGonagall has too many things to do.
Snape called Lockhart over and took him to his office.
"Actually, I'm also a member of the Order of the Phoenix, but I almost never attend their gatherings." Snape rummaged through some potion-making ingredients in his office and brewed a very unique-tasting beverage.
Lockhart took the glass, took a sip, his eyes lit up, and he chugged it down before handing the glass back to Lockhart.
"This drink can't be refilled with a refill charm," Snape muttered, picking up the teapot and pouring Lockhart another cup.
"Stingy," Lockhart remarked, then added casually, "So, will you attend the Order of the Phoenix gatherings in the future?"
Snape smiled, narrowed his eyes, took a sip of his drink, looked out the window at Hogwarts Castle, and said in a low voice, "You'll find that Professor McGonagall didn't actually participate in the Order of the Phoenix's gatherings either."
"！！！"
Lockhart keenly sensed that Old Spiegel was implying something. "What do you mean?"
"We're not on their side," Snape explained. "Many people don't really understand what kind of changes Dumbledore implemented after defeating Grindelwald."
change?
Dumbledore?
Lockhart, who had been lazily slumped in his chair, sat up straight, frowning in thought. Realizing he still didn't understand, he had to look at Old Spiegel. "Clearly, I'm part of the less intelligent group too. I don't see any change either."
Snape's lips curled slightly. "Because it's not obvious."
He gently put down his teacup, walked to the window, looked at the school outside, and gently stroked the window frame, his gaze wistful. "Subtly, gradually changing over a long period of time."
"Gidero."
He didn't turn around, but simply asked, "Tell me, after defeating Voldemort, who was the most suitable person to serve as Minister of Magic for the United Kingdom, and even, after a certain term, to succeed Dumbledore as the First Wizard of the International Confederation of Wizards?"
Lockhart was bewildered. "There are people like that?"
He carefully considered Deng's subordinates and those he could influence, then shook his head. "Actually, I've thought about this part of the speculation."
Because it helps me understand Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard of this century.
Snape turned around, leaned against the window, and eagerly awaited Lockhart's analysis.
Lockhart shrugged. "Cornelly Fudge, his role is to try to eliminate the conflict between pro-Muggle and pure-blood supremacists and achieve a moderate balance."
"And then there's Arthur Weasley, whose role should be to better advance Dumbledore's ideals and consolidate the victory of the Order of the Phoenix."
"But—" His expression turned strange, "Whichever one it is, you said you'd take over as the chief wizard of the International Wizarding Federation, huh?"
I'm sorry, but he doesn't think there's any possibility of that at all.
Snape shook his head, waved his hand so the drink on the table flew into his hand, and said with a smile, "You've overlooked someone."
"Who?" Lockhart really couldn't guess.
"Minerva McGonagall!" Snape's expression turned serious.
"Professor McGonagall?" Lockhart's voice rose, then he thought for a moment, then suddenly realized, "Professor McGonagall?"
Yes.
Lockhart would disagree with anyone who says Professor McGonagall wouldn't be a good Minister for Magic.
Having witnessed the wars between two generations of Dark Lords, Grindelwald and Voldemort, and having taught so many students who have now become pillars of society,
He himself has worked in the Ministry of Magic and has extensive experience.
Even Professor McGonagall's background—a half-blood wizard—provides her reasons for being close to Muggles on one hand, and the powerful backing of a pure-blood family on the other.
Not to mention Professor McGonagall's own powerful magical abilities.
Such a person, when appointed Minister of Magic, would be given the utmost respect by pure-blood family patriarchs like Lucius, Corbin, and Barty the Elder, as well as magical masters like Lady Merles.
Professor McGonagall could even succeed Dumbledore as the Chief Wizard of the International Confederation of Wizards, and continue the reforms that Dumbledore longed to promote.
Well, assuming Dumbledore pushes forward any changes.
"You often say that a new era has arrived—" Snape said with a smile, "but in my opinion, Dumbledore probably realized this earlier than you, or rather, he has been pushing for the arrival of a new era ever since he defeated Grindelwald."
"The Biggest Problems of the New Era—"
"How do we rethink the Law of Secrecy, break through the Ministry of Magic system built upon it, and push forward a new relationship between wizards and Muggles despite the resistance from so many existing interest groups?"
"The arrangement of magical creatures and various humanoid races—"
How is the use of magic defined when wizards interact with Muggle communities?
There are just too many aspects to consider.
Each of these issues presents a significant challenge in the current situation, creating a chaotic mess.
"So!"
Snape held up one finger. "Institutional change? Where do we start?"
As he spoke, he pointed out the window.
Lockhart jumped to his feet, a chill running down his spine, and exclaimed, "Hogwarts!"
Snape laughed, a loud, hearty laugh. "You get it now?"
Lockhart smacked his lips, strode to the window, and gazed at the Hogwarts castle complex in the darkness, the Forbidden Forest stretching into the distance, and the pure wizarding village of Hogsmeade beyond the Forbidden Forest.
It is fair to say that at least one-third of all wizards in Europe graduated from this school.
This place is home to far too many magical creatures and humanoid races: centaurs, merfolk, unicorns, and giant eight-eyed spiders—
This place also has a tremendous influence on the entire world.
"If I mean if," Snape's expression looked particularly strange, "if the wizarding world were centered around magic academies, instead of a Ministry of Magic built according to the borders of Muggle kingdoms—"
There are only 11 magic schools in the world.
"There are three in Europe: Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons."
"There are two in the Americas: Ifamoni in North America and Castello Bruckso in South America."
"Ouagadougou in Africa, Kodosdorez in the land of hunger—"
"Yes!" Lockhart exclaimed, "Merlin's see-through lingerie! Severus, your statement has made me understand this world in a completely new way!"
Why did Voldemort insist on returning to Hogwarts to teach as a professor?
Why does Fudge, despite being promoted by Dumbledore, constantly oppose him on many issues, while his closest subordinate, Umbridge, is pushing relentlessly towards bringing magic schools under the Ministry of Magic's jurisdiction?
Too much is too much.
Of course, these past analyses are no longer that important.
Most importantly—
"Grindelwald said he's going to become the headmaster of Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" Lockhart gasped. "And he said he's going to restart the Triwizard Tournament!"
Snape nodded. "The Triwizard Tournament is enough to mobilize all the power of all groups of wizards in Europe, affecting everything. Most importantly, the national ministries of magic cannot interfere in this competition."
He looked at Lockhart with such seriousness, "Next year will be the most crucial year. The Triwizard Tournament, with Grindelwald's involvement, will have a tremendous impact on the world."
"If I'm not mistaken, Olim Maxim, the headmistress of Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, will definitely get into trouble around that time. She has no right to be at the table!"
"Gidero—"
"This is the clarion call of a new era; it's about to set sail!"
"And you and I both need to start thinking about how to move forward!"
Lockhart raised an eyebrow. "Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
Snape nodded. "Dumbledore doesn't actually have many people he can send to this school; he only has a few candidates to choose from."
"Professor McGonagall, you, and me."
Gone.
Yes, just these three.
It can even be expected that Professor McGonagall will remain at Hogwarts as the undisputed successor to Dumbledore.
"The Longbottom family, the Weasley family, the Kingsley family... " Lockhart muttered about these people, and suddenly a realization dawned on him.
He now understood why Snape had just said that these people were not on his and Professor McGonagall's side.
These people are all on the side of the Ministry of Magic; they only benefit from it.
The world will always talk about this principle and that justice, but in the end, self-interest is the most eternal thing.
Lockhart couldn't help but sigh, gazing at the vast, dark sky outside the window, he suddenly felt a powerful force brewing, which could sweep across the world at any moment.
"You've unleashed Grindelwald!" Snape's gaze was chilling. "And with you, you've unleashed the demon within Dumbledore!"
"He may have already given up on this approach."
"Gidero, you have already been swept into this new era, whether you choose to enter it or not."
"In fact, the changes you brought about had too many underlying causes."
Snape was like a wise man standing in the shadows, coldly observing the world, clearly watching all the changes, patiently waiting for the right moment.
Decide when to pull out the wand and then stick it in to stir things up.
He said, "You've nurtured so many potential magic masters, which is one of the foundations for the 'Magic School Center' concept to be implemented. You need to find them a place to go."
"I think Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would be a good place."
Snape smiled slightly. "Of course, I suspect Dumbledore might not be too comfortable with you, so I might also be assigned to that school by him."
Lockhart knew about checks and balances.
But he had a different idea. He chuckled and said, "If it's really as you guessed, Dumbledore doesn't trust the two of us. I suspect there will be two other people to keep us in check."
Who?
Snape knew the answer in an instant, "Jimmy and Sirius?"
Why these two? The biggest difference between them and Arthur, Kingsley, and others is that they don't have as many pure-blood family interests, which is quite obvious.
Lockhart clapped his hands and shrugged. "That's right."
Snape fell silent, then finally sighed, "Perhaps I should also think carefully about how to face the past and the future."
"However—" Lockhart downed his drink in one gulp, smacked his lips, and narrowed his eyes. "Severus, that's just your guess, isn't it?"
Snape shrugged and simply said, "Perhaps we can find out if the woman Sirius went on a blind date with has any connection to Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"!!!"
Lockhart was surprised, then amused, and said, "Severus, you have a really unique perspective."
But is that really the case?
Lockhart couldn't help but have some guesses.
Perhaps the answer will be revealed in the coming year.
He didn't mind this arrangement. As he said, Dumbledore was the most powerful and influential wizard of the time, and everyone had to give him the utmost respect.
Then consider what kind of breakthroughs you can make with this arrangement.
After all, Lockhart never doubted that he would be the most powerful wizard in the future.
He believed it was the call of adventure, and Snape was the village elder who told the whole story of that call of adventure.
The village elder asked, "Brave warrior, are you ready to embark on an adventure?"
The new era is truly fascinating!
Come on, come on, I crave passion!
Lockhart stood with his hands on his hips, gazing up at the sky outside the window, smiling brightly. As he smiled, it seemed as if a raging fire was burning within the clouds.
Full of vitality, with ever-changing scenery.