novelhk Chapter 302 Unexpected Aid
Chapter 302 Unexpected Aid
Chapter 302 Unexpected Aid
February 21st was just another ordinary winter day for most Hogwarts students, but for Cullen, the only thing that interested him during this time was the event led by Lockhart a week earlier...
The castle is filled with farcical scenes of a comical Cupid and awkward confessions, but now it is gradually returning to its usual rhythm.
However, for Karen, this day required more focus than usual to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
His heart was like an undercurrent surging beneath a calm lake, all his thoughts focused on that predetermined moment beneath the dark lake of night.
At lunchtime, he sat at the Ravenclaw table, listening to Wesley excitedly recount the highlights of the previous day's Gryffindor practice, Fabian discussing the new information about birds of prey from the Conservation of Magical Creatures class, and Ernesto quietly flipping through an astronomical chart. Cullen joined the conversation, but subtly steered the topic away from the evening's plans. His gaze occasionally swept across the grey sky and the dark lake in the distance through the Great Hall window, but only briefly.
"Karen," Ernesto put down his book, his voice calm, "after class this afternoon, should we do a final check of the timeline and backup plans?"
"Yes," Karen nodded, cutting the sausage on her plate, "especially if underwater communications are interfered with by strong magic, the confirmation of light signals and vibration codes will need to be rehearsed again. After dinner, assemble at the Eagle's Nest."
To outsiders, the simple conversation sounded like just another study discussion among top students. The three roommates nodded knowingly, showing no sign of anything amiss. They already knew about tonight's operation and had participated in all the preliminary preparations and data analysis; all they needed now was final confirmation of execution.
The afternoon's History of Magic class was even more agonizing. Professor Binns' flat, monotonous tone was like the most potent lullaby. Karen's quill unconsciously traced complex star charts and simplified diagrams of the Black Lake's cliffs in his notebook. He repeatedly rehearsed every step of the evening's plan, checking every detail in his memory—the stability of the Head-Pounding Charm, the sequence of emergency signals, the timing of his coordination with his roommates—
After class, back at Eagle's Nest, the four immediately began their final preparations. Karen checked the equipment they would use that night again: a small pouch enchanted with a permanent waterproofing charm and a faint glowing charm, containing spare light pointers, exorcism spice capsules, and the fully charged self-defense bracers. He put the bracers on his left wrist; the cool metallic touch made him even more focused. Wesley checked the emergency fireworks and warm clothing they had brought, Fabian checked the medical kit, and Ernesto made a final check of his pocket watch and timetable.
Just as Karen was preparing to perform one last simulation of the silent underwater spell-casting gestures, the quill pen on the workbench, which was used to contact France, suddenly vibrated, then stood up on its own, its tip gleaming faintly, and quickly wrote a line of text on a piece of parchment:
【Karen, contact her immediately using the two-way mirror. —NF & KG】
The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy. All four of them stopped moving and focused their attention on the quill and Karen.
Karen's heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained unchanged. An emergency communication? At this hour?
Had a new risk been discovered, or should the operation be canceled? Various possibilities flashed through his mind, but he acted without the slightest hesitation. He immediately took out the carefully preserved two-way mirror and placed it upright on the worktable.
"Develop," he whispered, channeling a wisp of magic into the mirror.
The mirror rippled like water after a pebble had been thrown in, the mist rising and then quickly dissipating, clearly revealing the faces of the two instructors. Nicolas Flamel's expression was more serious than usual, his light-colored eyes filled with worry. Professor Castor remained aloof, but the sharp light in his eyes was even brighter than usual.
"Teachers," Karen spoke first, her voice steady but her pace slightly fast, "is it a new variable in the data model, or is there a significant error in the prediction?"
"No, child, your calculations are very rigorous. We've verified them repeatedly, and the timing should be correct." Nico's voice came through the two-way mirror, carrying a peculiar echo. "It's precisely because we've confirmed its reliability that we feel even more uneasy."
Castor picked up where he left off, concise and to the point: "What Slytherin left behind is no ordinary thing. It's from one of the legendary wizards in magical history, hidden in an underwater chamber. The risks within are unknown, far more dangerous than that Horcrux in your hand, the diary."
Nico added, his tone somber, "Moreover, the magic left behind by those ancient ruins is often accompanied by malevolent curses, powerful guardians, or extremely complex dispelling procedures. Triggering the wrong one could have unimaginable consequences. Even with the Eye of Truth, your experience and strength alone might not be enough to handle every unforeseen situation. We can't let you take this risk alone."
Karen's heart sank. He had considered these things before, but his desire to explore the Slytherin legacy and his confidence in his own abilities outweighed his fear of the unknown. "Then—what is the teacher's opinion? Cancel tonight's operation? Wait for another opportunity and be better prepared?" he asked, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
“No,” Castor denied firmly. “This is a rare opportunity, and since the prediction was accurate, we can’t give it up. But the way we explore needs to change.” His gray eyes looked directly at Karen in the mirror. “I’ll head to Hogsmeade immediately. Half an hour before your planned time, I’ll reach the observation point on the shore you chose earlier through the Forbidden Forest. Take your roommate and meet me there beforehand. Tonight, I’ll go into the water with you.”
Karen was completely stunned. Professor Castor was coming in person? To go into the water with him? This news was so unexpected that he didn't know how to react. Should he feel relieved? Or guilty for troubling his mentor to come in person? Or perhaps a little nervous about exploring alongside this powerful mentor?
"Professor Castor—this is too much trouble for you—" Karen said instinctively.
"This isn't trouble, it's necessary caution," Castor said firmly. "When facing Salazar Slytherin's creations, having more power and more experienced eyes is crucial. I have some experience dealing with these kinds of ancient magical relics. Inform your roommate immediately and adjust the plans. See you on the shore."
"1
Without giving Cullen any more time to say anything, Castor's face disappeared from the mirror, seemingly heading to Hogsmeade immediately, leaving only Nico in the frame.
"Do as he says, Karen." Nico's tone softened. "Casto's decision is correct. With him around, your safety will be better guaranteed, and you'll be less likely to trigger an irreversible trap."
Remember, knowledge is precious, but you can only pursue it while you're alive. Stay connected and keep me updated via quill pen.
"I understand, Professor Nico. Thank you all." Karen nodded solemnly. The weight that had been hanging over her heart had finally been lifted, albeit in a different way, replaced by a feeling of relief, gratitude, and strong anticipation.
Communication ended.
Karen immediately turned to her three roommates, whose faces showed tension and questioning.
"The plan has changed. Professor Castor will be personally involved in the exploration; he'll be in the water with us," Karen relayed calmly. "We need to leave earlier and be at the shore shelter half an hour ahead of time. Wesley, check the emergency flares and lights; Fabian, double-check the medical kit and blankets; Ernesto, take the Marauder's Map and two-way mirror, and be responsible for navigation and emergency communication. We'll depart as soon as the time comes."
The three people reacted differently after hearing this.
Wesley's mouth dropped open: "Merlin's beard! Professor Victor is coming in person? And going into the water? I mean—Professor Castor!"
Fabian seemed a little nervous: "Working with the professor—it feels even more stressful. Will we hold them back?"
Ernesto, however, remained the most composed: "This is the most reasonable arrangement. The involvement of an experienced professor will greatly improve the success rate and safety of the exploration. I agree with Professor Castor's point of view; the Slytherin legacy should not be underestimated. Our original rescue plan needs to be adjusted to be more covert and efficient, and we must not cause trouble for the professor and Cullen."
After the plan was clarified again, the roommates felt some pressure about the sudden change and working with the strict professor, but they didn't hesitate and immediately got to work efficiently. They were already a well-coordinated team.
Without any objections, the four quickly did a final check of their belongings. Karen fastened the waterproof pouch tightly to her belt, Wesley carried spare flares and warning cigarettes, Fabian checked the thermal blankets and basic medical kit they had brought, and Ernesto carried the Marauder's Map and pocket watch to navigate and keep track of time.
They slipped out of the tower silently, Ernesto skillfully using the Marauder's Map to navigate, choosing the most secluded and least traveled path. The figures in the portraits whispered to them, but they paid no heed.
Peeves was busy painting on a suit of armor in a fourth-floor hallway, so they kept their distance. Luckily, they didn't run into Filch and his cat, Mrs. Loris.
Crossing the cold ground, night was rapidly falling, and the distant Forbidden Forest became a vast and ominous black silhouette. The surface of Black Lake was a deep black, rippling with fine waves in the rising cold wind, lapping against the rocks on the shore with a soft, splashing sound.
They arrived at their pre-selected entry point, a narrow sandy beach located on the inner side of the bay, hidden by several huge rocks. It was relatively secluded, yet offered a panoramic view of a large part of the lake and made it easy to enter the water.
"Right here," Ernesto said softly, glancing at his pocket watch. "We're almost half an hour ahead of schedule."
"Set up guard posts and shields," Karen ordered.
The four acted in perfect unison. Fabian and Wesley waved their wands, casting simple "Hear-blocking" spells and Muggle-repelling magic around the rocks. While these might have limited effect on magical creatures, they would at least alert them to someone approaching. Ernesto used the small tools he had brought to set up a miniature magical alarm in the sand. Cullen stood by the water's edge, gazing at the dark lake surface, trying to sense the activity of underwater magic with her "True Eye." The deep blue light was indeed brighter than usual, pulsating slowly and powerfully like the veins of a sleeping beast gradually awakening.
The wait was excruciating. A cold wind swept across the lake, bringing with it a biting dampness. Even in their thick robes, the four had to huddle together for warmth. Wesley glanced nervously toward the Forbidden Forest every now and then, Fabian repeatedly checked the supplies they had brought, and Ernesto kept a close eye on his pocket watch.
About twenty minutes later, when only the castle windows and the starry sky provided a faint light, a tall figure appeared silently beside the rocks, as if emerging from the shadows. He wore a dark, seemingly ordinary but well-tailored travel cloak, its hood pulled low to obscure part of his face, but Karen instantly recognized him from his piercingly sharp grey eyes, even in the darkness.
"Teacher," Karen immediately stood up straight and greeted him in a low voice.
Wesley, Fabian, and Ernesto quickly stood up as well, appearing somewhat nervous and reserved. Facing this professor with a powerful aura, a strict teaching style, and whose true identity and abilities they already knew, it was difficult for them to remain calm.
Castor gave a slight nod, acknowledging their greeting. His self-glow quickly swept over the four boys, lingering for a moment on Karen's wrist guard and the pouch at his waist before finally settling on Karen's face. "All ready?" His voice was deep and calm, devoid of any pleasantries.
"Yes, Professor," Karen replied. "Equipment checks are complete, and emergency procedures and signal protocols have been reviewed. The predicted peak time is around 10 p.m.
Castor stepped forward, extending his hand gloved with dragon skin: "Your lighting and pointing equipment."
Karen immediately took the improved illuminator from her bag and handed it to him. Castor took it, rubbed the runes on its surface with his fingers, then held it up to the lake to test its brightness and stability before handing it back to Karen. "Not bad." He then looked at Karen's wand, "How's your underwater spellcasting practice going?"
"The silent spell is mostly fine, but the water will reduce its power. However, I've gotten used to it pretty much," Karen reported truthfully.
"As expected. Stay close to me, don't act rashly unless absolutely necessary, conserve your magic and your own condition, and observe carefully." Castor gave concise instructions, then took out a small crystal bottle from the inner pocket of his cloak. Inside was a viscous liquid that emitted a faint silver light. "Take this. It's an anti-curse potion that Nico and I made. If you sense any abnormal mental erosion or magical contamination, drink it immediately. Hopefully, we won't need it."
"
Karen took the crystal bottle; it was icy cold to the touch. He could feel the powerful protective magic contained within. "Thank you, Professor."
Castor swept his gaze over Wesley and his two companions one last time: "I already know the plan. Your mission remains unchanged."
"Stay hidden, keep watch, and keep track. If we haven't received any signal within thirty minutes of the scheduled time, or if there's a large-scale unusual movement on the lake, Ernesto, you contact Dumbledore directly using the two-way mirror; Wesley, fire the red emergency smoke; Fabian, lead the rest of the group back to the castle immediately for assistance. Understood?"
His instructions were clear and unambiguous, carrying an unquestionable authority. The three boys immediately straightened their backs and nodded nervously, "Understood, Professor!"
Castor then turned to Karen, raising his chin: "It's about time, let's get ready."
Karen took a deep breath of the cold air, checked her equipment one last time, and then walked with Castor to the water's edge. The lake water was dark and murky, as if it could swallow all light.
"Bubble Head Charm," Castor whispered, raising his wand. Karen immediately did the same.
Almost simultaneously, two invisible waves of magical energy enveloped their heads.
"Karen, you lead the way," Castor said as a final word, before stepping into the icy, frigid waters of the Black Lake without hesitation.
Karen turned and nodded to her three roommates, giving them a reassuring look, before stepping into the lake. The biting cold instantly enveloped her, but she was already familiar with the surroundings and quickly activated the supplies she had prepared in her pocket, warming her up.