novelhk Chapter 118: Back to the Rhythm of Daily Life
Chapter 118: Back to the Rhythm of Daily Life
Chapter 118 Returning to the Rhythm of Daily Life
After speaking, Karen opened the Forbidden Forest map she had drawn earlier. The map was the result of their months of hard work, marking the safe routes they knew, dangerous areas, the nests of magical creatures, and several valuable plant sites they had discovered. One area was specially highlighted with silver ink, which was the growth point of that special moonmoss.
"Neither Master Nico nor Madame Lemaître gave any specific directions," Cullen said, tracing the map and pausing at the silver area. "They simply reaffirmed the effects of Moonmoss and emphasized that such a resource in nature, which can directly affect the magical core and especially alleviate the corruption of curses, is extremely rare and is often associated with powerful life forces or special magical nodes. Professor Dumbledore expressed a similar view."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over his three roommates: "Professor Victor's condition is currently being stabilized by the potion and moonshine extract, but the root cause remains thorny. Madame Lemaître's potion formula requires multiple ingredients..."
My desire to find similar resources is more of a precautionary measure, preparing for potential future needs or formula optimization. It doesn't necessarily require a large number of new discoveries immediately.
Ernesto approached, holding a star track calibration disc. "So, your plan is still to continue exploring the Moonmoss region? To find symbiotes? Or to expand the search area and find other nodes that might have similar magical fluctuations?"
“Combining the two,” Karen nodded. “First, we need to understand Moonmoss itself more deeply. Why does it only work best in that area during a full moon? How are its magical cycles established and maintained with Bowtruckle, Ornithus, and even Unicorns? Fabian, your Stardust Moss Spore Powder might help us create a more detailed environmental magical map and identify the key nodes.”
Fabian immediately replied, "No problem! I need to test its sensitivity in the field. Next time I observe..."
I'll bring some with me. I'll keep the others to see if I can cultivate them.
"Secondly," Karen drew a circle around the Moonmoss region on the map, "exploring outwards from this point. We can look for magical sources similar to, but perhaps weaker in intensity, the 'stabilizing' and 'soothing' properties emitted by Moonmoss. It could be some inconspicuous moss, a special spring,..."
Even a certain type of ore. This requires patience and meticulous observation.
Wesley maneuvered his sentinel bird to land on Karen's shoulder, excitedly saying, "Our expedition is about to begin! With my little sentinel leading the way, the safety factor will definitely be higher! Karen, when are we setting off? Next weekend?"
"No rush, Wesley." Karen gently flicked the beak of the metal bird on her shoulder. "Safety first, especially now that our objectives are clearer and we need to be more discreet. Time isn't so pressing either; we can treat this as a long-term project. We need to develop a more detailed plan and prepare all the detection and protective equipment we might need. Fabian and you both need time to familiarize yourselves with the new tools, and I also need to organize some new ideas I learned in France about magic node detection. More importantly,"
He looked out the window; it was already bright outside. "The holidays are over, and classes are back to normal. We need to focus on our studies first. The exploration plan is tentatively scheduled for the weekend after next, to give Fabian and me enough time to prepare."
"Agreed," Ernesto said succinctly, putting away his calibration disc. "Academics come first; after all, we're still students. Besides, my astronomical observation data needs updating, and the analysis of the impact of the star charts around the full moon on the magic nodes also needs time to be integrated."
"Alright, alright, you're right, Karen." Wesley was a little disappointed, but he understood the priorities. "Anyway, my little Sentinel needs to practice a few more times to get used to its 'patrol' mode. By the way, Karen, did Master Lemaître give you any cool new alchemical gadgets? Besides those books?" He glanced curiously at the documents Karen had placed on the table.
"I've had some inspiration and ideas," Karen didn't reveal much about the Touch of Hermes and the parchment scroll, "mainly regarding material activity and magical guidance. I'll share them with you after I've made some progress in my experiments at the Eagle's Nest. Now," he picked up his textbook, "it's time to head to the Transfiguration classroom; Professor McGonagall doesn't like being late."
The four quickly packed their belongings, ensured the Eagle's Nest's protective spells were reactivated, and left their secret base. The corridors were already filled with students rushing to class, the familiar rhythm of Hogwarts life enveloping them once again.
After the Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall called out to Karen, who was about to leave.
"Karen, wait a minute."
Karen stopped and asked the professor, "Is there something you need, Professor?"
After her previous period of confinement, Karen and Professor McGonagall had become quite familiar with each other: "Regarding your paper submitted in the last class on 'Mimetic Magic Feedback in the Transformation of Inanimate Objects,' the angle of discussion was very novel, especially the relationship between your 'material memory' hypothesis and magical imprints. Although some of your points still need practical verification, the depth of your thinking is commendable. Continue to delve into this direction, but be sure to ensure a solid theoretical foundation and avoid falling into wishful thinking."
"Thank you, Professor. I will continue to consult the materials and refine my argument." Karen was secretly pleased. Although his current research focus was mainly on alchemy, it was still a cause for celebration to receive Professor McGonagall's recognition of his academic thinking in the area of Transfiguration.
"Very good." Professor McGonagall nodded slightly. "I look forward to more impressive results from you in the field of Transfiguration."
Leaving the Transfiguration classroom, Karen headed to the library. He needed to find more information about the deeper applications of the ancient runic "Ilsa" rune, to see if he could combine it with his experience in improving the protective badge and the properties of the Touch of Hermes. At the same time, he also wanted to reread Lucian Sinclair's experimental journal; Nico's words had given him new ideas about some runic combinations he had previously overlooked.
Hogwarts' library was always filled with the distinctive smell of parchment, old books, and dust. Cullen walked confidently towards the Ancient Runes section, weaving between rows of towering bookshelves. Just as he found his target area...
As I pulled out a thick book, "Nordic Runes: Origins, Evolution and Modern Applications," a gentle voice sounded beside me.
"Karen? How was your vacation?"
Karen turned her head and saw Cedric standing beside her, holding a document and sporting his signature friendly smile. She glanced at the document and saw it was all about Quidditch. He looked to be in good health, though he had faint dark circles under his eyes, clearly indicating he had spent a lot of time and effort on Quidditch.
"Cedric," Karen smiled, closing the book in her hand, "Your vacation was quite nice; you went to France to visit an elder. How about you? It looks like your training is quite intense." His gaze swept over the documents in Cedric's arms.
Cedric's smile held a hint of excitement and a touch of fatigue: "It's definitely nerve-wracking! I haven't had much rest during the holidays, just been practicing non-stop. There's only one crucial match left in the Quidditch season! We're Hufflepuff against Slytherin, next week! Even if we win, we don't have a chance to win the House Cup, but we don't want Slytherin to win either, so we've put a lot of effort into preparing, and the pressure is immense." He adjusted the book in his arms. "Your house also has matches later. Gryffindor is being led by Charlie Weasley, and their last match is against your Ravenclaw. I hear it's going to be a tough battle, and both sides are training like crazy."
Karen nodded. Although he wasn't particularly interested in Quidditch, he was aware of the atmosphere at Selene's. "Looks like the whole castle's in the spirit of a match. Charlie and his Gryffindor are really pulling ahead?"
"Absolutely amazing!" Cedric affirmed. "Charlie's tactical command and the Seeker's coordination were excellent."
Their points total is second only to Slytherin, making them the most likely of the three houses to win the House Cup. Ravenclaw isn't weak either; the competition for the Seeker position is fierce, with several candidates practicing extra hard, all eager to seize their last chance to perform.
"Looks like my roommates have another exciting match to watch." Karen thought of Ernesto and Wesley's excited expressions when they talked about Quidditch.
"Everyone's giving it their all for the Academy Cup," Cedric nodded understandingly. "After all, it's only the last game, and every point is crucial. Okay, I won't keep you from researching any longer," he gestured to the book in Karen's hand, "I need to hurry and meet up with the captain; we have tactical practice this afternoon. Talk to you later, Karen!"
"Okay, good luck with your training, Cedric." Karen watched Cedric hurry away, clutching the heavy files. Although he himself wasn't particularly interested in Quidditch, he could sense the tension and excitement of the end of the Quidditch season emanating from Cedric.
Time slipped by quietly amidst the regular study, research, and experiments at the Eagle's Nest. Karen strictly adhered to her self-arranged schedule: attending classes as usual, refining her spellcasting skills and dueling strategies with Professor Flitwick on Friday afternoons and evenings, and continuing her previous research during her other free time.
On Friday afternoon, Karen arrived early at Professor Flitwick's office. The professor was standing on a specially made low stool, organizing his extensive collection of spellbooks.
"Good afternoon, Karen!" Professor Flitwick's voice was as high-pitched and energetic as ever. "Come in. How was your trip to France? Albus told me you also met with Nicolas Flamel. How was it? Flamel's charisma was still captivating, wasn't it?" He put down his book, turned around, and his eyes gleamed with curiosity and concern.
"Good afternoon, Professor," Karen replied after bowing. "Yes, Master Nicolas Flamel and his wife are very kind, and their workshop is amazing; I learned a lot." He chose his words carefully to avoid revealing sensitive information. "During my conversation with them, Master Flamel also asked about you."
"Oh! What an honor!" Professor Flitwick rubbed his hands together happily. "And what about Professor Victor?"
"Is he feeling any better?" His voice was lowered, filled with genuine concern. As a colleague,
He clearly knew that Professor Victor was on sick leave, but he was unaware of the details.
Karen felt a warmth in her heart; Professor Flitwick's concern was genuine. "Thank you for your concern, Professor. Professor Victor's condition has stabilized under the careful treatment of Master Nico and Madame Lemaître, and he is recovering. Madame Lemaître says he needs long-term care, but the outlook is optimistic." He gave a reply that fit the logic of "sick leave."
"That's good, that's good." Professor Flitwick visibly relaxed. "Victor, though—well, his teaching style is a bit unique—is a knowledgeable and good professor. Hogwarts needs him. Alright, child,"
Let's begin today's lesson! I've noticed there's room for improvement in the fluency of your silent spell transitions.
Especially when casting while moving.
For the next few hours, under Professor Flitwick's meticulous guidance, Karen repeatedly practiced the magic channeling of the Silent Charm, the seamless transitions between spells, and how to maintain precision while moving rapidly. The small office was filled with the glow of incantations and Professor Flitwick's high-pitched voice, sometimes encouraging, sometimes correcting. Karen was completely focused; every success and failure of his spellcasting was clearly captured, analyzed, and fed back by his Eye of Truth, transforming it into the foundation for his next improvement. Especially after this trip to France, which greatly alleviated his worries about Professor Castor, he could feel his control over magic becoming more refined and effortless.
Two weeks flew by in a fulfilling way. The Eagle's Nest team used the weekend to conduct two explorations deep into the edge of the Forbidden Forest, focusing specifically on the Moonspot Moss area.
For his first exploration, Fabian brought his Stardust Moss spore powder. Upon reaching the outer edge of the Moonmoss region,
Fabian sprinkled a small amount of spore powder at a few selected spots. In Karen's vision, the tiny powders immediately reacted to the extremely subtle changes in the magical gradient of the environment, shimmering with varying shades of blue light.
Fabian used specially made magical photosensitive parchment to record these light spots and their changes, creating a preliminary, more detailed environmental magical "topography map" of a small area. They discovered that the moonmoss was not evenly distributed, but rather grew more concentratedly at several nodes where the magical flow was relatively "slow," and these nodes seemed to be connected to the underground rock strata and the root systems of several specific ancient trees. They carefully collected some samples without disturbing the Bowtruckles that inhabited the area.
For their second exploration, they expanded the area, radiating outwards for about half a mile from the Moonmoss region. Throughout, Karen kept her True Sight activated, filtering the complex flow of magic in her field of vision like a scanner.
He focused on magical sources whose wavelengths were similar to the "stable" properties emitted by moonshine moss.
The process was long and tedious, with most of the time spent carefully navigating, observing, and eliminating distractions. The reward was the discovery of two faint, similar signal sources: one was an inconspicuous patch of dark green moss clinging to a damp, shady rock, its magical fluctuations extremely weak, almost imperceptible without Karen's special talent.
Another spot was a small spring hidden beneath tree roots. The water shimmered with an extremely soft, pale green glow in the Eye of Truth, and was icy to the touch. Fabian also collected samples, preparing to analyze their composition and magical properties upon returning. Although there had been no major breakthroughs, the accumulated data and samples were exactly what they needed.
After each expedition, Eagle's Nest became a temporary analysis center. Fabian buried himself in his plant atlas, spore reaction records, and sample analysis; Ernesto, combining the day's date, time, and star chart, tried to find patterns in the activity of magical nodes; the task of drawing maps was handed over to Wesley, who, relying on his sentinel bird, organized the exploration records, drew more accurate maps, and continuously optimized his sentinel bird's detection patterns in complex forest environments; Karen, on the other hand, synthesized all the information, using the memory builder to replay the scenes from the explorations and compare them with the observed magical phenomena, trying to find deeper connections. Their cooperation became increasingly seamless, and their goals became clearer.