Chapter 186: The Snake-Skin Notebook

In the Ancient Runes classroom.

Seeing his fellow students so happy, Ino shook his head helplessly.

They truly exemplified the saying, "In the midst of blessings, one does not realize they are blessed." They sat on a treasure trove without knowing its value.

In mythology, Odin hung himself from a tree for nine days to gain such knowledge. Rowena Ravenclaw bore the title of the Greedy Raven for this precious knowledge. Yet, only 7-8 third-year students opted for this course.

Even more absurd, these few were happy not for gaining knowledge but because the homework was easy.

But Ino couldn't intervene in others' choices; everyone must bear the consequences of their decisions.

As he was about to pack up and leave, a clear voice sounded behind him.

"Did you really see that book?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Ino turned back with a smile and said, "Isn't it obvious? I hope the bookstore manager won't regret it too much."

Hermione didn't reply but her bright eyes widened, and her face showed a hesitant expression.

Although she didn't say anything, her subtle eye movements and expressions revealed her thoughts.

Seeing this, Ino understood but decided not to show her the book now. In just a month, she looked exhausted, with bloodshot eyes.

"During the holidays, I'll let you see it, but not now. You need to adjust your state."

Hearing this, Hermione bit her lip gently, her voice tinged with helplessness and self-blame, "I know I'm in bad shape, but I can't help it…"

Her eyes wandered, seemingly hesitant, but she ultimately didn't mention the Time-Turner.

Ino, appreciating her loyalty and discretion, nodded subtly. Hermione's performance was commendable; she didn't spill everything even to a friend.

However, he decided to offer some advice. He couldn't just watch Hermione exhaust herself.

"Hermione, I suggest you drop a few classes." Ino said seriously.

"Or talk to Prefect Weasley. Your method might be problematic, seeming too extreme. Continuing this way will harm you irreparably."

Hermione was startled, not expecting Ino to know.

She lowered her head, silent for a moment, then sighed softly, "Are you saying I'm too reliant on the Time-Turner?"

"Yes," Ino nodded, "Though the Time-Turner is a powerful tool, it's not omnipotent. You need to manage your time well and use it judiciously. Otherwise, even if you complete all your courses, you'll lose much more valuable things."

Hermione looked up, determination in her eyes, "I understand. I'll talk to the prefect. Maybe he can give me some advice."

She added, "Thank you, Ino. You always help me when I need it most."

Ino smiled and shook his head, "It's nothing. We're friends; it's natural to help each other. Just make sure you rest well."

Hermione nodded lightly, her tired face showing a rare smile.

...

In the corridor, Ino watched Hermione's retreating figure and sighed softly.

She seemed naturally clueless about social norms or was overly strong-willed. Though she was much better than in the original story, some basic issues still eluded her.

Take the Time-Turner, for instance.

Ultimately, if the Ministry of Magic approved a student's use of a Time-Turner, it would be under safe, guaranteed conditions.

Hermione's state was clearly a result of improper use.

If everyone was like Hermione, neither the Ministry nor Professor McGonagall would approve.

Actually, Ino had a good guess about the cause. Knowing Hermione's character, it was evident. Upon receiving the Time-Turner, instead of consulting experienced Percy, she chose to figure it out herself.

This was frustrating. Percy could manage twelve courses because his elder brother Bill had guided him. Each house had an implicit legacy.

But Hermione abandoned this legacy, intending to carve her own path. It was impressive that she lasted a year under such conditions.

Ino decided to write a letter to Percy in the dormitory. Some matters required tact, and this never changed.

Although Percy was unlikely to refuse Hermione's request, how he responded and how much he shared involved intricate knowledge.

...

Navigating the moving staircases, Ino returned to his dormitory.

After drafting a simple letter to Percy, he began to review today's class content.

Firstly, Ancient Runes did not appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly.

Though the origins of magic were unclear, one thing was certain: Ancient Runes was a crucial foundation of the magical tower.

These runes corresponded not only to ancient magic but also to ancient alchemy.

A simple example was the 'amulet' mentioned by Professor Babbling today. This was the earliest alchemical product.

In the Muggle world, an amulet might be just psychological comfort or a money-making tool. But in the magical world, amulets had real effects. Even the famous Nicolas Flamel had made them.

"Basilisk…alchemy…" Ino murmured.

He then opened the notebook on the table, a finely crafted notebook with a dark brown leather cover.

Upon closer inspection of the patterns, one would find it was made from the shed skin of a basilisk.

But that wasn't the point. The point was that this notebook made of basilisk skin was semi-transparent, like a ghost book, exuding an air of mystery.

On the flyleaf, two peculiar symbols were inscribed, representing the runes for 'invisibility' and the basilisk's eye pattern.

Ino turned to a new page, took out a bottle of dark red ink from the drawer, and carefully wrote down today's content: the rune for wealth, prosperity, and abundance, 'f'.

As the last stroke was completed, the rune seemed to come alive, emanating an aura of wealth and prosperity just by looking at it.

"If this were written on a beggar's bowl, they'd never have to worry again, maybe even become top-tier in their field…"

Ino chuckled at the notebook on the table. This was already a successful amulet.

Having just overseen the Harvest Charm, understanding today's rune was effortless, almost instinctive.

Once the ink dried, Ino closed the notebook.

It was more of an amulet collection than a notebook, becoming the simplest alchemical product.

Once filled, anyone holding it would experience a 'true luck' akin to a story protagonist. A whole book of amulets…even small grains of sand accumulate into a tower, not to be underestimated.

At the same time, upon closing the notebook, it became transparent and disappeared under the effect of the rune 'invisibility.'

Interestingly, though invisible, Ino could still sense its presence, finding it precisely whenever he wanted without needing a lantern's light.