21 Terrible news
[AN: Haha... surprised! Anyway, just be glad that I posted a new chapter. I also get surprised sometimes of my unpredictable behavior. Is it bad?]
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Even before meeting this house-elf, I intend to brew [Cure for Boils] potion following the order of formula recorded in the book.
It is only unexpected that I will meet someone to test it. Anyway, I am not using him as guinea pig. I already improved much in my practice and even have the book's help. Therefore, I was brimming with confidence.
And the house-elf is filled with gratitude when I declared that I can cure him.
"Would you like me to help you, sir?" Reed asked humbly.
"Sure, you can help me clean this part." I responded happily.
And sure enough, house-elves are very proficient with house shore which shortens the time to finish our task.
I became fascinated with their magic which seemingly a part of them. As expected of a magical creature.
Unlike the house-elves in Slytherin's common room, Reed has no prejudice of me being a muggle. It's probably because, he served below the castle for his entire life while those house-elves had served a long line of pureblood students.
[AN: Like Kreacher who hated mudblood because he served Blacks for a long time. He even preferred Bellatrix as his master than Sirius as she embodied the will of his previous masters.]
Soon enough, we finished our task an hour earlier than what I have anticipated.
"Thank you, Reed. Without your help, I probably won't be able to rest. I really exhausted my strength this time." I said as I stretched my body.
"Reed is obliged to help my benefactor!"
"There's nothing to thank me. I still haven't cured you."
"Benefactor's words are enough."
"Aren't Hogwarts too cruel for not helping a small house-elf?"
"No, no! Benefactor shouldn't blame Hogwarts!" Reed then change his attention and went to a wall to self-inflict damage on his head.
"Hey, Reed stop that!" I commanded.
"It is Reed's fault that benefactor blame the school! I must be punished!"
"No, no! I am just asking… I am not blaming the school."
"Benefactor is kind. I do not want benefactor get punish because of me."
"Yes, I get it. So, will you stop hitting your head? And I won't get punished in any way because of asking such question."
He calmed down.
"Alright, I think I have rested enough. I have to go now."
"Then, I will accompany benefactor towards the exit."
Upon exiting the dungeon, I said to Reed, "I will meet you here in three days."
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I was reunited with Silvanus and right then he was full of complains.
I used magic to remove the dust on my robes and seeing my action, Silvanus said, "Hey, do it to me too. Help me clean these dark sooths."
We reached the Great Hall and the feast was about to start.
Soon, I noticed the different atmosphere.
The Hall was filled with gloomy faces which is more evident in the faces of the professors sitting calmly at their table.
I separated with Silvanus as he went to his house while I went to my usual place.
There, Pod and Russel already sitting seemingly busy over something.
"So, what's up?" I said before taking a sit, "Well, aren't you going to respond? Where's Leslie?"
Most of the time, these two boys are snubs, but they are not as bad as the other Slytherin. At least, they do not show their repulsive attitude to me anymore. Sometimes, when they are in good mood, they would initiate talking to me.
But, this time, these two became snubs again. And since, there's no point talking to them anymore, I busied myself.
Right then, Leslie came and sat next to me.
Nowadays, Leslie's attitude became way better. She never shown disdain she had the first time we met. She even approached me knowing she will get shunned by other Slytherin's.
Therefore, she became my only friend in Slytherin and treated me better.
"I heard you were sent in the dungeon because of a fight." She said.
"Ah, unfortunately. I was sent together with Tom."
"You should avoid fighting. You're still a freshman. Who can tell if you met an accident."
"Are you worried?"
"Of course not!" She denied.
"Haha… it shows in your face."
"Stop it!"
I changed the subject, "So, why's everyone gloomy?"
"Oh, that… it's because of the news that arrived this afternoon."
"What news?"
"The French Ministry of Magic had suffered a devastating blow… its minister was brutally murdered by Grindelwald himself and hundreds of French Auror's was killed in a single encounter."
I see, it's Gellert Grindelwald again. Lately, his actions are becoming bolder over these past few days.
I already gathered some information about him.
Gellert Grindelwald, a notorious dark lord that terrorized the western world. His influence spans over half of Russia and the rest of Europe, only Britain was able to keep him at bay. However, I have different opinion and I think Grindelwald is saving Britain for later.
His influence got even more bigger after his escape at the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). Even more then, he blatantly killed numerous Auror's and almost destroyed Paris!
The world deemed him 'Most Wanted and Hated Criminal' and 'A Very Dangerous Madman' by the wizarding world in hopes to thwart people from supporting him. And obviously, that didn't work.
[AN: I created those titles… so if you find something amiss, you can inform me in the comment.]
His words 'for the greater good' which promises saving the world by the hands of witches and wizards had attracted countless willing supporters. And Europe became a chaotic. These followers called themselves 'Grindelwald's Army' will willingly kill innocent people if it justifies their cause.
Now, Britain is suffering from the spread of his influence. And it won't be long before he makes a move which greatly concerns the ministry.
However, the most important piece of information is he was once a close friend of professor Dumbledore.
[AN: Obviously, he died before the release of Fantastic Beasts. And even then, he never pays much attention in some given Easters egg in the movie.]
This made me think, why would Dumbledore allows his old friend kill countless innocent. Why didn't he confront him in the first chance of his rise as the Dark Lord?
[AN: He also have no idea of the 'Blood Pact'.]
It made me reconsidered my opinion towards the great professor Dumbledore.
These days, it is all about Grindelwald. So, I wouldn't be surprised if 10 Auror's goes missing or died because of Grindelwald.
It will not have much impact in Hogwarts and would still maintain its current state of affairs. The professors would simply rant about it but that's all.
However, news of the death of a Minister delivers a serious blow to the western world. Especially, when the French Ministry of Magic publicly announced its strong stance against Grindelwald and that they would capture him at any cost. But ultimately, it ended up in the death of their Minister.
All their hope went down the drain which made others question their competences.
Sure enough, it will make the other Ministers from other counties lose their mind.
I observed the other Slytherin's only to find that for them, this news was not a matter of concerns but should be expected.
"This is worrisome, huh? But, we have the Headmaster." I said to her.
Though, this would be pointless but better than saying 'all hopes are gone'. I guess she thinks that I was simply comforting myself as she doubted.
"Do you think he will be able to stop him?" She replied.
"Do you question the Headmaster's strength and influence?"
I also dig up some information about the headmaster's exploit and he did have splendid feats. He clearly possessed strength worthy of being one of the three old fellows who wouldn't die.
[AN: That's some Chinese proverbs there. Nicholas Flamel, Perenelle Flamel and Armando Dippet are the oldest characters alive with age reaching 300+. While the first two was extending their lifespan with the help of philosopher's stone. Armando Dippet probably had some mysterious encounter or because he is simply powerful that he can live longer. And by the standard of xianxia and anime, old folks are badass!]
And like the rest of the student's, they greatly respect the Headmaster. So, Leslie didn't ask anymore.
We finished dinner and everyone returned to their respected common rooms.
But I still have to visit professor Dumbledore.
