Magician Cat

"The Ring, of course, wouldn't argue with Tewell's words; he could see the purity in Percy's heart.

"To be honest, I don't like using such methods to recruit subordinates. Who in today's magical world would still talk about ideals?"

Tewell joked as he toyed with the ring.

"Ideals and interests are not actually contradictory. Moreover, only those who harbor great ideals can wield great power."

"But he's just a student. Even if his grades are good, his influence can't compare to Cynthia's, can it?"

"Influence isn't measured by size."

Tewell didn't elaborate further.

In his plan, Percy would not only become an asset to Cynthia in the Ministry but also represent him in influencing the noble pure-blood families.

But all of that would come after Percy graduated.

In reality, tonight was more about Tewell's sudden whim to test his ability to recruit subordinates.

To be honest, recruiting Cynthia was too unchallenging. He merely outlined his vision for the future, and she was already itching to draw her wand and challenge the International Confederation of Wizards.

Only Percy's struggle and anger gave him a taste of the thrill of manipulation.

According to his teacher's words, was this considered his initiation?

The ring couldn't understand this kind of thinking. In his view, there were only useful servants and useless enemies. He wasn't trying to rule the world, so what was the point of recruiting such a small fry?

But he wouldn't remind Tewell. Honestly, he hoped Tewell would continue to recruit such useless subordinates and then plan for failure.

Ultimately, that would be his escape from Tewell's schemes!

Because tonight's research actually gave him a chilling feeling, more worrisome than before!

"So you plan to make Hogwarts your base and manipulate the students into your subordinates?" the ring asked tentatively.

Tewell chuckled softly.

"Since you know these students are weak, why would I bother doing that?" he walked back to his desk. "Instead of pondering that, why don't you think about how to assist me in my research?"

The ring: "..."

So researching Voldemort's soul became Tewell's daily life. Of course, to enhance Percy's role, he also provided a lot of extra tutoring.

Mainly, he taught Percy Occlumency, to prevent others from reading his mind once he entered the Ministry.

But Percy's learning speed exceeded Tewell's expectations. Without neglecting his normal studies, he quickly mastered Occlumency in his spare time.

This gave Tewell a sense of character development, greatly increasing his interest in teaching Percy.

With progress in strength and evolution in thought, Percy's demeanor became somewhat mature. However, at Tewell's suggestion, he maintained a positive and lively demeanor externally.

Now, even Tewell couldn't help feeling strange when he looked at him—it seemed like Percy was imitating him.

Hiding desires beneath a gentle exterior.

Even the Weasleys, who knew Percy best, only envied his ability to have private lessons with the professor, without noticing his changes.

But compared to Percy's progress, Tewell was lagging far behind in his research on the Horcruxes.

But he couldn't afford to be impatient. After all, there were only seven Horcruxes, and he currently only had the crown and the ring in his possession.

If he messed up, he'd have nothing left to research!

Moreover, he still had to be a professor responsible for seven grades of classes.

...

In the third-grade classroom.

"I think you've already guessed," Tewell walked into the classroom carrying a cage, "that something is about to happen in our classroom."

"He grinned and said, 'Interesting creatures.'

"Bang!" As if in response, there was a sudden thud from inside the cage, startling the students.

However, instead of immediately uncovering the black cloth on the cage, he announced some news to the students.

"After discussion, Headmaster Dumbledore has agreed to my proposal to reform the final exam for Dark Arts Defense."

"In order for you to adapt to the O.W.L.s in two years, the exam will now consist of both theoretical and practical components!"

"Oh no!" George exclaimed in horror.

The students echoed his sentiment, and the entire classroom instantly became noisy, just like the first time Tewell taught them.

They had seen the situation of the fifth-grade students during this time. They were all day long holding papers and muttering things like "This is an easy question, be sure to remember it," looking nervous.

Some students had even started to resort to superstition, praying and behaving oddly.

They didn't want to end up like that!

But Tewell poured cold water on their hopes.

"What are you thinking? With your current magical reserves, you won't even have a chance to compare to the fifth graders!"

"... "

The students dared not speak up in anger, wishing they could perform a gesture for the professor—playing dead fish.

"Professor, you should have told us earlier, you got us all worried," George said with a wry smile.

"It's because you didn't listen carefully. In this year's final exam, both theory and practice are equally important. Failing theory means you'll be stuck with summer homework!"

"What about the practical part?" Roger Davies asked.

Tewell didn't answer that question. Instead, he gave him a meaningful smile, making the students shiver.

Just like in previous practical exercises, he led the students to the open space behind the classroom, facing them, and then placed the cage on the ground.

"Back to business. Today's lesson is to get acquainted with the cutie in the cage," Tewell uncovered the black cloth, "So, does anyone know what this is?"

Inside the cage was a creature with a completely black body, its hairless form looking somewhat grotesque. However, paired with its all-white eyes without pupils, most students lost the courage to mock it.

"Is this a Matagot?" Davies guessed.

"To be honest, it looks a bit like our pet rat, Speck," George quipped.

Fred immediately chimed in, "Hairless, ugly, with strange eyes. It could probably be Hogwarts' second ugliest creature."

Davies blinked, "What's the first?"

"Of course, it's Filch!" the twins burst into laughter.

The students couldn't help but laugh along, and Tewell grinned happily, watching them enjoy themselves.

"That's right, this is a Matagot, also known as a Magician Cat. They usually won't attack unless provoked."

He opened the cage, and the Magician Cat leaped out in front of the students.

"Unless, of course, you anger it."