31: Hidden Achievements

Many Thanks to Angelo Meßmer, Jan, Tyler A, Florian geht niemanden was an, Yennekk, Shadowsages, Pendecho, Mo, and D WM for becoming Patrons!♥♥

⊹⋛⋋( ՞ਊ ՞)⋌⋚⊹

_________

"Oh, now that everyone has eaten and drunk their fill, I have a few more words to say to you all."

Dumbledore's old voice echoed throughout the hall: "As we begin the new term, I want to give you a few reminders."

"First, a note to the new students: No one is allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest on the school grounds. Some of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

As he said this, Dumbledore's twinkling eyes briefly flickered towards the Weasley twins.

"In addition, Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be performed in the corridors during class breaks."

"The Quidditch tryouts will be held during the second week of term. Students interested in joining their House team should contact Madam Hooch."

"Finally, I must inform you all," Dumbledore's eyes grew serious, "that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death."

Hearing this, the new students were left puzzled.

Isn't Hogwarts supposed to be the safest place?

"Now, before we all head to bed, let's sing the school song together!"

When Ivan heard the mention of the school song, he noticed that the smiles of the professors at the staff table suddenly stiffened.

Dumbledore gave a casual flick of his wand, and a long golden ribbon flew out, snaking and twisting above the tables until it formed lines of text.

"Everyone choose your favorite tune!"

Dumbledore said, "Ready, sing!"

hen all the teachers and students sang loudly:

♫♪Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald,

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot...♪♫

Everyone finished singing the school song in a rather scattered fashion, with only the Weasley twins continuing to sing along to the slow melody of the "Funeral March."

Dumbledore conducted the final few bars for the two of them with his wand, and when they finished, his applause was the loudest.

"Ah, music~," he said, wiping his eyes, "is more magical than anything else we do here!"

"It's time to go to bed. Everyone, head back to your dormitories."

After Dumbledore finished speaking, he leaned over and said something to McGonagall. She looked puzzled but nodded in agreement.

[Ding!]

[Hidden Achievement Unlocked: 'Sorting Feast']

[Sorting Feast]

Description: Congratulations to the host for completing the once-in-a-lifetime Sorting Ceremony. The magical world is now officially open to you.

Reward: 1 AP, Mysterious Wardrobe x1

'A Hidden achievement?'

The sudden system notification surprised Ivan. It was the first time he realized that his system contained hidden achievements.

And if there was a hidden achievement for the Sorting Feast, would there be others?

For example, the first Christmas, first-year graduation, and so on?

Ivan felt as though he had just gained an additional task at Hogwarts—to explore the castle and uncover more hidden achievements.'

'Another AP gained.'

The value of potential points was undeniable. With 5 points in his magic attribute, Ivan was already on the path to becoming a naturally great wizard.

As long as he continued to grow step by step, he could reach or even surpass Dumbledore's level without relying on external forces.

However, Ivan didn't add the points immediately. He needed to think carefully about how to use them.

Additionally, Ivan was very curious about the new system reward, the "Mysterious Wardrobe." He had no idea what its purpose might be.

[Mysterious Wardrobe]

Description: A wardrobe connected to an unknown magical secret realm. Open it, and you can enter a mysterious magical kingdom/Realm.

Status: Ready to be collected (Ask if you wish to collect it)

"Hmm?"

"Ivan?"

Hermione, walking alongside Ivan as they followed Percy to the Gryffindor dormitory, looked at him in confusion. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing, I just tripped," Ivan replied casually before focusing again on the description of the 'Mysterious Wardrobe.'

'A connection to an unknown magical secret realm...'

'So it's essentially a door to a certain space?'

Ivan realized that once the mysterious wardrobe was collected, it couldn't be stored away again—it would exist in the physical world as a tangible object.

"Ivan, Ivan!"

Before Ivan could think further, Professor McGonagall's voice called from the back of the group.

"Percy, I need to speak with Mr. Ambrosius here," Professor McGonagall said. "Take the students to the dormitory."

"Okay, Professor."

Percy nodded and led the younger students away. Ivan gave Hermione a reassuring glance and then approached McGonagall. "Professor, is something the matter?"

"Come with me."

Professor McGonagall motioned for Ivan to follow. They walked through the castle, illuminated by the orange glow of burning candles, all the way to the headmaster's office on the seventh floor.

"Cockroach Cluster."

McGonagall recited the password, and the two ascended the spiral staircase.

Throughout the journey, Ivan remained silent, simply following McGonagall.

"Albus."

They entered the headmaster's office, and McGonagall addressed Dumbledore. "I've brought the student."

"Ah, thank you, Minerva."

Dumbledore smiled kindly and gestured for Professor McGonagall to wait outside, as he wished to speak to Ivan alone.

"Please make it quick, Albus."

Professor McGonagall said, "This child must be exhausted after a long day."

"I know, I know," Dumbledore responded quickly, assuring her it would only take a little time.

"Alright then."

McGonagall exited the headmaster's office and closed the door behind her.

Now, only Ivan and Dumbledore were left in the office. The portraits of past headmasters on the walls were curiously watching the young wizard who had been summoned by the headmaster on his first day at school.

"Professor Dumbledore."

Ivan politely asked the old man why he had called him, and Dumbledore smiled and nodded. "What we're about to discuss may not be suitable for others to hear, wouldn't you agree?"

As he said this, Dumbledore raised his hand, and a silent magic enveloped the entire headmaster's office.

The paintings, which had been expecting something interesting, fell silent, ensuring that the conversation between Dumbledore and Ivan would not be overheard.

"You've asked me here because of what's inside me, haven't you?"

Ivan didn't directly mention the Obscurus. Instead, he raised his hand, palm facing up, and a swirl of black mist poured out, quickly spreading throughout the office.

"A remarkable talent," Dumbledore remarked, his eyes filled with both surprise and concern. "But child, do you know what this is?"

"I didn't know at first, but I found something similar in a book I bought recently."

Ivan spoke plainly. "It's an Obscurus, isn't it, Professor?"

"Ah, yes... Obscurus..."

Dumbledore's expression shifted, recalling painful memories from his past.

Others might not know Dumbledore's connection to Obscurials, but Ivan was well aware.

Dumbledore's sister Ariana and his nephew Aurelius (Credence) were both Obscurials.

In a way, the Dumbledore family had been destroyed by the Obscurus.

________

15 Chaps ahead

P@treon.com/HornyFBI