Chapter 154 "Skyler's First Preparation"

On this delightful day, everyone reveled in joy.

Luna, Susan, and Astoria managed to "abduct" small Bowtruckles, adopting them as their charming pets.

"Please call us again when you are about to go on another trip like this one, Skyler!"

"I agree with that!"

"I will hate you all my life if you don't invite me the next time!"

Other girls wore expressions ranging from envy to curiosity, all imploring Skyler to bring them along for the next excursion.

"For lovely ladies like you, there's always room for more. So please, calm yourselves down." Skyler tried to quench their burning spirit.

"Once again, calm yourselves down. It would be no problem for me to bring you girls as long as you can keep your mouth shut from the Professors," Skyler assured, "You all did splendidly today. Perhaps a bit more time and patience, and soon you'll be reaping the rewards of newfound friendships."

"These little fellows are truly worth the effort to nurture a bond." Skyler spoke earnestly, "They aren't mere pets but companions. If you genuinely treat them as such, they'll become lifelong companions. Inherent to them is a unique connection with trees. With their presence, you'll never fear losing your way in the woods."

"Their nimble fingers even double as adept lock-pickers. When faced with magical doors impervious to unlocking spells, these creatures may prove unexpectedly resourceful, never deceived by magical trickery."

In the ensuing period, Skyler once again immersed himself in the realms of magic.

Upon his return from Druela's funeral, he discovered that his "to-be-studied" list had swelled with numerous additions to magical exploration.

From the prior semester to the current one, numerous magical research projects—previously shelved—were now progressing. According to Gilderoy's words, these included the "Homorphus Charm," designed to revert werewolves to their human form. Although many found it unbelievable due to his reputation, Skyler decided to give it a try and modified the Charm by putting his knowledge to work.

During the summer vacation, he obtained potion notes from the Tugwood family, sparking an interest in formulating a beauty potion for preserving a youthful appearance. Additionally, he delved into the cultivation of dwarf cattails.

At the onset of the current semester, Skyler accomplished the finalization of the protective magic known as "Divine Aegis" and also completed the practice for his Trinity theory on the same day. However, inspiration for the new magic inspired by "Homorphus Charm" struck him while examining Dumbledore's gift of the latest Abatel Volume in Skyler's connection, initiating dedicated research and practice for this endeavor.

Following the initial phase of the Triwizard Tournament, he found himself so engrossed that he hadn't yet perused the gift from acquired from Mr. Nott.

Subsequently, he incorporated research on "Injecting Spiritual Wisdom into the Patronus Charm," Snape's "Sectumsempra," Mr. Chang He's "Celestial Metamorphosis," the Rosier family element magic, and the modification of the Imperius Curse—focusing on the advanced application to the Curse, just like how the deadly Avada Kedavra could be used for healing, Skyler believe there is another use for the Imperius Curse as well.

Even with a time-turner, his cerebral capacity seemed insufficient for the task at hand.

It appeared that the time had come to seek assistance.

The exploration commenced with the Book of Truth. Despite its value, this book only contained the initial section. To create a flawed Philosopher's Stone akin to Nicolas Flamel's, sheer luck was still required. Moreover, the book didn't seem particularly beneficial for Skyler's current strength progression, which was a pressing concern.

Augmenting his strength became a paramount priority for Skyler. Regardless of its preciousness, everything else should not infringe upon his valuable time.

His initial step involved the guidance of the elf, leading him to visit the venerable Nott.

Subsequently, he and Mr. Nott employed the Floo network to apparate to Sardinia, Italy, the headquarters of the Medieval Wizards' Federation. As per Miss Giuliana's arrangement, the organization facilitated the collaboration of Mr. Nott with six preeminent alchemists from Europe for the study of the "Book of Truth."

The outcomes of the research would be disseminated among the Medieval Wizards' Federation, Mr. Nott, and Skyler. However, the exclusive authority to share it with the fourth party rested solely with Skyler.

Following this was the exploration of the "Fidelius Charm." He compiled the amassed information into a comprehensive volume and presented it to Daphne, Morag, and Cho. Thanks to Skyler's training over the past few years, Daphne and Morag boasted a sturdy foundation in utilizing and enhancing magical spells.

Since joining Professor Flitwick's Charms Club, Cho has made rapid advancements in the study of charms. Skyler felt reassured entrusting the matter to the capable trio. It was almost inconceivable that, with their combined intelligence and mental acuity, they couldn't rival Bill Weasley from the original work.

The subsequent task revolved around the cultivation of pygmy cattails. The recent visit to Bowtruckle Island made it evident that Luna, Susan, and Astoria possessed exceptional talents in the realm of magical animals.

Thus, Skyler delegated this responsibility to them, fueled by his confidence in their capabilities. He was convinced that with their skills, they could match or even surpass the achievements of Bill Weasley in the original narrative.

With the combined talents of the trio, coupled with women's inherent affinity for magical animals, couldn't they outshine the achievements of the Weasley twins in the original book?

As for the remaining pursuits — such as mastering Magus with the form, harnessing the wisdom of the patron saint, weaponless flight, phantom clones, and delving into elemental magic inherited from the Rosier family — these were all integral to enhancing his personal combat prowess. These matters were too intricate to delegate to others; Skyler had to shoulder the burden himself.

Skyler immersed himself in the monotonous realms of study and research as days passed, and soon February arrived.

Within Skyler's dormitory, Dobby stood respectfully before him, providing a detailed report on noteworthy events from the past month.

He informed Skyler that Harry had unraveled the mystery of the golden egg using a copy of "Merpeople: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Language and Customs." by Dylan Marwood, which he had chanced upon in the Gryffindor common room.

This comprehensive guide detailed the mermaid language, allowing Harry to deduce that the sharp sound emitted by the golden egg was actually the pronunciation of the mermaid language on land. Consequently, it needed to be submerged in water for comprehension.

Harry's current focus was on figuring out how to breathe underwater for an hour. Fueled by the fiery determination kindled in his heart by Hagrid's recent ordeal, he was driven by an unwavering spirit that refused to succumb to defeat. Eager for a triumph that would fulfill Hagrid's expectations, Harry yearned for victory!

In light of Hagrid's predicament, both Ron and Hermione dedicated themselves to assisting Harry. They delved into extensive research, poring over a multitude of information to help him unravel the secrets of breathing underwater.

The next matter at hand involved Miss Bathory, who successfully identified the five mysterious intruders that had infiltrated Hogsmeade.

Among them, four were notorious dark wizards known in Knockturn Alley, and the fifth was likely Madame Shabini, Blaise's mother. Using the land deed acquired earlier, Skyler discovered that the vacant hut where the five individuals stayed belonged to Madame Shabini's deceased third husband.

Consequently, the adversaries who posed a threat to him had been unveiled one by one. Eleanor and Catalina hailed from Walpurgis, having established connections with Hector Fawley of the Ghost Society.

The Ghost Society's membership count remained unknown, but it was undoubtedly limited. They exclusively admitted senior students from Slytherin, imposing stringent criteria related to family background and strength. The maximum allowable number of members was four.

However, Skyler is not inclined to underestimate the alliance between the Pure Blood Supreme Alliance and the Shadow Dragon. While not strictly aligned, both factions collaborated to deceive Skyler. It implies that Irina Selwyn and Miles Bletchley might also be implicated. In this scenario, the potential number of adversaries could extend to eight.

Moving on to the second faction, the Shadow Dragon poses a direct threat. Although Skyler is puzzled about why they haven't initiated contact yet, their audacity in approaching him first may have unintended advantages. The enemy count is precisely known – five individuals – and they are all under vigilant surveillance.

Especially with Morganna's current state being unknown to Skyler...

Despite the fact that these five wizards are adults and likely more formidable than the members of the first group, Skyler doesn't harbor excessive concerns. Unlike the stereotypical lone protagonist in other fan fiction, he is not alone; he has companions!

He exudes confidence with allies such as Miss Bathory, Anis, Werewolves, House-elves, Scrimgeour, the Aurors, the Greengrass family's guards, the Nott family's guards, and the Silver Spear Duelists.

"All adversaries, brace yourselves!

The main course of my revenge is about to be served!" Skyler announced proudly while puffing his chest.