Chapter 80 Director Dumbledore’s level-breaking game

Chapter 80 Director Dumbledore's level-breaking game

The exams are finally done, and it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Enjoy the upcoming days, and then it's time to look forward to the holidays! However, Hermione observed that Neville's expression was troubled after lunch.

"Neville, haven't you had a good rest?" she asked.

Neville put on a brave front, offering a reluctant smile, "It's okay, just a nightmare." 

Jerry chimed in, "Neville has been experiencing nightmares for several nights in a row. I suggested he visit the school hospital to ask Madam Pomfrey for some Dreamless Sleeping Potion, but he hasn't gone yet and didn't want to worry you by mentioning it." 

Ron added his perspective, "In my opinion, it's exam-related anxiety! I've heard from George and others that many students go through it. But it usually subsides after the exams." 

Neville nodded, "Well, I guess I was overly stressed about my grades. Now that the exams are behind us, I shouldn't be haunted by nightmares anymore."

In fact, Ted found himself struggling with a dilemma for several days - whether or not to become involved in the Philosopher's Stone incident. Intervening could pose significant dangers. 

Truth be told, the entire world has undergone substantial changes. The designated savior is Neville. Considering the potential threat posed by Quirrell and Voldemort, we're uncertain about the challenges set by the professors. With our current capabilities, it is really dangerous make hasty intervention. Nevertheless, Dumbledore has a well-devised plan. As per the original book, if Harry hadn't approached the Mirror of Erised, Quirrell wouldn't have been able to access the Sorcerer's Stone. Yet, a new predicament arises. Director Dumbledore is evidently overseeing the entire process, even personally arranging the props.

Dumbledore is training his chosen one to confront Voldemort in the future. So, can Dumbledore afford to let Neville remain uninvolved in this critical matter? There's a fear that without proactive action, they might end up being led there passively, correct?

Considering Dumbledore is overseeing everything, at least under his guidance, the risk of death is minimized. So, what is there to be afraid of?

The Philosopher's Stone incident represents my sole opportunity to engage with top alchemical products in the magical world. It's a mission of an exceptionally high level, promising substantial rewards. The question is, do I want to participate or not?

Now, when Neville shared his nightmares, it became Ted's final opportunity to decide. Numerous thoughts raced through Ted's mind, and he ultimately concluded, "Let's do it, brothers." 

Rather than being drawn into Director Dumbledore's plan passively, taking the initiative and keeping Director Dumbledore behind the scenes seems a better approach.

With Dumbledore in charge, it would be regrettable not to give it a try. Moreover, if Neville can't evade involvement, Harley, Ron, and others would follow. Should Hermione and Ted stay out of the situation?

Keeping themselves out of the matter might mean Neville and the others wouldn't even know what Voldemort looked like without Director Dumbledore secretly manipulating events.

Ted's expression grew solemn as he directed his serious gaze at Neville. Ron's heart tightened abruptly; the moment was approaching. Jerry felt a shiver down his spine, reminiscent of the last time Ted wore such an expression during the Mirror of Erised incident, signaling the onset of challenging winter training ahead.

Addressing Neville slowly, Ted inquired, "Neville, how are you dealing with your recent scar?" 

Neville, taken aback, responded hesitantly, "It hurts, just a bit. Lately, during midnight nightmares, the scar will suddenly hurt and wakes me up!" 

Ron immediately gave Neville a pat, saying, "Brother, why didn't you share this with us?!"

Neville scratched his head, expressing, "I was worried it would frighten you." 

The "S"-shaped scar serves as a symbol of triumph over the mysterious man. The pain from the scar, coupled with the nightmares, is genuinely concerning. 

Ted inquired, "So, what were you dreaming about?" 

Ron was perplexed by Ted's question; he had no knowledge of Neville's nightmares, having dreams of Snape himself.

Neville explained, "I dreamt about the mysterious figure who drank unicorn blood that night." 

His countenance soured as he continued, "I had this recurring dream for several nights, always waking up in pain. It's been an unsettling experience." 

At that moment, the friends sensed an underlying issue, particularly noting Ted's unusually serious demeanor. Ted took out his wand, twirled it on his fingertips, and then cast a spell to shield the conversation from eavesdropping.

Ted stated, "You're aware of my constant vigilance regarding the Forbidden Forest, and I've confirmed the presence of an exceedingly dangerous dark wizard there attempting to scheme with the unicorn." 

"Unicorn blood is remarkably potent. Even on the brink of death, it can sustain your life. However, one would endure a formidable curse for the remainder of their existence. Hence, even a dark wizard wouldn't risk engaging with a unicorn. That's the general consensus."

Harley inquired, "So, who was it that night? Their actions were incredibly erratic!" 

Ted whispered, "I suspect it was a mysterious man!" 

"Who?!" Ron's voice escalated to a dolphin-like squeal, eyes wide with astonishment. 

Ted maintained a composed expression as he reiterated, "I suspect the person consuming unicorn blood is a mysterious man." 

"Mysterious man?!" Harley's eyes also widened in surprise.

Even the eldest Gryffindor, the Boxing Champion of Hogwarts, harbors a deep fear of the Dark Lord. After all, I have been exposed to tales of his cruelty and malevolence since childhood, making it impossible not to carry some shadow.

For their generation, Voldemort stands as a legendary monster— a figure their parents invoked to ward off tears and fears in the night. And to a certain extent, Voldemort remains a personal adversary who took away her parents' lives.

Though Voldemort didn't directly cause their demise, the Potters met a tragic end due to their confrontation with him. For Neville, it's even more profound—a genuine blood feud that claimed both his father and mother. 

Ted remarked, "Rumors circulate in the magical world that the mysterious man is not entirely deceased, or at least not completely dead."

"Now we're all aware that Dumbledore concealed the only magical stone in the world capable of producing the Elixir of Life underground on the third floor." 

"I've also learned that someone discovered the weakness of the three-headed dog guarding the secret door from Hagrid." 

"Additionally, there are individuals hunting unicorns in the Forbidden Forest and drinking their blood..." 

"The mysterious man is planning a resurrection?!" Neville's face flushed, his eyebrows almost reaching his hairline, clutching tightly onto the unicorn hair wand left by his father.

"We have to do something!" Harley also shouted with wide eyes.

Hermione swiftly pulled Harley aside, urging, "We must inform Dumbledore immediately!" 

Ron interjected, "But we don't know the password. The headmaster's office requires a password for entry." 

"Let's go to Professor McGonagall!" Jerry suggested. The six of them rushed to Professor McGonagall's office.

"Professor, we urgently need to see the headmaster. It's a matter of utmost importance," Harry asserted, leaning on Professor McGonagall's desk.

Professor McGonagall surveyed the group, her "favorite disciples," and adjusted her glasses. "The headmaster is exceptionally busy, and seeing you without a valid reason is currently impossible."

Just as Neville was about to speak, Ron covered his mouth.

Professor McGonagall regarded the group and explained, "Moreover, he's not currently on school grounds."

"Not at school?"

"That's correct. The Ministry of Magic required Dumbledore's attention, so he left without lunch."

"When will he return?"

"I have no idea."

The six people exited Professor McGonagall's office, their expressions collectively uneasy. At such a crucial moment, Dumbledore's absence from school was unexpected.

"What should we do?" Ron inquired.

"How about we wait for the headmaster to return?" Jerry suggested.

"No!" Neville promptly dismissed Jerry's proposal. "We can't allow the mysterious man to obtain the Sorcerer's Stone. We have to stop him! We need to act proactively!"

He looked at the group, seeking their support.

Harley immediately nodded, determined not to let her enemy achieve their goal.

Ron also nodded, unaware of the actual danger in this situation.

Ted affirmed, "We must take action."

Observing Ted's agreement, Hermione added, "I have to accompany you to prevent from doing something stupid."

Jerry nodded quickly: "Don't leave me behind!"

The six of them agreed to meet outside the classroom on the left side of the third floor at 11 o'clock in the middle of the night.

"Ding~Trigger the task:

[Level-breaking game (Blue)]

Don't miss out on Dumbledore's specially crafted growth and adventure game for the savior and their friends at Hogwarts.

Goal: Complete seven levels of challenge.

Reward: 300 experience, random cards.

Director Dumbledore has already written the script, arranged the props and set, and invited famous actors to play the villains. All that's missing is you! "

"Ding~Trigger the task:

[Can I touch your magic stone? (Red)]

Nicholas Flamel's pinnacle alchemical creation, the singular and legendary Philosopher's Stone, exists solely in the magical realm.

Goal: Make contact the magic stone.

Reward: 1200 experience points, +lv1 alchemy, card [Pseudo·Philosopher's Stone (Red)].

After this stage, there won't be a second chance~"

Hey guys, we've got two missions, one in red and one in blue. This adventure promises significant rewards! 

But how do I make contact with the magic stone? Let's not underestimate Director Dumbledore's ability to play tricks on us~

(End of this chapter)

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