pertwk Chapter 181 Christmas Thoughts
Chapter 181 Christmas Thoughts
Chapter 181 Christmas Thoughts
As the Christmas holidays approach, Hogwarts Castle is gradually immersed in the Christmas atmosphere. Similar to last year, a huge fir Christmas tree stands in the center of the foyer, covered with sparkling ornaments, dancing fairy dolls, and popping magic balls.
The Eagle's Nest was also decorated with festive colors. Fabian used magic to make several rose bushes in a corner bloom for a long time, emitting a faint fragrance.
They also made some Christmas decorations for them. Weiss used Transfiguration to make several Quidditch snowball decorations that rolled on their own, but they often rolled around randomly, so Ernesto strictly forbade them from going near his telescope. Ernesto, on the other hand, set up a miniature star map projection on the windowsill, showing a star map arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. The fireplace was roaring, dispelling the winter chill.
Karen sat in his portable alchemy workshop, a sheet of parchment spread out before him. His quill was dipped in ink, but he didn't put it down for a long time. He was pondering what Christmas gifts to choose for his family and roommates. His gaze fell on several stable magical alloys in the workshop, particularly concerning his father, David.
He recalled his father's interest in combining magic and engineering, and the disappointed look on his father's face when he complained about the inefficiency of the magical world. Perhaps he could create a magical version of his father's favorite tools, both practical and with a touch of magical fun.
Her mother, Emily, was meticulous and loved tending the garden, but she'd already given her gardening tools last year. As for magical plant seeds, Perena had already given her quite a few, and there weren't any other suitable seeds left. What should she give? Karen was a little perplexed. As for Lily, her gift would be simple; she was full of curiosity about the magical world. Karen smiled. A magical music box that could change color and play simple melodies according to her mood? Or a set of magical crayons that could draw on its own? As for her roommates, "Wesley," Karen stepped out of the workshop, looking at her red-haired roommate who was arguing with Ernesto about the tactics in the latest issue of *Quidditch Weekly*, "what kind of Christmas present do you want? Quidditch-related? Or a football?"
"Huh?" Wesley was interrupted, paused for a moment, then grinned. "Hehe, Karen, you know me! Quidditch, of course! Preferably a Nimbus 2000 maintenance kit! Or—how about the latest 'Walking Ball Dodgeball Training Dummy' model? But that's a bit pricey." He scratched his head.
"Fabian?" Karen turned to her roommate, who was intently watering the magical plant on the windowsill.
Fabian pushed up his glasses and said gently, "Me? Anything is fine. To be honest, I don't really want anything in particular."
Regarding plant seeds, Professor Sprout recently gave me some new seeds, but I haven't had a chance to plant them yet!
"Ernesto?" Karen looked at Ernesto again.
Ernesto didn't look up, his tone as reserved as ever: "I don't have many requirements for gifts. Besides, I like a lot of things."
Charms, alchemy, Quidditch, astrology, astronomy—anything goes!
Karen nodded, having made up her mind. She'd prepare a Nimbus 2000 maintenance kit and a small ball track simulator for Wesley, a simplified version based on the training dummy's function; for Fabian, she'd get a copy of his rare plant cultivation notes copied from Nico's library; and as for Ernesto, she'd make him an alchemical artifact!
As for himself, Karen remembered the two-way mirror in the workshop, and he went back into the workshop.
"Manifestation, a tranquil abode," Karen said clearly into the mirror.
The mirror rippled like water, and a few seconds later, the background of Nico's study, filled with alchemical instruments, was clearly revealed. However,
Sitting at the desk was not Nico, but Professor Castor. He seemed to be in better spirits than when they last met. He was toying with a black crystal in his hand, the Touch of Hermes, which seemed to have stars flowing inside.
"Karen." Castor's voice came through the mirror, low and slightly hoarse, revealing little emotion. His eyes swept over the Eagle's Nest behind Karen in the mirror.
"Teacher," Karen greeted respectfully, "your health—?"
Castor slightly raised his hand, interrupting his greeting, "No problem, it's pretty much the same as before. Did something happen that you were using the two-way mirror to communicate? Let's get down to business."
Karen, already used to her teacher's style, began to recount recent events: "The broomstick signal transmitter and the Eye of Record system that I proposed at Professor Flitwick's Charms Club have been performing very well in practice matches. They've collected a wealth of accurate data and even captured some of Slytherin's 'typical' fouls. The club is planning to use these to establish a standard for refereeing."
This is somewhat interesting, and I can share it with the teacher. Karen then briefly described the relevant events and their somewhat quirky and unique naming conventions.
Castor listened, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips. "Heh, 'Flint Standard Library'? That's quite fitting. As for Quidditch, I'm not particularly interested in the sport, but your method of analyzing Quidditch matches using data is quite intriguing. I look forward to seeing your invention in a match here in France someday."
"As for that Quirrell," Castor's voice turned cold, a chill flashing in his eyes, "and that wretched remnant soul clinging to life above his head. Nico has told me all about his condition: 'Extremely weak yet unusually resilient'? 'Unable to be eradicated by conventional means'? Hmph, truly abandoning even dignity for the sake of so-called immortality. Just like Gellert back then." He seemed to recall something,
His words trailed off, a complex and unreadable emotion flashing across his eyes. "A pathetic worm who survives by tearing apart his own soul, parasitizing cowards, dares to call himself a 'Dark Lord'? Truly a tragedy of our times."
He paused, seemingly sensing something, the cursed markings on his left arm glowing faintly. "What a pity. If it weren't for this damned curse," his voice deepened, carrying a rare hint of resentment and regret, "I really wanted to go and see for myself, to see how this so-called 'Second Generation Dark Lord' is barely clinging to life!"
"However, although I can't see him parasitizing others with my own eyes, if the plan goes smoothly, I can see him writhing in agony inside the forbidden container," Castor said with a hint of mockery, changing his previous tone.
Castor quickly composed himself, reverting to his usual cold and hard demeanor: "Keep an eye on him. Nico's vessel is almost ready. Since that old bee Dumbledore has given his approval, there won't be a second chance. But Cullen, you must be careful. Even if you don't capture Voldemort's soul, it doesn't matter; your safety is the most important thing."
"I understand, teacher. I will be careful," Karen promised solemnly.
"Hmm." Castor said no more, seemingly tired from the tiring conversation. He waved his hand casually. "Alright, go back to what you're doing." The mirror rippled, the image disappeared, and Karen's figure by the Eagle's Nest window reappeared.
Karen put away the two-way mirror, but the sense of urgency in her heart did not lessen despite the festive atmosphere. The container Nico was making and Quirrell's deteriorating condition were like invisible threads, entangled in the castle's joyful facade. He made up his mind: he would stay at Hogwarts this Christmas holiday.
"Karen, are you done talking with Professor Castor?" Wesley's voice came through, tinged with curiosity. "Is the professor—alright?"
Karen walked back to the warm fireplace, looking at her three roommates' concerned gazes. "Yeah, we're done talking. The professor is still the same. Besides, nothing serious." She paused, "Oh, by the way, I'm not going home for Christmas this year; I'm staying at school."
"Huh? Why?" Wesley asked in surprise.
"The plans have changed; they're going to travel to the US for the holidays. And I have a feeling something might happen at school during the holidays." He didn't say it explicitly, but the seriousness in his eyes made his three roommates immediately understand what he meant.
Ernesto frowned. "Because of Quirrell? Or is there something else?"
Fabian adjusted his glasses worriedly. "Is it dangerous? Should we stay with you?"
Karen shook his head, his tone firm: "No need. You should go home and reunite with your families. I'm a smaller target, which is actually more convenient for me. I'll stay in the Eagle's Nest; it's safe here. Besides, I need a quiet environment to continue my research on the energy decay of the protective badges, and..." He pointed to the portable workshop, "to study Professor Nico's notes on the connection between soul fragments and the Helbo Curse. You all go back and enjoy the holidays, just keep in touch."
Wesley was about to say something when Ernesto tugged at him and looked at Karen: "Alright, Karen. Since you've made up your mind. But be careful! Contact us anytime!"
"Don't worry," Karen gave a reassuring smile. "I will. I'll reinforce the Eagle's Nest's defenses one more time before you leave. Now, let's think about what gifts to prepare for home."
The fireplace crackled, and snowflakes fell silently outside the window. The Eagle's Nest was filled with the scent of pine branches and the aroma of gifts, but amidst this warm Christmas atmosphere, Karen's heart was already preparing for a possible storm. The shadows of the castle seemed deeper than the darkness of the winter night.