Hogwarts Raven

"I can use the 'Twilight Zone' for smuggling!" Only those who have struggled financially understand the true value of money. 

This was the first bold idea that popped into Ian's mind. If he could use the 'Twilight Zone' for smuggling, who better than him to make golden Galleons? Those Aurors, the police of the Muggle world, even if they knew he was a smuggler, would be powerless to chase contraband into the 'Twilight Zone'! 

The more he thought about it, the more Ian felt this was a brilliant idea! Of course, entering the 'Twilight Zone' only once a week wasn't very efficient, so he'd probably have to focus on high-value goods. 

Dragon eggs? Western dragon corpses? Or even Gringotts' vaults! 

'Cough cough. That last one was a bit too ambitious and off-track…' Although Ian was tempted by this money-making scheme, he still had enough sense not to voice it.

He opened his mouth. Deep down, he knew that what the witch referred to as "more impressive things" probably wasn't this. While it seemed like a grand venture to him, most wizards clearly didn't care about golden Galleons.

"It's not about bringing things from the outside to hide here... But I also can't take things from here out." Ian frowned, lost in thought again.

At that moment, the witch spoke. "Alright, my apprentice, you're not strong enough yet. The time you can stay here is very limited, and I don't want to keep watching you squatting there like you're holding something in." It was hard to imagine such blunt words coming from a witch of her noble bearing, leaving Ian feeling awkward after being mocked.

"I was just thinking about what you said, Professor Mara," Ian defended himself.

"You have plenty of time to think once you return to the real world." The witch gently raised her hand, and a corner of the painting on the wall flowed toward Ian like clear water. Instinctively, Ian reached out. The liquid-like metal solidified into a wooden wand in his hand.

"Come on, show me." The witch turned her head toward the kitchen, and a squealing roasted suckling pig flew out— yes, a roasted suckling pig, still squealing as if it were alive.

Ian was stunned.

"I hope you haven't been slacking off." The witch rested her cheek on one hand, lazily leaning against the exquisite, shimmering chair. Her meaning was clear.

Ian immediately understood and pointed his wand at the "living suckling pig." 

"[Adventus Timoris]!" 

This magic shared similarities with [Legilimency], though it was much simpler. Its main function was to awaken the target's deepest, most direct fears. 

Everyone's fears are different, but everyone's subconscious knows its own fears. Well, probably even a roasted suckling pig? As the slightly grayish beam shot out, the seemingly alive roasted suckling pig let out a piercing, panicked screech. The sound made the furniture tremble in fear.

"Not bad." The witch seemed very pleased with Ian's performance, her smile growing more pronounced.

"All thanks to your teaching, Professor." Ian quickly offered some flattery.

The witch was clearly pleased. "Runes are not simple or easy to understand. For you to learn this magic in just seven days is quite exceptional, even in my time." The witch's praise was never reserved.

Ian appreciated that. "An excellent wizard needs an even more excellent wizard to teach them. I'm very fortunate to have met you, Professor Mara." Ian didn't hold back on the compliments. 

From her expression, he noticed that Professor Mara didn't seem to care much about whether her students were humble or not. After all, "Of course." The witch herself wasn't a humble wizard.

"The first time I learned this magic, it only took me two days. I knew I was destined to become a powerful wizard, and indeed, that's how it turned out." The witch proudly shared her story.

"..." Ian opened his mouth but hesitated to speak. However, the witch didn't notice. "In the information I left for you, I used some small tricks. The fact that you were able to learn this magic means you've at least mastered the application of Runes."

"This will save you a lot of trouble in your future studies." With another wave of her hand, the squealing roasted suckling pig lost its liveliness, returning to its fragrant state, and flew back toward the kitchen.

Ian couldn't help but marvel at the sight.

"Compared to learning magic, truly understanding the knowledge behind it is the most important thing. And Runes are the best key to helping wizards grasp the essence of magic." She paused for a moment before adding, "At least, that's how it is in my view." 

She still didn't speak with absolute certainty. Perhaps only when it came to learning knowledge did this witch show a rare hint of humility.

"Alright, I'll remember that." Ian nodded seriously for once.

"Regarding potions, I need to do some studying first. Before that, what you need to do is..." The witch was about to begin her formal teaching for Ian this time.

Suddenly, a cacophony erupted outside the castle.

"Huh?" Ian was startled. He quickly looked at the witch, only to see her expression shift from a smile to one of fury, as if she had just returned from a lecture under Snape.

Ian was about to cautiously ask what was happening, but the commotion outside made him realize.

"Pandero, is Ian really here?"

"Ariana! Trust me! Ian must have been captured by this evil woman!"

"I don't think the lady is bad, but her armor is really scary!"

"Don't be afraid; these things are nothing. Watch me skewer three... no, four at once!"

"Amazing! You're so strong!"

"Ha ha ha ha, the gate is right ahead! One kick and it'll split into over seven hundred pieces. I tried it last time."

...

The voices belonged to friends Ian knew well. It was Pandero, the lively friend from Ian's memories. The last comment made the witch, Mara, lose her composure. She cursed and waved her hand, causing the gates to swing open automatically.

Ian quickly looked over.

"Ah, the gate's open? What a shame, little girl, you won't get to see my heroic stance."

Sure enough, a boy dressed in simple burlap clothes, leading a pale-faced girl, strode in with confidence. It was the overbearing Pandero and the timid Ariana.

Seeing these two, Ian was both surprised and stunned.

The witch's reaction, however, was the complete opposite.

"Damn butcher! You think I'm afraid of you?" The witch roared.

But Ian couldn't help but feel that this roar... lacked a bit of conviction.

(End of Chapter)

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