[HP] Spring Mountain is Sleeping

In the dim light of a cold full moon and magic candles, a winter supper is over.

"Need I say that your cooking skills are finally improving?" Severus shot Tom a look, then went back to tending to the cauldron simmering on the stove.

"That's good."

As if nothing had happened, Tom cast the Levitation Charm and cleared the dishes and cutlery, and stacked them next to the stove, asking, "How is your magic coming back?"

"You have the wand in your hand, how would I know?" Severus asked a little reproachfully.

"Come on, try it."

Tom couldn't help laughing, covering Severus' hand that held the stirring rod, and with the other he handed the off-white wand to its owner.

Severus reluctantly gave up his stir stick and picked up his wand.He held it in his hand for a while, turning his wrist constantly, as if he was getting used to the long-lost feeling of channeling magic.Then, pointing his wand at the cave wall, he wondered which spell to say first.

"Well, do whatever you want, start with the simplest." Tom stroked Severus' stiff back with one hand, letting him relax, "The magic will always recover."

"Fluorescence - flickering."

Tom could hear that Severus' voice was tense, even a little trembling. Fortunately, just as he finished speaking, the tip of his wand emitted a bluish white light.

"Very well, the magic is growing." Tom encouraged him, "Try something else."

With the first time, Severus seemed to regain his confidence: "Clear water—like a spring."

A misdirected stream of water managed to wet his legs, and he then cast a Drying Charm on them.Then he applied "Grow Bigger" to a small cauldron, turning it back to how it was.

"Very well," said Tom.

Severus decided to try higher-level offensive and defensive spells, although after trying several spells in a row, he already felt a little tired.

"Except you—weapon."

The flash of the Disarming Charm spewed out of the wand, but it was much dimmer than before, unfortunately there weren't any weapons in the cave to dispel it, so Severus didn't know if it had any effect.

"Little Potter boy cast this spell on you?" Severus seemed to suddenly remember something.

"Yes, although it was only my shadow he shattered, he took the Elder Wand away." Tom lowered the magic candle a little so that he could see the color change of the potion in the cauldron, and spoke in a casual, as if Just a duel club practice.

Severus raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"But you already know that Potter is the master of the Elder Wand?"

"Yes, that's why I used shadow magic."

"Then what do you mean by letting Nagini bite me?"

"I just wanted to give you a chance to tell Potter about the Horcrux. I know he's there, wearing the Invisibility Cloak."

"A guy without logic. In my impression, you like Avada very much."

"If you don't, how will Potter trust you? Don't forget that he was hating you at that time." Tom also raised an eyebrow, and expertly grabbed a small handful of hellebore slices and threw them into the cauldron , "I have met many people in Avada, but there is no way, they are my enemies. But you are different, your reputation is as important to me as my own."

"You did all this just to come to the cave and enjoy an uninterrupted night?"

"Some things are boring." Tom shook his head. "Rivedale is definitely not something everyone can enjoy. I bet Lucius has never seen this thing."

"Then what are your plans for the future?"

"Don't think so much. I'll take you down the mountain when the snow and ice melt next spring, but the only people living around here are Muggles." Tom said while stirring the potion in the cauldron, "You've been It's sure to be boring in here, but you'd better practice Apparating first."

"Humph."

"The port key can be used, but it is inconvenient after all."

Severus glanced at Tom, got up suddenly, and went to rummage through the books of spells on the shelf of the desk.

"Validation without a trace and the Portkey are essentially transfer spells. If similar spells can be modified or synthesized..."

"Sev, instead of inventing spells right now, I suggest you consider going back to sleep first. I can Disapparate with you."

It was a good idea to use a diversion spell, but Tom didn't want Severus to be burdened by it.