The Pacifist Necromancer of Hogwarts

Okay, magic experiment...'operate the instrument according to the instructions of Mr. Nico Flamel.' Anthony whispered, opened the chicken's mouth, and inserted the stone.

After being let go by him, the chicken fluttered its wings, pecked his hand angrily, and lowered its head to comb its feathers intently.

Anthony waited quietly for a while. According to the experimental design, at this time they should observe and record the reaction of the experimental subjects to the alchemical products.

If the chicken suddenly crows, Anthony should immediately cast undead magic on the wraith chicken, and if it lies down motionless, Dumbledore needs to drip phoenix tears onto its comb. Then, in theory, the wraith chicken should spit out the stone, and they need to draw the pattern that appears on the stone, record the color and time of appearance, and analyze the pattern based on ancient runes, alchemy, and astronomy.

But the chicken was just preening its feathers and stared blankly at the sparrows landing on the branches outside the window for a while, then paced back and forth on the stone table, tilting its head to study Dumbledore's beard.

What then, sir? Anthony couldn't help but ask.

I guess that's the end of it, said Dumbledore, watching the Wraith Chicken jump into Anthony's lap and peck at his buttons out of boredom.

What? The Wraith Chicken has a stable mood and a great appetite? Anthony asked, circling his fingers to tease his pet. The Wraith Chicken took his finger and bit it gently.

Dumbledore smiled: No, Henry. The stone disappeared.

Well...it's natural, isn't it? Anthony asked confused, It was eaten.

Henry, this chicken is a wraith. Dumbledore reminded him, I remember you told me that things eaten by a wraith have only two consequences: disappear, that is, merge into the wraith, or fall out and become Like ghosts usually go through.”

Anthony stared at the transparent body of the Wraith Chicken for a while, and had to admit that Dumbledore was right. He is so accustomed to his resentful spirits that sometimes he can't help but treat them as ordinary pets.

So it did eat it, but it didn't produce any reaction. This means... Anthony said, slowly catching up with the train of thought, Mr. Flamel's alchemy product and the Wraith Chicken are not mutually exclusive, right? Is Mr. Mei’s guess correct?”

Nico's guess and ours are correct, it's just that this is a theoretical experiment for him. Of course he wouldn't expect things to go so well. Dumbledore said, And this proves that time really doesn't matter. I really want to Nico knows that.”

Does Mr. Flamel still not know that we are trying his idea? Anthony asked.

Strictly speaking, he doesn't know. Dumbledore said pointedly. Ever since he created the Philosopher's Stone, he has announced that he only conducts theoretical academic research and does not involve any specific things or alchemical experiments. . Of course, making the elixir for his and Perenal's use doesn't count, since Potions has always declared that the elixir is their business and not an alchemical experiment.

The expensive alchemical instruments still stood quietly on the stone table, and the golden scales were shaking slightly. Sunlight shines in through the gap at the top of the curtain, and the thin rod that was chewed off by the Wraith Chicken reflects a dizzyingly beautiful light.

Nico just sent me the model of the alchemical instrument for academic discussion, and he enthusiastically attached all the design operation steps, and also added some details about the imaginary experimental subject-a wraith chicken, which is very specific. It's really It's strange what the experimental results might be.

He's so warm-hearted, Anthony commented.

Dumbledore said slyly: Indeed, Henry. He does.

…

To celebrate the initial success of the experiment, Anthony bought a large bottle of Coke before the supermarket closed. The Wraith Chicken put its head into the glass to study it. After being pushed away by Anthony, it angrily flew to the bedroom to look for mice.

Anthony vaguely felt that the mouse was a little dissatisfied. He took a curious look and found that the Wraith Chicken was standing in front of the apples, seemingly considering whether he could hatch them.

He shrugged and turned his head. Dumbledore was staring with interest at the tiny bubbles slowly rising in the brown drink.

By the way, sir, have you ever heard of a house elf named 'Dobby'?

Dumbledore raised his head: No, Henry, at least that's not the name of the elf at Hogwarts. What's wrong?

Mr. Potter said that this elf named Dobby gave him a warning. Anthony said, He seemed to have heard that Hogwarts was very dangerous, and thought that Mr. Potter must never return to school-

A smile actually appeared on Dumbledore's face. He said, Ah, that's why Harry lives with Arthur and Molly.

Anthony did not expect Dumbledore's conclusion to jump so far, and paused: That's right. Dobby warned Mr. Potter that the school is already very dangerous, and if he returns to Hogwarts, his life may be in danger. He glanced at Dumbledore and added, He also mentioned dark magic, and even thought it was dark magic that could be hidden from you.

What do you think that is, Henry? Dumbledore asked.

Anthony said hesitantly: Sir, Mr. Lockhart is not Voldemort, is he?

Dumbledore chuckled, put down the glass, and asked with interest: Do you think he is?

I don't know, Anthony admitted. After the last semester, he was completely afraid to declare confidently that he could tell who Voldemort was.

I don't know either, Dumbledore said. After all, you said it was dark magic that could be hidden from me. But why Gilderoy, Henry?

Just a guess, he is Professor Quirrell's successor after all. Anthony said, If I were Voldemort - which I'm not, by the way, sir - I might try to get up from where I fell? And I don’t know why Mr. Lockhart suddenly decided to give up the career he loves and is good at and come to Hogwarts to be a professor.”

Very interesting, Dumbledore mused, but allow me to remind you of a few things, Henry. First, I know that there are no house elves in Gilderoy's household. This is understandable, since he always needs Going on adventures in various places, it would be too inappropriate to bring elves with you... It's missing some exciting and thrilling plots, isn't it?

Yes, sir. But if Dobby had only heard it from other people—

Dumbledore raised a hand and continued: Secondly, Gilderoy did not suddenly decide to give up his career. We sent invitations to everyone we could think of who had made achievements in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Gilderoy hesitated for a while, and after we ensured that no one would interfere with his choice of textbooks and teaching methods, he finally agreed to come to Hogwarts to teach. Of course, I must say that I personally think Harry also played a role in it. There’s been some push.”

Anthony asked in surprise: Potter?

I have an old friend. Dumbledore smiled. He likes to collect students with talent and potential. If I hadn't clearly known that his talent was not in Defense Against the Dark Arts, I dare say that as long as I put Ha If Lee is brought to him, it will be difficult for him to refuse the offer from Hogwarts. You may not be able to imagine it, Henry, but 'becoming Harry Potter's professor' is indeed a condition that will make many people's hearts flutter.

I don't think Potter likes his fame very much, Anthony muttered.

Yes. Dumbledore agreed, This is what makes Harry valuable. One of the valuable things, if you allow me to say so, is that I can see many excellent qualities in Harry.

Including his amazing calmness? I'm impressed that he didn't become resentful of his guardian.

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows: His guardian?

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, if I heard their surnames correctly, said Anthony, it sounds like they hate magic and - if you'll pardon my choice of words, sir - almost abuse Potter. At least mentally.

It was the first time that Anthony saw Dumbledore look so serious. His sharp blue eyes stared intently at Anthony: Abuse?

Perhaps not a beating, Anthony explained, seeing Dumbledore's expression, but they never allowed the boy to be happy, sir. They gave him second-hand clothes, cold potato chips, the smallest room, and the most chores. .

Dumbledore said softly: A lot of people are wearing second-hand clothes, Henry.

But Mr. and Mrs. Dursley did this not because they were powerless. Anthony said seriously. Judging from Potter's description of the Dursleys, they are actually fully capable of giving Potter better terms - —They even have four game consoles at home and buy new ones every year, but Potter is not allowed to touch them.

Dumbledore said slowly: Hagrid mentioned that there is a boy in the Dursley family...

I think that was his cousin, Anthony said. Hagrid and I had described Mr. Potter's guardian family, but I made the mistake of not realizing at the time that he was not exaggerating, but rather making it light. You You probably know that Hagrid has been talking about how he added a pig tail to the boy who was not very fat and healthy, and he clearly wanted to directly turn the person into a pig.

Dumbledore was silent, touching his fingertips together and staring at the coke bubbles stuck to the wall of the glass. He looked suddenly tired.

I'm not blaming you when I say this, sir. Anthony said quickly, You are certainly not responsible for the family background of your students. I'm just a little confused, considering that Potter and his guardian hate each other, why no one in the wizarding world wants to Are you going to adopt Potter?

No, you did just make an accusation against me, Henry, even if you didn't realize it. Dumbledore said softly, And I have nothing to defend myself. In response to your question, the answer is because I don't Agreed for anyone to adopt Harry.

Anthony didn't expect this answer at all. He was speechless for a moment and just stared at Dumbledore. The golden reflection of the alchemy instrument shone on Dumbledore's face, making his crooked nose even more obvious under the light and shadow.

I dare not let Harry grow up in the wizarding world. At that time, this place was full of Voldemort's followers, and betrayal and death were performed every day. Dumbledore said calmly, Even if we do find someone who will not surrender, Voldemort's family, I can still see the danger in letting Harry grow up in the wizarding world. Some people will regard him as a hero, praise him, and worship him, which will not do any good for his growth; He saw it as a tool for his own fame, prematurely exposing Harry to crazy cameras and quills.

Anthony could easily think of counterexamples: Arthur and Molly can't.

Yes, they won't, but other wizards will still do it, said Dumbledore. People will come after Harry, and the best way I can think of is for Harry to grow up with , as far away from the wizarding world as possible. And when Harry came into school, I looked at him and couldn't help but notice what a humble, smart, sweet kid he had grown into.

Anthony couldn't help but said: I don't know what the wizarding world is like as you do, sir, but Mr. Potter's guardians are definitely not the best choice among non-magical people. They are just related to Mr. Potter by blood.

Dumbledore blinked and said, Yes, so they are the easiest choice to think of and the most correct choice, aren't they?

The most correct choice? Anthony asked, Sir, I admit that Potter has some excellent qualities, but I can't say it is because of his relatives. If his relatives have done anything that may benefit Mr. Potter The thing is, that makes Potter infinitely fond of magic. But I wonder how many wizards have seen Mr. Potter in his guardian's home—

Dumbledore said softly: I went to see Harry, Henry. I went to the Dursleys' house.

Anthony paused. Dumbledore seemed lost in memories, his brows furrowed slightly, looking almost confused.

Harry was mowing the grass, he said. Harry was mowing the grass and singing at the same time. He looked a little thin, but at the same time very healthy. He almost looked happy. The sun was shining brightly that day, and I looked at it. He didn’t feel anything was wrong in his heart.”

Anthony pointed out: Mr. Potter said he had barely worn any new clothes, and that a child that young in a middle-class Muggle family should not be sent out to mow the lawn.

In fact, he thought Dumbledore was referring to tending the garden.

Oh, Henry, said Dumbledore calmly, I beg you to forgive me. I used to cut the grass at home and my brother tended the sheep. I didn't know - I think I forgot - I thought this was Normal. I thought that's what a family should be like, if you'll allow me to say that. I knew it wasn't the best, but I probably didn't think about it at the time.