Chapter 655: The Importance of Sniffing

"That's not mine, just borrowed for the time being," Harry hesitated, "I returned it to Headmaster Dumbledore last night."

"Returned it to Dumbledore—" Grindelwald stared at Harry in astonishment, "You mean, this originally belonged to him?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry said, steeling himself.

"Why did Dumbledore lend it to you?"

"I think it's because, uh, because my body was in a bit of a state, and this ring could help me. But I don't need it now," Harry said vaguely, wondering if Professor Babbling had guessed something. Was it his own mention of it, or did she recognize the Resurrection Stone? But how could she... Just as Harry was lost in his thoughts, Grindelwald gently shifted the topic.

"Right, you haven't been in class for a while," Grindelwald stared into the flames of the fireplace absentmindedly, then after a while said, "So it was because of this."

Harry suddenly had a feeling of being caught.

Professor Babbling might have known all along, knew that the gem set in the ring was one of the Deathly Hallows, perhaps it was when he left the hospital yesterday, wearing it on his way to the Great Hall, because Professor Babbling seemed more concerned about the ownership of the ring than the ring itself.

"You're right, Harry, I probably know what that thing is," Grindelwald came back to his senses, speaking in a calm tone, "Decades ago—Grindelwald once sent people to investigate the whereabouts of that thing, and I was one of the informants. I'm worried you just got it inadvertently, or were used by someone with a purpose... But since it's Dumbledore's..."

He didn't continue, seeming to believe that the Resurrection Stone was safe in Dumbledore's hands, he slightly raised his tone.

"Well, let's skip this interesting episode. Harry, have some biscuits—" Harry picked up a biscuit. "I heard your Patronus is quite unique, not only powerful but also capable of physical attacks?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry said, slightly excited. He tried not to think about his magic book that he had written half of and was currently at a standstill.

"Then you must realize: the importance of steadfast belief to a wizard."

"What—?" Harry looked at him puzzled.

"Belief, Harry," Grindelwald repeated slowly, "Wizards, at a certain level, move from specific spells to contemplate broader concepts, but that's just the surface. They are actually interpreting their understanding of the essence of magic in their own way."

"Interpreting the essence of magic," Harry thought aloud.

"Yes, our inherent magic. So if you want to achieve something, then everything related to it—such as the amount of magic, control, transformation, the integration of belief... These are what you should pursue for a lifetime."

Grindelwald explained softly.

Harry let out a soft, enlightened breath, feeling that many unclear questions from the past were suddenly resolved.

...

"It's love. It holds the secrets of all magic."

In the headmaster's office, Snape closed his eyes, seeming to be bored with this rhetoric. "I've heard enough, Dumbledore. What I want to know is, after eight months of neglect, you've called me to your office again... for what?"

Dumbledore shook his head slightly.

"I've heard complaints, Severus, you know I can't agree to let you into Classroom Seven."

"Yeah, you're afraid I'll kill him in a fit of rage." Snape said coldly. "He's still useful—this is what you told me, but I don't see any progress."

"About Harry—"

"He's still a Horcrux, I went to the infirmary to see... while he was unconscious," Snape's voice grew agitated, "You said you were trying, what have you done?"

"In fact," Dumbledore said calmly, "I am fully confident. The question is... when, and what preparations are still needed." He looked down at his hands.

"Fully confident?"

"Yes."

Snape seemed completely bewildered, he cast a cold glance and paced in front of Dumbledore.

"Preparations? What preparations?" After a pause, Snape asked. "And," he stared at the white wand in Dumbledore's hand with obvious disdain, "why don't you destroy it?"

"I'm afraid it still has its uses, Severus."

Snape's expression turned wary.

"Who do you intend to give it to? It belongs to the Dark Lord, it's not suitable for anyone!"

"That's not a concern for me, Severus. What really troubles me is another wand, I'm not yet decided... Hmm, maybe it's too early to consider now, I'm barely strong enough." Dumbledore said as he sized up Snape, as if to say: Yes, I'm measuring against you.

Snape's face darkened, he really wanted to curse a few dirty words right now.

"What's Felix been up to lately?" Dumbledore changed the subject.

"He borrowed some research materials on Wolfsbane Potion from me a while ago," Snape said. "Looks like he's preparing to tackle a problem that's been plaguing the entire wizarding world."

"A fervent desire for research," Dumbledore praised. "And Valen?"

"That Niffler?" Snape raised an eyebrow, "Is the answer important to you?"

Dumbledore winked at him playfully.

"It's doing well, quite pampered," Snape said dryly. Seeing Dumbledore's satisfied expression, he opened his mouth: "Dumbledore, I don't understand why you're concerned—"

"Oh, Severus, it's hard to describe this feeling, I suggest you get a pet yourself to experience it. I recommend a parrot, you can teach it to speak."

Snape turned his head blankly, following Dumbledore's amused gaze, he looked at Fawkes, who was pecking at fish bones, with a strange expression. "I don't know if I can equate that—but when I was dealing with Billywig beetles, I did try naming them after you, I have to say, I got an indescribable sense of satisfaction..."

...

A new week.

"The twelfth rule, the possibility of fusion of the same ancient magic under specific conditions, after fusion, the power remains unchanged, but the scope of effect increases." Felix smiled, "Your task in class is to verify this theory and record your own experiences in practice."

The students started to move, forming into small groups of three or four.

"What ancient magic are we using?" Ron asked.

"Whatever," Harry said yawning, "We can only use instructional magic in class anyway."

Instructional magic, another term invented by Professor Heap, many students still remembered the words Professor Heap said when explaining to them: "Real ancient magic—especially offensive ones—are too dangerous, unless necessary, they won't be taught in class. I will teach you auxiliary and defensive types... like the Illumination Charm and the Flying Charm you've learned before. In addition to that, I have specially developed a series of magical texts for daily teaching and practice."

"In specific terms, it means cleverly transforming modern spells, using ancient magical texts instead. This can also help you understand the second rule more clearly: all magic—including ancient magic—generally follows the same principles of casting."

The two chose to use the Snow-Making Charm. In no time, they conjured a cloud of snow on their hands, cautiously bringing them closer. "Wait, I see the sequence of ancient runes, I don't think it's right," Harry said.

"Okay." Ron thought for a moment, squinted at himself, as if challenging himself, and after a dozen seconds, the snow cloud in his hand finally stopped looking like a glowing cotton candy.

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