Hogwarts: I am Snape

Chapter 44 The Savior
"Keep going, Professor! You're almost there! Just give it your all!"

After Dumbledore's series of complex magical treatments, Ravenclaw's crown looked even more worn, and the last glimmer of light it had left gradually faded. But now, they could look at it directly.

Dumbledore is doing everything he can to destroy it.

He stared at the crown lying on the ground, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead, as various magical spells continuously flowed from the tip of his wand toward the crown.

Snape stood to the side, constantly encouraging Dumbledore, though his words of encouragement weren't necessarily having a positive effect.

Under Dumbledore's powerful magic, the crown gradually twisted and deformed, emitting a teeth-grinding creaking sound, and was kneaded into a ball by Dumbledore's magic.

But after a short while, it slowly returned to its original state and lay there quietly again.

“Uh—Professor, if you really can’t manage,” Snape said, staring at Dumbledore. “How about we go down to the kitchen for a late-night snack, take a nap, and then come back? You seem a bit weak.”

Upon hearing this, Dumbledore's wand trembled slightly, as if he was quite angered by Snape's words.

Dumbledore didn't say anything, but simply raised his wand high once more.

Bolts of lightning crackled and crisscrossed as they struck the crown; then a burst of fire erupted, engulfing and burning it; and finally, Dumbledore forcibly ground the crown into powder.

But none of these methods worked. Shortly after the magic ended, the scattered powder slowly gathered together again, and the crown remained quietly in front of them.

“Professor, I didn’t hear you say ‘If even I can’t do it, then no one can.’ I’ve forgotten about it now,” Snape said, yawning. He was just too sleepy.

Dumbledore's temples throbbed as he silently battled with the crown, his wand constantly shifting between various spellcasting gestures.

"Say something, Professor, can we get some sleep tonight?" Snape's annoying voice rang out again.

“Enough, Severus,” Dumbledore tried to sound calm, but his slightly trembling hands and furrowed brows suggested he wanted to turn his wand on Snape. “Where did you learn all this?”

“Although I haven’t been able to destroy it yet, I have already learned a great deal,” Dumbledore said, taking a deep breath. “I am certain that only a few extremely destructive methods can reliably destroy a Horcrux and render it unable to repair itself.”

"Yes, Professor, I know that too. Have you made any other discoveries?" Snape crossed his arms, his face still showing that listless expression.

“I mean, tearing the Horcruxes to shreds, smashing them, grinding them into powder won’t work. You have to—” Dumbledore was interrupted by Snape before he could finish.

"—You must make it impossible to repair with magic again," Snape continued. "The soul fragments inside Horcruxes survive entirely because of their containers, because of their enchanted vessels; otherwise, they cannot survive."

"Should I continue reciting the contents of 'Demystifying Black Magic,' Professor?"

“Ahem, ahem,” Dumbledore coughed twice, seemingly a little embarrassed, trying to change the subject. “Severus, speaking of which, how did you find it?”

“Oh, Tom’s as if he’s afraid no one will see it,” Snape said, pointing to a plaster bust on a crate. “The crown is right next to this ugly old wizard’s broken bust; I saw it immediately.”

"It was quite dangerous at the time. After reading that passage, I almost couldn't resist the temptation and put on the crown."

"After I got out, I kept looking into what it was, until I found a description of Horcruxes in the library."

“Well then, that’s enough for tonight,” Dumbledore nodded. “I’ll take the tiara back with me and figure out how to destroy it later.” “Yes, sir, you can keep the tiara for now,” Snape said earnestly, looking at Dumbledore. “However, I suggest that even if we find a way to destroy the Horcrux and destroy it, you’d better not wear it on your head.”

"The remains of Horcruxes will not be harmless white flesh. Whether it is this crown or any other Horcruxes we may find in the future, I do not think it will do you any good if you wear them."

"How come you're even more long-winded than an old man like me, Severus?" Dumbledore said irritably.

“Then let me repeat myself, and return to you what you told me before: please don’t forget my advice,” Snape insisted.

“Yes, Mr. Snape,” Dumbledore replied reluctantly.

Although Dumbledore failed to destroy the crown on this trip, it was still good news for Snape.

This means that even if Dumbledore finds Peverell's ring by following Burke and Ogden's memories, he wouldn't be foolish enough to wear it while it's intact.

When Snape woke up, the Black Lake outside his window was already a deep, dark green, and the Halloween feast was about to begin.

The corridor was filled with the sweet and enticing aroma of roasted pumpkin, an aroma that immediately whetted Snape's appetite. He passed through the foyer and entered the Great Hall, which, as in previous years, was now adorned with colorful Halloween decorations.

The giant pumpkins from Hagrid were carved into lanterns, each large enough to seat three people.

A large swarm of live bats fluttered around the walls and the enchanted ceiling, the sound of their wings mingling with the noise of the students.

In addition, countless bats, like low-lying dark clouds, hovered and danced above the dining table, causing the flames of the candles inside the pumpkin to flicker.

Shortly after Snape was seated, just like at the opening banquet, delicious food suddenly appeared on a golden plate.

"Where did you go last night?" Abbott asked Snape, picking up a baked potato. "You didn't come back until early this morning, and I didn't have the heart to call you to class."

"Ah—" Snape yawned again, "The headmaster has granted me permission to skip class today."

"Stop talking nonsense, hurry up and eat," Aibo said with a smile.

Snape then buried his head in his food, for he had many other things to do.

Sometimes he would think that if this were a fantasy or immortal world, he could pursue the highest power with peace of mind and regard everything as a stepping stone to advancement.

But this is the only magical world that has haunted his dreams since childhood. In a sense, even if he wasn't "Saint Potter," and even if "owl messengers" arrived many years late, wasn't he still the chosen "Chosen One"?

　Thank you Qing Muqing for the monthly pass.

　　Thank you FeatherS for the donation! This book now has its first apprentice. Thank you!

　　In addition, I was suddenly dragged to Chongqing for a business trip this morning, and I didn't get back to the hotel until late at night after drinking with guests. I just finished typing on my work laptop at the hotel.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)