Hogwarts and the Holy Grail War

"Yes," Percival nodded, "Charles and I are both 'keepers'. This is the title we gave ourselves hundreds of years ago, because we vowed to protect the secrets of this knowledge... until I met you, my friend."

"And the trials we set are to ensure that the knowledge and power we have guarded for centuries does not fall into the wrong hands."

"In time, the map beneath your feet will reveal the exact locations of all four trials. In addition to the tests, these trials will also bring you valuable knowledge that is of vital importance."

"Wait a minute." Ethan suddenly interrupted Percival. "I thought... finding this map secret room means I have completed your trial. Are you saying that the puzzle in your vault, the restricted book section, and everything I went through to find this room have nothing to do with the trial you mentioned?"

"Those are indeed important parts of the journey, but they are not real trials." Percival pondered for a moment and said, "But I think that the fact that you have successfully made it this far has already proved your ability to a certain extent."

"But those trials are not just a test of your innate and acquired abilities. In addition to the pure test of ability, what you see and hear as well as your own sense of good and evil in the process of completing the trial will also guide you to make choices. You will decide for yourself how to use the power we share."

"So you must learn to be patient. These trials will benefit you greatly, but they will take time to settle."

"I understand. This means that tempering my character is also part of the trial." Ethan smiled confidently and said, "I will not let you down."

"Very good, then you should first increase your knowledge and finish your studies with peace of mind. When you are mature enough..."

"But, Professor Rackham, I'm afraid we don't have the leisure to come slowly now," Professor Figo suddenly interrupted.

"Professor Figo, please understand. We, the guardians, have been waiting for hundreds of years. If we wait a little longer, then..."

"I'm sorry, professor. Although I understand the importance of the secret you are guarding, and I also understand your caution. But the current situation does not allow us to proceed steadily step by step." Professor Figo's face was solemn. "According to Ethan, your young friend, a group of villains have mastered a powerful black magic, and they also intend to get their hands on the power you are guarding. We must act before them and must not let their conspiracy succeed."

"This is..." Percival, "this is a very serious matter. Ethan, that's what I'll call you. Can you tell me about this matter in detail?"

"Of course, Professor." Ethan nodded and said, "The way that kind of black magic works is very similar to the ancient magic that you and I know. At first, I thought it was another inheritance left by you."

"But I soon discovered something was wrong. Although that power was very similar to ancient magic, it felt even more bizarre and gave off a strong sense of foreboding..."

"Similar to ancient magic, when someone uses that kind of magic, it leaves behind a red glow similar to the ancient magic traces."

"Red light?" Percival suddenly exclaimed.

(A round of powerful music starts: Akai Akai Akai, Ayizi, Lederman!)

Chapter 153 Sir, times have changed

"Yes, red light. Professor, do you have any idea about it?"

Ethan frowned. To be honest, Percival's reaction was a bit extreme. It was like... meeting an old acquaintance whom he hadn't seen for a long time.

"No, nothing. I just remembered some past events. I will tell you later." Percival sorted out his strange emotions and said, "Go on."

"Okay," Ethan nodded. "I've seen them use that kind of magic to control other creatures...even humans. The controlled objects are like puppets, completely losing their own consciousness and biological instincts, and only respond mechanically according to the controller's orders. In any sense, they should not be classified as good people."

"And I also met them on the way here last night. They used some means to invade Hogwarts, and their target should be the power that you are guarding. So, what Professor Figo said is probably right. We must speed up."

At the end, Ethan looked at Percival and said, "And you should be familiar with the identities of those people—the Fire Snake Party."

"The Fire Snakes?" Percival curled his lips. "They haven't died yet?"

"Good people don't live long, but evil lasts for thousands of years." Ethan shrugged helplessly. "As far as I know, they popped up from time to time after you died, and then disappeared again. This cycle repeats itself, and they have survived until now."

"I fully understand what you said. The situation is indeed urgent now, and it is not the time to stick to rigid rules and regulations." Percival cleared his throat and said in a serious tone, "Well, considering the extraordinary skills and achievements you have demonstrated so far, I think we can start: the map under your feet has marked the location of the first trial."

The scale of the three-dimensional map under Ethan's feet suddenly changed, and the display range changed from the Scottish Highlands to the entire United Kingdom. As the scale of the map decreased, Hogwarts Castle changed from a clearly visible sculpture to a small dot on the map.

Then the map expanded with a certain point as the center, the scale increased rapidly, and finally stopped at a strange coastal city. A tall tower was located on the edge of the city, and the tower was shining with bright white light.

Using the building proportions on the map, this city is not that big. Of course, this is from Ethan's perspective. After all, even if the entire city of London covers an area equivalent to a slightly larger county-level city in China, there is no comparison at all.

Moreover, the city's architectural style is relatively simple, and most of it still remains in the architectural style before the First Industrial Revolution. There are not many traces of modernization, but you can still see some modern industrial creations such as telephone poles interspersed among them.

It seems that this three-dimensional map is updated in real time, which is quite interesting.

"This tower, and this place is..." Professor Figo squatted down and carefully examined the city marked on the map, and said with some insight, "Yes, it is this."

"Professor, do you know where this is?" Ethan asked, squatting beside Professor Figo.

"Yes, of course I know her." Professor Figo suddenly laughed softly, "This is Red Tomb City, Miriam's hometown."

"What?" Ethan's face twisted in a weird way. "Is this Red Tomb City?"

I didn't expect that the two things would come together. Is this fate?

"I say, Professor Rackham." Ethan stood up and looked at Percival's portrait, feeling somewhat helpless. "Is it necessary to set the trial location so far away? To get here, you have to cross most of Britain!"

"Don't just focus on the destination. The scenery along the way is also part of the meaning of the journey." Percival smiled. "The journey is also the process of your growth. You will meet all kinds of people and things on the road. You may encounter incomprehensible malice, or unrequited kindness. But no matter what you encounter, it will become the cornerstone of your growth."

"But professor, times have changed." Ethan complained, "Even if we don't use Apparition or teleportation magic, and only use Muggle travel methods, these journeys can be completed in less than a day, and the scenery along the way is basically invisible. You set the location so far away, it basically does nothing except to torment me."

"This is also part of the choice you have to make." Percival seemed to have expected Ethan to say this, and said unmoved, "As for how to choose, it all depends on you, my dear friend."

"But I have to remind you that although Professor Figo may be able to help you find the exact location of the trial, only people with abilities like ours can actually complete the trial."

"At the same time, you must complete each trial alone and you are not allowed to ask for help from your companions. This is something only you can do. If you rashly drag others into this, it will only implicate her."

"'She'?" Professor Figo frowned, sensing something was wrong.

Ethan broke out in a cold sweat and frantically gestured and winked at Percival behind Professor Figo.

Professor, please stop talking. If you say another two sentences, everything will be exposed.

Percival seemed not to notice Ethan's distorted expression, and continued to speak to Professor Figo: "And Professor Figo, I actually hope you don't give him any help. It would be more meaningful for him to go on this journey alone."

Ethan, who was acting aggressively behind Professor Figo, suddenly saw Percival winking at him secretly with a sly smile.

Ethan stood there for a moment, then burst out laughing.

I didn’t expect that some people appear to be respected guardians on the surface, but are actually just old children behind the scenes.

"I understand what you mean." Professor Figo nodded solemnly.

"But the distance is indeed quite far. You'd better be fully prepared before you set off. Remember not to rush, we still have a lot of time." Percival took one last look at Ethan and walked out of the frame. "I'll wait for you in the tower."

"..." Ethan blinked at the empty picture frame, then looked at Professor Figo, "Then professor, when do we set off?"

"Don't be anxious. We should wait for a while so that you and I can make some preparations." Professor Figo smiled and said, "Why don't we wait until after Christmas and then we can set off. Before that, you should..."

"Continue my studies, right?" Ethan's smile was full of bitterness. "I know the rules."

Chapter 154 A real man can bend and stretch

"Then Professor, you should be familiar with the tower in Red Tomb City, right? Is there anything there that I should pay special attention to?"

In Professor Figo's office, Ethan took a sip of tea and asked slowly.

After coming out of the map secret room, Professor Figo invited him to sit in his office for a while. Although the reason he gave was that he wanted to get in touch with Ethan and discuss future plans, Ethan knew that Professor Figo was planning to strike while the iron was hot and use various methods to deceive him as soon as possible so that he would not slip away in a fit of anger.

It was difficult for him. He must have been very worried about such a troublesome student. It was probably certain that he would lose a few years of his life.

(Professor Figo: So you know this!)

"I'm afraid I don't know much about this. I've only passed by there a few times and never been inside." Professor Figo, who was sitting across the table, put down his teacup and smiled bitterly. "I used to think it was just an abandoned building and never thought there might be something else going on inside."

"Well, that's to be expected." Ethan smacked his lips, then leaned over the table and looked at Professor Figo, asking innocently, "Then professor, should I make some preparations for the upcoming trial?"

"What do you mean?" Professor Figo frowned as he looked at Ethan, who looked well-behaved.

Every time Ethan turns into good boy mode, it either means he is about to cause trouble again, or it means he has already done it, so we have to be on guard.

"It's nothing, actually. It's just that the Red Tomb City is a bit far away... I just want to learn some more... practical magic." Ethan blinked and began to act cute skillfully, "For example, the Traceless Extension Charm, Apparition and so on. Professor, can you see if..."

Apparition, a form of teleportation magic, is currently the fastest way to reach a destination. After the user's mind focuses on the destination they want to reach, they will disappear from their current location and appear at the desired location in their mind. It is convenient and fast, so it is very popular among contemporary wizards.

However, it is still difficult to master the Apparition. If it is not performed properly, it may lead to catastrophic consequences, such as separation, serious injury or even death.

Therefore, the Apparition class will only be open to students in the sixth grade and above at Hogwarts. They have passed the OWLs exam and have a certain degree of control over their own magic power, so there will be no major accidents.

Although Ethan took extra classes every day, it was only to catch up with the progress of the fourth grade students. He would not touch the sixth grade courses. If he wanted to learn, he could only ask Professor Figo to give him a back door. There was no other way.

Not to mention the Traceless Extension Charm, this magic that can expand space is prohibited by the Ministry of Magic from being used for private purposes. Not to mention using it secretly, there is no place to learn it if you want to. Even if Ethan is talented, he can't do anything if no one teaches him.

But Professor Figo must have a way. As long as he can agree, this will be possible.

"You..." Professor Figo was somewhat helpless. This kid was indeed planning something against the rules again. "What's the point of learning Apparition? Haven't you already mastered the ancient magic of teleportation?"

"The means of escape are like money in your hand, how can anyone complain about having too much?" Ethan said sincerely, "I'm doing this for my own safety!"

This is the truth. After all, it takes time to open a portal, and it is certainly not as quick as Apparition in an emergency.

"What about the traceless extension spell?"

"Storing things." Ethan clapped his hands fiercely, then spread them out to both sides. "This journey is long and tiring, how can we not bring some more supplies to deal with emergencies? The pockets on clothes are limited in capacity and can't hold much stuff. Boxes and bags are too heavy, and it's not a good idea to carry them all the time."

Although the use of the Invisible Extension Charm on unauthorized personal items is prohibited, the pocket capacity of the clothes worn by wizards is expanded using other types of spells, making them much larger than they appear.

However, it is still not as large as the space that can be expanded by the Invisible Extension Charm, and as long as something is put in it, it will look bulging. Unlike the Invisible Extension Charm, no matter how much stuff is put in it, it will look empty from the outside as if nothing is put in it.

"If you want, I can find you some containers that have been cast with the Traceless Extension Charm. Is it really necessary for you to learn it yourself?" Professor Figo felt a little headache. "That kind of magic is forbidden to be used on personal belongings. If someone finds out..."

"What are you talking about, Professor? As long as no one finds out, how can it be considered a violation?" Ethan said righteously, as if he was the one who advised others not to break the rules. "Besides, some things are better done by yourself, right?"

"Okay, okay. I'll find a way to deal with this matter." Professor Figo rubbed his temple.

Although Ethan usually behaves in an unserious manner, and even makes people want to beat him up, but when it comes to ancient magic, he has never been unreliable in the overall situation... Although his methods still need some improvement, he never delays the main business.

If he makes these requests, it means he really thinks there is a need in this regard.

Let's ask Professor Flitwick later.

"Then I'm sorry to bother you, Professor." Ethan walked around behind Professor Figo with a playful smile and squeezed his shoulders. "I knew you were the most sympathetic and reasonable person. You will definitely understand my difficulties."

"You're trying to please me now?" Professor Figo said with a sullen smile, "On weekends, you usually just hang out with Miss Shanans and never come to see me."

"You can't say that," Ethan blushed, "You are so tired from classes, I am afraid of disturbing your weekend rest."

It’s definitely not because I’m obsessed with beauty, absolutely not.

"By the way, Ethan. I heard Professor Rackham mention the word 'her' before," Professor Figo turned around and looked at Ethan, "You shouldn't have leaked this to other people, such as Miss Xia Nans?"

Ethan listened to Professor Figo's emphasis and replied calmly, "Of course not. Didn't I promise you? I didn't tell Alanna a thing about this."

Yes, not a single detail was leaked to Alanna.

"Really?" Professor Figo looked skeptical.

"Of course it's true. Everything I said is true." Ethan stretched out the five fingers of his left hand and put them together into a palm and raised it upwards, with a serious face, "If I lied to you, the entire Rozier family would be killed."

Chapter 155: Nothing Can Stun Him (2/10)

Another month had passed since the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and it was now mid-December.

Compared with winter in China, the winter in the UK is not too cold, but there are often strong winds and heavy precipitation - that is, snow and hail.

As a result, in order to ensure the safety of students and prevent them from being blown away by sudden winds while riding their broomsticks, Hogwarts' flying lessons were temporarily suspended and the Quidditch season was postponed.

Harry: Happy, snap, gone!

During this period, Ethan made gratifying progress in his study of the Traceless Extension Spell.

Now he can expand a space of about one cubic meter on a coat pocket. And the space is very stable, so the things put in it will not disappear after a few days, or the space and its contents will not disappear after a few days.

As for Apparition, Ethan can currently teleport himself intact from the Quidditch field to the flying class lawn on the other side of the castle, and can also take Professor Flitwick with him, without using a wand.

At the same time, Ethan also tried to sneak out of Hogwarts Castle at night and teleport himself to Hogsmeade and then teleport back, and nothing went wrong. But he vaguely felt that this distance was not his limit. He felt that he could fly to London and fly back.

However, it is better not to use the method of movement called Apparition if possible. After all, based on Ethan's personal experience, this method of movement is fast, but definitely not comfortable.

Every time he Apparated, Ethan felt as if his body was being stuffed into a thin rubber hose by some unspeakable force, and then being pulled out from the other end.

Although Professor Flitwick just smiled and said that you will get used to it after hearing his description, Ethan felt that it would be difficult for him to get used to this thing even after a year or two.

Difficult to stretch.

As for Professor Figo, after his last reminder, Ethan has learned his lesson. He visits him every now and then to prevent Professor Figo from being lonely.

After all, Professor Figo’s thoughts on empty-nesters are pretty easy to understand.

But perhaps because of the fact that things are more fragrant when far away than when close, Professor Figo clearly showed his disdain for me after only a few times of going there, and he almost picked up his wand to drive me out.

He had to go anyway. Even if Professor Figo was rude to him, it wouldn't stop Ethan from visiting him. Besides, such a small problem wouldn't be difficult for him.

Every time he went, he was thoughtful enough to bring Alanna with him.

This move was very effective. With Alana present, Professor Figo no longer glared at him. The wrinkles on his face were squeezed into a flower by the smile. He looked so amiable!

Sure enough, the gap between people is greater than the gap between people and dogs, Ethan thought sadly.

But Ethan could clearly feel that under Professor Figo's cheerful appearance, he was feeling increasingly melancholy for some reason, as if he had been hit hard by bringing Alanna here. But Professor Figo was also a mature wizard, so such a small problem shouldn't have much impact on him... right?