Harry Potter: Even Voldemort Can't Stop Me from Studying

Alchemy is closely linked to Ancient Runes, which is an extremely difficult subject to learn. Except for History of Magic, most magical school subjects emphasize practical application, but Ancient Runes must begin with rote memorization.

Characters, glyphs, pronunciations, meanings—ancient Runes differ significantly from modern languages in every aspect. There's no way to master the basics of this subject other than memorization. Few students who choose Ancient Runes even manage to memorize all of it by graduation.

Fortunately, Ravenclaw students aren't known for poor memory. Though not quite on Hermione's level, Wade had specifically trained to improve his memory, so his memorization speed wasn't much slower than hers. In three months of contact with magic, he, by virtue of his powerful memory and passion for magical alchemy, had painstakingly memorized several books. He further solidified his memory through repeated silent recitations, now no longer making mistakes in this area.

After a moment of silence, Professor Morrie began to question Wade on the content of those books. Then he took out parchment and a quill, randomly asking Wade to write down various Ancient Runes characters and short phrases.

Over an hour later, Professor Morrie had to admit that the student before him, whom he still considered a child, had not lied; he truly had mastered all the material he claimed.

Alchemy was one of the most challenging courses at Hogwarts, and Professor Morrie's requirements were exceptionally strict. Fewer than ten students each year were able to choose Alchemy, and they were all top performers in their respective years. But Professor Morrie dared say that even if he called in his current seventh-year students, even the most outstanding among them would make one or two small mistakes on these questions.

Alchemy required a genius-like sharpness of imagination and creativity, as well as an attitude more meticulous, rigorous, and scrupulous than the gears of a watch. These two qualities often did not coexist in one person.

Moreover, this was only a... a...

Professor Morrie suddenly realized he knew nothing about the student before him.

"Child, what year are you in?" the old professor asked kindly.

"First year, sir," Wade said.

Professor Morrie was silent again. "I recall—Ancient Runes is an elective for third years?"

"Yes, sir," Wade said, trying to appear composed and not like a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

Professor Morrie didn't care if the student before him acted mature enough; he simply began to recall his own eleven-year-old self... and his skill level when he began learning alchemy at sixteen... and the impressive wizards he knew—like Dumbledore, like Grindelwald, like Voldemort—and the level of skill they displayed in their first year...

As he thought, Professor Morrie's gaze on Wade increasingly resembled that of someone seeing an undiscovered treasure. His smile grew even more amiable, and he asked softly, "What's your name? And what house are you in?"

"Wade Gray, Ravenclaw House," Wade said, looking up. He had already sensed something from the change in the professor's demeanor.

Professor Morrie asked again, "You're very fond of alchemy, aren't you, Wade?"

This time, his tone was distinctly serious.

"Yes, Professor," Wade replied as before. "It's a very wondrous field, with power enough to change the world. Perhaps I will dedicate my life to its study."

"Then as a wizard, what do you think of Muggle technological inventions?" Professor Morrie asked.

This question was easy enough; the furnishings in the office alone were enough to indicate what kind of answer the professor wanted to hear. But Wade was silent this time. He thought seriously for a long time before saying, "Muggle technology is developing rapidly. Production tools are constantly innovating, and information and communication are becoming more efficient, leading to increasingly significant changes in the world. Wizards need to actively learn, absorb, and integrate, otherwise, they will eventually be left behind by the times."

This was his heartfelt thought.

Although he longed for the wonders of magic, let's compare the true disparity between the two sides: Wizard communication: owls. Muggle communication: instantaneous mobile phones, the internet.

Wizard population: around three thousand in Britain, perhaps a few hundred thousand to a million worldwide. Muggle population: over fifty-seven million in Britain alone, 5.4 billion worldwide, and that number would grow to seven billion in twenty years, and eight billion in thirty years.

Wizard killing: only the Killing Curse, usable by a few dark wizards. Muggle killing: Maxim machine guns, incendiary bombs, nuclear bombs, self-propelled artillery, howitzers, intercontinental missiles; a two-year-old could pull a trigger and kill.

The disparity between the two sides was so vast. In the past, during the ignorant age of Muggles, wizards could only survive by doing their utmost to hide themselves. In a future where technology grew ever more powerful, wizards would have to learn from, align with, and integrate into the Muggle world to avoid being easily swallowed by the era.

Actually, Wade had many more dangerous thoughts, but it wasn't appropriate to voice them. He was afraid that if he spoke too freely, Professor Morrie's good impression of him would vanish, and he'd be lumped into the category of "third-generation Dark Lords"—how unfair would that be?

Just this broad answer was enough to satisfy Professor Morrie. He smiled and said, "I teach classes for sixth and seventh-year students every Monday and Thursday. If you have any questions, you can come to my office during those times. As long as you maintain your passion for alchemy, I am happy to dedicate two hours a week to guide your studies."

Professor Morrie spoke quite reservedly, but the next moment he pulled a copy of Beginning Magical Item Creation from Scratch from his own collection and lent it to Wade. He also set a tutoring time for Thursday before allowing Wade to leave.

As Wade walked out with the book, he looked through the window at the Black Lake beside the Forbidden Forest and suddenly remembered the figure he'd seen early that morning.

It must have been Professor Morrie, then? The same silver-white hair...

Suddenly, Wade stopped dead, his scalp prickling, goosebumps erupting across his skin.

When had he seen that person? And then met Professor Morrie... Had it been less than ten minutes? Damn it! He'd been too feverish; he couldn't remember the time clearly.

Regardless, the time couldn't have been too long.

If that person was Professor Morrie, how could he have reached Wade's location in just about ten minutes? Apparition was forbidden at Hogwarts, and Professor Morrie was old; he wouldn't climb stairs quickly, nor did he seem like a young hothead who'd rush around on a broom.

If that person wasn't Professor Morrie... and not Dumbledore... then who could he be? Was he another professor Wade didn't know, or...

He thought perhaps he was overthinking things; Harry Potter's first year at school should be a peaceful one... at least for ordinary students... but the chill still came in waves.

"What's wrong, Wade?" Professor Morrie asked from behind him.

That voice, which had sounded kind and gentle before, now inexplicably carried a hint of strangeness.

"Nothing," Wade said, surprised at how calm his voice was, with a faint hint of gratitude. "I just realized how lucky it was that you happened to pass by and found me this morning, Professor... Were you just returning from outside then?"

"Of course not." Professor Morrie didn't seem to suspect anything. He explained with a casual smile, "I don't usually live at the school; I only come to school via the Floo Network when I have classes—oh, the fireplace in my office has temporary access to the Floo Network; it's a special permit from the Ministry of Magic. This morning, I had just arrived at my office when I heard the sound of Griffiths yelling in the corridor, and then I went out and found you."

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