The Legend of Mods at Hogwarts
Continuing from YouTube video I Transmigrated Into Harry Potter With a MOD
System - MODs, Activate!
Chapter 175: Number One in the Grade
Joy is always fleeting; the Hero King Game Championshipcame to an end as the audience departed.
The Professors quickly finished grading the papers and listed the grade rankings.
As expected, Levi and Hermione actually tied for first place in the first year!
"Congratulations, Hermione!"
Levi smiled and offered his congratulations to Hermione Granger.
The young girl's spirits weren't very high, though it was unclear whether it was because she had said goodbye to her parents or because the end-of-term holidays were imminent.
"Oh, come on, Levi," Hermione didn't seem to care much about the so-called grade rankings, saying casually:
"We both know that I'm ranked first in the grade because even if I answer every single question correctly, that's the maximum score I can get."
"But you are ranked first because the questions the Professors set were only that difficult!
They couldn't test your profound level of knowledge and magical attainment at all."
"I have to work hard this holiday and strive to catch up with you as soon as possible!"
The little witch Hermione spoke with high morale.
In her mind, she had already drawn up a long book list and study plan for herself!
"Hermione, it's not right to think like that!
If you take others as your goal and try to catch up, it will be too exhausting!
Once you climb one high mountain, you will find there are even higher ones!
There is always a higher mountain; sooner or later, you'll grow tired of the pursuit!
I think you should take yourself as the goal and defeat yourself time and time again!
Don't just climb mountains; you should become the mountain yourself!"
Hermione fell into deep thought after hearing Levi's words.
She didn't know what books Levi had been reading, but he was always able to say such philosophical things.
But she knew Levi was right; her mindset had indeed become a bit unbalanced. She was only thinking about comparing herself to Levi and was constantly worried about falling behind him.
Blindly chasing after Levi, she had forgotten the purpose of her own studies.
Levi hadn't expected Hermione to be thinking this way and hurriedly spoke words of comfort and advice.
Hermione's talent for learning was indeed outstanding, and her level of effort could be considered number one in all of Hogwarts.
But trying to catch up to a cheater like him was just too difficult! Sooner or later, she would exhaust herself to the point of collapse!
Especially since he, the cheater, worked just as hard as Hermione; that's why he advised her not to blindly pursue him.
On the journey to explore the mysteries of magic, Levicertainly wanted Hermione as a companion, but he didn't want her to become physically and mentally exhausted to the point where she didn't seem like herself anymore!
Thinking about managing his own home during the holidays and feeling a bit uneasy, Levi extended another invitation to Hermione:
"Hermione, this holiday, I don't plan on going to your house to disturb you!"
"However, I'd like to extend a different invitation to you!
I'm inviting you to stay at my house during the holidays so we can study and research magic together!"
Hermione was instantly astonished upon hearing this!
"Levi, where did you get... uh, I mean, when did you buy a house?"
She was halfway through the question before realizing her wording was inappropriate and corrected herself.
"Don't worry about that for now; I might even need your help dealing with it when the time comes!"
Levi waved his hand. He didn't know the current state of the manor ruins he had purchased.
Perhaps when the time came, they would need to build a new home atop the rubble.
But that wasn't much of a hassle.
With a Wizard's productivity and hands-on ability, a decent house could be built with just a few waves of a wand.
The key was connecting to the Floo Network, marking the location on the Ministry of Magic's Magical Map, and obtaining a legal residency certificate.
Hearing that she could study with Levi during the holidays, Hermione naturally agreed happily, but she still said to him:
"Alright! It'll be perfect to help you tidy up your newly bought house!
But for this, I have to tell my mom and dad. I'll head over to your place a bit later, how's that?"
"Also, Levi, have you told the Professor about this? Living alone, after all, is..."
Hermione hesitated. In her worldview, living alone at twelve years old was truly an unimaginable thing.
"Of course, you're welcome anytime! I'll certainly have everything ready for your arrival!"
Mr. Levi smiled as he welcomed her; this was free labor coming to his door, of course he had to welcome it warmly!
Hearing Hermione's concerns, he immediately explained:
"It's not easy to settle down in the wizarding world. I've already made an appointment with Professor McGonagall..."
Levi then told Hermione about the requirements for settling in the wizarding world and about going to the Ministry of Magic with Professor McGonagall.
"Merlin, you're actually going to the Ministry of Magic!"
"I have no idea what kind of place it is; I've only read about it in books, the Ministry of Magic..."
Hermione was very surprised and began to talk incessantly to Levi about the introductions to the Ministry of Magic she had seen in books.
Levi listened patiently by her side. Sometimes he would daze off for a moment, feeling as if the little witch in front of him was a living magical encyclopedia.
If there was anything he didn't know, he could just ask Hermione directly, and she would surely tell him everything she knew in a non-stop stream.
One speaking and one listening, the two walked together into the Great Hall; Hogwarts' Leaving Feast was about to begin!
Chapter 176: End-of-Term Summary
The Great Hall was filled with Ravenclaw banners, all decorated in sky blue and bronze.
They were celebrating Ravenclaw finally winning the House Cup again after many years!
Before the feast began, sitting in the golden chair at the staff table, Headmaster Dumbledore said cheerfully:
"Another year has gone by!"
"Before we indulge in these delicious delicacies, I must trouble you all to listen to this old man's clichés."
Levi sat at the side of the Ravenclaw long table, listening to Headmaster Dumbledore's speech with great interest.
He didn't know how many points Headmaster Dumbledore would award Gryffindor this time, but the first place for the House Cup must belong to Ravenclaw!
Coming first in the final exams, even if tied with Hermione, had already earned him a fortune!
In the previous final exams, he had gained a total of 60,080 Academic Credits. Being ranked first overall, he received a triple bonus!
In other words, a single final exam earned him nearly 210,000 Academic Credits!
A full 200,000-plus Academic Credits!
If Levi just attended classes and read books as scheduled, he would have to stay at Hogwarts for two years to earn this many Academic Credits!
With these 200,000-plus Academic Credits as a foundation, Levi was confident he could build the prototype of a wizard tower in his Home!
Therefore, he was determined to win first place in the House Cup!
If Dumbledore dared to give Gryffindor too many points and let them surpass Ravenclaw, don't blame Levi for turning hostile on the spot!
Headmaster Dumbledore had no idea that a young wizardbelow was already planning a rebellion; he continued chattering with a smile like an elder:
"What a wonderful year it has been!
Especially since we just concluded the first Hero King Game Championship!
I must also congratulate Mr. Ron Weasley and Mr. Draco Malfoy for winning first and third place respectively!
Your little heads are surely a bit fuller than they were... Now, as I understand it, we must first proceed with the House Cup award ceremony. The specific scores for each house are as follows:
Fourth place, Gryffindor, 312 points;
Third place, Hufflepuff, 352 points;
Second place, Slytherin, 472 points;
First place, Ravenclaw, 612 points!"
A thunderous cheer erupted from the Ravenclaw table, while Gryffindor and Hufflepuff also offered congratulatory applause!
The top students winning the House Cup could be said to be well-deserved!
In fact, in the past, the young wizards of Ravenclaw were not very enthusiastic about actively seeking extra points.
They were more inclined to silently study the knowledge they were interested in and watch others' disputes with cold indifference!
But who told the first year to have Levi as a bellwether!
In every class, everyone could see him, just like the Gryffindor little witch Hermione, constantly seeking extra points.
Under Levi's leadership, and with the promotion and guidance of female Prefect Penelope and others,
This year, the entire Ravenclaw House was actively seeking points. Coupled with the fact that few people lost points, it directly resulted in a high score of 612!
"Extraordinary! Ravenclaws!" Headmaster Dumbledorepraised loudly with a smile.
But his tone suddenly shifted:
"However, several events that occurred in the past year must also be taken into account!"
The Great Hall suddenly fell silent. The Ravenclawstudents were a bit puzzled, while Levi looked up and fixed Headmaster Dumbledore with a sharp gaze.
"Ahem, ahem," Headmaster Dumbledore cleared his throat, glanced at Levi, thought for a moment, and said:
"I believe there are still some points that need to be added!
"First, Mr. Ron Weasley..."
All the Gryffindor students looked at Ron Weasley. They all knew it must be because Ron Weasley won first place in the Hero King Game tournament that he was getting points!
As expected, Headmaster Dumbledore indeed said:
"He won the Championship Gold Cup of the Hero King Game Championship for the school. For this, I award him 5 points!"
"Correspondingly, Mr. Draco Malfoy is also awarded 3 points!"
Excited cheers and applause broke out from both the Gryffindor and Slytherin long tables!
Both houses were happy about the points, but none of them realized that if even the winning young wizards got points, how many points should Levi, the inventor of the game, receive?
"Second, Miss Hermione Granger..."
The Gryffindor students turned their complex gazes toward Hermione Granger. They certainly knew this little witch, who was privately called a "know-it-all."
Hermione Granger was simply out of place among the Gryffindor young wizards. She had no part in mischief, yet Hermione's figure was always seen in the library!
Everyone was nearly exhausted by her competitive studying!
She simply didn't seem like a Gryffindor; she was completely a Ravenclaw-style little witch!
The Gryffindors also constantly saw Hermione and Levifrom Ravenclaw entering and leaving the library together in pairs.
Over time, invisibly, it became hard to tell whether the Gryffindors were isolating Hermione or if Hermione was isolating the Gryffindors.
Headmaster Dumbledore didn't seem to notice the strange atmosphere in Gryffindor House as he loudly announced the reason for Hermione's points:
"According to statistics, student Hermione Granger is the first-year young wizard who has earned the most points in the entire Hogwarts in a hundred years. Her diligence and inquisitiveness have received unanimous praise from the Professors!"
"For her hard work and points earned, I have decided to award Hermione Granger 5 points! And I grant her the honorary title of Hogwarts Model Student!"
Everyone was shocked by the honor Hermione received!
Even Hermione was no exception!
She hadn't expected that her diligence and inquisitiveness would actually be recognized by the Headmaster and the Professors. To Hermione, this was more important than anyone's praise or recognition!
She was so moved she almost cried out loud!
Sitting at the Ravenclaw long table, Levi looked at Hermione's excited expression and nodded with satisfaction in his heart. It wasn't in vain that he had made a deal with Old Dumbledore.
In Gryffindor, to be accepted by the others, Hermionedesperately needed this honor!
However, even Levi hadn't expected that Hermione was actually the first-year young wizard with the most points in all of Hogwarts in a hundred years!
Muggle-born girl is indeed a legendary study-aholic!
This honor was well-deserved. He estimated that even if he hadn't made a deal with Old Dumbledore, the old man would have found a way to give Hermione these 5 points!
The cheers from Gryffindor almost lifted the roof off the Great Hall. Angelina Johnson, the Gryffindor Chaser, was so excited she pulled Hermione into a hug!
Hey, that senior, don't go too far, okay? Our Hermione, I want to give her a hug right now too!
Levi thought longingly from the Ravenclaw table, feeling for the first time that being sorted into Ravenclaw was a bit unfortunate.
"Third, Mr. Harry Potter..."
The students of Gryffindor instantly fell silent, eyes wide, looking at Headmaster Dumbledore with immense anticipation. They were now dying to know how many points Harry Potter could get!
They had no hope for the House Cup; Ravenclaw's 600-plus points made them feel it was truly out of reach!
However, if they could surpass Slytherin, it would be considered a total vindication!
So what if they had won the House Cup six times in a row?
In the end, they still hadn't reached the magical number'seven' and hadn't won the seventh House Cup!
"Harry Potter is the youngest Seeker in the history of Hogwarts and won the House Cup victory for Gryffindor. For this honor, I award him 5 points!"
"At the same time, before Christmas, Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ron Weasley, Miss Hermione Granger, and Mr. Levi Keynes together defeated the culprit who caused the disappearance of Professor Quirinus Quirrell!"
"For this feat representing courage and justice, I shall award each of them an additional 5 points!"
"Yes! We won! We won!"
In an instant, the cheers from Gryffindor nearly blew the roof off the Great Hall. With the noise and celebration, it was as if they hadn't just defeated Slytherin House, but Ravenclaw House as well!
That's right, Gryffindor now had 612 points. Slytherin, after only adding 3 points, was only at 522 points!
Gryffindor had defeated Slytherin!
They had achieved second place in the House Cup, their best result ever!
With such a great result, how could they not celebrate?!
How could they not be happy?!
How could they not revel?!
Headmaster Dumbledore looked at the cheering Gryffindor young wizards and slowly felt a sense of relief in his heart.
Last night, just as he was preparing to rest, that troublemaker Levi Keynes had barged in and said to him with righteous indignation:
"Headmaster Dumbledore, if you dare to add points randomly at the end of the term, I'll have to tell people about certain things!"
"You wouldn't want Harry Potter to know..."
Levi didn't explicitly say what he would tell, nor did he say what Harry Potter would find out.
But Headmaster Dumbledore could once again be certain of one thing: even the most mischievous young wizardcouldn't possibly be as mischievous as Levi!
There was actually a young wizard in the world who dared to threaten the Headmaster!
Dumbledore had truly seen it all!
"Fourth, Mr. Levi Keynes..."
Dumbledore smiled with effort, suppressing the urge to swallow the following words.
He thought carefully; these honors were all deserved by Levi, well-earned honors.
Headmaster Dumbledore, willingly and under the expectation of the Ravenclaw and other houses' young wizards, loudly announced:
"For his righteous speech at the beginning of the school year, I award him 5 points!"
"For his courage in challenging the Heir of the Chamber of Secrets, I award him another 5 points!"
"For saving the Unicorn in the Forbidden Forest, I shall award him another 5 points!"
"For the joy the Hero King Game brought to everyone and for the wonderful tournament, I award him 10 points!"
"Congratulations to Ravenclaw House for winning this year's House Cup!"
The moment Headmaster Dumbledore's voice fell, the Ravenclaws cheered collectively, and the entire Great Hallbecame an ocean of joy!
Chapter 177: Heading to the Ministry of Magic
At yesterday's Leaving Feast, Levi's Academic Credits saw another massive harvest!
After Headmaster Dumbledore awarded points several times in a row, Ravenclaw House won the House Cupwithout any dispute!
Nine hundred and twelve points, after receiving a hundredfold bonus, caused Levi's credit balance to skyrocket by another 91,200 points!
Combined with the previous final exams and Levi's hard work throughout the academic year, his balance in the Learning MOD directly reached nearly 300,000 Academic Credits!
Such a massive accumulation of Academic Credits gave Levi full confidence in establishing the prototype of a wizard tower in his home.
On the day of departure, Levi bid farewell to a reluctant Hermione and promised that once his home was mostly set up, he would write to her and invite her over to play!
Returning to Hogwarts Castle, Levi knocked on Professor McGonagall's office door.
"Come in, Levi!"
Professor McGonagall's voice rang out from the office; at this time, it couldn't be anyone else but Levi.
"Professor, sorry to trouble you!"
Levi pushed the door open and entered the office, speaking to Professor McGonagall with a slight hint of apology.
"It's no trouble at all, let's go!"
"Levi, do you have all your documents, like the property deed, ready?"
Professor McGonagall shook her head, put down her pen, and stood up to speak to Levi.
"Of course," Levi patted his chest. He had naturally prepared his bow, arrows, and everything else, placing them in the Undetectable Extension storage bag at his chest.
"Alright, let's go. You can't Apparate inside the castle. Once we leave, I'll take you directly to the Ministry of Magic via Apparition!"
As Professor McGonagall spoke, she led Levi out of the castle and, with an Apparition, arrived in the Westminster district of London, Britain.
This was different from that unforgettable, terrible experience of Apparating with Professor McGonagall to Diagon Alley.
After completing the spatial movement this time, Leviremained calm and composed, without the slightest feeling of nausea or dizziness.
He even had the presence of mind to compare his own mastery of the Apparition magic with Professor McGonagall's.
"Long-distance Apparition is no easy task. The further the distance, the greater the risk. When you learn Apparition in the future, you must be careful!"
Professor McGonagall looked around to ensure she hadn't arrived in the wrong place, not forgetting her duty as a Professor to educate Levi.
Levi nodded. When he was learning Apparition, he had suffered quite a bit on the Spell Training Ground.
The further the distance, the more likely one is to experience Splinching if focus is lost or if there's interference!
Once Splinching occurs, without the help of another Wizard, the fate of the Splinched Wizard would be either disability or death!
Fortunately, there was the Spell Training Ground; otherwise, Levi wouldn't have dared to try practicing the Apparition Charm so easily!
"Follow me! It's been a long time since I last visited the Ministry of Magic!"
"Speaking of which, when I graduated, I worked at the Ministry of Magic for a while, but the atmosphere inside..."
Professor McGonagall's voice trailed off at the end. She didn't say anything more, not wanting to discuss such dark and heavy topics in front of Levi.
Levi, however, was thoughtful. The performance of the British Ministry of Magic in the original works was no different from Britain's outdated bureaucratic system!
Aside from the fact that one used magic and the other didn't, it was impossible to tell which one was worse!
Professor McGonagall led Levi toward Whitehall in the Westminster district. The surrounding skyscrapers and bustling traffic gradually receded, and the streets became increasingly old and cramped.
The two arrived at a deserted street where an old red telephone booth stood by the side.
Levi's memory surfaced at this moment, and he remembered that the telephone booth was the visitor's entrance to the Ministry of Magic!
Squeezing into the telephone booth with Professor McGonagall, Levi once again couldn't help but complain in his heart about the obsolescence and backwardness of the wizarding world.
This obsolescence and backwardness had even, to some extent, formed a peculiar kind of magic.
Just like the impression ordinary people had of a witch—wearing a hood, with disheveled hair, riding a broom, having a long nose with oozing sores, a gloomy and eccentric personality, cruel and malicious, and fond of brewing Potions!
The wizarding world was the same; before revealing the glory of its extraordinary magical power, it always presented a display of obsolescence and backwardness!
The telephone in the red booth was almost falling off. Professor McGonagall frowned as she picked up the receiver and dialed a number: 62442.
"Welcome to the British Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business!"
A cold voice rang out from the telephone; from the sound of it, it was likely a receptionist for the Ministry of Magic.
"Minerva McGonagall, bringing Levi Keynes to handle property matters!"
Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. Hearing the procedures that hadn't changed at all since she left the Ministry of Magic, she spoke calmly.
While this familiarity made things easy to handle, it was hard not to feel like one was facing a pool of stagnant water!
"Clatter, clatter!"
Two badges spat out from the bottom of the telephone following Professor McGonagall's reply.
"Visitors, please take the badges and wear them on your chests!"
Hearing this, Levi picked up a badge. His name was written on it, and two words were specifically marked: Property Matters!
"Thank you for your cooperation! Visitors to the Ministry of Magic, you must undergo inspection at the security deskand register your wand. The security desk is located at the end of the Atrium."
The cold female voice rang out again.
Levi felt the telephone booth move like a dilapidated elevator, gradually sinking as the light before him was swallowed by darkness.
"Don't worry, we'll be at the actual Ministry of Magic in a moment!"
Professor McGonagall comforted Levi, though she couldn't help but complain in her heart that after all these years, this terrible visitor's entrance hadn't changed one bit!
"We wish you a pleasant stay at the Ministry of Magic!"
A moment later, the darkness receded, light shone in, and the cold female voice rang out again. Levi and Professor McGonagall stepped into the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic.
Looking around, the hall finally had a bit of a magical feel to it:
The Atrium of the Ministry of Magic was magnificent, with the dark wood floor polished to a shine.
The peacock-blue ceiling was inlaid with glittering golden symbols that moved and changed constantly, like a giant high-altitude bulletin board.
All four walls were paneled with dark, polished wood, and many gilded fireplaces were set into the panels.
Every few seconds, with a soft 'whoosh', a Wizard would suddenly pop out of a fireplace on the left, while on the right, several people were queuing in front of each fireplace, waiting to leave.
Clearly, these fireplaces were the main entrances and exits of the Ministry of Magic, used to enter and leave the British Ministry of Magic located underground in London via the Floo Network.
Levi and Professor McGonagall's visitor entrance probably wasn't used often, but there was no helping it—who told Hogwarts Castle to forbid Apparition and the use of fireplaces?
Chapter 178: The Authority
In the middle of the foyer was a fountain, with a group of pure gold statues at its center, shimmering in the light.
The tallest was a noble-looking Wizard, holding his wandhigh, pointing straight to the sky!
Surrounding him were a beautiful witch, a Centaur, a Fairy, and a House-elf.
The Centaur, Fairy, and House-elf all looked up at the two Wizards with infinite adoration!
The entire statue exuded a Wizard-like arrogance, showcasing the Wizards' supreme status in the wizarding world!
The fountain was also filled with many Sickles and Knut, but no Galleons were to be seen, only a dirty sign next to it read:
All proceeds from the Fountain of Magical Brethren will be donated to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries!
I hope so!
Levi glanced at it with a skeptical mind, then followed Professor McGonagall into the crowd.
The Wizards and Witches coming to the Ministry of Magicfor work early in the morning had messy footsteps, lifeless faces, looking like unwilling beasts of burden, trudging towards the golden archway at the other end of the hall.
Levi followed Professor McGonagall to the golden gate, where a Wizard sat next to a sign marked 'Security Check'.
"L-long time no see, Professor McGonagall, are you also here at the Ministry of Magic for business?"
The Wizard was reading The Daily Prophet, which featured news about the Hero King Game Championshipand the establishment of the gaming company.
He was bored, passing the time, wondering whether to buy a game console, when the corner of his eye caught Professor McGonagall. He instinctively stood up and nervously greeted her.
"Mm, I'm bringing this child to the Ministry of Magic to handle some property matters!"
Professor McGonagall replied, motioning for Levi to stand in front of the Wizard.
The Wizard relaxed a lot at this point. He picked up a long, thin golden rod and swept it over Levi, seemingly checking for Dark Arts objects on Levi.
"wand, child," in front of Professor McGonagall, the Wizard's attitude improved significantly. He even squeezed out a smile at Levi before reaching out to ask for the wandfor inspection.
Levi wasn't worried that the Ministry of Magic would find any problems with his system-enhanced wand, so he handed it over to the Wizard.
As expected, the Wizard placed Levi's wand on a single-pan scale, inspected it, then picked up the slip of paper that came out of the scale, glanced at it, and casually asked:
"12 inches, Phoenix feather core, right?"
Levi nodded, and the Wizard returned his wand, allowing them to pass.
Passing through the golden archway with Professor McGonagall, they were met with a relatively smaller hall.
Twenty elevator entrances lined the hall, and the two casually chose one and stepped inside.
Luckily, there was no one else in the elevator.
"We are currently on the eighth underground floor of the Ministry of Magic, in the Ministry of Magic Atrium!"
Professor McGonagall operated the elevator and explained to Levi:
"And for property matters, we need to first go to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement on the second underground floor, to the Magical Property Management Office, to handle the property transfer!"
"After that, we'll go to the Department of Magical Transportation on the sixth underground floor, to the Floo Network Authority, to register for the Floo Network and change fireplace permissions!"
Levi nodded. Fortunately, Professor McGonagall was leading him; otherwise, as a young wizard, even if he could enter the Ministry of Magic, probably no official would be willing to handle his business.
He was completely clueless about the Ministry of Magic, not knowing how to go to the specific departments to handle property transfer and connect to the Floo Network.
"Seventh Floor, Department of Magical Games and Sports, including the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters, the Official Gobstones Club, and the Ludicrous Patents Office."
The indifferent female voice sounded again, announcing the elevator's floor to Levi and Professor McGonagall.
"The Department of Magical Games and Sports organizes various large-scale sports events," Professor McGonagallactively introduced to Levi:
"Levi, your Hero King Game Championship in the future, to grow and become popular throughout the Wizarding World, will inevitably involve dealing with the Department of Magical Games and Sports!"
"By the way, have you registered the patent for your hero king game console and game?"
"If you haven't registered it, we'll go and register the patent after we finish the property transfer!"
When Levi heard Professor McGonagall's reminder, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't registered the patent yet!
He couldn't help but reflect that even if he felt the British Ministry of Magic was bureaucratic, he shouldn't underestimate this official institution that managed the extraordinary world.
Like registering a patent, he had completely forgotten about it!
"Not yet, Professor. Please trouble you to take me to complete the patent registration later!"
He quickly said to Professor McGonagall. The hero king game was related to his future plans, and there could be no problems.
Professor McGonagall also breathed a sigh of relief when she heard this. Fortunately, she reminded him, otherwise Levi, this young wizard who had just entered the wizarding world, would suffer a great loss!
"Sixth Floor, Department of Magical Transportation, including the Floo Network Authority, the Broomstick Regulatory Control, the Portkey Office, and the Apparition Test Centre."
The indifferent female voice sounded again, and Professor McGonagall and Levi had arrived on the sixth floor.
"We'll go here later to connect to the Floo Network and activate your fireplace's teleportation permission!"
Professor McGonagall said to Levi, who nodded. He was somewhat curious about how the Ministry of Magic was built!
Buried so deep underground, was the original site of the Ministry of Magic a natural cave under London, Britain?
Or was it slowly excavated, bit by bit, by the power of magic, without anyone knowing?
Did the Ministry of Magic, buried deep underground, exist long ago, before the city of London was even on this land?
"Fifth Floor, Department of International Magical Cooperation, including the International Magical Trading Standards Body, the International Magical Law Office, and the British Branch of the International Confederation of Wizards."
"Fourth Floor, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, including the Beast, Being, and Spirit Divisions, the Goblin Liaison Office, and the Pest Advisory Bureau."
"Third Floor, Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, including the Accidental Magical Reversal Squad, the Obliviator Headquarters, and the Committee on Muggle Issues."
Levi and McGonagall rode the elevator, going up floor by floor. Sometimes a large group of Wizards would squeeze in, then hurriedly leave.
Professor McGonagall would also quietly introduce to Levithe affairs managed by each floor of the Ministry of Magic.
Levi was most interested in the scene of each floor he saw through the elevator's railings every time it stopped.
It could be said that each had its own unique characteristics, perfectly matching his stereotypical impression of each Ministry of Magic institution.
"Second Floor, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Misuse of Magic Office... Auror Headquarters, and Wizengamot Administration Services."
The indifferent female voice sounded once again, and Leviand Professor McGonagall's primary destination had arrived.
Chapter 179: Thwarted Transfer
Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Office of Magical Property Management.
Levi and Professor McGonagall brushed past a Wizardwearing judge's robes and entered the office.
Pushing open the door, what met their eyes was a giant magical map hanging on the office wall, showing all the wizarding settlements in Britain.
Every lit point on it represented a confirmed wizarding settlement.
Some points were large, some small; Levi keenly noticed the points corresponding to Hogsmeade Village, Godric's Hollow, and Diagon Alley.
These three locations represented a pure wizarding settlement, a mixed Wizard-Muggle settlement, and the capital's commercial settlement, respectively, and were the most dazzling on the map.
In the Scottish Highlands where Levi intended to settle, the points were relatively scattered, dotting the map around the location of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"Professor McGonagall!"
As soon as Levi and Professor McGonagall walked into the Magical Real Estate Management Office.
Four young clerks in the office stood up stiffly and hurried to greet Professor McGonagall:
"Professor, long time no see! Are you here to handle some real estate business?"
"That's right, don't be nervous!"
Seeing the state of the four clerks, Professor McGonagallquickly waved for them to relax; this wasn't Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and they weren't young wizards who had made a mistake.
The four relaxed slightly and hurried around Professor McGonagall, serving tea, water, and snacks with extreme attentiveness!
It was likely that even Minister Fudge wouldn't receive such treatment!
Levi also benefited a bit from being with Professor McGonagall, and after tasting the Ministry of Magic's refreshments, he got down to business with her.
"Alright, Mr. Liam Powell, thank you for your hospitality!"
Professor McGonagall said with a smile.
The Liam Powell she spoke of was an outstanding former Gryffindor young wizard who had graduated over a decade ago and was now the Head of the Magical Real Estate Office.
"This is your junior, Levi Keynes, a first-year young wizardfrom Ravenclaw. He came here with me today to handle a property transfer!"
Professor McGonagall introduced Levi to Liam Powell.
Hearing this, Levi quickly stood up and said to Liam Powell:
"Hello, senior! I am Levi Keynes!"
"Mm," Liam Powell glanced at Levi, a smile appearing on his face as he said to Levi and Professor McGonagall:
"Actually, there's no need for an introduction, Professor. I recognized him the moment he walked in!"
"The famous inventor of the hero king game. This morning's Daily Prophet had a front-page headline about him!"
"It's a pity you're in Ravenclaw; it would have been great if you were in Gryffindor!"
Powell finished with a look of genuine regret.
After some pleasantries, Powell took the initiative to bring up the matter:
"Since you're here for real estate business, do you have the relevant property deeds?"
Levi nodded slightly and took out his Undetectable Extension storage bag, handing the property deeds for the Ruined Manor and other related documents he had purchased to Powell.
To his surprise, when Powell saw the manor estate in the Scottish Highlands that Levi had bought, a look of difficulty appeared on his face.
What was going on?
Both Professor McGonagall and Levi were stunned. The other clerks in the office noticed Powell's expression and were also confused.
"What's wrong, senior? Is there a problem with my documents?"
Levi couldn't help but ask. Although he had bought the Ruined Manor at a bargain price, he had paid real money, and all the procedures were in order.
The certificates he submitted were absolutely authentic and valid!
Even the former Soviet Union nations that had completed their dissolution and reorganization would recognize Levi's ownership of the Ruined Manor estate.
"Levi, there's no problem with the documents you provided. In principle, the property transfer should be possible."
Powell said to Levi with a grim expression.
Levi blinked and looked at Powell, waiting for the "but."
"But," Powell lowered his voice and explained to Levi and Professor McGonagall:
"You know the Soviet Union has collapsed; that country no longer exists.
The land assets the former Soviet Union left within Britainno longer have a sovereign state; they belong to no one."
"The Ministry previously issued a document stating that all magical real estate left by the Soviet Union in Britain has been confiscated by the Ministry of Magic."
"So, Levi, this property of yours..."
Hearing this, Professor McGonagall looked at Levi. Levi's expression was grim, but he insisted:
"Senior, I bought this property before the Soviet Unioncompletely collapsed!
In other words, ownership had already transferred from the Soviet Union to me personally! It doesn't 'belong to no one'!"
"If the Ministry of Magic took my property, can't I get it back?"
Powell's expression became even more strained.
But this wasn't directed at Levi; it was directed at certain greedy Wizard officials within the Ministry of Magic.
Powell certainly understood what "confiscated by the Ministry" really meant; he hadn't spent over a decade in the Ministry for nothing!
Moreover, Levi was absolutely right, regardless of how he had acquired the property during the Soviet Union's bankruptcy.
The property deeds Levi provided were completely legal and valid!
Even though the Soviet Union had collapsed, both Russia and Ukraine would recognize these deeds.
However, the Ministry's confiscation of all Soviet property had no legal basis; it was an action entirely driven by the personal greed of certain officials.
The Soviet Union was gone, and no one had come knocking.
But now that Levi had come to the Magical Real Estate Office with the deeds, they would have to take back the property swallowed by those corrupt officials and return it to him!
But Powell hesitated. That corrupt official was now a high-ranking member of the Ministry. Should he tell the truth?
In the end, his Gryffindor bravery and sense of justice led Powell to choose to reveal the whole story, including the name of the person who had swallowed Levi's property.
"It's like this, Levi... Bang!"
Powell was just about to speak.
The door to the Magical Real Estate Management Officewas suddenly thrown open!
A cloyingly sweet, choking scent of perfume rushed into the office, making Levi sneeze violently. He couldn't help but look over.
Holy crap! Someone could actually look so much like a pink toad spirit!
Chapter 180: Umbridge
The newcomer was a squat, bloated witch who looked like a fat toad stuffed into a pink suit.
Her skin was pale to the point of being sickly, and her face was coated in a frighteningly thick layer of powder.
A pair of round, bulging frog-like eyes were scrutinizing Levi and the others with a narrow, sharp, and condescending gaze.
Compared to that unsettling gaze...
...what Levi found most unbearable was that this old witch, who had to be in her fifties, was dressed in shades of girly pink!
Merlin's pink stockings! Even a twelve or thirteen-year-old like Hermione couldn't pull off that color.
Seeing it forced onto this old witch, who looked like a toad spirit brought to life, was a sensory assault that was truly nauseating!
Especially the cloying, choking scent of perfume wafting from her, mixed with the smell of old paper and a faint hint of rose; it was already making Levi so dizzy and sick that he could barely keep his eyes open!
"Good day, Professor McGonagall! And this young wizard, welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Is there something that brings you here?"
Umbridge had no idea she was nauseating Levi. Her voice was high-pitched and shrill as she greeted Professor McGonagall with sickly sweetness, inquiring about their purpose.
Levi didn't even need to listen closely to hear the hidden bitterness, desire for control, and blatant malice in her words.
This woman clearly came with ill intent!
He wondered if it had something to do with the property in his hands.
Regardless, there must be a conflict of interest; otherwise, why would this old pink toad come rushing over so urgently?!
Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, didn't think much of it. She couldn't have imagined that the current Ministry of Magic was even more corrupt, riddled with greedy officials, and filled with rigid bureaucrats than before she left!
Having taught for many years and spent so much time with young students, the old Professor's mindset had become much more naive and simple.
"Good day, Madam Umbridge," Professor McGonagallgreeted her back, explaining their purpose:
"I have brought Mr. Levi Keynes to the Ministry of Magictoday to handle the procedures for a property transfer."
"But Mr. Powell said that the Ministry of Magic has already seized all properties left by the Soviet Union within Britain!"
"That wouldn't be an issue normally, but Mr. Keins holds clear proof of ownership.
His property does not belong to the state assets left behind by the Soviet Union, but is his private asset. Could you perhaps have..."
Professor McGonagall ultimately didn't say the words "made a mistake," but the implication in her unfinished sentence was clear to everyone.
As Umbridge listened to Professor McGonagall, she took the property certificate and contract handed over by Powell. She glanced at them carelessly, and a contemptuous smile immediately curled her lips.
"The Soviet Union? Hehehe~ A country that no longer exists, that's all!"
Umbridge laughed in a shrill voice, her face full of disdain. Her voice was as grating as nails scratching a blackboard:
"The British Ministry of Magic does not recognize scraps of waste paper! Who knows if this thing was forged using some kind of magic?!"
Hearing this, Levi's gaze turned slightly cold, though his tone remained calm:
"The proof and contract were both notarized by the Soviet Wizarding Committee. They bear a Magical Property Imprint, and the contract possesses magical validity!
It fully complies with the requirements for transnational asset certification under the International Confederation of Wizards Property Convention.
Furthermore, when I purchased the property, the Soviet Union had not yet collapsed!"
"Bang! Imprints? Validity? I'll say it again! The Soviet Unionis gone! What use are these certificates and contracts?
That ownerless land has long since been incorporated into the Ministry of Magic's holdings! It no longer belongs to anyone!"
Umbridge's face suddenly changed as she slammed the contract onto the desk, sending the ink and quills flying.
"In my office, my word is the convention!
Do you think you can just swoop in and snatch up property in the Scottish Highlands just because the Muggle political situation is in chaos?
Impossible! This is the property of the Ministry of Magic!"
She deliberately emphasized the words "swoop in," her tone full of contempt and obstruction.
"As I see it, the origin of your contract is unknown, and the ownership of the land is in doubt. It has absolutely no magical contract validity or legal basis!"
As Umbridge spoke, she pulled out a piece of parchment, intending to issue a rejection slip.
Just as her quill touched the paper, she suddenly noticed that Professor McGonagall's expression was quite unpleasant, and she hastily set down the parchment and quill.
Like a chameleon, she squeezed out a smile and tried to persuade Levi:
"This property has already been assigned to the Ministry of Magic, and it is impossible to return it to you, Mr. Levi Keynes!
I think it would be better if you voluntarily waived your claim to the property. The Ministry might be able to give you a small symbolic compensation at its discretion;
Or perhaps you could take this contract and ask around in other offices within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?
Maybe there is some other way, who knows!
But here in the Office of Magical Property Management, no one can process a property transfer for you."
As Umbridge spoke, she widened her eyes like a pink toad, looking at Powell and the others with a fierce, threatening expression!
So what if he had legal proof and a contract?
The properties left behind by the former Soviet Union in Britain had already been carved up by high-ranking Ministry officials!
No matter what, there was no way she would return the property to Levi Keynes today.
Otherwise, she might offend some high-ranking official—not to mention she had embezzled one of the properties for herself!
If this Keins fellow got his property back, wouldn't she have to return the one she had pocketed?
Because of this, she not only had to discourage Levi's ideas but also make him completely abandon his ownership of the assets to settle the matter!
If Professor McGonagall hadn't been there, Umbridgewould have long ago threatened Levi directly, slapped some label of 'unidentified asset origins' on him, and kicked him out of the Ministry!
A young wizard, without Professor McGonagall here to back him up, actually dared to try and be serious with the Ministry of Magic about preserving his assets? He was dreaming!
Professor McGonagall took a step forward, her face full of gravity. Just as she was about to speak for Levi, he stopped her.
He stood in front of Professor McGonagall, facing Umbridge directly, and asked in a cold voice:
"So, the Ministry of Magic is unwilling to recognize my ownership of this land, is that it?"
He didn't raise his voice, but in that instant, the temperature in the entire office seemed to drop several degrees!
For a moment just now, he really wanted to strike, even though he had said that magic isn't about might.
But in the face of this old Ministry toad who constantly manipulated power, he really wanted her to witness his, Levi's, magical might!
"Madam Umbridge," Professor McGonagall spoke up. She had already realized what was going on!
Her gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, shooting toward the other woman through her half-moon spectacles as she said solemnly:
"I am the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and a former member of the Wizengamot.
Regarding the Ministry of Magic's attempt to seize a Wizard's private property, I will certainly write to my old friends and report this to Headmaster Dumbledore!"
"When that time comes, someone will naturally hold you and the Ministry accountable!
You should know and understand that the Ministry of Magic is not a place for certain Wizards to seek personal gain!"
Upon hearing this, the fake smile on Umbridge's face stiffened for a moment, but she immediately bolstered her courage and said:
"Professor, this is the Ministry of Magic, not a place where you can get things done through unreasonable pestering.
Mr. Levi Keynes's documentation and contracts are full of suspicious points and simply cannot prove—"
"Cannot prove?"
Levi suddenly interrupted Umbridge, making the pink toad's expression turn extremely ugly.
"Then what other proof do you want? Could it be that my property deed and my contract aren't enough to prove the property is mine?"
"If even those aren't enough, does that mean everything is just whatever the Ministry says it is?"
"From now on, can the Ministry of Magic just arbitrarily seize the private property of any Wizard at will?!"
Levi coldly questioned Umbridge.
He no longer bothered to seek the Ministry's certification, speaking in a voice full of threat:
"I don't care which corrupt official at the Ministry my property has ended up with, but my property is my property!"
"In a moment, I will be reclaiming my property and throwing out all the trash that has usurped it!"
"Professor McGonagall, let's go!"
With that, he directly picked up the property certificate and contract from the desk and stormed out with Professor McGonagall, slamming the door behind them!
Chapter 181, Manor Ruins
"Professor, I've truly seen what power and authority look like today!"
"What kind of Ministry of Magic is this? It's clearly a den of bandits! They've started out-and-out robbery!"
Levi spoke with an air of accusation, his eyes filled with disappointment.
His face was clouded with gloom and anger, as if he were on the verge of turning to the dark side!
Professor McGonagall's expression was also grim.
She had personally brought Levi to handle his affairs, yet not a single thing had been accomplished; instead, they were forced to leave after being harassed!
This Ministry of Magic was simply worse, darker, more corrupt, and more decayed than when she had left!
But in front of Levi, Professor McGonagall couldn't join him in complaining and denouncing the darkness of the Ministry of Magic.
She had to let this child of infinite potential know:
The darkness he saw was caused by only a small number of beyond-redemption individuals; the Ministry of Magicand this world still had places of light!
"Levi, don't worry! I believe this is solely Umbridge's doing, and it will be punished and rectified immediately!"
"Once we return, I will inform Headmaster Dumbledoreabout this and write to the Adjudicators of the Wizengamot!"
"I refuse to believe the Ministry of Magic has become so dark and decayed that one cannot reason with them even with solid evidence!"
Professor McGonagall said indignantly.
As a Professor of Gryffindor House, her former students and colleagues could be said to be everywhere!
If she just wrote a letter to any high-ranking Ministry official she had taught, Umbridge would have more than she could handle!
If Headmaster Dumbledore were to step in as well, even Minister of magic Fudge would have to quickly come forward to apologize and set things right!
"Let's not talk about that anymore, Professor! Let's go see my manor ruins!"
Levi's face still bore a look of disappointment, and his voice sounded dejected.
Not completing the property transfer today was certainly a bad thing, but Levi also felt it was a good thing in a way.
He was indeed fuming with rage, but the expression on his face was partly an act.
From the bottom of his heart, he couldn't stand the stagnant wizarding world!
Grindelwald's methods were certainly radical and wrong, but Levi himself harbored thoughts of completely changing the wizarding world, just like Grindelwald!
Today's experience, in particular, had planted the seeds of certain ideas in his mind!
They only awaited the right opportunity to take root, sprout, and grow into a towering tree!
At the same time, he had also come to a realization.
This world, after all, had magic—an extraordinary system emphasizing individual power—it wasn't a magicless world where everyone was born equal as ordinary people!
He had once said that magic is not power and authority!
Nor was he willing to use powerful magic to make everyone submit and obey him, becoming a tyrant who suppressed others with fear and strength!
However, this certainly didn't stop him from pursuing the power of magic and putting it into action!
Those annoying, damned Wizards who acted all proper on the surface but were full of schemes behind the scenes deserved to be severely punished, or even sent to their deaths, in his eyes!
Yes, he was talking about Fudge and Umbridge!
One was a Minister of magic who only knew how to deceive himself, was skilled at internal strife but incompetent in external affairs, and desperately tried to cover things up!
The other was a pink old toad who abused the Ministry of Magic's power, bullied others with borrowed authority, disgusted everyone, cared nothing for good or evil but only for power, and used the Ministry's might to oppress others!
The two of them, along with their lackeys, were even more disgusting and nauseating than Voldemort and his Death Eaters!
Seeing that Levi didn't want to talk about the Ministry of Magic anymore, Professor McGonagall dropped the subject and took him with her to Apparition away from London.
After several leaps through space, the two finally arrived at the land Levi had purchased.
In the Scottish Highlands, wild grass grew rampantly in the summer, and the mountains were lush and green. Standing at the foot of the mountain, Levi and Professor McGonagall could see the manor ruins standing on the mountainside from afar.
With another Apparition, the two finally arrived in front of the ruined manor Levi had bought.
Can anyone live here?
Professor McGonagall looked at the overgrown, dilapidated manor where wild rabbits and field mice scurried about, and couldn't help but think doubtfully.
Great, the manor isn't actually a ruin! There are still intact buildings!
Looking at the manor and land that belonged to him, Levithought with extreme satisfaction.
In front of him, the old manor actually had a slightly worn three-story small castle. The courtyard walls surrounding the castle hadn't collapsed either; they were just damaged and covered in weeds!
He had originally thought he would have to clear the ruins of collapsed houses on his land and rebuild from scratch!
Now, he only needed to burn away the weeds, repair the main structure of the castle, and buy some furniture, and he would have a stable home to live in!
However, wasn't it a bit too luxurious for him to live in a three-story castle all by himself?
Even if he had Hermione and her parents move in, the four of them wouldn't be able to fill this three-story castle!
It seemed he would have to add more life to this castle in the future, ideally by hiring some servants!
Looking at his future home, Levi began to make plans!
Passing through the warped gate and across the overgrown courtyard, Levi and Professor McGonagallpushed open the thick wooden door of the castle together.
"Lumos!"
With Professor McGonagall by his side, Levi could use magic, summoning a ball of light to illuminate the castle's hall.
A strong smell of mold and scattering dust hit them, revealing the interior hall of the castle to Professor McGonagall and Levi.
A thick layer of dust and silt had accumulated on the hall floor. It was empty, without any intact furniture, only half-closed doors and two sets of damaged stone stairs leading upward.
Levi and Professor McGonagall toured the entire castle. The main structure was relatively intact, but the windows, doors, and various soft furnishings were all unusable.
There were few pieces of furniture to be seen; even the beds remaining in the rooms had broken legs, and the wood had gone moldy and sprouted mushrooms, completely rotted away!
"Levi, you should still come and stay at my house!"
After walking around, Professor McGonagall became even more worried about Levi.
Feeling that this was no place for anyone to live, she spoke up to persuade Levi.
"No! Professor, I want to stay here!"
"I want to change this castle and manor bit by bit, turning this place into the home of my dreams!"
Levi refused without hesitation; he couldn't just stay here and there like a piece of rootless duckweed.
To be without land is to be a rogue, and to be without a house is to be a drifter; becoming a vagrant was something every person from his homeland feared deep in their bones, and Levi was no exception.
Now that he had a permanent residence, and only needed a little effort to renovate it for living, he was absolutely unwilling to stay at Professor McGonagall's house again.
Even though he knew Professor McGonagall's invitation was out of pure kindness, he still refused!
Seeing Levi's absolute determination, Professor McGonagall opened her mouth but didn't try to persuade him further. Instead, she said:
"Alright then, I'll help you tidy this place up!"
Seeing that Professor McGonagall had stopped persuading him and instead chose to stay and help, Leviimmediately gave a grateful smile and said:
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Professor! It's the perfect chance for me to see your magic!"
Professor McGonagall laughed at this and said, "This is your home! You can't just let me do all the work alone!"
"I'd also like to see the results of your studies this past year!
Come on, let's start with the simplest task: cleaning!"
"Scourgify!"
Levi and Professor McGonagall pulled out their wands at the same time and cast the Whirlwind Cleaning Charmtogether.
Two whirlwinds with cleaning effects erupted from the tips of their wands, like rapidly spinning brooms. Under the control of Levi and Professor McGonagall, they swept through room after room in the castle!
The thick layers of dust, cobwebs, and even tiny bits of debris accumulated in the castle were all swept out the door by the whirlwind of Spells and carried outside.
"Scourgify!"
As the first magic Levi had learned, it possessed a powerful cleaning effect and was cast from his wand.
Originally, this magic could only affect individual items.
But Levi had practiced this magic to the point where it could affect all items within a certain range.
Professor McGonagall's mastery of the Scourgify Spellwas not in the least inferior to Levi's, and perhaps even surpassed it.
Under the influence of their magic, the dilapidated interior of the castle returned to its original state:
Floors as clean as new, ceilings with intricate patterns, elegantly decorated walls, and luxurious, beautiful handrails...
"Reparo!"
For the third spell, Levi and McGonagall used it together to repair the old and damaged household items.
Although there weren't many valuable household items left in the castle, they repaired what they could.
After all, Levi's money was still money. Any additional household items would have to be bought, so every little bit saved helped.
"Evanesco!"
Stubborn stains, broken bricks and tiles, irreparable furniture and furnishings...
The useless trash remaining in the castle could only be completely eliminated with the Vanishing Spell, making it disappear.
After Levi and Professor McGonagall's hard work, although the castle's exterior walls still looked tattered, the interior was clean and tidy. It only needed window glass to stop the drafts, and it would be habitable.
"Whew~ Finally done!"
Levi bought two cups of fruit juice from the Shop, handed one to Professor McGonagall, and said with a sigh.
Casting a few types of magic was not difficult at all; the hard part was the constant repetition and maintaining focus to control the range of the Spells to avoid secondary damage.
Such repetitive casting was, of course, extremely tiring, but it wasn't without its benefits.
Levi's mastery level of these Spells had increased by another level, making the effects and range of his spells even greater!
Professor McGonagall took the juice and had a sip. Though surprised at where the drink had come from, she only guessed that Levi had prepared it in advance and brought it in an Undetectable Extension Bag.
"Levi, I still think you should come and stay at my house!"
"Even though it's habitable now, what about your food?"
Sipping the juice, Professor McGonagall made the suggestion to Levi again.
Had Levi not brought out the juice to remind her, Professor McGonagall might not have even thought of this!
Learning magic wasn't like practicing immortality or seeking the Dao; one couldn't live on wind and dew or abstain from food. Levi still had to eat, right?
"I thought of that a long time ago, Professor!"
Levi replied, taking out the food he had bought in the Shop. His Shop could essentially serve as a global food delivery platform exclusively for him.
"Alright," seeing this, Professor McGonagall knew she no longer needed to persuade him or worry.
This boy, Levi, was fully prepared to settle down here for the long term!
"Seeing that you're so prepared, I'm somewhat relieved!"
"Be very careful at night and stay alert!"
"Be honest with me, do you want me to stay here with you for a night? You're only twelve years old; aren't you afraid to live alone in the middle of nowhere?"
Professor McGonagall asked Levi one last time.
To be honest, she was starting to suspect again that the Sorting Hat had put Levi in the wrong house!
With Levi being this brave and reckless, if he wasn't sorted into Gryffindor, who could be?
Chapter 182: Purrloin and Fluffy
"Professor, what do I have to be afraid of? I'm a Wizard, I can use magic!"
Levi said without a hint of fear.
He wasn't a little kid anymore; he wasn't afraid of the dark or being alone.
"But if I leave, you have the Trace on you, so you won't be able to cast magic!"
Professor McGonagall said with a frown.
For the first time, she felt that this thing used to monitor young wizards and prevent them from casting spells recklessly was extremely eyesore!
Hearing this, Levi smiled and said with great anticipation:
"Professor, even if I can't cast magic, don't forget I still have the Magical Creature Affinity talent!
I always carry Three-headed dog Fluffy with me!"
"In a moment, I'll station him in the hall downstairs.
I'd like to see who can bypass a Three-headed dog, climb upstairs, and harm me?"
Professor McGonagall realized this as well; she hadn't remembered the Three-headed dog Levi had stored in the Undetectable Extension Charm alchemical item.
If that massive Three-headed dog was protecting him, let alone small animals or magical creatures, anyone wanting to harm Levi would likely find it impossible!
"In that case, I can rest easy!"
"Then I'll head back to Hogwarts Castle first and come see you tomorrow."
Professor McGonagall said, still somewhat worried, deciding to check on Levi again tomorrow. She really couldn't feel at ease letting Levi stay in this dilapidated castle in the middle of nowhere.
"Alright, Professor! Just watch, I'll renovate this castle bit by bit and turn it into the most elegant and magnificent home!"
"When the time comes, I'll invite you as a guest, and you can stay here for a few days!"
Levi nodded and spoke with a face full of yearning. As his own base, he planned to use Alchemy to give it a proper makeover.
Even if it couldn't rival Hogwarts Castle, it had to at least become a magic castle, right?!
"Then I shall wait and see!"
Professor McGonagall smiled upon hearing Levi's invitation, and before leaving, she didn't forget to offer a guarantee:
"Regarding the property transfer and patent registration, I'll inform Headmaster Dumbledore and write to my old friends when I get back."
"Rest assured, Levi. Right will prevail; what is yours will surely be yours!"
"In a few days, we'll go to the Ministry of Magic. I guarantee I'll help you get everything settled that needs to be done!"
Levi, however, was somewhat indifferent. He had come to realize that when facing the power of the Ministry of Magic, one had to counter it with the power of magic!
When his magical power surpassed everyone else's, never mind not having processed property transfers or patent registrations—even if he seized others' property and patents, no one would dare utter a word!
Is power might, or is magic might?
When the time came, Levi would certainly have a good discussion about the answer to this question with Fudgeand Umbridge from the Ministry of Magic!
Watching Professor McGonagall leave via Apparition, Levifelt a wave of relief now that the Professor was gone.
It wasn't that he disliked Professor McGonagall, but with her there, he couldn't use some of his methods. He was always a bit hesitant, worried about exposing certain secrets.
"Come out, Nami the Cat Thief!"
Levi opened the Bestiary and released his Pokémonpartner—the Purrloin, little Purrloin!
"Pashu~"
Little Purrloin stretched her lazy body as she walked out of the light gate. She glanced around her new home and let out a couple of disappointed cries:
"Pashu~ Pashu~"
Levi quickly picked up little Purrloin and explained:
"Purrloin, this will be our home from now on!
Though it's a bit crude, I'll work hard in the future to decorate and renovate this castle so it's not inferior to Hogwarts!"
Little Purrloin nodded upon hearing this, her fluffy cat head affectionately rubbing against Levi's neck.
She didn't actually care where they lived; as long as she could stay with Levi, anywhere was fine.
Holding Nami the Cat Thief, Levi controlled the light gate to enlarge and released Three-headed dog Fluffy as well:
"Woof! Woof! Woof!"
Three-headed dog Fluffy offered three barks of greeting as soon as he appeared, crowding in front of Levi with an excited face, his large mouths hanging open and dripping saliva.
Is it time to eat?
It's time to eat.
It's time to eat!
Levi could understand the meaning behind Three-headed dog Fluffy's cry and felt a moment of speechlessness.
He had also been muddled, having the Three-headed dogguard the treasury within the Bestiary.
In a completely sealed small world like the Bestiary, who could possibly break in and steal his gold and silver treasures?
"It's not mealtime yet. I'll bring your dinner steaks over in a bit."
Levi said, soothing Three-headed dog Fluffy, his eyes fixed intently on the Three-headed dog to prevent him from licking him like a common dog.
He had suffered from this more than once; the Three-headed dog was simply too big. When that one Lickitungcame over, it was like having a bath towel slapped onto his face!
He bought a large piece of roasted steak from the Shopand tossed it in front of Three-headed dog Fluffy; this stuff actually didn't cost much money.
Levi also bought several types of Pokémon food for Nami the Cat Thief before instructing Fluffy:
"Fluffy, from now on you'll be stationed in this hall, responsible for guarding the door and protecting me!"
"No matter who approaches this castle without permission, you must subdue them as much as possible without taking their life."
"Of course, before you act, it's best to give a loud bark to alert me!"
Three-headed dog Fluffy listened intently to Levi's orders while gnawing on the steak, not forgetting to bark three times between swallows to indicate he would definitely carry out Levi's orders faithfully.
"Good boy!"
Levi smiled upon hearing Three-headed dog Fluffy's barks and reached out to pat Fluffy's dog head, which was as large as a door!
"Pashu~"
Little Purrloin, eating her Pokémon cake, also let out a cry, indicating she would protect Levi too!
"Yes, yes, yes, and we have our little Purrloin too!"
Levi held little Purrloin affectionately, even though he hadn't exchanged any Pokémon skills for Purrloin yet.
Through her own practice, little Purrloin had mastered two skills, cry and Sand Attack. Ordinary small animals were no match for Purrloin at all!
Setting Purrloin down to let her explore the castle, Levitook out the takeout he had bought from the Shop and began eating lunch.
While eating, Levi also conceptualized the layout of the castle in his mind.
The cleaning of the castle's interior was basically complete; next would be clearing the damaged exterior walls, as well as various weeds and green vines.
But Levi was also in a bit of a predicament because Professor McGonagall had left, and with the Trace on him, he couldn't cast magic!
"Is my top priority to quickly research some magic ritual? Or some alchemical item that can shield the Trace?"
Levi thought to himself. The most urgent task was indeed to find a way to shield the Trace.
After finishing his meal, Levi ducked into the Bestiary's small world. Casting magic here, the Trace would absolutely not be able to transmit any messages.
"Let me think, what method can I use to shield the Trace?"
Levi sat cross-legged in the Radiant Jungle, thinking hard as one idea after another popped into his head.
Chapter 183: Masking the Trace
To mask the Trace, one must first understand what the Trace is.
The Trace is a global tracking magical mark placed by the Ministry of Magic on all underage Wizards under the age of 17.
It is used to monitor young wizards and prevent them from abusing magic outside of school.
On Levi's first day at school, while crossing the Black Lake, it had already been branded into his body.
Levi recalled an introduction to the Trace he had once seen in a book:
[The Trace only binds to underage Wizards; when they celebrate their seventeenth birthday, the Trace will automatically expire.]
The first method Levi thought of was to fool the Trace into thinking he was already eighteen!
[The Trace detects surrounding magical fluctuations and magical activity, reporting to the Improper Use of Magic Office.]
[Furthermore, it only reports the location, time, and type of magic; it cannot distinguish who is casting the spell.]
The second method Levi thought of was to utilize this characteristic of the Trace to simulate the presence of an adult Wizard around him.
To make the Trace believe that an adult Wizard was casting the spell, rather than Levi.
"Two mechanisms, two countermeasures, two methods—I must try them both!"
Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Levi formulated his methods, thinking to himself.
The first thing he thought of was the Ageing Potion; a single drop of this Potion could make a person a year older.
During the Triwizard Tournament in the fourth year's Goblet of Fire, the Weasley Twins tried to use the Ageing Potion to fool the Goblet of Fire and sign up.
However, Levi was not so foolish as to think that an Ageing Potion could fool the Trace.
The Ageing Potion only increases a person's age in appearance.
But in reality, neither the internal bone age nor the Traces left by time on the body would change in the slightest.
He was thinking if he could use the logic of the Ageing Potion to make himself seven or eight years older out of thin air, thereby fooling the Trace.
But after much thought, with the knowledge and magic he possessed, there was no such magic that could truly shorten one's lifespan!
Regarding lifespan, age, and time in the Harry Potter world, after thinking it over, Levi realized only the Time-Turner and time-related magic could achieve this.
But Levi did not have a Time-Turner, nor had he learned any time-related magic.
More importantly, he only wanted to fool the Trace, not actually shorten his life and consume seven or eight years of his lifespan for nothing.
In the arcanist mod, there were indeed such wondrous arcane secret techniques!
Unfortunately, Levi was currently only an Arcane Apprentice; even if he had Academic Credits to exchange for a Spell Template, he couldn't learn it, let alone cast it!
"Only when I truly encounter a problem do I realize that the magic I've mastered is actually nothing!"
Levi examined himself; although he had mastered many spells, even rivaling some Professors.
But when truly faced with a problem, he realized that his mastery of magic was still very superficial, merely staying at the level of mastering existing Spells; his attainment in magic could not be called profound at all.
The method of changing age to deceive the Trace was unfeasible, so Levi turned his attention to the other method.
That was to make the Trace believe there was an adult Wizard beside him, and all magic was being cast by the adult Wizard, not by him, Levi!
"Easier said than done; how should I simulate this adult Wizard?"
Levi frowned; even with his Alchemy Talent and alchemy attainment, he momentarily fell into a dead end with no clues.
The first thing he thought of was a dummy, or rather, a magic puppets; this was the most intuitive creation that could simulate a Wizard.
With a wave of his hand, Levi bought an alchemy tablefrom the Shop and began attempting to create an alchemy puppet.
Previously, in the Room of Requirement, when he was becoming an Arcanist, he had observed the essence of a Wizard through the Source View.
In reality, it was the interweaving and mutual influence of the magic source and the soul symbol that gave birth to the spellcasting profession of a Wizard!
As for the magic source, Levi didn't know how to forge one.
If he could forge a magic source, there would be no difference between Wizards and Muggles in this world!
If he could understand and master the magic source, Leviwould become the God of magic!
He could turn any Muggle into a Wizard, and any Wizardinto a Muggle!
"Without understanding what a magic source is, or understanding magic itself, then the magic supply for the magic puppets can only rely on Ancient Runes that absorb magic!"
Levi was truly uncertain whether the magic puppets he refined could be regarded as an adult Wizard by the Trace.
But refining a magic puppets was already in his plan; with such a large medium-sized castle, he couldn't take care of it alone without using magic.
Refining a few alchemy puppets—for example, a gardener, a chef, a mason...—was very necessary!
"Even if it can't mask the Trace, I need to refine some magic puppetss to protect myself; it's a case of'sharpening the axe before cutting the wood,' so let's do it!"
Muttering to himself, Levi bought the necessary alchemy materials from the Shop and began designing his first alchemy magic puppets.
Using magic-absorbing runes as the power supply.
Next, he began to conceptualize what functions to design for the magic puppets.
In Levi's conception, the first puppet should play the role of a gardener; while not a combat magic puppets, it should still have some offensive capability.
"Mrs. Ethel, I didn't expect the Scissors Charm you taught me would still be useful now!"
Levi muttered; since it was a gardener, it naturally needed a pair of scissors to prune the garden.
The Scissors Charm that Mrs. Ethel had once taught him happened to come in handy.
Besides pruning flowers and grass, a gardener also needs to water them, so Levi also intended to enchant the magic puppets with the Aguamenti spell.
Having designed the rune functions of the magic puppets, Levi began refining the first magic puppets.
After passing through the four major alchemy stages of Nigredo, Albedo, Rubedo, and Citrinitas, Levi's alchemy puppet entered the final stage: the endowment of soul and emotion.
To be precise, this step was extremely similar to turning inanimate objects into living ones in Transfiguration!
When a Wizard performs Transfiguration to turn an inanimate object into a living one, they must imbue the magic with their own memories and emotions, so that the inanimate object turned living acts according to the Wizard's design.
The whole process had no sense of technology but was extremely magical, a classic manifestation of 'wishing makes it so'!
Holding his wand, Levi poured his memories and emotions regarding a gardener bit by bit into the prototype of the magic puppets before him.
As the final Shaping and Cooling Charm was cast by Leviand landed on the magic puppets, a lifelike large crab appeared in front of him!
Chapter 184: magic puppetss
Levi held his wand and cast an Infusion Charm, channeling magic into the puppet.
Under the effect of the Magic Runes for mana absorption, the magic puppets named "Gardener Crab" soon began to move.
"Take a few steps! If you're fine, take a few steps!"
Levi gave the command to the Gardener Crab; he wanted to see if it would be like a magical simpleton, unable to even walk.
Receiving the command, the Gardener Crab immediately acted as Levi had designed.
With a "whoosh," the eight walking legs carrying the massive crab shell leaped from the Alchemy Table to right in front of Levi.
"Holy crap!"
Levi was startled by his own creation, even blurting out his mother tongue!
He thought he was about to be knocked head over heels by the Gardener Crab!
Right after, Levi saw his Gardener Crab nimbly moving its eight legs, scuttling around him in an overbearing manner, and even climbing up a nearby tree with incredible agility.
"Not bad, not bad," Levi looked up, watched for a while, and nodded in satisfaction.
At the very least, the Gardener Crab he had refined wasn't a magical simpleton.
"Snip off a branch for me, about as thick as a chopstick!"
Levi gave another command to the Gardener Crab.
The Gardener Crab on the tree froze for a moment after receiving the command. Just as Levi was starting to think the puppet he refined was an idiot...
...the Gardener Crab finally moved. It actually waved its two large pincers, snipped a branch that met Levi's requirement of being chopstick-thick, and climbed down to place it before him.
"Very good!"
Levi couldn't help but praise it, then commanded the Gardener Crab again:
"Go water that tree you just climbed down from!"
Receiving the command, the Gardener Crab froze again under Levi's puzzled gaze.
After quite a while, it finally scuttled over to the tree it had climbed down from. It sprayed a stream of fresh water from its mouth, watering the roots.
"Why is it always a beat slow? Could it be that I didn't imbue it with enough intelligence?"
Filled with doubt, Levi waved his wand and placed the Gardener Crab on the Alchemy Bench, dismantling it to research the cause of its delayed reactions.
Time ticked away. Levi held a cheeseburger in one hand, eating while he took the Gardener Crab apart. Having used Diffindo to disassemble it, he finally found the root of the problem:
"So this is where the issue lies. It's not a lack of intelligence, but a lack of information gathering and feedback functions for the outside world!"
Levi muttered to himself as he took out two small rubies and mounted them onto the Gardener Crab.
These two gems would serve as the Gardener Crab's eyes from now on, allowing it to gather information quickly and complete magic tasks with precision.
After reassembling the Gardener Crab, Levi tested it again. Sure enough, after he gave another command, the Gardener Crab no longer had a delayed reaction; it executed orders quickly and accurately.
"One Gardener Crab isn't enough; I need to refine a few more!"
Levi watched the Gardener Crab scuttling around his feet and thought about his overgrown manor, muttering to himself.
Professor McGonagall visited Levi's manor again the next day as scheduled.
Having just finished her Apparition, she was startled!
The manor, which had been overgrown with weeds and wild trees in a state of chaotic Growth, was now neatly trimmed!
Even the weeds and shrubs growing on the castle had completely disappeared!
In their place, ten lifelike Alchemical Puppets that looked no different from real giant crabs were scuttling all over the manor!
The reason Professor McGonagall could tell at a glance that the Gardener Crabs were Alchemical Puppets rather than Magical Creatures...
...was because she sensed no trace of life from them.
Furthermore, those two red eyes were clearly gems, not actual eyeballs.
Seemingly sensing Professor McGonagall's presence, these Gardener Crabs actually raised their massive pincers, which gleamed sharply in the sunlight, and rushed toward her.
"Woof!"
At the same time, the massive roar of the Three-headed dog Fluffy echoed from within the castle!
"Back down, all of you!"
With an Apparition, Levi appeared in front of the castlegates. With a single shout, he made the ten Gardener Crabs move their eight legs and slowly retreat.
Professor McGonagall was also surprised; she hadn't expected these crabs to have defensive capabilities, knowing to attack intruders.
"Levi, did you refine all these crab puppets yourself?"
Professor McGonagall asked Levi, her eyes shining.
As a true old Gryffindor cat lady, she had long wanted to command the Stone Golems of the castle for a proper battle!
She had thought she would never have such an opportunity in her lifetime, but she hadn't expected to see such a chance here with Levi.
"Yes, Professor," Levi nodded. Seeing how interested Professor McGonagall was, he invited her into the castlewhile asking:
"Professor, you seem very interested in Alchemical Puppets. If you'd like, how about I refine one for you as well?"
Professor McGonagall followed Levi into the castle. Hearing his words, she couldn't help but want to agree.
Who could refuse a lifelike Alchemical Puppet moving about under their command?
But remembering her status as a Professor, McGonagall felt embarrassed to ask Levi for such a precious item.
She thought about it, and instead of refusing, she said:
"I do indeed want such a puppet, but wouldn't it be too much trouble for you?"
"I mean, if possible, I'd like to pay for it. I can't let you put in all that effort and hard work to refine a puppet for me for nothing!"
Hearing Professor McGonagall agree, a joyful smile appeared on Levi's face.
He had long wanted to properly thank Professor McGonagall, who had been busy helping him and cared for him quite a bit.
Regarding Professor McGonagall's request to pay, he refused without a second thought:
"It's no trouble at all, Professor! And there's no need for money; it's just an Alchemical Puppet!"
"Consider it an early Christmas present from me!"
"But what kind of puppet would you like? A cat, a lion, a tiger, or a majestic knight?"
"I guarantee it will be lifelike and have various unique magic functions!"
Levi lifted his head proudly as he spoke to Professor McGonagall.
It wasn't hard to make an Alchemical Puppet move like a living creature; what was difficult was imbuing an alchemical creation with intelligence and the ability to think, like the Sorting Hat.
Although his Gardener Crabs handled pruning the garden and watering with ease and skill, that was the extent of it!
A Gardener Crab was essentially just a self-moving lawnmower; it was impossible for Levi to have it process complex instructions.
Professor McGonagall felt conflicted when she heard Levididn't want her money, but upon hearing his question about her requirements for the magic puppets, she couldn't help but start daydreaming.
Should she get a cat, a lion, or a tiger?
Chapter 185: Condensing Templates
Before Professor McGonagall could even decide what kind of puppet she wanted, she and Levi had already entered the castle's main hall.
The Three-headed dog Fluffy filled the hall so completely that Professor McGonagall couldn't help but take a step back upon entering.
"Merlin's beard! What an enormous dog!"
When she had first seen Fluffy in the fourth-floor chamber, Professor McGonagall hadn't been as struck by its size.
But now, seeing the Three-headed dog Fluffy, with each head larger than a grown man, crammed into the hall, she was genuinely shocked!
With a dog like this guarding the door, it was no wonder Levi wasn't afraid to live alone in this remote castle in the wilds.
If it were her, she wouldn't be afraid either!
Circling around Fluffy, the two of them sat down in one of the castle's rooms.
"I've decided. I want a lion the size of a cat! It has to look real, able to roar and run!"
Professor McGonagall said to Levi with full of anticipation.
Even though she was already an elderly woman, she was still filled with longing for things she couldn't have in her youth!
"No problem, Professor. In about a week, or by the start of term, I'll have it ready for you!"
Hearing Professor McGonagall's request, Levi thought it presented no difficulty. If it were an intelligent knight puppet, he couldn't craft that yet.
But a small lion puppet that merely understood simple commands was no challenge for Levi at all.
"Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, Levi!"
Upon hearing this, Professor McGonagall broke into an expectant smile. Once she got the puppet, she would definitely show it off to her old friends!
After discussing some details about the puppet, Professor McGonagall asked Levi:
"Levi, are you facing any difficulties living here?"
"Tell me, and see if I can help you solve them?"
"Don't worry about the property transfer and patent registration. I've already told Dumbledore about your situation and written to my old friend as well!"
"In another ten days or half a month, I'll take you to the Ministry of Magic again. Let's see who dares to obstruct us this time!"
Professor McGonagall spoke with firm resolve, her words brimming with dissatisfaction towards Umbridge!
"Actually, there aren't really any major difficulties," Levisaid, not entirely truthfully.
In truth, the biggest difficulty was the existence of the Trace, which prevented Levi from performing magic.
Last night, after successfully crafting the Gardener Crab, he suddenly realized he had been thinking about it the wrong way!
No matter how intricate a puppet he crafted, these magic puppetss were essentially no different from broomsticks.
Underage Wizards performing magic would be detected by the Trace, but using alchemical items would not trigger the slightest reaction.
"That's good then," Professor McGonagall didn't detect Levi's insincerity. Seeing that Levi even had alchemical puppets, she felt she didn't need to worry too much about him.
After arranging with Levi to write to him in advance before their next trip to the Ministry of Magic, she bid him farewell and left the castle.
"Sigh! If only a Dark Wizard would come attack me!"
After seeing off Professor McGonagall, Levi suddenly said, as if full of longing.
Then he could subdue and imprison them. Wouldn't he then have an adult Wizard by his side? This would be more effective than any other method of dealing with the Trace!
He would also gain another test subject to thoroughly research the mysteries between Wizards, magical power, and the soul.
Thinking of this, Levi felt almost like going to Knockturn Alley to capture a Dark Wizard and bring them back!
But doing so was very risky, not to mention the issues of morality and whether he could actually win a fight.
If he simply kidnapped a Dark Wizard, what if they had friends or relatives who came looking? Levi would risk exposure.
Grabbing a live disguise, while simple, direct, and effective, carried enormous risk. Levi only considered it as a last resort.
If he absolutely couldn't solve the Trace problem, then he would have no choice but to grab some unlucky soul!
Apart from capturing a Dark Wizard for a live disguise, Levithought of another method to resolve the Trace's nuisance.
That was to enter the Source View, locate the Trace, and through various studies, either erase it from his body or seal it away.
Before Professor McGonagall arrived, Levi had already tried using the Source View to find the Trace but had temporarily failed.
"Having a tracking mark placed on you is really annoying!"
Extremely irritated, Levi turned and returned to the Bestiary space.
He was still only an Arcane Apprentice, having mastered only the zero-level cantrip, Forced Calm.
Since he planned to use the Source View to search for the Trace within his body, he didn't intend to do just that one thing. He planned to take advantage of the Source View to condense more Spell Templates.
With his prior experience in class change and the established Spells of the Harry Potter system, condensing zero-level cantrip Spell Templates wasn't actually difficult.
Just like now, after some simple research, Levi had condensed the zero-level cantrip—Mage Hand—through the Levitation Charm and Telekinesis.
As his mind willed it, the magical power he mobilized immediately activated the Mage Hand Spell Template.
In Levi's perception, it was as if he had gained an invisible large hand that could move freely within a ten-meter radius around his body.
It could also easily lift objects weighing up to a ton and manipulate them as flexibly as his own palm.
"Have you ever witnessed a palm technique that descends from the heavens? The Buddha's Palm!"
Standing in the Bestiary space, Levi, like a martial arts grandmaster, extended his hand and struck!
The next second, a massive palm print was slammed into the earth, deeply indented into the soft soil layer.
"With Mage Hand, if I traveled to a wuxia film, I could even pass for a martial arts master capable of external energy projection!"
Levi said delightedly. The power of the Arcanist class was unmistakably revealed at this moment.
Given the physical strength of Wizards in the Harry Potter world.
If hit by his Mage Hand without the protection of a Shield Charm, they could basically check into St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries!
A palm strike with the force of a thousand jun could probably kill an old ox. That's about the level of Qiao Fengfrom 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'!
If it could kill an old ox with one palm, how much more so a Wizard whose physical body isn't much stronger than an ordinary person's!
Over the next few days, using the Source View, Levi didn't find any Trace of the Trace. Instead, he filled up his zero-level cantrip spell slots.
Through Lumos, Levi analyzed and transformed it into the zero-level spell—Dancing Lights!
It could create a ball of light that obeyed commands, hovering, flying, and moving according to Levi's will. The effect was quite similar to Lumos.
Except the spell was more stable, consumed less magical power, and lasted longer!
Through Reparo, Levi condensed the Spell Template for Mending; by analyzing Scourgify, Levi mastered Prestidigitation (for cleaning).
Besides these, there were also Cure Minor Wounds, Magic Missile, Mage Hand (again), Open/Close, Adhesive, and the most important zero-level cantrip—Detect Magic!