socalfunplaces Chapter 308 Return to the Castle
Chapter 308 Return to the Castle
Chapter 308 Returning to the Castle
"Merlin's beard—" Wesley murmured, his voice as soft as a whisper.
"A laboratory? Slytherin's?" Fabian quickly put his glasses back on, as if that would allow him to see more clearly. "Under the Black Lake? This—this is incredible!"
Ernesto took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but his voice was still a little hoarse: "You guys are alright? What's inside?"
"It's a long story, and the process was a bit complicated, but we're safe." Professor Castor's deep voice interrupted their shock. He had roughly dried his hair and face with a towel, and although his robes were still wet, his demeanor had returned to its usual composure. He waved his wand lightly, silently pointing it at Karen and himself.
Karen immediately felt a lightness wash over him as a warm, dry breeze enveloped him. His soaked robes, underwear, and even his shoes and socks became completely dry and comfortable within seconds, as if they had just been sun-dried and carefully ironed. Even his hair became fluffy and dry.
Professor Castor didn't pause; he waved his wand again, pointing to the water stains and footprints they had left on the ground. The water on the rocks vanished instantly, and even the marks they had just left behind returned to their original state, as if no one had ever stood there.
Having done all this, Professor Castor turned to Karen, his eyes sharp in the night: "Karen, it's time to exchange and back up our findings. I'll give you a copy of the experimental data I recorded, and you can copy the magic circle patterns and protected magical runes you observed and drew. We must ensure that this precious knowledge is not lost by accident, and it will also facilitate cross-validation and in-depth analysis between Nico and me."
"Yes, teacher." Karen immediately took out the memory crystals from his spatial bag, as well as the complex magic circle patterns on parchment that he had hastily drawn on the spot based on his memories and understanding from the "Eye of Truth," including the mysterious magic circle pattern at the bottom of the observation pool, and the magic pattern book that protected the core log and scrolls with the intricate access locks that he could not crack for the time being.
At the same time, Professor Castor also took out several thick scrolls of magical parchment from the inner pocket of his robe, filled with fine ancient runes and annotations. These scrolls systematically recorded various experimental table label data, scattered notes, and preliminary measurements and analyses of laboratory alchemy structures that he had quickly browsed and copied.
The two began casting their own replication spells. Karen focused on replicating the magic circle diagrams and patterns he had drawn, as well as photographic copies of the specimen labels and environmental sketches taken with his magical camera. He first picked up a memory crystal, pressed it to his forehead, closed his eyes, and briefly recalled the magical flow and detailed scenes inside the laboratory. Then, he gently touched it to another blank crystal, the tip of his wand touching the joint, and whispered a complex replication incantation. A flash of light, and two identical memory crystals were complete. This process required precise magical control to ensure that every detail of the memory image remained accurate.
Next came the parchment rubbings and magical photographs. He used the same copying charm to carefully duplicate each document. Meanwhile, Professor Castor was also copying his own records of documents and data with remarkable efficiency.
The entire process lasted nearly ten minutes, during which everyone held their breath, with only the low chanting of incantations and the faint sound of the evening breeze blowing across the lake. Wesley and Fabian vigilantly watched the Marauder's Map and the surrounding activity to ensure their safety.
Once the last copy was completed, both parties retrieved their originals and carefully stored away the copies they had exchanged. Professor Castor meticulously examined each magical image, magic circle diagram, and rune sequence he had received, confirming their clarity and completeness before storing them in a space within the inner pocket of his robe, which had been enchanted with a Seamless Stretch Charm.
"These findings are extremely important, Karen." Professor Castor's expression was unusually serious as his gaze swept over Karen and then over the three other boys who were listening intently. "Their importance far exceeds your imagination, and their potential danger is undeniable. What Slytherin left behind, especially this knowledge that has been so well protected. Until Nico and I have conducted further analysis and made thorough preparations, absolutely, absolutely none of you are permitted to attempt to re-enter that place or try to crack those access locks on your own. Understand?"
His gaze lingered particularly on Cullen, carrying an undeniable warning. "Remember this: Salazar Slytherin, as one of the four legendary wizards who founded Hogwarts, left behind a legacy of knowledge, especially knowledge concerning the origins of magical creatures, bloodlines, and even the darker realms. This knowledge holds an irresistible allure for countless forces in the wizarding world, particularly those dark wizards and organizations lurking in the shadows. If this information leaks out, even the slightest whisper could attract unpredictable covetousness and danger. Therefore, secrecy is not only for your personal safety, but also to prevent this dangerous knowledge from falling into the wrong hands."
Karen nodded solemnly: "I understand, teacher. I won't act rashly."
"We'll keep an eye on him too, Professor! And we'll absolutely keep quiet!" Wesley assured him immediately. Fabian and Ernesto nodded vigorously, their expressions more solemn than ever before. Only now did they realize the weight of the burden on their shoulders.
"Very good." Professor Castor's expression softened slightly. "What happened tonight must be taken to your grave. You must not mention it to anyone, not even your closest friends and family. This is not only to protect yourselves, but also to prevent those who shouldn't know from having any improper thoughts."
After receiving confirmation from the four again, Professor Castor nodded. "Well then, I should go. Get back to the castle safely as soon as possible." He paused, then added, "Well done, Karen. And the three of you, very vigilant and coordinated very well."
After saying that, he didn't say anything more. He turned around and disappeared without a trace, as if he had blended into the night.
After Professor Castor left, the atmosphere on the shore relaxed slightly, but the four remained cautious. They quickly gathered up all the remaining coins, empty potion bottles, and other items, making sure no trace was left. Karen took out the Invisibility Cloak, and the four skillfully squeezed underneath it, carefully making their way towards the castle using the Marauder's Map.
Perhaps because it was late at night, or perhaps due to good luck, they encountered no trouble along the way. Just as they approached the castle gate, the Marauder's Map showed Filch and his cat, Lady Lorris, loitering near the entrance hall.
"Stop!" Karen warned in a low voice. The four of them immediately pressed themselves against the cold wall, held their breath, and were completely enveloped by the invisibility cloak.
Filch, carrying a dim oil lamp, muttered something under his breath, seemingly checking the lock. Mrs. Lorris circled around his feet, her yellow eyes glowing eerily in the darkness. It seemed to twitch its nose in their direction, but perhaps because of the distance, or perhaps because of the combined effects of the Invisibility Cloak and the Disillusionment Charm, it showed no obvious hostility, only tilting its head in confusion.
The four of them stood motionless, their hearts pounding in their throats. What felt like an eternity passed before Filch, carrying his oil lamp, slowly walked away in another direction, with Mrs. Lorris jogging after him.
"That was close—" Wesley breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Hurry up," Karen whispered. The four moved again, seizing the opportunity to slip silently through the castle gates. Familiar with the way, they chose secluded corridors and staircases and headed towards the Ravenclaw Tower.
Finally, they returned to the Ravenclaw common room on the eighth floor without incident. Fortunately, the room was empty, with only the flickering fire in the fireplace making a soft crackling sound. Only one younger girl was curled up asleep in an armchair in the corner, clutching an open history of magic textbook.
Karen gently cast a silencing spell and a small-area sleep spell on her to ensure she wouldn't be disturbed or hear anything, then the four of them moved swiftly through the lounge like ghosts and slipped into their bedroom.
Once inside the safe, private space, everyone completely relaxed. Wesley collapsed onto his bed, letting out a relieved groan. Fabian leaned against the door, slowly sliding down to sit, taking off his glasses and rubbing his temples. Ernesto, though still standing, also let out a long sigh.
"Merlin—" Wesley sprang from the bed, his eyes shining brightly, his voice trembling with suppressed excitement, "Karen! Quick! Tell me in detail! The Slytherin laboratory! What's inside? What did you see?"
Fabian immediately put his glasses back on, stood up, and his face was filled with academic curiosity: "Yes, Karen, please tell us the details! How is the extended space maintained? What is the principle behind the magical light source inside? Those specimens—"
Even Ernesto couldn't help but take two steps forward, his gray eyes flashing with a complex light, a mixture of curiosity about his pure-blooded ancestor and a hint of barely perceptible awe.
Karen looked at the eager eyes of his three friends, and his own heart was pounding with excitement; he couldn't wait to share everything he had seen and heard. But when he glanced at the still-dark night outside the window and the alarm clock on the bedside table pointing to three in the morning, he forcibly suppressed the urge.
"Guys, I'd love to tell you everything right now," Karen's voice was tired, but even more so, hoarse with excitement. "However, the process isn't simple, there's a huge amount of information involved, and it's too late now; our minds aren't clear enough. To ensure we can clearly understand and analyze it, and to avoid being overheard, we'll go to Eagle's Nest first thing tomorrow morning. I promise I'll tell you everything exactly as it is, in great detail, and I'll show you all the copied materials. We'll study them together."
Wesley looked disappointed, but nodded understandingly. "Okay—you're right. If I heard that now, I'd probably be too excited to sleep, and I'd definitely be doomed in class tomorrow."
Fabian barely managed to suppress his eagerness: "A rational choice. We need plenty of energy and a clear mind to deal with such an important discovery."
Ernesto nodded slightly in agreement.
"Then it's settled." Karen felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, and yawned. "I need to get some rest, although I have a feeling I might dream about that lab tonight—"
That being said, after the intense mental stimulation, physical needs ultimately prevailed. After a quick wash, the four climbed into bed. The dormitory fell silent, but an barely suppressed excitement and curiosity lingered in the air. Karen lay in bed, eyes closed, her mind replaying the scene in the stone chamber deep within the Black Lake: the strange specimens, the enormous experimental table, and the alluring, snakeskin-like experimental journal—