The monologue stretches on, long and impassioned.
Even in committing her words to parchment, the author's emotions are barely contained. From the cadence of her voice, Ian discerns that she is an elderly witch, preserving the knowledge she once learned from her teacher, yet simultaneously wrestling with the weight of her past.
"This story sounds oddly familiar." Ian frowns. The "she" that the author speaks of— could it be Witch Mara of the Twilight Realm?
By lineage, the book's author would be Ian's predecessor. No, more precisely— his senior sister. This forgotten student recorded all she had learned in her twilight years, leaving behind a testament of her knowledge.
As for why Witch Mara's likeness adorns the cover, it seems a final tribute to the mentor she once betrayed. Ian finds himself tangled in a complex web of emotions as the preface's voice fades.
After all—
The more he listens to the author's tale, the more familiar it seems.
"The fair, regal stepmother from Muggle fairy tales... is actually my ancient senior sister!?"
At last, Ian understands why the author's words ring so vividly in his mind.
He never imagined that Muggle folklore might hold fragments of wizarding history. Absurd? Unbelievable? Like something from a dream? He doesn't quite know how to describe the feeling.
"Professor Mara, just what sort of students have you trained, oh…" Ian has uncovered fragments of the past, yet they still leave many questions unanswered.
The latter half of 'Mind's Dominion: From Legilimency to Soul Enchantment' consists primarily of advanced knowledge in the field of mental magic. It begins with Legilimency as a foundation, gradually unveiling the training required to master the art. By the time she penned this book, Ian's senior sister had become a formidable mind mage in her own right.
However—
Ian is in no rush to study its secrets. There is always time for learning. For now, he continues flipping through the pages, searching for what he truly seeks.
And finally, near the very end, just as he is about to curse the heavens for leading him in endless circles—
He finds it.
"Only as my life nears its end do I finally summon the courage to write this book for her."
"She taught me so much, and even before my betrayal, she had already shaped the course of my life. I cannot bear to let this knowledge be lost with me."
Perhaps I no longer have the right to call myself her apprentice, but please forgive my final selfishness— this book is dedicated to my teacher, Morgan le Fay.
On the path you paved, your unworthy apprentice can only go this far... May we meet in the land of souls, and may the ravens of the afterlife guide me to your side.
---
The final pages.
Another lengthy monologue from the author.
Regret is its dominant theme.
But Ian has finally found the truth hidden within these words.
"Morgan le Fay!"
Ian is stunned. He had steeled himself for the possibility that Professor Mara was a dark witch, but he had never imagined that his teacher was 'that' infamous.
Wizards have their legends.
Perhaps Albus Dumbledore has already earned his place in history, but it's clear he has yet to reach the level of a true legend. Morgan le Fay, however, is already enshrined in magical lore as one of the most formidable dark witches to ever live.
Having spent enough time in the magical world, Ian is well aware of the epic tales surrounding her. He never dreamed that he would have a direct connection to such a historical figure!
"Merlin's beard, Mara... My mentor, Morgan le Fay— she really could have rivaled Rowena Ravenclaw!" Ian recalls his idle musings when he stood upon Rowena Ravenclaw's island. He had assumed his first teacher was merely an ancient witch lost to time.
Who would have thought the truth would be 'this' outrageous?
Ian doesn't believe he's being disrespectful to Hogwarts' founder.
He simply thinks that if the two had ever clashed, Rowena Ravenclaw's chances of victory might not have been as certain as he once believed.
"Blimey, I've gone and apprenticed myself to one of the most powerful witches in history without even realizing it!" Ian can barely contain his excitement at the thought of returning to the Twilight Zone, bringing Dumbledore's message, and confronting his teacher with her own identity.
Her reaction will be priceless!
"Ugh, I still have a few days left before I can return. There must be a way to shorten the cooldown period." Ian has never felt time move so sluggishly.
Perhaps it's because so much has happened since the start of term.
---
The afternoon class is Herbology.
Nothing unexpected happens.
In fact—
For three consecutive days, Ian's school life remains undisturbed by new revelations. Apart from the still-vacant Defense Against the Dark Arts position, everything is strangely calm.
Rumor has it that Snape personally petitioned for the role, but Dumbledore rejected him outright, stating that he was too steeped in the Dark Arts to teach proper defense.
This rumor, of course, originates from Gryffindor, making its credibility somewhat dubious— especially when it concerns the head of Slytherin House, the professor Gryffindors love to loathe.
"I love this kind of peace!"
…
Another morning dawns.
The Dementors and Ministry officials have withdrawn. No formal announcement has been made, but Professor McGonagall offered a reassuring remark at dinner, telling students there was no need to worry.
Most younger students take her words at face value.
However, Ian and the older students can see through Professor McGonagall's carefully measured tone. The culprit behind the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's murder has likely not been caught. At best, they have a suspect; at worst, they are completely in the dark.
The so-called "no need to worry"
Is simply to prevent mass panic.
"Not my problem!"
After breakfast, morning classes begin with Potions.
Ravenclaw is once again paired with Slytherin.
Michael, failing to secure a spot with the sisters, reluctantly teams up with William, who has no other options. Aurora, whom Ian hasn't seen in a while, arrives early and seats herself among the Ravenclaws.
As Ian enters the classroom, Aurora nods at him, waves her wand to duplicate her "limited edition" textbook, and gestures toward the empty seat beside her.
"I've got a notebook full of notes from the Half-Blood Prince. I'll make you a copy next time. The Half-Blood Prince is brilliant, definitely sharper than your grandfather's Acolyte-rank Potions Master."
Ian flips through the duplicated textbook and compares it with the notes he left in his dormitory. It's not that Snape surpasses the Acolyte's Potions Master in every aspect—
But at least in terms of clarity, the Prince's annotations are much easier to understand. Snape's true talent lies in modifying potion recipes.
Perhaps because he wasn't well-off in his youth, Snape frequently discovered cheaper substitutes for expensive ingredients without compromising—or even improving—the potion's effects.
"Who is the Half-Blood Prince?" Aurora tilts her head, intrigued.
"Just a relative of mine who happens to be good at potions." Ian, for once, exercises caution. Revealing Snape's embarrassing self-proclaimed title wouldn't do him any favors.
"Huh? Isn't your relative Snape?"
Aurora narrows her eyes in confusion.
Her heterochromatic gaze reflects Ian's momentary panic as he glances around the classroom, sighs in relief, and swiftly covers her mouth with his hand.
"Mmm~"
Aurora makes a muffled noise.
"Keep it down, don't let him hear. I saw him brewing potions late last night while I was out for a little nighttime 'wandering'. It smelled atrocious. I think he's concocting something foul just to use against me."
Ian's voice carries a note of indignation.
Snape did, after all, threaten to force-feed him the most revolting potion in his stores.
"You sneak about at night too?"
Aurora's eyes widened in surprise.
(To Be Continued…)
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