"..."
Looking at Charle's excited face upon hearing about the Forbidden Forest, Professor Sprout was momentarily speechless.
"Charle, I thought you'd be scared of the Forbidden Forest at night, like a normal child."
Charle coughed twice, trying his best to look terrified.
"Scared, I'm so scared, Professor. Don't look at me like this, I'm actually about to be scared to death."
Professor Sprout sighed.
"Alright, stop pretending."
"Seeing that you're not afraid of the Forbidden Forest like the other little badgers, I think it's quite good."
A strange look appeared on her face.
"After all, logically speaking, the Forbidden Forest is our Hufflepuff territory. Why would we be afraid of our own territory?"
Charle was stunned for a moment, then his eyes showed interest.
"The Forbidden Forest is our Hufflepuff territory?"
Professor Sprout nodded.
"When the founder Hufflepuff was at Hogwarts, in order to perfect her recipes and also to be able to obtain fresh magical plants and animals at any time, she put a lot of effort into establishing the Forbidden Forest."
"Many magical plants and animals that were originally scattered in various places were collected by the founder and put into the Forbidden Forest. The Forbidden Forest was also magically transformed into an environment suitable for the survival of most magical plants and animals."
"At that time, the Forbidden Forest wasn't even called that name, but was called the Hogwarts Breeding Garden. It was only later, as time passed, that the trees in the Forbidden Forest grew too well, and generations of students kept bringing in various magical animal cubs, and the Forbidden Forest grew larger and larger."
"Hundreds of years ago, its scale had grown so large that Hogwarts was completely unable to maintain it. It was clearly an independent kingdom, and even many gregarious magical animals lived inside. So it was simply renamed the Forbidden Forest, and students were forbidden from entering."
"It was also from that time that entering the Forbidden Forest at night became a punishment. Even students from Hufflepuff House, in each generation, there were only a few who could go to the Forbidden Forest to get ingredients like the students before. This also led to Hufflepuff's magical recipes gradually fading out of people's sight from that time on."
Hearing this history recounted by Professor Sprout, Charle also showed a look of astonishment.
The Forbidden Forest was originally Hufflepuff's breeding garden; he really didn't know this.
If that were the case, the founder of Hufflepuff truly left a huge treasure trove for future generations, containing countless rare magical plants and animals that could be utilized.
But the current Hufflepuff students had no idea about this treasure mountain, and even if they did, they were unable to enter and obtain those rare materials.
From what Charle saw during his last visit to the Hufflepuff Little Kitchen, the house-elves there probably couldn't make the meals from the Hufflepuff magical recipes more than a few times a year, which was truly a pity.
Professor Sprout showed a slight smile.
"So, I think it's quite good if you're not afraid of the Forbidden Forest."
"At least it won't waste the treasure trove left by the founder. Many materials in the Forbidden Forest are very difficult to find after leaving Hogwarts, rare and precious."
As she spoke, Professor Sprout handed Charle a list.
"This list contains rare materials that can be produced in the Forbidden Forest. You can look for them when you go to the Forbidden Forest in a few days. Many of them can be used to make magical meals."
Charle nodded.
Then, Professor Sprout hesitated for a moment, and took out an ancient map, handing it to Charle.
"And this, this is the core area that the founder arranged in the Forbidden Forest back then. It has been over a thousand years now."
"Successive Hufflepuff heads of house have tried to find the things inside, but have found nothing. Perhaps you can also try."
Charle's face showed curiosity.
"Something left by the founder, after a thousand years, what is it?"
A strange light flickered in Professor Sprout's eyes.
"A Phoenix Egg."
Charle was stunned for a moment.
"Phoenix?"
"Are you saying... a Phoenix?"
Professor Sprout shook her head, denying it flatly.
"A Phoenix is a Phoenix, and a Phoenix is a Phoenix. Although both have the characteristic of immortality, they are two different things."
"A Phoenix is merely a mortal creature born in an era without Phoenixes, how can it be compared to a Phoenix? Only ignorant people confuse these two creatures."
"Although the Phoenix is a rare magical animal, it has never been extinct. Dumbledore keeps one."
"But the Phoenix, even in the era of the founder, was already an extinct magical animal..."
"No, perhaps it should be said, it was an extinct mythical animal."
"The legendary Phoenix, also known as the Paradise Phoenix, possesses sacred magic far more powerful than that of a Unicorn or even a Phoenix. Its sacred flames can destroy almost all dark magic and dark creatures. Its feathers can resist darkness and restore life. Legend has it that it even has magical power that can extend life or even grant immortality."
"Lady Hufflepuff at that time, by chance, discovered what might be the last Paradise Phoenix Egg in the magical world. She spent countless resources to arrange magic for it in the core area of the Forbidden Forest, waiting for the Phoenix's rebirth. It has been a thousand years now."
"Generations of Hufflepuff heads of house have inherited this secret, and have also gone to the Forbidden Forest to search, but have found nothing. It is unknown whether the Phoenix's rebirth failed, or if it flew away after successfully being reborn, or if the magic left by the founder became ineffective over time. In short, no one has ever found that Phoenix Egg."
"But the legendary Paradise Phoenix will choose its master, just like a Phoenix, and the standard is far more demanding than that of a Phoenix. One must possess incredibly powerful sacred magic to gain the allegiance of a Paradise Phoenix. Professor McGonagall told me that you showed a strong inclination towards sacred magic when choosing your wand, coupled with your exceptional talent, perhaps you will be the Hufflepuff with the most hope of finding the Phoenix in a thousand years."
After hearing Professor Sprout's explanation, Charle's heart also felt a surge of heat.
A Paradise Phoenix with incredibly powerful sacred magic?
This is simply a perfect match for my magical Animagus!
Originally, Charle's second magical Animagus was planned to be a Cerberus, and for the third, he hadn't decided yet, still debating between a Unicorn, a Basilisk, and a Phoenix.
Now it seems, if he can find a Paradise Phoenix, there's no need to hesitate.
Transforming into a Paradise Phoenix would definitely cause Charle's magical power to skyrocket.
At the same time, his sacred magic spells would also reach a new height with the enhancement of this magical Animagus.
It could even extend his lifespan and grant eternal youth. Isn't this much better than the Philosopher's Stone or Horcruxes, which have side effects?!
Charle took the ancient map from Professor Sprout, determined to go to the Forbidden Forest to search for traces of the Phoenix.
With Deep Blue in hand, as long as the Phoenix exists in this world, Charle believed he was the most likely person to find it.
After explaining so many things to Charle, Professor Sprout, who was already looking tired from preparing the potion for Charle, appeared even more weary.
She then stood up and instructed Charle before leaving.
"Although you are not afraid of the Forbidden Forest, there are not many beings in the Forbidden Forest that can threaten you."
"But you must be careful of Lucius Malfoy. His close friend is dead, and his son is injured. A dark wizard who was once a Death Eater will not let this go easily."
"Try to delay going to the Forbidden Forest for a few days."
Charle nodded, looking at the departing Professor Sprout with gratitude in his eyes.
Having struggled in society for so many years in his previous life, Charle could still distinguish who had ulterior motives and who was genuinely good to him.
Although Hogwarts had professors like Snape, the other heads of houses had quite good character.
Professor Sprout was even more exceptional towards him. She treated him as the successor of Hufflepuff House, even revealing the matter of the Phoenix.
I owe her a great debt today. I must repay it if I have the chance.
This thought surfaced in Charle's mind.
Then, he took a step, cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself, left the hospital wing, and walked towards the Hogwarts Library.
No matter what he did, strength was always the priority.
Although Charle had managed to get rid of Snape through his schemes this time, and even publicly challenged Dumbledore, leaving Dumbledore speechless, such covert calculations and arrangements could not be used frequently.
The reason for resorting to covert schemes was precisely because his own strength was insufficient.
If he could beat Dumbledore black and blue, what did it matter if he pushed him down from the position of Hogwarts Headmaster? Why bother with such petty tricks?
The knowledge in the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library would be of great help in improving Charle's strength.
Not only could it provide a large amount of high-level materials, reducing the point consumption during the deduction process, but it could also be stored in the memory palace, increasing Charle's mental strength and simultaneously enhancing the effects of mental simulation and knowledge deduction.
Naturally, Charle would not miss such an opportunity.
Upon arriving at the library, Charle dispelled the Disillusionment Charm and headed straight for the Restricted Section.
Madam Pince, who was in charge of guarding the library, did not stop Charle upon seeing him. She merely instructed Charle to cherish the precious books and then allowed him to enter, clearly having been informed beforehand.
Just as Charle entered the Restricted Section, in the Headmaster's office, the somewhat haggard Dumbledore's expression shifted slightly.
"Charle Evans went to the Restricted Section?"
He shook his head.
"This child is too eager for power. If he is not properly restrained, I fear he will go to extremes."
"I must make him understand that besides power, there are many other things in this world worth pursuing, such as love, such as friendship..."
Besides this, Dumbledore had another worry in his heart.
That was, the current Charle was already radiating brilliance. In contrast, Harry Potter, as the Savior, was simply unremarkable.
Harry Potter was even close to becoming Charle's little fanboy. How could this be?
Harry Potter was the protagonist in the script arranged by Dumbledore. Dumbledore was even prepared to do anything to ensure Gryffindor won all the remaining House Cups. How could Charle keep stealing the spotlight?
If Charle were to gain more powerful magic in the Restricted Section and his strength improved further, what would happen?
He didn't know what earth-shattering things he would do, and how would Harry Potter gain enough prestige?
Ensuring Harry Potter's growth and status, in Dumbledore's view, was the bigger picture, which was related to the plan to eliminate Voldemort.
As for Charle, it wasn't that Dumbledore was narrow-minded and wanted revenge because Charle had publicly questioned him. Rather, it was for the greater good that he had to suppress him.
Charle's current strength was already sufficient to be a pawn to clear obstacles for Harry Potter in the future.
Coupled with the natural strengthening of young wizards as they grew older, this was already enough. Dumbledore did not need Charle to be overly strong.
Dumbledore stood up and walked to the bookshelf in the Headmaster's office. There was an entire extra row of bookshelves here compared to before, all filled with books from the Restricted Section.
Upon closer inspection, one would find that the books on the reference list that Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick had given Charle earlier were basically all included on this bookshelf.
In addition, those books that recorded truly profound magic had also been mostly moved here.
A strange look appeared on Dumbledore's face.
"These books will be put away for now and replaced with some purely theoretical and purely hypothetical books. This is also for Charle's own good."
"He should temper his nature, develop in the academic direction, and broaden his horizons."
"Young people shouldn't always focus on profound magic. Learning it a few years later won't delay anything. I will naturally arrange it later."
"Or..."
Dumbledore's gaze was deep.
If Charle was willing to come to him, accept some tasks he arranged, and pass the tests he set, it wasn't impossible for him to give Charle some of the books.
This way, under his arrangements, he could ensure that Charle always stayed on the right track.
In the Headmaster's office, Phineas, who was known as the most disliked headmaster, couldn't help but ask.
"Dumbledore, are you so sure Charle Evans will come to you?"
"What if he doesn't?"
Dumbledore showed a look of certainty.
"How could such a genius lack the desire for power and magic?"
"He couldn't wait to come to the Restricted Section as soon as he could get out of bed, which also proves this point."
"Since that's the case, when he can't find what he needs in the Restricted Section, he should know who to come to."
A smile played on Dumbledore's lips.
"No one understands a genius's thoughts better than I do."
"Just watch, Phineas, Charle will be here soon."
He leisurely brewed himself a cup of tea, prepared two plates of desserts, and waited in the Headmaster's office with composure.
Five minutes, ten minutes passed.
Dumbledore remained unmoving, still slowly sipping his tea.
Half an hour, an hour passed.
Dumbledore was calm and composed, replenishing the desserts he had finished.
Two hours, three hours passed.
Outside, a faint light appeared on the horizon, the Hogwarts chickens started crowing, and Dumbledore, who had waited all night, still didn't receive Charle's visit.
A chicken crow woke Dumbledore from his doze.
He glanced at the time, his eyes showing a look of disbelief.
"Charle Evans hasn't come yet?"
"What is he doing then?"
Soon, news came from Madam Pince, the librarian, and the ubiquitous portraits in Hogwarts.
Dumbledore's eyes widened even more.
"He really just stayed in the Restricted Section and read books all night?"
"No, he's really not interested in those profound magic spells that were taken away?"
Phineas's portrait let out a schadenfreude laugh.
"Dumbledore, it seems you don't understand geniuses as well as you claim."
Dumbledore frowned, and after his surprise, he regained the calmness of having everything under control.
It didn't matter if Charle didn't come.
In fact, seeing Charle like this, truly immersed in those theoretical and hypothetical studies with little practical value, was even more to Dumbledore's liking.
Studying these theoretical hypotheses didn't help much in improving magical strength.
This would undoubtedly significantly slow down Charle's strength improvement.
And as Charle was immersed in this knowledge, he would naturally cause less trouble, and over time, the commotion he caused at Hogwarts would gradually subside.
Everything would return to the track Dumbledore had arranged.
From granting Charle Evans access to the Restricted Section, this was Dumbledore's open scheme.
If he didn't want those profound magic spells, then Charle's strength improvement speed would be limited.
If he wanted those magic spells, he would have to listen to Dumbledore's arrangements.
No matter what, Dumbledore wouldn't lose out.
"Everything is still under control."
Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief.
But for some reason, he always felt a faint unease in his heart.
...
Time rewound to last night, when Charle had just entered the Restricted Section.
He strolled through the Restricted Section, holding the reference books left for him by Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick, and walked towards the bookshelves mentioned in them.
However, upon reaching the nearest bookshelf, Charle noticed signs of it having been disturbed.
The Transfiguration texts Professor McGonagall had mentioned were gone, replaced by miscellaneous writings on Transfiguration, filled with interesting but incredibly complex propositions.
Achieving results in these areas would certainly lead to top-tier academic papers, but it wouldn't contribute much to one's personal strength, far less direct than learning a more powerful Transfiguration spell.
His expression shifted slightly, and with a cold sneer, he went to examine the other bookshelves.
As expected, all the texts mentioned in the reference list had been taken, leaving only these purely theoretical books.
Without needing to think, Charle knew who was responsible.
"Dumbledore's attitude of strictly guarding advanced magic is truly identical to how he was in the original story."
Looking at the original story, it's clear that no matter how famous Dumbledore was or how high his prestige, the old man harbored a strong sense of caution towards people.
Even at the very end, he wouldn't tell Harry Potter the truth, and he worried that Harry Potter might abandon the responsibility of destroying the Horcruxes in pursuit of the Deathly Hallows, making preemptive arrangements for this.
But if he had the time to arrange these things, leaving a few powerful spells for the Harry Potter trio, or arranging a few magical items that could be used for combat or escape, the process of the Harry Potter trio destroying the Horcruxes would have been infinitely smoother.
Why would they be like they were in the original story, not knowing how to destroy the locket after obtaining it, and almost going their separate ways midway due to the locket's temptation?
One should know that even Malfoy's lackeys, Crabbe and Goyle, those two dimwitted fellows, learned how to cast Fiendfyre at Hogwarts at the same time.
The Harry Potter trio, however, didn't learn any powerful magic that year. If only Dumbledore had left Harry Potter a spell similar to Fiendfyre, how could destroying the Horcruxes they got their hands on be so difficult?
It wasn't just the Harry Potter trio; the members of the Order of the Phoenix who followed Dumbledore also didn't receive any magical help or support.
Snape even learned magic from Voldemort and could fly directly.
After Wormtail lost a hand serving Voldemort, Voldemort also rewarded him with a powerful alchemical arm.
From this perspective, it's not hard to see that although Voldemort lost his mind due to splitting too many Horcruxes, he was truly generous when it came to rewarding power.
In contrast, on Dumbledore's side, the only help received was "love."
Wanting the horse to run while also making the horse find its own grass to eat, the difficult struggle between the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters was not without this factor.
Charle casually opened a book left by Dumbledore, and what met his eyes was an extremely complex and intricate spell model.
The academic value of this thing was undoubtedly extremely high, but how it could be applied in practice was debatable.
For wizards pursuing strength, studying such theoretical books was undoubtedly taking the long way around.
But a hint of mockery appeared at the corner of Charle's mouth.
Dumbledore probably wouldn't have imagined that Charle possessed an unreasonable existence like Deep Blue.
Even knowledge in such niche fields without practical value could be converted by Deep Blue into materials for the corresponding field.
As for not learning advanced spells?
What did that matter?
As long as there were enough materials and enough points, just rely on Deep Blue to deduce it!
Give Charle infinite knowledge, and he could leverage infinite worlds!
Immediately, Charle waved his wand, and one forbidden book after another on the bookshelf floated up, automatically turning pages.
Those profound pieces of knowledge, under Charle's shifting gaze, were all converted by Deep Blue into materials for the corresponding fields.
"Host has obtained advanced Transfiguration materials. Subsequent deduction of Transfiguration requires fewer points..."
"Host has obtained advanced Charms materials. Deduction of most charms requires fewer points..."
"Host has obtained advanced Dark Arts materials..."
Prompts sounded in his mind like a flood.
At the same time, in Charle's mental world's memory palace, book after book was filled in.
Compared to the books he obtained from Flourish and Blotts, the knowledge contained in the books in the Hogwarts Restricted Section far exceeded them in both quantity and depth.
The effect on the improvement of mental strength was also significantly enhanced.
Charle's eyes showed a fervent look.
"Not enough, not fast enough!"
He waved his wand, and the speed at which these books turned pages further increased. Charle simultaneously spent deduction points, relying on Deep Blue to instantly "speed read" the contents of these books.
Unconsciously, one bookshelf, two bookshelves, large volumes that would take ordinary people years, decades, or even a lifetime to study were mastered by Charle, transforming into accumulations in his memory palace.
Charle's mental strength also increased significantly overnight in the Restricted Section.
Just as the sky outside was beginning to lighten, Charle picked up another thick book.
A prompt different from the previous ones sounded in Charle's mind.
"Host has obtained materials on the history of the magical world."
Charle was stunned for a moment, his gaze focused, falling on this book.
The name of the book was The Lost Age. Looking at the publication date, it should be a book from decades ago, considered relatively "young" among the books in the Restricted Section.
And when Charle saw the author's name, he suddenly widened his eyes.
"Darke..."
"Darke? Darke?"
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