The 100th Cycle
This was the 23rd time Veida Rosier had guided me in the cycle, and it felt more effective than the Dark Lord's individual lessons.
I have to say, Ms. Veida Rosier is so elegant, proper, and wise that even I, a girl, am captivated by her charm.
This reminded me of Bellatrix Lestrange.
I remember mentioning her to the Dark Lord in one cycle, which caused him to fall silent for a moment before he earnestly told me, "Follow Ms. Veida Rosier closely and learn from her; whatever you do, don't learn from the control group's Bella."
After hearing the Dark Lord talk about Bella's situation, I suddenly felt that perhaps only someone like Bella was needed to deal with the Dark Lord.
Perhaps only a madman could keep up with the Dark Lord's thought process and even steal his thunder when he made an appearance.
Normal people like me often feel out of place next to the erratic Dark Lord.
When I brought this idea up with Ms. Veida Rosier, she said that both the Saints and the Death Eaters were normal people, and if I was willing, I could join them anytime.
Another offer, happy.
Maybe while in the cycle, I should also ask Professor Dumbledore; given his relationship with Grindelwald, perhaps I could even moonlight in the Order of the Phoenix.
Just thinking about earning three salaries makes me feel wonderful.
Dad, Mom, you will definitely be proud of me.
...
The 145th Cycle
After meeting with the Dark Lord today, I didn't go to Ms. Veida Rosier; instead, he took me to the Gryffindor fourth-year Defense Against the Dark Arts Class to find the Weasley Twins.
"Hi, George, and Fred, how's the progress on our collaboration?"
Listening to the Dark Lord enthusiastically greet the Weasley Twins, it was then that I realized the Dark Lord actually had a collaboration with them.
Unbeknownst to me, the Dark Lord had already infiltrated the traditional Gryffindor camp; I wonder if Principal Dumbledore knows.
However, thinking about Principal Dumbledore's relationship with the Dark Lord, I suddenly felt that perhaps there might be Dumbledore's people in the Death Eater camp.
After all, in the romance novels the Dark Lord often gave Draco, mutual love and hate, with you in me and me in you, was the right path.
I just don't know what they're collaborating on. Given the nature of the three of them, I seriously suspect that Hogwarts Castle will be blown sky-high the next second.
Unexpectedly, the Weasley Twins only brought out a pair of props called Duel Disks and a pile of cards. Could it be that the Dark Lord had been working all this time just to play cards? That's really too absurd.
But even more absurd was the sudden appearance of Professor Grindelwald, in the guise of Lockhart, who casually took one of the Duel Disks and specifically challenged the Dark Lord to a match.
Watching the two of them set up their Duel Disks on the open ground by the Black Lake and shout, "Duel!"
So, in the magic world, playing cards is the right way. How could I, who always keeps up with trends, suddenly feel so outdated?
But honestly, this game is really magnificent. I never thought the Weasley Twins would have this kind of technology. If this thing were released to the market, it would definitely be very popular.
It's just that the Dark Lord's card-playing style is so... so... well... shady. Apparently, based on the rules he just explained to me, cards are not played like this at all.
Didn't you see Professor Grindelwald was almost at his boiling point? So far, Professor has not even played a single card. Even I, an amateur who doesn't play cards, can feel Professor Grindelwald's resentment towards this duel with no experience.
After Professor Grindelwald's LP dropped to zero, the Dark Lord actually smiled and said to me, "Cassandra, do you know, Yu-Gi-Oh is a game where it's either your turn or my turn, and only one person can play. After a game of cards, I feel completely refreshed."
Please stop talking, My Lord Dark Lord. Didn't you see Professor Grindelwald behind you has already pulled out his wand, ready for a real-life offline PK?
Again and again, I hate why my intuition has to be so accurate. Looking at the sky full of Fiendfyre mixed with green light, and that suffocating oppressive feeling, Dumbledore, hurry and save us, or Hogwarts will be destroyed.
And the little Wizards gathering with drinks and snacks, shouldn't you be running for your lives right now? What are you doing watching the show here? Do you really think Grindelwald's Fire Shield Charm and the Dark Lord's Avada Kedavra are just for show?
Just as Grindelwald and the Dark Lord were about to get serious, Principal Dumbledore, you finally, finally, finally appeared! It seems my life has been saved again and again. I just don't know if dying in the cycle means truly dying; I dare not gamble.
And the Dark Lord and Mr. Grindelwald, you two were fighting to the death a second ago, and the next second, after Dumbledore appeared, you instantly became so close you could almost share the same pair of pants. Why is this change of face so excessive?
"We just had a simple exchange about magic, and incidentally, showed the students of Hogwarts the charm of magic."
Do you even hear what you two are saying? And Principal Dumbledore, what's with that expression of yours, readily accepting such an absurd reason? If it weren't for the cycle, it would be hard to say if any living people would be seen in Hogwarts the next day.
So, does the first step to becoming one of these big shots mean learning to be shameless? I seem to have inexplicably understood some truths again.
But looking at the Dark Lord and Grindelwald like this, could it be that the beginning of the magic world's S3 season isn't due to a breakup, failing exams, or job failure, but because of playing cards?
It seems that in the future, for the peace of the magic world, we must resolutely prevent the Dark Lord from playing cards with others. Let the rest of us bear the pain of playing cards.
Alas, another exhausting day.
...
The 180th Cycle
After meeting with the Dark Lord, he said we should balance work and rest to prevent me from going crazy in the cycle, so he kindly took me secretly through a secret passage to Hogsmeade Village.
"Is it really okay for us to do this?"
As a well-behaved second-year student, I'm really not an outlaw like the Dark Lord. It's a bit unsettling to come to Hogsmeade Village this way for the first time.
"It's fine, it's just in the cycle, and I've got your back, what are you afraid of?"
I have to say, the Dark Lord's words did give me a little sense of security.
But, Gale Coffee Shop? And Al Cafe next door?
Could those be Grindelwald and Dumbledore's nicknames? Is it really okay for you to show off your affection so openly?
Moreover, what did I see? Ms. Veida Rosier and Alecto Carow?
So, the Saints and Death Eaters really surrounded Hogwarts, and they're even openly doing business? Isn't that too absurd?
In the Gale Coffee Shop, I unsealed the cards I got from senior Hollis; they were Professor Snape's.
So, those explicit cards that have been popular in the Castle recently were obtained from here.
Connecting that with Alecto Carow's identity as a Death Eater, it's not hard to guess who the boss behind this coffee shop is.
I have to say, My Lord Dark Lord, you've survived until now purely by your own strength.
It's just that I, who follow you, really don't have that kind of strength.
Alas, another day to worry about my life, so tiring.