The Great Hall.
Although it was nearly dinnertime, there were still not many people inside.
This semester ended with a major year-end examination, and students were already deeply immersed in their studies, unable to pull themselves away.
This was especially true for the fifth- and sixth-years, who were preparing for their OWLs and NEWTs respectively—crucial exams that would determine the direction of their future lives.
It was said that some of the older students had already fallen into severe anxiety and had to visit Madam Pomfrey for calming draughts.
"Don't worry. You've all studied very hard. The year-end exams won't be a problem."
Lucien reassured the students he was tutoring, signaling them not to stress too much.
Because this was their first formal major exam since arriving at Hogwarts, Harry and his two friends, as well as Malfoy and Daphne, all showed varying degrees of nervousness.
"Coo-coo—"
An owl swooped down and glided over the long table, precisely dropping a medium-sized parcel in front of Lucien.
With a gentle wave of his wand, Lucien had the package unwrap itself, already guessing it was from Aunt Penelope.
He opened it to take a look.
Sure enough, inside was an exquisite black box filled with all kinds of jewelry and ornaments—necklaces, rings, brooches, hairpins…
Lucien then unfolded the accompanying letter.
"Dear Lucien,
These are the jewels you need. I specifically chose some styles that young girls like.
Time was a bit tight, so I didn't have time to have anything custom-made. You can tell me in your next letter what kind your friend prefers, and next time…"
Just after reading the first line, a trace of strangeness appeared in Lucien's eyes.
Uh… had Aunt Penelope misunderstood something?
He wasn't planning to give them to a person at all. They were for a Niffler named Ginger.
Lucien glanced at the ornaments in the box again and saw that most of them were indeed feminine, light in design and not overly flashy.
There were pieces made of gold and silver, and there were also diamonds, jade, and emeralds. The selection was more than sufficient.
Hmm. That little fellow, Ginger, would probably like them.
The others also noticed the package Lucien had received. But upon seeing a box full of jewelry, Harry, Ron, and Malfoy all looked away—they had little interest in it.
Ron did briefly think about how much the items might be worth, but since he wasn't familiar enough with Muggle currency exchange, he soon went back to gnawing on the braised chicken wings in front of him.
Hermione and Daphne, however, were different. Both of them quietly observed the scene, sometimes glancing at Lucien's profile, sometimes at the contents of the box.
They could tell that many of the ornaments were clearly feminine in style, and seemed suited for young girls.
So both Hermione and Daphne grew curious, wondering whether Lucien intended to give them to someone.
After all, they clearly didn't look like things Lucien would use himself.
In the end, Lucien simply closed the box and put it away.
Hermione and Daphne were both thinking about how to find an opportunity to ask him about it later.
"Whoosh—"
A crimson fireball suddenly flashed through the air.
Fawkes emerged from it, letting out a clear cry.
Lucien understood at once and nodded lightly.
"I have time now."
After receiving the response, Fawkes hovered above Lucien's head. Flames flared up again, and man and phoenix vanished in an instant.
In the span of a single breath, Lucien arrived in the familiar Headmaster's Office.
"Good afternoon, Headmaster."
"Good afternoon, Lucien."
After Lucien sat down at the desk, Dumbledore slowly began,
"Lucien, with the exams approaching, your studies have become quite busy."
"Some matters have also arisen at the Ministry of Magic. Fudge has been seeking my assistance recently…"
Listening to Dumbledore's casual remarks, Lucien realized that the year's major drama was about to unfold.
Roughly after the end-of-year exams, Dumbledore would temporarily leave Hogwarts.
At that time, Quirrell and Tom could begin to act, moving toward the goal they had worked toward for an entire year—the Philosopher's Stone.
Dumbledore continued,
"But there are also many matters at Hogwarts that require attention. I am an old man, and my energy is somewhat limited."
Lucien understood Dumbledore's implication and smiled faintly.
"Headmaster, how may I help share your burden?"
A translucent ruby suddenly appeared on the desk.
Dumbledore stroked his beard, pointed at the Philosopher's Stone, and said in a mildly troubled tone,
"Although it no longer possesses the power to grant immortality, there are always those who wish to try their luck. As such, I can only keep it in the safest place—Hogwarts."
"Of course, I have already asked the professors to set up numerous obstacles to further ensure the Stone's safety."
Hearing this, Lucien suppressed the twitch at the corner of his mouth.
First, set up a series of preliminary challenges for the prize, then only place the prize at the very end.
Unfortunately, it was a prize long past its expiration date.
And wasn't Hogwarts's safety itself derived from old Dumbledore?
As for a Hogwarts without Dumbledore… heh.
A long feather, entirely crimson with a golden tip, was handed to Lucien.
Lucien took the feather from Fawkes's beak and looked at Dumbledore with a questioning gaze.
"Lucien, this is one of Fawkes's tail feathers. If you ignite it, Fawkes can immediately bring me back."
Looking at the phoenix tail feather, Lucien understood. It was meant to summon help instantly in case of an emergency.
Hmm. To allow Quirrell and the others to truly make their move, Dumbledore probably wouldn't use any magical surveillance, so as not to alert them.
Tsk. It was only because he knew Harry carried the protection of love, and that Lord Voldemort couldn't harm him, that old Dumbledore was so at ease, wasn't it?
Another reason was that the power contained in the Philosopher's Stone was no longer sufficient to restore Lord Voldemort to life.
So, judging by the final outcome, Voldemort's actions this time neither killed Harry nor allowed him to regain his strength through the Stone.
It was truly a wasted effort.
"By the way, Lucien, are you interested in seeing those obstacles?"
"They are all the work of the professors. You might find some enjoyment in the process of overcoming them."
~~~
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