Struggling to survive at Hogwarts

Chapter 246 The Resurrection Stone as a Sign of Sincerity

After being awakened once again by the bloody scene in her dream, Thea simply couldn't fall back asleep.

Reason told her she shouldn't be afraid of bloodshed, but she simply couldn't stay calm even in her dreams!

Thea got out of bed, casually slipped on a pair of slippers, and headed to the bathroom.

The sudden pain from the cold water hitting her skin jolted Thea awake, bringing her fully back to reality.

Thea stared blankly at the girl in the mirror.

Thea wasn't the kind of woman who could be described as strikingly beautiful; in fact, she had a face that could be described as sharp and aloof. Yet, she always smiled gently and spoke in a calm and unhurried tone, which made people subconsciously overlook the ambition hidden beneath her sharp brows.

But now, when Thea's smile has completely vanished, this sharpness and ambition are also revealed, making people afraid to look directly at her. It seems that even just glancing at her would be a desecration.

"I really don't want to laugh anymore..."

In the empty washroom, no one heard Thea's low complaints.

As the first hint of red appeared in the east, Thea finally moved her stiff body, put down the book in her hand, and tidied herself up.

She then left Riddle's old house under the pretext of tracking down a Ministry of Magic official.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Professor, I hope you can give me a chance to show my sincerity for this cooperation."

If you agree, please meet at Gunter House in Little Hangleton before 9:00 a.m. today.

Friendly reminder: For your safety, please carry enough sobering potions with you at all times. After all, I don't really want to hit a centenarian on the head with my wand.

This was hardly a polite letter, considering that Dumbledore received it at 8:30 in the morning.

Without much thought, the old man decisively decided to set off for Little Hangleton.

As for the friendly suggestion, Dumbledore wisely chose to heed it, since Thea was indeed capable of hitting him on the head.

When Dumbledore saw Thea, she was standing silently in front of the house that could barely be called an old house, dressed in a black robe.

Hearing footsteps, Thea didn't turn around, but continued to say to herself, "To be honest, I really don't know if bringing you here was the right or wrong decision..."

"I struggled with this decision for a long time last night, I never hesitated like this even during the final three competition..."

Dumbledore keenly noticed the phrase "Triwizard Tournament," and a faint smile appeared in his eyes.

He didn't interrupt Thea's narration, but quietly fulfilled his duty as a confidant.

"Professor, did I tell you that I have the ability to foresee the future?" Thea suddenly switched to a joking tone, and Dumbledore laughed and echoed her.

"So, you're a prophet?"

"More or less!" Thea smiled, then walked first toward the dilapidated house.

Pushing open the door, a stench of dust mixed with decay hit them. Thea covered her nose in disgust, and Dumbledore frowned as well.

"If I weren't afraid of triggering those traps, I would have swept them all away in a whirlwind!"

Thea's complaints only solidified a certain suspicion in Dumbledore's mind.

Upon entering the house, besides the thick layer of dust, the most striking thing was the stains on the floor that resembled dried blood.

Thea was very self-aware and gave up her front seat to Dumbledore. She valued her life and believed that if the sky were to fall, the taller person should hold it up!

Dumbledore didn't care. In fact, from the moment he stepped into the house, he knew that his previous guess was correct; Tom had indeed left something there.

Although it's unclear how Thea found out about this, Dumbledore was grateful for her help.

Magic always leaves a trace.

At a cursory glance, Dumbledore discovered numerous traps on the first floor, including curses, poisonous insects, and trigger-based magical attacks.

"Tom really put a lot of thought into it..."

"However... that's not enough."

As soon as he finished speaking, Dumbledore waved his wand.

The sound of the wind.

Like the first gentle breeze of early spring, it awakens all things with a soft yet powerful touch.

And now, this gentle spring breeze has also annihilated all the crawling poisonous insects, triggering curses and spells.

"Clap clap clap!"

Thea didn't hold back her applause, but before Dumbledore could say anything, Thea spoke first, "This is only the first test. To prevent the professor from becoming mentally unstable, I suggest you use some sobering potions."

This is the second time Thea has emphasized the sobering agent.

Dumbledore's eyes flickered, and he obediently poured the two vials of potion into his mouth, which satisfied Thea.

The two then went upstairs.

The mechanisms on the second floor are not as obvious as those on the first floor, and they are also more aggressive.

After narrowly dodging yet another volley of poisonous needles suddenly shot from the roof, Thea finally lost her temper. "Damn it, did he go to China for some advanced training in the Rain of Pear Blossom Needles?!"

"Rain...Pear...flower needle?"

Dumbledore looked at Thea's angry Chinese phrase with some surprise. As a language expert, he was quite familiar with Chinese, but he had never heard of the phrase "storm of pear blossom needles".

“It’s nothing,” Thea switched back to English mode, “It just slipped out of the mouth.”

Dumbledore nodded, it was unclear whether he believed her or not.

The two continued their search for the item.

until………

Dumbledore came across the dusty, slightly ajar... jewelry box.

He stared intently at the crack, as if possessed, as if a powerful voice was inviting him to open the box.

His reason was struggling.

Can………

He slowly reached out his hand…

"Snapped!"

A crisp sound of a wand striking echoed from the second floor, and the pain that followed instantly brought Dumbledore back to his senses.

"It seems Professor Snape's potion wasn't effective enough..."

Thea casually withdrew her hand, then picked up the jewelry box without any hesitation.

Dumbledore instinctively wanted to stop him, but his eyes were involuntarily glued to the box, and he couldn't utter a word for a long time.

"Ugh………"

Thea's long sigh made Dumbledore immediately step back, a movement that allowed him to avoid the wand Thea extended.

Thea's face didn't show any disappointment, but rather a faint smile. "Professor, are you awake now?"

Dumbledore was speechless for a moment, but he avoided looking at the jewelry box and nodded slightly.

Thea knew that it was already difficult for Dumbledore to stay conscious, so she didn't sit still. With a wave of her wand, a tongue of fire instantly engulfed the entire box, and strangely enough, Thea's hand holding the box was completely unharmed.

“A little trick,” Thea said with a mischievous smile, “but it’s just the right thing to use pain to bring you back to your senses.”

Dumbledore was speechless for a long time before nodding.

Thea knew she had succeeded.

"I think you wouldn't knowingly fall into a trap, would you?"

Dumbledore: "…………"

To be honest, I still have a sliver of reason left…

Ultimately, the Resurrection Stone ended up in Dumbledore's hands.

On the way back, Thea suddenly blurted out, "Professor, if... I mean if..."

"If we all survive to the end... could you... lend me this Resurrection Stone...?"

Dumbledore was startled. He had finally come to terms with the fact that the Resurrection Stone could not bring the dead back to life, so why was Thea confused again?

Feeling Dumbledore's surprised and uncertain gaze, Thea wanted to laugh, but couldn't.

After hesitating for a long time, I was about to take back what I said, but Dumbledore spoke up.

His tone was still kind and familiar, as if he were accepting a holiday invitation from an old friend.

"Okay!"

The afternoon sun was too bright, and Thea lowered her head involuntarily; no one knew what she was thinking.