Hogwarts, after her evolution, looked more breathtaking than ever. If previously she had seemed mystical, now she appeared positively divine.
For the last two and a half hours, I had been investigating and examining Hogwarts' Rune Stone—which had become a core of sorts—however, I had not yet discovered what changes the ritual truly made.
While the overall information had been imprinted in my mind, it was more of a control manual than an update on what truly happened.
I hadn't wasted my time, though; I had learned how the ritual propelled Hogwarts onto her evolutionary path.
Essentially, it sacrificed the crystallized faith to the world? Magic? Reality? —I don't quite know yet where the sacrifice truly went—in exchange for Hogwarts gaining the divine aspect of magic ingrained into her.
This is also what made her push most of the magic that was in the Rune Stone back into the ley lines, and now I understand what the Aurors were talking about when they said there was a lot of magic flaring.
This is also what transformed her primary Rune Stone into something akin to a divine core.
Confused? Me too…
The evolution isn't finished yet, so I will have to wait between seven months to three years to fully understand all the changes.
Anyway, I left the room where the core is located and ordered it to be completely sealed. I then went to the Room of Requirement to check for any changes, and guess what? There was indeed a change. The room can conjure food now…
You see, the Room of Requirement was the unfinished work of four incredibly dedicated wizards—the founders.
It began with Ravenclaw, who wanted to create her own personal reality, and continued with the cooperation of the other three.
The foundation of it all is a Runic formation that serves one purpose: to create a localized mini-reality.
What they didn't realize was that reality is a very complicated thing, and creating even the smallest version is impossible for a wizard.
I can hear you saying, "But Harry, aren't you the one who said nothing is impossible with magic?" Well, I did, and it's true. I stand by it and truly believe it, but it's still impossible for a wizard. The key here is the term "wizard," not "magic."
Now, let's return to the Room. It is a miraculous piece of magic, where the lines between reality, illusion, and dreams become blurred. It operates on desire and wish. And now it has been slightly upgraded. I can wish for food, and I can have it. Although this is the only change, I find it hard to be disappointed.
Next, I went to the library to check if everything was in order. The books are still arriving, and the library now resembles exactly what I imagined a wizarding school library should look like—a massive room filled with books, a place worthy of being called a magical library. From the massive shelves to stairs that lead to a next floor that shouldn't exist, it truly looked like it came out of my fantasy…
And with the missing books still arriving, it would look better—for those wondering how Hogwarts knows which books have been stolen or indefinitely borrowed, it's simple—any book ever given to Hogwarts is marked by its magic, allowing the school to summon them back.
Satisfied with what I saw, I headed outside to see what changes had occurred—which now includes those in the Dark Forest, after the restrictions placed on Hogwarts were lifted—only to find Hermione and Luna still waiting for me in the Great Hall.
Seeing them talking and laughing together was reassuring, but I still needed to check on them in case Dumbledore or anyone else had done anything—call me paranoid, but this is a world of magic, and as long as I am not the strongest, I'll have to be careful.
Getting behind them, I extended my hands and cast a quick spell to scan for any interference, and I found plenty.
From tracking spells to mind-affecting ones, I didn't know who had cast them, but I will find out sooner or later.
I extended my hands further, guided more by instinct than by rational thought, and channeled a little bit of null energy into them. The effects were instantaneous; as soon as I touched their necks, the girls yelped, quickly stood up, and hastily drew out their wands, but they put them down as soon as they saw my face.
"Harry! What did you just do? It felt like I've been liberated from shackles I didn't know I had! How did you do that? No, no, no, first of all, how are you? How did you escape? What happened to you? And where are your glasses?" Hermione started her usual rapid-fire questioning as soon as she laid her eyes on me. It was cute but also a little bit irritating…
"Breathe, Hermione, breathe," I said amusedly, making Luna giggle as she stepped in front of me, giving me a hug. "Thank you, Harry Potter, for clearing out the nargles."
Ah yes, the nargles. How could I forget… heheh…
"Now, Hermione, you can either start asking questions, or I can just tell you what I did and everything myself. Which one do you prefer?" I asked, fully knowing what she would choose.
"Uh, yes! You'd better start talking from the beginning, and then I'll ask questions," she replied while blushing…
Why is she blushing all of a sudden? Could it be??
"Of course. What did I expect?" I chuckled a little, ignoring the thoughts that were starting to pop into my head…
"Anyway, let's start from the beginning…" And so, I told them what I had told the professors, with a few small white lies sprinkled in.
Hermione, who had been patient until now, couldn't wait any longer and began to ask questions.
"Harry! I know you cleared all that up, but what I want to know is how did you escape Azkaban? When did you come to Hogwarts? Why didn't you send a message? And did you talk with Sirius? He has been looking for you since his name was cleared and his death order canceled!" she asked.
"Oh, um, I might have forgotten to check on Sirius and the news since I got here…Also, I arrived shortly after I let myself out of Azkaban—and I mean that literally. I was escorted out by the guards and walked out the front door—like I am the boss, if I may add," I explained, watching her look at me incredulously. Luna was simply watching us, giggling every now and then, before saying,
"Oh, yes, that was cool and funny, even when the workspurks told me about it back then." Now it was my turn to look incredulous. Still, I chuckled when I looked into her eyes; she had that dreamy look that always had a way of making me laugh… cute…
We continued to discuss what had happened in detail because Hermione kept asking, and Luna kept reminding me if I glossed over anything—like she was there. We also talked about school and what happened since I last saw them, etc.
I also recommended that Hermione check the library tomorrow for books on mind magic and magical theory to start her true studies in magic.
She was, of course, curious and wanted to ask about it, but I stopped her before she could continue, telling her that I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. She was annoyed for a few seconds before dropping the subject as Luna started asking if there were new books about magical creatures, so I told her to look for information about them in the new section. If the way her eyes sparkled is any indication, then she was going to have the time of her life doing it…
"Ok, girls that's enough talking for today, you need to go back to your rooms for now, we can continue our conversation tomorrow, I have things to do…" We chatted together for what felt like hours and I got tired of talking so I made up an excuse. Sure, Hermione was reluctant and wanted to know what I would do but I didn't tell her, so…
After sending the girls back to their own dormitories, I didn't have the energy to go out and check the forbidden forest—'hmm, It seemed I wouldn't be able to check outside Hogwarts for now'—I just didn't feel like it anymore…
Walking back to the Room of Requirement, I began my training slowly and discovered that this feature had also undergone a slight upgrade. The variety of spells had increased, their speed shot up, and the tactics had changed too—becoming more unpredictable.
This would show greater training results…
After I completed my spontaneous training session, I summoned my Grimoire and started reading the remaining levels of charms and transfiguration while checking to see if the new curses section was finished compiling—it was not.
I also checked the alchemy, rituals, potions, hexes, and other sections; none were ready yet, so I couldn't read the new level yet—I guess this means I'll have to continue my studies in charms and transfiguration while I wait.
I got bored after a while, so I decided to just meditate before sleeping…