The weather on the weekend was lovely, and the students were relaxed, especially during the first weekend of the school year. The courses hadn't yet delved into the main topics or difficulties, except for Tewell's unusually challenging paper. So, the students enjoyed playing in front of the castle without much stress.
Seeing the students playing outside from early in the morning, Tewell couldn't help but feel happy. Yesterday, he had verified once again, just as he had sensed, that the essence of the soul wasn't merely thought, as academia believed, nor was it memory. In reality, the soul was like the filling in a sandwich cookie, a collection of all non-physical aspects outside of your physical body, including a wizard's thoughts, memories, magical power, and even their spirit.
Tewell had long suspected this. When he researched the soul, he found that it could influence so many things, far beyond what a single aspect could describe. Understanding this, he realized the power of the three Unforgivable Curses. He could simply control someone's magic, rendering them unable to wield it. He could also disrupt someone's magic, artificially controlling magical outbursts. He could even erase someone's magic, turning a wizard into a Muggle. Of course, this was not something Tewell could currently achieve. The significance of last night's research for him was a deeper understanding of the soul.
And, the badge had a response again. Tewell took out the badge from his pocket. After a night of agitation, it had returned to its original radiant state. The four symbolic animals on it seemed to come alive, their eyes unusually lively, emitting a faint warm glow. This was how it looked when he first arrived through the portal, and it was the original appearance of the badge that had guarded him for five years. With his strength increasing, the badge once again possessed power, and he could clearly feel the life force emanating from within it. This power continuously eroded the power of the curse, and the two forces battled between revival and extinction.
Tewell knew that eventually the power of the badge would diminish, and the curse would prevail. But it didn't matter; at least he had bought himself some more time. Why did he feel like he was inserting coins to continue his life?
Putting the badge back into his pocket, Tewell lightly patted it twice, then looked outside. The sunlight seemed to become a bit brighter. In a great mood, he walked briskly to the Great Hall, his smile evident to all the students.
"What's happened to make you so happy?" Professor Flitwick was the first to ask.
Tewell smirked, making a tiny gesture with his hand. "A bit of progress in magic."
"It must be more than just a bit of progress to make you this happy," Professor McGonagall said enviously.
For someone of her level, the possibility of further progress in magic was slim. It would take years of accumulated experience to gain even a bit of insight into increasing her power.
Well, it really wasn't just a bit of progress.
Tewell didn't dare discuss this openly with Professor McGonagall and quickly changed the subject.
"What do professors usually do on weekends? Why haven't we seen any of them coming for breakfast?"
"It depends on the professors," McGonagall pondered. "Most of them are engaged in activities they enjoy."
"Professor Sprout is probably tending to the herbs in the greenhouse, Professor Snape likes to research potions in his office."
"Professor Kettleburn is likely taking care of his... um, little darlings. So, Tewell, you can also take this time to do something you enjoy."
Something he enjoyed? Like a hobby? But Tewell didn't even know what his hobby was. Under the shadow of death, he was constantly trying to find ways to survive. Having hobbies seemed too extravagant for him. But now, at Hogwarts, the atmosphere here allowed his tense spirit to relax a little.
So, finding a hobby for himself? Tewell wasn't sure what he liked at the moment, so he decided to stay in the Great Hall and quietly observe the young wizards. Little did he know, the young wizards were also observing him.
"Ah! Did Professor Flitwick just notice me?" A Gryffindor girl suppressed her excitement, but failed to notice that her entire being was curled up in excitement. It was hard not to notice.
"The professor was clearly looking at me. Look, he glanced at me again!" Another girl looked disdainfully at her friend.
This look immediately plunged the two into a childish argument, all for the sake of winning the attention of a professor.
Hermione rolled her eyes discreetly, eating her breakfast while flipping through the book in her hand.
"Oh my goodness, is that even a book for human eyes?" Ron remarked. He hurriedly finished breakfast but remained seated in the Great Hall, planning to have a tense and exciting Wizard Chess match with his roommate, Seamus Finnigan, during this time.
But before the chess game even started, he was stunned by the book in Hermione's hand. It was filled with densely packed text, without a single illustration, and what's more terrifying was that he couldn't even understand the titles!
Hermione gave the book an irritated pat. "This is a book recommended by Professor Flitwick. It's about advanced applications of magic, which can give ordinary magic powerful effects!"
The twins nearby seemed to hear the professor's name, as if their DNA had been triggered, instantly appearing at Hermione's side.
"What did you just say? This is a book recommended by Professor Flitwick?" George glanced at the title.
"Multidimensional Effects of Magic".
Hmm, definitely not something a normal person could understand.
Fred stroked his chin, recalling the scene when Tewell had used a levitation charm and knocked down their entire class.
"I'm more interested in the advanced applications of ordinary magic. Isn't this what the professor used against us?" George immediately stirred up memories of being dominated by Tewell, but the next moment, he excitedly locked eyes with Fred.
They could sense each other's thoughts through their shared understanding. "Does it have any applications for the levitation charm?!" they both exclaimed simultaneously.
At that moment, a gentle voice sounded behind them. "This is just a theoretical research book. It's a beginner's guide to advanced magical applications. To truly apply it, you'll need to study more."
Harry, who hadn't been involved in the conversation, was the first to notice the newcomer's identity. "Professor Flitwick!"
His excited voice drowned out the discussions at the table, echoing through the Great Hall. Tewell smiled gently at him. "I came to see you playing Wizard Chess. I've been interested in it lately. I hope I'm not disturbing your discussion."
After observing, Tewell had found a hobby for himself—Wizard Chess. It just so happened that mastering Wizard Chess skills was also necessary to advance. Since Ron had been able to advance, if he could achieve a stalemate with Ron, wouldn't that stabilize his progress too?