In the secret chamber of the Star Society, John took a leisurely bite of an apple before placing it on the table. Extending his left hand, a golden magic ring materialized, its design reminiscent of a tree branch, similar to those seen on the Gate of Things. He slipped the ring onto the apple, and with a slight twist, the portion he had bitten off regrew, seamlessly filling the gap.
"It's fascinating, looking back," John mused, acknowledging that using the ring required the consumption of golden sand within his body. A single use would deplete half of his reserves, limiting him to a maximum of two uses per day. However, the golden sand would regenerate from the golden imprint by the next day. This ability, if wielded wisely, could be incredibly powerful.
Turning his attention to his right hand, John observed the black mark that radiated a sinister aura. As he opened his palm, black silk threads emerged from his fingers, encircling the apple. In moments, the apple withered rapidly, eventually disintegrating into powder. This new version of the Soul Eater Curse lacked Extis' consciousness but was equally potent.
"Golden hours, black souls," John reflected, contemplating the dual nature of the magic inscribed within him. He then stored away the remnants of the Soul Eater Curse.
On the table lay an exquisitely crafted hourglass, its top marred by a gap that had allowed all the sand to escape. "A device capable of manipulating time, entrusted to a student by Dumbledore?" John pondered, suspecting that the multiple appearances of Hermione he had witnessed were due to this very device. His thoughts darkened with a hint of dissatisfaction towards Dumbledore's apparent lack of trust in him.
John considered repairing the hourglass using his retrospective ability, thereby gaining a device capable of time manipulation. However, he realized the importance of informing Dumbledore about the hourglass's damage to avoid any potential conflicts over its possession.
As he contemplated, members of the Star Club began to arrive, taking their seats around the round table without disturbing John. Heinrich sat to John's left, with Daphne beside him, while the seat to John's right remained vacant until Percy, who arrived late, took it. The seating arrangement subtly reflected the members' perceived status within the group.
Percy, apologizing for his tardiness due to his responsibilities as the student council president, noticed the hourglass and expressed surprise. "A Time-Turner?" he inquired.
John, surprised by Percy's knowledge, learned that every student who took twelve courses had the opportunity to receive a Time-Turner, applied for by Professor Dumbledore. This revelation darkened John's mood, as he felt overlooked despite his achievements.
Taking a deep breath to quell his dissatisfaction, John addressed the gathered members with a smile. "I'm delighted to see everyone here in the Star Club. This year has brought us closer together through various challenges."
He turned to Neville, expressing his pleasure at Neville's self-discipline and remarkable transformation, setting a positive tone for the meeting. John observed Neville, who had undergone a remarkable transformation, resembling more a gym coach than the boy he once was. Neville's physical prowess was undeniable, his arm muscles bulging impressively. Had it not been for his familiar face, John might have struggled to recognize him. "With your current progress, Neville, you're not far from becoming a formidable boxer, capable of taking on Death Eaters in hand-to-hand combat," John remarked, half-jokingly. Neville, slightly embarrassed by the praise, scratched his head and smiled sheepishly.
Turning his attention to Cedric, John noted the young man's unique charm, distinct from the typical Slytherin or Gryffindor demeanor. Even Heinrich, usually hard to impress, held Cedric in high regard. John felt a sense of pride in his ability to bring such diverse talents together.
Malfoy, on the other hand, presented a contrast of appearances. Clothed, he seemed slender, but without his robes, his physique revealed a surprising strength, underscored by well-defined muscles. Daphne, known for her academic excellence and mastery of spells, unfortunately, lacked culinary skills, a minor flaw in her otherwise impeccable persona. Heinrich stood as John's closest rival in terms of strength, while Percy, poised to become Barty Crouch's assistant at the Ministry of Magic, was earmarked by John for a significant role in their future endeavors.
The formation of their group, the Stars Club, was beginning to bear fruit, a development that filled John with satisfaction. To commemorate their achievements, a golden cup was produced, from which a golden, mellow liquid was served. The starlight from the dome above lent an ethereal glow to the scene. "To the Stars Club," John toasted, raising his glass. The others followed suit, though Percy hesitated, torn between the joy of the moment and the adherence to school rules. Ultimately, the unique aroma of the wine, far removed from the mundane pumpkin juice, swayed his decision.
The wine's effects were immediate and varied. Neville's face flushed with warmth, Malfoy's laughter ended with an ungraceful tumble, and Daphne's usual poise gave way to giggles. Cedric and Percy exchanged looks of surprise, noting the wine's unusual properties, which seemed to enhance their magical power slightly.
"This wine deserves a name. How about 'Qun Xing'?" John suggested, unaffected by the drink due to his unique constitution. The wine, a byproduct of their collective magical surplus, was indeed special.
As the evening progressed, Cedric tended to Neville, Heinrich managed Malfoy with ease, and Daphne's laughter filled the room. John then presented Percy with a spell-imbued ring, signifying his upcoming role with Barty Crouch. Percy's curiosity about John's involvement with the International Magic Exchange and Cooperation Department led to a revealing conversation. John hinted at deeper machinations at play, promising Percy a glimpse of his true capabilities.
John took the opportunity to address Percy's demeanor, encouraging him to stand tall and proud. "Humility is commendable, but it should not come at the cost of obscuring your talents," John advised. He observed Percy's habitual slouch, a physical manifestation of his deference to authority, and urged him to embrace his worth as a member of the Stars Club.
The gathering, marked by camaraderie, revelations, and a shared vision for the future, underscored the diverse strengths and potential of the Stars Club members. As they navigated their individual paths, the bonds forged that night promised to shape not only their destinies but also the broader magical world. The festivities of the Club of Stars stretched into the evening, and even the usually strict Percy couldn't dampen the spirits. The group indulged in just a glass of wine each, yet the excitement was palpable. As the night wore on, Neville and Malfoy found themselves at odds, the root of their dispute being Malfoy's refusal to acknowledge that Neville's arm strength was superior. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, with both wizards choosing to forego the use of their wands in a mutual understanding. The skirmish concluded with Neville triumphantly seated atop Malfoy, declaring his victory.
Both participants were inebriated by the time they returned to their respective dormitories, leaving their housemates bewildered and curious about the night's events. In Gryffindor, rumors quickly circulated that Neville had ventured out to confront a troll and had emerged victorious, leaving the creature battered and bruised. Such a tale, if told during their first year, would have been met with laughter and disbelief. However, having witnessed Neville's impressive display of strength earlier that evening, the rumor didn't seem so far-fetched.
Meanwhile, the gossip within Slytherin took a more fantastical turn, with whispers suggesting that Malfoy had spent the night with a banshee. The originator of this ludicrous claim soon found themselves the target of the entire house's ire, particularly the Malfoys'. The absurdity of the rumors in both houses highlighted the wild nature of the evening's events, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard them.
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https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge