Matthew paused, his brow furrowing with skepticism.
He had noticed that Professor Slughorn was studying him with an odd expression.
A strange prickling sensation crawled up Matthews scalp, and the offices atmosphere took on an unusual tension.
As the dinner concluded, the remaining Slug Club mbers made their exits individually.
Among them, only Neville turned to cast a lingering glance at Matthew before departing.
In no ti, Matthew and Professor Slughorn were the sole occupants of the office.
Whats the matter, Professor? Matthew inquired hesitantly.
Professor Slughorn didnt respond imdiately.
Instead, he leisurely withdrew a cigar from his pocket, lit it, and brought it to his lips with slow deliberation.
Taking a prolonged draw, he exhaled smoke rings into the air.
Matthew waited patiently, uncertainty gnawing at him.
It seems youve developed a rather close bond with Miss Shafiq, Professor Slughorn mused casually.
Yes, Matthew agreed calmly. Shes a first-year student below . Ive taken it upon myself to help her acclimate to Hogwarts and share so information. Its the right thing to do.
Indeed, certainly, Professor Slughorn concurred, his voice hearty. Youve acted comndably, Matthew!
Matthew couldnt help but feel surprised at the deans enthusiastic reaction.
In a way, I have a bit of a selfish plea, Professor Slughorn continued, his tone growing somber.
Please, Professor, feel free to share, Matthew responded enthusiastically, suppressing his inner confusion.
Miss Shafiks father was my most esteed student during his ti at Hogwarts, much like how I hold you in high regard now, Matthew. Professor Slughorn began to explain, his tone taking on a sluggish cadence.
Professor, please elaborate, Matthew encouraged, maintaining his air of enthusiasm and concealing his confusion.
Her father recently faced an unfortunate incident, which must have been quite a blow to poor Miss Shafik, Professor Slughorn elaborated. Given that shes a first-year student, she likely finds herself grappling with the unfamiliarities of Hogwarts. I was hoping you could lend her your support
Thats not a problem at all, Professor Slughorn, Matthew affird, his words laden with agreent.
Excellent, Matthew, Professor Slughorn responded, crossing his hands over his chest.
This is my duty as a fellow student, Professor, Matthew concluded, inclining his head respectfully.
The situation appeared to be less complex than he had initially thought.
Matthew took several steps toward the exit as the faculty and students exchanged farewells.
Yet, he soon turned back.
On another note, Professor Slughorn, I have a question Id like to seek your counsel on, Matthew declared calmly, locking eyes with the potions teacher.
Whats the query? Im all ears, Professor Slughorn acknowledged, gesturing to a nearby rocking chair. He lowered himself onto it, his countenance serious.
I ca across a ntion of it in a book over the sumr, Matthew began unhurriedly. The book described a form of magic that can rapidly incite overwhelming emotions in a wizard, rendering them unable to control themselvescausing their body to act independently of their mind.
It even enables them to cast advanced spells that they would otherwise be incapable of using.
Furthermore, their consciousness remains sharp throughout this period, fully aware of their actions, Matthew continued. Professor, Im curious about this particular magic. Could you perhaps shed so light on its nature?
That sounds remarkably like the Imperius Curse, one of the Unforgivable Curses and a form of Dark magic banned by the Ministry of Magic, Professor Slughorn mused.
Although, hold on A clear consciousness, combined with the ability to employ more potent spells rlins beard, even the Imperius Curse, couldnt achieve such an effect
Horace Professor Slughorn appeared taken aback.
He tilted his head, his posture reminiscent of soone afflicted with the Petrification Charm rooted in place
This state persisted for almost a minute.
Matthew began to ponder if Professor Slughorn was grappling with so sort of ntal ailnt.
Professor? Matthew prompted gently.
By rlins beard! The potions teacher jerked as if shaken awake, his features reflecting an edge of fear.
Matthew, my boy where did you co across this kind of magic? he asked hurriedly.
In Flourish & Blotts Bookstore during the sumr, Matthew answered softly.
Shush! Professor Slughorn interjected, placing a finger against his lips, cautioning Matthew to say no more.
If your description holds true, then this is so truly alarming magic Professor Slughorn remarked gravely, his voice slightly trembling.
It falls within the realm of the most potent forms of dark magic on the obscure side
If a wizard experiences this, it can only an that their body has been invaded by another soul!
Another soul? Matthews voice wavered, mirroring Professor Slughorns own.
Yes, another soul, akin to a ghost but distinct Professor Slughorn explained hand pressed to his chest. Normally, only exceedingly powerful wizards can perform certain forms of dark magic to wholly extract a soul from a body. If another wizard possessed that soul, they could gradually influence their mind and even manipulate their actions
In that mont, a connection ford in Matthews mind, linking Quirinus Quirrell and Voldemort from the first book.
Matthew shivered involuntarily as the image of Voldemorts hideous, malevolent visage suddenly flashed before his head.
Professor Slughorns hand landed on Matthews shoulder, offering a reassuring pat. Dont be frightened. Matters of the obscure side tend to remain distant from us. Its advisable to steer clear of books related to such subjects; they can only lead to further entanglent.
Indeed, Matthew managed a slightly strained smile, nodding. Thank you, Professor Slughorn. Ill take my leave now.
Take care on your way, Professor Slughorn said warmly, waving farewell.
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