ALL NOVEL Chapter 81: Matagot
The ring, of course, did not contest Tver's observations about Percy's purity. "To be honest, I don't like using such methods to recruit followers. Who in today's magical world talks about ideals anymore?"
Tver playfully toyed with the ring. "Ideals and interests aren't necessarily contradictory. Moreover, it is only those with grand ideals who can unleash powerful forces."
"But he's still a student. Even if his grades are good, can he really have more impact than Cynthia?" the ring questioned.
"Impact isn't about size," Tver did not elaborate.
In his plans, Percy was not only to become an asset for Cynthia in the Ministry of Magic but also a representative to leverage among the pure-blood families on the side of the good. But that was for after Percy's graduation.
In fact, tonight was more about Tver testing his ability to attract followers on a whim. Recruiting Cynthia had been too easy, lacking any challenge. He had only had to outline his vision for the future once, and she was ready to pull out her wand and take on the International Confederation of Wizards.
Only Percy's struggle and anger gave him a taste of the thrill of beguiling hearts.
Was this what his mentor meant by reaching a new level of mastery?
The ring wouldn't understand such thoughts. In its view, there were only useful servants and useless enemies. Why bother recruiting this kid if not to rule the world? But the ring wouldn't remind Tver of this. Truthfully, it hoped Tver would continue to seek such useless followers and ultimately fail in his plans.
This would be the ring's chance to escape Tver's tormented hold!
Because the research tonight truly unnerved it, more worrying than anything it had experienced before.
"So you plan to make Hogwarts your headquarters and beguile the students into becoming your followers?" the ring probed.
Tver chuckled lightly. "If you think these students are weak, why would I bother? Instead of pondering that, think about how you can assist me in my research," he said as he walked back to his desk.
The ring remained silent.
Thus, researching Voldemort's soul became a routine part of Tver's life. Of course, to enhance Percy's usefulness, he also gave him extensive extra tutoring.
Primarily, he taught Percy the art of Occlumency to shield his mind, preventing others from easily discerning his thoughts after he entered the Ministry of Magic.
However, Percy's learning speed exceeded Tver's expectations. Without neglecting his regular studies and just by using spare time, he quickly mastered Occlumency.
This gave Tver a sense of developing a character, significantly increasing his interest in instructing Percy.
With advances in strength and evolutions in thought, Percy's demeanor had matured, though under Tver's advisement, he still maintained a lively, upbeat facade.
Tver now found Percy strangely familiar—as if he were mimicking him, concealing his inner desires behind a gentle exterior. Even the Weasleys, who knew Percy best, were only envious of his private lessons with the professors, completely oblivious to his transformation.
However, in comparison to Percy's progress, Tver's research on Horcruxes was painfully slow. Given that there were only seven Horcruxes, and he currently only possessed the diadem and the ring, haste was not an option—there was nothing left to study if he damaged them. Moreover, he was also responsible for teaching across all seven year groups.
...
In a third-year classroom.
"I suppose you've guessed by now," Tver said, entering the classroom with a cage, "we're about to encounter some," he grinned, "interesting creatures."
"Bang!"
As if in response, a sudden noise erupted from the cage, startling the students. Yet, he didn't immediately lift the black cloth covering the cage but instead shared some news.
"After discussions, Headmaster Dumbledore has agreed to my proposal to reform the Defense Against the Dark Arts final exam."
"To better prepare you for the O.W.L.s two years from now, the exam will consist of both theoretical and practical components!"
"Oh, no!" George cried out in horror.
The classroom burst into noise, much like the first time Tver had taught them. They had seen how the fifth years struggled, constantly muttering about 'easy points' to remember on their tests, appearing rather neurotic.
Some had even begun to dabble in superstitions, muttering prayers and blessings.
They certainly didn't want to end up like that! But Tver quickly doused their worries with a splash of reality.
"What are you thinking? With the level of magical knowledge you possess now, you wouldn't even stand a chance like the fifth years!"
...
The students were too indignant to speak, wishing they could demonstrate to the professor right then—a flop.
"Professor, you should have told us earlier, saving us all this worry," George said with a sheepish grin.
"It's your fault for not listening carefully. This year, the theoretical part is as important as the practical—if you fail the theory, prepare for summer homework!"
"And what about the practical part?" Roger Davies asked.
Tver didn't answer directly but gave a meaningful smile that sent a chill through the students.
As usual for practical exercises, he led the students to the spacious area behind the classroom, faced them, and then placed the cage on the ground.
"Back to the matter at hand, today's lesson involves getting acquainted with the little darling inside this cage," Tver said as he lifted the black cloth, "So, does anyone know what this is?"
Inside the cage was a completely black, cat-like creature with a hairless body that some might find ugly. However, its pupil-less, stark white eyes intimidated most students from even thinking of mocking it.
"Is that a Matagot?" guessed Davies.
"Honestly, it looks a bit like the rats at our house," George quipped.
Fred quickly chimed in, "Hairless, ugly, and those odd eyes could probably make it the second ugliest creature at Hogwarts."
Davies blinked, "And what's the first?"
"Filch, of course!" the twins burst out laughing.
"Pfft," the students couldn't help but laugh along, and Tver grinned broadly, enjoying their merriment.
"Correct, this is a Matagot, also known as a spirit cat. They usually don't initiate attacks," he explained as he opened the cage.
The matagot leapt out, landing in front of the students.
"Unless, of course, you provoke it."