Everyday Life of a Top Student at Hogwarts

Chapter 194 Biting the Hook

Chapter 194 Biting the Hook

The terrified look on the Gryffindor girl's face and the sticky, foul-smelling "I see you" were etched into Cullen's mind like a cold brand, burning day and night. Voldemort's patience far exceeded expectations; like a venomous snake toying with its prey, he reveled in the fear that permeated the castle, waiting for the prey who could "see" him to lose patience and leap out on its own.

Cullen understood Dumbledore's thoughts, but he felt they couldn't wait passively any longer. It was the holidays; if they waited until the holidays ended and some real casualties occurred, then, like in the original story, a pure-blood family like the Malfoys could be pulling the strings behind the scenes, forcing Dumbledore to leave the school. Things would only become more dangerous. Right now, the other side was provoking them, testing them, and wearing down their will. They had to fight back, even if it was just tearing open a corner of the enemy's hiding place in the shadows.

Inside the Eagle's Nest, the flickering firelight from the fireplace illuminated Cullen's pensive face. Before him lay a magical map of Hogwarts Castle and its surrounding area, marked in different colors the locations and times of the basilisk's tracks. A clear, intricately detailed trail, moving from the outside in, was laid out before him.

He picked up the two-way mirror and channeled magic into it.

"Teacher Nicole."

Ripples spread across the mirror's surface, and Nicolas Flamel's concerned face appeared: "Karen? Your complexion is off again?"

"Voldemort is using the Basilisk's tracks to provoke and intimidate the students. He's in the Forbidden Forest, watching us." Karen's voice was calm, almost icy, as he quickly recounted the latest "message on the window" incident. "He's forcing the person who can track the tracks—that is, me—to reveal myself. On the defensive, we'll never catch him. The initiative is now in his hands, and he remains hidden in the shadows."

Nico's brow furrowed deeply: "Child, what do you intend to do? This is too dangerous! Voldemort's cunning and cruelty—"

“I know, teacher,” Karen interrupted him, her eyes sharp. “So I need a ‘performance,’ a carefully crafted ‘bite.’ To make him think his bait has worked, that he’s found the tracker. I need his momentary lapse in concentration when he confirms his target to reveal his location, or to lure him out directly.”

"You want to be bait?!" Nicole's voice suddenly rose.

"Not entirely passive. I've decided. I'll give Professor Dumbledore a sensor so I can notify him if danger arises. He can then keep Fawkes with him, positioned in the castle where he can observe me. I'll choose the most controllable location and time—right on the edge of the Black Lake, where the view is relatively open and traces have been found before. I'll act at night, fully equipped, and—I'll deliberately expose my 'tracking ability.'"

Then Cullen pointed to the location by the Black Lake on the map, "I'll use an alchemical detector to make it emit a bright light and magical fluctuations, disguised as if I'm tracking him. Let's see if we can force him to appear and attack me. After all, as long as I'm there to track him, he can't easily sneak into the castle. Headmaster Dumbledore will be nearby to provide support. Once the location is confirmed, or I raise the alarm, he'll come to my aid via Fawkes. I believe that with my preparations, I should be able to hold my own against the basilisk, and I've already learned the Fiendfyre spell. However, considering that we also need to capture his soul, it's best if Headmaster Dumbledore subdues him himself."

Nico remained silent for a long time, his eyes reflected in the mirror filled with worry and disapproval, but finally culminated in a heavy sigh: "You've made up your mind? Does Dumbledore know about this plan?"

"I'm going to see him. I need his cover and tacit approval," Karen admitted.

"Karen," Nico's voice was heavier than ever before, "Promise me, if you sense any unexpected danger, alert them immediately! Don't hesitate! Your life is more important than any intelligence! Remember Castor and my expectations of you; it goes far beyond this!"

"I promise you, teacher." Karen nodded solemnly.

With Nicole's heavy admonition, Cullen knocked on the headmaster's office door again. Dumbledore seemed to have anticipated his arrival; on the table beside Fawkes' perch, lay the Hogwarts magic map.

Without wasting words, Karen drew a circle on the map indicating the location of Black Lake and clearly and quickly stated his plan: "Headmaster, Voldemort's provocation is escalating; he's enjoying our fear and passivity. We can't always remain passive. I request a 'counter-provocation.'" He elaborated on his bait plan, including using an alchemy detector to create a conspicuous signal, choosing the shores of Black Lake as the "stage," and the desired outcome.

Dumbledore listened quietly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table. Only after Cullen finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth, his voice unreadable: "A daring and dangerous plan, Cullen. You've placed yourself under the fangs of a viper."

"But this is the most direct way to break the deadlock right now, Headmaster." Karen met his gaze without flinching. "Voldemort's goal is the Philosopher's Stone; he can't hide in the Forbidden Forest forever. The more people there are in the school, the easier it is for things to spiral out of control. The sooner we know his movements, the better we can stop him. I'll be operating near the Black Lake, and I'll never venture deep into the Forbidden Forest. And I trust you'll show up at the most crucial moment." His last sentence was filled with trust.

Dumbledore gazed at Cullen's young yet unusually determined face, then at the marker on the map representing the Black Lake. After a long while, he exhaled softly, his eyes sharpening and becoming resolute.

"Okay." A simple word, yet it carried immense weight. "I agree. But the conditions must be strictly observed: First, the operation will take place tomorrow night at midnight. The moonlight will be dimmest then, resulting in the worst visibility, but it will have relatively less impact on your vision. Second, the area of ​​operation is strictly limited to within fifty yards of the castle dock on the eastern shore of Black Lake; you must not cross the warning line I will mark tomorrow. Third, I will personally apply a trigger-activated 'high-intensity shield' to the alchemy detector you are carrying."

"—Once you sound the alarm or I sense a deadly attack, it will erupt instantly. Combined with your own equipment, it will buy you more time and also give me a light signal. Fourth," he said, picking up two phoenix tail feathers and gently touching the tips together. A faint golden-red light flashed between the feathers. He then handed one to Karen. "Now these two feathers are fully resonating with magic. Activate yours, and I'll know immediately. Fox will take me there instantly. Remember, Karen, your safety is paramount! If you sense anything amiss, or if the intensity of that malicious lock-on exceeds expectations, activate it immediately! Don't take any chances!"

"I understand, Headmaster! I will strictly abide by the rules!" Karen gripped the tail feather in her hand, which seemed warmer now, feeling reassured.

The following day, Karen made final preparations at the Eagle's Nest. He repeatedly adjusted his thermal goggles to their optimal state; checked the trigger safety of the rooster's crowing device; placed several alchemical smoke grenades in his most conveniently located waist pouch; finally, he took out a palm-sized...

The complex brass-plated device, shaped like a compass, was the tracking detector he prepared for his "performance." He channeled a wisp of magic into its core, and the device immediately began to hum, its intricate gears and runes turning, emitting a soft yet unmistakably bright blue light in the darkness, while simultaneously spreading clear ripples of magical energy outwards.

Midnight is approaching.

Hogwarts Castle was shrouded in a deep silence. The early curfew left all the corridors deserted, save for Ghost and Filch patrolling in the distance with their dim lanterns. Cullen, dressed in a dark, warm cloak, slipped silently out of the side gate of the castle, like a cheetah blending into the shadows, and stepped onto the cold, snowy shore of the Black Lake.

The biting wind stung his face like a knife. Most of the lake was covered in thick ice, reflecting the faint light from the castle windows—a deathly still scene. Karen activated his thermal glasses and his innate ability simultaneously, instantly transforming the world before him into a cold, blue-black background with scattered, faint red and yellow heat sources. He warily scanned the edge of the dark forbidden forest ahead, like a gaping maw ready to devour its prey.

He stopped at the edge of the warning line that Dumbledore had magically marked on the snow during the day. It was close to the castle docks, and in the event of an attack, he could retreat to a relatively safe area within a few steps.

Taking a deep breath of the icy air, Karen suppressed his wildly beating heart, his eyes sharpening and becoming calm. He took out the alchemical detector from his robes, which hummed softly and emitted a steady blue light and magical fluctuations. Unlike a true tracker, he didn't handle it with the caution, but instead deliberately held it high, letting its conspicuous light shine like a beacon in the darkness! At the same time, he activated his "Eye of Truth," his gaze like two invisible searchlights, deliberately scanning the areas across the Black Lake and along the edge of the Forbidden Forest where traces of the basilisk had been previously discovered, repeatedly and ostentatiously! He also deliberately amplified the movements, his footsteps rustling in the silent snowy night.

He was putting on a show, proclaiming to any potential observers lurking in the darkness: Look! I'm here! I'm the one you're looking for! I'm tracking the traces you left behind! He could sense that Voldemort must have already suspected him. He knew Dumbledore's abilities well and wouldn't think Dumbledore was the one tracking magical traces. And Cullen, a second-year student, always mingled with the professors, and had been present in previous operations. If Voldemort had paid attention to those operations, he should have already suspected him.

Time ticked by. A biting wind howled, swirling up snowflakes. Apart from the faint beeping of the detector and the sounds he deliberately created, all was deathly silent. The icy lake water lapped against the ice on the shore, producing hollow echoes. Karen's heart pounded in her chest.

Cold sweat beaded on his palms as he gripped the wand and phoenix tail feather, but his mind remained highly focused. His Eye of Truth acted like the most sophisticated radar, scanning every direction.

suddenly!

A cold, slippery, and incomparably vicious and greedy intent, like an invisible giant tentacle, suddenly emerged from a certain direction deep within the Forbidden Forest, roughly from the northeast, instantly traversing space and locking onto him with unparalleled precision!

The feeling was so clear, so intense! It was as if a highly venomous king cobra was stalking him in the dark, its cold scales rubbing against his nerves, its deadly fangs hovering above his head! Karen's hair stood on end instantly, a chill running from the soles of his feet to the top of his head! He could even "feel" a sense of certainty, a feeling of "I've finally found you," contained within that thought!

He took the bait!

Karen's heart nearly leaped out of his throat. He suppressed the urge to immediately activate Phoenix Tail Feather, maintaining his posture while holding the detector.

It even made the "scanning" gaze more "focused" on the general direction from which the malice was coming, as if trying to "locate" the source.

At the same time, he mobilized all his magic power, took out his wand with one hand, and was ready to activate the rooster crowing device and other equipment at his waist at any moment.

They were also prepared to retreat at any moment.

That powerful, malicious intent was firmly locked onto Karen, carrying a sense of scrutiny and control, as if admiring prey caught in a net. Time seemed to stretch out, each second feeling like an eternity.

Just as Karen was preparing to lure Voldemort out further, a moment or two passed.

The cold, slippery, malicious lock that had been clinging to him like a tangible object vanished without warning!

It wasn't a decrease, nor a transfer; rather, it was as if it had been instantly severed by an invisible knife, vanishing completely! As if it had never existed!

Karen froze. The detector's faint blue light continued to shine steadily, reflecting the momentary bewilderment and confusion on his face. All that remained around him was the howling wind, the sound of the icy lake water lapping against the shore, and the heavy, pounding of his own heart.

What's going on? The target has been confirmed, so why is there no further action? No attack? No appearance? Not even any further surveillance? It's like...like he just came to confirm, and then left satisfied?

This is not Voldemort's style! Did he go to such lengths to set up bait and intimidate students just to confirm the existence of his pursuers and then retreat contentedly?

Karen stood frozen in place, his arm, which had been holding the detector, aching slightly from prolonged tension. He dared not relax his vigilance; his Eye of Truth remained fully operational, scanning the dark, forbidden forest to the northeast. But it was deathly silent; apart from the faint life-giving heat of the trees themselves, there were no unusual magical fluctuations or signs of life. That powerful malice had vanished without a trace, like ink dropped into the ocean.

A few seconds later, a gentle yet powerful aura silently appeared beside Cullen. Dumbledore had arrived. He wore a travel cloak casually draped over his clothes, his beard and hair fluttering slightly in the cold wind. His gaze swept over Cullen instantly, confirming that he was unharmed, before turning his attention to the depths of the Forbidden Forest to the northeast, where Cullen had previously sensed the hostile attack.

"He's gone?" Dumbledore's voice was low, with a hint of barely perceptible gravity.

"He's gone, Headmaster." Karen lowered her aching arm, shutting down the rattling detector that had revealed her location. Her voice was hoarse from tension. "He locked onto me—very clearly, very strongly, right in that direction." She pointed northeast. "But just when I felt he was about to do something, the lock suddenly vanished, without warning."

Dumbledore looked in the direction Cullen pointed, his deep gaze seemingly piercing through the darkness and dense forest. He paused for a moment, as if sensing something, before finally shaking his head slowly: "A very faint, lingering trace of darkness, extremely thin, and deliberately erased. He was very cautious, disappearing immediately after identifying his target, leaving no clues for tracking."

He turned to Cullen. "You did very well, Cullen. Your performance was a success; he confirmed what he wanted to confirm. Although we didn't manage to capture him, at least we forced him to show himself, even if it was just a mental 'contact.'" Dumbledore's hand gently rested on Cullen's shoulder, a warm yet firm current dispelling the chill and tension emanating from her. "Your courage and composure far surpass your age. Now, return to the castle immediately. That's all for tonight."

Karen nodded, took one last look at the dark Forbidden Forest that had swallowed all the clues, and followed Dumbledore back quickly to the warm side gate of the castle.

Back in his dorm, Karen sat on his bed, reflecting on the day's operation. He had succeeded, and he had failed. He had successfully used himself as bait, successfully making Voldemort confirm his existence, or rather, the existence of the pursuer. But the other party's swift and decisive retreat after confirmation left Karen in disbelief. Where had the impatient Voldemort gone?

Why have you become so cautious these days?

Now Voldemort knew. He knew that Hogwarts had an "eye" that could track the Basilisk's tracks. He was temporarily satisfied and retreated into the deeper shadows, like a venomous snake that had gathered its strength, ready to strike again, more deadly and more unpredictable.

Cullen walked to the fireplace, watching the leaping flames, and gripped the phoenix feather and wand she kept close at hand. The crisis wasn't over; in fact, her "disclosure" had ushered in a more dangerous and complex new phase, though this danger might shift from others to Cullen herself. However, if Voldemort did indeed turn his attention to Cullen, that was exactly what Cullen wanted, because she wasn't afraid of the exposed basilisk. She was prepared; Voldemort might have realized during this operation that Cullen was also bait.

So he never appeared, but if he reappears in front of Karen later, or attacks Karen, there is a way to kill or capture him.