NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31: 31. Hidden Achievements
Oh, now that everyone has eaten and had enough to drink, I would like to say a few more words," Dumbledore's aged voice echoed through the hall. "At the beginning of the semester, I have a few points to share with you."
"First, a reminder to the freshmen: no student is allowed to enter the forest area on the school grounds. Some of our older students should also remember this." As he said this, Dumbledore's sparkling eyes glanced toward the Weasley twins.
"Additionally, Mr. Filch, our caretaker, asked me to remind everyone not to perform magic in the corridors during class breaks."
"The tryouts for the Quidditch teams will be held in the second week of this semester. If you're interested in joining your house team, please see Ms. Hooch."
"Finally, I need to tell you something important." Dumbledore's expression turned serious. "Anyone who wants to avoid an accident or a painful end should stay away from the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor."
This warning puzzled the new students. Isn't Hogwarts supposed to be the safest place in England?
"Now, before you all head off to bed, let's sing the school song together!"
As Ivan listened to the school song, he noticed that the smiles of the professors at the teacher's table seemed to stiffen a little.
Dumbledore waved his wand lightly, and a long golden ribbon shot out, twisting and curling above the dining table to form lines of text.
"Choose a tune you like," Dumbledore said. "Ready? Sing!"
Then, all the teachers and students sang loudly:
"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts,
Please teach us knowledge,
Whether we are bald old men or children with scraped knees,
Our minds are open to interesting things.
Now our brains are empty, full of air, dead flies, and trivial thoughts,
Teach us valuable lessons,
Help us remember what we've forgotten,
Do your best, and we'll take care of the rest,
We will study hard until we turn to dust."
The song ended in a mix of voices, but the Weasley twins continued to sing along to the slow tune of "Funeral March." Dumbledore conducted them with his wand for the final few notes, and when they finished, his applause was the loudest.
"Music," he said, wiping a tear from his eye, "is more enchanting than anything we do here!"
"It's time for bed; everyone go back to your dormitories."
After Dumbledore spoke, he exchanged a few words with Professor McGonagall beside him. She looked puzzled but nodded in agreement.
[Ding Dong!]
[You have completed the hidden achievement 'Sorting Dinner.']
[Sorting Dinner]
Description: Congratulations on completing the Sorting Ceremony that only happens once in a lifetime. The magical world is officially open to you.
Reward: 1 potential point, mysterious wardrobe x1.
'Hidden achievement?'
The sudden system prompt surprised Ivan. It was the first time he had learned about his system, and he was intrigued by the existence of hidden achievements.
Did this mean there were others? Perhaps for Christmas, graduation, or other events?
Ivan felt he had a new goal at Hogwarts: to explore the castle and discover more hidden achievements.
'Another potential point obtained.'
The potential points were very important. With 5 points in magic, he could become a powerful wizard.
If he grew step by step, he could even reach or surpass Dumbledore's level without any outside help.
However, Ivan didn't use his points right away. He needed to think it over carefully.
He was also curious about the new reward from the system, "Mysterious Wardrobe." What could this wardrobe do?
[Mysterious Wardrobe]
Description: A wardrobe connected to an unknown magical realm. Open it, and you can enter a mysterious magical kingdom.
Status: To be collected (Would you like to collect it?)
"Hmm?"
"Ivan?"
Hermione, walking behind Percy toward the Gryffindor dormitory, asked, "What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing, I just tripped," Ivan replied casually, focusing again on the description of the 'mysterious wardrobe.'
'A door to a magical realm?'
Ivan realized that once he collected the mysterious wardrobe, he couldn't take it back; it would exist in this world as a physical object.
"Ivan, Ivan!"
Before he could think more, Professor McGonagall's voice called from behind.
"Percy, I need to speak to Ivan for a moment," she said.
"Okay, Professor," Percy replied and led the other students away. Ivan gave Hermione a reassuring look and walked over to McGonagall. "Is there something you need, Professor?"
"Come with me," she instructed, leading Ivan through the castle with the orange candlelight flickering around them until they reached the door of the headmaster's office on the eighth floor.
"Cockroach cluster," Professor McGonagall said, stating the password, and she took Ivan up the spiral staircase.
During the entire journey, Ivan remained silent, simply following her.
"Albus," she said as they entered the headmaster's office.
"I brought the boy," Professor McGonagall informed Dumbledore.
"Ah, thank you, Minerva," Dumbledore replied kindly. He then gestured for McGonagall to wait outside for a moment, wanting to speak with Ivan alone.
"Please be quick, Albus," she said. "This child must be tired after his long journey."
"I know, I know," Dumbledore reassured her, saying it would only take a short time.
"Okay then," McGonagall said before stepping out and closing the door.
Now, only Ivan and Dumbledore remained in the office. The paintings of past headmasters on the walls looked on with curiosity at the young wizard summoned so soon after arriving at the school.
"Professor Dumbledore," Ivan said politely, wondering why he had been called. Dumbledore smiled and nodded, "I believe our conversation might be best kept private."
With that, Dumbledore raised his hand, and a spell quietly enveloped the entire office, ensuring that their conversation would remain confidential.
The curious paintings fell silent, eager to hear what was about to unfold.
"You wanted to speak with me about what's inside me?" Ivan asked. He didn't mention the Obscurus directly but raised his hand, palm up, as black mist swirled out, filling the room.
"Remarkable talent," Dumbledore said, his eyes filled with surprise but also concern. "Do you know what this is, my boy?"
"I didn't understand it before, but I found something similar in a book I bought recently," Ivan explained. "It's called Obscurus, right, Professor?"
"Yes, indeed, it's an Obscurus..." Dumbledore replied, recalling painful memories.
While others might not grasp Dumbledore's feelings about the Obscurus, Ivan understood clearly. Dumbledore's sister Ariana and nephew Aurelius (Credence) were both affected by it. The Obscurus had brought great sorrow to the Dumbledore family.
--------------------------
For Advance chapters visit : patreon.com/Mythic_Muse