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    Chapter 65: Christmas Gifts Can’t Possibly Lead to Enmity

    “Did I miss something?”

    Andy decided to reorganize his thoughts.

    First, Lord Voldemort wanted to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone, attempting to use its power to make a comeback. Hmm… Dumbledore knew Voldemort wanted the Sorcerer’s Stone and used it to set a trap.

    Voldemort, upon seeing the trap, should have realized Dumbledore had seen through his intentions.

    So, what about Dumbledore?

    Dumbledore’s trap was so obvious, he even publicly revealed its location at the welcoming feast, clearly a blatant attempt to hook Voldemort and lure him out.

    Holding the Sorcerer’s Stone, Dumbledore had complete control. Even if Voldemort guessed his intentions, he had no choice but to play along.

    “In other words, both knew each other’s intentions. Dumbledore designed a ridiculously melodramatic plot, and Voldemort, for his pay, had to grit his teeth and act in Dumbledore’s new play.”

    “The final result simply depends on who has the superior tactics!”

    That should have been the original plot.

    But Andy’s instigation of Malfoy to drive Quirrell out of Hogwarts disrupted both their plans.

    “If that’s the case, Voldemort’s intentions become very clear?”

    Andy thought to himself: “Voldemort still wants the Sorcerer’s Stone, and he’s not afraid of alerting Dumbledore. Because a Voldemort operating alone is very dangerous; as long as Dumbledore knows this, Dumbledore must let him return to Hogwarts.”

    Voldemort possessing Quirrell; if left unchecked, he could attack anyone at any time, becoming even more uncontrollable.

    Therefore, Dumbledore could only use the Sorcerer’s Stone to appease Voldemort, to keep him temporarily subdued.

    Andy felt he had figured out the whole plan.

    Whether it was attacking Malfoy or using the Ministry of Magic to investigate the fourth floor of the castle, Voldemort acted with impunity.

    Because only by showcasing his danger would Dumbledore continue to use the Sorcerer’s Stone as bait, giving Voldemort a chance to steal it.

    Uh… if that’s the case, Voldemort’s return to Hogwarts is a foregone conclusion?

    Andy felt a headache coming on.

    This is such a trap!

    Knowing this, he might as well have endured the garlic smell and listened to Quirrell’s dry lectures.

    Once Voldemort returns to Hogwarts, he’ll be operating from the shadows.

    “Andy, what are you thinking?” Seeing Andy’s changing expression, Aishiya raised an eyebrow and asked.

    “Nothing, nothing.” Andy smiled, but his heart felt heavy.

    Regardless, he needed to be more careful next semester.

    Andy realized he might have underestimated Voldemort.

    After all, Voldemort is the ultimate boss of this era. Even if he acts brainless, it doesn’t mean he lacks intelligence.

    Perhaps it’s his overconfidence in his strength that makes him lazy, or perhaps the influence of dark magic amplified the darkness in his heart, making him impulsive and arrogant.

    But the fact that Voldemort became the Dark Lord proves his high intelligence.

    “Old Dumbledore, don’t you dare screw me over!” Andy muttered to himself.

    The Christmas holidays passed quickly.

    Feeling threatened, Andy spent the holidays learning practical combat skills from Helena.

    Helena was initially reluctant to teach, as she didn’t want Andy to become an Auror—the profession was too dangerous.

    In Helena’s view, those combat skills were useless. At least, she and Kyle had never had a life-or-death duel with any wizard over the years.

    Helena told Andy that when he was older, he could learn the Killing Curse. When he encountered an enemy, he should just blast them in the face with the Killing Curse. If it failed to kill the enemy, immediately use Apparition to escape.

    If the enemy also used Apparition to pursue, use a pre-prepared Portkey for long-distance transportation.

    This was a life-saving technique passed down from the Collins family. During the chaotic times of the magical world, their ancestors survived thanks to this trick.

    Honestly, this strategy wasn’t bad.

    But Andy still wanted to learn practical combat skills, as he didn’t hone his magic skills just to run away from enemies.

    Unable to resist Andy’s persistent pleading, Helena finally agreed.

    To learn combat, one must first learn to dodge spells.

    Dark wizards wouldn’t be polite; the Killing Curse is their most proficient spell—not only is it difficult to counter, but it’s also instantly lethal and has no counter-curse.

    In addition, there was aiming practice.

    This was Andy’s strong suit; his spells were accurate, and his control was excellent. Even moving targets were instantly hit by Andy.

    Finally, there was the timing of spellcasting.

    This requires combat experience.

    Although Helena received training in this area at school, she had never actually experienced combat, but guiding a young wizard like Andy was more than enough for her.

    In short, Andy’s training was extremely arduous these past few days.

    Before school started, Andy could even spar with Helena in a decent manner.

    Boarding the Hogwarts Express again, Andy’s mentality was completely different from the past.

    Looking around, Andy felt that there wasn’t a single person he couldn’t take on.

    What a bunch of unsuspecting young wizards!

    In the compartment, Hermione held a large stack of books, all purchased in Diagon Alley during the holidays.

    “Andy, did you have a pleasant holiday?” Hermione asked while reading.

    “Of course, how about you?”

    Andy answered his own question, “Looking at you, you probably spent the entire holiday reading, didn’t you?”

    Hermione looked as if it was a matter of course. “I don’t want to fall too far behind you.”

    At this point, Hermione suddenly said, “By the way, I saw Malfoy at the platform earlier. I didn’t expect his injuries to be so serious this time; he was in the hospital for nearly two months before recovering.”

    Andy’s expression turned serious. “Did he change at all?”

    “Not really…?”

    Hermione thought for a moment, “I just glanced at him, I didn’t pay much attention. What kind of change are you referring to?”

    “Nothing!” Andy shook his head.

    Andy didn’t want Hermione to know that Quirrell might return to Hogwarts; it was too dangerous.

    The young witch was guileless and too easy to expose things.

    Hermione didn’t pay any attention; she thought Andy was just showing concern for his classmate.

    Chatting casually, the train soon arrived at Hogsmeade station.

    Hagrid was still there to greet them, and first-year students still had to enter the castle from the Black Lake. The lake ice hadn’t melted yet, so the students had to walk to the castle.

    Entering the Great Hall, Andy immediately felt himself locked in someone’s gaze.

    Andy turned his head alertly, and it was Snape.

    Snape’s gaze was extremely sharp; he seemed to want to deduct a hundred points from Andy.

    A delusion?

    Andy thought, he had clearly given him a Christmas gift; even if it couldn’t improve their relationship, it shouldn’t lead to enmity, should it?

    (End of Chapter)

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