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Chapter 142: Fragmented Memories
After asking a few questions, William immediately realized how embarrassingly poor his knowledge of magical lore was.
Hogwarts had been founded for nearly a thousand years. Gryffindor's sword made an appearance from time to time, and the Sorting Hat came from Gryffindor himself. Slytherin's wand was currently buried in America (Note 1), where a Snakewood tree grew luxuriantly from it.
Not to mention Hufflepuff; their Common Room was filled with a collection of books left by Helga Hufflepuff herself that outshone all the other Founders. Only Ravenclaw had left no known relic behind.
'No wonder Professor Flitwick is so excited. If it weren't for the unbroken legacy since the school's founding, Ravenclaw House would truly be on the verge of becoming like the Holy Roman Empire—neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.'
The ones with the most say in the Wizarding World were the pure-bloods, and every one of them loved to show off old artifacts to display their long heritage and pure bloodline. Although Professor Flitwick himself didn't care much for such things, he had likely been ridiculed by pure-bloods over this matter more than a few times.
Although William hadn't heard any such jokes in Azkaban, considering how rumors spread, he still felt his speculation was probably correct.
But the historical significance was secondary—this diadem was acknowledged as a top-tier magical artifact capable of making its wearer wise enough to solve most problems!
'No wonder the two little rascals are being so obedient. They either want to use the diadem to solve their exam problems or to cook up some new mischief.'
But William wasn't bothered by such selfish thoughts—to be honest, he had the same idea when he heard about it: use the diadem to thoroughly comprehend all the books he couldn't understand, thereby drastically increasing his own strength.
"I'll do my best to persuade Professor Flitwick, but I can't make any guarantees. And you two are not to tell anyone about this. If Professor Flitwick actually agrees and the other Ravenclaw kids find out, I won't be able to control them!"
The two nodded like chickens pecking at rice—if only they were always this well-behaved.
"Professor William?"
Professor McGonagall's voice came from a distance. Behind her, a ghost drifted along with an indifferent expression.
"Why aren't you going in, Professor William?"
'The Grey Lady is a ghost? Why would Dumbledore call a ghost over? This isn't a cultivation world; do magical artifacts need artifact spirits or something?'
Although this strange thought surfaced in his mind, William replied with a smile.
"I was just discussing their reward with these two children, Professor." He smiled and patted their shoulders. "They were instrumental in catching the perpetrator. I was considering putting in a special application to you for a small bit of prize money."
"Prize money?"
Professor McGonagall considered it for a moment. "Hmm, I don't see why not. I'll send the bill to Professor Flitwick."
"..."
William said nothing, his face a mask of pure admiration.
"You have gained the recognition of a (?) magical creature. Treasure Chest x1."
And then?
William fell a few steps behind the others, waiting for a long time, but no treasure chest appeared. Just as he quickened his pace to catch up, he saw a disdainful face materialize on the door.
It was the Grey Lady from just now.
'It's broad daylight, don't scare people like that!'
William quickly halted, and the ghost passed through the door and floated inside.
'Are all ghosts this strange in the daytime?'
—
When William returned to his office, he found two people he didn't recognize in the room. But judging by the man's fiery red hair, he was sure he was another Weasley—although that fiery red was a bit patchy.
"Ah, Professor William, you're back—" Dumbledore's genial smile, but William noticed one of his hands was firmly holding onto Professor Flitwick, as if afraid the professor would lunge for the diadem if he wasn't restrained. "My apologies, Professor William. I've temporarily connected your office to the Floo Network. It's only one-way, but I imagine it should be quite convenient."
"Of course, I have no objections, Headmaster."
William was playing innocent despite having lucked out—Hogwarts fireplaces couldn't be casually connected to the Floo Network. They were mostly one-way, but even a one-way connection required approval. New professors weren't eligible; William had submitted a report, but it hadn't been approved.
With the Floo Network connected, future trips to places like Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley would be much more convenient. He would just have to return the old-fashioned way.
"That's wonderful," Dumbledore said, smiling at the two strangers. "I've already notified Professor Snape. Molly, Arthur, if you have no objections, the investigation will begin shortly."
"Of course, Dumbledore. We have no objections," the red-haired Weasley replied unequivocally.
As for Molly, William furtively saw her forcefully pinching the two Weasley brothers who had entered before him.
The door was knocked again soon after, and Professor Snape walked in carrying a stone basin—William had seen this thing before, a Pensieve.
'They're going to examine her memories? No wonder they had to notify the parents.'
Professor Snape set down the Pensieve with a cold expression, then turned to look questioningly at Dumbledore. After Dumbledore nodded, he strode over to Ginny.
As he gently tapped Miss Weasley's temple with his wand, a transparent, uneven, and even fragmented thread was drawn out and quickly transferred into the Pensieve.
"We can begin. Percy, take your younger brothers and leave the classroom."
Dumbledore nodded to everyone gathered around—the memory was already playing in the Pensieve.
William gathered around the table with the others, their gazes fixed on the scene within.
—
"So this is Hogwarts?"
The wall in the scene gradually changed, and then on the eighth floor, it began to repeat itself—a magical door suddenly appeared on the wall.
The scene then dimmed and wavered, quickly jumping to the next.
The little girl caressed the diadem, which was now resting on a chair, her face filled with fascination, as if she recognized what it was. Then, she slowly placed the diadem on her own head.
The scene wavered violently again. This time, the scene was the massacre of roosters.
Compared to the previous scenes, this three-minute clip was much more complete. Although it was very shaky, its integrity was high.
Then, there was a fleeting image of her writing furiously on a piece of parchment.
Next came whispers in the darkness, "Resurrection, resurrection, resurrection..."
...
All the memories were chaotic and disjointed, like a series of disconnected scenes cut from a long movie, not even forming a complete plot.
"This is the best I could do, Dumbledore. Both Miss Ginny's and Filch's memories are a complete mess. These useful fragments were salvaged from scattered corners."
Professor Snape's expression was grim, but his tone implied, 'No one could have done it better than me. This is the best possible result from processing those memories.'
"You've worked hard, Severus," Dumbledore said, watching the scene with a serious expression. "Alright, Arthur, Molly. According to the investigation, Ginny was being controlled, so she will not face undue punishment for what happened. However, a month's detention will likely be unavoidable."
"You can take her to the Hospital Wing now. Madam Pomfrey will take good care of her. We will discuss the matter of her detention after she has recovered."
After giving these instructions to the couple, Dumbledore turned his gaze to the diadem that had appeared countless times in the memory, his face taking on a serious expression that William had never seen before.
Note: One of the founders of the American school, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was a descendant of Slytherin. She buried Slytherin's wand on the school grounds.
(end of chapter)
After asking a few questions, William immediately realized how embarrassingly poor his knowledge of magical lore was.
Hogwarts had been founded for nearly a thousand years. Gryffindor's sword made an appearance from time to time, and the Sorting Hat came from Gryffindor himself. Slytherin's wand was currently buried in America (Note 1), where a Snakewood tree grew luxuriantly from it.
Not to mention Hufflepuff; their Common Room was filled with a collection of books left by Helga Hufflepuff herself that outshone all the other Founders. Only Ravenclaw had left no known relic behind.
'No wonder Professor Flitwick is so excited. If it weren't for the unbroken legacy since the school's founding, Ravenclaw House would truly be on the verge of becoming like the Holy Roman Empire—neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.'
The ones with the most say in the Wizarding World were the pure-bloods, and every one of them loved to show off old artifacts to display their long heritage and pure bloodline. Although Professor Flitwick himself didn't care much for such things, he had likely been ridiculed by pure-bloods over this matter more than a few times.
Although William hadn't heard any such jokes in Azkaban, considering how rumors spread, he still felt his speculation was probably correct.
But the historical significance was secondary—this diadem was acknowledged as a top-tier magical artifact capable of making its wearer wise enough to solve most problems!
'No wonder the two little rascals are being so obedient. They either want to use the diadem to solve their exam problems or to cook up some new mischief.'
But William wasn't bothered by such selfish thoughts—to be honest, he had the same idea when he heard about it: use the diadem to thoroughly comprehend all the books he couldn't understand, thereby drastically increasing his own strength.
"I'll do my best to persuade Professor Flitwick, but I can't make any guarantees. And you two are not to tell anyone about this. If Professor Flitwick actually agrees and the other Ravenclaw kids find out, I won't be able to control them!"
The two nodded like chickens pecking at rice—if only they were always this well-behaved.
"Professor William?"
Professor McGonagall's voice came from a distance. Behind her, a ghost drifted along with an indifferent expression.
"Why aren't you going in, Professor William?"
'The Grey Lady is a ghost? Why would Dumbledore call a ghost over? This isn't a cultivation world; do magical artifacts need artifact spirits or something?'
Although this strange thought surfaced in his mind, William replied with a smile.
"I was just discussing their reward with these two children, Professor." He smiled and patted their shoulders. "They were instrumental in catching the perpetrator. I was considering putting in a special application to you for a small bit of prize money."
"Prize money?"
Professor McGonagall considered it for a moment. "Hmm, I don't see why not. I'll send the bill to Professor Flitwick."
"..."
William said nothing, his face a mask of pure admiration.
"You have gained the recognition of a (?) magical creature. Treasure Chest x1."
And then?
William fell a few steps behind the others, waiting for a long time, but no treasure chest appeared. Just as he quickened his pace to catch up, he saw a disdainful face materialize on the door.
It was the Grey Lady from just now.
'It's broad daylight, don't scare people like that!'
William quickly halted, and the ghost passed through the door and floated inside.
'Are all ghosts this strange in the daytime?'
—
When William returned to his office, he found two people he didn't recognize in the room. But judging by the man's fiery red hair, he was sure he was another Weasley—although that fiery red was a bit patchy.
"Ah, Professor William, you're back—" Dumbledore's genial smile, but William noticed one of his hands was firmly holding onto Professor Flitwick, as if afraid the professor would lunge for the diadem if he wasn't restrained. "My apologies, Professor William. I've temporarily connected your office to the Floo Network. It's only one-way, but I imagine it should be quite convenient."
"Of course, I have no objections, Headmaster."
William was playing innocent despite having lucked out—Hogwarts fireplaces couldn't be casually connected to the Floo Network. They were mostly one-way, but even a one-way connection required approval. New professors weren't eligible; William had submitted a report, but it hadn't been approved.
With the Floo Network connected, future trips to places like Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley would be much more convenient. He would just have to return the old-fashioned way.
"That's wonderful," Dumbledore said, smiling at the two strangers. "I've already notified Professor Snape. Molly, Arthur, if you have no objections, the investigation will begin shortly."
"Of course, Dumbledore. We have no objections," the red-haired Weasley replied unequivocally.
As for Molly, William furtively saw her forcefully pinching the two Weasley brothers who had entered before him.
The door was knocked again soon after, and Professor Snape walked in carrying a stone basin—William had seen this thing before, a Pensieve.
'They're going to examine her memories? No wonder they had to notify the parents.'
Professor Snape set down the Pensieve with a cold expression, then turned to look questioningly at Dumbledore. After Dumbledore nodded, he strode over to Ginny.
As he gently tapped Miss Weasley's temple with his wand, a transparent, uneven, and even fragmented thread was drawn out and quickly transferred into the Pensieve.
"We can begin. Percy, take your younger brothers and leave the classroom."
Dumbledore nodded to everyone gathered around—the memory was already playing in the Pensieve.
William gathered around the table with the others, their gazes fixed on the scene within.
—
"So this is Hogwarts?"
The wall in the scene gradually changed, and then on the eighth floor, it began to repeat itself—a magical door suddenly appeared on the wall.
The scene then dimmed and wavered, quickly jumping to the next.
The little girl caressed the diadem, which was now resting on a chair, her face filled with fascination, as if she recognized what it was. Then, she slowly placed the diadem on her own head.
The scene wavered violently again. This time, the scene was the massacre of roosters.
Compared to the previous scenes, this three-minute clip was much more complete. Although it was very shaky, its integrity was high.
Then, there was a fleeting image of her writing furiously on a piece of parchment.
Next came whispers in the darkness, "Resurrection, resurrection, resurrection..."
...
All the memories were chaotic and disjointed, like a series of disconnected scenes cut from a long movie, not even forming a complete plot.
"This is the best I could do, Dumbledore. Both Miss Ginny's and Filch's memories are a complete mess. These useful fragments were salvaged from scattered corners."
Professor Snape's expression was grim, but his tone implied, 'No one could have done it better than me. This is the best possible result from processing those memories.'
"You've worked hard, Severus," Dumbledore said, watching the scene with a serious expression. "Alright, Arthur, Molly. According to the investigation, Ginny was being controlled, so she will not face undue punishment for what happened. However, a month's detention will likely be unavoidable."
"You can take her to the Hospital Wing now. Madam Pomfrey will take good care of her. We will discuss the matter of her detention after she has recovered."
After giving these instructions to the couple, Dumbledore turned his gaze to the diadem that had appeared countless times in the memory, his face taking on a serious expression that William had never seen before.
Note: One of the founders of the American school, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was a descendant of Slytherin. She buried Slytherin's wand on the school grounds.
(end of chapter)
