First Encounter with the Dark Lord

Boom!

The Great Hall doors were pushed open, and Professor Quirrell, who taught Defense Against the Dark Arts, hurried in from outside with a panicked expression.

The sight felt very familiar to Chu Yang.

"Troll! There’s a troll in the dungeons!" After shouting that, Professor Quirrell fell stiffly to the floor.

The entire Great Hall fell silent for about two seconds before shrieks erupted one after another. The students fled in panic.

"Quiet!"

Dumbledore rose from his seat, and his powerful authority helped the terrified students regain their senses.

He said slowly, "The prefects of each house will lead the students back to their dormitories. The teachers will come with me to deal with the troll."

Under Dumbledore’s instructions, the students left the Great Hall in an orderly fashion.

Before leaving, Chu Yang deliberately examined Professor Quirrell, who was lying on the floor pretending to be unconscious.

He had to admit, the man’s acting was excellent.

No one present doubted his cowardice or weakness.

In order to gain experience in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Quirrell had deliberately interrupted his teaching career at Hogwarts and traveled to dangerous regions.

From that alone, Quirrell could not really be considered a coward.

Unfortunately, it was during that journey that he encountered Voldemort’s fragment of a soul.

Quirrell had failed to resist Voldemort’s temptation and ultimately joined him.

Quirrell became Voldemort’s temporary Horcrux, bringing him back to Hogwarts and trying to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone so that he could be reborn.

Not only did he fail, but he also lost his life.

In Chu Yang’s eyes, Quirrell was a pitiful man.

If he had never encountered Voldemort, he might have become a teacher beloved by his students.

Some had once said that if Quirrell’s heart had been firm enough, he would never have ended up like this.

But how many people could truly hold fast to themselves under the Dark Lord’s bewitchment?

Chu Yang gave him a pitying look.

Quirrell wanted to use the troll to create chaos, then head to the third-floor chamber and steal the Sorcerer’s Stone.

But a terrifying three-headed hellhound guarded that place. He was destined to fail.

To be safe, Chu Yang secretly followed Quirrell when he made his move.

Meanwhile, on the way to the dungeons, Dumbledore had noticed something was wrong. He had the other teachers deal with the troll while he returned alone.

No one thought Dumbledore would flee before a troll. Something more important must have happened.

By the time Dumbledore reached the chamber, Quirrell, who had failed to break through the three-headed hellhound’s defenses, had already left. However, Dumbledore still noticed a few clues at the scene and immediately became alert.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I just saw Professor Quirrell come out from inside."

Chu Yang stepped out of the shadows, nearly giving Dumbledore a heart attack.

After steadying himself, Dumbledore immediately asked, "Are you sure it was Professor Quirrell you saw?"

"Yes." Chu Yang explained, "I left a little later and discovered that Professor Quirrell, who should have been unconscious, quickly left after you all departed. His behavior was extremely suspicious, so I followed him all the way here."

"After Professor Quirrell went inside, there was a huge commotion. It seemed as though something drove him out…"

Hearing this, Dumbledore’s expression turned complicated. Ever since Quirrell returned from his travels, Dumbledore had felt that something about him was strange, but he had not paid much attention to it.

Combined with what Chu Yang had just said, Dumbledore could already guess that the reason for Quirrell’s drastic change in temperament was most likely Voldemort’s bewitchment.

Thinking of how Quirrell had once been his student, Dumbledore felt a pang of sorrow.

But he quickly composed himself. Looking at Chu Yang before him, a trace of gratification flashed through his eyes.

Chu Yang had not only keenly noticed Quirrell’s abnormality, but he had also monitored his every movement without alerting him. Both his mental fortitude and personal ability were exceptional.

Over the past few months, Dumbledore had nearly grown accustomed to Chu Yang’s brilliance. He had almost forgotten that Chu Yang was merely an alternative candidate to the future savior, Harry.

Chu Yang asked, "Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Quirrell’s condition seems a little off?"

"He has indeed encountered a small problem."

Dumbledore replied casually. He was hesitating over whether to tell Chu Yang about Voldemort.

Chu Yang had always performed exceptionally well, so well that Dumbledore wanted to abandon those meaningless attempts to guide him and tell him something more practical.

Who knew that Chu Yang would beat him to it, bowing as he said, "In that case, I trust you will handle these matters properly."

What a joke. It’s fine to show my face once in a while, but do you really expect me to fight Voldemort to the death for you?

Chu Yang could not help complaining inwardly. At most, he would secretly help destroy one or two Horcruxes. Facing Voldemort head-on was out of the question.

While Dumbledore was still stunned, Chu Yang stepped onto the spiral staircase and quickly vanished from his sight.

Meanwhile, Professor Quirrell, who had failed to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone, secretly returned to the dungeons.

He created the illusion that he had only just woken up in front of everyone else.

The troll was not actually that powerful, at least not before Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick.

One was Hogwarts’s Deputy Headmistress, while the other was a former dueling tournament champion. Never mind one troll—even a group of them would be easy prey.

Quirrell did not need to do anything. He only needed to stand to one side and scream.

It maintained his cowardly, weak image.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick each cast a Petrification Curse, completely subduing the troll.

"What beautiful Petrification Curses."

Pale-faced, Quirrell praised them from the side, though his voice sounded weak and listless.

Professor McGonagall shook her head helplessly, seemingly too lazy to speak with Quirrell, and turned to leave.

Professor Flitwick followed close behind. The two left the dungeons together.

Quirrell narrowed his eyes, glaring maliciously at their retreating backs. Suddenly, Voldemort’s voice sounded beside his ear.

"I need…"

Chu Yang did not obediently return to his dormitory. Instead, while Quirrell was occupied in the dungeons, he left the school and headed for the Forbidden Forest.

Ever since he had moved the Whomping Willow into the Forbidden Forest last time, Chu Yang had not seen it much. He wondered what it had grown into by now.

Hagrid was still patrolling at this hour. To avoid him, Chu Yang did not take the path that passed by the groundskeeper’s hut, instead taking a slight detour.

Winter nights were especially quiet. Aside from the crunching sound of his feet on the snow, there was almost no other sound.

Honestly, it was rather creepy.

If Chu Yang had not possessed Observation Haki, so that the darkness could not interfere with his senses, he definitely would not have come out in the middle of the night.

Suddenly, a cold gust of wind swept past. Goosebumps rose along the back of Chu Yang’s neck. He instinctively looked around, feeling as though something was secretly watching him.

Observation Haki did not detect any unusual aura. It was simply Chu Yang’s sixth sense warning him of danger.

The next second, panicked, terrified neighing echoed continuously through the Forbidden Forest!

"What was that?!" Chu Yang suddenly turned around and looked toward the sound, but everything was pitch-black. He could not see a thing.

The cry sounded somewhat like a horse, but clearer and sharper.

Though he had sensed danger, Chu Yang still decided to take a look. For some reason, that cry kept ringing in his heart, as though it had specifically been calling for his help.

With a slight exertion of strength, Chu Yang leaped onto a thick branch, then began darting between the trees, displaying the style of a Konoha ninja.

If there had been any spectators, they probably would have been too shocked to close their mouths.

Along the way, Chu Yang heard several more sorrowful neighs, so he increased his speed again and again.

Finally, beside a lake in the heart of the Forbidden Forest, he saw a cloaked Black Shadow and a unicorn covered in blood.

The unicorn was still resisting desperately.

But blood loss was rapidly draining its ability to move.

As for the mysterious figure attacking the unicorn, Chu Yang knew him all too well.

Professor Quirrell!

Or rather, Voldemort, who had yet to possess a body and could only parasitize others.

Quirrell was merely a temporary Horcrux and dwelling.

"What bad luck…" Chu Yang had just been thinking about avoiding Voldemort as much as possible, yet he had now run into him by chance. Fate truly played tricks on people.

The unicorn let out another mournful cry, stopping Chu Yang just as he was about to turn and leave.

Since he had run into this, Chu Yang could not just stand by and watch the unicorn die here.

He might fear trouble and dislike causing problems, but that did not mean he was afraid of them.

"Tsk. There are no classes today, so I didn’t even bring my wand."

Chu Yang clenched his fists, making his bones crack. After a brief warm-up, he curled his lip and said, "Looks like I have to play Druid again…"

After saying that, Chu Yang pressed both hands into the snow. The Chakra within him suddenly erupted, transforming into an endless source of power.

Wood Release: Tree Barrier!

A series of trees and vines burst from the ground between the unicorn and Quirrell, forming an impassable barrier that completely separated them.

The sudden attack startled Quirrell. He hurriedly retreated, avoiding the verdant trees bursting from the earth.

The unicorn neighed, its four hooves frantically kicking against the ground. Taking the opportunity to widen the distance between itself and Quirrell, it turned and fled deeper into the Forbidden Forest.

Seeing this, Voldemort, who was barely sustaining himself on unicorn blood, flew into a rage and roared into Quirrell’s ear, "Who is stopping me?!!!"

Hearing his master’s furious roar, Quirrell was both angry and afraid. Turning around, he saw a teenage boy in wizard robes standing on the opposite side of the small lake.

Both Voldemort and Quirrell were stunned. Why had a boy suddenly appeared in the Forbidden Forest?

It was the middle of the night, and the Forbidden Forest was so dark that one could not see one’s hand before one’s face. Chu Yang had not brought a lantern or anything similar, so in the dim light, Quirrell could not make out his features.

He could only judge from his build that he was a teenager.

To guard against Voldemort resorting to underhanded tactics, Chu Yang did not intend to fight them at close range. Instead, he prepared to use Wood Release to engage Quirrell from afar.

Separated by the lake, they faced each other at a distance. Though neither could see the other’s face, they could both feel a chill spreading through the air.

Quirrell spread his cloak and floated through the air like a ghost, charging toward Chu Yang like some specter from a horror story.

"Too slow."

If it had been Apparition, Chu Yang might have been somewhat wary.

But floating over so slowly might scare children. Using it against Chu Yang was simply insulting.

Before Quirrell could get close, Chu Yang formed a series of hand seals. His arm suddenly swelled, and massive amounts of wood and vines extended from it, shooting toward Quirrell in midair.

Wood Release: Great Forest Technique

Quirrell, who had not reacted at all, was struck head-on by the thick wood.

His vision went black, and he fell from the air into the freezing lake.

In truth, Quirrell had been watching Chu Yang’s casting movements closely. But when he saw that the boy had not taken out a wand, he assumed that he had been frightened stupid and unconsciously lowered his guard.

The result was that he got hit, just as expected.

Beating up Voldemort felt great, but Voldemort could not be killed without destroying his Horcruxes. Chu Yang was simply trying to disgust the old bastard.

The lake water rippled, but Chu Yang waited for a long time without seeing Professor Quirrell emerge. He stepped forward and used Observation Haki to sense the aura at the bottom of the lake.

There was nothing…

Quirrell had already escaped using a spell.

Chu Yang searched along the lakeshore with Observation Haki for a while.

Only after confirming that Voldemort and Quirrell had left did he follow the unicorn’s blood trail deeper into the Forbidden Forest.

If he could not find it in time, the unicorn would definitely die from blood loss.

Then everything Chu Yang had done would become meaningless.

Fortunately, the unicorn had not run far before collapsing exhausted beneath a large tree. Chu Yang went forward to check its injuries and began treating it.

Compared to using Wood Release Chakra directly, the mixed natural Magic Power was more effective at healing magical creatures.

To pull the unicorn back from the brink of death, Chu Yang expended an enormous amount of natural Magic Power. The lingering energy that leaked out even began affecting the ground beneath his feet.

Flowers slowly bloomed around the area where the unicorn lay on its side, and nearby creatures that sensed the power of life could not help drifting closer.

Firenze, a centaur patrolling the Forbidden Forest, also sensed this unusual power and quickly moved toward its source.

The centaur tribe in the Forbidden Forest was not friendly toward humans, especially wizards.

But Firenze was an exception. He was deeply curious about humans.

Firenze’s upper body was human, with blond hair, blue eyes, and a remarkably handsome face. His lower body was that of a horse, with a silver mane. As he moved swiftly through the night, he resembled a shooting star.

When Firenze arrived, he immediately saw Chu Yang treating the unicorn’s wounds.

Vast natural Magic Power scattered in all directions, blooming with green fluorescence that represented life. Flowers and vegetation covered the surroundings.

A look of shock immediately appeared in Firenze’s sapphire-blue eyes.

The sacred scene struck Firenze so deeply that words could hardly describe it. He even instinctively dropped to one knee, following his instincts as though worshipping a miracle.

The unicorn, whose life signs had been as weak as a candle in the wind, began burning brightly again under Chu Yang’s aid. It let out a joyful cry and slowly stood up.

"Phew…" Chu Yang slumped onto the ground, panting heavily. It was the first time he had ever felt so completely drained.

The unicorn lowered its head and gently nuzzled Chu Yang’s pale face. Its white body shimmered with a soft radiance, sacred and beautiful.

"Sir, you saved the unicorn’s life. Please allow me to thank you on behalf of the forest. From this day forward, your life will always be blessed by the forest."

Firenze took small steps forward and slowly approached Chu Yang. He bowed slightly, his tone full of reverence. "You are in poor condition now. Would you allow me to carry you back to a safe place?"

The safe place Firenze meant was Hogwarts. From Chu Yang’s clothing, he could tell that he was a student there.

"Then I’ll trouble you." Chu Yang nodded weakly. His entire body felt as soft as mud.

Firenze bent down, preparing to pick Chu Yang up, but the unicorn stretched out its head and bumped him aside, rubbing its head against Chu Yang again and again.

"It seems the unicorn wants to carry you back itself!" Firenze clicked his tongue in amazement. "Normally, unicorns only allow pure maidens to ride on their backs. This is the first time I’ve seen one willing to let a boy ride it…"

Hearing Firenze say that, Chu Yang felt strangely uncomfortable, but the unicorn clearly insisted on carrying him back, and he could not stubbornly refuse.

"Do you need me to lift you onto its back?" Firenze asked gently, like a gentleman.

"No, no. Just give me a hand."

Chu Yang shuddered and quickly waved his hands. Firenze’s words had already made him, a straight man, feel somewhat awkward.

Firenze helped Chu Yang to his feet, and Chu Yang laboriously climbed onto the unicorn’s back. Then he felt how smooth its fur was.

Just lying on it nearly made Chu Yang fall asleep from comfort.

Under the moonlight, Firenze led the way in front while the unicorn carried Chu Yang behind him. Even though some creatures watched them from within the forest, none dared make a move.

"Mr. Chu Yang, if you wish to come to the Forbidden Forest again, you may blow this leaf. Whether it is day or night, I will come to your side as quickly as possible." Firenze, walking ahead, suddenly turned around and handed Chu Yang a leaf.

The leaf had clear veins and was entirely emerald green. At a glance, it was clearly some kind of magical item.

"Thank you." Chu Yang accepted Firenze’s gift, curious as to why the other party treated him so well. Was it simply because he had saved the unicorn’s life?

Were the two races really that close?

With his mind full of questions, Chu Yang ran straight into Hagrid on the path past the hunting grounds. Seeing him riding a unicorn, Hagrid was so shocked that he dropped the lantern in his hand.

"Merlin’s beard, I must be too tired. That’s why I’m seeing things." Hagrid muttered with his eyes closed. When he opened them again, Chu Yang had already ridden the unicorn up in front of him.

"A unicorn actually let a male ride it…" Hagrid stared at the scene in disbelief. In all his years, he had never seen a unicorn break that rule.

"Hey, Hagrid." Firenze greeted Hagrid familiarly. The two often patrolled the Forbidden Forest and had met many times before.

"Firenze? What are you doing here too?" Only after recovering from his shock did Hagrid realize how strange the group before him was.

A human wizard, a unicorn, and a centaur…

"Someone was hunting unicorns in the Forbidden Forest. Fortunately, Mr. Chu Yang arrived in time…" Firenze recounted everything he knew, though he had not seen the culprit behind the unicorn hunt and only knew that the person was exceptionally evil.

"I have to report this to Headmaster Dumbledore." Hagrid realized the seriousness of the matter. Just as he was about to head back to the school, he suddenly remembered Chu Yang and could not help asking, "And why did you sneak into the Forbidden Forest? You’ll be punished for this."

"I came to see the Whomping Willow," Chu Yang said quietly.

Hagrid suddenly understood and explained, "The weather’s gotten cold. The Whomping Willow is hibernating in the part of the Forbidden Forest near the hunting grounds. It isn’t over here."

"Hibernating?" Chu Yang was taken aback. It was his first time hearing that magical plants could hibernate too.

"Not hibernation in the strict sense. It’s just far less active than usual. It was like that when it was at Hogwarts too. But if you get too close, you can still wake it up, and then it’ll get very angry."

Hagrid emphasized the final sentence. Not long ago, he had witnessed it himself, and the sight had been quite shocking.

"In that case, let it keep resting."

The moment Chu Yang finished speaking, he sneezed.

With his Magic Power nearly depleted, even his resistance to the cold had temporarily weakened.

"We should get Mr. Chu Yang back to the school quickly. In weather this cold, he’ll get sick if he stays outside any longer."

Firenze had no time to bother with Hagrid. He kicked off, ready to charge ahead, but the unicorn was even faster, already galloping toward the school without stopping.

Hagrid froze for a moment before hurriedly chasing after them.

They were not far from the school now and could clearly see Hogwarts standing atop the cliff.

After delivering Chu Yang back to the school, the unicorn and Firenze plunged straight into the forest surrounding the grounds.

Hagrid arrived late and, without caring that he might disturb Dumbledore’s rest, slung Chu Yang over his shoulder and ran toward Dumbledore’s bedroom.

Late at night, Dumbledore, who had been preparing for bed, was dragged from it by a rapid knock on his door.

When Dumbledore opened the door, he saw Hagrid covered in wind and snow, with Chu Yang over his shoulder.

"After several quiet months, I nearly forgot how talented you are at causing trouble. Go on, what happened this time? I can handle it."

Sensing that something major had happened, Dumbledore calmly wiped his glasses and let out a weary sigh.

"Oh," Chu Yang said, then added casually, "I happened to run into Voldemort…"

Dumbledore’s hand stopped dead as he wiped his glasses. Hagrid froze too, and the two stared blankly at Chu Yang.

"You didn’t tell me that just now." Hagrid swallowed, cold sweat pouring down his face. "The mysterious person Firenze mentioned, the one hunting unicorns, was Voldemort?"

Dumbledore’s expression darkened as well. "Hagrid, what exactly happened?"

Hagrid recounted Firenze’s words once more.

"I understand. Hagrid, go back first. Remember, do not let a second person know about this." Dumbledore’s voice sounded tired.

"Alright, I promise." Not wanting to disturb Dumbledore’s rest, Hagrid quietly left the room.

Dumbledore asked, "Chu Yang, was the Voldemort you encountered Professor Quirrell?"

Chu Yang nodded, then asked, "Headmaster, did you send Hagrid away because you don’t want people to learn about Professor Quirrell’s connection to Voldemort so soon?"

"That’s right. I haven’t figured out how to deal with Voldemort’s return yet." Dumbledore shook his head. "Let’s not discuss that for now. How did you escape from Voldemort’s hands… Ah, Firenze saved you, didn’t he?"

"Yes." Chu Yang decided to let this beautiful misunderstanding continue.

"You were lucky, but luck will not always be on your side when danger comes!"

Dumbledore was rarely angry. He said sternly, "If I weren’t worried that this matter getting out would cause unnecessary panic, Slytherin would lose fifty points because of what you did!"

"I know I was wrong, Headmaster Dumbledore." Chu Yang smiled awkwardly. Fifty points was no small amount. They might not even be able to earn it all back over the entire school year.

Didn’t he just say he could handle it? Why was he getting worked up now?

Dumbledore dared to let Harry Potter face Voldemort because Harry possessed the Blood Protection Charm his mother had cast at the cost of her life.

As long as Harry had not come of age, Voldemort could not harm him.

But Chu Yang had no such protection.

In Dumbledore’s eyes, let alone Voldemort, even a somewhat famous Death Eater could pose a threat to Chu Yang. Chu Yang, who had yet to mature, absolutely could not be exposed to Voldemort too early.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Dumbledore made a rare decision.

"Mr. Chu Yang, the school has decided to give you an extended holiday starting tomorrow. Your holiday will last until Christmas is over." Dumbledore looked at Chu Yang apologetically. As headmaster, he could not guarantee a student’s safety at Hogwarts, and he considered that a failure of duty.

"Until Christmas is over?" Chu Yang’s mind was full of question marks. He had only just received permission to enter the Restricted Section. How was he already being sent on holiday?

"Yes. At your current pace, missing over a month of classes will not cause any problems." Dumbledore smiled.

Dumbledore fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "This is for your safety. Voldemort will not let a Slytherin as outstanding as you go. When he comes for you again, you’ll have only two choices: become his Death Eater, or be killed by him."

Actually, neither. If Voldemort comes for me, I’ll just beat him senseless…

Chu Yang wanted to answer like that, but Dumbledore would definitely take him for a madman, so he could only accept Dumbledore’s arrangement.

Chu Yang was not the only one feeling miserable. Professor Quirrell, who had been struck hard by Wood Release, was suffering too.

The power of Wood Release was beyond doubt.

That attack had practically rearranged Quirrell’s internal organs.

It was no exaggeration to say that half his life had been taken away. If he had not fled quickly enough, Voldemort would have needed to find another temporary Horcrux on the spot.

Even though he had escaped by luck, he would not recover in less than a month or two.

As a result, Quirrell could hardly continue teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. Whether Dumbledore had discovered his identity or not, Voldemort did not want him to keep appearing before others.

Thus, that very night, Quirrell disappeared silently from Hogwarts.

The next day, upon learning the news, Dumbledore did not feel reassured by Quirrell’s disappearance. He knew that Voldemort, having failed to obtain the Sorcerer’s Stone, would not easily leave Hogwarts.

They had to be hiding somewhere within the castle.

This castle, with its thousand-year legacy, held far too many secrets. Even Dumbledore could not see through all of them.

If Voldemort wanted to hide, it would be difficult for him to drag the man out.

Voldemort and Quirrell had gone from operating in the open to operating in the shadows, making them far more dangerous. It was now imperative that Chu Yang leave Hogwarts temporarily.

Before leaving, after obtaining Dumbledore’s permission, Chu Yang visited the Forbidden Forest once more and successfully found the Whomping Willow. After several months apart, the Whomping Willow’s massive body had grown even taller, like an ancient tree that had stood for a thousand years.

After sending some natural Magic Power into the Whomping Willow, it slowly sat down and fell asleep like a child who had eaten and drunk its fill.

Chu Yang did not bother with it further. He took out the leaf Firenze had given him, placed it to his lips, and blew it to summon him.

The distinct melody echoed through the Forbidden Forest. Before long, hoofbeats came from deep within the woods.

Firenze, with his nearly perfect features, leaped forward and landed upright beside Chu Yang. Smiling, he said, "Honored Mr. Chu Yang, we meet again."

Chu Yang got straight to the point. "I have something I hope to receive your assistance with."

Firenze bowed slightly and said sincerely, "Please tell me. So long as it is within my capabilities, I will do my utmost to fulfill your request."

Just as Chu Yang was about to speak, the sleeping Whomping Willow seemed to sense Firenze’s presence and suddenly woke.

The awakening of that enormous creature sent the ground shaking around them, as if the entire Forbidden Forest were about to collapse.

The Whomping Willow swung a branch as hard as a steel whip and lashed it viciously toward Firenze.

It thought Firenze posed a threat to Chu Yang, so it instinctively attacked!

Caught completely off guard, Firenze was struck directly by the branch and sent flying right before Chu Yang’s eyes.

Chu Yang looked up and shouted angrily, "You idiot, why do you hit our own people every time?!"

The Whomping Willow’s majestic body shuddered. Chu Yang’s furious shout made it realize its mistake at once. It hurriedly withdrew all its branches and curled itself up like a child.

"Firenze, are you alright?"

"Oh, I’m fine. I just hurt a little. I think a rib might be broken…"

Firenze gave a bitter smile and limped back over. Chu Yang quickly stepped forward, cast a spell to set his broken rib, then used natural Magic Power to heal his injuries.

Feeling that great power, Firenze trembled with excitement. His gaze toward Chu Yang grew even more reverent. To him, the natural Magic Power within Chu Yang was the highest blessing from Mother Nature.

If he had not feared startling Chu Yang, Firenze might even have sworn loyalty on the spot to this young wizard of Eastern descent.

"Is that the legendary War Tree?" Firenze looked up at the magnificent Whomping Willow and muttered, "When I was young, I heard the elders of my tribe speak of these unimaginably powerful magical beings. They were nature’s guardians, yet now they have vanished without a trace. Only some Tree Spirits remain active in the forests…"

Chu Yang curled his lip. "War Tree my ass. It doesn’t even count as a Tree Spirit guardian. It’s just an ordinary Whomping Willow!"

Firenze froze briefly, then said with a bitter smile, "My experience may not be extensive, but I have never heard of a Whomping Willow growing to such a size."

Chu Yang looked up at the Whomping Willow, which was as tall as a towering pillar holding up the sky.

Alright.

I take back the word ordinary.

"The mysterious person from last time may return to the Forbidden Forest to hunt unicorns again." Chu Yang pointed at the Whomping Willow, which was currently sulking. "I called you here because I hope you and it can protect the unicorn herd together."

Firenze immediately nodded in agreement.

"No problem. I’ve been patrolling the Forbidden Forest ever since last night."

"Then I’ll leave it to you." Chu Yang smiled. "This fellow is a little dumb, so you’ll have to help me keep an eye on it."

After settling the matter of the Whomping Willow, Chu Yang left the Forbidden Forest and headed to Hagrid’s hut, where Dumbledore was discussing something with Hagrid.

Seeing Chu Yang push open the door and enter, Dumbledore was not surprised. He seemed to have known that Chu Yang had gone to the Forbidden Forest.

"Professor Dumbledore, may I ask you for one thing before I leave?" Chu Yang looked at him and spoke directly.

"What is it?" Dumbledore did not agree immediately and instead asked cautiously. He had to admit that Chu Yang’s ability to stir up trouble genuinely frightened him a little.

"I want to learn Apparition." Chu Yang met Dumbledore’s gaze. "Given my current situation, I believe learning this spell will make me safer."

Dumbledore pondered for a moment, then reminded him, "This spell is only available to students seventeen and older. Do you know why?"

Chu Yang nodded. "The process of Apparition places a considerable burden on the body, and it requires intense concentration. One small mistake can lead to an accident that endangers your life."

"Wizards your age usually find it difficult to control their thoughts," Dumbledore said. "If, during the transfer, your intention to reach a certain destination is not firm enough, having the spell interrupted would be the least of your worries. More importantly, your body could be separated during the process."

"Otherwise known as Splinching." Chu Yang took over solemnly. "Professor Dumbledore, I fully understand the dangers of this spell."

Hagrid tried to persuade him from the side. "Chu Yang, you’re still too young. Wait a few more years. Usually, only students in their fifth year or above are allowed to learn Apparition."

"No, Hagrid. He has the ability to learn this spell." Dumbledore gave Chu Yang a long look. "Since you already understand the dangers involved, I respect your decision."

Thus, Dumbledore began teaching Chu Yang how to perform Apparition inside Hagrid’s hut.

Hagrid tactfully left the hut, leaving the cramped space to them.

"Remember: target, determination, composure. Fix your chosen destination firmly in your mind, focus your thoughts, and feel the changes in your body. We’ll start with somewhere close."

Outside the hut, Hagrid listened to Dumbledore’s voice, and his thoughts suddenly drifted back to his student days. Back then, in Transfiguration Class, Dumbledore had guided students through spellcasting step by step in much the same way.

A moment later, a figure suddenly appeared, interrupting Hagrid’s memories.

Looking at Chu Yang before him, Hagrid asked in surprise, "I’m guessing you didn’t walk out of the hut. How do you feel? The first attempt usually makes people quite dizzy…"

Chu Yang, whose expression had not changed at all, shook his head. With his physique, Apparition was not enough to make him uncomfortable.

"A genius really is a genius. Ordinary people need a long time to learn this, but you mastered it in ten minutes." Hagrid said with a face full of envy.

"I only transferred from inside the hut to outside it. It wasn’t that difficult." Chu Yang smiled. "Praise me when I can return from London to somewhere near the school in one go."

Apparition could not be used within Hogwarts, so under normal circumstances, one could only use the area surrounding the school as an anchor point.

Creak—

Dumbledore pushed open the hut door and slowly walked out. "You’ve already grasped the essentials. How about trying to go to Diagon Alley? I’ll be right beside you watching."

Hearing that, Chu Yang began using Apparition right in front of Dumbledore. The image of Ollivanders Wand Shop surfaced in his mind. The space around him twisted, and invisible pressure surged in from all directions.

The pressure soon faded. When Chu Yang came back to his senses, he was already standing inside the wand shop, where Mr. Ollivander was organizing the shelves.

The next second, Dumbledore suddenly appeared beside Chu Yang and chuckled softly. "You never planned on returning to London, did you? You wanted to come here and become an apprentice?"

Chu Yang looked at him in surprise. The saying that old people are practically demons really is true. He could even guess that?

"This is fine too." Dumbledore nodded. "Then stay here with Mr. Ollivander. I trust he’ll take good care of you."

At that moment, Ollivander came out after hearing the noise.

He looked at Dumbledore and Chu Yang in surprise.

"Has something happened?" Mr. Ollivander asked curiously.

At this hour, neither Dumbledore nor Chu Yang should have been here.

Dumbledore smiled. "Nothing much. Chu Yang’s holiday begins early today. Didn’t you want to take him on as an apprentice? This is a good opportunity for him to learn some things here."

Ollivander gave Dumbledore a deep look. The profound look in the other man’s eyes seemed to convey something. Only then did he nod and agree. "I would be delighted to have him here. I’ll take good care of him."

"Then I’ll leave him to you." Dumbledore thanked him, then bent down and whispered into Chu Yang’s ear, "Stay here. You don’t need to return with me. As for your luggage, I’ll have someone send it here."

With that, Dumbledore used Apparition and disappeared.

Just like that, Chu Yang became the first first-year student to leave school since the term began. His early holiday left his classmates’ eyes filled with envy.

But not long after Chu Yang left the school, rumors began spreading everywhere.

Some said he had been expelled for breaking school rules.

Others said he had offended someone he should never have offended.

Hermione, Ron, Harry, Neville, and the other students who were usually close to Chu Yang were all worried about him.

Some rejoiced while others grieved.

Draco, meanwhile, welcomed his first "spring" at Hogwarts.

With Chu Yang gone, he could finally stand tall and look down on others with his family background. Free from the pressure his father had placed on him, he quickly adopted the arrogant attitude of "the heavens are first, I am second"!

Draco not only swaggered into the dormitory where Chu Yang had lived, but also began repeatedly targeting students who had been close to Chu Yang.

Even when the rumors had spread to every corner of Hogwarts, Dumbledore did not specifically explain why Chu Yang had left.

After leaving the school, Chu Yang began working as an apprentice in the wand shop.

He systematically studied the process of wandmaking under Ollivander.

His days as an apprentice at the wand shop were not much different from studying at school. Even his daily schedule was about the same. The only difference was that Chu Yang no longer had the opportunity to read books for free.

Flourish and Blotts stood diagonally across from the wand shop. Chu Yang could go buy whatever he wanted to read whenever he wished. Though its collection was not as extensive as the school library’s, it had every textbook he needed.

Before the holiday ended, Chu Yang needed to master every aspect of wandmaking, then find substitute materials so that versions of himself in other worlds could also successfully make wands.

Chu Yang chose Ollivander as his wandmaking teacher not merely because Ollivander was one of the world’s greatest wandmakers.

It was also because Ollivander was a wandmaker who constantly moved forward, constantly improved wandmaking techniques, and even overturned the traditional understanding of wands in the eyes of wizards.

In that regard, he and Chu Yang got along very well. They both hated outdated, decaying things.

Before Ollivander began making wands, nearly all wandmakers crafted wands according to their customers’ preferences. There had never been any talk of whether a wand suited its owner.

It was Ollivander who established the relationship between wands and wizards.