Slytherin's salvation is nothingness

In the Hogwarts Room of Requirement, the sounds of fighting and curses continued all afternoon. "Cedric, come again!" Harry wiped the forehead on his face and raised his wand again, "Don't be merciful, hurry up!"

Ever since that night at the Ministry, Harry had dragged Cedric to practice with him every day. No more Quidditch practice, no more visits to Hogsmeade, no more fun with friends. Even during holidays, he no longer went back to the Order of the Phoenix, but stayed at school. Even if he returned to Black's old house, Sirius and the others would never let him go out to complete the mission. Whenever he has time, he will lock himself in the Room of Requirement and practice.

Cedric, who was also sweating profusely, sighed helplessly, "Harry, let's take a rest. You look very bad, and Ginny and the others are also worried about you."

As if he didn't hear Cedric's words, he waved a magic spell, "No, let's continue!"

The door to the Room of Requirement slowly opened, and Hermione and Ron ran over with anxious faces, "I saw Hagrid is back, and he seems to be injured!"

"Hagrid? Didn't he say he was leaving for a long time? Why did he come back so soon?" Cedric had already put away his wand and looked at Harry, "Let's go check on Hagrid first. He's injured."

Harry frowned, staring at Hermione as if to see if she was lying. This was what they had done before, although the purpose was to get him to rest. After seeing nothing strange, he quickly walked out of the room, "Let's go, maybe we can get some news about those Death Eaters."

Although Hagrid did not tell them what he was doing, given the current situation, Harry could roughly guess what task Dumbledore had assigned him.

The four of them came to Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door, hearing a loud noise. Hagrid opened the door with a bruised nose and swollen face. He was holding a large piece of raw meat in his hand and put it on his face to reduce the swelling.

"Harry? Why are you all here?! Isn't it holiday time now?"

Before he could finish speaking, the four of them walked into his hut and looked around. Medicine jars, wine bottles, bandages. Looking at the bandages that were randomly tied on Hagrid's body, Hermione stepped forward and motioned for Hagrid to sit down and reapply the medicine for him.

"What happened? What did Principal Dumbledore ask you to do? Did you meet a Death Eater? Who was it?" Harry asked a series of questions, and Hagrid shook his head with an ugly expression, and even started to cry in grievance.

"I failed. I'm so sorry, Principal Dumbledore! Oh, dear Olim, I wonder how she is. Did she get back to France safely?"

Hermione heard Madame Maxime's name, she frowned and paused in applying Hagrid's medicine. "Mrs. Maxim? The mission you two are going to complete together..."

She looked at Cedric who was behind her, and both of them guessed the answer. He just didn't say it out loud, but Harry on the side obviously knew it.

"You went to the giant tribe together?! Why are you looking for the giant now...and you are injured? Were you attacked by the giant or..."

Hagrid quickly waved his hands and shook his head, "I didn't! I didn't say anything!"

The answer was already obvious, and there were burnt marks on Hagrid's raised palms. The four people's eyes darkened. The giant's magic resistance was extremely high. Ordinary flames could not hurt them at all, only Li Huo!

Although many wizards can use Li Fire, only one figure appeared in the minds of the four of them.

"That traitor! She went after you!" The way Harry gritted his teeth frightened them. Hagrid wanted to explain but didn't know what to say. He didn't know if it was really Cyrus. The man was wearing a white mask and a black robe. He must be the black god of death mentioned in the Daily Prophet recently. The all-devouring black fire was something he and Maxim couldn't handle. It was hard to say whether they were being hunted or if they happened to meet together. The giant clan was indeed impressed by that man's strength and submitted.

The five people present here each have their own thoughts, but they all hide them in their hearts.

"Let's go Cedric, go back to practice!"

In Malfoy Manor, Cyrus walked into the cellar. The action of pushing the door open made a walrus-like figure in the corner tremble. Slughorn turned his head stiffly, still holding a slice of pizza in his hand.

Cyrus picked up the wine in his hand and shook it, "I'm curious how much you still have in stock. Here, oak-aged mead, I heard it is your favorite, Professor Slughorn."

"Haha, it's Miss Cyrus... It's really hard for you to take care of me, an old man." Slughorn came to Cyrus, looking flattering, but his eyes were fixed on the wine in her hand.

"Old man? You really will give yourself a title." Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the simmering cauldron and threw the bottle in his hand to Slughorn. "It seems that you are not lazy. How is the progress?"

Holding the mead tightly, Slughorn took out four or five small-capacity glass bottles from the medicine cabinet. “So much has been made.”

Cyrus only glanced at it. The mead in Slughorn's hand suddenly exploded, followed by irresistible magical pressure.

"take it out."

"Sy, Miss Cyrus, I don't understand what you mean..."

The girl in front of him approached him step by step, with a cold face but a smile in her tone, "Maybe Professor Slughorn still doesn't understand the current situation. Even if I don't do anything, the people here will torture you until you want to commit suicide." So now you can still comfortably enjoy the satisfaction brought by material things, who is it because of, do I need to remind you again?"

Slughorn did not dare to move, even if the wand was still in his hand, he did not dare to confront the girl in front of him. He carefully took out the wine bottle he was carrying, and when he opened the lid, there was a pot full of golden liquid. "This is all. I really only did this. Lord Cyrus, please, spare me!"

Slughorn had been avoiding Cyrus's eyes. He wasn't lying, but he didn't dare to look into them.

After a moment of silence, the wine bottle in his hand disappeared. Cyrus walked over to the potions table and sat down, "Keep doing it."

Slughorn lowered his head and nodded, walked to the table and started making the potion. Cyrus spoke again, "Just like teaching students. Just do it how you teach students."

Slughorn seemed confused for a moment, but when he heard the sound of Cyrus' fingers tapping on the table, he hurriedly said, "Today, I, let's learn how to make Felixir... Does anyone know about Felixir? Is it useful?"

Cyrus stayed in the cellar very late. Slughorn first made many kinds of potions in the form of lessons, and then had many conversations with her in the form of friends, teachers, and seniors. Cyrus didn't stop until he felt his mouth was dry and he could no longer speak.

"Well, Lord Cyrus, is that okay? I want to take a rest..."

Sitting Cyrus rubbed his chin with his fingers and looked at Slughorn carefully with his eyes, seemingly not missing the split at the root of his hair. "If Dumbledore came to you, for what reason would you join them?"

It felt uncomfortable to be stared at by Cyrus. Slughorn scratched his head uneasily and helplessly, "Well, I really don't want to get involved. If it weren't for you... I didn't mean that! If , I mean if, I might be more willing to join them..."

"reason."

Slughorn obviously reacted with resistance. He didn't want to continue talking. He was instantly discouraged when he saw the black flames igniting in Cyrus's hand. "I was wrong. I have taken a fancy to countless outstanding students with talents...but I still made a mistake! I didn't know it would be like this. If it weren't for me..."

"You told Riddle about the Horcruxes, and I told you."

Slughorn: "Yeah, I told him....huh???"

Cyrus clicked his tongue, "I don't have time to listen to your confession now. What I need to know is why you still joined them regardless of your life. Is it really a discovery of conscience? Do you want to erase the stains in your life? Is it fear? Or is it to eliminate violence? For any reason other than coercion.”

Cyrus had no extra time to investigate Slughorn, and even today he came to Slughorn on the grounds of injury. Although according to his memory, he was moved by Harry's words. But if Dumbledore doesn't take Harry with him this time, or if the content changes, she can't guarantee that she will play a flawless role. Not to mention having to attend class under the observation of his former student, Snape.

"But, but, I'm not sure when I ask this question suddenly... Besides, I didn't join them. Lord Cyrus, I really chose you!"

Cyrus covered his face, sat down and took a deep breath, suppressing the strong murderous intention. She is indeed too impatient. She is about to enter Hogwarts again, which is a big burden for her.

When he faced Slughorn again, his original coldness changed, and all kinds of food and wine flashed in the ring one by one. "Professor Slughorn, it may be difficult to accept it now, but I still hope you can think about it again. He is really back. Your former students, friends, and colleagues will not be able to escape the disaster. And your only one now The choice is me. Because your words may save thousands of people. What if I tell you that you can get more than this?"

The blue eyes were extremely sincere, and his voice became bewitching, "In just a few years, Slytherin, which has been submerged by the long river of history, has returned to the top of the pure blood. I must teach you my ability. After the victory, whose name will people remember? What? Not Dumbledore, not me, not the savior. It’s Horace Slughorn! Your name will be known to everyone. Wizards, witches, Quidditch, politics, business circles, Even the journalism industry will remember you. Who will question the heroes who saved the people, and who will trace the little things that went wrong in history. It is no longer up to you to make friends with celebrities, you don’t have to do anything , there will be an endless stream of news interviews and friendships.”

Just when Slughorn was looking forward to the perfect future created by Cyrus, his words suddenly stopped. Cyrus stood up and left, confiscating Slughorn's flask and reappearing on the table. "That's it for today. In order to become a legend in the wizarding world, please continue to work hard."

After leaving the cellar, Cyrus saw Lucius waiting aside. She rubbed her brows, wondering why there were so many things happening all day long. "What is it this time? I have decided to go back to Hogwarts, so I don't have to worry about your son."

Lucius first thanked Cyrus, and then expressed his doubts that he had been having for so long. He looked around and confirmed that no one spoke softly, "No matter how you think about it, you don't have to go to such trouble. If your ultimate goal is to get rid of... him, with you and the strength behind you, there is no need to go around like this. A big bend is the way to go.”

Lucius regretted it the moment Cyrus frowned, "Mind your own business!"

No longer paying attention to Lucius' apology, Cyrus just wanted to go back to the room and have a drink. Voldemort can't die, he can't die so easily. She wanted everyone to witness his death, and the war could not be eliminated. If there is a war without any sacrifice, how can we make people sincerely thank the person who saved them, and how can we save his life.

In a Muggle house in the village of Barberton, two figures walked into the room. Harry looked at the broken furniture and dust in the house and frowned, "Principal Dumbledore, you interrupted my training time just to take me to see a dilapidated house abandoned by Muggles?"

Dumbledore looked at Harry, who had been going his own way since that day, and was driven by the anger of betrayal all day long. He patted Harry on the shoulder, but said nothing, and led him closer to a bulging armchair. The sound of liquid ticking came closer and closer. Harry looked up and saw a large pool of blood.

Nervously, he quickly took out his wand and alerted the surroundings. His eyes followed Dumbledore to the armchair, and without saying a word, he burst into pieces and released instantly. And when the curse was about to cut the armchair, there was a shout. The disguised Slughorn gasped and looked at the curse intercepted by Dumbledore in disbelief.

"Harry!" Dumbledore's voice became more angry, "Put your wand away, this is your new Potions professor this year."

Under Dumbledore's gaze, Harry withdrew his wand, looked at the bread man carefully and apologized, "Sorry Professor."

Slughorn did not accept Harry's apology. He looked at Dumbledore and tried to ask for an explanation.

"Haha, I'm sorry Horace. Harry is too nervous. After all, you know the current situation." After changing his attitude, Dumbledore put on a kind smile. With a wave of the wand, the house took on a new look, as if nothing just happened.

"I have rejected you a long time ago, Dumbledore. Please come back!" Without too many words, Slughorn had a tough attitude and rejected the two of them as soon as he opened his mouth. He wandered over to a chair and sat down, muttering, "They attack me as soon as I enter, as if I were a Death Eater. Dodging them back and forth is enough for me. Now even Dumbledore can't bear it." so!"

His voice was not loud, but Harry and Harry heard it clearly, as if he was speaking to them on purpose. Dumbledore smiled awkwardly, "Haha, I'm really sorry, Horace. I know you have been working hard and have been chased by Death Eaters. It is no longer safe anywhere, and I want to go to Hogwarts. A professor is a very good choice.”

He patted Harry hard and pushed him forward, "I forgot to introduce you. This is Harry Potter, I believe you know it. He happens to be in sixth grade this year, and he may become an outstanding student recognized by you. Here." Then a bottle of fine mead was opened and handed to Slughorn.

Although Slughorn looked determined, he still took the wine handed to him. Everything was seen by Dumbledore. He looked around, and a picture caught his attention.

"Lily, she is indeed your favorite student." After hearing Dumbledore's words, Harry immediately shifted his gaze and picked up the picture, "My mother... are you her teacher?"

Seeing that Harry began to take the initiative to talk to Slughorn, Dumbledore stopped talking. He stepped aside and watched quietly. Although he knew that most of Voldemort's Horcruxes were destroyed by Cyrus, Cyrus never told him how many more he had. Slughorn must join Hogwarts this year, and Harry is the one who can make Slughorn relax.

As a Death Eater, Cyrus' reputation has long been despised and despised by everyone. Now people are turning their hope and attention to the savior who has been ignored by them. Even if the prophecy says that the Messiah no longer exists, people will believe deep down that the prophecy is wrong.

From previous conversations, Dumbledore had already reminded Slughorn overtly and covertly that there was danger everywhere, and only entering Hogwarts was relatively safe. Now, it depends on whether Slughorn, who is pursuing fame, will be attracted to Harry.

"My mother was your student? Then so is my father!" Harry became excited and held the photo tightly in his hand.

Slughorn wanted to take the photo away from Harry, but gave up, "Ah, Lily, she is one of my best students, it's a pity. As for Potter... I won't comment too much. "

He looked at Harry's hands that were injured by overtraining and narrowed his eyes, "Dumbledore thinks so highly of you, maybe you have inherited her talent for potions, but I don't want my students to be carried away by anger and become so cynical. "

Harry stretched his sleeves to cover his face. He didn't understand what he was doing wrong. He is working hard, harder than before. "I guess it has nothing to do with that. As long as you agree to enter Hogwarts, I..."

"What can you do? Use your wand to attack people indiscriminately again?" Slughorn interrupted Harry, and Harry's mind suddenly went blank. He looked at Slughorn, and then at Dumbledore who was watching quietly from behind. What could he do...

Slughorn waited for a long time, but still didn't get Harry's answer. He waved his hand, "Let's go. Sorry, old man, I should go find the next place to live."

Slughorn stood up and was pulled by Harry. He seemed to be deflated. "I know that I am weak. I am not the savior, and I do not have the ability to save everyone. Seeing the gap between me and her, it turns out that Jealousy and admiration. Maybe I will catch up with her sooner or later, but everything has changed. I am more and more afraid, I am afraid, if I can't catch up with her, if I don't have the ability to protect my beloved friends and family. Do I want to see my friends again? The scene where she killed me! I didn’t even have the ability to rush in front of her and accuse her.

Professor Slughorn, help me, help us! "

Slughorn's eyes were not looking at Harry, but at Dumbledore behind him. The latter smiled cheerfully and took out a cockroach candy from his pocket, "I'm sorry, old man. I did neglect my students too much during this period, but with you here, I think they will be fine."

Slughorn was obviously startled, but Dumbledore stepped forward and stretched out his hand, "My goal, from the past to the present, no matter who tries to accomplish it, is to get rid of Voldemort and stop the Death Eaters. That's all."

What a good show, Slughorn showed a helpless smile, "It feels bad to be played by you. Is this really good? Let me get in there again. You should know what I really want."

Dumbledore took the initiative to hold Slughorn's hand and shook it firmly, "I know, I've known it since before."

Looking at Slughorn who went upstairs to pack his luggage, Harry looked at Dumbledore in confusion, "Principal Dumbledore, did Professor Slughorn accept it? What he just said is what he really wants. What is it?"

"Haha, maybe he wants to find a chance to take revenge on me. After all, I made his life a mess."