am-books Chapter 241: Salazar’s Wand.
Chapter 241: Salazar’s Wand.
Chapter 241: Salazar’s Wand.
With a simple raise of his hand, a small emerald-green snake slithered out from his sleeve. It lifted its head, and its tiny eyes, like red gemstones set in a sculpture, gleamed with life.
Ollivander gasped in amazement, carefully reaching out toward Cyrus. In his eyes, the serpent seemed just as much a work of art as the Elder Wand!
With a mere thought from Cyrus, the green snake transformed back into a wand—sleek and flexible, with each individual snake scale on its surface exquisitely detailed.
"I never dreamed I would one day see this legendary wand!" Ollivander's voice trembled with excitement, and tears shimmered on his bushy white eyebrows as he spoke.
It was understandable.
Salazar Slytherin was a legendary wizard, also one of the founders of Hogwarts, and every witch or wizard who graduated from Hogwarts—whether they were from Slytherin or not—would feel a sense of awe and honor in the presence of this wand.
"Wands choose the wizard, and clearly, I have not been chosen by either of these wands," Ollivander said as he gave the wand a firm flick, but he felt no particular response from it. "I heard that you awakened it at Ilvermorny?"
"Yes, Mr. Ollivander. Only a true heir of Slytherin can unlock its full power," Cyrus said softly.
He wasn't just referring to Parseltongue; he meant the true ability to be recognized by the wand.
Just as Parseltongue abilities vary, Harry using this wand would experience a completely different enhancement compared to Cyrus. Even Lord Voldemort himself might not be able to make this Serpent King wand submit as easily.
"Serpentwood, with a core of Serpent King's horn. The wand is in good condition," Ollivander quickly announced, sensing that the wand was growing restless in his hands, as if it resented being held by someone so ordinary. It seemed calm on the surface, but in reality, it was struggling! He hurriedly returned the wand to Cyrus. Now, all the wands had been inspected.
Next, Babajide Akingbade stood up. He looked even more haggard than before, likely due to the mental strain of having to modify the tournament tasks over the past few days.
He walked out from behind the black velvet-draped table and spoke in a hoarse voice.
"The schedule for the tournament remains unchanged, and since we've already made preparations, we can't go back on our plans. Therefore, the first task will only undergo some minor modifications," Babajide Akingbade said with some difficulty.
The International Confederation of Wizards had already contacted the Romanian Dragon Reserve, and the dragons were well on their way. It wouldn't make sense to turn them back now.
Moreover, as one of the most dangerous magical creatures, they couldn't think of anything else that could match the dragons.
However—
Babajide glanced at Dumbledore—
Having these contestants steal dragon eggs would be too hard on the poor dragons.
The task had to be adjusted. The original number of dragons was clearly insufficient, but fortunately, they had received emergency assistance from Newt Scamander, who had brought in more magical creatures to diversify the challenge.
"You will depart from Hogwarts and enter the Forbidden Forest. Throughout the journey, you are forbidden to use anything other than your wand—no tools, no flying. You must travel on foot through the forest," Babajide Akingbade explained.
"As for the three champions who are also headmasters, you will need to retrieve a specific token to pass the trial, while the other contestants only need to reach the finish line to complete it."
"In the course of the challenge, we've placed some items and clues that relate to the second trial. If you manage to find them, they might help you in the upcoming tasks."
"One more thing worth noting: this is an elimination round. From the moment the first ray of sunlight touches the ground, you will enter the Forbidden Forest, and any contestant who fails to reach the finish line by sunset will be eliminated."
The use of an elimination system was a necessary compromise.
"That doesn't sound like a pleasant memory..." Cedric replied stiffly, his face now pale like a vampire.
"It really wasn't..." Harry glanced back at the classroom, where the Beauxbatons champions were gathered around Akingbade, listening to him explain the dangerous areas of the Forbidden Forest they should avoid. "Honestly, I think we could use some help too..."
"Haha~ Don't worry, Harry, I'm quite familiar with the Forbidden Forest," Dumbledore, overhearing their conversation, turned back and winked playfully. "The only question is whether there might be any new guests there this time."
"That makes me feel a bit better," Harry said, though his expression showed anything but relief.
He sighed regretfully, "It's a shame we can only carry wands. Otherwise, I'd bring that enchanted firearm."
"My suggestion, Harry, is that casting a summoning charm wouldn't exactly be breaking the rules," Dumbledore offered with a knowing smile.
"The rule says that when you enter the Forbidden Forest, you can only carry a wand. But if you summon something later on, well, nothing's stopping you from doing that."
Meanwhile, Cassandra and Fischer were asking Cyrus about the Forbidden Forest as well.
"Professor, I've heard there are many dangerous magical creatures in the Forbidden Forest?" Fischer asked with some concern.
For most wizards, handling magical creatures wasn't an easy task. Many of these creatures had strong magical resistances, and spells that could destroy armored vehicles might barely scratch the thick hides of a 5X-rated magical beast.
"There are indeed many dangerous creatures in there, and I know they've brought in at least a few dozen more," Cyrus said, holding a letter with Scamander's signature. "At least 4X-rated."
Upon hearing this, Fischer's face instantly fell.
Cassandra, on the other hand, seemed quite excited. She cupped her small chin and asked, "If I kill them, can I keep the magical materials from their bodies?"
She was already considering which magical creatures' parts would be the most valuable.
The Triwizard Tournament prize was only a thousand Galleons, and she would have to compete against a few headmasters to get it. Even though Cassandra was prideful, she didn't think her magical prowess could match those three monsters.
Since that was the case, she might as well find a way to profit in other ways.
Cyrus couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated by Cassandra's assertive personality, though he had to admit she was quite skilled.
Unlike most young witches and wizards, Cassandra was particularly adept at dark magic, which happened to be highly effective in combat. If they encountered a powerful magical creature, she might actually have the ability to kill it.
However...
"What you should be worrying about now is whether you can reach the finish line before nightfall," Cyrus said softly.
"The Forbidden Forest covers a vast area, and since flying is prohibited in this competition, even if you can summon a broomstick, you can't ride it. Relying on walking alone, even without interference from magical creatures, reaching the finish line will be a difficult task.
"I was actually planning on teaching you the Flying Charm..."
"Can't we just Apparate?" Cassandra asked in return. "I know there's an anti-Apparition charm on the castle, but the Forbidden Forest is pretty far from there, right?"
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