This newfound control meant the Traceless Extension Charm, the Disillusionment Charm, the Confundus Charm, Shield Charms, and even Apparition could finally be brought into his regular practice.
His work with Occlumency had also passed the beginner stage and entered the level of true mastery; he could now mobilize his magic with fluid speed to seal his mind in an instant. He had even begun practicing Legilimency, and as he had suspected, he possessed a natural aptitude for mind magic. However, the art required living subjects for real progress. He had tried it on Hagrid's dog, Fang, but all he received was a repetitive, nonsensical loop of "meat, meat, meat." As for Hagrid and Charles, they were his friends; he had no intention of prying into their thoughts.
Alan tidied his workspace, tucking his Invulnerable Hammer into his flaxen spatial pouch. Every time he looked at the enchanted bag, he was reminded of Sirius, which only fueled a cold, simmering annoyance. Once finished, he adjusted his robes and left the dormitory, intent on heading to the Forbidden Forest cabin to check on Charles's training.
As he crossed the Slytherin common room, he saw Wilkes, Travers, and several others huddled together. They looked as though they had just received the best news of their lives, their faces beaming with malicious delight. Upon seeing Alan, Wilkes let out a sneer. He raised a hand, drew a slow thumb across his throat, and stared at Alan with a look of pure provocation.
Alan's eyes narrowed slightly. He ignored them and quickened his pace, leaving the dungeons behind.
Outside, Hogwarts was once again caught in the grip of winter, with thick snowflakes drifting from a leaden sky. Alan remembered that it was around this time last year that his Levitation Spell had reached an extraordinary level, though even after a year of refinement, true flight remained a grueling physical tax on his magic. He moved quickly through the stone circles and approached the gamekeeper's hut.
Charles was standing outside, but he wasn't training. He was staring down at a newspaper, his brow deeply furrowed. He rushed toward Alan the moment he saw him.
"Alan... have you heard?" Charles asked cautiously, his eyes searching Alan's face.
Alan felt a sudden, sharp premonition of dread. Recalling the gloating expressions of Travers and Wilkes, he frowned. "Heard what? Has something happened?"
Charles looked pained. After a moment of hesitation, he held out the paper. "See for yourself. The Daily Prophet just released an emergency report regarding the Longbottoms."
Alan snatched the paper. The headline contained a devastating piece of news that felt like a physical blow.
"URGENT NEWS REPORT: On November 21st, at approximately 2 PM, Frank and Alice Longbottom were found unconscious near Surrey. According to informed sources, the two Aurors had been investigating the whereabouts of fugitive Death Eaters before losing contact with Command. The search team discovered them in a state of total collapse. They are suspected to have been subjected to prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus Curse and have been rushed to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Follow subsequent reports for details."
"What?" Alan stared at the ink, his vision blurring with shock.
The Longbottoms had been attacked.
"I just found out," Charles said softly. "The Prophet only issues extras like this for major events. I know how much they meant to you..."
As Charles spoke, he noticed a strange phenomenon. Every snowflake drifting within a ten-meter radius of Alan seemed to freeze in mid-air, suspended as if time itself had stopped.
"Alan? Alan!" Charles could feel a terrifying aura radiating from the boy in front of him.
"I know." Alan's voice was eerily calm. The suspended snowflakes finally succumbed to gravity, drifting away with the wind.
Charles looked at Alan's face, but the lack of emotion was more frightening than any outburst. Something dark and cold was brewing in Alan's eyes.
"Thank you, Charles. Train by yourself today; I have something I need to take care of," Alan said, his tone devoid of warmth.
Charles was in no mood to train. Looking at Alan's detached state, he whispered, "Alan, you have to stay calm. Don't do anything foolish."
"Do I look agitated?" Alan asked indifferently. "Don't worry. I've never been as calm as I am right now."
Without another word, Alan turned and walked back toward the castle. Charles watched him go, his heart heavy with a worry he couldn't name.
Alan's mind was a cold, calculated void. He headed straight for the Slytherin common room. Wilkes and his gang were still there, laughing and boasting, oblivious to the storm approaching.
When Alan reappeared, Wilkes let out another sneer. Alan didn't engage. He offered a slight, chilling smile, crooked a finger, and said, "Come outside for a moment."
He didn't wait for a reply. He turned and walked out.
Wilkes blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. Travers leaned in. "What should we do, senior? Should we follow him?"
"Hmph. What's there to fear? Let's go. We'll see what the brat wants." Wilkes led six of his cronies out of the lounge.
Alan led them through the winding corridors of the main tower, eventually stopping in a disused girls' lavatory on the second floor. He leaned against a window sill, waiting.
Wilkes entered with a smirk. "Well, Alan. Usually you're so arrogant, hiding in your woods and ignoring us. You finally found the spine to call us out?"
"Ha! This Mudblood must have seen the news," Travers laughed, moving closer. "Anyone who opposes us ends up like those two idiots. He's panicking now. He knows once he leaves the safety of the school, he's a dead man. He's here to beg for mercy!"
The group laughed, surrounding Alan in the cramped space.
"I'm sorry," Alan said softly.
"What? I didn't hear you," Wilkes feigned deafness, cupping a hand to his ear with a mock grin.
"I said, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you live so comfortably for this long."
Alan let out a long, weary sigh. "Originally, I looked at you as nothing more than children. I didn't intend to be harsh. For what's about to happen, I can only offer my sincere apologies. Please... forgive me."