Chapter 7 - Ancient Runes and the Fiery Spell

There was still some magic remaining in the Demon's residual body. After Rune extracted it, he directly transformed the mass of flesh into a large dog and let it jump into the river on its own. If this were in a metropolis, he might need to handle it more cautiously, but this was Gotham—a place without Batman, where the daily Death toll could be equivalent to some cities' annual totals.As for the residual magic, Rune infused it into the house itself.After tidying everything up, Rune threw himself onto the bed and fell asleep without even covering himself with a blanket. The familiar ceiling made him pause for a moment, and he finally recovered from his gloomy mood. The difference between Hogwarts and Gotham was simply too vast.In the dormitory, Edward, who was beside him, huddled up, not daring to utter a single word, trying his best to minimize his presence. He could sense Rune's bad mood, and his previous betrayal made him feel both ashamed and fearful. However, Rune had no time to pay attention to him; he was busy reciting runes.Upon reaching their third year, Hogwarts students faced course selection. Elective courses included Divination, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies. Among them, Ancient Runes was a mandatory course. Rune had already planned to delve into Alchemy, and Ancient Runes was the foundation of Alchemy. Now that he had accumulated a large amount of material in the DC World, he couldn't just leave them idle at home, could he?What truly troubled Rune were the Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies Class. Every student had to choose at least two elective courses. Care of Magical Creatures might be useful, but perhaps not significantly so; Muggle Studies Class could be treated as an easy course, allowing him to get a certificate while freeing up some time for Ancient Runes.However, in the end, Rune still chose Care of Magical Creatures. The major events in the DC World that could destroy the Earth or even the universe were still far off, and with himself as a prophet at Hogwarts, Lord Voldemort would find it difficult to stir up much trouble. Learning a bit more useful knowledge might come in handy at an unknown time.After he began studying, Rune discovered that Ancient Runes might be more useful than he had imagined. This stuff was actually the magical language of Thor's side in Marvel.In mythology, Odin, the All-Father, in his quest for greater wisdom, hung himself on the World Tree for nine days and nine nights, contemplating the mysteries of the universe. When he descended from the World Tree, he comprehended the secret of the rune—and the rune referred to was actually Ancient Runes. This discovery greatly shocked Rune, and he immediately decided to allocate some of his Transfiguration practice time to studying Ancient Runes.At the same time, Rune also prevented Malfoy from making a fool of himself in the first Care of Magical Creatures class.A few days later, Dumbledore called him to his office to discuss the progress of the matter. With the strongest White Wizard of the era present, Sirius had almost nowhere to hide—especially after learning that he would not harm Harry at all, Dumbledore easily lured Sirius out. The poor Men, when caught, looked Gaunt and haggard, with a dull and melancholic expression, his face surrounded by messy, dark, long hair.Rune took the opportunity to ask Dumbledore to teach him the Patronus Charm. He wondered if it was an illusion, but Dumbledore seemed much more relaxed after he made this request. However, Professor Snape's complexion had been very poor during this period.During this time, Rune lived a very regular life. In the DC World, he recited runes, practiced spells and Transfiguration, and tried to make new Potions himself; at Hogwarts, he practiced the Patronus Charm, Legilimency, and Occlumency. The latter was strongly requested by Dumbledore, on the grounds that Rune's divination ability was too strong, and he needed the ability to protect his memories.A few days later, at Professor McGonagall's request, Rune came to visit Sirius, who was lying in bed."Hello." Sirius seemed quite stable emotionally. He had been shaved bald, and his striking gray eyes looked at Rune, "Thank you for your help, Rune... I really don't know how I can repay you. If there's anything you want, you can tell me, whether it's Galleon or anything else, I will do my best to satisfy you.""You're welcome." Rune sat down, looking at the Men in front of him. He was also direct, stating plainly, "I need you to do three things for me."With that, he waved his wand, and an invisible barrier appeared, isolating the sounds from inside and out.Sirius nodded: "As long as I can do it.""First, I need you to find your House-elf, take the golden locket from him, and give it to Dumbledore." Rune stepped back a few paces, "This item is related to Regulus's Death."Sirius couldn't help but sit up, but he said, "Who cares about that Death Eater's life or Death."He didn't like Regulus, but he still cared about news of his family."Regulus isn't as hopeless as you think, Sirius. On the contrary, he was an unsung hero. He stole something vital to Lord Voldemort and tried to destroy it, but he ultimately failed. Sirius, he died fighting Lord Voldemort, and his importance far exceeds your imagination."Sirius stared intently at Rune: "Really?""The evidence is with Kreacher, Sirius." Rune felt a little unbearable.Subsequently, Sirius's body began to tremble slightly, as if struck by an invisible heavy hammer, unable to move, his eyes filled only with emptiness and confusion. His lips slightly parted, seemingly wanting to say something, but no sound came out, only silent trembling, like a withered leaf torn by the wind. Tears welled up in his eyes but did not fall for a long time."I always... always... thought..." He couldn't even utter a complete sentence, finally curling up on the bed, avoiding Rune's gaze. This was his last dignity as an adult.Rune said nothing, just quietly listened to Sirius sobbing uncontrollably. This period seemed very long, but also very short. When he looked at Rune again, besides his red eyes, there was nothing else unusual."What's the second thing?""I need you to take Harry to the old Gaunt family home in Little Hangleton and find a ring. The ring is large, appears to be made of gold, is crudely crafted, and is set with a black gem, on which the symbol of the Deathly Hallows is carved. Absolutely, absolutely do not let Dumbledore know about this." Rune said, looking solemnly at Sirius, "Then burn it with the Fiendfyre Curse until only the black gem remains, and finally throw it away. Sirius, am I clear enough?"Rune's expression was too serious, even somewhat stern, making Sirius recall Professor McGonagall's expression when he had previously cost Gryffindor many points. He swallowed and nodded."You must be careful; there will definitely be traps there, but as long as you're careful, it shouldn't be a problem. Pay attention to traces of magic; the ring is heavily protected by magic. Finding it won't be difficult; the challenge is how to break through the protective magic." After a pause, Rune said, "The last thing is simple: teach me how to use the Fiendfyre Curse."After Sirius agreed, Rune anxiously lifted the magic and walked out of the hospital wing under Madam Pomfrey's disapproving gaze.He was a little uneasy about Sirius, not because he doubted his integrity, but because he feared Sirius might reveal information due to his rashness. After all, Dumbledore was always watching Harry.But not bringing Harry along wouldn't work; the Resurrection Stone would only be obtained by those who truly needed it, and Marvolo Gaunt, Lord Voldemort, and others who had no need to resurrect someone, had no idea that the black gem on that ring was actually the Resurrection Stone.As a final safeguard, Rune did not tell Sirius the true identity of the ring.