The weekend weather was splendid, and the students were relaxed, especially during the first weekend after the semester began. The coursework hadn't yet reached its critical or challenging parts. Aside from Tver's paper being oddly difficult, the students were all enjoying themselves leisurely in front of the castle.
So when Tver woke up early that morning and saw the students playing outside his window, his mood couldn't help but brighten.
Yesterday, he had verified once more that the essence of the soul was indeed not merely consciousness, as the academic world believed, nor was it simply memory. In truth, the soul resembled the filling in a sandwich cookie—the collective sum of all non-physical aspects beyond the physical body. This included a wizard's consciousness, memories, magical power, and even their vital energy and spirit.
Tver had long suspected this. While studying souls, he discovered they could influence far too many things to be described by a single aspect. Understanding this, he grasped the true power of the three Unforgivable Curses.
He could simply control a person's magic, rendering them unable to channel it. He could also disrupt a wizard's magic, artificially triggering its violent eruption. He could even erase magic entirely, transforming a wizard into a muggle.
Of course, this was beyond Tver's current capabilities. Last night's research held its greatest significance in deepening his understanding of the soul. And the medallion had responded once more.
Tver drew the medallion from his pocket. After a night of pulsing, it had regained its original radiant, shimmering appearance. The four symbolic animals engraved upon it seemed to come alive, their eyes unusually spirited, faintly emitting a warm glow.
This was precisely how it had appeared during his Transmigration—the true form of the medallion that had guarded him for five years. As his power grew, the badge regained its strength, and he could distinctly feel the life force emanating from within. This force steadily eroded the corrosive power of the curse, the two forces battling between rebirth and decay.
Tver knew the badge's power would eventually be exhausted, and the curse would prevail. But it didn't matter. At least he had bought himself more time. Why did it feel like he was just buying time with coins?
Tver slipped the badge back into his pocket, gave it a light pat, and looked up outside. The sunlight seemed brighter now. His spirits lifted considerably, his steps growing lighter as he walked to the Great Hall with a smile, his joy palpable to the students.
"What could possibly make you so cheerful?" Professor Flitwick was, as always, the first to ask.
A faint smile touched Tver's lips as he made a gesture signifying "just a little." "A minor advancement in my magic."
"A minor advancement hardly seems sufficient to bring you such delight," Professor McGonagall remarked enviously.
At her level of mastery, further advancement in magic was now a remote possibility, achievable only through years of accumulated practice that might yield a fleeting insight.
Indeed, it was no small progress.
Tver dared not discuss this openly with Professor McGonagall and quickly changed the subject.
"What do professors do on weekends? Why haven't I seen any come for breakfast?"
"That depends on the professor," Professor McGonagall mused. "Most are busy pursuing their favorite studies."
"Professor Sprout is likely tending to the herbs in the greenhouse, while Professor Snape prefers concocting potions in his office."
"Kettleburn is probably taking care of his… well, little darlings. So, Tver, you could use this time to pursue something you enjoy."
Something you enjoy—meaning a hobby, right?
But Tver didn't even know what his hobby was. Under the shadow of death, he was constantly focused on finding ways to survive. Hobbies felt like an extravagance he couldn't afford.
Yet now, at Hogwarts, life here had loosened the tight grip on his nerves.
So, find a hobby?
Uncertain about what he might enjoy, Tver decided to stay in the Great Hall, quietly observing the young wizards.
Little did he know, the young wizards were observing him too.
"Aaaah! Did Professor Fawley just notice me?!" A Gryffindor girl stifled her excited voice, failing to notice she'd curled up in a ball of pure excitement.
Hard to miss.
"The professor was definitely looking at me! See, he glanced over again!" another girl retorted, shooting her friend a disdainful look.
This exchange instantly sparked a childish squabble between the two, each vying for the professor's attention.
Hermione rolled her eyes subtly, continuing her meal while flipping through the book in her hands.
"Good grief, is this even a book for humans?" Ron remarked beside her.
He finished his breakfast quickly and stayed seated in the Great Hall, planning to challenge his roommate, Seamus Finnigan, to a tense and thrilling game of wizard chess. But before the game could begin, he was startled by the book in Hermione's hands.
It was densely packed with text, not a single illustration in sight. Even more terrifying, he couldn't even make out the title!
Hermione tapped the book impatiently.
"Fawley Professor recommended this. It covers advanced applications of magic—how to make ordinary spells incredibly powerful!"
The twins nearby seemed to have their DNA activated by the professor's name, instantly materializing beside Hermione.
"What did you just say? Fawley Professor recommended this?" George glanced at the title.
The Multidimensional Effects of Magic
Yeah, definitely not something a normal person could grasp.
Fred rubbed his chin, recalling how back then, Tver had only used a Levitation Charm, and their entire class had been knocked flat.
"I'm more interested in advanced applications of basic magic. Isn't this the spell the professor used against us?"
George immediately recalled the memory of being dominated by Tver, but the next second, he and Fred exchanged excited glances.
Their minds in sync, they saw the same thought reflected in each other's eyes.
"Does it cover applications of the Levitation Charm?!" they exclaimed in unison.
Just then, a gentle voice sounded behind them.
"This is merely a theoretical research book—an introductory text for advanced spell applications. To truly apply it, you'll need further study."
Harry hadn't joined the conversation, so he was the first to recognize the newcomer.
"Professor Fawley!"
His excited voice drowned out the table's chatter, instantly echoing through the Great Hall.
Tver smiled gently at him.
"I came to watch you play wizard chess. I've taken quite an interest in it lately. I hope I'm not interrupting your discussion."
Through observation, Tver had found himself a new hobby—wizard chess. Mastering the game was also essential for clearing the challenge. Since Ron had managed to clear it, wouldn't reaching a stalemate with Ron guarantee a stable path to victory?