Fantasy Realm – Infinite Worlds Adventure-Chapter 248: Embarrassed McGonagall, a Friendly Check-Up

November 19th, 1994, 2:27 PM

“Your Ten is looking good, Harry. Now, let’s see your Zetsu!” Alex notes as he stands next to Harry in the same meadow where he awakened Harry’s Aura a few days ago. While Harry practices, Alex continues training his own En.

“Okay, Master!” Harry says, closing as many Aura nodes as he can. His Aura nearly disappears completely.

I’m still cringing at being called ‘Master,’ but he started doing it on his own… guess I’ll have to accept it.

“Looking much better, Harry. I don’t want you to think it’s already perfect, but you’re definitely improving after just a few days. If you keep this up, your Zetsu should be at a level where you won’t be noticed once it’s time for the task. You’re doing really well—I’m not lying. Menchi says you’re talented, too. Your presence has been much calmer lately, and I’ve noticed you using Ten and Zetsu every few hours. Is it fun, by the way? It looks like you are having a good time!”

“Yes! It’s like discovering magic all over again, but without the stress of classes. It just feels… right. I’ve been using Ten whenever I can, and I like walking around with Jewel to train my Zetsu. I’m also feeling healthier and stronger than ever. I’m eating five times as much as usual, though. Menchi’s cooking combined with all this training makes me feel like I’m constantly starving and craving more. It’s like my body is growing by the second, absorbing everything I eat!”

Poor guy. He’s always stressed and even underfed when he’s not at school. Ten and Zetsu are great for recovery and healing injuries. Maybe using these techniques can help improve his overall physical condition.

“Harry, I don’t want to nag, but—” Alex starts, only for Harry to immediately cut him off. “I won’t tell anyone! I promise!”

“How about this? Once you’ve graduated, you can tell and even teach anyone you think is worthy, okay? But don’t neglect magic! How’s the training with Rishi and Tereza going?”

“Pretty good. I don’t know why, but ever since I unlocked my Aura, even my magic flows more freely. I’m not at the point where I can use both spells yet, but I’m succeeding more than half the time now. I’m confident I’ll master them in a few days.” Harry pauses, then adds, “Also, when I talk to Rishi, it feels like he’s asking me questions, but with every question, he leads me to a point where I start questioning my past actions. I realize the mistakes I’ve made… It’s kind of scary, but after speaking with him, I can’t help but agree. I need to change, and he’s quickly showing me areas where I can do much better.”

“I’ve gotta say, since you unlocked your Aura, you seem like a different person. I like it,” Alex says, patting Harry on the back.

“Mr. Potter! I see the rumors are true! Instead of attending classes—including my own—you’re spending your time with the mercenaries we hired to protect the students from the dangers of the forest!” An angry Minerva McGonagall strides toward them, her voice sharp and angry.

“You! Why aren’t you sending Mr. Potter back to class? He’s missing important lessons!” she demands, glaring at Alex.

Alex glances around, making sure no one else is nearby. “Excuse me, Professor McGonagall, but this is a rather private and complicated matter. How about we discuss this during dinner? I’d love to invite you,” Alex says, suddenly getting slightly nervous.

“Are you mocking me?! How dare you?!” she snaps, clearly thinking Alex is making fun of her.

“Now, now, Minerva. While I can’t claim to understand what’s going on in that young man’s head, his invitation was made in earnest. Which, I must say, makes it even more inappropriate,” a calm voice interjects from behind them.

“Albus, I’m glad you’re here… Wait, what do you mean… earnest? Are you…” She suddenly stops, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Harry, my boy. What are you doing here?” Dumbledore asks, his piercing gaze landing on Harry. Harry immediately lowers his head, careful not to meet Dumbledore’s eyes. Alex feels a surge of pride!

Harry’s a quick learner, good job!

“Professor Dumbledore, I’m here to practice. My focus is entirely on the Tournament. I’m learning from my Master. My life is on the line, after all!”

“Master? Harry, my boy, it’s commendable that you’re practicing, but why are you skipping classes and even sleeping elsewhere?” Dumbledore asks, looking like he is confused.

“Well, Professor, the entire school—including my own house—has started bullying me. Surely you’ve noticed the badges everywhere. Even my best friend has turned against me. I don’t think I can focus on training—and thus my survival—in such a toxic and hostile environment. Here, I can practice without a care in the world, and I’m starting to feel confident about the first trial!” Harry’s words are so eloquent that Alex is visibly shocked.

DAMN! That actually sounds convincing! He’s way smarter than I thought! We’ve discussed this, but he’s gone beyond what I told him to say.

“I’m afraid, Harry, I can’t let you stay out of the school. As you know, there’s a curfew in place,” Dumbledore states.

“Mr. Potter, you should know better,” McGonagall adds, clearly annoyed but also worried about him.

“I’ve told him the same thing. He should at least attend Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions. The other subjects are rather useless, at least for Harry’s current dilemma,” Alex says, acting like he is agreeing with the two elder Professors.

“I have a hard time believing that, Mr… Kerber, was it? Why is Harry not attending classes, then?” Dumbledore asks, his tone calm but probing.

“I mean, you could just ask Rishi about it, but in my opinion, Harry’s prioritizing his training, which is understandable—at least until the first task is over. Also, he’s an adult, and we can’t force him to do anything,” Alex says, slightly annoyed that Rishi hasn’t handled Dumbledore yet.

“Adult?! Are you mad? He’s just a fourth-year student!” McGonagall exclaims, both angry and confused.

“He’s a champion, and as a champion, I’m under the impression you can’t force him to do anything. I think the Wizengamot would agree. However, I’m sure Harry will return to his classes soon. Maybe he’ll even go back to his dorm if the bullying stops and his so-called housemates drop the toxicity,” Alex states firmly.

“Hmm, do I have your word? I’d love to resolve this without any issues,” Dumbledore asks, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looks at Alex.

“What do you say, Harry?” Alex turns toward his new student.

“I’ll attend the classes I think are useful for getting through this hellish tournament,” Harry says.

“Mr. Potter! All classes are useful for your future!” McGonagall retorts, clearly offended.

“I don’t think listening to a ghost blabber on about goblin rebellions for 90 minutes straight is going to help me survive a dragon trying to rip me to shreds and turn me into a roasted snack,” Harry says coldly, his gaze steady as he looks at his head of house.

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“... This…” McGonagall stammers, momentarily at a loss for words.

“I don’t think you can honestly fault him for being a little selfish for once, can you? Do you really want him to stop focusing on the tournament to attend History classes taught by a ghost? As long as this tournament is going on, he should temporarily drop such distractions,” Alex argues.

“Fine. I have your word—Harry returns to some classes after the first task?” Dumbledore asks again.

“No. It’s not my decision. But I’ll certainly recommend it to Harry,” Alex says, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“Harry?” Dumbledore turns to the boy.

“I promise, Professor. If I can afford to, I’ll return to classes,” Harry says calmly.

“Now, just one question—what exactly are you teaching the boy?” Dumbledore asks, his curiosity piqued.

“Meditation, spirituality, concentration techniques, movement techniques, martial arts… nothing too exciting,” Alex replies casually.

“Harry is a wizard! So are you! What are you teaching him that’s useless for the tournament? I thought you’d at least focus on the tournament, you can’t be serious,” McGonagall interjects, her voice rising.

“No, I am Snape,” Alex says.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“Heh, how about I invite you to dinner to expl—” Alex tries to say.

“Albus!!” McGonagall cuts him off, her expression a mix of confusion and helplessness as she glares at Dumbledore.

“Do you think these exercises will be helpful against dragons?” Dumbledore asks curiously, stroking his beard.

“These exercises are universally useful and will slowly elevate Harry’s entire existence to a level unreachable for normal wizards,” Alex declares boldly. He activates his Ren, an explosive wave of Aura surrounding him. Both professors take a step back, clearly startled by the display.

I’m not even lying! His transformation is insane. He managed to become a top Auror on his own. If you add Nen, an improved physique, a strong mentality, and maybe a bit more training with spells, he has some insane potential.

“This might be what one calls a destined encounter. I’m not aware of what kind of magic you’re using—is it even magic? Without a doubt, you possess valuable secrets. Why are you willing to teach our young Harry?” Dumbledore questions, his tone thoughtful.

“I feel sorry for him. It’s time for me to teach someone, too. I also see a lot of potential in him—something others obviously don’t,” Alex says, his gaze locking with Dumbledore’s and then McGonagall’s. Both professors slightly avert their eyes.

“So, how about din—” Alex tries to say for the third time, but McGonagall cuts him off ruthlessly.

“GOODBYE, MR. POTTER. And don’t pick up any strange habits!” she says quickly, already walking away. Even Dumbledore chuckles at her reaction.

“Minerva, perhaps this is a rare chance, you might as well acce—”

“ALBUS! ENOUGH!” she snaps, dragging Dumbledore away from the meadow.

“She’s kinda cute when she’s flustered,” Alex says with a grin.

“Is Professor McGonagall really someone you’d like to invite to dinner? You better not tell Jewel,” Harry says, grinning. He’s starting to get a good read on his teacher’s personality.

“I’m half joking, half serious. Someone like her could be useful for my ambition. If she were only 10 to 20 years younger, I might actually be serious about the dinner invitation as well. Heh,” Alex jokes, his grin widening.

Who knows? Age is temporary in the Realm as Ten and my [Drakul’s Vitality] proves. However, I guess, this target is out of reach. Too bad.

“Harry!!!” a girl’s voice suddenly shouts. Alex and Harry turn to see Hermione approaching.

“I’ll leave you alone for this one. If you want my advice, invite her to dinner, she can eat with us later. She’s a keeper—better make your move now, before you regret it. See you later,” Alex says, waving at Harry and Hermione before quickly making his exit.