Chapter 155

The basilisk died quietly, pressed against one edge of the stone chamber, leaving the entire room still empty.

"I have to stay here for a year—through the entire second year." As they climbed the stairs, Zhang Qiu lowered her eyes and spoke.

"Is that necessary?" Harry had already accepted Zhang Qiu's plan to participate in the attacks. "You could just appear when the attack happens."

"There are three reasons." Zhang Qiu waved her notebook. "First, I can't use the forbidden spell to jump again for a while—at least three months. Second, to ensure the Chamber attack unfolds exactly as history recorded, not only must it occur at the right time, but no hostile person must enter at any other time. Third, I want to thoroughly investigate Tang Nade again."

Harry stared at her. He had to admit, Zhang Qiu's three reasons were all sound; from this, he believed she was still rational, and staying an extra year in second year was a carefully considered decision.

"And after second year ends? Do you jump back to third year? Or should I have the Doctor come get you?" Harry asked.

"No, I plan to use this extra year to strengthen my power." Zhang Qiu said.

"Huh? So you're effectively—" Harry counted on his fingers, "second year plus third year—you're two years older than your peers?"

"It's a strange way to put it, but I think I understand what you mean." Zhang Qiu shrugged. "It means I have two extra years to study magic. That's a good thing."

"Oh, by the way, speaking of studying magic." Harry snapped his fingers. "I found a new spell during the journey—it was discovered by Luna."

"Oh?" Zhang Qiu's interest sparked instantly.

"You know Luna has been searching for Ravenclaw's legacy," Harry explained enthusiastically. "She eventually found the Room of Requirement—though you already know that. The key is how she found it."

"Let me interrupt." Zhang Qiu said. "Ravenclaw's most precious legacy isn't the diadem, the Chamber, or any spell—it's her attitude and method of learning."

"Fine, then let's say Luna invented it herself using that 'attitude and method.'" Harry shrugged. "She observed the staircase's movement pattern and realized it formed the shape of an eagle—that's the casting gesture. The incantation is the famous saying: 'Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.'"

Zhang Qiu mimicked the gesture with Harry, but she did not speak the incantation.

"Let's wait until we get upstairs," Zhang Qiu said. "I think we should sit in the TARDIS for a bit. Afterward, you'll have to take me somewhere."

"Alright." Harry realized practicing a new spell on the Chamber's stairs might not be wise.

"Wait a minute—you just said you'd take me somewhere?" Harry quickly caught on. "But you can't time travel anymore, right?"

"I just need to go to Diagon Alley—Apparition is enough. But the experience is nowhere near as good as the TARDIS." She spoke lightly. "If Doctor Doudou refuses, I'll have to go out myself. Hogwarts is in a very remote place, you know."

"Go out yourself? Right—how did you leave after killing the unicorn?" Harry asked.

"First, walk to the school gates and leave the protective wards." Zhang Qiu spoke naturally. "Then step onto my sword and fly. I flew for four hours straight to Newcastle."

"Your sword—it's so narrow. Won't it break under you?" The moment the words left his mouth, Harry realized he'd asked a foolish question.

"Of course not—we're in the magical world!" Zhang Qiu tapped him lightly. "But flying requires balance—it's tiring."

Harry nodded. Indeed, as the Doctor said, the Chinese method of fusing wand, sword, and broom into a magical blade was convenient, but each function was weakened—obviously, comfort in flight suffered. Brooms usually had invisible cushions; the Firebolt even had adaptive footrests. Of course, that also meant he couldn't carry a broom around at all times.

"That must've been exhausting. Then from Newcastle to London—did you take the train?" Harry asked casually.

"Yes," Zhang Qiu recalled. "I'd just accidentally killed the unicorn and was in a bad mood, so I relaxed. I traveled backward: first to Edinburgh, climbed Calton Hill, strolled down Princes Street. Then Glasgow—full of Victorian charm. I bought a lot of luxury goods with my extra pounds."

"Sounds like your summer was very full," Harry said enviously.

"Of course—I went back from third year to first, so no homework." Zhang Qiu grinned. "Then I flew straight to Liverpool—there's a new Beatles memorial museum there."

Amid Harry's envious gaze, she modestly added, "I visited a few other galleries and museums too, but honestly, Liverpool isn't that interesting. If not for its famous football team, I might not have gone at all."

"Then Manchester—home to Britain's largest Chinatown. Some Chinese wizards run shops there. I went to restock charms, maintain my magical blade, and eat a few long-missed Chinese meals."

As Zhang Qiu spoke, Harry still felt sympathy for her hardship. But when she began detailing Sichuan, Cantonese, and Zhejiang cuisines, he realized she'd been having fun in Manchester.

"Then London. I remember Sheffield was hosting some event, but I didn't have time." Zhang Qiu continued recalling. "London has too much to do, but I simply didn't have time. I stayed at a hotel for a day or two, packed up, and headed to Tang Dun."

"Oh, right!" Harry said cheerfully. "Since I'm not in a hurry to return to third year, we could have a great summer in London."

"No need," Zhang Qiu smiled faintly. "You're destined to clash with London your whole life. No need to rush through it now."

As they spoke, a sliver of light appeared around the corner—they had finally exited the Chamber.

Back in the TARDIS, at Harry's suggestion, Zhang Qiu tried the Inspiration Spell.

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure…" After speaking the incantation, Zhang Qiu's pupils dilated. "I think I understand!"

"What do you understand?" Harry asked urgently.

"I understand what the Soviets are thinking." Zhang Qiu took a deep breath. "They intend to crush Europe entirely."

"What?"

"Harry, the Soviets helped you—but they're also advising Voldemort. Meanwhile, clueless Americans habitually hedge their bets. Tang Nade and He Pu use the Avalon Realm to cultivate you, while William infiltrates the Death Eaters to teach them their ideological doctrine." Zhang Qiu analyzed. "This way, both sides grow stronger. Your battlefield expands naturally. In as little as a year, at most three, all of Europe will be forced into war."

"You're right," the Doctor interjected. "We're planning to cooperate with the French Ministry of Magic—alone, we may not be able to handle the Death Eaters."

"Just like Grindelwald back then—Europe will descend into chaos." Zhang Qiu shook her head. "Then the Soviets can do whatever they want. While everyone's eyes are fixed on the magical war, while Britain and France scramble to choose sides, while Muggle politicians place their bets—before anyone realizes it, the Soviets may have seized West Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and their tanks are already at France's border."

"You're being alarmist," the Doctor patted her shoulder. "The magical war won't distract Muggles much. NATO closely monitors Soviet movements—even if a single East German kid climbs over the Berlin Wall, Downing Street gets the alert immediately."

"I'd like to know China's stance first," Harry said, frowning with deep implication.

"China wants to maintain the status quo. We need the Bear, but not an overly powerful one." Zhang Qiu spoke naturally. "We can't let Yanayev dismantle the EU."

"Good," Harry exhaled. "Then it's clear: no matter what Yanayev's schemes, as long as we defeat Voldemort quickly, it won't matter."

"Exactly," Doctor Doudou said. "We've set a plan for next year. We don't need to wait for the Soviets to begin their moves. As soon as we quell the magical chaos, the Muggles' affairs are the Cabinet's problem."

"But you should rebuild the Auror Office as soon as possible and restore protection for Muggle officials—from the Prime Minister down to every minister. They must not be controlled by the Imperius Curse." Zhang Qiu sounded concerned.

"Relax, relax," Doctor Doudou replied vaguely—he knew the real rulers weren't the Prime Minister or ministers.

"Enough about Muggles. That's not your concern at your age." Doctor Doudou returned to the controls. "Where are you going now? Diagon Alley?"

"Yes," Zhang Qiu calmed herself. "I need to buy some potion ingredients."

"You don't need to go to a shop—the TARDIS has them. What do you need?" The Doctor walked to the stairs.

"Dragonfly larvae, fluxweed, unicorn horn, and African tree snake skin." Zhang Qiu said.

"I can just give you a bottle of prepared Polyjuice Potion," the Doctor shrugged. "But you must tell me exactly what it's for."

"To complete the Chamber attack." Zhang Qiu said calmly. "The final attack was someone impersonating Neville. If that killer never shows up, as a traveler, I must conform to the predetermined fate."