Snape’s eyelid twitched.
I’ve been discovered?
That can’t be right.
How could a ten-year-old possibly notice me?
He couldn’t understand it.
He really had come to see Charlie today.
In fact, for the past several years, Snape had visited Charlie once every year.
Of course, he had also checked on Harry.
No matter how stubborn his words were, he still kept an eye on both Charlie and Harry.
For one reason alone.
They were Lily’s children.
Charlie had noticed Snape’s presence long ago.
But during the previous years, he had been too young.
He hadn’t wanted to become involved with Snape too early.
More importantly, even if he had wanted something, Snape wouldn’t have agreed.
Now that he was ten years old, they could finally have a proper conversation.
Charlie walked straight toward him.
The confusion in Snape’s eyes only deepened.
He’s really coming to me?
This kid…
is acting awfully strange.
“…Were you looking for me?” Seeing Charlie stop in front of him, Snape finally spoke.
“Isn’t it you who’s been looking for me?” Charlie looked at him with a faint smile.
Snape felt a chill run down his spine.
Every time he had secretly visited Charlie over the years, not even Dumbledore had known.
So how had Charlie discovered him?
Could it really be magical perception?
That shouldn’t be possible.
Even though Charlie had displayed astonishing magical talent as a baby…
No one had taught him magic over the years.
He shouldn’t know any spells.
Could he really have sensed him through magic alone?
Charlie noticed the confusion on Snape’s face.
If he told Snape that it wasn’t magical perception at all…
But the spiritual perception ability he had comprehended before birth…
He wondered what kind of expression Snape would make.
“I saw you once before.” “Then I noticed you came back again the following year.” “So I paid a little more attention.” “Do you know anything about my background?” Charlie asked leisurely.
Naturally, he had made the entire story up.
His real objective was simple.
He wanted to obtain information about magic through Snape.
Perhaps even get some books ahead of time.
Snape remained silent.
Seeing that, Charlie raised his hand.
A faint ripple of magical power spread from his palm.
“I can feel the same kind of power coming from you.” “Could you answer some of my questions?” Snape still didn’t reply.
Only the expression on his face shifted slightly.
Something deep inside him had been stirred.
Too similar…
Charlie and Harry didn’t look exactly alike.
Charlie resembled Lily much more.
Not just his eyes.
After a long silence…
Snape finally seemed to reach a decision.
“Come with me.” Without another word, Charlie followed him.
The two of them entered a nearby café.
After sitting in silence for quite some time, Snape finally began explaining a little about the magical world.
The most important thing he told Charlie was that the magical fluctuations in his body were perfectly normal.
He shouldn’t become overly excited.
Nor should he lose control of them.
Aside from that, Snape briefly explained some basic magical knowledge and mentioned Hogwarts.
“Uncle…” “So you’re saying…” “I’m a wizard?” “And that means…” “I can learn magic?” “Coach…” “I want to learn magic.” The corner of Snape’s mouth twitched.
For the first time, he regretted telling Charlie any of this.
“No.” With that single word…
He disappeared into the crowd.
Leaving Charlie standing there alone.
Hey!
At least pay the bill before you leave!
Charlie was speechless.
Still…
Today’s goal had essentially been accomplished.
Snape…
Was stubborn to the core.
He always spoke the harshest words…
While quietly doing the kindest things.
If nothing unexpected happened…
Charlie would soon be getting more information about magic.
…
Three days later.
One of the orphanage’s nuns knocked on Charlie’s door.
“Dear Charlie, a gentleman sent you a package.” “It’s surprisingly heavy.” Charlie thanked her as he accepted the parcel.
After she left…
He immediately opened it.
Just as expected.
It had been sent by Snape.
Inside were roughly ten books.
Old…
Yet meticulously preserved.
“A History of Wizards.” “Introduction to Potions.” “Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures.” “Basic Charms.” “A Guide to the Use of Magical Power.” “He really is exactly the kind of person I thought.” “All bark, no bite.” Charlie chuckled softly.
Then he searched the bottom of the package.
Several notebooks lay beneath the books.
Each was filled with handwritten notes, annotations, and explanations covering the fundamentals of magic.
The preparation had been incredibly thorough.
Truthfully…
Snape’s magical talent and ability ranked among the very best at Hogwarts.
His diligence and talent for learning were obvious from these notebooks alone.
“Thank you.” Charlie murmured quietly.
Then he immediately sat down to study.
Thanks to his Heaven-Defying Comprehension…
Entering a state of learning was as effortless as breathing.
Time passed little by little.
[After reading Introduction to Potions, you have comprehended Advanced Magical Herb Cultivation Techniques.] [After finishing the Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, you have developed a complete method for breeding magical creatures.] [After studying A Guide to the Use of Magical Power, you have comprehended the Magical Breathing Technique.] …
Knowledge and abilities transformed into torrents of information that poured into Charlie’s mind and body.
These introductory books elevated both his understanding of the magical world and his magical foundation to an entirely new level.
“This Magical Breathing Technique allows my body to remain in a constant state of magical circulation.” “Over time, it’ll steadily increase my magical reserves.” Not bad.
It was far more efficient than the rigid, outdated methods described in the books.
A full day passed.
Charlie had finished reading almost everything.
Then he took out a pen and paper.
He began writing a letter to Snape.
“Professor Snape, Thank you for your gift…” “I still have a few questions and requests, and I hope you’ll be willing to help me.” Charlie wrote down everything he wanted to ask.
Then he handed the letter to his owl.
The owl Hagrid had left behind was a magical creature.
Delivering letters was effortless for it.
Several days later…
After receiving Charlie’s letter…
Snape stood silently where he was, lost in thought.