Chapter 735: There’s something about this old guy!

Harry looked at Andy in disbelief. How could this be my fault?

But on second thought, there didn't seem to be anything wrong with what he said.

Andy just wanted to play a prank on him; that was all!

He was the one who blew the whistle, not only making it public knowledge but also getting the professor involved.

Who was to blame for this?

Harry: "..."

Andy shrugged nonchalantly.

"Mr Collins, don't try to shift the blame."

Professor McGonagall said with a stern face. "I don't think anyone would have been indifferent if they saw you turn into a ghost."

She sounded a little displeased.

If you want to shift the blame, can't you find a Slytherin? Why did you choose a Gryffindor?

"Alright, I admit it was my mistake." Andy immediately admitted.

He had to give Professor McGonagall some respect.

"Since it was just a prank..."

Professor McGonagall looked around. "Everyone can go now!"

"As for Mr Collins..."

At this, Professor McGonagall paused.

There was no need for detention or points deduction. After all, it was just an insignificant prank, and Andy had not caused any harm, so there was no need for punishment.

What was more intriguing to Professor McGonagall was how Andy had managed to do it.

A living person had turned into a ghost!

That had never happened before.

However, it was Andy's secret, and she didn't know how to ask about it.

"Professor, we can talk," Andy spoke first with understanding.

When it came to talking about magic, Andy could shamelessly ask anyone for advice and was never reluctant to share his own findings.

Everyone had their own area of expertise, and they could only make progress together by exchanging ideas.

Andy had now made some progress in the field of the mind.

However, when it came to other areas such as potions, he still had a lot to learn from specialists in those fields.

"Of course!"

Professor McGonagall nodded slightly and said, "We can talk in my office... I'm actually curious as to why you have turned into a ghost."

***

Professor McGonagall's office was located on the first floor of Hogwarts. It was a small study, which seemed to be crammed with people today.

Apart from a few professors, Andy and Hermione were also there.

"Collins, can you still turn into a ghost?" Professor McGonagall asked first.

"Of course I can."

After saying that, Andy found a sofa to sit on, and his whole body slumped onto it. The illusory soul flew out of Andy's body and floated quietly in mid-air.

"By the way, I'm not a ghost."

Andy said. "I've given my current state a new name: True Soul!"

"I'm a living ghost!"

The sound of exclamations echoed through the room with the appearance of the True Soul.

Since the dawn of magic, this was the first time that someone had become a ghost while still alive.

It had never happened before!

And it might never happen again!

"True Soul?"

Sirius muttered and then asked, "Does this name mean something?"

Of course, it does!

In the old cultivation novel, the one who cultivated to the realm of True Soul would be called Venerable, and they would be able to jump out of the cycle of reincarnation with many magical abilities.

Eternity is Andy's ultimate goal!

"To distinguish it from a ghost and a soul," Andy answered.

Well, the correct term in the lore is 'Yang Shen', which is a bit of a hassle to explain, given the differences between Eastern and Western cultures.

Well... maybe Cho Chang might have some knowledge of it!

If she knew, Andy would spend some time to explain that both aren't the same.

He is well-versed in both Eastern and Western cultures.

So sometimes, it's normal for him to borrow some wisdom here and there, right?

"Andy, how do you feel?"

Hermione asked with concern. "I mean, do you feel any discomfort anywhere?"

Ghosts are a product of death, after all, so she was worried that Andy had done some forbidden magic experiments in pursuit of knowledge.

"Hermione, I'm glad you care!"

Andy smiled. "Of course, I have never been in better shape, healthier than before."

"This isn't dark magic; it's love!"

"You know, I've been studying it."

Hermione: "..."

She really found it hard to believe that Andy's study of love had turned him into a ghost.

"Incredible, this is unbelievable!"

Professor McGonagall exclaimed, "Mr Collins, I can sense that you are somewhat different from the other ghosts."

"Are you..."

"In this state, can you use magic?"

Andy nodded, "Of course I can!"

If he couldn't use magic, he would have never shown it off for some short-term pleasure and happiness; otherwise, someone would try to destroy his body in the hope of turning him into a real powerless ghost. 

After saying this, Andy slightly raised his hand at Sirius, and Sirius immediately floated in the air.

"Put me down!" Sirius immediately exclaimed.

"Alright, Mr Collins..."

Professor McGonagall advised, "First go back to your body."

"It is unknown whether there are hidden dangers in this state of yours, so it is best not to let your soul leave your body normally."

"I understand." Andy shrugged.

Andy couldn't say for sure that there was no hidden danger, either.

Even if Andy knew for sure, who could guarantee that there wasn't a slight risk?

"Mr Collins, you mentioned earlier that you studied love, and that's how you found a way to become a ghost?" Professor Slughorn asked curiously.

After Snape left, he became the new Potions professor.

The young wizards finally didn't have to go to the cold basement for Potions lessons.

"Yes!" Andy nodded.

"Did you get inspired by..."

Professor Slughorn hesitated for a moment with a frown before continuing, "You know what I'm talking about! Did that…thing inspire you?"

Andy was taken aback.

Well, the old man knows his stuff.

"Sort of."

Andy pondered for a moment before explaining, "The existence of that thing proves that extreme emotions can affect the soul, and the soul can be merged with other objects or creatures."

"So I chose the opposite of that emotion, love!"

"Then I thought of ghosts!"

"Ghosts are also a product of death, and the existence of ghosts can prove many things as well."

After a pause, Andy continued, "Love and death are two opposing forces, so I used the power of love to become a ghost while I am still alive."

Andy didn't explain too much.

Since Professor Slughorn had thought of the Horcrux, it meant that he could understand Andy's words.

As for what he couldn't understand...

There was no point in discussing it with him.

"Incredible!"

Professor Slughorn's eyes bulged.

"But you've got one thing wrong."

He continued, "Love and death are not opposites."

"Death can bring out two extreme emotions, but in different ways."

"One is killing someone else, and the other is killing yourself."

"You should know what those are."

Andy was stunned.

This is a new perspective.

But on second thought...

The Death Dimension needs love, but that doesn't automatically mean that love and death are opposing forces.

Andy's perception of this is mainly because love and death are the central themes of Harry Potter.

"Professor, we can have a good chat," Andy said.

As expected of an old professor who can guide Voldemort in learning about Horcrux, this old man is not without abilities. I have underestimated him before.

----

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