This experience was very disturbing, but I eventually let it go since no one else remembered the richly dressed woman.
A few days later, Hermione was invited to the famous annual thesis contest, where I participated as usual.
"It's still amazing that you've managed to write a thesis every year for more than ten years," Hermione said, looking at me with admiration.
"You're not wrong," I replied. "Normally, even with access to the Room of Requirement or other advantages, doing so much research for a thesis can take years. It's only because of my curse that I can work more efficiently—even if it's still not easy."
Having several parallel thought processes is very useful, but even that doesn't make writing a thesis in a single year easy.
At first, I struggled because I didn't really have funding for certain types of research.
So I started with topics like: Why are Muggles starting to become stronger than us? or The Decadence of the Wizarding World.
"It's still amazing to be able to do so much research in just one year."
"Most of the time, it's actually my research team doing the groundwork, and I compile their data into a thesis."
Every time I present my thesis, I make sure to thank all those who helped with the research. And I feel like next year, I'll have even more people to thank—especially with the clues we've found about Atlantis. This might end up being one of the best theses I've ever written.
Hermione and Marie had one of the best seats in the room. While the other candidates were presenting, I shared my thoughts about their research with them.
"That guy, for example—his thesis is completely flawed. It's based purely on propaganda, not on real facts. So it won't make the cut."
Having been here so many times, I recognized some regulars and went over to greet them, leaving my girlfriend and my friend to enjoy the rest of the presentations on their own.
After some polite greetings and catching up, it was finally my turn to present at the thesis competition.
"Thank you for the warm welcome. Today, I would like to talk about my research on demons."
Many people see them as inherently evil — and they're not entirely wrong — but there are still important things we need to understand about them.
Where do they come from? Why is a circle necessary to summon them?
This research has taken over five years. At first, I just found the topic interesting. But after stumbling upon some scattered clues in other studies, I thought: Why not write a small thesis about it?
Then, I came across one particular piece of information that made me abandon my previous topic for next year and fully focus on demons instead.
"Apparently, there is a kind of hierarchy among them. Some ancient sources even suggest that certain demons were far less malevolent and far more intelligent — which could allow us to finally begin understanding them."
Just for the sake of science, I summoned a demon who was supposedly not hostile — and he turned out to be a great help.
His name was Mephistar, and he was a demon king who had died long ago. Apparently, I had brought him back to life.
He told me a bit about his world and explained that he had ended the wars in his realm, though he died before he could establish a lasting peace among all the nations.
When I decided to dismiss him, he warned me that his grandson was watching — and that I had to be extremely careful, because even the slightest mistake could lead to the end of the world.
I want to be careful... but how?