7

Chapter 7: Experimental Magic

"Lemon Sherbet!" Professor McGonagall returned to Hogwarts, entering the Headmaster's office after completing her day's duties.

The first thing catching her eye was an elderly man with long silver hair, blue eyes, and a slightly crooked nose. A spread of black tea and various desserts adorned the table—it was clearly his afternoon tea time.

"Minerva, you've arrived just in time," Dumbledore greeted, already pouring a cup of black tea for Professor McGonagall and setting out a selection of desserts from under his desk.

As a solitary centenarian, afternoons without company were the norm for him. Today, however, his mood brightened with a companion.

"Albus, there's something I must discuss with you," Professor McGonagall began, sitting across from Dumbledore, though she didn't touch the treats or tea.

She recounted Ethan's journey—from his home to the wand shop—in detail.

"This year, our school welcomes a promising young wizard."

Dumbledore listened attentively, sipping his tea.

With the exception of a few like Harry, Dumbledore treated all young wizards equally—whether Muggle-born or pureblood, talented or struggling—they were all his students.

Ethan's talent warranted attention, but nothing more. "It's good you brought this to my attention."

With that settled, Professor McGonagall relaxed and joined Dumbledore for afternoon tea.

While they valued Ethan's potential, they harbored no ulterior motives.

Professor McGonagall's visit merely served as a reminder; after all, exceptional talent always garnered extra scrutiny.

With years of teaching at Hogwarts, they had encountered all types. A young wizard with a knack for dark magic was nothing they hadn't seen before. They had even taught future Azkaban inmates! ...

Meanwhile, back home, Ethan shared his Diagon Alley experience and the world of wizards with his parents after lunch, then retreated to his room.

He had just completed several achievements but hadn't yet reviewed them.

[First Stop of Wizards]

Stepping into the world of wizards. Though narrow, grimy, and antiquated, it was truly the realm of wizards.

Achievement Goal: Enter the wizard gathering place (1/1)

Achievement Reward: Enhanced wizarding talent

[First Pot of Gold]

Golden galleons, all mine, mine!

Achievement Goal: Obtain 100 gold galleons (1/1)

Achievement Reward: 100 gold galleons

[Wooden Stick × Wand √]

Grasp this seemingly ordinary wooden stick. It will accompany you throughout your magical journey.

Achievement Goal: Acquire a wand (1/1)

Achievement Reward: Random magic

[Knowledge is Power]

Knowledge is the ladder to progress, the wellspring of magical prowess, and the bedrock of wizardry.

Achievement Goal: Obtain a book recording wizarding knowledge (1/1)

Achievement Reward: "Focus" Talent (significantly improves learning efficiency)

[Cast Your Cauldron]

The first step in potion-making: acquiring a cauldron.

Achievement Goal: Own a cauldron (1/1)

Achievement Reward: Enhanced potion-making talent

Unexpectedly, I've achieved five accomplishments just by visiting Diagon Alley.

My wizarding talent has soared, my potion-making skills have improved, and my "Heavy Soul" talent has already boosted my learning speed. Now, with "Focus" enhanced, there's no stopping me.

I've also got 100 gold galleons and a magic spell.

Ethan hadn't anticipated amassing ten consecutive draws; he'd use them as needed.

As familiar information flooded his mind, Ethan also learned about the spell he'd acquired this time.

It's better than nothing!

Disillusionment Charm: Conceals your body from detection.

A specialty for Hogwarts nighttime explorations. Powerful wizards can penetrate it, but not Filch.

However, it's not considered advanced, appearing in textbooks, though Ethan wasn't sure which grade level.

Next, he would test these spells. Save for the Unforgivable Curses at the highest level, he hadn't tried any magic due to lack of a wand.

"Invisible without a trace!"

As he spoke, Ethan gradually faded from view, starting from his feet until he vanished entirely.

The process was straightforward yet slightly sluggish.

Ethan reappeared, consciously ending the invisibility by ceasing the magic flow.

He repeated the spell, improving his speed until he could maintain invisibility while moving.

Next, the Petrification Charm.

This required the white mouse once more.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

A blue beam shot from his wand; upon contact, the mouse turned gray and motionless.

Now, how to reverse it?

Would it dissipate with time?

Forget it. Ethan discarded the petrified mouse and turned to the energy-draining spell.

With a loud bang, the boxed mouse exploded into fragments.

However, it didn't form a shield or augment the next spell. After a moment's thought, Ethan understood the issue.

The mouse lacked magic, absorbing nothing; thus, it functioned solely as an explosion spell.

For the full effect of the energy-draining spell, it required wizards or magical creatures.

He practiced all known spells and even those in the "Standard Spells: Beginner's Guide."

After a quick scan, Ethan noted the book's brevity—it covered only the Illumination Charm, Unlocking Charm, Repairing Charm, Severing Charm, Levitation Charm, Flame Charm, and Binding Charm.

Having absorbed the spell information, Ethan felt no pressure!

He flipped to the Severing Charm and studied it carefully before moving on to the Repairing Charm.

"Diffindo!"

"Reparo!"

The shattered vase reassembled, cracks vanished, as if reversing time.

Ethan proceeded to learn every spell, mastering them before dinner.

Magic, he concluded, proved easier than mathematics or physics—absolutely stress-free!