Trick 81: Teaching Kids to be good people.

Ace was teaching a small group of students for their OWLs. He didn't really think that studying normally was very practical. It worked for him, but when he had a teacher it was so much easier, therefore, he taught the kids with a mix of both.

He explained the topics then told them to take notes and copy certain passages from the books, explaining that some of it was true and some was false, or rather outdated as improved methods came out since the publishing of the textbooks.

Ace was very thorough, Hermione was eating it up. Some of the other students were learning but the others had some trouble. One of them included Ron.

Ace noticed and said "You guys here, continue reading on your own." as he looked at the rest, smiling "Difficult?" the students looked at him in dismay.

Ace tilted his head and brought them to a separate table, sitting down as he asked around "What are you having trouble with…" he pointed at one girl, asking "Lyla. You go first."

Lyla looked at her book and frowned, "Charms Theory… I just can't understand." Ace hummed and took out his wand, tapping the table, saying "Charms, eh? Hmm…"

A golden diagram appeared on the table as Ace manipulated figures to fight each other, explaining "The properties of Charms encompass most spells in general with a great variety of usage. Some are offensive, defensive, etc. In general, with rare exceptions, Charms are relatively harmless."

He continued demonstrating with the diagram as he continued, "While some charms may harm the target, they are rarely lethal; causing minor damage. However, some Charms, if used correctly, may severely injure or even kill a target."

Ace tapped the table and the diagram showed a figure using a 'Severing spell' bifurcating the other figure, he added with a smile "The Theory of Charms refers to how charms are used, what their purpose is, and what constitutes a charm. As well as the differences between a Charm and a Curse."

Ace tapped the table again, showing a new diagram, explaining further "You see, Charms are created through a very specific pathway. The movement of your wand is important as well as you are guiding your mana through your body along the movements…"

He explained how Charms happened in the body, while showing everyone on a diagram before continuing, "Just remember this, Charms cause no harm. Very simple. Everyday uses such as a self cleaning charm or a knitting charm can be cast on objects to alleviate burdens for Witches and Wizards."

He smiled and changed topic, "Curses however are the complete opposite. The purpose is to cause harm and most often death in a target. Curses can be extremely useful in self defense situations, however I advise you to not kill." He shook his head and continued, "Killing another Wizard merely creates another killer. No matter how much hatred you have, it's best to let others live."

A boy asked, "Even if they killed your family?!" Ace sighed and smiled at him, replying "What you do to others provides a baseline for what happens to you. Show mercy and you will receive mercy. Not to mention, Azkaban is a fate much worse than death."

A girl muttered "Not if they escape…" Ace added, "Yes, quite. However, we are not here to talk about the Ministry's track record of escaped prisoners. We're here to talk about you all. While I do not agree with Umbridge's teaching methods, I hardly see a reason you will ever need to use these curses."

Ron frowned and said "But You-Know-Who is back!" Ace nodded and replied "I know." The students looked at him and Ace smiled, "I never said you shouldn't learn. I know every spell in this Library. However, you shouldn't be in the situation where your only option is murder."

He raised a finger, continuing "Let me be brutally honest. None of you at this table or the other would last a single exchange with a Death Eater. They would kill you instantly. Especially not Voldemort. I even have doubts whether I would survive an encounter with him."

The students fell silent and Ace smiled, adding "However! That doesn't mean you cannot become stronger, learn more, lose your fear and eventually fight Death Eaters! You need the tools and I will teach them to you! But I want you to understand that personally, I do not want any of you killing even the most dark of wizards."

He tapped on the table and went on, "You are not god. The thinking of being better than Muggles has led Voldemort to his path. How many people has he killed for fun? Remember this…"

He got serious and frowned, "No matter what anyone tells you, Witches and Wizards are no better than muggles. We are all human. If you truly have no other option, then go ahead. I'm only advising you. After all, much like the 3 Unforgivable Curses… You must have the intent and desire to kill, or torture, for them to work."

He looked at the students seriously, adding "Killing someone is not an accident. Although we may have magical powers…" as he waved at the diagram, creating a wizard in the middle of the table, continuing "We all return to the same dust in the end…"

He snapped his fingers and a gunshot sounded, piercing through the wizard's heart, sending him to the ground dead as Ace added "Death can happen just like that. Instantly."

A normal man with a briefcase and cellphone got the same treatment as Ace watched, a black crack appearing over his right eye, extending to his cheek and forehead. The area the crack went over inverted all pigments.

His eyebrow hair turned white, his eye color inverted to black and red, and his skin turned black. However it was only a crack.

He continued without noticing as he smiled, "So it's best to be friendly and kind." the students swallowed and Hermione looked over, squinting "Teacher, you…" Ace looked at her in confusion and asked "Hm?" Hermione frowned in confusion, tapping her right eye, saying "You have a… crack?"

Ace touched his face and said "I don't feel anything." one of the girls took out a mirror and showed him his reflection as Ace tilted his head, leaning closer.

He touched it and hummed to himself, asking "Does anyone feel uncomfortable?"

Ron shivered and said "Now that you mention it… I feel a little cold and sad." Ace leaned back and touched his chin, muttering "Should be that… Hmm. Very interesting!"

A boy looked at him, asking "Should be what, Professor?"

Ace smiled at them and revealed "I actually died over the summer." the kids froze and their faces turned pale in fear.

Ace rolled his eyes and knocked on the table, saying "Listen! I was dead for a little bit before returning to life. This is probably the after effects. It'll most likely go away." before waving, "Anyway, who's next? Andrew, what are you struggling with?"

He was smiling warmly, but the coldness made the kids shiver. It was very strange, however they didn't leave and continued the session.

A while later

Ace was putting books away and humming to himself as Hermione dropped a stack on the desk, saying "Master! I think you should go see someone for that!" Ace waved and smiled, replying "I feel fine, Hermione. It's because I traveled to the Realm of Mistress Death before coming back to life."

Hermione was stunned and gasped "You!? Really!?" Ace smiled and nodded, "Really empty if you ask me. They didn't have a need for me apparently. Then I came back to life after making a friend."

Hermione was speechless before asking quickly "A need? Can you tell me, Master?" Ace nodded and explained what happened to him as he put books away with Hermione, who was amazed.

After everything was done, Ace leaned back and took out his phone as Hermione leaned over, touching his mark, asking strangely "It doesn't hurt? Doesn't this mean your soul is tainted, Master?"

Ace shrugged and replied "I don't know, possibly! Kamar-Taj has more on the soul than Hogwarts or the Ministry." he looked up and chuckled, "No. I will not ask the Ancient One for help."

Hermione frowned and said "Please, Master! I don't want you to be harmed." Ace smiled gently and rubbed her head, "Hermione, I will be fine. I promise. If it's really an issue, I will take care of it…"

He looked at her pleading face and sighed, "Okay! If I can't do anything about it and it becomes an issue then I will go to Kamar-Taj! Happy?" Hermione stuck out her hand, saying "Promise?" Ace snorted and Hermione waved her pinky as he asked "Are you a child?"

Hermione stared at him and he sighed, pinky swearing with her.

Hermione smiled happily and skipped away, saying "Thank you~" Ace smiled warmly and shook his head, turning back to his phone.

A few days later