Chapter 146: Dark Arts Talent

"Then why must we learn the Dark Arts with such caution?"

Professor Flitwick stood atop the wooden desk, waiting; he knew that this Ravenclaw student he favored would say something different.

He had heard countless times before that the Dark Arts were destructively powerful and difficult to control.

"The Dark Arts are generally believed to exert an irreversible corrosive effect on the user, which is one of the reasons they are called 'Dark'."

Wizard Sean was quite familiar with the Dark Arts, thanks to the original work's extremely in-depth depiction of them:

Dumbledore had specifically pointed out that engaging in Dark Arts involving murder would cause harm to the soul.

He had once told Snape that Malfoy's soul had "not yet been damaged so severely," implying he might not have killed anyone yet, but if he truly did, his soul would be "torn apart."

This indicated that using very dark magic, such as the Killing Curse, would inflict damage upon an individual's soul.

Furthermore, creating a Horcrux, a form of dark magic, involved truly splitting the soul to achieve the unnatural goal of immortality.

"Secondly, just as all spells require the caster to have a clear intent to be cast correctly, powerful Dark Arts similarly require malicious intent to be successfully performed."

Wizard Sean added that he was especially impressed by this point.

If a wizard wished to use the Dark Arts, they must possess "pure malice," and such malice would have a tremendous impact on a young wizard whose experiences were still limited.

"An incredible answer!"

Professor Flitwick nearly jumped up.

"You must remember, Mr. Green—the Dark Arts are diverse, numerous, ever-changing, and endless."

Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster; as soon as one head is cut off, another immediately springs forth, fiercer and more cunning than the first.

What we face is something unpredictable and indestructible. But—"

Professor Flitwick changed his tone,

"the Dark Arts are like a blade; those with malice in their hearts may use it for filthy purposes, but ultimately, it is intimately tied to the user's intent—Flipendo!"

Professor Flitwick waved his wand, and Mr. Squirrel, who had just climbed in through the window, was knocked flying.

Miraculously, however, it suffered little harm and was guided down to the ground by Professor Flitwick's silent Levitation Charm.

"Flipendo! (Drive the enemy back three feet!)"

Professor Flitwick acted again; this time, the books before him were not so lucky, being knocked far back and slamming heavily against the wall.

Wizard Sean fell into thoughtful silence.

Ultimately, the caster of the Dark Arts is a wizard, intimately connected to the user and their intent, as seen in that final memory:

Dumbledore stated that Snape's act of killing him, described as "helping an old man avoid pain and humiliation," would not harm his soul.

It is like the difference between a blade used for robbery and a blade used to fight off a robber; both can wound, yet they cannot be lumped together.

"Did you see that clearly, Mr. Green?"

Professor Flitwick had not seen such an intelligent and diligent student in many years; he appreciated such wisdom and effort, and thus was exceptionally kind and patient.

"Yes, Professor,"

Wizard Sean raised his wand, his focus mixed with a hint of anticipation, after all, whether one possessed excellent magical talent would reveal itself the moment one first touched magic.

Out of caution, Professor Flitwick still held his wand ready, as young wizards sometimes failed to control their strength, which was precisely why a professor needed to be present.

"Flipendo! (Drive the enemy back three feet!)"

A massive surge of magical power erupted from the tip of Wizard Sean's wand, instantly sweeping through every object in the classroom; tables, chairs, kettles, and even the squirrel that had just climbed in were all violently knocked backward with Wizard Sean at the center.

Professor Flitwick was caught completely off guard and was once again sent flying to the ceiling, though this time he instantly released a silent spell.

Wizard Sean was slightly dazed; inspiration leaped in his mind like an elf, and he waved his wand, instinctively casting the Knockback Jinx along the reverse path, his heart filled with the emotion of "wanting to push the scattering items back."

Thus, the objects in the classroom actually returned to their places.

[You practiced the Knockback Jinx once to an expert standard; Proficiency +50]

[You practiced the Knockback Jinx once to an expert standard; Proficiency +50]

[A new title in the field of Dark Arts has been unlocked; please check]

[A new wizard talent has been unlocked; please check]

Oh no, I really am a Dark Arts genius.

This was Wizard Sean's first thought.

Even worse, Professor Flitwick was flying.

This was Wizard Sean's second thought.

"Breathtaking talent!"

Professor Flitwick did not blame Wizard Sean in the slightest; instead, he excitedly waved his wand and swiftly descended from the air to stand before Wizard Sean.

"Too unexpected... too incredible..."

Professor Flitwick paced across the classroom floor, his voice high-pitched and trembling, unsure whether from delight or shock.

Seizing the opportunity, Wizard Sean also opened his panel:

[Title: Apostle of the Dark Arts]

[Slightly increases perception of the Dark Arts; slightly enhances Dark Arts talent]

As expected, Wizard Sean held his breath and continued reading downward,

[Wizard Wizard Sean, Dark Arts Talent: Gold (Apostle of the Dark Arts title applied). Note: Average wizards are Green]

[Evaluation: You are a rare genius in the history of the Dark Arts; the Dark Arts will actively embrace you; you are the born King of the Dark Arts]

King of the Dark Arts?

Isn't that just the Dark Lord?

Wizard Sean was stunned,

This was pure slander! Absolute slander!

Friday.

Wizard Sean had fulfilled all the conditions for the scholarship—Herbology, Potions, Astronomy, History, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Transfiguration; within a month, he had nearly mastered everything a first-year wizard needed to know.

Especially in Transfiguration and Charms, he had progressed far, comparable to some older wizards.

As for History... it was said that his notes for History of Magic class had become so popular they were selling even to graduates.

Wizard Sean had absolutely no idea how the Hogwarts graduates had heard the news, nor what exactly they intended to use the notes for.

And today, Wizard Sean stood outside the Headmaster's office, waiting anxiously yet expectantly for today's major event—the awarding of the scholarship.

Since enrollment, he had persevered tirelessly toward this goal, with his focus and love for learning magic composing the vast majority of his time at Hogwarts.

Inside the spacious and beautiful circular Headmaster's office, various silver instruments were dazzlingly abundant, and beside them, a blackened kettle continued to bubble with a gurgle.

"Ah, Minerva, do you think Mr. Green will secure this scholarship?"

Albus Dumbledore sat behind his large oak desk, his half-moon spectacles slipped down to the middle of his nose, his bright blue eyes gazing out the window at the twilight over the rims of the lenses.

As if casually, he drew one letter from the pile of exquisite correspondence stacked on his desk:

[To the Hogwarts Scholarship Review Committee:

I hereby formally and strongly recommend Mr. Wizard Sean Green for this special scholarship with the utmost seriousness.

Mr. Green is the most outstanding student I have encountered in my many years of teaching, both in talent and character. Not only has he mastered all core subjects with top marks, but his precision in practical Charms and the talent displayed in Transfiguration far exceed the level of lower-year wizards. Most commendably, relying entirely on his own circumstances, this young gentleman has demonstrated resilience, self-discipline, and kindness beyond his years. The brilliance of his qualities, talent, and effort can no longer be concealed by his modest exterior.

He is fully worthy of this support and has the potential to become the pride of Hogwarts.

—Minerva McGonagall.