Hogwarts Study Panel

Chapter 82: Dark Magic Talent
"Then why should we be cautious about learning black magic?"

Professor Flitwick stood at the log table, waiting. He knew that the Ravenclaw he favored would say something different.

He had heard countless times about how destructive and difficult to control black magic was.

"Black magic is generally believed to have an irreversible corrupting effect on the user, which is one of the reasons why it is called black magic."

Sheen is quite familiar with dark magic, thanks to the extremely detailed descriptions of it in the original work:

Dumbledore specifically pointed out that engaging in dark magic involving murder would harm the soul.

He once told Snape that Malfoy's soul "has not been so badly damaged," which meant that he may not have killed anyone yet, but if he had, his soul would be "torn apart."

This shows that using very dark magic, such as the Killing Curse, can damage an individual's soul.

The dark magic of creating Horcruxes involves truly splitting the soul in order to achieve the unnatural goal of immortality.

"Secondly, just as all spells require the caster to have a clear intention in order to be cast correctly, powerful black magic also requires a malicious intention in order to be cast successfully."

Sheehan added that he was particularly impressed by this.

If a wizard is to use dark magic, he must possess "pure malice," and such malice has a tremendous impact on a young wizard who is still inexperienced.

"An unbelievable answer!"

Professor Flitwick almost jumped up.

"You must remember, Mr. Green—dark magic is diverse, varied, ever-changing, and endless."

Fighting them is like fighting a multi-headed monster; as soon as you cut off one head, a new one pops up, more ferocious and cunning than the first.

We are facing something unpredictable and indestructible. But—”

Professor Flitwick then changed the subject,
"Dark magic is like a blade; those with malicious intent may use it in dirty ways, but ultimately it is inextricably linked to the user's purpose—Flipendo! (Retreat the enemy three feet!)"

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

But miraculously, it wasn't badly damaged and was even guided to the ground by Professor Flitwick's silent levitation spell.

"Flipendo! (Retreat the enemy three feet!)"

Professor Flitwick struck again, but this time the books in front of him were not so lucky. They were knocked far away and slammed heavily against the wall.

Sheen seemed to be deep in thought.

Ultimately, the casting of black magic is done by the wizard, and is closely related to the user and the user's purpose, as seen in the final flashback:
Dumbledore said that Snape's act of killing him, which "helped an old man avoid pain and shame," would not harm his soul.

Just like the blade used in robbery and the blade used in fighting with criminals, they can both hurt people, but they cannot be categorized as the same.

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

Professor Flitwick had not seen such a bright and studious student in many years. He appreciated this intelligence and effort, and therefore he was exceptionally kind and patient with him.

"Yes, Professor,"

Sheen raised his wand, his focus mixed with anticipation, for the quality of one's magical talent would be revealed from the very first moment of encountering magic.

Out of caution, Professor Flitwick still held his wand, as young wizards sometimes had trouble controlling the force, which was why the professor needed to be present.

"Flipendo! (Retreat the enemy three feet!)"

A massive surge of magic erupted from the tip of Sheen's wand, instantly engulfing everything in the classroom—tables, chairs, kettles, even the squirrels that had just climbed in were all violently repelled, centered on Sheen.

Professor Flitwick was caught off guard and flew to the ceiling again, but this time he instantly released a silent spell.

Sheen was a little stunned. Inspiration leaped through his mind like sprites. He waved his wand and, without any instruction, cast a knockback spell along the opposite path. A feeling of "wanting to knock back the flying objects" filled his heart.

And so, the items in the classroom actually came back.

[You practiced the knockback spell to expert standard, proficiency +50]

[You practiced the knockback spell to expert standard, proficiency +50]

[A new Dark Arts title has been unlocked, please check.] [A new Wizarding talent has been unlocked, please check.]

Oh no, I'm a genius at dark magic!

This was Sheen's first idea.

To make matters worse, Professor Flitwick took flight.

This was Sheen's second idea.

"A talent that leaves you speechless!"

Professor Flitwick did not blame Sheehan at all. He excitedly waved his wand and quickly appeared in front of Sheehan from the air.

"This is so unexpected...so incredible..."

Professor Flitwick paced back and forth on the classroom floor, his voice high-pitched and trembling, whether from surprise or shock was hard to tell.

Taking this opportunity, Sheen also opened the panel:
[Title: Apostle of Dark Magic]

[Slightly increases sensitivity to dark magic and slightly enhances dark magic talent]

As expected, Sheen held his breath and continued reading.

[Wizard Sheen, Dark Magic Talent: Gold (Blessed with the title of Dark Magic Apostle). Note: Normal wizards are green.]

[Evaluation: You are a rare genius in the history of dark magic. Dark magic will embrace you. You are the born king of dark magic.]

The King of Dark Magic?
Isn't that the Dark Lord?

Sheen was stunned.

This is utter slander! Pure slander!

……

Friday.

Sheehan fulfilled all the requirements for the scholarship—herbs, potions, astronomy, history, defense against the dark magic, spells, and transfiguration—and mastered almost everything a first-year wizard needed to know within a month.

He has made great strides, especially in transformation and spells, comparable to some senior wizards.

As for history... his notes on the history of magic are now said to have been bestsellers among graduates.

Sheehan had no idea where the Hogwarts graduates got the information, or what they were doing with it.

Today, Sheen stood outside the principal's office, anxiously and expectantly awaiting the day's big event—the awarding of scholarships.

From the moment he enrolled, he worked tirelessly toward this goal, and his focus and passion for learning magic made up the majority of his time at Hogwarts.

In the spacious and beautiful circular principal's office, all kinds of silverware were on display. Beside the silverware, a blackened kettle was still bubbling.

"Ah, Minerva, do you think Mr. Green will get the scholarship?"

Albus Dumbledore sat behind his large oak table, his half-moon spectacles slid down to the middle of his nose, and his deep blue eyes gazed out the window at the twilight.

He casually pulled a letter from the pile of beautifully crafted letters on the table:
To the Hogwarts Scholarship Committee:

I hereby formally and strongly recommend Mr. Sheehan Green for this special scholarship.

Mr. Green is the most outstanding student I have ever seen in my many years of teaching, both in terms of talent and character. He not only excelled in all core subjects with top marks, but his precision in practical spellcasting and his talent in transfiguration far surpassed that of lower-year wizards. What is particularly admirable is that this young gentleman, relying entirely on himself, has displayed a resilience, self-discipline, and kindness beyond his years. The brilliance of his character, talent, and hard work cannot be concealed by his humble appearance.

He fully deserves this grant and has the potential to become the pride of Hogwarts.

—Minerva McGonagall.

—Hogwarts Vice-Headmaster and Head of Gryffindor House

(End of this chapter)