Chapter 313: Dangerous Ancient Magic

Chapter 313: Dangerous Ancient Magic

Inside the Magical Texts Club, young wizards and witches sat comfortably on various-sized sofas, chatting animatedly about their plans for the holidays.

"I'm definitely going to the World Cup... I'll also be visiting relatives with my family. My uncle has a strange beast with a high humped back and a pair of long horns..."

In a corner of the sofa, Hermione whispered, "I think he's talking about an Erumpent. They're usually found in mountainous regions, all purple and quite aggressive"

"Oh, Hermione, we're done with exams," Ron interjected.

"This isn't exam material"

"I know, you're just so excited about getting a response from Newt Scamander that you're practically bursting, and you've memorized all his notes," Ron teased.

Harry couldn't help but chuckle, while Hermione shot them an embarrassed glance.

Harry fiddled with a seven-sided Muggle coin. Professor Harp had told him that he could use the Animagus Transfiguration outside the Room of Requirement only when the entire coin turned into a bright gold color. But there was still one missing corner, and Harry hoped to fill it before the holidays.

Ron cast an envious glance at the coin. He had tried a few times while practicing with Harry, but without success. He harbored a wish to master the spell before the twins did and then tease them about it.

"Harry, when is Professor Lupin's farewell gathering? Is it confirmed?" Ron inquired.

"Day after tomorrow," Harry replied, "It's a small gathering, some professors... and us."

"It's strange," Ron mused, "I thought Snape wouldouch!" Harry hurriedly stomped on Ron's foot, reminding him, "I mean, considering Snape's attitude towards Professor Lupin, he wouldn't mind revealing his secret, would he..."

Hermione added, "Professor Snape knew about it long ago, right from the start. He had no reason to expose it."

"What I meant was"

Harry, deep in thought, said, "Perhaps he's a bit embarrassed. After all, Professor Lupin did help him out, didn't he? He doesn't need a Patronus Charm." Though he said this, he still couldn't be sure if the silver light he had glimpsed on Snape's wand that day was real or just his imagination.

Or perhaps it was entirely unrelated to the Patronus Charm?

At that moment, Professor Harp walked over, holding a shallow basin in his hands, and the young wizards and witches gathered around curiously.

"What's this... a Pensieve?" a sixth-year student exclaimed excitedly. "Professor, is this a Pensieve?"

"Just a replica," Felix chuckled, placing the basin on a small table so everyone could see. "We'll be using it shortly."

The gray basin contained some silvery substance that looked like liquid clouds or molten silver, swirling slowly.

Harry remembered, during his first Ancient Runes class, the professor had introduced this ancient magical creation that could store and view memories. He thought of his unnamed book and couldn't help but speculate if it served a similar purpose.

Felix sat down, smiling at everyone. "Many of you are aware that I'll be teaching you an ancient magic during the final part of this year. I'm pleased to see that you've all mastered the necessary runic components."

Felix surveyed the room, satisfied to see all the students listening intently. He continued, "The form of ancient magic isn't fixed. The same spell might manifest as a phoenix of fire for one person, a firebird for another, a fiery lizard, or even a fire crab."

He gave an exaggerated example, eliciting chuckles from the young wizards.

"The first half of Malfoy's statement is quite accurate. Once ancient magic takes form, it's as if it gains its own consciousness. It instinctively draws on the caster's magic to strengthen itself, much like a voracious creature. At this point, you must possess the ability to control your magic, to counteract this pull."

"Furthermore, since ancient magic lacks a fixed form, you need to make it heed your command, following your will... How much magic do you want to pour into it? How long should it last? What form should it take? What attributes do you enhance? How do you make it end?"

Felix posed a series of questions and waited a few moments in silence. He then spread his hands, saying, "Regrettably, there are no fixed answers to any of these. It all relies on your judgment."

"So, once you're learning a powerful offensive ancient magic, you can imagine the consequences if it spirals out of control."

Harry followed the professor's train of thought, envisioning what it would be like for an ancient fire-based magic. If it didn't take form, that was fine, but if it accidentally succeeded and then couldn't be controlled, draining his magic, he could only watch as the magic consumed him...

"But fortunately" Felix raised his voice, snapping the young wizards out of their dreadful reverie, "the Illuminum Lumen you're learning isn't that dangerous. At the very least, you won't have to worry about being incinerated by flames, corroded by toxic mist, or struck down into a dry husk by lightning."

The young wizards stared wide-eyed, not finding much consolation from the professor's words.

"Does anyone know the lesson this holds for us?"

One of the twins muttered, "Don't let it take form."

"Absolutely right," Felix said, giving him an approving look. Fred grinned widely; he had just blurted out a thought.

"Don't let your ancient magic take form easily. Repeat the second step over and over until you feel extremely confident. Only then can you proceed to the next phase of experimentation."

"Each one of you will undergo an assessment before leaving the school. I'll also be writing to your parents to explain the situation. Private practice is strictly prohibited. Even draining your magic is foolish behavior, understood?"

The young wizards fell silent like startled crickets. The professor had never been this stern. They nodded fervently.

"Very well, you have about a week to grasp the basics of Illuminum Lumen," Felix gestured to the basin, "Utilize it."

Felix stood up, surveying the room. "Who wants to go in first? Although it's a replica, I've retained some of the characteristics of the Pensieve. Entering it is a bit like diving, and personally, I find that quite amusing."

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