"Buffalo Summoning Levitation Charm"?
Grindelwald is truly a reckless person, even saying such things as the Dark Lord... Sean shook his head with a chuckle, the old man's thought process was really beyond his comprehension.
However, having a private space is not bad... Sean picked up the key and glanced at it. This thing looked quite old.
Hmm, there's a note on the key?
Sean tore off the small piece of paper and glanced at it.
"To ensure your Potions isn't disturbed, I added a lock. Isn't that thoughtful?"
Pfft... Sean couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Grindelwald, that old man, is actually quite interesting after spending time with him.
The atmosphere inside Newmontgard Castle was completely different the next day. Sean received countless stares, though not the respectful kind.
The students of Newmontgard were roughly divided into two groups. One group was extremely unhappy with Sean, but this unhappiness could only be shown on their faces—the younger students didn't dare to lay a hand on Sean at all, while the older students found it difficult to swallow their pride.
After all, Sean is only a second-year student. Last night's duel was something he asked to do against an older student. It was fine once he was on the field, but if he did something underhanded behind the scenes, he would have completely lost face.
The other group was less hostile to Sean. They entered Newmontgard for greater power, and Sean, having demonstrated his strength, had already gained recognition.
As for contacting Sean, it's not the right time yet. On one hand, Sean's strength isn't overwhelming enough, and on the other hand, the two schools are different after all.
But if this situation continues, Sean thinks that some people might want to get to know him.
Life in Newmontgard continued, and after the initial period, the Hogwarts students became increasingly accustomed to the busy and rigorous academic atmosphere. Teenagers are always very adaptable.
Sean became a star in class, and professors often called on him to answer questions. He would also use his demonstrative charm to get the students to speak up. Of course, Sean always got good points for his perfect performance.
This made many students in Newmontgard envious, as they felt that the professor was now showing some favoritism towards Sean.
Sean suspected this was Grindelwald's instruction. The old man never hid his biases; he liked to act according to his own preferences, and other people's opinions were not within his consideration.
Although such behavior was somewhat... well, "unfair"? Sean, who had actually benefited from it, silently accepted it.
Those who have already benefited will certainly not actively harm their own interests.
"Wallerup, here you go." Sean was kept behind in the Herbology Class classroom after the class had just ended.
Herbology Class Professor Alta Mistiltein tossed over a glass bottle containing a deep purple liquid.
"Professor, what is this?"
"I mentioned the nectar of the Poison Heart Iris in the last class."
"I know, Professor, but why give it to me?" Sean asked, puzzled.
Mistiltein was a hunched old man with almost no hair. Whenever he spoke, he would gasp for breath, and his sagging cheeks, adorned with age spots, would sway back and forth.
"What is the purpose of this thing?" His voice was sharp and hoarse.
"It can be used to brew potent Potions, or used alone, because the Poison Heart Iris can absorb toxins from the natural environment, so its nectar is not only highly poisonous, but can also neutralize the toxins of other herbs." Although he didn't know the other party's purpose, Sean still recited it.
Mistress gave a toothless, shriveled smile, "That's right... so the nectar of the Poison Heart Iris has another use."
"What?" This wasn't mentioned in the book.
"To neutralize the toxins of failed Potions, except for certain Potions, the Poison Heart Iris can be considered a universal antidote for failed Potions —just drink a drop of the Poison Heart Iris root extract afterward."
"But nobody would drink a failed Potions ... Oh..." Sean said this habitually, but quickly realized his mistake.
Failed Potions aren't left unused; for example, Mr. Macdouff, the Potions Professor in Newmontgard, would drink them—sometimes even having his students drink the Potions he brewed in turn.
According to him, this is a teaching method that can make a lasting impression on students.
Clearly, not every student can guarantee a successful Potions brewing—in all these days in Newmontgard, three students have already been sent to the Hospital Wing foaming at the mouth...
Professor Macdouff probably foamed at the mouth thirteen times, but he swallowed it every time... and he was still fine.
If I remember correctly, it seems like it'll be my turn to try the potions next class... Sean was worried about whether his pathetic Potions talent would be his downfall...
Mister Ting roughly shoved another glass bottle into Sean's arms. "This is root sap. You did well in the last class and even helped me tame the Lion-tailed Vine. Consider this a gift."
Lion-tailed Vine is a Magical Creatures. These carnivorous plants are very irritable. One of them went berserk in the last class, and after Sean glanced at it, it became more obedient than Dave.
Sean didn't stand on ceremony; he carefully put away the two glass bottles and said, "Thank you very much, Professor Mistiltein."
"Yeah, get lost. Next time you have time, come help me calm down those Lion-tailed Vine —those damn things, if they weren't poisonous, I would have burned them all to the ground!"
Yes, the Lion-tailed Vine's feeding port secretes venom, which is Professor Mistiltein's main purpose in cultivating them.
This eccentric professor famously said, "A plant that is not poisonous is a vegetable."
After saying goodbye to the impatient Professor Mister, Sean met up with Hermione and Daisy, who were waiting outside, and the three of them headed towards the basement.
The learning environment in Newmontgard was good, but there weren't many opportunities to practice spells on their own. Fortunately, Grindelwald provided a Quiet Room, which became the practice space for the three of them.
Students are not allowed to enter the basement level. There is no door or guard at the entrance staircase, but if anyone sneaks in, they will be caught and put in solitary confinement very quickly.
Sean didn't need to worry about that. He and the two girls walked through the long, gloomy corridor and used a key to open a large door at the end.
The room was furnished like a typical spell training classroom. In the far corner was a stone door that, once opened, could be used to store Animagus Potions.
Sean tried it once, and as soon as he closed the door, it was pitch black inside and he couldn't hear any sounds from outside.
"Although I've been here a few times, I have to say that the basement must have been a prison in the past!" Hermione said, putting down her bag.
Bingo! You guessed it, the basement used to be used to imprison prisoners.
Sean sat down on the cushion and said as he opened a book, "At least it's quiet here, and no one will bother us."
Daisy was fiddling with the Jade Piece in her mouth (no one could resist), resting her chin on one hand and twirling her wand with the other, as she said in a soft, sweet voice, "Sean, it's been almost a month, hasn't it?"
"Hmm," Sean nodded, "Then it's all down to luck."
A Mandrake leaf was pressed tightly against his palate. Over the past few days, he had become completely accustomed to its presence, and perhaps due to the constant soaking of saliva, the pungent smell on the leaf had gradually faded, leaving only a slight bitterness.
In three days it will be the full moon, and if there are no dark clouds, Sean will complete the first step of Animagus.
Hermione, like Daisy, was licking the Jade Piece in her mouth. She looked at Sean and asked in confusion, "Sean, actually, I've always had a question."
"Um?"
"Why are you so obsessed with Animagus training? This magic takes a long time to take effect, is far too profound, and often depends on luck. Most importantly, even if you become an Animagus, you won't gain great power—we can only become ordinary animals, can't we? This isn't like you."
"This question... you're right, it's certainly not like my style of pursuing practicality. But why is that..." Sean tilted his head back and thought for a moment, "It's a feeling, I guess. I seem to have a natural affinity for Transfiguration magic. I always feel that mastering Transfiguration to its highest level can bring about a different kind of change in a wizard. Similarly, I love all kinds of animals, and it would be even better if I could experience them firsthand."
"And," he smiled, "My first and most direct experience of the wonder of magic was with Professor McGonagall's Animagus. I suppose that could be considered a seed and an obsession?"
"While immense power is fascinating, sometimes I prefer the wonder of magic itself—well, isn't it a bit odd for a pragmatist to say that?"
Daisy, standing to the side, tilted her head, her beautiful big eyes blinking.
"Sean," the girl's voice was soft and sweet, "You look so handsome when you speak seriously and then smile."
"Oh... thank you for the compliment, Daisy." Sean, who was usually thick-skinned, blushed deeply at the girl's teasing. He hadn't expected Daisy to be so direct.
Hermione blew a tirade through her bangs. "Daisy, tone down your infatuation. Mr. Wallop is already inflated enough."
"I have to disagree with you, Hermione," Sean said, sitting up straight. "First of all, Daisy isn't a fangirl; she's just giving a friendly compliment to her friend. Secondly, I'm not arrogant; I've always been humble!"
"Humility? This?" Hermione picked up the notebook that was open in front of him.
"The key points and taboos regarding creating your own spells—" she read aloud, then glared at Sean, "Practicing the most dangerous and advanced Transfiguration while also creating your own spells? Sean, do you think you're not going to die soon enough?"
"It's not that serious, Hermione," Sean shrugged helplessly. "It's in the library in Newmontgard. Although books aren't allowed to be borrowed, the fact that it's there proves that students can study on their own."
"Newmontgard Library even has ' The History of Dark Magic ' and ' One Hundred Applications of the Torture Curse '! I can't believe these books aren't in the Restricted Section!" Hermione said angrily.
"Oh, Hermione," Daisy raised her hand, "the Newmontgard Library doesn't have Restricted Section."
"Thank you for reminding me! But if you dare to look at those books, I'll... I'll confiscate all the notes I gave you!"
"I'm sorry! I was wrong!"
Hermione, like an easily angered little lion, was an avid reader and found many materials that should have been banned in the unrestricted Newmontgard Library. The crucial point was that her classmates and friends also went to see them.
This made Hermione, who knew all too well how terrible Dark Arts was, quite unhappy.
"It's just for reference and learning, so it'll be easier to deal with Dark Wizard in the future," Sean comforted her, even though he himself was proficient in dozens of Dark Arts.
Hermione ignored him, sulking for a while before returning to normal. "Promise me, Sean, Daisy, you won't touch that Dark Arts, okay?"
Sean and Daisy exchanged a glance, then nodded seriously. "Don't worry, our main focus now is on the curse and the Animagus."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, "Then practice hard."
The girl's temper flared up and subsided quickly. Sean didn't know why Hermione had become so sensitive these past few days. Could it be that she was on her period?
Not wanting to get into trouble, Sean looked down at his notes. Some of the books in the library couldn't be borrowed, so Sean copied down some information.
He wasn't planning to try creating his own spells right now, but some of the knowledge mentioned in these materials would be of great benefit to him in mastering spells.
After improving his Spell Talent, Sean devoted some of his energy to learning spells.
Now, most of the spells he had previously learned have reached level two proficiency, and his casting speed and accuracy have improved significantly. The only downside is that Sean no longer has a source of new spells to learn.
The professors weren't progressing very quickly, and there weren't many spells to learn in the library. Modern Wizarding World spells were all modified versions, so the older ones weren't very useful, and the more advanced Ancient Magic required Runes.
Sean's Ancient Runes Talent... well, let's not even talk about that...
So, he now has a small direction. Instead of creating his own spells, he will try to improve existing spells, or rather, change some of the effects of a spell.
Sean currently has a small idea related to the Levitation Charm. This inspiration comes from a lesson taught by Professor Flitwick in his first-year class.
As they were learning the Levitation Charm, Professor Flitwick repeatedly emphasized the pronunciation, citing an example from the Standard Book of Spells - Beginner's Guide.
"Distractions while casting spells can have painful side effects—remember the Balufio the Wizard, who pronounced 's' as 'f' and found himself lying on the floor with a bison standing on his chest."
By simply changing the pronunciation, this spell that controls the levitation of objects unexpectedly became a Summoning Charm.
Sean thought it was very interesting.
If he can really figure out the principle, then could he improve it into a ' Buffalo Summoning Levitation Charm '?
The idea of crushing your opponent with a herd of bison sounds incredibly exciting!