Blake's Sin

Cola, let, always a chapter ahead.

On the last Wednesday of October, the weather in the Scottish Highlands was as gloomy as ever, with low-hanging clouds.

In the morning, in the History of Magic classroom, Regulus sat by the window, which was covered with a layer of fog, obscuring his view outside.

Professor Binns continued recounting the Giant Wars, while the young Wizards grew drowsy, Regulus's thoughts had already wandered elsewhere.

He knew that exerting influence on the outside world was the key to illuminating Saiph.

But at Hogwarts, under Dumbledore's watchful eye, his direct influence was limited.

The group of young wizards is the most direct target; it's not the optimal solution, but it's the most feasible path at present.

However, as a Slytherin, especially in this era, they naturally have a thick barrier separating them from the other houses.

His influence was confined to Slytherin; what spread to the outside world was only his reputation, and even that was mixed.

In fact, it has more bad reputation.

What he did in his first year, regardless of his motives or how Slytherin might approve, was not considered respectable by the other houses.

In other houses, he'd probably be a ruthless, arrogant, and domineering Pure-blood Young Master, a future Death Eaters on Voldemort's side.

Even if one gains enough influence within the junior wizarding community, it's difficult to spread it further, since Hogwarts is, after all, just a school, and its students are all junior wizards.

The influence he needs from the outside world cannot be achieved through these means alone.

But that's not necessarily true.

He can't cause trouble at Hogwarts, but he can cause trouble at Hogwarts.

If that idea actually came true, and then he actually blew up Hogwarts, would the impact be enough?

Forget about perfectly illuminating Saiph, wherever there are wizards in the world, everyone knows the name Regulus Atallos Black.

The surname Black will become an unavoidable point in the History of Magic.

In the future A History of Modern Magic, <A Contemporary History of Magic> will probably dedicate a chapter to him; he's even thought of a title for posterity.

The Destruction of Hogwarts: The Crimes of Black

The main text will probably be written like this:

In [Month] 197X, Hogwarts student Regulus Black, while attempting to verify an Alchemy theory, caused the entire Castle to be reduced to ashes in an instant due to improper operation.

Fortunately, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore intervened in time, and only a few of the young wizards at Hogwarts were spared.

According to eyewitnesses who survived the incident, Black was standing in the middle of the rubble when the explosion occurred, holding his wand and looking confused.

When asked about it, he simply said, "I just wanted to try."

Following this incident, the reconstruction of Hogwarts took seven years and cost a fortune, with the Black family paying for everything.

Some commentators believe this was the most expensive experiment in the History of Magic.

Some commentators believe this is the first time the Wizarding World has witnessed the power of theoretical physics.

In any case, Regulus Black's name was etched into the History of Magic from that moment on.

Regulus's lips twitched slightly.

Regardless of whether it's possible to achieve this, Hogwarts ' significance to the UK Wizarding World goes beyond its centuries-old history and status as the alma mater of countless wizards; it practically represents UK Magic itself.

If you blow it up, not only will Dumbledore come after him, but Voldemort might also temporarily set aside his conflict with Dumbledore and the two of them come to take him down together.

After all, Hogwarts was Voldemort's home, the first place to accept him, and the only place he truly respected.

Regulus snapped out of his thoughts.

Hogwarts is fine; there's no need to blow it up. Even if it could be blown up, it shouldn't be.

But you can fry other things.

In the afternoon, when Regulus pushed open the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom on the third floor of the Castle, there were already quite a few people sitting inside.

Slytherin sat on the left, Gryffindor on the right, separated by an aisle.

Professor Ezra Vance stood behind the podium. He was in his forties, tall and thin, with his hair neatly combed and his eyes sharp.

The Wizards looked at him with eyes that shone with excitement, anticipation, and restlessness.

After nearly two months of theoretical and basic learning, Professor Vance announced in the last class that this class would consist of practical combat exercises.

Professor Vance stood on the podium, his gaze sweeping over the entire class. "Quiet."

The classroom fell silent.

Professor Vance didn't waste any words; he simply waved his hand, and the desks and chairs automatically moved aside, creating an open space in the middle of the classroom.

"Form your own teams of two and use the spells you've learned."

His gaze lingered on a few students for a moment. "Begin."

The classroom immediately became lively.

The young Wizards began looking for people to team up with. Some took the initiative to invite others, some were chosen, and some stood still waiting for someone to come to them.

Gryffindor and Slytherin were clearly separated; no one crossed that passageway.

Regulus remained seated, and so did Hermes.

There was a consensus among the people around that no one wanted to fight Regulus.

As for Hermes, everyone knows his abilities, and no one wants to cause him any trouble.

Lina and Samuel stood in the corner, looking at each other. They knew no one would come looking for them.

No matter what class it is, the two of them are always partners.

Regulus glanced at it. "Avery."

Avery turned his head.

Regulus nodded his chin toward Samuel: "You're paired with Vance."

Avery paused for a moment, glancing at Samuel before looking back at Regulus.

Regulus remained silent.

Avery understood Regulus's meaning; last time Vance and Costa ran errands for Regulus to find the professor, and now this was a way of giving back.

He was naturally aware of the situation of those two Half-bloods.

Even without Regulus saying a word, the mere fact that he has the Cuthbert surname, and he shows even a little acceptance, would be enough to make things much easier for them in Slytherin.

Moreover, Avery had thought that if it weren't for those two Half-bloods, Regulus would have had to go to find the professor himself.

It has to be said that their little group definitely needs someone to run errands and do odd jobs. Remember this name: Cola. Remember this domain name: Good Books Never Get Lost.

There are some things Regulus won't do himself, so they have to do them.

Avery actually looked down on people who weren't of Pure-bloods; he despised them and thought they were dirty.

But after his speech in the Common Room last time, his thoughts Taiyi.

He stood in front of the crowd, imitating his father, standing and speaking as he did, and everyone listened.

Although he knew that the older students were willing to listen to him because of Regulus.

But I have to say, that feeling was really great.

Now that Regulus has paired him with Vance, he subconsciously adopts his father's perspective.

What would a father think if he encountered this situation?

They probably first consider the pros and cons, and what benefits doing so would bring to the group.

This is the important matter.

He glanced at Vance.

That kid, Half-bloods, he looks down on, but his father works at the Ministry of Magic, so at home, doesn't he also talk to people who aren't as good as the Cuthbert family?

My father didn't like those people either, but he still talked to them when necessary and used them when appropriate.

When adults make decisions, they can't just consider whether they like it or not; they have to consider the pros and cons.

Thinking of this, he walked over to Samuel, adopting a composed demeanor. "Vance, you're with me."

Samuel looked up and paused for a moment.

He opened his mouth, a flicker of excitement crossing his face as he turned up at the corners of his lips, then quickly suppressed it, pursing them together.

He finally nodded, his voice a little tense. "Yes, Mr. Cuthbert."

Lina glanced at him quickly from the side, then looked away.

Avery waved his hand, walked to the center of the open space, and turned to face him.

Alex glanced at Regulus, then walked up to Lina: "Lina, we're in the same group."

Lina paused for a moment, then smiled with delight, "Okay, Alex."

She didn't have Samuel's standard reaction; she just smiled.

Regulus observed all of this but said nothing.

Everyone has multiple faces, whether in public or in private.

Only he and Hermes remained in the classroom. They stood up at the same time, walked to one side of the open space, and stood facing each other.

Professor Vance stood beside the podium, watching the students form teams. His gaze lingered on Regulus for a moment before shifting away.

Black, a second-year student, has been at Hogwarts for almost two months now, and he always manages to get his ears to what people are saying.

Other professors have mentioned it, and students have also mentioned it.

They say he can beat fifth-graders in his first year, that he has an unusual status in Slytherin, that he is good at thinking, and that he is different from ordinary young wizards.

But in his class, Black's performance could only be described as excellent.

The homework was flawless, the spells were cast perfectly, everything that was required was learned, and everything that was required to be completed was completed.

But that's about it; nothing more eye-catching.

Professor Vance had heard those rumors but didn't take them seriously; rumors are inherently prone to exaggeration.

This practical lesson is perfect for seeing just how good Black really is.

He tapped on the podium. "Begin."

Incantations immediately filled the classroom.

The young Wizards were having a lively fight, spells Accio. Some were dodging, some were chasing, and some were grimacing and clutching the spot where they had been hit.

On Avery 'Samuel side, Avery held the initiative, casting spell after spell, while Samuel focused more on defense, occasionally launching a counterattack.

Avery played casually, even glancing to the side occasionally.

On Alex and Lina's side, Alex was guiding Lina on how to Spellcasting, how to dodge, and how to find opportunities.

Lina learns very quickly.

Avery looked away and continued dealing with Samuel.

Regulus and Hermes stood facing each other, exchanging a glance.

I've practiced it countless times in private, and I can use any kind of Magic, but I can't do that in class.

The two raised their wands simultaneously.

Hermes first. "Stupefy!"

A red light shot out from the tip of the staff, heading straight for Regulus's chest.

Regulus flicked his wand, deflecting the spell. The red light veered off course, striking the wall and leaving a faint mark.

Regulus chanted the incantation earnestly. "Expelliarmus!"

Hermes dodged to the side, simultaneously casting a Slowing Charm in return.

Regulus didn't even brace himself with the Shield Charm; he merely leaned back slightly, and the spell grazed past his shoulder.

The two of them just stood there, cursing at each other, neither of them moving an inch.

The incantations were precise, the power perfectly controlled, each strike hitting the opponent's weakest point in their defense, yet the opponent remained motionless.

Meanwhile, Avery and Alex's two teams had already fought their way to the other end of the classroom.

Avery hid behind the table, sticking out his wand to cast spells, while Samuel hid behind a pillar, occasionally retaliating.

Alex and Lina were in the corner. Lina had just learned how to use a chair as cover, and Alex was showing her how.

"Lina, don't stand too straight, bend over, yes, that's it."

Lina did as instructed, and as the spell flew past, she suddenly poked her head out. "Impedimenta!"

Regulus glanced over there out of the corner of his eye.

fine.

He and Hermes remained standing in the same spot, taking turns going.

Professor Vance watched from beside the podium, his expression growing increasingly subtle.

These two guys are just going through the motions, standing still and not even moving their feet.

Even so, their spells were far superior to those of the other young wizards.

Speed, force, and precision are on completely different levels.

Hermes ' spells were significantly faster and more accurate than those around him.

Regulus was even faster, each spell perfectly deflected or dodged with minimal movement, as if he knew in advance where the spells would go.

The spells of the other groups of young wizards were still floating in the air, while this group had already finished two rounds.

Professor Vance shook his head and said nothing.

This kind of perfunctory attitude is even more speechless than being serious.