Hermes

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Hermes Mulciber (赫尔墨斯)
Species/Race	Human wizard
Gender	Male
Blood Status	Pure-blood; member of the Mulciber family, one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. 25
Age at Hogwarts Entry	Eleven. 25
Affiliation	Slytherin House; Regulus Black's training group
Occupation/Role	Hogwarts student; Dark Arts practitioner and combat trainee
First Appearance	15

Power Progression

Chapter(s)	Development
28	Demonstrates advanced home training during his first duel with Regulus, rapidly chaining standard and Dark Arts spells well beyond the level of an average first-year. 28
120–123	Recovers from the Grey Mist curse and, after being decisively defeated in a formal duel, accepts Regulus's leadership and begins training under him. 120 121 122 123
130–132	Improves the distribution of Blood Boil across four separate Magic Power threads under Regulus's guidance and attempts to produce a fifth. Even a weakened version of the curse can break Avery's shield in less than three seconds. 130 132
199–209	Returns from the holidays with a lingering Dark Arts aura from practical experience; his spellcasting speed, spell power, and footwork establish him above Avery and Alex. 199 209 Regulus assesses his spell strength as twice that of the previous term and notes improved concealment of his attack intent, though excessive pursuit of killing power rapidly exhausts his reserves. 207 208
251	Independently adopts physical and evasive training among enchanted dummies whenever his Magic Power is exhausted, developing endurance and reactions rather than waiting idly for recovery. 251
276–277	Develops a low-consumption resting state, rapid transition into combat readiness, stronger shields, faster casting, and more tactically coordinated Dark Arts combinations. 276 277
369–370	Begins foundational Legilimency and Magic Power control training after Regulus exposes his weak mental defenses; shows greater mental potential than Avery and Alex. 369 370
424–437	Endures repeated high-intensity combat drills incorporating spatial attacks, Transfiguration, Legilimency interference, pressure, and Flame Whips, improving his stress responses and Magic Power control. 424 425 437 438
511–513	Continues practicing Legilimency independently and Magic Manipulation with the group during Regulus's extended absence. On Regulus's return, he remains uncertain whether he meets the required standard, but is identified as the member who has not slackened his training. 511 513
513–521	Shows solid gains in reaction speed, attack accuracy, spell power, spell-chain rhythm, and energy-efficient damage mitigation after prolonged sparring and harsh training. 514 522

Background / History

Hermes was raised in the Mulciber family, a pure-blood line known for generations of Dark Arts study. He was exposed to Dark Arts from childhood and developed both considerable spell talent and an intense, direct hunger for power. Unlike Avery Cuthbert, whose pride centers on pedigree, Hermes takes pride in the dangerous magic and inherited knowledge he can wield. 94 121

The Mulcibers belong to the Sacred Twenty-Eight but occupy a comparatively marginal position within that circle. Regulus interprets Hermes's urgency about gaining strength as a product of an upbringing in which power was closely associated with survival. 25 129

After arriving at Hogwarts, Hermes became one of Regulus Black's Slytherin dormmates alongside Avery Cuthbert and Alex Rosier. He showed an early interest in Regulus's unusual Shield Charm technique, foreshadowing both his curiosity about powerful magic and his eventual rivalry with Regulus. 15

Hermes began making secret nighttime excursions early in his first year. Regulus observed him returning with scorched robes, a cut on his left hand, and a sulfurous smell suggestive of Magical Flames or alchemical work. His possessions and activities later included cursed books, empty glass vials, and maps of secret castle areas. As his mission advanced, he increasingly stayed out for entire nights and withdrew from the dormitory group. 25 83

During his first year, Hermes received a family mission to work with Daren McNeil in breaking an ancient Protective Charm beneath the Astronomy Tower. After two months of progress, McNeil released a crystal containing Grey Mist at Hermes when the charm was close to failing, severely cursing him and apparently betraying the Mulciber side of the operation. 97 120

The curse left his Magic Power weak, chaotic, and fractured, while a foreign dark aura clung to his body like a magical plague. He remained in the Hospital Wing until the curse was cleared, though he was still physically weakened on discharge. 94 95 106 120

Abros visited him during his hospitalization and brought a family potion to aid his recovery. After Dumbledore intervened in the incident, Abros asked Regulus to look after Hermes. Regulus interpreted the request as a possible family-level overture following Dumbledore's contact with the Mulcibers, rather than merely a request for companionship. 98 107

After recovering, Hermes disclosed the mission and the Mulciber family's involvement to Regulus. He later challenged Regulus to a formal duel to determine whether Regulus was truly worth following; Regulus overwhelmingly defeated him, and Hermes accepted his superiority. 120 121 122 123

Hermes recalled awakening with Dumbledore beside him and being told that the dangerous object had been sealed and Daren had also been injured. The failed operation ended the cooperation between the McNeil and Mulciber families; Regulus subsequently identified the sealed object as the Plague Wand when reporting the incident to Orion. 120 126

Following further reports of Regulus's comprehensive superiority, Abros instructed Hermes to temporarily put aside his Dark Arts practice and observe Regulus's methods of training, combat judgment, and decision-making under pressure. Hermes relayed these instructions to Regulus without alteration and began following his training more closely. 330 358

Appearance

Hermes is repeatedly described as gloomy and somber, usually presenting a distant, guarded expression.

• Has naturally straight black hair. 123
• Often keeps to himself and speaks little. 277
• His hair and robes are frequently left disheveled after sparring or harsh training. 277 368 438
• During his hospitalization, he appeared ashen, sunken-eyed, and severely thin from the curse's effects. 106
• The Grey Mist curse also produced spreading dark blotches on his neck and collarbone, dark-gray cobweb-like lines along his arm, and small ulcerated points where the lines intersected. 94 95
• His hair became curly after Regulus's controlled Incendio during their duel. 123
• When defending against the Flame Whip, his usual detached expression gave way to intense concentration, with tightly pressed lips and bright, focused eyes. 368

Personality

Hermes is blunt, reserved, and single-minded in his pursuit of strength. He asks directly for magic he wants to learn and is willing to endure repeated defeat, pain, and exhausting training if it promises improvement. 276 368 424

He initially dismissed ordinary school magic as impractical compared with lethal Dark Arts, underestimating the combat potential of Transfiguration and basic spells. His defeats at Regulus's hands forced him to reconsider that belief, though he retained his pride and drive to catch up. 40 122 277

His major weakness is impatience with slow, abstract study. Though highly gifted at learning spells, he lacks interest in understanding their principles or performing long-term mental training unless Regulus makes its value explicit. He tends to obey instructions and leave broader planning to Regulus. 258 358 369 409 415

His academic work is similarly pragmatic: he memorizes what he needs to pass examinations, while devoting most of his attention to magic and especially the Dark Arts. Regulus considers this division of responsibilities a form of role specialization, with Hermes serving as the group's combat force rather than its planner or spokesman. 258 369

Hermes's desire for immediate results can lead him to seek transformation or enhancement rather than knowledge. After witnessing Baruk's modifications, he asked to be modified himself; later, he expressed a wish to gain power through a transformation like Bellatrix's. Regulus repeatedly challenges this reliance on shortcuts and forces Hermes to pursue improvement through his own training. 415 514

Despite his dislike of being beaten, Hermes treats pain as an acceptable cost of progress. He summarizes his attitude as liking strength rather than beatings themselves, with the latter merely being “complimentary.” 522

His narrow focus on magic does not prevent practical initiative. He independently began physical training during periods of magical exhaustion, and after recognizing Regulus's continued advancement, redirected his attention toward improving himself rather than dwelling on comparisons. 209 251

Hermes is largely uninterested in family politics and factional maneuvering. Regulus recognizes that an intervention Hermes regards simply as a fight can carry implications for the Mulciber, Lestrange, and Black families, and therefore takes responsibility for considering those consequences. Hermes also leaves the management of approaches from other pure-blood families to Avery and Alex. 281 368 521

He nevertheless respects boundaries when Regulus declines to discuss sensitive matters and can learn from methods outside direct combat. After witnessing Regulus resolve a confrontation more thoroughly than violence alone would have done, Hermes recognizes that how strength is used matters as much as possessing it. 121 139 201

Abilities & Skills

Dark Arts

Hermes is a highly capable young Dark Arts practitioner with unusually advanced knowledge for his age. Regulus can tell that he had used harmful magic on living beings before arriving at Hogwarts. 28

• Uses offensive and disabling spells including Blood Boil, Shadow Rend, Shadow Eater, the Leg-Locker Curse, and Petrificus Totalus. 28 122 277
• Possesses a lingering Dark Arts aura after holiday practical experience. 199
• Studies old Dark Arts texts during group training. 132
• His family background gives him access to Dark Arts knowledge, but Regulus considers his fixation on it a danger without stronger mental foundations. 94 369
• Can distribute Blood Boil into multiple threads. After Regulus advises him to divide his awareness, he achieves more even power across four strands and begins attempting a fifth. 130
• A weakened Blood Boil breaks Avery's Shield Charm in less than three seconds during an early training test. 132
• Can combine multiple harmful spells into coordinated attacks, such as using Blood Boil, Shadow Rend, and concealed Shadow Eater tentacles in near-simultaneous succession. 277
• Improves at concealing his offensive intent, making several attacks difficult for Regulus to sense until they are already close. His earlier tendency to maximize the lethality of every spell, however, causes rapid exhaustion and sharply reduced power later in a fight. 207 208

Dueling

Hermes is a fast and tactically aware duelist, particularly when chaining offensive spells.

• Opened his first duel with Regulus using rapid sequences of Rictusempra, the Leg-Locker Curse, and Impedimenta. 28
• Can cast multiple attacks nearly simultaneously and combine direct attacks with concealed follow-ups. 277
• His spellcasting speed, spell strength, and footwork visibly surpass Avery and Alex's. 209
• Regulus assesses his spell strength after the holidays as twice that of the previous term, alongside faster casting and more flexible footwork. 207 208
• Can trade blows with Sirius without relying on Dark Arts. 404
• Uses ordinary spells alongside curses, including Expelliarmus, Impedimenta, Rictusempra, Incendio, the Bubble-Head Charm, and the Shield Charm. 28 122 277
• Still struggles against opponents who control spacing and casting tempo; Regulus used consecutive Slowing Charms to force him into constant evasive movement and prevent counterattacks. 277
• During the operation against Rababstan and Snape, Hermes arrived first, used Depulso to blast Snape away from Lena Costa, and forced Rababstan to flee before he could draw his wand. 293
• His later training improved his reactions, accuracy, spell power, spell-chain rhythm, and ability to absorb damage without wasting excessive Magic Power. 522

By the period of his intensive second-year training, Regulus regards Hermes as standing in a separate tier among the lower years. Although older students may have larger reserves and know more spells, Regulus believes Hermes would remain dangerous in an unrestricted fight; his later sparring performance places him among the strongest even when compared with students several years older. 258 277

Magic Power Control and Combat Conditioning

Under Regulus's training, Hermes developed better Magic Power control, stress tolerance, and combat responses.

• Can enter a low-consumption resting state, then immediately shift his Magic Power into an active combat-ready state. 276
• Trains relentlessly, switching to physical exercise whenever his Magic Power is depleted and resuming magical practice when it recovers. 276
• Independently devised this alternating routine, practicing running, endurance, reactions, and evasion among training dummies after exhausting his magical reserves. 251
• His foundational Magic Manipulation assignment begins with wandless control of the direction and intensity of Magic Power released through his fingertips. 369
• Endured intensive exercises involving high-temperature fireballs, Flame Whips, spatially redirected attacks, and Legilimency pressure. 424 438
• Has made progress in Magic Power control and managing stress responses, but initially attempted to seek shortcuts and was severely punished by Regulus. 424 425
• Under sustained combat pressure, can instinctively concentrate Magic Power into his body to break free from Transfigured quicksand and resist a Pressure Charm. 424
• Can channel Magic Power into his legs to accelerate out of a pressure zone, then attempt to defend his consciousness against an immediate mental attack. 437
• His repeated sparring with Regulus has made his responses faster and more efficient even when facing attacks he cannot fully counter. 514 522
• Continued group Magic Manipulation practice while Regulus was away from Hogwarts. 511

The Flame Whip used in the later conditioning drill is explicitly an ordinary version rather than the Fiendfyre-derived form. Regulus varies the intensity and duration of successive rounds, allowing recovery between them so that Hermes's mental defense and Magic Power control can improve through sustained training. 424 437

Legilimency and Mental Defense

Hermes began structured mental training after Regulus identified major gaps in his education.

• Regulus demonstrated that Hermes's mental defenses were fragile and offered him a choice between continued Dark Arts specialization or foundational training. 369
• Chose to follow Regulus's plan of Legilimency practice and Magic Power control exercises. 369
• His training emphasizes recognizing his own emotions and thoughts, separating emotion from judgment, and constructing a barrier against external will. 369
• Shows more potential in mental defense than Avery or Alex, though the training remains difficult for him. 370
• His dislike of patient, reflective practice limits his progress unless closely guided. 369 409
• Can forcibly raise his developing Legilimency defenses to keep Regulus's disruptive mental intrusions outside while under intense physical pressure, though only with difficulty. 424
• Practices Legilimency independently during Regulus's extended absence, but remains unsure whether his progress satisfies Regulus's requirements. 511

Regulus also presents mental discipline as essential protection against the Dark Arts' amplification of negative emotions. Hermes accepts the training more seriously once its connection to maintaining control of his curses is explained. 369

Fiendfyre

Hermes has a strong interest in Fiendfyre after witnessing Regulus's Fiendfyre-derived Flame Whip.

• Withstood the shockwaves of Regulus's controlled Flame Whip behind a Shield Charm, though the impact broke through and threw him backward. 368
• Regulus deliberately directed the second impact through weak points in Hermes's shield; Hermes was left shaken but neither burned nor injured. 368
• Asked Regulus to teach him Fiendfyre, but was refused as mentally unready. 369
• Regulus states that Fiendfyre requires Magic Power reserves exceeding those of an adult wizard, Dark Arts knowledge, emotional control, mental strength, and the will to dominate its destructive tendency. Casting it without the ability to restrain and dismiss it risks killing the caster or causing a catastrophe. 369
• Also asked about learning a Patronus, but Regulus postponed the subject. Hermes could not identify the happiness needed to support the spell when questioned, and his gloomy family upbringing was considered a possible obstacle. 369

Equipment / Items

• Wand — Hermes's primary tool for dueling and Dark Arts spellcasting. 28 368
• Hand-drawn map — Marked a suspected entrance beneath the Astronomy Tower, connecting him to the secret mission that led to his cursing. 95
• Dark Arts books — Studies older Dark Arts material during practice sessions. 132
• Secret-investigation materials — Regulus observed cursed books, empty glass vials, and maps marking hidden castle areas among the clues to Hermes's nighttime activities. 83
• Family recovery potion — Brought by Abros during Hermes's hospitalization to help his recovery. 98

Relationships

• Regulus Black — Initially a rival whom Hermes challenges and underestimates; after repeated defeats, he accepts Regulus as the stronger wizard and follows his training direction. Regulus views Hermes as the group's primary combat asset. 40 123 369 Regulus subjects him to harsh, individualized combat and mental training to correct his reliance on shortcuts, while Hermes accepts the pain as long as it makes him stronger. 424 437 522 Hermes respects Regulus's privacy and usually leaves nonmagical planning to him; Regulus, in turn, considers Hermes valuable enough to guide rather than expose to prematurely dangerous magic. 121 258 369
• Abros Mulciber — His father and a member of the Mulciber family. Abros arranged for Hermes to train alongside Regulus but had focused Hermes's upbringing on technical spellcasting rather than mental discipline. 98 330 369 He later directs Hermes to observe and record Regulus's training and combat judgment, and Hermes unquestioningly agrees when Regulus tells him to bring Abros to visit the Black family. 358 531 Abros brings a family potion during Hermes's hospitalization and asks Regulus to look after him following Dumbledore's intervention. 98 107
• Daren McNeil — Partner in the Astronomy Tower mission. McNeil released the Grey Mist on Hermes at the critical moment, leaving him severely cursed. 120
• Avery Cuthbert — Fellow Slytherin and training companion. Avery recognizes Hermes's superior spellcasting and Dark Arts ability, while also frequently teases him after his duels with Regulus. 209 277 Hermes's visible progress motivates Avery to consider learning Dark Arts to catch up. 209 211
• Alex Rosier — Fellow Slytherin and training companion. Alex initially dislikes Hermes's gloomy demeanor but later trains alongside him under Regulus. 94 370 Hermes can also coordinate practical observation with Alex, directing him to follow Rababstan after noticing the latter watching Regulus. 49
• Sirius Black — Sparring opponent; Hermes can exchange blows with Sirius without using Dark Arts. 404
• Baruk — Hermes envies the modified Acromantula's growing power and once asked Regulus to modify him in the same manner. Baruk mockingly calls him “Little spider.” 412 415 416 Hermes helped obtain Bowtruckles for Baruk's second modification, and Baruk later tripped him when he attempted to pat its head. 412 416
• Lina Costa and Samuel Vance — Younger members of Regulus's extended training group. Hermes trains alongside them and helped intervene when Lena was endangered during Rababstan and Snape's operation. 293 424 514
• Albus Dumbledore — Intervened in the aftermath of the Astronomy Tower incident. Hermes awoke in the Hospital Wing with Dumbledore beside him and was told that the danger had been sealed and the matter resolved. 120
• Madam Pomfrey — Oversees his treatment and discharge after the Grey Mist curse, initially prescribing rest, a light diet, and a follow-up examination. 94 95 120

Story Role / Major Arcs

Early Slytherin Rivalry

Hermes requests a duel with Regulus during Slytherin's first-year welcoming program. His quick spellcasting and Dark Arts proficiency are evident, but Regulus neutralizes every attack without leaving his initial position. 27 28

Regulus ends the match with Expelliarmus immediately after blocking Hermes's Blood Boil, leaving Hermes visibly pale and demoralized. When Travers subsequently confronts Regulus, Hermes silently moves closer to watch, though he does not directly intervene. 28 29

He later openly dismisses Regulus's Transfiguration as useless in real combat. Regulus responds by altering the air Hermes breathes so that it can no longer support respiration, demonstrating the lethality of advanced Transfiguration and leaving Hermes terrified. 40

Astronomy Tower Incident

Hermes secretly investigates an ancient entrance below the Astronomy Tower on a Mulciber family assignment. His collaborator Daren McNeil betrays him with Grey Mist, causing a near-fatal Dark Arts curse. 95 97 120

His unexplained nighttime absences and the traces of injury and magical activity on his return had previously alerted Regulus that he was pursuing a dangerous secret. A hand-drawn map among Hermes's belongings then directs Regulus, Avery, and Alex toward the hidden entrance after his hospitalization. 25 83 95

The incident creates the conditions for Hermes to join Regulus, Avery, and Alex more fully after his recovery. 120

Submission and Training Under Regulus

Hermes challenges Regulus again after leaving the Hospital Wing, hoping for a formal duel. Regulus overwhelms him with wandless, incantationless magic and easily nullifies every spell Hermes uses; Hermes then concedes and agrees to follow him. 121 122 123

He becomes the most combat-capable member of Regulus's group besides Regulus himself, training harder than the others and repeatedly seeking sparring matches to measure his growth. 258 276 277

His progress includes finer control of multi-threaded Blood Boil, increased spell strength, concealed offensive intent, and physical conditioning during magical recovery. Nevertheless, Regulus repeatedly demonstrates that lethal spells are ineffective without accuracy, efficiency, and control of the casting rhythm. 130 207 251 277

Mental Training and Search for Stronger Magic

After witnessing Fiendfyre, Hermes asks Regulus to teach it to him. Instead, Regulus redirects him toward Legilimency and Magic Power control, forcing Hermes to confront the weakness of his mental foundations. 368 369

His later training centers on surviving pressure, improving mental defenses, and learning not to seek power only through shortcuts or passive enhancement. 415 424 425 438

Forbidden Forest and Baruk's Modification

Hermes follows Regulus early one morning after correctly guessing that he intends to visit the Forbidden Forest. Although eager to explore deeper, he recognizes the danger of going alone and attaches himself to Regulus rather than attempting an independent expedition. 412

He captures seven or eight Bowtruckles for Baruk's second modification and accompanies Regulus by Side-Along Apparition. Seeing the modified Acromantula's size and new abilities intensifies his desire for similar enhancement, prompting the request that Regulus modify him as well. 412 415

High-Intensity Combat Conditioning

After Hermes asks to receive the same kind of modification as Baruk, Regulus uses repeated, punishing one-on-one training sessions to demonstrate that borrowed enhancement cannot substitute for personal mastery. Hermes is driven through spatially redirected spells, Transfiguration hazards, pressure-based Dark Arts, Flame Whips, and Legilimency interference until he can react and defend under overwhelming stress. 415 424 425

Although initially sullen after being punished for seeking shortcuts, Hermes later apologizes and asks to continue the training. By the end of the school year, he has made substantial practical gains and embraces the hardship as part of his pursuit of strength. 437 514 522

During Regulus's extended absence, Hermes continues independent Legilimency work and group Magic Manipulation practice. He is visibly nervous when Regulus returns because he remembers the promised consequences of failing the required standard, but the subsequent assessment confirms that he has continued working and improved. 511 513

Summer Training Instructions

On the Hogwarts Express at the end of the school year, Hermes remains focused on personal strength rather than the political tensions occupying his companions. Regulus gives the group holiday training instructions, and Hermes later rejoins Abros at King's Cross after a brief farewell to the others. 521

Trivia

• Hermes shares a name with Hermes Trismegistus, though the narration explicitly notes this as a coincidence. 364
• He is described as a “gloomy boy” even by Slytherin standards. 277
• His instinctive reaction to seeing Baruk's modifications was to ask to be modified himself rather than to ask how to learn the technique. 415
• He is so direct that, when Abros told him to observe and record Regulus's methods, he repeated the instructions to Regulus essentially word for word before simply asking how he should practice. 358
• Before one sparring match, he specifically asks Regulus not to use the spatial technique that destroyed a dummy's head or the simultaneous release of eight spells. Regulus regards his willingness to admit these concerns as a sign that Hermes has genuinely accepted him. 277
• After Baruk trips him and calls him “Little spider,” Hermes becomes even more impressed by the creature rather than losing interest in its abilities. 416

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