Hogwarts' Dark Lord, Each Generation Stronger Than the Last

Professor McGonagall couldn't help but shiver.

She had never seen Dumbledore so out of sorts before.

During the Malfoy incident, she could still convince herself it was just childish roughhousing.

But after the Halloween incident, Professor McGonagall immediately realized the danger in Ethan that she had always overlooked.

That innate wickedness even reminded her of The Dark Lord, who had vanished years ago...

"Professor Dumbledore, if we don't intervene, in the long run, Mr. Vincent might really end up in Azkaban!"

Hearing Professor McGonagall's urgent accusation, the surrounding portraits couldn't hold back and began whispering among themselves.

"Azkaban? Hmph! Hogwarts really breeds talent."

The former Headmaster Phineas Black sneered.

Dumbledore ignored the portraits' chatter.

He slowly sipped his sugared milk, feeling a warm stream flow down his throat, and his thoughts drifted back decades.

Back then, there was also a student as gifted as Ethan.

Only, he was better at disguising himself than Ethan.

Like a venomous snake, cloaking itself in a beautiful exterior to appear harmless.

Dumbledore had wondered countless times.

If, back at their first meeting, instead of using force to compel submission, he had shown more care, would things have changed?

...Now it was all in vain.

All he could do was teach Ethan through a different approach, to keep this child from walking down another path.

"As far as I know, Minerva," Dumbledore said slowly, "Ethan hasn't done anything terribly harmful yet."

"If retaliating against someone's provocation is considered intolerable, then I'm afraid Hogwarts would have no Gryffindor house."

Even though Ethan was a Ravenclaw.

"What?"

Professor McGonagall's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Malfoy is one thing—he brought it on himself. But Professor Quirrell? Aside from his teaching ability... which is hard to put into words, he never provoked Ethan!"

"Hmm—perhaps that's just Ethan's small retaliation for his dissatisfaction with Quirrell's teaching attitude."

Dumbledore said with a smile.

"..."

Professor McGonagall was speechless for a long moment.

If she weren't certain Ethan had biological parents, she would have thought he was Dumbledore's long-lost son!

This was far too lenient!

"Besides, Ethan did take the initiative to rescue Miss Granger and the others, didn't he?"

Though, that kid was probably just testing out his new spell.

"But—"

"How about this, Minerva," Dumbledore interrupted.

"Once Professor Quirrell wakes up, we'll discuss Ethan's punishment together based on his opinion, alright?"

Hearing this, Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow in surprise and nodded.

"If that's the case... fine. Professor Quirrell is Ethan's biggest victim, so it's only right for him to decide."

Why the sudden shift in tone?

Even if Professor Quirrell was a pushover, he would surely impose a harsh penalty on a student who humiliated him in public.

At least, Professor McGonagall couldn't think of any reason for Quirrell to let it slide again.

This time, it would surely make Ethan understand that Hogwarts still had rules.

She actually thought highly of Ethan.

She believed his cruel and wicked behavior was just a matter of youth and immaturity.

With strict supervision and severe punishment, Ethan could be straightened out.

Then he wouldn't make a grave mistake later.

"By the way," Dumbledore said, "Ethan's wand seems to have successfully turned into a paintbrush. Though I didn't see it myself, I heard it was quite beautiful."

"Congratulations, Minerva. Your Transfiguration class is about to produce another talent."

"..."

Professor McGonagall's expression softened despite herself, a hint of pride flickering in her eyes.

But the next second, she turned stern again.

—No!

She couldn't afford to be soft-hearted again.

"Hehehe~"

Watching his professor's ever-changing expression, Dumbledore couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well, if you have nothing else, Minerva, this old man needs his rest."

"Click."

The door closed.

Silence returned to the Headmaster's office.

"Is Hogwarts about to produce another Dark Lord? Each generation stronger than the last, is that it?"

Phineas Black sneered.

"Who says only righteousness can fight evil?"

Dumbledore, completely unprovoked, smiled meaningfully:

"Sometimes, a greater evil can devour the existing one."

Pressure from both sides, light and dark.

Voldemort, just you dare to make a comeback—your good days will be over soon.

"Hehehehe~"

At Dumbledore's smile, Phineas Black shrank back with a shudder.

Tsk, tsk.

Hogwarts was practically becoming a breeding ground for Dark Wizards now.

They weren't even pretending anymore.

He should have insisted long ago on admitting only pureblood students.

Ah, the world was going to the dogs.

[To the brilliant Ethan,]

[I thought I had prepared thoroughly for this Halloween. The Dementor costume was very effective—I got the most screams I've ever had.]

[But the moment your letter arrived, I knew my imagination was still far too limited.]

[First, congratulations on keeping your Art Exhibition, approved to continue showing at Hogwarts for a while.]

[Even though they made you take down the best piece, "A Dream of Spring," it's because of that you could send it to me and let me enjoy it.]

[In that painting, I saw bouncing Red Cap Goblins, lots of Colorful Ball Fish flying through rainbows, and Thestrals soaring freely in the blue sky.]

[And you, Ethan.]

[I saw you on the lawn, painting leisurely, your hands and face covered in paint.]

[It felt so wonderful!]

[I rested my chin on my hand, sitting in the grass like a carpet, closed my eyes, and felt as if I truly experienced the gentle breeze brushing my cheeks, hearing the happy calls of the creatures.]

[When I opened my eyes again, I had unknowingly returned to reality.]

[It was like a beautiful dream that lingers in your heart, still lingering when you wake up in the morning.]

[This letter is a bit long, but I truly think your painting is amazing! It will surely bring everyone a wonderful experience!]

[Would you like me to publish it in the next issue of The Quibbler?]

[Waiting for your reply.]

[Yours affectionately, Luna]

[My dear Luna,]

[You didn't even need to ask.]

[The answer will never change: I would.]

[Your faithful friend, Ethan]

Ethan watched the owl carrying his letter fly into the distance, feeling as if his heart flew with it.

Luna—she really was his best friend.

He never imagined that after transmigrating into the world of Harry Potter, he would become the closest kindred spirit with the "Loony" girl from the original story.

Ethan packed his things and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast.

A week had passed since Halloween.

Yet along the way, Ethan could still clearly feel the stares of others.

Wherever he went, it was like an angel stepping off a runway, drawing everyone's gaze.

And when he entered the Great Hall, he was like a walking pause button—wherever he went, conversations stopped.

Eyes filled with all kinds of emotions fixed unblinkingly on him.

Admiration, fear, wariness, respect...

Ethan Vincent's name had even begun to overshadow The Chosen One, Harry Potter.

"You know?" Michael said cheerfully beside him, "Some people secretly call you the 'next Dark Lord,' haha! How funny!"

Ethan smiled but said nothing.

"..."

After two seconds of silence, Michael wisely dropped the topic.

"And some girls are totally obsessed with you—they're practically forming a fan club!"

"Haven't you noticed all those perfume-scented letters and little cards piling up on your nightstand every morning?"

"Those older, pretty girls want to lock you down early! What even is childhood friendship? Women—so terrifying!"

Michael shook his head, as if wishing he could take on this burden for Ethan.

"I just think Hogwarts' security needs improvement."

Ethan said flatly.

Michael sighed, disappointed in him.

Who knew who Ethan exchanged letters with every morning?

Tsk, looks like in a few years, a lot of hearts would be shattered~

What a doggone enviable life.