Magic Is a Miracle

"When we first left home, both Qiao Weili and I were a bit unaccustomed. The sense of unfamiliarity brought intense stimulation, and Qiao Weili's spellcasting level improved by leaps and bounds almost weekly during that period.

But for me, only the first three days were somewhat enjoyable.

Once I adapted, those so-called adventures and journeys were just another form of routine. Hmm—perhaps it's because I don't particularly like traveling.

I saw the mithril caves in France and studied the resonance between ancient runes and ley line magic power for a while, trying to find commonalities in magic power. I discovered that these commonalities were already hidden within the hundreds of spells I had learned.

Later, I also had conflicts with some ancient wizarding families in Northern Europe—I examined their magic, and apart from their outdated concepts, it had no distinguishing features.

As for what came after. The Bulgarian Fire Dragons were quite magnificent, but since hunting them was strictly forbidden, I didn't want to cause trouble for myself, so I didn't engage them directly."

As he spoke of this part, Li Wei's thoughts drifted—thinking carefully, in his past fourteen years, there seemed to be very few things worth remembering.

Even the varied sights and experiences during his travels, looking back now, couldn't stir his heart.

"I once proudly believed that even without learning Dark Arts, as long as I had a transcendent understanding of magic, I could still reach unprecedented heights with spells and Transfiguration. Dark Arts, being an unstable existence, simply weren't worth the risk to learn.

But after wandering around and wasting several years, I only came to realize one thing more and more clearly—magic is completely unreasonable.

Spells, targets, beliefs, imagination—above all these, there must be something I haven't foreseen.

To touch its essence, I must take risks.

Explore deeper and more difficult paths, even into the most dangerous and forbidden realms."

Li Wei's eyes sparkled.

"Two years ago, I made up my mind completely. I led a group of students and quietly returned to Britain to formally begin learning Dark Arts from scratch.

However, due to my insufficient understanding of Dark Arts and some accidents, my students were caught by the retired Mad-Eye Moody. After that, he went mad and wouldn't leave us alone.

"And then—you arrived."

At this point, the light in his eyes extinguished again. He helplessly spread his palms towards Dumbledore, looking quite resigned.

Dumbledore, who had been immersed in the journey of seeking knowledge he had just described, suddenly saw Li Wei in this state. The corners of his eyes involuntarily curved into a gentle smile.

"I must say, Li Wei, after your graduation, you've lived quite a remarkable life."

"Remarkable? For fourteen years, I basically just practiced magic."

"No—absolutely remarkable."

Dumbledore shook his head, his attitude firm.

"On the surface, perhaps, as you say, what you experienced was just day-to-day repetition.

But in my view, the precious thing isn't just this persistence—though it is indeed admirable. What's more valuable is the reflection and exploration of magic during your studies.

Li Wei, for you to reach your current magical heights with only twenty-one years of study is undoubtedly a tremendous achievement. You have every reason to be proud."

"Thank you for your recognition, Professor."

To be affirmed by the most powerful wizard of the age like this, if Li Wei said he felt nothing, it would be too hypocritical.

Indeed, his past efforts did not require an audience.

But this belated, value-filled applause was fitting for the moment.

However, Li Wei felt more caution than joy at this moment—because Dumbledore hadn't finished speaking.

Recalling their initial topic—how to improve magic power—the more crucial words were clearly yet to come.

As expected, just as Li Wei thought this, Dumbledore suddenly uttered a crucial "but."

"But, you are missing something extremely important."

Thump!!!

Li Wei felt his heart clench.

His throat suddenly became dry and itchy, as if the hot cocoa he had just drunk had turned into dry powder, sticking there and desperately trying to block his throat.

"What is it—"

He looked at Dumbledore, his mind racing.

But Dumbledore, as if seeking revenge for an earlier slight, deliberately piqued Li Wei's curiosity at this moment.

"In my opinion, as a wizard, you have indeed achieved remarkable things. But Li Wei, haven't you noticed that precisely because of this perfection, you've lost something more precious?"

"What do you mean?"

Li Wei's brows furrowed tightly, feeling a dull ache in his head.

What was he lacking?

Ever since he came to Hogwarts, all the fragmented, fleeting insights were stirred up by Dumbledore's words at this moment, yet the final piece was missing, like scratching an itch through a boot.

He seemed to realize something, but no matter how he thought, he couldn't find the answer.

And at this moment, Dumbledore solemnly pointed to Li Wei's confused thoughts.

"Li Wei, you are undoubtedly a remarkable wizard.

But I must say, beyond being a wizard, beyond magic.

As a person, as a student, as a complete individual life, you have completely failed yourself! Just looking at you, I know how much effort you've put in, how many people who admired you you've rejected."

You suppressed your emotions, ignored your own needs, and gave everything of yourself to magic under immense pressure.

"That's excellent, you've undoubtedly accomplished that perfectly!"

"But, what about the price?"

"Li Wei, have you ever considered what the price of gaining this power is?"

BOOM!!!

At that moment, it felt as if thousands of currents surged through every cell in Li Wei's body!

Dumbledore's question made his mind completely explode.

In the tremor of his soul, information particles like dust frantically gathered in his mind. Past conversations echoed incessantly, gradually forming pieces waiting to be assembled.

He suddenly heard many voices.

"Li Wei, you should have been an interesting guy. Stop messing around with basic magic all day. Join us, and you'll definitely discover more fun in magic."

[James Potter, thank you for the invitation, but I happen to be the most uninteresting person. I have no interest in the fun you speak of. Please stop bothering me.]

"Your name is Li Wei, right? I've been observing you for a long time!

You're different from them, different from those fools who just laugh or scream all day.

You understand what's truly important!

Let's team up, just you and me!

We can study powerful magic together, master a strength they can never reach in their lives! Let those arrogant and foolish guys pay the price!"

[Severus Snape? I'm afraid I'm completely different from what you imagine. I have no interest in the powerful magic you speak of. Please stop bothering me. I don't want to be mistaken for being associated with you.]

"Classmate Li Wei, I like you. Would you like to go to Hogsmeade village with me this Christmas?"

[Sorry, I don't have time for romance.]

"Li Wei, I specifically allow you, a half-blood, to join our Quidditch team. We Slytherins will always be first!"

[Thank you, but I hate Quidditch.]

"I didn't expect you to actually become a professor at Hogwarts—Ha! A reclusive freak!

Of course, you can do as you've always done, ignore everyone and immerse yourself in your own world. You've always done that anyway, haven't you?"

[.]

"Professor, you seem to be in a good mood?"

[Hmm, perhaps, deep down inside, I always longed to return here.]

"Professor, regarding the fifth stage you mentioned today, I actually have the answer now. It's emotions, isn't it?"

"So I think... shouldn't wizards also experience different things, feel different emotions? Isn't that better than constantly studying spells behind closed doors?"

The past words struck his heart like spells. The previously vague thoughts suddenly became clear and penetrated his mind.

As his brain trembled, Li Wei's gaze went past Dumbledore, piercing through Hogwarts Castle. He saw himself at eleven years old.

The first spark of brilliance in his eyes when he received his Hogwarts acceptance letter.

Back then, magic was a gift.

It was a miracle.