Harry's Growth

It's already the end of February.

In Britain, the weather is still cold, but not like it has been in the past few months—the roads, rooftops, lakes, and bridges are covered with thick ice.

Even after the stadium was decorated with a cloud-like substance when the game ended, there was no snow accumulation on the turf.

But even so, it doesn't mean it's warm here.

But now Harry is sitting cross-legged on the ground, shirtless, with his wand resting flat on his lap.

It feels like it's still the height of summer.

Standing beside him was a figure with a terrible reputation in relationships— Albus Dumbledore.

If Rita Skeeter Skeeter saw this scene.

She would probably risk resigning from The Daily Prophet just to report on this.

He did not hesitate to write a lengthy article of 10,000 words for it.

Even if the truth is revealed later—that this was magical training—it doesn't matter.

This unique method of practice, combined with Dumbledore's identity, simply doesn't make sense.

However, no one could have imagined that this was Harry's own decision.

He is currently learning the basics of Wind magic.

The Quidditch Pitch was 'heated' before, so it wasn't cold to begin with.

Not to mention his current physical condition.

Actually, he didn't take off his robe at first.

However, when sensing the omnipresent wind in the air, he couldn't help but focus his attention on the dark, rustling treetops in the Forbidden Forest not far away.

As his mind calmed further, he could even hear the sound of Durmstrang's sails fluttering in the wind on the Black Lake.

And the faint sound of voices coming from the redwood in Castelobruxo the Black Lake.

Dumbledore said it was because his senses were too heightened.

I can always notice subtle sounds, so much so that I can't ignore them.

Then Harry had an idea: take off his robe.

Increase the amount of exposed skin to maximize the sensation of wind.

Dumbledore also approved of this approach.

He didn't mention it before, probably to avoid suspicion.

But Harry had a vague feeling that Dumbledore have already anticipated that he would do this.

After all, why 'heat up' the air in the stadium before learning magic?

"Harry, your mind is not at peace."

"I just feel a little cold." Harry immediately stopped his inner monologue.

I tried to control my body, and I got a few goosebumps.

His heart began to sink.

"Imagine you are the wind. A gentle breeze. The leaves are being lifted up by you," Dumbledore's voice began to echo in Harry's ears.

But then an unexpected thing happened.

In a state of complete physical and mental relaxation.

Harry did not turn into the wind.

He was completely immersed in the experience.

He now felt as if he had sunk into the earth.

His current posture resembles the meditative state in Buddhism.

His current demeanor can be described in a single sentence from the Ksitigarbha Ten Wheels Sutra:

Calm and still as the earth, deep and secret as a hidden treasure.

Beyond the thicket at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, inside a fence lavishly constructed with ropes made of Unicorn tails and sturdy logs, the Holly Tree with its grey-black bark began to rustle.

Dumbledore incredibly surprised.

He no longer sees any of the ethereal grace in Harry.

Instead, an invisible magical magnetic field surged forth centered on the present-day Harry.

Harry is now like any random stone or handful of sand.

But that's impossible.

Harry's body, especially when naked, is incredibly obvious.

Especially in his eyes.

It was as if he had been drugged with the most potent Amortentia.

With a thought, Dumbledore extended his long fingers, and invisible magic coalesced into a blade at his fingertips.

It mysteriously disappeared when it was still a foot away from Harry's body.

It was as if the surging magic flowing to the fingertips was like a drop of water falling into a raging fire, instantly turning into vapor.

It was an incredibly subtle, indescribable 'elimination' force, just like Harry's right now.

With his superior and extensive magical knowledge, Dumbledore understood Harry's current state after a brief moment of confusion.

Harry now is like a Holly Tree, buried in the soil.

It slowly grows by absorbing the magical power around it.

He even suspected that if he directly hit Harry with Avada Kedavra, Harry, who was still growing and surrounded by 'absorbing' energy, might absorb it.

What Harry needs now is enough magical energy.

"Incendio!" Dumbledore, his thin arm peeking out from under his robes.

The wand was like a torch, with flames leaping from its tip, like a giant, warm lasso.

They surrounded Harry completely.

His figure swayed in the crimson firelight.

However, he was like Phoenix rising from the ashes.

All the heat from the flames was absorbed by his seemingly frail body.

So much so that not a single Mars ignited on the grass of the field.

It was as if what was now descending from the sky was not the endless, surging flames that seemed poised to scorch the heavens and burn the earth.

It was Mao Mao drizzle.

At the castle, the windows, which had long been extinguished, were lit again. The bustling sounds began to ignite the castle, which had been quiet for so long.

On the large ship, a few scattered people began to gather on the previously deserted deck.

The redwood tree by Black Lake, and the wooden spiral staircase, slowly grew again from the center of the tree until it touched the ground. One after another, vibrant green figures leaped down.

They all looked toward the center of the field not far away.

A swirling whirlwind of fire surged from the top of the tiny figure.

Like a god punishing mortals, it fell towards the center of the arena.

What's even more amazing is that, despite the fierce flames, there was no crackling sound of burning.

Many people recognized the tall, thin figure— Albus Dumbledore.

They all connected this to the competition.

"This is the foundry!"

"Definitely! The first two times were on the court! The third time definitely will be too!"

"We have both ground and sky. This time it might be lava. Use a powerful Fire-Making Spell to draw out the subterranean fire!"

As someone who was being watched Dumbledore naturally noticed these gazes, which were as fiery as the fire he was now radiating.

However, he did not stop.

Although the sight of Harry's bare upper body emerging after the flames subsided would further diminish his already limited dignity in matters of the sexes.

But it was too late; Harry had already nurtured the tree seed to the point where it was about to sprout and emerge from the ground.

He cannot give up halfway.

Moreover, Harry's existence is inherently more important.

Especially after he knew that Gellert had bad intentions towards Harry but did not stop him in time, which led to Harry receiving the blessing.

Although he secretly observed Harry while Madam Pomfrey examined him and confirmed that Harry was alright.

But this sense of guilt lingered in my heart.

This time, Harry finally had a chance to develop rapidly.

He will never stop!

I'll protect Harry's growth!

Chapter 235 The seal has been lifted.

P. S.: Thanks to Wolf King for the monthly pass and to all the other students for their recommendations and subscriptions!