Kaecilius hurriedly explained:
"I've had quite a few insights during my recent training. You inspired me to read more."
As he spoke, he discreetly slipped the Book of Cagliostro behind his back.
Hermione folded her arms and tilted her head, watching him with an amused half-smile.
"I have no interest in becoming a follower of Dormammu, so don't try pinning this on me."
Kaecilius's pupils contracted, and he abruptly swept his hand through the air.
Their surroundings instantly twisted and folded.
Kaecilius's gaze turned cold.
"This is the Mirror Dimension. Nothing in the real world can interfere with what happens here."
His voice sank low.
"There's no bad blood between us. I had no intention of making an enemy of you."
"But since you've stumbled upon my secret, don't blame me for showing no mercy."
As the interior of the Mirror Dimension slowly shifted, the mark of the Dark Dimension appeared on Kaecilius's forehead.
Although he had spent years at Kamar-Taj without paying attention to the outside world, he knew this little girl was far more than she appeared to be.
Anyone who caught the Ancient One's eye was no ordinary person.
But with the power he had drawn from Dormammu, his confidence was soaring.
He believed that apart from the Ancient One, no one in this world could stand against him.
Even magic as advanced as the Mirror Dimension came easily to him with the aid of dark power.
Yet Kaecilius had failed to realize something.
Every time he borrowed Dormammu's power, darkness corroded his soul a little more.
Until, in the end, he would become Dormammu's slave completely.
A transparent blade formed in Kaecilius's hand, and he thrust it at Hermione, as though he could already see her falling.
"Petrificus Totalus."
An instant later, he snapped to attention