**Chapter 63: The Holiday is Coming to an End**

"It's fine, it's fine. At first glance, these two tasks seem outrageous, but in reality, when it comes to actually carrying them out..."

Dylan paused.

Though they were still quite outrageous.

But they weren't entirely impossible to complete.

For example, the first refinement task was simply to use the Killing Curse on the same target forty-four times.

Piece of cake.

As for the second task, related to the Transfiguration spell, it was just a matter of casting a Transfiguration spell on Professor McGonagall once.

"Next time I discuss Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall, I can easily suggest a practical demonstration as a reason for us to cast Transfiguration spells on each other. That way, using the spell on her wouldn't seem too abrupt."

Dylan sighed softly.

These tasks weren't exactly difficult, but they weren't exactly easy either.

It all depended on how he approached them.

"The refinement trait for the Killing Curse—'Annihilation's Inferno'—based on the name alone, it's hard to tell what kind of ability it is."

"But the refinement trait for the Transfiguration spell—'Instantaneous Shift'—seems easier to understand. It probably allows me to cast the spell instantly and make the transformation process smoother, right?"

This trait seemed quite worth the Galleons spent.

After all, if a wizard wanted to enhance the power or effect of a spell, they usually had to research and figure it out on their own.

But now, all he had to do was spend a small amount of money and complete some friendly, albeit peculiar, tasks to unlock new traits for his spells.

This was an ability countless wizards would go to the ends of the earth for, yet here he was, able to achieve it with relative ease.

Dylan thought about it and managed to convince himself to let it go.

Of course, with these two refinement tasks in hand, Dylan wasn't eager to try refining other spells.

It wasn't because he thought the refinement fees were too expensive or the tasks too bizarre.

He wasn't a stingy person.

But no matter what, his Galleons had other uses.

For example, he needed to buy many expensive but essential potion ingredients and other materials.

Dylan couldn't possibly dump all of his 90,000 Galleons into refining spells just to add a single trait to each one.

Who knew how hard he had worked to save up nearly 100,000 Galleons?

He had even forced his parents to quit their jobs and, to ensure they didn't slack off in their money-making efforts, he had been writing letters day and night to supervise them!

At the same time, he had to strategize for them, suggesting ways to make money and helping them solve any problems they encountered. After all, a significant portion of their earnings ended up in his pocket.

So, he also had to help his parents overcome any challenges they faced.

"Sigh, life is hard," Dylan muttered.

Just then, the dormitory door opened, and Ron walked in.

After exchanging greetings, Dylan decided to stop dwelling on the refinement tasks.

He pulled out a piece of parchment and began thinking about how to help his parents double their current capital.

By the time he finished the letter, it was already late. Harry had returned to the dorm and was chatting with Ron.

Dylan planned to have Luna send the letter tomorrow. After brushing his teeth and casting a quick *Scourgify* on himself, he hugged Coal and fell into a deep sleep.

This time, he didn't transform his robes into pajamas.

Each transformation cost 100 Galleons, which didn't seem like much, but after ten transformations, that would be 1,000 Galleons.

Small amounts added up. By skipping a few transformations, he could afford to start another refinement task.

No matter how outrageous the task, it meant that any advanced spell he mastered could gain a new magical trait!

The next day, after sending the letter, Dylan continued his usual lessons with Professor Flitwick, learning counter-curses for dark magic.

Time passed quickly.

The Christmas holiday was coming to an end.

Seamus and Neville had returned to school.

Hermione arrived on the last day of the holiday.

Dylan was sitting at the long table in the Great Hall, munching on a Forbidden Forest Dark Flame Durian that was almost as big as his head.

This wasn't part of the usual Hogwarts fare. Hagrid had given it to him a couple of days ago, and it had finally ripened today, so he brought it to the Great Hall to eat.

The durian didn't have the expected foul smell. Instead, it was quite sweet.

The flesh was a deep purple-black, with dark flame-like patterns that resembled flowing lava, all encased in a semi-transparent, glowing membrane.

Since the durian seemed to ripen only under special conditions, Hagrid had only given him one piece.

Dylan was just enjoying the novelty of it.

Hermione walked over and greeted him enthusiastically.

"Wow, what are you eating? It looks a bit scary."

"It's a durian. Hagrid gave it to me."

Hermione blinked but didn't dwell on it. Instead, she sat down beside Dylan.

"Your Christmas gift was so creative! The Magic Transformation Scarf—I noticed it changes color based on the season and temperature inside Hogwarts. Did you knit it yourself? I love it!"

Dylan smiled. "I used magic to knit it. I'm glad you like it. I was worried you might find a scarf boring."

"Not at all!"

Hearing this, Harry and Ron exchanged glances, then looked at Dylan with a hint of resentment.

"Hey, Dylan, how come you only gave Hermione such a cool scarf? I wanted one too, but all I got was a quill!"

Ron frowned. "And some candy!"

Dylan tilted his head. "I take it you haven't tried writing with that quill yet?"

Ron blinked. "What do you mean? Does the quill do something special?"

Dylan pursed his lips. "It's a smart quill. Well, originally, it was just a blank magical quill."

"I programmed it with a spell I wrote myself, so it can automatically correct your spelling and grammar mistakes. I thought it might help you write your potion recipes more smoothly."

Ron's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh! It can do that? I take it back—I was wrong to complain!"

Dylan gave him a flat look. "It's fine. I'm used to it."

Ron scratched his head sheepishly.

Dylan glanced at Harry, who looked like he wanted to say something.

"Your necklace has a hidden protective shield. If you're ever in danger, it'll protect you once."

Harry also scratched his head.

Hermione, who had been quietly listening, placed her bag on her lap and spoke up mysteriously.

"Guess what?"

(End of Chapter)