6

With George and Fred gone, Aiden finally had time to confirm the changes in himself.

He looked in the mirror, and the boy staring back at him was striking.

His skin was fair and smooth like porcelain with a faint blush. His fluffy black hair shone faintly with hints of gray in the candlelight.

His eyes had become heterochromatic—one iris retained its deep blue color, while the other had turned golden. The pupils were no longer rounded, but vertical—like a dragon's gaze.

Dragon? Wait… dragon?

"System, open the panel."

Ding.

Name: Aiden Pruett

Age: 6

Talent: Transfiguration 8, Potionology 9, Charm Studies 8, Alchemy 7, Herbology 6, Dark Arts (Soul Studies) 8

(Talent is capped at ten)

Magic (Spirituality): ???

Bloodline: Dragon Blood Awakening

Charms: Common Household Charms, Levitation Charm, Flash Charm, Confusion Charm, Transfiguration (Beginner)

"Oh, so promotion increases academic talent too. That makes sense. Modern wizardry relies heavily on mental strength, and the Audience pathway really suits that.

And dragon blood—no wonder my eyes changed. What is this, magical cosmetic surgery?"

Aiden smirked at his reflection, then closed the panel.

"System, how do I release you from my soul?"

Ding. The host can use the Mind Reader ability to unlock the soul's defense.

"Alright," Aiden said, beginning the process. His spiritual energy slowly began to flow.

A faint light shimmered, and a blue gem appeared in Aiden's hand.

"System?"

This time, there was no response. It seemed the system had truly been released.

He raised the gem and examined it closely. So this is uniqueness? Doesn't look like much.

He tried channeling spiritual energy into the gem.

Ding.

The gem responded. It seemed future access to the system would require this method. He'd done enough for the day—it was time to rest.

Aiden returned to bed and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Aiden woke up, washed, and tied the gem with a cord to wear it around his neck. He wasn't afraid of losing it—after all, as the only Audience-sequence transcendent, by the law of transcendent characteristic convergence, either he'd find it, or it would find him.

After breakfast, he headed into the courtyard to test his new Mind Reader abilities. Outside, George and Fred were running around, laughing and chasing each other.

The Burrow's garden was full of magical flora and small creatures like garden gnomes—perfect for testing.

Aiden stopped in front of a gnome hole, used the Levitation Charm to lift a gnome into the air, then activated his ability. The gnome immediately stopped struggling.

"So, what should I do with you?"

Aiden grinned. With his delicate features and mischievous smirk, he looked like a devil luring innocents.

The Mind Reader's performance relies on guiding others logically. No abrupt or unnatural actions. Every detail must be soft and reasonable—only then will the target remain unaware of the manipulation.

He poured spirituality into his words and whispered near the gnome's ear, "You're a mature gnome now. Why keep targeting wizard homes?

Look—there's a lush reed field nearby, unclaimed by any gnome. Milk and honey lie hidden within it. What that field needs is a leader. One with vision, courage. That leader… is you."

The gnome darted off in a puff of dirt.

Aiden blinked.

That's it? That was… easier than I expected. Or maybe gnomes are just too simple-minded to resist guidance?

He sighed, a bit underwhelmed, then headed back inside. Mrs. Weasley was preparing lunch.

As she opened her mouth to ask something, Aiden had already read her thoughts.

"I know, Aunt Molly. I'll go get George and Fred."

He turned and went to find them.

At lunch, the Weasley family gathered around the table for a warm, noisy meal. Mrs. Molly, still thinking about Aiden's earlier behavior, hesitated repeatedly. Finally, she spoke.

"Aiden… are you a Mind Reader?"

"What?"

Eight voices gasped in unison.

"Yes, Aunt Molly. I've gained a power that lets me perceive thoughts. I can read surface-level thoughts fairly easily. Deeper ones, not so much—and the ability doesn't always activate. It can be random."

To avoid alienating the family, Aiden chose to hide the deeper capabilities of the Mind Reader path.

"Whoa! That's so cool. I wish I had that power too," Ron said, eyes sparkling.

Bill and Charlie exchanged thoughtful glances, intrigued. Ginny didn't seem too bothered—at five years old, she still liked sharing her feelings openly with everyone.

Meanwhile, George and Fred radiated mischief. George leaned forward.

"No wonder you can always tell which one of us is which. You're cheating!"

Fred grinned. "And next time you come pranking with us, you won't get caught by Mr. Vole in the village."

"George, Fred—behave yourselves!" Molly scolded.

Then she turned back to Aiden.

"Aiden, we're family. If anything's troubling you, just come to us. We'll always be here for you."

Arthur added, "A rare talent, Mind Reader. Could make you a fine Auror one day."

Molly gave him a sharp look. "Arthur! He hasn't even started Hogwarts yet. And the Ministry isn't so desperate they're hiring children."

Arthur chuckled. "Still, Aiden, now that you know your gift, you can start training spells suited to it. Wizards usually find their natural talents enhance certain types of magic."

Molly asked, "Are you going to organize the Weasley and Pruett family libraries?"

But Arthur shook his head.

"No. I think we should ask someone else—someone with a solid foundation in memory magic." He gave Molly a meaningful glance.

"Oh. That teacher?" Molly understood instantly. "He is a good choice. But are you sure he has time to teach Aiden? He's still so young, Arthur."

"It's summer break at Hogwarts. He should be free," Arthur replied. "Besides, you know Mind Readers deal with people's thoughts—it'll influence Aiden's growth. Even the youngest children can struggle with the weight of others' minds."

He looked serious now. "But Aiden is gifted. I believe he can manage."

And so, Aiden's next steps were decided by the head of the Weasley family—his training would begin soon.

End of the Chapter