Learning Spells

Three weeks later, in the Room of Requirement.

It was a comfortable, study-style room. Bookshelves on either side were filled with various books and notes—not particularly valuable ones, seemingly extracurricular materials left behind by former students.

Directly opposite the door stood a French window, and outside, a magically simulated storm raged. Against that violent backdrop, the room—with its thick wool carpets and a roaring fireplace—felt especially warm and inviting.

On a soft sofa, Vaughn closed the book in his hand and rubbed his eyes.

"System!"

[Host: Vaughn Weasley]

[Magic Scale: 438 (Average adult wizard: 500)]

[Talents: Charms 7, Dark Arts 6, Transfiguration 8, Potions 10, Herbology 6, Divination 2 (Max: 10)]

[Spells: Occlumency LV5 (MAX), Memory Charm (Obliviate) LV0 (0/2), Laceration Spell (Sectumsempra) LV0 (0/2), Disillusionment Charm LV0 (0/2), Vanishing Spell (Evanesco) LV0 (0/3), Shadowless LV0 (0/3), Scarpin's Revelaspell LV0 (0/4), Patronus Charm (Expecto Patronum) LV0 (0/4), Fiendfyre LV0 (0/5)...]

[Potions: Laugh-Inducing Potion, Strengthening Potion, Truth Serum (Veritaserum), Wit-Sharpening Potion, Love Potion (Amortentia), Brain Refresher (Pepperup Potion), Polyjuice Potion...]

[Reputation Points: 22]

Staring at the rising Magic Scale and the modest bump in Reputation Points, Vaughn suddenly realized—

A whole month had passed!

Since receiving Snape's permission to borrow advanced books from the restricted section, he had spent nearly every moment outside of class holed up in the Room of Requirement.

Now, after weeks of intense study, his grind had finally yielded results.

Vaughn tossed the book aside, exhaled deeply, and shook his head to clear the dizziness from prolonged concentration. His gaze settled again on the system panel.

The appearance of new spells and potions lifted his spirits.

These were things he hadn't even been able to access for years. Even the more "conventional" spells like Obliviate and Laceration had no clear learning channels outside of Hogwarts.

After all, these spells were restricted by the Ministry of Magic. Unless registered and taught through formal magical institutions like Hogwarts, wild wizards didn't stand a chance of ever mastering them—

And wild wizards were common in the magical world: cursed beings like werewolves and vampires, undocumented foreign black wizards on the run, or those lurking in the gray areas of society.

Not all black wizards were high-profile like the Death Eaters. There were plenty of petty thieves and low-level scoundrels.

What Vaughn hadn't expected was that Snape had approved a book on dark magic.

Most of 'An Introduction to Dark Magic' was basic—poison spells and curses—but the last page featured a surprising addition: a handwritten note.

It contained the Laceration Curse, the counter-healing spell(Vulnera Sanentur), and even the Fiendfyre curse.

Vaughn didn't need to guess who had added it.

Snape—a former Death Eater—was clearly unbothered by dark magic. Of course, he hadn't gone so far as to allow Vaughn to learn Unforgivable Curses yet.

But even this was enough. Without Snape pulling strings, Vaughn might have had to wait four or five years to access these spells.

And as for dark magic, he would've been forced to crawl through Knockturn Alley or the black market, learning from shady characters in the underground world.

That came with its own dangers. Scams, threats, and ambushes—being cheated out of money was the least of the risks.

The momentary excitement faded, and Vaughn pressed his forehead.

"There are too many new spells. If I train them all manually, it'll take forever. Best to spend Reputation Points upgrading one or two to entry-level or proficient, then practice from there.

But... 22 points isn't much. I have to be strategic."

Without hesitation, he dumped all his points into Scarpin's Revelaspell, upgrading it to Level 2 (10/16).

This spell would be extremely useful in potion development, and potions were key to boosting his monthly Reputation Point gains.

At this school stage, investing in potions was the most cost-effective route.

Points spent, Vaughn pulled out a bottle of Cure for Boil Potion, poured some into a cup, and flicked his wand. With the ease of someone who had practiced a spell thousands of times, he incanted:

"Revelaspell!"

His vision shifted—the potion lit up in shimmering light! Colors floated on the liquid's surface, distinct yet beautifully interwoven.

Vaughn had a startling sense: he could deconstruct this finished potion!

He waved his wand again—

The blue potion instantly separated into segments under a mysterious force, their colors changing rapidly, reverting to the hues of venomous snake fangs, dried nettle, and other raw materials.

The ritual that had bonded the ingredients was broken, and the spell forced them toward their original states.

Vaughn observed it briefly, then poured it out. It was useless now. Scarpin's Revelaspell could disassemble, but not reassemble.

"What an incredible spell. I wonder how Scarpin developed it back in the day?"

"Too bad he's long dead. His ashes probably don't even exist anymore..."

After cleaning up with another spell, Vaughn stretched and prepared to return to the dormitory.

Tomorrow, he'd begin developing potions in earnest. He already had some ideas and was ready to make waves.

But just as he stepped out of the Room of Requirement...He ran into Dumbledore.

The greatest white wizard of the century stood there in the eighth-floor corridor, dressed in a pink-and-purple robe, a childish nightcap on his head, looking as if they'd met by pure coincidence.

"Ah—Mr. Vaughn Weasley, good evening! Here to use the bathroom as well?"

"...?" Vaughn froze, baffled.

Dumbledore smiled brightly and continued, "So you've discovered this place too. Fascinating! I'd walked this corridor countless times over the centuries—until one day, desperate to use the toilet, a room suddenly appeared on this wall. It had every style of toilet I love. Bless Merlin! It's been my favorite place ever since!"

The old fox was pretending again...

Vaughn caught on quickly. With a polite smile and a salute, he replied: "Truly a magical room, Headmaster. But unfortunately, I'm not here for the bathroom. I'm still young—I don't need it at night."

Dumbledore pretended not to notice the thick book in Vaughn's arms and chuckled.

"Yes, yes... I am old, after all. Not as spry as young people. But do try it when you have time."

Vaughn shrugged. "I probably won't be coming back here anytime soon."

"Oh? And why not?"

"I've finished the book. I'm going to start developing potions now and work on refining my theories. Sorry to disappoint you, Headmaster."

"Severus has been singing your praises, you know. Slytherin's potions genius."

Vaughn smiled. "It's all thanks to Professor Snape and your generosity. It's late, Headmaster. I should turn in. Good night."

"Good night, Mr. Weasley."

And so the two foxes—one old, one young—exchanged pleasantries and parted ways, as if it were just a random hallway chat, nothing more.