"Ignis Sanctus," I chanted in a calm voice, and swirling white-golden flames shot from my wand, quickly forming a circle around me.
This spell is a shielding flame charm that I found a while back after my grimoire finished scanning every book the Room of Requirement conjured back then. I was looking for interesting elemental magic and started with flame spells—that was when I found it.
It was mentioned alongside another spell called "Protego Diabolica," which is also a shielding fire charm; however, instead of being light and holy like the "Ignis" spell, the "Diabolica" possesses an almost chaotic anti-dark nature.
After studying them for a little bit, I concluded that these flames are most likely summoned from somewhere, as the aspects of the spell are ingrained in its core energy rather than merely slapped onto its outer shell.
*Ugh, now is not the time to delve into spell components and construction*, I thought, a little annoyed by getting sidetracked.
Anyway, to answer those who are wondering why I am casting this spell: well, I was "ambushed" while wandering in the Dark Forest—even if the word "ambush" is a little on the nose when describing the situation because I already knew.
Although I have seen signs of plant life evolution and mutations around (the creatures will have to wait), I'm clearing out these ridiculously ugly, huge spiders.
This spell is perfect for this; I only gave one command for it: to purify the dark creatures known as Acromantulas.
I watched with fascination as the spell took the shape of a bird resembling a phoenix, but larger, with two additional flaming wings. It began hunting and incinerating the spiders, leaving only a small population of them in the forest.
*Uh, I might have done something stupid; I could have used the Acromantulas for actual combat training and still had corpses to harvest materials from. What a tragedy—I burned them to ashes.*
I turned around and started walking again to check if there were any more dark creature nests to clear. Hogwarts didn't want to help me with this; she was still mad at me for killing Dumbledore on the premises. Having a semi-conscious artifact can be a pain in the ass.
*Don't roll your eyes at me—I'm just trying to find a new way to brag about owning Hogwarts.*
I heard the sound of hooves approaching from the left side, so I turned and came face-to-face with two centaurs coming my way. I looked at them and recognized one as Firnze. He was a very nice guy—horse?—having helped me numerous times in my search for Luna here in the past.
"Firnze, good to see you! You look better. It seems having an influx of natural energy in the forest is helping you somehow," I greeted him, noting his stronger presence.
"Good to see you too, Harry Potter. It seems you've changed a lot as well during your time away," he said with a smile.
*Note to self: magical creatures can tell that I am a sage.*
"Yeah, yeah. What brings you here?" I asked, shifting the attention away from the subject.
"We are here to check the source of the disturbance, and I believe we've found him," he replied while looking at me.
"Well, if you want to know what I'm doing here, I'm just culling the Acromantula population to a manageable level for the balance of nature inside the forest," I told him. There was no need for secrecy.
"Okay, then. Thank you, and be careful on your journey, Harry Potter. May the stars guide you," he replied before turning to leave. His partner, who had been silent the whole time, followed after him.
What a strange encounter. It felt forced somehow. Why do I have this weird feeling that this was more than just a casual conversation? Now that I think about it again, I can see why: he didn't speak in the typical way they usually do, with mentions of the stars. He usually singles out a specific star.
*Sigh.* Forget it. It doesn't matter; I have to continue checking this part of the forest before getting back—I have a meeting with the professors.
---
The way back seemed to take longer, especially because Hogwarts refused to teleport me back—I have to make it up to Hogwarts somehow.
After finally reaching the castle's entrance, I went straight to the headmaster's office to wait for the professors to arrive.
As to why I am meeting them? It's to start the actual first step of my plan to revitalize magic. I have been considering what to do and what changes to make starting from Hogwarts, and now I believe I have found the answer. With a little help from the professors, we are going to rebuild the foundation of Hogwarts education. We'll start with the students first. Then they graduate, go into the world, and do something that actually matters, and so on and so forth.
As soon as the professors began to arrive, I noticed the changes in Professor Flitwick. The aura around him was more peaceful; his magic felt smoother, denser, and he seemed to have better control over it. This could only mean one thing.
Wide-eyed, I stood up in surprise and said, "Congratulations on your enlightenment, Professor! Now you look and feel like a proper master of Charms. Come on, sit down and tell me about it."
My words surprised him and the others to varying degrees:
- Professor Flitwick's eyes widened (I guess he didn't expect to be seen through by me).
- Professor McGonagall was awestruck.
- Professor Sprout clapped her hands over her mouth in surprise.
- Snape looked as though someone had killed his family's dog.
- The rest were confused.
I didn't dwell on it because Flitwick started talking. "Ah, thank you, Harry. I didn't think you would be the first to notice. I guess it takes one to know one," he said with a peaceful smile. I would have looked at him in bewilderment if I didn't have so much control over my facial expression.
True, I had impressive control over my magic and aura, but that had nothing to do with enlightenment—it was more of a talent and effort—but when circumstances provide a way out, you take it.
"Ah, it's nothing really. Let me guess—your study of the magical theory left by the founders was the last push you needed?" I asked him, changing the subject to make it seem like he was spot-on with his guess.
"Ahahah, yes, it was. I didn't know we had such advanced theories back then. It really makes you wonder what we have been studying and teaching all these years," he said in a somewhat resigned tone.
"I'm guessing the rest of you haven't read the books like I recommended. It's really a shame. We might have been celebrating more masters today instead of discussing what changes I would like to implement."
This earned me a stink eye from all of them, but I don't have time to berate professors now.
"Anyhow, now that everyone is here, let's start. The first change to be implemented immediately is the study of the theory of magic. Stop any and all lesson plans you have right now and start by studying and familiarizing yourselves with the basics of magic theory. And I mean the true basics, not the hoax theories of today. Then I want you to instill this knowledge into the minds of all students, no matter the grade. We need to get them to realize that magic is more than just wand-waving. It's an art and a power. It's magic. I want everyone to understand that."
---
The silence filled the atmosphere in the headmaster's office. The professors chose to remain silent and let me continue my speech, so I did.
"You may not understand where I'm coming from, so let me give you an example. If you were to ask Professor Flitwick what he thinks about his past self before his recent enlightenment, I'm sure he would provide you with a descriptive term that you can relate to. It's the same for me: I perceive you as monkeys waving sticks and doing tricks while claiming it's magic. That's the blunt, unfiltered truth. You don't believe me? That's fine; let Professor Flitwick give you his point of view." I looked toward Professor Flitwick, as did all the others. They couldn't believe what I had said, and it shows.
True, they had been tolerating me until now regardless of whether they believed I was right or not, and that's because I was simply stronger than them. Regardless of what people believe or convince themselves, in the wizarding world, might makes right—it's the undeniable and obvious truth.
So when I did whatever I wanted, they tolerated it, but now that I'm giving them orders—no matter how I disguise it—plus the fact that I'm telling them they are not qualified and need to update their knowledge to teach more effectively, they're struggling to accept the situation because I'm questioning their qualifications. That's why Flitwick's enlightenment couldn't have come at a better moment.
*I'm starting to think that I'm obscenely lucky or fate is planning something big. I'll ponder on that later.*
"While Harry's words are hurtful, they are not far from the truth. The knowledge we were taught and are currently teaching is either incomplete or flawed. We truly need to start updating our understanding and research while also striving to rebuild the foundation of education we have been providing for the children. They are the future, and we must correct their flawed perspectives on magic, just as we need to do for ourselves," Professor Flitwick said eloquently and gently. His words delivered the final blow, and I could see reluctant acceptance in their eyes.
*This is good. Now I can move on with my plans.*
"Thank you, Professor. Now let's begin by creating a timetable for the estimated time needed for all of you to rebuild your knowledge before you start teaching. I also need your opinions on what resources are necessary to accomplish this as quickly as possible, and on how to handle the students in the meantime. What can we have them do to address their flaws, especially the students in their fourth and seventh years? We need to encourage them to abandon their exam-focused studies and start with the basics. The first to third years are easier to correct since they haven't yet built a solid foundation in magic." I started to ramble on while the professors looked at me with either surprise or budding respect, as was the case with our Runes professor.
We stayed for an hour discussing different topics and concluded that I'll be the one handling the fourth to seventh years in one big group for two hours every day for the next month, while the first to third years will have one hour right after.
During this month, the professors will do their absolute best with the help of potions—very expensive potions—like:
- **Cognito Concoction** (enhances memory retention and comprehension skills)
- **Focus Elixir** (enhances focus)
- **Stamina Potions** ( relieves physical fatigue)
- **Serenity Brew** ( relieves mental fatigue)
- **Brew of Clarity**
- **Speedy Study Brew**
The last three will be brewed in very large quantities and distributed to everyone, be it students or professors.
Now, I have to quickly order the missing ingredients that couldn't be found in the Dark Forest or the school's Herbology greenhouses. I can still remember the expression on Snape's face when he heard that he would be brewing these potions in large quantities; it looked like he was about to burst with excitement.
Ugh I'll delete that memory later—though his expression when I had him swear a vow not to tamper with any potion was hilarious. It's not like I'll trust him with the fate of everyone in the school—I'm not an idiot.
---
With that done, we went out and called for all students to gather in the Great Hall as soon as possible. When we arrived, most of them were already there—some curious, others present only because they'd been told to come.
We waited 10 minutes for the rest to gather before I asked Hogwarts if anyone was still missing—there was. A few couples had been occupied in broom closets or abandoned classrooms. *Ugh, horny teenagers.* I used illusions to scare them; the looks of horror on their faces when they suddenly saw Dumbledore's image watching them were priceless.
That got them to arrive by the time I started addressing what we would be doing over the next month.
"Okay, with everybody here, I will announce the schedule for the next month. If any of you listened to my advice and read the theory books I recommended, you will find yourselves questioning what you have been taught until now. To correct this, the professors will begin reviewing and expanding their own knowledge, while all of you will attend a joint class with me every day for the next month. Anyone who does not attend will be banned from future classes and will be left to study on their own. If you want to be incompetent, don't drag others down with you. Those who have O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s will need to stop preparing for the next month. We will also distribute potions to help you with your lessons and study this month. The location of the class will be sent to you before each session. Now, does anyone have any questions?" I started the announcement by using magic to make my voice travel through the hall. My tone was steady and clear, creating the impression that I was speaking with each individual.
*Magic is fantastic.* Oh, there's a courageous Slytherin who wants to speak.
"Yes," I replied, looking at him and gesturing for him to continue.
"What I want to know is, what gives you the right to tell us pureblood wizards what to do? What can you even teach us that we don't already know? You're just half-blood filth; your mother—" His voice was abruptly cut off and replaced by screams as I made a shooing motion with my hand, sending him flying from where he stood at the Slytherin table onto the wall a few meters behind him.
"Ah, the idiot had it coming. I had just finished my sugar-coated speech. Let me give you the blunt one: If any of you want to be like that inbred, incompetent moron, then don't come to my class. I do not care what you think you are; in my eyes, you are nothing more than a monkey with a magical stick.
You want to know what right I have? Well, I have the right of owning Hogwarts and the right of being the strongest here. This is the wizarding world, not your mom's mansion.
Here, in the real world, the strongest does what he wants, and that is exactly what I'm doing. Get it through your heads that whatever preconceived notions of me you had are long gone. If you want to leave, then goodbye. This generation of magicals here will either graduate as competent witches and wizards or will not graduate at all. Do you understand?" My voice echoed through the hall, silencing them all.
Seeing as there was no further need to say anything, I said, "Don't forget to take the moron to see Madam Pomfrey when you leave," as I stood up and began leaving the hall.
---
Walking slowly toward the exit, I could feel the glances of everyone in the hall—some fearful, some filled with admiration, others with poorly hidden disdain, malice, or caution. Arriving in front of the towering doors of the Great Hall, I stopped and turned around to deliver final motivational words before leaving:
"Remember, you have one day to decide your future. Do you want to leave Hogwarts? Fine, but understand that you won't be able to return without paying a heavy price. This is bigger than all of us. This is about restoring the wizarding world to its past glory and rising above it. If you truly believe you have the potential to be great—to be a true wizard like those in the stories, like the witches and wizards of old—then start doing the work. But if you're content with mediocrity, with being known as incompetent, that's on you too. This is the beginning of a new era—the era of change. You will either emerge as a wizard worthy of the name and title or as a loser who couldn't rise to the top."
My voice cut through the murmurs and reached everyone. I looked around and added, "One more thing: for those of you who are not yet aware, there's a war happening outside. The victor will decide how to shape the British magical community, and believe me, I will be that winner. So if you have a family you want to take refuge in Hogwarts, send them a message and tell them to come talk to me." With that, I completed what I wanted to say and continued on my way out of the Great Hall.
*Now that the first plan is already in motion, I need to start the next one: the 'getting rid of the filth' plan.*
I need to destroy most of the dark faction while looting their knowledge. The Ministry also needs cleaning, and the Department of Mysteries requires inspection and looting.
These upcoming months are going to be hectic. I also need to start the ritual of summoning the rest of the Horcruxes and destroying them—This will cripple that bastard Voldemort and make him lose his mind—plus He won't be able to make more; his soul is already in tatters, and attempting it will kill him during the ritual.
I heard a hurried footsteps behind me. Turning around, I saw Professor Flitwick running after me, with Professor Bathsheda Babbling not far behind.
"Harry, that was an inspiring speech, and I believe what you are doing is admirable. If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask," Professor Flitwick said, his voice full of conviction. I was momentarily stunned but replied quickly enough:
"Uh, thank you, Professor; I appreciate it."
Professor Babbling joined in, saying, "Harry, you have my support too, and before you go, could you recommend any good books on Runic languages?"
"Hmm, well, Professor, you should start with the basics. After you finish the magic theory books, ask Hogwarts to highlight the basics of Runes and Runic theory," I replied, noticing the bewildered look on her face.
"Um, you know that Hogwarts is semi-conscious, right? She hasn't reached the stage where she can project her consciousness and speak yet, but she can perfectly understand intentions and perform simple tasks like highlighting or producing a temporary copy of a book. I already mentioned this to all of you—or did you think I was joking?" I told her, observing her slightly ashamed expression, so I decided not to comment further.
I turned and found a bemused Flitwick smiling happily. *What's gotten into him?* As if sensing my question, he cleared his throat and asked, "Harry, how about we meet later to brainstorm ideas on how to make this educational transformation smoother?"
"That would be great, Professor, but we need to implement the first step before planning more," I replied seriously.
"Sigh. You are right. You really have thought this through, huh. Okay then, I'll leave it to you. If you need anything, you know where to find me," he said and began walking back toward the Great Hall.
Now that they'd left, I needed to see who was using my Invisibility Cloak to spy on me. I knew it was two people and could guess who, but better safe than sorry. I made a reaching motion with my hand, and the cloak flew to me swiftly. Hermione's yelping sounded, accompanied by Luna giggling.
"What do you two think you're doing?" I questioned them.
"Um, Harry, how did you know where we are?" As usual, Hermione asked questions first before answering any. Luna, on the other hand, just looked at me with her signature half-sober, half-dreaming eyes while smiling. "Hello, Harry Potter. We were spying on you to find out where you stay in Hogwarts." Well, at least she's honest. I looked at Hermione, who was still expecting me to answer her question. I could see it in her eyes.
*Sigh.* "Well, for starters, I have a bond with the Invisibility Cloak—being mine—I can sense where it is. And didn't you know that any magical being notices if you're staring at them for longer than a few seconds? You can't spy on a wizard with your eyes for more than a few seconds, depending on how in tune they are with their magic and surroundings. If you need to spy on a witch or wizard, focus on something close to them to keep them in your field of view—but do not look directly at them. They'll sense it."
I was about to elaborate, but the look of confusion and bewilderment on Hermione's face stopped me.
"Yes?" I asked her while gently closing her open mouth with my hand. My voice sounded amused.
"Harry, how do you know all this? How strong are you really? How far have you progressed in your studies? How much time do you think it will take for me to catch up to you?" I walked up to her and put my hand over her mouth to stop her from drilling me with questions and chuckled.
*Oh, sweet summer child, if only you knew.*
"Well, that depends. I was telling the truth when I said I was the strongest here—by a large margin too. Professor Flitwick is the second strongest. As for the study part, once you're done with the basics and the books I recommended, I believe you'll have smooth sailing on your way to the top. How long it will take depends on you," I answered her questions with a smile.
"Don't worry, as long as the nargles don't mess with us, we will be okay. It won't take long for us to be as strong as Harry is now," Luna said in her dreamy voice.
*Hmm, this might be true. They only need to practice more and maybe achieve enlightenment before their cores' maturity age—then they'll be among the strongest around.*
*I guess I could lend them a hand.*
"You know what can help you? Mind magic. You can go to the library later and check out the Mind Magic section on the second floor, third shelf to the left. Start with the "Trifecta Theory" before practicing anything," I told them. I'm sure they'll find what they need there before pestering me for answers.
This was all Hermione needed. She took Luna's hand and started walking toward the library, which made me chuckle in amusement.
*They forgot to ask about where I'm staying. Hahaha.*
---