"Bang!"
Severus Snape shot up from his seat.
He stared intently at the portrait, a flicker of something akin to fear even showing in his eyes. It was as if he were facing an ancient, forgotten curse, or perhaps a memory too potent to bear.
Flowing, fiery hair, sparkling emerald eyes, and a smile as bright as sunshine. Though it was only a black and white portrait, Snape seemed to see the vibrant colors, and in his mind's ear, he heard the girl's bell-like laughter.
Calling his name in a voice he could no longer hear:
"Severus~!"
Lifelike.
Snape suddenly snapped back to reality.
He yanked the painting away, his hand raised as if to tear it—then, with an almost imperceptible tenderness, he tucked it away.
Damn it.
Now, Snape understood why a mere painting could make those Muggles lose their composure. This was clearly the devil's work.
"How was it, sir?" Ethan's lips quirked. "Are you satisfied?"
"...How...did...you...know...this...person?" Snape spoke word by word, his dark eyes fixed on Ethan's.
Ethan tapped his own head, replying half-jokingly, "You projected such a potent image, such a profound thought, and I merely rendered it."
At this moment, Ethan was in a very good mood. Snape's reaction confirmed that his painting was a success.
Look how much Professor Snape liked it!
"[Detected a painting of extraordinary grade, automatically added to the gallery]"
"[Name: "Always" (Given away)]"
"[Type: Portrait]"
"[Grade: First Tier · White Rare]"
"[Description: A portrait of a deceased person, the lifelong beloved of one person]"
"[Effect: Can genuinely evoke memories, making one feel immersed and present. When given as a gift, it can permanently increase the favorability of a specific person]"
"[When you browse the gallery, you can view this painting on the wall]"
"[Current number of paintings in gallery: 1]"
"[When the number of paintings reaches 5, a Newbie Gift Pack will be awarded]"
"[Your Soul Fusion Rate has increased by 1%]"
"[Current Soul Fusion Rate: 26%]"
As the system broadcasted, Ethan felt a warm current surge through his limbs and bones. It was as if a chill had been lifted from him, a warmth spreading through his veins. Only then did Ethan realize how stiff and sluggish the magic in his body had been.
Is this the effect of increased Soul Fusion Rate...?
Ethan felt that even with only a 1% increase, he could now more easily create paintings of extraordinary grade. However, what was the reason for this increase?
Ethan looked up at Professor Snape.
Perhaps it was related to interacting with important figures in this world? Ethan mused to himself. Everything would only be revealed once he entered Hogwarts.
The only certainty was that if he wanted to improve his painting skills and create more extraordinary works, he must increase his Soul Fusion Rate.
Hogwarts...
It was truly something to look forward to. Ethan's eyes darkened, and he ran his tongue over his back molars.
"...Originally, I was going to report your heretical situation to the Ministry of Magic, or rather, to Dumbledore," Snape's almost murmuring voice sounded. "But then, I thought, what does that have to do with me?"
Snape's lips curved slightly, and he pulled a letter from his robe, swiftly handing it to Ethan. "I'm just here to deliver a letter, nothing more."
He made delivering a summons sound like a personal favor! Ethan clicked his tongue inwardly, curiously taking the letter.
On the thick envelope, a shield-shaped wax seal was imprinted. In the center was a capital "H," surrounded by four animals: a lion, a snake, a badger, and an eagle.
It was the Hogwarts admission letter!
Immediately, a wave of excitement rose in Ethan's heart. He eagerly tore open the letter—being careful not to damage the exquisite wax seal—and pulled out the thick parchment inside.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Principal: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class; Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot; Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Vincent,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1st. Given your unique circumstances, we will arrange for a dedicated person to liaise with you and inform you of the precautions before the start of term.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
The second page listed the textbooks and supplies needed for the start of the term.
Then, Snape, seemingly oblivious to Ethan's prior knowledge, rattled off a great deal of Wizarding World common knowledge. This included what Muggles were, what Hogwarts was, the four Houses, and so on. Although extremely reluctant, perhaps because of the painting, Snape explained it quite thoroughly.
"I must warn you that your current actions have already violated the Wizarding World's International Statute of Secrecy—displaying magic in front of Muggles," Snape said. "Meaning your idiotic paintings."
"Before school even started, you forced the Ministry of Magic to dispatch several people to clear the memories of those Muggles, to make them move away from those cursed paintings."
"At the same time, all those illicit items were confiscated."
Ethan asked, "Confiscated? Does that include the one I just painted for you, Professor Snape?"
"..."
Snape was uncharacteristically choked. He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Ethan's innocent face, as if the boy had asked an entirely unintentional question.
"...If you come to my House, which is Slytherin, I will certainly 'pay special attention' to you," Snape gritted his teeth, hissing like a snake.
He waved his hand, and a cloth bag appeared on the table, emitting the crisp clinking of coins from within. Next to it was a ticket for Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
"Hogwarts provides subsidies for students in… unique circumstances. While not lavish, it should be sufficient if managed wisely."
"Regarding everything you need to know before school starts, I've just told you. I believe you...the genius little painter of Spinner's End, can buy things yourself at Diagon Alley."
"I can, thank you for coming, Professor Snape." Ethan nodded, a slight smile touching his lips.
Snape gave a disdainful snort, then paced over to the empty cabinet, and with a swift, almost imperceptible movement, placed something inside. Then, like a large black bat, he flapped out the door and disappeared from sight.
Ethan closed the door and let out a long breath. Clutching the envelope, he felt as if everything that had just happened was a dream.
At this moment, Ethan suddenly noticed that there was a book in the cabinet that had originally been empty. Ethan walked over and saw that on the black cover, in simple golden script, was written "Complete Guide to Potion Fundamentals."
...It was clear who left it.
"Oh my, Professor Snape, ever the reluctant benefactor." Ethan shook his head, amused.
He excitedly picked up the book, flipped open the pages, and saw the previous owner's annotations inside.
"Bezoar, a stone taken from a goat's stomach, can cure various poisons and is an ingredient in many antidotes... Note: It has an extremely strong, nauseating, goaty odor. If there is no goaty smell, it is fake."
"Hmm, the name alone sounds rather unappetizing..."
However, if it truly came down to a matter of life and death, he probably wouldn't care so much, would he? Ethan thought.
He continued to read under the dim lamplight.
It was late, and although he was very excited, Ethan decided to go shopping in Diagon Alley tomorrow.
The next morning found Ethan on Charing Cross Road in London, standing between a bustling bookstore and a quaint record shop. Pedestrians flowed around him, oblivious to the grimy, unassuming pub he fixed his gaze upon—The Leaky Cauldron.
***
(End of Chapter)
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