The last few weeks of my fourth year passed in a blur of study, experimentation, and quiet domination. Unlike previous years, this year wasn't about recruiting or dueling; it was about consolidating everything I had learned and pushing the limits of my own magical potential.
In the mornings, I would attend classes as usual — impressing Slughorn in Potions, showing Dumbledore my ever-improving Transfiguration mastery, and effortlessly completing every Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson. I often caught Dumbledore observing me, his expression a mix of admiration and subtle wariness. I ignored it. I didn't need validation from him; I needed results.
Alchemy and Magical Research
The bulk of my time outside classes was spent in the Room of Requirement. I had converted one section entirely into my personal laboratory: shelves filled with alchemical ingredients, cauldrons of bubbling experimental potions, and tables stacked with runic diagrams and magical apparatuses.
Using my newfound knowledge — from Salazar's teachings to Flamel's alchemy — I crafted several powerful artifacts and potions. The most significant was a potion capable of doubling my magic reserves. Its effect, however, could only be activated once every seven years. I tested it cautiously and felt the surge of magic flow through me. Even a 5% permanent boost would have been enough to impress me; this was double.
I also refined my other potions: magical recovery elixirs, healing draughts, and one specifically designed to enhance my Transfiguration skill by sharpening imagination and focus.
Exploring Forbidden Knowledge
Occasionally, I slipped into the restricted section of the library. My skills in Occlumency and stealth ensured I went unnoticed. There, I absorbed volumes on ancient dark magic, blood rituals, and other hidden arcane knowledge. Even the most obscure texts, which would take a normal wizard years to decipher, I could grasp with ease thanks to my eidetic memory and analytical mind.
"The power of knowledge is nothing without power to wield it," I muttered to myself one evening, as I carefully copied a particularly intricate rune sequence into my personal notes.
Exam Results and House Cup
When exams came, I didn't bother stressing. Each subject was mere practice to me. By the time the results were announced, I had achieved perfect scores in every class. Slughorn gave me a knowing nod, Dumbledore a proud smile, and even my classmates regarded me with awe — a mixture of fear and admiration.
At the end-of-year feast, Slytherin was once again awarded the House Cup. Cheers erupted around me, though I remained composed, acknowledging my lieutenants with a subtle nod. Abraxas and Orion grinned, clearly proud to be associated with me.
Reflections on Power
As I boarded the Hogwarts Express for home, I found an empty compartment and allowed myself a moment to reflect. My system chimed in my ear:
Ding:Host has completed the fourth year of Hogwarts. Reward: Ultimate Black Magic Talent.
I exhaled slowly, letting the words sink in. Ultimate Black Magic Talent.
With this reward:
I could now learn any dark magic instantly, merely by observing it.
The power of every dark spell I cast was increased by 80%.
I ran a few spells silently, feeling the difference immediately. The destructive power at my fingertips was staggering. I could sense the potential already — by the time I fully mastered this talent, any opponent, even Dumbledore, would have to take me seriously.
I leaned back, letting the rhythmic motion of the train soothe me. Yet my mind was far from at rest. My magic reserves had doubled, my knowledge of alchemy, runes, dark arts, and ancient magics continued to grow, and my lieutenants were stronger and more loyal than ever.
This year had been about preparation. Next year would be about expansion. Recruitment, influence, testing my new abilities in practical scenarios — the game was only getting started.
As the scenery blurred past the window, I whispered to myself:
"By the time I graduate, Hogwarts won't just be mine… the world will be."