Headmaster's Office — A Scholar's Decision
The parchment lay unfurled across Dumbledore's desk.
Runes hovered faintly above it, rearranging themselves as if alive—the mark of a spell whose logic was internally consistent, elegant, and dangerously advanced.
Dumbledore adjusted his half-moon glasses.
"Classification complete," he murmured.
Across from him, Keith sat calmly, hands folded, Rias beside him with quiet pride.
Severus Snape stood to the side, arms crossed.
"This spell," Dumbledore said at last, "does not fit any existing category."
He dipped his quill and began to write.
Spell Designation:
Runcandel Binding Array — Frostgate Variant
Classification:
Hybrid Defensive–Control Spell
Spatial–Elemental Fusion
Creator-Class Original Magic
Danger Rating:
Controlled (Requires exceptional precision)
Notes:
This spell represents a new methodology in spellcraft—
the simultaneous anchoring of space and elemental law.
Flitwick, who had been invited as a consultant, nearly vibrated out of existence.
"Merlin's left sock… this is revolutionary."
Dumbledore looked at Keith gently.
"With your permission, I would like to publish this spell in the International Academy Journal of Advanced Spellcraft."
Keith blinked once.
"…It can help students learn better control and restraint," he said after a moment.
"So—yes. You have my permission."
Snape exhaled slowly.
Dumbledore smiled.
"History will remember this decision."
One Week Later — Hogwarts Explodes (Academically)
The journal arrived by owl.
By hundreds.
The headline alone caused chaos:
"A New Era of Spellcraft:
The Runcandel Binding Array and the Future of Magical Control"
Authored by:
Albus Dumbledore,
with spell credit to Keith Argus Runcandel (Age 12)
Student Reaction: Utter Pandemonium
Ravenclaw Table
Hermione Granger clutched the journal like sacred scripture.
"He created a spell that rewrites spatial anchoring theory at twelve," she whispered reverently.
Penelope Clearwater nodded solemnly.
"This… this is beyond genius."
Across the table, several Ravenclaws were already rewriting their entire study plans.
Gryffindor Table
Katie Bell stared at the page, then at Keith across the hall.
"…He's kind and terrifying."
Angelina Johnson smirked.
"Perfect husband material."
Ginny Weasley quietly hid her face behind a goblet.
I'm definitely proposing this year.
Slytherin Table
Draco Malfoy tore the page out of the journal.
"HE'S TWELVE."
No one responded.
Hufflepuff Table — Absolute Chaos
"HE MADE IT PUBLIC!"
"He didn't hoard it!"
"He credited the school!"
"He's OURS!"
Hannah Abbott practically vibrated.
"He tutors first-years!"
"He helped me with Potions!"
"He gave Susan extra notes!"
Justin Finch-Fletchley nodded fervently.
"He remembered my birthday."
Cedric Diggory leaned back, arms crossed, smirking.
"Our king."
The Reputation Solidifies
Within days, Keith's name became synonymous with:
✔ Academic Excellence
✔ Original Spell Creation
✔ Kindness & Patience
✔ Helping Hufflepuffs Without Favoritism
✔ Protective but Gentle Strength
And unfortunately—
✔ Ideal Husband Material
The Hallway Whispers
"Did you hear he walks girls back to their dorms?"
"He bows when thanking house-elves."
"He apologized to a first-year for bumping into them."
"He smells like frost and old magic."
"Have you seen his eyes lately?"
"Divine."
The Girls Closest to Him
Daphne, Susan, Astoria
Sat proudly, chins lifted.
"That's our fiancé."
"Our future husband."
"Of course he's admired."
Rias
Smiled serenely, tail swaying.
"Let them look."
She leaned closer to Keith.
"He already chose."
Keith, for his part, was oblivious—quietly helping a nervous second-year understand defensive casting.
Dumbledore's Private Reflection
Late that night, Dumbledore stood at his window.
"A spell published," he murmured.
"Power shared freely."
He smiled softly.
"Not a Dark Lord."
Not a savior seeking worship.
Just a boy who wanted the world to be a little kinder.