Ethan was observing the spells while recalling various details about the Harry Potter world. He remembered many things, though few were useful. What he did remember was that the Harry Potter universe clearly stated that magic could not conjure food out of thin air.
However, magic could make food multiply by injecting magic and transforming it into the same substance as an existing item. This explained the strong magical fluctuations that appeared when the food materialized. Dumbledore had multiplied already prepared food and transferred it to the students' tables.
After the feast, the Slytherin students, led by prefect Gemma Farley, headed to their dormitories.
The location of the Slytherin dormitories was quite unique, hidden behind a stone wall deep within the castle's dungeons. The Slytherin common room was often referred to as the Slytherin Dungeon.
"What an uncomfortable environment."
Ethan turned to look at the person who spoke and saw that it was Illya.
"Where did you go just now?"
"The professor wanted to talk to me privately."
Illya, like Ethan, had been sorted into Slytherin. However, halfway through the Sorting Ceremony, she was called away by a professor, so Ethan had not even noticed when she returned.
"Because of Shiro?"
"Yeah."
No matter how cute and adorable Shiro was, it was still a pet that did not meet school regulations. It was a bear cub, not one of the permitted animals like cats, owls, or toads.
No one had cared earlier because no one knew what pet Illya had brought until after the Sorting Ceremony. Once the ceremony ended, the students' luggage was sent to their respective dormitories, and that was when Shiro was discovered. Since it was not an approved pet, the matter had to be reported.
Snape, the Head of Slytherin, and McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress, both spoke with Illya. In the end, it was unclear whether it was because of Illya's charm or her remarkable talent, but they reluctantly tolerated her bending of the rules and allowed her to keep Shiro.
However, because of Shiro's special nature, it could not stay in the dormitory like other pets. It was arranged to be housed and cared for in a separate area.
After explaining the matter, Gemma finished instructing the new students on how to reach the common room and pass through the stone wall. The first-years could finally look around properly. After all, this would be their home for the next seven years.
"It really is not very comfortable."
The Slytherin common room and dormitories were underground, located beneath the lake. Through the windows, they could see the greenish water of the lake outside. Combined with the rough stone ceilings, the dim green lamps, and skull decorations, the entire place had a cold and eerie atmosphere.
Ethan frowned, tempted to complain about whoever designed this place. But seeing a group of proud young students admiring the "cool" and "mysterious" environment, he realized that if he said anything, he would immediately become the public enemy of Slytherin.
"I hope the dorms aren't this cold and damp."
Although there was a large fireplace in the common room with bright flames, being at the bottom of the lake made it impossible to completely get rid of the damp chill. The warmth only lessened it slightly.
"The password changes every two weeks. New students should remember to check the notice board regularly. If you forget the new password and get locked out, no one will let you in."
After a few more reminders, Gemma dismissed the new students to rest. The next day would mark the beginning of their studies at Hogwarts. Everyone would start learning magic from the basics.
The new students were filled with anticipation. Even Draco Malfoy, who usually looked down on everyone, seemed excited.
No one was as restless as Harry Potter, who could not sleep that night and ended up oversleeping the next day. Most Slytherin students came from wizarding families, and they were already familiar with magic. They were not wide-eyed newcomers.
So, when morning came, everyone got up on time, including Ethan, who did not need to sleep at all.
"You look well-rested. Weren't you too excited about entering a new world to sleep?"
Ethan shook his head.
"I've seen far more new worlds than you can imagine."
Draco did not understand that response. Was Ethan mocking him for being inexperienced?
"Who do you think you're talking to?"
"Draco Malfoy, a spoiled child who knows nothing."
The sarcasm was clear. Draco's face flushed with anger. He wanted to pull out his staff and teach Ethan a lesson. His two lackeys, Crabbe and Goyle, were already rolling up their sleeves, ready to make a move.
They saw Ethan's calm expression that seemed to say, "Go ahead if you dare," and became even more agitated.
"What are you doing?"
Ethan sighed. The appearance of prefect Gemma meant the matter was over. As a prefect, she would not allow Slytherin students, especially first-years, to fight among themselves. Regardless of who won or lost, the whole House would be embarrassed.
When Gemma arrived, everyone looked disappointed. Some regretted missing the chance to teach the Muggle-born a lesson. Others regretted missing the chance to see Ethan put them in their place.
"What is there to regret? Even if I beat these little brats, it wouldn't be anything to brag about."
"Yeah, yeah, Berserker is the strongest."
"You already know my situation. Stop calling me Berserker."
Illya ignored him, pretending not to hear, and continued walking toward the classroom with Shiro in her arms.
Their first class was with Professor McGonagall, the Head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress. They did not dare to be late.
Since Slytherin often shared classes with Gryffindor, competition between the two Houses was constant. The snakes and lions were always at odds. In truth, Slytherin had poor relationships with all the other Houses, but none worse than Gryffindor.
However, Hogwarts professors were all fair and professional. While they were proud of their own Houses, none would deliberately discriminate or cover up mistakes. For example, when Harry Potter and Ron Weasley arrived late to their first class, Professor McGonagall scolded them immediately.
Each professor focused on teaching. Ethan also began studying and understanding the magical system of this world from the ground up.
As he had suspected, the magic system here was very different from the one he had practiced before.
The first difference was that this world's magic heavily depended on talent. A wizard's potential was almost entirely determined at birth, with no way to improve it later.
The growth of magical power relied purely on innate talent. Those with poor talent grew slowly and would never achieve much, spending their lives on the fringes of the magical world.
Even spellcasting relied on talent. Many spells did not involve complex techniques. Students were simply told to raise their staff, chant the spell, believe it would work, and it did. This made Ethan uncomfortable. Even though he easily mastered the feeling of spellcasting and could perform spells with his staff, he found the process frustrating.
The spell worked, but how? How did the magical energy move? What was its structure? Did it involve runes or circles, or something else entirely?
He wanted to understand it fully. Because of this, he spent far more time studying simple things than others, which slowed his progress considerably. Yet even so, he learned faster than almost everyone else. Only a few could keep up with him.
Becoming a top student by accident had its perks. Snape, the Head of Slytherin, began to look upon him with approval.
Ethan was low-key, pragmatic, diligent, and never caused trouble. Once he began displaying extraordinary talent, even the proud Slytherin students stopped rejecting him, acknowledging that he was worthy of their House.
Of course, not everyone liked him. Draco Malfoy despised anyone who outshone him. However, after confronting Ethan one evening and later waking up on the cold stone floor without knowing how he got there, he never caused trouble again.
Draco was arrogant and conceited, but not stupid. He had realized that Ethan's strength was far greater than he appeared to be.
That single lesson was enough.
(To be continued.)