[Congratulations! Your stunning performance brought tremendous shock to everyone!]
[Soul Fusion increased by 1%]
[Your fame increased—more people will know a talented painter has appeared in the magical world]
["Light" brightness increased]
[Light element concentration in your body increased]
A radiant glow burst from Ethan's body. In this dim pub, he appeared like a descended angel—healing all things with his gentle smile. Yeah, right, what a ghost!
Everyone looked horrified as Ethan walked down with light, quick steps. Feeling the surging magical power coursing through him, Ethan's mood was excellent. Thanks to Pettigrew for the soul fusion boost—next time, let's work even harder!
Tap. Ethan stood directly before Ron, suddenly grabbing the limp Pettigrew! Whoosh! A brown cabinet suddenly opened, throwing the squealing rat into that pitch-black, seemingly infinite void! BANG! The cabinet door slammed shut, vanishing completely. Prisoner Pettigrew captured!
Ron maintained his bent-over posture, staring blankly at Ethan in complete shock. The entire process took only two or three seconds—utterly incomprehensible!
"You—what are you doing?!" Ron shouted, more surprised than angry.
"Your rat's sick—I'll examine it properly," Ethan replied casually.
"It's not sick! You tortured it—" Ron protested desperately.
"Haha, found a rat family member," Ethan said mysteriously.
Ron's ears turned as red as his hair, frustration and confusion mounting by the second. He felt completely lost, like Ethan was speaking an entirely different language.
"It's my only pet! I sleep hugging it every night!" Ron cried out defensively.
Ethan raised his eyebrows, genuinely looking at Ron carefully for perhaps the first time. Remembering the Marauder's Map was previously in the Weasley twins' hands... "Your family has quite open traditions." Ethan patted Ron's shoulder with sincere sympathy.
Ron stared: ?
Then Hermione and the professors surrounded them. Hermione's thick, fluffy chestnut hair seemed to rise with excitement, her bright face approaching Ethan—like a squirrel discovering a cache of nuts.
Ethan thought she was adorable.
"Ethan! How did you do that? I want to learn too!" Hermione exclaimed eagerly.
Professor McGonagall's eyes went dark with concern. If Hermione joins Ethan's dangerous nonsense, I cannot possibly continue teaching at Hogwarts!
"Professor McGonagall, I want to join Hogwarts' talent training program too..." Hermione whispered hopefully.
"Miss Granger?!" McGonagall's voice carried a sharp warning.
Short Professor Flitwick bounced excitedly around them. "Extraordinary spell control! I'd wager even seventh-year students rarely achieve this level of precision and power!"
McGonagall shot him a sharp look of disapproval. Flitwick coughed awkwardly, winking at Ethan behind her back. Points guaranteed when we return, he thought. Ravenclaw is this excellent, this talented! Ethan will be immortalized in history—whatever name he chooses.
Suddenly, commotion erupted outside the pub. An Auror burst through the door, panting heavily. "Sirius Black! Sirius Black appeared in Hogsmeade!"
Minister Fudge's face went deathly white with desperate hope—Finally catching Sirius's trace—but why now, while I'm here?! He eyed Ethan nervously, wiping sweat from his brow.
The pub erupted into immediate chaos! Everyone rushed toward the exits, demanding to help capture Sirius.
Hagrid's thunderous voice boomed, "Damn Sirius Black! Betrayed the Potters, revealed their secrets to Voldemort, got them both killed, murdered that righteous hero Pettigrew!"
"Hagrid!" Professor McGonagall's sharp voice cut through. "Not before the children!"
"Oh, sorry..." Hagrid awkwardly scratched his massive head, looking deeply embarrassed. "Good thing Harry isn't here—if he heard, he might impulsively rush after Sirius..."
Harry suddenly appeared from around the corner, his face showing raw shock and anguish—his body tensed, ready to burst forward and confront his godfather.
Grabbing Ethan's robes with desperate urgency, breathing hard, his eyes red-rimmed: "Cast an invisibility charm on me... I want to catch Sirius, too! Please, Ethan!"
"Harry! You can't find Sirius!" Hermione cried urgently, reaching for his arm. "He kills mercilessly—he's absolutely terrifying!"
"You forgot what Dad said?" Ron advised desperately. "No matter what, you can't actively seek Sirius!"
Harry's eyes turned cold and hard—making Ron flinch into silence.
"Is Sirius scarier than Ethan?" Harry asked quietly.
Hermione choked: "You can't possibly compare across different species!"
"I didn't know Sirius killed my parents!" Harry interrupted impatiently, his voice cracking with emotion. "He's my godfather—how could he betray us like that?!"
Just then, the golden shrike chirped brightly and flew toward the direction where the Aurors had departed.
Ethan's eyebrows raised with genuine interest—Found treasure?
He nodded at Harry with clear understanding. "Since you asked so earnestly, I'll graciously agree to help."
Harry thanked him emotionally, gratitude flooding his face. Ethan cast the invisibility charm with smooth precision, then left with everyone following the golden shrike's guidance.
The Three Broomsticks owner remained standing alone in the wind, looking completely dejected. Business is absolutely ruined now...
But then a customer approached cautiously, asking quietly if Ethan would ever perform again. Other customers nearby agreed enthusiastically—the performance had been genuinely interesting! Though terrifying, nobody actually suffered real, permanent harm. They'd definitely bring friends next time.
Madam Rosmerta's face brightened considerably with renewed hope.