King of Lightning [HP FANFIC]

Many Spell masters or scholars have died from making mistakes while developing spells.

And combining the runes is not the final step; the next phase is translating them into spells following the pronunciation rules of Ancient Runes, and complex magic also requires gestures.

Then comes the experimental casting stage, which is often where the danger arises during spell development. It's like drawing a bridge on paper; you still have to test whether the bridge can actually hold weight. And Professor Quirrell was precisely at that stage. The combination of various runes required adjustments, the ratios of magical power needed fine-tuning, and both the incantations and gestures also needed modifications . . . no detail could be overlooked.

Anduin noticed that the spell and gestures Professor Quirrell used this time were slightly different from the previous attempt, and Professor Flitwick had also offered numerous suggestions for improvement. This type of practical spell wasn't particularly dangerous or complex, but its development was still painstakingly tedious. Compared to creating entirely new spells, developing application techniques and casting methods for existing spells was far more likely to yield tangible results, like Vanessa's previously developed Extraction Curse casting technique.

Although this was still quite far off for Anduin, it nonetheless gave him plenty of inspiration, and he even picked up a half-finished spell that proved somewhat useful.

In fact, many spells, when first developed, featured extremely long gestures and incantations that an ordinary wizard couldn't possibly learn. It's estimated that only the original creator could use them effectively. For instance, Quirrell's current spell was clearly several syllables longer than before. Anduin figured that once the spell was fully developed, it would probably turn into an ultra-long sentence.

That's why many masters of spell development are adept at wandless magic. After constructing the rune model in their minds, they cast the spell directly. Once the experimental casting succeeds, they then refine the incantation and gestures. This also explains why many spells existed whose incantations were never finalized, only to be lost forever due to the creator's death or other misfortunes.

After the gathering, Anduin returned to his dormitory, still feeling somewhat unsatisfied. He first recorded all his insights from the day, then eagerly began studying Lily's research materials.

Lily's documents revealed her extensive research into various defensive magics, including numerous methods to counter curses, the concept of applying stress runes to alchemical objects, and her ongoing investigations into emotional defensive magic, among other theories.

Anduin also found Lily's optimized defensive rune within the notes, which he suspected was the protective spell placed on the 'amulet' she had given him. However, there was no incantation recorded. He wondered whether it had simply been omitted or if Lily had only developed it for use on alchemical items and had never created a verbal incantation.

In Lily's descriptions, many defensive magics —whether enchanted into alchemical items or cast directly— could be greatly strengthened by infusing them with emotions and feelings. She specifically noted that positive emotions were crucial: the stronger the belief and the more intense the feeling, the better the resulting effect.

There was no doubt in Anduin's mind that Lily had used that technique on the 'amulet' back then.

"This rune . . . it looks a little like the Shield Charm," Anduin murmured, opening Theory of Magical Defense and studying the rune formula for the Shield Charm. Comparing it to Lily's manuscript, he noticed many similarities.

He guessed it was an improved version of the Shield Charm but couldn't determine how much stronger it might be. Could it be that the only difference was the rune projecting a doe when activated?

Anduin reluctantly closed the book, carefully put away the manuscript, and sighed. "This sort of content delves back into Ancient Runes again . . . There's still so much to learn".

But Anduin understood the value of steady progress. His initial spell studies were far from complete, and it wasn't yet the time to be overly ambitious. He needed to focus on mastering the core spells first.

In the following days, Anduin reverted to his ultimate homebody state; he wasn't seen anywhere except during classes and mealtimes.

Meanwhile, the conflict between Gryffindor and Slytherin at Hogwarts had erupted completely. Both sides were fighting fiercely, and isolated students were often ambushed with hexes or struck by prank items like Dungbombs. Professor McGonagall and Professor Slughorn were overwhelmed trying to manage the chaos, but most of these incidents occurred among students in their third year and above; younger witches and wizards were not too affected.

Anduin didn't bother getting involved in these prankish skirmishes. To his mind, a fight without bloodshed was little more than a game. He remained constantly alert for any signs of conflict escalation or Death Eater activity outside of Hogwarts. To secure his own position, he knew he would need solid personal strength.

Over the weekend, Anduin visited Hagrid's hut for another private meal. This time, he prepared a barbecue and even brought along his potted green onions, planting them in Hagrid's vegetable garden. He planned to buy some seedlings and additional spices from London's Chinatown during the Christmas holidays since Hagrid's kitchen seemed to consume spices at an alarming rate.

Anduin held a baked potato in one hand and a grilled pork chop in the other, enjoying the cool breeze beside the hut with Hagrid. He felt thoroughly content. The large cauldron he had asked Hagrid to order still wasn't finished, and there was also a new little swallow-tailed dog.

Hagrid had named it 'Rhine'; he hoped this little dog would someday be as mighty as a lion. But in Anduin's view, it would have been more fitting to call it 'Swallow,' as the two-tailed pup looked more like the bird than anything else.

He'd heard that if someone wanted to keep a swallow-tailed dog in the Muggle world, the Ministry of Magic required one of its tails to be surgically removed. Hagrid was horrified upon hearing this, hugging Rhine tightly and promising the pup his tail would remain intact.

To Anduin, though, the little Rhine—clutched protectively in Hagrid's large hands—seemed truly pitiful.

Anduin also received the list of medicinal herbs and potion prices he had asked Hagrid to gather.

At last, he had the chance to examine his money-making plan. He began by studying the current potion price list. The most expensive potion was, of course, Felix Felicis, but Anduin had no intention of making money by brewing Felix Felicis; its ingredients and brewing time were far too demanding.

Next on the list were various healing potions, antidotes, blood-replenishing potions, and so on. But Anduin seriously questioned to whom these potions would be sold once they entered the market, knowing that both Aurors and ordinary wizards could acquire them from St Mungo's or other hospitals.

Thus, the likely buyers would be Death Eaters or Dark Wizards, and Anduin had no desire to get involved with such people.

Aside from healing potions, the more promising options for business were Joy Potion, Baruffio's Brain Elixir, Veritaserum, and Eternal Potion. Of these, Joy Potion and Eternal Potion had the highest demand, while Baruffio's Brain Elixir and Veritaserum were relatively expensive.