Chapter 38: Known in the martial arts world as the Little Fire God
Frustrated by the setback, Hermione immediately began thinking about ways to become stronger after being comforted.
"How about we set aside half a day each week to practice magic? Just reading about spells and theories without practical training makes improvement difficult. Spells need to be practiced."
"Yes, I'd like to practice more magic too." It was a good idea, and Ethan agreed wholeheartedly.
After being discouraged, Hermione yearned to become stronger. Even without natural talent, she believed that with enough practice, she could catch up to or even surpass those who had it.
Now she was full of energy. "Let's start tomorrow. After breakfast, we'll find a place where we can practice freely and get settled. We'll practice there every Sunday from now on."
Ethan was actually a little reluctant to practice so early in the morning. He wanted to enjoy the weekend, but he didn't want to dampen Hermione's enthusiasm, so he reluctantly agreed.
On their way to the library, Hermione kept discussing suitable practice locations with Ethan.
After vetoing a few suggestions, Ethan said, "Hagrid's place is good. Nobody usually goes there, and you can rest when you get tired. It's perfect."
Hermione thought about it and realized that Ethan's suggestion was more practical than her own ideas about places like the Black Lake or the grounds behind the castle.
She had a slight concern. "It's good, but I don't know Hagrid. Wouldn't that be presumptuous?"
"Probably not. Hagrid is very hospitable, but what you said makes sense," Ethan replied.
Ethan thought about it and realized Hermione's concerns were not unfounded. After all, he had only known Hagrid for a few days and was far from being a family friend like Harry, whose parents had shared a long-standing relationship with him.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "How about this? We'll go together tomorrow morning. You wait for me a little further away. I'll go inside first and talk to Hagrid. If he agrees, I'll introduce you. What do you think?"
Hermione thought it was a good suggestion. "That's a great idea," she said happily. "Even if he disagrees, neither of us will feel awkward. We can just find somewhere else, and that's that."
Ethan actually thought of an even more suitable place, the Room of Requirement, but he didn't know where in the castle this famous tapestry hung.
"Once I've gotten to know the castle better, I'm determined to find this mysterious space!" He made up his mind and entered the library with Hermione.
At eight o'clock that evening, Ethan said goodbye to Hermione at the library entrance, carrying the two books he had just borrowed, and walked out of the castle.
He also wanted to practice the two spells he had just learned, but he didn't want to discourage Hermione too much while she was around.
When he cast the Impervius Charm in front of Hermione, he consciously held back a bit.
He truly had a talent for fire magic that surpassed his skill with other spells; he could feel himself controlling the power of this magic.
In the same familiar spot, on the same lake, his resolve was firm, and he clearly chanted the incantation: "Incendio!"
"Boom!" With a flash of blue light, a flame much larger than Hermione had ever seen appeared on the lake surface.
"Just as I thought!"
But he felt that this was not his limit; the blue flame could burn even more intensely.
He unleashed the magic again, this time thinking, "Greater, greater, the more powerful, the better!"
"Incendio!"
A flame the size of a cart wheel appeared next to the blue flame, instantly dwarfing the previous basketball-sized flame.
"This should be my limit right now, but I believe I can get stronger. Sooner or later, it will be as big as a door or even a house." He had wonderful visions in his heart.
"Hehe!" He couldn't help but chuckle.
"Try the lowest power setting again."
Using the same method, he released a flame the size of a ping-pong ball, which lasted for about half a minute before extinguishing in the lake.
He then tested the Incendio spell in the same way. This low-level spell was much less powerful. Even at its maximum, it only managed to ignite a small patch of grass, creating about one square meter of scorched earth.
Looking at the damage he had caused, he stuck out his tongue and looked around guiltily. "Hopefully no one will complain about the damage to the lawn."
The experiment was almost over, and he walked happily toward his dormitory. "Although Professor Flitwick is right that wizards are like gods, I'm not yet as omnipotent as God."
However, having achieved this level of skill, wouldn't it be reasonable for me to call myself a "Little Vulcan"?
"Hmm? Can I control these flames?"
He'd been enjoying himself so much that he'd nearly forgotten something he'd meant to test earlier. Luckily, he hadn't gone far from the Black Lake. He turned back to see if he could actually control flames.
*According to the book, some powerful fire bloodlines are immune to burns. I can control black fire, so I should be able to do that too, right?* He wasn't entirely sure.
*Better safe than sorry. I'll start with a weaker Incendio. If I get hurt, the Hospital Wing can patch me up.* After all, if they could regrow missing bones, a small burn would be nothing.
After casting the spell, he slowly moved his hand toward the burning grass.
The heat made him hesitate. If this didn't work, he'd look like an idiot.
He watched the faint flames creep toward the roots and gradually weaken. Steeling himself, he thought, *If I don't try now, I'll only have to try later. Might as well get it over with.*
He closed his eyes and reached out, grasping the smoldering blade of grass.
The expected burning sensation never came. Instead, warmth spread through his palm.
He opened his eyes. He was holding a flame that burned brighter than before.
*I really can control flames!* He swept his hand upward, and the fire transferred from the grass to his palm, leaving only scorch marks behind.
He raised his hand, holding the flame before him. *Make it stronger. Even stronger.*
The fireball expanded at his command, growing until it was the size of a tennis ball. He stopped it there, holding it steady.
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