Chapter 51
"Thirteen Methods of Soul Transference"? I recall Lovegood mentioning in The Quibbler that only wizards lacking in Transfiguration would try soul transference.
Devero struggled to return a book that was half his size to the shelf, wiping the dust off his hands. He rubbed his forehead.
"Devero, are you even a wizard?"
He was currently in the Restricted Section of Hogwarts' library. To be honest, even after a year in the magical realm, Devero still wasn't accustomed to resolving everything with magic. For example, he should have used a Levitation Charm just now.
"However, I must say, if it's about taking down Malfoy, I'd prefer to do it with my own fists." Devero shifted his gaze to the shelves.
The Restricted Section was hidden in the deepest part of the library, where sunlight barely penetrated.
The shelves were filled with ancient books—some immaculate, without a speck of dust on their spines, while others were covered in yellowed sand, likely due to the unique enchantments associated with their subjects. Most of the book covers were faded, their edges worn and tattered.
Between the shelves stood a few old wooden tables, cluttered with parchment, quills, and ink bottles. If asked how the Restricted Section differed from the regular library, Devero would say it wasn't that different.
The main distinction was that, apart from him, there wasn't a single person around. Naturally, the books here were far more… animated. Some of the books on the shelves occasionally emitted faint rustling sounds, as if whispering.
It was just like how Devero had once heard wands and broomsticks "speak." The books here were murmuring too, intermittently. When Devero listened closely, he realized most of them were softly inviting him to read them.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
The books that called out the loudest? He didn't dare touch those. What kind of book is that eager to be read? Definitely cursed!
This time, Devero's objective was to find powerful spellbooks. After all, he currently lacked any definitive offensive capabilities. Even if he couldn't locate a book detailing the Unforgivable Curses, a book on hexes would suffice.
As everyone knew, dark magic curses could be roughly categorized into three groups based on the severity of their negative effects:
The first category was the relatively harmless jinxes, like the Stunning Spell or Impediment Jinx Devero had used before, which caused no physical harm to the target.
The second category included hexes, which inflicted a certain degree of pain or injury. The most well-known example was Ginny's signature Bat-Bogey Hex.
Devero desperately wanted to learn that one. He could already envision using it to deal with Malfoy, recreating a classic moment.
His second choice was the Teeth-Lengthening Hex. Devero briefly considered trying it on Hermione…
No, never mind. That was too cruel. Shaking his head, Devero gave himself a light slap.
That thought was straight out of the underworld. Better to reserve the pain for Malfoy.
The third category consisted of curses—spells that caused severe, often irreversible pain or damage. The most notorious were the three Unforgivable Curses, which Devero had once been eager to learn. But since Quirrell had mentioned demonstrating those in class, Devero wasn't in such a hurry anymore. Instead, he shifted his focus to other spells.
Beyond powerful curses, Devero also wanted to find books on invisibility.
In the Room of Requirement, Riddle, with his [Wilderness of Knowledge], had taught him how to use the Disillusionment Charm. But after practicing it for a while, Devero found it lacking.
For one, it couldn't be cast instantly. In certain situations, that made Devero vulnerable.
Just two nights ago, when he tried sneaking through a secret passage the Weasley twins had told him about, he nearly got caught by Filch because of this flaw.
But, well… After wandering the Restricted Section for a while, Devero couldn't find any books on invisibility. He did, however, come across a peculiar empty shelf with not a single book on it.
It was odd, but Devero was too focused on finding invisibility-related books to care. After that, he turned to the Transfiguration books he'd been browsing earlier. Truth be told, Transfiguration was Devero's weakest subject.
It was one of only two classes he'd be taking with other first-years next week. Sure, he could turn a matchstick into something else, but that was only because of his Microstructure Transfiguration technique.
In terms of the material taught in class, Devero wasn't necessarily any better than studious types like Hermione. Taking advanced Transfiguration classes with older students would be asking for trouble. And Professor McGonagall would never allow it. The other class he'd be taking with first-years was History of Magic.
Devero snapped out of his thoughts and resumed wandering the Restricted Section. Honestly, this wasn't the best idea. Madam Pince was watching him like a hawk. Perhaps his suspicious behavior had caught her attention.
Even though Devero showed her Snape's signed permission note, Madam Pince didn't seem to trust students' claims. She insisted on magically verifying that the signature was indeed from a professor.
That's when Devero realized why Snape had personally signed the note, even though the quill could've done it automatically. It was because the librarian would check.
In the end, everything checked out, and Madam Pince reluctantly let Devero into the Restricted Section. Of course, it might've also been because the library was about to close.
Devero continued scanning the shelf dedicated to dark magic related to Transfiguration.
…
Vampire Arrays in Object Transfiguration by Walden Crux.
"Vampire arrays can enhance the precision and longevity of Transfiguration effects. Interesting, but not groundbreaking, and not comprehensive. If I ever meet a real vampire, I'll ask them about it. Next."
Methods to Avoid Transfiguration Pain: Feasibility of Nerve Removal by Alison Grey.
"Avoiding pain during Transfiguration by removing nerves? That's way too extreme. I'd rather endure the pain than cut open my brain. What was this author thinking? Next."
Tracing the Origin of Transfigured Objects by Sebastian Morr.
"Methods and techniques for tracking and identifying the original form of transfigured objects. Hmm, pretty interesting, with plenty of case studies. I'll keep this one in mind. If I don't find anything better tonight, you're my pick. Next."
Guide to Reverse Human Transfiguration by Eleanor Black.
"How to turn a living person into an inanimate object? Hiss—this is intriguing. If I combine this with Morr's book, I might come up with some fun ideas."
…
Hogwarts' collection was truly impressive.
Devero had already gone through three shelves and still hadn't finished browsing the dark magic Transfiguration books.
It felt like there were even more forbidden books on Transfiguration than the regular ones out in the main library.
"Are taboos what ignite wizards' creative inspiration?"
The corner of Devero's mouth twitched as he moved to another shelf.
As he turned a corner—
Thud!
"Ouch! Sorry!"
Devero collided with someone and quickly apologized.
The person dropped several books, which scattered across the floor.
Devero hurried to assist in picking them up.
Compendium of Forbidden Curses.
Curses and Counter-Curses.
The Hidden Power of Hexes.
…
Devero glanced at the titles—all dark magic spellbooks.
"Alexander, what are you doing here?" He looked up sharply and saw someone he never would've expected to find in the Restricted Section.
A fifth-year Slytherin and prefect! Marcus Flint!
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