"What is the nature of magic?"
After Lockhart posed his question, Snape fell into thoughtful silence. Gradually, his eyes brightened with a kind of fervor that rarely appeared in his typically guarded expression. As he returned to his senses, he muttered to himself, reflecting on his years of relentless pursuit of magic's mysteries. Though known by many as a master of potions, Snape's research extended deeply into the essence of magic itself.
"Magic…" he began. "In ancient times, the so-called 'gods' worshiped by Muggles were actually wizards, performing what they saw as miracles."
His tone grew passionate, betraying his own reverence for magic.
"Wizards are gods. Magic is the miracle."
Wanda, Ian, and the others were entranced by his words, their imaginations ablaze. A thrill rose in their hearts, a sense of awe and excitement they couldn't fully contain, as though a flame had been kindled in their chests.
Lockhart listened quietly, a faint smile touching his lips, absorbing Snape's words without interruption.
"Lockhart," Snape continued, "your perspective was intriguing, and it certainly clarified a lot. However, I'm inclined to believe that the true nature of magic lies in belief, spirit, and will."
With this, Snape raised his wand, pointing it at the ground. He made a small, subtle gesture, and a soft white light glimmered at the tip. The earth trembled slightly, shifting and reshaping under his direction.
Before their eyes, six small clay figures emerged from the ground, their features gradually taking on more detail. Red hair, dark robes, and distinct clothing appeared on each figure, forming tiny replicas of everyone present.
As the miniature Snape lifted its wand and performed a similar gesture, six even smaller figures materialized below, mirroring the scene above. Layer by layer, smaller versions of themselves continued to appear, a recursive reflection that went on like an endless matryoshka doll.
Wanda and the others found themselves gazing upward, as though trying to peer into infinity, wondering if they, too, might be creations of magic, existing within a layered universe orchestrated by a higher power.
"Lockhart," Snape said, breaking their reverie, "this demonstration uses only the simplest transfiguration spell. The critical element here is my will. As long as I will it to continue, the spell does."
Lockhart absorbed Snape's words, his expression contemplative as he considered this insight.
"For wizards," Snape continued, "emotion and magic serve as crucial mediums, but will is the true force that alters reality. The concept you mentioned earlier, Lockhart, is in many ways the imposition of will upon the world. Anything we envision can be made real, so long as our soul and magic are capable of bearing the weight of that change."
Lockhart nodded thoughtfully, finding Snape's perspective an intriguing addition to his own understanding.
"Lockhart," Snape went on, "I wonder if you've ever noticed the fundamental difference between wizards and Muggles?"
Lockhart's curiosity deepened as he turned his attention fully to Snape.
"When Muggles die, they leave behind very little. But with wizards, it's different. Some wizards leave remnants of their spirit, becoming ghosts—like those you see at Hogwarts. Muggles don't, but wizards do. Have you ever wondered what that means?"
Lockhart pondered the question, formulating a guess, but he opted to ask, "Does it have to do with…wizarding blood?"
"Partially," Snape nodded, "but more accurately, it's a matter of the soul. I once spent time around Voldemort, and during his research, he noted marked differences between Muggle and wizard souls. It's a probable explanation for why the wizarding world has pure-blood families."
Snape's words prompted a flash of recognition in Lockhart. He recalled his early encounters with the Ancient One when he had first arrived in this universe. She had emphasized the importance of his bloodline, warning him to pay attention to its significance. Coupled with the potent nature of magical talent among wizards, it certainly seemed worthy of deep reflection.
Noticing Lockhart's pensive expression, Snape hesitated, perhaps wary of Lockhart delving too deeply into such a concept. Finally, he said, "Lockhart, the essence of magic is subject to interpretation. Ask Dumbledore or even Voldemort, and they would each provide a unique answer. Our understanding of magic is shaped by our individual perspectives, reflecting only one side of an infinite reality."
He paused, his voice taking on a reflective tone. "Our perspective creates the world we understand, but from a higher vantage, we see that our views are limited. That doesn't make them wrong, though. I've crafted numerous spells and potions based on the concept of magic as an extension of will. I imagine your concept-oriented approach could prove just as enlightening."
Lockhart absorbed Snape's words, then smiled, offering a rare compliment. "Snape, you may have the mind of a philosopher."
The remark seemed to surprise Snape, but he gave a slight nod, acknowledging Lockhart's comment.
Lockhart, too, found himself resonating with Snape's insight. His own prior life's memories had nudged him to interpret magic through the lens of concepts, even veering toward a scientific perspective. In this view, magic was a force that could rival, or even destroy, something as powerful as a nuclear bomb.
Returning his focus to the present, Lockhart addressed Wanda, Ian, and the others. "Did all of you catch the conversation Professor Snape and I just had?"
Each of them nodded, including Pietro, whose expression showed he was working to keep up.
"Good," Lockhart said. "I recommend that you take some time to reflect and write down your thoughts. What Professor Snape and I discussed may not be absolute truth, but it will definitely broaden your understanding of magic."
"Yes, mentor," Ian and the others replied in unison.
With a satisfied nod, Lockhart continued, "Today's practical lesson will have a different focus—a game of Whack-a-Mole!"
Puzzled looks crossed their faces until Lockhart clarified.
"Not literal moles, of course—Hydras. The underground Hydra network resembles a colony of moles, constantly surfacing and retreating, leaving barely a trace. Tracking them down requires diligence and focus."
To tackle Hydra's elusive nature, Lockhart had devised a strategy of blocking off escape routes one by one, anticipating that, eventually, he'd capture them in a single, decisive sweep. And he saw an opportunity for his students to gain real-world experience as they joined him in the hunt.
"Hydra," he declared, a determined edge in his voice, "will be destroyed."
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