Zongsi, a monitoring tool employed by the Ministry of Magic, is designed to keep tabs on underage wizards. It functions somewhat like a tracking device, ensuring that young witches and wizards refrain from using magic outside of school premises. Hogwarts sends out a cautionary letter to its students before they depart for the holidays, reminding them not to practice magic in the non-magical world. The mechanism behind Zongsi, as enigmatic as the process for selecting Hogwarts students, intrigued John. He was determined to dismantle it, believing that his skills in alchemy, though not advanced, might just be the key to bypassing this restriction. After all, the Zongsi, while sophisticated, did not seem beyond his capability to understand and potentially manipulate.
John's investigation into the wand revealed that Zongsi operates both as a method and a form of magic. The renewal notices from Hogwarts essentially extend Zongsi's monitoring capabilities, requiring an annual update. This suggested to John that the magical essence within the Zongsi was limited. Its primary function appeared to be the detection of magic use in specific locations, disregarding any magic performed in the presence of adult wizards. This loophole meant that in pure-blood families, underage magic use was often overlooked by the Ministry of Magic.
John couldn't help but feel that this system unfairly targeted Muggle-born wizards. "It's as if they're saying Muggle-borns should just sit back and accept their limitations," he mused, frustrated by the apparent bias. Despite understanding that privilege often followed bloodlines, the blatant discrimination irked him.
After much experimentation, John managed to extract a transparent silver thread from his wand. Handling it with silver tweezers, he placed it into a test tube for further analysis. He then turned his attention to a spare wand he had crafted from materials found in the Forbidden Forest. Though it lacked the finesse of Ollivander's creations, it was a functional backup, made of cherry wood and unicorn hair, measuring eleven inches.
Feeling more secure, John proceeded with another experiment involving magic blood. The substance, initially silver, had turned red with the addition of dragon blood. Expecting an unpleasant taste, John braced himself and drank it. The potion-like liquid caused an immediate reaction; his body heated up, and he struggled with intense discomfort, his skin turning a fiery red.
Watson Wake, arriving to inquire about something, was met with the chaotic scene. "God, John, what's wrong with you!" he exclaimed, rushing to assist but recoiling from the heat emanating from John's body. As John's magical energy surged, causing objects in the basement to levitate, he managed to send Watson away for his safety without using his wand.
Alone, John felt his magic power intensify, a sensation he had never experienced before. It was as if he had become a deity, capable of manipulating his surroundings with mere thought. Objects transformed under his will, showcasing his newfound control over magic without the need for a wand.
This episode marked a significant turning point for John, revealing depths of magical power he had not known he possessed. It also underscored the limitations and biases inherent in the wizarding world's regulations, particularly those affecting Muggle-born wizards. As John navigated these challenges, his journey hinted at broader themes of inequality and the quest for personal autonomy within the magical community. Transforming into a puppy, the owl soared above what once resembled a chair. John struggled to maintain control as magical energy surged unpredictably, causing the grass outside to grow wildly and the apple trees to bear abnormally large fruits. "Stop!" John slammed his fists onto the floor, his roar echoing that of a beast ensnared. The chaos in the basement subsided gradually. Objects that had been floating in the air crashed down, and John lay on the ground, panting heavily.
[Ding, the magic surge has ended]
[You have acquired the Fire Dragon's Blessing: Fire Swallowing, Deterrence, Hardening, Dragon Language]
[Fire Swallowing: Enhanced affinity and resistance to fire-based magic]
[Deterrence: Increased influence over lesser creatures]
[Hardening: Improved resistance to physical impacts]
[Dragon Language: Ability to understand and speak the language of dragons]
Regaining control over his body, John felt as though he was burning up with a severe fever. His clothes were soaked, as if they could wring out water. He pushed himself up and cast a cleansing spell, cursing under his breath about the ordeal, "The system never mentioned it would be this harrowing."
Had he known the transformation would wreak such havoc, he would have never attempted it at home. Now, the basement was a disaster. Despite the ordeal, the rewards were significant. The blessings of the Fire Dragon alone were a formidable gain, not to mention the substantial increase in his magical power.
[Magic Power: Level 3 (635/1500)]
[Spells: Alohomora (Level 3), Levitation Charm (Level 4), Transfiguration (Level 2, with dragon option), Disillusionment Charm (Level 4), Lumos (Level 2), Incendio (Level 4), Bone Crushing Spell (Level 3), Fiery Blast (Level 3), Occlumency (Level 3)...]
[Skills: Proficiency in Short Weapons (Level 7), Greatsword Mastery (Level 4), Firearms Mastery (Level 1), Runes Mastery (Level 1), Alchemy Mastery (Level 1)]
[Blessings: Enhanced Physical Fitness, Quick Reflexes, Precision, Scholar 2.0, Pilot, Long-Distance Running, Swordsmanship, Night Vision, Troll Slayer, Knight, Fire Swallowing, Deterrence, Hardening, Dragon Language]
The presence of fire-eating traits had not only upgraded two of his fire-based spells but also caused a significant leap in his magical power by 500 points. Additionally, the option to transform into a dragon form appeared in his Transfiguration spell, though it was currently unavailable until he reached a higher level of mastery.
The pinnacle of Transfiguration, becoming an Animagus, was a magic that allowed a wizard to transform into an animal. With notable legal Animagi like Professor McGonagall, John speculated that reaching level 4 in Transfiguration might unlock this ability. However, advancing in Transfiguration proved challenging, as John hadn't seen progress since reaching level 2.
After earning four random points in his first year, John decided to upgrade his Runes and Alchemy skills. Both skills turned gray after the upgrade, indicating that further advancement would require more accumulation of experience. Choosing to upgrade Occlumency next, John decided to save the remaining points for unforeseen circumstances.
"The system isn't a cure-all," John mused as he cleaned the basement with a simple wave of his wand. Emerging to the concerned looks of his parents, he reassured them, promising there wouldn't be a repeat of the incident. Reluctantly, his parents abandoned the idea of a hospital visit.
"Thankfully, I managed to conceal the evidence, or the Ministry of Magic would have been on our doorstep," John thought, relieved. Just then, he noticed an owl flying through the window, heading towards Number 4, Privet Drive.
Harry, having been away for a few days, had left the Dursleys too intimidated to mistreat him any longer, thanks to a technique Hagrid had taught him. John adhered strictly to the school's rules and regulations, never using magic outside of the classroom. His idea of a scare was merely to brandish his wand momentarily, nothing more. Yet, to his surprise, he found himself on the receiving end of a warning letter from the Ministry of Magic. Confusion clouded his thoughts. Was it not permissible to merely intimidate with a wand, without casting any spells?
At the heart of this predicament was John, the one who had initiated the entire scenario. It dawned on him that Harry's wand, much like his own, was monitored for any unauthorized use of magic. Despite his innocence in this particular incident, it seemed Harry was inadvertently bearing the consequences. With a pang of guilt, John mentally apologized, realizing the unfairness of the situation. It was a stark reminder of how trouble could find its way to you, unbidden, like an unwelcome guest arriving at your doorstep.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge