[ Might (Red): You possess the potential to explore everything. You can dominate the world, or you can benefit all living beings. Everything lies in your choices. ]
[ Magical Spirit Body (Red): You possess the talent to cast any magic. With just one glance at any spell, you can understand its casting method and effects. Any magic cast by you will have its effects doubled! ]
[ Mentor of Great Beings (Gold): You will personally guide several great beings of the magical world onto different paths and play extremely important roles! ]
[ Metamorphosis Prodigy (Gold): Your Transfiguration talent has reached its peak. You are extremely meticulous and earnest, which is the most important talent for Transfiguration! You will eventually achieve something on this path! ]
[ Holder of the Elder Wand (Gold): The holder of the most powerful wand will never be defeated in any duel! ]
[ Alchemy Genius (Gold): You possess extremely high talent in alchemy, even able to perceive the secrets beneath the laws of alchemy. You will inevitably become a generation's alchemy master! ]
[ Redeemer (Purple): Burdened with sin, you live to atone for your sins every moment. Your will is extraordinary, enhancing the effects of some of your spells to a certain extent. ]
[ Language Expert (Purple): You possess an extraordinary talent for learning all kinds of languages, including cross-species languages. ]
[ Magical Creature Affinity (Purple): You are naturally gifted with strong affinity, making magical creatures willing to be close to you. ]
...
Devereux stared at the panel, rendered speechless.
He knew Dumbledore would certainly possess many powerful tags. There would be gold ones, maybe even red ones. But he hadn't expected this.
So many high-level tags that the list could only be concluded with an ellipsis?!
The number of gold tags Dumbledore had nearly matched all the gold tags Devereux had seen so far, combined!
And he actually had two red tags Devereux had already seen elsewhere!
The purple tags? Too many to count.
Dumbledore truly deserved his title as the greatest headmaster in Hogwarts history. He was simply too powerful!
Without hesitation, Devereux immediately attempted to load and copy the "Magical Spirit Body (Red)" tag.
He had never copied this type of red tag before, especially one that amplified magic. The "Potion Spirit Body" tag had been phenomenal, so this one had to be incredible!
[ Ding! ]
[ Loading and copying is on cooldown! ]
[ Cooldown time: 29 days, 26 hours, 27 minutes ]
Huh?
No surge of magical energy. No new tag acquired. Just a big fat cooldown.
The reality hit him like a rogue bludger.
He had wasted his one chance—on Harry's pretty much useless "Savior" tag!
He wanted to cry but had no tears.
The tag he wanted was right in front of him. So close, yet now so far—29 days far!
Dumbledore, oblivious to Devereux's mental breakdown, continued reminiscing fondly.
"Oh dear, when you get old, you just like to look back at the past. Let's talk about your affairs, Devereux."
He pulled a parchment scroll from his sleeve.
"You know, just the contents of this piece of paper can exempt you from all seven years of Potion classes at Hogwarts."
He glanced toward Snape, who sat nearby with a perpetually gloomy expression, paying no attention.
"Yes, and based on the demonstration just now, I'm also convinced you can skip my Charms class entirely!" said Professor Flitwick, beaming. "Though of course, I'd still love for you to attend."
Devereux blinked in disbelief.
No need for Potions? No need for Charms?
Amazing!
His earlier frustration vanished in an instant. The joy overwhelmed him. He nearly leapt in excitement.
But then Dumbledore dropped a bucket of ice water on the party.
"However," he said with a slight smile, "it doesn't mean you won't be attending classes at all."
Devereux froze.
"But rather," Dumbledore explained kindly, "you can skip the regular courses assigned to your year and instead attend higher-level ones. After all, Hogwarts is still a school."
Devereux nodded. Disappointed, sure—but it made sense.
He was an absolute prodigy in both Potions and Charms. Staying with the first-years would definitely hold him back. Advancing to upper-grade content was the smart move.
Still, another problem arose.
"Professor, which grade's classes should I attend then?"
As a new student, he had no clue about the curriculum difficulty across different years.
"Don't worry," Dumbledore replied. "The two professors will show you their teaching plans. You'll choose after reviewing them. Let's decide next week. For now, get familiar with the school."
Professor Flitwick nodded. "When you come to class tomorrow, I'll give you the syllabus for this year."
Snape remained silent but cast an icy glance Devereux's way.
The boy breathed a sigh of relief. A week to decide was a welcome buffer.
He bowed respectfully to both professors.
"Thank you, professors."
Dumbledore smiled warmly. "Any more questions, Devereux?"
Devereux hesitated. There was indeed something he couldn't shake.
"Professor, I'm not saying I don't like Slytherin," he began, shooting a guilty glance at Snape. "But I just don't understand why the Sorting Hat placed me there. It didn't even ask for my opinion."
A heavy silence fell. The three professors exchanged subtle looks.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he gazed at the training dummies Devereux had obliterated earlier.
"Well, perhaps the Sorting Hat believes you are a natural Slytherin."
Then, before Devereux could press the matter further, Dumbledore gently dismissed him.
"All right, Devereux. Why don't you let Professor Snape escort you back to the common room? You've had a long day—train ride, test, everything. Go rest."
Snape rose and walked to the door, pausing to glance back coldly.
"Follow me."
Devereux quickly bowed to Flitwick and Dumbledore, then hurried after him, pushing aside his lingering questions.
The door closed softly behind them.
Dumbledore and Flitwick exchanged a meaningful glance.
"Very similar... perhaps even more so. His talent is truly unprecedented," Flitwick whispered, his small hand still raised from waving goodbye.
"Indeed," Dumbledore murmured, unrolling the parchment. His eyes gleamed.
"His father was only a magical prodigy... but Devereux, he excels in Potions as well. Perhaps we don't need to worry too much about him."
— — —
Snape walked swiftly through the halls, his black robes swishing behind him. Devereux struggled to keep pace.
Just as they turned a corner, Devereux suddenly bumped into Snape's leg.
"Ow—!" He clutched his nose, which now throbbed painfully.
Snape had stopped abruptly for some reason.
The professor turned to look down at him, those cold dark eyes boring into his soul.
Devereux immediately broke into a cold sweat.
Could it be...?
Could Snape be angry about what he said to Flitwick earlier?
Was he holding a grudge?
Was he about to unleash his fury?
Devereux's hand moved instinctively toward his wand.