"Where is Damon?"
Faced with Dumbledore's question, Professor McGonagall suddenly looked a little embarrassed.
"I left him in the office."
She realized she should have brought Damon with her—after all, he was the one who created this theory and knew it better than anyone. She had been so excited, she completely forgot.
"Oh? What did he say?" Dumbledore asked, his expression unreadable, eyes full of depth.
Professor McGonagall didn't notice his gaze. After calming down a bit, she recalled Damon's reaction, finding it somewhat amusing:
"He said he wanted credits."
"Credits?" Dumbledore's eyes lit up with surprise. "You mean… he wrote this paper for House Cup points?"
"Yes, House Cup credits. He asked me to return the points that had been deducted from his house."
Seeing Dumbledore's slightly stunned expression, Professor McGonagall tried to comfort him:
"Don't you think it's ridiculous too? That boy doesn't seem to realize the gravity of the situation. He's still calculating House points! He has no idea how important his paper is—"
"Then why don't you give them to him?"
"—What?"
"The points—why not just give them back?"
Professor McGonagall, who had just calmed down, now looked confused again.
Was it her imagination? Why did Dumbledore's tone sound slightly… critical?
"Of course I'll give them to him. But more importantly, what are you going to do with his paper? Do you really plan to publish it in Transfiguration Today? I'm afraid Hogwarts will be flooded with owl letters."
"Why not—if he's willing to publish it."
"Actually, the paper isn't as dangerous as you might think. Not to mention there are parts I don't fully understand myself. Even if someone else could understand it, without the two core spells—which he's keeping secret—it won't be easy to use its power."
Dumbledore looked at the phoenix by his side and said gently:
"Fawkes, would you please bring Damon here?"
The phoenix nodded and disappeared in a burst of flame.
"In the meantime, Minerva, I'd like to hear more—how did this child come up with such an idea?"
"To be honest, I'm surprised too. Though he has progressed rapidly, he's never brought up anything like this before."
About a quarter of an hour later, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
Damon entered, with Fawkes perched on his shoulder, preening its feathers. Dumbledore, though already prepared for something unusual, was still surprised.
He had never seen Fawkes behave so closely with anyone before.
Even Newt Scamander had only managed to build a basic connection with the phoenix—nothing like this.
"Thanks, buddy, I'm here," Damon said.
Fawkes nodded, then flew back to its perch.
"I've rarely seen Fawkes so affectionate."
"Oh, he said I smell nice and make him feel safe."
Dumbledore chuckled slightly, assuming Damon was joking.
"Would you like tea or pumpkin juice?"
"Black tea, thank you."
With a wave of Dumbledore's wand, black tea and pastries appeared. Though he had just eaten at McGonagall's, Damon didn't refuse out of politeness.
"Then, let's get straight to the point."
"I don't mind."
"I have a few questions about your White Transfiguration Law, and I'd like your explanation."
"So it has a name now, Professor?" Damon smiled. "Ask away."
"What are molecules and atoms?"
"They're microscopic particles that make up all matter. Everything around us is composed of them, though we can't see them with the naked eye."
Damon pointed to his eyes:
"Even if you don't fully grasp the scientific explanation, it doesn't matter. I used those terms to simplify things. In essence, this theory is about understanding what matter is made of. Muggles call it 'matter.'"
"In fact, you don't need to understand atoms or molecules to apply the theory—it can be understood entirely from a magical perspective."
"Could you explain further?"
Dumbledore was growing more intrigued. This boy clearly had deep knowledge of both the magical and Muggle worlds. Was it this collision of thinking that birthed such a revolutionary idea?
"Of course."
Damon casually floated a piece of paper with his wand.
"Professor, what do you think is the most important element in magic?"
"Hm… that's a difficult question. If I had to give a less-than-perfect answer, I'd say… love."
"A meaningless answer," Damon replied, rolling his eyes.
Dumbledore simply smiled in return.
"Love is part of it, sure. But I believe the core of magic lies in a wizard's understanding and willpower."
"In my understanding, this piece of paper isn't just paper—it has complex internal components. By altering those, I can achieve fundamental transformation through Transfiguration."
"But are my ideas uniquely correct? I don't think so."
"My longstanding beliefs have forged a deep conviction—something like faith. Muggles call this belief science. In fact, science might be the most fanatical belief system in the world."
"And when belief meets magic… it becomes a miracle."
"In short, it's all about the power of belief. But a belief, no matter how strong, is like a castle in the air unless it's supported by sound reasoning and consistent thought. When those come together—then the miracle happens."
Damon spoke with clarity and passion. Dumbledore listened with a warm smile and nodded.
"What a remarkable insight. I can see you've developed a complete personal philosophy about magic."
"I have no further questions. It's truly been an honor hearing you explain it."
He paused, then added:
"Now, let's talk about how to present your theory. I hear from Minerva that you want to publish it in Transfiguration Today?"
"Yes. Actually, this idea wasn't born in a vacuum—it came from something I read in an earlier issue of that journal. Since it gave me inspiration, I want to give back."
"Oh—I like your warmth and gratitude."
Dumbledore's smile grew wider, his eyes narrowing slightly in genuine pleasure.
Though Damon—like Tom Riddle—had been born in a Muggle orphanage, and was equally brilliant and well-mannered, and just as drawn to power, there was something much warmer in this boy.
"But, as Minerva said, let's hold off a little. A theory this revolutionary deserves an equally grand stage."
Dumbledore stood, walked over to Damon, and placed a hand on his shoulder—his gesture one of both encouragement and respect.
"I will vouch for you. The next issue of Transfiguration Today, and even the Daily Prophet, will promote your theory. It won't be long before
the wizarding world knows your name.
Are you ready to step onto the stage, Damon?"
"My pleasure, Professor."
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