Sterling was in excellent condition today. Last night he had received Andrew's caring letter, and he hadn't projected himself into Avalon during sleep. His mental state today could be called absolutely perfect.
So as soon as he woke up, he activated "The Witness of the Author", opened the magical book, and planned to practise his Origin Magic systematically.
After much careful thought, since destiny would surely come regardless, what use were confusion and anxiety now? Better to improve his magical abilities. This was definitely worthwhile preparation.
First and foremost was his Origin Magic. Although Maleficent had mentioned that she and Vivian usually relied on their Thirteen Magics, she had also emphasised they were at peak condition when using Origin Magic.
Moreover, Origin Magic. The very name suggested something worth practising with utmost diligence.
As soon as Sterling opened the book, he discovered it contained something completely new. A scene appeared on the page he had turned to.
A thin figure completely wrapped in a black cloak, face invisible, knelt on the ground in obvious submission. Behind him was a blur of ominous black smoke, its base connected directly to the back of the small figure's head.
The top of the black mist flashed with two red lights. Like eyes? It enveloped the figure from behind, as if trying to devour him completely.
Below the disturbing image was a line of small text:
"Those who embrace hell, even if they know to return, deserve no pity."
After Sterling finished reading, the page automatically detached from the book, turned to ash, and fell to the floor, forming a perfect "X" shape.
Sterling felt certain this was a prophecy.
Vivian had once explained that the first year of Origin Magic awakening was a period of rapid, lightning-fast development. During this time, no practice was needed. It would grow on its own to near-complete form.
After all, this was a gift from Avalon itself. What gift comes as a half-finished product?
"The Witness of the Author" was originally magic concerning both "prophecy" and "altering reality". Last time he had used it, he had unlocked the "altering reality" aspect, the ability to modify circumstances directly without summoning the book. Now unlocking the "prophecy" aspect was a perfectly reasonable progression.
So... Sterling now had to consider whether this was a short-term or long-term prophecy. He leaned toward short-term, since he had paid no discernible price.
If it were a prophecy spanning a long time, even Origin Magic couldn't be completely without cost. Prophecies spanning three years or more could severely injure even experienced prophets.
That "X" might represent immediate danger... and within this castle, only professors posed a genuine threat to him.
He wasn't being arrogant. He had objectively assessed the upperclassmen's abilities and found most probably couldn't withstand his thorn magic, let alone his dragon-transformed magic as a trump card.
Short-term prophecy, treating it as today's prophecy. He might encounter Professor Flitwick for Charms or Professor Quirrell for Defence Against the Dark Arts today.
Combined with the disturbing image, the black smoke was definitely symbolic, but the back of the head was a distinctive feature. Coincidentally, the legend of Professor Quirrell's strange turban had already spread throughout Ravenclaw.
So the interpretation was clear:
Professor Quirrell's head harboured an evil force... probably something with its own malevolent will, since the form seemed to be devouring Quirrell with obvious controlling implications.
Professor Quirrell had willingly submitted to control but now regretted it. Unworthy of pity, which matched Sterling's immediate first reaction.
Since it was done by his own will, he should accept whatever consequences come, correct?
After completing his interpretation, Sterling rubbed his temples with growing discomfort.
He wasn't particularly afraid, since "the strongest white wizard in the magical world", Albus Dumbledore, served as Hogwarts' headmaster. Even if the prophecy suggested Quirrell posed a threat, Sterling didn't believe he couldn't hold out until the headmaster arrived.
But this class was shared between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.
This basically encompassed Sterling's entire social circle.
He feared Quirrell wouldn't target him but would attack Hermione and the others... Sterling's reaction time wasn't excellent under pressure.
But wait, black smoke?
Sterling suddenly recalled a scene from the many futures he had witnessed the night he awakened his Origin Magic.
Harry leapt up, pinning down a figure wrapped in black robes, with billowing black smoke emanating from the person...
The Harry in that scene looked no different from the current Harry, suggesting it was from the same time period. Meaning it would happen during the first year.
That person should be Quirrell.
Sterling felt relieved, because that scene didn't look like a Hogwarts classroom, meaning Harry and Quirrell's conflict wouldn't be today.
And as he understood, observed divination results were absolute. Harry would definitely clash with Quirrell. If Quirrell acted today, Sterling wouldn't let him live through the day.
This meant Quirrell wouldn't act today... Divination was wonderful, wasn't it?
As for what came after... there was no after. As soon as Sterling saw Dumbledore appear in the Great Hall, he would follow and report to the teacher.
Students reporting problems to teachers. That was how good children handled dangerous situations.
But... if Quirrell wouldn't act today, why did "The Witness of the Author" consider him dangerous?
Sterling temporarily stopped thinking about this complex question, as Terry was already knocking to call him for breakfast.
Charms class would finally teach actual spells. Professor Flitwick stood on a pile of books, teaching them the correct pronunciation of charms word by word with obvious enthusiasm.
Sterling felt charms weren't really necessary for him personally. For wizards, what truly mattered was the conviction held when releasing magical power. Spells probably just reinforced this conviction.
Powerful wizards could cast without incantations, probably because their convictions were firm enough not to need assistance.
Since Sterling had confirmed that Avalon's magic and the magical world's magic were actually the same fundamental thing, his magical progress had accelerated dramatically.
Today's spell was "Lumos", a very basic charm.
If not for fear of startling Professor Flitwick, Sterling would have heard that during Gryffindor classes, he had fallen off his chair just from calling Harry Potter's name. Sterling could even recite the Levitation Charm while simultaneously using the Light Charm.
Sterling easily cast a beautiful Light Charm, naturally being the first in class to succeed.
Professor Flitwick was absolutely delighted. He was a kind little old man who happily patted Sterling's thigh and awarded Ravenclaw ten points immediately.
"I knew Ravenclaw's House Cup still depended on you and Hermione."
Terry elbowed Sterling playfully. Sterling was somewhat puzzled. He had been wondering why Ravenclaw put all their hopes on two first-years when the House Cup was clearly a school-wide assessment.
Hearing his question, Terry explained with obvious knowledge:
"Because Ravenclaw is special. Upperclassmen only focus on going deeper into their personal interests, not paying much attention to other things they find uninteresting.
"Even with subjects they like, rather than answering teachers' questions they already know in class, they prefer researching problems they care about and consulting teachers privately after class.
"Put it this way. When you find something you genuinely like, you'll be exactly the same. That's Ravenclaw's common trait.
"Considering this, all professors encourage Ravenclaw first-years more. Question opportunities usually go to Ravenclaws first, and most times they award more points than other Houses.
"All of Ravenclaw's House points come from first-years' classroom points and upperclassmen's extracurricular points. When they complete their personal projects, they often earn substantial bonus points.
"That's why Prefect Robert and others pin their hopes on you. You're the most actively participating first-years in recent years."
I see, Sterling nodded with understanding.
"Ravenclaw, ten points!"
Professor Flitwick's eyes narrowed to cheerful slits, watching the Light Charm flicker successfully at Hermione's wand tip. He seemed to see the House Cup waving at him from the distance.