Figures, corpses, spears, and halos—the three murals together seemed to record a brutal sacrificial ritual...
Beneath the towering tree, countless people had gathered. They endured a bloody struggle, yet in the end, there were no victors—only expanding halos of light where they once stood.
But what did those halos truly represent?
And who was the wizard astride the magnificent steed? Was he the architect of this sacrifice, or did he play some other role entirely?
As Wyzett pondered these mysteries, Xenophilius suddenly cried out, "Ouch!" as if he'd tripped over something.
Wyzett spun around and saw that several deep grooves had appeared in the earth.
The grooves intertwined, forming a spiraling cyclone pattern—one that unmistakably symbolized Ancient Magic.
He'd seen it before, both on The Wizard's Practical Combat Guide and on the wand box from Ollivander's.
Luna seemed to come back to herself at that moment. She rushed over to help Xenophilius up. "Dad, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, darling," Xenophilius replied, waving her off with a smile. "But what's going on here? Where did all these pits come from?"
"Mr. Ominis, does this always happen when you bring people here?" he called out.
"Pits?" Ominis repeated, giving his wand a thoughtful flick. "I'm not sure I follow. Could you describe what you're seeing?"
"It's a cyclone pattern," Luna explained. "I feel like I've seen it before… That's right! Mum used to draw it for me."
"Yes!" Xenophilius exclaimed, realization dawning. "Pandora really did draw this! I've seen it several times—there's no mistake!"
Ominis's expression shifted, surprise flickering in his eyes. "You both recognize this pattern?"
Xenophilius nodded. "My wife was a historian. She studied all kinds of magic and runes—especially this pattern. She collected a lot of related research."
A strange look crossed Ominis's face. He hesitated, then asked, "Forgive me, but… was your wife ever able to use any of those spells or runes herself?"
Xenophilius shook his head. "No. None of those spells ever worked for her."
"Would it be possible for me to meet Mrs. Lovegood?" Ominis pressed gently. "I'd love to speak with her—my own interest in this history runs deep."
Xenophilius glanced at Luna, then leaned in, voice dropping. "My wife… passed away some time ago. She was experimenting with a related rune and… there was an accident."
His words trailed off into a heavy sigh, grief shadowing his features.
Ominis quickly offered, "I'm so sorry—I shouldn't have brought it up."
...
After their tour of Odin's ruins, the group made their way back, planning to rest at the Fedrot Inn before heading out to see the circus that evening.
As they strolled through the forest path, Ominis seemed especially intrigued by the subject of ancient spells and runes. He walked up ahead with Xenophilius, peppering him with questions.
Wyzett fell into step beside Luna. "Did you see anything unusual in the ruins—any different sort of light?"
He couldn't shake the feeling that Luna might know more about Ancient Magic than she let on—after all, her mother had studied those same patterns, and Luna herself had always seemed attuned to the world's hidden wonders.
"Different light?" Luna echoed, thinking seriously for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I didn't see any special light."
"I just thought the ruins felt peaceful… Like watching a Mooncalf dance in the moonlight. I imagine Odin must have been very happy during his time there."
Wyzett nodded thoughtfully.
If Luna hadn't noticed anything, perhaps she didn't possess the Oculus Magicae—perhaps she couldn't perceive Ancient Magic directly. Yet, she had an uncanny sensitivity to the world around her, always able to sense its secret beauty. Maybe that was a different kind of magical gift—something like a "magical heart."
One thing was clear: there was a mysterious connection between Luna and Ancient Magic.
He remembered how he'd unlocked Ancient Magic: Shield Charm—it was Luna's inspiration that had made it possible. And at the end of last term, it was her Christmas gift that had helped him defeat Voldemort within the soul labyrinth.
Sometimes, Wyzett felt as if he were caught in a vast web, tangled in threads he couldn't see. New challenges were surely waiting for him on the horizon.
But as a Guardian, his secrets were too great to share. Aside from Headmaster Dumbledore, there was no one he could truly confide in about Ancient Magic.
"Wyzett, there are loads of Wrackspurts around you," Luna said, fanning the air near his head with concern. "Is something bothering you? You know you can tell me anything. I promise—I'll keep your secrets."
Her sincerity was disarming. Wyzett felt a sudden urge to reveal everything about Ancient Magic—but he hesitated. If Luna was unconnected to that power, telling her might put her in danger.
Still, there was no disappointment in her eyes—only unwavering trust. "If you ever want to talk," she said softly, "I'll always be here to listen."
Moved by her words, Wyzett swallowed and said, his voice a little rough, "Luna, let me teach you a spell… Try to cast it and see what happens."
Luna's eyes sparkled as she nodded eagerly. "Alright! Tell me!"
"This spell is a bit like the Levitation Charm. The incantation is 'Læviasa.' It works like Levitation, but it can affect living things…"
Wyzett patiently explained the theory and incantation of Ancient Magic: Soaring Charm, just as he'd learned it himself. He didn't mention the spell's name—only the method.
The true test was simple: if Luna could cast this spell and produce an effect beyond the ordinary Levitation Charm, then she must have some connection to Ancient Magic.
After a few tries, Luna seemed to have the basics down. She looked at Wyzett with a hint of worry. "Are you sure it's okay if I cast it on you?"
Wyzett glanced ahead and nodded. "Of course. Just go easy on me."
"Alright! I'll do my best." Luna took a deep breath, raised her wand with perfect form, and gave it a gentle flick. "Læviasa!"
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