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The question had been nagging at Darius for weeks, growing more persistent as the nano machine's capabilities continued to evolve. Late one night, alone in his dormitory while his roommates slept, he finally decided to confront the mystery that had been haunting him since his transmigration.
"Nano machine," he whispered into the darkness, "I need to ask you something important."
[Query acknowledged. Please specify information request.]
Darius took a deep breath. "Who created you? And why was I chosen to receive you?"
The pause was longer than usual—nearly thirty seconds of complete silence that felt like an eternity.
[Information request recognized. Classification: Restricted. Access Level: Insufficient. Current clearance: Student Researcher Level 2. Required clearance: Advanced Operator Level 7 or higher.]
"What does that mean?" Darius pressed. "How do I increase my access level?"
[Access level advancement criteria: Classified. Achievement milestones: Classified. Override conditions: Classified. Recommendation: Continue current development trajectory.]
The nano machine's evasiveness was both frustrating and intriguing. It clearly possessed knowledge about its origins and purpose, but that information was locked behind security protocols that suggested a sophisticated creator with specific plans.
[Additional information available: This unit represents advanced integration of technological and magical principles. Creator identity and selection criteria will be revealed upon meeting predetermined development thresholds.]
"What kind of thresholds?"
[Insufficient clearance to specify criteria. Current assessment: Substantial progress toward initial unlock requirements. Estimated timeline: Variable, dependent on development rate and achievement completion.]
Darius lay back on his bed, mind racing with implications. Someone or something had specifically chosen him for this transmigration and provided him with technology that seemed to bridge the gap between science and magic. But who? And more importantly, why?
[Status note: Questions regarding origin and purpose are natural at this development stage. Recommend focusing on capability building rather than identity speculation.]
The next morning brought a welcome distraction from existential mysteries. Professor McGonagall approached the Ravenclaw table during breakfast with an expression of poorly concealed excitement.
"Mr. Kael, I have excellent news regarding your academic progression. Professor Dumbledore and I have been discussing independent study arrangements for next term."
She handed him a scroll sealed with the Hogwarts crest. "This outlines a comprehensive program that would allow you to pursue advanced research while maintaining your regular studies. You would have access to restricted materials under faculty supervision and dedicated laboratory time for experimental work."
Darius unrolled the scroll, his excitement mounting as he read the details. Advanced Transfiguration Theory, Experimental Charms Development, Historical Magical Analysis, and most importantly—supervised access to the Restricted Section of the library.
"This is incredible, Professor. Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," McGonagall warned with a slight smile. "The program is extremely demanding. You'll be expected to produce original research, present findings to the faculty, and maintain exemplary standards across all subjects."
"I understand. I won't disappoint you."
As McGonagall departed, Sarah leaned over to read the scroll. "Restricted Section access? That's... that's what graduate researchers get. Sometimes."
"The materials I need for my research are in there," Darius explained, which was entirely true.
"What kind of research requires access to forbidden books?" Emma asked, having appeared at his shoulder as usual.
"Advanced magical theory," Darius replied carefully. "Understanding how magic works at fundamental levels sometimes requires studying techniques that are considered too dangerous for general education."
[Strategic assessment: Restricted Section access achieved through legitimate channels. Risk of exposure minimal. Knowledge acquisition opportunities substantial.]
The first session of his new independent study program took place two days later in a private study room adjacent to the Restricted Section. Professor Flitwick served as his supervisor, though his role seemed more observational than instructional.
"The rules are quite simple," Flitwick explained as they stood before the imposing iron gate that separated forbidden knowledge from general access. "You may examine any text I approve, you must work within this supervised area, and you will document everything you study for review purposes."
The gate swung open with a soft creak, revealing shelves lined with books that seemed to whisper with contained power. Some volumes were chained, others glowed with protective enchantments, and a few appeared to move slightly when observed directly.
"We'll begin with historical texts," Flitwick continued, leading him deeper into the collection. "Accounts of magical conflicts, theoretical frameworks that were deemed too dangerous for standard curriculum, and advanced applications of conventional magic."
He selected several volumes from a high shelf: "The Dark Arts: A Historical Perspective," "Forbidden Techniques of Medieval Wizards," and "Theoretical Applications of Unforgivable Curses."
"These contain knowledge that every serious magical researcher should understand, but which is considered too advanced or morally complex for typical students."
Darius accepted the books with barely controlled excitement. The nano machine was already analyzing their magical auras, detecting the sophisticated preservation and protection charms woven into each volume.
[Analysis: Restricted texts contain approximately 2,300 pages of advanced/forbidden magical theory. Estimated knowledge value: Equivalent to 3-4 years of specialized graduate study. Scanning priority: Maximum.]
The first forbidden text proved to be a revelation. "The Dark Arts: A Historical Perspective" contained detailed analysis of dark magic theory, not from the perspective of condemnation, but from genuine academic study of magical principles.
The fundamental distinction between 'light' and 'dark' magic lies not in the spells themselves, but in the intent and methodology of their application, the author wrote. The Killing Curse, for instance, represents pure magical force applied with absolute intent to destroy. Understanding this principle is crucial for developing effective defenses.
[Knowledge integration: Dark magic operates through different magical pathways than conventional spells. Defense requires understanding of fundamental operating principles, not merely counter-curse memorization.]
As Darius scanned page after page, the nano machine absorbed information that transformed his understanding of magical theory. Dark magic wasn't simply evil—it was a different approach to magical manipulation that required different defenses and different understanding.
"Finding it informative?" Professor Flitwick asked, observing Darius's intense concentration.
"Incredibly so. The theoretical frameworks are completely different from standard magical education."
"Indeed. This is why such materials are restricted. Not because the knowledge itself is evil, but because understanding it requires substantial magical and moral maturity." Flitwick's expression grew serious. "Knowledge of dark magic can be used for protection or destruction. The choice belongs to the wizard who possesses it."
Over the following weeks, Darius's restricted access sessions became the highlight of his academic schedule. Each session provided access to knowledge that advanced his understanding by months or years of conventional study.
"Medieval Combat Magic: Battlefield Applications" revealed tactical spellcasting techniques designed for life-or-death conflicts. "The Unforgivable Curses: Theory and Counter-Applications" provided detailed analysis of the three curses that had killed more wizards than any other magic. "Ritual Magic and Its Dangers" explained complex magical ceremonies that could permanently enhance or destroy a wizard's capabilities.
[Restricted knowledge integration: 47 texts scanned, 11,000+ pages of forbidden/advanced content processed. Combat effectiveness theoretical understanding increased 300%. Defense capability analysis improved 250%.]
The enhanced knowledge began affecting his regular academic performance in subtle but noticeable ways. During Defense Against the Dark Arts, when Professor Merrythought discussed dark creature defenses, Darius found himself understanding not just the standard protective spells, but the underlying magical principles that made them effective.
"Excellent analysis, Mr. Kael," Merrythought said after he explained why silver-infused magical barriers were particularly effective against lycanthropes. "You demonstrate understanding that goes well beyond textbook knowledge."
In Potions, his work had evolved to incorporate techniques from advanced alchemical texts found in the Restricted Section. Professor Snape observed his brewing with expressions that suggested both approval and concern.
"Your methodology has become quite sophisticated," Snape remarked during one session as Darius prepared a complex Regeneration Draught using techniques that combined standard brewing with advanced magical theory. "I trust your research is proceeding... appropriately."
The comment carried underlying warning about the dangers of advancing too quickly through forbidden knowledge.
But it was during a private enhancement session that the most significant development occurred. The nano machine had been analyzing all the newly acquired knowledge, and something fundamental had shifted in its processing capabilities.
[System evolution detected: Knowledge base has achieved critical mass. Advanced functions becoming available. Initiating capability assessment.]
"What kind of advanced functions?" Darius asked as he concluded his physical conditioning routine.
[New capabilities include: Enhanced spell analysis extending to forbidden magic, advanced enhancement protocol development incorporating dark magic principles, strategic combat assessment including lethal applications, theoretical framework synthesis across all magical disciplines.]
The implications were staggering. The nano machine was evolving beyond educational assistance into something approaching a comprehensive magical research and development system.
[Additional development: Creator-installed protocols activating based on knowledge acquisition milestones. Access level advancement possible pending completion of specific achievements.]
"What achievements?"
[Classification still restricted, but proximity indicators suggest: Original magical research contribution, combat effectiveness demonstration, moral framework establishment under extreme circumstances, leadership capability validation.]
The criteria sounded suspiciously like preparation for specific challenges rather than general academic development.
Two weeks before the end of term, during his final tutoring session with the sixth-year students, an unexpected comment provided new perspective on his rapid advancement.
"You know," Eleanor Vance said as they concluded work on advanced transfiguration theory, "my older brother graduated from Durmstrang three years ago. He said they have students there who study dark magic as part of regular curriculum."
"Really?" Darius tried to sound casually interested.
"Yeah. He said understanding dark magic was considered essential for proper defense. Makes sense, really—you can't fight what you don't understand." She paused, studying him thoughtfully. "Your explanations sometimes sound like you have that kind of comprehensive understanding. Like you've studied from sources most Hogwarts students never see."
The observation was more perceptive than comfortable. His restricted access studies were beginning to show in ways that might draw unwanted attention.
"I read extensively," he replied, the familiar deflection feeling increasingly inadequate.
After his students departed, Darius reflected on the growing complexity of maintaining his cover while pursuing the knowledge he needed. The nano machine's evolution was accelerating, his access to forbidden knowledge was expanding, and his capabilities were approaching levels that would be difficult to explain as normal student advancement.
[Status assessment: Development trajectory approaching critical decision point. Current capabilities sufficient for intermediate challenges but inadequate for advanced threats. Recommendation: Accelerate preparation while maintaining operational security.]
That night, as he lay in his dormitory bed reviewing the day's accumulated knowledge, Darius contemplated the mystery of his situation. Someone had chosen him specifically for this transmigration, provided him with technology that bridged magic and science, and apparently planned for his development to follow specific milestones.
But why? And what did they expect him to accomplish that required such extensive preparation?
[Personal analysis: Host demonstrates consistent moral framework despite access to dangerous knowledge. Leadership capabilities emerging through teaching success. Combat readiness developing systematically. Profile matches predetermined selection criteria.]
"Selection criteria for what?"
[Insufficient clearance. Information will be provided upon achieving next access threshold.]
The future remained full of mysteries, but one thing was becoming clear: his rapid advancement wasn't simply about surviving Harry Potter's arrival or preparing for Voldemort's return. He was being prepared for something larger, something that required comprehensive magical knowledge, substantial personal power, and carefully developed moral judgment.
[System note: Preparation phase nearing completion. Advanced operational phase approaching. Maintain current trajectory.]
Outside his window, spring was giving way to early summer, and with it would come new challenges, new knowledge, and perhaps finally, some answers to the questions that had been haunting him since his transmigration began.
The nano machine's creators, whoever they were, had invested considerable resources in his development. Soon, he hoped, he would discover what they expected in return.