Fawkes the phoenix was about to undergo Nirvana, but there was no one in the Headmaster's office at this time.
Sean was not a young wizard who liked to look around. He waited under the portraits holding History of Magical Careers.
This material still had room for improvement. For example, in the Auror section, wizards should also know that the Ministry of Magic reviews applicants' criminal records.
This requires wizards to maintain a good image. Like Harry, who had been charged with using magic outside of school. If that charge hadn't been dropped, it would have been very difficult for Harry to become an Auror—at least that's what the regulations say.
For instance, there are many subjects in Auror training, two of which are "Concealment and Disguise" and "Stealth and Tracking."
In the original story, Tonks mentioned that she easily got top marks in "Concealment and Disguise" (which should be attributed to her natural Metamorphmagus ability), but she almost failed the "Stealth and Tracking" test.
The wizarding world wasn't just a vague impression in Sean's mind; it had many details and a complete framework.
These were all things Sean was happy to explore.
Many times, he could learn additional knowledge from the changes in positions within the wizarding world.
Just like he learned that the last few giant settlements were wiped out by the Ministry of Magic. The organization sent was well-trained Aurors, whose combat power far exceeded that of a settlement of giants.
There was also handling rampaging dragons. This task was also the responsibility of Aurors, paired with dragonologists...
Interesting, isn't it?
The individual differences between wizards can be so great—Aurors can strike down giants and handle fire dragons, but most adult wizards would tremble at the sight of them.
In magical history, Aurors have always shouldered such seemingly grim tasks, and interestingly, they have always done a good job.
The fact that most dragons and giants have now been wiped out by wizards is a clear example.
So does this mean that the upper limit of wizards' magical ability has never fallen? Because in Ravenclaw's memory, the ancient wizarding magic power she saw was not much stronger than that of Aurors.
Thus, Sean came to the conclusion: Magic is malleable.
Ancient wizards needed powerful magical power to win the right to survive, so ancient magic was naturally powerful;
Modern wizards need more convenient and effective magical power, so the Standard Book of Spells series is simple and easy to learn.
"Theoretically speaking, a wizard's magic should only be limited by one thing: the wizard themself.
"If a wizard possesses unwavering faith and corresponding spiritual will, then magic is born—incantations, wands, and gestures are just practical methods for later generations to easily master this power.
"This explains the ultimate source of wizarding magic—in the wizarding world, magic may be an objectively existing material force, or perhaps a truly idealistic spiritual force—but within the individual wizard, the root of magic is absolutely idealistic.
"As for the source of talent differences between individual wizards... keep writing, darling, I'm so curious—"
"Good afternoon, Headmistress Dilys Derwent."
The Headmaster was absent, but the objects in the Headmaster's office seemed more active.
At this moment, the portrait of Headmistress Dilys Derwent was watching Sean with great interest as the young wizard wrote down part of his understanding of magic.
"Many wizards have occupied this office, but perhaps you are the most talented one."
Headmistress Dilys Derwent said kindly.
"I haven't occupied it, and I am not the Headmaster."
Sean put away his parchment and pen.
"Sooner or later, dear."
Headmistress Dilys Derwent beamed.
Sean fell silent. Headmistress Dilys Derwent's words were too direct, reminding Sean of what Headmaster Dumbledore had said:
"It's just that if you want to replace me, you always have to find a place for an old wizard to stay first."
"So, what is the source of the talent difference between individual wizards?"
Headmistress Dilys Derwent asked curiously.
Her words attracted a bunch of Headmasters, and several pairs of eyes stared straight at Sean.
"Magic changes reality, reality affects magic."
Sean said.
"What does that mean?"
Old Headmaster Everard asked.
He was a sallow-faced wizard with short black bangs.
"After a wizard's magic reaches a certain level, it affects the wizard themself, and this influence is heritable.
"Therefore, the descendants of wizards will show magical traits corresponding to their ancestors.
"If you have studied magical history, you will find that descriptions of the founders of certain special magical powers are always vague.
"It's not that the wizards who wrote the books at the time didn't want to explain the source of this power, but that the source itself cannot be explained. This source is the wizard themself."
Sean spread out the parchment again.
"Novel explanation—"
The old wizard marveled.
"Is this also the reason why there are no Flobberworm bloodlines or Slug bloodlines?"
Headmistress Dilys Derwent asked with a curious smile.
Sean closed the notebook to avoid being peeked at by Headmistress Dilys Derwent again.
Flobberworm bloodlines, Slug bloodlines—this was a doubt Sean had a long time ago.
"Ravenclaw's stinginess with knowledge..."
Headmistress Dilys Derwent smiled like a sunflower.
Avoiding the Headmasters who were looking for fun and always trying to peek at his notes, Sean could see a decrepit bird—it looked like a turkey that had been half-plucked.
Sean stared at it, and the bird also looked at him with a miserable gaze, while making a choking sound.
Sean secretly handed Mr. Fawkes some herbs, all top-quality from Diagon Alley.
Mr. Fawkes stopped feigning illness to tease him and instead hummed happily.
An ethereal song rang out in the Headmaster's office.
This was the most beautiful sound Sean had ever heard... He felt the song was inside him, not around him... The sound made him think of many things, almost like a friend speaking in his ear...
"Truly wonderful. It seems Mr. Fawkes has dedicated a song to our afternoon tea."
Headmaster Dumbledore pushed the door open and entered.
"The phoenix's song gives people encouragement, inspires fighting spirit, and makes people think of the person who can encourage them the most, or a memory. I'm really curious, what did you hear?"
A sound of wings flapping gently came from Sean's left. It was Fawkes the phoenix leaving his perch, flying over from across the office, and landing on Sean's knee.
"The person who can encourage him the most..."
Sean said softly.
"I heard my own voice."
"Ah..."
Dumbledore was silent for a moment.
At this moment, Fawkes blinked calmly at Sean.