Alan nodded, then raised his wand and called out, "Protego."
As he chanted, the magic within him surged. A shield-shaped barrier flickered into existence at the tip of his wand, but it looked frail and unstable. It failed to solidify, wavering for only a few breaths before dissipating like sea foam.
Lily was amazed that he had managed to produce anything at all. She realized that her junior's control over magic was incredibly precise; she recalled that when she first attempted the Shield Charm, nothing happened at all.
Following her lead, Alan repeated the spell several times. Each attempt yielded the same result: the shield either flickered and vanished or remained as soft and weak as a soap bubble.
However, Lily quickly identified the crux of the problem. "I think I understand. Your spellwork is fine, and your control is spot on, but it is still difficult for you to cast successfully in your current state. This is actually quite normal."
Alan tilted his head in confusion. His technique was perfect, yet he couldn't produce a functional shield, and that was considered normal? "Is it related to my age?"
Lily didn't let him wonder for long. "Let me give you an analogy. You're Muggle-born, so you understand how pipes and valves work. When we cast spells, the incantation is like opening a valve in our body, and our magic is the water flowing out through an invisible pipe. This pipe isn't rigid like iron; it's more like a living, flexible tube.
"Our control over magic allows this pipe to lead to the correct place, preventing the flow from going astray. If your control is strong, you can regulate the flow rate and density. If it's insufficient, you lose the stream. Usually, the more powerful the wizard, the harder the magic is to harness. But that isn't your problem—your control is astonishing."
Lily paused to let the information sink in. "But besides control, there is another factor: whether your 'pipe' is large enough. Even if a small pipe is backed by a massive reservoir, the output will still be limited. That is your situation. Protego is an energy-intensive defensive spell. It can block most curses and dark arts, even the Unforgivable Curses. To cast a shield of sufficient strength, you don't just need control; you need to infuse a massive amount of magic all at once."
Alan immediately understood: his magic output per unit of time was insufficient to support such a demanding spell. "Then how can I make my 'pipe' larger? How do I increase my output?"
Lily smiled at his eagerness. "You have to remember, Alan—the 'pipe' is your body. You are still young, and your physique hasn't fully developed. Naturally, it is difficult to channel that much power. As you age and your body strengthens, casting these spells will become simple.
"Now, besides waiting for the pipe to grow thicker, you could try to make the magic flow faster and more urgently—pressurizing it, so to speak. But I strongly advise against it. Your inability to cast the spell successfully is your body's way of giving you a warning. If you forcefully accelerate the magic, the pressure could cause the 'pipe' to rupture. It can cause serious physical damage."
"I see." Alan finally grasped the situation. He was limited by his youth. One way forward was to wait for his body to grow. The other was "pressurization"—forcing the magic out rapidly—but the risk of his body breaking down under the strain was far too high.
He suddenly thought of the Sectumsempra spell—the Shadowless Divine Slash. It was a terrifyingly powerful spell, yet he had found it relatively easy to cast. It seemed that particular curse didn't demand an exaggerated output of magic. This realized made the spell seem even more dangerous in his mind; it was a high-lethality tool that didn't require high-level physical requirements, making it more practical—and more sinister—than many forbidden curses.
He wasn't about to court death by forcing the Protego. He valued his health far too much for such a high-risk endeavor. It seemed he wouldn't be able to master magic requiring large bursts of power in the short term. However, since output was tied to physical constitution, his routine of exercise and eating nutrient-dense foods was clearly the right path.
He decided he would have to visit Hagrid more often. The magical animal meat he had eaten there, including dragon liver, had definitely strengthened his frame. If he continued his conditioning, he would likely be able to cast these advanced spells much sooner than his peers.
Since he had to set aside high-output magic for now, he pivoted his focus. Alan planned to dive into Ancient Runes, studying theory and the crafting of alchemical tools. Simultaneously, he wanted to begin exploring Occlumency and Legilimency. He knew Salazar Slytherin had been a master of the mind arts, and many great practitioners had come from his house. He wondered if he would have the same affinity.
He explained to Lily that he wanted to focus on Runes and learn how to craft basic magical items.
"I'm relieved you aren't going to be stubborn about the Shield Charm; that would be a very risky path," Lily said gently. "I'm not an expert in Alchemy myself, but I can certainly teach you what I know. If you find yourself wanting more, Professor Dumbledore is a true master, and Edgar Bones has a high level of attainment in the field as well."
"You don't need to be modest. That amulet you gave me is incredibly practical. I'd be more than happy just to learn how to make something like that." Alan knew Lily had a deep understanding of the subject; the research notes he had found at school proved she had significant insights into Runology.
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