HP: The Wizard Who Paints with Magic

Chapter 320 321: The New Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor? Ethan’s Dark Reputation at the Ministry

"Hah!"

The surrounding students froze at the bold move, their whispers erupting into scandalised gasps.

Unfortunately, just before their lips could meet, Ethan, with lightning-fast reflexes, turned his head aside.

The kiss landed like a feather's touch, barely grazing the soft down on his cheek, leaving him tingling.

For once, Ethan's ever-present gentle smile vanished, replaced by genuine surprise.

He looked livelier, more human.

Ethan: "You… did you poison your lips? Clever move!"

Fleur's triumphant grin crumbled.

"You!" she snapped, teeth clenched, unable to form words.

She could only stomp her foot in frustration.

"Hmph! Just you wait! Next time, you won't escape so easily!"

With that parting threat, dripping with playful petulance, Fleur tossed her silver hair and boarded the carriage without a backward glance, her proud silhouette fading into the distance.

"That girl's got spirit," Ethan said, scratching his cheek with a thoughtful smile.

At that moment, he felt a sharp, piercing gaze.

His hair stood on end.

He turned to meet Luna's smiling blue eyes.

For some reason, Ethan felt as if a bright red "Danger" sign hung over his head.

Meanwhile, the Durmstrang students, now leaderless, silently boarded their ship.

Viktor Krum stood at the prow, gazing at the receding silhouette of Hogwarts, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to Ethan, Viktor?" a familiar classmate asked.

Krum looked away and shook his head. "I'm far too embarrassed to face him."

He hadn't even managed to achieve his dream of defeating Ethan, let alone besting Ethan's followers.

"To run from my enemy for the sake of so-called 'victory'—how shameful," Krum muttered.

In his mind, he recalled the column of light that pierced the sky as he awoke.

"Even if I never face Ethan, I know I'd lose," Krum said softly.

His classmate stared in disbelief.

Viktor Krum, a Quidditch prodigy, renowned for his pride, had never admitted defeat, let alone acknowledged anyone as his equal.

Clearly, Ethan Vincent was truly something special.

The student looked on in awe.

After a moment's reflection, Krum's eyes hardened with resolve.

"I can't stay like this. If Ethan is Hogwarts' leader, then let him lead Durmstrang as well. Let's prepare for the coming crisis in the magical world."

Leading the weak—something he'd never considered before. Ethan, you've taught me a valuable lesson, Krum thought.

He turned, his voice commanding, addressing his demoralised classmates.

It seemed only a blink, and the fourth year had ended.

The scarlet steam engine rumbled once more, heading for King's Cross Station in London.

Inside the carriage, Luna smiled gently, casting her eighteenth cleaning charm on Ethan's face.

She managed to drive the Dark Lord Ethan to the brink of despair.

The Weasley twins passionately debated who would be this year's "disposable" Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.

Harry, after finally checkmating his opponent's king for the first time, leaned back in relief.

Then, to his horror, he discovered Ethan's chess set had a second stage.

A new round of torment began.

Though a new Dark Lord was rising, for students still brimming with "pure foolishness," nothing beat the joy of holidays.

But at the Ministry of Magic, the atmosphere was far from relaxed.

In the Minister's office, Minister Scrimgeour stared intently at a series of photographs spread across his desk, his brow furrowed.

Closer inspection revealed the photos depicted both "Mr Lamp" and Ethan Vincent.

"Tap, tap."

The door was knocked.

Two Ministry members entered.

One was the newly promoted Auror Captain, Connie Rosier.

The other was a man with a fearsome face, his appearance clashing with his elegant robes.

Captain Rosier was about to greet the Minister when she caught sight of the photos.

She gasped, "Are those Mr Ethan Vincent's photos? I have a whole stack at home!"

She giggled foolishly.

The office fell silent.

Rosier: "Sniffle, QwQ."

Only when the other man stepped from the shadows, bowing elegantly, did the awkward silence break.

"Corban Yaxley, at your service, Minister Scrimgeour."

As he spoke, Yaxley's gaze darted about, alert and calculating, trying to gauge the Minister's intentions.

Scrimgeour nodded, his eyes sharp as he regarded the pair.

"Mad-Eye Moody will step down as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor next term. I intended to recommend one of our own to Hogwarts for better protection and oversight."

"But unexpectedly… Headmaster Dumbledore refused."

Rosier was still dazed, wondering why the Ministry cared about Hogwarts' Defence professor.

The fearsome-faced man spoke up. "That's odd. Not only did Dumbledore find a replacement so quickly, but—"

"You know, the position is cursed. Every professor ends up in some kind of accident. No one wants it."

"Besides, even if there is a replacement, they should yield to the Ministry's authority."

He smiled like a snake, a compliment that made Rosier uneasy.

Scrimgeour nodded. "What you say is true. But even stranger, when I asked Dumbledore who the new professor would be, his answer was vague."

He pushed the photos forward.

"Given everything that's happened this term, I suspect Dumbledore, Mr Lamp, and Ethan Vincent are working together!"

The room erupted.

Not only Rosier and the Aurors, but even the inscrutable Yaxley stared in shock.

The greatest white wizard, Albus Dumbledore, the new saviour Ethan Vincent, and the terrifying Mr Lamp—connected?

Impossible!

Rosier cried out, "Could there be some misunderstanding? Ethan is so noble, kind, and gentle—how could he be linked to dark forces?"

The others exchanged glances.

The first two claims are fair, but the last one? You've got to be using an eight-hundred-meter filter.

Scrimgeour said, "When Ethan was in his second year, the Chamber of Secrets incident happened. This year, while he hosted the Triwizard Tournament, Mr Lamp attacked."

"Every time Mr Lamp appears, Ethan is always there."

"And each time, Ethan's popularity soars."

Rosier protested, "But that's not enough—"

Scrimgeour cut her off. "More importantly, how many wizards could possibly create such unique, twisted magic?"

Rosier hesitated. "Well…"

Everyone fell silent.

Such distinctive, devilishly creative magic—there hadn't been two in a thousand years, let alone three!

Yaxley pondered, "So your meaning is…"

Scrimgeour nodded. "The conclusion is absurd, but after eliminating all other possibilities, only one remains. Ethan Vincent is Mr Lamp's apprentice!"

"And Headmaster Dumbledore has allowed it to happen."

Silence fell for several seconds.

Rosier raised her hand. "Wait, I thought you meant Ethan and Mr Lamp were the same person? With Ageing Potion and a mask…"

Scrimgeour scoffed, "Miss Rosier, you're too imaginative. How could that be possible?"

"Do you really think a child could declare himself a world-ender?"

"Don't forget, he's still just a boy!"

Rosier: "Oh… right…"

The office was quiet.

Until an Auror timidly raised his hand, his voice trembling. "Um… I just remembered my mother is ill and needs care… Can I resign?"

What?

Fight Dumbledore, Ethan, and Mr Lamp?

Me?

Scrimgeour: "Get out of my sight!"

"Th-thank you, Minister!"

The Auror scrambled out, seemingly ready to retire to a life with pigs and sheep.

Scrimgeour exhaled heavily, massaging his temples.

He looked ten years older than when he'd first taken office.

Damn you, Fudge. I hope you run into Ethan on your way out!

Finally, Scrimgeour said gravely, "I suspect the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is Mr Lamp in disguise!"

"Miss Rosier, Mr Yaxley, you are the Ministry's best. I'm sending you to Hogwarts."

"Do everything in your power to find the new professor's and Ethan Vincent's weaknesses!"

Rosier stiffened, her fingers digging into her palm.

She clenched her jaw and nodded slowly.

She would do her duty.

But she would also find proof of Ethan's innocence.

Her eyes shone, protecting her untainted hero.

After giving his orders, the two left the office.

Yaxley lingered behind, a cruel smile spreading across his brutish face.

"Ethan Vincent… a dangerous Death Eater is coming for you…"

On his left arm, hidden beneath his sleeve, was the Dark Mark.

Corban Yaxley, high-ranking Ministry official.

In truth, he was Voldemort's most loyal servant.

"Oh, Dark Lord, is your era finally dawning? Your faithful servant will remove all obstacles and pave your path!"

A flash of malice lit Yaxley's eyes.