HP: The Wizard Who Paints with Magic

A Hogwarts life without detention is incomplete.

Ethan understood this principle deeply.

Under Professor Flitwick's impassioned mediation, Ethan's detention was finally scheduled for the following Monday. The reason given was a desire not to delay such an excellent student from completing his weekend homework.

"I believe a young wizard like Mr. Vincent, who abides by the school rules and is so focused on his studies, could not possibly have intended to harm a classmate," Professor Flitwick declared with absolute certainty. A fire had ignited in his dueling master's soul, and he patted Ethan's arm reassuringly. Poor child, he thought, provoking a troublesome family like the Malfoys. All Ethan wanted was to study and pursue his little hobby at Hogwarts. What was he guilty of? Winning a duel? How courageous! Ravenclaw ought to have such fighting spirit!

"I am not doubting Mr. Vincent…" Professor McGonagall began, her eyebrows raised high.

Ethan had been performing exceptionally well lately; all the professors had noticed. The duel had also been initiated by Malfoy, who frankly deserved the beating. However…

Professor McGonagall recalled the rumors of the "Ethan Manifesto" circulating among the students. Since the duel, conflicts between Gryffindor and Slytherin had noticeably increased. During one Potions class, both sides had managed to blow up their cauldrons, enraging Professor Snape, who had deducted fifteen points from each House—only to quietly add Slytherin's points back later. The root of these incidents always seemed to lead back, however subtly, to Ethan's shadow.

She looked up, and her eyes inadvertently met his.

Clear. Pure. His cobalt-blue eyes were as quiet and reserved as a winter lake. Ethan offered her a small smile, his fair face beaming with an almost angelic light.

Inevitably, Professor McGonagall's heart softened.

Forget it, she decided. I will simply pay more attention in the future. You-Know-Who had fallen, and an era of peace had arrived. The academic atmosphere at Hogwarts was simple and honest; it was impossible that it could produce another Dark Lord. The thought itself was ridiculous. Even if Ethan had some ill intentions, how bad could they be? All he wanted was to further his art, and Professor McGonagall had always favored students who had clear goals and strived tirelessly to achieve them.

"I understand," she said, her tone softening completely. "Then you will help Mr. Filch on Monday, and you needn't worry about the rest." If Lucius Malfoy came to cause trouble, they would handle it.

"Mm, alright," Ethan nodded earnestly. "I'll work hard."

The Trophy Room… he might even get to see Tom Riddle's old awards. Ethan was filled with anticipation for this night stroll—oh, no, detention.

What a well-behaved child. Professor McGonagall, who had long suffered the torment of her unruly Gryffindor lions, was genuinely moved. She couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle Ethan's soft, dark hair. A rare, warm smile touched her usually stern face.

However, despite the professors' mediation, Ethan still had a coincidental encounter in the corridor with the Malfoy father and son, who were hurrying away.

Draco looked as though he had been crying again, his head bowed low, his shoulders trembling with suppressed sobs. Lucius Malfoy's face was thunderous, as dark and grim as the dungeons on a rainy midnight.

"Out of my way!" Lucius hissed through gritted teeth, using his snake-head cane to shove an unlucky student aside. Without even glancing at his weeping son, he strode forward.

"Mr. Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall called out, jogging to catch up. "I must remind you, this is Hogwarts—"

"Oh, is it?" Lucius stopped, lifting his chin with aristocratic disdain. "Then I just so happen to remember that I am a Hogwarts governor."

Just then, his peripheral vision caught sight of Ethan walking out of the Great Hall.

"Oh, look who it is," Lucius drawled, his lips twisting into a parody of a smile. "The great orator. Another 'savior,' almost on par with Harry Potter." His cold gray eyes then shifted, landing on Michael, who had instinctively moved to stand in front of Ethan. "And his loyal follower."

The child causes trouble, and the adult comes to clean it up? Why am I so popular?

Ethan raised an eyebrow, gently pushed Michael behind him, and stepped forward to meet the blond man's gaze. He was already contemplating his options. A warrior's duel, perhaps? Or should I go with the broomstick rash? No, it's better to use both. Apply the rash effect to my fists and beat him senseless. If anyone asks, I'll just say he's allergic to human skin.

The more he considered the plan, the more feasible it seemed. His eyes began to sparkle.

Lucius suddenly felt a chill, as if something unclean and dangerous was staring him down. He looked at the eleven-year-old boy before him, who showed no sign of fear, even when confronting a powerful adult wizard. In fact, Lucius felt a subtle, unnerving hint of a threat.

He glanced around. The surrounding students weren't interfering, but they were watching intently. The Gryffindors, in particular, looked like a pack of lions ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. Hmph, reckless as ever.

But it was undeniable. Ethan Vincent, at such a young age, was composed, intelligent, and already wielded significant influence. If Harry Potter had gained his fame through a childhood tragedy, then Ethan had carved out his own name at Hogwarts through pure effort. If he were allowed to grow, he would undoubtedly become an extraordinary figure.

Lucius's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing within them. In that case, it's best to act early. He, Lucius Malfoy, had long mastered the art of playing all sides.

"Malfoy was reckless earlier, Mr. Vincent. Please, don't take it to heart," Lucius said, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. A talent this promising was an asset to be cultivated.

"Father?!" Draco looked up, his face a mask of disbelief.

Even Ethan raised an eyebrow, watching the sudden change in Lucius with keen interest.

"Shut up, Draco," Lucius said coldly, his disdain for his own son palpable. "You repeatedly provoked Mr. Vincent, and he forgave you. Are you not going to thank him?"

Draco looked as if he might shatter into a million pieces. Ethan almost felt sorry for him.

But wait—when did I forgive him?

Ethan's eyes narrowed, a cold light flashing within them as he prepared a sarcastic retort. But before he could speak, Lucius produced a dark brown, leather-like pouch from his robes and offered it forward.

"This is a small token of goodwill from the Malfoy family."

Money? Heh, so materialistic. Ethan smirked, making no move to take it.

"There are seven hundred Galleons inside," Lucius continued smoothly. "Consider it support for your artistic interests."

Ethan's smirk faltered. His eyes widened slightly. How much?! Seven hundred Galleons? The Triwizard Tournament prize, which wizards had died for, was only three hundred Galleons more than this. It was enough to fund his art for months, to buy the finest supplies imaginable. He wouldn't have to work. He would have more time to prepare for his Halloween art exhibition.

But one cannot be so unprincipled! he told himself. How could I accept money from the Malfoys? I will not be bought by their corrupt gold!

Ethan clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and prepared to refuse the small fortune.

"By the way," Lucius added casually, "this pouch is enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm. I thought it might help you store your art supplies."

Ethan snatched the bag.

He then flashed a brilliant, dazzling smile. "Don't be a stranger, Mr. Malfoy. Draco and I are the best of friends." He tilted his head, his smile unwavering as he looked at the other boy. "Right, Draco?"

Ethan swore to himself he had wanted to refuse. But the bastard just gave too much.

Draco trembled under the combined weight of his father's and Ethan's gazes. Finally, he managed a smile that looked more like a grimace of pure agony, fresh tears welling in his eyes.

(End of Chapter)

***

[Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All

Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl]

[+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]