There was a reason for Richard to shy away from using the evil pieces.
Devil's had many advantages over humans. Their long lifespans, better physiques, demonic energy that can make imagination come true and their rapid growth from indulgence in sins were just the tip of the iceberg of these abilities.
But they were weak to light magic, which was a weakness Richard couldn't afford. Not when every proper wizard could summon their own light magic manifestation. There was also the fact that Richard hated devils on principle.
Richard flipped through the book he had spread out on the table looking for clues. One must never underestimate the Hogwarts library. The only school for magic in Britain.
The place was huge, filled with books from ages in the past to the most up to date, all filed ready for students who were willing to spend enough time and effort.
Richard had a small tower of books next to him, their titles not being part of any curriculum available. 'Alchemy through the ages, greatest discoveries in alchemy, Fundamentals of alchemy, from the basics to the advanced.' Each book being couple of inches thick, formed a small pillar that blocked the evening sun.
Flip
Another thick yellow page turned, as Richard remained absorbed in the contents. He needed a way to tweak the evil pieces to his advantage. He was looking for something that could twist or at least neutralise dark magic items to build up a method to change his evil pieces.
"Hey, Richard" someone whispered next to him, making his concentration shatter. Annoyed, but curious, Richard looked up from his book to see Neville Longbottom sitting next to him.
"Hey Neville. " Richard greeted back. His gaze wandered on the books in Neville's side. All books about herbology. And he seemed quite enthusiastic to read them.
"I see you are interested in herbology?"
Neville looked embarrassed."its just a side hobby." He replied in a low voice, almost as if he was embarrassed.
"I see, " Richard replied, his interest growing a little. "Are you interested in plants for their magical properties so you can use them in potions, or.... do you just like plants."
"I like learning about plants," Neville replied, his eyes brightning a little as Richard continued to pay attention."like, do you know there is a herb that let's people breathe under water ? "
"Are you talking about gilly weed?"
"You know about it?, then how about the herb that can make people see in the darkness? There is also a herb that can make people invisible...."
Richard looked at Neville. Really looked at him for the first time. He had the senses of a devil. And he could feel Neville's magic. It was coming straight from his soul.
This quiet kid had gone far in the right direction without anyone ever teaching him how. If ....if he taught him, Richard wondered, his mind exploring the possibilities. Was it worth it?
It was. The answer came to him almost in an instant. Neville was an honest soul. He had a good character, and a heart of a true Griffindor behind everything. And he had enough talent. Even after everything that's happened to him, he was still a bright soul. He deserved something good in his life.
"Say.. Neville." Richard spoke, when he noticed Neville had stopped talking. "You sound lot like a druid than a wizard, if you ask me."
While Neville looked embarrassed, Richard quickly explained explained. "I don't mean it in a bad way, you know? Druids are awesome. You've ever read muggle comics?"
"Not really."
That was good. "I got a muggle comic back at london about a druid. He could do a lot of wicked stuff. Wanna try to see if any of those would work?" Richard hid a smile as he looked at Neville expectantly. His goal might just work. And at the moment, he needed a side project to take his mid off the alchemy induced stress.