"Goblin alchemical techniques from the rebellion period?" Hearing Ethan's unusual request, Dumbledore paused, then nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, I can help you find that information, Mr Vincent."
"However, due to the ancient period, I'll need time to collect and organise the materials properly."
This result was within Ethan's expectations. Goblins despised humans and naturally wouldn't want to share their family techniques with outsiders.
Ethan nodded with satisfaction: "Good. I await your results."
Saying this, he smiled and extended his hand to Dumbledore in a business-like gesture.
Why does this feel like making a deal with the devil? Dumbledore looked at Ethan's outstretched hand, paused briefly, then grasped it firmly.
If a "devil" could accomplish what so-called "righteous people" couldn't, then I'd rather choose the devil, he thought, glancing at the unconscious Professor Lupin from the corner of his eye.
The old and young hands clasped together, shaking firmly up and down in agreement.
Ethan's lips curved slightly with satisfaction. Perfect. I'll use the time while old Dumbledore gathers materials to paint and level up furiously! Prepare to give the goblins a big surprise.
Just then—
"Sorry to interrupt, Professor Dumbledore!" Ethan turned to see the ignored Minister Fudge glaring at them with a purple, swollen face.
"Please note! Ethan Vincent has seriously violated Ministry laws!" Fudge declared angrily. "According to regulations, he must be taken to the Ministry for questioning and face possible expulsion!"
Hearing this, Dumbledore showed no reaction. He turned, his broad figure shielding Ethan behind him, saying gently: "Is that so? But what I see is a young hero who helped a Muggle neighbourhood avoid werewolf attacks."
"Just as Ethan said, he's mastered a method to turn werewolves back into humans."
Minister Fudge's face alternated between pale and flushed. He clenched his fists, looking deeply insulted.
Damn it! If not for Sirius's escape putting the Ministry under fire, I absolutely wouldn't let this slide! Curing werewolves? Hmph, definitely just an excuse!
Minister Fudge gritted his teeth: "Since you put it that way, Headmaster Dumbledore, then for your sake..."
Finally, Minister Fudge only took Harry away—not for questioning, but to settle him at the Leaky Cauldron under many wizards' protection, supposedly safe from Sirius's "harm".
Ethan watched as Fudge and the Aurors disappeared with a series of pops.
Recalling the original timeline—it was precisely due to society's persecution and the Ministry's inaction, plus Voldemort's recruitment, that countless werewolves joined the Death Eaters. One bite, one convert, creating endless chaos.
Ethan's eyes darkened as he muttered: "Since you're so stubborn, pushing forces that could be on your side to the opposition... then let me use them instead."
If the werewolf community learnt there was a way to turn themselves back into humans, I don't believe they'd remain unmoved. They'd be willing to pay anything for the possibility of a cure.
Dumbledore looked down at the contemplating Ethan. For a moment, he seemed to overlap with a familiar figure—someone still imprisoned in Nurmengard.
No, Ethan isn't Grindelwald. Ethan could cause storms even while in prison.
Dumbledore thought with complex feelings, pulling out a heavy pouch from his robes and smiling at Ethan: "This is my personal sponsorship for your research achievements."
Ethan took the pouch. Opening it, brilliant golden light poured out! Moreover, this was an Extension Charmed bag!
Ethan gasped in admiration, looking up at the smiling Dumbledore. Truly worthy of a headmaster—so generous when he acts!
How could Ethan refuse such kindness from old Dumbledore?
"Don't worry, old Dump—ahem, Headmaster Dumbledore." Ethan cleared his throat, pocketing the money bag with sparkling eyes: "I guarantee I'll develop a method to cure werewolves completely. Make that foolish Minister Fudge regret not acting sooner!"
Maybe not to that extent.
"Very good. Very spirited," Dumbledore said warmly.
No matter what, surely nothing bigger than last semester's basilisk incident could happen, right?
"Well, it's getting late. Let me send you home first," Dumbledore offered. "Leave tonight's matters to us to handle."
With an explosive sound, the street became empty again.
Vernon Dursley cautiously peeked out from behind his door, seeing his trampled yard and newly totalled car.
"NOOO!" Uncle Vernon collapsed in despair, suddenly looking ten years older.
Serves him right. Hehe~
Several days later, Ethan's ordered "material packages" finally arrived. Some were specially ordered from Mr Borgin in Knockturn Alley.
On packages stained with unknown reddish-brown substances, Mr Borgin had attached a note: [Thank you for your patronage. Next time, please find another shop...]
"Hmph," Ethan said disdainfully, "with such little courage, why run a Dark Arts shop!"
Thunderbird feathers crackling with electric sparks, complete giant squid membranes, Hundred-Eyed Monster eyeballs, and most important and crucial—blood-tears of criminals' dying despair.
Mainly needed money for connections. All vicious criminals—I'm contributing to world purification today too.
Stretching the giant squid membrane over a wooden frame as canvas, Ethan transformed his wand into a paintbrush, mixing magic with criminal blood-tears.
Following his mental design, he applied it to the canvas, leaving a vivid red stroke! Combining ancient guardian runes, Ethan would create an artwork to help him pass the soul trial!
One step closer to advancement!
Others might think of creating protective barriers to shield themselves. But not Ethan.
"Souls wander daily, unable to rest—naturally I can't bear seeing them so pitiful!" Ethan muttered, staring intently at the canvas with flowing brushstrokes. "I want to help them find release!"
Drops of criminal blood-tears were smeared on the canvas, faintly emitting piercing screams. Golden thunderbird lightning threads wove in like tiny lightning bolts—electric sparks in an instant.
Eyeballs were pressed on, connecting with the giant squid membrane as if they'd grown there from the beginning! Over that blood-red base, Ethan applied silver-white layers like some creature's armour, completely covering the metallic scent.
Finally, he carefully traced ancient runes over everything.
At last, dazzling light burst from the canvas! Ethan's eyes lit up with triumph!
Success!
[Congratulations! You successfully created an extraordinary artwork!]
[Name: Touch of Mercy]
[Type: Weapon]
A heavy hammer with silver-white exterior, blood-red interior, and eyeballs growing across its surface leaped from the page!