For Kate, magic was like mathematics, theoretically possessing infinite possibilities for exploration.
In her previous life, she wasn’t good at math and couldn’t use magic, so this infinite possibility was only approximate.
But this life was different!
Although she still wasn’t great at math, Hogwarts didn’t teach math—it only taught magic!
If she didn’t seize this opportunity to explore now, once she entered Hogwarts later, she’d only be thinking about how to survive until graduation.
So, as long as her understanding of each spell was based on the correct path, she could try any practice method.
Like using Alohomora on the Nine Linked Rings through the small wooden box.
Although the method was a bit roundabout and the idea a bit whimsical, it proved to be feasible.
Not only did it speed up the practice proficiency of Alohomora, but it also trained her concentration.
She had a clear goal for her practice methods.
As for that phrase resembling “learning magic is so damn fun”…
It was plagiarized from a certain mahjong-loving girl who adored winning from a concealed kong.
But for Newt, these words exploded in his heart like a ton of TNT. magic is full of infinite possibilities for exploration.
For the vast majority of young Wizards still studying at Hogwarts, this was something they absolutely could not comprehend on their own.
Because the fixed class schedules, the fixed curriculum, and the textbooks in the magical world—unchanged for many years—limited their thinking.
He had seen too many young Wizards during their school years studying magic merely to pass their annual final exams.
The older students also aimed to pass their OWLs or Newts to find a decent job after graduation.
Among the many graduates from Hogwarts each year, how many young Wizards continued their pursuit simply to explore the joys of magic?
In truth, Newt himself knew that although Wizards were Wizards, aside from being able to use magic, they weren’t much different from ordinary Muggles.
Everyone had their own life; magic was just a part of it.
No one could demand that every Wizard sacrifice their personal life to delve deeply into magic.
But undoubtedly, throughout history, every great Wizard who achieved significant accomplishments must have harbored a heart of exploration and progress towards magic.
Even the Dark Lord of that era and You-Know-Who from over a decade ago were no exception.
Not swayed by the Dark Lord’s words, but simply confused about his original purpose for learning magic.
It wasn’t until after the Dark Lord was defeated and imprisoned in a high tower that he rediscovered his initial motivation for learning magic through his later life experiences.
And now, his newly accepted disciple could actually express such insight.
Coupled with the Child’s own magical power comparable to an adult Wizard’s and her exceptional talent for grasping magical concepts with just a hint,
Newt could almost confirm that a new star was rising in the magical world!
Whether this future star would illuminate the magical world like Dumbledore or be tainted by darkness, plunging the entire magical world into darkness once more, remained unknown.
With a complex expression, he looked at the Child with pure eyes before him and slowly extended his withered, aged hand to gently touch her hair.
“Teacher, what’s wrong?”
Kate also didn’t understand the meaning behind his expression and reached out in confusion to grasp his hand.
“…I’m fine.” After a long silence, Newt finally snapped back to reality.
Seeing the worried look on his disciple’s face, a faint smile appeared on his face.
He leaned down and asked with a chuckle, “Little Kate, do you really like magic?”
Kate blinked hesitantly.
“Can I tell the truth?”
“Of course you can. With me, you can say whatever you want,” he nodded seriously.
Alright.
Kate mentally weighed her words.
“Actually, at first, I was both afraid of magic and wanted to get close to it. You know, Teacher, my family…”
She paused, turning her head away with a somewhat bitter feeling.
All living beings seek benefit and avoid harm, especially someone like her who had experienced death once.
After crossing over, she watched a large family of nearly ten members gradually wither away.
In the end, only she, still a Child, and the Old Butler, over seventy years old, remained.
How could she not be afraid?
But fear aside, after all, she was an adult in her previous life and knew that when the time came to face things, there was no escaping them.
She had secluded herself next to Hermione’s house for many years, only to be told she had to return to the magical world.
So she changed her previous attitude, agreed to acknowledge Newt as her teacher, worked hard to complete every task the system issued, and strived to become stronger.
Even if she couldn’t defeat Lord Voldemort, at the very least, she couldn’t let him kill her.
“When I decided to return to the magical world, I knew magic would be the only weapon I could rely on.”
“Before, it was the Old Butler who always protected me, but he will grow old, and I will grow up. One day, it will be my turn to protect him and everyone around me that I want to protect.”
“I like magic. I like its mystery, its countless possibilities, and even more, the sense of security it brings me after learning it.”
Kate looked up, her eyes already reddened.
“Teacher, do you think my reason for learning magic is too utilitarian?”
“How could that be?” Newt immediately leaned down and hugged her.
“Learning magic to protect yourself and others shows you are the best kind of Child.”
So now he understood why Kate came up with such whimsical ideas to practice spells.
Essentially, it was still about wanting to become stronger quickly.
But this desire to become stronger wasn’t driven by ambition or desire; rather, she had a heart that wanted to protect others.
Newt had learned much about this Child from Rand and Dumbledore.
He knew she was introverted and withdrawn, knew she was exceptionally talented yet unable to control it.
When he took her as his disciple, Newt had already anticipated the worst-case scenario.
However, in the few days since Kate arrived at his home, the anticipated bad things hadn’t happened.
On the contrary, the Child was genuinely pure, kind, and friendly.
Frankly speaking, she was much better than many young Wizards who could attend school normally but spent every day causing mischief.
“Good Child,” Newt hugged the small figure in his arms and comforted her gently.
“Keep your pure heart. In the future, you can protect everyone you wish to safeguard.”
Kate sniffled softly and emerged from his embrace, her red eyes wide open.
“Really?”
“How could your teacher lie to you?” Newt affectionately pinched her cheek.
It seemed he would have to write a detailed letter to Dumbledore about this Child later.