I Swung a Sword at Hogwarts

Traces, a type of magic used by the Ministry to monitor underage wizards.

It's similar to a monitoring system bound to the body.

Before leaving Hogwarts for the holidays, young wizards receive a letter warning them not to use magic outside of school.

This thing is as mysterious as the Hogwarts acceptance list, but John wanted to try dismantling the Trace.

That way, he wouldn't have to worry about being warned for using magic.

Other people might not be able to do it, but John practiced alchemy.

Although his level wasn't high, the Trace used on young wizards wasn't particularly sophisticated—just right for him to practice on.

Without hesitation, John began researching his wand.

The Trace is a kind of surveillance magic, or rather a spell. The notice sent to students when they leave Hogwarts is actually used to extend the validity of the Trace—like an annual subscription renewal.

This implies that the magical complexity of the Trace isn't very high.

Moreover, the Trace isn't that effective; it mainly tracks where magic occurs. As long as there are adult wizards nearby, the incident won't be blamed on the student.

In pure-blood families, it's normal for young wizards to use magic, and the Ministry doesn't intervene.

To John, it seemed more like a way to restrict Muggle-born wizards.

"This is basically telling Muggle-born wizards to sit tight and do nothing," John muttered in frustration.

He accepted that privilege exists everywhere, and pure-blood families having an advantage was normal.

But being targeted like this himself? That annoyed him.

After some research, he successfully extracted a transparent silver thread from his wand.

Using silver tweezers, he gently pulled it out and placed it into a vial. Then, John took out another wand.

It was one he made using materials found in the Forbidden Forest. It looked similar on the outside, but lacked Ollivander's craftsmanship.

Cherry wood with a unicorn hair core, eleven inches.

He intended to use it as a backup wand.

"Now I'm bulletproof."

John took out the Blood of Magic, shaking it in preparation to drink.

Originally silver, it had turned red after dragon blood was added.

He opened the cap—no smell. John frowned. "I hope this doesn't taste like orange juice."

Knowing he'd have to drink it eventually, John braced himself and swallowed it in one go.

The Blood of Magic flowed down his throat like a potion.

His body began to burn. He clutched his throat, face flushed red in pain.

The vial slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor.

Watson Wick, who was about to check in for the twelfth time, heard the commotion and rushed in.

"Heavens! John, are you okay?!"

Watson ran over but recoiled as soon as he touched John—he was burning hot.

Seeing John's painful expression, he tried to cool him down.

A surge of magic burst out from John, causing everything in the basement to float into the air.

"Out! Get out now!"

With his last shred of sanity, John knew he couldn't let Watson stay. He waved his hand.

Even without using his wand, Watson was lifted and thrown out of the room.

"John!"

"Lock the door. Don't come in!"

John's skin turned red, and the basement became a chaotic mess under the force of his magic.

The Wicks could only worry from outside.

"Magic power is increasing."

Feeling the changes in his body, the pain slowly faded.

Some young wizards experience magic surges when they're little. John never had that before.

But now he felt like he was in a magic surge—and in that state, he felt like a god walking among men.

No wand needed—just a thought, and he could control everything.

Under his control, objects morphed—turning into kittens, puppies.

An owl flew past the ceiling—it used to be a chair.

He tried his best to restrain himself, but the wave of magic still spread. Outside, grass grew rapidly, and apples swelled on the trees.

"Stop!" John hammered the floor with both fists, roaring like a trapped beast.

The basement gradually returned to calm.

All floating objects crashed down. John lay there, panting heavily.

[Ding! Blood of Magic effect ended]

[Gained Dragonfire Traits: Flame-Eater, Intimidation, Hardening, Dragon-Tongue]

Flame-Eater: Increases affinity and resistance to fire magic

Intimidation: Increased deterrent effect on lower beings

Hardening: Greater resistance to physical blows

Dragon-Tongue: Can understand and speak the language of dragons

John regained control of his body, as if he had just recovered from a terrible fever.

His clothes were soaked.

He used a cleaning charm and muttered with lingering fear, "The system could've warned me how painful that was."

If he had known, he wouldn't have done it at home—now the basement was ruined.

Still, the reward was massive.

Not just the four dragon traits, but his magic had increased significantly.

[Magic Power: Level 3 (635/1500)]

[Spells: Alohomora (Lv. 3), Levitation Charm (Lv. 4), Transformation (Lv. 2, Dragonform available), Disillusionment Charm (Lv. 4), Lumos (Lv. 2), Incendio (Lv. 4), Bombarda (Lv. 3), Fiendfyre (Lv. 3), Occlumency (Lv. 3)…]

[Skills: Short Weapon Mastery (Lv. 7), Greatsword Mastery (Lv. 4), Firearm Mastery (Lv. 1), Runes Mastery (Lv. 1), Alchemy Mastery (Lv. 1)]

[Buffs: Physique Boost, Quickstrike, Precision, Scholar 2.0, Pilot, Long-distance Runner, Sword Dance, Night Demon, Troll Slayer, Knight, Flame-Eater, Intimidation, Hardening, Dragon-Tongue]

Aside from the traits, John gained 500 experience in magic. Two fire-based spells also leveled up.

He figured this was due to the Flame-Eater trait. Also, the Transformation spell gained a new Dragonform option.

But when John clicked it, it was greyed out—probably locked until the spell reached a higher level.

The next stage of transformation magic is Animagus—a magic that lets one transform into an animal.

There are only seven known legal Animagi, one of them being Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor.

John guessed he might unlock Animagus transformation when Transformation reached Level 4.

It was hard to level up though—his spell had been stuck at Level 2 for a long time.

With four spare points from his first year, John added one each to Runes and Alchemy.

Both turned grey afterward—he'd need more experience to level up again.

He then upgraded Occlumency, and saved the last point for emergencies.

"The system isn't omnipotent, after all."

After cleaning the basement—just a flick of his wand—John stepped out under his worried parents' gaze.

Naturally, they gave him a full-body check like he was a ragdoll.

He stopped his dad just before he could check if "the little guy" was still there, reassuring them he was fine.

Only after repeated promises that nothing like this would happen again did they drop the idea of taking him to the hospital.

"Good thing I dismantled the Trace—otherwise the Ministry would've busted in by now."

As John was feeling thankful, he saw an owl flying past the window toward another house.

If he remembered correctly, that was Number 4, Privet Drive.

Having only just returned, Harry used the method Hagrid taught him to keep the Dursleys from bossing him around.

He followed the school rules and didn't use magic.

He only pulled out his wand to scare them a little.

Yet even so, he received a warning letter from the Ministry of Magic.

He was confused—was even threatening with a wand not allowed?

Meanwhile, John suddenly remembered—Harry's wand also had the Trace on it.

He was fine, but Harry took the fall.

John silently apologized in his heart.

"Just sitting at home, and a scapegoat falls from the sky."