Chapter 113: The Space Between Spells
"Magic isn't an opponent you conquer," Dumbledore's voice drew him back. "Treat it as a friend. Have a conversation with it. The most powerful magic makes the world work alongside you."
Makes the world work alongside you.
Regulus turned the phrase over in his mind.
He agreed completely. He'd reached the same conclusion on his own. A wizard's will and magic shaped the world, and the world answered in kind.
The principle was sound. But Dumbledore could probably do it. He couldn't. Not yet. Not even close.
"Take potions as an example." Dumbledore shifted angles. "Professor Slughorn teaches you to control the heat, prepare ingredients, mind the direction and number of stirs. But the finest potions, Felix Felicis among them, require a window where you let the magic ferment on its own. You can't rush it. Can't force it. You wait for every component to find its place."
His fingers traced invisible circles in the air, stirring an unseen cauldron.
"Magic works the same way. Not every spell needs to be pushed to maximum effect. Sometimes leaving room, giving the magic space to breathe, is the higher art."
Regulus thought about his own casting habits. Precise output calculations, strict effect control, every drop of magic put to its sharpest use.