Ryan's so-called new magic was actually something he had learned from a tradition similar to Maoshan Taoist practices. He figured that this magic, designed to interact with ghosts, would make Nick happy.
Under Nick's curious gaze, Ryan took out a small incense burner, a pair of incense sticks, and two candles from his space bag. Finally, he pulled out two pieces of chocolate from the pocket of his robe.
Once he had everything in place, Ryan carefully arranged the censer and candles on a box in front of him, placing the chocolates behind the censer. With a flick of his wand, he lit the candles, their warm glow casting flickering shadows on the walls.
Then, picking up a stick of incense, Ryan lit it using the candle flame. He closed his eyes, holding the incense between his fingers, and began chanting softly.
Nick, though unsure of what Ryan was doing, could tell it was something serious. Respecting the ritual, he remained silent, not wanting to interrupt.
For a few moments, the storage room was quiet, apart from Ryan's rhythmic murmuring. The distant sound of footsteps echoed through the corridors, as though someone in wet shoes was walking nearby.
After three or four minutes, Nick watched as Ryan placed the incense into the censer. Then, taking a deep breath, Ryan blew on the incense stick.
Immediately, the entire stick burned up within seconds, and the rising smoke was absorbed into the chocolates on the table.
Ryan, now back to normal, picked up the chocolates and handed them to Nick. "Sir, please have some chocolate. It will help your mood."
Nick reached out instinctively but stopped mid-motion. "Ryan, you must know that ghosts cannot—"
Before he could finish, his eyes widened in shock. For the first time in five hundred years, he felt something in his hand. A sensation long forgotten.
Glancing down, he saw that while the two chocolates were still in Ryan's hand, in his palm, he was holding two milky-white, translucent chocolates.
"This is…?" Nick asked, stunned.
Ryan smiled. "You know, my heritage is from the East. I've recently studied some Eastern magic, and this is one of the spells I learned. It uses the power of incense to allow ghosts to enjoy food again."
Nick hesitantly placed a piece of the chocolate into his mouth. As the taste spread over his phantom senses, tears welled in his eyes. It was the first time in five centuries that he had tasted anything.
After eating both chocolates, his previous frustration over the Headless Hunt vanished. He looked at Ryan with genuine gratitude. "Thank you. Truly. Being excluded from the Headless Horseman seems trivial in comparison to this experience."
Nick hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Ryan, I— I have a request. No, it would be too much to ask… You've already helped me so much—"
Ryan tilted his head. "Sir, what is it you'd like to ask?"
Nick looked conflicted but finally sighed and spoke. "The magic you just used—was it difficult for you? I noticed you didn't use a wand."
Ryan chuckled. "It's not too difficult. This kind of magic is similar to the wandless spellcasting techniques of African wizards. It's different from Western magic, but it isn't as hard as it looks. That being said, I can only make about five or six pieces of ghost-edible food per day, and the effects last for about a week."
Nick's face lit up with excitement. "That's incredible! You see, this Halloween marks my 500th Deathday. I plan to invite ghosts from all over Britain to my banquet. Would you be willing to prepare the food for the event?"
Before Ryan could answer, Nick quickly added, "Of course, I understand this is a big request. I wouldn't ask without offering something in return. I've lived in this castle for 500 years—I know many secrets that few others do."
Ryan thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll do it. Call me about a week before Halloween, and we'll start working in the Room of Requirement. But just so you know, my cooking skills are average at best. You might need to find someone else to handle the actual food preparation."
Nick's expression brightened. "That's no problem at all! I'll ask the house-elves in the kitchen to handle the cooking."
With their agreement settled, Nick cheerfully bid Ryan farewell, eager to start planning his ghostly banquet menu.
Once Nick had disappeared through the wall, Ryan made his way back to the Gryffindor common room.
The common room was lively as usual. The bad weather had kept most students indoors, and many sought the warmth of the cozy space.
At that moment, the Weasley twins were causing a ruckus, experimenting with a salamander and some enchanted fireworks. The small creature scurried around the room, leaving trails of fire and sparks in its wake.
Fortunately, magical fireworks couldn't ignite objects under Hogwarts' protective enchantments. Otherwise, the room—filled with flammable tapestries, carpets, and wooden furniture—would have been at serious risk.
Eventually, Percy arrived, scolding his brothers while other students laughed and dodged stray sparks.
Ryan squeezed through the crowd and handed Fred a small notebook. "Here. These are the anatomical and medical notes I got from Madam Pomfrey."
Fred raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's this for?"
"You asked me for information on the human body. I assume this has something to do with those 'interesting' candies you're working on?"
Fred grinned mischievously. "Why, Ryan, I have no idea what you mean."
Ryan smirked. "Sure you don't."
Percy, still hovering nearby, narrowed his eyes. "I hope you're not conducting any irresponsible experiments. If I find out you are, I will be writing to Mum."
"No, no, of course not," George said quickly. "We were just asking Ryan about potions and healing spells. We saw Madam Pomfrey giving him private lessons the other day."
Percy's demeanor shifted instantly. "Really?" He turned to Ryan with interest.
Ryan nodded.
Percy seemed almost proud, as though Ryan's learning from Pomfrey somehow reflected positively on Gryffindor's academic reputation. He launched into a speech about responsible magical research, taking several minutes before finally turning his attention elsewhere—this time, to a group of noisy first-years.
As soon as Percy left, Fred leaned in. "So, Ryan, what do you say? Want to join our research efforts?"
Ryan thought about it for a moment before grinning. "Why not? I'd love to see what you two come up with."
The twins cheered.
Ryan was curious to see how their inventions would evolve now that they had access to better resources, knowledge, and a little extra guidance.
FOR MORE CHAPTERS
patreon.com/STEPHENHART427