Chapter 17: Echoes of Dream and Discipline
The corridors of Hogwarts were alive with whispers—magic lingering in the air like perfume and history soaked into every stone. Luna drifted through the halls in early morning silence, her Ravenclaw robes fluttering lightly behind her. The castle felt half-asleep, basking in that soft hour when the golden hue of the rising sun met the fading quiet of dreams.
She didn't walk aimlessly. Her system had suggested a route.
System Notification:
New Path Unlocked: Library Dreamtrace.
Estimated Knowledge Gain: Moderate. Emotional Disposition: Stable.
The library, vast and cloaked in early shadows, welcomed her like an old friend. Rows upon rows of tomes hummed with contained knowledge. Madam Pince raised a curious brow at Luna's early arrival but said nothing, merely gesturing silently toward the deeper aisles.
She settled into a nook near the back, where the air was still and thick with ink and parchment. From her satchel, she pulled a borrowed volume: Basic Magical Theory. The runes on its cover shimmered faintly under her touch.
System Engagement: Passive Spell Analysis
Target Text: Lumos, Nox, Wingardium Leviosa.
As she studied, Luna's fingers drifted unconsciously in the air, mimicking the wand movements described in the diagrams.
"Lumos," she whispered.
A soft glow sparked at her wand tip—brief, flickering, but undeniably real.
Spell Acquisition Confirmed: Lumos
Light Manifestation: 32% Control. Energy Cost: Low.
Her lips curved slightly in a satisfied smile, and a faint sparkle danced in her pale eyes.
Later that morning in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Quirrell—sweating and stammering as usual—introduced the Revelio charm, used to reveal illusions or hidden items.
"Th-this charm," he explained nervously, "is f-for detecting th-things that are c-concealed... or c-covered... perhaps... trapped by illusion... yes."
Luna's quill moved steadily across the parchment, but her mind wandered to dream fragments from the night before:
A staircase carved of mist.
A mirror that reflected not her face but her mother's smile.
A door made of starlight.
System Log: Dream Analysis In Progress... Sync Rate Holding at 53.8%
"Miss Lovegood?" Quirrell called out. "Could you... ah... demonstrate?"
She blinked.
Then stood.
Her voice remained calm—dreamy, yet firm. "Revelio."
A shimmer of blue light escaped her wand and rippled across the room. Beneath one of the tables, a previously hidden note was revealed. A few students gasped. Even Quirrell looked genuinely startled.
Spell Learned: Revelio
Effectiveness: 41%. Visibility Duration: 6 seconds.
By the end of class, Luna had earned ten points for Ravenclaw. Several students clapped softly in appreciation. Even Hermione glanced up from her notes with something like admiration, blinking in surprise.
That evening, the Ravenclaw common room buzzed with idle chatter and the rustle of pages turning. Luna sat alone by the fireplace, her thoughts drifting as the flames cast dancing shadows along the walls.
She opened her system panel for review.
Status Update:
Name: Luna Lovegood
Age: 11
House: Ravenclaw
System Sync: 53.8%
Active Functions: Dream Stabilization, Spell Recognition, Temporal Sensitivity, Passive Deduction (Beta)
New Spells Learned: Lumos, Revelio
Spell Progression: Practical Application Confirmed
Dream Interference Risk: Low
Emotional State: Balanced, Curious
Points Earned: +10 (Class Demonstration)
She closed her eyes, allowing herself to breathe in the warmth of the fire, the low murmur of her housemates, and the steady hum of her internal system. Meditation came easily now, her thoughts swirling like feathers.
In her dreams, she stood once again before a vast hall of floating mirrors—each one reflecting a different path, a different Luna.
But she chose the one that shimmered with stardust.
End of Chapter 17: Echoes of Dream and Discipline
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