When the Sorting Hat declared that Lucien's talent surpassed even Dumbledore's, the portraits of past headmasters fell silent. Their laughter stopped, replaced by grave, serious expressions.
Every wizard who had served as Hogwarts' headmaster was a titan of their era, with remarkable achievements in their fields. They, more than anyone, understood just how powerful the current headmaster—this seemingly genial, bearded old man, Albus Dumbledore—truly was.
Yet now, the Sorting Hat had openly stated that Lucien's potential outshone even his.
What did that mean?
Even Phineas Nigellus, usually so haughty, dropped his arrogance and stared at the Sorting Hat in silence.
Dumbledore broke the quiet with a warm chuckle. "In which areas, exactly, does his talent shine?"
"Want to know? Then get me a glass display case—oh, and put it somewhere prominent in the room," the Sorting Hat replied cheekily.
Without hesitation, Dumbledore agreed. "Done."
The Sorting Hat wiggled its tip in satisfaction. "Transfiguration. He's leagues ahead of you there."
Dumbledore nodded, unsurprised. McGonagall had already told him as much.
He wasn't shocked that Lucien's Transfiguration talent might exceed his own.
Pleased with having its demands met, the Sorting Hat was in a generous mood and added, "In fact, when it comes to Transfiguration, Lucien's aptitude is the best I've ever seen. Bar none."
The headmaster's office fell into utter silence.
Dumbledore's smile faded as he processed the weight of the Sorting Hat's words.
Though no one responded, the Hat continued, "You know I've been around for over a thousand years, seen countless witches and wizards."
"Lucien's one of a kind."
"Oi, Albus, make sure you nurture him well. Hogwarts could be great again!"
"…"
"Why so quiet? You don't think Lucien's only gifted in Transfiguration, do you?"
"His white magic is nearly on par with yours, Albus. Maybe you edge him out slightly, but it's close."
Snapping out of his thoughts, Dumbledore asked casually, "And dark magic?"
"Oh, he's miles ahead of you there," the Hat replied bluntly.
Dumbledore's eyes darkened, unreadable.
The world revered him as the greatest wizard of the century, some even calling him the "White Wizard" in awe.
But Dumbledore also had a profound talent for dark magic.
How else could he have defeated the first Dark Lord and intimidated the second?
"Dark magic…" he murmured, sighing deeply.
For a fleeting moment, wariness had gripped him.
But that same wariness had once cost the world a student named Tom, giving rise to a dark wizard called Voldemort.
He couldn't let fear of dark magic talent make him suspicious of a child again.
Besides, Lucien was in Ravenclaw—ambition wasn't his driving force.
Somewhat relieved, Dumbledore stood and walked to the window, gazing at the dimming starlight.
Genius needed guidance, not suppression.
"I should have a talk with Lucien," he said softly.
…
Soft morning light filtered into the dormitory.
Lucien was already up, brushing his teeth while checking his system panel.
[White Magic: S]
[Dark Magic: SS+]
[Defense: S+]
[Transfiguration: SSS]
[Potions: A]
[Alchemy: A+]
[Magic Power: SS]
[Outstanding Loans: Loki's Faceless (335 days), Qilin (335 days), Pet Growth (29 days)]
[Tasks: Master Transfiguration perfectly; Brew a potion using the Philosopher's Stone; Document 5 magical creatures]
Lucien mulled over his short-term goals while brushing.
Transfiguration was his top priority, and the school curriculum wouldn't be enough.
He'd need to hit the library for advanced books and consult Professor McGonagall.
The Philosopher's Stone was out of reach for now, but he could start practicing potion-making.
When he ventured into the Forbidden Forest to study magical creatures, he'd likely need potions—like lures for specific creatures, calming draughts, or scent-masking elixirs.
While at the library today, he'd look for books on Transfiguration, Potions, and anything about the Forbidden Forest's terrain and species.
With his tasks sorted, Lucien finished getting ready.
Terry was still fast asleep. A glance at the clock showed it was early, so Lucien didn't wake him.
He grabbed his Charms textbook and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast.
On his way, he picked up the school-issued magical alarm clock and placed it on Terry's bedside table.
Noticing Terry's peaceful sleeping face, Lucien smirked, pointed his wand at the clock, and cast a quick Amplifying Charm.
That'll wake him up.
As he stepped into the common room, a clear voice called out, "Lucien? You're up early!"
Turning, he saw Cho, also up early.
She was holding a broom, her usually loose black hair tied into a high ponytail.
"Morning, Cho," Lucien greeted.
"What's with the broom?"
"Oh, this?" Cho waved it lightly, her ponytail swaying. "No classes today, so I'm heading to Quidditch practice with the house team."
Despite her gentle demeanor, she radiated the energy of youth and sport.
"I'm off to the Great Hall. Want to come along?" she asked.
Lucien nodded. It was on his way.
Cho fell into step beside him, carrying her broom as they left the common room and descended the tower's staircase.
Glancing at the books in Lucien's arms, she asked, "You've got Charms this morning?"
"Yup."
"That's great! Your first class is with our Head of House. Professor Flitwick's brilliant and really kind!"
They chatted as they walked, reaching a staircase that shifted intermittently.
Cho offered a tip, "You probably noticed yesterday, but some of the castle's staircases move. It's tricky for first-years to figure out the pattern at first, but you can ask the portraits—they're happy to point you in the right direction."
She waved at a nearby portrait, which enthusiastically waved back.
Lucien marveled at the moving staircases and interactive portraits.
Hogwarts, a thousand-year-old magical castle—what secrets did it hold?
Even the obvious wonders were enough to keep a young witch or wizard exploring for ages, not to mention the hidden passages and secret rooms. Probably even past headmasters didn't know every corner of this place.
"Thanks for the heads-up, Cho," Lucien said.
Her heart lifted at his thanks. "No problem! If you're ever confused, just ask me."
They soon reached the Great Hall, ate breakfast, and went their separate ways.
Guided by portraits and ghosts, Lucien found the Charms classroom without trouble.
It was empty at this hour, so he took a seat in the middle near the aisle and pulled out A Guide to Common Charms to read quietly.
He settled in, ready for his first Hogwarts class.
Support me by leaving a comment, voting, and visiting myPatr-eon at ilham20
Check out another story in my profile original works