Noah wasn't known in the British scene, so no one recognized him outside his family. Yet, just by being there, he received polite nods and smiles.
He returned the smiles as he strolled through the crowd. With every step, his right eye quietly scanned the magical affinity of each person he passed. Before long, he had a general estimate of the guests.
Most of them are actually strong… That's a surprise.
He had expected more mediocrity, like the wizards he'd met until now. Then again, most of those had been young or just family acquaintances—few true adults.
Among the wizards gathered at the ball, many showed remarkable affinity for magic. Perhaps it was because they came from old families, or perhaps for some hidden reason.
Noah grabbed a drink from the bar and drifted away from the main hall, stepping into the garden. He took in the scenery. The night sky was beautiful, and the air was so cold it felt like snow might start falling at any moment.
"I should've brought gloves," he muttered—then immediately chuckled at how ridiculous that sounded. "I'm a wizard."
With a casual flick of thought, a pair of gloves materialized around his hands. He grinned and took a sip of his drink. "Much better."
"A lovely night, isn't it?" an older voice said beside him.
Noah turned to see a middle-aged witch. She spoke of the night's beauty, though her eyes lingered on the gloves he had just conjured.
Noah smiled at the sky. "It really is a beautiful night." Then his gaze returned to her.
"Go on. Ask whatever it is you want to ask."
Her brows lifted. "I still can't place who you are," she admitted.
"Excuse me?" Noah tilted his head.
"I mean, I don't recall any wizard who likes disguising himself as a child."
Noah spat out his drink. "I can't just be a real child?" he asked, wiping his mouth.
"That would be even more surprising. I've been teaching for many years, and I've never seen a boy of—what, twelve at most?—casting wandless magic. Creation magic, no less."
She studied him, trying to recognize the face.
Noah, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying this. "Ah, my dear, sometimes it's fun to pretend to be young," he said, lowering his voice to sound like an old man. His eyes twinkled as he winked at her. "I'd tell you to try it sometime, but you don't need to. You're still young and beautiful."
She didn't laugh. Her stare only sharpened, as though trying to solve the riddle of him.
"Edward preferred disguising himself as an adult man, but never a child…"
"Jonathan enjoyed turning into a woman…"
Her mutterings amused Noah, but he didn't want her thinking too hard.
"A Hogwarts professor, I presume?"
The woman nodded, suddenly realizing she hadn't introduced herself. "Minerva McGonagall. Transfiguration professor, Head of Gryffindor House."
This time it was Noah's turn to be surprised, giving her a second look.
Minerva looked no more than thirty-something, though he knew she was older. Tall, but not overly so, she wore a red and green dress. Her sharp face carried a kind of stern beauty, framed by glasses at the tip of her nose. She was attractive—damn attractive. If Noah had seen her at a bar, he might've sent her a drink just for a fun night.
"And who are you?" she asked. "Or will you keep up the act?"
Noah smirked, lifting his glass with his left hand while speaking. "Magic doesn't care about age. At least, that's what I believe."
He passed his right hand over the glass, and it vanished.
"It's simply about whether you can do it or not."
Minerva's eyes widened. She hadn't sensed a trace of magic—no incantation, no wand, not even the smallest unnecessary movement.
Then Noah clasped both hands together. When he opened them, the glass was back, intact.
He grinned and extended his right hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Minerva."
"Professor?" She froze, realization dawning. No… it can't be.
Noah's smile widened. "I'm Noah Gray. I'll be attending Hogwarts next year."
"Gray…?"
She shook his hand, still stunned.
The name Gray explained a great deal. But it still didn't make sense—how could a child show such mastery?
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Professor. I hope we can talk more at the castle. It'll be fun. I must say, the art of creation fascinates me."
Minerva nodded faintly, though her thoughts spun. I need him in Gryffindor. If he ends up in Ravenclaw or Slytherin, Flitwick and Snape will gloat endlessly. Especially Flitwick.
Leaving Minerva behind, Noah wandered back into the ball. He walked slowly through the grand hall, his curious eyes absorbing every detail. Long tables draped in white linen, floating candelabras casting warm golden light, the low hum of mingling voices mixed with laughter and music.
He studied the unknown faces, filing them away.
Everyone seems eager to talk to the Minister. And of course, certain families are stealing the spotlight.
The Gray family was clearly the second highlight of the night. Anyone of importance had made sure to greet them.
Between overheard conversations and what he already knew, Noah noted other influential figures. The Malfoys, for instance—easy to recognize with their blond hair and air of superiority.
The ball was dazzling, opulent, grand… and rapidly growing dull. "Maybe I should've kept talking to the professor," he sighed.
Seeking fresh air, Noah made his way upstairs, where he knew a balcony overlooked the London night. As he opened the door and stepped onto the marble floor, he realized he wasn't alone. A girl stood in the shadows. He considered leaving quietly, but before he could, the clouds shifted and moonlight fell across her.
Noah had seen many beautiful sights in his life, but this moment would be etched into his soul forever. The moment he met Her.
Moonlight bathed her face, delicate and serene as she gazed at the stars like they held the peace she longed for. Her hair was a soft, fiery red, like eternal flame burning against the darkness.
Sensing eyes on her, she turned.
Their gazes met—and for a heartbeat, Noah felt his soul drawn into those brilliant green eyes.
Any thought of leaving vanished. His feet carried him forward.
"I don't recognize you," she spoke first, studying him as though searching her memory, but she had never seen him before.
Noah smiled. "I'd be surprised if you did." Seeing her confusion, he added, "My family just came back from France. This is the first event I've attended."
She nodded. "The first few aren't bad. It's after the third that they start getting boring."
Noah chuckled. "Somehow, I believe you."
He extended his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Noah."
She smiled and shook it. "No last name?"
"Didn't want to intimidate you," he teased.
That earned him a surprised laugh.
"I'm Violet." Her smile widened. "I don't want to intimidate you either."
"Fair enough."
She seemed eager to chat. "So, your family's settling in England for good?"
"For the next few years, at least," Noah said.
"So you'll be at Hogwarts next year?" she asked.
He nodded. "Yes. That's actually why we came back. What about you?"
"Hogwarts as well. My mum talks about the school all the time—I can't wait to go." Her eyes sparkled. "I can't wait to learn magic."
Noah blinked. "You don't come from a wizarding family? You must know a thing or two already."
She shook her head. "I wish. But Mum never lets me. And without a wand, I couldn't really do anything anyway."
Then her eyes narrowed slightly at him. "Does your family let you study magic?"
Noah thought about how to answer. He'd been practicing since he was five—dangerous, powerful spells, not the sort a child should touch.
"Yeah, a trick or two," he said casually.
Her excitement was immediate. "Can you show me?"
On impulse, she grabbed his arm, then quickly let go, embarrassed.
"Sorry. You don't have a wand anyway. Do your parents let you use theirs?"
Noah shook his head. "You're overthinking it. I don't use their wands."
"Then how could you…?"
He shrugged. "I'm a wizard. Magic comes from me—and from the world. Not the wand."
Her eyes widened slightly. "You sound like an old man. Actually, I think I've heard that before."
Noah's curiosity flared. "And who was the wise man who said it?"
She rolled her eyes. "Professor Dumbledore. At some birthday party he attended."
Noah was surprised that her family seemed close to Dumbledore, but he brushed it off. "A wise man indeed," he said. Seeing her stare, he decided a little magic wouldn't hurt.
"Watch closely."
Though she still seemed doubtful, Violet kept her eyes on his hands. Noah closed his fist and tapped it with his other finger, as though pretending. But when he opened his hand, a small crimson butterfly of living flame fluttered out.
Violet gasped, following its graceful flight. The fiery butterfly circled once, then landed gently on her palm.
"How—?" She turned to him, but the balcony was empty.
She pouted slightly, but then laughed at the thought of him slipping away like that.
The butterfly took flight once more, rising higher and higher before bursting in the sky. Dozens of fiery sparks rained down, arranging themselves into glowing words:
"See you at Hogwarts."
Violet smiled as she watched the flames fade into the night.