Chapter 20 - 20: 20: Guidance, Not Suppression

When the Sorting Hat directly declared that Lucien's talent even surpassed Dumbledore's, the portraits of the former Headmasters stopped laughing, their expressions turning solemn and serious.

The wizards who had served as Hogwarts Headmasters were all exceptional figures of their time, each with brilliant achievements in their fields.

So they understood even more clearly just how powerful the current Headmaster, this easygoing, bearded old man, Dumbledore, truly was.

But now the Sorting Hat had openly admitted that Lucien's talent was even greater!

What did that mean?

Even Phineas put away his arrogant expression, staring silently at the Sorting Hat.

It was Dumbledore who broke the silence, asking with a chuckle, "What aspects of talent are you referring to?"

"Want to know? Then you need to prepare a glass display case for me—and it has to be placed in the most prominent spot in the room."

Faced with the Sorting Hat's demand, Dumbledore didn't hesitate in the slightest and immediately agreed.

"No problem."

The Sorting Hat wiggled its tip in satisfaction.

"Transfiguration. He's much more talented than you in that regard."

Dumbledore nodded, not surprised—he had already learned as much from McGonagall.

He wasn't surprised that Lucien's Transfiguration talent surpassed his own.

Perhaps because its demands had been continuously met, the Sorting Hat was in a very good mood and offered some additional answers:

"Hm, at least in the field of Transfiguration, Lucien's aptitude is the best I've ever seen—without a doubt."

Silence. The entire Headmaster's office fell into absolute quiet.

Dumbledore also reined in his smile, carefully processing the weight of the Sorting Hat's words.

Though no one was paying much attention to it, the Sorting Hat continued to elaborate:

"You know, I've been around for over a thousand years, and I've seen countless wizards. I've never seen anyone like Lucien before.

Hey, Albus, remember to cultivate him well; Hogwarts will be great again!"

"Why aren't you saying anything? You don't think Lucien only has talent in Transfiguration, do you?

His aptitude for White Magic is also similar to yours, Albus. Hm, perhaps yours is a bit stronger—but only marginally."

Dumbledore, who had regained his composure, asked casually, "What about the Dark Arts?"

"Oh, much stronger than you!"

Dumbledore's eyes immediately grew shadowed.

People respectfully called him the strongest wizard of the century, even giving him the more reverent title of "White Lord."

Yet Dumbledore also possessed astonishing talent in the Dark Arts.

Without an extraordinary understanding of the Dark Arts, how could he have defeated the first Dark Lord and deterred the second?

"Dark Arts… alas…"

Dumbledore sighed deeply.

For a moment, a strong sense of caution had indeed stirred in his heart.

But perhaps it was precisely that kind of caution that turned a boy named Tom into the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort.

He could no longer be wary of a child simply because of their talent in the Dark Arts.

Moreover, Lucien had been sorted into Ravenclaw; his defining trait was not ambition.

Feeling somewhat reassured, Dumbledore stood and walked to the window, gazing at the sparse, dim starlight.

Genius needs guidance, not suppression.

"I should talk to Lucien."

The faint morning light streamed into the dormitory.

Lucien was already awake, opening his system panel while washing up.

White Magic: S

Dark Arts: SS+

Defense: S+

Transfiguration: SSS

Potions: A

Alchemy: A+

Magic Power: SS

Unpaid Loans: Loki's Mask (To be paid in 335 days), Qilin (335 days), Pet Growth (29 days)

Tasks: Perfectly master Transfiguration; Brew a potion using the Philosopher's Stone; Record 5 kinds of magical creatures.

Lucien brushed his teeth while contemplating his immediate goals.

The study of Transfiguration needed to be continuous; the pace of the school curriculum would definitely not be enough.

First, he would go to the library to find some advanced books, and at the same time, he could ask Professor McGonagall for guidance.

He certainly wouldn't be able to access the Philosopher's Stone in the short term, but he could begin practicing potion brewing in advance.

Hmm, when I go to the Forbidden Forest to look for magical creatures, I'll probably need some potions to assist me.

Such as bait to attract specific magical creatures, calming potions, potions to mask my own scent…

When I go to the library today, besides books on Transfiguration and Potions, I'll also look for records of the Forbidden Forest's terrain and species distribution.

After organizing his plans, Lucien finished washing up.

Finding Terry still fast asleep, and seeing that it was still early, Lucien didn't wake him.

Grabbing the textbook needed for Charms class, Lucien prepared to head to the dining hall for breakfast first.

He casually placed the school-issued magical alarm clock on Terry's bedside table.

Glancing again at Terry's peaceful sleeping posture, Lucien pulled out his wand, pointed it at the alarm clock, and cast a simple Sonorus Charm on it.

Done. Now the alarm clock would definitely wake him.

Leaving the dormitory and stepping into the common room hall, a clear voice called out to him:

"Lucien? You're up so early?"

Turning his head, he saw it was Cho, who was also up early.

She was carrying a broom in her hand, and her usually loose black hair was tied into a high ponytail.

"Morning, Cho... You're…?"

Lucien asked, glancing at the broom.

"You mean this? I don't have classes today; I'm going to participate in the House team's Quidditch training."

Cho waved the broom in her hand, her ponytail swaying with it.

The girl, who usually looked very quiet, now radiated the energy of youth and sport.

"I'm going to the dining hall. Want to come along?"

Lucien nodded; it was on the way anyway.

Cho picked up her broom and quickly walked to his side.

The two left the common room together, descending the tower stairs.

Glancing at the book Lucien was carrying, Cho asked, "Lucien, do you have Charms class this morning?"

"Yes."

"That's great! The first class of the school year is with our Head of House, Professor Flitwick. He's very knowledgeable and such a kind person!"

The two chatted as they walked, reaching a staircase that shifted intermittently.

Cho kindly reminded him, "Oh, right, Lucien, you probably noticed it yesterday."

"Some of the stairs in the castle change position. New students find it hard to figure out the pattern at first, but you can ask the portraits nearby; they'll all help with directions."

As she said this, Cho waved to a portrait beside the stairs, and it responded enthusiastically.

Lucien looked at the shifting stairs and the lively portraits.

He couldn't help but marvel at the magic of Hogwarts Castle.

Yup.. I can't even tell how many people waited for their Hogwarts Acceptance letter in my real world, even though they knew it was all fictional..

Can't believe this is my reality now.. Haah..

An enchanted castle with a history spanning a thousand years.. just how many secrets could it hold?

Even the obvious wonders here were enough for young wizards to explore for a long time, not to mention the countless secret rooms and hidden passages. It was likely that even successive Headmasters hadn't fully uncovered all of the castle's mysteries.

"Thank you for the reminder, Cho."

Hearing Lucien's thanks, Cho's heart fluttered slightly.

"You're welcome. If there's anything you don't understand in the future, you can always ask me."

Soon, the two reached the dining hall, and after breakfast, they parted ways.

Guided by portraits and ghosts along the way, Lucien successfully found the Charms classroom.

The room was empty at this hour. Lucien chose a seat in the middle, toward the edge, and sat down.

He pulled out a copy of Common Charms for Beginners and quietly began to read.

Patiently, he waited for his first class at Hogwarts.