"So, you solved the problem in the United States by yourself?" Kenn swallowed, looking at Noah in disbelief.
"No, two Aurors helped clean up the mess, and it was the Ancient One who truly resolved everything." Noah didn't intend to take credit, even though he played a crucial role in the situation.
"So you're now the disciple of the Sorcerer Supreme?" Lance stammered.
"Yes, but I didn't exactly choose to leave. We're just getting started here—how could I abandon everything now?" Noah spread his hands with a grin.
"Noah, you only have two years left at Hogwarts, right?" Evan finally spoke in a low voice, his words casting a momentary silence over the group.
It was a bittersweet topic—one they couldn't avoid.
In just two years, Noah would leave, and while they felt proud and happy for him, envy lingered in their hearts. After all, he had been chosen by the Sorcerer Supreme—the most powerful and revered magician in the world.
Truthfully, they were full of admiration and blessings for Noah's achievement, but the thought of how distant he would become once he left Hogwarts made them uneasy.
"Yes, but we still have two years together, don't we?"
Noah remained silent for a moment before laughing. He understood their emotions—if the roles were reversed, he would likely feel the same way.
So he decided to reassure them. After all, he truly cared about his friends.
Though Noah had founded the League of Mages, he firmly believed in its potential. He planned to nurture and guide its members, ensuring its growth into something far greater.
These weren't just ordinary students; their futures were bright. He wanted them to stand beside him, expanding the alliance into something formidable.
"But it doesn't matter. We're all part of the League of Mages. No matter what the future holds, we'll stay connected, right? If the opportunity arises, I'll recommend you to Kamar-Taj." Noah lowered his voice as he spoke to Evan and the others.
"Really?" The three young wizards' eyes lit up with excitement. Kamar-Taj was the sacred ground of magic!
"Of course. Have I ever lied?"
"Damn it—Oh, no, we mean this is amazing! Thank you, Noah! And don't worry, we won't let you get too far ahead of us! You better keep working hard—we don't want you embarrassing Ravenclaw!"
"Don't worry, guys, I've always been the best!"
"Of course you are."
With Noah's promise, excitement filled the air.
After all, Kamar-Taj was a dream destination for any aspiring magician. Unlike Hogwarts, it wasn't an academy that accepted students through formal applications. It required an opportunity—a calling.
By promising his friends a chance to train there, Noah was already making a bold commitment.
The truth was, Hogwarts had its limits. By the time students graduated, they were only eighteen—an age when most people would move on to university.
Unfortunately, no higher magical academies existed beyond Hogwarts. This was a global phenomenon.
That's why Noah had an idea—he wanted to turn Kamar-Taj into a sort of advanced magic academy, though only for those truly capable.
Kenn and the others should be able to meet the requirements, not to mention Hermione and Ernie. Even now, they were catching up to Kenn and the rest!
Noah envisioned the League of Mages sending a few of its best members to Kamar-Taj each year, giving them the opportunity to advance their magical studies.
However, this plan would take time. Though he was now considered the Ancient One's disciple, he hadn't even stepped foot in Kamar-Taj yet.
That's why he phrased it as "if there's an opportunity." He couldn't make guarantees.
Still, he knew Kenn and the others understood what he meant. Even if the chance was slim, they would work hard to seize it.
As the feast continued, Noah and his friends noticed something unusual—many professors were leaving the Great Hall.
Kenn and the others exchanged puzzled glances.
Even Severus Snape, who rarely showed such urgency, hurriedly left with a copy of The Daily Prophet in hand. Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall waited until the Sorting Ceremony was complete before departing.
"What's going on?" Lance asked curiously, spreading a spoonful of butter over his bread.
"Didn't you notice that Harry Potter hasn't shown up?" Kenn replied casually.
"And Ron Weasley. He's always with Harry—if one is missing, the other usually is too," Evan added, speaking around a mouthful of food.
"There's probably some trouble. Forget it, it has nothing to do with us."
Noah could already guess what was happening.
While this world was far more chaotic than the one he remembered, Hogwarts' timeline likely remained intact.
The events of the second year were predictable—Tom Riddle's younger self stirring from a diary, a massive basilisk lurking within the Chamber of Secrets, and poor Harry Potter being mistaken for the Heir of Slytherin.
Noah also recalled how Ernie Macmillan had accused Harry at some point, which was probably how he remembered the Hufflepuff prefect so clearly.
But honestly?
These events seemed like child's play to Noah.
Even as a third-year student, he was far beyond the capabilities of most at Hogwarts. The professors—excluding those who merely taught theory—were the only ones stronger than him.
And if Harry Potter could handle these threats, then for Noah, it would be nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
That said, he wasn't reckless. He had no intention of getting petrified and waiting around for a Mandrake Draught to save him.
After enjoying the feast, Noah didn't return to the Ravenclaw common room with his friends. Instead, he walked alone toward the third floor—toward the headmaster's office.
Kenn and the others probably guessed where he was going, so, for once, they didn't follow him.
Upon reaching the entrance, he knocked gently.
"Come in," came Dumbledore's calm voice from inside.
Noah pushed the door open and stepped in. Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his keen eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses.
"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore." Noah bowed slightly in greeting.
"Oh? Mr. Finniel, good evening. How was your vacation in the United States?"
"Thanks to your help, I wasn't troubled by the American Ministry of Magic. But as for the vacation itself… not great."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, I heard. Merlin's beard, there was quite a commotion over there. Fortunately, the Sorcerer Supreme resolved the situation—and I'm relieved to see you unharmed."
"Thank you, Professor. Actually, I came here today because there's something I need to discuss with you."
Dumbledore's blue eyes flickered with interest as he leaned back in his chair.
"Well then, Mr. Finniel, I'm listening."
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