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Chapter 185: A New Beginning (Part 1)
🕑 Added 2025-06-11 12:30:01 +0000 UTCThe graduation ceremony at Hogwarts had come to an end, signaling the arrival of another summer vacation.
However, this particular ceremony had left a profound impact on all the students of Hogwarts.
Though Professor Dumbledore spoke little, the implications of his words were enough to shake not only the students but the entire British wizarding world.
The revelation that Dumbledore was stepping down as headmaster came as a complete shock. No one expected the venerable wizard to retire now—especially not after the defeat of Voldemort, when peace had seemingly returned to the magical world, albeit peace layered with hidden unrest.
Cornelius Fudge may have been lacking in competence, but his political instincts were razor-sharp. He had a strong sense of what Dumbledore's next move might be—and that terrified him. Behind closed doors, he complained bitterly about the professor’s lack of transparency.
Naturally, this "credit issue" was likely just wishful thinking on Fudge’s part. Deep down, even he probably understood the truth. But now, his focus had shifted to salvaging his reputation. It was no easy task, yet he was determined. Ever since he took office as Minister of Magic, he had clung to power with desperation—he wasn’t about to relinquish it now.
Of course, only those tied to him by mutual interests truly cared about his fate. Most other wizards and witches couldn’t care less.
What did command their attention, however, was the second major announcement Dumbledore made—one that shook the magical world to its core:
Kamar-Taj University was going to be established.
What is Kamar-Taj?
It’s a sacred ground of magic, revered and untouchable. The sorcerers there are anything but ordinary.
Unlike Hogwarts or Beauxbatons, Kamar-Taj doesn’t accept applications. They choose their disciples. If you’re deemed worthy—even if you're a Muggle—they will find a way to reach you. If not, you won’t even find the front door.
But now, this enigmatic place had decided to create a university—similar to those in the Muggle world—and had already admitted a student who was only in third year. Was the world going mad?
Curious and desperate to learn more, wizards flocked to libraries or ventured into Muggle communities to understand what this “university” concept entailed.
The results were both thrilling and heartbreaking.
A university, it turned out, was like Hogwarts—but for more advanced study. In magical terms, it was a place designed to cultivate senior magicians. That revelation alone was enough to electrify the community.
Who wouldn't want to ascend further along the path of magic?
The entrance exam was daunting, yes—but not discouraging. Magicians are, by nature, proud and confident. If someone believed they lacked the ability, they didn’t belong on the path in the first place.
Yet, when Kamar-Taj released the official requirements, despair spread like wildfire.
In addition to a written exam, candidates would need to pass a psychological evaluation and meet a minimum magical level. And worst of all, preference was given to fresh graduates.
The first two criteria were reasonable. No one wanted another Voldemort rising from unchecked ambition and mental instability.
But the third—minimum magical level—sparked uproar.
What level, exactly?
Upon further investigation, they learned that a global rating system for magicians had been quietly implemented at various institutions. For instance, Professor Dumbledore himself was classified as a Level 6 magician.
That revelation triggered outrage.
Once insider sources exposed how the Ministry of Magic had tried to suppress this system, public trust in Fudge’s leadership plummeted.
But with more understanding came clarity.
From a practical standpoint, magical level—along with psychological resilience and knowledge—represented a magician’s readiness. A powerful individual lacking control or understanding would be a liability. Such a person might spend a lifetime as a mere assistant or tool.
Kamar-Taj University didn’t aim to create magical laborers. Its goal was to forge elite, well-rounded magicians.
And the preference for young graduates? That made perfect sense. Older adults have jobs, families, responsibilities. Unless they possess extraordinary talent, few can afford to drop everything and study magic full-time.
“Thankfully, Kamar-Taj hasn’t officially opened yet. There’s still time to prepare!”
Many ambitious magicians made secret vows: they would get into Kamar-Taj. Missing the chance would be a regret that could haunt them forever.
But just as the storm began to settle, another announcement from Kamar-Taj one month later reignited the frenzy—this time, globally.
Two new pieces of news shook even the most stoic elder magicians.
First, Kamar-Taj would now host an annual Magic Innovation Award—granted to magicians who developed spells or techniques capable of transforming the magical world.
The reward? A two-year retreat at Kamar-Taj and full access to its vast, legendary library.
At first, most powerful magicians shrugged. They weren’t keen on sharing their secrets.
But then came the second bombshell:
The inaugural Magic Innovation Award had already been granted. The recipient? Noah Finniel.
Despite his age, Noah had already been accepted into Kamar-Taj as an apprentice of the Ancient One, Master Ancient one.
That alone was impressive. But what stunned the world was the reason for his award:
> “We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Noah Finniel for his 'Magic Enhancement' method. His experimentation and personal verification—endorsed by Master Ancient one—have shattered a millennium-long misconception. Magic can, in fact, be enhanced through specialized means. Therefore, Mr. Finniel has been welcomed as a disciple of the Ancient One.”
Magic can be enhanced? The entire magical world went mad.
And then came the kicker: students admitted through the university entrance exam could also learn this method. So could award winners.
To put it bluntly, the traditional method of enhancing magic—by burning through one's magical core—had severe limitations. Even Noah, now a Level 4 magician, barely felt improvement through that method.
Not everyone could be like Stephen Strange—gifted, brilliant, capable of manipulating time and dueling Dormammu.
Thus, Kamar-Taj offered a solution: up to Level 4, enhancement through magic depletion in battle. After that, a unique meditation technique devised by the Ancient One.
However, all who learned these methods had to sign binding confidentiality agreements.
The Ancient One herself wasn’t concerned about theft—but many others with darker motives made precautions necessary.
And so, the world of magic fell into chaos again. With only two viable paths into Kamar-Taj—university exams or innovation awards—almost every magician now had a clear target in mind.
Even if the road was difficult, who wouldn't want to try?
Well—except for those already content with their place in the world.
None of this, however, concerned Noah Finniel in the moment.
He now sat on the stone steps of Kamar-Taj, yawning lazily. He had just begun his break and planned to spend a few days celebrating his “graduation” from Hogwarts.
That didn’t last long.
The very next morning after returning to the orphanage, a portal opened in his room—and Wong stepped through to wake him.
Noah had been startled. So was Nagini, the snake sleeping peacefully nearby—having dozed off after a whole chicken meal.
Thankfully, Nagini sensed no hostility from Wong. Or perhaps she simply knew resistance was futile—the power radiating from the man was on par with Noah’s own.
Reluctantly, Noah got dressed and brought Ms. Heifen with him to Kamar-Taj.
And so began another chapter of rigorous training. But this time, things were different.
The Ancient One didn’t push him too hard. Noah had time to explore, study, and pursue his own interests.
That is, until—
“Noah, daydreaming again?” Wong approached silently, eyeing the boy.
“I’m not daydreaming. Just enjoying the sun,” Noah replied lazily, resting his chin on his palm.
“Well, whatever you're doing, Master Ancient one wants to see you.”
“Alright, alright. I’m coming.”
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