RioRaRyu
patreon
Chapter 27: Spellcasting Level
🕑 Added 2025-02-12 12:35:01 +0000 UTC
The train to Hogwarts was still very slow, but this time, Noah was no longer alone.
It was difficult to tell whether Noah preferred traveling alone or with a companion. If he were alone, he could enter the system space to read books and practice to pass the time. But with a companion, he could chat to relieve boredom.
Fortunately, Hermione was a good conversation partner, although, by the end, Noah was mostly explaining to her knowledge not found in textbooks—such as spellcasting tricks and simple ways to deal with dangerous magical creatures.
As he spoke, Hermione took out her notebook and quill, diligently writing everything down, which amused Noah.
Was he chatting or teaching a class?
But Noah didn’t mind. To be honest, he was feeling a little down.
Before departing, he had read some newspapers—like the one about the dissolution of a superpower in Eastern Europe, and another about Howard Stark’s car accident.
To be honest, the great changes in Eastern Europe had nothing to do with Noah, and old Stark’s accident had nothing to do with him either.
Still, Noah felt a little regretful. He was too young and had no way to do anything.
By the time they arrived at Hogwarts, it was already dark, just like last time, prompting Hermione’s first-ever complaint about the train’s speed.
"If it were faster, maybe we could go to the Room of Requirement to read!"
"Please, I’ve been tutoring you for free for eight hours. Isn't that enough?"
"Thank you very much, Noah, but it’s because of that I’ve realized how far behind I am. I don’t want to lag so much!"
"Alright, whatever you say."
Noah shrugged. Truthfully, he wanted to tell Hermione that the gap between them wasn’t just knowledge—it was also strength.
But there was no need to say it, right?
At Hermione’s age, Noah figured it was better for her to focus on accumulating knowledge first.
Besides, according to the original timeline, her future would be impressive, and she would undoubtedly become a great witch.
"Get some rest, Hermione. We have classes tomorrow, and you can read after that."
"Yeah, you too, Noah."
"Good night."
"Good night."
After escorting Hermione to the entrance of the Gryffindor common room, Noah turned back toward the fourth floor.
As a gentleman, he wouldn’t let a girl walk back alone. It was a little troublesome, but Noah didn’t mind.
Walking slowly through Hogwarts’ corridors, Noah realized he had rarely taken the time to truly appreciate the castle.
He was always focused on training and improving his strength, paying little attention to anything else.
"I really do have the tendency to turn into an ascetic," Noah mused, amused at himself. He decided to stop by the West Tower.
Leaning against the tower, Noah gazed at the view.
The scenery was breathtaking. Snowflakes filled the air, blanketing Hogwarts in silver. Stars danced across the sky, and the castle was eerily quiet.
Looking at the bright moon, Noah felt that he was too serious, too rigid in his ways.
But he had no choice. He knew what the future held, and if he didn’t work hard, he would only meet an untimely end. Noah was afraid of death—he never denied that.
"I’d rather sacrifice my present than have no future. If I grow strong enough, I can explore even the stars one day."
Noah smiled slightly, taking one last look at the mesmerizing view before turning to leave.
It was getting cold. Snow had gathered on his hair, and if he stayed any longer, he might just turn into an ice sculpture.
After answering the eagle-shaped bronze knocker’s riddle and “saving” a fellow Ravenclaw who had forgotten the password and gotten locked out, Noah bypassed the common room and headed straight to his dormitory.
The common room’s books no longer interested him—he had already read them all.
Not just him, but Evan and the others had finished them all in the Room of Requirement as well.
"Wow, you’re back? I thought you’d be the first one here, but you’re actually the last,"
Noah entered the dormitory to find Evan and the others already on their beds, reading. Evan’s teasing voice greeted him.
Noah raised an eyebrow.
Wasn’t it normal to return on the last day of the holiday?
He felt like it wasn’t that he was late—it was that these guys had come back too early.
"Classes start tomorrow. When did you all return?" Noah asked, unconcerned.
"If I remember correctly, two days ago. Damn, I had to stay here alone for a whole night! Luckily, these two came back the next day," Lance grumbled.
"That’s what you get for not enjoying your holiday properly. You’re supposed to relax, you know?"
"It’s because you’re leaving me in the dust! Ugh, whatever, I don’t want to argue about it. Anyway, there’s something I need to tell you."
Lance shook his head. He could feel that the gap between him and Noah had widened.
It wasn’t just about book knowledge—though Noah was ahead in that too—but more importantly, it was spellcasting ability.
Over the break, Lance had attempted some spells from Professor Snape’s notes, only to realize that he couldn’t cast them at all!
When he asked his father about it, he received an answer that frustrated him.
His magic power and control weren’t high enough to cast them.
Yes, that was the answer!
His father had tried casting Levicorpus, one of the spells in Snape’s notes, and had taken a full week of practice before he could perform it perfectly. He even told Lance that he wouldn’t be able to use it properly until at least fourth year.
This was humiliating—because Noah had mastered Sectumsempra, a spell far more dangerous and complex, in his first year!
Realizing this massive gap, Lance had given up the idea of enjoying his vacation and rushed back to school as soon as possible.
"So, what’s up?" Noah asked, flopping onto his bed. The warmth from the fireplace was particularly comforting.
"I’ve contacted Ernie Macmillan. He’s interested in our study methods and wants to meet with you," Lance informed him before quickly adding—
"Oh, and Noah, please find us some teachers who can help improve our magic and spellcasting skills. I feel like my spellcasting level is way too low."
---
