Preparations

The following day, dad brings me to the family manor via portkey. Apparating with a wizard who has yet received magical education can go very wrong. When grandpa Magnus leads me to the family library, I become astounded. There are so many. Grandpa shows me some books I might be interested to read first such as books on potions, alchemy, wards, charms etc. Even though I don't have a wand yet, I can still build a foundation on all these subjects. Theoretical foundation that is, mom would never allow me to experiment. One notebook I saw astonished me; it's merlin's notes on how to create your own spells. I know I can't start on that yet as it's probably far too complicated for now but, one day I sure as hell will read it and create my own spells.

In duels, you either use the 'protego' spell, dodge or use precise counter spells. But what came to my mind is that if I were to create enough of my own spells to duel without using all the mainstream spells, I would easily overwhelm most adversaries because they would not know what spell I'm sending their way, as long as they are not on the same level of Dumbledore and Voldemort. This is still in the far future though. Grandpa Magnus gives me a questioning gaze and asks "what will is be Jake?"

"Charms and potions for now" I eagerly respond. Grandpa picks gives me the notes on charms and potions but not before giving me a serious warning, "Jake, these are only to read. Your magic is still too volatile to do any practical experiments. Once you attend Hogwarts you may practice, but only till then. Have I made myself clear?" I had never heard grandpa speak to me so seriously before so I understood the severity of the situation, which is why I felt guilty for lying. "Yes grandpa, only once I attend Hogwarts." Now, my lie isn't too severe. I mean I don't plan on casting any spells or brewing any potions. What I do plan on doing is exerting my magic as much as possible everyday by lifting objects for as long as possible so as to slowly increase the amount of magic I can use. God said it all depends on talent and practice. So I intend to practice as much as possible.

Another thought I had on how to make myself even better as a duelist is martial arts. No I don't plan on doing a Hail Mary in my fights, what I what martial arts for is dodging and for the occasion where I find myself without my wand in a dangerous situation. In those ways, martial arts would be a saving grace. So, a few days after my birthday I asked my father, "dad, can I learn martial arts?" Dad looked absolutely bamboozled for a good 10 seconds until he finally asked "why in Merlin's name would you want to learn martial arts?"

"To be better at dodging spells and also to not be defenseless without my wand"

My father seemed to be considering it and just as he was about to give me an answer, mom interrupted him, "absolutely not, martial arts are dangerous and could get you hurt." At that point I had almost resigned myself when I suddenly remembered the most effective weapon a child has against his parents, the ultimate weapon that can get you almost anything you want: wounded puppy eyes.

As I unleashed my weapon of mass destruction I saw my mother's face crumble instantly. "Alright, but you have to tell me if you get hurt." I gave her a satisfied smile and told her I would.

And so began my 7 years of preparation for Hogwarts, reading and comprehending books on charms, potions, alchemy, transfiguration. Additionally, I would attend two lessons a week of boxing and another two lessons a week of Kung fu with a sword. Boxing I do because it is the best for dodging. If you don't know how to dodge really well then you aren't getting far in boxing. The sword wielding was hard to find, most Kung fu school no longer teach weapon wielding but I managed to find one. I chose to learn to wield the sword because it has always been a dream of mine. Sue me. Furthermore, every night before going to sleep I exert my magic as much as possible which then allows me to sleep like a baby due to exhaustion.