Chapter 73 - From Now On

Becoming the disciple of the Ancient One was an opportunity Noah couldn't refuse, and he accepted without hesitation.

However, he had no intention of leaving for Kamar-Taj just yet.

Sure, it might seem audacious to stir up trouble at Hogwarts and even try to shape the future of the British wizarding world, but he had only just begun. He understood the immense potential of his classmates—especially Hermione Granger. She was destined to become the future Minister for Magic, after all.

Of course, his interference might alter the course of history, but wasn't that precisely why he was here? How could he walk away without at least trying?

Besides, he had done his best to help Harry Potter and the others last year—well, perhaps not exactly, but he certainly wasn't planning to confront Voldemort directly anytime soon.

Everything he had done was to ensure the League of Mages gained recognition, allowing him greater freedom to operate.

After thinking it over, Noah finally came up with a solution:

"Respected Sorcerer Supreme, I am honored to be your disciple and would gladly call you my teacher even now! However, I have unfinished business at Hogwarts."

"Hogwarts?" The Ancient One smiled. "Tell me your reasons."

Noah took a deep breath before explaining. "My friends and I founded a small group called the League of Mages at Hogwarts. We only accept the most talented students, and I truly enjoy my time there. Madam Hooch, who played a major role in my upbringing, is also at Hogwarts, and I don't want to leave just yet."

"I see." The Ancient One observed Noah's conflicted expression and found him rather amusing. Shaking her head slightly, she asked, "So, what is your plan?"

"I'd like to join you in two years, after I've had a proper school experience." Noah smiled before adding, "Besides, I've discovered something interesting in the Room of Requirement."

"Oh? And what might that be?" The Ancient One's expression showed mild curiosity, though she wasn't expecting anything particularly astonishing.

She had intended to take Noah with her immediately—this was the best age to learn magic. Although age wasn't necessarily an obstacle, she saw great potential in him and wanted to ensure he reached even greater heights.

Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, Noah continued.

"What do you think of my magical ability? Specifically, my raw magical reserves?"

"Magical power?" The Ancient One frowned slightly before responding, "Exceptional. Your reserves already surpass those of many adult wizards. However, talent alone is not—"

"No, you misunderstand," Noah interrupted. "A year ago, I had never even been exposed to magic. I didn't even know if I had magical power."

The Ancient One's eyes narrowed. "That's impossible. Then how did you—"

"I trained in the Room of Requirement, constantly practicing magic and draining my reserves completely. After a month, I noticed my magical power increasing at an unprecedented rate. After a year, I reached this level."

"You mean—"

The Ancient One's eyes widened. She immediately understood what Noah was implying, but the implications were difficult to accept.

However, as she pondered his words, her expression grew serious.

She had lived for centuries and wielded unfathomable magical power, yet she had never truly explored this concept. The idea of magical ability being tied to bloodline had long been an accepted truth.

But now, Noah had given her a revelation—one she had considered in passing but never truly pursued.

Magical reserves could be increased.

And the method was surprisingly simple: continuously depleting one's magic through rigorous training.

The more she thought about it, the more viable it seemed. And with Noah as proof, she found herself intrigued.

"Are you certain of this, Noah?" she asked after a moment.

"Absolutely," Noah affirmed. "In fact, if you visit Hogwarts, you'll find that every member of my League of Mages has magical reserves far exceeding their peers—even older students."

"In other words, you shared your discovery with them?"

"Yes, but we agreed not to spread this knowledge too widely. Everyone swore an oath to keep it secret, even from their families. Of course, I'm an exception since I was the one who discovered it—I have the right to share it with whomever I choose."

Noah smiled. He was telling the truth, after all. He knew for a fact that Kenn and the others had benefited tremendously, with only Hermione and Ernie Macmillan lagging slightly behind. And they had all sworn in the name of Merlin to keep the secret.

"There's one more thing I need to tell you," Noah added suddenly.

The Ancient One raised an eyebrow. "And what is that?"

"I saw Voldemort at the end of the school year," Noah said, his tone lowering. "I memorized the fluctuations of his power. Later, I found something in the Room of Requirement that emitted the same magical fluctuations."

The Ancient One's expression darkened slightly. "So, he has already embarked on that path… What a pity."

She had never considered Voldemort a true threat—Dumbledore himself was little more than a minor player in her eyes. However, she still regarded the situation with some caution.

After a moment of contemplation, she spoke again, this time with a rare hint of seriousness.

"Although Voldemort is of little concern, you should still be cautious. If you ever find yourself in true danger, tell him you are my disciple. That alone should be enough to make him hesitate."

She then reached into her robes and produced a small, ancient-looking badge. "Take this. If he refuses to believe you, use it. No matter what happens, I will be able to save you."

Noah's eyes widened in shock. "Really?"

A badge from the Ancient One herself? That was essentially a life-saving trump card!

Without hesitation, he bowed slightly. "Thank you, revered Sorcerer Supreme."

But then, his mind replayed something she had said moments ago—

Her disciple?

Noah's head snapped up, staring at her in disbelief.

The Ancient One remained calm, a faint smile playing on her lips as she met his gaze.

"So, what should you call me, Noah?" she asked knowingly.

Noah took a deep breath, his heart pounding with excitement.

"Teacher!"

"Very good," she said, nodding approvingly. "From now on, you are my disciple."

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