Rediscovering Potential (1)

Nero stirred awake to the soft light of morning spilling through the enchanted windows of the Ravenclaw dormitory. The sunrise painted the room in hues of gold and blue, a calming sight that contrasted with the faint snores of his three roommates.

The introductions from the previous evening replayed in his mind.

Callum Ashridge, a lanky boy with sharp features and a mischievous smirk.

Theo Wainwright, perpetually distracted with round glasses and a mop of unruly hair.

And Marcus Veltry, stocky and soft-spoken, whose warm smile had immediately put Nero at ease.

Exhaustion had left little room for conversation, though Callum had grumbled something about "breaking every record" before collapsing into his bunk.

They had promised to talk more after the magical talent testing scheduled for today.

Stretching out the stiffness in his limbs, Nero climbed out of bed and got ready. By the time he descended the spiral staircase into the Ravenclaw common room, most of the first-years had already gathered.

Oliver Harrington, the fifth-year prefect, stood at the center of the room, his commanding presence drawing everyone's attention. His calm yet confident demeanor reassured the nervous students.

"Good morning, Ravenclaws. Today marks your first step toward discovering how Hogwarts can help you grow into the wizard or witch you're meant to be. I'll guide you to the testing area, so stick close and pay attention, there are a lot of moving staircases, and the last thing we need is anyone wandering into a vanishing step."

The group listened intently as Oliver continued. "These tests are meant to show you where breakthroughs come easiest, but don't let any result define you. Talent can be cultivated, and history is full of wizards who overcame middling beginnings. Remember, this test is a guide, not a definition. Some of the most renowned wizards began with what others would call 'humble' results." His tone lightened, and a small smile played on his lips."

The room buzzed with quiet anticipation as he continued.

"And if anyone tries to tell you differently, just ask them what their real scores were."

A few chuckles broke through the crowd.

"And one more thing," Oliver added, his expression growing mischievous. "If you run into a quill asking riddles, it's not part of the test. That's just Peeves causing trouble."

Nero smirked, imagining the poltergeist's antics.

"Now then," Oliver said, clapping his hands, "stick close, and let's head out. We don't want anyone getting lost in the staircases."

As they descended one of the grand staircases, Nero spotted Ember weaving through the crowd toward him. Her auburn hair was slightly tousled, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Nero!" she called, her grin broad and triumphant. "Just finished my test. It was wild."

"Sounds intense," Nero replied, matching her grin.

"It was," Ember said, her laughter bubbling up. "The crystal they use, it's like it pulls the magic right out of you. Oh, and the looks on some of the professors' faces!" She mimicked a gaping expression, and Nero chuckled.

"I promised Alaric and Lilith I'd meet them after lunch to compare results," Ember added. "You should join us. It'll be fun to see how everyone did."

"Count me in," Nero said.

With a cheerful nod, Ember bounded off toward the Great Hall, leaving Nero to rejoin the group, as they approached the testing area.

Oliver guided the students into a waiting hall filled with first-years from other houses. The atmosphere was thick with nerves and anticipation, broken only by the occasional whispers and fidgeting of students waiting their turn.

One by one, names were called, and students disappeared into the testing chamber. Some returned moments later, their expressions a mix of pride, disappointment, or quiet reflection.

Finally, Nero's name echoed through the hall. Taking a steadying breath, he stood, smoothing his robes. Liss, his wand, emitted a soft, reassuring warmth at his side.

"Let's rock it, Liss," he murmured before stepping forward.

The testing chamber was vast, its high ceilings shimmering faintly with enchanted light. A semicircle of professors observed from their seats, their presence both reassuring and intimidating, their expressions a blend of curiosity and measured authority. At the center of the room stood a crystal, its pulsating glow filling the chamber with an almost tangible energy.

"Ah, Mr. Ravenclaw," Professor Flitwick greeted him warmly, rising from his chair.

"Welcome. This test is an opportunity to better understand your magical affinities and potential. Remember, the results are a tool, not a verdict. True growth comes from perseverance."

Nero nodded, his gaze drawn to the crystal.

"This test," Flitwick continued, "is more precise than the rudimentary measurements from your magical outbursts. It will evaluate not only your intrinsic talent, but also your capacity for growth. The results are categorized as follows: Troll, Dreadful, Poor, Acceptable, Exceeds Expectations, Outstanding, SS for Super Scary, and finally…" He paused dramatically.

"EX," Flitwick declared. "EXalted, a rank reserved for those whose potential defies standard measurement."

The room seemed to hum with quiet tension.

Flitwick's voice softened. "But remember, Mr. Ravenclaw, talent is a foundation, not a ceiling. Passion, perseverance, and curiosity, that is what defines a truly great wizard. I myself was rated Acceptable talent in Charms, yet here I stand."

Nero raised an eyebrow. "You were Acceptable?"

"Oh, yes," Flitwick said with a chuckle. "But I loved Charms, and love, my boy, is its own kind of magic. Now then…"

He gestured toward the crystal. "When you're ready, channel your magic into it. Let it flow naturally, and the crystal will do the rest."

Taking a deep breath, Nero stepped forward, the crystal's glow intensifying with every step he took. As he extended his hand, the familiar surge of magic coursed through him, steady and strong. Closing his eyes, he let the energy flow freely, a ripple of power radiating outward and filling the room with a gentle, yet unmistakable magical pressure.

A faint, collective cough broke the silence, snapping Nero's focus.

"Nero," Professor Sprout said, her tone caught somewhere between astonishment and gentle reproach. Her wide eyes darted toward the other professors, who looked equally stunned. "While wandless magic is undoubtedly impressive, especially for a first-year, it's not exactly what we were expecting. This test is designed to measure magic channeled through your wand."

Nero's eyes flew open, his cheeks flushing.

"Oh," he said, sheepishly lowering his hand and reaching for Liss. 

"Right. Let's try that again."

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2nd chapter of the day (2/2)

50 chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 70: The Chamber of Secrets