NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: A Popular Raven
The rhythmic tapping of beaks against the glass grew louder, a persistent symphony that echoed through the quiet room. My heart raced, and an irrepressible grin spread across my face as I approached the window. Five owls of varying sizes and breeds jostled for space on the narrow ledge, feathers fluffed in mild indignation. Their sharp eyes gleamed with purpose, each carrying an envelope adorned with distinct seals and intricate embellishments.
This was it, the moment I had been dreaming of for most of the nights.
Sliding the window open, I was met with a rush of cold morning air and a chaotic flurry of wings. The owls each deposited their letters into my hands with an air of self-importance before preening or hopping to perch on the ledge. Their delivery completed, they seemed to act as though this was just another day in the life of magical messengers.
My fingers trembled as I inspected the first envelope. Its heavy parchment and crimson wax seal bore the unmistakable emblem of Hogwarts, a roaring lion, a cunning serpent, a loyal badger, and a wise eagle encircling the grand "H."
I smiled to myself. This one, I would save for last.
But first, as the principles of noblesse oblige had been instilled in me since childhood, I turned to Witty, our ever-reliable house-elf. "Witty, please ensure our guests are well-fed. Let them eat to their hearts' content."
"Yes, young master," Witty replied with a respectful bow, already moving to prepare trays of treats. The owls responded with what I could only describe as chirps of delight, their sharp eyes softening as they fluffed their feathers.
Chuckling to myself, I carried the stack of letters to my desk. Crossing my legs as I sat down, I rested my chin on my hand and surveyed the seals before me.
Hogwarts. Avalon. Stonehenge. Pendragon. Fae Haven.
It seemed I was in high demand.
"At least it means I have a bit of talent," I muttered aloud, though a shadow of doubt lingered. "I hope it's not just because I'm the heir to Ravenclaw. They wouldn't send invitations solely for that… would they?"
Hogwarts, as always, accepted any student who demonstrated magical aptitude, regardless of specific talent. Avalon, Stonehenge, Pendragon, and Fae Haven, however, were far more selective. They extended invitations only to those who demonstrated at least an "Acceptable" level of talent in tow of their specializations.
This would be my first glimpse into how my abilities measured up.
The magical process behind these invitations fascinated me. Each school relied on a combination of the Book of Admittance, the Quill of Acceptance, and the Crystal of Potential. Together, these ancient artifacts detected magical outbursts, assessed raw talent, and wrote down the name of every eligible student. While Hogwarts extended an automatic invitation to anyone showing magical aptitude, the other schools went a step further, using the Crystal of Potential to evaluate students' affinity for their specialized disciplines.
The Crystal of Potential provided a preliminary ranking of a student's talent, rated on a scale from 0 to 100 and categorized as follows:
Troll Talent (T): 0–16
Dreadful Talent (D): 17–32
Poor Talent (P): 33–49
Acceptable Talent (A): 50–66
Exceeds Expectations Talent (E): 67–83
Outstanding Talent (O): 84–100
For now, the letters in my hand would give me a general understanding of where I stood, a glimpse into the talents I might one day refine. The detailed testing would come later, once I had chosen a school.
Magical education system in the UK had been heavily influenced by Hogwarts. The same core curriculum has been applied for centuries in each of the 5 wizardry schools:
Charms: Spells that alter or enhance objects' behaviors and properties.
Transfiguration: Changing the essence or appearance of objects and creatures.
Potions: Brewing substances with magical effects.
Herbology: The study and cultivation of magical plants.
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Protection against dark creatures, curses, and hexes.
Astronomy: The study of stars and their magical influences.
History of Magic: Exploring significant magical events and figures.
Arithmancy: The magical properties of numbers.
Care of Magical Creatures: Interaction and understanding of magical beasts.
Divination: Predicting the future through mystical means.
However, Hogwarts had recently added one class from each of the other four institutions into its curriculum, offering students a chance to explore specialized disciplines. This move was unprecedented and hinted at a new era of collaboration between the magical schools.
I traced my finger along the embossed seal of Avalon's letter, curiosity tugging at my thoughts. Elemental magic and healing. Theirs was a school of nature's raw power and restoration.
Then there was Stonehenge, with its ancient focus on runes, wards, and magical theory.
Pendragon, the legendary home of warriors and strategists, was famed for its teachings in martial magic, illusions, and barriers.
Finally, Fae Haven, which focused on bonds and taming of magical creatures.
The letters before me represented countless possibilities, each path offering a unique lens through which to view the magical world. A quiet determination settled over me as I began to open the first letter. Whatever lay ahead, I would forge my own way, not just as the heir of Ravenclaw, but as a wizard determined to stand at the apex of magic.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd chapter of the day as promised! (2/2)
50 chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 58: Hogwarts Reunion