Hogwarts: Novel Era of the Wizarding World

Back at home, Adam spent a few minutes with his mom before retreating to his room. He had 23 days left before heading to Hogwarts, but he decided to plan for 20, keeping a few days aside to spend quality time with his parents. This would be the first time he'd be away from them for an extended period. Even in his past life, he had never been apart from his parents for long. The thought made his chest tighten as he sat on the edge of his bed, eyes drifting closed.

I know I wasn't the best son before, but this time, I'll live differently. I'm sorry, Mom, Dad, but I'm ready to move forward. Watch over me, wherever you are...

The guilt that had shadowed Adam for years began to fade. For so long, he had been quietly haunted by regrets from his previous life, but now, with the start of his magical journey, his past fantasies had become a reality. It gave him hope—a fresh beginning to make things right, both for himself in the present and himself in the past, since the knowledge that he just captured for fun in his previous life was now very much life-saving in the present life.

Determined, Adam walked over to his desk, where a pile of books from Flourish and Blotts waited. Opening a beginner's spellbook, he began jotting down the spells he aimed to master before leaving for Hogwarts. Minutes blurred into hours as he delved into each spell, studying their uses and the circumstances where they might come in handy.

He focused on spells that seemed easy to learn first. It wasn't that Adam didn't want to attempt the more complex ones, but his system had a task that offered ten times the usual reward for learning spells before starting at Hogwarts. He couldn't afford to pass up such a lucrative opportunity for both special points and gold, especially when he didn't know when he might receive more tasks like this in the future.

Adam briefly opened his task panel, confirming the rewards, before turning back to his list. He had noted quite a few spells but knew he couldn't realistically master them all. At best, he could learn four or five spells over the next 20 days if he spent 4-5 days on each, considering that he would be teaching himself without the guidance of professors.

In addition to spells, Adam had compiled a list of important books to read in his downtime. He knew he couldn't practice magic non-stop—his magical reserves were limited, and he had experienced firsthand how exhausting spellcasting could be. Before receiving his wand, Adam had practiced a different kind of magic—muggle magic like his mother had shown him, where he would summon a small flame in his palm. It drained him quickly. At first, he could only manage faint sparks before blacking out. Eventually, he created a small fireball that flickered for three or four seconds before he collapsed, waking up hours later.

Reflecting on those early attempts, Adam hoped that with his newly acquired wand and upgraded magical status, he could last longer now—maybe even an hour. The shift from "basic" to "beginner" magic seemed significant, and the wand would provide much-needed control. He couldn't wait to test his limits.

With that in mind, Adam revised his list again, cutting out spells he would likely learn in his first year at Hogwarts. There was no point wasting time on spells he would be taught in class anyway. Instead, he focused on practical spells that weren't part of the regular curriculum but were still simple enough to learn on his own. A few first-year spells made the list, though—Adam didn't want to miss out on the easy rewards they offered.

As he finalized his plans, Adam couldn't help but wonder how Hermione would fare in her magical studies. In the books, she had been a natural, quickly mastering spells on her own. Now that they would be practicing magic side by side, Adam found himself curious to see if her aptitude would still outshine his.

With a deep breath, Adam closed the spellbook, ready to embark on the next phase of his journey. He had 20 days to prepare, and he intended to make every moment count.

Adam reached into the pocket of the jacket he had worn earlier and pulled out his wand. The smooth wood felt familiar now, though the events of the day still buzzed in his mind. Today's trip to Diagon Alley had been like an elaborate game of hide and seek, with him and Hermione constantly dodging Draco and Lucius Malfoy. Something about the Malfoy father-son duo gave Adam a strange feeling, as if trouble would find him if he didn't keep his distance.

'Why did I run into them so many times? '

Adam thought, frowning. It hadn't just been in passing—they seemed to be at every turn and corner. The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Was it really a coincidence?

He shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it for now. He had more pressing matters to focus on—like practicing his magic. Taking a deep breath, Adam examined his wand again. He hadn't used it yet, but his fingers itched to cast something simple.

'Hermione managed to learn magic on her own before she went to hogwarts.', he reminded himself, trying to push aside any doubts. She definitely practised her magic at homr It wasn't a big deal, and plenty of young witches and wizards experimented with magic at home before Hogwarts. The only restriction seemed to be not using it in front of muggles.

Besides, Adam thought, it's not like I have siblings to worry about, and my parents will have to know eventually... But even with that thought, something held him back. His instincts told him it might be better to wait until tomorrow, when he could find a more suitable place to practice. The Leaky Cauldron might have a space, or perhaps even one of the quieter parts of Diagon Alley early in the morning. For now, it was better to stick to the magic he already knew. Next time he meets any professors, he'll directly ask about this issue.

Placing his wand on the desk, Adam turned his attention back to his old fire magic. He cupped his hands and focused on the familiar sensation of heat building in his palms. Within seconds, small flames flickered to life, dancing between his fingers. The fire felt different this time—stronger, more controlled. He could manipulate the size of the flames with ease, and they burned for longer without draining him as quickly as before.

Adam smiled. It was a subtle but noticeable improvement. His magic status upgrade had clearly made a difference, even if it was only from basic to beginner. He wondered just how much more powerful he could become with further advancements. The thought sent a thrill through him, and his mind wandered to the future.

If this is what beginner magic feels like, what would it be like at higher levels? he mused. But for now, the path forward was unclear. He had no idea how to level up further, only that his wand had somehow triggered his first upgrade, allowing him to unlock his current "Qualifications."

With the fire still burning in his hand, Adam's mind raced with possibilities. But he knew that for now, patience was key. Tomorrow would bring new opportunities, and with it, the chance to finally test his wand and learn some real magic.

After practicing his fire magic for a while, Adam leaned back in his chair, letting the flames flicker out. As the last of the warmth faded from his hands, a thought crept into his mind. How does this magic differ from wizard magic? He had been practicing this form of magic—what his mother used to call "natural magic"—for years now, and it had never triggered any issues. There were no spells, wands, or incantations involved, and yet it was undeniably magic. Why hasn't it caused any trouble so far?

Obviously wizarding community didn't consider this magic to be like their own magic, still Adam couldn't help but wonder if his system recognized this magic as something separate, something outside the realm of traditional wizardry. His mind raced with theories, but there was no immediate answer. With a sigh, Adam reached for a book he had picked up from Flourish and Blotts—one about potion ingredients. It wasn't as exciting as learning spells, but he knew it was important to understand how potions worked, especially since potions could be as powerful as magic itself in the right hands.

As he flipped through the pages, absorbing the various properties of ingredients like asphodel and bezoars, his mind wandered to Professor Snape. He had been one of Adam's favorite characters in the books, and Adam found himself hoping that Snape would be the same in this world. The thought of meeting the real Severus Snape excited him more than he expected. What would he be like in person? Adam couldn't wait to find out.

The next morning, Adam woke up early, his mind set on heading to the Leaky Cauldron to practice with his wand. After getting dressed and having a quick breakfast, he decided to bring up the idea of going alone. His father, George, had spent some time the previous day showing him how to get to the Leaky Cauldron—telling him which bus to take, where to get off, and how to navigate the streets while they were driving there. Adam appreciated his father's careful instructions; it was a clear sign that George trusted him to be responsible.

As Adam finished eating, he approached his father with the idea. "Dad, do you think I could try going to the Leaky Cauldron by myself today? You know, like you told me yesterday?" he asked, trying to sound confident.

George looked at Adam thoughtfully. "You think you're ready to make the trip on your own?"

"I think so," Adam replied, nodding. "I remember everything you taught me. It's not that complicated."

Before George could respond, Olivia, Adam's mother, chimed in. "I don't know, George… What if something happens? He's only eleven." Her worry was clear in her voice.

George smiled reassuringly at her. "I trust Adam. He's a smart boy, and he knows how to take care of himself. But…" He turned to Adam. "How about this? I'll come with you, but I'll only follow from a distance. I won't remind you of anything or help unless you really need it. Think of it as a little test."

Adam hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Alright, that works."

Olivia still looked concerned. "George, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Don't worry, Liv," George said gently. "He'll need to do this on his own eventually. And I'll be close by, just in case."

With that, the plan was set. Adam grabbed his jacket and wand, ready for the challenge. As they headed out, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This was a big step—his father trusted him enough to let him try on his own, and that meant a lot to Adam. He was determined to prove that he could handle this kind of easy task by himself.

The journey to the Leaky Cauldron went smoother than George had expected. There weren't any major hiccups, but he did encounter a few small challenges along the way. At one point, he realized he had forgotten the exact bus stop, and for a moment, he felt a pang of panic. However, instead of turning to George for help, he stopped and asked a nearby passerby for directions. The satisfaction of handling the situation on his own brought a quiet confidence to Adam as they continued. George remained true to his word, following silently from a distance and letting Adam navigate the rest of the way. Soon enough, they arrived outside the familiar entrance of the Leaky Cauldron.

The old, weathered pub looked just as it had the day before, tucked between its two muggle neighbors, unnoticed by the busy London streets. As Adam stood in front of the Leaky Cauldron, he couldn't help but feel a small sense of achievement—his first solo journey, mostly completed by himself.

The moment he thought of this Adam couldn't help but turn bright red from embarrassment. He recalled that he used to 18 in his previous life, living in such small body from a long time, he really forgot that he was 18 year old boy, thinking such little thing like an achievement.

Adam comforted himself in this embarrassment, ' Yes, in this life, this is indeed an achievement. Even if I was 18, now I'm still 11 year old boy. Yes, right..."

Then Adam thought the conversation he had with Hermione the previous night. They had spoken just before bed about today's magic practice. She had mentioned that her father would be dropping her off at the Leaky Cauldron as well, to get a sense of the place before letting her explore on her own in the future. That was part of the reason Adam had insisted on coming alone today—he wanted to show that he could handle it, too.

Once inside the Leaky Cauldron, the usual hum of conversation and clinking glasses greeted them. The pub was lively with witches and wizards going about their daily routines. Adam and George exchanged polite nods with Tom, the barkeep, before making their way upstairs. They were heading straight for the same room Adam had used the previous day, the one he had decided to book for the next 20 days.

It was a bit pricey for a boy his age, but Adam didn't mind. The cost was irrelevant compared to the rewards he stood to gain. Learning magic before Hogwarts, and completing his system tasks, was far more valuable than any stack of galleons.

As they approached the room, Adam felt a sense of determination settle in. His wand rested comfortably in his pocket, ready for what was about to come. Today would be the start of something big. And with Hermione joining him for practice soon, Adam knew they were both on the brink of unlocking even more potential.

Seeing how nervous and excited Adam was, George smiled warmly. He knew how important this moment was for his son and decided to give Adam space. Even though George was eager to witness magic firsthand, he understood that this was Adam's first significant step into the magical world. There would be plenty of time to see magic later. With a supportive nod, he quietly left the room, leaving Adam alone with his thoughts and his wand.

Except for using magic in presence of muggle thing, Adam didn't mind his father staying, but he was still grateful for the privacy. Now, with the room to himself, the air felt charged with anticipation. He took a deep breath, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his wand. The wood felt warm and familiar in his hand. He ran his fingers along the silvery patterns etched into the surface, marveling at how they made his wand stand out from the rest he had seen at Ollivanders. The designs seemed to shimmer faintly, catching the light in an almost magical way, and Adam couldn't help but think of how cool they looked.

But it was time to focus.

He straightened up, pushing aside any lingering distractions, and prepared to attempt his first spell. He had chosen the Wand-Lighting Charm—"Lumos"—as it was simple and something he would learn in his first year at Hogwarts. Still, with the task rewards in mind, Adam didn't mind starting small. Every spell counted, after all.

Standing in the middle of the room, Adam pointed his wand towards the ceiling. His heart raced with a mix of nerves and excitement, but he closed his eyes, steadying himself. Drawing from his experience practicing fireball magic, he knew that concentration was key. He focused his thoughts on the tip of his wand, imagining his magic flowing towards it, the energy pooling there. Slowly but surely, he felt a familiar tingling in his fingertips, the subtle shift of magic beginning to move.

Unlike his fireball practice, where the magic had been rough and draining, this time it was different. The wand seemed to act as a channel, guiding the magic effortlessly, making the process feel smooth and natural. Adam marveled at how much easier it was now that he had the proper tool.

Moments passed, and the magic gathered, swirling at the tip of the wand. He could feel it building, the energy growing stronger, waiting for the command. Once he felt that the magic had accumulated enough, Adam whispered the incantation.

"Lumos."

The word was soft but powerful, and the response was immediate.

His wand lit up in a brilliant silvery-blue glow. The intricate patterns on its surface shimmered, almost as if they were alive, as they reflected the light. Adam's eyes widened in amazement as the glow intensified, casting the room in an otherworldly light. Magic coursed through the wand, and yet, unlike before, Adam felt no drain on his energy. There was only the exhilaration of success. His was a success in the very first try.

The light continued to grow, spreading from the tip of the wand, brighter and brighter until Adam could no longer see his hand or the wand he was holding. For a moment, it was as if he had summoned a miniature sun. He was stunned by the strength of the spell, but what happened next left him completely speechless.

The light detached itself from the wand and began to drift towards the nearest wall.

Adam froze. He knew this wasn't normal. The Wand-Lighting Charm was supposed to produce light at the wand's tip, but this... this was something entirely different. He watched, transfixed, as the glowing orb moved slowly but deliberately, floating across the room until it touched the wall. The moment it made contact, the light spread like ripples, covering the entire surface with a silvery-blue sheen.

For a brief, awe-inspiring moment, the whole wall seemed to pulse with magic before the glow gradually faded, disappearing into the wood.

Adam's breath caught in his throat. Before he could process what had happened, everything around him suddenly went dark. It was as if someone had snuffed out all the light in the room. His vision blurred, and he felt an overwhelming wave of fatigue wash over him. His legs buckled slightly, and the world tilted.

Then, just as quickly as the darkness had come, it receded. Adam blinked, regaining his balance as the room came back into focus, albeit dimly lit now.

He stood there for a moment, catching his breath, trying to wrap his mind around what he had just seen. This wasn't the standard "Lumos" spell—something had happened, something beyond the ordinary. His wand had reacted differently, and though it had taken a lot out of him, he had successfully cast the spell on his first try.