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Chapter 56 - #56

After discussing the concept of levels, let's move on to attributes.

The average adult has an attribute score of 5 points.

For younger students at Hogwarts, their physical agility and reflexes usually range between 3 to 4 points.

When it comes to intelligence, it generally fluctuates between 4 and 6 points.

Take Hermione, for example.

She's a naturally gifted student with an impressive 7 points in intelligence!

And she's only twelve!

Imagine how much she will grow in the coming years.

Next, let's talk about skill levels.

In terms of academics, achieving an Outstanding on the O.W.L.s in fifth year corresponds to level 3 proficiency.

Earning an Outstanding on the N.E.W.T.s in seventh year indicates level 4 mastery.

Reaching level 8 signifies expertise on the level of a master.

For instance, Professor Flitwick's mastery of charms and Snape's unparalleled talent in potions and dark magic both qualify as level 8.

Beyond that, level 9 represents the pinnacle of what most skilled wizards can achieve.

However, those who transcend this barrier enter legendary status—level 9+!

Only figures like Dumbledore, with his incredible transfiguration abilities, or Voldemort, whose command over dark magic is unparalleled, have reached this level.

Ted even suspects that Nicolas Flamel's mastery of alchemy may only be at level 9, rather than beyond it.

Now, let's look at magic itself.

The strength of a wizard's magic depends on their own level of mastery.

Generally, spell capabilities are restricted by skill level, though there are exceptions—wizards who surpass those limits.

Take Lockhart, for instance.

His Obliviate Charm is undoubtedly at level 8—he's managed to erase the memories of countless skilled wizards without them ever suspecting a thing.

However, this extreme specialization came at a cost. His proficiency in other spells completely deteriorated, leaving him almost useless in every other aspect of magic.

Perhaps his unwavering focus on Obliviate caused his other skills to diminish entirely?

Now, Ted is certain that the Founders of Hogwarts must have all surpassed level 20.

Only with such expertise could they have built a magical institution that has lasted for over a thousand years.

At legendary levels, magic ceases to be about individual spells.

Instead, it evolves into something more fundamental—an exploration of magic's very essence, a path beyond simple incantations.

Ravenclaw, in particular, delved into three major areas of study.

The first was the study of runes.

Hogwarts was founded around the year 990 AD, and by then, Rowena Ravenclaw had already ascended to legendary status.

Before reaching this level, she devoted herself to the study of ancient runes and an enigmatic form of magic called "wishing magic."

Back then, ancient runes were a widely recognized form of magical writing.

Similar to how language evolved over time, runes were once common knowledge among wizards.

However, as centuries passed, their use dwindled.

Nowadays, studying ancient runes is like deciphering cryptic symbols from forgotten tomes.

Casting spells using these runes is nearly impossible—researchers spend years just developing simplified versions of existing spells, like the Lumos charm.

But in Ravenclaw's time, she immersed herself in the study of these ancient symbols, leaving behind an entire collection of research and notes.

For Ted, this is an absolute treasure trove!

In fact, when he managed to "copy" one of her old textbooks, he even received a system notification: +lv1 Ancient Runes!

It was a direct gateway into the world of magical literature.

As her research progressed, Ravenclaw uncovered the core mysteries of ancient runes.

During an expedition, she stumbled upon the concept of "wishing magic."

To be precise, this should be referred to as "wishing-based magic."

At its core, all magic cast by wizards is based on a form of wishing.

However, due to various limitations, wizards are unable to manifest magic purely through will alone.

Ravenclaw's studies of predated magical texts revealed that ancient wizards had no incantations, no wands, and often no structured magic at all.

They simply willed things into existence. Their magic functioned purely through thought and intent.

Fairy tales often feature characters who make wishes—"Spring will come soon," "The flowers will bloom"—and somehow, reality bends to their desires.

This closely resembles the abilities of early wizards.

However, subconscious limitations often placed restrictions on this magic.

For instance, the classic story of Cinderella suggests that her magic expired at midnight, forcing her to return to her original state.

It was through her study of wishing magic that Ravenclaw ascended into the realm of legend.

In fact, the very foundation of Hogwarts Castle is built upon wishing magic.

The castle itself is powered by the subconscious collective wishes of the countless students and professors who have walked its halls.

The Room of Requirement was Ravenclaw's creation—a magical chamber designed to collect ambient magical energy and respond to the desires of those in need.

This is why the room can fulfill nearly any request—it is directly linked to the magical core of the castle itself.

It serves as the secondary heart of Hogwarts—the primary being the Headmaster's Office.

The Room of Requirement handles the castle's applications, like the "software" of Hogwarts, while the Headmaster's Office acts as its control hub, the "operating system."

In her final years, Ravenclaw's research delved into even deeper, more abstract concepts—studies concerning the very nature of the soul.

Her work ultimately led to severe consequences, and she tragically passed away due to the injuries she sustained in her pursuits.

Her diary contained a haunting passage:

"How are thoughts born? Where do they come from? Can they be separated and exist independently? Where do people come from?!"

Ravenclaw's research into the nature of thoughts had clearly yielded results.

As she lay on her deathbed, she managed to strip away her thoughts about her daughter and leave them behind, setting events into motion that would change everything.

Ms. Ravenclaw also pursued an even deeper mystery—"Where do people come from?"

Ted stumbled upon some truly unsettling clues in her diary—clues that suggested a shocking truth about Helena Ravenclaw, her only daughter.

There was no mention of a father. In fact, it was entirely possible that Helena had no father at all.

'Was she… created?'

A life "crafted" by Ms. Ravenclaw herself, through the combined use of wishing magic and soul magic?

The mere thought sent a chill down Ted's spine.

'This kind of magic… wasn't it taboo?'

Ravenclaw had always been the most brilliant of the Founders.

But when the greatest minds lose their way, they often walk down terrifying paths.

How many figures throughout history—mad scientists, forbidden alchemists—had done the same?

It took Ted a long time to process his thoughts.

No matter how intriguing or disturbing the revelation, for now, ancient runes were the only type of magic relevant to his studies.

Anything beyond that was a distraction he couldn't afford.

...

"Ted, what's up with you? You've been acting weird these past few days," Jerry and Ron exchanged worried glances.

Ted snapped back to reality and decided to push thoughts of Ravenclaw's legacy aside—at least for now.

"It's nothing, just haven't been sleeping well lately. Anyway, Christmas is in two days, and I got gifts for you guys!" Ted grinned.

"Oh, mate, you didn't have to!" Ron beamed, clapping Ted on the shoulder. "I hope you like toffee—Mum made a huge batch!"

The poor Weasley really couldn't afford much else.

Even though Ted had spent most of his time preoccupied with Ravenclaw's research, he still made sure to prepare presents for his friends.

Anzu, his raven, had flown back and forth so many times he was practically skin and feathers.

...

On Christmas morning, Ted woke up and glanced outside, disappointed to see no snow.

The Scottish Highlands were far enough north, but compared to the freezing winters of his past life, the temperature here still wasn't cold enough.

A snowless Christmas lacked a little bit of magic.

He was just about to climb out of bed and check for presents when a notification from the system popped up:

-----------------------

Ding! Holiday Quest Activated:

[Feast or Famine (Green)]

It's your first Christmas at Hogwarts. Are you really just going to spend it like any ordinary day? Come on, come on, come on! Get festive!

Objective: Put on a Santa hat, a fake beard, and carry a giant sack. Visit all four common rooms and sample their Christmas snacks.

Reward: 250 experience points, Card [Chasing Snowball (Green)].

-----------------------

Ted blinked. "Not again?!"

Wasn't Halloween chaotic enough? The students barely recovered from that, and now this?

Breaking into other Houses' common rooms disguised as Santa just to steal food? This wasn't a "feast or famine" situation—this was just a recipe for disaster!

And what was with the measly 250 XP? Was the system mocking him?!

System: Well? You in or out?

Ted: Where's the Santa hat and mustache?

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Word count: 1470

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