[Marvel's Hogwarts Professor] Chapter 446 - 450

Chapter 446

Night had fallen over London, and a particular villa stood quiet and serene amidst the sprawling cityscape. Inside, a young boy, barely fourteen or fifteen years old, lay sprawled on his large bed in the dimly lit bedroom.

In his hands was a game console, its screen glowing faintly in the darkness. He was engrossed in the game, his fingers moving rapidly over the buttons as he guided the on-screen character through a fierce battle against monsters.

At his age, playing games was more than a hobby—it was a passion, a daily ritual. Missing even a single day left him feeling restless, as if something vital was missing.

His strict parents, however, often curtailed his gaming time. They believed in discipline and structure, much to his dismay. The thought crossed his mind: If only I could play all day without interruptions… wouldn’t that be the dream?

The idea brought a fleeting smile to his lips before he shook it off and refocused on the screen. His character was in the middle of a boss fight, and he couldn’t afford to lose concentration now.

But just as he was beginning to revel in his progress, a strange sensation rippled through the air. It was subtle at first, an almost imperceptible wave that seemed to brush past the villa and beyond, spreading through the surrounding neighborhood.

The boy—Fox, as his parents called him—suddenly felt a heavy drowsiness settle over him. His eyelids drooped, and his hands grew sluggish, though he stubbornly gripped the console.

"Just one more round," he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with determination.

One more round and I’ll put it down. Just one more…

Ordinarily, this thought would be enough to keep him awake well past midnight, the lure of his games overpowering any desire for sleep. Yet tonight, something was different. The drowsiness was unlike anything he’d ever experienced—it wasn’t just fatigue; it was as though an unseen force was gently pulling him into slumber.

"Ah… what is this?" Fox murmured, blinking hard to stave off the inevitable. His resistance waned quickly, however, and soon he placed the console on his bedside table with trembling fingers. Turning off the lamp, he burrowed under the covers and let out a long sigh.

As he drifted off, a peculiar memory surfaced in his mind: a large, glowing advertisement he had seen earlier that day while visiting the mall with his parents.

Right… that strange ad…

It had been emblazoned with bold text that read:

Kamar-Taj Admissions – A New Path Awaits!

Yet, for all its grandeur, the advertisement had offered no contact information—no phone numbers, no addresses, nothing. It was odd, to say the least, but Fox hadn’t given it much thought at the time. Now, as the memory replayed itself in his mind, it seemed significant in a way he couldn’t quite grasp.

Before he could ponder further, sleep claimed him entirely, his consciousness sinking into the depths of a dream.

The room, which had been dark and still moments before, was suddenly bathed in light. Several figures appeared, standing silently by Fox’s bedside.

Among them were prominent faces in the wizarding world: Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall. Standing slightly apart from the group was Peggy Carter, Vice Principal of Kamar-Taj, her crimson wizard robes tailored elegantly to her form.

"Minister Fudge, Headmaster Dumbledore," Carter began, her voice calm and composed. She gestured toward the sleeping boy. "This is part of the admission method that Principal Lockhart devised for Kamar-Taj, tailored to its current needs."

She continued, her tone professional yet relaxed, "We’ve prepared rune patterns designed to identify individuals with potential for meditation. The advertisements you saw throughout London earlier today? Those patterns serve as a preliminary screening tool."

Carter spoke with the confidence of someone who had faced far greater challenges. After all, she was no stranger to pressure, having once commanded thousands of agents and earned a sterling reputation in the covert world. This audience, despite their stature, didn’t rattle her in the slightest.

McGonagall, however, remained skeptical. Crossing her arms, she raised an eyebrow and addressed Carter directly. "Vice Principal Carter, I must admit I’m surprised to see you in such a position. Your reputation precedes you, but..." She trailed off, clearly wrestling with her own thoughts.

Carter smiled faintly. "I understand your reservations, Professor McGonagall. Principal Lockhart mentioned that individuals like yourself and Minister Fudge would naturally have questions, and I’m here to address them."

Turning her gaze toward Dumbledore, Carter added, "Principal Lockhart also advised that we remain transparent where appropriate, while respecting the sensitivities involved."

McGonagall, not one to mince words, pressed on. "I have to ask about the magic currently blanketing London. Was it Lockhart himself who cast such a large-scale spell, or did it involve other sorcerers? A spell of this magnitude, if mishandled, could have disastrous consequences."

Her sharp gaze shifted to Fudge. "Minister Fudge, I mean no offense to Lockhart, but does the Ministry truly permit such large-scale spellcasting? And doesn’t this pose a risk to the International Statute of Secrecy?"

Caught off guard by her directness, Fudge glanced nervously at Dumbledore, who remained silent, his expression inscrutable. Gathering himself, Fudge replied, "Rest assured, Professor McGonagall, all precautions have been taken. This initiative was coordinated with the Ministry in advance, and Director Scrimgeour personally reviewed the security measures."

Fudge gestured to Scrimgeour, who stood nearby, his face impassive. "Isn’t that right, Director?"

Scrimgeour nodded reluctantly, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. Lockhart’s support for the Auror Office had made him a valuable ally, and Scrimgeour wasn’t eager to jeopardize that relationship.

Satisfied for the moment, McGonagall fell silent.

Dumbledore stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Carter, I sensed earlier that tens of thousands of people across London were affected by the spell. What is your next step?"

Carter met his gaze, her respect for the elder wizard evident. "Principal Dumbledore, we’ve meticulously planned every stage of the recruitment process. The next step involves guiding these individuals into the dream world to evaluate their potential."

She smiled. "Would you like to observe? I believe it will be most enlightening."

Chapter 447

Darkness enveloped everything.

Yet, despite the pitch-black surroundings, his consciousness remained vividly clear. Logic dictated that such an unusual state should evoke fear, especially since Fox knew with certainty that he was supposed to be asleep. But fear didn’t come. Instead, he felt an inexplicable comfort, a sense of peace so profound that it reminded him of being cradled in his mother’s arms as a child.

Curiosity stirred within him.

In this endless void, a mix of curiosity, anticipation, and unexplainable longing began to rise in Fox’s heart.

Tread. Tread. Tread.

Guided by an unseen force, he began to run. Each step felt purposeful, as though someone—or something—was leading him forward, urging him to discover what lay ahead.

He had no sense of time here. It could have been minutes or hours, but suddenly—

Buzz!

A surge of light burst forth, banishing the darkness. The brightness was overwhelming, and Fox instinctively raised a hand to shield his eyes, expecting a sharp sting. Yet there was no pain.

Blinking cautiously, he lowered his hand and found himself standing amidst a scene so vivid and beautiful it seemed otherworldly.

The air was fresh and fragrant, filled with the scent of wildflowers. A lush green meadow stretched out before him, dotted with vibrant blossoms of every color. Birds flitted about, their melodious chirping creating a symphony of life. Tall, ancient trees swayed gently in a soft breeze, their branches home to creatures that watched him curiously.

Fox’s eyes widened, his breath hitching as he took in the sight of the magical beings roaming the grassland.

A majestic unicorn, its silver mane shimmering in the sunlight, grazed peacefully nearby. Not far away, a rhinoceros with a glittering, venom-tipped horn moved with a mixture of power and grace. Above them, a rainbow-colored bird darted through the sky, leaving trails of luminous light in its wake.

"This… this is incredible," Fox murmured to himself. He had never seen anything like it before, not even in his wildest dreams.

A realization struck him suddenly.

This is a dream.

The thought brought a smile to his lips. A lucid dream! He could control his actions, explore freely, and interact with the wonders around him.

Excitement surged through him as he sprinted forward. He had to touch the unicorn’s shimmering coat, feel the power of the rhinoceros, and perhaps even catch the rainbow bird. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he wasn’t going to waste it.

But just as he closed the distance, something unexpected happened.

Boom!

"Ah!" Fox cried out in surprise as he collided with what felt like an invisible wall. Pain shot through his forehead, startling him.

"That… hurt?" he muttered, bewildered. The sensation was jarring. Wasn’t this supposed to be a dream? He had never heard of anyone feeling pain while dreaming.

Reaching out cautiously, his fingers met a cold, smooth surface. It was as though an invisible barrier separated him from the magical creatures on the other side.

Confused, Fox turned around, hoping to find some clue as to what was happening. The darkness he had left behind was gone, replaced entirely by the vibrant meadow. Yet amidst the beauty, he noticed something unusual—a figure standing a short distance away.

Fox squinted, wiping his eyes to make sure he wasn’t imagining things. The figure was real.

Relief and curiosity intertwined as he sprinted toward them, shouting, "Where is this? Who are you? What’s going on?"

But no matter how hard he ran, he couldn’t seem to get any closer. The distance between them remained constant, as though the figure was perpetually just out of reach.

Finally, he stopped, panting and frustrated. "Why can’t I reach you? What is this place?"

The figure stepped closer on their own, their presence calm and assured.

"Calm down, Daniel Fox," a soft voice said, resonating with a strange, magical power. The words soothed him instantly, and his racing heart began to slow.

Now able to see clearly, Fox realized the figure was a young woman. She wore light blue robes that shimmered faintly, and her delicate features carried an air of quiet authority.

"Daniel Fox, welcome to the dream world of Kamar-Taj," she said with a serene smile.

"Kamar-Taj?" Fox repeated, the name stirring a faint memory. Images of a glowing advertisement flashed in his mind—the one he’d seen earlier that day at the mall.

"What is Kamar-Taj?" he asked hesitantly. "Am I dreaming? And why am I here? I don’t have any money, so if you’ve kidnapped me, you’re wasting your time."

The woman chuckled softly at his rambling questions. Waiting for him to finish, she finally spoke. "Daniel Fox, allow me to answer your questions."

She gestured to the meadow around them. "Kamar-Taj is a school for wizards, founded by Headmaster Gilderoy Lockhart, one of the most accomplished wizards of our time. Here, students learn spells, potions, flying, combat, and much more. This, what you see now, is a dream world constructed by Headmaster Lockhart as part of the admissions process."

"A dream world?" Fox asked, his skepticism evident.

"You can think of it as a virtual world," she explained. "It’s designed to test potential students in unique ways. Here, you’ll experience different scenarios, learn basic magic, and undergo challenges to determine your aptitude."

She paused, watching his expression shift from disbelief to cautious wonder.

"Your presence here means you have the potential to become a wizard," she continued. "The first test is what we call the Dark Heart Test."

Fox tilted his head. "What’s that?"

"The Dark Heart Test examines your ability to face and overcome inner fears," she said. "In the darkness, we assess your spiritual aptitude. Those with strong potential often feel excitement or curiosity in the dark. Those with average aptitude may experience calmness but also a mix of fear or doubt. However, if they can conquer those feelings and move forward, they pass."

Fox absorbed her explanation, his earlier panic now replaced with excitement.

Meanwhile, outside the dream world, Peggy Carter continued her explanation to Dumbledore, Fudge, and McGonagall.

"Principal Lockhart’s dream world allows us to evaluate candidates on a large scale," Carter explained. "It’s impossible to personally assess every individual, given the numbers. By using the dream world, we can test thousands at once and identify those with the most promise."

She smiled faintly. "I value rationality and self-control in students. Those traits are vital for mastering magic responsibly."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully but kept his gaze fixed on the young woman guiding Fox. His sharp eyes seemed to perceive something beyond the surface.

Fudge, however, was practically buzzing with excitement. "This dream world is extraordinary!" he exclaimed. "Imagine the applications within the Ministry. Lockhart may have outdone himself this time."

Carter paid Fudge’s enthusiasm little mind and resumed her explanation, only to be interrupted by McGonagall.

"Ms. Carter," McGonagall began, her tone sharp, "if a student wishes to join Kamar-Taj, how do you convince their parents? Particularly those attending Muggle schools—how do you handle such cases?"

Chapter 448

"You mean… I can become a wizard of Kamar-Taj?" Daniel Fox asked, his voice trembling with excitement. His wide eyes sparkled as he stared at Bella, the poised figure before him.

The idea of becoming a wizard—learning magic and living the fantastical life of a spellcaster—was beyond anything he had ever imagined. It was the stuff of fairy tales, the kind of dream one didn’t dare to believe could come true.

Fox’s mind raced. I’ll learn spells, brew potions, maybe even ride a broomstick! And when I tell my friends about this… oh, they’ll be so jealous! His grin widened at the thought. No, I have to show off! What’s the point of such an amazing opportunity if I don’t share it?

Bella, sensing his excitement, smiled warmly. "Of course, Daniel. You passed the first test and have proven yourself qualified to enter Kamar-Taj."

Fox felt his heart leap. But just as his excitement peaked, Bella’s tone shifted abruptly. Her previously friendly demeanor grew serious, her words now carrying a cold, almost mechanical precision.

"However, Mr. Daniel Fox, before joining Kamar-Taj, there is something important I must remind you of."

The sudden change in her tone sent a shiver down Fox’s spine. The unease that had momentarily been drowned by his excitement now resurfaced.

"What… what is it?" he asked, his voice faltering slightly.

Bella’s gaze was steady as she spoke. "Due to the provisions of the Wizarding World’s Secrecy Act and the requirements of the Ministry of Magic, wizards are strictly prohibited from interfering with the Muggle world. This includes maintaining personal ties with non-magical individuals."

Her words struck like a thunderclap.

"You mean… I’d have to leave school? Leave my friends?" Fox asked, his voice tinged with panic.

Bella nodded solemnly. "That is correct. But it extends further than just your school and friends. After joining Kamar-Taj, you must sever all ties with the Muggle world. This includes your family, neighbors, and anyone else from your current life."

"Sever ties? What do you mean? What are you going to do to my parents?" Fox’s voice rose, his panic now evident.

"Calm yourself, Daniel," Bella said soothingly. "Kamar-Taj is a formal wizarding institution and does not harm Muggle lives without reason. We will simply erase their memories of you, ensuring they experience no distress. To them, you will have never existed."

Her explanation hung in the air like a heavy weight.

Fox’s hands clenched into fists at his sides as he struggled to process the implications. The allure of becoming a wizard clashed violently with the thought of losing his parents, his friends, and everything he had ever known.

Sensing his turmoil, Bella continued, her tone matter-of-fact. "The Secrecy Act has been the foundation of the wizarding world for centuries. Without it, the balance between the magical and non-magical worlds would collapse. If wizards were known to the Muggle world, chaos would ensue. History has shown us this time and again."

She smiled faintly, watching his reaction closely.

Fox remained silent, his face a storm of hesitation and inner conflict.

Nearby, McGonagall, who had been observing the exchange, could no longer hold her tongue. "What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her voice sharp with indignation. "He’s just a fourteen-year-old boy, for Merlin’s sake! His mind isn’t mature enough to make such life-altering decisions."

Turning to Carter, she added, "This is cruel and manipulative, toying with a child’s emotions like this."

Dumbledore and Fudge both turned their attention to Carter, their expressions more reserved but no less questioning. Fudge, despite his political position, couldn’t deny that McGonagall had a point. Hogwarts had always adhered to the Secrecy Act, but their admissions process was far less extreme.

Carter, unperturbed by McGonagall’s outburst, replied calmly, "Professor McGonagall, I understand your concerns. However, I must emphasize that this is an integral part of Kamar-Taj’s admissions process."

Her voice carried a steady authority as she continued, "Kamar-Taj has a very different approach to education compared to Hogwarts. Our standards are higher, and we evaluate not just magical aptitude but also moral integrity, perseverance, and emotional strength. These qualities are essential for anyone seeking to master the arts we teach."

She gestured toward Fox, who still stood frozen in hesitation. "Difficult decisions often reveal the true nature of a person. This is why we test potential students in such a way. It is not merely about recruiting wizards—it is about identifying individuals who can uphold the principles of Kamar-Taj."

McGonagall opened her mouth to retort but hesitated, her frustration evident.

"In this world," Carter added softly, "you must give something up to gain something greater. There is no power without sacrifice, no growth without challenge."

Dumbledore’s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Carter. Something about her words, or perhaps the process itself, unsettled him. This didn’t feel like a simple recruitment—it felt like something more calculated, more rigid.

"What exactly are the criteria for this part of the test?" he asked, his tone measured. "How does Kamar-Taj determine who is suitable to proceed?"

Carter met his gaze with a knowing smile. "Patience, Headmaster Dumbledore. Let us first observe Daniel Fox’s decision. Then, I will explain our philosophy in greater detail."

Back in the dream world, Bella turned her attention back to Fox. "Daniel, I can sense the conflict in your heart," she said gently. "You are torn between your love for your family and your desire to embrace this extraordinary opportunity."

Fox nodded slowly. "I don’t want to leave my parents. They’ve always been there for me, and I… I love them."

Bella’s expression softened. "Your feelings are valid, Daniel. And while the Secrecy Act is absolute, Kamar-Taj recognizes the unique circumstances of individuals like you. There may be a way to preserve your connection with your family—if you prove yourself worthy."

Fox’s head snapped up, his eyes wide with hope. "What do I have to do?"

With a wave of her hand, Bella conjured a series of glowing orbs, each radiating a different color. Images swirled within them—scenes of wizards casting spells, brewing potions, meditating, and cultivating rare magical plants.

"These orbs represent various trials," Bella explained. "Each one contains a unique challenge designed to test your skills and determination. Succeed, and Kamar-Taj will make special accommodations for your situation."

Fox’s gaze darted between the orbs, his thoughts racing. Finally, his eyes settled on one—a sphere glowing softly in green, its images showing intricate potion brewing.

"My father’s a doctor," he murmured to himself. "And my mother always says I have a sharp mind. Maybe I inherited some of their talent."

Chapter 449

"You idiot! Is your head made of pig?!"

The sharp, sarcastic voice rang out through the dream, filled with disdain and frustration.

"Life and Death Grass—I’ve explained it three times already! Are you truly incapable of grasping such basic instructions?!"

Daniel Fox winced as the figure berated him relentlessly, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Well, Mr. Fox," the voice continued, dripping with mockery, "I must admit defeat. Your mere existence is an insult to the art of potion-making."

Outside the dream, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Fudge observed the scene through one of the glowing light spheres. McGonagall’s eyebrows knitted together as she recognized the biting tone.

"Is that… Snape?" she asked, glancing at the figure inside the dream. Though the visage was unfamiliar, the voice and demeanor were unmistakably reminiscent of the Potions Master. Turning to Carter, she added, "I didn’t know Snape was involved with Kamar-Taj’s admissions."

Carter smiled faintly, sensing the question behind McGonagall’s words. "You could say yes, and you could say no," she replied.

At their confused expressions, she elaborated, "This is a virtual construct—what we call a ‘Mirror Avatar’—designed by Principal Lockhart using dream-world magic. As Kamar-Taj has limited professors and a growing number of students, we’ve adopted this innovative teaching method."

She gestured toward the sphere, where the Snape-like figure continued to lecture. "In this case, we modeled the Mirror Avatar after Professor Snape, an exceptionally skilled Potions Master. While it isn’t truly him, it replicates his teaching style and expertise with remarkable accuracy."

Carter waved her hand again, conjuring more glowing light spheres. Within each, vivid dream scenarios unfolded: students learning spells, practicing combat, or cultivating magical plants.

"These simulations are designed to teach foundational knowledge. Real professors oversee the students’ progress, guiding and correcting as needed. This allows us to efficiently educate large numbers while tailoring instruction to individual aptitude."

Dumbledore’s sharp eyes scanned the scenes within the spheres. His expression grew thoughtful as he recognized familiar faces—not the real individuals, but simulations of Hagrid, McGonagall, and even himself, teaching various subjects.

"Fascinating," he murmured, though his lips twitched slightly at the sight of his own virtual likeness teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Carter, noticing his reaction, chuckled softly. "Rest assured, these avatars are merely tools for basic instruction. True mastery requires hands-on practice in real-world environments. The dream-world system simply ensures that every student begins with a solid foundation."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembled spheres. "Moreover, it allows us to assess each student’s strengths and weaknesses in detail, enabling us to tailor their education to their unique potential."

Dumbledore nodded slowly, though a faint unease lingered in his expression. The efficiency of the system was undeniable, but the implications of such advanced magical constructs—and their reliance on dimensional energies—left him wary.

Inside the dream world, Daniel Fox stood in front of the Snape-like Mirror Avatar, his face red and tears streaming down his cheeks. He had endured a brutal barrage of criticism throughout the potion lesson, his confidence crumbling with each word.

"Maybe I really am hopeless," he muttered to himself.

He thought of his parents—his father, a brilliant doctor, and his mother, a proud academic achiever. Surely, some of their talent should have passed on to him? Yet here he was, failing miserably at his first attempt at potion-making.

Bella, observing his distress, floated gently toward him. "Mr. Fox," she said, her tone soft and reassuring, "your score for this lesson is 75. That’s a good level."

Fox’s head shot up, disbelief etched across his face. "I… passed?" he stammered. "Are you serious?"

Bella nodded. "Although your potion didn’t succeed, your perseverance and ability to follow instructions—despite the, ah, challenging teaching method—demonstrate potential. Achieving 75 points is a solid result for a beginner."

Fox wiped his tears, relief flooding through him. A flicker of pride sparked in his chest. "So… I’m still in the running?"

"Yes," Bella confirmed, though her tone turned serious. "However, you must understand that passing this test only qualifies you to be considered for Kamar-Taj. Admission is not guaranteed. With over 2,000 students competing for limited spots, only the best will be selected."

Fox straightened, his earlier determination rekindled. "What’s next? What do I have to do?"

Bella waved her hand, and a new array of glowing orbs appeared before them. Each sphere displayed a different lesson: magical plant cultivation, animal identification, alchemy, spell theory, and more.

"Your next task," Bella explained, "is to enter another dream sphere. Each will present unique challenges designed to assess your abilities further. Choose wisely, as every performance will influence your overall ranking."

Fox’s eyes lit up with excitement. The system reminded him of his favorite video games, where he advanced through levels, collected achievements, and competed for high scores. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed.

He scanned the options, his gaze lingering on the orb displaying alchemy. Images of complex potions and enchanting processes swirled within. "I’ll try this one," he said, his voice brimming with confidence.

Back outside, Carter turned to Dumbledore and McGonagall, a satisfied smile on her lips.

"Our admissions philosophy at Kamar-Taj is simple," she said. "We seek to cultivate exceptional talent—students who excel not only in magical ability but also in moral character and resilience. Every action, every decision, every interaction is carefully evaluated to ensure we select the best."

McGonagall frowned slightly, sensing an edge to Carter’s emphasis on "moral character." She couldn’t help but recall the troubled history of Hogwarts graduates, some of whom had become infamous dark wizards.

"Ms. Carter," she interjected, her tone firm, "about the earlier test where students were told they must sever ties with their families—how do you justify such a requirement?"

Carter’s expression remained composed as she replied, "That scenario is part of our psychological evaluation. It tests a student’s emotional resilience and decision-making under pressure. However, it is not a strict requirement. In cases where a student demonstrates exceptional ability and strong family bonds, we consider alternative solutions."

She added, "Conversely, a student who eagerly severs ties without hesitation may exhibit a lack of empathy—a trait we deem undesirable."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, though his frown deepened. The methods were thorough, but there was something unsettling about their precision.

Just then, a familiar voice broke through his thoughts.

"Principal Dumbledore," the voice said warmly.

Turning, Dumbledore found himself face-to-face with none other than Gilderoy Lockhart.

"Welcome to the dream world," Lockhart said, spreading his arms theatrically. "I’ve been eagerly awaiting your feedback on my latest masterpiece!"

Chapter 450

As the war against dimensional invaders raged, Kamar-Taj found itself under siege by seven formidable dimensional demons. Confident in their power, these beings soon fell victim to the cunning and wisdom of The Sorcerer Supreme. The trap they stumbled into was one of historical depth, causing nearly half of the demons to lose their sense of self, their confidence shattered.

Among the invader was Dormammu, the God of Darkness. While not his true form, several of his vital clones suffered defeat after defeat, with one even destroyed by Lockhart himself. The soul fragments of these clones were extracted and, rather than being absorbed by the system, were cleverly traded by Lockhart to the Ancient One for something immensely valuable—the original fragment of the God of the Dream Dimension.

This deity of dreams, though considered lesser among its kin, met its demise at the hands of The Sorcerer Supreme during its greedy attempt at conquest. Lockhart capitalized on these victories, trading Dormammu's soul for a fragment of the Dream God’s origin and a seed from the dream realm, laying the foundation for what would become his ambitious dream world project.

Yet, for the dream world to flourish, it required substantial nourishment. Lockhart's vision was clear: to manifest dreams into reality, a feat that demanded both immense power and subtle manipulation.

"Lockhart, you are here," Dumbledore greeted with a mix of admiration and curiosity. He had devoted considerable effort to understanding the dream world, yet its complexities and the underlying power remained elusive. "The dream world you've created is truly remarkable."

Lockhart, pleased by the acknowledgment, responded with a gracious smile. "Thank you, Principal. The dream world is still in its infancy, and while it holds great potential, it's not without its flaws. I welcome any feedback that could help improve it."

Fudge, ever the sycophant, chimed in eagerly, "Indeed, Principal Lockhart! The dream world is flawless in my eyes. It's a perfect extension of Kamar-Taj's innovative enrollment philosophy."

Lockhart’s smile widened, sensing Fudge’s underlying agenda. "The dream world does make many things more convenient," he acknowledged. "Teaching, communicating—it simplifies many tasks. However, it’s also quite resource-intensive."

A look of regret briefly crossed his face, hinting at the challenges of sustaining such a creation. Fudge, sensing an opportunity, assured him, "Anything you need, Principal Lockhart, just say the word. The Ministry of Magic is at your service."

Dumbledore, quiet thus far, watched the exchange with a thoughtful gaze. Lockhart did not immediately seize on Fudge's offer but instead suggested a tour. "Let’s explore the dream world further. It's the best way to truly understand its capabilities and needs."

As they moved through the shifting landscapes of the dream world—forests morphing into oceans, mountains into deserts—Lockhart explained, "In this realm, space is an illusion, as is time."

The environment responded to his gestures, showcasing rapid shifts that left Fudge bewildered and Dumbledore intrigued yet unsettled.

"Here, students can live out entire lifetimes of experiences in mere hours. It’s a tool of immense educational potential, accelerating learning and personal growth."

McGonagall, listening intently, realized the implications. "Does this mean we could essentially extend our students' education, give them more time to study without delaying their progress in the real world?"

Lockhart nodded. "Exactly. Time in the dream world can be dilated, offering students the chance to undergo extensive training in a fraction of the usual time."

The concept, while fascinating, also stirred a sense of urgency in McGonagall. Hogwarts could find itself at a disadvantage if Kamar-Taj’s methods proved more effective.

Dumbledore, his expression serene yet eyes sharp, pondered the source of the dream world’s power. "Lockhart," he began, his voice carrying a weight that quieted the group, "is this dream world sustained by the spiritual energy of Muggles in London?"