Marvel's Hogwarts Professor

Kamar-Taj, Training Square

The sun had risen high, casting a warm glow over the Kamar-Taj training square. In neat rows, dozens of sorcerer apprentices were lined up, each focused on channeling their energy through the sling ring as they practiced spellcasting. Though their inexperience was evident, they summoned the power of Vishanti, creating red, spark-like magic traces that danced briefly in the air before vanishing.

At the forefront stood a robust figure—Master Wong.

"Focus on controlling your own magic power," Wong instructed, his tone sharp. "Vishanti's power may be gentler than most, but it requires integration with your spirit. Don't rely on instinct alone. A sorcerer who can't control his magic is no sorcerer at all!"

He continued pacing, addressing apprentices whose hands shook from the strain. "Slow down! Rushing won't make you better. If you can't steady your hands, I'll add three extra hours of practice today."

Master Wong moved among them, offering advice here and there, correcting their form, and reprimanding when necessary. He had taken on the role of apprentice instructor after Kaecilius, carrying forward the discipline and patience needed to guide Kamar-Taj's new blood.

Despite Wong's stern commands, the apprentices often stole glances to their left, where a figure of immense significance stood observing: the Sorcerer Supreme herself, the Ancient One. She watched the training with a quiet gaze, her fan moving gently in her hand. Occasionally, she would survey the new students with a hint of curiosity, as if hoping for a glimpse of some hidden potential among them.

As she stood, a faint glimmer of red light flashed in the depths of her eyes, gazing not at the apprentices but far beyond—through sky, space, and even other dimensions. In the Ancient One's vision, the earth's destiny itself seemed to fluctuate, a shadow of black mist intertwining with tendrils of gold, each struggling against the other, as if attempting to break free.

"Indeed, the tree longs for calm, but the winds won't relent," the Ancient One murmured with a sigh, before returning her attention to the apprentices. Fate, she mused, has its own rhythm.

After a time, several apprentices managed to sustain their spells, crimson trails holding in the air longer, sparking a wave of excitement among them. Their faces lit up with renewed energy as they delved back into practice. Wong, observing their progress, allowed a rare smile to surface. It brought back memories of his own early training—those first triumphant moments.

But suddenly, a familiar sensation pricked at Wong's senses, a subtle pulse of space magic. He turned to see a fiery, red-orange portal opening at the edge of the square.

From within stepped a familiar figure.

"Lockhart! Here to borrow more books?" Wong called out, slightly surprised.

Though Wong wasn't particularly close to Lockhart, they knew each other well enough for a friendly greeting. The library was where he most often encountered the professor, either borrowing or returning rare volumes.

Lockhart returned the greeting with a nod and a quick smile. "Good morning, Wong. Training, I see. Don't let me disturb you—I'm here to see the Sorcerer Supreme."

As Lockhart strode past, Wong's gaze lingered thoughtfully on his back. The recent tension at Kamar-Taj had not gone unnoticed, and Wong couldn't help but wonder if Lockhart's visit was related. Shaking off the thought, Wong refocused on his trainees; with the Ancient One present, he felt confident in Kamar-Taj's strength.

The Ancient One's voice reached Lockhart before he had even approached her fully. "Lockhart, you've returned."

He wasn't surprised by her premonition. Offering a respectful nod, he answered, "Sorcerer Supreme, the person you tasked me to locate has been found. Her name is Wanda Maximoff, from Sokovia. I evaluated her abilities, and she has considerable magic talent—she could become an exceptional sorceress."

The Ancient One nodded approvingly, and for a moment, remained silent. Lockhart, interpreting her pause, decided to press forward.

"Sorcerer Supreme," he ventured, "should I instruct Wanda in Kamar-Taj's magic? Or should I introduce her to something…else?"

A faint smile played on the Ancient One's face, as if she saw right through him. "Lockhart, what do you have in mind?"

"Well," Lockhart replied, "you once encouraged me to study chaos magic. Wanda shows strong potential for it, and I believe it would be the right path for her. In fact, I'd prefer to teach her chaos magic if you agree."

He hesitated, knowing the implications. Teaching Wanda chaos magic meant forgoing a bond with Vishanti's magical system, avoiding any contract with it entirely. Chaos magic drew from an unpredictable source tied to Chthon, the god of black magic—an entity Vishanti viewed as an adversary.

The Ancient One's gaze softened, reading Lockhart's intent. "I appointed you as Wanda's teacher. Do as you see fit."

Though the words were ambiguous, Lockhart understood. When it came to the Ancient One, silence often implied consent.

Lockhart took a breath and continued, "Thank you, Sorcerer Supreme. But I'm lacking sufficient knowledge on chaos magic. I've searched the library and found only vague introductions."

The Ancient One's eyes twinkled with amusement. "So, you're seeking guidance from me?"

Lockhart nodded. Having delved into chaos magic only recently, he was both fascinated and frustrated. He had encountered a limit in his understanding—a cognitive barrier that prevented deeper mastery. While study and time could eventually push him through, nothing could replace the wisdom of someone with true mastery.

"Certainly, Lockhart. Ask, and I shall answer." The Ancient One's willingness surprised him, and with a smile, he agreed on a time for further consultation before taking his leave.

Inside the Magical Suitcase

On the sprawling green lawn, Ian, Vera, Remy, and other young wizards sat, engrossed in watching the magical creatures roam about. Unlike casual observers, their expressions were filled with intellectual curiosity. Their mentor's influence had stirred in them a keen sense of exploration and analysis.

"Could we incorporate creature abilities into our spells?" Ian mused, his gaze fixed on a creature hovering nearby.

"Theoretically," Remy replied, "but it would take precise spell modification. I mean, just look at how they manipulate energy effortlessly."

As they exchanged ideas, Vera nodded, chiming in, "It's definitely possible. If we break down the essence of their abilities, we could expand our own."

Lockhart's influence on his students was unmistakable. Through his teaching, they had developed critical thinking skills, and his research mindset had trickled down to his students, especially his earliest apprentices, who were already discussing potential applications of their studies.

On the far end of the lawn, Snape stood in his characteristic black robes, watching over Wanda and Pietro. Pietro seemed nervous, eyeing the bubbling, dark green potion that Snape held with visible apprehension.

"Pietro," Snape said, his voice flat, "Lockhart has assigned me to help you develop your powers. I've brewed this potion for you. Drink it, and let me know how you feel so I can make adjustments."

The tone was clinical, but Pietro took a wary step back, shooting a look of uncertainty at the potion. Wanda, noticing her brother's discomfort, stepped in. "Professor Snape, will this potion…harm Pietro?"

Snape's eyes flicked over the two of them, his expression one of mild irritation. "If I lacked confidence, I wouldn't offer it. As a Potions Master, I know how to manage side effects."

With reassurances from his sister and sensing the weight of the moment, Pietro took a breath. The years of hardship had ingrained in him the desire for strength, and he knew he couldn't let Wanda surpass him without making an effort. With a steady hand, he lifted the potion and drank it in a single gulp.

"Pietro, how does it feel?" Snape's voice broke through his thoughts.

"There's…a warmth spreading inside," Pietro replied, closing his eyes to focus. "It feels light, like I could float."

With a quick hop, he tried to test the sensation but found only a slight height increase in his jump. Disappointment flitted across his face.

Snape, however, nodded thoughtfully. "Focus on that warmth. Channel it down to your legs and try again."

Obeying, Pietro mentally guided the sensation to his thighs, then pushed off from the ground.

Whoosh!

This time, he launched into the air, almost reaching the roof of the enclosure before panic seized him.

"Ahhh!"

Snape raised his wand, casting Wingardium Leviosa just in time to catch Pietro mid-fall. As the boy floated safely to the ground, Snape's eyes gleamed with interest.

Their attention had attracted Ian, Vera, and Remy, who approached with curiosity. Noticing Snape, however, they hesitated, reminded of his strict reputation. Snape's rigorous Potions lessons had instilled in them a certain level of caution.

"Come closer. You won't learn anything from afar," Snape said curtly, gesturing for them to join him.

They exchanged nervous glances before stepping forward, with Vera finally speaking up. "Professor Snape, is there anything you'd like us to do?"

Snape, slightly less stern than usual, looked at them with a critical eye. Vera's aptitude in potions had always pleased him, and she rarely made mistakes. "Observe. I'll be explaining the basics of new potion research using Pietro's case."

Vera's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, echoed by Remy and Ian, who listened intently.

"Wanda," Snape added, glancing her way, "you, too, should listen. This will be essential when you begin studying potions."

Wanda moved closer, glad for the chance to learn, though she cast a reassuring look at Pietro, who seemed somewhat chagrined by his role as the "guinea pig."

Confident in Snape's reputation, Wanda had little worry for her brother's safety. She'd heard much about the Potions Master's expertise, and knowing that he was brought in by her mentor only increased her trust.

Snape looked over his audience, indicating Pietro. "Today, we'll use Pietro's case to explore the principles behind developing new magical potions."

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