Sure enough! Ace was waiting outside their home, looking at the house with his hands in his pockets wondering how much this house cost. He heard that the property in London was quite expensive. Especially the closer you got to the downtown area, judging from where Hermione's house was, it was extremely close!
The Granger family arrived and invited Ace inside, sitting on the couch as Monica made tea. Ace reluctantly drank it as Monica asked "What would she be learning?" Ace explained "Well, this is more to familiarize her with the, um, campus… The magic taught at the University is very advanced."
Wendell asked "Is it expensive?" Ace shook his head and smiled, "It's free-" before adding, noticing the doubt on their faces, "The headmaster noticed her talent and granted her a full scholarship."
Monica expressed her doubts, "At such a young age?" Ace smiled gently, explaining "Most of the students at this particular university have been scouted at a very young age. It is a very prestigious institution in the Magic community. Very few witches and wizards even have the opportunity to attend!"
Monica and Wendell were impressed, asking "Is it possible to visit as well?" Ace thought quickly before saying "Perhaps in the future? I have to check with the Headmaster, if it's an issue, we can reschedule her visit…"
Monica said quickly "Nono, that's quite alright. Apologies for prodding." Ace smiled and shook his head, replying "It's quite alright." Wendell asked "Are the students from around the world?"
Ace nodded and detailed, "Students are from all corners of the globe. Only the best of the best are selected." Monica and Wendell whispered with each other before holding hands and smiling "Thank you, Professor. You can bring her to visit."
Ace smiled and nodded, standing up as he checked his watch, saying "Sorry for taking your time, but I should be going." The couple stood up, asking "So soon?" Ace smiled apologetically, "I'm on a tight schedule, I'm terribly sorry."
They understood and replied "Thank you for making the visit." Ace smiled and waved, "It's what I should do. Hermione is a very valuable prospect for our University." he looked over and saw Hermione walking over with a suitcase.
He asked with a smile "Are you ready?" Hermione nodded and Ace walked out the door, saying "It's been a pleasure, thank you again." the parents smiled and told Hermione to behave.
She nodded and Ace scooped up Hermione, flying away on a broom, disappearing into the sky as her parents waved goodbye.
Hermione looked down and then turned to Ace, saying "I didn't know you could be so formal." Ace stuck out his tongue, replying "I don't like it! So formal just to fool your parents! Goddamn!"
Hermione was stunned and giggled as Ace drew a circle with his hands, creating a portal in front of them as Hermione asked "So it's not a university?" Ace rolled his eyes replying "Those don't exist. This is much better than university." as they passed through the portal, appearing in the air at Kamar-Taj.
He flew down on a Firebolt broom. Hermione looked at the broom, then up at Ace, who grinned "5 finger discount!" before waving as the broom flew into his little bag. He walked through Kamar-Taj as Hermione looked around, dragging her suitcase and grabbing Ace's shirt, asking "Monks?"
Ace looked at the disciples practicing, saying "They like to wear those robes, but they're not comfortable at all… I don't like wearing them either. But yeah, they do look like monks."
Just as he finished, there was a voice "Oh? You don't like wearing them?" Ace froze and turned to see the Ancient One looking at him with a smile. Ace cleared his throat saying "Master."
Hermione looked at the Ancient One and said "Um. Hello!" The Ancient One fanned herself, looking at Hermione with a gentle smile, "Ms. Granger, so you've come." Hermione asked "You know my name?"
The Ancient One nodded and said gently "I know all the mages who are potential Sorcerer Supreme." before turning to Ace, adding "I was wondering if you were truly going to bring her here."
Ace was stunned and replied blankly "I wasn't supposed to?" The Ancient One rolled her eyes, replying "You taught her anyway, who was going to stop you? Come along now." as she turned around and walked away.
Hermione looked at Ace and whispered "Who's that?" Ace pulled her along, whispering back "The most powerful wizard on Earth… or maybe in this universe?" he scratched his chin and muttered "Or was it of this realm… Anyway, she's really, really, really strong. I don't even know how strong she is."
Hermione gasped and they came to the Ancient One's chambers, Hermione sat down and stayed silent as Ace looked at the Ancient One, who was sipping tea, he opened his mouth and she said "You want to make her your apprentice with your shallow knowledge of magic?"
Ace froze and opened his mouth, but the Ancient One continued "Oh you'll learn more? What if she learns faster than you? That's impossible? Hmm…" Ace just started speaking "I was just saying! I can make her my apprentice, does it matter?"
The Ancient One rolled her eyes and retorted "For what purpose?" Ace stayed silent, changing the subject as he asked "Could you show her what you showed me?" The Ancient One stirred her tea and stared at Ace for a solid minute, completely silent.
Ace stood there and stared back until the Ancient One turned to Hermione, saying "Sure." Ace smiled and looked at Hermione, saying "Don't panic, okay?" Hermione was confused and asked "What?"
Before the Ancient One pressed on her forehead and Hermione's eyes went dull.
Ace was stunned and complained "Let me explain first!" The Ancient One snorted, "This is more effective, don't you think?" Ace retorted "She's only 14 years old! What if she's traumatized?"
The Ancient One rolled her eyes, replying "If she's traumatized from such a thing, she wasn't meant to be a Master of the Mystic arts." Ace frowned and she pulled Hermione's soul back to her body, looking at the girl gasping for breath quickly before smiling "See? She's fine." before sending her soul back out.
Ace sighed and sat down, waiting for Hermione to come back.
After a few minutes
Hermione was sweating, breathing heavily, thoroughly shocked by what she witnessed. Ace held her, asking gently "Are you alright, Hermione?" She nodded softly and asked "Is that all real?" Ace smiled and nodded as Hermione's eyes sparkled.
The Ancient One smiled and said "Go on. After you settle her affairs, I need to speak with you." Ace looked at her strangely, but nodded as he brought Hermione away, carrying her luggage.
Ace showed her all the courtyards, where they were, giving her the general layout of Kamar-Taj, showing her the Library and other things that could be helpful to her. He passed by the Artifact room and explained that these were all artifacts found by Kamar-Taj, or made by ancient Wizards.
He stopped at the Urn of Souls, saying "This Urn could give you the power to eradicate your enemies instantly." Hermione looked at the Urn and said "Cool." Ace scratched his cheek and said "You don't wanna have it?" Hermione looked at him strangely, replying "I don't have any enemies."
Ace froze and cleared his throat, bringing her away as he showed her the rest of Kamar-Taj.