Crafting the Sorcerer ( I - V ) 8,000 Words
Outside the VIP complex at Heathrow, three sleek black SUVs sat in a tight row, their police lights flashing red and blue across the quiet terminal. No sirens, no rush—just that low hum of serious business in the air.
The doors of the front and back SUVs opened first, and three men in sharp black suits stepped out from each. They moved with practiced precision, taking up positions around the middle vehicle.
One of the men from the front SUV, his face calm but alert, walked over to the middle vehicle. When he reached the door, he paused and glanced around sharply before opening it with a steady hand.
From inside, two men and a woman stepped out, exuding relaxed yet noticeable confidence. They were dressed sharply, moving with an easy assurance.
The man in front was tall and striking, wearing a black trench coat over a black suit. He had a calm, self-assured expression that subtly set the tone.
Right behind him was a younger man, equally good-looking, with slightly tousled black hair and a focused, laid-back vibe. He walked confidently in a sleek black leather jacket, zipped down to reveal a crisp white shirt underneath. His black jeans added a casual touch, and a black Louis Vuitton backpack hung effortlessly over one shoulder.
Next to the young man was a beautiful woman in smart-casual attire, blending elegance with an easy style. Her hair was neatly styled, framing her face as she exchanged a few casual words with him, her expression warm and inviting.
The men from the other SUVs stayed put, holding their ground like statues, eyes constantly scanning the area for any hint of trouble. They didn't miss a beat, covering every possible angle as the three made their way toward the gate.
Waiting for them near the entrance were two men in formal attire. One had a uniform loaded with more badges than anyone could count—clearly someone high-ranking. The other, in a sharp blue suit, stepped forward with a respectful nod.
"Good evening, Prime Minister Caesar. Ma'am. Sir," he greeted smoothly, offering his hand to Michael at the front.
Now, Maverick had tried to keep this visit under wraps, planning to go solo to avoid all the fuss. But with a dad in high places, there was no way he was slipping in without some form of an entourage. His parents, Michael and Ariel, had insisted on coming, though they'd managed to keep the scene surprisingly quiet. No flashing cameras, no crowd, just essential personnel and a tight security team—bare minimum, as "low-key" as a prime minister's family arrival could get.
Escorted through a series of doors, the family of three found themselves in a private lounge, decked out with plush furniture, bright lighting, and a massive glass window overlooking the busy runway, where planes taxied like giants in slow motion.
A spread of refreshments was already laid out, waiting for them, and the staff discreetly slipped out, and the family was left alone for some privacy.
"Make sure to call us as soon as you get to Edward's place, alright?" Ariel said, her voice carrying that unmistakable hint of mom-worry. "His family should be there to pick you up…"
Maverick chuckled, giving her a reassuring smile. "Mom, I promise. I'll call. And it's not like I'm vanishing off the face of the earth. Uncle said he'd get our place registered in the Floo Network, so I can pop by whenever!"
Michael stepped closer, putting a firm hand on Maverick's shoulder, his expression serious but warm. "Just keep your head straight, yeah? Good luck with everything. And don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
"And please visit your grandparents," Ariel added, her voice softening. "I haven't even told them you're moving to America for school. This all happened so fast…"
Maverick grinned, squeezing her hand. "I'll see them, Mom, promise. And don't worry—I've got the cover story all set." He paused, looking between them with determination. "I'll be okay. You both taught me well."
The three of them kept chatting as boarding time crept closer. His parents were dishing out their usual mix of advice and little reminders, and even though he felt a bit overwhelmed, Maverick couldn't help but appreciate every word.
Finally, when two airport staff came to escort him to the gate, Maverick gave each of them a tight hug. "I'll be fine, really. I'll call you as soon as I'm settled," he promised, one last time.
Maverick had planned to fly business class, but, of course, his mom had gone and upgraded him to first. No complaints here, though. A few hours later, he was high above the Atlantic, comfortably nestled in his seat, with London disappearing behind him and New York City up ahead.
The flight was smooth, taking off from London at 4 PM and landing at JFK around 8 PM local time. The airport was busy, but Maverick's VIP service got him through immigration like a breeze. By the time he was outside, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his suitcase in hand, it was barely 9 PM, and Edward was already there waiting.
They hopped into the car, and soon, they were cruising toward Manhattan Beach. Maverick could feel a mix of excitement and nerves brewing. New country, new school, new life.
Edward seemed to pick up on his thoughts. "I've already talked to Silvia and Bella," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "They're in on everything, and help keep your story straight."
Maverick nodded, grateful. He was lucky his dad was close friends with Edward. Without his help, establishing his wizarding identity without leaving any loose ends would have been a real nightmare.
In under an hour, they rolled up to Edward's place, and Maverick's eyes widened. High walls surrounded a massive 4,000-square-foot property, like a hidden sanctuary. As they drove through the main gate, two men in black suits nodded respectfully—security was clearly top-notch here.
Inside, the green landscape stretched out around the house. Trees lined the lawn, and a wide, grassy yard made the place feel like a tucked-away paradise. Right in the middle stood a beautiful two-story house, nestled among all that green. He felt like the place was a hidden paradise.
As the car pulled up to the grand house, Maverick spotted a beautiful woman and a girl waiting on the steps, their faces lighting up with welcoming smiles. Mother and daughter, no doubt—the resemblance was uncanny. Their expressions carried that unmistakable "we've been waiting just for you" vibe.
Maverick stepped out, feeling the familiar warmth of the Garling family already. Edward headed to the back of the car to grab his suitcase, while the woman and girl came down to meet him.
The woman enveloped him in a hug, her voice soft and warm. "It's so good to see you again, Maverick," she said. This was Silvia Garling, Edward's wife. With her easy smile, rich black hair, and effortless beauty, Maverick couldn't help but wonder if Edward might be casting a little magic to keep her looking that young—she could easily pass for someone in her late twenties, not the mother of a teenage girl.
"This must be your first time seeing our real home," she added, her smile gentle. "Here, Edward and Bella can actually be themselves."
Just then, the young girl spoke up, her voice filled with excitement. "Ricky!" she exclaimed, wrapping Maverick in a big hug.
Maverick grinned, hugging her back, his heart warming at her excitement. "Good to see you, Aunt Silvy," he said, nodding toward Silvia first. Then, pulling away from the hug, he glanced at Isabella with a smirk. "And you too, Bella..."
"Finally, I don't have to act like I don't have magic around you!" Isabella said, rolling her eyes, almost making Maverick laugh.
Maverick chuckled. "So, you were just pretending to be my friend all these years?" he teased, earning a playful jab. She was clearly relieved—finally free to be herself without the "pretend to be normal" act.
"Don't just stand there—bring him inside already!" Edward called out, flashing a grin as he hoisted Maverick's suitcase over his shoulder as if it weighed nothing. Maverick couldn't help but admire that; other wizards would've just levitated the thing, but Edward seemed to enjoy doing things with good old-fashioned muscle, more like a warrior than a typical spellcaster.
As soon as Maverick walked through the doors, he felt like he'd stepped into a whole new world. From the outside, the house looked spacious but modest, maybe 1,500 square feet. Inside? It had to be at least three times that size. The ceilings soared, with thick wooden beams crossed in intricate patterns, and massive crystal chandeliers cast a warm, soft light over everything. This was definitely an advanced Traceless Extension spell at work.
The walls were adorned with tapestries showing scenes from old battles and grand feasts, colors still vivid as if they were woven yesterday. Heavy, velvet curtains framed the tall windows, adding a royal touch. Maverick couldn't help but stare.
The living room was vast, with plush sofas arranged in a square around a polished wooden table. Straight ahead, towering bookshelves held rows upon rows of leather-bound tomes, each one brimming with history. Two sweeping staircases flanked the room, their bronze railings gleaming softly. Stone steps that looked worn but perfectly clean led up to what must be even more wonders.
Maverick looked to his right, spotting the dining room through a wide, arched doorway supported by stone pillars etched with symbols for luck and protection. To his left, a few more doors hinted at rooms he was curious to explore.
He stood there, taking it all in, awestruck. This place wasn't just a home—it was like a palace, filled with centuries-old charm and a sense of deep history. Edward's family watched him, clearly enjoying his reaction. They'd probably seen it a hundred times before, and yet, their faces were lit with anticipation.
"So…" Isabella prompted, her eyes sparkling. Her tone had a knowing ring, as if she was already sure of what he'd say.
Edward and Silvia leaned in a little, looking just as eager, waiting for Maverick's response.
Maverick exhaled slowly, giving them a grin. "It's… wow. This place is insane. I mean, I've been to Buckingham Palace, but your home definitely holds its own. And honestly? Feels a lot more welcoming here."
Isabella's grin widened with pride. She elbowed her mom and whispered, "Told you he'd be blown away!"
Silvia and Edward exchanged pleased looks, clearly delighted by his reaction.
They led Maverick to his bedroom on the first floor. It was as luxurious as the rest of the house, and Maverick couldn't help but feel a little shy. His own family's place back home was impressive, sure, but they went for modern and sleek, not this kind of royal charm.
The four-poster bed had deep, velvet curtains, and the furniture looked like it belonged in a castle. From the plush carpet to the carved details on the wardrobe, everything was steeped in history.
This kind of luxury was too overwhelming for him. Maverick couldn't help but grin, feeling a little out of place but excited all the same.
After a nice, cold shower, Maverick joined the Garling family for dinner, feeling refreshed and ready.
He had to admit—this place was next level. The house was massive, practically screaming "wizard wealth," yet Silvia had somehow managed to whip up dinner herself.
Usually, influential wizarding families had house elves to handle these things but he hadn't seen any signs of them so far — none of them bustling around. It was just Silvia, rolling up her sleeves and going full chef mode.
"Need a day to catch your breath, little Rick?" Edward asked, raising an eyebrow.
Before Maverick could answer, Silvia jumped in, "Of course he does. He's been traveling all day. Let him settle in first."
Maverick smiled, grateful for her care, but he had no plans to play tourist. "I'm good, Aunt Silvy. Slept most of the flight, and I'll be fresh tomorrow." He said kindly, offering her a reassuring smile.
Then he glanced at Edward to make his determination clear. "Uncle, let's get started tomorrow."
"Perfect," Edward replied, nodding approvingly.
"We'll go to Ilvermorny first thing in the morning. I want to introduce you to the principal. It's important to make sure they know you, especially since you'll be taking your OWLs and NEWTs there in June."
Edward laid out the plan, and Maverick listened with total focus, nodding along. "Basically, as far as anyone else knows, you've been my student since you were six. You've been doing magic homeschooling while also attending Muggle schools and then university.
I made sure your name was entered in to the Ilvermorny Book of Acceptance, got it down in their records that you had your magical awakening at six.
I aligned the dates with when your family was in the States, so no one's going to raise an eyebrow."
Edward paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. "If anyone asks about your background, the story will be that your family decided to stay under the rader.
Under Article Seven of the Magical and Non-Magical Information Sharing Treaty, Muggle-born witches and wizards can keep their identities secret if they get consent from any of the 83 sacred magical families worldwide or from any of the seven speakers, just like magical noble heirs. And you can use this same reason to explain why your name wasn't sent to the UK Muggle government.
Maverick chuckled. "So, when you 'took me in' at six," he added, fingers making air quotes, "we just kept it low-key? There's no need to tell anyone—Muggles or magical authorities?" His voice held a blend of curiosity and amusement.
"Exactly," Edward said, a sly smirk playing at his lips. "As a speaker, I've got more pull with the International Confederation of Wizards—and even the World Security Council—than any of those noble families. People see my name, and they'll take whatever's on the paperwork as gospel."
"Thank you, teacher," he said showing gratitude. "I won't let you down."
Edward gave him a proud smile, "I know you won't.".
Before things could get too serious, Isabella piped up, bouncing in her seat, "Can I come too? I wanna go!"
Edward gave her a look. "Didn't you just take a week off school?"
"That's because Maverick was coming! If he's going, I want to go, too!" she shrugged.
Edward sighed, explaining with a hint of fatherly patience, "Maverick didn't come here to sightsee, you know. He's only going to school to introduce himself to the principal. After that, he'll be with his tutors at another place, off training or studying, and won't be home most of the day."
"Oh… then I'll just cancel my break and go back. But you'll have to ask the principal to let me use the students Floo Network to come back whenever I want..." Isabella pouted.
"That's not really fair to the other students, Isabella," her mother interrupted. "You can't use your father's connections to come and go from school whenever you want."
"But…" Isabella began, ready to argue her case.
"It's fine," Edward said, holding up a hand to stop her. "She's way ahead academically. Let her use the Floo a few more times—but, no skipping classes, thrice a week tops, and just this term!"
"Yesss!" Isabella beamed, hugging him tightly. "Thanks, Dad!"
Maverick watched the exchange with amusement, thinking that Ilvermorny might have its perks when it came to rules—definitely not as uptight as Hogwarts.
As far as he knew, Hogwarts didn't have any Floo Network set aside just for students, and popping home during week ends? Yeah, that was pretty much unheard of. Once you were at school, you were there until the holidays, like it or not.
Turning back to Maverick, Edward went on, "After the principal meeting, we'll meet with your Potions and Alchemy tutors. You'll have three hours with each tutor daily. You'll also get to meet some of my other students there, and when you're back here, I'll take over with physical exercises, dueling, wizarding laws, politics, and etiquette."
Edward leaned in, eyes serious. "You've chosen to sit the exams in June, so we have four months to get you ready. It's going to be intense. Think you're up for it?"
Maverick's face lit up with excitement. Finally, real training, real dueling. No way was he planning on slacking. "I'm more than ready," he said, his voice steady.
Edward nodded, a spark of pride in his eye. "Good. Show me what you've got."
Dinner went off without a hitch as Maverick regaled them once again his 'epic tale' of how he discovered magic and everything he's done since then. Silvia listened with enthusiasm, but Isabella looked downright flabbergasted.
Honestly, if her dad hadn't backed up Maverick's story, she might've thought he was just making it all up.
After wrapping up dinner, Isabella dragged Maverick off for a tour of the house, even though her mom kept insisting he should kick back and rest after such a busy day.
The place was truly impressive! They strolled through a jaw-dropping library filled to the brim with more books than Maverick could count. Next up was a brewing room that smelled like a potion explosion.
Then there were the chill rooms, decked out with all sorts of non-magical fun, like pool tables and a cinema room that made him wonder if he'd just walked into a movie studio—he had to admit, it was kind of cool.
But the real showstopper was the basement. Calling it a dueling practice room felt like calling a dragon a lizard. This place was practically a stadium, nearly as big as a football field! It had dummies to practice on, target areas to test his aim, and a ton of workout gear that looked like it could turn anyone into a superhero.
After a whirlwind two-hour tour, Maverick finally made his way to his room, waving goodnight to Isabella, ready to crash and catch some sleep before diving into the excitement of the next day.
High up on the peak of Mount Greylock in the northeastern U.S., stands the majestic Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Hogwarts looked more like a medieval castle, Ilvermorny was more of a modern, magical mansion.
It had soaring towers, sprawling wings, and an intriguing fusion of European and Native American protections keep it hidden from the No-Majs (that's American slang for Muggles), making sure it stays out of sight, often wrapped in swirling clouds that cling to the mountain.
Ilvermorny was founded back in the 1600s by Isolt Sayre—a descendant of Salazar Slytherin himself—and her non-magical husband, James , a Slytherin and a No-Maj.
Although the school started small, it didn't take long before Ilvermorny became North America's pride and joy, welcoming young witches and wizards from all over north America.
Like Hogwarts, Ilvermorny has four houses, and students study many familiar subjects with a few unique 's Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, magical creature studies, Charms, Transfiguration—the they also have classes like Wandcrafting, which you won't find at 's a full, well-rounded magical education that takes its American roots seriously, honoring Native American traditions woven into the lessons and customs.
The headmasters office was in the highest tower, one side facing misty Mount Greylock and the other showing off the entire room's huge, with tall ceilings and walls lined with shelves holding ancient looking books, magical artifacts, and relics from North American wizardry.
A big, carved wooden desk sits near a giant window, giving a breathtaking view of the valley the desk, a portrait of the founders, Isolt Sayer and James Stewart, looks on, nodding every now and then at visitors like they approve.
In a burst of green flames, the Floo fireplace in the corner suddenly lights up, and out steps Edward in his formal wizarding robes, all him is a teenage girl in a crisp Ilvermorny uniform, looking confident, and then a young man who seems a little wobbly but is doing his best to keep his cool.
The headmaster, Agilbert Fontaine, stands up to greet 's a tall, silver-haired wizard who looks about fifty, with a thick white beard and kind 's got this gentle yet commanding vibe as he steps around his desk."Welcome, Speaker Edward," he says warmly, shaking Edward's hand.
"Headmaster," Edward replies, with a nod that's both respectful and friendly.
The headmaster then turns to the girl and raises an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his face."Isabella, thought you'd be taking the week off," he says, sounding almost like he's in on a joke.
Isabella blushes and smiles shyly."I, uh, decided not to," she mumbles.
Agilbert just raises an eyebrow, giving her a knowing look that says he's not buying it but isn't pushing either.
Finally, he looks over to the young man."And you must be Mr. Caesar," he says with keen interest visible on his face."Speaker Edward's apprentice!Lucky you, getting him as a teacher.I hear you've even finished school with the impressive!"
Maverick, feeling the spotlight a bit too much, scratches his head, looking sheepish as he glances around the room, wide-eyed at everything, trying to not react to the BS story Edward doesn't quite know what to say, and fortunately Edward clears his throat, bailing him out.
"Thank you, sir," Maverick stammers quickly, trying to keep his cool.
"Alright, Bella, why don't you head back to class?"Edward said, giving his daughter a gentle look.
She crossed her arms, pouting."But...why can't I stay?"
Edward raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh."We're just gonna have a quick chat, and then Maverick and I have to head out to meet a few other folks."
She huffed, kicking at the floor a bit."Fine."
Edward chuckled, patting her shoulder."I'll catch up with you later, alright?"
With a dramatic eye roll, Isabella finally turned, dragging her feet as she left."Yeah, yeah...later," she mumbled.
As soon as Isabella left, Principal Fontaine motioned to the two chairs in front of his desk, and Edward and Maverick sat got right into talking about Maverick—well, mostly it was Edward and Fontaine doing the sat back, trying to look calm, hoping he wouldn't have to answer any tricky questions.
They covered a bit about Maverick's schooling so far, his plan to sit for exams at Ilvermorny, and the subjects he'd need to focus , Fontaine kept it light, sticking to the basics of how the whole process would work instead of grilling Maverick on academic stuff.
After they'd covered everything, Fontaine gave an approving the details ironed out, Edward and Maverick got up and thanked stepped back to the Floo fireplace, green flames flaring to life around them as they disappeared, heading to one of Edward's was where Edward personally trained and guided his team, and Maverick was about to get a closer look at what that actually meant.
As soon as Maverick stumbled out of the Floo fireplace, he took a look room was small—probably about ten by ten feet—with flickering candles lining the walls, casting a warm was only one door right in front of them.
"Uh…where are we?"Maverick asked, looking over at Edward.
Edward smirked."Take a wild back to what you said when you tossed in the Floo powder."
Maverick squinted, scratching his head."Matthew's…safe house?"He asked, sounding unsure.
Edward chuckled." 've actually been here before."
Maverick tilted his head, trying to place it."Wait…this is the place where we apparated to practice spells, right?"
Edward nodded." 'cold island,' as you called it."
"Oh…" Maverick's eyes lit up in recognition.
"That's right, St. Matthew Island, Alaska," Edward said, heading toward the door."Middle of nowhere, far from spot for an underground base."
He swung the door open, then looked back at Maverick with a grin."Alright, come 's go say hi to everyone."
They walked into a huge hall. Instead of candles, the ceiling had some kind of glowing fixtures that filled the whole place with a clean, white room was big—about a quarter of a football field, Maverick were two doors on each side—left, right, and straight ahead—and only the one they'd just come through behind them.
Maverick's eyes quickly locked onto the people standing in a line facing him and front were a man and a woman who looked a lot alike, maybe in their 30s—likely twins.
Beside them stood a group of younger looking, likely teenagers: three girls and five didn't miss the quick glance they all gave him, mix of surprise and curiosity as they messured him out.
"Simon, Sarah… 've you all been?"Edward called out as he walked over, with Maverick trailing behind him.
"We're good, boss," the woman—Sarah—answered, while the man, Simon, nodded in agreement.
"All good, Teacher," the teenagers echoed in unison, their voices a full of energy and respect.
Edward noded smiling at he patted Maverick's shoulder before speaking, "this is my apprentice, Maverick Caeser."
The teenagers' eyes widened as they took in and Sarah kept calm—Edward had already filled them for the younger ones, this was big until now, only Isabella, Edward's own daughter, held the title of apprentice.
None of them showed resentment, though maybe just a hint of each gave Maverick a respectful nod, which he returned with a slightly awkward wave."Uh...Hello everyone..."
Edward stepped in, "He's actually been my student for a while the first time I'm officially introducing him."
The teens blinked, looking even more continued, "His situation's a bit feel free to ask him questions if you're curious."
Edward had already gone over the cover story with Maverick and decided to stick with the same one they'd given the Ilvermorny headmaster.
Simon and Sarah already knew what was going on, and since Edward trusted them, so did Maverick.
Sarah caught Edward's eye and spoke up, taking charge."Boss, you don't need to say he's your apprentice, he's already one of us."She glanced back at the teens, who nodded in agreement.
"Good."Edward turned to Maverick, then gestured to Sarah and Simon."These two will be your main 's a master potioneer, and Simon here is a professional 'll start with a quick assessment today, then work out a lesson plan for you."
Edward then turned his attention to the younger group before introducing each one."These are my youngest are Donald, Ryan, and Elizabeth—they're 12. Then Ahmed, Nicolas, and Maya, who are 13. Lastly, Violet and Suresh, almost 15."
He smiled warmly at them."Like you, they've been with me since they were little, right after they first showed their 're like family, so I expect you all to get along."
Maverick nodded, now offering a more sincere smile as he looked at the kids."Nice to meet you."
The teens greeted him back with the same friendly "Nice to meet you."
Over dinner last night, Edward had filled him in on more about Edward's students, more importantly, their weren't just students; they were magical orphans Edward had gathered from across the world, kids he was guiding and training, kids who would one day become his trusted circle.
Maverick was sure this was just one "class" among many Edward had taken under his wasn't going to ask questions; he didn't feel the need was one of the seven ICW speakers, an Arch-Magus at the top of the magical world, and of course he'd have subordinates.
More than that, Maverick trusted Edward's character, and was mature enough to know not to dig for answers where they weren't needed.
Maverick quickly got to know the younger students while Edward pulled Sarah and Simon aside for a quick chat.
The teens, who were Edward's students, took turns introducing themselves to Maverick, giving the basics this time.
Maverick gave them his "story" too, about how he'd been learning from Edward since he was six. They were a little surprised when he mentioned his dad was Britain's Prime Minister—but only mildly curious. They didn't pry.
He didn't hide much, really; he and Edward had agreed only to make up the story about his magic awakening and the time period. Everything else—his family and his background—was not fabricated. After all, it wouldn't exactly be difficult—if people wanted to dig around about him, they'd figure this out eventually.
The group got along surprisingly well—nothing cliché, jealousy or awkward vibes just because Maverick was Edward's direct apprentice. They all respected Edward way too much to feel any type of way about it.
Maverick learned that this underground base was like their school, just like it'd be for him for the next few months. Teachers would show up and teach them different magical subjects, and after classes, they'd all use the Floo Network to head back to their own homes.
Edward had made sure they lived well—not stuck underground all day, cramming spells like robots. In fact, they each had the option to attend a regular magic school or get this more personal, one-on-one style of tutoring from Edward and his team. Every single one of them chose the latter.
Some even studied non-magical subjects in regular schools, something Edward actively encouraged. He wanted them to understand both worlds, not just be limited to magic.
These kids weren't just any random magical orphans. Each one of them was handpicked by Edward himself. He'd taken his time to look into their lives, consider their situations, their talent, and—most importantly—judge their character.
He wasn't just teaching them spells; he was shaping their worldview, making sure they understood not to look down on non-magical people or their society.
From what Maverick could tell, Edward believed in a kind of balance—a real respect for non-magical folks. He didn't see them as "lesser," just different. His philosophy was clearly about long-term coexistence, keeping things peaceful, a world apart from some radical ideas that had torn through the magical world a few decades ago.
Honestly, it wasn't hard for Maverick to understand why Edward felt this way. He'd read up on a lot of magical history and heard enough stories to piece it together. This universe wasn't just a version of Harry Potter; but also a mix of another, a more terrifying one.
And because of that, it reminded him that if he ever became a powerful wizard, he'd need to keep his ego in check.
They chatted for a while until Edward, Sarah, and Simon returned. With a quick goodbye, Maverick followed Edward and his two tutors to another room.
This place felt like a mix between a classroom and a cozy lounge. Sofas and tables were arranged comfortably, with a big, classic chalkboard on the wall. Maverick took a seat on one of the sofas facing Sarah and Simon, who sat across from him with a table in between. Edward stood to the side, arms crossed, watching quietly.
"Alright, think of this as a little test," Simon said, his voice deep and confident. "We want to get a sense of what you know about potions and alchemy."
"Yeah, so tell us what you understand so far," Sarah added, giving him an encouraging nod.
Maverick took a breath and began explaining what he knew. He had upgraded his talents to an intermediate level in both potions and alchemy, so it wasn't just about memorized facts; it was as if he'd been practicing them for years. Like with swimming—before the upgrade, he hadn't known a thing, but afterward, it felt as natural as if he'd been doing it forever. He had the knowledge and the muscle memory.
At this level, his knowledge was about on par with a Hogwarts seventh-year student. He could've pushed the two talents even further, but he had held off on upgrading to an advanced level.
Part of him wanted to build that understanding on his own, to reach a point where the system would recognize his actual progress, not just let him cheat.
Because as much as he saw the system as a "cheat code," he didn't want it to undermine his confidence. Relying solely on it made him feel like he was nothing without it. He wanted to prove—to himself, more than anyone—that he could get stronger without always leaning on it.
But that didn't mean he'd ignore the system. Oh, not at all. He was going to milk every bit of advantage it gave him. If there was a shortcut, he'd take it—he wasn't too proud for that.
But he also wanted to feel like he had some say in his own story, you know?
On one hand, he felt like the system was his security blanket; without it, he'd just be fumbling around. But on the other hand, he was tired of feeling like the system was doing all the heavy lifting. He wanted a little pride, a little proof that he wasn't just a guy getting bailed out by some mighty cosmic cheat.
After listening to Maverick's explanation, Sarah and Simon exchanged glances, their eyes wide with surprise. They had been under the impression that Maverick only read the books but had no hands-on experience whatsoever.
Even Edward looked taken aback. None of them quite knew what to think, but one thing was clear: Maverick wasn't just a genius — he was something else entirely.
Maverick felt a wave of embarrassment— a bit of nerves too—as his tutors, both looking at him like he was some kind of alien. Their eyes were practically burning holes through him. If he didn't know Edward and trust that these two were his people, he might've thought they were about to probe him with
Legilamence.
"Your understanding is... uh... remarkable," Sarah finally said, hesitating as if searching for the right word.
Maverick felt a flicker of anxiety, wondering if he might have gone too far. But he quickly brushed the thought aside. He wanted them to see exactly how much he understood; it was essential for them to grasp his level. Only then could they tailor his learning plan to help him make real progress over the next few months.
Thankfully, his uncle broke the tension with a big laugh. "Ha! Didn't I tell you? The kid's something else!"
Sarah and Simon let out a sigh of surrender. "Alright, we'll start putting together your lessons and kick things off tomorrow," Sarah said, pausing before adding, "Honestly, with just a bit of hands-on experience, I think you could handle your NEWTs already. But since the boss wants us to work with you for four months, we'll make sure you're prepared for the top scores."
Maverick nodded politely, though he didn't plan on scoring the very highest—just enough to show he had some skill in both subjects. Showing off too much would only draw more eyes, and he wasn't interested in that.
"Good," Edward said approvingly. "I'll take him back, and we'll see you both tomorrow."
"Thank you, teachers," Maverick gave them a respectful bow.
"You're welcome, kid," they replied together, with warm smiles.
It had taken Maverick over two hours to go through everything, and now it was nearly noon. Edward led him outside, and Maverick noticed the hall was empty. Seeing his puzzled look, Edward explained, "The other kids are off with their teachers in the base rooms. The hall's really just for gatherings."
"i see…" Maverick said, nodding.
"Alright, let's head home. We'll grab some lunch, then you'll have a lesson with me this afternoon."
Maverick nodded, a spark of excitement in his eyes. This was the part he'd been looking forward to most.
Garling Residence
With a burst of green flames, Maverick and Edward stepped out of the fireplace and into Edward's home. They made their way to the living room, where the rich aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. Silvia had clearly been busy in the kitchen.
"Edward, Maverick, you're back!" Silvia's melodic voice floated in from the dining room.
They both walked in and found a table laid with an impressive, balanced spread. It was clear she'd gone all out, again.
Edward grinned, walked over to give his wife a quick hug, then gestured for Maverick to sit. "Thanks, honey. But don't wear yourself out; you know you can always call Nancy and her family if you need a hand," he said, pulling out a chair for her.
Silvia chuckled, brushing it off with a smile. "It's no big deal, really. I asked—well, actually, I had to order the little guys to take the week off as a break." She laughed softly before continuing, "Anyway, I'm off work this week, so this keeps me busy. It's better than just sitting around all day," she added, settling in next to him.
Maverick watched the couple with a shy smile, feeling a bit like he was intruding on a private moment.
"Alright, Maverick, dig in!" Silvia said, smiling at him. "I spoke to Ariel this morning, and she mentioned how much you love Carbonara." She gestured to the dish, and Maverick's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, Aunt Silvy," he said, grinning wide.
Lunch was full of laughter and easy conversation as Silvia asked about their day. When they were done, Edward suggested Maverick get some rest before training later that afternoon.
So that's exactly what he did. He headed to his room, rested by doing some light reading for an hour before taking a long, refreshing shower.
He then checked out the gear Edward had given him. At first glance, it looked like regular sportswear—long-sleeved black shirt, black pants, and sleek sneakers. But Maverick knew better; faint runes carved into the fabric hinted at the enchantments woven into each piece.
The moment he slipped them on, the outfit adjusted itself to fit him perfectly—no tugging, no adjusting, just pure magic. Comfortable and light, it felt like a second skin.
Grinning to himself, he made his way down to the basement and found Edward already waiting for him.
Garling Residence, Basement Training Ground
"I know that look. Seen it before. But before we dive into the art of dueling, I want to ask a few things."
In the center of the training ground, Edward and Maverick stood facing each other, a few feet apart. Maverick's excitement was obvious—this was his first time getting actual hands-on practice in magic, and with a master teacher no less. He nodded, signaling he was all ears.
"So, tell me," Edward began, "what do you think you're lacking the most right now?"
"Experience?" Maverick replied, a little unsure.
"Exactly. From last week's test, I noticed that while your grasp of spells is impressive, your execution's still clumsy. Amateurish, even."
Maverick took the critique with a nod, appreciating Edward's honesty. "Yes. I know I need to work on it."
"Good. So before we jump into combat training, let's start with the basics: movement."
"Movement?" Maverick asked, a little confused.
"Yes. When you're in a duel, you're not just standing around waving a wand. You're moving—dodging, positioning yourself, looking for openings. That's what we call movement. And for that, you need agility, strength."
"Your mana," he said, putting extra weight on the word, "it doesn't just help with spells. It affects your body directly, which is why wizards are a lot stronger than regular humans."
Edward paused, studying Maverick's expression and continued.
"Watch."
Without a step, Edward simply raised his right foot and brought it down. "BOOM!" His foot hit the ground, creating a small crater and making the floor tremble. Maverick was so startled that he nearly lost his balance.
Judging by Edward's casual stance, Maverick was sure he hadn't used his full power.
Edward smirked at Maverick's astonished look. "Don't be so surprised. I am a King. Hmm...Arch-Magus, for you. There are only seven of us at this level alive today. Our physical strength alone is beyond that famous Muggle war hero from World War II."
"You mean…" Maverick stammered, already knowing the answer. He thought back to both his past life and this one.
"Exactly. Now, that's the benefit of having powerful mana. Marquis-level wizards are also incredibly strong, though not quite to the same degree. Even beginner mages like you have an edge over regular people..." He hesitated, then added, "We are superior… or at least have the potential to be far superior."
He took a step back, arms crossed, his eyes intense. "That's why you need to learn how to use that strength, and these movement exercises I'm about to show you will teach you exactly that."
Maverick nodded, focused, absorbing every word.
"I've got your training schedule done. A different focus each day, and we'll just keep cycling through.
"One day for spellcasting. Mostly working on technique to cast more efficiently. We'll get into chantless and wandless casting too, and I'll throw in the spells I created myself.
"Then physical work. Basically, every other day will be heavy on the physical side, and I mean intense. This way, for the first two months, we focus hard on building your movements and strength. On the in-between days, we'll take it lighter, focusing on other skills and letting you recover a bit."
Edward watched Maverick's face, then nodded approvingly when he saw nothing but determination.
"Each night, you'll take our family's rejuvenation potion. Helps with the fatigue, muscle repair, all that. Now, it's not some miracle brew, but it'll keep you going those first few months. Eventually, your body will adapt, and the effects won't be as strong, but we'll make the most of it while it lasts."
"We'll also dedicate a day to mana control…" Edward gave him a look that practically screamed 'freak of nature.' "You've got a ridiculously high level of mastery when it comes to mana perception and control. Honestly, you're still just a beginner Magus, and it blows my mind every time I think about it."
Maverick chuckled nervously, scratching his head.
Edward let out a sigh and continued, "Alright anyway, I'll be teaching you how to use mana since you have it under control, both directly and strategically.
So to round it up, we'll do about four hours a day practical training, and then an hour at night in my study for history, politics, etiquette—all the boring stuff."
Maverick nodded, taking a moment soaking it all in.
"If it feels like too much, you can say it," Edward said, seeing Maverick's silence.
"No, teacher. I just wanted to know... how long do you think our training period will be?" Maverick asked after considering his thoughts.
Edward rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "Hmm… with your talent, I'd say about six months, maybe even less. After that, you should be able to keep going without my direct supervision."
Maverick nodded, taking a moment to think. His plan was to travel the world after his NEWTs, but he wouldn't mind postponing it if his teacher wanted him to continue training—even if it took another year.
He wasn't selfish; he truly appreciated Edward's commitment to helping him. Anyways, Knowing he could finally wrap this up by the end of the year made him feel a whole lot better.
His eyes then sharpened and with a solemn tone, he said, "Thank you, teacher. You have my word. If you, Aunt Silvy, or Bella ever need anything from me, I'll be there! No questions asked!"
Edward blinked, taken aback by Maverick's sudden seriousness. Then, without warning, he burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Who do you think I am, kid? I'm Edward Garling! You're a hundred years too early to be taking care of me."
But despite the joke, Edward truly appreciated Maverick's sincerity.
After all, it wasn't just his friendship with Maverick's father that led the Arch-Magus to take him on as an apprentice. It wasn't just charity that drove him to teach orphans magic, either. Sure, he had a kind heart, but he was also no fool. He knew when to lend a hand and when to expect a little something back in return.
Maverick didn't bother to challenge his teacher's pride. He didn't bother to retort. Instead, he just flashed a big grin. It was a silent understanding between them—both knew exactly what they meant.
"Right enough with the talking " Edward spoke fisting his hands. "Lets get started!"
And that day, for the first time in both of his lives, Maverick truly found out what it meant to be pushed to his limits. The Arch-Magus showed no pity, grinding the entire training protocol he had crafted onto Maverick with absolutely no mercy.