"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."
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