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?"
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