Harry and Ron's test didn't go as smoothly as expected. To be honest, these two really had all kinds of issues!
Harry's problem was subject bias. He was seriously tilted in his strengths. His flying class was excellent—borderline prodigious—but when it came to Potions… let's just say things got messy. The real issue? Noah and his group weren't testing anyone on flying skills.
Ron, on the other hand… well, he wasn't outstanding in any subject. But to be fair, he wasn't terrible either. So mediocre, in fact, that it reminded Noah of his own college days—just scrape through without failing, and life was good.
It was genuinely hard for these two to pass the test. And yet, Noah found it even harder to reject them, especially when they looked at him with those desperate, puppy-dog eyes.
It gave Noah a headache. He didn't want to say no, especially because there was another major factor: Professor Dumbledore.
To be honest, Noah hadn't thought too deeply about it at first, but after sitting down and reflecting, something seemed off.
For instance, why did Professor Snape bring up unrelated topics in front of Noah and his friends?
Normally, he'd just detain the Quidditch players involved or kick Harry and his group out while letting Noah in alone. But no—Snape took everyone, lectured the Slytherin students in front of them, and even praised Noah for having a great teacher before letting them go with an oddly respectful tone.
If that wasn't deliberate, Noah would eat his wand.
"He's the Headmaster. There's no way he doesn't know about something this big going on in the school."
Noah thought about it long and hard, but still couldn't find a clear answer, which only gave him more of a headache.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were growing anxious. They could tell Noah was probably leaning toward rejecting them, even if he couldn't say it outright.
Just as the tension was reaching its peak, Kenn spoke up:
"Noah, why not let them stay?"
"Huh?" Noah looked at him, puzzled. The rest of the group also turned toward Kenn with curiosity.
"Don't get me wrong," Kenn clarified. "I don't think either of them will be great additions, honestly. But do you remember those theories you told us last semester—about how magic works?"
"What are you getting at?"
"Look, Harry's magical potential is already high, so he's not the best test case. But Ron? He's average in every way. If you threw him on a busy street, his red hair would be the only thing that stands out. But that mediocrity is exactly why he's the perfect candidate. If your training methods can help someone like him, they can help anyone."
Kenn's words made Ron blush with embarrassment—but it also made everyone else's eyes light up.
He was right. Ron was an average student with below-average results—a total underdog. If even he could advance drastically in the League of Mages, then it would serve as the perfect proof that Noah's teachings didn't rely on special bloodlines or innate talent.
Justin might have been a decent example, but he already had a solid foundation in magic—his growth wouldn't be convincing enough.
But Ron? A so-called "loser" with a bad attitude and weak results? If he could level up into something incredible, no one would question Noah's methods again.
"Alright then. It's settled."
Noah nodded. Kenn's idea was spot on, and the others agreed.
They had no issue with Harry Potter bringing his best friend along. And worst case? If they really performed terribly, they could always be kicked out later.
"Noah, what do you mean?" Harry asked, still unsure. Ron stood beside him, hopeful but confused.
"It means congratulations," Noah said with a faint smile. "But let me make this absolutely clear. Our organization and its activities have been approved by Professor Dumbledore. However, if either of you fails to meet our standards, we will remove you. And to protect our secrets, I'll have to cast the Obliviate charm on you."
"We understand," Harry said quickly. "Thank you, Noah—and thank all of you!"
Both boys were thrilled. Sure, they were being let in partly as test subjects, but they were still in. That alone was worth celebrating.
As for the "method" they'd be learning?
Well, looking at Noah and the others, it was obvious this wasn't some scam. They just wanted to test how their techniques worked on normal people.
Ron did feel a bit underestimated, but after seeing Noah in action, he knew anger wouldn't help. If he wanted their respect, he'd have to earn it—not with complaints, but with progress.
Noah, unaware of their thoughts, led them to the eighth floor.
Along the way, they passed many students—some excited at the sight of Noah's group, others whispering and speculating quietly.
Can't blame them. Noah had made quite the stir.
A second-year who used magic completely outside the Hogwarts system to easily defeat a sixth-year? That kind of thing became instant legend.
Still, none of the students dared to approach them directly. After all, word had spread that Professor Snape had taken Noah and his team aside earlier. Who knew what punishment had been handed down?
So despite the buzz, Noah's group made it to their destination without trouble—except for a brief hiccup entering the Room of Requirement.
Once Harry and Ron stepped inside with them, both stood frozen.
They were staring at an enormous library—spacious, refined, and elegant. In the center sat a massive dueling arena!
Everything looked simple on the surface, but it radiated mystery and prestige.
"What is this place?" Harry whispered in awe.
"This," Noah said with a smile, "is the Room of Requirement. It transforms into whatever we need it to be."
"So this is where you guys meet?" Ron looked horrified. A library? For training?
"Yep," Noah chuckled. "The design is my own. I like to keep it simple. We learn everything here—study, research, and combat practice."
"This place is amazing."
"Indeed," Noah said, looking at the others. "This is where we'll push our limits. I just hope I don't have to use Obliviate on you."
"This isn't anything illegal, right? We're in. We swear!" Ron blurted.
"Then welcome to the team, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley," Noah said warmly.
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