·Chapter 24 : Invitation to Admission Hogwarts22 MarShareLin Mei blinked in confusion, his gaze lingering on the old man before him. He searched his memory for any recollection of this uninvited guest, but the face was entirely unfamiliar. More than that, something felt undeniably wrong—this was not his original world.
The environment around him, the energy in the air—it was vastly different from the Marvel Universe. The magical essence surrounding him was richer, purer, yet entirely foreign.
"I am Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts."
The old man introduced himself with a warm and gentle smile, a smile that seemed capable of dissolving all doubt and uncertainty.
Lin Mei's eyes widened in shock.
Dumbledore? Hogwarts?! This is the world of Harry Potter?!
A flurry of thoughts rushed through his mind. His best guess was that he had inadvertently triggered his magical mutant ability. That must have been what transported him here—to this legendary world of magic.
But he quickly calmed himself. There was no point in panicking. If Dumbledore was standing before him, then things might not be as dire as they seemed. After all, this was a man known for his wisdom and benevolence in the magical world. Still, Lin Mei couldn't suppress a hint of nervousness.
"Hello, Headmaster. My name is Lin Mei," he replied politely.
Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled as he observed the boy before him. He noted Lin Mei's features—a mixed heritage with predominantly Chinese characteristics, about ten years old, well-mannered, and poised. The calmness he exhibited in such an unfamiliar situation was commendable, something that did not go unnoticed by the headmaster.
"Lin Mei, welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said gently, his voice filled with kindness.
Though Lin Mei was reassured by Dumbledore's demeanor, a lingering question remained in his mind.
"Hogwarts? What is this place exactly?" he asked, feigning confusion.
Dumbledore's sharp mind immediately detected the pretense. This boy already knew about Hogwarts. But instead of pressing the matter, he patiently explained,
"Hogwarts is a school, Lin Mei—a school for young witches and wizards with magical abilities. It is hidden in a secluded valley in Scotland, far from the eyes of Muggles. Here, students explore the secrets of magic, study ancient spells, and immerse themselves in the wonders of the magical world."
His words carried a deep love and pride for the institution, as though he were inviting Lin Mei to embark on a grand adventure.
"And you, Lin Mei, possess extraordinary magic. Your presence here is not just a coincidence—it is a sign of things to come."
"A sign?" Lin Mei's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Are you saying… I can study at Hogwarts?"
Magic knowledge was something Lin Mei desperately needed. Back in the Fairy Tail world, Elehira Reilly had imparted some understanding of human magic to him. However, as a dragon and one of the dragon kings, her knowledge of human magic was limited. She had taught him the basics of human meditation, but beyond that, her teachings were sparse.
Dumbledore nodded, his gaze filled with encouragement. "Yes, Lin Mei. Your journey in magic will begin here. Hogwarts is a place of ancient knowledge and limitless possibilities. Here, you will find companions who share your gifts, and you will unlock your true potential."
Lin Mei was stunned.
This is too easy…
He had expected to negotiate, to prove himself, to offer something in exchange for admission into Hogwarts. He had even considered what price he might have to pay. Yet, without any effort on his part, Dumbledore had already extended the invitation.
Was this a stroke of luck? Or something more?
Suppressing his excitement, he forced himself to think rationally. Something about this situation felt off. The great headmaster of Hogwarts had invited him—a complete unknown—to study at the school without verifying his identity or background.
Why?
Lin Mei had grown up under the influence of Melissa, a shrewd capitalist. He understood one fundamental truth—nothing in this world comes for free.
Dumbledore, as wise as ever, seemed to sense Lin Mei's doubts. He smiled knowingly.
"Are you wondering why I would invite you to Hogwarts without even knowing your identity?"
Lin Mei nodded, meeting the old wizard's gaze.
Dumbledore's expression turned serious. "After you appeared at Hogwarts, I contacted the Minister of Magic to check your records."
Lin Mei tensed slightly, waiting for the revelation.
"With the magical energy you possess, any intentional or unintentional use of magic should have been detected by the Ministry. Your name should have been recorded, awaiting admission to a magical institution." Dumbledore's voice lowered slightly. "Yet, there was nothing."
Lin Mei's heartbeat quickened.
"No records. No traces of previous magic use. It was as if you had never existed in the magical world. And considering how smoothly your magic flows, that is simply… impossible."
Dumbledore's eyes bore into Lin Mei's, full of quiet curiosity.
"And then," he continued, "there was the rapidly closing crack in space where you appeared."
Silence hung between them.
Lin Mei swallowed.
He had underestimated Dumbledore. This wasn't just a benevolent headmaster extending kindness—this was a calculated move by one of the greatest minds in the wizarding world.
And Lin Mei had just become a part of his grand design.
Lin Mei exhaled slowly, meeting Dumbledore's gaze. "So, you've already figured out that I don't belong to this world."
His words were more of an admission than a question. There was no point in hiding it—Dumbledore had already seen through him. Lin Mei had considered fabricating a story, but lying to someone as perceptive as Dumbledore would only create more complications. It was better to face the truth head-on.
Dumbledore's expression remained kind, but his eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Yes, Lin Mei. You are unlike any young wizard I have ever encountered."
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