Another thing is that the spells that Phineas learned also appear in the magic book.
These spells are recorded in the book, and Phineas can increase his proficiency through practice. Once his proficiency reaches a certain threshold, he'll be able to cast silently—or even without a wand.
Of course, practice isn't the only way to improve; otherwise, this system wouldn't be so powerful.
Spells drawn from the Library Pass may be repeated. Repeated spells increase proficiency, and the amount gained is significantly higher than what Phineas could manage through practice alone.
The key point is this: once a spell reaches the proficiency level where Phineas can perform it silently and wandlessly, that spell will no longer appear in future draws.
This new interface caused Phineas to revise his original plan.
Originally, he intended to learn as much magic as possible before starting school, unsure what the system could do.
Now, however, he planned to focus on a few commonly used spells and practice them intensively. With the system's help, he believed he could achieve silent and wandless casting by the time he entered Hogwarts.
Having made up his mind, Phineas chose to go into seclusion. In truth, that just meant staying indoors more and avoiding unnecessary outings.
As mentioned before, no matter how talented or well-connected he was, it only mattered if he stayed alive.
During these chaotic times, going out without protection was asking for trouble.
Before retreating, Phineas made thorough preparations.
The house had been placed under the Fidelius Charm by Headmaster Dumbledore, with Phineas himself as the Secret Keeper. Unless he gave permission, not even an owl could find the place.
Still, he told Dumbledore the location, since he needed the Hogwarts admission letter.
He also instructed Kreacher to purchase an owl from Diagon Alley, for receiving the Daily Prophet—keeping him informed of events in the wizarding world.
Kreacher was also responsible for gathering daily supplies.
Just like that, nine years passed in a flash.
Now eleven, Phineas was finally ready to attend Hogwarts.
"Long time no see, Professor Dumbledore."
When Dumbledore appeared before him, Phineas sighed internally. He wondered whether he should install defensive wards that prevented Disapparition.
The old man had shown up unannounced more than once.
Dumbledore, seeing Phineas's displeased face, didn't mind at all. He knew the boy was simply annoyed by his sudden appearances. But with a small gift or benefit, Phineas usually cheered up.
"Well, long time no see, Phineas. Here is your acceptance letter."
With a flourish, Dumbledore pulled an envelope from inside his robe and handed it to Phineas.
Although he had long been certain he'd attend Hogwarts, seeing the letter in person still stirred something in him. In his past life, he had dreamed of receiving this exact letter: yellow parchment, wax seal, and all.
He'd imagined that at eleven, an owl would land on his window with a letter sealed with the emblem of Hogwarts—lion, eagle, badger, and snake encircling a capital "H."
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Phineas took the letter.
Sure enough, the seal bore the Hogwarts crest—majestic and familiar.
He opened it without delay.
---
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(President of the International Confederation of Wizards, First Class Order of Merlin, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot)
Dear Mr. Black,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
---
Uniform
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note: All clothing should carry name tags.
Textbooks
All students must have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk [Corrected name]
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling [Corrected name]
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore [Corrected name]
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger [Corrected name]
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other Equipment
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set of brass scales
Students may also bring:
1 cat or 1 owl or 1 toad
Note to parents:
First years are not allowed their own broomsticks.
---
The format and content of the letter matched exactly what he remembered from the original series. Perhaps because Dumbledore delivered it personally—or because Phineas had hidden Number 12 Grimmauld Place under the Fidelius Charm—Professor McGonagall hadn't been able to send it directly.
In any case, the envelope lacked the magically adapting address used in the books.
"Well, then, Phineas," said Dumbledore, smiling and winking, "I'll be waiting for you at Hogwarts."
Seeing Dumbledore about to Disapparate again, Phineas quickly interrupted.
"Wait a second, Dumbledore. Even if I'm well-off, shouldn't Hogwarts at least provide the train ticket?"
Dumbledore paused, momentarily surprised.
"Well, Hogwarts doesn't provide tickets to young wizards from wizarding families. You'll need to purchase it yourself at King's Cross Station."
Phineas blinked in surprise. He had clearly been misled by the version of the story he read in his previous life.
After all, if Hogwarts provided every ticket, there would be no point in selling them at all.
Besides, not every wizarding student takes the train—nor are they all eleven-year-olds.