The Kamataji lineage represented the pinnacle of wizardry.
And the supreme wizards tasked with guarding Earth held an almost unimaginable status in the magical world.
They were true legends.
Even the likes of Hogwarts, and legendary British wizards such as Albus Dumbledore, treated the Kamataji with deep respect.
Yet, even so, this was Nolan Locke.
Just the thought of his name made Minerva McGonagall's head spin.
At least they had received prior warning.
Minerva could only manage a single remark.
Dumbledore simply smiled.
"Prepare to welcome Earth's greatest superhero. I suspect many of our students are already bursting with excitement."
By the time Nolan and his companions arrived, Hogwarts was already abuzz.
Everyone knew the news: Nolan Locke was coming.
The entire school had erupted in celebration.
To honor the occasion, Dumbledore had arranged a grand feast, rivaling the excitement of the annual start-of-term ceremony.
Finally, the train carrying Nolan pulled into the station.
As he stepped off, Harry Potter and his friends eagerly approached.
They were ready to cheer for every arriving guest.
Walking behind them, Nolan took in the unique scenery.
Though still on Earth, Hogwarts' surroundings were a world apart, almost like stepping into a different dimension.
The strange and wondrous creatures roaming the grounds gave him a glimpse of a truly magical realm.
He could even feel it.
The air here was far cleaner than the polluted world beyond the castle.
"This is a remarkable place," Nolan murmured.
"Of course! This is Hogwarts!" Harry replied proudly.
Though silent, the other two shared the same expressions of awe.
After a short walk, the ancient castle of Hogwarts appeared before Nolan.
"Red Queen, prepare for combat readiness," Nolan instructed.
Though he felt the visit would likely be uneventful, he preferred to be cautious.
"Understood, sir. Half-combat mode activated. Radar online," the Red Queen responded.
Their conversation was private; Harry and the others heard nothing.
"Sir, detecting a large number of life forms inside," the Red Queen reported.
Danger?
Nolan frowned but remained ready. Even if Dumbledore intended some test, he was not afraid.
As the doors opened, the sounds of the feast spilled out.
All eyes turned to Nolan in astonishment.
Many envied Harry and his friends, walking alongside the legendary Nolan Locke.
Dumbledore soon approached, his eyes twinkling with warmth.
"Mr. Locke, this is our first meeting. We have prepared this feast in hopes of making your visit enjoyable."
Nolan smiled politely, not wanting to dampen the festive mood.
Once he was certain there was no threat, he removed his helmet, revealing his own smile.
"If I am correct, you are indeed Albus Dumbledore. Even as someone outside the magical world, I have heard of your name."
Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly.
"Truly unexpected," he said, though he assumed it was merely polite flattery.
Of course, he had no idea Nolan had studied the Harry Potter films countless times.
Nolan continued, "I apologize, but I cannot remove my armor entirely. Truthfully, I know nothing about this magical world, and this suit provides my only sense of security."
Dumbledore laughed softly.
"Of course, that is your choice. Every wizard here would understand."
"I have come seeking guidance regarding the Death Eaters," Nolan added.
At the mention of "Death Eaters," Dumbledore's expression grew solemn, though he remained composed.
"If this matter is not urgent, I suggest we attend the feast first. It is, after all, a Hogwarts tradition."
Nolan did not mind. The Death Eater issue, while troublesome, posed no immediate threat.
The feast lasted three hours.
Once it concluded, students gradually returned to their dormitories, and Nolan followed Dumbledore to the headmaster's office.
Inside, Dumbledore settled into his old chair and lit his pipe.
"Regarding your inquiry, Sorcerer Supreme had already informed me by letter," Dumbledore began, his expression slightly grave.
"Our knowledge of the Death Eaters is limited. They are a faction formed by pureblood families devoted to Tom Riddle, also known as Voldemort. Their aim is simple: to preserve the supremacy of purebloods.
Meanwhile, Tom has never ceased exploring the outside world."
Dumbledore's gaze grew thoughtful.
The British magical world may be small, but it was sufficient for him. For Tom, however, it was a limitation. He sought contact with other magical realms and knowledge of the outside world, aiming to one day dominate it.
"Regarding what you wish to know, I am somewhat informed. You may have heard of Merlin."
"Of course," Nolan replied. Even outside the magical world, Merlin's name was universally renowned.
Dumbledore continued, "Merlin had three great disciples: Balthazar, Maxim, and Veronica.
Eventually, conflict arose among them. Maxim aligned with the World-Destroying Witch Morgan.
In the end, Veronica sacrificed herself to seal both Morgan and Maxim.
Recently, rumors have emerged that Maxim may have broken the seal."
Nolan frowned.
Dumbledore's explanation felt familiar, though he could not recall the details immediately.
He understood the current situation: the Death Eaters' goal was likely to rescue Voldemort, and Maxim was perhaps the most powerful sorcerer in this world.
Their alliance was inevitable.
Perhaps… Voldemort has already returned.
Nolan turned to Dumbledore.
"Can you confirm Voldemort's current status?"
"Well…"
Dumbledore hesitated before answering, "Voldemort's body has been destroyed, and three Horcruxes have been eliminated.
Under normal circumstances, he should be incapable of action for now. The Death Eaters outside likely act independently."
Nolan remained skeptical.
"Are you certain? What if he uses the remaining Horcruxes to regain a body?"
Dumbledore said nothing, unable to confirm.
In terms of magical mastery, Tom rivaled even him, and dark magic was unpredictable. No one knew what preparations he had made before losing his body.
"I see. I cannot confirm," Dumbledore admitted.
Nolan fell silent, realizing the chance of Voldemort's resurrection was higher than expected.
In the original canon, resurrection seemed impossible. Here, that limitation did not apply. Voldemort had lost only his body; his soul remained intact.
"I understand," Nolan said, taking a deep breath. "One last question: where are Merlin's disciples now?"
The answer made him sigh.
The United States.
He could hardly believe that events meant to unfold in London had ended up there.
Given the Death Eater activity, Nolan suspected Voldemort had contacted Maxim. Soon, they would unleash the World-Destroying Witch Morgan, and perhaps even awaken the Dragon Emperor.
Even if Morgan or the Dragon Emperor posed limited threat, he had no choice.
Damn Sorcerer Supreme!
Nolan cursed quietly. Everything was in her mind, yet she did nothing.
"I have no further questions. Now that I know Voldemort's intentions, I must face him and Morgan," Nolan concluded.
Dumbledore observed him thoughtfully.
"Mr. Locke, you possess magical ability. Though not strong, with dedication, you could excel in potion research."
Nolan shrugged, unconcerned.
"So my magical talent is mediocre. Sorcerer Supreme said the same before. I didn't believe it then, but now I accept it."
Unexpectedly, Dumbledore added, "I believe I know why Sorcerer Supreme sent you here. Though you may lack skill in most magic, there is one type you have the talent to master."
"What is it?" Nolan asked, intrigued.
Though he had abandoned hope of learning magic broadly, he remained curious. Magic's practicality and power surpassed current technology.
For instance, he already wielded the Any-Door. No technology in decades could replicate it.
"It's a protective spell called the Patronus Guard," Dumbledore explained.
Nolan's eyes widened.
The Patronus Guard was a high-level defensive magic, exceedingly difficult to learn. Its primary purpose was to counter Dementors.
Beyond that, Nolan could see little use for it.
Yet he kept his thoughts to himself and asked, "The Patronus Guard? It sounds like a template for protection."
Dumbledore smiled.
"Correct. It is an advanced defensive magic. Mastery grants immunity to most soul-targeted attacks."
Soul attacks!
Nolan's eyes gleamed.
This had always been his greatest concern. Technology could not reach the soul. Even his powerful armor would be useless if a single strike shattered it.
Seeing Nolan's interest, Dumbledore continued, "Protecting the soul is its primary function, but it is also a perfect defense against nearly all magical attacks."
That single sentence was enough to captivate Nolan.
He doubted Dumbledore might be exaggerating.
To cast the Patronus Guard, the user must possess a pure heart, free of distraction. Honestly, he was hardly the most focused person alive.
"Are you certain I can learn this?" Nolan asked.
"Certainly. Your soul may not be pure, but that is not the essence of the spell. Its core is courage in the face of danger and the will to persevere in despair. With that, you can achieve the Patronus Guard."
Dumbledore's explanation left Nolan no room for hesitation.
Soon, Dumbledore began teaching the fundamentals.
Though Nolan lacked a wand, the Black Ring he wielded could channel magic.
Initially, Nolan thought Dumbledore was speaking metaphorically.
Yet, within half an hour, he had summoned his own guardian spirit.
It was a ferocious beast, seemingly capable of devouring everything.
Even Dumbledore looked astonished at the sight.
Mission accomplished.
Without magic, confronting sorcery would have been extremely dangerous.
Now, with such a fearsome guardian, even Voldemort would struggle to harm Nolan's soul.
As for everything else, Dumbledore felt Nolan had no reason for concern.
This man was Earth's greatest superhero.
"My task is complete. Mr. Locke, you may proceed with your mission," Dumbledore said.
A smile tugged at Nolan's lips.
His visit to Hogwarts had yielded more than he expected.
Most importantly, Sorcerer Supreme likely intended this as a gesture of reconciliation.
After all, Nolan now had the means to defend against magic.