Chapter 2: First steps
Two weeks had passed since Adam managed to do the magic with the pencil.
In that time his practices continued even more intense, after having a small taste of the power within him and the satisfaction of doing magic, his will for power was further strengthened and his determination grew to keep up with his will.
''What did I do differently last time?'' was the question he asked himself, and the answer was clear.
Feelings
It was because he was angry that he managed to exert his will under the pencil.
With that in mind, he set out to put that philosophy into practice.
Always trying to exert his will and feelings on the target object.
Of course, that was easier said than done.
But Adam with focus and determination, spent practically every day trying to move something.
During meals he would stare at a cutlery under the table, in the bathroom he would focus on the brush under the sink.
At the end of the first day he got his first result, moving the cup that Grini brought tea.
On the second day he got better results, and one out of every three times he concentrated he managed to make something move, as long as it wasn't too heavy an object.
Thus, a few days after the first spell, he was able to move the pencil in simple motions without difficulty. For the next two weeks, not only was the pencil but other objects under his control, he was able to move them up and down fluidly.
With each passing day, Adam improved his magical control, which was essential, allowing him to force his will on something more easily.
And it had that feeling he'd felt before, when Grini had used Apparition. The feeling was back in those two weeks, whether it was when Grini used magic, or when George traveled with the floo, even when Adam himself used his tricks he felt it.
''It's almost like I'm more sensitive to magic'' He muttered, sitting in front of some objects that float under his control.
That was the answer he found, he didn't know how right he was, but it made sense to him.
Whenever some magical phenomenon happened near him, he could feel it, faintly, but it was still there.
What was different from when he used magic, when magic came from him, he felt this sensation much stronger, like a connection.
Adam stared at the objects floating around him and concentrated on the sensation he felt in his body, which connected him to the objects.
Slowly he closed his eyes, but the expected sound of objects falling didn't come, which didn't surprise Adam, after all this was an outcome he expected.
''Even with my eyes closed, I can still feel the magical bond, binding me to the object''
Not satisfied, Adam tried to move the objects, unfortunately he was wanting too much for a first attempt, he had failed.
''No problem, practice makes perfect''
Adam was not shaken by the failure, he knew he was on a long and difficult road, haste would be the enemy of perfection.
One step at a time.
Over the next six months, Adam progressed at an incredible rate. For him, magic was like an extension of his body, and while at times difficult to handle, it was still a part of him.
In that time, Adam did not stop practicing even for a day, which brought a strong wear on his body and mind. But that was good, thanks to that adversity, he learned something new about the magic/body/mind relationship.
The source of magic in his body was like a muscle, whenever pushed to exhaustion, after recovery, the magic power would increase. Not just in quantity but in quality.
Sleep and rest was the natural way to recover, so a good night's sleep proved to be really important.
Another important progress he made was in magic without eye contact.
Thanks to his sensitivity to magic, which allowed him to not only sense nearby magical distortions, but his body's internal process. Adam could have incredible control over his magic, he could do simultaneous magic.
But even with this natural gift, Adam felt he was losing speed of progress.
But he wasn't too surprised by this realization, it was expected to say the least.
After all, there's no mistaking that all he did during those months was levitate objects. Of course, what he valued most at that time was not controlling the objects themselves, but the learning he had about his body, his mind and his magic, something clean of third-party teachings.
''I think it's time to take a new step'' He murmured, decided to enter a new world of study, the theoretical part.
Gathered in the mansion room were Adam and George. Adam had announced that he had something to show, so the butler looked on with interest.
'' Does this have anything to do with why you spend most of your days in your room? ''
George asked, becoming even more interested when he saw Adam nod.
''That's right.''
Without further explanation, Adam just stood there. George was confused for a moment before his expression changed. ''How is that possible?'' he muttered in shock, looking at the scene in front of him.
In the room, all the small objects were floating, without colliding they floated around Adam, in harmony. And just as it had started without any word or gesture on Adam's part, the objects returned to their places.
''Merlin's beard,'' said George still in disbelief. ''That's... wandless magic''
George's reaction was not exaggerated, his words pointed to the heart of the matter. A child using controlled magic was incredible, such control for a child was absurd, but the point was not the controlled magic or how well the magic was done, was that all of this was done without using a wand.
Wandless magic was extremely unusual and difficult. The West was already used to the use of a focus object, in this case wands. Even experienced wizards found it difficult to do this.
But there, right before their eyes, was a four-year-old boy who could do things these wizards couldn't.
George took a deep breath and tried to calm down. '' How did you do it?''
''Training'' replied Adam, but seeing that George wanted more explanation he continued: ''Since my first magical accident, I've been trying to control my magic... well this is the result after just over six months''
George thought that after hearing the explanation he would be less surprised, but that wasn't the case, with every word Adam said, he was more surprised.
Training ? control magic? six months… That was… amazing
''A four year old, with that level of control and no wand,'' he spoke thoughtfully. Then a smile formed on his face. ''That's amazing Adam, your parents would be proud, I'm proud.''
''Thank you'' Adam said reaching over to hug the man who always looked out for him.
George wanted to know everything about what Adam could do, so the next hour passed with young and old talking.
George was more surprised and proud with each new explanation, in the end he had a certainty in his mind, Adam was a genius.
And he would do anything to help you.
''Uncle, I love magic,'' said Adam with a straight face.
He waited until everything was explained before expressing his request.
George faced the young man and nodded, showing that he was listening. But the boy's next words still surprised him.
''I want to be the greatest wizard in the world''
George saw the seriousness on Adam's face as he spoke words that seemed absurd, and he suppressed the urge to laugh at what seemed like a childish declaration from a dreamy child.
But for some reason, he felt that when he heard the words coming from Adam, who at the age of four already showed a unique talent, they didn't seem so absurd anymore.
''That's good,''' he said, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. ''Having big goals forces us to give our all''
Adam nodded and continued.'' Currently, my advancement has stabilized. I feel that I lack theoretical knowledge, so I came to ask for some books''
After speaking, Adam waited in silence. He knew that many wizarding families would not agree to let their child study magic before school age.
But George's words surprised him.
''Okay, tomorrow I'll personally bring you some books. '' The old man smiled and ruffled Adam's brown hair. '' In the future, don't be afraid to ask for something, remember young master, all of this is yours. I'm just managing temporarily, and serving as an adviser if necessary''
Adam knew this to be true, but he was just a kid, what was he supposed to do? Seeking permission was the way to go in this situation.
George sat in the armchair and spoke animatedly. ''Now tell me, do you already have a plan for your quest for power?''
Adam fixed his messy hair.'' Just an initial plan,'' he said, sitting on the sofa in front of him.
''oh'' George was surprised and seemed to think over the words Adam said.'' Interesting way to think about it, expanding your horizons is always a great way to correct flaws and misconceptions. ''
''Have you thought of a date?'' he asked with interest.
The question took Adam a little by surprise.
A date ?
Adam thought about it for a while, it was true that he was excited about the idea of traveling the world, but without a solid theoretical foundation, he couldn't enjoy the full benefits of travel.
'' one year ''
After putting his talent and ease of learning into the equation, that was all the time Adam felt he needed to master the simple theory. ''I don't know exactly how my progress will be with the help of the books, but a year should be enough time''
Of course Adam was talking about a solid foundation in the simplest theory about magic. Theory was something that extended to much higher levels, he just wanted the basics.
''A year then.. well, let me know in advance, that way I can prepare myself better and assign the duties to someone else in charge''
''Thank you'' Adam smiled happily
After talking some more, he ran back to his room. Now it was time to take the second step.
As promised by George, the next morning Adam received three books. The books were large and appeared to be a condensed edition of more than one volume.
The books were in French, but that didn't make it difficult for Adam at all.
Adam began to read, and for the next few days, he spent all of his free time, which was a lot, reading.
Thanks to his facility with magic, he didn't let go of control training, so it wasn't uncommon to see an object floating around him while he was reading.
After a month of intense reading, Adam felt he had a good understanding of the theory behind spells.
'Uhm… Theory is really an important thing for any practice. If I were to put in simple words the difference between my magic and the magic of spells, it would be direct and indirect manipulation on the object. A good example is the levitation spell (Wingardium Leviosa)'
Adam stared at the book in front of him and clearly spoke the words
''Wingardium Leviosa''
That was the only spell he had simply mastered and practiced in the last few days.
As expected, the spell worked and the book began to float. As long as Adam didn't lose concentration and maintained eye contact, the book would keep floating.
Then he used the form he was used to. Without words, without gestures, he deposited his will under the object, and the book floated. As long as Adam didn't lose concentration, the book would still be there, even if he broke eye contact, the spell wouldn't be undone.
The initial result looked the same, but it was obvious that the automatic spell form was more 'useful'.
''Although more useful, it's still limited… I need to find a middle ground between the two forms'' He muttered thoughtfully.
After thinking for a while he took out a notebook and started jotting down some observations. Whenever he had any doubts he would go back to the books and look for explanations.
Adam knew it would take a lot more theory and testing to come up with a sweet spot.
So he continued his studies, George brought him more books, and so Adam got lost in the words of the books and completely lost himself in every new idea.
Always seeking to absorb what was not implicit in the lines, trying to find his own understanding of the explanations and results he obtained, without taking anything as an absolute truth.
So, time passed and soon a year was gone…
Adam was in the backyard of the Davies mansion, in front of a big tree. Anyone taking a closer look would see that the tree was badly damaged, which was to be expected, after all the poor tree had been the victim of Adam's offensive training over the past year.
His hand moved and with a simple wave the stones on the ground began to float.
The moment he waved again, rocks pelted the tree in a shower of pebbles.
The tree was much more resistant than the small stones, so even though it received quite a bit of damage, it was nothing more than superficial damage compared to its large thickness.
But Adam wasn't looking to destroy the tree, this was just his last test, something he'd been working on for the last year.
Again he waved and another dozen pebbles floated in front of him. This time following his command, the stones didn't all go at once, but followed an organized pattern.
The first stone shot with speed, and hit the tree, the second, third and fourth followed shortly after, but during the course they lined up and hit exactly the same place.
''My control has reached a satisfactory level,'' he murmured happily.
''Clap, clap'' Sound of clapping made Adam turn around, there he saw George who had a smile on his face.
''I can't believe you've made so much progress in just one year,'' he said, his eyes scanning the tree, especially the deep hole that had been made by the organized attack of the pebbles.
To the old butler, Adam never ceased to amaze. It was one thing to make small objects float, it was another to be able to precisely control and give objective commands, but amazingly Adam could do them only a year after he started to truly study.
''You know, I'm a genius,'' replied Adam, puffing out his chest while making an arrogant expression.
George laughed at the funny sight and asked: ''So, Mr. Genie, ready for the trip?''
Adam had said a few days ago that he was ready for the trip, and George had said he would take care of everything and be ready in a week.
'' Yes, I am ready''
''Great, why don't we go for a walk, I think you deserve a rest, and pushing yourself too hard might not be beneficial.'' said George, and from what Adam knew of the wizard he couldn't say no.
''Okay, I think a day of rest will do me good''
The truth is that Adam knew he needed to take a day off, the physical and mental toll he was exposed to during that year was really tough. He was surprised that his recovery was always so fast, he did some research on the matter and saw that his recovery speed was abnormal. But he didn't have an explanation, anything other than that it must be a protagonist's advantage to something like that.
After training he always took a long bath and felt rejuvenated, then he took a nap and was ready to go.
He understood that a break was needed and was even excited for tomorrow, after all he still hadn't left the mansion once during this year and a half.
The next morning, Adam and George go out for a walk, it was the first contact with the muggle world that Adam had since regaining his memories.
'I must say it's really strange, I mean, seeing all these people who seem so naive and oblivious about the truth of the world, the dangers that lurk'
For Adam it was really curious and different to see the world from a wizard's perspective.
'They don't even imagine that two dark lords have already tried to dominate the world… and one is still free' he thought, remembering a certain someone.
They walked the streets calmly and enjoyed the day, but then it happened.
''Ahhh '' Adam screamed and fell to his knees, raising his hands to his head, his screams made passers-by look in his direction.
''Adam! '' Called George, worried '' What's going on ? ''
Adam hadn't heard anything George said, he was more focused on his own mind. Where a fight of willpower was taking place.
A few moments ago, a flood of unfamiliar voices sounded in his mind. Adam was in pain and nearly lost consciousness from the shock, his head felt like it was going to explode.
Closing his eyes he concentrated and tried to block out his mind.
''Get out of my head'' He screamed at the top of his lungs, his magic followed his will and like a protective barrier, prevented the voices from entering.
Probably from mental strain, as soon as the voices were cut off, Adam passed out.
''Adam!!'' yelled George.
Adam was unconscious for the rest of the day, only waking up at night.
''My head hurts'' He mumbled when he woke up, he felt like he was being hit in the back of the head, his whole head was throbbing.
When he was able to analyze the situation better, he realized that he was in his room in the mansion.
Sitting across from him was George with a worried face and a man he didn't know.
''What happened?'' he asked.
George breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Adam awake.'' You passed out, boy. Almost killing this old man from the heart ''
'I fainted ?'
He didn't remember any of that, all he remembered was the...
''Voices, I was hearing voices''
''Don't worry'' This time it was the unknown man who spoke. ''What happened to you was normal, quite normal for someone like you.''
''This is a healer I called to see your situation,'' George explained. Upon seeing Adam's watchful gaze on the man
''Healer? so i'm sick '' Asked Adam, unhappy with the idea, after all if it were that it would end up delaying the trip.
But the healer's words showed him that he was wrong.
''You're not sick'' The healer looked at Adam with a look of mild envy.
''Do you know what a natural Legilimens is?''
''???'' Adam's eyes widened at the idea and he nearly burst out laughing.
' that damn protagonist buff… it's cool as fuck*'
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