Bab 43: 43. Disappointing
'.....'= Thoughts
"....."= Conversations
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The Ancient One nodded, her gaze steady as she observed Harry's growing frustration. "It's not that you can't learn magic at all," she clarified. "But it will take you a significant amount of time. For example, if a normal human wanted to learn something regarding magic that would take them two years, it would take you about twelve years."
Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. "Twelve years? Just to learn what someone else could in two?"
The Ancient One's expression was sympathetic but firm. "Yes. The energy inside your body is both a gift and a curse. It enhances your physical abilities and makes you formidable in many ways, but it also creates a barrier to accessing and manipulating mystical energies. Your progress will be slow and arduous."
Harry sighed deeply, feeling a mix of disappointment and determination. "How about creating a portal like you did? How long would that take me?"
The Ancient One considered his question carefully. "Seven to eight years at least," she responded, "and only if you spend those years completely dedicated to practicing magic without wasting time on any other pursuits."
Harry felt a wave of frustration wash over him. 'I guess I can't have the best of both worlds, huh?' he thought bitterly. The idea of spending so much time on something that came so naturally to others was daunting, but he knew he had no other choice if he wanted to master these new abilities.
Sensing his inner turmoil, the Ancient One called out, "Kaecilius!" A tall, imposing man with a stern expression approached them. "This is Kaecilius, one of my disciples. He will show you where you will live and provide you with what you need to get settled."
Kaecilius nodded curtly, then gestured for Harry to follow. "Come with me," he said. As they walked through the tranquil courtyard, Kaecilius handed Harry a mobile phone and said, "This will help you stay connected. Here is the Wi-Fi password as well."
Harry took the phone, nodding in appreciation. "Thanks," he said, trying to make sense of his new situation. They arrived at a modest but comfortable room, and Kaecilius handed Harry a set of robes similar to those worn by the other sorcerers.
"Once you are settled," Kaecilius said, "the Ancient One wishes to see you again. I will guide you back to her."
Harry nodded, placing his belongings on the small bed and taking a moment to breathe. The weight of his decision and the long road ahead pressed on his mind, but he knew he couldn't afford to waste this opportunity.
After a few minutes, Harry stood up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He followed Kaecilius back through the maze-like corridors of Kamar-Taj, each step bringing him closer to a future he could scarcely imagine. Finally, they reached the Ancient One's chamber once more.
The Ancient One greeted him with a serene smile. "Have you settled in?" she asked.
Harry nodded. "Yes, I have. What's next?"
The Ancient One gestured to a cushion on the floor opposite her. "Please, sit down," she instructed.
Harry lowered himself onto the cushion, curiosity mingling with his lingering frustration. The Ancient One's room was minimalist, adorned with intricate tapestries and shelves filled with ancient tomes and artifacts. A calming scent of sandalwood filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil within him.
The Ancient One extended her hand, and with a simple, fluid motion, the space around them began to shimmer and warp. The room's walls rippled like water, and the atmosphere grew dense with a palpable energy. Harry's eyes widened as he observed the transformation.
"This," the Ancient One said, her voice carrying an echo that seemed to reverberate through the very fabric of reality, "is the Mirror Dimension."
Harry looked around in awe. The room they had been sitting in was now a vast, distorted reflection of itself. The shelves and tapestries seemed to stretch and bend, and the architecture twisted into impossible shapes. It was a surreal and disorienting sight.
It's not that he hadn't seen this in movies. But it was one thing to see and experience it himself.
"The Mirror Dimension," the Ancient One continued, "is a parallel dimension that mirrors our own. It exists adjacent to our reality but operates under its own unique set of rules. Here, we can manipulate the environment without affecting the real world."
Harry stood up slowly, testing the ground beneath his feet. It felt solid, yet there was an ethereal quality to everything around him. He reached out to touch a distorted pillar, only to see his hand pass through it as if it were made of mist.
"The Mirror Dimension is both a training ground and a sanctuary," the Ancient One explained. "It allows sorcerers to hone their skills, test new spells, and push the boundaries of their abilities without risking harm to the real world. It is also a place where we can retreat in times of danger or when we need to escape prying eyes."
Harry nodded, absorbing the information. He could see the practical uses of such a place, especially for someone like him, whose learning process would be slow and painstaking. The idea of having a realm where he could practice freely was a small comfort amid the daunting challenges ahead.
The Ancient One's gaze was steady as she continued. "However, it is important to remember that the Mirror Dimension is not without its dangers. The laws of physics are different here. What is up can become down; what is solid can become liquid. One must always be mindful and respectful of these differences. Losing your bearings here can be perilous."
Harry felt a chill run down his spine. The room's warped geometry suddenly seemed more menacing.
He hesitated for a moment before voicing the thought that had been gnawing at him since his arrival. "The Mirror Dimension," Harry began, choosing his words carefully, "is that how you were stalking me earlier?"
The Ancient One's expression remained serene, but there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "Observing, yes," she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I would prefer if you used the word 'observing' instead of 'stalking.' It conveys a more accurate representation of my intentions."
Harry nodded, accepting the correction. Despite his unease, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the possibilities this dimension offered. The Ancient One's powers were clearly vast and mysterious, and he was only beginning to scratch the surface of what he might learn here.
"This will be where you train from now on," the Ancient One continued, her voice calm and authoritative. "The Mirror Dimension provides a unique environment for you to practice without the constraints of our reality."
Harry's brow furrowed in confusion. "But I don't know how to open the Mirror Dimension," he admitted. "Do I have to look for you every single time I want to access it?"
The Ancient One's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that, Harry. Just follow me."
She closed the mirror dimension and stood up beckoning him to follow her.
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