"Create a new world!"
The concept hung in the air of the tea room, breathtaking in its audacity. This wasn't merely theoretical exploration for Lockhart—it represented the path he had been quietly pursuing for some time. His Dream World was the preliminary manifestation of this ambition, a nascent realm constructed through principles he had adapted from the wizarding world of his origin.
In creating the Dream World, Lockhart had essentially borrowed a fragment of Harry Potter's universe—examining its metaphysical architecture, dissecting its mechanics, and implementing a rudimentary version. His ultimate goal was far more ambitious: to create a self-sustaining magical ecosystem where practitioners could access arcane energies without divine intermediaries.
The fundamental difference between the Marvel universe and the wizarding world of Harry Potter lay in how magic was accessed and channeled. Wizards from Lockhart's original reality possessed an inherent ability—often through bloodline—to convert the ambient spiritual energy permeating their world into personal magical power.
In stark contrast, the sorcerers of Marvel's reality functioned primarily as conduits for divine power. They borrowed energy from extradimensional entities, transforming it into spells through elaborate rituals and symbols. This arrangement came with significant advantages—the quality and potency of god-derived magic was exceptional, particularly in manipulating space and time, as demonstrated by Kamar-Taj's abilities.
However, this power came with profound limitations. Where Harry Potter's wizards enjoyed relative autonomy in their magic, Marvel's sorcerers were ultimately dependent on—even subservient to—the dimensional gods who provided their power.
If the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj wished to break free from these divine restrictions, they would need to develop the capacity to generate and refine magical energy independently. Since Earth in the Marvel universe lacked the inherent properties to support such independent magic, the environment itself would need transformation.
Put simply: if people couldn't adapt to their environment, perhaps the environment could be adapted to the people.
This was Lockhart's reasoning, and his Dream World provided proof of concept—a foundation upon which to build something far greater.
Yet as Lockhart articulated these thoughts to the Ancient One, he was disconcerted to realize that she showed no signs of being impressed. In fact, her expression suggested something closer to disappointment.
Have I miscalculated? Doubt crept into Lockhart's thoughts as he reviewed his reasoning. Is there a fundamental flaw in my approach?
"Lockhart," the Ancient One inquired softly, "what other insights have you gathered?"
Lockhart shook his head. "Nothing further of significance," he replied.
This wasn't entirely truthful—many of his recent magical developments stemmed directly from his Dream World research. However, if the Ancient One showed no interest in his world-creation theories, there seemed little purpose in elaborating on derivatives of the same concept.
Meanwhile, Strange had fallen into stunned silence upon hearing Lockhart's casual mention of creating new worlds. He was only beginning to grasp the extraordinary possibilities of magic, but never had he imagined such reality-shaping potential. His heart raced with excitement and ambition—how he wished he could stand in Lockhart's position, exploring such advanced arcane concepts! With his natural talents, surely he could master such disciplines.
The Ancient One, noticing Strange's rapt attention, turned toward him with measured calm.
"Stephen Strange," she began, her voice level and serene. "You have only recently joined Kamar-Taj. While your talents are considerable, your magical journey remains in its earliest stages."
Her gaze was penetrating but not unkind. "Maintain your humility and progress methodically. The path of magical mastery tolerates neither shortcuts nor impatience."
Strange nodded quickly, signaling his understanding and agreement.
Beside him, Lockhart found himself nodding reflexively as well—and then froze as he caught the Ancient One's knowing gaze. With sudden clarity, he realized that her words, though ostensibly directed at Strange, were equally intended for him.
A cold sensation spread from Lockhart's scalp throughout his body as comprehension dawned. He had fallen precisely into the trap the Ancient One was warning against—he had lost the very humility she was emphasizing. His extraordinary abilities from the Harry Potter universe had gradually fostered a dangerous arrogance in his approach to magical exploration.
Unconsciously, Lockhart straightened his posture, listening with renewed attention to the Ancient One's guidance.
The Ancient One acknowledged this subtle shift with a barely perceptible nod. When she had first observed Lockhart upon his arrival, she had sensed something amiss in his demeanor—a certain presumption that had been absent previously.
"Create a new world," she mused silently. Such casual declarations reveal how closely you now walk the path of the dimensional gods themselves. Why labor to construct a new dimension when one might simply vanquish a dimensional entity and claim their realm? The idea is identical, merely the methodology differs.
"Strange," she asked, smoothly redirecting the conversation, "have you encountered specific challenges in your recent magical practice?"
Strange seized the opportunity eagerly. "Not particularly, Ancient One. I find most concepts readily comprehensible—it's primarily a matter of practice and repetition now."
His eyes brightened with barely contained enthusiasm. "However, I was intrigued by Master Lockhart's description of chaos magic. Might I be permitted to study its techniques?"
The question hung in the air, revealing the seed that Lockhart's words had inadvertently planted. The promise of reality distortion, fundamental rule manipulation, world creation—these concepts appealed powerfully to Strange's ambitious nature.
Genius magic, Strange thought to himself. And am I not precisely the kind of genius such magic requires? He felt certain that with proper instruction, he could master even these dangerous arts.
Lockhart barely suppressed a wince at Strange's request. Regardless of his prodigious talent, he's requesting chaos magic as a mere apprentice? This borders on suicidal overconfidence.
Of course, Lockhart recognized that Strange's request stemmed from ignorance rather than recklessness—he simply didn't understand the true nature of what he was asking for.
The Ancient One appeared equally taken aback by Strange's audacity. She had shared the chaos magic grimoire with Lockhart specifically because of his unique capabilities and extraordinary bloodline.
Chaos magic was the signature power of Chthon, eternal adversary of Watoomb. While even Chthon couldn't fully control chaos magic in its purest form, for a mere apprentice to pursue such studies—regardless of how favored they might be by Watoomb—would be courting disaster.
However...
The Ancient One's expression shifted subtly as she considered Lockhart's unusual containment abilities. If properly guided, perhaps such power could be safely channeled.
"Strange," she said finally, "chaos magic is inherently dangerous—potentially catastrophic in untrained hands."
Her gaze moved deliberately between the two men. "Currently, among all of Kamar-Taj, only Master Lockhart possesses the necessary attributes to safely study chaos magic."
With the slightest gesture toward Lockhart, she concluded, "If you truly wish to learn, you must seek Master Lockhart's guidance in this matter."
Lockhart felt a sensation of resignation as Strange's attention pivoted toward him, the younger man's eyes alight with undisguised eagerness.
"Master Lockhart," Strange asked, his usual clinical detachment replaced by genuine reverence, "would you consider teaching me chaos magic?"
The sudden humility in Strange's demeanor was striking—here was a man who clearly understood when to set aside pride in pursuit of knowledge.
Lockhart gathered his thoughts carefully. "Strange, I understand your curiosity regarding chaos magic. I experienced similar fascination when I first learned of its existence."
His tone was measured, neither condescending nor dismissive. "However, regardless of the magical discipline one pursues, a solid foundation remains essential."
"You've only recently begun your magical studies. You haven't yet completed the transition to full sorcerer status, and there are significant gaps in your arcane knowledge base that must be addressed first."
"These fundamentals cannot be rushed or bypassed—they must be methodically established and reinforced."
Lockhart's expression softened slightly. "There's an ancient Eastern proverb that wisdom often returns to: 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...'"
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Marvel x Star Wars: Avengers in the Clone Wars
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