As I turned toward the corner table where I had begun laying out the results of my experiments over the winter break. The early morning sunlight filtered softly through the enchanted windows of my room. I sat at my desk with the spread before me of the result of days of obsession, breakthroughs, and impossible alchemy made real with the aid of the my Philosopher's Stone.
My quill levitated and moved quickly across parchment as I catalogued each creation:
Rejuvenation Potion (Standard) – Restores youthful vitality, but nothing dramatic. Still potent enough to shave years off someone's fatigue and make them about 20 years younger. Still need to figure out the age limits on this, though. Time limit is sixteen hours.
Beautification Elixir (Standard)- This one won't make someone younger, but can enhance their beauty temporarily. The permanent one will be made, but only a limited supply a year to drive up prices, and only one per person, so I can make money from this. I have to make sure I study to see if the advanced version will affect one's genetics as well. It could even make someone like Umbridge have beautiful children if she had them. The thought of that sent a shiver down my spine. The time limit for this us around 16 hours as well.
Rejuvenation/Beautification Elixir (Advanced) – A revised, stabilized version of the flawed prototype I slipped to Umbridge during my little "experiment." Now, carefully controlled, regulated, and free from… violent side effects. I'd brewed three months' worth, all sealed in reinforced glass. The time limit is 13 hours.
Mana Amplification Potion (Refined) – Multiplying one's mana recovery rate and base capacity for short bursts of extreme power. A rare potion, even in theory, is now perfected. The advanced version will have a permanent effect.
Potential Unsealing Potion – Based on the one the system gave me, I haven't used it yet. This was designed to gently unlock latent magical abilities, particularly in underdeveloped magic users. I made a personal note in my notebook:
"Test on Squibs. Carefully. May be the first breakthrough for dormant mana veins." Then there were the healing potions I made that were inspired by RPG:
Green Vial – Lesser Healing Potion. It can heal deep cuts and wounds and help with exhaustion.
Purple Vial – Greater Healing potion. It can help with more serious wounds, from burns, petrification, and blood loss.
Both now sat softly on my table. I leaned back in my chair and stretched, satisfied. Everything I wanted to accomplish before school was done for now. It was warm with laughter and the aroma of strong coffee and chai, the smell of. Harry was seated beside me, still reading a book on charms, I believe, as my mother poured him more juice.
"You know no books at the breakfast table, Harry." My father said that, and Harry closed the book quickly and focused on his breakfast again. "Yes, sir, sorry about that." He smiled, then focused back on his food.
I sipped my chai and smiled. "I missed your cooking so much, ma'am?" he muttered. My mother smiled. "You act like they don't feed you at that school." Compared to yours or Dad's cooking, Hogwarts has a rigid food menu I said. I know we shouldn't complain since we get to eat while other children starve, but it wouldn't hurt to teach the house elves some other dishes from other countries. And get some new foods and products like tea from other countries and rice, or pasta, actual Italian pasta."
I said, sounding more energetic than I meant to. I recomposed myself while everyone at the table chuckled at me. "Well, since you have friends in the Ministry, ask Madame Bones. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore would mind." I looked at Harry and said. "I will think about it."
My father smiled behind his cup, my mother smiled gently, playing with my hair, and Harry grinned while eating. Moments like this were rare, and they felt right.
That was when Aster entered through the front door after three knocks. "Callum, it's time. You've been formally declared heir of the Tesfaye line. We must go to the vault."
My fork froze halfway to my mouth as I remembered the last thing that slipped my mind. Of course, the black fault with the flame sigil. I wonder what's behind it, and I will I finally be able to get some answers about the flames and everything attached. The headache when Aster said the family's progenitor's name, soul authority, and what Magi meant when she said she was helping an old friend. Well, I won't know until I'm there.
That afternoon, the three of us—me, my mother, and Aster—stood at the massive steps of Gringotts, descending into the ever-twisting stone labyrinth of vaults. Nobody said anything, not even the goblins.
Eventually, the cart stopped. And there it was again. The Tesfaye family vault. After opening the vault the goblin stayed at the entrance as the three of us walked past the mountains of family treasure.
A giant ebony vault door, carved with swirling flame patterns, and at the center a flame-shaped insignia, ringed by ancient runes I couldn't recognize.
Aster turned toward me.
"The next part is up to you, Callum. All heirs are invited differently. But you must know what to do." I blinked, uncertain and a little anxious. So even when you're made the heir, the vault has to invite you in, and apparently, each generation experiences it in different ways?
"Do I use… my flame?" "That's part of it," said my mother, softly. "Each heir awakens the Vault differently. Trust your instincts." "And what's behind the door?" I asked. Aster stepped forward and placed a warm hand on my shoulder.
"I can't tell you. And if I try, it'll hurt you. like last time. She smirked faintly. "Unless you'd like another blinding headache?" I chuckled nervously and nodded, heart thudding. None of this was in the Harry Potter lore. None of this was ever written. I know Magi changed this world so I could exist in it. I don't know what to expect anymore. It seems like things are bigger then Voldemort trying to kill Harry and take over the wizarding world.
I exhaled and summoned my Origin Flame and pressed my hand forward on the vault. With a vibrant hum the runes flared in deep amethyst. The door pulsed… like it was alive. Metal twisted, reformed, and melted—shifting to reveal a smooth surface with a single keyhole at its center.
I stared at for a second. No way it cant be that convenient?
My hand reached back into my Hidden Inventory as I gestured into my coat pocket to not make my mom or aunt suspicious. I pulled out the mysterious key I'd gotten as a reward a while ago. I didn't understand why the system gave me a key until now. But why does the system have a key to the vault?
My breathing slowed. "This is it." I placed the key into the slot. It fit perfectly. I turned it, and the door surface rippled like water. Its entire structure shifted, folding in on itself until it formed a portal of blackness, void of all color and light.
Aster stepped back. "You're ready." My mother looked at me, eyes soft, but filled with something else. Sadness? "It's your choice," she whispered. "No matter what's inside… remember, I love you."
That look…Something was behind this door that changed everything. I turned forward, confused… but determined and stepped into the void. The world around me vanished. There was no sound. No scent. No air. And yet I kept walking. I had no idea how long. Seconds? Minutes?
Then light. A soft blue hue flickers across ancient stone walls, revealing a long hall lit by sapphire and amethyst flames. The torches burned, each flame ethereal and beautiful, like the light of stars frozen in glass.
My footsteps echoed. At the end of the hall sat a figure on a throne carved of obsidian and silver veins. She was breathtaking to say the least. She had golden-amber eyes that shimmered like twin suns in the dim colorful light. Her hair was Raven-black that flowed as if underwater. While her skin was a rich, radiant bronze that glowed even in the dim lighting. I could feel pressure from where I was standing. It was like she radiated power so much that the air felt heavy it was like something primordial.
And she watched me and studied me. I could feel every fiber of my being was laid bare. Then she spoke. The pain was like it was before with Aster mentioned the progenitor's name. What the hell is going on here.
My knees buckled as I dropped to them in pain. Blazing, psychic pain. Then finally… it stopped.
And then I understood them. Her words formed clearly in my mind, translated by like a whisper of multiple voices.
"Why are you here… so soon?"
I stood up again after collecting my self slowly and stepped forward slowly. My eyes locked on the woman seated on the throne. Her gaze followed my every move, with a expression that gave the impression she was waiting patiently. I anxiously clenched my fists and asked, "What do you mean, 'why am I here so soon'? And… can you make it not hurt when you talk?"
Her expression shifted. A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she nodded. When she spoke again, her voice came soft, calm, and layered with faint echoes.
"Sorry about that, child. I haven't spoken in so long I forgot to adjust myself to those who haven't reached a certain level." She tilted her head slightly. "I see you're the new Tesfaye heir. I haven't seen one so young. How old are you?"
"Callum," I corrected. "My name is Callum. Not child and I am 11 yar old's. And yes, I'm the heir. But first, I have a question." I paused for a second. "Do you know the Goddess of Magic, Magi?"
The change in her demeanor was immediate. Her golden-amber eyes narrowed, and a sharp, silent pressure filled the air. She raised a single finger to her lips and gestured for silence. I stopped talking, instinctively obeying.
"Yes," she said after a pause. "I know the one you speak of. But let me be clear—this world is not the one you know."
"You mean the world of Harry Potter?" She nodded slowly. "Yes. This is a world is what the people of your old world call branch timeline. A world that can be influenced by... beings." She stopped herself before finishing the sentence, then added quietly, "Like that goddess."
I stared at her. "Then who are you? And how do you know about Harry Potter, and what do you mean my old world?"
She stared at me for a moment with a blank expression. "I read your mind the instant we met. Your mental wards and defenses are decent for your age, but any higher being, or mortal who has broken past the second limiter with decent telepath or high enough spell could break through them."
I opened my mouth to respond, but she held up a hand with one finger, signaling me to wait. "I am M," she continued. "Well, one of them, anyway."
I stared at her , extremely confused. " One of the M's?"
She nodded once more but I could tell she was choosing not to elaborate what she meant by that. "Callum. Or should I say... Jasen." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I am Melesse Tesfaye. The progenitor daughter of the Tesfaye. The one he had to kill or so the tale goes."
Shock surged through me and I got on guard. My wand was in my hand surging with a faint power before I even realized I had drawn it. But before I could react, the wand was no longer in my hand. It was in hers. "What the hell, how did she even do that?
"Oh? A wand what most modern day mages use in this era," she said, turning it over in her hands examining it. "And a decent one at that. I can feel a rebellious spirit in it of lighting and the sky in it with a decent wood ." Her eyes flashed gold.
The wand vanished from her hand and reappeared in mine. It felt… different like it was not in synch with me anymore. As if it had accepted her now as it's master. The she spoke with a tone that said she was annoyed "Obey your master... or be destroyed." In that instant the wand had synch back with me like nothing had happened.
What the hell. She took my wand without me even noticing and then return and made it submit without even trying and then made it submit back to me like it was nothing. She then leaned forward, resting her arm on the side of her throne. "Callum, this world you're in is bigger than you know it's filled with more potential for greatness and monster's then that xenophobic narcissist. He is a threat but not a big one."
"Compared to the true terrors in this world he is what you would call a cancerous cell that your kind created and failed to properly take care of." She was ranting saying things like Voldemort being nothing but a cancer problem that seemed like nothing to her. I guess to higher beings and whatever she was Voldemort might just be.
She then waved her hand, and glowing symbols and images materialized in the air. Images of cities, battles, people, and a empire spread across the room. " Listen closely to what I'm about to tell you. We hail from a strong magical and noble blood line. One that doesn't begin in Ethiopia like your were told but one that began in Israel. We are the distant descendants of King Solomon."
My eyes widened. "Wait. But our family originates from Ethiopia. How is that possible?" She smirked. "Lineage moves, Callum. For safety and survival especially after Solomon's empire fell thank goodness he had many wife's. Ethiopia is where the family settled it's roots."
She waved her hand again. More images: Solomon standing beside a woman cloaked in shadows, then a kingdom falling, a man fleeing across the desert with a single satchel and staff.
"In this world, Solomon was great in the mystical arts like Merlin in his own right. the rumors of him summoning demons were just the tiniest part of all the power and feats he was capable of."
I watched as the vision changed, showing the man who must've been my many-times-great-grandfather arriving in Africa, disappearing it's lands. The she waved her hand again as the images disappeared and I felt something wash over me. Then the system notification spoke.
Ping "Notification: Soul Authority has gone from 0 to 2 (Temporary).
"I've granted you a temporary higher soul authority," she said. "So you won't suffer causality backlash while we speak meaning those headaches . That doesn't mean we can talk about anything and everything but this should be enough to have a brief conversation and allow you to initiate the induction ceremony so that won't last forever."
She leaned back on her throne again. Her silk robe shimmered, patterned in blood-red and obsidian. One leg crossed over the other. "Ask your questions," she said, lips curling into a smile. "Before we continue."
I stood in silence, everything she said weighing on my mind like a boulder. She was one of the M's from the enchanted journal. The ones who had been sending me spells through quests in the system. Now I found out there were more like her and my family descended from Solomon? That wasn't just hard to believe it was so unexpected I don't know where to start.
An she was the Progenitor's daughter who was supposed to be dead, then what was the real truth behind her being here in the vault?
I stopped overthinking. I took a deep breath, centered myself, and opened my eyes. Melesse still sat on her throne, watching me. It finally clicked. She was my many-times-great-aunt.
I bowed my head slightly. "Thank you very much, Auntie, for all the support you've given me until now. I appreciate it."
She didn't say anything. Her face remained blank. "My first question, how are you alive? I was told you were killed."
She spoke coldly. "My father did try to kill me but I was still his daughter and his brightest strongest child, but I still did horrible things in the name of power and security. After all I used the Shadow Flame to devour all our enemies, magical and non alike taking their power and knowledge making it mine. But the Shadow Flame brought greed and hunger to consume more. It overtook me. My father… he did something incredible.
Right when he had me dead to right's after a long drown out battle he used his own Shadow Flame to devour the greed that corrupted me, and took it into himself. It should have killed him. But his Golden White Flame, and ancient magic, held it off."
She looked away for a moment before continuing.
"I had done too many horrible things but he didn't want to kill me. So he sealed me away. He said when I awakened again, I would become the guardian of the family choosing the next heir when I deem them ready. I was a a gift from god he said I reminded him of the stories our grandfather told about Solomon."
"When Gringotts was created, I was moved here to the deepest vault they could find. I've been aware the whole time. Every time one of you touched the flame, I felt it and saw since we are all connected by it." My father spent the next hundred years ensuring our family was set up ensuring we had power and influence as well before I was moved and the moment I was sealed here the next heir came and when he passed my selection my father was consumed by the shadow flame ensuring that his family would not be curse by this power again. he did Infront of my eyes smiling at me. He said I'm sorry I have to leave you like this."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that," I said. She waved her hand dismissively. "Pity will get me nothing. What is your next question, Callum?"
"How can you interact with my system?" She stared for a second. "Because I helped Magi create it. Along with others."
"You mean the other M's?" "Yes and no. Some were other M's. Some were higher beings. I can't disclose them to you yet."
"Then who are the other M's?" "I can't tell you that either. They'll let you know when they're ready at their discretion or you have to find out on your own."
"Alright. Can you at least tell me how I can break through my first limiter or increase my soul level naturally?" "No," she said flatly. "Figure that out yourself. Your abilities are already broken even with your current limits. For your age, you're ahead of everyone your age by decades even most adults. Stop rushing and focus on development of the basic."
I sighed. "Yes, Auntie."
Her eye twitched. "You already have everything you need," she said. "Just be patient."
I smiled a little. "Thank you." She looked like she was about to smile too. Just barely.
"I won't ask any more questions until I'm stronger. I guess I can come back here or speak to you or through the system." "The system is a good method to try. Doesn't mean I'll respond. You can return here. Doesn't mean I'll answer."
"Okay… I'm ready to continue the ceremony."
She tilted her head. "Your mother was seventeen when she came here for her ceremony. You being this young is… surprising." I blinked. "Wait—my mom? I thought only the chosen heir could come this far. Aunt Aster is the current head of the family. I'm confused."
She looked at me calmly. "Your aunt is a placeholder. For you. Or your mother should she return. Your mother was the closest thing this family has seen to a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy since me."
I asked, "Then why isn't she the head?"
She narrowed her eyes. "That's a question you'll have to ask her yourself. I won't tell her business. Your Aunt Aster is not weak or a bad leader by any means. She's not your mother's equal in potential, but she has improved and maintained this family very well. She has my respect."
I stood there and nodded. "Okay then. I'm ready." In a blink, she was in front of me.
"Kneel." her voiced said with a echoing sound.
Before I realized it I was already kneeling. She waved her hand over me. My modern day clothes were gone and on my body was a black silk robe that shimmered with runes. She raised the Origin Flame in her hand it was even more beautiful then mine and it felt leagues different. Each color radiated a different hue and power it felt like I was staring at the true origin flame.
"Callum Tesfaye Dawn. You who have been recognized as the next heir of the Tesfaye family. Do you swear to take charge of carrying this torch and the hopes and dreams of our family into the future?"
"I swear," I said.
"Our family is the hope of humanity and all magical user's and creatures. Its fire one of the many source of magic in all corners of the world. We are meant to burn away weakness and keep the fire of evolution alive in our people. Do you swear to keep the fire alive?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to protect your family—blood and bonded—and destroy all enemies that stand against us?"
"I do."
" Then In the name of our father Solomon, and the Progenitor Zohar Tesfaye, the Light of Hope—I Melesse Tesfaye Guardian of the family hereby name you the new Head of the Tesfaye Family."
She stepped back. "Raise your head."
I looked up. "Until you come of age, your aunt will remain acting head. Look to her and your mother for guidance."
"Yes." "Be bathed in the flame and reborn. This flame is the hopes and dreams of those who came before as well a sign of your responsibility."
The Origin Flame in her hand expanded. It exploded forward, engulfing me completely.
For the first time in this new life of mine I screamed in pain.
The pain was unbearable. It wasn't just heat—it was like my very soul was catching fire. I dropped to the ground, convulsing. My skin boiled. Pus and blood leaked from my fingertips. My body turned black and cracked like charcoal.
"Why am I burning?!"
I screamed, choking. She watched calmly from her throne already seated. "This flame is more potent than anything you can handle right now. It won't kill you… but you'll wish it did."
I cried out, summoning my Shadow Flame to absorb it—but the Origin Flame rejected it. The pain tripled. I could see pieces of my skin falling off and smelling my flesh burn as it hit my nose. Every breathe hurt like hell. I continued through the pain.
"THEN WATCH ME, AUNTIE!"
I poured everything I had into trying to contain it but it overwhelmed me. My screams echoed until my voice gave out. I collapsed then everything went black. I woke up lying on the cold floor just outside the vault door. My clothes were back to normal. My body felt whole. I looked down—no burns, no scars.
Aster stood over me. "You did little one," she said flatly.
I looked to my mother. Her eyes were red with tears. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"Why?" I asked. "Because you're too young you shouldn't have to do this yet." I started to fall unconscious. Then I heard the system notification as I was losing consciousness
Ping!
[New Update: Soul Authority has increased from 0 → 1]
I chuckled. Then everything faded to black.
I opened my eyes and sat up in my bed, chest rising as I inhaled deeply. My muscles still ached slightly, but the burning pain was gone. As soon as I moved, multiple system notifications began blinking into existence, crowding my vision. I rubbed the side of my head and muttered, "A.I.A, what happened? Just… read everything to me."
Her voice answered smoothly in my head.
"Callum, you were asleep for four hours. The pain you experienced during the flame ceremony pushed your healing factor to its limits. If it weren't for that, you would've been unconscious for at least three days."
I blinked. "Three days? Man, my healing factors really are something."
"Yes," she continued. "Here are some of the notifications and changes that occurred during your ceremony:
Soul Authority: Increased from 0 → 1
This increase was due to your innate abilities and the boost granted by Melesse. It was just enough to push you beyond the limit. I believe even she did not fully anticipate it, which is why she made adjustments."
"Adjustments?" I asked, eyes narrowing. "What changes?"
My status window appeared automatically:
Callum Tesfaye Dawn
Species: Human | Age: 11
Flame Proficiency:
White Flame: Advanced (99%)
Golden Flame: Advanced (99%)
Shadow Flame: Advanced (99%) (Sealed – 1 Year)
Origin Flame: Advanced (94%) (Sealed due to Shadow Flame status)
"What the hell?" I muttered. "My Shadow and Origin Flames are sealed?"
"Yes," A.I.A replied. "There is a message left for you from Melesse." 'Stop taking the easy way and learn the hard way. Take your time.'
"Of course," I muttered. "Auntie's teaching me a lesson. I get it. No shortcuts. Guess I just have to get better and train the hard way."
I looked at the calendar across the room. "That means I can't absorb the Basilisk early now… and I definitely can't fight Voldemort head-on or collect more Horcruxes yet. At least I've already absorbed the one in Harry. I'll just have to plan this out smarter."
The rest of the status window updated:
Magic and Skills:
Wandless Magic: Advanced (99%)
Magical Resistance → Abnormal Resistance (Passive) – Highly resistant to all status effects
Astral Projection: Novice (34%)
Regeneration + Phoenix Regeneration → Hyper Regeneration (Passive)
– Uses magic, stamina, and metabolism to restore physical, magical, psychic damage and reduce mental fatigue.
Telekinesis + Legilimency + Occlumency → Psionic (Master)
– "This is a gift from me for the ceremony. Congratulations." – Melesse
Mana Meditation: Advanced (63%)
Parseltongue → Speak to Animals (Passive)
Invisible Wall: Advanced (10%)
Magic Missile: Intermediate (90%)
Darkness: Novice (15%)
Mind's Eye: Passive
"Wow," I said, leaning back against the headboard. "So she really made changes. My abilities combined and evolved… She sealed my flames to stop me from taking shortcuts, but gave me enough to compensate in other areas."
I stared at Psionic for a few seconds. "So that's at Master level, but there's no proficiency number next to it?"
"Correct," A.I.A responded. "Would you like to know why?"
"Yes."
"Now that your Soul Authority has reached level one, you are permitted full system analysis."
"Proficiency ratings—Novice to Advanced—track how familiar and reflexive your use of a skill has become. To reach Mastery, you must go beyond repetition and instinct. You must understand the ability fundamentally—its theory, function, and limits. Past that point, there are no set proficiency bars because it becomes unique to the user."
"So what comes after Mastery?" I asked.
"Epic," she replied. "Then Legendary—placing the skill into a superior category. And after that... Transcendent."
I exhaled slowly. "So that's the level of gods, huh?"
"Yes. Transcendent means the ability rivals those of higher beings. It may even begin to influence the laws of the world itself."
"Is there anything beyond that?"
"Your Authority is not high enough to receive that information." I smirked. "That means yes. Probably something like conceptual embodiment or reality alteration."
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. My limbs felt stronger, sharper, more in sync. I checked the wall clock—late evening. Winter break ended tonight. I go back to Hogwarts tomorrow.
I got dressed and headed downstairs everyone was already there eating. Mom, Dad, Harry, Aster—even Sirius and Professor Lupin. As soon as I walked in, they all looked up, and I was bombarded with a dozen questions.
Am I okay?
What happened?
How much do I remember?
I smiled and answered what I could. The night was filled with food, warmth, laughter, concern, and pride. It ended late, with hugs from my parents and a squeeze on the shoulder from Aster.
The next morning, I stood at King's Cross Station, dressed in my uniform, trunk packed, wand holstered. I stared at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters as the Hogwarts Express hissed in the cold air.
Time to finish my first year and figure out how to deal with Quirrell... and Voldemort.