Was George's body in this world considered gifted?
Not particularly. Both his memory and comprehension were fairly average.
In contrast, his original body in the Marvel universe, having inherited Professor X's genes, could truly be called genius-level in terms of memory and understanding.
If that were all, he wouldn't have the confidence to become the most talented and exceptional student in Hogwarts' history.
His confidence came from two key advantages.
First, he didn't just have one brain. While he had a single consciousness, his mastery of controlling two bodies meant he could effectively operate two brains simultaneously for memorization, analysis, and comprehension.
For example, when his Hogwarts self encountered a math problem, solving it mentally might take twenty seconds using just that body. But if he simultaneously awakened his main body to assist, both brains working together could solve it in under ten seconds.
The same principle applied to studying magic. Learning with two brains was far superior to one, putting him on par with top-tier geniuses.
To optimize this, he'd adjusted his main body's sleep schedule - his Hogwarts self would attend classes during the day while his Marvel self served as a secondary brain at night to boost learning efficiency, then catch up on sleep during the day.
Second, before term started, he'd done something else.
Using the supercomputer in the X-Mansion's basement, he'd digitized every book and textbook he'd read in the Harry Potter world. He planned to do the same with all future class materials and library books.
While two brains working together made him exceptionally capable, he still couldn't achieve perfect recall. Even the greatest wizards couldn't remember every word of every book they'd read.
But now it was different. With everything stored in the supercomputer, he could instantly retrieve any information with a keyword search.
Security wasn't a concern - the computer wasn't networked, and even if the data leaked, non-magical people would dismiss the books as nonsense.
This meant that in class, if he couldn't recall something, he could quickly search for the answer and score perfectly. For written exams, theoretical questions would be like an open-book test.
Over the next seven years, he would undoubtedly be among the school's top students.
Why go to such lengths?
To gain more resources and better magic, of course. Excellence brought privileges.
If Hermione hadn't been exceptional, she wouldn't have received the Time-Turner.
If Voldemort hadn't been outstanding, he wouldn't have earned so much admiration from wizards, favor from teachers, or learned so many powerful dark spells.
So George would excel in every way too.
Even if it made Dumbledore see similarities to Voldemort, that was fine.
Knowing Dumbledore's character, as long as George committed no crimes, at worst he'd face extra scrutiny. The headmaster wouldn't eliminate a potential threat preemptively.
Besides, how many top Slytherin students didn't resemble Voldemort in some way?
"How do you think they'll sort us into houses? It's not some kind of test, is it? I've only read about magical history - I don't know anything else."
Colin looked slightly uneasy.
As a Muggle-born, he had no magical background. If the sorting tested knowledge, he'd be at a complete loss.
"Ron told me it's some terrifying ordeal, but I don't believe that. Why would the school do anything dangerous to students? If it were true, Ron would never have passed."
Ginny seemed unconcerned, clearly considering herself braver than her cowardly brother.
Luna floated in with her usual dreamy demeanor:
"Dad never explained exactly how the sorting works, but he said it's very simple. We'll be put in the house that suits us best. No need to worry."
"Oh, that's good then. Which houses do you all want?"
Colin visibly relaxed, then grew excited.
"I want Gryffindor! Harry Potter's in Gryffindor, and they say Dumbledore was too - the greatest wizard ever!"
"Me too. All my brothers are in Gryffindor."
Ginny's cheeks turned slightly pink as she answered. The real reason, of course, was that her crush Harry Potter was in Gryffindor.
"Any would be fine."
Luna and George responded simultaneously.
"Ahhh!"
A sudden scream erupted as a group of ghosts phased through the walls, startling the first-years.
The spirits laughed and joked as they examined the new students before scattering when Professor McGonagall reappeared.
"Now, form a line and follow me."
With stern instructions, McGonagall led them from the chamber toward the Great Hall.
"Absolutely magnificent."
George's eyes lit up as they entered.
Thousands of floating candles illuminated the hall, while the enchanted ceiling displayed a breathtaking starry sky.
Four long tables filled with students from all six years represented each house, their golden plates and goblets gleaming.
At the head table sat the faculty - Dumbledore, unmistakable at the center, flanked by Flitwick, Sprout, Lockhart and others.
Notably absent was Snape.
George recalled that the Slytherin head was likely patrolling the castle to apprehend Harry and Ron, whose flying car escapade had made the Daily Prophet after being spotted by Muggles.
Dobby, the Malfoy house-elf, had sealed the Platform 9¾ entrance to protect Harry from the dangers of Riddle's diary, forcing the pair to take Arthur Weasley's enchanted car.
Glancing at the windows, George spotted two boys peering in before being yanked away by a pale hand.
"Poor kids. Two seconds of silence for what's coming."
With Lily as Harry's mother, Snape would protect him with his life.
But as James's son, Harry would always earn Snape's deepest loathing.
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