"Ah, but you're young," He points out. "And here, people find their way with this stuff at all these different times. Did you know? I was twenty three when I got my first bit of magic. And I couldn't cast a single spell until about two, maybe three months ago." He gives a very pointed look, inviting her to laugh at this lame adult and the magic equivalent of just learning to ride a bike. He is offering himself for humiliation.

More seriously, he continues, "I've been tutoring a lot of kids, you know. You'd surprised how many of them feel like you do-- at all different ages too. Some people here are really talented, it's true, but they've also had more time. And sometimes even when they are good in one way, they're worried in other ways. So don't you worry about being the best of them. Just focus on the best of you and what you can do. If I weren't sick, I'd have been happy to help you with your little flame. I think it looks cool. Give it more practice, I'm sure you'll be able to do even more with it."