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3.28% Hogwarts' White Lord / Chapter 5: 05: Meeting the Bushy Haired Girl

Chapter 5: 05: Meeting the Bushy Haired Girl

"Occlumency is a must-learn magic!"

"And until I find a way to learn it, if someone reads my memories, I can always explain it away as a prophecy."

Having Transmigrated over once, Ivan didn't want to get involved in intrigues.

He yearned to explore the mysteries of magic, to experience the wonders of this world, and to live an extraordinary life.

As for getting involved in Dumbledore's plan to train a savior, Ivan was undecided.

He wouldn't dismiss the original story or concoct conspiracy theories based on preconceived notions.

Similarly, Ivan wouldn't seek out Harry and Ron to befriend them just because their names were familiar.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do~"

Ivan munched on some snacks and sipped his tea. "Fuck them! The saviour's future is not my concern. I just need to take care of myself."

Thus, the time quickly moved to the afternoon.

The morning mist had cleared, and it was a lovely day, with bright sunshine lifting Ivan's spirits.

"They should be arriving soon."

Ivan glanced at the clock on the wall and then positioned himself where he had foreseen.

Shortly after, with a soft sound, two figures materialized out of thin air: Professor McGonagall and another new student she was guiding.

This was a girl of about ten, with brown eyes and thick, bushy brown hair, and notably large front teeth.

"Ugh! Cough, cough, cough!"

"Your first time Apparating, that's normal."

Professor McGonagall gently patted the girl's back, but the girl straightened up, took a deep breath, and suppressed the discomfort from Apparating.

"I.. I'm fine, just a little uncomfortable."

The girl lifted her head stubbornly, determined to show her strong adaptability.

"Pfft.."

Hearing the sound, the girl looked towards Ivan, seeing a boy around her age stifling a laugh.

"Mr. Ambrosius, it's not gentlemanly to laugh at a lady."

Professor McGonagall wasn't surprised that Ivan was waiting there; it was clear he had foreseen this.

"Ehm* Sorry, Professor McGonagall."

Ivan had already recognized the girl as Hermione Granger, the brain of the original trio.

The original Harry Potter movies could easily be titled "Hermione and Her Two Useless Friends," Ivan thought, with some justification.

Without Hermione, Harry and Ron might not have even made it through the first book.

Hermione glared at Ivan, displeased by his laughter at her expense.

Ivan smiled. "Like you, I'm also a new student at Hogwarts this year."

"And I apologize for my rudeness earlier."

Hermione scrutinized Ivan. She wasn't one to judge by appearances, but she had to admit Ivan was quite attractive.

Still, the memory of his earlier laugh made her annoyed. "Maybe my performance wasn't great, but I'm sure that's only temporary."

Ivan was a bit taken aback by her competitiveness.

Out of politeness, she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ambrosius."

This meant she accepted Ivan's apology.

"You can just call me Ivan."

"Then you can call me Hermione."

"So..? Are you a wizard? I mean, not like me."

"Miss Granger, Mr. Ambrosius, like you, is a Muggle-born wizard."

Ivan nodded and pointed to a nearby orphanage. "To add, I live there."

Hermione noticed the orphanage sign and immediately realized Ivan was an orphan. She quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I…"

Hermione, though eager to prove herself, was also anxious about entering the wizarding world from the Muggle world, fearing she might not measure up.

This insecurity made her somewhat overbearing, but upon learning Ivan was an orphan, she felt a surge of sympathy.

Ivan assured her he didn't care about his origins and asked Professor McGonagall, "Professor, are we heading to Diagon Alley now?"

Professor McGonagall inquired about Hermione's condition. The girl straightened her flat chest. "I'm fine, really. We can leave now!"

Seeing Hermione's determination, Professor McGonagall said, "Hold onto my arm."

Hermione quickly grabbed McGonagall's arm and reminded Ivan to brace for the discomfort of Apparition.

Ivan felt his body being squeezed through a tight tube.

When he regained his senses, they were in front of a shabby, old pub.

After Apparating twice, Hermione's face was pale.

Yet, she still looked at Ivan.

Seeing he seemed unaffected, Hermione's eyes widened in surprise: 'Aren't you a Muggle-born? Why aren't you reacting?'

Even Professor McGonagall watched Ivan curiously.

Admittedly, some young wizards were naturally gifted, but most found Apparition uncomfortable.

"I did experience it for the first time."

"As for not feeling much…"

Ivan suspected it was because of his Obscurial nature; the experience felt similar to turning into an Obscurus.

But he wasn't ready to reveal his Obscurial nature yet.

If it were Dumbledore, Ivan's status as an Obscurial might gain him sympathy.

Not revealing it to Professor McGonagall was because an Obscurial's power was too dark and dangerous.

Allowing an Obscurial into Hogwarts was like endangering all the young wizards.

If Ivan lost control, not just young wizards but even adults could be easily crushed.

Professor McGonagall might accept a werewolf as a student and teacher, but could she accept a ticking time bomb like Ivan?

Ivan hadn't seen this answer in any prophecy yet.

But one thing was sure: he couldn't share this secret with Hermione.

If word got out, he'd be expelled.

Parents wouldn't tolerate an Obscurial near their children.

Even with Dumbledore's assurances and professors' attestations of Ivan's control, adult wizards wouldn't accept him at Hogwarts.

"A strong body can lessen the side effects of Apparition."

Professor McGonagall guessed Ivan was hiding something but wouldn't pry.

Meanwhile, Hermione's competitiveness nearly overflowed.

Ivan could only think how unexpected her determination was.

Professor McGonagall led them into the Leaky Cauldron.

Contrary to their expectations of mystery, the pub was dark and dirty.

The patrons greeted Professor McGonagall warmly. The barkeep, Tom, eagerly asked, "Ahh~ Professor McGonagall, what can I get you?"

The hunchbacked, bald Tom, resembling a bat, gave Ivan a creepy vibe.

"Ah!" Hermione, startled by Tom, instinctively hid behind Ivan.

"Ehm*" Realizing this was undignified, she bravely stepped away from Ivan.


Chapter 6: 06: Diagon Alley

"Oh, two little ones I haven't seen before."

Standing behind the bar, Tom leaned over with a smile: "Are you first-years at Hogwarts?"

"Yes, Tom."

Professor McGonagall nodded at Tom, the barkeeper, and led Hermione and Ivan forward: "Also, it's not advisable to drink on duty."

"Haha, Hagrid would get a kick out of hearing that," Tom chuckled, teasingly referring to Hagrid's known fondness for a pint.

Ignoring Tom's jest, the trio walked through the bar to a secluded courtyard enclosed by walls, where a trash can and some weeds lay scattered. "Remember, count three bricks up and two bricks across."

Professor McGonagall instructed Ivan and Hermione to observe as she counted the bricks carefully. She then drew her wand and tapped the wall thrice at the designated spots.

Gala La~~

Before the astonished eyes of Ivan and Hermione, the bricks began to shift, gradually forming a small opening.

The opening widened until it became a large archway, revealing a street paved with cobblestones.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley."

As they stepped onto the bustling street, the attire of the passersby—ranging from the simple to the bizarre—caught the eyes of Ivan and Hermione.

Hermione, in particular, was captivated by the scene before her, unable to tear her gaze away.

The allure of wizards and magic was particularly strong for a young girl like Hermione, who, like many children, had often dreamed of being a princess.

As they proceeded through the archway, Hermione glanced back to see the archway contract swiftly, sealing shut and returning to a plain wall.

Diagon Alley is the bustling commercial heart of the British wizarding world, home to many top-tier brand stores in the magical community, each boasting a flagship location here.

Ivan surveyed his surroundings, taking in both the familiar and unfamiliar shops lining the bustling streets of Diagon Alley.

He passed by Ollivander's Wand Shop, Zonko's Joke Shop, Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, shops for stationery, thrift stores, a wizarding travel agency, a Quidditch boutique, Flourish and Blotts Bookstore, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, a cauldron shop, a magical creature shop, and various other magical establishments, including an owl emporium.

'The real wizarding world is much broader and peculiar than what is depicted in novels and films,' Ivan thought, awestruck.

Professor McGonagall, leading the way, directed Hermione and Ivan to Gringotts first. They needed to exchange Muggle currency for gold Galleons, particularly for Hermione, as she came from a non-magical family.

For young wizards from Muggle backgrounds, there's a yearly limit on how much Muggle currency can be exchanged for wizarding money.

Given Hermione's father was a dentist—a well-compensated profession in the Muggle world—if the exchange rate mentioned by J.K. Rowling of 5 pounds to one Galleon was accurate, Mr. Granger could potentially exchange a significant amount of Galleons for Hermione right there.

"What a magical place," Hermione remarked, clutching Ivan's hand—something she hadn't stopped doing since their encounter with Tom at the bar.

Miss Granger was understandably anxious upon entering the wizarding world for the first time.

Initially, she might have intended to compare her capabilities with Ivan, a fellow Muggle-born.

However, faced with a new and unfamiliar environment, it was natural for her to seek comfort in familiarity.

So naturally, Ivan, who seemed so composed and assured, became a source of stability for Hermione, prompting her to subconsciously lean on him for support.

"Yes," Ivan reassured her, gently squeezing her hand in encouragement. "Living in such a world must be incredibly fascinating."

"Aren't you afraid at all?" Hermione asked, looking up at him.

Hermione admired Ivan's maturity despite their being the same age. "Maybe it's because I've been living in an orphanage," Ivan suggested.

"Uh," Hermione murmured, her voice dropping. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."

"It's okay, I don't consider it a painful memory," Ivan reassured her, his demeanor making Hermione feel slightly embarrassed for her presumption.

"By the way, I just noticed a bookstore," Ivan changed the subject, sensing Hermione's discomfort. "After we exchange wizarding currency, perhaps we could buy our books together and share them. It would save a lot of money."

"Yeah!" Hermione's spirits lifted at the mention of books, and she quickly reverted to her more confident self, the scholarly Miss Granger.

Professor McGonagall, observing the two budding friends, felt a sense of contentment that they were forming bonds before even starting school.

Soon, the trio approached a snow-white building that stood out starkly against the surrounding shops.

Beside its shiny bronze doors, a figure in a scarlet and gold uniform caught their attention. This individual was a head shorter than both Hermione and Ivan, with a dark, shrewd face and a neatly pointed beard.

Ivan noted the goblin's disproportionately long hands and feet.

As they entered, the goblin bowed respectfully.

"What are they?" Hermione whispered, curiosity piqued.

"Goblins," Ivan responded, recognizing the guardians of the wizard bank from his readings.

Professor McGonagall explained, "Goblins work for Gringotts, safeguarding the wealth of the wizarding world."

Hermione absorbed this information without comment, but Ivan couldn't hide his concern. He was vaguely aware of the strained relationship between wizards and goblins, finding it perplexing that wizards would entrust their entire banking system to what he remembered as the "losers" of their society.

In his past readings about the Harry Potter universe, it struck him as remarkable that those often on the losing side of historical conflicts controlled such a critical economic artery.

"What's wrong, Ivan?" Hermione inquired, noticing his furrowed brow.

"Nothing," Ivan replied, opting for discretion. He sensed that such topics were better left undiscussed in this setting.

Continuing on, the trio passed through a second door. This door was crafted from silver, and words were engraved upon it:

"Enter, stranger;

But beware of the consequences of greed,

For those who take that which does not belong to them

Will pay most dearly.

Thus if you seek a share of treasure

From our vaults that is not yours to claim,

You have been warned, thief,

Beware bringing evil upon yourself instead of riches."

The stern warning on the doors served as a grim reminder of the goblins' strict and unyielding stewardship of the treasures within.

'Tsk.'

As Ivan read the stern warnings, his eyes narrowed slightly: 'These goblins are troublesome.'

The two goblins at the front bowed to them and then led the group into a towering marble hall.

Inside, about a hundred goblins were perched on high stools behind a long counter. They were busy with various tasks: some weighed coins with copper scales, others examined gems with eyepieces, and many were hurriedly jotting notes in large account books.

The hall was lined with countless doors, each leading to different vaults and areas. Several goblins, armed with bows, guided people in and out.

"How can I help you?" asked one of the goblins from behind the counter. Perched on a high stool, he managed to look down at the visitors, an air of condescension barely concealed. "Professor McGonagall?"

Professor McGonagall is renowned in the British wizarding world as a master of Transfiguration, her prowess rivaled only by Dumbledore, one of the greatest wizards of the age. With decades of teaching experience, it's no understatement to say her former students are spread throughout the UK.

Even the goblins at Gringotts, known for their usually unflappable demeanor, could not afford to display outright arrogance in front of Professor McGonagall.


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