At this point, Professor Sprout's voice came to an abrupt halt. She gave an awkward smile, then smoothly changed the subject.
"In short, your situation is rather special. You also have Eastern heritage. Originally, Headmaster Dumbledore should have come to speak with you in person, but he's tied up with other matters at the moment, so…"
Chu Yang put on a bright, well-behaved smile. "I'm very happy to meet you, Professor Sprout!"
Sprout was clearly pleased with his attitude and praised him with a smile. "Ha, what a clever little sweetheart."
"No wonder you packed your luggage early and waited for me—you seem to have already guessed how we would resolve your predicament, am I right?"
Chu Yang pondered for a moment, then said, "Perhaps the school will advance part of my tuition so I can attend classes, and then arrange for me to do some auxiliary work at school—half work, half study?"
"Half work, half study?" Sprout looked at him in surprise, then nodded repeatedly. "That's a very fitting phrase. Indeed, we plan to have you help out at the school. Getting something for nothing isn't a value Hogwarts encourages."
As if worried Chu Yang might feel pressured, she added, "The school won't assign you anything beyond your capabilities. At most, you'll help me take care of the greenhouses, or—once you're familiar with Potions—assist Professor Snape during classes…"
At the mention of helping Snape, Chu Yang resisted inwardly, but he still steeled himself and said, "Professor Sprout, I'll take these tasks seriously."
"Of course you will," Sprout replied briskly.
She then bent down and patted Chu Yang on the head. "Wait here for a moment. I need to explain things to the matron who looks after you, so there won't be any unnecessary misunderstandings."
With that, Professor Sprout walked straight toward the orphanage.
She took out her wand and flicked it lightly at the side door.
"Alohomora!"
The unlocking charm!
With a click, the side door slowly opened. Professor Sprout lifted her chin and, under Chu Yang's admiring gaze, walked inside like a proud swan.
Chu Yang smacked his lips. "The reason I snuck out in the first place was because Head Matron Anna isn't easy to deal with. Elderly nuns can be extremely stubborn… I just hope Professor Sprout won't be mistaken for some kind of suspicious person."
Not long after, Professor Sprout emerged in a rather disheveled state, both hands clutching her head to protect her patch-covered pointed hat.
"Do Muggle-world nuns always sleep hugging brooms?" she complained. "I didn't even have time to cast a spell before I was swept right out by her broom."
Chu Yang said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Professor. I should have warned you—Head Matron Anna is very cautious when it comes to protecting the children. She tends to be a bit… defensive."
Sprout sighed. "I understand. I protect my students with the same mindset. Although the process was a bit roundabout, I did manage to explain things clearly to her. You can rest assured and come to Hogwarts with me."
Chu Yang pretended to be an inexperienced child and asked excitedly, "We're leaving now?"
Sprout raised both hands slightly, signaling him to calm down. "It's already quite late. We'll stay the night at the Leaky Cauldron, then tomorrow we'll go to Diagon Alley to help you buy everything you need for school."
Chu Yang blinked. "The items listed in the admission notice?"
"Close your eyes. This may feel a little uncomfortable," Sprout nodded, then took Chu Yang's hand and prepared to Apparate.
In an instant, Chu Yang felt a surge of magic. A powerful pressure squeezed his body from all sides.
The next moment, it felt as though he'd been stuffed into a tin can and shaken violently up, down, left, and right.
Fortunately, Chu Yang possessed an exceptionally tough physique and a mind far stronger than most. When they arrived at their destination, he showed no signs of discomfort at all.
"Very few people remain this calm the first time they experience Apparition," Professor Sprout said, sparing no praise as she observed him. "You have outstanding talent and remarkable mental fortitude, Mr. Chu Yang."
Despite having known him for only a short time, her impression of the boy was already quite deep.
A level of maturity and rationality far beyond his peers—an essential quality for becoming a great wizard.
"This is…?" Chu Yang looked around.
He found himself standing on a quiet street. It was already late, and there were hardly any pedestrians around.
"Charing Cross Road. The Leaky Cauldron I mentioned is just across the street," Sprout said, pointing to an extremely old-fashioned shop opposite them. Its dusty wooden door looked completely out of place among the surroundings.
Occasionally, passersby would walk by without noticing the sign at all, as if it simply didn't exist.
"It's protected by magic. Muggles—ordinary people—can't see the Leaky Cauldron. Hogwarts is the same," Sprout explained as she led Chu Yang inside.
The bar was dimly lit.
Just as dark as outside, with only a few candles stubbornly holding back the gloom.
An elderly man stood behind the counter and nodded at Professor Sprout. "Good evening, Professor Sprout."
"Good evening, Mr. Tom," Sprout replied, bringing Chu Yang up to the bar.
Chu Yang's gaze lingered on the moving newspapers, the stirring spoons, and the cleaning rag that tidied itself in front of Tom.
Even though he'd been mentally prepared, seeing it with his own eyes still filled him with awe at the wonders of the magical world.
"Haha, a new first-year wizard?" Old Tom smiled knowingly at Chu Yang's curious expression.
"Yes, Mr. Tom," Chu Yang replied politely.
Tom reminded him kindly, "It's the start of term, so the Leaky Cauldron is full of new students like you. If you meet them in the common areas, it wouldn't hurt to make friends early. You know—no matter where you are, having more friends is never a bad thing."
Chu Yang answered gratefully, "Thank you for the advice, Mr. Tom."
"All right, Mr. Tom, let's end the chit-chat here," Sprout said. "I need to take this child upstairs to rest. He has a long day ahead of him tomorrow."
After taking two keys from Tom, she led Chu Yang upstairs.
Late at night, Chu Yang fell into a deep sleep, his heart filled with excitement and curiosity about the magical world.
Early the next morning, heavy knocking jolted him awake.
"Chu Yang, it's time to head out. Get up quickly," Professor Sprout's voice boomed from outside the door, louder than any alarm clock.
"Alright, Professor Sprout, I'm getting up right now!" Chu Yang quickly got dressed. Just as he was about to brush his teeth, he realized he hadn't brought toothpaste or a toothbrush.
"Why do I forget toiletries every single time I go out? A bad habit from my last life that I still haven't fixed?" Chu Yang muttered at his reflection.
After packing up, he opened the door and went to meet Professor Sprout.
(End of Chapter)