"Are you referring to Lily Potter?" Dumbledore seemed more interested in the Potter couple's child. "Their baby is due at the end of the month? Has the delivery date been confirmed?"
"That's what they say. They even sent Anduin a gift. I could sense a strong magical aura emanating from it. She'd mentioned wanting to practice her alchemy skills and test her runic abilities, and it seems she's made good progress."
"Anduin is far more independent than I imagined, and his resources are surprisingly extensive. It's hard to believe an eleven-year-old could have managed this in an orphanage. But prying into others' affairs isn't proper behavior." Professor McGonagall, clearly on a different wavelength from Headmaster Dumbledore, continued talking about Anduin.
"Is that so? I heard the Longbottoms' child is due soon as well. Could it be one of theirs?" Dumbledore muttered to himself, clearly more interested in Lily's child than in the incoming first-year students.
"What do you mean, 'one of theirs'?" Professor McGonagall asked, puzzled by Dumbledore's rambling.
"Oh, nothing, Minerva. You must be tired today. Go and rest. Tomorrow's Order of the Phoenix meeting will be at the usual place. We have many issues to address together. The Death Eaters have been increasingly active lately." Dumbledore still hadn't settled on his theory.
"Understood, Albus," Professor McGonagall replied, a frown creasing her brow as she recalled the lingering shadows. She turned and left.
Dumbledore remained at his desk, deep in thought. No one could guess what he was contemplating.
The next day, after bidding farewell to Sister Beatrice and William, Anduin packed his belongings and headed to the Leaky Cauldron alone.
"What did you say? You want to stay here alone until Hogwarts opens?" Tom, the Leaky Cauldron's owner, stared at Anduin in disbelief.
"Yes, Mr. Tom. Don't worry, I have the money," Anduin said, pulling out several Galleons from his pocket.
"It's not about the money, Mr. Wilson. You might not realize how dangerous it is here right now. I can't allow it—this is for your own safety," Tom said sternly.
"I understand, Mr. Tom. Professor McGonagall explained the severity of the situation yesterday. But I still insist. As an underage Muggle-born wizard, I'm safer here than wandering around the Muggle world. I trust you. When I'm not busy, I can help out around the inn and keep you company, right?" Anduin looked up at Tom with unwavering dark eyes, clearly determined to stay.
Tom frowned, studying the boy before finally relenting. After all, there were plenty of Aurors patrolling the area. Letting a Muggle-born wizard wander around unsupervised could lead to trouble.
"Alright, since business has been slow lately, I'll give you a deal: one and a half months' rent for five Galleons. But you have to promise not to wander around recklessly. You'd better stay in the shop most of the time. Curfew starts at 8 PM—you must be back in your room by then."
"No problem, Mr. Tom. I'll behave myself. You have my word." Anduin cheerfully paid the agreed amount, took the room key, and began carrying his luggage inside.
He placed the scallions he had grown on the windowsill. He had brought quite a lot with him: school supplies, personal belongings, the spices William had bought, and even a mahjong set.
In his previous life, Anduin had been a soldier with few hobbies beyond his love for good food. After enduring over a decade of British cuisine in this world, he had grown to loathe it.
Once settled, Anduin surveyed the room. It was spacious enough for basic exercises, but there wasn't much room to practice his martial arts. He had primarily trained in Long Arm Boxing, Pi Gua, Long Fist, Hong Fist, and other styles, but the cramped space made it impossible to fully execute his techniques. For now, he could only practice Standing Post exercises and Tai Chi in his room.
After careful consideration, Anduin pulled out a piece of paper to plan his daily study and training schedule. He was an extremely disciplined person, living by a strict routine that largely mirrored his military habits, except for his inability to fold his blankets into perfect squares.
His schedule looked like this:
* 6:00 AM: Wake up, wash, and morning exercise. Training: Stretching, Standing Post, cardio, and 30 minutes of boxing.
* 7:30 AM: Breakfast, followed by studying and practicing spells.
* 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.
* 1:00 PM: Continue studying and practicing spells.
* 6:00 PM: Dinner, followed by rest or continued spell practice depending on his condition.
* 8:00 PM: Boxing, Standing Post, and meditation.
* 9:00 PM: Wash up and go to bed.
During meal and rest times, he helped Tom with chores.
For the next month and a half, Anduin resolved to abandon his normal life and immerse himself completely in magic, absorbing as much knowledge and practice as possible.
With his detailed plan in place, Anduin checked the time. It was nearly noon, so he decided to head downstairs for lunch.
After a brief chat with Tom in the hall, Anduin discovered that the meals provided were mostly British fare. Confirming this with Tom, Anduin retrieved the seasonings he had purchased earlier and personally prepared a few small dishes, treating Tom to a proper meal. This gesture not only improved their rapport but also left both host and guest thoroughly satisfied. With this pleasant interlude concluded, Anduin prepared to formally begin his magical journey.
Anduin focused primarily on Standard Spells, Beginner's Edition, Magical Theory, and Dark Forces: A Self-Defense Guide. He decided it would be best to quickly learn a few spells first. Transfiguration was too difficult without guidance, while Herbology and Potions required more practical experience.
Instead of rushing into practice, Anduin rapidly flipped through the books, marking key passages and areas he didn't understand with a pen. Before he knew it, time had slipped away unnoticed.
The next morning, after breakfast, Anduin prepared to cast his first-ever spell: the Levitation Charm. Having practiced for years, he could already make objects float without a wand, so he decided to start with what he knew best.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" Anduin chanted, matching the spell and wand movement from the book. He pointed his wand at a book on the table and began casting.
Anduin felt an invisible energy connecting himself, his wand, and the book. With minimal effort, the book floated into the air. "Hmm, using the spell feels much easier. Does the incantation stabilize my Magic Power?"
Next, Anduin set down his wand and tried to levitate the book using his old method. After several attempts, nothing happened.