Anduin had no recollection of the specific events surrounding Harry Potter's childhood. He only remembered hearing that Voldemort had stormed into the Potter home, murdered Harry's parents, and then been defeated by Harry himself. The rest of the story was a complete mystery to him; he didn't even know how Harry had managed to kill Voldemort.
Should I tell them? Warn them? Watching their happiness, Anduin felt torn.
Lily noticed Anduin's furrowed brow, unsure what he was thinking. "What's wrong? Are you nervous about starting school? I'm a Muggle-born wizard myself. When I first learned I was going to Hogwarts, I couldn't sleep for nights. But once you get there, you won't regret it."
"I wonder which house you'll be sorted into," James chimed in, eagerly promoting Gryffindor. "Gryffindor's the best, of course, but the other houses aren't bad either... except Slytherin." Though he only mentioned it briefly, it was clear James harbored a strong dislike for Slytherin.
"Don't listen to him, Anduin. Trust yourself. Each house has its own strengths. No matter where you're sorted, if you focus on your studies and understand what kind of person you want to become, you can achieve great things regardless of which house you graduate from!" Lily clearly wasn't impressed with James's aggressive house recommendations.
"Thank you, I'll keep your advice in mind," Anduin replied. As someone with an adult soul, he wasn't nervous about starting school. But seeing Lily so earnestly sharing her wisdom, he didn't want to interrupt her.
Still, Anduin couldn't bring himself to directly warn the Potters about their fate. Should I just tell them that one day Voldemort will break into their home, kill them all, and then be defeated by their son? Not only would they never believe him, but they were already enemies of Voldemort—they must have long prepared to face the Dark Lord.
"Alright, it's getting late, Anduin. Let me escort you home. It's not safe at night. James, Lily, you too."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall," Anduin replied as he and the professor began gathering their things.
Before parting, Anduin turned back to Lily and said, "Mrs. Potter, please take care. I wish you and your child all the best. Your child will surely make you proud one day!"
After all, your child will be the protagonist.
Anduin didn't know what else to say, but facing this kind-hearted woman, he couldn't help but offer a few words of caution. As for their future, it was beyond his power to interfere.
"Thank you for your blessing, Anduin," Lily replied, looking at the young student with warmth. Perhaps he reminded her of her younger self, or perhaps he brought back memories of her childhood sweetheart.
"Here's a little trinket I made on the spur of the moment—consider it a protective charm. It's a gift to celebrate your enrollment, and you can always write to me," Lily said, gazing at Anduin. She reached into her handbag and pulled out a small copper disc, handing it to him.
Anduin took it and examined it. The coin-sized disc featured a lifelike engraving of a female doe.
"Thank you for the gift. I'll treasure it," Anduin said solemnly, carefully tucking away Lily's present. After bidding farewell to the Potter couple once more, he followed Professor McGonagall out.
Another Apparition. Anduin, having experienced this uncomfortable mode of travel before, didn't react as strongly as the first time. He shook his head, rubbed his slightly pale face, bid farewell to Professor McGonagall, and returned to the orphanage alone.
Back in his room at the orphanage, Anduin sat on his bed, reflecting on the day's events. The allure of the Magical World was undeniable.
Yet he couldn't shake the thought that Voldemort was still alive in this era. He had no idea what the situation at Hogwarts might be, but it was undoubtedly dangerous. He wasn't about to entrust his life to others, especially as a Muggle.
In the current state of the Wizarding World, self-preservation was paramount. Without it, Voldemort and his followers could strike at any moment. Recalling the information he had gathered from Professor McGonagall, Anduin summarized the key points:
First, the Ministry of Magic was on high alert. Previously, underage wizards were only monitored by the Trace after enrolling in Hogwarts. Now, they would be tracked as soon as they acquired a wand.
Second, because the Trace was a broad-area detection system, the Ministry couldn't pinpoint the exact individual casting spells in crowded wizarding areas.
Third, Dumbledore was still in charge, and the Ministry of Magic was actively resisting, making Diagon Alley relatively safe.
Having made up his mind, Anduin resolved to leave the orphanage as soon as possible and settle in Diagon Alley. He needed to acquire some self-defense skills before starting school. With this thought, he pulled out his wand.
He gazed at the jade-like wand, its matte texture and deep, dark hue. "From now on, it's just you and me," he murmured. "I'll name you 'Dark Sketch.' Are you ready to show the Magical World what we're capable of?"
As if in response, Anduin felt Dark Sketch tremble slightly in his hand, releasing several arcs of electricity that caused him no harm, only deepening his connection to the wand.
His resolve strengthened, Anduin went to bed early, preparing to act the next day.
Meanwhile, Hogwarts at night resembled a slumbering dragon, silent yet radiating a powerful, majestic beauty.
Professor McGonagall climbed the stairs to Dumbledore's office.
"Albus, how did the interviews go tonight?" she asked, watching Dumbledore tease Phoenix Fawkes. "I don't hold out much hope for the Divination position. You know most seers in the Wizarding World are charlatans."
"Then I regret to inform you, Minerva, that we will soon be welcoming Hogwarts' first Divination teacher." Dumbledore, recalling the earth-shattering prophecy he had overheard in Hogsmeade earlier that day, calmed his mind, raised an eyebrow, and turned to Professor McGonagall. He then deftly changed the subject. "How did you find that Muggle first-year today? You seem to be in good spirits. His name was An... An..."
"Anduin, Anduin Wilson," McGonagall replied. "A remarkably disciplined and polite child, both from my own observations and from what I learned at his orphanage. We also happened to meet the Potters today. Lily's baby is due at the end of the month, and they were quite impressed with Anduin as well." Seeing Dumbledore's interest in the new student, McGonagall readily praised him. Anduin had indeed left a very positive impression on her.