Chapter 16
"Are you alright, Devero?" Harry was the first to ask, his expression filled with concern, and the others also gazed at Devero with apprehension, especially Neville, who was still rattled after having just grabbed Crabbe by the collar moments earlier.
To his surprise, Crabbe had crumpled to the ground like a heap of mud the next instant, startling him.
However, during the brief time they had spent together, they all perceived Devero as a reliable, supportive, and academically outstanding student. No one anticipated him to act in such a manner.
Devero had mostly regained his composure by now. "I'm fine, um, just… just…" But he was still somewhat bewildered, uncertain how to articulate his sudden impulsiveness.
Then, for some inexplicable reason, Devero began to breathe in a rhythmic manner. Soon, his mind felt clear, the restless surge of magic within him calmed, and the fatigue from continuously casting spells seemed to gradually fade.
Devero opened his eyes in disbelief. Had he just… inadvertently practiced the Zen meditation technique? And the outcome was *this* beneficial?
"It's alright, Devero. If I had known those spells, I would have done the same to them!" Ron said, giving Devero a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Neville nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah, those spells must be high-level, right? Devero, you're way stronger than they are!"
"Thanks, guys," Devero replied, shaking off the surprise brought on by the Zen meditation. He offered them a faint smile. Although the effects of the technique astonished him—and part of him wanted to try it again—he first contemplated why his emotions had suddenly spiraled out of control.
It felt like a physiological response.
The moment he heard *that word*, his magic surged as if it were boiling, rushing to his head and shattering his rationality. All he desired was to beat that arrogant jerk senseless. He didn't want to think about anything else.
Now, he felt a lingering sense of fear. Fortunately, he only knew a few dark spells. In that moment, he had almost wanted to throw an *Avada Kedavra* at the guy's face. But to think he'd done something like that to a fellow student on the train to school…
What kind of punishment would he face? Contemplating this, Devero felt a wave of anxiety.
"Wait a moment, everyone," Hermione said, raising her hand to capture their attention. "Let's not forget we just blasted three classmates into another compartment on the train to Hogwarts."
She continued, "I mean, was that really necessary? That's risking expulsion!" As expected, first-year Hermione was still the strict rule-follower she had been before the troll incident.
"Not necessary? It was *absolutely* necessary!" Ron exclaimed, jumping up. "Did you hear what he called you? That word's like saying your whole family's a bunch of pigs, got it?" Ron was visibly enraged.
Neville nodded gravely, a rare serious look on his face.
"Like 'That word'?" Hermione inquired, referring to a derogatory term used against a certain country in Britain. Her expression changed instantly, as if she suddenly grasped why everyone was so furious.
Of course, Harry didn't fully understand. He was just upset because Malfoy had insulted his friends.
"No wonder… he… just asked me…" Hermione murmured, her head lowered, likely recalling an earlier encounter with Malfoy before arriving at this compartment.
Suddenly, she looked up, her face flushed with anger, resembling a bristling lion cub. Without a word, she stood up, flung open the compartment door, and was about to storm out.
Devero stood and blocked her. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to teach them a lesson. Get out of my way, Devero!" Hermione said, attempting to push past him. But, unsurprisingly, she couldn't move him.
"Calm down. You saw what I did—I already taught them a lesson. Besides, if anyone's getting expelled for this, let it be me. I don't want you all getting in trouble because of this."
As Devero spoke, perhaps influenced by the Zen meditation, his tone was earnest, his gaze steady and persuasive as he looked at Hermione.
The usually obstinate Hermione, who in the original story would've resisted, only shoved Devero a few times before puffing out her cheeks and giving up on confronting Malfoy.
Devero sighed in relief and sat back down. But he couldn't help but wonder: *Was Hermione really that easy to persuade? Or does practicing Zen meditation somehow enhance my persuasiveness?*
He decided he'd have to test it later.
At the same time, he really didn't want the "trio" to lose one or two members because of him. Honestly, whether he attended Hogwarts or not didn't matter much to him.
He was a top talent in wand-making, potions, and magic. Following Snape, becoming a Potions Master was practically assured.
Expulsion? That might frighten little kids like Harry and Hermione, but it didn't bother Devero.
Even if he got kicked out of Hogwarts on the first day, he wouldn't care much. The only downside would be missing out on things like the [Entry Upgrade Card] at Hogwarts and the steady supply of dozens of blue entries each year.
For now, living a simple, comfortable life was sufficient for him.
Soon, the tense atmosphere in the compartment faded. Although five people in one compartment made it a bit cramped, Harry's snacks, combined with Devero and Hermione's occasional spell demonstrations, kept the mood cheerful. They chatted happily.
As the original story stated, when a group of people who wouldn't normally connect experience something extraordinary together, it's hard not to become friends. And beating up an arrogant, discriminatory rich kid? That was definitely one of those moments.
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"Hey, Devero, do you know what the Sorting Ceremony involves?" Harry asked, a hint of worry on his face, clearly lacking confidence.
With Draco Malfoy no longer bothering them, the compartment's atmosphere brightened, and they naturally began discussing their upcoming life at Hogwarts.
"Is the Sorting Ceremony frightening?" Ron asked, his voice laced with unease. "I heard it might cause some serious physical harm."
At this, Neville and Harry's faces displayed concern.
"I don't know any magic yet. If we have to fight something…" Harry trailed off.
Hermione's expression grew serious, clearly contemplating the same concern.
Devero, however, simply smiled without saying anything.
In his mind, he thought, 'What harm could a hat cause? Ron's been completely misled by his brothers.' But he didn't voice it.
Instead, he reassured them, "Don't worry, Ron. The Sorting Hat is just a regular magical item. It won't hurt you."
But coming from a fellow first-year who hadn't been to Hogwarts, his words didn't carry much weight.
They moved on to discussing which houses they hoped to be in. Ron and Neville both wished for Gryffindor, attracted to its reputation for bravery and adventure, and because most of their families had been sorted there.
Harry gloomily stated he'd probably end up in Hufflepuff.
Hermione wavered between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor—her intelligence suited Ravenclaw, but her inner courage pulled her toward Gryffindor.
When they asked Devero which house he desired, he smiled and said, "Me? Probably Ravenclaw."
The reason? Devero was very interested in Ravenclaw's Head, Professor Flitwick. Not only was Flitwick a top-tier dueling champion, but he also taught Charms.
If Devero could establish a good relationship with him, perhaps he could receive some extra lessons and learn advanced spells. The thought made his eyes shine with anticipation.
Of course, with the risk of expulsion looming, these plans felt somewhat distant. But he didn't share these concerns with the others, instead continuing to chat cheerfully.
During this time, at Hermione's reminder, they changed into their Hogwarts robes.
The sky outside grew darker, and they munched on snacks while chatting animatedly. Devero occasionally chimed in, sharing stories from Diagon Alley that captivated Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville.
The compartment was filled with laughter.
After a while, Devero pretended to rest his eyes and began practicing the Zen meditation technique again. Like when he'd confronted Malfoy, his mind became clear, and everything felt tranquil.
He could even sense the flow of magic within his body. Following the guidance of ancient wisdom in his mind, Devero mentally pulled his consciousness out of his body, allowing it to spread across the compartment.
The other kids didn't notice anything unusual.
Devero should've been thrilled, but he felt strangely calm, steadily exploring and channeling his mental energy. To the others, it appeared as though he had fallen asleep.
When the sky was completely dark, a whistle sounded, and the train gradually came to a halt.
Devero slowly opened his eyes. He knew they had finally arrived—Hogwarts!