As the last young wizard stepped into the belly of the stone giant, Professor McGonagall tapped the doorway solemnly with her wand. Instantly, the great doors that had been wide open slammed shut. A deep rumbling followed, and Allen suddenly felt as if he were in an elevator, his stomach dropped with a jolt of weightlessness.
There was no doubt: the stone giant was descending.
About thirty seconds later, the sensation changed. The feeling of falling gave way to the subtle sway and imbalance that came when a train started moving. The massive construct was on the move.
It was the first time these young witches and wizards had experienced this kind of magical transportation, and within moments, they were chattering like a coop full of noisy chicks. Even though the wizarding world considered seventeen the age of adulthood, you couldn't deny, they were still in their rebellious years.
"Alright, quiet down!" Professor McGonagall silenced the noise effortlessly. "Choose your rooms. Boys on the left, girls on the right, four to a room. Find your roommates and settle in. We'll meet in the main hall in thirty minutes!"
Her voice left no room for argument, and the students scattered at once. But Allen, watching the flicker of wonder at the corner of McGonagall's eyes, couldn't help but wonder, was this her first time using this thing too?
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. This wasn't some everyday mode of transportation. This stone giant must have been a relic from Hogwarts' founding days. Even back in the era of Fantastic Beasts, wizards were already beginning to use the convenience of Muggle transport. By now, that shift was well underway.
Allen pictured Hogwarts students boarding a commercial airplane to Uganda, where Uagadou staff would warmly welcome them at the airport.
He chuckled. Yeah, that'd be a real embarrassment to the wizarding world.
Just like the Durmstrang ship or Beauxbatons' flying carriage, this underground stone giant seemed built purely for show. Without the Triwizard Tournament or a major inter-school exchange in ages, it was likely that this was Professor McGonagall's first time using this subterranean colossus too.
But all things considered, the ride was surprisingly smooth, comparable to a well-maintained Muggle vehicle.
…Wait, that would mean Professor McGonagall was the one driving right now?
Beep beep, watch out, Soraka on the road! Allen thought, stifling a laugh. He quickly shook his head to clear away the daydreams, unless he wanted a month's worth of detention, he'd better stop thinking like that.
Still lost in thought, Allen suddenly realized he'd been "kidnapped", he was now surrounded by three enthusiastic Hufflepuffs.
Unfortunately, one of them was Albert.
It wasn't that Allen had anything against the guy. It was just… if the Hufflepuff girls wanted to fight over him instead, well… he wouldn't resist!
No, no, what am I thinking? Allen shook his head vigorously. This is all Marshall's fault, always muttering nonsense. I'm pure, okay?
Clearing his head, Allen turned his attention to their quarters.
He had to admit, Hogwarts really knew how to put on a show. Even if this was just a temporary base, the quality was undeniable. Given the golem's lopsided, clumsy appearance from the outside, Allen hadn't expected much. But inside?
The walls of the lounge were constructed from layered blue-gray stone, with candles embedded along every surface to cast warm, flickering light. There was even a fireplace, somehow working inside this moving stone structure, Allen was very curious where the smoke went.
Unfortunately, that wasn't something he could figure out just by looking around. After a while of fruitless poking and peering, he returned to the main hall with the others.
This time, he had a chance to take in their surroundings.
Despite being underground, the corridors weren't dim at all. In fact, they were brighter than many parts of Hogwarts. Soft, pale yellow gems lined the walls, casting a steady, gentle glow. The floors, though made of stone, sloped subtly and naturally, giving the entire pathway a smooth, harmonious feeling.
The whole mobile fortress felt freshly cleaned, no dust, no wear, no signs of age. Of course, that was partly thanks to hardworking house-elves, but Allen suspected powerful preservation and protection charms were the real reason it had withstood the test of time so well.
By the time the young wizards reached the main hall, a massive long table had already appeared, draped in a pristine white cloth and surrounded by high-backed chairs. It looked just like the tables in Hogwarts' Great Hall.
But unfortunately, McGonagall didn't seem to have any intention of feeding them just yet.
Beside her stood Professor Snape and Professor Sigma. Floating behind them was a large blackboard.
The cheerful mood instantly evaporated.
Wait, what?
We finished all those grueling language classes, wasn't this trip supposed to be the fun part? Why does it feel like we're about to get more lessons?
Sadly, the answer was yes.
The students would now be taking three more crash courses:
Etiquette class, to prepare for formal public interactions.
Common Ugandan magical herbs and healing, to survive and adapt to the new environment.
And last but not least… Common Ugandan attack spells and defensive magic.
Hold up!
Allen felt something was off.
The first two made sense. Etiquette was useful, even if wearing full formal robes was annoying. Herbology and healing? Logical, practical.
But… common attack and defense spells?
That sounded bloody.
Before anyone could object, Professor Sigma glanced at the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins… then the Ravenclaws and Slytherins… and finally the Gryffindors and Slytherins.
That explained everything.
Slytherins again?!
Seriously, can't you guys get along with anyone?
But Allen didn't have time to dwell on that. He was more worried about the real issue:
They were all from the same school, so why did it feel like a brawl was inevitable?
Lunch wasn't as extravagant as Hogwarts', but hey, they were on the road. You had to make do.
According to a magical route map McGonagall conjured, a glowing red dot marked their current progress. They'd be arriving the following evening. That meant the professors were determined to cram as much information as possible into them beforehand.
By nightfall, most of the students were mentally exhausted, the information overload had turned their brains into mush.
As they shuffled through the long hallway back to their quarters, the Slytherins at the front suddenly stopped, forcing everyone behind them to halt.
The Slytherin prefect turned and walked toward the other three house prefects.
Though his expression was reluctant, he extended his hand.
"I'm not thrilled about it, but… I think there's nothing left to argue about this time. For this exchange..."
He smiled grimly.
"Let's flatten those Uagadou students."
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