Hagrid pushed the cage into Harry's hands at just the right moment. "Here! My eleventh birthday present for you! Kids all love owls. I specifically asked the shop clerk!"
Harry took the cage, delighted. "Thanks, Hagrid! This snowy owl is so cute!"
Hagrid laughed heartily. "Then give her a good name. She's a beautiful girl!"
Harry stared at the snowy owl intently. Thought for a moment. "I'll call her Hedwig! I saw that name in a History of Magic book before. A strong, kind, and brave witch!"
Besides Gemini showing an as expected expression, everyone else praised it as a good name.
After buying everything, Snape declined the group dinner invitation. Strode out of Diagon Alley with long steps.
Sirius finally got his spell removed by Gemini. Before he could say much, Lupin grabbed the stretcher handle and dragged him away. They'd been out long enough—stay any longer and St. Mungo's healers would come to Diagon Alley to catch people.
Hagrid kept clutching his chest. Stammered that Dumbledore was looking for him. Quickly said goodbye.
Harry sighed. Looked at the group that had suddenly shrunk by more than half. Turned to Gemini. "Let's just go home. Nothing outside tastes as good as Coby's cooking anyway."
Gemini naturally had no objections. Immediately led the two out of the Leaky Cauldron. Her car was parked in the nearby lot.
Wizards' comfortable travel methods were all too flashy. Not quite suitable for Privet Drive. Gemini bought a car. Under Sneezewort's guidance, installed a central control system. This way Sneezewort could drive like the earliest Jarvis. Just needed to put some effort into 3D-projecting a driver.
Harry who returned home received another new surprise. Sun Aihua had someone from China deliver a ceremonial sword. The blade and hilt were both made of ancient copper coins. Firmly woven together with unknown red cord.
Harry recognized it as his using Sun Aihua's taught method. Picked it up and casually swung. A shrill wind howl immediately sounded. Gemini looked at the shattered window in the distance. Immediately felt a headache coming. What was Sun Aihua trying to do? Have Harry demolish Hogwarts?!
After making Harry promise three things, confirming he wouldn't casually use Daoist arts and the ceremonial sword at Hogwarts, she let it go.
Dudley also received his enrollment gift. Besides a sheathed longsword, there was also a stack of books. Dudley looked at that stack of books completely confused. Didn't understand why Sun Aihua would send him this.
Gemini glanced at it. Immediately gasped. Looked at Dudley with sympathy.
That stack of things that looked like books were clearly various self-printed workbooks!
After Dudley read the letter tucked in the books, he similarly became lifeless. The letter clearly stated this was half a year's worth. Required him to bring them to China during winter break. Sun Aihua would find someone to grade them. Moreover, the workbooks came with special pens only Dudley could use. Eliminated the possibility of Dudley finding someone to write for him.
Even if he found someone to guide him through writing, Sun Aihua would still create test papers based on these workbooks when he returned. If he scored too poorly, Dudley shouldn't expect a good New Year!
Turned out Sun Aihua learned through the British Embassy about the students' study situation here. Felt it was too relaxed. Specifically found a group of teachers to help select and create problems. Personally oversaw the printing.
Harry and Gemini both looked at Dudley sympathetically. Harry patted his chest with lingering fear. "Good thing I'm going to Hogwarts. This is too terrifying!"
Gemini comforted Dudley. "Think on the bright side. This way you won't need to worry about your grades at school, right?"
Dudley looked at the gloating Harry with grief and anger. Hugged his workbooks, preparing to return to his room to be sad for a while.
The door was knocked at that moment. Harry happily went to open it.
Gemini still tried hard to think of words to comfort Dudley. Who knew after quite a while Harry still hadn't returned. The two walked out of the sitting room confused to take a look.
They saw Harry standing dumbly at the open door. Arms holding a stack of books even thicker than Dudley's. No one outside anymore.
"What's going on?" Gemini asked, baffled.
Harry looked tearful as he turned around. "Daoist Sun had someone rush-deliver it. Said she heard Hogwarts only has magical courses, no regular courses. Specially prepared for me!"
This time it was Dudley's turn to feel refreshed. "Lucky, lucky. I have enough time. Poor dear little cousin. Still has to study two areas."
Harry looked at Dudley with grief and anger. Momentarily speechless. Just now he'd been gloating. Now he was worse off than Dudley.
Gemini quietly stepped back. How to put it? Grateful she came of age early?
The second month of summer vacation ended with Harry previewing new textbooks and frantically doing workbooks. On the morning of September 1st, Harry and Dudley both sat at the dining table with dark circles under their eyes. The two had stayed up badly this past month. Both thinking to write more during vacation. Would be easier when school started. After all, how could school not have homework? When everything piled up together, there really wouldn't be time.
Gemini was arranging today's task schedule. First go to nearby Meston Secondary to drop Dudley off for registration. Starting at 9 o'clock, expected to end around 10:30. Then through the fireplace to London's Leaky Cauldron, Apparate to the station. Just in time for Harry's 11 o'clock train. Have Dobby bring the luggage directly to the platform to wait. When they arrived, grab it and go. Perfect!
Satisfied, she closed her notebook. Gemini turned to look at the time. "Hurry! You'll be late! Why are you both still so slow? And Dudley! Today's your first day of school. How did you end up like this?"
Harry couldn't help but yawn. Glad he was taking the train today. Could catch up on sleep on the train.
Before leaving, Gemini forcefully made Dudley drink a bottle of Snape's special Invigoration Draught. Supposedly the effect was very significant. Just had a problem during testing. Tasted awful.
Harry vigorously rubbed his face. Looked with lingering fear at Dudley who was even vomiting energetically. Afraid Gemini would also give him a bottle.
Rushing, they finally arrived at Meston Secondary before 9 o'clock. Gemini brought Dudley to register and attend the welcome assembly. Because of parents' small talk, 10 minutes later than expected! Already 10:40!
Gemini quickened her pace. Hands pulling Harry and Dudley. Three people smiled and nodded to people around them. Feet never stopped.
Walking out the school gates, Gemini didn't bother going to the pub. Directly pulled the two into an empty alley. Performed Apparition.
Long-distance Side-Along Apparition nearly drained Gemini's magic. Directly pulled out a Pepper-Up Potion and drank it. Gemini quickly pulled Harry rushing toward the station. "Ticket? You have it ready?"
Harry with one hand being pulled, one hand struggling to dig in his pocket. "Got it, got it!"
10:50, they finally appeared between Platform 9 and Platform 10. The platform at this time was already empty. Only an Auror disguised as a train staff member waving at them. "Quick, quick! The Muggles' train is about to arrive! Lots of people! While it's clear now, go in quickly!"
Gemini quickly said thanks. Directly brought the two through the wall barrier. Reached the bustling Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Only then did Gemini breathe a sigh of relief. Called Dobby waiting by the train to help carry the luggage onto the train. Arranged for Harry to board.
After Harry found a seat and sat down, the train gave a long whistle. Started moving with clanking sounds.
Only then did Gemini and Dudley breathe a sigh of relief. Wiped the sweat from their foreheads. This morning was really not simple.
"Gemini?" Just as Gemini prepared to take Dudley away, someone called out to her.
She turned around. It was Narcissa and Lucius. "Why are you so disheveled? Did something hold you up? I saw you arrive just as the train was about to leave." Narcissa asked with concern.
Gemini smiled bitterly. "Two children starting school at home. Can't slight either one. So rushed a bit."
Narcissa nodded knowingly. Looked at Dudley. "This is Harry's cousin?"
Lucius looked down condescendingly. Got an elbow from Narcissa. Only then did he wear an awkward smile and greet Dudley.
Dudley immediately noticed the other person's contempt. Immediately calmly formed a Daoist hand seal and performed a bow. "Outer disciple of the Daoist Sect, Dudley Dursley, greets the two lay practitioners."
Lucius was surprised for a moment. Looked at Gemini questioningly. "This is...?"
Gemini smiled without warmth at Narcissa. "This is indeed Harry's cousin. When we lived in China, he was taken in by cultivators there. Though he hasn't learned much, taking down one or two adult wizards is still very easy."
Narcissa smiled apologetically at Gemini. Shot Lucius a look. "That's quite impressive. I've heard the magical world there has very impressive offensive power."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the groups said goodbye and left the station.
On the other side on the train, Harry slumped in his chair. Looked at the luggage filling the compartment. Resignedly pulled out his wand. Prepared to put the luggage away.
The door slid open with a whoosh. A bushy-haired young witch appeared at the door. "Hello? Excuse me, have you—"
"Harry?!" The witch looked surprised at Harry holding his wand. "You're also a Hogwarts first-year? Didn't your cousin say he was going to Meston?"
"Hermione?" Harry also looked at Hermione surprised. "So you are too! Wait a moment. I can barely stand here. Let me clean up!"
With that, Harry waved his wand. Struggled to stuff all the luggage into the overhead rack. Only then did he invite the young witch to sit.
"I read many books at home. There's a lot about Harry Potter's deeds. I thought it was just the same name! So it's really you!" Hermione sat down. Mouth wouldn't stop talking.
Harry took out his thermos. Poured Hermione a cup of tea. "I didn't expect our primary school's top student would be a Hogwarts first-year either. Our family is basically all related to the magical world. Just had to live on Privet Drive for certain reasons. My cousin studies Chinese Daoism. So he'll go to Meston. That's his father's alma mater."
Hermione nodded knowingly. Then became a bit conflicted. "Then magical families like yours... are all this..." Hermione thought for a while and found the right words. "All this familiar with magic? Won't we have a big difference when we get to school?"
Harry laughed. "What are you thinking? Even wizarding children can't have their own wands before age eleven. I just studied ahead. Happened to have a former top graduate at home for guidance. If I couldn't learn a few spells in a month, wouldn't that be too useless?"
Hermione visibly relaxed. Smiled embarrassedly. "Sorry. I thought I'd be treated as a poor student."
"What were you going to ask when you came in?" Harry changed the subject.
Hermione jumped up. "Oh my God! I forgot! I'm helping Neville find his pet!"
Harry blinked. Looked at Hermione questioningly.
"Neville Longbottom. The boy who shared a compartment with me just now. Very shy child. His toad couldn't be found after the train started. I'm helping him search. No, I have to get back quickly. Otherwise he'll definitely think I ran away!" Hermione spoke rapidly. Opened the door to leave.
"Wait!" Harry quickly stopped her. Pulled out a yellow paper covered with red symbols from his pocket. Folded it into a paper crane in a few moves and handed it to Hermione. "Give this to Neville. Have him tell the paper crane his pet's name. Then follow the paper crane and he'll find it!"
Hermione looked skeptically at the paper crane. Though folded very delicately, was this magic?
Harry explained. "My cousin gave me this. Chinese Daoist method. Finding charm. Very useful!"
Hermione smiled and accepted it this time. Casually said see you at school. Hurriedly left.
Harry leaned back in his chair. Looked out the window somewhat lonely. Since he could remember, he'd always been with Dudley. This was the first time the two had been separated.
The scenery outside had changed from tall and short buildings to endless fields. Breeze gently blew across those golden crops. Stirred up wave after wave of ripples.
The azure sky hung with a few white clouds. Sunlight poured down freely. Shone through the speeding train window.
Harry's mouth immediately went dry. Glanced at the lukewarm black tea brought from home. Harry sighed. If only there was a bottle of ice-cold Coke right now. How comfortable that would be!
Thinking of this, Harry suddenly jumped up. Furtively opened the compartment door and looked outside. The corridor was empty with no one around. He decisively closed the door. Quietly called out, "Dobby?"
With a soft pop, Dobby stood dazed in the compartment. The moment he saw Harry, he became excited!
Harry quickly covered the house-elf's mouth and pressed him into the chair. "Shut up! Don't shout! I secretly called you here! Listen. Help me get 5 bottles of ice-cold Coke! Wait, 5 bottles is too many, it'll be discovered! Just get 3 bottles! Blink if you understand. I'll let you go!"
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