"After I go back, I must seize the time to study in advance. I'm definitely behind those students who have been exposed to magic since childhood," Hermione said, still worried about her study progress as she said goodbye.
"Exactly, some little wizards can amaze the professors before the school even starts; you really need to work a bit harder," Ian chose to add more psychological pressure on Hermione. Of course, he was telling the truth, but he didn't tell Hermione that there was only one little wizard like that in the entire school.
"I knew it! I knew it!"
Hermione visibly displayed a worried expression; even before she stepped out of the bar door, she had already taken out the books she purchased today, intending not to spare her eyes even during the bumpy journey home.
The roads in London are notoriously bad.
"Another day guiding someone towards study."
Ian felt his good deeds had increased again by +1. He ordered a non-alcoholic butter beer at the bar's counter and wiped his mouth after finishing it before stepping onto the creaky stairs of the bar.
"This year is bound to be an extraordinary one!"
"That's right! Who would've thought Harry Potter is at the age to start school!"
"Do you think the Savior smells nicer than other little boys?"
...
In the bar.
Because of the previous sensation caused by Harry Potter, they were still discussing the Savior over these past few hours, though the topic seemed to veer towards British style.
"Lupin senior, look what I've brought you!" Ian found Lupin, who had shut himself in the room all day, and pulled out a photograph he took of Harry Potter.
They had just encountered Hagrid on the street, who was helping Harry Potter buy things.
"I didn't expect the Potter boy to have grown so big..." Lupin looked somewhat complex as he held the photo, and his trembling hands indicated his heart was not at peace.
"I thought you weren't with us today at Diagon Alley because you knew Harry Potter was coming to shop." Ian looked at the Desperate Werewolf in front of him, a bit surprised.
"I'm not a Prophet; how could I foresee that?"
Lupin shrugged helplessly.
"Then if you go to Diagon Alley now, perhaps you might still meet Hagrid and Harry Potter," the little wizard immediately suggested, though Lupin's reaction seemed a bit peculiar.
"We should head back early; we don't want Lady Yelena and them to worry," Lupin said, packing his things and leaving the hotel room first.
His departing figure seemed hasty.
As if he was avoiding Harry Potter.
However.
Perhaps more so, he was avoiding the beautiful past he once had.
...
The way back to the orphanage was, of course, the Knight Bus.
In the following month or so.
Ian experienced quite peaceful and pleasant days.
Although he still couldn't return to the Misty Illusion Realm, every Mysterious Night, he could distinctly sense the world on the other side again.
He just couldn't cross over for now.
Ian speculated the Black-robed Skeleton's "blacklist" had not yet been fully removed in the Misty Illusion Realm.
"At least things are moving in a good direction; I guess in a few weeks, I'll be bouncing around in the Misty Illusion Realm again," Ian made a shallow judgment based on his feelings.
This was certainly good news for him, but the soon-to-be-restored "qualification" didn't stop him from dragging out the Black-robed Skeleton every time he couldn't enter the Misty Illusion Realm on Mysterious Nights for a stew.
Large bones turned into soup.
Not only did the plants grow robust after watering, but even feeding some animals had the same effect; Ian raised a large rooster over a meter long during these months.
He packed this rooster into his suitcase, planning to let his treasured Snake Monster see the world.
"Aren't you going to Hogwarts?"
On the day before school started.
Ian didn't see Lupin packing his luggage.
"I'll be residing here long term."
The response from the Desperate Werewolf was unexpected to Ian.
"Is this Dumbledore's request?"
The little wizard made a slightly puzzled guess.
However.
Lupin shook his head in denial.
"This is also a decision I've made after much consideration, and honestly... I'm a bit worried about the kids here."
Lupin looked at the little wizard in front of him with a somewhat peculiar gaze, "I've observed that you periodically feed those kids various magic potions you've brewed."
Clearly.
He had been secretly observing Ian's actions all along.
"Just growth magic potions."
Ian's helpless expression only elicited a cold laugh from Lupin. Of course, it wasn't a matter of acting skills; perhaps even with Oscar-level acting, Lupin wouldn't believe him.
This excellent graduate of Hogwarts trusted his eyes more.
"I sensed a faint magical power in three of the children; are you trying to tell me it's just a coincidence?" Lupin showed a look of disbelief.
"Of course it's not a coincidence."
Ian didn't deny it.
He simply offered a "reasonable" explanation in a serious tone.
"Three, five, perhaps even more might appear, and there's certainly a proper explanation for all this—don't you know that our Wu's Orphanage is blessed with excellent feng shui and renowned for producing talent?"