Chapter 5: The Glimmer of Light in the Tool Shed and the Promise of Lemon Cake
The abandoned tool shed in Granger Family's backyard was more… promising than Lynn had imagined.
It was truly tiny, nestled against the main house's back wall, built of old red bricks, with most of the green paint peeling off its wooden door, revealing patches of wood in varying shades.
The shed roof was covered in thick dust and a few stubborn moss patches.
Inside, it was filled with dusty old flowerpots, a few rusty gardening shears, and a bundle of dry vines, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth mixed with rust.
But Hermione's eyes were astonishingly bright, as if she had discovered a treasure.
"This is it!"
She found it when she was playing hide-and-seek as a child, and her parents have forgotten all about it!"
She excitedly lowered her voice, her small hand pushing open the creaking wooden door with effort, and a cloud of dust billowed out.
"Cough, cough…" Hermione's face wrinkled up as she choked, fanning the air with her hand.
Lynn immediately stepped forward, blocking her, and waved away the dust for her.
"Be careful."
He surveyed the cramped space; though dilapidated, it had four walls and a roof overhead, and most importantly—**absolute privacy**.
Mrs. Smith's shadow and the potential risks of the Library were completely isolated here.
A plan quickly formed in his mind.
The next few afternoons became "secret base renovation time" for the two young explorers.
Lynn utilized all the "resources" he could find at the orphanage: a few relatively clean old wooden boards (reportedly from a broken cabinet), some burlap (originally used to cover miscellaneous items), and even a small, nearly empty can of white paint (a half-finished "masterpiece" left by some child).
They were like two busy little squirrels.
Lynn was responsible for the heavy lifting: building a simple small platform in the corner with the wooden boards to serve as a "workbench"; carefully wiping away most of the dust and cobwebs from the walls and ceiling with burlap; and carefully stacking the truly useless junk into the furthest corner to free up as much space as possible.
Hermione, on the other hand, leveraged her meticulousness: she spread a clean floral cloth on the workbench; neatly arranged the few books she had brought (including the crucial "Basic Spells and Elementary magic Theory" and the deep blue star book) in one corner; and even managed to dig out two small, paint-chipped tin cans from somewhere, which, after being cleaned, one was used to hold their collected "treasure stones" and the other for Lynn's tools.
When Lynn dipped the brush into the meager white paint and carefully, painstakingly drew a crooked, but earnestly attempting to be round, moon and a simple star pattern made of several small dots on the mottled wall, Hermione clapped her hands beside him, cheering softly, "Look!"
"This is our 'Moon and Star' emblem!"
The moon-white stone pendant on her chest seemed to respond, glinting with a warm, soft light.
The small tool shed was transformed.
Though still simple, it was filled with their own warm and secret atmosphere.
Sunlight streamed in through cracks in the roof and a small high window, forming several light beams where dust motes slowly floated, like golden sprites dancing.
This became a haven for Lynn and Hermione alone, a place to explore the unknown.
"Alright, it's safe now."
Lynn nodded with satisfaction, looking at the fruit of their combined efforts.
He solemnly placed the deep blue star book on the workbench covered with the floral cloth.
"Hermione, are you ready?
Today, we'll try to help you find the feeling of 'Spark' too."
Hermione immediately straightened her small body and sat on the small wooden stool in front of the workbench (which Lynn had also brought from the orphanage), her small face taut with anticipation and a touch of nervousness.
"Mm!"
"I'm ready!"
She took a deep breath, mimicking Lynn's earlier actions, closing her eyes and trying to concentrate.
Lynn didn't immediately have her try to guide; instead, he first opened the star book and found a relatively gentle set of symbols consisting of several concentric circles and short rays radiating outwards.
He extended his index finger, concentrated, and very slowly, carefully guided a fine, silken thread of warm current from the significantly recovered Spark within him, gathering it at his fingertip, and gently touched it to the set of symbols.
***Buzz...***
The familiar faint vibration came.
A barely perceptible silver glow appeared at the edges of the symbol lines, shining steadily and consistently.
A soft, regular "energy field" spread out from the page, like ripples from a small stone dropped into calm water, gently expanding.
"Do you feel it, Hermione?"
Lynn's voice was very soft, like a whisper, "It's this 'tremor,' like the wind blowing across a calm lake.
Don't rush to find 'heat'; first, focus on feeling this 'movement,' let it be the focal point of your consciousness."
Hermione's eyes were closed, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.
She tried to block out the occasional bird song from outside the tool shed, to block out the subtle sounds of drying wood, and immersed her entire mind in the "tremor" Lynn described.
Initially, she could only vaguely sense an indescribable "presence" in the direction of the book page, but as Lynn's steady and continuous guidance continued, that feeling became clearer and clearer—a subtle tremor, as if the air itself was vibrating ever so slightly, with a strange rhythm, as if breathing.
"I... I feel it!"
Hermione's voice held a trace of imperceptible excitement, "It's like... like a small drum beating very, very far away, but the vibration travels through the air..."
"Very good!"
"Keep that feeling."
Lynn encouraged, "Now, imagine you are that lake surface.
Let this 'tremor' feel, like water ripples, start from your fingertips and slowly, gently 'flow' into your body... Don't resist it, accept it, let it become a part of you..."
Hermione tried as told.
She imagined the invisible "tremor" as the softest light, coming from the direction Lynn was guiding, passing through the air, and gently touching her fingertips.
Then, she tried hard to relax, imagining her fingers like sponges, trying to absorb and contain this wonderful "feeling."
Time flowed in silence.
Lynn maintained a steady guidance from his fingertip, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Hermione's small face was also slightly flushed from intense concentration.
Only their faint breaths and the almost silent, weak hum from the book page remained in the tool shed.
One minute... two minutes... Just as Lynn thought this attempt might again be fruitless, Hermione's body trembled ever so slightly!
Immediately after, her small fist, which had been tightly clenched on her lap, and the tip of her index finger, suddenly *lit up* ever so faintly!
The light was as faint as the most inconspicuous firefly on a summer night, flashing and disappearing, even dimmer than when Lynn first demonstrated it to her!
If Lynn hadn't been closely watching her, he would have barely caught it!
"Hermione!"
Lynn's voice held uncontrollable excitement, but he immediately lowered it, "Don't stop!
You did it!
Your fingertip just lit up!
Keep feeling that 'tremor,' let it flow in!"
Hermione clearly felt it too!
At the moment that faint light appeared, an extremely faint but incredibly clear warmth, like the first tender sprout breaking through the earth in spring, with the throb of new life, suddenly emerged from where her fingertip had lit up!
It was as weak as a candle in the wind, yet it truly existed, carrying an aura distinctly different from Lynn's Spark, one that was gentler and softer!
"I... I feel it!"
Hermione suddenly opened her eyes, her brown eyes instantly filled with tears of surprise, her voice trembling with disbelief, "It's warm!
It's right inside my finger!
It's like... like a tiny, glowing hot water bottle!"
She excitedly raised her right hand, turning it over and over, looking at the tip of her index finger that had just glowed faintly, as if the most magical flower in the world had bloomed there.
"Yes!
That's your 'Spark'! Hermione!
You succeeded!"
Lynn withdrew his guidance, and the light from the symbols on the star book instantly faded.
His heart was filled with immense joy and pride.
Hermione's talent was even more astonishing than he had imagined!
Though faint, this first step was of extraordinary significance.
"Lynn!
I succeeded!
I really succeeded!"
Hermione could no longer restrain herself, jumping up from the wooden stool and, with immense joy and excitement, pouncing on Lynn like a small cannonball, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist!
Her small body trembled slightly with excitement, her head buried in Lynn's chest, her voice muffled but filled with immense happiness: "Thank you!
Lynn!
Thank you for teaching me!"
Lynn swayed slightly from the sudden hug, and then a warm current surged through his entire body.
He instinctively raised his hands and gently wrapped them around Hermione's slender shoulders, feeling the excitement and trust she conveyed.
Her curly hair brushed against his chin, ticklish, carrying the scent of sunshine and dust.
The star stone on his chest also seemed to warm slightly.
At this moment, all caution, all fatigue vanished, leaving only pure, immense joy and sweetness from sharing success.
"It's the result of your own hard work, Hermione.
You're amazing."
Lynn's voice held a smile as he gently patted her back.
Hermione looked up, her small face flushed, her eyes shining as if filled with the entire brilliant night sky, still with traces of tears, but smiling incredibly brightly.
She released Lynn, stepped back, and like displaying the most precious treasure, again extended her index finger, trying hard to concentrate, her small face turning crimson with effort.
This time, without the assistance of Lynn's guiding "energy field," the process was much more difficult.
She tried several times, her small brows furrowed into knots.
Finally, as fine beads of sweat appeared on her nose, the tip of her index finger, with extreme difficulty and intermittently, flickered twice more with an extremely faint, almost indistinguishable light!
Though weak and unstable, it was indeed something she had guided independently!
"Did you see, Lynn!
I can make it light up myself!"
Hermione jumped excitedly, the moon-white stone pendant on her chest bouncing joyfully with her movements.
"I saw it!
That's amazing!"
Lynn was genuinely happy for her.
He magically pulled out a small greaseproof paper packet from his cloth bag; inside were two somewhat rough-looking but enticingly sweet and lemon-scented yellow mini cakes—these were his saved portions of the orphanage's afternoon tea snacks, which he had secretly tried to bake with limited ingredients (mainly flour, sugar, and a bit of lemon zest).
"To celebrate Miss Hermione Granger successfully lighting her 'Spark,' I hereby present the 'magicAwakening' cake!"
Lynn mimicked a waiter's tone, handing a cake to Hermione.
"Wow!
Lemon cake!"
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise as she carefully took it, as if holding some rare treasure.
She took a small bite; though the texture was a bit dry, the fresh lemon scent and sweetness immediately spread in her mouth.
"So delicious!
Lynn, you can make cakes too?"
Her gaze at Lynn practically sparkled with stars, her admiration soaring once again.
"Just a small experiment."
Lynn also picked up the other piece and took a bite; the taste was indeed quite ordinary, but seeing Hermione's satisfied expression, it felt incredibly delicious.
The two sat side by side on the small wooden stools, sharing the simple yet sweet cakes, and the tiny tool shed was filled with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.
"Lynn," Hermione licked the cake crumbs from the corner of her mouth, then suddenly thought of something, her big eyes sparkling as she looked at him, "You know, when I can make the symbols on the book glow as brightly as you do, will we be able to do even more amazing things?
Like... making cakes taste better by themselves? Or making the tool shed clean itself?"
Lynn was amused by her wild ideas: "Maybe... it really is possible?
As long as we work hard enough."
His heart was filled with even more anticipation for the future.
"Mm!
We'll work hard together!"
Hermione nodded vigorously, full of drive.
She carefully re-wrapped the remaining half of her cake, "I'm going to take it home and eat it slowly!"
As they left the tool shed, the golden glow of the setting sun cast a warm hue over the old red bricks.
Hermione skipped ahead, occasionally turning back to excitedly chat with Lynn, the moon-white stoneon her chest reflecting a warm light in the sunset.
Lynn followed behind her, watching the girl's joyful back, his heart filled with an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and warmth.
However, just as he was about to step out of the small picket fence gate of the Granger Family's backyard, the corner of his eye sharply caught something deep within the crown of the tall oak tree in the neighbor's yard diagonally opposite—among the dense branches and leaves, there seemed to be a blurry dark shadow, and two points that glinted with sharp golden light in the twilight... eyes?
The dark shadow seemed to sense Lynn's gaze, abruptly retracted its head, and completely disappeared into the dense foliage, with only a few leaves gently swaying.
Lynn's footsteps halted, his heart giving a sudden lurch.
That shape... that sharp gaze... could it be... an owl?!
A chill quietly crept up his spine, only to be immediately replaced by immense excitement.
He calmly averted his gaze and quickly caught up with Hermione, as if nothing had happened.
But his heart, in his chest, pounded uncontrollably because of that dark shadow in the treetop.
The appearance of the owl could only mean one thing—that life-changing invitation was finally coming!
Chapter 6 Midnight Visitors and Star Resonance
The night at Oak House Orphanage was so quiet that only the occasional groan of old pipes and the whistling wind outside the window remained.
Lynn lay on the hard bed, wide awake.
Those two sharp golden eyes in the treetops during the day were etched into his mind like a brand.
An owl!
It was definitely an owl!
Was its target...him, or Hermione?
Or both?
Was that fate-changing envelope already clutched in its strong beak, ready to cut through the night sky of London at any moment?
Time seemed to stretch on.
Lynn tossed and turned, and the "Spark" within him seemed to sense his anxiety, throbbing restlessly.
He simply sat up, and in the faint moonlight filtering through the window, he retrieved the dark blue "star stone" pendant from its hiding place.
It was cold to the touch, but when he tried to inject a faint warm current of "Spark" into it, extremely subtle ripples seemed to spread within the cold stone, transmitting back a faint but clear, resonant vibration.
This feeling was more obvious than before, as if something was approaching, calling out.
He held the pendant and walked to the narrow window, lifting a corner of the heavy curtain, his gaze like a torch as he scanned the street outside, fragmented by the dim yellow light of the streetlights, and the dark tree shadows in the distance.
The night wind whimpered, rustling the fallen leaves on the ground.
Time passed minute by minute, and just as Lynn thought nothing would happen tonight and was about to give up—
**Thump! Thump thump!**
A clear, short sound, like a hard object tapping on glass, suddenly came from below the window!
Lynn's heart instantly leaped into his throat!
He quickly ducked down and looked in the direction of the sound.
He saw a robust bird, covered in dark brown and off-white feathers, using its curved and sharp beak to tap repeatedly on the glass of the transom window at the end of the first-floor corridor, below his attic room!
Those eyes, like molten gold in the night, pierced through the darkness sharply, as if they could directly pinpoint Lynn in the attic!
It's here!
It really came!
Lynn barely hesitated; he slipped out of the room like a shadow, tiptoeing down the creaking wooden stairs.
The orphanage corridor was pitch black, with only the dim light filtering in from the transom window at the end, made even darker by the large bird's silhouette.
He held his breath and quietly approached the transom window.
The owl outside the window seemed to sense his approach and stopped tapping.
It tilted its head, its molten-gold eyes staring unblinkingly at Lynn inside the window, with an almost inhuman scrutiny.
Lynn could see its strong talons gripping tightly to the narrow window ledge, and firmly tied to one of its talons was a thick, square parchment envelope!
The envelope appeared an antique cream color in the dim light, and an address seemed to be written on it in dark green ink.
Lynn took a deep breath, carefully and as silently as possible, he unlatched the transom window and pushed open a crack.
The night wind, carrying coolness and a hint of wildness, instantly surged in.
The owl did not fly away; it merely extended the talon with the letter tied to it forward, its movements precise and steady, as if trained countless times.
Lynn reached out, his fingertips touching the cold, tough parchment envelope and the rough scales of the owl's talons.
Just as he untied the string holding the envelope, the owl suddenly flapped its wings, silently merging into the night, disappearing instantly, leaving only a few falling downy feathers and a lingering coolness on the envelope.
Lynn quickly closed the transom window, his heart still pounding.
He clutched the letter, which seemed to carry the weight of destiny, like a burning ember, and quickly scurried back to his attic room.
Locking the door and drawing the curtains, he finally, by the moonlight from outside the window, eagerly looked at the envelope.
Dark green ink outlined elegant and strong calligraphy on the cream-colored parchment:
**Oak House Orphanage**
**Attic Room**
**Mr. Lynn Li**
On the back of the envelope was a deep red wax seal.
The pattern on the wax seal was not any emblem he recognized, but a complex symbol formed by abstract lines, resembling both intertwined vines and star trajectories, exuding a mysterious aura.
Lynn carefully picked open the wax seal with his fingernail and pulled out the parchment letter of the same material inside.
The letter, written in the same dark green ink, read:
> **Mr. Lynn Li:**
>
> **We are pleased to inform you that, after extensive observation and careful evaluation, you have been accepted into an elite boarding academy in the Scottish Highlands, a historical institution dedicated to the study of ancient energies and the development of individual potential.**
>
> **The new term is scheduled to begin on September 1st.**
> **Enclosed is a list of required books and equipment.**
>
> **Given your special circumstances, the Academy will dispatch a dedicated representative to await you at the orphanage entrance at exactly 9:00 AM on July 31st, to guide you through subsequent procedures and the purchase of necessary items.**
>
> **Please return your decision (acceptance or rejection of this admission) in writing, via any nocturnal messenger (e.g., an eagle owl), by July 15th.**
>
> **Yours sincerely,**
> **Deputy Principal (Acting)**
No academy name!
No Principal's signature!
The wording was extremely cautious, using "study of ancient energies," "development of individual potential," and "elite boarding academy" to replace those sensitive terms, but the core message was incredibly clear—he had been accepted into a magic school!
And it was in the Scottish Highlands!
Time, place, process, everything was proceeding as planned!
A huge wave of ecstasy and relief, almost overwhelming him, instantly flooded Lynn's nerves.
He succeeded!
He had obtained the pass to leave Oak House and enter that magical world!
Hogwarts!
This must be Hogwarts!
He suppressed his excitement, his gaze falling on the enclosed list.
The parchment clearly listed:
Required books for the first year: *Introduction to Basic Energies*, *Beginner's Guide to Ancient Symbol Analysis*, *Herbal Properties and Basic Applications*, *Basic Energy Field Construction*, *Atlas of European Magical Creatures (Abridged Edition)*, *A Brief History of Energy Conversion*...
Equipment: Plain Work Robes (Black), Protective Gloves (Dragonhide or equivalent material), Protective Cloak (Black, with fastening clasps), Standard Energy Conductor (various materials available, compatibility testing recommended)...
All names had been cleverly blurred, but Lynn could instantly match them to the familiar textbooks and equipment from the original work (wand had become "Standard Energy Conductor").
This admission letter perfectly avoided any potential risks while precisely conveying all necessary information!
Lynn read the letter and the list several times, and after confirming everything, he carefully hid them back in the star book's hiding place.
He lay on the bed, his excited emotions refusing to calm down for a long time.
What about Hermione?
Her letter should be arriving soon, right?
They could finally step into that dream world together!
The next afternoon, Lynn practically dashed into the Granger Family's backyard shed right on time.
Hermione had arrived even earlier, sitting on a small wooden stool, tightly clutching a cream-colored parchment envelope identical to the one he had received!
Her small face was a mixture of immense excitement, disbelief, and a lingering trace of fright.
"Lynn!"
As soon as she saw him, Hermione immediately jumped up, like a startled bird finding solace, rushing to him in a few steps, holding up the envelope for him to see, her voice still trembling slightly, "You...you see!
Last night!
There was a really, really big bird!
It tapped on my window with its beak!
Then...then it left this!
My name is on it!"
She was clearly quite shaken by the owl's sudden visit.
Lynn immediately understood.
He naturally reached out and gently held Hermione's small hand, which was trembling slightly from excitement and nervousness (her wrist was cold), conveying a calming strength.
"Don't be afraid, Hermione.
I received one too."
He took out his hidden envelope and showed it to her.
"You received one too?!"
Hermione's eyes instantly widened, fear replaced by immense surprise, "Really?
Then...then this big bird..."
"They're called nocturnal messengers; they're specially for delivering important letters like this," Lynnexplained, using words she could understand, "They're very smart and won't hurt people.
See, it just delivered the letter and left, right?"
Hermione recalled the big bird's sharp but seemingly harmless gaze last night, and how it flew away after dropping the letter, and nodded, her tense little body finally relaxing a bit.
She looked down at the identical envelopes in their hands, then at Lynn's warm and smiling eyes, and a wonderful sense of connected destiny arose.
They had discovered secrets together, lit their "little Sparks" together, and now, they had received life-changing invitations together!
"Lynn," Hermione's voice was full of anticipation and a touch of apprehension, "Is that academy mentioned in the letter...real?
In the Scottish Highlands?
St-studying that 'ancient energy'?"
"It's real."
Lynn nodded affirmatively, his tone filled with undeniable excitement, "That's where the 'key' we've been looking for truly comes into play!
We can learn together, explore more magical things together!
Just like you said yesterday, make the shed clean itself, or make cakes taste better!"
He encouraged her with her childish words from yesterday.
Hermione giggled, a brilliant smile blooming on her small face, and the last trace of unease vanished.
"Mm! Let's go together!"
She nodded vigorously, her brown eyes filled with longing for the future.
She pulled Lynn to sit on the small wooden stool, eagerly opened the envelope, and the two of them, heads together, carefully read the equally cautiously worded admission notice and list.
"Look!
We have so many of the same books!"
Hermione pointed to the list, exclaiming excitedly in a whisper, "*Introduction to Basic Energies*, *Beginner's Guide to Ancient Symbol Analysis*...oh!
And this 'Standard Energy Conductor'!
It sounds so cool!"
She was completely immersed in the new life that was about to begin.
"Mm, we'll buy them together."
Lynn agreed with a smile.
He took out the star book and placed it on the workbench, ready to begin today's exploration.
However, just as his fingertips accidentally brushed the book's cover—
**Hum...**
A vibration much clearer than usual, accompanied by an extremely faint but real warmth, instantly emanated from the star book!
It was as if the book had also sensed the presence of the admission letter, creating some strange resonance!
Lynn's heart stirred, and he subtly withdrew his fingers.
Was there indeed some connection between the star book...and that academy?
This mystery, perhaps, could only be unraveled when they truly stepped into that ancient Castle.
"Hermione," Lynn picked up the quill (brought by Hermione) and a plain white piece of paper, "Now, the most important thing is—to write a reply!
Tell them we accept!"
"Right!
Write a reply!"
Hermione immediately responded, her small face flushed with excitement.
She snatched the quill, dipped it in ink, and neatly wrote on the paper:
> **Dear Mr. Deputy Principal:**
>
> **I, Hermione Granger, am greatly honored and pleased to accept your academy's admission.
I look forward to September 1st.**
>
> **Yours sincerely,**
> **Hermione Granger**
The handwriting was neat, with the seriousness characteristic of a child.
After finishing, she proudly showed it to Lynn.
Lynn took the pen and also solemnly wrote his acceptance reply on another piece of paper.
As he signed off, he looked at Hermione's tender yet firm signature, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
He carefully folded the two replies and looked out at the setting sun.
"When it gets a little darker, we'll put the letters by the shed door," Lynn said, "Those 'nocturnal messengers' will find them."
Hermione nodded vigorously, her small hand unconsciously touching the "moon-white stone" pendant on her chest, then looking at Lynn's "star stone" on his chest, her eyes filled with infinite anticipation for the journey full of starlight and unknowns they were about to embark on together.
Chapter 7: The Bronze Pocket Watch and the World Behind the Brick Wall
On the morning of July 31st, an unusual tension hung in the air at the entrance of Oak House Orphanage.
Lynn had been waiting there early, his simple cloth bag containing only the deep blue star book, two written acceptance letters (his and Hermione's), and the cool star stone on his chest.
His heart beat a little faster than usual, his gaze fixed on the street corner.
Nine o'clock sharp.
Precisely.
An old, dark green vintage car, looking somewhat aged, glided silently to the orphanage entrance like a ghost and stopped steadily.
The car door opened, and a lady stepped out.
She appeared to be in her fifties, tall and slender, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark grey skirt suit, covered by a thick, dark green cloak-style coat, buttoned all the way to her neck.
Her hair was meticulously styled into a tight bun at the back of her head, revealing a smooth and serious forehead.
A pair of square-framed spectacles rested on her nose, and behind the lenses, her eyes were sharp as an eagle's, as if they could penetrate one's heart.
Most striking was a thin bronze-colored chain she wore on her chest, the end of which seemed to be hidden beneath her clothing.
Her expression was extremely serious, unsmiling, exuding an undeniable sense of authority and… an extraordinary, stern aura.
Lynn immediately recognized her—Minerva McGonagall!
Although her demeanor was even more severe than in the movies, that iconic seriousness and precision were unmistakable.
"Mr. Lynn Li?" Her voice, like her appearance, was clear, calm, and firm with a Scottish accent, without any unnecessary fluctuations.
"Yes, madam." Lynn stepped forward, gave a polite slight bow, and handed over the two folded reply letters, "These are the acceptance letters from Miss Hermione Granger and me."
Professor McGonagall (Lynn confirmed her identity in his mind) took the letters, her gaze quickly scanning the handwriting on the envelopes, her sharp eyes lingering on Lynn's face for a moment, as if evaluating something.
She did not ask a single question about why Hermione's letter was delivered by him, merely nodded slightly, and placed the letters into an antique-style leather handbag she carried.
"Very well." Her voice remained flat, "Where is Miss Granger?"
"She should be here soon, madam." No sooner had Lynn finished speaking than he saw a small figure running quickly around the street corner.
Hermione, with her bulging schoolbag on her back, had a flushed face, clearly having run all the way.
She had specifically worn a clean, light blue dress today, with the milky white moon-white stonependant hanging on her chest.
"Sorry! I… I'm not late, am I?" Hermione stopped beside Lynn, panting, her small hands nervously clutching her schoolbag straps, her big eyes timidly looking at the powerful and serious lady before her.
Professor McGonagall's gaze behind her spectacles fell upon Hermione, the sharp lines seeming to soften almost imperceptibly, but her tone remained devoid of warmth: "Just in time, Miss Granger.
I am the academy's guide; you may call me Miss McGonagall.
Please get in the car." She briefly gestured towards the vintage car behind her.
Hermione secretly sighed in relief, instinctively leaning closer to Lynn.
Lynn naturally and gently touched her elbow, conveying a "don't be afraid" look.
This small gesture was caught by Professor McGonagall's sharp gaze, but she said nothing, merely turned and opened the back car door.
The interior of the car was not large but exceptionally tidy, filled with a faint scent, like a mix of old books and mint.
Professor McGonagall sat in the front passenger seat.
Lynn and Hermione sat side by side in the back, with a little distance between them.
Hermione sat rigidly, her hands neatly placed on her knees, secretly glancing at the car's simple, almost austere decoration out of the corner of her eye.
Lynn, however, appeared much calmer, his gaze fixed on the familiar yet strange London streetscape rushing past the window.
The car traveled for about twenty minutes, finally stopping at the mouth of an inconspicuous alley near Charing Cross Road.
The alley was narrow and dim, lined with old bookstores and record shops that looked to have little business.
"Get out." Professor McGonagall commanded succinctly.
The three got out of the car and stood in the alley.
Professor McGonagall did not walk towards any of the shops, but instead went straight to a dirty red-brick wall deep in the alley.
The wall was bare except for mottled stains and a few graffiti marks.
Hermione looked at Lynn with confusion, while Lynn subtly winked at her, signaling her to remain calm.
Professor McGonagall pulled out the bronze chain from beneath her clothing—at its end hung not a pocket watch, but a smooth, irregularly shaped bronze metal piece, seemingly engraved with extremely fine patterns.
She gently pressed the metal piece onto the wall, on a specific red brick that looked indistinguishable from the others.
*Buzz…*
Lynn and Hermione simultaneously felt an extremely faint vibration in the air, like a plucked string!
Immediately after, an even more magical scene unfolded—
The brick, held by the metal piece, seemed to be infused with life, beginning to *wriggle* slightly and rhythmically!
It receded into the wall, then slid sideways!
Following this, the bricks around it, as if dominoes being pushed, slid, rotated, and reassembled one after another at an astonishing speed!
In just a few seconds, a wide, arched doorway, large enough for three people to walk through abreast, had opened in the previously solid and seamless wall!
Behind the doorway was a winding, endless cobblestone street!
On both sides of the street, various oddly shaped, crooked shops stood in a dense array, their display windows glittering with colorful, dazzling lights!
A mix of strange scents wafted through the air: the sweet aroma of candy, the musty smell of old parchment, a certain pungent herbal scent, and also… a smell like metal and sparks!
Hermione abruptly covered her mouth, barely preventing a gasp from escaping!
Her big eyes were wide and round, filled with extreme shock and disbelief, her small mouth slightly agape, completely captivated by the sight before her.
This was… the world mentioned in the letter?!
It was even more incredible than anything she had seen in her wildest dreams!
Although Lynn was mentally prepared, when he witnessed this "wall hole" opening and saw the bizarre street scene inside, his heart still pounded uncontrollably.
This was Diagon Alley!
The entrance to the magic world!
The clamor, the colors, the omnipresent strange energy fluctuations were more real and more stunning than any imagination!
Professor McGonagall seemed oblivious to their shock; she put away the bronze metal piece and stepped into the archway first, her figure instantly merging into the bustling light and shadow.
She turned back, her gaze behind her spectacles sweeping over the two still standing stunned, her voice still calm: "Miss Granger, Mr. Li.
Follow me.
Time is limited."
Lynn took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart.
He turned his head to look at Hermione, who was still absorbed in the immense shock, like a startled deer, and smiled, extending his hand to her very naturally.
"Are you ready, Hermione? Our new world is in there."
Hermione's gaze returned from the bizarre alley to Lynn's outstretched hand, then to his warm and encouraging smile.
That immense shock and unease seemed to be instantly infused with a calming strength.
A smile, mixed with nervousness, excitement, and infinite yearning, bloomed on her small face.
She nodded vigorously, then unhesitatingly placed her small hand into Lynn's palm.
His palm was warm and strong, firmly enclosing her slightly cool fingers.
"Mhm! I'm ready!" Hermione's voice trembled slightly, yet was filled with determination.
Lynn, holding her hand, took a step, following closely behind Professor McGonagall, and stepped into the archway made of red bricks, leading to an incredible world.
The cool touch of the cobblestone pavement came through the soles of their shoes, and the bustling human voices, the clinking sounds from the shops, and various strange smells instantly surrounded them.
Hermione tightly held Lynn's hand, curiously and nervously looking around: cauldrons automatically stirring in display windows, quills floating in mid-air, shops piled high with glittering crystal balls, and a shop entrance adorned with countless bronze statues of various shapes, seemingly still subtly moving… Everything exceeded the limits of her comprehension, leaving her overwhelmed.
Lynn felt the reliance and trust Hermione conveyed through his palm, and looking at the living tapestry of the magic world before him, an indescribable passion surged in his chest.
He gently squeezed Hermione's hand and whispered, "Look, Hermione, our first stop should be there."
He raised his hand and pointed to a towering, dazzling white building not far ahead.
The building stood out among the crooked shops, grand and imposing, its bronze doors tightly shut, and at its entrance stood two short, arrogant, pointy-eared creatures dressed in scarlet uniforms with gold trim—Gringotts Wizarding Bank!
Hermione followed his gaze, saw the white building and the strange guards at the entrance, and her small mouth opened slightly in surprise again.
And just then, the moon-white stone pendant on her chest, as if sensing the omnipresent strange energy fluctuations in the surrounding environment, suddenly emitted an extremely faint, yet undeniably clear, warmth!
Hermione instinctively covered her chest, looking at Lynn in surprise.
Lynn felt her sudden tightening in his palm and immediately cast an inquiring look.
"My stone… it… it just got warm!" Hermione whispered in surprise, her eyes full of novelty.
Lynn understood in his heart, touched the star stone on his own chest, and indeed felt a faint warmth and an extremely slight resonant vibration.
It seemed that these stones, imbued with Hermione's feelings and their initial "energy," were quite sensitive to changes in the surrounding environment.
"It seems they like it here too." Lynn chuckled softly, holding her hand, and followed the tall figure in the dark green cloak ahead, merging into this bustling river named "Diagon Alley," flowing with magic and miracles.
Hermione clung tightly to his side, her initial nervousness replaced by immense excitement and a desire for exploration, her small hand firmly gripping his, as if it were her only anchor in this new world, and the key to infinite possibilities.
Chapter 8: Bronze Door and Star Echoes
The coolness of the cobblestone pavement seeped through the thin soles of her shoes, yet it couldn't dampen the excitement coursing through Hermione's veins.
Her small hand was firmly enveloped by Lynn's warm, dry palm, like the only real anchor, fixing her in this bizarre, dazzlingly colorful and dizzying new world.
Professor McGonagall's dark green cloak parted the crowds ahead, like a steady icebreaker, clearing a path for them.
"Look at that!" Hermione couldn't help but exclaim, her fingers unconsciously tightening as she pointed to a shop window by the roadside.
There were no goods inside, only countless colorful bubbles moving on their own without wind, colliding and merging, transforming into patterns of Castles, flying dragons, and even the Hogwartscrest, then popping with a 'puff' and shattering into tiny specks of light, re-forming.
"They're... they're performing?"
"magic Tricks Workshop," Lynn replied softly, his gaze sweeping over the crooked, seemingly about-to-fall sign above the window, its lettering like dancing earthworms.
"It probably sells little trinkets to make life more interesting."
Hermione's eyes sparkled like two polished obsidian stones, greedily absorbing everything around her: countless bronze-colored statuettes of various shapes hung at the entrance of one shop, some like owls, some like toads, some even like miniature knights, and they weren't static, but subtly, rhythmically... *wriggling* their joints, emitting tiny, metallic 'clattering' sounds; from next door wafted an impossibly rich, sweet aroma, giant glass jars piled with self-hopping chocolate frogs, lollipops shimmering with colorful light, and a type of pink cotton candy that constantly changed shape, like clouds; the air also mixed with the musty smell of old parchment, a certain pungent, irritating herbal scent, and a faint, almost imperceptible hiss, like a red-hot branding iron plunged into cold water—that was the smell of magic, Lynn thought.
The star stone on his chest lay against his skin, its faint warmth ever-present, like a steady heartbeat, echoing the omnipresent magic energy in the surrounding environment.
Hermione's moon-white stone on her chest had clearly sensed it too; she would unconsciously touch it from time to time, feeling the strange warmth, her face showing an expression mixed with wonder and a hint of unease.
"Don't be afraid," Lynn noticed the slight tremble in her fingertips, tilted his head slightly, and lowered his voice so only she could hear, "They like it here.
Just like... us."
He gently squeezed her palm.
Hermione looked up, meeting his reassuringly smiling eyes, which held no mockery of her overreaction, only understanding and a certainty that put her at ease.
She took a deep breath, the mixed, strange scent filling her nostrils, strangely dispelling the last bit of timidity.
She squeezed his hand back firmly, her small face once again radiant with curiosity.
"Mm!" She nodded vigorously, her gaze once again drawn to the sweet-smelling shop.
"Those candies... do they really move?"
"I'll buy some for you to try if we get a chance," Lynn said with a smile, mentally calculating the Galleonexchange rate.
Just then, Professor McGonagall stopped in front of a towering, dazzlingly white building.
It formed a stark contrast with the crooked, colorful shops around it, cold, solemn, and magnificent.
The massive bronze doors were tightly shut, engraved with intricate, chain-like patterns, exuding the inherent heaviness of metal.
Two Guardianss stood at the entrance; they were short, only reaching Professor McGonagall's waist, their skin a strange, bronze hue as if polished by years, glinting with a metallic coldness in the sunlight.
Their ears were long and pointed, slightly upturned at the ends, and their noses were long and sharp, almost occupying half their faces.
Most striking were their eyes—large and protruding, a cold, emotionless emerald green, which at this moment scanned passersby with an undisguised scrutiny and arrogance, despite their short stature.
They wore scarlet, gold-trimmed robes, similar to uniforms, and held slender metal rods with obsidian embedded at the tips.
This was Gringotts! The bank of the Wizarding World.
Lynn's heart quickened slightly.
The Goblin Guardianss in the original work had been cleverly "alienated"—bronze skin, emerald green eyes, longer noses and pointed ears, a combination of details sufficient to distinguish them from any known image; they were called "Guardianss," not a specific racial name.
Hermione was clearly awed by the imposing atmosphere and the Guardianss' cold gaze, unconsciously leaning closer to Lynn, her small hand gripping his more tightly.
Lynn subtly stepped half a pace forward, shielding her slightly behind him.
Professor McGonagall seemed not to notice the Guardianss' arrogance, walking straight ahead.
The bronze pendant on her chest slid out from her robes again, the irregularly shaped metal piece gleaming with a subtle luster in the sunlight.
She raised it, aiming it at an inconspicuous, bronze-inlaid groove on the large door.
There was no sound, but Lynn and Hermione simultaneously felt an invisible, heavy pressure emanating from the door, as if a sleeping giant had been awakened.
Immediately after, the two massive bronze doors, as if pushed by invisible giant hands, slowly and silently slid inward, revealing the deep space within and a... cold, crisp scent of metal mixed with underground rock.
"Follow," Professor McGonagall said concisely, leading the way inside.
The sight within the doors made Hermione gasp again.
An incredibly tall marble hall, with a dome so high it was almost out of sight, hung with huge crystal chandeliers burning with pale, cold flames.
The floor was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the hurried figures of those same "Guardianss" in scarlet, gold-trimmed uniforms.
They sat behind rows of tall counters made of dark hardwood, perched on footstools, their emerald green eyes sharply scanning the Wizards in front of the counters, their fingers moving swiftly over thick ledgers, or weighing various colored metal blocks with a peculiar scale with complex markings.
The air was filled with the smell of money, metal, and the unique damp chill of deep underground.
Professor McGonagall walked towards a seemingly unoccupied counter.
The Guardians behind the counter lifted his eyelids, his emerald green eyes coldly sweeping over the three, lingering for a moment on Lynn and Hermione, two children who were clearly "Muggle-born," with a hint of imperceptible disdain.
"Exchange," Professor McGonagall's voice was exceptionally clear in the spacious hall.
She took a heavy, ordinary-looking velvet pouch from her handbag and pushed it onto the counter, making a dull clinking sound.
The Guardians extended a slender, long-fingered hand, also with a bronze sheen, and untied the pouch.
What poured out was something Lynn and Hermione were both incredibly familiar with—Pounds! Brand new banknotes and heavy coins.
The Guardians let out an almost inaudible sniff, as if scoffing at this "inferior" currency.
He picked up a coin, running his fingertip over it; instantly, extremely fine, ripple-like patterns appeared on the coin's surface, then quickly vanished.
He picked up another, repeating the same action.
Then, he took out a magnifying monocle and meticulously examined the anti-counterfeiting marks on the banknotes, his movements precise and almost harsh.
The waiting time seemed unusually long.
Hermione was a little uneasy, her big eyes curiously yet nervously surveying the busy Guardianss and the various Wizard customers.
An old Wizard in a patched robe was tremblingly counting a few dull-looking copper coins; at the other end, a lavishly dressed Witch impatiently tapped her fingers on the counter, waiting for a Guardians to count a small pile of glittering gold coins—those were probably Galleons.
Lynn, however, seemed much calmer, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping the hall, but in reality observing the operational procedures and the expressions of the Guardianss.
He noticed that when the Guardianss handled magical metals, a nearly greedy focus would appear in their eyes.
Finally, the Guardians put down the monocle, announcing a number in his sharp, uninflected voice, then pulled out a heavy tray from under the counter.
It was neatly arranged with three types of coins: large and heavy, glittering gold; smaller, silvery white with a soft luster; and even smaller, dull-colored, like brass.
He deftly counted out the corresponding amount and pushed them in front of Professor McGonagall.
"Galleons, Sickles, Knuts," Professor McGonagall explained simply, dividing the coins into two small piles and handing them to Lynn and Hermione respectively.
The Galleons felt heavy in hand, with the characteristic coolness of metal, embossed with a complex, labyrinth-like symbol; the Sickles felt a bit smoother; the Knuts were rough and light.
Hermione carefully cradled her pile of coins as if holding fragile treasures, her fingertips feeling the coolness and texture of the metal, an unprecedented sense of reality belonging to this Wizarding World welling up in her heart.
She looked up at Lynn, finding him looking back at her with an encouraging smile in his eyes.
"Keep them safe," Professor McGonagall reminded them, then gestured for them to follow her to the other side of the hall.
There was a row of small, unmarked doors there.
Lynn and Hermione followed Professor McGonagall into one of the doors.
Behind the door was a small compartment, only big enough for a few people.
The door closed silently behind them.
Before they could react, the compartment shuddered violently, then plunged downwards at a breathtaking speed!
"Ah!" Hermione cried out, the immense sensation of weightlessness instantly making her lose her balance, and she involuntarily fell backward.
"Careful!" Lynn was quick-witted; his arm swiftly wrapped around her shoulder, steadily holding her, preventing her from hitting the cold metal wall.
Hermione practically leaned entirely into his embrace, her small face pale, her heart pounding, her hands unconsciously gripping the front of his clothes tightly.
The compartment plummeted rapidly down the deep, dark shaft, with only a small glowing crystal embedded in the compartment's ceiling providing faint light.
The wind whistled past their ears, carrying the damp, cold air characteristic of deep underground.
Lynn stood steadily, his feet as if nailed to the floor, one hand firmly supporting Hermione's shoulder, the other braced against the cold wall, bearing the force of the descent and the full weight of the girl in his arms.
"It's alright, Hermione, I'm here," Lynn's voice, steady and strong, reached her from above, cutting through the whistling wind, "It's like... a very fast elevator."
He tried to comfort her with words she could understand.
Hermione kept her eyes tightly shut, burying her face in his chest, feeling the reassuring warmth and strong heartbeat from him, her nose filled with the faint scent of sunshine on his clothes (the smell of the orphanage's laundry soap, now incredibly comforting).
Each slight tremor of the compartment made her body stiffen, her fingers gripping his clothes so hard her knuckles turned white.
The star stone pressed against him through his clothes, the moon-white stone against her; the two stones, in the rapid descent and their close proximity, seemed to create a strange resonance.
A warm current, clearer, warmer, and like a faint electric current than ever before, simultaneously spread from the area of both their chests, quickly flowing through their limbs, dispelling the underground chill and strangely calming Hermione's panic.
She slowly, tentatively opened her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering, and saw Lynn's defined jawline and concerned gaze.
The whistling wind continued, the sensation of weightlessness remained, but the overwhelming fear had largely dissipated due to his warm embrace and the strange warmth in her chest.
"I... I'm okay," Hermione whispered, her cheeks slightly flushed, realizing she was still tightly holding onto him, and she stiffly tried to pull away a little.
Lynn felt her movement, his arm relaxing its grip slightly, but still gently supporting her, ensuring she stood steadily.
"Almost there," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the rapidly ascending, rough rock walls outside the compartment.
Indeed, a few seconds later, the compartment's speed began to slow, finally coming to a steady stop.
The door slid open silently, and a stronger scent of rock rushed out.
Outside was a dimly lit tunnel, with burning torches on the walls illuminating the rough stone and the tracks extending into the deep darkness.
A small cart, looking like a mine cart but more streamlined, was parked on the tracks.
Professor McGonagall led the way out, as if the thrilling descent had been an ordinary stroll.
She glanced back at the two, who were helping each other out of the compartment, her gaze lingering for a moment on Lynn's hand still on Hermione's shoulder, then quickly moving away without any comment.
"Get in.
Destination: Mr. Li's vault," her voice echoed in the empty tunnel.
Hermione took a deep breath of the cold air, feeling her legs still a little weak.
She quietly let go of Lynn's clothes, her fingertips seemingly still retaining the feel of his fabric and the warmth of his body.
She secretly stole a glance at Lynn, finding him looking at her too, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyes gentle.
"Just now... thank you," Hermione's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, the blush on her cheeks deepening.
"You're welcome," Lynn's voice was very soft, with a sense of matter-of-factness.
He naturally withdrew his hand from her shoulder, but as she was about to walk towards the mine cart, he extended his hand again, palm up, quietly waiting for her.
Hermione looked at the hand extended towards her, then up at Lynn's encouraging eyes; the feeling of being steadily protected by him during the rapid descent surged through her again, mixed with the lingering warmth from the moon-white stone on her chest.
This time, she didn't hesitate at all, placing her small hand back into his palm.
This clasping of hands seemed more natural than when they were in the alley, and also more... reassuring.
The mine cart started, rumbling along the tunnel deeper into the earth.
The wheels clattered monotonously over the tracks, and the torchlight danced on the rock walls.
Hermione sat close to Lynn, feeling the warmth in her palm and the steady presence beside her; the initial tension and fright gradually replaced by a strange excitement.
She began to curiously examine the occasional large metal doors embedded in the rock walls on either side of the tunnel—were those the vaults?
What was hidden inside?
Lynn held Hermione's soft small hand, feeling the steady warmth from the star stone, his gaze calmly fixed on the darkness ahead.
This was just the beginning, he reminded himself.
But holding this hand felt like holding the most important anchor in this world.
He gently rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb, earning a slightly shy but incredibly bright smile from her.
The mine cart traveled through the darkness, carrying two beating hearts, heading towards the core of magical wealth, and also towards the depths where their shared destinies intertwined.
Star and Moon, deep underground, resonated silently.