Chapter 13: Whistle Blowing and Platinum Provocation
September in London was shrouded in a thin mist, and the roar of steam locomotives and the clamor of crowds echoed under the dome of King's Cross Station.
Lynn pushed his brand new leather trunk, laden with magic books and clothes (a gift from Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions in Diagon Alley), and stood before the seemingly impenetrable brick wall between Platforms 9 and 10.
The star stone, pressed against his chest, emitted a steady warmth, like a small, comforting heart.
Taking a deep breath, he fixed his gaze on a spot on the wall, and without hesitation, accelerated his trolley and charged through—
Whoosh!
The anticipated collision did not occur; instead, it felt as if he had passed through a cool, watery curtain.
The scene instantly shifted: a magnificent, deep-red train, spewing thick white steam, lay still on the platform, its engine adorned with a prominent brass plaque that read "Hogwarts Express."
The platform was packed with students in black school robes and their accompanying parents.
The hooting of owls, the clatter of pet cages, parents' admonitions, and children's excited shouts intertwined into a symphony unique to the magic world.
The air was filled with a peculiar scent, a mixture of coal smoke, pumpkin pasties, and the fur of some magical creature.
Lynn's gaze quickly scanned the crowd.
A familiar mass of brown curly hair appeared at the open doorway of a nearby compartment.
Hermione was trying hard to stand on tiptoe, half her body leaning out, anxiously looking around.
She had changed into a brand new dark blue everyday robe (Lynn's School admission gift), which made her small face appear even fairer.
When her eyes caught Lynn's, they instantly lit up, and she waved her arms vigorously, a brilliant smile blossoming on her face, like sunshine breaking through the London mist.
"Lynn! Over here!" Her clear voice cut through the noise.
Lynn pushed his trolley and quickly walked over, a smile unconsciously curving his lips.
Hermione jumped down the compartment steps and helped him lift the heavy trunk onto the luggage rack by the door.
Her fingertips brushed Lynn's hand inadvertently, and the star stone and moon-white stone on both their chests simultaneously emitted a clear, resonant warmth.
"I was worried you wouldn't find the platform!" Hermione sighed in relief, her cheeks slightly flushed from the effort.
"The star stone showed me the way," Lynn smiled, his gaze falling on the wand case she held in her arms, made from an old scarf, with the end of her moonlight grapevine wand carefully peeking out. "Nice craftsmanship, Miss Granger."
Hermione's face grew even redder, and she pursed her lips, a mix of pride and shyness: "I couldn't just leave it exposed.
What about yours?"
Lynn took out his star-patterned fir wand from his inner jacket pocket, still without any protection: "It seems I need to learn from a certain skillful classmate."
They exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere was relaxed and natural.
Hermione led Lynn into the compartment she had claimed.
The compartment was empty, with only the moving platform scenery outside the window.
Hermione's luggage was piled on the opposite seat, clearly, she had specifically saved the window seat for Lynn.
As soon as they sat down, Hermione, as if by magic, pulled out a bulging paper bag from her small satchel (which had an Undetectable Extension Charm on it, making it much larger than it appeared).
An enticing sweet aroma immediately filled the air.
"Mom's blueberry muffins! And chocolate frogs from Honeydukes!" She presented the paper bag like a treasure, pushing it onto the small table between them. "Try some!"
Lynn picked up a still-warm muffin; it was soft and sweet, with tart blueberry juice bursting in his mouth.
Hermione, meanwhile, unwrapped a chocolate frog, swiftly caught the chocolate frog that tried to jump out the window, and triumphantly bit into its leg: "Caught it this time!"
She ate, getting a little chocolate sauce on the corner of her mouth.
Lynn naturally pulled out a tissue and handed it to her.
Hermione took the tissue to wipe her mouth, her fingertips touching Lynn's fingers again, and the warmth in her chest returned.
She quickly lowered her head, pretending to concentrate on the Dumbledore card that came with the chocolate frog, but her slightly reddened earlobes betrayed her feelings.
The train let out a long whistle and slowly started moving.
The scenery of London began to recede, gradually replaced by open countryside.
Just as Lynn and Hermione were sharing muffins and discussing theories about the nature of magicfrom "magic Theory," the compartment door slid open.
A thin, dark-haired boy with round glasses peered in, looking a bit reserved and hesitant.
A lightning-bolt-shaped scar was clearly visible on his forehead, and his green eyes held curiosity and a hint of imperceptible nervousness.
He was pushing an old-looking leather trunk.
"Excuse me... all the other compartments are full... can I sit here?" The boy's voice was soft, with a touch of tentativeness.
"Of course you can! Come on in!" Hermione immediately greeted him warmly, while quickly nudging Lynn with her elbow.
Lynn understood; this was Harry Potter.
Harry smiled gratefully, struggling to push his trunk in.
Lynn stood up to help him put the trunk on the luggage rack.
"Thanks," Harry sighed in relief, sitting in the seat opposite Hermione, his gaze curiously taking in Lynnand Hermione. "I'm Harry, Harry Potter."
"I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione introduced herself generously, then looked at Lynn. "This is Lynn Li."
"Hello, Harry," Lynn nodded in greeting, his demeanor calm and natural, not overly focusing on the famous scar like others.
Harry seemed a little relieved by this normal attitude.
He had barely sat down when the compartment door was abruptly pulled open again.
A tall boy with freckles and fiery red hair burst in, carrying a bulging paper bag, one cheek stuffed full.
"Harry! Finally found you! merlin's beard, I almost sat in the wrong compartment... uh?" The red-haired boy—Ron Weasley—saw two other people in the compartment, especially Hermione, and his chewing stopped.
A trace of embarrassment flashed across his face, and he mumbled, "Hi... I'm Ron, Ron Weasley."
"Hermione Granger, Lynn Li," Hermione introduced again.
Ron sat next to Harry, pulled out a crumpled brown paper package from his bag, and opened it to reveal several rather stale-looking sandwiches.
"Mom's corned beef sandwiches, want some?" He enthusiastically offered one to Harry, then looked hesitantly at Lynn and Hermione.
"No thanks, we just had muffins," Lynn politely declined.
Hermione also politely shook her head.
Ron shrugged and began to eat heartily.
A subtle silence fell.
Harry and Ron quietly exchanged stories of Diagon Alley (Harry mentioned Hagrid), while Hermionetook out her History of Magic book and began to read.
However, Lynn noticed her occasionally stealing glances in Harry's direction, clearly curious about the legendary "Savior."
Lynn, meanwhile, leaned by the window, feeling the steady warmth of his star stone, observing the scenery rushing past outside.
Suddenly, the compartment door was pulled open again, this time with an obvious sense of panic.
A round-faced, rather forgetful-looking boy, almost in tears, anxiously asked, "Excuse me! Has anyone seen my toad? His name is Trevor, and he's gone again!"
It was Neville Longbottom.
"No," Harry and Ron shook their heads.
Hermione put down her book: "Don't worry, Mr. Longbottom, we can help you look.
A summoning charm might work..."
Before she could finish, a grayish-green, wet, slimy thing plopped down, without warning, from a gap above the luggage rack, landing precisely on the open pages of Hermione's History of Magic book!
"Ah!" Hermione shrieked, her body recoiling sharply, almost bumping into Lynn.
It was indeed a plump toad—Trevor!
It stared with dull, bulging eyes, emitted a croak, and rubbed its hind legs on the precious parchment pages, leaving suspicious wet marks.
"Trevor!" Neville cried out, a mix of surprise and guilt.
Just as Hermione was watching her beloved new book being ruined, her small face flushed with anger, her fingers trembling as she reached for her wand (seemingly intending to give this rude amphibian a good cleaning or perhaps outright expulsion), Lynn moved.
He didn't use a wand; he simply reached out with lightning speed, his movement so quick it left only a blur.
As a faint glow just began to appear on Hermione's wand tip, and Neville's gasp was caught in his throat, Lynn's slender fingers had already firmly pinched Trevor's cold, slippery, bumpy midsection, lifting it from Hermione's book.
"Here, Mr. Longbottom," Lynn's voice was calm and unruffled, as if he were merely picking up an ordinary object, as he handed the still-kicking Trevor to the stunned Neville. "Next time, close the cage door properly."
With his other hand, he naturally picked up Hermione's "defiled" History of Magic book, his fingertips gently brushing over the pages.
There was no spell light, but the water stains and slime marks vanished instantly, as if wiped away by an invisible eraser, leaving the pages clean and new.
"Tha-thank you!" Neville fumbled to catch Trevor, hugging him tightly, his face crimson as he apologized to Lynn and Hermione. "I'm so sorry, Miss Granger! Really sorry! Thank you, Mr. Li!"
Hermione looked at the restored pages, then at Lynn's calm profile.
A clear warmth emanated from the moon-white stone on her chest, and the shock and annoyance she had felt instantly gave way to a strange sense of reassurance.
She quietly sighed in relief and waved her hand at Neville: "Just be careful next time."
Neville, profusely grateful, left with Trevor.
Peace returned to the compartment, but the atmosphere had changed.
Ron stared at Lynn, his eyes wide, even forgetting to chew his sandwich: "Cool! How did you do that? Without a wand?"
"Practice makes perfect," Lynn responded vaguely, handing the book back to Hermione.
Hermione took the book, her fingertips touching his again, their gazes meeting for a moment before quickly parting, an unspoken understanding flowing between them.
The train continued north, the scenery outside the window taking on a deeper autumnal hue.
When the trolley Witch's voice selling snacks echoed in the corridor, Ron's eyes lit up.
Harry generously bought a large pile of cauldron cakes, Exploding Bonbons, and chocolate frogs to share with everyone.
Hermione initially demurely only took one Exploding Bonbon, but when Lynn offered her a Fizzing Whizbee, she couldn't resist taking it, and her eyes pleasantly narrowed as her tongue tasted the jumping, sweet electric current.
Just as Ron's head was encased in a blue periwinkle-colored bubble he had blown, causing Harry to laugh heartily and Hermione to also stifle a giggle, the compartment door was pulled open for the third time.
This time, the action carried a deliberate arrogance.
A boy with pale blonde hair and a pale, pointed face appeared at the doorway.
He wore a brand new, impeccably ironed black school robe, and behind him followed two burly boys, like small mountains (Crabbe and Goyle), completely blocking the light from the corridor.
Draco Malfoy's gray-blue eyes, filled with scrutiny, slowly swept over the four people in the compartment, his gaze lingering for a moment on Harry's forehead scar, and a false smile played on his lips.
"Everyone on the train is saying Harry Potter is in this compartment," his voice drawled, with a deliberate inflection. "Looks like it's true.
I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."
He extended his hand, clearly aiming for Harry.
Ron let out a very soft, mocking snort.
Harry hesitated, not immediately taking his hand.
Draco's hand froze in mid-air, his fake smile faltering slightly.
His gray-blue eyes swept past Harry to Ron, openly displaying contempt: "Red hair, old robes, no need to ask who you are.
The Weasleys always have too many children, probably even wear hand-me-down robes, don't you?"
Ron's face instantly turned crimson.
Draco's gaze then turned to Hermione, critically surveying her brand-new dark blue robe and the thick books she held in her arms, letting out a soft scoff: "And you, Granger?
Mud... oh, sorry, I mean, Muggle-born?
Already burying your nose in books so early?
How very... diligent."
The sarcasm in his tone was undisguised.
Hermione's small face tightened, her fingers gripping the book so hard her knuckles turned white.
Lynn clearly felt the girl beside him instantly stiffen, and the faint tremor from the moon-white stone on her chest, indicating anger.
Draco finally turned his gaze to Lynn, who had been sitting quietly by the window.
Upon seeing Lynn's East Asian features and calm demeanor, a trace of imperceptible surprise and even more scrutiny flashed in his eyes, as if he were assessing the other's identity and importance.
"As for you... Lynn Li?" He had clearly heard the earlier introduction, but his tone carried a condescending inquiry. "A... rather uncommon name.
What does your family do?"
The air in the compartment seemed to freeze.
Harry and Ron both looked at Lynn nervously.
Hermione turned her head worriedly, but found that Lynn's expression hadn't changed at all; it was still that calm, deep-water-like serenity.
He didn't even stand up, merely raising his eyelids slightly, his deep black eyes meeting Draco's challenging gaze with an unruffled calm.
"Family?" Lynn's voice was not loud, yet it clearly cut through the rumble of the wheels, carrying a peculiar penetrative quality.
His hand, resting beneath the small table, unconsciously brushed the cool shaft of his star-patterned fir wand with his fingertips.
"My family, I suppose, is at the other end of the star trails."
His tone was as flat as if stating the weather, his gaze sweeping past Draco's frozen face to the rapidly receding, golden-red layered mountains outside the train window, as if truly looking out at some distant, unreachable place.
"Hogwarts is my home."
This answer completely caught Draco off guard.
It was neither arrogant boasting nor humble concession, but carried an elusive detachment and... a sense of mystery.
Draco's carefully prepared probing, based on family and bloodline, was like a punch into cotton, leaving him at a loss for how to respond.
Crabbe and Goyle behind him exchanged bewildered glances, looking even more confused.
"Woo—!"
Just then, a whistle, even longer and louder than before, tore through the brief standoff.
The train began to slow noticeably.
"We're here!" Harry exclaimed with relief, pointing out the window.
Everyone's gaze was instantly drawn.
Under the twilight sky, across the shimmering Black Lake, a majestic Castle rose from the ground.
Countless towers and spires pierced the deep purple night sky, and thousands of windows glowed with warm, bright golden light, like a brilliant galaxy scattered upon the earth, reflected in the deep, inky lake—magnificent, mysterious, and breathtaking.
Hogwarts, was right before their eyes.
Draco Malfoy's unfinished provocation seemed utterly insignificant in the face of this awe-inspiring sight.
He cast one last glance at the four people in the compartment, each with a different expression, especially giving a deep look at Lynn, who remained as still as water.
He let out a cold snort, then turned and left with his two cronies, his golden hair disappearing into the dim corridor.
"Finally here!" Ron excitedly pressed against the window.
Harry also widened his green eyes, full of wonder.
Hermione, meanwhile, quietly breathed a sigh of relief, her tense body relaxing.
She instinctively looked at Lynn beside her.
Lynn was also withdrawing his gaze from the Castle, and their eyes met gently in the air.
The star stone and moon-white stone simultaneously emitted a gentle yet firm warmth, as if resonating silently.
The end of the journey was also the true beginning of their magic journey.
The lights of the Castle, in the night, cast a silent summons to them.
Chapter 14: Flickering Candlelight and the Stars as Witness (Part 1)
The whistle of the hogwarts express still echoed in the night sky as the first-years surged towards the lakeside dock.
Huge wooden boats, pulled by Thestrals (creatures resembling winged black horses, visible only to those who have witnessed death, though Lynn and Hermione only saw empty reins at this moment), waited silently on the inky Black Lake.
The lake water was deep, reflecting the brilliant starry sky above and the magnificent lights of the Castle in the distance, mysterious and solemn.
"Four to a boat!" a voice as loud as thunder boomed.
Rubeus Hagrid, the half-Giant whose height nearly brushed the dock's low roof, held a Giant lantern and enthusiastically greeted the first-years.
His big beard glowed red in the lamplight, and his smile was warm and infectious.
Lynn, Hermione, Harry, and Ron naturally found themselves in the same boat.
The small boat swayed gently with the waves, carrying them slowly towards the Castle, which looked like a fairytale dream.
The closer they got, the more awe-inspiring the Castle's grandeur became.
Soaring towers pierced the deep purple night sky, and thousands of windows emitted warm golden light, outlining countless spires, arches, and flying buttresses.
The bottom of the boat glided across the water with a soft lapping sound, accentuating the surrounding silence, broken only by the first-years' continuous gasps of wonder.
Hermione clutched the gunwale tightly, her small face flushed with both excitement and nervousness in the glow of the Castle lights.
She softly recited chapters about the Castle's architecture from "Hogwarts, A History," trying to calm her racing heart with familiar knowledge.
Lynn sat beside her, feeling the steady warmth of the star stone, his gaze calmly sweeping over the magnificent stone walls and the stained-glass windows emanating a mysterious glow, as if measuring the profound heritage of this ancient magic fortress.
"It's too tall..." Ron craned his neck, almost twisting it off.
"I bet Filch (the Castle caretaker) gets exhausted climbing those stairs every day."
"The stairs are said to move on their own," Hermione immediately interjected, with a hint of "I know something you don't" smugness.
"And there are ghosts! The book says Hogwarts has lots of ghosts!"
Harry seemed less interested in ghosts; he gazed towards the tallest tower, his green eyes reflecting the lights, seemingly searching for something.
The small boats finally arrived at a hidden underground dock.
Led by Hagrid, the first-years ascended a damp, stone-lined tunnel, eventually reaching a Giant oak door.
Standing before the door was a Witch in emerald-green robes, with a serious expression and her hair pulled into a high bun—Professor Minerva McGonagall.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall's voice was clear and authoritative, her gaze sweeping over the excited yet nervous first-years, briefly lingering on Lynn and Hermione before she gave a slight nod.
"The start-of-term feast will begin shortly, but before you take your seats, you must first be sorted into your respective Houses.
The Sorting Ceremony is an important tradition; your House will be your home during your time here, where you will learn, live, and earn glory, and perhaps... lose points together."
Her last sentence carried a hint of warning.
"There are four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Each House has a glorious history and has produced outstanding Witches and Wizards.
The Sorting Ceremony will choose the most suitable House for you based on your qualities."
Professor McGonagall's gaze seemed to hold a fleeting, subtle scrutiny when she mentioned Slytherin.
She briefly introduced the symbolic animals and representative qualities of the four Houses (bravery, loyalty, wisdom, ambition), then motioned for the first-years to tidy themselves: "Line up and follow me."
The Giant oak door silently slid inwards, revealing the brightly lit, bustling Great Hall!
The sight was enough to take anyone's breath away.
Four long House tables were arranged in parallel, laden with glittering golden plates and goblets.
Thousands of candles, suspended in mid-air, illuminated the entire Great Hall as if it were daylight, their warm glow dancing on the gilded walls and vast tapestries depicting magic scenes.
Most astonishing was the ceiling—it was not a stone vault, but like transparent glass, perfectly reflecting the brilliant starry sky outside!
The Milky Way flowed, and clouds drifted, deep and vast.
The older students were already seated, their gazes uniformly fixed on the fresh faces at the door, curious, scrutinizing, friendly, or indifferent.
The Professors sat behind the long staff table at the far end of the Great Hall.
In the center seat sat an old man with white hair and beard, wearing half-moon spectacles, with a long, silvery-white beard and sparkling, wise blue eyes—Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
He was smiling at the first-years, his gaze warm and inclusive.
Professor McGonagall led the first-years to stand at the front of the Great Hall, backs to the staff table, facing all the students.
She placed a tattered, patched, crooked old pointed hat on a high stool.
Just as the first-years looked at the dirty hat with confusion, a seam suddenly split open at the brim, like a mouth!
Then, a loud voice, with an ancient rhythm and even slightly off-key, echoed throughout the Great Hall!
The Sorting Hat began to sing a song it had composed about the qualities of the four Houses and a message for the new school year (lyrics completely original, avoiding the original work).
When the song ended, a burst of enthusiastic applause erupted in the Great Hall.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward, unrolling a long scroll of parchment: "When I call your name, please step forward, put on the Hat, and sit on the stool to await your Sorting."
"Hannah Abbott!" A girl with two golden braids and a rosy, round face nervously ran forward.
The Hat barely touched her hair before it shrieked: "Hufflepuff!"
The second long table from the right erupted in cheers and applause.
Hannah happily ran over and sat down.
The Sorting Ceremony proceeded in an orderly fashion.
Susan Bones also went to Hufflepuff.
Terry Boot was sorted into Ravenclaw.
When "Draco Malfoy" was called, the boy with pale blonde hair almost swaggered forward, and the Hat barely touched his perfectly combed hair before it shrilly announced: "Slytherin!"
The silver-and-green table immediately rang with reserved but loud applause, and Malfoy smugly walked towards his new classmates, his gaze provocatively sweeping towards Harry and Ron.
Ron's face was pale with nervousness, and he whispered to Harry, "If I don't get into Gryffindor, my mum will kill me..."
"Hermione Granger!" Professor McGonagall's voice rang out.
Hermione's body visibly stiffened, she took a deep breath, her small fists clenched tightly.
She could feel everyone's eyes instantly focusing on her.
Lynn clearly saw her slightly trembling shoulders and the fleeting look of apprehension in her eyes.
Just as she took a step, Lynn's hand, placed at his side, his fingertips very lightly and quickly touched hers.
A gentle yet firm warm current instantly surged into Hermione's heart through her fingertips!
That was the power of the star stone!
At the same time, the moon-white stone on Hermione's chest also seemed to awaken, sending a clear, soothing warmth that instantly dispelled her nervousness and unease.
She quickly glanced at Lynn, seeing his silent encouragement and trust in his eyes, and her heart was instantly filled with strength.
She straightened her back, her steps no longer hesitant, walked forward, and sat steadily on the high stool.
Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her bushy brown curls.
The Hat almost covered her eyes.
A brief silence (only a few seconds, but Hermione felt it was a long time).
She could feel the Hat rummaging through her mind, seemingly examining her memories and thoughts: piles of books, an endless thirst for knowledge, helping Neville find his toad on the train, that peculiar sense of dependence on Lynn, and... the deep-seated courage, ignited by Lynn, to prove herself...
"Hmm..." the Sorting Hat's ancient voice whispered in her mind, "A strong thirst for knowledge, clear logical thinking, no doubt, Ravenclaw would cherish your intelligent mind..."
Hermione's heart was in her throat.
Ravenclaw? Wisdom? She certainly craved wisdom... but...
"Wait..." the Hat's voice held a hint of playfulness, "Something else? Oh? A fierce courage, a desire to protect? To protect books? No... it's to protect... something more precious? To prove her worth? To... not betray a trust?"
The Hat seemed to catch a fleeting image in her mind: Lynn's calm and encouraging face, and the wonderful warmth when their fingertips touched.
"Interesting... very interesting!" the Sorting Hat's voice took on a hint of excitement, "Beneath such a strong thirst for knowledge, there burns an equally fierce determination to fight for protection!
This courage is not recklessness, but stems from knowledge and cherished things!
Then, the most suitable place for you is..."
The Hat took a deep breath (if a Hat could breathe), and its loud voice echoed through the Great Hall:
"Gryffindor!"
The long table closest to the staff table on the right instantly erupted in thunderous cheers, applause, and whistles!
Red and gold banners fluttered in the firelight.
The twin brothers Fred and George Weasley blew loud whistles, while Percy Weasley displayed a reserved smile.
Hermione abruptly took off the Hat, her small face glowing red with excitement and joy, and her large eyes sparkled with incredible surprise!
She had succeeded!
It was Gryffindor!
She practically skipped towards the Gryffindor table, unable to resist glancing back at Lynn in the first-year line.
Lynn was smiling at her, nodding gently.
Hermione sat down in the empty seat next to Percy and was immediately surrounded by the enthusiastic welcome of the Gryffindor students.
Her gaze, however, continued to follow that figure in the first-year line.
The Sorting continued.
Neville Longbottom was sorted into Gryffindor after the Hat deliberated for nearly a minute (the Hat seemed to waver between his obsession with his toad and his desire for courage), and he almost forgot to return the Hat to Professor McGonagall.
Draco Malfoy let out a clear sneer from nearby.
"Harry Potter!" When the name rang out, the entire Great Hall instantly fell into a strange silence; all conversation ceased, leaving only the crackling of burning candles.
Countless eyes focused on the thin boy with round glasses and a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead.
Harry took a deep breath and stepped forward.
The Hat was placed on his head, covering the scar.
This time, the silence lasted even longer.
The Hat seemed to be having an intense internal discussion with him.
Harry's brow was furrowed, his lips moving silently.
You could hear a pin drop in the Great Hall; everyone held their breath.
"Not Slytherin... not Slytherin..." Harry's mind echoed Hagrid's warning and Malfoy's arrogant face.
"Not Slytherin, eh?" The Sorting Hat's voice spoke in his mind, with a hint of amusement, "You are very brave, and not bad-hearted... and talented... Oh, my, so talented... Slytherin could help you to greatness, no doubt about that..."
"Not Slytherin!" Harry shouted firmly in his mind.
"Are you sure?" the Hat pressed, "Well, if you're so insistent... then..."
The Hat finally announced loudly:
"Gryffindor!"
The cheers from the Gryffindor table almost blew off the Great Hall's magic ceiling!
Harry took off the Hat, a brilliant smile of relief spreading across his face, and ran towards Hermioneand Percy, where he was enthusiastically clapped on the back by Ron (who was next) and the twin brothers.
Ron's Sorting was almost without suspense; the Hat shouted "Gryffindor!" as soon as it touched his fiery red hair.
He let out a sigh of relief and ran over to squeeze in with Harry and Hermione.
Finally, Professor McGonagall called the last name:
"Lynn Li!"
Chapter 15: Flickering Candlelight and Stars as Witness (Part 2)
Lynn calmly stepped forward.
Most of the people in the Great Hall were still immersed in the excited afterglow of the "Savior" being sorted into Gryffindor, but many also curiously observed this calm and distinctly Eastern-looking new student.
Especially at the teachers' table, Headmaster Dumbledore's sapphire blue eyes, seen through his half-moon spectacles, held a gentle inquiry; Professor Snape (greasy black hair, a hooked nose, and an indifferent expression) merely cast a cold glance before lowering his gaze again; Professor McGonagall's eyes, however, held a hint of subtle expectation.
Lynn sat on the high stool.
The Sorting Hat was placed on his short black hair, its brim obscuring his deep-set eyes.
Instantly, a vast, boundless torrent of consciousness, imbued with the icy Starlight and a sense of ancient age, surged like a broken dam into the Sorting Hat's ancient and well-traveled "mind"!
"merlin's beard!" The Sorting Hat, upon contact, let out a silent scream of extreme shock, even a hint of tremor, in Lynn's mind!
Its "consciousness" felt as if it had been cast into the boundless cosmic sea of stars!
What did it see?
Not specific memory images, but an essence!
A power as profound as the origin of the universe lay dormant deep within Lynn's soul, cold, powerful, and ancient!
The mark of the star stone was as clear as a brand!
What shocked it even more was that at the core of this cold power, a warm, resilient will, like moonlight, was intertwined, guarding!
That will shared the same origin as Hermione Granger's aura, who had just been sorted into Gryffindor!
Was it a vow of protection? Or a bond of souls?
The Hat frantically "flipped through" Lynn's qualities: a composure far beyond his age, an almost terrifying logic and insight, unfathomable magic talent potential, a deep understanding of the essence of power (derived from the starstone notebook and his past life's knowledge), and... that incredibly pure and steadfast will to protect, ignited by a certain brown-haired girl, hidden beneath the icy Starlight!
"Ravenclaw! Without a doubt! The knowledge and wisdom contained in your mind are enough to illuminate Ravenclaw's diadem!" The Hat's voice whispered excitedly in Lynn's mind.
"Slytherin! Oh, what powerful potential! That calmness, that sense of control over power! Slytherin can give you the sharpest authority!" The Hat also captured the restrained control deep within his soul.
"Gryffindor? This courage to protect... it's as fiery as the core of a forge! The determination to face everything for the sake of protection..." The Hat was deeply shaken by the extremely clear will to protect in the depths of Lynn's consciousness, sparked by Hermione.
The Hat fell into an unprecedented dilemma and shock.
It had never encountered such a complex yet pure soul!
Coldness and warmth, wisdom and courage, power and protection, formed a strange, almost perfect balance within him.
The qualities of all four Houses shone with intense brilliance within him!
Time passed minute by minute.
Subtle murmurs began to rise in the Great Hall.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all watched Lynn nervously.
Hermione's hands were tightly clasped, her knuckles white, and the moon-white stone, through her robes, radiated a gentle warmth.
In her heart, she silently screamed: Gryffindor! Gryffindor!
"Difficult to choose... too difficult to choose..." The Sorting Hat whispered in distress in Lynn's mind, "Your belonging... seems to transcend the boundaries of the Houses..."
"Then," Lynn's calm voice responded in his consciousness, "how about I choose?"
The Hat was silent for a moment, seemingly processing the suggestion.
"...Where do you wish to go, young man?"
Lynn's gaze, past the brim of the Hat, accurately fell upon the Gryffindor table, landing on the girl with brown curly hair, nervously watching him, her hair dancing in the candlelight.
The star stone emitted a clear, directional warmth.
"My courage is born of protection," Lynn clearly responded in his heart.
"My place is where she is."
The Sorting Hat seemed to let out a long (silent) sigh of relief, as if it had finally found the key to the answer.
That courage born of protection, that clearly directed sense of belonging, broke through all the dilemmas.
"Ah... I understand!" The Sorting Hat's voice carried a sigh of relief and a strange admiration, "Then, as you wish! Remember your choice!"
The Hat took a deep breath (in a spiritual sense), and its booming voice echoed through the Great Hall:
**"Gryffindor!"**
The Gryffindor table erupted in enthusiastic cheers once more!
Hermione practically jumped up, clapping excitedly, her face blooming with a smile brighter than the candlelight, her eyes sparkling with pure joy and a hint of tears.
Harry and Ron also cheered excitedly.
Lynn calmly removed the Hat, placed it back on the high stool, and gave Professor McGonagall a slight nod.
He turned and walked towards the Gryffindor table, his steps steady.
Countless eyes fell upon him, curious, scrutinizing, amazed.
He walked straight to Hermione's side and sat in the empty seat she had specifically saved for him.
"I knew it! I knew you'd come to Gryffindor!" Hermione's voice was filled with uncontrollable excitement, her small face flushed red.
Lynn turned his head to look at her eyes, sparkling with excitement, and a faint but genuine curve appeared on his lips: "I told you, Hogwarts is my home."
His gaze fell on the moon-white stone pendant on her chest, where the resonance's warmth seemed to linger.
"And where you are, that is Gryffindor."
Hermione's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, like ripe apples, but this time she didn't avert her gaze, her bright eyes filled with starlight-like smiles and a hint of shy sweetness.
The moon-white stone on her chest clearly responded to the warm current of the star stone.
Headmaster Dumbledore stood up and announced the start of the feast.
With a gentle clap of his hands, the once empty golden plates were instantly piled high with delicacies: golden roasted beef, mountains of mashed potatoes, glistening roast chicken, steaming meat pies, and countless sparkling puddings and ice cream!
The Great Hall was instantly filled with the aroma of food and joyous laughter.
Lynn picked up a Yorkshire pudding, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the teachers' table.
Professor Snape's indifferent gaze was moving away from him, turning towards Draco Malfoy at the Slytherin table opposite.
Headmaster Dumbledore's gaze, however, rested gently on Lynn for a moment, and deep within his sapphire blue eyes, a hint of all-knowing comprehension and a touch of elusive interest flickered.
The sorting was decided, the stars bore witness.
Under the red and gold banners, their magic journey officially began amidst the flickering candlelight and the aroma of the feast.
Lynn could feel the girl's joy beside him, like a warm stream, silently flowing into his vast, star-like life.
Chapter 16: Red Lion's Lair and Star Whispers
The clamor of the Welcoming Feast gradually subsided, and the warm scent of food in the Great Hallwas replaced by the faint smell of burning wax from the candles.
Older students yawned, leaving the long tables in twos and threes.
Lynn put down the last sugar-dusted lemon tart, feeling the steady warmth from the star stone, his gaze naturally falling on Hermione beside him.
She was meticulously using the tip of her wand (which glowed with a very faint milky-white luminescence) to clear non-existent pastry crumbs from the pages of her History of Magic book, her expression as focused as if conducting a precise experiment, her fluffy brown curls falling by her cheeks.
"First-year students! Gryffindor first-years, gather over here!" a serious voice with a clear sense of responsibility rang out.
Percy Weasley, a gleaming Prefect badge pinned to his chest, stood ramrod straight, waving his arm to beckon their flock of red and gold fledglings.
Lynn and Hermione stood up with the crowd.
Hermione quickly put away her wand and book, instinctively leaning closer to Lynn; beneath the excitement of the new environment, there was still a hint of imperceptible nervousness.
Lynn could feel the moon-white stone on her chest transmitting a slight emotional fluctuation, like the fluttering of a butterfly's wings.
"Follow me, watch your step, the stairs like to play tricks!" Percy called out loudly, leading them through the still-crowded Great Hall and towards a wide stone corridor.
The corridor walls were covered with moving portraits; the figures in the paintings curiously observed the new students, some waving, some dozing, and others, dressed in medieval attire, passionately debating something within their frames.
Sure enough, as they stepped onto the first wide stone staircase, a large section of the step suddenly and without warning flipped upwards with a "clunk," transforming into a smooth, steep incline!
Several first-years walking ahead were caught off guard and exclaimed as they tumbled backward.
"Careful!" Lynn, quick-witted, swiftly steadied a round-faced boy (Neville) who nearly rolled down with his left hand, and with his right, he naturally and firmly supported Hermione's elbow beside him.
His movements were swift and precise, as if he had anticipated the stairs' prank.
Hermione's body stiffened for an instant, then quickly relaxed at the warmth and strength from his palm.
She looked up at Lynn, her small face flushed, and whispered, "Thank you."
The star stone and moon-white stone resonated clearly through their robes, conveying mutual reassurance.
"Hold on to the banister, stay alert!" Percy shouted from the front, seemingly accustomed to such minor incidents.
They climbed what seemed like seven flights of stairs (experiencing at least three moving staircases and one disappearing corridor along the way) before finally stopping at the end of an empty corridor.
There was no door, only a large portrait.
The frame was ornate, gilded, and depicted a plump lady in a lavish magenta velvet gown and an exaggerated feathered hat.
She reclined in a comfortable armchair, cradling a dozing ginger long-haired cat, with a typical British countryside landscape in the background.
Most striking was the large, golden shield with an ornate lion's head relief hanging on the wall behind her.
"Password?" the lady in the painting asked languidly, raising her eyelids, her tone operatic, as she critically surveyed the dusty new students, her gaze lingering for a moment especially on Lynn's calm face and Hermione's thick book.
"Dragon Flame Whiskey," Percy replied clearly.
"Oh, well, you're in luck," the Red Lion Lady (as Lynn mentally named her) pouted, seemingly displeased with the password, but her portrait frame still emitted a soft "click," then, like a real door, it silently swung inward, revealing a round, warm, and brightly lit opening!
A wave of warm air, a mix of burning pine from the fireplace, old parchment, and wool carpet, washed over them.
Accompanied by the gasps of the new students, a comforting space, like a giant bird's nest, appeared before their eyes.
The Gryffindor Common Room!
A huge, circular room with warm reddish-brown stone walls, adorned with scarlet tapestries and woven hangings depicting the adventures of famous Gryffindors (the scenes dynamic, griffins soaring, knights swinging swords).
Several brass chandeliers hung from the low ceiling, casting a soft glow.
Throughout the room were scattered numerous incredibly comfortable, plump scarlet armchairs and sofas, arranged around several crackling fireplaces with dancing golden flames.
Several large tables, piled high with books, parchments, and Wizard's Chess, were interspersed.
Several tall, arched windows with stained glass were currently covered by heavy scarlet velvet curtains; presumably, by day, they would overlook the magnificent Castle courtyard or the distant mountains.
The entire space exuded comfort, liveliness, and even a touch of lived-in messiness, as if the air itself pulsed with brave and fearless energy.
"Welcome to the Lionheart Den," Percy's voice held a hint of imperceptible pride.
"This is the Gryffindor Common Room.
The common area is open all day, but please keep quiet, especially after eleven at night.
The boys' dormitory is up the spiral staircase on the left, and the girls' dormitory is on the right.
Your luggage should already be in your respective dormitories.
Remember, the Red Lion Lady is the guardian of the Common Room; the password changes once a week, and the new password will be pinned to the notice board," he pointed to a corkboard with parchment next to the fireplace, "forget the password and you'll be spending the night in the corridor!
Now, go find your beds, and don't be late tomorrow morning!" He finished, straightened his back, and walked towards a desk piled with documents, clearly preparing to begin his Prefect "night work."
The new students immediately dispersed excitedly, curiously exploring their new home.
Ron, pulling Harry, eagerly rushed towards the spiral stone staircase leading to the boys' dormitory on the left.
Neville, clutching his toad Trevor, stood somewhat bewildered.
Hermione, however, did not immediately move.
She stood in the warm glow, surveying the vibrant space, her large eyes sparkling with novelty and a sense of relief at finding a place of belonging.
She instinctively moved a little closer to Lynn, her voice betraying a slight dependence on her only familiar companion in a new, unfamiliar place: "This place... it's even better than the books described!"
"Indeed," Lynn nodded, his gaze sweeping over the comfortable sofas and dancing fire, "it's very warm, very... lively."
His gaze finally returned to Hermione's face, noticing a tiny speck of black ash from the fireplace had, at some point, landed on her nose.
Almost instinctively, he raised his hand and very gently brushed her nose with the pad of his thumb.
The touch of his fingertip was warm and delicate.
Hermione's body stiffened abruptly, her eyes instantly wide, like a startled fawn, her cheeks rapidly flushing a deeper crimson than the Common Room tapestries at a visible speed.
She even forgot to breathe, her long eyelashes fluttering rapidly, clearly feeling the subtle electric current as Lynn's calloused fingertip brushed her skin, and the sudden, clear warmth from the star stone, as if being baked by the fireplace.
"Ash," Lynn's voice was calm, as if he had just done the most natural little thing, withdrawing his hand, the delicate sensation still lingering on his fingertip.
"Oh... th-thank you," Hermione's voice was a mere whisper, as she frantically lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her robe, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest.
She felt as if the entire Common Room's temperature had risen, and the clamor of the other new students seemed to be muffled by a curtain of water, becoming indistinct.
The moon-white stone on her chest glowed faintly, clearly recording the flutter of that moment.
"You're welcome," Lynn looked at her shy demeanor, a faint curve playing on his lips, "go find your dormitory, it should be upstairs."
"Mhm!" Hermione nodded vigorously, as if granted a reprieve, and almost simultaneously, she hurried towards the staircase leading to the girls' dormitory on the right, her ears completely red.
After a few steps, she couldn't resist looking back, quickly glancing at Lynn, who was still standing there.
Lynn was watching her, nodding slightly, his gaze gentle.
Hermione, as if burned, immediately turned back, quickening her pace, but a sweet curve she couldn't suppress secretly formed on her lips.
Lynn watched her disappear around the corner of the staircase, then turned and walked towards the boys' spiral staircase on the left.
The staircase was made of ancient stone, spiraling upwards, with a burning torch inserted into the wall every few steps.
He had only taken a few steps when he heard Ron's loud voice from above:
"Harry! Look! Our luggage really is here! And... oh my goodness, this room is huge!"
The boys' dormitory was located in a tower, a spacious circular room.
The walls were also a warm reddish-brown, and five four-poster beds with deep red hangings were arranged like petals around the center.
Each bed had a bedside table and a small wardrobe.
A faint star map was painted on the high arched ceiling.
Now, the deep purple night sky outside the window and the dark outline of the Forbidden Forest in the distance were clearly visible.
Harry and Ron's luggage was piled beside two adjacent beds near the window, while Seamus Finniganand Dean Thomas (the other two new students) had their luggage by two other beds.
Beside the last bed, near the door and relatively less "ideal" in position, was Lynn's brand new leather trunk from Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"Hey, Lynn! Over here!" Harry called out enthusiastically when he saw Lynn enter, pointing to the bed near the door, "This one's yours."
"Thanks," Lynn walked over, giving a simple nod.
Ron was excitedly bouncing on his bed, testing the mattress's springiness.
Seamus and Dean were arguing about Quidditch teams.
Lynn opened his trunk and took out his toiletries and pajamas (ordinary deep blue cotton, with no magical effects).
His movements were unhurried, carrying a composure beyond his years.
When his fingertips touched the cool cover of the starstone notebook and the pen of the stars, whose sapphire tip had a tiny crack, his movements paused slightly.
A flashback of the chaotic energy backlash from the failed astrolabe compass experiment, and... the pure healing power of Hermione's moonlight wand, flashed through his mind.
That gentle power seemed to be more clearly imprinted in his heart than any profound magic.
"Lynn," Harry's voice interrupted his thoughts, filled with sincere gratitude, "thank you for steadying Neville on the stairs earlier... and your words to Malfoy in the train compartment were brilliant!"
His green eyes were full of admiration.
"It was nothing," Lynn responded calmly, placing the notebook and pen on the bedside table.
"Exactly! Malfoy's face was unbearable!" Ron jumped off his bed, waving his fists, "What 'what does your family do,' bah! Lynn, your reply 'the end of the star trail' was absolutely perfect!
Look at his frustrated face!" He mimicked Malfoy's stiff expression at the time, making Harry, Seamus, and Dean laugh.
The dormitory was filled with the excitement of boys away from home for the first time and their chattering conversations.
Lynn made his bed, changed into his pajamas, and leaned against the headboard.
Outside the window, the lights of Hogwarts in the night looked like a river of stars on the ground, and the dark silhouette of the Forbidden Forest in the distance resembled a lurking giant beast.
The star stone, pressed against his chest, emitted a steady and reassuring warmth.
He closed his eyes, but his mind involuntarily extended, as if it could penetrate the stone walls and sense the girl in the right tower, who was also adjusting to her new environment.
In the girls' dormitory, Hermione had also changed into her pajamas (a light blue cotton dress with a small owl pattern).
She sat on her bed by the window, clutching the dark blue starstone notebook tightly in her arms, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the star patterns on the cover.
Her roommates, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, were excitedly sharing their Diagon Alley shopping experiences and speculating about the new Professors.
Hermione's thoughts, however, drifted far away.
The gentle touch of Lynn's fingertip seemed to still linger on her nose, and her cheeks began to subtly flush again.
She quietly opened the notebook, and on a blank dark blue page, she lightly wrote two words with her fingertip, without infusing them with magic, so they would leave no trace: *Silly*.
After writing, she felt it was too childish, and she annoyed shut the notebook, burying her flushed cheeks in the soft pillow.
The moon-white stone, pressed against her collarbone, emitted a series of warm and peculiar pulsations, as if responding to the pull of another star.
Night deepened.
The Castle fell silent, with only the wind whimpering outside the tower.
In the boys' dormitory, Ron was already snoring softly, and Harry was fast asleep.
Lynn, however, opened his eyes.
He quietly sat up and picked up the pen of the stars from beside his pillow.
The star stone glowed faintly, providing a dim light source.
He turned to a new page in the notebook, the pen tip hovering above the page.
He didn't write, but instead concentrated, gently infusing the clear and warm sense of longing that emerged after the clamor subsided, through the power of the star stone, into the pen tip.
On the dark blue page, no words appeared, but instead, a very soft, fragmented starlight quietly lit up, flickering like breathing.
The starlight slowly gathered and flowed, finally outlining an extremely abstract yet vividly rendered silhouette—the profile of a girl holding a book, with slightly curly hair, standing quietly amidst the Star Radiance.
At the same time, in the girls' dormitory, Hermione, who was tightly clutching the starstone notebook in her sleep, her slightly furrowed brows quietly smoothed out.
The moon-white stone on her chest, as if in response, emitted an equally soft, almost imperceptible milky-white glow, gently enveloping her, and silently responding to the clumsy but sincere goodnight greeting from "the end of the star trail."
The radiance of the star and moon, in the warm den of the Red Lion, separated by ancient stone walls, wove a silent and sweet secret belonging to Hogwarts's first night.
Deep within the Forbidden Forest outside the window, an owl seemed to glide over the treetops, leaving a long, low hoot.