"So… we're finally going to Hogwarts? I've been waiting for this day forever."
The speaker wasn't Tangmu—it was Andeluosuo.
Over the past month, Andeluosuo had familiarized himself with much of the modern magical world's history and key events. He could now be considered half a qualified wizard of this era.
What impressed him most were the four legendary founders of Hogwarts. He often sighed in regret that he hadn't lived in their time. Though Andeluosuo couldn't precisely gauge their magical level, he firmly believed they were at least on par with him—a "Wizard of the Century" class wizard.
At one point, Tangmu had asked Andeluosuo to evaluate his talent.
The answer was… vague.
There was no doubt—Tangmu had potential, meeting at least the standard of a "once-in-a-generation" genius.
But the gap between a "once-in-a-generation" wizard and a "Wizard of the Century" was vast. Andeluosuo couldn't make an accurate judgment based on the simple spells Tangmu had learned so far.
Perhaps Tangmu was a late bloomer?
Still, that alone revealed Andeluosuo's opinion—Tangmu was talented, but not quite there yet. Somewhere in the middle.
Tangmu wasn't discouraged. His talent wasn't fixed. He had acquired Andeluosuo's magical aptitude—his base abilities were constantly improving.
In the future, he'd collect more talents, stronger ones. There was no need to rush.
He glanced at the system panel. His relationship with Andeluosuo had grown steadily over the past weeks. Approval had reached 46—just 4 points shy of 50, unlocking another lottery draw.
But what truly shocked Tangmu was Andeluosuo's real name:
Helakelesu.
When he first heard it, Tangmu thought he'd misheard. But it was true.
In ancient times, powerful wizards were indistinguishable from gods. Their deeds, passed down through generations, were embellished and altered—becoming the myths known today.
After reading modern interpretations of Greek mythology, Andeluosuo emphasized repeatedly: "I don't have a father who turned into a bull or a swan."
His parents were ordinary wizards. He was simply born a prodigy.
"Tangmu," Andeluosuo said one day, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder, "you're ready to learn the Patronus Charm."
The legendary Patronus!
It was an advanced spell, requiring high magical power and, more importantly, an unshakeable will and pure heart.
Tangmu's willpower? Far beyond his peers—he'd long surpassed that threshold.
And with Andeluosuo's magical talent, raw power was no issue either.
"I've been looking forward to it," Tangmu said earnestly. A giant humanoid Patronus? He needed that.
"I'll demonstrate first," Andeluosuo said, stepping back a few paces. He raised his wand high and shouted:
"Expecto Patronum!"
Silver mist burst from the tip of his wand, coiling and condensing into a towering figure.
Tangmu's eyes widened.
"That's… a Patronus?!"
The glowing silver construct was over ten meters tall—and even more shocking, it looked exactly like Andeluosuo!
Andeluosuo laughed heartily at Tangmu's stunned expression.
"Surprised? Normally, Patronuses take animal forms—reflecting the caster's personality or inner self."
"But I believe only one thing can truly protect me: my own strength and conviction."
"That's why my Patronus takes this form. After years of refinement, it's gained properties—especially powerful against dark forces."
Andeluosuo flashed a confident grin. "Tangmu, if you train with my method, you might summon a humanoid Patronus too. Tempted?"
Tangmu nodded eagerly.
Who wouldn't be? Forget otters, swans, or stags—a giant human-shaped Patronus was the epitome of cool.
If he could reach Andeluosuo's size… it was practically a magical titan!
His motivation surged.
For the next day and night, he trained relentlessly in the learning space. Only on the morning of his departure did he reluctantly leave, scarf down a couple of bread slices, and grab his trunk.
His trunk didn't look large—but it was enchanted with the Undetectable Extension Charm.
It was a notoriously difficult spell. It took Tangmu two days to barely grasp it.
He'd tripled the trunk's internal space—any more risked instability.
The effect wasn't permanent; he'd need to recast it monthly. Still, it sufficed for now.
As for breaking Ministry laws by casting such a charm?
Tangmu didn't care.
He was just an innocent first-year—how could he know such advanced magic?
Clearly, someone was trying to frame him!
10 a.m.
Tangmu arrived at King's Cross Station.
As London's major transport hub, it was packed with people. The station was named after King George IV—a monarch with a questionable legacy.
Even his closest attendants reportedly despised him. One remarked: "No dog could be more cowardly, despicable, or numb than this king."
There weren't many good kings in history—but he was among the worst.
Tangmu couldn't understand why such a ruler warranted commemoration. Yet across the UK, statues of George IV stood—including this station.
Following the crowd, he made his way between Platforms 9 and 10, then casually walked into the wall.
A new world unfolded.
A scarlet steam engine stood beside a bustling platform. A gleaming sign read:
Hogwarts Express
One wall apart—two different worlds.
Tangmu took a deep breath, stepped onto the train, and began a new chapter in the life of Tangmu Lideer.
[^1]: In the Wizarding World, the Patronus Charm summons a magical guardian, reflecting the caster's positive emotions and memories, often used to repel dark creatures. The Undetectable Extension Charm expands the internal space of objects, such as trunks, without altering their external size.