Arriving at Hogwarts

"No, don't believe him. That's just an act—yes, it's the act they put on in front of Harry!" Ron retorted instinctively.

"Don't be like that, Ron." Harry smiled happily. Little Malfoy's face just now, clearly terrified yet forcing himself to remain calm, had looked far too funny. "People can change. Don't judge someone through tinted glasses because of their family. Maybe Malfoy is a good person."

Ron became somewhat uncertain as well. "Maybe that's true. I might have been wrong."

Harry lowered his head slightly, the shadow of his fringe covering his delicate emerald-green eyes.

He was thinking about Malfoy. It seemed that nearly killing Malfoy by accident last time had left a deep shadow on him.

Moreover, Malfoy came from a pure-blood wizarding family and cared greatly about family honor, yet the magic within him was not particularly outstanding. It was enough for an ordinary Young Wizard, but for a Malfoy who wanted to excel, it was nowhere near enough.

He must want to make himself seem more outstanding in Old Malfoy's eyes. Combined with the shadow I left in his heart before, perhaps I can turn him into a new borrower!

If I want to reform this backward Wizarding World, the Malfoy family's power will be an important source of support!

With a plan in mind, Harry looked out the window.

Night had already fallen. Beneath the deep purple sky, mountains and forests intertwined.

The train seemed to be gradually slowing down.

Harry and Ron stepped outside first, allowing Hermione to change into her black wizarding robes.

Afterward, the two entered the compartment and changed clothes.

They took off their outerwear and put on their wizarding robes. Harry noticed that Ron's robes were a little too short, exposing his worn-out sneakers beneath them.

Harry knew that Young Wizards their age all had their pride, so he said tactfully, "Oh, right, I'm quite good at Transfiguration. Want to see?"

"Hm?" Ron had no idea what Harry meant by bringing that up now.

Before Ron could answer, Harry waved his wand.

The old robe, with its stubborn stains that would not wash out, instantly became clean and fit him better.

Even Ron's worn-out sneakers became brand-new.

Ron was delighted. "Wow, that's so cool! Harry, how long can your Transfiguration last?"

Harry spread his hands. "I don't know. A few days, a few weeks, or even longer. Anyway, it used up a lot of magic."

"You're incredible, Harry. Just as expected of the Wizarding World's savior!"

"In five minutes, the train will arrive at Hogwarts. Please leave your luggage on the train. We will deliver it to the school for you." At that moment, a shrill voice echoed throughout the train.

Harry guessed it was a Hogwarts House-elf. They were servants to wizards and were exceedingly loyal to them.

Some House-elves even possessed magical abilities superior to those of their masters. As for why they remained loyal, Harry had his own suspicions.

Perhaps it had something to do with a spell that affected their entire race, one that enslaved the minds of House-elves and completely turned them into Slaves.

In the past, Harry might have found such a method cruel.

But after seven years of instruction from the Supreme Mage, he had changed his mind.

Under the Supreme Mage's protection, he had once observed cosmic wars, taken part in campaigns between dimensions, witnessed the cruelty of Demon Lords, and learned of all manner of dealings on the dark side of the world.

All of this had made him understand what the Supreme Mage's responsibility truly was.

It was to protect Earth and maintain the order of the world!

He loved the world, and he loved humanity, but he did not love any single individual!

The train gradually came to a stop, and the passengers shoved and crowded their way out of the doors.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood together as they arrived at a tiny, pitch-black platform.

The night wind was cold. A gust slipped into Hermione's collar, making Miss Otter shiver.

Harry took out his wand and shouted at the sky, "Lumos!"

A bright light flew from the tip of his wand and floated in the night sky, wholly unaffected by the cold wind.

Harry had not modified the Lumos spell, but just as he had said, as long as he conveyed his intentions to Chaos Magic, Chaos Magic would solve most things for him.

Making Lumos remain after its light had left the wand was one such thing.

"That's Harry Potter! He cast that spell!" Some Young Wizard spotted Harry's action and shouted.

"So it's Harry Potter. No wonder he can cast spells before even starting school."

"That's Lumos—I recognize it. But Harry Potter's Lumos seems a little different. Still, since it's Harry, that makes sense."

"First-years, over here. Don't trip." A familiar voice sounded from ahead. "Harry, I see you! Come over here. Have you been well lately?"

Ahead of the many Young Wizards, a giant held up a lantern to light the way. It was Hagrid. His hairy face broke into a smile at Harry.

Harry liked Hagrid very much. He could sense that, like Aunt May, Hagrid was an elder who genuinely cared for him. "I'm very well. What about you?"

"Of course, I've been doing quite well too. Come on, Young Wizards, follow me. I'll take you to the school."

After taking only a few steps, Harry already hated the road leading to Hogwarts.

The moment they stepped onto the dirt path, it was as though oil had been smeared beneath their feet. They slipped three steps for every one they took.

The road was also extremely narrow. The many Young Wizards crowded together, pushing and shoving one another. If Harry had not been looking after Hermione, she would have been knocked down long ago.

"Slowly, slowly," Hagrid called loudly. "Once you turn this corner, you'll see Hogwarts right away."

Sure enough, after they rounded the bend, the view suddenly opened up. A vast black lake, reflecting the moonlight, appeared before the Young Wizards.

On the hillside beyond the Black Lake stood a towering castle. It was Gothic in style, with flames lit in every window like stars beneath the night sky.

Hagrid's voice rang out again. "Look at the boats by the shore. No more than four people per boat. Don't rush, we've got plenty of time."

Harry found a small boat and sat at the bow. Hermione quickly followed and took a seat beside him.

Ron came next, and the final member was someone Harry recognized as well—the Neville who had been searching for his toad on the train.

Neville truly was timid. He stood on the shore for a while, too afraid to get on the boat.

Ron was getting impatient. "Neville, what are you doing? Get on already, or we won't wait for you!"

Harry shook his head. Amid Neville's startled cry, he lifted him with telekinesis and placed him in the boat.

Neville knew that Harry was helping him and thanked him quietly. "Thank you, Harry. You helped me again."

Under the bright moonlight, the little boat sent ripples spreading across the Black Lake.

The boat seemed to have been enchanted, gliding forward slowly without anyone needing to row.

The mysterious, ancient castle in the distance drew closer and closer to Harry.