An Amulet

Anduin had no recollection of Harry Potter's childhood. He only remembered someone explaining that Voldemort had stormed into the Potter family home and killed Harry's parents, then Harry had somehow killed Voldemort. Anduin had no clue about the rest of the story. He didn't even know how Harry had managed to kill Voldemort.

Should he tell them? Warn them? Looking at how happy they were, Anduin felt torn.

Lily noticed Anduin frowning, lost in thought, and asked, "What's wrong? Are you nervous about starting school? I'm Muggle-born, too. When I found out I'd be going to Hogwarts, I couldn't sleep a wink for night after night. But once you get there, I'm sure you won't regret it."

"I wonder which house you'll be sorted into. You should come to Gryffindor, of course. Though the other houses aren't bad either—except Slytherin." James chimed in, launching into a full-throated pitch for Gryffindor. He'd only mentioned Slytherin in passing, but it was clear he didn't like the house.

"Don't listen to him. Believe in yourself, Anduin. Every house has its own strengths. No matter which one you're sorted into, as long as you work hard and know what kind of person you want to become, you can achieve great things after graduating from any of them!" Lily clearly wasn't keen on James's approach to recommending a house.

"Thank you. I'll keep your advice in mind." As an adult in spirit, Anduin wasn't nervous about going to school. But Lily was kind enough to share her experience, and he didn't want to interrupt her.

Still, Anduin couldn't bring himself to warn the Potter couple directly about their fate. What was he supposed to say? That one day Voldemort would storm into their home, kill them both, and then be killed by their son? They wouldn't believe him. Besides, they were already Voldemort's enemies and had probably prepared themselves to face the Dark Lord.

"All right, it's getting late, Anduin. Let me take you back. It isn't safe at night. James, Lily, that goes for you two as well."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall." Anduin and Professor McGonagall began gathering their things.

Before leaving, Anduin turned to Lily and said, "Mrs. Potter, please be careful. I wish you and your child all the best. I'm sure your child will make you proud one day!"

After all, their child would become the protagonist.

Anduin didn't know what else to say, but he couldn't help offering the kind woman a couple of words of warning. As for their future, he didn't have the power to change it.

"Thank you for your kind wishes, Anduin." Lily found herself feeling fond of the young student. Perhaps he reminded her of her younger self, or perhaps he brought to mind the person who had once been her childhood sweetheart.

"I made this little trinket myself. It's sort of a good-luck charm. It'll be a present to celebrate your admission, and you can write to me whenever you like." Lily looked at Anduin, took something from the handbag she carried with her, and held it out to him.

Anduin accepted it. It was a copper piece about the size of a coin, engraved with a lifelike doe.

"Thank you for the gift. I'll treasure it." Anduin carefully put away Lily's little present, said goodbye to the Potter couple once more, and left with Professor McGonagall.

After another bout of Apparition, Anduin had grown accustomed to the uncomfortable journey and didn't react as badly as the first time. He shook his head, rubbed his somewhat pale face, said goodbye to Professor McGonagall, and returned to the Fawley Orphanage alone.

Back in his room at the Orphanage, Anduin sat on his bed and thought over everything that had happened that day. The Magical World held a powerful allure for him.

But then he remembered that Voldemort was still alive. He had no idea what Hogwarts was like at this point in time, and it was simply too dangerous. He couldn't trust his life to someone else, especially when he was a Muggle.

In the Magical World as it was now, he needed to be able to protect himself. Otherwise, Voldemort or one of his minions might kill him at any moment. Recalling the information he'd gathered from Professor McGonagall that day, Anduin drew a few conclusions:

First, the Ministry of Magic was on high alert. Underage wizards used to come under the Trace's surveillance only after enrolling at school, but now they would be monitored as soon as they had a wand.

Second, the Trace monitored an area rather than an individual. In places where wizards gathered, the Ministry couldn't tell exactly who had cast a spell.

Third, Dumbledore was still in charge, and the Ministry was actively resisting Voldemort. Diagon Alley was still relatively safe.

Having made up his mind, Anduin decided to leave the Orphanage as soon as possible and settle in Diagon Alley. He needed to learn how to protect himself before starting school. With that thought, he drew his wand.

He gazed at the wand, its jade-like material finished in a deep, matte black, and murmured, "From now on, it's just the two of us. I'll give you a name: Dark Brush. Ready to show this Magical World what we can do?"

As if in response, Anduin felt Dark Brush tremble slightly in his hand, releasing several electric arcs. They didn't hurt him at all; they only made him feel that his connection with the wand had grown stronger.

With his resolve firm, Anduin went to bed early, ready to get started the next day.

Meanwhile, Hogwarts at night was like a sleeping dragon, silent yet beautiful in its power.

Professor McGonagall climbed the stairs to Dumbledore's office.

"Albus, how did the interview go tonight? I can't say I have high hopes for Divination Class. Most diviners in the Magical World are frauds." Professor McGonagall spoke as she watched Dumbledore play with Fawkes.

"Then I'm afraid I must tell you that we'll soon be welcoming Hogwarts' first Divination Class teacher, Minerva." Dumbledore recalled the astonishing Prophecy he'd heard in Hogsmeade that day, composed himself, and raised an eyebrow as he turned to answer Professor McGonagall. Then he promptly changed the subject again. "What did you think of the new Muggle-born student you met today? You seem to be in a good mood. His name was An... An..."

"Anduin. Anduin Wilson. He's a very disciplined and polite boy. That's what I've observed myself, and what I learned from the Orphanage where he lives. We also happened to run into the Potter couple today. Lily's baby is expected at the end of the month, and they were impressed with Anduin, too." When Professor McGonagall heard Dumbledore bring up the new student, she was quick to praise him. Anduin had made a very good impression on her.

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