London, by the Thames.
The gentle river flowed quietly, and a breeze rustled the leaves on either side, adding a touch of tranquility and melody to the summer afternoon.
"Fish and chips again..."
Not far from the bridge pier, through sparse bushes, came intermittent complaints.
Ino skillfully opened the paper bag. Despite grumbling about the monotonous food, his hands didn't pause as he grabbed a golden, crispy piece of fish and started eating.
Compared to delicacies like Wellington beef and Cornish pasties, the one-pound fish and chips were currently the most cost-effective choice.
After finishing the last piece of fish and taking a satisfying gulp from his water bottle, Ino leaned contentedly against the pier.
Some people resist loneliness; some enjoy it. But undeniably, loneliness always represents strength and survival skills. It's like sheep or rabbits, who would never dare to experience loneliness due to their lack of survival ability.
Under the pier, Ino stared into the distance at the factory emitting thick smoke, lost in thought.
"London in '91... The most notable event I can remember is probably that scar-headed boy receiving his acceptance letter on Privet Drive."
The random thought made him laugh at himself.
Ino sometimes pondered that if he were the protagonist of a typical transmigration story, he wouldn't pass the test.
Unlike the protagonists in novels who conquer the business world at three or speculate in futures at five, it took him ten years just to integrate into this foreign country.
As for financial investments and shorting the ruble, those were out of the question.
The reality is, wherever you are, a person's potential and achievements are almost predetermined from birth.
Without the necessary background, even if you manage to gain some profit, you'll likely end up as someone else's cash cow.
Ino was very clear on this; he understood that those who didn't succeed before, even with another chance, probably wouldn't succeed again.
The key factor in success is never just opportunity, but the foundational code set before birth.
Like a Steinway piano: if you're not born into a family that has one, you probably won't own one in your lifetime.
"Mediocrity isn't so bad..."
Affected by the temperate maritime climate, London is never subjected to extreme heat.
Even in the height of June summer, 93.2°F is about as hot as it gets.
Time flew by as Ino took a nap.
Suddenly, Ino was awakened by some rustling noises.
Having lived in London for 11 years, he quickly identified the unusual sound. It was likely pigeons, doves, or common ravens.
Although he was awake, his eyes felt glued shut. Lazily, he waved his arm in the air, trying to shoo away whatever was disturbing him.
From his time on the streets, he knew that these timid creatures would usually leave if you just waved at them.
However, this time it didn't work.
Not only did his waving fail, but the creature also became more aggressive. Ino even felt his fingers being pecked.
This audacity annoyed him greatly, and without thinking, he sat up and yelled:
"Do you want to be my next meal? Uh!"
His angry shout stopped abruptly when he saw what was before him.
It was as if someone had pressed pause on a movie. Everything was eerily quiet.
In front of Ino was an innocent-looking, grey-white screech owl, or in other words, a cute, round-faced English owl.
Of course, this wasn't the main point.
The main point was that there was a letter tied to the owl's right leg, sealed with a wax seal.
For a moment, he thought someone was playing a prank on him.
What a classic scene...
But he was also slightly excited and nervous. After all, this was London.
To confirm, Ino quickly untied the letter from the owl's leg and read it seriously:
"Dear Mr. Swinburne: We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Term begins on 1 September 1991... Deputy Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall."
Just from the familiar opening and name, he knew what it meant.
In 1991 England, it was seven years before that famous wizarding book was published.
"At this time, Rowling might just be getting inspired by a skinny, black-haired boy on a train in Manchester..."
Muttering to himself, Ino put the letter away. He now doubted it was a prank.
Who would bother training an owl just to prank a homeless orphan? Besides, the name and address matched perfectly.
Clearing his thoughts, Ino realized one thing: he hadn't experienced any magical outbursts over the past ten years, which made him wonder if there was a mistake.
Quickly, he dismissed this unreliable notion. A Muggle school might send the wrong letter, but Hogwarts' admissions...
If the Book of Admittance and the Quill of Acceptance made a mistake, it would cause chaos in the entire British wizarding world.
Meanwhile, the grey-white screech owl, sensing Ino's poor living conditions, didn't beg for food like usual.
Its round, chubby face even showed a hint of thoughtful consideration.
It seemed to be pondering whether it should catch a few mice for the boy, after all, it would be quite rare for a future Hogwarts student to starve to death.
Ten minutes later, a simple reply letter was sent away with the owl, disappearing into the clouds.
"All my plans are disrupted now..."
Ino rubbed his temples in frustration.
Honestly, seeing the Hogwarts acceptance letter was both exciting and a childhood dream come true.
After the brief excitement, Ino realized the problem: it was 1991, and starting school now meant his future would be full of 'surprises.'
First year with Quirrell, second year with the basilisk, third year with Dementors... each year brought new dangers.
"If only I were in the same year as Percy, or at least with George and Fred. Being in the same year as the savior is risky!" Ino complained, feeling weary.
The first few years might be relatively safe, but after the Goblet of Fire, the following three years would be very turbulent.
During the final battle, Death Eaters storming Hogwarts would make it very likely to get caught in the crossfire.
"At worst, I'll take a break in fifth year..."
After much thought, Ino decided this was the best way to deal with the future challenges.
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