"Occlumency is a must-learn magic!"
"And until I find a way to learn it, if someone reads my memories, I can always explain it away as a prophecy."
Having Transmigrated over once, Ivan didn't want to get involved in intrigues.
He yearned to explore the mysteries of magic, to experience the wonders of this world, and to live an extraordinary life.
As for getting involved in Dumbledore's plan to train a savior, Ivan was undecided.
He wouldn't dismiss the original story or concoct conspiracy theories based on preconceived notions.
Similarly, Ivan wouldn't seek out Harry and Ron to befriend them just because their names were familiar.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do~"
Ivan munched on some snacks and sipped his tea. "Fuck them! The saviour's future is not my concern. I just need to take care of myself."
Thus, the time quickly moved to the afternoon.
The morning mist had cleared, and it was a lovely day, with bright sunshine lifting Ivan's spirits.
"They should be arriving soon."
Ivan glanced at the clock on the wall and then positioned himself where he had foreseen.
Shortly after, with a soft sound, two figures materialized out of thin air: Professor McGonagall and another new student she was guiding.
This was a girl of about ten, with brown eyes and thick, bushy brown hair, and notably large front teeth.
"Ugh! Cough, cough, cough!"
"Your first time Apparating, that's normal."
Professor McGonagall gently patted the girl's back, but the girl straightened up, took a deep breath, and suppressed the discomfort from Apparating.
"I.. I'm fine, just a little uncomfortable."
The girl lifted her head stubbornly, determined to show her strong adaptability.
"Pfft.."
Hearing the sound, the girl looked towards Ivan, seeing a boy around her age stifling a laugh.
"Mr. Ambrosius, it's not gentlemanly to laugh at a lady."
Professor McGonagall wasn't surprised that Ivan was waiting there; it was clear he had foreseen this.
"Ehm* Sorry, Professor McGonagall."
Ivan had already recognized the girl as Hermione Granger, the brain of the original trio.
The original Harry Potter movies could easily be titled "Hermione and Her Two Useless Friends," Ivan thought, with some justification.
Without Hermione, Harry and Ron might not have even made it through the first book.
Hermione glared at Ivan, displeased by his laughter at her expense.
Ivan smiled. "Like you, I'm also a new student at Hogwarts this year."
"And I apologize for my rudeness earlier."
Hermione scrutinized Ivan. She wasn't one to judge by appearances, but she had to admit Ivan was quite attractive.
Still, the memory of his earlier laugh made her annoyed. "Maybe my performance wasn't great, but I'm sure that's only temporary."
Ivan was a bit taken aback by her competitiveness.
Out of politeness, she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ambrosius."
This meant she accepted Ivan's apology.
"You can just call me Ivan."
"Then you can call me Hermione."
"So..? Are you a wizard? I mean, not like me."
"Miss Granger, Mr. Ambrosius, like you, is a Muggle-born wizard."
Ivan nodded and pointed to a nearby orphanage. "To add, I live there."
Hermione noticed the orphanage sign and immediately realized Ivan was an orphan. She quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I…"
Hermione, though eager to prove herself, was also anxious about entering the wizarding world from the Muggle world, fearing she might not measure up.
This insecurity made her somewhat overbearing, but upon learning Ivan was an orphan, she felt a surge of sympathy.
Ivan assured her he didn't care about his origins and asked Professor McGonagall, "Professor, are we heading to Diagon Alley now?"
Professor McGonagall inquired about Hermione's condition. The girl straightened her flat chest. "I'm fine, really. We can leave now!"
Seeing Hermione's determination, Professor McGonagall said, "Hold onto my arm."
Hermione quickly grabbed McGonagall's arm and reminded Ivan to brace for the discomfort of Apparition.
Ivan felt his body being squeezed through a tight tube.
When he regained his senses, they were in front of a shabby, old pub.
After Apparating twice, Hermione's face was pale.
Yet, she still looked at Ivan.
Seeing he seemed unaffected, Hermione's eyes widened in surprise: 'Aren't you a Muggle-born? Why aren't you reacting?'
Even Professor McGonagall watched Ivan curiously.
Admittedly, some young wizards were naturally gifted, but most found Apparition uncomfortable.
"I did experience it for the first time."
"As for not feeling much…"
Ivan suspected it was because of his Obscurial nature; the experience felt similar to turning into an Obscurus.
But he wasn't ready to reveal his Obscurial nature yet.
If it were Dumbledore, Ivan's status as an Obscurial might gain him sympathy.
Not revealing it to Professor McGonagall was because an Obscurial's power was too dark and dangerous.
Allowing an Obscurial into Hogwarts was like endangering all the young wizards.
If Ivan lost control, not just young wizards but even adults could be easily crushed.
Professor McGonagall might accept a werewolf as a student and teacher, but could she accept a ticking time bomb like Ivan?
Ivan hadn't seen this answer in any prophecy yet.
But one thing was sure: he couldn't share this secret with Hermione.
If word got out, he'd be expelled.
Parents wouldn't tolerate an Obscurial near their children.
Even with Dumbledore's assurances and professors' attestations of Ivan's control, adult wizards wouldn't accept him at Hogwarts.
"A strong body can lessen the side effects of Apparition."
Professor McGonagall guessed Ivan was hiding something but wouldn't pry.
Meanwhile, Hermione's competitiveness nearly overflowed.
Ivan could only think how unexpected her determination was.
Professor McGonagall led them into the Leaky Cauldron.
Contrary to their expectations of mystery, the pub was dark and dirty.
The patrons greeted Professor McGonagall warmly. The barkeep, Tom, eagerly asked, "Ahh~ Professor McGonagall, what can I get you?"
The hunchbacked, bald Tom, resembling a bat, gave Ivan a creepy vibe.
"Ah!" Hermione, startled by Tom, instinctively hid behind Ivan.
"Ehm*" Realizing this was undignified, she bravely stepped away from Ivan.