"Brain occlumency is a type of magic that needs to be learned."
"Before I figure out how to learn this magic, if someone looks into my memories, I can explain it using prophecy."
After going through a tough time traveling through the past, Ivan didn't want to get involved with others.
He was eager to uncover the secrets of magic, to enjoy the wonders of this world, and then to live a fulfilling life.
As for joining Dumbledore's plan to train him as a savior, Ivan was unsure.
He wouldn't deny the original story or get caught up in conspiracy theories based on first impressions.
Likewise, he wouldn't shamelessly befriend Harry and Ron just because they were familiar names.
"Since I'm here, I'll make the most of it."
Ivan snacked and sipped tea, thinking, "Other people's futures have nothing to do with me; I just need to do my best."
Time quickly passed, and soon it was afternoon.
The morning mist had lifted. It was a lovely day, the sun was shining, and Ivan felt much better.
"It's time to go."
Ivan glanced at the wall clock and waited where he thought they would arrive.
"Pah!"
Suddenly, with a small sound, two figures appeared out of thin air. They were Professor McGonagall and a new student she was guiding.
The new student was a girl about ten years old. She had brown eyes, thick, fluffy brown hair, and big front teeth that stood out.
"Ugh! Cough, cough, cough!!"
"It's normal to feel this way after your first Apparition."
Professor McGonagall gently patted the girl on the back, but the little girl straightened up and took a deep breath to calm herself.
"I'm fine, just a little uncomfortable."
"Alright, that's good to hear."
Trying to show her strength, the little girl lifted her chin, her face puffing up as if she were trying to look tough.
"Puff."
Hearing that sound, the girl turned to Ivan and noticed he was a boy her age who was trying not to laugh.
"Mr. Ambrosius, it's not very polite to laugh at a lady."
Professor McGonagall wasn't surprised that Ivan was waiting here; it was clear he had anticipated their arrival.
"Sorry, Professor McGonagall."
Ivan recognized the girl immediately. She was Hermione Granger, one of the original trio in the stories.
The original Harry Potter series is often jokingly referred to as "Hermione and Her Two Useless Friends," and Ivan thought that fit perfectly.
Without Hermione, Harry and Ron might not have even made it through the first book.
"Who are you?"
Hermione glared at Ivan, clearly upset that he laughed at her.
"Ivan Ambrosius," he replied with a smile. "Like you, I'm also a first-year at Hogwarts this year."
"And I apologize for my rudeness earlier."
"..."
Hermione looked Ivan over. She wasn't the type to judge people by their looks.
But she had to admit Ivan did have a good appearance and presence.
Just remembering Ivan's laugh made her embarrassed: "Maybe I didn't handle that well, but I believe I can do better."
"Uh..."
Ivan didn't quite understand why she felt competitive.
"Hermione Granger."
But out of politeness, she extended her hand: "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ambrosius."
This gesture meant Hermione accepted his apology.
"Just call me Ivan."
"Then you can call me Hermione too."
Curiously, Hermione asked, "Are you a wizard? I mean, a different kind than me?"
"Ms. Granger, Mr. Ambrosius is a Muggle-born wizard, just like you."
"Yeah," Ivan nodded, pointing to the orphanage nearby. "Just so you know, I live there."
"Huh?"
Hermione saw the sign for the orphanage and realized Ivan was an orphan. She quickly apologized: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
Even though Hermione wanted to prove herself, she was worried about moving from the Muggle world to the wizarding world and feared not measuring up.
This insecurity made her a bit bossy, and she subconsciously acted arrogant.
However, when she learned Ivan was an orphan, her attitude softened with sympathy.
"It's okay."
Ivan assured her that he didn't mind his background. He turned to McGonagall and asked, "Professor, should we head to Diagon Alley now?"
"Miss Granger?"
Professor McGonagall checked on Hermione's condition, and she straightened up. "I'm fine! We can go now!"
"Alright then."
Seeing Hermione's determination, Professor McGonagall instructed, "Hold my hand."
Hermione quickly grabbed Professor McGonagall's arm and warned Ivan that Apparition might not feel great, so he should be ready.
"Swish!"
Ivan was familiar with Apparition. The next moment, he felt his body being pulled to a certain place, as if he were squeezed through a tight rubber tube.
When he regained his senses, he found himself in front of a very old and shabby pub.
"Cough, cough, cough~~"
After two rounds of Apparition, Hermione looked pale.
But she kept her eyes on Ivan.
When she saw that Ivan didn't seem affected at all, she stared at him in surprise, wondering, 'Aren't you a Muggle? Why aren't you reacting?'
Not just Hermione, but even Professor McGonagall looked at Ivan with curiosity.
Sure, there are talented young wizards, but most wizards feel some discomfort during Apparition if they're not experienced.
"It's indeed my first time doing this kind of travel."
"As for why I didn't feel anything..."
"It's probably because I exercise regularly?"
Ivan thought it was due to being an Obscurial. The feeling during Apparition was similar to when he transformed into an Obscurial.
However, Ivan didn't want to reveal his Obscurial nature.
If it were Dumbledore himself, being an Obscurial might win him some sympathy.
But Ivan knew telling Professor McGonagall was risky, as the power of an Obscurial was dangerous.
Letting an Obscurial into Hogwarts would be like playing with fire.
If Ivan lost control, he could endanger not just young wizards but even adult wizards.
Professor McGonagall might allow werewolves to attend Hogwarts, but would she accept a potential threat like Ivan?
He still hadn't seen that outcome in his prophecies.
One thing Ivan was certain of: he couldn't share this secret with someone as young as Hermione.
Once the existence of the Obscurus was known, Ivan would surely be expelled.
The parents of other young wizards wouldn't tolerate having an Obscurus around their kids.
Even if Dumbledore promised it would be fine and the professors assured them Ivan could control the Obscurus, parents wouldn't accept a dangerous being like him at Hogwarts.
"A strong body can help reduce the discomfort of Apparition."
Professor McGonagall sensed Ivan was hiding something, but she didn't press him for answers.
Meanwhile, Hermione's determination was practically overflowing.
"..."
What else could Ivan do? He really hadn't expected Hermione to be so competitive.
"Let's go."
Professor McGonagall led the two of them into the Leaky Cauldron.
The interior of the Leaky Cauldron was dark and dirty, unlike the mystery Ivan and Hermione had imagined.
When the wizards inside saw Professor McGonagall, they all greeted her. The owner, Tom, even asked eagerly, "Professor McGonagall, would you like something to drink?"
Tom was hunched over, with a pointed head and no hair on top. To Ivan, he looked like an old bat, which felt quite strange.
Hermione was startled when Tom approached, instinctively shrinking back behind Ivan.
Realizing her behavior was a bit embarrassing, Hermione gathered her courage and stepped away from Ivan slightly.
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