For Zhao Lun, the magical world was completely novel. As he watched the wondrous sights unfolding around him, he felt as though he were dreaming.
But the reality around him confirmed that all of this was, indeed, real.
Zhao Lun strolled leisurely, while the light-based AI in his mind synchronized with his gaze, documenting everything he observed.
At this moment, the surroundings were chaotic with students rushing to board their trains, yet Zhao Lun remained the calmest among them.
Finally, he boarded the train.
Inside, the front cars were nearly full of students, and the middle cars were starting to fill up as well.
Zhao Lun, however, did not push forward. Instead, he chose an empty car, where he placed a large, well-stocked box that he retrieved from the Kingdom of Gods. He then took out a book on magic spells. Lastly, he laid a thick cushion by the window, comfortably lying down on it. Through the glass, he could gaze outside.
At first glance, the steam locomotive appeared somewhat unreliable. However, once inside the carriages, he discovered its advantages. Though the equipment was rather outdated, the space inside was vast and resembled a room more than a traditional train carriage. Passengers could sit, lie down, or even run around and play.
Each compartment was well-soundproofed; as soon as the doors were closed, the noise from the outside was effectively blocked out, providing ample privacy.
No wonder Hagrid had praised the Hogwarts Express.
At this moment, Zhao Lun recalled Hagrid's complaints about Muggle trains and his subsequent praises for the Hogwarts Express.
With still some time before departure, the crowds outside the train grew increasingly hectic. Having grown bored of the scene, Zhao Lun turned his attention elsewhere. He lay back on the cushion, pulled up a blanket, covered his head, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
Having stayed up late the previous night and woken up early that morning, the long hours of travel made him feel sleepy and in need of rest.
In a haze, he heard the compartment door open, followed by loud voices that disturbed his peace. Unbothered, he turned over, facing away from the newcomers, and fell back into a sound sleep. The noise seemed to lessen, and Zhao Lun drifted even deeper into slumber. When the train started moving, he sensed the vibrations and realized the train had begun its journey. He was too tired to care and made no effort to sit up.
As the train accelerated, the scenery outside quickly faded away.
"Has the train started moving?"
Unable to sleep any longer, Zhao Lun finally sat up.
"Yes, the train has started," a young girl next to him replied.
Zhao Lun turned to look at her. She was a bit shorter than him, with a round face that still carried a hint of baby fat. Her thick, curly hair and prominent front teeth stood out. At this moment, she had her chin raised, a dissatisfied expression on her face, looking rather proud—like a little peacock.
"And you are?" Zhao Lun, momentarily confused, asked.
"Don't you introduce yourself before asking others' names?" the girl replied, her tone somewhat haughty.
"Uh…" Zhao Lun wasn't angry but found her pride rather amusing. It was rather endearing how she tried to act proud.
"I'm Allen Zhao. Allen is my first name, Zhao is my surname. You can call me Zhao, Allen, or even Al."
Zhao Lun casually smiled and introduced himself.
"Hermione Jean Granger. You can call me Granger."
"Of course, you can also call me Miss Granger."
The young girl introduced herself, tilting her head upward to look at the taller boy.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Granger," Zhao Lun extended his hand.
"Nice to meet you," Hermione shook his hand.
The two exchanged a smile, marking the beginning of their acquaintance.
"This is Mr. Norbert Longbottom from Norway."
Hermione introduced a chubby, round-faced, somewhat awkward boy.
"Hello, I-I'm Norbert Longbottom."
The boy appeared nervous and a bit unsure of himself.
"Hello, Mr. Longbottom," Zhao Lun shook his hand.
"This is Miss Hannah Abbott."
She introduced a petite girl with pinkish baby fat and golden hair, exuding an innocent and carefree vibe.
"Hello, Hannah Abbott."
Hannah spoke quietly, her voice timid and shy. She seemed like a lovely young girl.
"Hello, Miss Abbott," Zhao Lun extended his hand and shook hers.
"This is Lavender Brown."
Hermione introduced another girl.
"Hello, Miss Lavender Brown."
Zhao Lun greeted her with a handshake.
"Hello, Allen, hope you don't mind if I call you that?" Lavender asked, her tone bold and friendly.
"By the way, Allen, where are you from? The East?" Lavender continued. "Are your parents wizards?"
Lavender Brown, dressed in trendy clothes, appeared lively and outgoing, and her curiosity about Zhao Lun's background was evident.
"Well, maybe yes, maybe no, I'm not really sure," Zhao Lun replied evasively, feeling a bit overwhelmed by this enthusiastic girl.
Hermione furrowed her brows, somewhat displeased with Lavender's intrusive questions. She knew that asking about someone's private life like this was rather impolite.
"Well, when I was young, they left me, so I'm not clear on many things," Zhao Lun added, choosing to leave it at that. He neither knew how to explain nor wanted to elaborate.
"Ah? Sorry about that," Lavender immediately apologized, looking embarrassed.
The compartment fell silent for a moment.
"It's alright. It's in the past," Zhao Lun replied. His emotions toward his parents were complex—part of him longed for their love, but he also feared the harsh reality that might come if they ever reunited. What he feared most was trouble.
"Since you know a bit about me, it's only fair you introduce yourselves as well," Zhao Lun said, eager to turn the tables.
"My mother is a Muggle, my father is a wizard," Lavender Brown said.
"Do you see these clothes? They're quite popular in the Muggle world."
"Heh heh, aren't they beautiful?"
She smiled mischievously, then spun around in place to show off her attire.
Hannah Abbott and Hermione watched her enviously, while Norbert blushed.
"..." Zhao Lun was speechless. To him, her so-called fashionable clothes seemed just average.
Seeing everyone's reactions, Lavender smiled wider and turned to Hannah Abbott.
"My parents are both wizards," Hannah Abbott whispered.
"And Norbert?" Lavender asked, as everyone turned to look at him.
"I live with my grandmother. My parents are both great wizards," Norbert answered, trying to remain calm, though he appeared a little conflicted. He stopped, as if struggling with his memory.
"Hermione, what about you?" Everyone looked at the curly-haired girl.
"As for me? My family are all Muggles. They're all dentists," Hermione said proudly as usual.
Everyone introduced themselves, and the atmosphere lightened as they began chatting about Hogwarts. With a shared topic, the group became more comfortable, and time passed by without feeling dull.
"Ah? My toad's gone missing?"
"Have you seen it? It's called Trevor."
"It was a gift from my uncle. Oh, I've lost it again."
The cheerful conversation was interrupted when Norbert spoke up, looking distraught. He was asking everyone while searching the floor.
"Todd? I haven't seen it," Hannah said apologetically.
"When did you lose it?" Lavender asked, ready to help look for it.
"Where did you lose it? I can help you search," she added, her tone commanding. This annoyed Lavender, but she ignored it and continued.
Zhao Lun, however, focused his attention on the light-based AI in his mind, reviewing previous records.
"Thanks. It was right here just a moment ago, so how did it disappear?" Norbert muttered as he continued searching.
"Hey, Allen, did you see Norbert's toad?" Hermione looked at him seriously.
"I'm thinking," Zhao Lun replied, raising an eyebrow. The little girl had quite a personality, but her behavior wasn't very appealing to children her age.
"Do you think the toad went outside?" Hermione continued searching, suggesting Norbert recall any clues that could help.
"Oh, I don't remember. It might have gone outside," Norbert answered, scratching his head in frustration, always prone to forgetting things.
"Then I'll go outside and look."
Since they didn't find it in the compartment, they were about to open the door and check outside. Hermione followed him, ready to assist.
"Wait!" Zhao Lun, who had been contemplating, finally spoke.
"Hm?" Everyone turned to look at him.
Zhao Lun stood up, crouched in front of the door, and after a brief search, pulled out a large toad, handing it to Norbert.
"Here, is this your toad?"
"Ah? Yes, it's Trevor! Thank you! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do. It always runs off," Norbert said gratefully, clearly relieved.
"How did it hide here? We didn't even notice it! This is incredible!" Lavender exclaimed, surprised that the toad had been right in front of them all along.
"Allen, how did you find it?" Hermione asked, curious.
"Based on my deductions, I noticed the toad earlier when no one opened the door. It must have stayed inside. The fact that we couldn't find it meant it had hidden itself. After examining the area, I realized this toad has chameleon-like abilities and can 'blend in' with its surroundings, making it hard to detect."
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