Chapter 21: The Leaky Cauldron

As she spoke, Sprout’s voice suddenly stopped; she gave an awkward smile and changed the subject: “In any case, your situation is quite unique, with your Eastern heritage—Professor Dumbledore himself should have come to speak with Itachi, but he’s currently occupied with other matters, so...”

Chu Yang smiled cutely, “Nice to meet Itachi, Professor Sprout!”

Sprout was pleased with Chu Yang’s demeanor and praised him warmly, “Ah, what a clever little darling.”

“No wonder Itachi packed your bags early and waited for me—Itachi seem to have already guessed how we’d resolve your predicament, right?”

Chu Yang pondered, “Perhaps the school would advance part of my tuition so I could attend, and then I’d take on some auxiliary duties on campus—work-study, is that it?”

“Work-study?” Sprout stared at Chu Yang in surprise, nodding repeatedly, “That’s a perfect term—we do intend for Itachi to do some work at the school. Idleness isn’t a value Hogsmeade promotes.”

Worried Chu Yang might feel pressured, Sprout added, “The school won’t assign Itachi anything beyond your capabilities—perhaps just helping me tend the herb garden, or after Itachi become familiar with potions, assisting Professor Snape in his classes...”

Hearing he’d be assisting Snape, Chu Yang internally recoiled, but he still forced himself to say, “Professor Sprout, I’ll take these duties seriously.”

“Of course Itachi will,” Sprout declared firmly.

Then she bent down and patted Chu Yang’s head, “Wait here a moment—I need to explain your situation to your head of house to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.”

With that, Sprout walked straight toward the orphanage.

She drew her wand and waved it gently at the side door, “Alohomora!”

Unlocking charm!

With a click, the side door slowly swung open; Sprout straightened up, chest out, and strode inside like a proud swan, under Chu Yang’s admiring gaze.

Chu Yang muttered, “I sneaked out precisely because Mother Anna is hard to deal with—old nuns are notoriously stubborn. I hope Professor Sprout won’t be mistaken for some strange person...”

Not long after, Sprout emerged looking flustered, her hands clutching her head to protect her patched, pointy hat.

“Do nuns in the Muggle world sleep holding brooms?” Sprout complained, “Before I could even cast a spell, she swept me out with her broom!”

Chu Yang apologized, “I’m sorry, Professor—I should’ve warned Itachi. Mother Anna is extra cautious to protect the children in the orphanage.”

Sprout sighed, “I understand—I protect my own students with the same heart. Though it was a bit bumpy, I managed to explain everything clearly. Itachi can now go to Hogwarts with peace of mind.”

Chu Yang feigned wide-eyed innocence and asked excitedly, “Are we leaving now?”

Sprout gently pressed her hands downward to calm him, “It’s already late—we’ll stay overnight at the Leaky Cauldron, then head to Diagon Alley tomorrow to get your school supplies.”

Chu Yang blinked and asked, “The items listed on the acceptance letter?”

“Close your eyes—this might feel a bit uncomfortable,” Sprout nodded, then took Chu Yang’s hand, preparing to Apparate!

In an instant, Chu Yang felt magic surging, a powerful pressure crushing his body.

Next, he felt as if he’d been stuffed into a can and shaken violently in every direction.

Fortunately, Chu Yang possessed extraordinary physical resilience and superior mental strength; upon arrival, he showed no signs of discomfort.

“Few people remain so composed after their first Apparition—Itachi have remarkable talent and mental fortitude, Mr. Chu.”

Sprout, having observed his reaction, offered unreserved praise; though they’d only just met, this child had made a deep impression on her.

His maturity and rationality beyond his years are essential qualities for a great wizard.

“Where are we?” Chu Yang looked around.

He found himself on a quiet street; with nightfall, no passersby remained.

“Charing Cross Road! Across the street is the Leaky Cauldron,” Sprout said, pointing to an ancient-looking shop opposite, its dusty wooden door utterly out of place among its surroundings.

Even when people passed by, they never noticed the sign—as if it simply didn’t exist.

“It’s enchanted—the Muggles... ordinary people can’t see the Leaky Cauldron, nor can they see Hogwarts,” Sprout explained as she led Chu Yang inside.

The interior of the pub was dim.

Just as dark as outside, with only a few candles stubbornly glowing.

An old man stood behind the bar, nodding to Sprout, “Hello, Professor Sprout.”

“Hello, Mr. Tom,” Sprout said, leading Chu Yang to the bar.

Chu Yang’s gaze lingered on the moving newspapers, the floating spoons, and the cloth that cleaned itself on its own in front of Mr. Tom.

Though Chu Yang had prepared himself mentally, witnessing magic firsthand still filled him with wonder.

“Ah, a new student, I see?” Mr. Tom chuckled knowingly at Chu Yang’s curious expression.

“Yes, Mr. Tom,” Chu Yang smiled and greeted him.

Mr. Tom advised, “It’s the start of term—many new students like Itachi are staying here. If Itachi meet them in the common room, don’t hesitate to make friends—Itachi know, friends are never a bad thing, no matter where Itachi are.”

Chu Yang replied gratefully, “Thank Itachi for the advice, Mr. Tom.”

“Alright, Mr. Tom, let’s end the chat—I need to take this child upstairs to rest; he’s got a full day ahead tomorrow!” Sprout took two keys from Mr. Tom and led Chu Yang upstairs.

Late that night, Chu Yang fell asleep, his heart buzzing with excitement and curiosity about the magical world.

Early the next morning, a heavy knock jolted Chu Yang awake.

“Chu Yang, we’re leaving—get up now!” Sprout’s voice rang from outside, thunderous and louder than any alarm clock.

“Yes, Professor Sprout, I’m coming!” Chu Yang quickly dressed, then realized he’d forgotten his toothpaste and toothbrush.

“Why do I always forget my toiletries? Even in this life, I can’t shake this habit from my past life?!” Chu Yang stared helplessly at his reflection in the mirror, gathered his things, and opened the door to meet Professor Sprout.

(End of Chapter)