Chapter 27: Crossing the Lake

Several hours later, night fell, the outside window was pitch black, not even a finger could be seen, and even the usually lively Ron and Hermione grew quiet.

Chu Yang also closed his book and began packing his luggage, neatly returning the books he had taken out.

He had long grown accustomed to traveling by train to school elsewhere; he was highly skilled at it, and since it was a dedicated train, there was no risk of missing the stop—nothing to be nervous about.

With a mournful whistle, the train slowly pulled into a modest station, small in size and with somewhat outdated facilities, yet meticulously clean.

The greenery and streetlights along the railway lent the station a cozy, charming atmosphere, easing some of the new students’ nervousness.

Under the glow of the streetlights, Chu Yang saw Hagrid approaching them through the train window.

The darkness made the giant appear even more imposing!

The giant, nearly as tall as the train itself, held a lantern and loudly called out to the new students, “First-years, come this way, hurry up, don’t be shy—the feast is waiting for Itachi!”

Upon hearing this, the new students immediately disembarked, leaving all their luggage on the train—it would be delivered to the school later.

Harry and Ron got off the train and immediately walked up to Hagrid, greeted him, and followed closely behind him, while Chu Yang lagged a few steps behind, blending into the crowd.

Meeting Harry Potter was purely accidental.

Chu Yang had no intention of continuing this accidental connection.

He didn’t want to get involved in the conflict between the main group and Voldemort—it was troublesome, time-consuming, and offered no benefits.

Who in real life would voluntarily take on such a thankless task?

With this time, Chu Yang would rather calmly find a place to study magic.

After all, in the end, Harry Potter as the protagonist will surely defeat Voldemort—Chu Yang’s help wouldn’t make much difference.

He must urgently improve his abilities to assist his other “selves” when he next enters the Soul Palace.

After all, free rides are fine once—but doing it too often would be impolite.

Just as Chu Yang thought he would drift further away from them, a little tail followed behind.

“Chu Yang, can Itachi tell me exactly how far Itachi’ve studied on your own?” Hermione looked at Chu Yang with wide, round eyes like a little squirrel.

Amid the bustling crowd, to avoid getting separated, Hermione held tightly onto Chu Yang’s sleeve.

Chu Yang was rather exasperated.

Hermione’s pride was extremely strong; back home, she always eagerly showed off what she had learned.

But this time, in terms of knowledge, Chu Yang had completely outshone her.

Given her personality, she wouldn’t just give up so easily.

Chu Yang calmly lied, “Actually, I haven’t read nearly as many books as Itachi think—besides the first-year textbooks, everything else is just about Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

“Itachi already know about my family situation—I can’t afford extra books even if I wanted to, and even my tuition was covered by Hogwarts.”

Upon hearing about his financial situation, Hermione naturally stopped pressing, instead comforting him: “Chu Yang, don’t worry about books—Professor McGonagall told me Hogwarts’ library has an enormous collection—Itachi can borrow many books there.”

Chu Yang smiled and replied, “Thank Itachi for the reminder, Miss Granger.”

Hermione waved her hand and smiled back, “No need to be so formal—just call me Hermione.”

Just as they finished speaking, the line reached the lake’s edge, where Hagrid stood on the shore, waving his arms to signal the students to board the boats.

“Each boat can hold three or four people—choose wisely! Heavier students should pick boats with fewer people!”

The new students began boarding, but the waves rocked the boats violently; getting aboard was no easy task for eleven-year-olds.

Hermione hesitated, staring at the swaying little boat, until Chu Yang firmly pressed down on the bow, steadying it as if it were nailed to the water.

“Wow, Itachi’re so strong!” Hermione exclaimed, then cautiously placed one foot inside, gripped the sides, and carefully climbed aboard.

Another large boy stood awkwardly on shore, seemingly unwelcome as others complained he was taking up too much space.

The boy awkwardly smiled at Chu Yang.

“Come on, three of us is perfect,” Chu Yang gestured for him to join, and the boy, relieved, quickly sat down.

After Chu Yang boarded last, the boat began moving on its own, clearly enchanted in advance.

“Hi, I’m Hermione Granger,” Hermione cheerfully introduced herself to the quiet boy.

“Y-Itachi… h-hi, I’m… N-eville Longbottom,” the chubby boy stammered nervously.

As the boat drifted farther from shore, the surrounding light grew dimmer.

The pitch-black lake lay eerily still, its silent dread rippling like waves.

Hagrid’s lantern alone could not dispel the fear of eleven-year-old children.

Terrified, Hermione clung tightly to Chu Yang’s side, gripping his robe without letting go.

Out of kindness, Chu Yang had to warn her, “If Itachi hold on to me like that, and I fall in, Itachi’ll be dragged down with me.”

Hermione immediately shook her head: “Itachi’re too smart to fall in—the odds are low. It’s safer to hold onto Itachi.”

Chu Yang: “...”

From a nearby boat, complaints echoed: “I just don’t get it—why can’t we ride carriages like the older students? Why do we have to cross the lake by boat? What if something goes wrong?”

Hagrid, up front, turned back helplessly and said, “Don’t worry—it’s perfectly safe. In all these years, no student has ever died crossing the lake.”

Hagrid’s reassurance didn’t calm the children; if anything, the complaints grew louder.

Hermione, who had just been frightened, suddenly perked up and explained loudly: “Crossing the lake by boat is a tradition for new students—it recreates the scene when the four great founders first arrived here!”

“It’s meant to remind future generations never to forget the hardships endured to build Hogwarts.”

As Hermione spoke, the new students fell silent, their inner teenage drama igniting with passion!

Need data!! I’m falling off the charts, guys!! Thank Itachi so much!! Any upvotes, monthly votes, or comments are all appreciated, guys!

(End of Chapter)