When Hermione learned that Qin Yu would be heading to Hogwarts ahead of schedule, she could hardly hide her envy. She kept repeating:
"Qin, why do you get to go now, and I still have to wait?"
Qin Yu just shrugged. "You saw it yourself—if I don't get my magic under control soon, I might cause real trouble. I could even end up in Azkaban!"
At the mention of Azkaban, Hermione's face went pale. She'd read plenty about the wizarding world, and that particular prison was notorious even in books.
Azkaban—the very name sent chills down her spine. She'd heard it was guarded by dreadful creatures that could suck away every happy thought, leaving people trapped in their darkest memories until they lost all hope.
So, as much as Hermione longed to start at Hogwarts, she now wished even more for Qin Yu to go as soon as possible. She didn't want to lose her best friend.
"And most importantly, I'm already eleven," Qin Yu added with a shrug.
According to Professor Dumbledore's Age-Detection Charm, Qin Yu's body really was eleven—making him fully eligible for Hogwarts.
"Sigh, if only my birthday had come eighteen days earlier," little Hermione pouted. "Then I wouldn't have to wait another whole year."
Seeing her disappointment, Qin Yu tried to cheer her up. "The magical world isn't as wonderful as you imagine—it's full of dangers. I'll go ahead and scout things out. When you arrive, I hope you'll be able to just focus on learning magic."
He knew all too well that while the dream was beautiful, reality could be harsh. So much had happened to Harry and his friends over their seven years at Hogwarts—things he might not be able to change, even if he wanted to. After all, he was still "just" an eleven-year-old, and at this point, he didn't even know any proper spells—his only trick was magical outbursts.
Of course, he couldn't stay clueless forever. All he hoped was that, with him at Hogwarts, fewer tragedies would occur. Maybe, just maybe, he could prevent a few senseless losses—like forgetting to grab a wand when opening the door to strangers, or other avoidable sacrifices.
For now, Hermione was still lost in her magical school daydreams. She didn't quite catch the meaning behind Qin Yu's words, but she was simply delighted to have someone who shared her secret world.
After hearing Qin Yu's reassurance, the little girl brightened up. She squeezed his hand, reluctant to let go. "Then you go first. I'll wait for you here. You have to write to me—all about what happens at Hogwarts…"
"Letters? Uh, sure, I'll write you often," Qin Yu promised.
To someone from the Internet age, letter-writing felt positively ancient. But what else could he do? Muggle technology was still decades away from the smartphones he once knew.
"Then let me tell you everything I know about the magical world—so you'll have some idea before you go!"
Little Hermione transformed into a miniature professor, eagerly explaining all the magical facts she'd learned. Most were common knowledge, but to Qin Yu, who'd only watched the films a few times in his previous life and never paid close attention to the details, it was a welcome crash course.
…
In the days that followed, Qin Yu often found himself standing by the upstairs window, wondering who would come to take him to Hogwarts.
He was equal parts excited and nervous. This was the school every Potterhead dreamed of—a life he'd never imagined he'd actually get to live.
A month slipped by in a blink.
One perfectly ordinary morning, the Grangers and Qin Yu were having breakfast together, sharing stories and laughter. Little Hermione was in high spirits, giggling as she snatched up all the poached eggs Qin Yu had made—she'd recently developed quite a taste for them.
Knock, knock, knock.
The moment the door sounded, Hermione shot up and dashed to answer it. She was just as eager for this day as Qin Yu—maybe even more so, despite not being the one going to school.
"Whoa, you're so tall…" she gasped, craning her neck.
Standing on the doorstep was a giant of a man—over three meters tall, with a wild beard and twinkling eyes.
The giant rumbled in a deep, friendly voice, "Evenin', young lady. Name's Hagrid—Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Is this where I'll find Qin Yu?"
"Hello, Mr. Hagrid! I'm Hermione. Yes, this is Qin Yu's house. Please come in!" she replied with perfect manners.
"Thank yeh kindly!"
Hagrid ducked through the doorway, careful as could be, but still managed to bang his head against the frame with a thunk.
"If you folks have a fireplace, I'd recommend joinin' the Floo Network—makes gettin' around a right sight easier. Only two Sickles a scoop for Floo Powder—can't beat it," he muttered, almost to himself.
(The Floo Network, he explained, was the wizarding world's magical transportation system—like a network of portals, with fireplaces as the main hubs and Floo Powder as the key ingredient.)
Qin Yu recognized him instantly—Hagrid, the gentle half-giant who watched over the Forbidden Forest and was one of Dumbledore's most trusted friends.
Scanning the room, Hagrid asked, "So, which one of yeh is Qin Yu?"
Hermione eagerly pointed. "That's him!"
Hagrid strode over and, without warning, scooped Qin Yu up in one massive hand. "Heard you were a bit of a prodigy—didn't expect you to be so tiny!"
Qin Yu managed an awkward grin. "Didn't Professor Dumbledore tell you? If I get upset, bad things might happen. You'd better put me down, just in case!"
Realizing his mistake, Hagrid quickly set him down, looking flustered. "Sorry about that—got a bit carried away!"
He bent down, meeting Qin Yu's eyes. "I reckon you know why I'm here, don't you?"
Qin Yu nodded. "I've been waiting for you! Professor Dumbledore said someone would come for me, but I didn't expect it to be you."
"Just so happened I was out on business, so Dumbledore asked me to fetch yeh," Hagrid explained.
…
After a few more words, Hagrid clapped his hands. "Right then, best be off! We've got a schedule to keep, and you'll be back home before you know it, lad—no need to get homesick."
Qin Yu hugged each member of the Granger family goodbye. By now, little Hermione's eyes were red and watery—she couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
"Qin, will you really write to me?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Of course I will. I promised to tell you all about Hogwarts. But you have to write back, too—otherwise, I'll miss you even more," Qin Yu said, gently reassuring her.
"I'll definitely write back. I'll miss you, too," Hermione replied, hugging him tight.
Mr. Granger, seeing his daughter's distress, gently patted her head. "Don't be sad, sweetheart. Time flies. This time next year, you'll be off to that school yourself."
"Yeah! And Qin, you'd better study hard—don't let your junior get ahead of you!" Hermione sniffed, trying to smile through her tears.
Qin Yu couldn't help but chuckle at her determination.
And so, with the Grangers and Hermione watching, Qin Yu hoisted the suitcase Mrs. Granger had packed for him and followed Hagrid out the door.
Just before leaving, Mr. Granger called Qin Yu aside into the study.
"You've lived with us for some time now," Mr. Granger began. "Even if we haven't found your family yet, you'll always have a home here. If you need anything, just ask. You'll need plenty for school…"
He handed Qin Yu an envelope—thick with cash.
Qin Yu almost refused, wanting to say he had money of his own. But then he remembered: explaining away a thousand Galleons would be tricky.
So he accepted the gesture and said earnestly, "I'll pay you back, I promise."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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