HP: Hogwart's Journey

A snow-white owl delivered Elsa's reply during breakfast. 

"Elsa says they've been a bit busy lately and might need to finish handling some matters before they can take me to Flower Country," Robert said as he hurried over to the Gryffindor table, where the twins were busy tackling their fried eggs.

"So, you agreed?" Fred asked cheerfully. "That means we can finally reply to Mum!"

"Exactly. I just need to be at my aunt's house by July 30th. Oh, and I'll probably need to ask Professor Dumbledore for leave," Robert said, smacking his forehead. "I almost forgot about that."

With that, he rushed over to the staff table. Professor McGonagall was chatting with Headmaster Dumbledore, likely reporting on the day's tasks. She looked surprised to see Robert approaching. She remembered this student well—after all, Professor McGonagall had a soft spot for anyone with exceptional talent in Transfiguration.

However, she also valued those who respected the rules.

"Mr. Leslie, this is breakfast time," Professor McGonagall said sternly, though her tone remained gentle. "What could be so urgent that you had to leave your seat?"

Robert silently stuck out his tongue, realizing he might have upset Professor McGonagall. But he had no other time to speak with Headmaster Dumbledore, so he apologized to the professors for interrupting their meal.

"It's like this, Professor," Robert explained briefly, mentioning his family situation and how his elders were insisting he return home for a ancestral ritual.

"I'm not aware of any significant holiday on September 3rd, nor have any other Chinese students made such a request," Professor Snape interjected, glaring at Robert. "I suspect Mr. Leslie has other reasons for wanting to skip classes. If this is just some flimsy excuse to avoid coursework, I suggest you return to your seat."

For someone from Britain, the concept of the Ghost Festival and ancestral worship might be hard to grasp. While they have Halloween, a nationwide ritual honoring ancestors—especially those from dozens of generations ago—is quite unusual.

Just as Headmaster Dumbledore was about to speak, Professor Binns appeared out of nowhere, startling Robert. The ghostly professor rarely made appearances in the Great Hall, despite being a constant presence around the castle.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I'd like to request a short leave of absence. This year's September 3rd is rather special, and I may not be able to attend classes," Professor Binns said slowly. "An old friend from Flower Country informed me that this year's Ghost Festival will feature some unique events. After some thought, I've decided to attend. It's the last major celebration for ghosts this century, and I'm truly honored to have been invited. Oh, what's going on here?"

He noticed Snape's sour expression, the curious looks from the other professors, and finally, Robert standing nearby with an innocent look on his face.

"Mr. Leslie, what are you doing here?" Professor Binns asked, puzzled. "Why aren't you at your seat?"

Robert blinked, his tone utterly innocent. "I'm requesting leave, Professor Binns, for the same reason as you. My elders in Flower Country are insisting I return for the Ghost Festival to honor our ancestors. But I was having trouble explaining the importance of this tradition to Professor Snape. Thankfully, your explanation helped."

"Ah," Professor Binns said, his voice slow and deliberate. "Generally, only prosperous families would call their children back from abroad for such rituals. While I'm not sure how to emphasize the significance of this year's festival, I suppose..." He paused. "Preventing you from attending would be akin to denying you the chance to say goodbye to a loved one."

Professor Snape seemed ready to make another snide remark but stopped himself, his expression darkening as he fell silent.

After a moment of thought, Headmaster Dumbledore smiled and said, "In that case, I have no choice but to approve your request."

He nodded to Professor Binns. "I'll have Professor McGonagall adjust the new term's schedule tomorrow. As for you, Mr. Leslie," he turned to Robert, "I'd like you to come to my office this evening. Professor McGonagall will inform you of the time. I may need to speak with your family."

Robert was surprised. He hadn't expected to be summoned to the Headmaster's office, but he quickly composed himself. "I'm sorry, Professor, but my adoptive parents are Muggles. Could you please notify them in a... less startling way? Perhaps not appearing suddenly in their fireplace?" He grimaced. "If that happens, Elsa will undoubtedly ask if wizards need pure wooden fireplaces, and those are quite difficult to maintain."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Don't worry, Mr. Leslie. I'm sure Hogwarts' owls will be more than happy to assist. By the way, Ms. Elsa doesn't have a fear of birds, does she?"

Robert breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the Headmaster before returning to his seat.

The twins seemed eager to approach him, but their older brother Percy held them back. Percy appeared to have something to discuss with them as well. After breakfast, Robert was called aside by Professor McGonagall. He handed his books and followed her to the eighth floor, where they stopped in front of a grotesque stone gargoyle.

"Sherbet lemon," she said. The gargoyle sprang to life, hopping aside as the wall behind it split open, revealing a spiraling staircase.

The stairs began to rotate upward.

Robert stared in amazement. An escalator in the wizarding world? Now that was truly magical.

Professor McGonagall stepped onto the stairs, and Robert followed closely. As they ascended, the wall behind them closed, and the stairs rose higher and higher until they reached a gleaming oak door adorned with a brass knocker shaped like a griffin.

Professor McGonagall knocked, and the door swung open. They entered to find Headmaster Dumbledore seated at his desk, eyes closed in thought.

After exchanging a brief greeting with the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall left. Dumbledore, still deep in thought, didn't seem to notice her departure.

Robert stood quietly, taking the opportunity to glance around the Headmaster's office with curiosity.

(End of Chapter)