Simultaneous Transmigration: From Japanese Anime to American Comics

Chapter 21: The Leaky Cauldron

At this point, Professor Sprout abruptly stopped speaking. She smiled awkwardly before starting over, "In short, your situation is quite special, and given your Eastern heritage, it should have been Headmaster Dumbledore himself coming to speak with you. However, he's currently occupied with other matters, so…"

Chu Yang beamed, flashing a cute smile, "I'm very happy to meet you, Professor Sprout!"

Professor Sprout was very pleased with Chu Yang's attitude, smiling warmly as she complimented, "Ah, what a clever little one."

"No wonder you packed your bags early and were waiting for me. You must have already guessed how we would resolve your predicament, right?"

Chu Yang mused, "Perhaps you'll sponsor part of my tuition in advance so I can go to school, and then have me do some assistant work at the school, essentially studying while working part-time, right?"

"Part-time study?" Professor Sprout looked at Chu Yang in surprise and nodded repeatedly, "That term fits well. We indeed plan to have you do some tasks at the school. After all, Hogwarts doesn't advocate for getting something without working for it."

To avoid making Chu Yang feel pressured, Sprout added, "The school won't give you anything beyond your capability. At most, you might help me tend to the herb garden or, once you're familiar with potions, assist Professor Snape in his Potions classes…"

The mention of assisting Snape made Chu Yang internally reluctant, but he forced himself to say, "Professor Sprout, I will do my best to complete those tasks."

"Of course you will," Professor Sprout said brightly.

She then bent down and patted Chu Yang on the head. "Wait here for a bit. I need to explain the situation to your headmistress to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."

With that, Professor Sprout headed straight for the orphanage.

Taking out her wand, she waved it lightly at the side door, "Alohomora!"

A click sounded as the side door slowly opened. With her head held high and chest puffed out, Professor Sprout, under Chu Yang's "admiring" gaze, walked in like a proud swan.

Chu Yang smacked his lips and muttered, "The reason I snuck out was because Headmistress Anna is not easy to deal with. Elderly nuns can be particularly stubborn. I hope Professor Sprout isn't mistaken for something strange…"

Not long after, Professor Sprout emerged from the orphanage, looking a bit disheveled, with her hands protectively clutching her patched-up pointed hat.

"Do Muggle nuns sleep with brooms in their hands?" Sprout complained, "I didn't even have time to use magic before she swept me out with her broom."

Chu Yang apologized, "Sorry, Professor. I should've warned you. Headmistress Anna is a bit overprotective when it comes to the children of the orphanage."

Sprout sighed, "I understand. I'm protective of my students in the same way. Though the process was a bit rocky, I did explain things to her. You can rest easy now and come with me to Hogwarts."

Chu Yang, playing the role of an inexperienced child, asked excitedly, "Are we going now?"

Professor Sprout made a calming gesture, "It's already quite late. We'll stay at the Leaky Cauldron tonight and go to Diagon Alley tomorrow to get your school supplies."

Chu Yang blinked and asked, "You mean the items listed in the letter of acceptance?"

"Close your eyes. It might feel a bit uncomfortable next," Sprout nodded, then took Chu Yang's hand, preparing to use Apparition!

In an instant, Chu Yang felt the surge of magical power. A strong force pressed down on his body, as though he were being stuffed into a can and shaken vigorously in all directions.

Fortunately, Chu Yang possessed an incredibly resilient physique and an extraordinary mental strength. When they arrived at the destination, he didn't show any signs of discomfort.

"Very few people remain this calm after experiencing Apparition for the first time. You have excellent talent and mental fortitude, Mr. Chu Yang."

Professor Sprout, observing his composure, praised him generously. Although they hadn't spent much time together, she was already deeply impressed by this child.

Maturity and rationality beyond his years—necessary qualities for becoming a great wizard.

"Where are we?" Chu Yang asked, looking around.

He found himself on a quiet street. Since it was late, there were no passersby around.

"Charing Cross Road! Across the street is the Leaky Cauldron I mentioned earlier," Sprout pointed to an old-fashioned establishment on the other side of the road. Its dust-covered wooden door seemed out of place with the surroundings.

Occasionally, people would walk by, not even glancing at the place, as if they couldn't see it at all.

"This place is under a spell. Muggles… ordinary people can't see the Leaky Cauldron, just like Hogwarts," Sprout explained as she led Chu Yang into the pub.

The inside of the pub was just as dimly lit as outside.

There was barely any light, with only a few scattered candles burning steadily.

An old man stood behind the bar, nodding at Professor Sprout, "Good evening, Professor Sprout."

"Good evening, Tom," Sprout replied, guiding Chu Yang to the bar.

Chu Yang's gaze lingered on the moving newspapers, the self-stirring spoons, and the cleaning rag that floated in front of Tom, wiping the counter.

Though Chu Yang had mentally prepared himself, seeing the wonders of the magical world firsthand still filled him with amazement.

"Haha, a new student at Hogwarts, I see?" Old Tom smiled knowingly when he saw Chu Yang's curious expression.

"Yes, Tom," Chu Yang smiled and greeted him in return.

Tom gave some advice, "It's the start of the school year, so there are many new students staying at the Leaky Cauldron. If you meet any in the main hall, why not make friends? After all, having more friends is never a bad thing, no matter where you are."

Chu Yang gratefully replied, "Thank you for the advice, Tom."

"Well, that's enough chit-chat, Tom. I need to take this child upstairs to rest. He's got a long day ahead of him tomorrow," Sprout said as she took two keys from Tom and led Chu Yang upstairs.

Late that night, Chu Yang fell into a deep sleep, filled with excitement and curiosity about the magical world.

Early the next morning, a heavy knock on the door startled Chu Yang awake from his warm bed.

"Chu Yang, it's time to head out. Get up now," came Professor Sprout's loud voice from outside the door, louder than any alarm clock.

"Alright, Professor Sprout, I'm getting up right now!" Chu Yang quickly dressed but then realized he had forgotten to bring toothpaste and a toothbrush.

"Why do I always forget toiletries whenever I go out? It's a habit I can't seem to shake, even in this life," Chu Yang muttered to himself as he glanced at the mirror. After gathering his things, he opened the door to meet Professor Sprout.

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