Chapter 21 Break the Dead Bar
Chapter 21 Break the Dead Bar
At this point, Sprout's voice trailed off. She gave an awkward smile and then continued, "In short, your situation is rather special, given your Eastern ancestry. It should have been Headmaster Dumbledore who spoke with you personally, but he's currently tied up with other matters, so..."
Chu Yang flashed a charming smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Sprout!"
Sprout was very satisfied with Chu Yang's attitude and praised him with a smile, "Ha, what a clever little cutie."
"No wonder you packed your bags so early and waited for me. You seemed to have already guessed how we would resolve your predicament, didn't you?"
Chu Yang pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps you could sponsor part of my tuition in advance so I can go to school and study, and then have me do some auxiliary work at school, part-time while studying, right?"
"Work-study part-time?" Sprout looked at Chu Yang in surprise and nodded repeatedly. "That's a very apt term. We do intend for you to do something at school. Getting something for nothing is not a value advocated by Hogwarts."
Seemingly worried that Chu Yang might feel pressured, Sprout explained further, "The school won't assign you anything beyond your capabilities. At most, you could help me manage the herb garden, or, after you've become familiar with potions, assist Professor Snape, who teaches Potions..."
When Chu Yang heard that he was to help Snape, he was reluctant, but he still forced himself to say, "Professor Sprout, I will do my job well."
"Of course," Sprout said loudly.
He then bent down and patted Chu Yang's head. "Wait here for a moment. I need to go and explain the situation to the dean who is taking care of you, so as to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."
After saying that, Sprout walked straight to the orphanage.
He took out his wand and gently waved it towards the side door. "Open Alohomora!"
Unlocking spell!
With a click, the side door slowly opened, and Sprout, head held high and chest puffed out, walked in like a proud swan under Chu Yang's "admiring" gaze.
Chu Yang clicked his tongue and said, "The reason I sneaked out is because Dean Anna is a bit difficult to talk to. The old nun is not an ordinary stubborn person. I hope Professor Sprout won't be seen as some kind of weirdo..."
Not long after, Professor Sprout emerged from inside looking disheveled, her hands still clutching her head, protecting her patched-up pointed hat.
"Do nuns in the Muggle world like to sleep with brooms in their arms?" Sprout complained. "I didn't even have a chance to cast a spell before she swept me out the door with her broom."
Chu Yang said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Professor, I should have reminded you that Dean Anna is a little too wary in order to protect the children at the orphanage."
Sprout sighed. "I understand. I felt the same way about protecting my student. Although the process was a bit complicated, I explained it to her and she can go to Hogwarts with me without worry."
Chu Yang, feigning ignorance, asked excitedly, "Shall we go now?"
Sprout pressed his hands down slightly, signaling Chu Yang not to get so excited. "It's getting late. We need to stay at the Leaky Cauldron for the night, and tomorrow we'll go to Diagon Alley to get you the things you need for school."
Chu Yang blinked and asked, "Is it what's written on the admission notice?"
"Close your eyes, you might feel a little uncomfortable." Sprout nodded, then took Chu Yang's hand, preparing to use [Apparition]!
In an instant, Chu Yang felt a surge of magical power, and a powerful pressure was squeezing his body.
Immediately afterwards, he felt as if he had been put into a can and was being shaken up, down, left, and right at will.
Fortunately, Chu Yang possessed an extremely resilient physique and extraordinary mental strength, and upon reaching his destination, he did not exhibit any discomfort.
"Few people can remain so calm after their first encounter with Apparition. You possess outstanding talent and mental fortitude, Mr. Chu Yang."
Sprout, who had witnessed Chu Yang's performance, did not hold back her praise. Although they had not spent much time together, she was deeply impressed by the boy.
Having a maturity and rationality beyond one's years is a necessary condition for becoming a great wizard.
"Where am I?" Chu Yang looked around.
I found myself on a quiet street, and since it was late, there were hardly any passersby around.
"Charlin Cross Street! That's the Leaky Cauldron I was talking about across the street." Sprout pointed to a very old-fashioned shop across the street, its dusty wooden door standing out so out of place with its surroundings.
Occasionally, someone will pass by without noticing the sign, as if they didn't see it at all.
"This place is under a spell. Muggles...ordinary people can't see the Leaky Cauldron, and neither can Hogwarts," Sprout explained as he led Chu Yang into the pub.
The visibility in the bar was also poor.
Just as bright as the outside, only a few scattered candles were steadfastly shining their light.
An elderly man stood behind the bar and nodded to Sprout, "Hello, Professor Sprout."
"Hello, Mr. Tom." Sprout led Chu Yang to the vicinity of the bar.
Chu Yang's gaze lingered on the moving newspapers, spoons, and the rag in front of Mr. Tom that cleaned itself.
Although Chu Yang was mentally prepared, he was still amazed by the wonders of the magical world when he saw it with his own eyes.
"Haha, is this a newly enrolled little wizard?" Old Tom smiled knowingly when he saw Chu Yang's curious expression.
"Yes, Mr. Tom," Chu Yang greeted him with a smile.
Old Tom advised, "It's the start of the school year, and there are many freshmen like you living in the Leaky Cauldron. If you meet them in the lobby, why not make friends beforehand? You know, it's never a bad thing to have many friends, no matter where you are."
Chu Yang replied gratefully, "Thank you for your advice, Mr. Tom."
"Alright, Mr. Tom, that's enough chit-chat. I need to take this child upstairs to rest; he has a lot of things to do tomorrow!" Sprout took the two keys from old Tom and then led Chu Yang upstairs.
In the dead of night, Chu Yang, filled with excitement and curiosity about the magical world, fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, a heavy knocking sound woke Chu Yang from his bed.
"Chu Yang, we should go out now, get up quickly." Sprout's voice rang out from outside the door, loud as a bell, even more deafening than an alarm clock.
"Yes, Professor Sprout, I'll get up right away!" Chu Yang quickly got dressed and was about to brush his teeth when he suddenly realized that he had forgotten to bring toothpaste and a toothbrush.
"Why do I always forget to bring toiletries when I go out? Is this a bad habit from my past life that I can't break in this one?!" Chu Yang looked at himself in the mirror speechlessly. After packing his things, he opened the door and met up with Professor Sprout.
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