The Black Bloodline of Hogwarts

The Hogwarts Slow Train entered the Scottish Highlands as dusk fell.

Outside the window, the mountains are as dark as ink, the lakes as smooth as mirrors, and a thin mist rises from the forest, as if the whole earth is holding its breath in anticipation.

Inside the carriage, the noise gradually subsided, and the young wizards either dozed off or straightened their robes. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of pumpkin pie and a hint of nervous anticipation.

Julien leaned against the window, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the hidden button on his cuff—the secret mechanism of his "tactical" school uniform. With a gentle pull, the wand would slide into his palm.

He didn't intend to do anything with the wand; he simply wanted to feel the familiar, warm touch, like holding a dormant memory.

Hermione sat opposite him, upright and proper, with "Hogwarts: A History" open on her lap. Her lips moved silently, clearly memorizing a passage about the House Cup, as if preparing for the opening test.

Liria huddled in the corner, having changed into her school uniform, but still pulled up her hood, the brim obscuring her face in shadow, revealing only a pair of icy blue eyes as she gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the window, lost in thought.

Rozier leaned against the other side, toying with the snake-shaped brooch with his fingers, his eyes darting around, as if he was still processing his family's past.

Neville sat alone on the ground, clutching the toad named Lucky tightly in his arms, muttering something under his breath.

"I say," Julien suddenly spoke, breaking the silence, "don't you all feel that this trip... has gone too smoothly?"

"Isn't it good if things go smoothly?" Hermione asked without looking up. "Do you really want to encounter trolls or Dementors?"

"Not really," Julien laughed. "But there should be some ceremony, right? Like a mermaid suddenly appearing in the lake, or a three-headed dog wagging its tail at us at the castle gate."

"Besides all these weird and wonderful things, can you even fill your head with any serious knowledge?" Hermione finally looked up, glared at him, but the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

Just then, the train slowly slowed down and finally stopped at a small platform. The station name was indistinct, and only a few magic lanterns swayed in the wind, casting long, distorted shadows.

"Where is this? We shouldn't be at Hogwarts yet." Julien stood up and stretched as he saw the train stop.

"You don't even read books?" Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "The train only goes as far as Hogsmeade. There's still a distance to the school."

Julien shrugged indifferently. "Then everyone get off the bus. I already said you can leave your luggage on the bus."

Lyria hesitated for a long time, clutching the long, thin package in her hands. Julien patted her on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, this is Hogwarts grounds now, it should be safe."

Hermione also tried to dissuade her, saying that the road ahead would be difficult. Only then did Lyria give up the idea of ​​carrying the package.

As the group got off the bus, a booming voice rang out beside them. "First-year students! This way!"

As the crowd poured out of the carriage, Julien immediately spotted the giant figure—Rupert Hagrid, with a messy beard but a warm smile like a fireplace, carrying a lantern that seemed to defy the wind, like a lighthouse.

"Hey Harry, come over here!" Hagrid shouted and waved in one direction.

A small, dark figure darted out from the crowd in the distance. "Hagrid!" Harry seemed very happy, jumping up and down.

Seeing this, Julien pulled Hermione along and squeezed through.

After greeting Harry, Hagrid counted the number of new students. Once everyone was present, he spoke again: "Stay close to me, don't fall behind!" Hagrid waved his lantern and led the group of chattering young wizards toward a narrow path.

"Harry, Harry!" Harry, who was talking to Ron, turned around and was overjoyed to see Julien, who had visited the Dursleys. Julien was not only his cousin, but also the first friend he had ever made in the world.

"Julien! It's you!" Harry's voice was so loud that even Hagrid turned his head to look.

"Yes, I didn't expect it either! I only noticed you when I heard that big guy calling you." Julien felt a little apologetic for not looking for Harry as soon as he got on the train, so he said this.

Hermione, following behind, stared in astonishment at this scumbag, because she and Neville had discussed this savior several times in the car, and Julien hadn't said much about it.

"Julien, this is Ron Weasley." Harry happily introduced his new friend to Julien. "He comes from a magical family and knows a lot of things we don't."

Ron seemed a little embarrassed by the comment. "Hello, just call me Ron. Actually, I don't know much." Ron's childhood was mostly spent playing; he hadn't really learned anything particularly useful.

"Hello, Ron," Julien said warmly, extending his hand. "Actually, I saw your family at the station. I envy you; Harry and I don't have any siblings. It must be a very warm and lively place for you."

"Haha, it's nothing, it was quite noisy though." Ron shrugged, seemingly unconcerned, but he was actually very happy. It was the first time someone had said they envied his large family.

Harry then noticed Hermione behind him. "Oh, right, this is Hermione Granger. We just met on the train."

"Haha, no need for introductions, Hermione and I were classmates at St. George's Elementary School, isn't that a coincidence?" Julien laughed heartily.

Soon, the four of them were chatting and laughing together. Neville watched from afar with a hint of envy. Beside him was a little girl with long blonde hair and a chubby face, who also looked at them with envy.

At the end of the path lay a pitch-black lake. Its surface was as calm as ink, reflecting the starry sky.

"Four people per boat!" Hagrid shouted. "Don't crowd, don't be afraid, they'll move on their own once you're on board!"

Julien, Hermione, Harry, and Ron naturally formed a group.

Later, Lyria, Rozier, Neville, and the blonde girl also boarded the same boat.

The boat was light and nimble, but it didn't wobble when you stepped on it. Once all the little wizards were settled, it automatically left the shore and glided silently toward the center of the lake.

The night breeze was cool and carried moisture.

Hermione gripped the edge of the boat tightly, but kept saying, "This is the road that the four founders of Hogwarts took when they established the school. I saw it in 'A History of the School'."

Ron glanced at Julien with a hint of helplessness. Julien answered without being asked, "Indeed, Hermione's just like that—a chatterbox, always showing off her knowledge. Once you get used to it… oh dear!"

Before he could finish speaking, Hermione delivered a heavy punch to his shoulder. Everyone burst into laughter.

Once things were out in the open, the others understood Hermione's habits, and through laughter and banter, Hermione also became aware of her problem.

On the other boat, Rozier was observing the runes on the hull with great interest. Liria had her eyes closed, seemingly sensing the pulse of the lake water.

Suddenly, both of them gasped in surprise. Rozier spoke first, "There's a big thing coming from underwater." Upon hearing this, Neville and the blonde girl huddled together in fright.

Liria dipped her hand into the water to feel it. "It's alright, she's not hostile."

Hagrid then noticed the situation in the water. "There's a giant octopus down below the surface, haha, but don't be afraid, she won't hurt the little wizard. If you accidentally fall in, she'll even rescue you."

The small boat continued its journey with almost no undulations. Julien, however, lay back, his head resting on the side of the boat, his hands behind his head, gazing at the brilliant Milky Way above. The stars in the sky here seemed brighter than elsewhere.

"Hey, Julien, watch out, you might fall!" Hermione warned.

"Don't worry," Julien said lazily, "even if I fall in, I can swim. Maybe I'll even run into a mermaid who'll sing me a song."

Hermione was speechless: "Can't you be serious for once?!"