HOGWARTS - HARRY

Share"You're already studying advanced Transfiguration?"

Hermione's voice rose in surprise, her tone carrying a trace of incredulity.

How can this person learn better than me?

Dylan turned to see the girl staring at him, eyes sharp with curiosity. He nodded casually.

"Yes, but advanced Transfiguration isn't easy. It takes time to master."

Hermione blinked. Was this guy showing off? A sudden competitive spirit ignited within her.

Advanced Transfiguration? Hmph! If I master basic Transfiguration, I can push forward just as fast!

She turned her attention back to Neville, who was looking utterly confused.

"Neville, when you study Standard Spells, pay close attention. I found conflicting details between it and Eighteenth Century Magic Spells Selection."

Dylan added, "I'll ask the professor after school starts and let you know."

Neville blinked, bewildered. "Uh… thanks?"

He struggled to follow Dylan's words. Standard Spells was their textbook—sure, but Eighteenth Century Magic Spells Selection? He had never even heard of it!

The Gryffindor students around them fell silent, their eyes fixed on Dylan. He seemed… different from them.

Dylan, however, was unfazed. He continued eating as if nothing had happened.

When he finished his meal, Dumbledore stood up, and with a casual wave of his hand, the food disappeared.

"Students," Dumbledore addressed the Great Hall, "the new semester begins tomorrow. Please remember the restricted areas I mentioned—especially the corridor on the right-hand side of the fourth floor. Do not go near it."

He gave the students a moment before continuing, "Additionally, magic should not be used in the corridors between classes. It's dangerous. Lastly, the Quidditch house teams will be recruiting new players. Interested students should contact Madam Hooch. Tryouts begin in the second week of term."

Dylan took Dumbledore's warnings seriously, scribbling notes in his pocket notebook.

It's not like I plan to explore forbidden areas, he thought. But it's better to remember the rules just in case.

For now, his priority was to deepen his understanding of magic. Nothing else mattered.

Arriving at Gryffindor Tower

Once the feast ended, Percy led the Gryffindor first-years to their dormitory. Dylan and Neville were assigned to the same room.

"Great! We'll be roommates from now on!" Neville beamed.

His excitement was short-lived, though.

"Ah! My Leif!"

His pet toad had escaped again.

Dylan sighed. "Leif, come here."

With a flick of his wand, the toad floated back toward Neville. Dylan released the spell just before the toad reached him, forcing Neville to scramble to catch it.

"Thanks!" Neville grinned.

Dylan didn't mind sharing a dormitory with him. It was easier to room with someone familiar than a stranger.

As he set his luggage down, three more boys entered the room.

"Hey, I'm Ron!"

The red-haired boy grinned.

Dylan glanced at him. "Hello."

"We'll be roommates from now on," another boy said, adjusting his glasses. "I'm Harry."

"My name's Seamus," the third boy added. "Nice to meet you."

Dylan studied them for a moment before nodding. "I'm Dylan."

He suddenly recalled that Neville originally roomed with Harry.

I must've taken someone's spot, he mused. Oh well, doesn't matter where I sleep.

Dylan didn't care about the famous "Boy Who Lived" or whatever trouble Harry might attract. If anything threatened him, Dylan wouldn't hesitate to use a Cruciatus Curse, follow it with a Fiendfyre, and finish with an Obliteration Charm.

Of course, with his current level of magic, he couldn't overpower an adult wizard. But in a surprise attack? No one would see it coming.

For now, he simply unpacked his things.

With a flick of his wand, he muttered, "Scourgify!"

The bed, his robes, and his body were instantly cleaned.

He kicked off his shoes and climbed into bed, stretching his limbs.

"Magic really is the ladder to human progress," he thought.

Gone were the days of hanging socks out to dry!

"I'm going to sleep. Good night, all four of you."

Ron blinked. "Aren't you going to change?"

Dylan smirked. A second later, his robes vanished.

The others gawked.

"What kind of magic is that?" Harry asked, wide-eyed.

"I have a space pocket."

Dylan rolled over and closed his eyes.

Ron and Harry exchanged glances, feeling a twinge of envy.

Magic! Harry thought. I must study magic well!

The others soon followed suit, and the dormitory fell into silence.

A New Day Begins

Dylan's internal clock woke him early.

He sat up, stretched, and pulled a fresh wizard robe from his inventory.

Glancing around, he noted that everyone else was still sound asleep.

Like the dead.

He checked the time.

"Still early."

Grabbing his textbooks, he cleaned himself once more before heading out.

"Oh, good morning, dear. You're up first," the Fat Lady greeted him with a yawn.

"Morning, Fat Lady."

He smiled, stepping through the Gryffindor common room and heading to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Taking a glass of milk and two slices of toast, he spread jam over one and ate it in a few bites.

Then, finishing his milk, he stood up.

"Time to check on my owl."

With a light step, Dylan made his way toward the Owlery.

"Hey~ Luna! I'm here to see you~"

(End of Chapter)

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