Hogwarts: The Bloodline Wizard

Chapter 3: Scattered Memories

October 31, 2020

A Cruciatus Curse as soon as they meet?

Or perhaps a Fiendfyre to burn him alive?

Ivan shivered at the thought of such horrific possibilities and tried desperately to recall the memories of the original Ivan Hales. However, perhaps due to the nature of his transmigration, these memories seemed fragmented and buried deep within his mind. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't access them.

"Damn it, if only I could remember more," Ivan muttered, feeling a headache coming on. It seemed that before the end of the term, he would have to learn Legilimency and find a way to use the Pensieve in the Headmaster's office to sort through his memories. Otherwise, he risked being exposed.

The problem was, Ivan didn't even know where his own home was.

For a transmigrator, he was really in a sorry state.

"Harry Potter!"

Just as Ivan was pondering how to sneak into the Restricted Section to learn Legilimency, Professor McGonagall's sharp voice pulled his attention back to the Sorting Ceremony.

Not just Ivan—every student and professor in the hall turned their gaze to the stage, as if reliving the moment Ivan had stepped up. However, Ivan's minor peculiarities were nothing compared to the fame of the Boy Who Lived.

As a thin, bespectacled boy with a nervous demeanor stepped onto the stage, the hall erupted into thunderous applause. The second-year Gryffindors sitting near Ivan clapped so hard their hands turned red, their eyes fixed on the boy's forehead, as if hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous lightning-shaped scar.

"Harry Potter? Did she say the Harry Potter?"

"My mum said he defeated You-Know-Who when he was just a baby!"

"I hope he gets sorted into Gryffindor!"

Ivan joined in the applause, not wanting to stand out too much. Of course, he also believed Harry deserved the recognition. After all, Harry's tragic childhood of neglect and bullying was a direct result of his parents' deaths.

If it hadn't been for Lily Potter's sacrificial protection, which stripped Voldemort of his power, who knew how many more lives would have been lost in the wizarding world?

When the Sorting Hat announced that Harry would join Gryffindor, the entire house erupted in cheers. The Weasley twins hugged each other excitedly, shouting, "Potter! We've got Potter!" Meanwhile, the applause from the Slytherin table was noticeably quieter.

The Slytherin prefect, sitting near the front, looked particularly displeased when the Sorting Hat mentioned Harry's refusal to join Slytherin.

Ivan observed all of this quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He knew this was because of Harry's "Boy Who Lived"光环 (halo). Once everyone realized that, aside from his fame, Harry was just an ordinary young wizard, the excitement would likely die down.

As Ivan mused over this, his gaze fell on Dumbledore, who was smiling warmly at Harry. Suddenly, Ivan felt the Slytherin prefect's concerns were justified. With the Headmaster backing the Boy Who Lived, Slytherin could forget about winning the House Cup for the next few years.

As Harry stepped down from the stage, Percy Weasley, the Gryffindor prefect, practically lunged forward to shake his hand the moment his feet touched the ground. Most of the students also cleared space around Harry, eager to chat with the famous boy.

Even George and Fred went over to join the commotion, leaving Ivan sitting alone.

Ivan had no interest in joining the crowd. Instead, he focused on enjoying the feast before him. While British cuisine was often mocked as "black料理" (inedible), the food at Hogwarts was surprisingly good. Ivan suspected this was because the meals were prepared by house-elves rather than British wizards.

At one point, Ivan felt someone's gaze on him. Looking up, he saw Dumbledore's piercing silver-blue eyes fixed on him.

Ivan didn't falter. He put on a乖巧 (well-behaved) and shy smile, then stuffed a large piece of cake into his mouth, swallowing it in a few quick bites.

Perhaps charmed by Ivan's enthusiastic eating or simply distracted, Dumbledore smiled back before turning his attention elsewhere.

After the Sorting Ceremony, there was plenty of time for the students to enjoy their meal. Ivan ate until he couldn't possibly eat anymore. Only then did Dumbledore wave his wand, causing the leftovers to vanish as suddenly as they had appeared.

For the older students, who had seen this magical display many times before, it was nothing special. But for Ivan, who was experiencing real magic for the first time, it was fascinating.

Dumbledore stood up, and the entire hall fell silent as all eyes turned to him.

"Ah, now that we're all well-fed, I'd like to say a few words. Here are some start-of-term notices."

Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall as his gaze swept over the assembled students, lingering briefly on the Weasley twins.

"First-years should take note: the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to all students. I believe our older students should also remember this."

"Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be used in the corridors between classes."

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week…"

After briefly reiterating the usual start-of-term rules, Dumbledore paused, then raised his voice slightly.

"Finally, I must warn you all: anyone who does not wish to die a painful death should stay away from the corridor on the right-hand side of the fourth floor this year!"

Ivan couldn't help but吐槽 (mock) Dumbledore's fishing tactics.

By emphasizing the danger without explaining why or providing any details, Dumbledore had only piqued the curiosity of the more adventurous students. How could they resist?

Sure enough, Dumbledore's stern warning didn't seem to have the intended effect. A few first-years even chuckled dismissively, while the older students looked more serious.

Of course, the Weasley twins were the exception. They were already whispering to each other, likely plotting to explore the deadly corridor.

Ivan suspected, however, that Dumbledore would have a word with them beforehand—or perhaps have Filch keep a close eye on them—to prevent any mishaps.

End of Chapter