CHAPTER 60 - Returning to School

As the slight turbulence subsided, the plane took off from Modu Airport. On this flight was a tour group of twelve young people from various provinces. Naturally, sitting together, they quickly struck up lively conversations. 

Watching the ground fade away, Robert felt a sense of unreality. His time in the Chen Clan's territory had been so relaxing that he had almost forgotten the kind of world he was in. It wasn't until his clan uncle reminded him to wake up early the next day to prepare for the flight that he snapped back to reality. 

The old man had given him a book on meditation. In the world of HP, magic originates from the mind. Whether it's white magic or dark magic, the stronger the emotional fluctuations, the more powerful the effects. However, no matter how strong the emotions, a novice couldn't defeat a renowned dark wizard. The purpose of this meditation book wasn't to enhance emotional fluctuations but to increase one's magical capacity. 

As for the cryptic things the old man had mentioned earlier, Robert had found some answers in the library. It seemed that students from Hufflepuff were exceptionally skilled in plant-related magic. During the sorting, the hat had suggested Ravenclaw for Robert, likely because he also had a talent for charms. 

Indeed, Robert excelled in charms, transfiguration, and herbology, but potions were a different story. He could follow the textbook instructions with finesse, but advancing further was challenging. The library had an overwhelming number of books. A quick search on plants and charms alone yielded over 300 titles. Even with his photographic memory, reading them all would be an unimaginable task. 

At that moment, Cliff's words echoed in his mind, "Perhaps he meant to suggest focusing on a particular subject while learning magic." 

Sighing, Robert leaned back in his seat. It was true—there was so much knowledge that one could never learn it all in a lifetime. Thankfully, he had managed to find some treasures in the clan's territory during the summer. 

Just as he was lost in thought, Robert felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a beautiful young woman. 

"Hey, are you also heading to the UK for fun?" she asked in halting English. 

"No, I'm just going home," Robert replied, switching to Chinese after noticing her struggle with English. 

The woman chuckled and asked curiously, "Are you from the UK?" 

Robert nodded. "I have family in Flower Country. I returned for the Zhongyuan Festival to pay respects to my ancestors." 

The woman nodded in understanding. "Yeah, even though we visit graves every year, it feels like the whole country is doing it this year." 

"The whole country?" Robert was puzzled. Wasn't that more common during Qingming Festival? Why was Zhongyuan Festival seeing such widespread ancestral worship this year? And Professor Binns had mentioned that this year's Zhongyuan Festival was different. How so? 

Seeing that Robert wasn't from Flower Country, the woman lost interest in continuing the conversation. Plus, facing a foreigner who spoke Mandarin more fluently than she did was somewhat intimidating. 

In less than a day, Robert arrived in the UK. He had always been curious about the flight arrangements Mr. Weasley had made. Logically, flying from Heathrow to Vancouver should have been shorter, but their trip had taken two days! Perhaps wizards had special flights that took longer routes. He could only console himself with that thought. 

After arriving at the airport, Robert's clan uncle dropped him off at home and greeted his adoptive parents before leaving. Over the summer, Robert's adoption process had been finalized. With a signature, he officially became a member of the White family. 

After consulting his adoptive parents, Robert decided to keep his surname. He then sent a letter to Professor Sprout, inquiring about how to return to Hogwarts. 

By now, the school term had already been underway for half a month, and Professor Sprout was quite concerned about her mischievous student. In the end, Robert traveled to the greenhouse via the Floo Network from Madam Malkin's shop. 

"Pfft..." Spitting out soot, Robert cast a quick cleaning charm on himself and gave the Floo Network a one-star review in his mind. 

"Good to see you, Professor," Robert greeted Professor Sprout. "Do you need help with... is that Mandrake?" 

Mandrake, also known as mandragora, has roots resembling a human body. In the Muggle world, it's known for its anesthetic, sedative, and hallucinogenic properties. However, in the wizarding world, it's a key ingredient in powerful restorative potions and antidotes for various spells and transfigurations. 

"Oh, Robert, you've arrived just in time," Professor Sprout waved him over. "I'm trying to cultivate Mandrakes artificially. Wild ones are hard to find, and these little ones always try to escape. If we can grow them in the greenhouse, we won't have to worry about students suffering from the effects of miscast spells." 

Robert leaned in and pointed at a plant with yellowing leaves. "Professor, what's wrong with this one?" 

Professor Sprout sighed. "Poor thing. It seems it can't adapt to the greenhouse environment. I might need to move it to a different greenhouse." 

"So, it's beyond saving?" Robert glanced at the pot, where a shriveled, baby-like figure lay with its mouth wide open, its pale green body covered in black spots. 

Startled, Robert instinctively covered his ears, only to realize that the Mandrake seemed to be dead. Poking the grotesque, chubby figure with a stick he found nearby, Robert sighed. "It really looks like a baby..." 

Professor Sprout didn't seem bothered. "Didn't you visit Flower Country this summer? There's a plant there that, the longer it grows, the more it resembles a real baby. It can even run, jump, and talk!" 

As she spoke, she sighed. "Now that's a true magical plant!" 

Robert found this increasingly familiar. After some thought, he realized she was talking about ginseng, specifically the wild northeastern variety. 

"Professor, do you have any spare earmuffs? I'd like to help," Robert volunteered. 

Professor Sprout shook her head. "You should head back to your dorm. Here's this year's schedule. Don't forget to attend History of Magic this afternoon." 

"Wait, has Professor Binns returned already?" Robert asked in surprise. "I just got back." 

Professor Sprout's mouth twitched as she mumbled, "Ghosts have their own ways." 

Their own ways? 

Robert tilted his head in thought. Could it be... a ghost ship? 

(End of Chapter)