Chapter 24: Heading to King's Cross Station

Chapter 24: Heading to King's Cross Station

"Actually, even if you hadn't mentioned it, I had the same idea.

If it were before, the Professor would never have agreed to let the children get involved in combat so early. But now, I'm sure he'd be more than willing to help these children develop the ability to protect themselves."

Wolverine agreed almost without hesitation.

In the past, at the mutant school, Professor X's philosophy was that students were students. They came to school to learn how to control their abilities and gain knowledge in other areas.

What they wanted to do in the future, what kind of people they wanted to become, was entirely up to them.

Only after they reached adulthood and chose to stay at the school to become X-Men would they receive combat training.

However, the situation was clearly very different now. To survive, even the children needed to learn how to develop their abilities and fight to protect themselves.

If every child could reach the level of skill that X-23 had, they wouldn't have to fear Alkali-Transigen Corporation's pursuit at all.

"Alright, let's get some rest then!"

After George and Wolverine finished inspecting and familiarizing themselves with the two basement levels, they each returned to their rooms to rest.

Over the past two days, they had been rushing non-stop and hadn't gotten much rest. Now, they could finally sleep soundly.

Four days later.

As usual, George went to the Bronx to gather information. After returning, he buried himself in studying magic. By night, he focused his energy on his alternate self in the Harry Potter world.

While his main body in the Marvel world had been busy escaping prison, his alternate self hadn't been idle either.

Apart from occasionally hosting Tonks and her colleagues for meals, he had mostly been studying magical theory and practicing new spells.

But today was an exception because it was September 1st, the day he was supposed to leave for Hogwarts.

"Piggy, let's go!"

After securing the cage containing the giant owl, George locked the shop's door and pushed a cart loaded with luggage toward the exit of Knockturn Alley.

"Piggy" was the name he had given his owl, as the bird had an enormous appetite. If it weren't for the inheritance he had received from the old wizard, he wouldn't have been able to afford such a large pet.

But despite its appetite, the owl was incredibly useful.

To ensure that his shop wouldn't be raided by dark wizards while he was away at school, George had spent the past few days selling off all the potions and herbs he didn't need at a discount.

However, the wizards who came to his shop weren't exactly the most trustworthy.

If it weren't for Piggy, the giant owl, perched on the shop's rafters, glaring down at them, some of them might have tried to pull something.

For example, using a Confundus Charm to trick him into giving away expensive potions for free.

Pushing the cart, which was taller than himself, George left Knockturn Alley and turned into Diagon Alley. After walking a few hundred meters, he arrived at what appeared to be an ordinary red brick wall.

He took out his wand and tapped a few specific bricks on the wall. The bricks immediately began to shake, and soon a wide archway appeared before him.

Pushing the cart through the archway, he entered the famous Leaky Cauldron, a wizarding inn and pub that served both food and drink.

He had eaten here a few times when he had the chance. To be honest, the food was mediocre, and the environment was rather shabby and cramped.

After waving to Tom, the bartender, George didn't linger in the Leaky Cauldron. Instead, he went straight to the Muggle street outside and stood by the roadside, waiting.

Originally, he had planned to take the Muggle subway to King's Cross Station. However, during her last visit, Tonks had insisted on driving him there after learning that he was leaving for Hogwarts today.

After waiting for about ten minutes, an old-fashioned dark green car pulled up beside him.

"Hey, George, you're ten minutes early!"

Tonks stepped out of the passenger seat with a grin.

George smiled back:

"I like to be early for everything. It helps avoid last-minute chaos."

"That's a good habit. Too bad I've never been able to develop it."

Tonks laughed heartily as she helped George load his luggage into the car's trunk. Her personality was bold and straightforward, and she did everything with a sense of urgency.

"Undetectable Extension Charm?"

George's eyes widened in surprise as Tonks effortlessly fit all his luggage and Piggy into the small trunk.

The Undetectable Extension Charm was a magical spell that could expand the space inside an object. A skilled wizard could even turn a tiny box into something as large as a city.

For example, the famous magizoologist Newt Scamander had created a suitcase with an enormous interior space.

However, according to wizarding law, this spell was not allowed for private use. It could only be applied to public items approved by the Ministry of Magic.

For instance, the magical tents rented to wizarding audiences during international Quidditch tournaments.

Of course, that was the official rule. In reality, because the spell was so convenient, most wizards used it secretly. As long as they weren't caught by the Aurors, it wasn't a big deal.

"Looks like you've been studying hard. Yes, this trunk has been expanded with the Undetectable Extension Charm. But don't worry, this is an official Ministry of Magic Auror vehicle, so it's legally modified."

Tonks closed the trunk and winked at George proudly.

She was still a trainee Auror, but due to her outstanding performance, she was already allowed to use the Ministry's official Auror vehicles.

"Impressive!"

George gave her a thumbs-up.

On the surface, Tonks was nineteen, and George was eleven, making her the older sister figure.

But in reality, Tonks's mental age was nineteen, while George's mental age was well over thirty, making him far more mature than her.

"Good morning, George."

A young wizard dressed in a bright green velvet suit, sitting in the driver's seat, waved at him.

"Ah, once you're off to Hogwarts, we won't have anyone to mooch meals off of anymore."

"Good morning, Aldo. You can always wait for me to come back during the holidays. It's only a few months."

George replied with a smile.

He recognized this guy—he had come over with Tonks a few times to mooch meals. Aldo was obsessed with George's Chinese cooking. He was Tonks's classmate and now a trainee Auror at the Ministry.

George could also tell that Aldo was interested in Tonks, but she only saw him as a friend.

Love couldn't be forced. Tonks preferred older, more mature types like Remus Lupin, and wasn't particularly interested in Aldo's youthful charm.

"Don't listen to him. Focus on studying magic at Hogwarts. It's a really great school."

Tonks, sitting in the passenger seat, smacked Aldo on the back of the head before turning to George.

Aldo rubbed the back of his head, seemingly used to it, and started the magical car, driving toward King's Cross Station.

(End of Chapter)