HPxLOTM: A Wizard's Path to Divinity

To be honest, Edward had come up with all sorts of reasons and excuses on his way here, but none of them seemed even remotely convincing enough to fool the great White Wizard. 

That was why he had quickly abandoned the idea of making up a story and instead decided to confess everything—only for Dumbledore to guess most of it before he even said a word. 

Was this the weight of the greatest wizard in recent history? 

"Well then, has your friend arrived?" 

Edward opened the pouch and placed it on the floor, calling out in Loenese, "Audrey, you can come out now." 

Dumbledore leaned forward, peering into the pouch with curiosity. Then, in a serious tone, he remarked, "Leaving a lady in such a cramped space is hardly the act of a gentleman, wouldn't you agree?" 

Audrey climbed out, slightly breathless, and curiously took in her surroundings. Her gaze quickly landed on the animated portraits of the headmasters hanging on the walls. The paintings were so lifelike that, for a moment, she couldn't tell if they were merely paintings or actual windows into another world. 

Dumbledore quickly stepped forward, extending his hand in a gentlemanly manner to help her up. "May I have the honour of knowing this young lady's name?" 

Audrey blinked her large eyes and turned to Edward for help. She couldn't understand what Dumbledore was saying, but she could tell that he seemed kind—like a well-read scholar. However, the sharpness hidden in his eyes suggested that he was far more complex than he appeared on the surface. 

"Apologies, she doesn't speak English," Edward explained before acting as their interpreter. "This is…well, the headmaster of this magical school, Professor Albus Dumbledore. He is asking for your name." 

"This is Audrey Hall." 

Dumbledore took her hand and gave it a courteous air kiss. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Hall." 

"Hello, Headmaster Dumbledore." 

Edward hesitated for a moment before asking, "Professor, can she actually learn magic? I mean, I'm not sure if she's a Muggle or not. She's already seventeen, after all." 

"Rest assured," Dumbledore said with a smile. "She must have had exceptionally powerful wizards in her ancestry. In a way, she is even more 'pureblooded' than the so-called pureblood families—she simply never had the chance to learn magic until now." 

More pure than purebloods? Was it because of the uniqueness of the Lord of the Mysteries world? Or had the potions altered her constitution? Or perhaps the Hall family had once produced powerful Beyonders? 

"Miss Hall, on behalf of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I formally welcome you as a student." 

Without any hesitation or unnecessary formalities, Dumbledore directly extended an invitation. 

Audrey didn't understand what was being said, but she politely curtsied in response. 

The headmasters in the portraits began applauding in welcome, with Phineas Nigellus Black being particularly enthusiastic. He shouted, "A wizard of such pure blood must join Slytherin!" 

"I will have Minerva handle the necessary paperwork and send out the official acceptance letter as soon as possible." 

Just like that, the matter was settled so easily? 

Was it because Dumbledore had absolute confidence in his own abilities? Or was he simply bold enough to take such a risk? Or was there another reason entirely? 

Edward hesitated for a long moment before finally asking, "Professor, don't you have any questions about Audrey…or about where I went after I disappeared?" 

Dumbledore smiled. "No rush. We have plenty of time." Then, as if suddenly recalling something, he added, "Ah, that reminds me—will you be returning to that place?" 

"In half a month." 

"I see." 

Dumbledore winked at him. "If you ever wish to tell me anything, I am always willing to listen. But for now, allow me to properly welcome our guest." 

"Wait, Professor. I want to make an Unbreakable Vow with Audrey. Can you serve as our witness?" 

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows slightly but nodded. "Of course." 

Edward extended his right hand toward Audrey. "Use your right hand to hold mine." 

Audrey hesitated for a few seconds before grasping his hand. 

"Apologies, but I need you to kneel and face me." 

"…" 

Well, she had no choice but to comply. 

The two of them knelt opposite each other before Dumbledore, their hands tightly clasped. 

Dumbledore placed the tip of his wand against their joined hands. For a fleeting moment, his expression turned distant, as if lost in memory. 

In his mind's eye, he saw himself many years ago, also kneeling with a young boy, making a similar vow in their most innocent and passionate years. 

But in the end, they had gone their separate ways. 

Edward spoke solemnly in Loenese, "Audrey, you will never reveal my secret to anyone from your world, correct?" 

Audrey's expression grew tense. She nodded and replied, "Yes, I swear I will never tell." 

A thin ribbon of red fire shot from Dumbledore's wand, winding tightly around their hands. 

Though the flames did not cause any real harm, they burned with an intensity that made them feel seared by the weight of their promise. 

Edward continued, "You will also never, without my permission, disclose the existence of another world to anyone, correct?" 

Audrey bit her lip and nodded firmly. "Yes!" 

A second ribbon of fire coiled around their hands. 

Edward took a deep breath before stating his final vow: "Can I always trust you?" 

She nodded with conviction. "You can!" 

A third ribbon of fire emerged from the wand. 

Edward met her gaze. "Alright, it's your turn now. The Unbreakable Vow is mutual. You can state your own terms." 

Audrey hesitated for a moment before saying, "You promise you won't hurt me, and that you will take me back home, right?" 

"Yes!" 

"Then that's enough." 

The flames slowly faded, as if sinking into their skin. With that, the Unbreakable Vow was sealed. 

Dumbledore withdrew his wand, a nostalgic smile on his face. "I hope this vow serves as a testament to your trust in each other, rather than as a shackle." 

"I believe it will be the former." 

Edward had no doubts about Audrey's kindness. The vow was merely an extra layer of protection. 

He turned to Audrey, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, Audrey. You were dragged into this because of me, and now I've forced you to endure the pain of the vow and sign a contract." 

But she simply smiled sweetly. "Actually, this makes me feel even more reassured, don't you think?" 

Edward froze for a moment before understanding what she meant. 

Dumbledore coughed lightly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ahem, do you two plan to keep kneeling like that? If I recall correctly, in some oriental traditions, when a man and a woman kneel facing each other, it has…a different meaning." 

"…" 

Edward quickly helped Audrey to her feet, finally releasing her small hand. 

At that moment, a fiery glow suddenly streaked across the office, tracing a long arc of light before coming to rest on Dumbledore's shoulder—it was Fawkes, the phoenix. 

"Hello, Fawkes." Edward greeted the bird. 

Fawkes immediately turned away, clearly displeased with this troublesome student who was always eyeing its feathers. 

Dumbledore listened attentively as Fawkes whispered into his ear, then turned to Edward with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, but there is an urgent matter that requires my immediate attention. Edward, I will leave Miss Hall in your care. Minerva will arrange accommodations for her. Also, you would do well to start teaching Miss Audrey English as soon as possible." 

"Understood, Professor." 

"Oh, and don't forget to take these Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans with you." 

Dumbledore waved his hand and was about to Disapparate with Fawkes when Edward couldn't help but ask, "Professor, aren't you at all concerned about her…?"

Dumbledore blinked and smiled. "Didn't I just say? Everyone has their secrets, don't they?" 

With a loud pop, Dumbledore and Fawkes disappeared. 

"Wow! Is that also the magic you talked about? Instant teleportation?" Audrey exclaimed in delight, already imagining what it would be like to master such an extraordinary ability. 

"Yeah, it's a rather advanced form of magic. I haven't mastered it yet either," Edward shrugged. "Alright, let's get you something to eat first, then we'll find Professor McGonagall to arrange a place for you to stay." 

———

Hogwarts' kitchen was located directly beneath the Great Hall, adjacent to the Hufflepuff common room. People often said that Hufflepuffs were food lovers, and that was more or less true. 

With so few entertainment options at Hogwarts, delicious food had become one of the rare sources of joy. 

On the way there, Audrey was like a curious child, though she remained composed. But when they passed the bizarrely complex, seemingly hyperactive staircases, she couldn't help but ask, "Are these designed to defend against intruders?" 

"I'd say it's more of an…artistic choice." 

Who knew whether the person who originally designed these stairs had a grudge against Hogwarts students? 

Since it was summer break, the kitchen was much less busy than usual. Most of the house-elves looked listless, while a few were fighting over what little work there was. 

"Master Edward, what can I do for you?" 

A sharp-eyed house-elf Apparated in front of them, staring up at him with large, eager eyes. 

"Uh…just prepare two dinner servings for us." 

"Only two?" It looked disappointed. 

"Then…make it four?" 

"With pleasure, sir!" 

The house-elf disappeared again, cheerfully using magic to start preparing the meals. 

"When they're done, please send them to the Hufflepuff common room," Edward added. 

Noticing that the other elves, who hadn't been able to claim any work, were now all staring at him, Edward quickly grabbed Audrey and made their escape. He would never forget the time he had been pressured into eating a four-person meal under the expectant gazes of a dozen house-elves.

He had felt nauseous for days afterwards. 

Audrey, still recovering from the sight, asked, "Those little creatures…what are they? Are they some kind of extraordinary beings from your world?" 

"Sort of. They're our house-elves." 

She was dumbfounded, waving her hands as if trying to make sense of it. "But aren't elves supposed to be…noble and elegant? Why are they—" She suddenly covered her mouth. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to insult them, I just—" 

Edward chuckled. "It's fine. Different worlds, different customs." 

They stopped in front of a cluster of large barrels. 

Unlike other houses, entering the Hufflepuff common room didn't require a password or a riddle. Instead, one had to knock on the second barrel in the second row, following the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff's name.

If the rhythm was wrong, the wrong barrel was knocked, or the wrong number of knocks was made, the intruder would be doused in old, fermented vinegar that had been ageing for who knew how many years. 

Once inside, they enjoyed a lavish dinner in the Hufflepuff common room. Despite requesting only four servings, the elves had brought enough food for ten people. 

Audrey displayed the utmost grace and etiquette of a noble lady from Loen. From the way she held her utensils, to the angle at which she opened her mouth, to the rhythm of her chewing—everything was executed with flawless precision, reflecting her strict family upbringing. 

Edward, however, didn't appreciate it at all. Instead, he just felt anxious watching her eat so painstakingly slowly. 

"Meow?" 

A small, agile figure darted in from the dormitory area. It leapt soundlessly onto the table, curiously glancing at Audrey before turning to Edward with another soft meow, as if questioning him: (ω`) 

It was a sleek black kitten, noticeably smaller than average. Despite its size, it was already two years old, possessing black-footed cat ancestry, which accounted for its petite frame. Its sapphire-blue eyes gleamed like radiant gemstones, as if concealing a deep, starry sky within them. 

Black-footed cats were born hunters—nocturnal, swift, and deadly. They could take down prey much larger than themselves. Before transmigrating, Edward had always wanted one, but they were impossible to find in his previous world. 

"This is my cat, Lilith." Edward beckoned, and Lilith immediately snuggled up to him, raising her tail high and rubbing affectionately against him. "Every student entering Hogwarts is allowed to bring one pet, usually a choice between an owl, a toad, or a cat." 

Audrey swallowed her food slowly, then asked in confusion, "I can understand owls and cats…but why toads? Are they a different kind of creature in your world?" 

"Not really. Keeping toads as pets is just an old tradition. Nowadays, most students prefer owls since they can deliver letters anywhere. Do you plan on getting a pet?" 

"Mm, I already have Susie. Oh, Susie is a golden retriever." 

Edward nodded. "I know. She's the one who tore up my pant leg. And before we returned to this world, she had already figured out that I wasn't the real you." 

"…Huh?" 

"Susie told me herself. Didn't she also take a potion?" He picked up Lilith by her front legs. "Lilith, should I get you a potion too?" 

Lilith, unimpressed, kicked him with her hind legs and gracefully landed back on the table. She flicked her tail and let out a series of rapid meows in protest: ヽ(`Д´) 

"Always thinking about food." 

Edward flicked her nose gently before taking out a small dried fish. She grabbed it and curled up in his lap, purring contentedly as she ate. 

Audrey set down her utensils. "I'm full. Thank you for the meal." 

"Alright, let's go find Professor McGonagall and get your lodging sorted out. Oh, I forgot to mention—Hogwarts has four houses. Professor McGonagall is the head of Gryffindor. I'm in Hufflepuff, and the other two houses are Ravenclaw and Slytherin. You'll be interacting with all of them soon." 

She hesitated briefly before saying, "Um… you've been introducing me to everything here, but you've never actually introduced yourself. For example…your name." 

Edward was momentarily stunned before quickly apologizing. "Oh, sorry! You might not believe this, but I've had this strange feeling all day, like we've known each other for a long time."

—Which, to be fair, was true. 

He extended his hand and gave a simple introduction: 

"My name is Edward. Orphan. No last name." 

Of course, he did have a last name. But that had long since vanished the moment he transmigrated.