HP: Transmigrating as an Obscurial

Chapter 17: Preparation for Hogwarts



Vizet had heard from Luna before that there were other wizarding families near the village of Ottery St. Catchpole.

Molly Weasley walked ahead of him, carrying a basket of fresh vegetables in her hand. "The Diggory family lives nearby. Their boy, Cedric, is a good one — much less trouble than Fred and George." She chuckled softly, the warmth of a mother in her voice.

She glanced back at Vizet. "The Fawcetts are not far, either. I think they have a daughter starting at Hogwarts this year. You might run into her once school begins."

Molly had a way of talking that made the conversation feel like a gentle breeze — natural, familiar, and free of any awkwardness.

She continued, her tone softening, "We haven't been in touch with the Lovegoods much over the years — not since poor Mrs. Lovegood's accident. Such a tragedy for that family."

"Luna's a good girl, though," she added with a fond smile. "But she's… well, quite imaginative. Even Fred and George can't always follow her train of thought."

Vizet listened quietly, occasionally offering a nod or a smile. Having only been in this world for a couple of months, he found Molly's chatter comforting.

He finally spoke, his tone thoughtful. "To me, much of what Luna says is… inspiring."

Molly's face brightened at his words. "That's wonderful to hear! She's such a sweet child. I used to see her by the stream over there..." She gestured to a sparkling creek in the distance.

Her voice softened further, carrying an undertone of sorrow. "After her mother's accident, Luna would sit by the stream, fishing. Sometimes she cried. And if she saw me, she'd run home before I could say anything. She was just a little thing, missing her mother terribly."

Vizet's heart tightened at Molly's words, and he swallowed hard. "I don't think that will happen anymore."

Molly gave him a kind smile. "That's good to hear."

The conversation left Vizet with a strange feeling of unease. Hogwarts' closed teaching system meant students only left for holidays like Christmas or summer break. He couldn't help but think about how much Luna's world would change while he was gone.

The hill before them offered a view of two moons.

One was the real moon, high in the night sky. The other hung over the rook-shaped castle, glowing softly.

The luminous orb atop the castle was, as Luna had told him, her mother's magical creation — a relic of some long-forgotten experiment.

As the evening deepened, the light from the castle's moon grew stronger, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape.

Curious, Vizet allowed his magical instincts to guide him. Silver-blue light filled his eyes as he activated the Eye of Insight.

Magic danced before him like liquid silver, flowing through the castle and gathering most intensely in the glowing moon above it. The magic there was ancient, aged like fine wine over countless years. Its power called to him, tempting him to absorb it into himself.

But he resisted.

He knew that Luna often walked along the castle's upper floors at night, staring up at that moon. Somehow, he felt that taking it — altering it — would be a betrayal of the memory her mother had left behind.

He turned to Molly, who had stopped beside him to admire the view. "This is my first time seeing it at night," she said with quiet awe. "It's so beautiful."

She handed him the basket of vegetables. "These are for the Lovegoods — fresh from our garden. Say hello to Mr. Lovegood and Luna for me, will you?"

Vizet accepted the basket with gratitude. "Thank you, Aunt Molly. I really don't know how to repay your kindness."

Molly waved off his thanks with a warm smile. "No need for that. Just take care of yourself, dear."

As Molly's figure disappeared into the night, a soft hoot drew Vizet's attention.

Diana, Luna's fluffy owl, swooped down and nestled herself into his arms with a cheerful cry.

"Coo-coo!" came a sound from the birdcage on his cauldron. Inside, his bronze owl was ruffling its feathers, chirping excitedly as if welcoming him home.

A faint sound of footsteps followed, and when Vizet turned, he saw Luna standing there, her face illuminated by the moonlight.

Her pale gaze rested on him, and a gentle smile played on her lips. "Diagon Alley must have been magical, wasn't it?" she asked, her voice as airy as a breeze. "Did you get pestered by any bugs?"

"Coo-coo!" Diana chirped again, as though seconding her suggestion.

Vizet chuckled softly, his earlier worries melting away. Luna always seemed to have that effect on him — dispelling his anxieties with her quiet presence.

He glanced at the restless bronze owl in its cage and asked, "What do you think I should name this little one?"

Luna tilted her head, considering. "He's such a lively fellow," she mused. "Why not call him Sol? The sun and moon always appear together, taking turns to light the world."

"Sol…" Vizet repeated, nodding. "That's a good name."

With their owls chirping contentedly, the two walked side by side, their footsteps soft against the grass, heading back toward the castle.

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Before he knew it, August was drawing to a close. Tomorrow marked the beginning of a new year at Hogwarts.

The past month had flown by. Vizet spent his time preparing for school and reorganizing his room, with significant help from Luna, who had taken the lead in redecorating.

Luna replaced the old mattress and hung whimsical, starry wallpaper on the walls. Above the bed, she strung together a garland of Moonstone Crystals, a magical material that glimmered like dew drops reflecting moonlight.

"They're said to calm the mind and spark creativity," Luna explained as she arranged them into a canopy over his bed.

Moonstone Crystals seemed to be a theme in the Lovegood household. Luna wore earrings made from them, shaped like small radishes, and Xenophilius had strings of them hanging in his study. "Dad says they help with clarity when he's writing," she said with a serene smile.

The crystals emitted a faint, cool glow in the dark, casting soft light around the room. Vizet couldn't help but feel the calming effect they brought, as if they encouraged the room to breathe with magic.

The second floor of the castle had been unusually busy in the past few days as The Quibbler was nearing its next issue.

The magical printing press clicked and clanked tirelessly from dawn until dusk, filling the house with its steady rhythm.

The machine itself was a fascinating blend of craftsmanship and magic. Its main structure was wooden, with iron reinforcements at key joints, reminiscent of a relic from the Industrial Revolution.

Thanks to its magical enhancements, the press could print, fold, bind, and cut the magazines on its own. Xenophilius only needed to design the first draft and feed it into the press. The rest was automatic.

Despite its enchantments, the press was not particularly efficient — after several days, fewer than a hundred copies of The Quibbler were complete.

During this time, Vizet also worked on his textbooks, copying each by hand to prepare for the upcoming school year.

As the saying goes, "A good memory is no substitute for written notes." Through the act of writing, Vizet absorbed much of the material in advance.

Luna lent her artistic talents to the process, illustrating his notes with remarkable precision.

Her work shone brightest when she sketched magical creatures. Each animal seemed to leap off the page, imbued with a lifelike quality.

"Mom and I read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them together," Luna said while admiring one of her sketches. "I've seen all the magical creatures in it — except the Snorkack."

"The Snorkack?" Vizet asked, intrigued.

Luna nodded dreamily. "Yes, it's a very rare magical creature. Dad says they live in Sweden. One day, I'll find them myself and draw them."

Her words stayed with Vizet. Visit Sweden... he thought to himself, mentally filing it away for the future.

On the last night of August, Xenophilius arranged a feast. Rather than cooking himself, he ordered a grand meal from a nearby Muggle restaurant, filling the dining room with the smell of roasted meats and fresh-baked bread.

"Remember to write back often," Xenophilius said as they finished eating, his tone equal parts firm and caring. "Tell us everything happening in school, no matter what... You know what I mean."

"I understand," Vizet replied, smiling warmly.

After dinner, Vizet stood by the window with two steaks in hand and he tossed them into the cool night air.

Diana and Sol darted out of the darkness like streaks of lightning. Each snatched a steak midair, hooting cheerfully before flying back to their birdcages.

"They're as ready for the new year as I am," Vizet said with a small laugh.

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The morning of September 1st had arrived.

Vizet double-checked his Hogwarts admission letter and meticulously reviewed the contents of his suitcase once more. After ensuring that everything was in its place, he closed the lid, latched it, and carried it downstairs.

In the living room, Luna sat quietly, bathed in sunlight that streamed through the windows. The golden rays danced on her long, pale blonde hair, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

She was delicately grooming Sol, her small fingers smoothing each of the owl's feathers with care and precision. Sol occasionally chirped softly, content under her gentle touch.

"I'm leaving for school," Vizet said softly, breaking the stillness.

Luna looked up at him, her wide, dreamy eyes filled with both calm and a hint of melancholy. "Yes," she replied in her usual airy tone. "Although farewells can feel bittersweet, each parting is just the beginning of the next reunion."

She reached into her pocket and handed him a small green Gordig root, its faint, onion-like aroma instantly recognizable. "If you ever face confusion or difficulties, this will bring you good luck. It carries the essence of home."

Vizet accepted the gift and turned it over in his hand, smiling at the peculiar thoughtfulness behind it. Gordig roots were unique to the Lovegoods, both in their cultivation and their unusual use as a tea ingredient.

"It truly is the taste of home," he said warmly, holding the small root with care. "The taste that's uniquely this place."

Luna's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Take care of it, and it will remind you that no matter how far you go, you're never alone."

Vizet nodded, tucking the Gordig root safely into his pocket. It wasn't just a keepsake — it was a piece of the Lovegood family's magic and warmth that he could carry with him into the unknown journey ahead.


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