Simultaneous Transmigration: From Japanese Anime to American Comics

Chapter 27: Crossing the Lake

Several hours later, night had fallen. Outside the train window, it was pitch black, not even a sliver of light visible. Even Ron and Hermione, who were usually very lively, had grown quiet.

At this moment, Chu Yang also closed his book and began packing his belongings, carefully putting away the books he had taken out.

He had long been accustomed to the experience of taking a train to school in another place. He was quite familiar with it, and since this was a special train, there was no need to worry about missing the stop. There was no reason to be anxious.

Accompanied by the sound of the train whistle, the train slowly pulled into a simple station. It wasn't very large, and the facilities looked a bit old, but it was kept very clean.

The greenery and streetlights on either side of the tracks added a warm, cozy touch to the station, easing some of the new students' nervousness.

In the glow of the streetlights, Chu Yang saw the giant Hagrid walking towards them from the train window.

The night made him look even more imposing! The giant, almost as tall as the train itself, was holding a lantern in his hand and loudly reminding the first-year students to get off, "First years, over here! Hurry up, don't be shy, we're just waiting on you for the feast!"

Hearing this, the new students disembarked immediately. Everyone left their luggage on the train, as someone would bring it to the school later.

Harry and Ron got off the train and quickly greeted Hagrid before sticking close behind him. Chu Yang, however, lagged a few steps behind, blending into the crowd.

Meeting Harry Potter had been a coincidence.

Chu Yang had no intention of letting this chance encounter develop further.

He didn't want to get involved in the battle between the protagonist group and Voldemort, as it seemed like a troublesome and time-consuming affair with little to gain.

Think about it, who in real life would voluntarily do something so thankless? Chu Yang would rather spend that time quietly studying magic.

After all, in the end, Harry Potter, as the protagonist, would definitely defeat Voldemort. Whether Chu Yang helped or not wouldn't make much difference.

He had to focus on improving his abilities so that next time he entered the Soul Palace, he could help the other versions of himself.

After all, freeloading once was enough—doing it too often would be a bit rude.

Just as Chu Yang thought he would distance himself from them, a small tail followed him.

"Chu Yang, could you tell me exactly how much you've self-studied?" Hermione, like a little squirrel, looked at him with wide, round eyes.

In the crowd, to avoid getting separated, Hermione held onto Chu Yang's sleeve.

Chu Yang was somewhat helpless.

Hermione's pride was truly strong. Back home, she would always be the first to show off the knowledge she'd learned to others.

But this time, in terms of academics, Chu Yang completely overshadowed her.

With her personality, she wouldn't back down so easily.

Chu Yang casually lied, "Actually, I haven't read as much as you think. Aside from the first-year textbooks, I've only read a few books on Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"You already know about my family situation. Even if I wanted to buy more books, I couldn't afford them. Hogwarts is even helping cover my tuition fees."

As soon as he mentioned financial difficulties, Hermione stopped pressing the issue and instead comforted him, saying, "Don't worry about the books, Chu Yang. Professor McGonagall told me that the Hogwarts library has a vast collection. You can borrow many books from there."

Chu Yang smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Miss Granger."

Hermione waved it off, returning his smile, "No need to be so formal, just call me Hermione."

Just as they finished speaking, the group arrived at the lakeside, where Hagrid was standing, waving his arms to direct the students into the boats.

"Each boat holds three to four people. Pay attention, and if you're on the heavier side, find a boat with fewer people!"

The new students began boarding the boats, but the waves rocked them side to side, making it a bit tricky for the 11-year-olds to get on.

Hermione hesitated as she looked at the wobbling boat, until Chu Yang pressed down on the bow, stabilizing it as if it were nailed to the water.

"Wow, you're so strong!" Hermione exclaimed, cautiously placing her foot in the boat. She held onto the sides, carefully climbing in.

There was also a larger boy standing awkwardly on the shore, seemingly unwelcome by the others due to his size.

The boy gave Chu Yang an awkward smile.

"Get on, the three of us will fit just fine," Chu Yang gestured for the boy to board, and the latter sat down with a look of relief.

After Chu Yang got in last, the boat began moving without anyone rowing, clearly enchanted beforehand.

"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione introduced herself confidently to the shy boy.

"Hi... I'm Neville Longbottom," the chubby boy stammered nervously.

As the boat drifted farther from the shore, the surrounding light grew dimmer and dimmer.

The pitch-black lake was eerily quiet, sending ripples of silent fear through everyone.

Hagrid's lantern barely provided enough light to dispel the fear gripping the 11-year-olds.

Out of fear, Hermione clung tightly to Chu Yang, refusing to let go of his robe.

With kind intent, Chu Yang reminded her, "If you keep holding onto me like this, if I fall into the lake, you'll get dragged in too."

Hermione shook her head resolutely, "You're too smart to fall in. It's safer to hold onto you."

Chu Yang: "..."

From a nearby boat, voices of complaint floated over. "I just don't get why we can't ride carriages like the older students. Why do we have to cross the lake by boat? What if something goes wrong?"

Hagrid, hearing the grumbling, turned back helplessly and said, "Don't worry, boats are very safe. In all these years at Hogwarts, no student has ever died while crossing the lake."

But instead of easing their worries, Hagrid's explanation only sparked more complaints.

Suddenly energized, Hermione raised her voice to explain, "Crossing the lake by boat is a Hogwarts tradition for new students. It recreates the journey made by the four great wizards when they first founded the school."

"The purpose is to remind future generations not to forget their roots and to remember the hardships that built Hogwarts into what it is today."

With Hermione's explanation, the complaints quickly ceased, and a fiery sense of idealism began to burn in the hearts of the students.