On the train, Hermione and Ron returned from the prefects' compartment with Horace's invitation.
"Seems this new professor is a very snobbish fellow," Ron said, frowning.
"What do you mean?"
Harry was puzzled. The night he and Aiden visited Horace made Harry think Horace was a decent person.
"He gathered the train's famous and notable wizard students for a party. Here are the invitations. You and Aiden are both on the invite list."
Hermione pulled out a scroll and handed it to Harry.
"Blind old fellow. Why didn't he invite me?" Ron said, crossing his arms.
"Then let's go meet this Slug Professor," Aiden said, smiling.
Taking the scroll from Harry, he walked toward the professor's compartment at the rear of the train.
Outside the compartment, Aiden sensed magical fluctuations. An Undetectable Extension Charm had been cast on the interior by Slughorn.
Opening the compartment door, he saw not only Ginny and Neville, but also Marcus Belby, nephew of the Wolfsbane Potion inventor; Cormac McLaggen, son of Amelia Bones's friend; and Blaise Zabini, the wealthy Slytherin.
The last one was the eldest son of the Lestrange family, Edmund Lestrange.
Edmund sent Aiden a desperate look when he saw him enter. It seemed he'd been pestered quite a bit by Horace.
"Oh, you've all arrived!" Horace said, tipping his hat to them.
After everyone was seated, Horace served them pies.
Then Horace began census-style questioning about their information.
After chatting for a while, when he learned from Belby that he wasn't close with his uncle, he gradually ignored him.
Neville received similar treatment. Horace chatted with Neville briefly before determining he was a child without talent.
All this was seen by the Discerner in the compartment. What surprised Aiden was that Horace wasn't recruiting for his club.
It turned out Horace planned to take on an extremely capable apprentice and teach them everything he knew.
Once they became powerful, he would rely on their protection to resist Death Eaters.
Throughout the gathering, Horace was most enthusiastic toward Edmund. With personality, family background, and strength all top-tier, Edmund was undoubtedly the best candidate for Horace's plan.
This created the spectacle of Horace circling around Edmund like a persistent suitor.
"So, it's agreed. After school starts, you must come to my gatherings often."
When the party ended, Horace enthusiastically invited Edmund to gather again next time.
Edmund shivered and quickly used Aiden as an excuse to escape.
"What's with that old man? Does he fancy me?"
In the train corridor, after confirming the other couldn't hear, Edmund quickly asked his Legilimens roommate.
"Yes, he thinks you're quite good. Personality, family background, strength... and appearance," Aiden said, showing an amused expression.
"Really!" Edmund's head filled with question marks.
"Fake. Actually, he wants to recruit you."
Aiden walked while carving runes on a metal cube with an engraving knife.
Edmund let out a long breath and relaxed.
"Why would he need to recruit me? And if he really wanted to, wouldn't you be more suitable?" Edmund frowned.
"I lack neither fame, strength, nor wealth. What could he use to recruit me?"
Aiden spread his hands. This expression seemed like bragging to Edmund.
"Besides, he just wants to teach you all his skills, then rely on your protection to resist Voldemort. And coincidentally, our line has irreconcilable conflict with the Death Eaters' core figure—Bellatrix Lestrange."
Edmund calmed down and began analyzing the information Aiden provided.
"So, do you think I should accept his olive branch?" Edmund asked.
"How would I know? See if you want his allegiance. Anyway, he's looking for you, Lestranges. What does it have to do with me, a Prewett?" Aiden said, smiling, and ran toward the carriage.
"What kind of attitude is that? You're so disloyal. Stop right there!" Edmund said, laughing, and chased after.
On the carriage, Ethan watched them board while horsing around.
"Where did you two go? I searched the entire train and couldn't find you," Ethan said, interrogating them like a worried parent.
Aiden told him about Horace.
"Wow, so you already have a professor who fancies you. At least you have hope for advanced classes?" Ethan's eyes widened.
"Your Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration grades are also quite good. Professor McGonagall won't refuse you, will she?" Aiden said, raising his eyebrows.
"Wait, I never mentioned my grades. How did you... Legilimency?" Ethan cast an accusing look at Aiden.
"No, prophecy. To some extent, miniaturized prophecy. For example, Edmund will fall next due to the carriage bumping."
Aiden spoke casually. Edmund beside him was startled hearing this.
"What?"
As he focused on Aiden's prophecy, the carriage indeed bumped, and Edmund fell to the ground.
"Damn it, it's really prophecy. You're not using some magic to prank me, are you!" Edmund said, standing up and holding his head.
"Try again? Hold my hand and feel my magic. If I use magic, you'll know immediately."
Aiden extended his hand. Edmund decisively grasped it.
"Wait, when we get off, Ethan will fall."
The prophecy was made again, and Edmund concentrated on sensing the magic flow in Aiden's body.
"Just wait for me to prove you wrong."
Ethan decided to be extremely careful to avoid being set up by Aiden.
The carriage stopped. He let Aiden and Edmund get off first, planning to also grab Aiden's hand later so at least when a certain prank-loving fellow played tricks on him, he'd also be implicated.
Unfortunately, Aiden and Edmund got off first.
And when Ethan got off, the carriage ladder's nail broke due to rust.
The entire ladder fell off. Ethan stepped into air and tumbled down from the carriage.
He rolled steadily right in front of Aiden and Edmund.
"It's actually real, and you really didn't use magic!" Edmund exclaimed.
"All right, you two stop holding hands. Help me up."
Ethan, who had fallen and rolled in a circle, called for help.
The two released hands and helped Ethan up from the ground together.
"Believe now?" Aiden said, raising his eyebrows.
"Believe!" Both shivered in unison.
They carried their luggage through Hogwarts's gates.
This year Hogwarts had strengthened security, with many Aurors stationed outside the campus.
Professor Flitwick stood at the entrance with a list, checking each one while casting Finite Incantatem on the young wizards to prevent anyone from sneaking in using Polyjuice Potion.
"Good evening, Professor Flitwick," the three said in unison.
"Finite Incantatem!" Professor Flitwick didn't greet the three, directly casting a spell.
Only after seeing no changes in their faces did he nod with satisfaction.
"Hogwarts isn't peaceful this year. You need to be more careful."
As the three passed Professor Flitwick, he quietly reminded them. The three nodded at him.
For belongings, Filch was vigorously checking each young wizard's luggage.
The three handed their luggage to him and hurried toward the Great Hall.