Chapter 1
Charing Cross Road, London.
Nestled between a large bookstore and a record shop lies: The Leaky Cauldron.
From the street, the pub appeared quite ordinary, often slipping past the notice of those walking by. Its façade boasted an antiquated, somewhat rundown aura, as though it had been left behind by time.
Inside, within a single room, a boy with golden hair was busily preparing.
He filled a suitcase with an assortment of unusual items: bottles and jars brimming with vibrant powders, liquids, and mysterious plant roots.
In addition to these, he carefully organized a collection of fragile but somewhat worn tools.
Several thick tomes, their leather covers weathered and aged, lay scattered across the table.
Closing one of the books with care, he arranged them alphabetically before safely stowing them away in his suitcase.
"Merlin's beard, I can't believe I actually have to go to school!" Devero groaned, overwhelmed with frustration.
He had been immersed in this realm for a year, studying potion-making with a rather irritable instructor.
It had been a grueling experience, and the most enjoyable moments occurred when his teacher left for school, granting him a bit of tranquility.
But now, he was required to attend school as well—and not just any school, but the one where his instructor taught.
Even if it was Hogwarts, the prospect felt like a burden.
Devero did not originate from this world.
A year prior, he had found himself here, his soul entwined with that of a young boy.
His appearance suggested a blend of Asian and European heritage.
Despite his golden locks, he possessed deep brown eyes and distinctly Asian features.
As for the reason behind his transmigration? Best not to inquire! The answer involves a truck!
Upon waking up, the first sight to greet him was a disheveled head of greasy hair.
A pale, stern-looking man—resembling an old bat—yanked him from the bed with a single hand.
His initial impression of this instructor? A confirmed bachelor, for sure.
The man's aggressive demeanor hinted at pent-up frustrations.
Rubbing his hand, still stinging from being smacked for sleeping in, Devero recalled how the "old bat" had barked out countless tasks before disappearing in an instant.
That was when he realized he had transmigrated into a magical world and was apprenticed to a potion master.
Oh, and somehow he had also become proficient in English, a language he had struggled with in his previous life.
On that day, as Devero surveyed his new home, he discovered that his mentor was none other than Severus Snape, a character from his cherished novel, *Harry Potter*!
This revelation evoked both excitement and trepidation.
Joyful because he had entered the magical world he had always wished for.
Fearful because he was now linked to *this* teacher.
In the books, Snape was a hero, but to his students, he was a nightmare.
His experiences over the past year had confirmed this.
Snape was exceedingly strict.
When Devero first arrived, his memories were still muddled, and he struggled to keep up with the tasks assigned by Snape.
The punishments?
Just the thought of them now made Devero shudder.
Fortunately, he had mostly mastered the skills necessary to assistant in potion making, thereby avoiding nearly all of Snape's ire.
Yet, being in the presence of that old bat was always uncomfortable, which fueled his dread about attending Hogwarts.
Having Snape scrutinize him every day?
That felt unbearable!
As for why Devero ended up as Snape's apprentice, it seemed his mother had entrusted him to Snape before vanishing without a trace.
Devero had attempted to inquire about his family, but any time the subject arose, Snape would find fault, cutting off any chance for answers.
Of course, Devero hadn't been idle.
He confirmed that he was in the same year as Harry and his companions, indicating he'd be starting at Hogwarts just as the main story kicked off.
But for now, he was stuck as Snape's unpaid labor.
Life at Hogwarts wouldn't be a walk in the park either.
Would there even be an opportunity for him to get involved in the familiar tale?
His current body possessed decent magical ability.
Although Snape had not taught him any spells, Devero realized he had an innate understanding for magical ingredients while brewing potions, allowing him to learn quickly.
Plus, he was fairly attractive—much better looking than his former self.
It was one of the few silver linings in an otherwise challenging situation.
After finishing his packing, Devero made his way downstairs.
Today, he and Snape were set to visit Diagon Alley to gather school supplies and books.
The day before, for reasons unknown, Snape had brought him to the Leaky Cauldron early and instructed him to remain there, promising to return the following day for shopping.
That day had arrived.
Clutching a suitcase nearly two-thirds his size, Devero navigated the staircase.
Inside the Leaky Cauldron, the owner, Tom, was busily preparing for the day's activities.
Spotting the soft footsteps descending the stairs, Tom looked up and noticed Devero, his golden hair shimmering in the morning light.
"Good morning, Mr. Devero!" Tom greeted cheerily.
"Did you sleep well?" Devero offered a faint smile.
Despite appearing a tad anxious, he nodded graciously.
"Good morning, Mr. Tom. Thank you for your kindness. I slept well last night."
Tom observed the oversized suitcase in Devero's grasp and chuckled.
"Looks like you've packed quite a lot! Professor Snape didn't give me much information when he dropped you off yesterday, but he mentioned he'd be back today to take you shopping for supplies." Devero nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.
"Yes, Professor Snape said he'd take me to Diagon Alley. It's my first visit, so I'm feeling a bit anxious…" In truth, it was Snape himself who made him nervous.
"Don't fret," Tom replied with a comforting smile, clearly fond of the charming boy, unlike the brooding Snape.
"Diagon Alley is an enchanting place. You'll absolutely enjoy it. And having Professor Snape with you will ensure everything goes smoothly."
After a moment's pause, he added, "How about some breakfast before you leave? I can whip up some fresh bread and hot tea."
Devero's eyes brightened at the suggestion.
"That sounds delightful, thank you, Mr. Tom."
As Tom went to the kitchen, Devero couldn't help but think about the advantages of being a child—people were always looking out for him.
He doubted Snape had anything to do with it; that old bat was not the caring type.
While waiting for breakfast, an unexpected *click* sent chills down Devero's spine.
A familiar, ominous feeling washed over him.
Turning around, he spotted a tall, pale man in a black robe standing at the front of the Leaky Cauldron.
Snape.
Devero's ongoing nightmare for the past year.
Reluctantly, he waved to grab Snape's attention.
Snape advanced, his greasy hair hanging messily over his forehead and cheeks, casting shadows across his face.
"Devero, let's go. We have a lengthy supply list to address today," Snape instructed coldly.
Devero nodded and stood to grab his suitcase, ready to follow.
At that moment, Tom returned with two plates of breakfast and set them down on the table.
"Professor Snape, why not eat first? I've made a portion for you as well."
Devero gazed longingly at the food, fully expecting Snape to decline.
To his astonishment, Snape sat down. "Fine, eat quickly."
Devero blinked in disbelief. Was Snape actually in a good mood? Seizing the moment, he sat down and dove into the meal.
Suddenly, Snape produced a letter and handed it to Devero.
Confused, Devero received it and froze at the sight of the seal—it was a Hogwarts acceptance letter!
While his excitement for Hogwarts was somewhat tempered by Snape's presence, the letter he had once longed for still sent a thrill coursing through him.
But as he opened it, an odd sound echoed in his mind.
[*Ding!*]
[*Host detected. Initiating Trait System binding…*]
[*Binding successful!*]
What the—?! Before Devero could wrap his head around it, another voice resonated in his mind.
[*This is the Trait System. Each individual possesses unique traits signifying their potential, talents, and destiny. This system enables the host to observe the traits of anyone within a three-meter radius and replicate them!*]
[*Traits are classified by color, ranked from lowest to highest: white, green, blue, purple, gold, red… Additionally, there are special traits that cannot be classified by color, with varying degrees of strength!*]
T/N : Like it? Please add it to the library!!!