Chapter 33 - 33: Welcome to My World

Words : 1684 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

In this chapter, Half an hour later, Edward finally received his new wand. It was still made of... Continue reading Chapter 33 of "HPxLOTM: A Wizard's Path to Divinity" for the full story!

Half an hour later, Edward finally received his new wand. It was still made of blackthorn wood with a phoenix feather core, but its length had changed—it was now eleven inches long. He couldn't help but feel a bit troubled. Hiding it up my sleeve is going to be even harder now…! "That'll be 19 Galleons, thank you." The first wand for young Hogwarts students typically costs around 7 Galleons due to the newcomer discount. However, when purchasing a second wand, the price reverted to the standard market rate—usually around 20 Galleons. After paying, Edward hesitated for a moment before asking, "Mr. Ollivander, do you happen to have any…failed or defective wands? I'd like to buy them for research." "Hmm?" Ollivander's expression darkened instantly. The wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen, and his silver eyes burned with displeasure. "Failed wands? Edward, are you questioning my wand-making skills? Since the day I formally inherited this shop, I have never produced a single failed wand!" "S-Sorry! I didn't mean it like that." Edward quickly apologized but then tentatively added, "But…before you inherited the shop? You did mention earlier that you had some defective ones." "…" A fleeting look of discomfort crossed Ollivander's face. He waved his arms dramatically as if trying to bolster his argument. "T-That was simply because I was conducting experiments! Yes! Trying new materials! New wand cores! Even, um…ring-shaped wands!" Edward put on an expression of utmost respect. "I completely understand. A great craftsman must explore all possibilities. So…would you be willing to sell me some of those…experimental pieces?" "Wait here." Ollivander huffed before climbing a small wooden ladder to the upper shelves. Moments later, he returned with five boxes, practically shoving them into Edward's arms. "If you truly wish to study wand craftsmanship, start with these standard material wands. That'll be 5 Galleons." Edward paid without hesitation, successfully obtaining five 'defective' wands—perfect for rewarding his couriers. To be safe, he also bought three fully functional wands, including an identical replica of his own in case his picky messenger refused to accept substitutes. Afterwards, he gathered ingredients for brewing Polyjuice Potion, purchased a ready-made batch, and finally, he and Audrey made their way to the Leaky Cauldron. ——— As the entry point for most Muggle-born witches and wizards, the Leaky Cauldron was both cramped and filthy. Audrey couldn't understand why the owner didn't just take a few seconds to cast a simple Scouring Charm. Around them, a few drunk men sat at tables, drinking and chatting amongst themselves. Some glanced up at Audrey, momentarily distracted by her beauty, but most quickly returned to their own business. A few raised their tankards in a brief, polite greeting. Edward strode toward the entrance, then turned back with a playful smile. "Audrey, are you ready to see the real face of this world?" "What?" Without answering, he pushed open the bar's wooden door. As the golden hues of the setting sun spilled in, Audrey's vision was suddenly filled with towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and endless streams of automobiles. ——— [1991, London] [Charing Cross Road] Standing in the doorway of the Leaky Cauldron, Audrey stared in shock at the dazzling cityscape before her. In her previous understanding, Backlund had been the largest and most prosperous city in the world. Yet compared to this forest of skyscrapers, Backlund seemed no bigger than a provincial town. She—someone who had always thought of herself as a refined city dweller—now felt like a clueless country bumpkin stepping into an unknown world. "This…this place…" The overwhelming disparity between her expectations and reality left her momentarily speechless. "Hogwarts Castle is isolated from the outside world," Edward explained, stretching his arms as he stepped backwards onto the bustling street. "Magic keeps Muggles at bay, and life there has remained unchanged for centuries—ancient, traditional, almost frozen in time. "But here…you can think of it as a Backlund that has advanced for several hundred years, a world that has developed at an astonishing speed—one that has left wizards far behind." His grin widened as he dramatically spread his arms. "Miss Audrey Hall, welcome to… My world!" ——— Half an hour later, Audrey finally managed to calm down. Walking side by side through the lively streets, her emerald-green eyes darted in every direction, overwhelmed by everything she saw. A carriage that moves without horses? That should be a train, right? But why is it so small? Colorful glowing signs hanging everywhere…Gas lamps? But why do they shine in so many different colours? Buildings that stretch dozens of stories into the sky…How on earth did they build them so high?! As night fell, the streets lit up with a kaleidoscope of neon signs and glowing shopfronts. Immersed in the dazzling scene, Audrey finally grasped what it meant to be in "another world"—a place completely different from Loen, beyond anything she had ever imagined. That feeling of being a country bumpkin in the big city only grew stronger. For the rest of the day, Edward took Audrey on a grand tour of London. She was like an endlessly curious child, bombarding him with questions about everything—from history and architecture to technology and local customs. Eventually, Edward gave up and simply bought her a few books so she could read on her own. By the time the city lights began to dim, Audrey reluctantly followed Edward back to Hogwarts, her heart filled with newfound admiration and longing for this world. That night, she drifted into sleep with dreams of the future. ——— [The Next Morning] At the crack of dawn, Edward and Lilith were rudely dragged out of bed. The half-awake boy and his groggy cat stumbled into the common room, still bleary-eyed. Edward rubbed his eyes and yawned. "Miss Audrey Hall," he grumbled, "this behaviour of yours is hardly ladylike…It doesn't suit your noble status at all." Audrey flicked her golden hair and grinned. "But this isn't Backlund, and I'm not some aristocratic young lady here. Right now, I'm just a Hogwarts first-year." "Alright, then, what does our dear first-year student want so early in the morning?" Audrey lifted her chin slightly. "According to Hogwarts: A History, since the 1830s, first-year students traditionally arrive at Hogsmeade Station via the Hogwarts Express, then take boats across the Black Lake to the castle." Edward pinched the bridge of his nose. "But…we're already at Hogwarts." "Don't you think it would be much more interesting to experience it firsthand?" She scooped Lilith into her arms and stroked the drowsy cat's fur. "What do you think, Lilith?" Lilith let out a lazy "meow," shifted into a more comfortable position in Audrey's arms, and promptly fell back asleep. Edward sighed. "…Fine. Whatever you say." ——— As usual, Edward first Apparated them to Diagon Alley, then hailed a car to King's Cross Station. Even though Audrey had experienced cars the night before, she remained utterly fascinated by them. "Do you think we'll have automobiles in my world one day?" she mused. "If I bring one back and hand it over to the Church of Steam and Machinery, do you think they could reverse-engineer it?" Edward pondered for a moment before replying, "Hmm…it would be difficult. You're missing a key energy source—petroleum." That was also why Emperor Roselle had been unable to push technological advancement any further. "What a shame." Audrey sighed, absently stroking Lilith's soft fur. "I'd love to bring one back as a gift for my father…But I know that would only bring you trouble." Or worse, Edward thought to himself, God of Steam and Machinery would immediately make you one of "His" Blessed, declare the Church of Steam and Machinery obsolete, and rebrand it as the Church of Technology. He might even rename "Himself" the God of Technology… ——— [10:00 AM—King's Cross Station] Since neither of them carried any luggage, they moved quickly through the station. Audrey navigated the process effortlessly, having clearly done her homework in advance. At Platform 9¾, the deep red Hogwarts Express stood by the bustling platform, steam hissing from its iron body. The golden plaque on the side of the train read: Hogwarts Express – 11:00 AM Departure The platform was filled with students, all clad in wizarding robes. Some were as young as ten, while others looked to be sixteen or seventeen. Many carried pets—mostly cats and owls—their cries creating a noisy symphony. Lilith, clearly irritated by the commotion, cracked open one eye. She scanned the crowd, then covered her ears with her front paws and burrowed deeper into Audrey's arms. The first three compartments were already packed with students—some leaning out of windows to chat with their families, others laughing and playing inside. Audrey sighed. "I've never seen so many children in one place before…I have to say—it's far too noisy." They found a quieter compartment, and Audrey took the window seat, her gaze keenly observing the passersby. "That silver-haired boy must be from a wealthy family. His expression is arrogant, as if he looks down on everyone." "That short, chubby kid…His grandmother brought him here, and in just the short walk from the platform to the train, he's already dropped several things. Careless. Poor memory." "The twin girls over there look slightly different from the rest. They look similar to people from the Southern Continent. One is lively and outgoing, while the other is more reserved. But they share one common trait—they both seem a little vain." "Oh, are those four red-haired kids from the same family? Their household must be incredibly lively…" "That man over there…He looks perpetually exhausted, but his eyes are sharp—he's observant, intelligent." "Huh? That little girl is with an old man…Wait a second, I recognize him! He's the owner of that filthy, rundown bar from yesterday!" ——— With a sharp whistle, the Hogwarts Express began its journey, carrying its passengers toward Hogwarts Castle. ——— [Note]: Don't forget to VOTE. It keeps me motivated.

Chapter 33 - 33: Welcome to My World

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