In Magic World as Magic Teacher

Chapter 17: Entering Hogwarts

Not only Sherlock, but also many other young wizards on the train saw the flying car that Harry and Ron had taken. The sight sparked a lively discussion among the crowd.

However, none of this concerned Sherlock, who was alone in his compartment. After realizing he couldn't recall any more plot details, he reopened his suitcase and took out a third-year Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook. As he flipped through the pages, he made notes, continuing to refine his teaching plan.

Though his level of magic expertise was not advanced enough to teach highly complex spells, Sherlock was determined to establish a solid foundation for his classes.

The sun gradually moved westward, and by noon, Sherlock had only a piece of chocolate from the snack trolley to stave off his hunger. He then returned to perfecting his lesson plan.

As the evening approached and darkness filled the sky, the train attendant made an announcement over the intercom: "We'll be arriving at Hogwarts in ten minutes."

Sherlock stood up, stretched, and packed away his book and quill. He changed into his wizard robes, preparing for his arrival.

The train slowed down and eventually came to a halt.

Sherlock stood out among the crowd of first-year students as they disembarked and followed the flow of students toward the platform.

At the dilapidated little station, a much taller-than-usual figure was waiting for them.

Upon seeing the students get off the train, the figure bellowed in a gruff voice, "First-years! Over here!"

The confused first-years quickly gathered around him, finding guidance in his commanding presence.

It was then that the "landmark" figure noticed Sherlock and hurried toward him.

"Ah! Sherlock! It's really you!" boomed the figure. "I heard you'd be teaching at Hogwarts, but I didn't expect you to arrive by train!"

The figure was none other than Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, as well as the Caretaker of the Forbidden Forest. He made his way to Sherlock and gave him a big, warm hug.

It wasn't really a hug so much as a crushing embrace, considering Sherlock's face was pressed directly into Hagrid's large belly.

"Professor McGonagall gave me the ticket," Sherlock said calmly after breaking free from Hagrid's embrace.

He wasn't too surprised, as he knew from the original owner's memories that Hagrid was a familiar face around Hogwarts.

The first-year students, who had followed Hagrid, now looked at Sherlock with curiosity. They could hear from Hagrid's words that the handsome but seemingly aloof man standing before them was their professor, though they weren't sure which subject he would be teaching.

"Come on, let's go to the castle! Dumbledore is waiting for you in the Great Hall!" Hagrid said with a smile, waving a quick goodbye to Sherlock before leading the first years down a nearby path through the woods.

Sherlock followed the group to the other side, where they came upon a group of strange, winged horse-drawn carriages.

It was the first time second-year students had ridden in these carriages. To most people, the horses appeared invisible, and they only saw the carriages.

"Can you see Thestrals, Professor Forrest?" Hermione asked Sherlock as she climbed into the carriage with him.

Since Harry and Ron had taken the flying car, Hermione had ended up alone.

From her question, Sherlock learned the name of these magical creatures: Thestrals. He recalled seeing an introduction to them in a magical creatures book at home. Thestrals were creatures that could only be seen by those who had witnessed death firsthand.

Sherlock, having never seen anyone die, couldn't see the Thestrals in his previous life or in this one, though he did remember one important detail—he himself had died once, which seemed to explain why he was able to see them.

"It's not a good thing to be able to see these creatures," Sherlock replied softly.

Hermione, who had seen Sherlock's caring nature despite his cool exterior, gave him a knowing smile.

"Harry and Ron are so reckless!" Hermione complained, a bit angry. "They only care about having fun and showing off, but they don't realize how much trouble that flying car will cause for Mr. Weasley when others see it!"

Sherlock was intrigued by their conversation. Compared to the mischievous Harry and Ron, Hermione seemed far more mature and sensible.

"If they knew any better, they wouldn't be Harry Potter and Ron Weasley," Sherlock said with a slight chuckle.

The Thestrals pulled the carriages to the gates of Hogwarts. As they disembarked, the students were led by their prefects into the school. Sherlock followed behind the students, making sure he didn't get lost in the vast castle.

When they reached the Great Hall, Sherlock's nerves started to rise. Beyond those doors was the headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, who was known as one of the most powerful wizards alive. Sherlock knew that meeting him could very well be a test of his abilities.

With a soft sigh, Sherlock walked into the hall behind the students.

The Great Hall was filled with four long tables where the students of each house sat. The ceiling above them was enchanted to mirror the sky, with thousands of floating candles illuminating the room. The tables were set with gleaming golden plates and goblets.

At the top of the hall, there was another long table where the teachers sat. As Sherlock's gaze swept over the professors, he noticed that all their eyes were on him.

In the center of the table sat an elderly man with a long white beard and half-moon glasses. He smiled warmly at Sherlock, his eyes twinkling with a mix of kindness and mischief, and waved at him. This was none other than Professor Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts.