Neville and the girl with bunny-teeth returned not long after, with his toad in hand and a smile on his face.

“Thanks, Scarlet, I owe you one!” Neville carefully placed his toad back into its tank, though he was unsure what to do with the pentacle paper and needle.

Scarlet waved her hand dismissively and said casually, “Keep the needle and burn the paper. Once you’re settled in at Hogwarts, just bring me a piece of wood. I’ll carve the pentacle on it so you can place it in the tank. If you lose your toad again, just use the needle.”

Neville thanked her again before leaving the compartment with a wide smile. Compared to his excitement, the bunny-teeth girl seemed a bit shy as she looked at Scarlet.

“Hi, I’m Hermione Granger...I’ve tried a few simple spells just for practice, and they all worked for me, but I’ve never seen any record of such magic in our textbooks, which I’ve learned by heart, of course. I just hope it will be enough - nobody in my family is magical at all. It was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was absolutely delighted, of course. I mean, it’s the very best school of witchcraft there is, I’ve heard -” She said all this very quickly, then awkwardly realised her rapid speech under Scarlet’s calm gaze, “Uh, I’m sorry, I’m a bit overexcited and nervous since, well, nobody in my family is magical.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Hermione. I’m Scarlet Smith.” Scarlet motioned for the nervous girl to sit down, “The magic I used was uncommon, rare, and ancient. You might not find it in any books unless they were written thousands of years ago. Perhaps the school library has such collections. But I must warn you, you seem to be pushing yourself quite hard. Mental and physical health are equally important. You’d do well to take care of yourself.”

Hermione reminded Scarlet of a few interns she had met in her previous life - not her own, but her colleagues’. They had been extremely excited when they learned about the caster association secretly protecting the world from danger, much like Muggle-born wizards first discovering magic. They aimed high for achievement, as her colleagues were top-ranked elites, and they wished to catch up with their mentors. All were talented teenagers, but they pushed themselves too hard. One became depressed and suffered from mental issues, another lost confidence and gave up, fearing he would never achieve even his mentor’s accomplishments, and another died due to mental instability during combat...

She found traces of those interns in the girl before her. However, she was fairly certain this girl would be fine, considering...The protagonist was present. The protagonist’s best buddy, who could provide the team with wizarding world common sense, was present. And then there was this girl in front of her, clearly in charge of the smart and strategic aspects - the perfect triangle for a team in an adventurous story, much like most shonen and shojo anime she had watched.

Hermione seemed touched by Scarlet’s words. She had gotten a bit out of control when she thought about the days since she received the letter...and felt quite immature compared to the girl sitting in front of her.

After receiving a nod from Hermione, Scarlet introduced Ron and Harry, which surprised Hermione so much that she jumped out of her seat, “Are you really? I know all about you - I mean, I’ve read a few extra books for background reading, and you’re in Modern Magical History, The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century!”

“Am I?” Harry asked, looking dazed, while Scarlet jotted down notes once more.

“Goodness, didn’t you know? I’d have found out everything I could if it was me,” Hermione said.

Scarlet motioned for her to sit down again, and Hermione finally calmed down when she noticed Scarlet’s calm demeanour. Scarlet said, “Well, Harry’s family wasn’t magical either, and he knows no more about the wizarding world than an ordinary Muggle student. Same as me.”

Hermione was shocked, “Scarlet, you’re not from a wizarding family? But you seem...”

“No, my family is just ordinary Muggles,” Scarlet said with a smile. “I seem calm probably because I’ve experienced more.”

Ron gave Hermione a sidelong glance, approached and whispered, “She’s a businesswoman. She owns a company, has a manager, and needs to sign contracts and read the news!”

Hermione was stunned by this revelation.

After a short while of conversation, Hermione left, and the compartment was back to just three of them. All three finally had some time to process what had just happened, especially Harry and Ron.

As for Scarlet, she mused, Now, I’m fairly certain the trio of the story will be Harry, Ron and Hermione. Neville seems like an important character too, and so do Fred and George. If I wasn’t here, Hermione would still be overly excited, and based on how Ron looked just now, she might not have gotten along well with him...So, is Hermione the key of the plot twist? Something happens, and these three finally come together? What could it be? I can’t recall this part of the story...Well, I do remember something about flying broomsticks. Could that have anything to do with Hermione? And the rat...I need to look into shapeshifting magic. Ron doesn’t seem to know that the rat was an adult - probably not a respected elder of their family. This should be the last key point of the storyline before reaching the school, right? I suppose there won’t be any more interruptions...By the way, should I keep interfering with the story?

The boys soon continued chatting about the Hogwarts Houses, the Quidditch team, the news about someone trying to rob Gringotts but failing, and other topics after the short break. Scarlet took a bite of a cookie while listening to them and jotting down notes. She thought about visiting the headmaster and asked for a private talk regarding he rat, wondering if the headmaster could be trusted.

Just as she relaxed and thought it would be peaceful until they reached the school, the door slid open again...What now?!

Three boys entered, and Harry seemed to recognise the one in the middle immediately. The boy in the centre looked pale, and his movements and demeanour reminded Scarlet of the old traditional families or groups in the caster association that followed tedious rules passed down through generations. In other words, them were like modern-day versions of nobles or aristocrats. They valued status inherited from families or apprenticeships and the power of spirits. If they came across any newly emerged caster with powerful abilities, they’d try to recruit them to strengthen their families or groups, ensuring their legacy endured for more generations. Her grandmother’s family - the Tachibana clan from Japan - was a prime example of this concept in this world.

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There were benefits to this system. With their long-standing traditions, their internal education system was well-established. Their knowledge was more accumulated and comprehensive than any newly founded academy or independent caster without a mentor. They didn’t need to worry about lecture materials or living expenses, as they had properties and businesses passed down, allowing them more freedom to learn from mistakes - a luxury Akahime never had, as her mentor was merely a normal academy teacher. She had to plan and measure the possibility of success before casting a chant to minimise her losses if she failed. This made her quite adept at managing budgets but also instilled a habit of penny-pinching, which was hard to shake even though she lived a wealthy life after being adopted in this world.

With just a glance, Scarlet judged that this pale boy wasn’t someone Harry could easily handle. Fiend? Foe? Frenemy? Rival?

The boy looked at Harry with great interest. “Is it true? They’re saying all over the train that Harry Potter’s in this compartment. So it’s you, is it?”

“Yes,” said Harry.

Scarlet quietly observed the incoming trio. The two boys flanking the pale boy looked tough and burly, clearly protective of the one in the middle. Their expressions were unfriendly, even menacing, towards their peers. However, with the perspective of a seasoned caster, Scarlet found their antics rather amusing...I should have considered taking on a few apprentices or interns before I died in my previous life.

“Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle,” said the pale boy casually, noticing where Harry was looking. “And I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.”

Draco? I think I’ve heard that name before...Scarlet mused, while Ron let out a slight cough, that might have an attempt to stifle a snigger.

Draco Malfoy narrowed his eyes at Ron. “Think my name’s funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford.” His gaze shifted to Scarlet. “And this year, they have two first-years! It looks like they’ll have a tough time.”

“I’m sorry, but I must interrupt for a moment.” Before Draco could continue, Scarlet raised her forefinger to get everyone’s attention, “I’m a redhead, but I’m not a Weasley.”

Draco looked taken aback. “It can’t be! Only Weasleys have that sort of appearance here...”

“But I’m a Muggle-born. Besides,” Scarlet winked at him, “I suppose you know something about hair dye?”

“You dye your hair?!”

“No, but just a reminder, the hair colour you see might not be natural.” Scarlet then pointed to her cheekbone, “And I assume you’re aware of a cosmetic procedure called plastic surgery? It’s where you can reshape some of your bones to enhance your appearance or reduce wrinkles and freckles to look younger...”

Draco’s face showed a mix of disgust, shock, and a hint of amazement, “What...you...this is...”

“And your name sounds familiar. I think I’ve heard it somewhere before...Let me guess...” Scarlet mused, a boy with a bossy attitude, as if everyone should listen and follow him...perhaps a “noble” in wizarding world? A traditional family that has lasted for ages? “Plant? Magical Plant? No? Magical beasts? Mythology? Legendary hero? No? Then...star? Star sign? Zodiac Sign? Oh, I get it! Constellation! Your name comes from a constellation!”

It’s easy to read this boy’s expression. Scarlet smiled as she watched Draco’s composure crumble with each word she said in a playful tone.

“Well, it’s a nice name, though a bit old-fashioned, I suppose?” Scarlet said, extending her hand for a handshake. Draco shook her hand while looking somewhat dazed, “Nice to meet you, Draco. I’m Scarlet Smith, which is also a rather common and old-fashioned name. I’m sure it will be a great year, and I look forward to getting to know you better.”

“Uh...Thanks?” Draco said, then quickly shook his head and withdrew his hand. “Well, see you then, redheads! And you too, Potter!”

Him emphasis on “Potter” reminded Scarlet of a meme she came across a few times in her previous life, and she had to stifle a grin until Draco and his entourage stormed out of the compartment.

Ron looked at Scarlet with admiration, “Blimey! So this is what a businesswoman is like?”

Harry still looked puzzled, “So, he just came here to check me out?”

“Perhaps he was trying to make friends but wasn’t very good at expressing himself?” Scarlet said, recalling the encounter. “You must remember that you’re incredibly famous. I mean, very, very famous. Many people will want to speak with you as soon as you arrived at the school.”

These “nobles” often assessed situations based on potential benefits. Draco probably wasn’t interested in befriending Harry out of curiosity, but was likely sent by his family evaluate if befriending the famous boy who defeated the dark wizard would be advantageous. They might even consider future alliances, such as marrying their daughter or niece to Harry if it could bring them significant benefits.

She kept these thoughts to herself and continued casually, “It might be quite hectic at first, but soon they’ll see that you’re just a normal kid like them. They’ll leave you alone eventually, don’t worry.”

“Yeah, don’t worry mate, I’ll be there for you!” Ron said enthusiastically, clearly pleased with Draco’s reaction to Scarlet’s words. He then continued to share information about the Malfoy family, the purebloods, and so on, which Scarlet noted down, musing, So the “nobles” are known as purebloods in the wizarding world...the name sure suits their demeanour.

Then came a knock on the door. It was Hermione, who said shyly when her eyes met Scarlet’s, “Hi, I've just been up to the front to ask the conductor, and he says we're nearly there. You'd better hurry up and get your robes on.”

“Thanks for the heads-up, Hermione.” Scarlet replied.

She touched her jade pendant under her shirt and muttered, “Clothes changing.”

In an instant, her clothes transformed, her school robes neatly in place, and even her hair seemed perfectly styled.

Scarlet noticed three pairs of astonished eyes then realized, “You...don’t have magic like this? I mean, this isn’t a common witchcraft?”

Harry said, “I don’t know.”

Hermione said, “I haven’t seen anything like that in the book I’ve read.”

Ron said, “This is absolutely amazing and so convenient! I’ve never seen this kind of magic before!”

But this is a very common enchantment in the caster association...It’s one of the first enchantment every caster learns if they’re educated at an academy. Scarlet mused in surprise.

Casters need to be prepared for battle at any time, so it’s crucial to switch outfits quickly when needed. Typically, they have a “wardrobe”, which can be a button, pendant, hair clip or ring - anything that can be worn daily without drawing attention. The caster’s battle gear was stored inside the “wardrobe”, and with a quick passcode set by the user, they can switch from everyday attire to battle gear in an instant.

This enchantment is quite handy, and Scarlet thought it would be common in the wizarding world...but it seemed like she assumed wrong.

Why does the wizarding world feel a bit outdated? Or maybe it’s my perspective, coming from an era with 5G networks and smartphones? Scarlet wondered as the announcement called upon the students to prepare and leave their luggage on the train.

Okay, think about those later, focus on what’s happening now, Scarlet. She thought to herself and followed Ron and Harry off of the train.