"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 305: Morning Snacks
As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, the young witches and wizards slowly awoke, rubbing the sleep from their eyes and savoring the last wisps of their dreams. One by one, they rose to wash up, beginning the overture to a brand-new day.
The bus's bathroom, magically enhanced, could easily accommodate fifteen students at once—regardless of gender—for washing, using the facilities, or even sneaking in a quick shower. The entire space was decorated in a modern Muggle style: black, white, and grey, simple yet bright, a far cry from the usual Hogwarts aesthetic.
After freshening up, the house-elves appeared right on cue, presenting today's breakfast—complete with an assortment of innovative snacks. These offerings were nothing like the traditional Hogwarts fare. Students eyed the spread with curiosity and delight, their interest piqued by the unfamiliar, creative dishes.
Those from Muggle families, upon seeing these familiar snacks with their unmistakable Muggle flair, felt a surge of warmth and nostalgia, as if embraced by a piece of home they hadn't realized they missed.
This journey of exploration and learning wasn't just for the students. The house-elves accompanying them had been given their own assignments: to master the latest in Muggle snack-making techniques.
After all, every year Hogwarts welcomed a fresh wave of students from the Muggle world. To help these newcomers feel truly welcome, it wasn't enough to serve only the old wizarding sweets. The magical world needed to keep up with the times—offering treats that matched the tastes and aesthetics of contemporary Muggle youth.
Douglas had suggested this for two reasons. First, so that young witches and wizards crossing over from the Muggle world could more quickly feel at home, easing their transition into the magical community. Second, it gave those raised in the wizarding world a chance to understand and appreciate Muggle culture, deepening the bonds of friendship and understanding between students from all backgrounds.
Of course, Douglas hadn't mentioned another, more practical reason out loud: for the Ministry of Magic, anything that reduced friction between wizards and Muggles saved a great deal of trouble.
Under the guidance of Lady Hufflepuff and the further tutelage of Professor Holmes, the Hogwarts kitchen's house-elves had become culinary legends in the magical world. In a single night, beside stoves where magic and fire danced together, their passion for food allowed them to recreate a dazzling array of unique Muggle snacks.
There were Thai sweet chili crisps—lovingly crafted by the house-elves to capture both the fiery zest of Thai chilies and the gentle sweetness of honey syrup. Each bite was like tasting sunshine over rice fields and the lush breath of a tropical rainforest—unforgettable and addictive.
The yogurt-filled cookies were a revelation: creamy yogurt folded into a crisp biscuit, each one a poem of summer meadows and cool breezes. Tart and sweet, layered with flavor, and studded with fresh berries like tiny, glistening jewels—each bite a bright, fruity delight.
Chocolate berry sandwich cookies offered another surprise: beneath the silky chocolate shell, a core of luscious, slow-cooked berries. The rich chocolate and tangy fruit played off each other perfectly, satisfying cravings for both decadence and freshness.
There were gummies too—vividly colored, in all sorts of whimsical shapes, with a chewy bounce and flavors ranging from fruit to herbal blends. Each one was a tiny burst of sweetness on the tongue.
The elves didn't stop at simply copying Muggle snacks. They innovated, blending magical ingredients to create new flavors—some nostalgic, some entirely novel, but all with a hint of enchantment.
And then there were the beef jerkies, each crafted from top-quality cuts and slow-roasted to perfection. Smoky, spicy, five-spice, and more—the flavors were bold and varied, the texture firm yet tender. With every bite, you could almost taste the distant lands that inspired them.
These weren't just copies of Muggle snacks. They were improvements—handmade with care and magic, a far cry from the mass-produced treats found in Muggle shops.
(Hungry yet? It's hard not to be…)
After the students finished their hearty breakfast buffet and basked in the golden sunlight, Professor Lupin and Sirius appeared at the bus door.
Lupin greeted everyone with a broad, friendly smile, radiating energy as he prepared to organize the day's activities.
But the moment the students spotted Professor Lupin, the lively chatter froze in midair.
"How is that even possible?"
One student couldn't help but mutter, clearly shocked to see Professor Lupin outside of Hogwarts.
"We've already left school, and he's still here to supervise our morning exercises?"
Another quickly chimed in, lips twitching in mock exasperation, "This must be Professor Holmes's idea. I mean, Professor Lupin works so hard—he deserves a proper holiday for once!"
Not everyone minded, though. Neville Longbottom, president of the Gale Sword Society, sighed regretfully, "Honestly, I think morning exercise is great. It builds strength and willpower. It's just a shame the Professor wouldn't let us bring our swords—imagine the practice we could have! Still, I heard Professor Holmes say that lots of Muggles practice swordsmanship in parks every morning…"
At that, another society member's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Neville, have you ever thought about challenging some of the Muggle world's top swordsmen while we're here? Magic and Muggle swordplay—now that would be a real clash of worlds!"
Neville looked genuinely tempted by the idea.
Originally, Lupin hadn't planned anything so dramatic. But hearing the students' whispers—full of surprise, curiosity, and a hint of nerves—sparked his inspiration. A small, knowing smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. What a pleasure it is to meet such enthusiasm and energy on a morning like this, outside campus and in the heart of the Muggle world."
His words were warm and full of gentle strength. With a wave, he signaled to Percy and Penelope, the two Head Students, to gather everyone into neat formation.
"Come on, let's show the Muggle world the spirit of Hogwarts! We'll run together toward the Kennet River port—let them see what youthful magic looks like."
A chorus of groans and giggles rippled through the crowd:
"I knew Professor Lupin would come up with something new!"
"Oh no, do we really have to run in front of all these Muggles?"
"Honestly, I'd rather show off my spells than just run!"
"Should I report this to the Ministry first?"
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