"By the pull of the super full moon, by the anchor of a living illusion, open the gateway to another world. Guide the souls of the worthy across, entrust them with a guardian's heart, and stir the ripples in the long river of fate…"
…
Ashley Li didn't feel very well.
After crying herself hoarse, her head had already been heavy and dizzy. At some point, she slipped into unconsciousness. In that hazy state, she felt as if she had been shoved into a hot, wet rubber tube, squeezed so tightly she could barely breathe.
She tried to call for help, only to choke on some unknown liquid.
What on earth is going on? she thought irritably. Did I cry so miserably that someone tossed me into a sewer?
Her awareness gradually returned. Just as she tried to open her eyes to check her situation, a sudden pressure came, and she felt herself slide out of that "rubber tube."
Her head throbbed. Breathing was difficult. Her eyelids felt as if they were glued shut with a thick layer of paste.
Uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable.
Fortunately, someone seemed to be helping her. Her body was turned over, and her back was gently patted.
Right. She had choked on "water."
Following the motion, Ashley coughed it out.
Ah… much better.
"Thank you," she tried to say.
But the moment the words left her mouth, she froze.
The sound, though distant and strange, was unmistakably the soft babble of a baby.
Before she could process it, someone slapped her bottom a few times. When she didn't react, the force increased.
Who could tolerate that?
"Waaah!"
She burst into loud crying.
Instead of concern, the people around her let out relieved, delighted laughter. Completely ignoring her "grievance," they passed her from one set of arms to another.
At first, she struggled weakly. Later, she simply gave up, lying there as they washed her, kissed her, poked her, and teased her…
Human babies really are irresistible, she thought drowsily before drifting off again. But being the one teased feels very different from doing the teasing…
An eighteen-year-old baby fell asleep.
…
When Ashley woke again, she found herself still cradled in someone's arms.
For a brief moment, she felt disoriented, as if detached from time itself.
She flailed instinctively, then quickly understood her situation.
What else could she do but accept it with a bitter smile?
A dream that continues like a series… that's new. But could I at least get a different body?
It feels like being locked in a dark box. I can't see clearly, can't hear properly, my limbs are weak, and all I can do is twitch a little. Who would understand this kind of misery?
She grumbled inwardly.
"Oh my God, she smiled. She's absolutely adorable."
A delighted voice came from above.
Ashley felt even more depressed.
Thankfully, a baby's stamina was limited. Sleep soon claimed her again. There was a faint sense that she had overlooked something important, but she couldn't grasp it.
Something was placed in her mouth.
Instinctively, she sucked.
Hmm… sweet. Not bad…
Even in her sleep, her lips curved faintly, looking peaceful and content.
…
When Ashley woke again, her energy finally felt restored.
Perhaps thanks to experience, she was much calmer this time. If this was a continuous dream, then so be it. She had no control anyway. Might as well accept it.
She waved her arms in the air. Slightly stronger than before, though not by much.
The "glue" over her eyes seemed thinner now. She could vaguely sense light.
Sounds no longer felt so distant and hollow.
Encouraged, she smiled.
The next second, something was stuffed into her mouth again.
She instinctively sucked.
…Wait.
This taste…
She froze.
A wave of embarrassment surged up.
The sensation against her lips was unmistakably clear.
For the first time, a ridiculous suspicion formed in her mind.
This dream felt far too real.
"My dear, look at our little treasure. She's feeding so well. I'm sure she'll grow just as strong as our son."
A man's voice, deliberately sweet and full of pride and affection, rang out.
Ashley was stunned.
Did they change my nationality too?
That accent, that rhythm… unmistakably British.
She took another sip to steady herself.
Then froze again.
The embarrassment returned full force.
"By the way, dear, have you decided on the children's names?"
This time, it was a woman's voice, low and gentle.
"I have," the man replied. "Our son will be called Dudley, and our daughter, Ashley. Dudley Dursley. Ashley Dursley. Beautiful names, don't you think? I hope they'll grow into tall, sturdy trees, just like their names suggest."
Ashley's inner world erupted like a Category 12 hurricane.
Dudley Dursley… Dudley Dursley…
As if that wasn't enough, the woman gently stroked her cheek.
"Ashley, Ashley, my lovely baby. That will be your name from now on."
Ashley…
After what felt like an eternity of existential crisis, she finally accepted it.
She, Ashley Li… no, now Ashley Dursley… had truly transmigrated.
Into a baby.
Into the world of Harry Potter.
The evidence was overwhelming:
First, this "continuous dream" had never once ended. Each time she regained awareness, she was still a baby, only gradually improving in sight and hearing, just like normal development.
Second, she had heard names like Vernon, Marge, and Petunia. Too specific to be coincidence.
Third, the decisive proof: she had seen them. Her parents. Her aunt. Their appearances closely matched the characters from the films.
Fine.
Ashley, who had no attachments in her previous life, who could even adapt to drinking milk out of survival instinct, ultimately accepted reality.
Transmigration had already happened. What was so strange about there being an extra character who never existed before?
Of course, she had wondered why this happened. As someone who once dreamed of becoming a screenwriter, she had read plenty of novels and even tried calling out for a system.
No response.
If you can't understand something, don't dwell on it. Otherwise, you'll be the one who collapses.
Shock. Confusion. Frustration. Helplessness. A trace of secret delight. Excitement.
The transition from Ashley Li to Ashley Dursley was complete.
"Little cousin… your big sister is here."
…