Chapter 102

Although Molly and Ron waited a while longer, scanning the station as if expecting someone to appear, neither had the patience to linger forever. With a last glance around, they pushed their carts and vanished through the barrier, following the others.

Alexander, Hope, Frank, and Alice Longbottom watched it all like hawks from their hidden vantage point.

When the coast was finally clear, they dropped their invisibility charms. Harry and Neville reappeared beside them.

Alexander turned to Harry."You saw everything, right?"

Harry nodded."Every bit of it."

Hope gave him a measured look, her tone gentle but firm.

"Keep an eye on that boy… and anyone else trying to get too close to you. Make sure they aren't working for Dumbledore."

"I will," Harry said without hesitation.

Frank rested a hand on Neville's shoulder.

"You do the same. Watch out for Harry, and watch yourself. I have no doubt Dumbledore will start keeping tabs on you too."

Neville gave a determined nod."I will, Dad."

With that, Alexander moved his hand in a fluid gesture. A disguise charm settled over each of them, altering small details — hair shades, eye color, posture just enough so Molly or Ron wouldn't recognize them even if they crossed paths.

Alexander stepped up beside Harry, who stood ready with his cart and his owl perched atop the cage, watching him with wide amber eyes.

"Just take a breath," Alexander said calmly. "Push the cart with all your speed. Straight through."

Harry nodded. No hesitation now.

Together, Alexander and Harry broke into a run, pushing the cart hard at the seemingly solid barrier. In a blink, the wall vanished around them.

They emerged on the other side, greeted by the bustling, open platform of Nine and Three-Quarters. The archway behind them now appeared as wrought iron, the sign hanging above in polished brass: Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

Billowing clouds of smoke curled from the scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express, parked proudly on the tracks beneath a sign announcing its departure at eleven o'clock sharp.

Harry stood in awe, taking in the sight with wide eyes — the scarlet train, the chatter of students, the flash of owls overhead.

Behind them, Hope followed through smoothly, then Frank, Alice, and Neville stepped out after her.

It didn't take long for Alexander, Hope, and Harry to spot the familiar faces waiting near the edge of the platform.

Klaus, Elijah, Hayley, Freya, Kol… and Davina.

The Mikaelsons stood together, all of them smiled seeing Harry, Alexander and Hope.

Harry's eyes lit up the moment he saw them.

Without thinking, he broke into a run, leaving his cart behind as he threw his arms around Klaus Mikaelson.

Klaus caught him easily, pulling Harry into a firm, protective hug — not something many ever saw from him. A rare, genuine smile tugged at his lips.

"You didn't think we'd miss your first day at Hogwarts, did you?" Klaus said, voice softer than usual.

Harry smiled through the tears burning at the corners of his eyes."No… I guess I knew you'd be here."

But still, it meant more to him than he could say.

Hope watched from the side, a small smile curving her lips. After everything they'd been through, seeing Harry like this — seeing Klaus like this — felt like a moment worth remembering. A quiet reminder that no matter how chaotic their lives became, these small, human moments still mattered.

Elijah stepped forward with his usual composed calm."This is the first chapter of your life as a wizard."

Freya smiled warmly."And you've got plenty of family behind you."

Kol gave a casual shrug, but his smirk gave him away."Better enjoy the attention while it lasts, kid. Hogwarts will see to it you get into trouble soon enough."

Davina let out a soft laugh."Ignore him. You'll do great."

Harry wiped at his face, stepping back from Klaus's embrace."Thanks… all of you."

Klaus gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze."We're not going anywhere."

A moment passed before Hope quietly filled them in on what had happened. The Weasleys. Molly's obvious searching. Dumbledore's hand in it all.

Klaus and Elijah exchanged a glance, their attention drifting toward Molly Weasley across the platform.

There she stood with her children, scanning the crowd — searching, clearly frustrated that she couldn't spot Harry Potter. Even Ron was looking around with uncertain glances, trying to pick him out of the sea of faces.

Elijah's gaze sharpened. He leaned in slightly, voice low."It seems Dumbledore chose his spies well."

Klaus gave a slow, tight nod, though his scowl deepened."Of course he did." His tone was edged with contempt. "Manipulation runs in his veins."

Elijah rolled his eyes at Klaus's words, but then his expression remained composed, but there was a glint of cold calculation in his eyes now."We'll make sure Harry isn't alone in this game, no matter how carefully Dumbledore sets his board."

Hope said nothing, but the look she shared with Harry said enough. They wouldn't let anyone control him — not Dumbledore, not the Ministry, not anyone.

Klaus rested a hand on Harry's shoulder one last time."Go, Harry. It's time."

There was no rush in his voice, just quiet certainty.

Alexander stepped up beside them.

"The disguise spell will fade once you're inside."

Harry nodded. He took a steadying breath, gripping the handle of his trolley a little tighter. His owl hooted softly in her cage, as if sensing his hesitation.

Neville gave him an encouraging smile.

"Come on, let's find a compartment before it gets crowded."

With a final glance at Klaus, Hope, and the others, Harry gave a small wave and followed Neville onto the train.

The platform noise faded behind them as they stepped up into the car, moving through narrow corridors filled with the chatter of excited students.

And just like Alexander said, as Harry crossed the threshold, the disguise charm melted away in a shimmer of faint light, leaving him as he was. Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived.

Klaus glanced toward Kol and Davina, a knowing look in his eyes."I heard the two of you are going to be part of the inspection team for Hogwarts?"

Before either could answer, Elijah spoke up, calm and assured as always."Yes. Amelia Bones requested it. She wanted them both on the team."

With Amelia Bones and Augusta Longbottom now seated firmly on the Hogwarts Board of Governors, changes had begun to take root. They had already exerted enough pressure to push through updates to the school's outdated curriculum and to propose new subjects entirely — subjects Dumbledore had been reluctant to consider.

Kol gave a lopsided grin." Well Snape and Dumbledore is going to have shock"

Davina smiled faintly."Dumbledore hasn't been given any notice. That was the point."

Alexander smirked."Then he won't see this coming."

Klaus's expression darkened slightly, but there was satisfaction beneath it."Good. Let's make sure things stay that way."

Above them, the whistle of the Hogwarts Express sounded. Smoke curled into the air as the scarlet train began to pull out of the station, carrying Harry and Neville into the next chapter of their lives.

Hope watched it go, her gaze steady.

They might not be able to shield Harry from everything that waited for him at Hogwarts, but he wouldn't be facing it alone.