Chapter 9: The Hogwarts Express

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In the wizarding world of England, September 1st is a very important day, especially for wizards who are eleven years old and have not yet graduated. This day marks the start of the new school year at Hogwarts.

The newly turned eleven-year-old wizards eagerly anticipate this day, counting down the minutes.

However, those who are twelve to seventeen may not share the same enthusiasm, as the beginning of the school year means the joyful days of summer are officially over, and they must face the homework they neglected all summer long.

This is certainly not good news.

This was especially evident with Kyle and the Weasley twins.

In the clearing in front of the Burrow, Kyle stood at the front, brimming with excitement, while Fred and George behind him wore anxious expressions. They often leaned together to whisper, as if it were their first time going to Hogwarts.

Yes, Kyle was there too.

Originally, Chris had planned to Apparate directly with him, but just before they set off, Mrs. Weasley arrived to knock on the door.

It seemed Mrs. Weasley had anticipated this, as her first words to Chris were about how there were too many Muggles at King's Cross Station. Using Apparition there would make them highly visible, which was unsafe. She insisted that Kyle go with them.

Chris wanted to say more, but seeing Mrs. Weasley's determined attitude, he swallowed his words and nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Kyle rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

He wished he could explain to Mrs. Weasley that, from a Muggle's perspective, it was far more shocking for nine people to emerge from a Ford than for two extra people to suddenly appear.

After all, there's no Ganges, and a Ford isn't a certain diamond-emblazoned vehicle that could fit as many as it could.

Unfortunately, at eleven years old, his voice held little weight and went unnoticed.

As he pondered this, Mrs. Weasley suddenly approached him, asking with concern, "Dear, have you packed everything?"

"Of course," Kyle replied, snapping back to attention. He kicked a large trunk at his feet. "I checked it three times before leaving; I didn't forget a thing."

"Good," Mrs. Weasley smiled and nodded.

At that moment, Mr. Weasley drove up in a vintage-looking old car, stopping in front of the group.

This was their mode of transportation: a second-hand Ford Anglia that Mr. Weasley cherished like a treasure.

"What are we waiting for? Get in!"

With Mr. Weasley urging them on, Chris was the first to hop into the car.

Seeing this, Kyle realized it was too late for any protests, so he resignedly followed suit, and soon the rest of the Weasley family piled in behind him.

Inside the car, the Undetectable Extension Charm had been cast, so even with nine people and a heap of luggage, there was no sense of crowding.

Mr. Weasley was an excellent driver; throughout the journey, Kyle didn't feel any significant bumps, nor did they experience sudden stops or starts. The ride was much smoother than any bus he had ever been on.

By around ten o'clock, they arrived punctually at King's Cross Station.

Fortunately, the situation Kyle had anticipated did not occur. In fact, the surrounding people barely noticed the old, battered Ford. The group smoothly reached the pillar between platforms nine and ten.

Once they were here, there was little worry about being seen by Muggles.

Nearby, there was a Muggle-Repelling Charm in place, causing ordinary people to instinctively overlook everything happening in this area. Even in special circumstances, members of the Ministry of Magic would handle any issues promptly, making it quite safe.

The group quickly formed a line under Mrs. Weasley's direction and took turns passing through the pillar in front of them, arriving at the famous Platform 9¾.

This place was much livelier than outside.

A deep red steam engine was parked beside the platform, its sign reading: Hogwarts Express.

"I see I'm not late," a gentle voice came from behind Kyle.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Kyle turned around sharply and was greeted by Diana, who was smiling warmly at him.

"Mom?" Kyle exclaimed in surprise. "Weren't you still on a mission?"

"Of course, I've completed it," Diana said as she crouched down to straighten Kyle's clothes. "Today is your first day of school; I didn't want to miss such an important day."

"That's great," Kyle replied, feeling happy.

If Chris had been the only one to take him to Hogwarts, it would have been quite disappointing.

Diana chatted with Kyle for a few more moments before sending him onto the train just before it was set to depart. She reminded him, "I assume Chris has already told you about Hogwarts. I won't repeat it, but there's one thing I doubt he mentioned."

Diana gazed into Kyle's deep blue eyes, speaking earnestly. "Dear, your father and I graduated a long time ago, and we don't want to revisit our school days, so please don't let us receive any letters from professors, including Dumbledore. Can you promise me that?"

"Don't worry, Mom," Kyle smiled. "I won't break any school rules, so they have no reason to send letters home."

"Of course, dear." Diana gently kissed Kyle on the cheek, watching him board the train. "And don't forget to tell us your Sorting results."

"I will," Kyle nodded before turning to get on the train.

A few minutes later, the train slowly pulled away from the platform, and only then did Diana retract her gaze.

Not far behind her, Chris had just finished a conversation with a middle-aged man and walked over to Diana.

"Is Mr. Diggory bragging about his son again?" Diana laughed.

Clearly, she recognized the person Chris had been speaking with.

Amos Diggory worked in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, just like Chris, and had a child attending Hogwarts. However, his son was a year older than Kyle and in the same year as the Weasley twins.

But unlike the mischievous twins, this boy excelled in all areas, much like Percy did in his time.

As a result, Diggory became somewhat of a "bragging fanatic," frequently boasting about his son every time he conversed with others.

Once or twice was tolerable, and people would join in with compliments, but after hearing him go on and on, it became unbearable.

Consequently, Diggory gradually became one of the least popular figures at the Ministry, especially among parents with children attending Hogwarts who were less academically inclined. Unless necessary, they would avoid running into him.

Even if they happened to cross paths, they would lower their heads and rush past, doing their best to avoid conversation.

For those who couldn't escape, like Chris, who worked in the same department, the routine was to exchange a few pleasantries before immediately finding an excuse to leave, ensuring he didn't have a chance to change the subject.

This time, however, Chris clearly couldn't escape.

"Cedric is indeed very impressive," he said with a wry smile. "Well, let's not discuss that. Have you really completed your mission?"

While he wasn't familiar with the specifics of the Department of Mysteries, he understood that tasks there typically lasted at least a month, making it nearly impossible to wrap one up in just two days.

"Of course not," Diana replied, squinting. "But my colleagues are quite understanding. I only needed to take a short leave, and they won't mind."

(End of Chapter)