Ch 8: Hogwarts Express

The Gacha wasn't particularly kind this month. The only good thing I got was a cool-looking skull mask—not practical but undeniably stylish. Still, I didn't mind. My focus was elsewhere, like preparing for my journey to Hogwarts.

---

Mrs. Carter, the orphanage manager, was kind enough to drop me off at King's Cross Station. She hugged me goodbye and told me to take care of myself, her usual parting words.

Before stepping away, I slipped 10,000 Pounds into the orphanage's donation box. They'd been good to me, and despite my morally grey antics, I wasn't heartless.

---

Standing between Platforms 9 and 10, I eyed the brick wall that led to Platform 9¾. Muggles passed by without sparing it a second glance, likely due to some charm.

Walking straight at it felt unnatural, but the moment I crossed, it was like stepping through a liquid veil. On the other side, the scene was straight out of the movies: a bustling crowd of witches and wizards swarming around a gleaming red steam engine—the Hogwarts Express.

Everyone seemed to be in a rush for reasons I couldn't comprehend. The train wasn't leaving for another hour, so what was the hurry?

Shrugging, I climbed aboard to find an empty compartment.

---

Once I stashed my stuff, I decided to explore. After all, Hogwarts was full of iconic characters, and I was curious to spot them.

Walking down the train, I recognized Oliver Wood, the future Gryffindor Quidditch captain. He was chatting with a group of students about strategies.

Further down, I saw Marcus Flint, the Slytherin Quidditch captain. He looked almost cartoonishly villainous, like Sid from Toy Story.

Then I spotted Nymphadora Tonks. Her ever-changing hair caught my eye, and curiosity got the better of me.

"Excuse me," I said, walking up to her. "I'm Arthur Wayne. I just wanted to ask you something about your ability."

She raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Aren't you a little cutie?"

I ignored the comment and pressed on. "Your Metamorphmagus ability lets you change your appearance, right? Can you feel your body physically changing, or is it more like an illusion?"

Tonks seemed amused by the question. "I do feel the changes, but they're subtle. After a while, you don't even notice."

"Interesting. What about animal traits? Can you transform into animals or gain features like wings or claws?"

"Nope, that's outside my wheelhouse," she said with a shrug. "It's strictly humanoid changes."

"Still, that's really cool," I said, genuinely impressed.

"You know, some people might find it rude to walk up and ask such personal questions," she teased.

"That's why I introduced myself first," I countered with a grin.

She laughed. "Fair enough. See you around, kid."

"Thanks for answering my questions."

---

After that I continued down the train, I saw Malfoy with his goons, Crabbe and Goyle. Their sneers were already in mid-season form.

In another compartment, I spotted Hermione, her nose buried in a book.

There was Cedric Diggory, looking as charming as ever. I also spotted Cho Chang chatting with someone. In a nearby compartment, Susan Bones sat with Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis, clearly enjoying their own conversations.

Satisfied, I returned to my compartment, only to find two new occupants: Ron Weasley and Harry Potter.

I didn't dislike them, but I wasn't in the mood for introductions. I gave a polite nod before leaning back and dozing off.

---

Hours later, I was jolted awake by a loud bang.

The compartment door slammed open, and a bushy-haired girl stormed in, dragging a round-faced boy behind her.

"Have any of you seen a toad? A kid named Neville has lost his," she said in one breath, looking around like she was inspecting a crime scene.

Ah, the infamous first meeting of the Golden Trio. It was as chaotic in person as it was in the books.

I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the grogginess. Of all the compartments, why mine?

Ron was mid-bite on a sandwich, looking flustered, while Harry blinked at the sudden intrusion.

"No, we haven't seen a toad," I said flatly, hoping to end this quickly and clearly looking annoyed.

But Hermione wasn't done. "You should be more proactive in helping others, you know," she lectured. "It's not very kind to ignore someone in need."

I groaned and muttered. "Fucking hell, who put her in charge?"

Hermione huffed, glaring at me for a second even tho I know she didn't hear me before turning to Ron. "You've got dirt on your nose, by the way."

Ron muttered something under his breath that I didn't quite catch, though it sounded like a creative mix of exasperation and sarcasm.

As the two bickered, Neville hovered awkwardly by the door. I caught his eye and shrugged. "Good luck, mate," I whispered.

Eventually, Hermione dragged Neville out, leaving the rest of us in peace.

"Blimey," Ron said, collapsing back into his seat. "She's mental, that one."

"Welcome to Hogwarts," I muttered to myself.

The train continued its journey, and the rest of the ride passed uneventfully.

---

As we neared Hogwarts, I caught my reflection in the window. My blonde hair and green eyes, courtesy of the Arthur Pendragon template, looked oddly fitting against the backdrop of the rolling hills and the approaching castle.

I didn't know what awaited me at Hogwarts, but one thing was clear—I wasn't just another student.

The games had officially begun.

---Note

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