Chapter 9: Hogwarts Express
Chapter 9: Hogwarts Express
In the British Wizarding World, September 1st is a significant day, especially for young witches and wizards aged eleven and above who have yet to graduate.
This is the day when Hogwarts begins its new term.
Eleven-year-old witches and wizards eagerly anticipate this day, wishing for it to arrive sooner.
However, those between the ages of twelve and seventeen may not share the same enthusiasm, as the start of school signifies the official end of their enjoyable summer vacation, and they must also confront the homework they had forgotten about during the break.
This is certainly not good news.
This sentiment is particularly evident in Kyle and the Weasley twins.
In front of the Burrow, Kyle, standing at the forefront, is filled with excitement, while Fred and George behind him appear nervous, whispering to each other from time to time as if they were going to Hogwarts for the first time.
Yes, Kyle is here too.
Chris had originally planned to Apparate with him, but just before their departure, Mrs. Weasley knocked on their door.
Mrs. Weasley seemed to have anticipated his plan, and the first thing she said to Chris was that there were too many Muggles at King's Cross Station, making it unsafe to Apparate as they might be seen. She insisted that Kyle travel with them.
Chris wanted to say something more, but seeing Mrs. Weasley's determination, he could only swallow his words and reluctantly nod in agreement.
Kyle, standing nearby, rubbed his forehead in exasperation.
He wanted to tell Mrs. Weasley that in the eyes of Muggles, nine people getting out of a Ford car would be far more startling than suddenly having two extra people appear.
After all, there was no Ganges River, and the Ford was not some iconic car with a diamond-shaped logo that could accommodate as many people as they wanted.
Unfortunately, he was only eleven years old, and his words carried little weight. He was ignored.
Just then, Mrs. Weasley approached Kyle and asked with concern, "Dear, are you all packed?"
"Of course," Kyle replied, snapping out of his thoughts. He kicked a large box by his feet and said, "Before leaving, I checked three times to make sure I didn't forget anything."
"That's good," Mrs. Weasley smiled and nodded.
As they spoke, Mr. Weasley drove up in an old-fashioned car that seemed to have seen better days.
This was their mode of transportation for the journey—a nine-hand Ford, likely acquired from a second-hand market, but Mr. Weasley cherished it dearly.
"What are you waiting for? Get in the car," Mr. Weasley urged.
Following Mr. Weasley's prompt, Chris was the first to get into the car.
After witnessing this, Kyle knew it was too late to say anything, and he reluctantly followed suit, with the Weasley family joining them.
The car had been enlarged using the Seamless Expansion Charm, making it feel spacious even with nine people and a large amount of luggage inside.
Mr. Weasley was an excellent driver, and throughout the journey, Kyle did not experience any noticeable bumps or jerks. There were no sudden stops, abrupt starts, or any other uncomfortable movements, making it a much smoother ride than some public buses.
Around ten o'clock, they arrived at King's Cross Station right on time.
Fortunately, the situation Kyle had feared did not occur, or perhaps the people around them simply didn't care about an old, dilapidated Ford car. The group smoothly made their way to a pillar between platforms nine and ten.
Once they reached this point, there was little concern about being noticed by Muggles.
The area was protected by a Muggle-Repelling Charm, causing ordinary people to subconsciously ignore anything happening there. Even in rare cases of unusual occurrences, Ministry of Magic members nearby would promptly address the situation, ensuring safety.
The group lined up efficiently and, one by one, passed through the pillar under Mrs. Weasley's direction, arriving at the famous Platform Nine.
It was far livelier here than outside.
At the platform, a deep crimson steam train stood with a sign hanging on it that read: Hogwarts Express.
"It seems I'm not late," a gentle voice came from behind Kyle.
Hearing the familiar voice, Kyle turned around abruptly and saw Diana smiling at him.
"Mom?" Kyle exclaimed in surprise, "But you still have a mission..."
"Of course, it's already completed." Diana crouched down and straightened Kyle's clothes, "Today is your first day of school, and I don't want to miss such an important day."
"That's great," Kyle was also delighted.
If only Chris had come to send him to Hogwarts, it would have been a real pity.
Diana exchanged a few more words with Kyle and only sent him onto the train just before departure, with her final instructions, "I think Chris has already told you about the general situation at Hogwarts, so I won't repeat it. But there's one thing I don't think he mentioned."
Diana looked at Kyle with her deep blue eyes and said seriously, "Dear, your father and I graduated a long time ago, and we don't want to reminisce about our school days. So, please don't let us receive any letters from professors, including Dumbledore, okay?"
"Don't worry, Mom," Kyle smiled and reassured her, "I won't break any school rules, so they have no reason to send letters home."
"Of course, dear," Diana kissed Kyle's cheek and watched him board the train, "Also, don't forget to tell us about the Sorting results."
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"I will," Kyle nodded, then turned and boarded the train.
A few minutes later, the train slowly left the platform, and Diana finally withdrew her gaze.
Not far behind her, Chris had just finished a conversation with a middle-aged man and quickly walked over to Diana.
"Mr. Diggory is showing off his son again?" Diana asked with a smile.
Apparently, she was also familiar with the man Chris had been talking to.
Amos Diggory, like Chris, worked in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the Ministry of Magic, and he also had a child attending Hogwarts, who was a year older than Kyle and in the same year as the Weasley twins.
However, unlike the mischievous Weasley twins, Diggory's son excelled in all aspects, similar to Percy in his early years.
As a result, Diggory, the proud father, would boast about his son almost every time he spoke to someone throughout the year.
Once or twice was understandable, and people would join in with their praises, but it was unbearable for him to keep talking about his son all the time.
Consequently, Diggory gradually became one of the least popular individuals in the Ministry, especially among those with children attending Hogwarts who performed average. Unless necessary, they would avoid him at all costs.
Even when they occasionally encountered him, they would quickly pass by with their heads down, avoiding any conversation.
In unavoidable situations, like in an elevator or as colleagues in the same department like Chris, they would make small talk and then immediately find an excuse to leave, never giving Diggory a chance to change the topic.
This time, however, Chris seemed to have no choice but to face Diggory.
"Cedric is indeed outstanding," Chris said with a wry smile, "Never mind, let's not talk about that. Has your mission really been completed?"
Although he wasn't familiar with the specifics of the Department of Mysteries, he knew that the tasks there were usually measured in months, and it was almost impossible for a mission to be completed in just two days.
"Of course not," Diana narrowed her eyes and said, "But my colleagues are all easy to talk to. I just took a short leave, and they won't say anything."
(End of Chapter)
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