On September 1st, Albert woke up early, climbed out of bed, got dressed, and stretched to shake off the last of his sleepiness.
Today was finally the day he would go to Hogwarts, and he couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement.
After washing up, Albert began checking his luggage.
"Are you awake? Come downstairs for breakfast," Daisy said, entering the room with her apron tied. "Oh, and put your robes and pointed hat on top of your trunk. It'll be easier to change on the train."
"Albert, are you really not taking Tom to school?" Nia asked, rushing into the room in her pajamas, clutching her short-haired cat.
"Tom will stay here with you," Albert replied.
"What about Shera?" Nia pressed.
"She'll fly to Hogwarts on her own. I checked—the school has an owlery where she can stay," Albert explained. He didn't want to bring an owl to King's Cross Station, as it would draw too much attention.
Breakfast was as simple as usual. Daisy also packed him a ham sandwich and a jar of juice for when he got hungry.
Food was available on the Hogwarts Express, so Daisy wasn't worried about Albert going hungry. Herb had given him all his remaining Galleons—a substantial amount. They weren't concerned about him squandering the money, as there was no precedent for such behavior.
Albert cast a Levitation Charm on his heavy trunk, effortlessly lifting it into the car.
"Did you bring your camera?" Herb asked. "The one Grandfather Luke bought you?"
"Yes, I did. I write home every week and send photos with my letters," Albert assured him. He planned to take pictures of Hogwarts to share with his family.
"Good," Herb nodded. "Let's get going."
The family arrived at King's Cross Station before ten o'clock. Herb helped Albert load his trunk onto a luggage trolley.
Albert pushed his luggage to the wall between Platforms 9 and 10. He made a quiet gesture, casually reached out, and his hand passed right through the brick.
Albert sighed in relief and returned to Herb. "Okay, I'll go in myself now."
"Remember to write," Herb said. "And send photos."
"I will." Albert turned to his sister. "Nia?"
"That's so unfair! I want to go too!" Nia threw her arms around Albert in a hug.
"Don't cause trouble at home," Albert warned. "Don't give Mom and Dad a hard time."
"I won't!" Nia turned her head away, pretending to be angry.
"See you during winter break, son," Daisy said, giving Albert a farewell hug and kissing his cheek. "We'll take you skiing then."
"See you during winter break," Albert replied, pushing his trolley. He glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then dashed toward the brick wall.
"He's gone," Nia pointed to the spot where Albert had vanished.
"Magic is always so wondrous," Herb said, wrapping his arms around his wife and daughter. "Don't worry, Albert can take care of himself."
On the other side of the brick wall, Albert found himself in another station. A crimson steam engine stood beside the platform, its sign reading: Hogwarts Express.
There weren't many passengers on the platform. The train was scheduled to depart at eleven o'clock, and it was still before ten—he had arrived an hour early.
As soon as he stepped onto the platform, a new notification appeared on his panel: Platform 9¾ discovered. Reward: 100 experience points.
Exploring the map also granted experience, though in small amounts. Albert didn't pay much attention. Suddenly remembering something, he quickly moved away from the entrance to avoid being bumped by anyone behind him.
Where the ticket barrier had been, there was now an arched gateway with a sign above it: Platform 9¾.
Just as described in the books.
This was Albert's first time riding such an old-fashioned train—a true antique.
Pushing his luggage through the station, he casually picked an empty compartment, used a Levitation Charm to float his trunk inside, found a spot for it, and closed the door behind him. Then, he began changing into his wizard robes.
Albert had barely opened the window when Shera flew over and landed on the table. It seemed she had no intention of flying to Hogwarts on her own and was planning to hitch a ride.
"Clever little thing," Albert murmured, stroking the Snowy Owl's head. He retrieved some owl nuts from his trunk and poured a small pile for Shera.
"Right, photos! I almost forgot." Albert grabbed his camera and returned to the platform to take close-up shots of the Hogwarts Express.
Unfortunately, his photography skills were rather lacking, and the resulting pictures were only mediocre.
Fortunately, Luke had probably anticipated this and provided him with plenty of extra film.
"This one's good," Albert said, selecting a photo featuring the train's engine. He nodded in satisfaction and returned to his compartment.
He settled by the window, peering half-hidden at the platform. As time passed, the number of passengers gradually increased, and a light rain began to fall.
"It always seems to rain whenever I go to Hogwarts," Albert muttered, feeling vindicated for arriving early.
Wizards on the platform held umbrellas, hurrying to bid farewell to their families in the downpour, looking rather disheveled.
I wonder how many familiar faces I'll see?
Albert didn't expect to encounter the protagonist just yet. He had entered Hogwarts earlier than Harry Potter, placing him in the same year as the Weasley twins and Cedric Diggory.
He was relieved not to be in the same year as the Savior. Albert had no desire to become entangled in Potter's affairs.
After all, the Savior was a natural magnet for both protagonist's luck and self-destructive tendencies. Ordinary people caught in his orbit without protective luck might not survive. Cedric Diggory served as a prime example.
The rain outside intensified. Albert narrowed the gap in the window. Shera, having finished her meal, began to doze off—owls were nocturnal creatures after all.
He pulled a chocolate bar from his pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth. Listening to the rain outside, Albert felt content.
As long as he wasn't caught in the downpour, he didn't mind the rain at all.
The corridor of the train carriage gradually grew lively, but Albert, having closed the door to his compartment, remained largely unaffected by the commotion outside.
He opened Dark Arts: A Guide to Self-Defense and slowly flipped through its pages, using the book to pass the time. Albert had read this book more than once and had already tried out some of the spells it contained.
In fact, throughout the summer, Albert had attempted every spell he knew, except for the Unforgivable Curses. He had even tried the Patronus Charm, though naturally without success.
"Hurry, hurry! The train's about to depart!"
On the platform, a family caught Albert's attention. They were hurriedly saying their goodbyes, among them a pair of red-haired twin brothers.
"Is that the Weasley family?" Albert observed the famous group with amusement. Ron Weasley, in particular, still looked rather goofy. Beside Ron stood a girl who must be Ginny, clinging tightly to Mrs. Weasley, seemingly disappointed at not being able to go to Hogwarts yet.
Albert compared Ginny to his own younger sister. Hmm, my sister is definitely cuter.
The Weasleys seemed rushed, likely delayed before arriving at the station.
Albert turned his attention back to his book when someone knocked on the compartment door.
A black youth stood outside.