"So we're finally going to Hogwarts? I've been waiting for this day forever."
The one speaking wasn't Tom, but Andros.
Over the past few weeks, Andros had come to understand quite a bit about the modern wizarding world—its evolution, major events, and magical culture. One could say he was halfway to becoming a qualified modern wizard.
What he admired most were the legendary Four Founders who had once established Hogwarts. He often sighed with regret that he hadn't been born in their time to witness their greatness firsthand.
Andros couldn't exactly evaluate what level of wizards those four were, but he was confident they had to at least be on par with himself—what he called a King of the Century.
Tom had once asked Andros how he rated his magical talent, but the answer he received was vague and noncommittal.
There was no doubt—Tom was gifted. His talent met the standard of a once-in-a-generation wizard.
But the gap between a once-in-a-generation wizard and a King of the Century was massive. Based on the simple spells Tom had learned so far, Andros couldn't yet make a precise judgment.
Maybe Tom was just a late bloomer?
Still, that was Andros's polite way of saying: You're good—but not quite there yet. Somewhere in between.
Tom didn't feel discouraged. Talent wasn't fixed, after all. Hadn't he just inherited Andros's magical affinity?
And in time, he would gain more—stronger abilities, greater gifts. No need to rush.
He glanced at his system panel. His relationship with Andros had been improving steadily these past few days. The approval level was now at 46—just shy of 50. Once it hit that mark, he'd earn another draw from the reward pool.
In the eyes of ancient people, powerful wizards were no different from gods. Their feats were passed down, embellished, reimagined—and became mythology.
"Tom, you're ready to begin learning the Patronus Charm," Andros said, giving the boy a firm clap on the shoulder. He looked eager, excited even, to pass on one of his proudest magical achievements.
The Patronus Charm—without a doubt, a high-level spell. It demanded great magical power, but even more so, strength of will and purity of heart.
Tom's mental strength far surpassed his peers. That box was already checked.
As for magical power—now that he had inherited Andros's magical talent, that wouldn't be a problem either.
"I've been looking forward to this, Andros," Tom said. He had long coveted that giant, humanoid Patronus of Andros's.
"I'll demonstrate for you first," Andros said.
He stepped back a few paces, raised his wand high into the air, and shouted:
"Expecto Patronum!"
Silver-white threads of mist flowed from the tip of his wand, weaving together—then surged outward and solidified into a towering, colossal Patronus.
Tom's eyes went wide in disbelief.
"That's a Patronus?!"
The shimmering form reached over ten meters in height—and what stunned Tom most was that… it was Andros himself!
"Ahahaha!"
Andros laughed heartily, clearly pleased with Tom's astonishment.
"Surprised, huh? Normally, Patronuses take the shape of animals—reflecting the caster's inner character or spirit."
"But I believe that only one thing can truly protect us: our own strength and our unshakable conviction."
"Maybe that's why my Patronus turned out this way. And after further development, it gained many new abilities. It's exceptionally effective against dark forces."
He gave a confident grin. "Tom, follow the training method I taught you, and you might be able to manifest a humanoid Patronus too. Tempted yet?"
Tom nodded fiercely.
Who wouldn't be? Compared to otters, swans, or stags—come on! A humanoid Patronus was way cooler!
And if he could reach the same towering size as Andros's… that'd be like summoning a magical Gundam!
Tom's enthusiasm for learning was thoroughly ignited. He kept practicing late into the night, and only left the learning space the next day—reluctantly—when it was nearly time to leave. He hastily devoured a couple slices of bread, grabbed his suitcase, and set out for King's Cross Station.
His suitcase didn't look large, but it had been enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm. It was a tough spell—Tom had taken two days to barely master it. He managed to triple the internal volume, though anything more risked instability.
The spell wouldn't last forever either—he'd have to recast it every month to maintain the effect. But for now, it was enough.
As for breaking the Ministry's laws by casting the charm… Tom couldn't care less. He was just a fresh-faced first-year! How could he possibly know such advanced magic?
Clearly, someone had tampered with his luggage in an attempt to frame him!
10 o'clock.
Tom arrived at King's Cross Station. As one of London's busiest transit hubs, the station was packed with travelers.
The station's name—King's Cross—was originally meant to honor King George IV. Not exactly a model ruler. His reputation was… less than glorious.
Even his closest attendants despised him, once commenting, "No dog could be more vile, cowardly, or numb-hearted than this king."
There might be few great kings in the world—but George IV was certainly among the worst.
Tom couldn't understand why someone like that deserved a memorial station. Worse, statues of George IV could be found all across Britain.
He followed the flow of people until he reached the space between platforms Nine and Ten. Then, casually, he walked straight into the barrier.
And a new world opened up before him.
A crimson steam engine rested beside a crowded platform. Hanging on the side of the train was a gleaming plaque:
"Hogwarts Express."
One wall. Two worlds.
Tom took a deep breath and boarded the train—thus beginning the magical journey of yet another Tom Riddle.