Chapter 7 : Hogwarts Express to Magic

 CHIRP

CHIRP

Today was the day I had been eagerly anticipating the 1st of September, the day I would board the Hogwarts Express.

 Rising early among the chirping birds, I took charge of packing my belongings for the journey. Despite my protests, Mom insisted on ensuring I had everything I needed, right down to freshly washed underwear. 

With Hogwarts set to become my home for the next ten months, every detail mattered. And yes, I am not returning for Christmas. Because my parents are going back to India this summer for a cousin's wedding.

WHROOM

WHROOM

------------London, Train station---------

As the start of a new school year at Hogwarts, today was marked by the bustling activity at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, where students gathered to catch the Hogwarts Express promptly at 11 o'clock. To avoid any last-minute rushes, we arrived at the station an hour early.

The scene at the station was indeed a whirlwind of chaos, a chaos uniquely characteristic of wizards. Perhaps, the crazy nature is because their minds need to be trained to harness intent to shape the world – a necessary skill for magic. While stronger or older minds may anchor themselves better, the key point lies in whether they are willing.

It's almost as if the sun could rise from the west if wizards, who wield the power of magic, could easily change themselves. Fuck, I know muggles can't change themself, much less wizards with the power of bending the world.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the bizarre disguises some of them had adopted.

From a grandmother in flowing dress robes to a man sporting an afro and pyjamas, the array of eccentricities was endless. And then there were the owls, frogs, and even dancing hair – a prank, no doubt. 

CROAK

CROAK

SIZZLE

I finally spotted the Aurors, appearing relatively normal compared to the rest. Their presence reassured me somewhat, knowing that there were competent individuals tasked with maintaining the secrecy, especially considering the shortcomings of the Ministry under Fudge's leadership, which seems to be the same as depicted in the canon.

Well, the magical newspaper, like any business only cares about money. So, I am Up to Date with the latest news by spending 10 Gold.

=============Platform 9 ¾==============

I sat in the empty compartment, surrounded by the words of my family's farewells.

 "Mom, stop crying. It's embarrassing. Everyone is looking over here," I said, trying to quell her tears. Despite my attempts at maturity, it seemed my mother was the only one shedding tears in the crowded station.

As I watched around as she was being consoled by Dad, a couple of wizard kids darted around the platform, engaged in a playful game. Their laughter echoed through the station as they teased each other.

"Yes, I was first. You lose, loser," one of them exclaimed triumphantly.

The other pouted, protesting, "No, you cheated!"

"Loser, loser, loooooser," the first child taunted, eliciting a dramatic cry from the other.

"Mommy!" the child wailed, seeking comfort from the mean kid.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the scene, finding it funny. For my childish age and especially my adult mind, it was tempting to join in their game for a moment. But I resisted the urge, reminding myself of the embarrassment it would surely bring.

"Son, you are going to be far away from the family. Be careful, you are the one who is going to be responsible for yourself now," Dad cautioned, his voice tinged with concern. "By the time your age, my father had passed away, and Uncle was a baby of 3 years. Your grandma had to take care of him. 

 Your grandpa lost us everything in gambling and alcohol. I had taken up responsibility for the family, both for sustenance and education. I worked as a newspaper boy, and milk boy, and had a lot of difficulties coming to this point. My motivation back then was simple, I wished that my children should have all the luxuries I couldn't have."

I nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of his words. "I know, Dad. You have given us everything. I will make you proud."

A smile creased my father's lips, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and affection. "That you do. You know, I always believed in God, maybe that's the reason Magic confuses me, but at the same time, I am happy for you. Study well. I provided everything I could for you."

Always know how to say the stuff that makes me emotional. He indeed brought me luxuries – an extended room like a trunk, the best acromantula clothes, Books.

Books on magic, I asked for a lot of them. Let me tell you books are quite expensive stuff in the wizarding world. He must have spent thousands of pounds in the last month. The cost is no wonder considering knowledge of the magic world. 

No wonder, I admire him. He always jokes that one can make a movie out of his life. The poor to rich hero. 

Maybe I should do it in the future. I know which companies will succeed so wealth is not a problem. 

Watching my family disappear through the crowd, I decided to make a movie out of his life. It will be the best one of the ages. If it means that I have to threaten James Cameron to make it with my wand at his neck. So be it.

==========Hogwarts express===========

The Hogwarts Express was alive with activity as students and families bid their farewells. Excitement buzzed in the air as older students embraced friends and shared stories of their summer adventures. Meanwhile, first-years like me eagerly boarded the train, eager for the journey to begin.

From my seat by the window, I observed the scene unfolding around me, taking note of the diverse characters populating the platform. A small, round-faced boy conversed with an elderly woman wearing an extravagant hat, while a confident blond-haired student chatted with his father nearby. Two Indian parents bid farewell to their twin daughters, and even the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was present, reassuring her niece.

KNOCK KNOCK

As I absorbed the bustling atmosphere, there was a knock on the door of my compartment, drawing my attention away from the window. "You may enter," I called out, grateful for the polite interruption.

The door swung open, revealing a raven-haired girl with striking clothes. Despite my reserved nature, I couldn't help but notice her elegant attire made of acromantula silk. Her clothing screams out that she is rich.

"Hello, can I sit here?" she inquired politely.

"Of course," I replied with a welcoming smile, gesturing for her to join me.

She gave a curt nod and levitated her trunk inside. Wizard raised for sure. Or a once a once-a-generation genius like Tom.

Yeah right.

 In silence, we occupied ourselves with our respective books, the girl engrossed in Herbology while I read the advanced potions.

THUCK

Moments later, another girl entered the compartment, her cheerful demeanour contrasting with the calm atmosphere.

"Here you are, Daphne. I was searching for you all over the train," she exclaimed, dragging her trunks inside.

Ok, Pureblood it is.

Daphne Greengrass. The heroine of fanfics, almost rivalling Hermoine in the number of pairings. Seriously, she was only shown a second or so in movies and a few lines in the books, but millions of words were written about her.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Tracy Davis," she introduced herself to me, her bright smile inviting warmth.

"I am Arjun Prasad, likewise," I responded politely, acknowledging her introduction.

While Daphne narrowed her eyes and checked my attire again. She is confused about where to place me in the future hierarchy.

Am I a pureblood, half-blood or muggle-born?

Though they wanted to, they couldn't ask me. Because it is quite rude to do so.

While it might look like a joke to normal people, expecting such a trained mentality from 11 years old. In reality, the elite of society often face their own unique set of pressures and expectations. While some may succumb to the allure of privilege and become little more than idle parasites, others at least turn up competent.

As they are trying to dissect my surname. I endlessly lifted her trunks. The girls were surprised by this for sure. 

THUCK

My clothes and now wandless magic must have tagged me in as wizard raised now, while wandless magic's training book is perhaps available in some corner of pureblood libraries, it is not easy to train. 

To tame the volatile magic with fluctuating intents of childhood is years' worth of hard work. Even with dedicated help from AI, it took me years to accomplish this. 

Of course, people like Tom Riddle are anomalies.

 I wonder what they categorize me as because my family name is not known. Every foreign wizard enrolling in Hogwarts must require approval from the school board, of which George Greengrass is a member.

From the news reports of Daily Prophet- I gathered the following information.

The significance of the Greengrass family within wizarding society cannot be overstated. With a long-standing presence in the Wizengamot and a prominent role in shaping wizarding politics, George Greengrass holds considerable sway within the community. As the leader of the neutral block, he advocates for the preservation of wizarding traditions while also championing the inclusion of muggle-borns and other non-purebloods.

Unlike the dark traditionalist bloc led by Malfoy, Greengrass believes in a more inclusive approach, where individuals of all backgrounds have equal opportunities. However, he maintains the point that core positions in the ministry, Wizengamot, and major economic industries should ideally be held by purebloods, reflecting his belief in maintaining the status quo while promoting diversity and equality in other areas.

Associating with Daphne Greengrass, especially at a young age, could prove advantageous for the future. As the daughter of a prominent figure like George Greengrass, Daphne is likely to wield influence and connections within wizarding circles.

Impressions made now could lay the groundwork for future opportunities and alliances, making it essential to leave a positive and lasting impression.

The conversation outside our compartment quickly caught my attention, breaking the silence that had settled after my display of wandless casting.

"Someone is bringing an acromantula to Hogwarts?" a voice exclaimed.

"Yeah, Lee Jordan is trying to smuggle it into the castle. Everyone on the train knows that by now, so it's unlikely that he'll succeed," another voice replied, sending a shiver through the compartment's inhabitants.

The mention of an acromantula brought to mind descriptions from a Fantastic Beasts book I had read.

[Acromantulas: XXXXX danger class, magical man-eaters

Appearance: sported eight black eyes (white if blind) and were typically covered in thick black hair, with a leg span that could reach up to fifteen feet. On average, they were the size of a carthorse, though old specimens such as Aragog could grow up to 15 feet in leg span. They possessed a set of giant pedipalps, which they used to eat live prey or their dead kin. Their pincers produced a clicking sound when they were agitated or excited. They also secreted poison when excited. They were sentient and capable of human speech. Their fangs contained highly toxic venom, valued at 100 Galleons a pint in 1996]

Tracy, one of the girls in our compartment, gulped audibly at the thought of such a terrifying creature.

"Is that true?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"No, it's not possible. Hogwarts has strict checking of luggage before it is transported by house elves. Not to mention the wards that grew stronger from the time of founding," Daphne reassured her.

Seizing the opportunity to break the ice.

"It's probably for the better, last time someone brought one, a student died, and the offender ended up in Azkaban." Though it wasn't his fault, poor Hagrid just wanted to raise his disgusting, deadly pet in peace. "The spider escaped though; they say it started a colony in the forest near Hogwarts."

"Bloody hell…" Mumbled Tracy, her face pale. I saw the colour drain out of the girls' faces. At least I know who will not go into the forbidden forest.

"Not fond of spiders?" I asked.

I got solemn nods from both and heard an unexpected answer from the icy girl.

"Anything with more than four legs shouldn't exist."

I must say that is a surprising amount of vehemence. It reminded me of the family of murder victims who came to collect the body in the hospital during my intern days. Now, that is a story.

Perhaps to break the silence Tracy asked me, "Where do you think you'll be sorted?", pulling me out of my reverie.

It was a good question I spent a considerable amount of time asking myself. Weighing the pros and cons of each house.

"I don't know; it depends on how exactly we are sorted." I kept my answer vague. "And you? Any preference?"

"Honestly, I'd be fine with anything. But hoping for Slytherin though. "

The side glance towards Daphne, tells me the reason.

"Slytherin"

The reply from Daphne confirms it.

"So, what about you?"

Surprisingly, Daphne asked me about my preference. I expected such an inquiry from Tracy. Then again, I showed wandless casting, a skill associated with the reputation of great wizards. So, it makes sense to be curious.

"I have no idea. I can be loyal but only to a few. I don't like hard work but can do it if needed. I am all for knowledge and wisdom. I believe myself to be brave. I have spades of ambition. So, I may be sorted to any house."

"You didn't say anything about Noble and cunning."

"Well, I am cunning enough to know that a noble person does not introduce themselves as noble. If he did, he is a braggart."

That got a smile from them, the conservation continued different things like favourite subjects and everything we can think about. It was nice to see them being able to keep up.

Well, they are children of society's elite.

"Did you hear that? Harry Potter is here!" 

Potter was a national icon for the British wizarding community. There were books and toys about this guy, pretty much like Captain America in Marvel.

"Well, all eleven-year-old wizarding olds in Britain have to go to Hogwarts with some exceptions. If the Boy-Who-Lived chooses to study abroad, the public outrage would end up causing a diplomatic incident." Daphne replied to the overly excited witch, "So yes, Tracy, Harry Potter should be here."

"You're no fun, it's Harry Potter, I heard he was raised by dragons in the Castle of Avalon." The kids had stars in their eyes, they started talking about the many, many stories about Wizarding Jesus.

It was very sad, the guy this whole nation looked up to and idolized for something that not only couldn't remember doing but also cost his parents, their lives. That same child was simply thrown off by his awful relatives who didn't even want him at all.

But the protection he had kept him safe from numerous darks magic and curses. 

I am still surprised by the sheer number of ways one can kill with magic, from the convenience of one's house. That is circulating methods in the market which anyone can acquire with money thrown away.

If my theory regarding the protection and horcrux is right, then we have a wizarding titan on par with Dumbledore by the time Harry graduates from Hogwarts. He is groomed by Dumbledore to fulfil that thrice-damned self-fulfilling prophecy and be his successor.

The reputation, wealth from Potter House and political power, especially from the numerous associations with Dumbledore. Which the old man tacitly agreed in numerous instances.

We have the next Dumbledore in the making, made by the personal efforts of the present Dumbledore.