Chapter 5: Preparing for Hogwarts and Departure.

Back home, Vincent immersed himself in the books he had acquired. His eidetic memory allowed him to absorb information quickly, and he practiced spells diligently. The knowledge he gained would be crucial in his plan to navigate this new world.

He set up a study schedule, dedicating hours each day to different subjects both of the wizarding world and the normal school curriculum.. He read through his textbooks, sadly he couldn't practice spells in the privacy of his room as McGonagall had warned him against such, but he experimented with occlumency, a skill he knew would be invaluable.

He learned about the history of magic, the different branches of magical study, and the famous wizards and witches who had shaped the magical world. The more he learned, the more determined he became to master his new abilities.

The day arrived for Vincent to leave for Hogwarts. His grandparents drove him to King's Cross Station, their farewells brief and unemotional.

"Remember, Vincent, maintain your normal studies," his grandfather reminded him. "You'll need to pass the exams after the term."

"Of course, Grandfather," Vincent replied, his tone respectful but detached.

His grandmother placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Vincent," she said softly. "And remember, you are a Van Doren."

Vincent nodded, feeling a strange mix of emotions. "I will, Grandmother."

At the station, he followed the instructions in his letter, pushing his trolley through the barrier at Platform 9¾. He emerged onto the bustling platform, filled with students and their families.

On the train, Vincent found an empty compartment but was soon joined by Other soon to be students, a girl that introduced herself as Susan Bones and her friends. They chatted amiably, but Vincent remained focused on his reading.

After some more time on the train Susan was curious, asking him about his background and his thoughts on starting at Hogwarts. Vincent answered politely, but kept his responses brief.

"I'm excited," Susan said, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I've heard so many amazing things about Hogwarts."

"It does seem like a fascinating place," Vincent agreed, his mind already formulating plans for his time there, he was certain that he would stay away from the "golden trio" and keep mostly to himself but establish him as someone to not be messed with, he would step into the spotlight during his fourth year that when the triwizard tournament starts, and that's when he will make his mark and be set for his other future plans .

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Hermione Granger popped in, looking for her lost toad.

"Have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one," she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Vincent nonchalantly stood up from his seat and went into the train corridor and summoned it with "Accio" and handed the frog over to Hermione impressing the others..

"Wow, you can already do spells?" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"Just a bit of practice," Vincent replied modestly, though inwardly he felt a sense of satisfaction and went back to his seat in the cabin.

Hermione thanked him and left with the toad.

The rest of the trip to Hogwarts was calm and after some time they finally arrived on the station.