Chapter 9: Hogwarts Express

In the British wizarding world, September 1st was a very important day. Especially for wizards over eleven who hadn't graduated yet.

This was the day Hogwarts opened.

Young wizards who had just turned eleven looked forward to this day, hoping it would come soon.

But wizards between twelve and seventeen might not feel the same way. Because opening day meant the end of their happy summer holidays. They had to face all the homework they had forgotten about over the summer.

That was not good news.

This was especially evident with Kyle and the Weasley twins.

On the empty ground in front of The Burrow, Kyle, standing at the front, was very excited. Fred and George, behind him, were full of anxiety. They would huddle together and whisper to each other from time to time as if they were going to Hogwarts for the first time.

Yes, Kyle was here too.

Chris had originally planned to just Apparate there with him. But just before leaving, Mrs. Weasley came knocking.

Mrs. Weasley seemed to have guessed what he was going to do. Her first words to Chris were that there were too many Muggles at King's Cross station. The apparition would be easily seen and unsafe. No matter what, Kyle had to go with them.

Chris wanted to say something else, but seeing Mrs. Weasley's firm attitude, he swallowed his words back down, nodded, and agreed.

Kyle, on the other side, rubbed his forehead helplessly.

He wanted to tell Mrs. Weasley that in the Muggles' eyes, nine people getting off a Ford was much more shocking than suddenly having two more people.

After all, there was no River Ganges, and the Ford wasn't some car with a diamond logo. They could take as many people as they wanted.

But unfortunately, he was only eleven, and his voice was weak. He was simply ignored.

Just as he was thinking, Mrs. Weasley suddenly came over to Kyle and asked with concern, "Dear, have you packed everything?"

"Of course." Kyle came to his senses, kicking a large suitcase at his feet, "I checked three times before leaving. Nothing is missing."

"That's good." Mrs. Weasley smiled and nodded.

As they spoke, Mr. Weasley drove up in a very vintage-looking car.

This was their means of transportation, a second-hand Ford of unknown origin. But Mr. Weasley loved it dearly and treasured it.

"What are you waiting for? Get in."

At Mr. Weasley's urging, Chris was the first to get into the car.

Seeing this, Kyle knew it was too late to say anything. He reluctantly followed and then came the Weasley family.

The car was enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm. Even with nine people, plus a pile of luggage, it didn't feel crowded at all.

Mr. Weasley's driving skills were excellent. All the way, Kyle didn't feel any noticeable bumps, nor did he experience any sudden braking or the car bobbing up and down like a certain bus. It was much better than a certain bus.

Around ten o'clock, they arrived at King's Cross station on time.

Fortunately, the situation Kyle had imagined didn't happen, or rather, people around wouldn't care about an old and battered Ford. They smoothly arrived at a pillar between platforms nine and ten.

Once they got here, they didn't have to worry about being discovered by Muggles anymore.

There was a Muggle-Repelling Charm nearby. Ordinary people would subconsciously ignore what was happening here. Even if there were any unusual situations, nearby Ministry members would handle it immediately. It was very safe.

They lined up expertly, and under Mrs. Weasley's guidance, they passed through the pillars one by one and arrived at the famous Platform 9 3/4.

It was much livelier here than outside.

A crimson steam train was parked beside the platform. A sign hung on it, which read: Hogwarts Express.

"Looks like I haven't missed my train." A gentle voice came from behind Kyle.

Hearing this familiar voice, Kyle quickly turned his head and saw Diana smiling at him.

"Mom?" Kyle exclaimed, "Didn't you have a mission?"

"Of course, I've finished it." Diana squatted down and adjusted Kyle's clothes, "Today is your first day at school. I wouldn't miss such an important day."

"That's good." Kyle was happy too.

It would be a real pity if only Chris came to see him off at Hogwarts.

Diana chatted with Kyle for a few more words, until the train was about to leave. Then she saw him onto the train and finally instructed him, "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 think he didn't mention."

Diana looked at Kyle with her deep blue eyes and said seriously, "Darling, your father and I have been out of school for a long time. And we don't want to reminisce about our old school days. So, please don't let us receive any letters from any professor, including Dumbledore, okay?"

"Don't worry, Mom." Kyle smiled, "I won't break the rules. They have no reason to write home."

"Of course, dear." Diana kissed Kyle's cheek lightly and watched him board the train, "And, don't forget to tell us your Sorting results."

"I will." Kyle nodded and finally boarded the train.

A few minutes later, the train slowly pulled away from the platform. Diana finally withdrew her gaze.

Not far behind her, Chris had just finished talking to a middle-aged man. He quickly walked over to Diana's side.

"Is Mr. Diggory showing off his son again?" Diana laughed.

She knew the man Chris was talking to.

Amos Diggory, like Chris, worked at the Department of Magical Creatures and Control at the Ministry of Magic. He also had a child attending Hogwarts. He was a year older than Kyle, the same year as the Weasley twins.

But unlike the mischievous twins, the boy was excellent in all aspects, similar to Percy back then.

Therefore, Diggory, the show-off dad, would always brag about his son every time he talked to someone.

Once or twice was okay. People would flatter him with a few compliments. But he wouldn't stop talking. Who could stand it?

So, Diggory gradually became one of the most unwelcome people at the Ministry. Especially those parents whose children attended Hogwarts but weren't top students. Unless necessary, they would never meet him.

Even if they ran into each other occasionally, for example, in the elevator, or like Chris, a colleague in the same department, they would exchange greetings and quickly find an excuse to leave, never giving him a chance to change the subject.

This time, Chris obviously couldn't avoid him.

"Cedric is indeed very good."

Chris smiled wryly, "Forget it, let's not talk about this. Did you complete your mission?"

Although he didn't know the specifics of the Department of Mysteries, he did know that missions that appeared there were at least a month long. It was almost impossible to finish one in two days.

"Of course not." Diana narrowed her eyes, "But my colleagues are easy to get along with. Just asking for a little leave, they won't say anything."