Daily Life at Hogwarts - Chapter 13

On September 1st, Albert awoke early. He rose from his bed, dressed, stretched a little to fully wake himself.

Today, he was finally going to Hogwarts, and he couldn’t help but feel a hint of excitement.

After washing up, Albert began to double-check his luggage.

“Awake? Come down for breakfast,” Daisy, donning an apron, entered the room, telling Albert, who was inspecting his luggage, “By the way, keep your robes and pointed hat on top of your luggage. It’ll be easier to find and change into on the train.”

“Albert, aren’t you really taking Tom to school?” Nia, in her pajamas, hurried into the room holding the short-haired cat.

“I’m leaving Tom to keep you company,” Albert replied.

“And Snowy?” Nia inquired.

“She’ll fly to Hogwarts on her own. I asked, and they have owleries at the school where she can stay. I don’t want to bring an owl to King’s Cross Station; it would attract too much attention,” Albert said.

Breakfast, as usual, was simple. Daisy also prepared a ham sandwich and a drink for him, for when he got hungry.

Of course, there was food for sale on the train. Daisy wasn’t worried that Albert would go hungry. Herbert had given him the remaining Galleons, a considerable sum. They weren’t concerned about Albert spending recklessly, as there had never been any such precedent.

Using a levitation charm, Albert easily lifted the heavy suitcase into the car.

“Did you bring the camera?” Herbert asked, referring to the camera Albert’s grandfather Luke had gifted him.

“I did. I’ll write home every week and send pictures,” Albert assured, expressing his intention to capture snapshots of Hogwarts and share them with his family.

“That’s good,” Herbert nodded. “Let’s head out.”

The family arrived at King’s Cross Station before ten o’clock. Herbert helped Albert load his suitcase onto a trolley.

Albert moved towards the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10, he made a quiet gesture and casually reached out to touch the wall, confirming he could indeed pass through.

Relieved, he returned to Herbert, “Ok, I’m heading in.”

“Remember to write,” Herbert reminded him. “And send photos.”

“I will,” turning to his sister, Albert said, “Nia?”

“Cheeky. I wish I could go too,” Nia replied, giving Albert a hug.

“Don’t cause trouble at home,” Albert instructed.

“I won’t,” Nia replied, pretending to be cross.

“See you during the Christmas break, son,” Daisy embraced Albert and kissed his cheek. “We’ll go skiing when you return.”

“See you at Christmas,” with a glance around to ensure no Muggles were watching, Albert quickly sprinted into the wall.

“He’s gone,” Nia pointed out.

“Magic is always so wondrous. Let’s head back,” Herbert said, wrapping an arm around his wife and daughter. “Don’t worry; Albert will take care of himself.”

On the other side of the brick wall, Albert found himself at a different platform, a deep red steam engine labeled: Hogwarts Express.

There weren’t many passengers since the train wouldn’t depart until eleven. He had arrived almost an hour early.

Once inside the platform, Albert’s interface showed new notifications: “Discovered Platform 9¾, awarded 100 experience points.”

Though gaining experience from exploration was minimal, Albert didn’t mind. He quickly moved away from the entrance to avoid being bumped into by other students.

As described in the books, the checkpoint had turned into an archway with a sign overhead: Platform 9¾.

Truth be told, this was Albert’s first time on such an old-fashioned train.

Albert strolled through the station with his luggage, casually picked an empty compartment, used a levitation spell to place his suitcase, and then changed into his wizarding robes.

Just after Albert opened the window, Snowy flew in, perching on the table. It seemed she wasn’t planning to fly all the way to Hogwarts but instead hitch a ride on the train.

“Such a clever little one.” Albert patted the snowy owl’s head, took out some owl treats from his box, and poured some for Snowy.

“Oh yes, taking pictures! Almost forgot about it.” Albert took out his camera and returned to the platform, trying to capture a few close-ups of the Hogwarts Express.

Unfortunately, his photography skills left much to be desired. The results were merely average at best.

Thankfully, Luke probably anticipated this and provided him with plenty of film.

“This one isn’t too bad.” Albert chose a photo that featured the train’s engine, nodded in satisfaction, and headed back to his compartment.

He sat by the window, sneaking peeks at the platform. After a while, the platform began to fill up with passengers, and surprisingly, a light rain started to fall.

Wizards on the platform had opened their umbrellas, hastily bidding their families farewell. The scene was a little chaotic under the drizzle.

I wonder how many familiar faces I will see?

Albert didn’t expect to encounter the protagonist now. He started Hogwarts earlier than Harry Potter. He should be in the same year as the Weasley twins and Cedric Diggory.

Thankfully, he wasn’t in the same year as the “chosen one”, Harry. Albert didn’t fancy any close connections with him.

After all, Harry, being the protagonist, seemed to have a mix of “main character” and “trouble magnet” auras. Without a protective charm, one might suffer unfortunate consequences. Cedric Diggory was a prime example.

As the rain intensified outside, Albert slightly closed the window. Snowy, having finished her meal, began to doze off; owls were nocturnal, after all.

Pulling out a chocolate frog from his pocket, Albert unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth. Listening to the rain outside, his mood was good.

He never minded the rain, as long as he wasn’t getting wet.

The train’s corridor began bustling with activity, but with his compartment door closed, the noise barely disturbed Albert.

He opened “Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection” and began to read. He had already read this book several times and had tried most of the spells, except the Unforgivable Curses.

During the summer, Albert practiced almost all known magic, even attempting the Patronus Charm, albeit unsuccessfully.

“Hurry, hurry, the train’s about to leave!”

On the platform, a group caught Albert’s attention: a family saying their rushed goodbyes. Among them were a pair of red-haired twins.

“Is that the Weasley family?” Albert observed this famous family, finding their antics quite amusing. Especially Ron Weasley, who looked a bit clueless. Beside Ron was a girl, probably Ginny, clinging to Mrs. Weasley, seemingly upset she couldn’t go to Hogwarts yet.

Albert compared Ginny to his own sister. Yep, his sister was indeed cuter.

The Weasleys seemed in a hurry, probably delayed by something before reaching the station.

Albert’s attention shifted when someone knocked on his compartment door.

Outside stood a young black boy.