In the British wizarding world, September 1st is a significant day, especially for wizards who are over the age of eleven but have not yet graduated—it's the day Hogwarts reopens.
Young wizards who had just turned eleven eagerly anticipated this day, longing for its arrival. However, wizards aged twelve to seventeen might feel differently. For them, the start of school marks the end of a joyful summer break and the return to assignments that were conveniently forgotten over the holidays. This transition isn't exactly welcome news.
This sentiment was especially true for Kyle and the Weasley twins. As they gathered in the yard of the Burrow, Kyle stood at the front, brimming with excitement, while Fred and George hovered behind him, looking nervous. The two whispered to each other as if it was their first time going to Hogwarts.
Kyle was joining them on the journey to school. Originally, Chris had planned to Apparate him directly there. But just as they were about to leave, Mrs. Weasley came by, knocking on the door.
It seemed she anticipated Chris's plan, for her first words were about how many Muggles would be at King's Cross Station. Using Apparition there would be too risky, she insisted. She insisted that Kyle travel with them instead, for safety's sake.
Chris considered arguing, but after seeing her firm resolve, he relented. He nodded in agreement, while Kyle could only rub his forehead helplessly. He thought to himself how Mrs. Weasley might not realize that nine people climbing out of a Ford was far more attention-grabbing to Muggles than two people appearing out of thin air.
Yet, at eleven years old, Kyle's opinion carried little weight, and his thoughts were simply dismissed.
As they readied to leave, Mrs. Weasley turned to Kyle with a gentle smile. "Dear, have you packed everything?"
"Of course," Kyle replied, nudging the large trunk by his feet. "I checked it three times before we left. Nothing's missing."
"That's good," Mrs. Weasley nodded, satisfied.
Just then, Mr. Weasley arrived in an old, beat-up car, pulling to a stop before them. The car—a well-worn, ninth-hand Ford—was their ride. Despite its age, Mr. Weasley cherished it dearly.
"What are you waiting for? Hop in!" Mr. Weasley called out, urging them along. Chris got in first, and with a resigned sigh, Kyle followed. The Weasleys piled in behind them.
Thanks to an Undetectable Extension Charm, the interior of the car was surprisingly spacious. Even with nine people and all their luggage, it didn't feel cramped at all. Mr. Weasley proved to be an adept driver—smooth and steady, with none of the jolting starts and stops of a bus. The trip was quite comfortable, and they reached King's Cross Station around ten o'clock.
Thankfully, the scene Kyle dreaded never came to pass. The Ford didn't seem to attract any undue attention, and the group made it to the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10 without a hitch.
At the station, they were in a safer zone. Muggle-Repelling Charms around the area ensured that non-magical people would pay little attention to them. And if any Muggles did notice something unusual, Ministry wizards stationed nearby were ready to intervene.
Under Mrs. Weasley's guidance, they crossed through the barrier in turn, entering the bustling Platform 9¾.
The platform buzzed with energy. A crimson steam train waited, a sign above it reading: *Hogwarts Express*.
"It seems I'm not late," a gentle voice called from behind Kyle. Turning, he saw Diana smiling at him.
"Mom?" Kyle asked, surprised. "Didn't you have a mission to complete?"
"It's all taken care of," Diana assured him, crouching down to adjust his clothes. "I didn't want to miss your first day at school."
Kyle's face lit up. "I'm so glad you're here. It wouldn't have been the same if only Chris had come."
Diana chatted with him a bit longer, but as the train's whistle signaled departure, she urged him to board. Before he left, she added, "I'm sure Chris has told you a lot about Hogwarts, so I won't repeat it. But there's one thing he might have missed."
Her deep blue eyes met Kyle's seriously. "Dear, your father and I have long since graduated, and we're not eager to relive our school years. Please don't give the professors, including Dumbledore, any reason to send us letters, alright?"
Kyle grinned. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll follow the rules. They won't have any reason to write home."
"Of course, dear," Diana said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "And don't forget to tell us which house you're sorted into."
"I will," Kyle promised before boarding the train.
Minutes later, the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station, and Diana finally turned away from the platform. Not far behind her, Chris approached, having just finished a conversation with a middle-aged man.
"Was Mr. Diggory bragging about his son again?" Diana asked with a knowing smile.
Chris sighed. "Cedric's doing great, as usual," he replied, chuckling. "But let's not dwell on that. Did you really finish your mission?"
Chris knew that missions from the Department of Mysteries rarely wrapped up in two days, usually taking at least a month.
"Not quite," Diana admitted, narrowing her eyes playfully. "But my colleagues are very understanding—they won't mind if I take a bit of leave."
(End of this chapter)