Connor quickly left, but she didn't take the gold Galleons on the table. Instead, Kyle used a simple levitation spell to put them back into her pocket. Kyle wouldn't trick an eleven-year-old girl out of her money, even if she seemed well-off. It was a matter of principle—well, at least until he returned from Dorset.
Cedric glanced at the closed door, then back at Kyle, who looked noticeably relieved. He said with a hint of curiosity, "So, I was your first customer, right? Do I get to try the tonic, too?"
"What are you talking about? There's no need to be so formal," Kyle replied earnestly. "You're my best friend and brother, not just a customer."
Cedric nodded, "Yeah, then about the trial tonic—"
"No, that's only for customers," Kyle interrupted.
Cedric's expression tightened as he stared directly at Kyle. It was the first time he had seen someone so confidently distinguish between people and so openly favor their acquaintances. It was a new lesson for him.
Feeling weary, Cedric decided to change the topic and continue discussing Hogwarts-related matters. Naturally, the conversation shifted to Quidditch since both of them were fans.
The discussion soon veered into a debate over their favorite professional Quidditch teams. Kyle rooted for the Wimbledon Hornets, while Cedric was a die-hard supporter of the Chudley Cannons. The atmosphere turned tense.
The two stared each other down, and it seemed like sparks flew where their gazes met. A disagreement between fans isn't something that's easily settled, and neither of them was willing to back down. As time went on, the air in the compartment felt increasingly cold.
Their heated exchange only ended when the train suddenly jolted.
"The train will arrive at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train; we will take it to school for you," an announcement echoed through the train.
Kyle and Cedric immediately broke eye contact. Silently, they each began to change into their robes, understanding that there was no need to continue the argument.
Kyle glanced out the window, noticing that the sky outside had turned quite dark. That would explain the chill in the air. Thankfully, the rain had stopped, sparing him the need for an umbrella.
The train slowed to a halt, marking the end of their ten-hour journey.
Kyle double-checked his robes and wand to ensure everything was in order before following the crowd out of the train. They arrived at a small, dimly lit platform, overgrown with weeds. The station sign read "Hogsmeade Station," but the lettering was so faded that it was barely readable.
The platform was hardly impressive. Mud covered the ground, and Kyle stepped into a patch of it as he disembarked. Muttering, "Scourgify," he waved his wand to clean his shoes before moving to a cleaner area.
If Kyle were to describe this scene to someone, he doubted they'd believe that the platform of such a prestigious, centuries-old school could look this run-down. If it weren't for the name Hogwarts and the presence of Headmaster Dumbledore, it's unlikely anyone would willingly choose to study here based on first impressions.
In the crowd, Kyle spotted Kanna. The young girl looked visibly shaken, her face pale. When she noticed him looking her way, she hurried over, stumbling in her haste as if she had found a lifeline.
Kyle reached out and steadied her, taking out his wand again to clean the mud off her robe. "Scourgify," he said gently.
Afterward, he gave her a reassuring smile and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, you're safe here. Someone will come to guide us soon."
Kanna nodded, keeping her head down as she muttered a soft, "Thank you."
Just then, an oil lamp bobbed into view above their heads.
"First years! First years, this way!" A booming voice called out.
Amidst the first-year students, Hagrid's towering figure was impossible to miss. His wild hair and thick beard made quite an impression, startling some of the new arrivals.
Kyle even heard a few of them begin to cry. Although Kanna didn't join in, she clung tightly to Kyle's arm, gripping it so firmly that he winced.
Despite the discomfort, Kyle couldn't bring himself to pull away, not when Kanna looked so terrified. He marveled at how an eleven-year-old could be so strong.
"My name is Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts," Hagrid announced, waving the students forward. "Follow me, first years. Watch your step. I'll be taking you to Hogwarts by boat."
Kyle led Kanna toward the dim glow of the lamp, where it was a bit brighter. Once they reached the light, Kanna seemed to calm down. She quickly released Kyle's arm, her face flushed with embarrassment as she mumbled, "Sorry."
But her voice was too quiet, and the noise from the other students made it impossible for Kyle to hear her. He simply nodded, not fully aware of what she had said.
Hagrid walked slowly, allowing the first-years to keep pace with him. It took the group over twenty minutes to navigate the steep, narrow path. Finally, after rounding a bend, Hagrid smiled at the students and gestured ahead. "Now, get ready. You're about to see Hogwarts for the first time. Don't blink, it's one of the most beautiful sights in the wizarding world."
A chorus of gasps and exclamations followed.
Beside Kyle, Kanna stared ahead in awe, whispering, "It's so beautiful...!"
Before them lay the famous Black Lake, and across its waters stood the majestic castle of Hogwarts. Perched on a hillside, the castle's spires gleamed in the moonlight, making it seem like it was suspended among the stars.
The lit windows of the castle twinkled like the night sky, creating a scene that seemed almost magical.
Even Kyle found himself spellbound.
He couldn't help but suspect that the reason for the rundown state of the Hogsmeade platform was to amplify the breathtaking effect of this view.
"Alright, first-years, let's get into the boats. Don't keep the professors waiting too long," Hagrid instructed, pointing to the small boats lined up by the lake. "Remember, no more than four to a boat."
Kyle helped Kanna onto the nearest boat, followed by two other first-years, a boy and a girl. Judging by their excitement, they were eager to write home about the experience.
"Everyone in?" Hagrid asked from his own small boat, which he occupied alone. "Alright, let's head out!"
The fleet of boats glided across the lake, passing beneath cliffs and through a tunnel hidden beneath a veil of ivy. Their destination: the grand halls of Hogwarts.
(End of this chapter)