Harry had barely slept the night before. The excitement bubbling inside him was almost too much to handle. Today was the day he was finally going to Hogwarts. The anticipation of meeting other magical people his age, exploring the ancient halls of the castle, and beginning his formal magical education made him feel like he could burst with energy. Despite all his adventures and learning over the summer, this was the moment he'd been waiting for, and it was finally here.
Waking up in his luxurious bed at Runestone Castle, Harry quickly found Norky, his loyal house-elf, waiting by the door. As always, Norky looked immaculate in his black and white tuxedo, which contrasted humorously with his tall, vintage-style black hat. The black shoes he wore had been custom-made to fit his small feet, and Norky took great pride in his appearance.
"Good morning, Master Harry," Norky greeted with a deep bow, his hat nearly falling off his head. "Breakfast is ready, and everything is in order for your departure."
"Morning, Norky," Harry replied with a smile. "Thank you. Everything's packed, and I'm all set to go."
As Harry dressed, his thoughts drifted to Norky and Rosly. They were such a vital part of his life now, helping him manage his various properties, including Runestone Castle. He was especially glad that he had bought them both. Their loyalty and enthusiasm were unmatched. Rosly, with her exaggerated sense of fashion, always brought a smile to his face. She wore her black and white maid outfit with a certain flair, always adding the most extravagant hat she could find, adorned with colorful feathers.
Harry chuckled to himself as he remembered the day he told them they could wear whatever they liked. He hadn't expected such eccentric choices, but seeing them so happy in their outfits made it all worth it. More than anything, he wanted them to be happy. And they were, which made Harry happy too.
After quickly checking his trunk one last time, Harry headed to the dining room for breakfast. The dining hall in Runestone Castle was vast, with high ceilings and long tables, but Harry preferred to sit at a smaller table near the windows, where the morning sun streamed in. The room was still and peaceful, with the sound of birds chirping faintly in the distance.
As he ate, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as he thought of Reeny, the ghostly house-elf who had been a constant presence in his life since he'd moved into Runestone Castle. Reeny had been like a comforting shadow, always there but never intrusive, tending to the castle with quiet efficiency. Saying goodbye to her was difficult, but he knew he'd be back during the holidays. For now, he simply needed to focus on what lay ahead.
After breakfast, Harry made his way to the front hall, where Reeny was waiting to bid him farewell. The ghostly elf hovered slightly off the ground, her translucent form shimmering in the morning light.
"Goodbye, Reeny," Harry said softly. "I'll be back soon. Take care of the castle while I'm gone."
Reeny smiled, her ethereal voice echoing softly. "Of course, Master Harry. Safe travels, and may your time at Hogwarts be filled with wonder."
With a final nod, Harry activated the portkey that would take him to Highgarden, one of the other properties under his care. The familiar tug behind his navel signaled the start of the journey, and before he knew it, he was standing in the entrance hall of Highgarden. From there, he quickly moved to the fireplace, where he flooed to Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the Black family.
Harry could barely contain his excitement as he stepped out of the fireplace into the familiar, dark-paneled kitchen of Grimmauld Place. He had imagined his arrival for days—Sirius waiting by the fireplace, ready to whisk him off to King's Cross Station, but what he found instead made him burst into laughter.
Sirius Black, notorious Marauder, former prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry's beloved godfather, was sprawled out on the couch, snoring loudly, utterly oblivious to the fact that today was the day Harry was going to Hogwarts.
Harry smirked, an idea forming in his mind. He raised his wand, and with a quick flick, a stream of cold water shot out, splashing Sirius right in the face.
Sirius jerked awake with a yelp, his long hair sticking to his face as he sputtered in surprise. "What the—?!" He wiped the water from his eyes, blinking at Harry. "What was that for?"
Harry grinned, unable to hide his amusement. "Good morning, Sirius! Did you forget today's the day? I couldn't let you sleep through it!"
Sirius groaned and rubbed his face. "Harry, it's too early for this. We have plenty of time. I'm your godfather, not your chauffeur," he mumbled, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He stretched lazily before getting up. "Alright, alright, I'm up. Let me just get myself together."
As Sirius disappeared into the bathroom to do his morning routine, Harry took a seat at the kitchen table, tapping his fingers impatiently. He couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement as he thought about what lay ahead. The day had finally arrived, and nothing could dampen his spirits—not even Sirius's slow start.
When Sirius finally emerged, freshly showered and dressed, Harry eagerly asked, "So, are we taking the Knight Bus to the railway station?"
Sirius snorted, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "The Knight Bus? Harry, have you forgotten who I am? I am Lord Black, and Lord Black taking a bus on the most important event in his godson's life would be disgraceful!" he said in a mock-haughty voice, puffing out his chest.
Harry rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Alright, then. How are we getting there?"
Sirius paused dramatically, drawing out the moment. "Go on, Harry," he finally said, nodding towards the front door. "Open it and take a look outside."
Harry's curiosity piqued, he hurried over to the door and swung it open. What he saw made his jaw drop. Sitting in the driveway, gleaming under the morning sun, was a bright red Ferrari F40—one of the most luxurious sports cars he had ever seen.
"Wow, Sirius!" Harry exclaimed, eyes wide. "Are we going in that?"
Sirius strolled up behind him, grinning proudly. "Of course we are. You think I'd let my godson arrive at King's Cross Station in anything less? This baby's a work of art."
Harry couldn't help but laugh at Sirius's enthusiasm. "Do you even know how to drive one of these?"
Sirius placed a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "Harry, who do you take me for? Of course, I know how to drive! Who do you think I am—a Pureblood?"
Harry snorted. "But you are a Pureblood, Sirius."
They both burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the old house. Harry had to admit, Sirius knew how to make any moment fun.
After a moment, Harry sobered up enough to ask, "But can it fit my trunk and Hedwig's cage?"
Sirius waved a hand dismissively. "It's enchanted to fit anything. No worries there. I've even taken it on a few trips, and let me tell you, every time I ride around, chicks flock to me. This baby's a ladies' magnet."
Harry couldn't help but chuckle. Sirius's carefree attitude and boundless energy were infectious. He felt his nerves about the day easing away.
As they began loading the car, Harry thought of something. "Are Remus and the Lovegoods coming with us?"
Sirius shook his head. "Nah, they'll meet us at the station. Remus has some errands to run, and the Lovegoods, well, you know them—always off on some strange adventure. But don't worry, we'll see them there."
With everything packed, Sirius and Harry climbed into the Ferrari. The interior was just as luxurious as the outside, with soft leather seats and sleek design. Harry felt a thrill as Sirius turned the key, and the engine roared to life. The sound was powerful, and it reverberated through Harry's chest.
Sirius shot him a grin. "Ready for the ride of your life, Harry?"
Harry nodded eagerly. "Let's go!"
And with that, Sirius hit the accelerator, and they sped off down the street, the wind whipping through their hair as they raced towards King's Cross Station. Harry couldn't help but laugh as they zoomed through the city, feeling a sense of freedom and exhilaration he had never felt before. Sirius, true to his word, handled the car like a pro, weaving in and out of traffic with ease.
By the time they arrived at the station, Harry was buzzing with excitement. The car ride had been incredible, and now, as he stepped out of the Ferrari and took in the sight of the bustling station, he felt more ready than ever to begin this new chapter of his life.
Sirius, always the showman, parked the car in a prime spot, attracting more than a few admiring glances. "Told you this car's a head-turner," he said with a wink.
Harry grinned as he grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage. "Yeah, you weren't kidding."
As Harry and Sirius arrived at the bustling King's Cross Station, Sirius parked the Ferrari with a flourish, drawing curious looks from passersby. Harry grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage, excitement and a hint of nervousness bubbling inside him as they made their way through the crowd.
Just before they reached the barrier to Platform 9, Harry spotted Remus Lupin and the Lovegoods waiting for them near one of the station's benches. Remus, looking slightly worn but warm as always, stood with a soft smile on his face. Beside him were Xenophilius Lovegood, with his usual eccentric attire, and Luna, holding a peculiar-looking plant in her hands.
"Remus! Luna! Mr. Lovegood!" Harry called out, waving as they approached.
Luna looked up, her dreamy eyes lighting up with recognition. She gently cradled the plant in her hands, seemingly unfazed by the bustling crowds around them. "Hello, Harry," she greeted, her voice soft and ethereal. "I brought you a Gurdyroot for good luck. It's said to ward off Nargles."
Harry smiled, accepting the strange plant from Luna. "Thank you, Luna. I'll make sure to keep it safe."
Xenophilius nodded sagely. "Indeed, Harry, a wise choice. You never know when you might encounter Nargles. And don't forget to keep an eye out for Wrackspurts. They're especially active around this time of year."
Harry chuckled, though he wasn't entirely sure what a Wrackspurt was. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Mr. Lovegood."
Luna stepped forward, placing a hand on Harry's hand. "Ready for the big day, Harry? You're going to have an incredible time at Hogwarts."
Harry nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him at Luna's steady presence. "Yeah, I can't wait. I just wish you could be there too,Luna."
Remus squeezed Harry's shoulder reassuringly. "And if you ever need anything, just send me an owl. I'm always here for you."
Sirius clapped Remus on the back, a grin on his face. "Don't worry, Moony. I'll make sure Harry has plenty of stories to tell you when we all meet up again."
As they exchanged their farewells, Harry felt a deep sense of gratitude for the people around him. They weren't just his friends—they were his family, in their own quirky, wonderful way.
Before heading through the barrier, Harry turned back to Remus and the Lovegoods one last time. "I'll miss you all, but I promise to write. And maybe when I come back for Christmas, I'll have plenty of stories about Hogwarts to share."
"We'll look forward to it," Remus replied with a kind smile. Xenophilius gave a cheerful wave, and Luna simply watched him with her serene expression, the Gurdyroot still cradled in her hands.
With a final nod from Sirius, Harry took a deep breath, turned towards the barrier, and walked through it, stepping onto Platform 9. His heart raced with excitement as he saw the Hogwarts Express waiting for him, and he knew that this was just the beginning of his magical journey.