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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3 – Hogwarts Express

After returning to the orphanage, Kevin spent his days exercising and studying diligently.

He had no friends there; most of the other children had difficult pasts and were not easy to get along with.

The system had pinged once on the day he visited Diagon Alley, but then it went silent again. Without that ping, Kevin wouldn't even have been sure the system existed. The novice mission would likely have to wait until he officially stepped into Hogwarts.

During this time, Kevin read all the books about the wizarding world and Hogwarts, taking notes and making corrections to reinforce what he remembered from the Harry Potter movies. 

His memory of the plots was still patchy, and he discovered historical events and details not mentioned in the films—either because he hadn't read them before, or because derivative works filled in gaps he hadn't known.

He remembered, vaguely, parts of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Dumbledore had drunk some potion to retrieve one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, was weakened, and then a group had cleared the way for Harry.

Dumbledore eventually returned to Hogwarts but was taken away by Snape. 

Kevin had watched only the first six movies in his previous life, but he already knew some of the underlying settings, so he understood Snape's role and the Half-Blood Prince's significance.

Kevin had no intention of tackling dangerous spells or charms at this point. Instead, he focused on Potions and Herbology, so that when he arrived at Hogwarts, he could learn from the professionals and avoid reckless mistakes.

Time flew, and soon the first day of school arrived.

September 1st.

Kevin arrived at King's Cross Station with Dean Hopps, imitating the little wizard from the movies by pushing a cart stacked with his luggage.

Soon, he spotted the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. If I remember correctly, I just run straight at it…

"Hurry up, kids! The train is about to leave!"

A loud female voice drew Kevin's attention. Ahead, he saw a familiar, unmistakable family: a mother with four boys and a girl, all with vivid red hair—the Weasleys.

Behind them, a small boy with glasses caught Kevin's attention. Harry. Just like in the movies, soft black hair, emerald green eyes, seven parts cute, three parts delicate.

Kevin quickly shook his head, dismissing the strange thoughts forming in his mind.

After waiting eleven years, he was finally meeting the protagonists of this story, and it was both exhilarating and surreal.

Percy, the third son of the Weasley family, was the first to push his luggage through the barrier.

Harry watched, surprised, and Kevin raised his eyebrows; the real-life effects differed slightly from what he had seen on screen.

Next came Fred and George, the mischievous twins, fooling their mother before disappearing through the wall with wicked grins.

Kevin turned to Dean Hopps. "I think I found the train. Please take me here."

Dean blinked, momentarily confused, then smiled and patted Kevin on the shoulder. "Alright, go ahead."

Kevin left Dean and approached the Weasleys, planning to introduce himself. At that moment, Harry stepped forward, slightly unsure. Kevin followed, luggage in tow.

"Excuse me…" Harry hesitated, looking nervously at Mrs. Weasley.

Kevin gently stepped in. "Excuse me, how… how do we get to Platform 9¾? My classmate and I are lost."

Mrs. Weasley's eyes softened. "Oh, of course, darlings. This is my son Ron, and he's also heading to Hogwarts for the first time this year." She smiled warmly, putting an arm around each boy.

Ron gave an awkward but polite smile. "Just head to the middle of Platforms 9 and 10, and run straight through. Don't worry, it works every time."

Next to them, Ginny, the youngest Weasley, smiled at Kevin and Harry. "Good luck," she said kindly.

Kevin and Harry thanked Mrs. Weasley and Ginny, then ran toward the barrier. Beyond it, the Hogwarts Express steamed and waited.

Kevin didn't rush onto the train. Instead, he introduced himself. "Hello, my name is Kevin. Nice to meet you."

Harry blinked, still taking in the scene. "Oh… hello. I'm Harry Potter. Nice to meet you too."

"I know you," Kevin said. "You're mentioned in wizarding literature. You're famous in the magical world."

Harry chuckled. "Thanks, though I'm not very familiar with it yet."

Kevin smiled. "That's fine. Everything is new here for both of us."

They stored their luggage and found an empty compartment. Kevin had hoped to sit near a witch, but didn't see anyone familiar, so he stayed with Harry.

Soon, Ron arrived, sharing the compartment. He introduced himself, then Harry. Finally, it was Kevin's turn.

"Kevin, what's your full name? Your last name?" Ron asked curiously.

"I don't have one. I'm just Kevin."

Harry and Ron exchanged confused looks. Kevin pulled out an old wooden tag—the one hung around his neck when he was abandoned as a baby.

"That's how my name came about. I was an orphan. When the dean found me, he saw this tag and named me Kevin. That's why I don't have a last name."

"Oh… I'm sorry," Ron said softly.

Harry's eyes softened, seeing someone else who had no parents.

"It's okay," Kevin said. "The orphanage director takes care of me like a father. I like it there."

The three boys chatted happily. Soon, the trolley witch arrived, offering snacks. Kevin and Ron were short on money, but Harry insisted on paying, wanting to treat his new friends.

Kevin felt the disparity in their circumstances, yet he smiled, grateful for the kindness.

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