In the British Magical Realm, September 1st is an extremely important day, especially for wizards over eleven years old who have not yet graduated.
It's the day Hogwarts starts.
The young wizards who have just turned eleven eagerly await day and night, hoping this day will come quickly.
But wizards aged twelve to seventeen don't necessarily think this way, as the start of school means the joyous summer vacation has officially ended, and they must face the homework forgotten over the summer.
This is not good news.
This is especially evident in Kael and the Weasley twins.
On the open space in front of the Shabby Residence, Kael stands at the front looking very excited, while Fred and George behind him are full of nerves, occasionally whispering to each other, as if they were the ones going to Hogwarts for the first time.
Yes, Kael is here too.
Initially, Chris intended to take him directly by Disillusionment, but just before departure, they encountered Mrs. Weasley at the door.
Mrs. Weasley seemed to have guessed his plan already. Her first words upon seeing Chris were that there were too many Muggles at King's Cross Station, and Disillusionment would easily be noticed, which was too unsafe; Kael had to go with them, no matter what.
Chris wanted to say something more, but seeing Mrs. Weasley's firm attitude, he could only swallow his words and nod in agreement.
Kael, on the other hand, was a bit helpless and rubbed his forehead.
He wanted to tell Mrs. Weasley that in the eyes of Muggles, nine people getting out of a Ford was more shocking than two people suddenly appearing.
After all, there's no Ganges River, and Ford isn't some godly car with a diamond emblem you can pack unlimited people into.
But sadly, he's only eleven, with little say, and was directly ignored.
While pondering this, Mrs. Weasley suddenly came alongside Kael, asking with concern, "My dear, have you packed everything?"
"Of course." Kael kicked a large suitcase by his feet, saying: "Before leaving, I checked three times, nothing is missing."
"That's good." Mrs. Weasley smiled and nodded.
While speaking, Mr. Weasley drove a very vintage-looking car up to everyone.
This is their means of transportation for this trip, a nine-handed Ford found who knows where, but Mr. Weasley loved it dearly.
"What are you waiting for, get in the car."
Under Mr. Weasley's urging, Chris was the first to get in the car.
Witnessing this scene, Kael knew it was too late to say anything and could only follow along reluctantly, followed by the Weasley family.
With the Undetectable Extension Charm, the car wasn't cramped at all despite having nine people along with a heap of luggage.
Mr. Weasley was a great driver, and Kael felt no noticeable bumps along the way, nor any sudden brakes or start-offs that rocked the car like certain buses.
Around ten o'clock, they arrived timely at King's Cross Station.
Fortunately, what Kael envisioned didn't happen, or rather, people around paid no heed to an old, beat-up Ford, allowing the group to smoothly arrive before the column between the ninth and tenth platforms.
Once here, there's really no need to worry about being discovered by Muggles.
There's a Muggle Repelling Spell nearby, causing ordinary people to subconsciously ignore everything happening here; even in rare special cases, Ministry of Magic members nearby would promptly handle it, ensuring safety.
Everyone lined up skillfully, passing through the column under Mrs. Weasley's guidance, arriving at the famous Platform 9¾.
It was much livelier here than outside.
Beside the platform, a crimson steam train was parked, with a plaque reading: Hogwarts Express.
"It seems I'm not late." A gentle voice sounded from behind Kael.
Hearing this familiar voice, Kael turned around abruptly to see Diana smiling warmly at him.
"Mom?" Kael exclaimed excitedly, "Weren't you on a task before..."
"Of course it's completed." Diana crouched down, tidying Kael's clothes: "Today is your first day of school; I wouldn't want to miss such an important day."
"That's good." Kael was delighted too.
If only Chris had sent him to Hogwarts, it indeed would've been regrettable.
Diana chatted with Kael a bit further, eventually sending him onto the train right before departure along with the final reminder: "You might already know about Hogwarts from Chris, so I won't repeat it, but there's one thing he possibly didn't mention."
With her deep blue eyes, Diana looked seriously at Kael: "My dear, your father and I graduated long ago, and we don't wish to reminisce on our school days, so please don't let us receive letters from any professors, including Dumbledore, can you promise?"
"Don't worry, mom." Kael smiled: "I won't break school rules; they have no reason to send letters home."
"Of course, dear." Diana gently kissed Kael's cheek, watched him board the train: "And, don't forget to inform us about the Sorting result."
"I will." Kael nodded, turning to board the train.
Minutes later, the train slowly left the platform, and Diana finally withdrew her gaze.
Not far behind her, Chris had just finished a conversation with a middle-aged man, swiftly coming to Diana's side.
"Mr. Digory showing off his son again?" Diana laughed.
Clearly, she knew the person Chris had been speaking to.
Amos Digory, like Chris, worked in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and also had a child studying at Hogwarts. However, one year older than Kael, in the same year group as the twins of the Weasley family.
Yet, unlike the mischievous twins, that child was excellent in all aspects, similar to Percy back then.
Thus, Digory, the child-showing enthusiast, had almost continuously praised his son whenever speaking with people throughout the year.
A few times might have sufficed, and people often responded with compliments too, but he couldn't resist talking all the time. Who could endure this?
Hence, Digory gradually became one of the least popular staff members at the Ministry of Magic, particularly among parents whose children attend Hogwarts but with average performances; they avoided interacting with him unless essential.
Even when occasionally bumped into, they passed hastily with heads lowered, avoiding conversation when possible.
Those with no alternative, like meeting him in an elevator or being colleagues in the same department as Chris, would hear the pleasantries and immediately find excuses to leave, without giving him a chance to switch the topic.
This time, Chris obviously didn't escape.
"Cedric really is excellent."
Chris smiled wryly: "Enough about that, is your task really completed?"
Although he wasn't well acquainted with the specifics of the Department of Mysteries, he knew tasks there lasted at least a month, making such two-day completions practically impossible.
"Of course not." Diana squinted her eyes, saying: "But my colleagues are easy to talk to, just a little leave, they wouldn't mind."