"Harry Potter and the Shadows of Merlin"

Dana flew across the street from King's Cross Station and slipped into the office building opposite. He winked at the empty box swinging from his necklace—it was the perfect disguise. With the box in hand, he strode down toward the station.

King's Cross was buzzing with activity. Under a sun umbrella at a café entrance sat an elderly couple, leisurely sipping drinks. Dana paused to smile at their conversation."It's time for school to start again!"

"Yes, lots of boarding students are arriving at King's Cross today."

"There are so many schools in London—they're all fighting for pupils, hiring the best teachers, and yet so many foolish parents still send their kids away."

"Truly foolish. Look at their clothes—it's a mess. Even old Jones next door wouldn't dress like that."

"They look like clowns from a 1930s circus after removing their makeup!"

"Oh darling—you've got an imagination."

"But do they, or don't they?"

"Well… they do!"With a nod, Dana crossed the street and entered the station. A tabby cat suddenly appeared in front of him, then sauntered toward a nearby corner, glancing back every few steps as if urging him to follow.

Dana, having read the original story thoroughly, immediately recognized the cat and followed it.

In a hidden corner, the cat shook itself, grew in size, and reverted to its human form.

"Hello, Professor McGonagall," Dana greeted.

"You weren't at the Leaky Cauldron. You don't have a single Knut to your name. What will you do if you miss the Hogwarts Express?" McGonagall chided, though Dana sensed her concern beneath the stern tone.

"I'll be fine, Professor," he replied. "You gave me the ticket, and according to it, I'll make it. Leaky Cauldron to King's Cross isn't far—just two blocks, maybe an hour and a half's walk."

McGonagall's stern expression softened. She gently put an arm around his shoulder and said warmly, "Once you're at Hogwarts, all of us professors will look after you. You're not alone."

Her hand was warm, and Dana felt comfort in his heart.

"Go find Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Get on board, then rest."

Dana bowed slightly. "Thank you, Professor. I'm going in."

She smiled, and he jogged toward the station entrance.

It meant so much that Professor McGonagall cared.

Harry Potter stood anxiously at the entrance to the magical platform, glancing ever more frequently toward the wall. Where was Dana? He couldn't miss the train!

The station was packed with wizard families, cats screeching, owls being cooed at, and young wizards laughing. Harry's nerves rose.

"Need any help?" a voice whispered in his ear. He turned to see two red-haired twins—Fred and George Weasley—standing by.

"I'm waiting for a friend," said Harry. "He isn't here yet."

"Not here? The Hogwarts Express is almost ready to leave—if he's not here soon, he might miss it."

Then, a white-haired young man burst through the wall, carrying a light wicker suitcase.

"Dana!" Harry waved, relief flooding him.

Fred chuckled. "Looks like you made it… Wait, that scar on your forehead—are you…?"

"Harry Potter?" George joined in.

Harry flushed. "Yes, I am."

The Weasley twins stared in disbelief. Before they could say more, Dana reached them.

"Harry, let's go!" Dana urged.

Fred and George smiled. "Nice to meet you, Harry Potter! Meet you inside," they said, helping with luggage before heading off.

Once aboard the Hogwarts Express, Dana carried his suitcase in one hand and Hedwig's cage in the other. Harry couldn't help but ask, "Why does your suitcase look so light?"

Dana grinned. "I'm stronger."

The twins' compartment at the front was full, so Dana and Harry made their way to an empty carriage toward the rear.

They settled in. Harry leaned against the window.

"Finally," he sighed.

"Yeah," Dana said softly, staring out. Parents were still loading luggage—some tearing up as they waved goodbye.

Dana thought of his mother. If she were alive, she'd be out there, waving at him—maybe even crying.

Harry watched Mrs. Weasley fuss over Ron, wiping dirt from his nose. Fred and George hollered about Lee Jordan's big spider in another carriage, dragging Ginny to point it out. She hopped along, shouting with excitement.

Dana, feeling the Weasleys' warm family atmosphere, looked away. He sighed, missing what he'd never truly experienced.

The train lurched forward.

"Here he is!" Ron Weasley entered, catching their gaze.

He grinned, "Free spot?"

"No one's sitting here," Dana replied, smiling. "Come on in."

Ron plopped onto the bench. "My luggage's back with my brothers."

Dana's envy pinched again—Ron had family to rely on.

Fred and George reappeared, only to vanish again after the reminder of Lee Jordan's spider.

Fred introduced them properly: "I'm Fred, this is George, and he's Ron." Then they closed the door behind them.

Dana exchanged a look with Harry. "So… you really are Harry Potter?"

Notes on Style and Flow

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