HOGWARTS - HARRY

After waiting on the platform for a while, a melodious whistle sounded.

The Hogwarts Express was in motion.

The chimney released a steady stream of steam that drifted backward as the train surged forward, leaving the platform behind and rushing into the endless plains and fields.

Dylan gazed out the window, taking in the vibrant scenery. It was the peak of the season, and everything seemed full of life.

"Little brother, let's go out and play with friends!"

"You can stay here and read quietly if you want."

"It's all your fault for being so noisy!"

"No, it's your fault! I was just following your lead!"

Dylan ignored the two bickering troublemakers.

The red-haired twins rushed out of the compartment, eager to find someone to play with.

Taking advantage of the brief moment of solitude, Dylan retrieved his wizarding robe and put it on. He continued reading, occasionally glancing at the passing scenery.

Eventually, the Hogwarts Express began to slow down.

The Weasley twins reentered the compartment, collecting their belongings.

"Little brother, is this all you brought?"

They were returning to school after the holidays, so they didn't carry much. But Dylan, a first-year student, had surprisingly little with him.

"I sent my heavier luggage to Hogwarts through the owl post," Dylan explained. "I'm still a kid—I won't burden myself if I don't have to."

In truth, if he weren't worried about exposing his secret system, he would have stored all his belongings in its inventory.

"I see," the twins nodded in understanding.

The three of them left the compartment and stepped off the train.

Suddenly, a cold wind blew through the station.

A chill seeped through Dylan's sleeves, and he shivered.

"Why is it so cold here?"

Raising his wand, he gave it a gentle flick.

"Thermo Enchantia!"

A warm sensation spread across his body, warding off the cold.

During his time at home, he had learned several spells. While he hadn't mastered them all, they were functional enough for practical use.

Seeing this, Fred and George immediately ran up to Dylan.

"Hey, little brother! Cast one on us too!"

"Yeah, help us out!"

Dylan sighed as they squeezed in close, nearly suffocating him.

Helplessly, he waved his wand again.

"Thermo Enchantia!"

"Thermo Enchantia!"

Warmth enveloped the twins, and they immediately released him.

"Thanks, mate!"

"We owe you one!"

"I'll go to the first-years' assembly now," Dylan said.

"Alright, alright!"

"Make sure to visit us at Hogwarts!"

The twins ran off, blending into the crowd, eagerly showing off their new warmth charms.

Dylan shook his head with a small smile and walked toward Hagrid.

"Oh, have all the first-years arrived? Let's go then," Hagrid's deep voice boomed.

Dylan looked up at the giant man in awe.

"As expected of a half-giant... how tall is he? Nearly three meters?"

It felt like Hagrid could crush him with a single step.

Looking around, Dylan tried to spot Harry and the others, but the dim light and thick crowd made it difficult.

Hagrid raised his lantern, leading the way for the first-years.

The small lamp barely provided enough light for the group.

"Why don't they use magical lamps?" Dylan wondered, watching a few students stumble in the dark.

The fat wizard in front of him nearly tripped.

"Lumos!"

Dylan cast a simple lighting spell, and a soft, warm glow illuminated the path.

Darkness receded, revealing the uneven ground ahead.

Gasps of relief spread through the group. Many first-years turned to Dylan, gratitude in their eyes.

Led by Hagrid, they passed through a dense forest and arrived at the edge of a vast, black lake.

Many students lifted their heads in awe.

Across the water, Hogwarts Castle loomed in the distance.

Dylan followed their gaze.

From this angle, the castle appeared magnificent—its towering spires seemed to touch the sky, and its heavy stone walls radiated an ancient, mysterious charm. Warm lights shone through the castle windows, reflecting off the lake's still surface.

Even though he had mentally prepared himself, Dylan still found the sight breathtaking.

"This is Hogwarts… It's spectacular," a shy voice whispered beside him.

Dylan turned his head to see a round-faced boy looking up at the castle in amazement.

"Hello, my name is Neville."

The boy seemed nervous, his head slightly bowed.

"Your Lumos spell helped a lot," Neville admitted. "I would've fallen several times without it. Thank you."

Dylan recognized him instantly.

"Neville… the one with the toad?"

Smiling, Dylan shook his head.

"It's no problem. I was just lighting my own way too."

He glanced at Neville thoughtfully.

"This timid boy… Could he really be the one to pull the Sword of Gryffindor from the Sorting Hat one day?"

Dylan had been studying magic spells that controlled weapons, trying to replicate the legendary sword techniques from old tales.

"If only I had the Sword of Gryffindor to study…"

Neville hesitated before asking, "What's your name?"

"Dylan."

"Nice to meet you, Dylan."

"You too."

Dylan could tell Neville wanted to be friends but was too shy to say it outright. His round face even turned red from embarrassment.

Fearing that Neville might pass out from holding his breath, Dylan quickly said, "Neville, do you want to ride in the same boat with me? You're the first wizard I've met."

Neville's eyes lit up.

"Really? I—I was just about to say that!"

Dylan chuckled.

Following Hagrid, they moved toward the boats.

The Black Lake looked bottomless, its dark waters stretching infinitely.

Neville grew increasingly nervous.

Dylan wasn't entirely comfortable with deep water either, but having learned six high-level dark spells, he wasn't afraid of whatever lurked beneath the surface.

"If anything dares to attack, I'll spend 100 Galleons to upgrade my spell color to invisible and strike first!"

"It's our turn—let's get on the boat," Dylan said, stepping forward.

Neville swallowed hard but followed closely.

As the boats drifted across the water, Hogwarts grew larger and larger, its grand halls welcoming them to the beginning of their magical journey.

End of Chapter 11