THE ALCHEMIST OF HARRY POTTER

On September 1st, Albert woke early, stretching as he sat up in bed. The sky outside was still a soft gray, hinting at the overcast day ahead. He quickly dressed in his Muggle clothes, yawning as he moved his limbs to shake off the last remnants of sleep.

Today, he was finally going to Hogwarts. The thought sent a thrill through him.

After washing up, Albert turned to check his trunk once more, ensuring he had packed everything he needed. His wand, a smooth twelve-inch piece of spruce with dragon heartstring, lay carefully inside a protective case. Next to it, his cauldron was securely nestled among his books—The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk, Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, and A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot.

"Are you awake? Then come downstairs for breakfast." Daisy, wearing her usual floral apron, stepped into the room just as Albert was adjusting his neatly folded black school robes. "By the way, put your robes and hat on top of your trunk so you can find them easily on the train."

"Niya, do you really not want to take Tom to school?" His sister, still in her pajamas, entered with their British Shorthair cat in her arms.

"Tom will be happier staying with you." Albert smiled.

"What about Shera?" Niya asked again, glancing at the owl perched quietly on the windowsill.

"She'll fly to Hogwarts on her own. I read there's an owlery at the castle where she'll stay," Albert explained. He preferred not to attract unnecessary attention by carrying an owl through King's Cross.

Breakfast was simple—toast, eggs, and coffee for their parents, while Albert had a ham sandwich and a can of pumpkin juice. Daisy had packed another sandwich for him, along with a bar of chocolate, in case he got hungry on the train.

"You'll have plenty of food on the train," Daisy reassured him, handing him a small pouch filled with Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. Herb had withdrawn the coins from Gringotts earlier that summer. They weren't worried about Albert being irresponsible with money—he had never been one to spend recklessly.

Using the Levitation Charm, Albert made easy work of carrying his heavy trunk to the car, though he kept his wand concealed to avoid any unwanted attention from Muggles.

"Did you bring your camera?" Herb asked as they drove towards the station. "Your grandfather Luke bought you that nice one."

"Yes, it's packed. I'll take pictures and send them home with my letters," Albert promised.

"Good." Herb nodded. "Write often."

The family arrived at King's Cross Station before ten o'clock. Herb helped lift Albert's trunk onto a trolley.

Pushing it toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten, Albert glanced around. Just as Hogwarts: A History described, the entrance to Platform 9¾ was inconspicuous. He casually reached out and let his fingers brush against the solid-looking wall. It passed through effortlessly.

Turning back, he smiled at his family. "I'll go ahead."

"Remember to write," Herb reminded him. "And send pictures."

"I will." Albert turned to Niya. "Take care of Tom for me."

Niya pouted. "I still think it's unfair that you get to go."

"Don't cause trouble at home," Albert teased, ruffling her hair.

"I won't." Niya huffed, crossing her arms.

"See you during winter break," Daisy said, hugging him and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "We'll go skiing when you return."

Albert grinned. "Sounds great." With a final nod, he turned, pushing his cart toward the barrier. A brief moment of anticipation passed before he stepped through.

On the other side, the bustling scene of Platform 9¾ greeted him. The Hogwarts Express, a gleaming scarlet steam engine, stood proudly against the backdrop of the station. The sign beside it read: Hogwarts Express—11 AM Departure.

There weren't too many students yet—Albert had arrived early. As he stepped onto the platform, he felt a subtle magical pulse ripple through him. A notification in his mind confirmed it: Platform 9¾ discovered. +100 experience points.

Albert barely registered the message before quickly moving aside, mindful not to block the entrance for others. The ticket barrier was now an arched gateway, with an old-fashioned sign reading: Platform 9¾.

It looked exactly as Hogwarts: A History had described.

This was also his first time riding a steam train. It felt like something straight out of the Victorian era—an antique relic preserved by magic.

Strolling down the platform, Albert picked an empty compartment and used the Levitation Charm to lift his trunk inside. Once he had secured his belongings, he shut the door, changed into his school robes, and sat down by the window.

Not long after, a soft fluttering signaled Shera's arrival. The owl landed gracefully on the table, hooting in satisfaction.

"Guess you wanted a free ride instead of flying all the way there," Albert chuckled, stroking her feathers before offering her some owl treats.

He then pulled out his camera, stepping back onto the platform to take a few shots of the train. He wasn't the best photographer, but Luke had anticipated that and given him plenty of film to practice.

Satisfied with a particular shot of the Hogwarts Express, Albert returned to his compartment. He gazed out at the platform, half-shrouded in mist, as more students arrived. The sky darkened, and a light drizzle began.

"It always seems to rain when Hogwarts starts," Albert mused, watching families huddle under umbrellas as they said their goodbyes.

His eyes scanned the crowd, wondering if he would recognize anyone.

He didn't expect to meet Harry Potter. After all, he had started Hogwarts a year earlier than the famous Boy Who Lived. Instead, he was in the same year as the Weasley twins and Cedric Diggory.

That was a relief. Albert didn't want to be entangled in Potter's story. Harry's life was marked by destiny, danger, and drama—things Albert preferred to avoid. He recalled Cedric Diggory's tragic fate in the Goblet of Fire and silently resolved to stay far away from anything involving the Dark Lord.

The rain outside intensified. Albert closed the window slightly, watching as Shera preened her feathers and began to doze off.

Taking a chocolate frog from his pocket, he unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth. He enjoyed the quiet moments like this—listening to the rain, savoring his sweets, and immersing himself in a book.

Flipping open The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection, he resumed reading. He had studied most of the spells in it over the summer—except for the Unforgivable Curses, of course. Even the Patronus Charm had proved elusive, though he had given it a try.

"Quickly! The train's about to leave!"

Albert's attention shifted back to the platform. A group of red-haired people hurried through the crowd, saying their rushed goodbyes.

"The Weasleys," Albert realized, recognizing the large, boisterous family.

Among them were the famous Weasley twins, known troublemakers, and their younger brother, Ron, who looked slightly bewildered as he clutched his battered trunk. A little girl, Ginny, stood beside Mrs. Weasley, looking heartbroken that she couldn't go to Hogwarts yet.

Albert compared her to Niya. His sister was cuter.

The Weasleys must have been delayed before arriving at the station. Albert turned away, thinking nothing more of it.

A knock at his compartment door drew his attention.

Standing outside was a dark-haired boy, looking somewhat nervous.