Chapter 9: The Hogwarts Express
In the wizarding world, September 1st is a very important day, especially for witches and wizards over the age of eleven who have not yet graduated. On this day, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry begins its school year. Young witches and wizards who have just turned eleven eagerly await this day, counting down with anticipation, hoping it will come quickly.
However, for those aged twelve to seventeen, it's not necessarily a day of excitement. The start of the school year marks the end of a carefree summer holiday, bringing with it the realization that all the work they had blissfully forgotten about is now waiting for them. And that, of course, is not good news.
This feeling was especially true for Kyle and the Weasley twins. In the front yard of The Burrow, Kyle, standing in front, looked excited, while Fred and George, who were behind him, seemed nervous, whispering to each other occasionally as if they were first-years heading to Hogwarts for the very first time. Yes, Kyle was here too.
Chris had planned to Disapparate with him directly to King's Cross, but just before they could leave, Mrs. Weasley had appeared at the door. She seemed to know exactly what Chris had in mind and, without missing a beat, told him that there were too many Muggles at King's Cross for it to be safe to Disapparate. She insisted that Kyle should travel with them instead. Chris, seeing Mrs. Weasley's determined expression, swallowed his objections and simply nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Kyle rubbed his forehead in mild frustration. He wanted to point out to Mrs. Weasley that, in the eyes of Muggles, seeing nine people pile out of a Ford would be far more conspicuous than two people suddenly appearing out of thin air. After all, they weren't in India, and the Ford wasn't some sacred vehicle with a diamond-shaped logo allowing infinite passengers. But, at eleven years old, his opinion didn't carry much weight, so he stayed quiet.
Just then, Mrs. Weasley approached Kyle and asked kindly, "Dear, have you packed everything?"
"Of course," Kyle replied, giving a light kick to the large suitcase at his feet. "I checked it three times before we left. Everything's in there."
"That's good," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile and a nod.
While they were talking, Mr. Weasley arrived, pulling up in an old, vintage car. It was their mode of transport for the day—a Ford that had passed through at least nine different owners and been bought from who knows where. Yet Mr. Weasley adored it and treated it with great care.