With a loud bang, Char and Professor Sprout appeared just outside King's Cross Station. The station was alive with energy: families bustled about, some dressed in the odd, mismatched styles of the wizarding world, while others blended in seamlessly with the Muggle crowds. Ministry of Magic employees, easily spotted by their anxious faces and watchful eyes, moved through the throng, keeping a close eye on everything.
Professor Sprout leaned in and explained, "Every year, the opening day at Hogwarts is the most important day in our world. The Ministry doesn't want any mishaps. See those wizards over there? They're maintaining a Confundus Charm so Muggles won't notice anything strange."
She lowered her voice, adding, "And I heard there was a break-in at Gringotts. Someone actually managed to get into one of the underground vaults. That's why security is even tighter than usual."
Char nodded in understanding. Suddenly, it made sense why the Hogwarts Express departed from such a busy Muggle station. He'd always wondered, back in his previous life, why wizards would risk such exposure. But with Ministry workers on hand to keep things hidden, it was less risky than it appeared.
And the Gringotts break-in—Char felt a ripple of excitement. Even with his presence in this world, some things hadn't changed. The story of Harry Potter and Voldemort was about to unfold once again. But Char quickly reminded himself: he was here to plant trees, not to get involved in adventures.
Just then, as Professor Sprout was about to lead Char toward Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, they were approached by a white-haired lady and a round-faced, shy boy. Professor Sprout's face lit up in recognition.
"Ms. Longbottom! And Neville! How wonderful to see you both," she greeted warmly. She turned to Char, "Char, this is Ms. Longbottom and her grandson Neville. Our families are related, you know. You're actually two months older than Neville, so you're his cousin—distant, but still family."
Char blinked in surprise. So the Sprouts and Longbottoms were related! He remembered reading in his previous life that most wizarding families were connected somehow. Even Harry and Bellatrix Lestrange were distant cousins. It made sense that he and Neville would be, too.
He greeted Ms. Longbottom and Neville politely. Neville, blushing, shyly called him "Cousin Char." Ms. Longbottom, however, was not so easily pleased with Neville's timid demeanor.
"Neville, dear, stand up straight! You must uphold the Longbottom family name," she chided, though her tone was more weary than harsh. Neville only shrank further, and Ms. Longbottom sighed in resignation.
Turning to Char, her expression softened. "I was so glad to hear you'd returned to the Sprout family, Char. You and Neville will be at Hogwarts together now. Please look out for him—he's a bit forgetful."
Char smiled reassuringly. "Let's look out for each other, Cousin Neville. That's what family does, right?"
Ms. Longbottom seemed delighted by Char's words. After a few more pleasantries, they all gathered their luggage and made their way toward the magical barrier.
Passing through, Char's eyes widened at the sight of the gleaming Hogwarts Express. The platform was packed with students and families—some children were crying as they said goodbye, others laughed and chattered with excitement. The whole scene felt so much more vivid than anything he'd ever seen in a movie.
But after a while, the noise and chaos became overwhelming. Ms. Longbottom gave Neville a final round of instructions before waving him off. "Go on, find a seat and settle in, both of you!"
Professor Sprout pulled Char aside for a moment. "If you have any trouble on the train, find the Hufflepuff prefect. I'll see you at the Sorting Ceremony."
Char nodded and, with Neville at his side, boarded the train. Neville struggled with his trunk, his face turning red with effort, until Char easily lifted it for him.
"Thank you, Cousin Char… You're really strong," Neville said, a little awed.
Char grinned and waved to Professor Sprout and Ms. Longbottom through the window before leading Neville down the corridor in search of an empty compartment.
On the platform, Professor Sprout watched their retreating backs with a gentle smile. "It looks like they're getting along well."
Ms. Longbottom nodded, though worry lingered in her eyes. "Pomona, I do worry about Neville. He's so timid, and he's always been a bit behind… We once feared he was a Squib. If he can't keep up at Hogwarts…" She trailed off, her voice full of concern.
She hesitated, then added quietly, "I heard Char's magical talent isn't very high, either?"
Professor Sprout's expression darkened slightly. "That's what Ollivander says. But if he could see a wizard's destiny, he'd be teaching Divination, not making wands. Just wait—he'll regret his judgment. My Char has the potential for legend!"
Ms. Longbottom was surprised by Professor Sprout's conviction. She wished she could say the same for Neville, but her confidence faltered. "Well, I hope Neville learns something good from Char," she said softly.
Meanwhile, Char and Neville found an empty compartment and settled in. There was still plenty of time before the train would leave, and it would be hours before they arrived at Hogwarts. Char decided not to waste a moment.
Under Neville's curious gaze, Char opened his suitcase and pulled out a few small flower pots. Each held a tiny, bright green plant, shaped like a little goldfish—delicate, lively, and utterly charming.
Neville leaned closer, eyes wide. "What are those?"
Char smiled, pride in his voice. "These are special magical herbs. They're called Goldfish Vine. Aren't they beautiful?"
Neville nodded, fascinated. The two cousins sat together, surrounded by the hum of the train and the promise of new beginnings, sharing their first magical moment on the journey to Hogwarts.