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Sai and Kai had already embarked on their journeys to Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, leaving the Minatozaki household a bit quieter and more focused on preparing for Mai's turn to attend Hogwarts. The day had arrived, and despite the meticulous planning, the family found themselves running late.
"Mai, hurry up!" Irene Minatozaki called out as they hurried through King's Cross Station.
"We're going to miss the train," Dai Minatozaki added, his tone calm but urging them to move faster. He couldn't help but smile at the familiar chaos of getting a child off to school.
When they reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, Irene and Mai stood there, staring in confusion at the solid brick wall.
"Are you sure this is it?" Irene asked, glancing at her husband.
Dai chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, this is the spot. You just have to run straight at the wall."
Mai blinked at her father, her brow furrowing. "Run into the wall?"
"Exactly," Dai confirmed, his tone lighthearted.
Mai took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Alright, here goes nothing." With that, she tightened her grip on the handle of her trolley and broke into a run. As she braced for impact, she was pleasantly surprised to find herself passing through the barrier, emerging on the other side to the sight of a magnificent scarlet steam engine: the Hogwarts Express.
Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the bustling platform. The train's whistle blew, a loud and clear reminder that it would be departing soon. Dai followed through the barrier, beaming with pride and offering last-minute advice. "Remember, Mai, stay true to yourself. Make friends, learn all you can, and—"
The train's whistle interrupted, its urgency prompting Mai to hasten her goodbyes. "You'd better get on board!" Dai urged, helping her quickly load her trunk onto the train. Irene gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, and Dai offered a reassuring smile.
"Good luck, my little star," Irene said softly, her voice full of pride and emotion. She quickly hugged her parents, kissed them on the cheeks, and boarded the train, her trunk and owl cage in tow.
"Goodbye, Mum! Goodbye, Dad!" Mai called out, her voice carrying over the noise of the platform. With a final wave, she stepped onto the train just as it began to move. She hurried through the narrow corridors, peeking into each compartment, feeling a growing sense of anxiety as she found them all full. Finally, at the very end of the train, she discovered a compartment with only two boys: one with messy black hair and glasses, and the other with flaming red hair and freckles.
Gathering her courage, she knocked on the door. "May I sit here? All the other compartments are full."
The boys looked up, momentarily dazed by her presence—a common reaction to her Veela charm , but quickly regained their composure. "Of course, come in," one of them said. He had bright red hair and a friendly smile.
