The air was crisp with the early scent of autumn as families gathered around Platform 9¾, a place brimming with excitement, nervous energy, and the soft hum of anticipation. Duelists young and old milled about, their decks securely tucked into their luggage or clutched close to their chests, ready to begin their journey at Hogwarts Academy of Duelists.
Harry Potter stood by his parents, James and Lily, who had walked him through the barrier onto the bustling platform. For as long as he could remember, Harry had known he'd be going to Hogwarts, just like his father and mother before him. They were dueling legends, after all—Potters had been duelists for generations. Today, it was finally his turn to carry on the family legacy.
"Remember, Harry," James said with a grin, his arm slung casually around Harry's shoulders, "it's not just about the cards you have in your hand—it's how you use them. You've got Potter blood in you, and that counts for something."
Lily, standing beside them with a softer smile, adjusted Harry's collar. "Don't let your father fill your head with ideas. The only thing that matters is finding your own path. Your deck will guide you."
Harry nodded, but the nerves still fluttered in his stomach. Even though he'd grown up surrounded by Duel Monsters, hearing tales of great tournaments and watching duels firsthand, this felt different. Hogwarts wasn't just any academy; it was where the best duelists in the world had trained, including his parents. His deck, still unknown to him, awaited inside those castle walls.
Beside Harry, a tall, gangly redhead was hugging his mother tightly. Mrs. Weasley, tears brimming in her eyes, gave her son, Ron, a final once-over.
"Now, you listen here, Ron Weasley," she said sternly, though her voice wavered with emotion. "You're a Weasley, and that means you can stand tall. Your brothers made a name for themselves at Hogwarts, and I'm sure you'll do the same. And—don't forget to write!"
"Yeah, yeah, Mum," Ron muttered, his face turning a little pink as he glanced around at the bustling platform. He caught Harry's eye and shrugged with a sheepish grin. "Parents, right?"
"Tell me about it," Harry replied, trying to stifle a grin.
Behind them, Hermione Granger stood alone with her parents, who were clearly out of their element. The Grangers weren't from a dueling family; in fact, they weren't even part of the dueling world until Hermione's talent had been discovered. They looked on nervously as Hermione, with her bushy hair and eager eyes, clutched a book to her chest.
"I'll be fine, Mum, Dad," Hermione reassured them, her voice brimming with excitement. "Hogwarts is the best dueling academy in the world! I've read all about it, and I'm going to learn everything. Don't worry!"
Her parents exchanged a look but smiled at her enthusiasm. Hermione was practically bouncing on her heels, eager to get started, already imagining the grand dueling arenas and the strategies she would master.
The whistle of the Hogwarts Express pierced the air, signaling the time to board. Students began saying their last goodbyes, grabbing their trunks and decks, and climbing aboard the train. The Hogwarts Express, its bright red exterior gleaming, stood waiting to carry them away to the academy where they would begin their journey as duelists.
"Time to go, Harry," James said, giving his son a final pat on the back. "You've got this."
Lily leaned down to kiss Harry's forehead. "We're proud of you already."
Harry smiled, his nerves calming slightly as he waved to his parents one last time. He grabbed his suitcase and headed toward the train. His heart pounded in his chest, excitement buzzing in his veins. This was it.
Ron caught up with him, lugging his own suitcase behind him. "Ready?" he asked, though his face looked just as anxious as Harry felt.
"Not really," Harry admitted. "But let's go anyway."
The two of them climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express, squeezing through the narrow corridor as students laughed and chatted in the compartments. Eventually, they found an empty one and settled in, sliding the door shut behind them.
Not long after, Hermione appeared at the door, her book still clutched in her hands. "Mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is full."
"Of course," Harry said, motioning to the seat across from them.
As Hermione sat down, the train gave a soft lurch and slowly began pulling out of the station. Harry glanced out the window, catching one last glimpse of his parents waving before the platform disappeared from view.
The Hogwarts Express chugged along, winding its way through the countryside, its whistle echoing through the valleys. The students inside buzzed with anticipation, eager to begin their first year at the academy. Conversations about decks, duels, and the mysteries of Hogwarts filled the air.
"So," Hermione began, her eyes gleaming with excitement, "have either of you thought about what kind of deck you might get?"
Harry shrugged. "Not really. I guess I'll find out when I get there."
Ron leaned back, crossing his arms. "My brothers always said the deck chooses you, not the other way around. But they didn't say anything about how that works."
Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "I've read that when you arrive at Hogwarts, they give you a special map that leads you to your deck. The deck has to resonate with you—it's supposed to be an incredible experience."
Harry's nerves flared again. He hadn't given much thought to what kind of deck would choose him. His parents had always told him that the deck would reflect who he was, but what did that mean? He was just Harry—nothing special, right?
Before he could dwell too much on his thoughts, a soft knock came at the door of their compartment. A figure stood in the hallway, her golden blonde hair shimmering like moonlight, her dark blue eyes flecked with silver like stars in the night sky. She had an air of calm confidence about her, yet there was something mysterious in her demeanor.
"Mind if I join you?" the girl asked, her voice smooth and polite, but with an undertone of mischief.
Ron's face turned pink as he stammered out a reply. "S-sure."
The girl stepped in gracefully, sitting beside Hermione. "Jackie Star," she introduced herself, offering a hand. "First year."
Harry shook her hand first. "Harry Potter."
Hermione quickly followed. "Hermione Granger."
"And I'm Ron Weasley," Ron added, trying to sound confident but clearly a little flustered.
Jackie smiled, her silver-flecked eyes twinkling. "Nice to meet you all. Ready for Hogwarts?"
"Excited, but nervous," Harry admitted.
Jackie nodded knowingly. "Don't worry. The deck will choose you, and once it does, everything will click into place."
Hermione looked at Jackie with interest. "What about you? Have you thought about what kind of deck you'll get?"
Jackie leaned back thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling with that mysterious edge again. "I have no idea what's waiting for me, but I'm looking forward to finding out."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged glances, their anticipation growing as the train continued its journey. Whoever Jackie Star was, there was something about her—an air of calm, but also strength. They couldn't help but wonder what kind of duelist she would become.
The train rattled along, and Harry couldn't help but smile as he looked out the window, watching the rolling hills blur past. The Hogwarts Express carried them toward their destiny, and for the first time, despite the nerves, he felt ready for whatever lay ahead.
Hogwarts awaited.
