---
Chapter 43: The Boy Who Played the Saint
The Hogwarts Express shuddered to a stop, steam curling through the night air as Darren stepped into the darkness of the small platform.
The air was damp, filled with excited chatter and the scent of rain-soaked earth.
Before he could take in the sight, a shadow loomed over him — towering, broad, and wild-haired.
Hagrid.
The half-giant's beard was a tangle of brown and black, his coat so large it could have made a tent. Darren's curiosity got the better of him; he reached out to tug lightly on Hagrid's sleeve, marveling at the thickness of the fabric.
"First-years! This way — first-years!" Hagrid's booming voice echoed.
Then, lowering his tone slightly, he craned his neck and called into the crowd, "Harry? Harry, over here, lad!"
The name made Darren's heart jump. He immediately stood on tiptoe, tugging on Hagrid's coat to steady himself amid the rush of students.
"Harry? Is that my brother? Don't push him, please—he's never been good with crowds!"
> [Ding! Fatherly value +30]
Hagrid blinked, taken aback. Then, recognition dawned in his eyes.
"Ah! You must be Darren Potter! Harry's twin, right? Good to see yeh, lad! But Harry's already gone ahead — you'd best hurry!"
He gave Darren a friendly pat on the shoulder — one that nearly sent the boy flying. Darren caught his balance, forcing a sheepish smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Hagrid. I just… wanted to make sure he was safe."
Hagrid's eyes softened. "That's a good lad. You've got the makin's of a real Gryffindor, you have!"
He led the crowd down a muddy slope toward a glimmering black lake. The surface shimmered under the moonlight, reflecting the distant castle perched on the cliffs — Hogwarts, magnificent and ancient.
"Right then! Four to a boat, no more!" Hagrid bellowed.
Darren stepped toward a half-filled boat, but a small shove from behind sent him stumbling into one that was empty—except for a single passenger.
A girl.
She was pale and strikingly calm, her hair a soft shade of blonde, her green eyes colder than the water surrounding them. A small beauty mark sat beneath one eye.
Darren froze.
Kassandra De La Voré.
The mysterious Slytherin heiress who'd been sleeping in Betsy's carriage.
The same girl his system claimed already liked him.
So… where was the favorability boost now?
He scratched his head, baffled. The system had promised him +30 with every girl under sixteen, but this one didn't even look at him.
He wisely stayed quiet.
The boats began to glide, their paths lit by the moon's reflection. The lake was eerily still, the only sound the ripple of water against wood.
Ahead, the ivy-covered cliff split open, revealing a hidden tunnel that glowed faintly with torchlight.
They drifted beneath the castle, the walls glimmering like wet stone. When they emerged again, it was into a cavernous dock that opened onto a long, stone stairway.
Hagrid led the way, his lantern swinging, until they stood before the enormous oak doors of Hogwarts.
He knocked three times.
The doors creaked open, and Professor McGonagall appeared — tall, sharp-eyed, her expression as stern as a sword.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them from here."
Her voice carried authority, instantly silencing the whispers of awe and fear among the students.
They followed her into the Great Hall.
The ceiling shimmered with starlight — an illusion so real that even Darren, who'd read about it countless times, felt breathless.
"The ceiling's bewitched to look like the night sky," someone whispered behind him — Hermione, by the sound of it.
Darren smiled faintly, impressed by her bookish certainty.
But before he could nod in agreement, a soft scoff came from his side — barely audible.
"Show-off."
He glanced back just in time to see Kassandra crossing her arms, chin tilted ever so slightly in disdain.
Ah. So the Slytherin princess did talk.
He considered saying something — maybe even correcting her, Holy Father-style — but thought better of it.
There would be time for that later.
After all, Hogwarts had only just begun.
---
--
---
---
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!