Chương 30: The Journey to Hogwarts

Raja Rudra Powers arrived at King's Cross Station with his adoptive grandmother, Eleanor Powers. She walked beside him, adjusting his tie and giving him last-minute words of wisdom. Raja was already familiar with the wizarding world thanks to Professor McGonagall's visit, but seeing other young witches and wizards bustling with excitement made the experience truly come alive.

As they neared Platform 9, Eleanor squeezed his shoulder. "Remember, dear, every grand adventure begins with a single step."

"Yes, Grandmother," he said with a smile, patting her hand. "See you at Christmas?"

"Without a doubt. Now go make me prouder than I already am."

With that, Raja adjusted the weight of his trunk and the eagle cage that held his fierce black eagle with golden eyes, Garuda. Following the directions McGonagall had given him, he watched the families as they disappeared through the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10.

He was still observing the brick wall when he noticed a red-haired family bustling nearby. They appeared to be speaking with a nervous-looking boy around his age, who wore round glasses and clutched his luggage cart uncertainly.

"That's Harry Potter!" Raja muttered, recognizing him from McGonagall's descriptions. Moving closer, he overheard the red-haired woman, Mrs. Weasley, giving Harry instructions.

"Now, all you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten," she encouraged him.

Harry looked a little hesitant. To make things easier, Raja approached with a friendly smile and said, "Hello, do you need some help?"

Harry's eyes widened as he saw Raja. "Oh—uh—hi! I was just... going to try this, I guess?"

"I can go first if it helps," Raja said confidently. "We just walk right at the barrier, nothing to worry about." Without waiting for an answer, he briskly approached the wall and, with a steady step, disappeared through the brick.

As he emerged on the other side, he was met with the awe-inspiring sight of the Hogwarts Express, gleaming in all its glory with clouds of steam curling around the platform. A few seconds later, Harry appeared beside him, looking both amazed and relieved.

"You made it!" Raja said with a grin. "I'm Raja, by the way. Raja Rudra Powers."

"I'm Harry. Harry Potter," Harry replied, still looking around in wonder.

Soon, the Weasleys and Harry joined Raja as they loaded their trunks onto the train. Harry was pulled aside by Ron, the youngest of the red-haired family, and soon Raja was chatting animatedly with Fred and George, who seemed fascinated by his black eagle with golden eyes.

"Never seen an eagle like that!" one twin said with admiration.

Raja smirked, "Garuda's a rare breed—just like me, I suppose!"

The twins chuckled, clearly pleased by his easygoing attitude.

Once aboard, Raja found an empty compartment, settling in with his books and snacks. Just as he began reading a spellbook Professor McGonagall had recommended, Harry and Ron knocked on the door and peeked inside.

"Mind if we join you?" Harry asked, looking hopeful.

"Of course! Come in." Raja quickly moved his things to make space.

The three boys spent the rest of the journey sharing stories and snacks. Raja found himself fascinated by Harry's tales of the Dursleys, which sounded like something from a comedic horror novel. And Ron's stories about growing up with five older siblings were equally entertaining, especially with his laments about hand-me-downs.

At one point, a girl with bushy hair entered and introduced herself as Hermione Granger. "Are you all ready for Hogwarts?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement. "I read every book on the syllabus twice!"

Raja raised an eyebrow, amused. "Twice? You're well-prepared, then. I haven't finished my first read yet."

Hermione nodded approvingly, "Good. Hogwarts needs more people who take studies seriously." She flashed them a proud smile before marching out.

As the train finally pulled to a stop near Hogwarts, Raja's heart began to race with excitement. He felt a gentle hum of power coming from the castle that he hadn't sensed anywhere else, as if Hogwarts itself was alive and welcoming.

The Hogwarts Arrival and Sorting Ceremony

After an enchanting boat ride across the lake, Raja and the other first-years stood in awe before the massive doors of Hogwarts. He felt a surge of admiration at the sight of the ancient stone castle, its towering walls aglow under the moonlight. This was a place of legend, of untold knowledge and history, and he was now part of it.

Inside the Great Hall, the ceiling dazzled with a sky full of stars, enchanted to mimic the night outside. Maya whispered information about the magical enchantments, but Raja barely noticed, too captivated by the atmosphere around him.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a small stool and an old, battered hat. Raja watched as one by one, students were called up to be sorted, listening as the Sorting Hat announced each house with a loud, proud voice. When it was his turn, Raja approached the hat, feeling its weight as it slid down over his eyes.

The hat's voice mused in his ear, "An ambitious mind, powerful and perceptive. I see courage… but also cunning. Where shall we place you, Mr. Powers?"

After a moment's contemplation, Raja replied internally, "Somewhere I can grow—where my journey will be the most meaningful."

The hat hummed thoughtfully, and then shouted, "Gryffindor!" The table at the far side erupted in cheers, and Raja took his seat with a satisfied smile. He was ready to begin.

Harry followed shortly after, also sorted into Gryffindor, and joined him with a big grin.

Potions with Professor Snape

Raja's first week at Hogwarts brought a whirlwind of experiences. Transfiguration left him in awe of the magical arts, while Charms intrigued him with its subtleties. But Potions with Professor Snape was an entirely different experience.

As the students filed into the dimly lit dungeon, Raja took a seat near Harry and Ron, who looked equally apprehensive. A sudden hush fell over the room as Professor Snape swept in, his dark robes billowing behind him, his expression as cold as ice.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began, his voice low and menacing. Raja felt a chill run through the room as Snape's gaze swept over them, pausing for a split second on him, then Harry.

"Potter!" Snape's eyes narrowed. "Our new… celebrity." The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable, and Raja noticed Harry's discomfort.

After a series of sharp questions aimed at Harry, Snape's attention turned to Raja. "And you… Raja Powers, am I correct?"

Raja held his gaze steadily, nodding. "Yes, Professor."

"Let's see if you know as much as you look like you do," Snape sneered. "Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Raja thought for a moment before replying, "The Draught of Living Death, Professor."

Snape's eyes narrowed as if he hadn't expected the correct answer. "Correct," he replied coolly. "Though let's see if you're able to apply that knowledge in practice."

Throughout the lesson, Raja focused intently on the precise steps and timing of the potion-making process. He worked with the utmost precision, impressing even Snape with the final product, which bore the exact shade and consistency specified in the textbook. By the end of class, Raja could tell that while he hadn't won Snape over, he had at least earned a grudging respect.

Unbreakable Bonds

As the days went by, Raja grew closer to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Together, they navigated the oddities and challenges of Hogwarts life—from Peeves the poltergeist to the moving staircases that had a mischievous tendency to shift at the most inconvenient times.

During one of their study sessions, Hermione leaned over, her brow furrowed with concern. "Raja, you're not… from the usual background, are you?" she asked, careful with her words.

Raja gave a small smile. "No, not quite," he replied. He didn't elaborate, and his friends, sensing the mystery, didn't press him.

Harry and Ron exchanged knowing glances, each perhaps a little in awe of their new friend's abilities. Raja enjoyed this newfound bond with them—these were friends who would be by his side through whatever Hogwarts had in store.

First Steps into the Mystery

One evening after dinner, as the friends made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, they noticed the third-floor corridor and a sign that read, "Danger: Do Not Enter." Raja exchanged a look with Harry and Ron, the spark of curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"What do you think they're hiding in there?" Harry wondered aloud.

"Something that Dumbledore wants to keep well-protected," Raja mused, his mind already racing with theories.

Ron nudged Harry, grinning. "Let's just hope we don't find out!"

As they laughed and walked away, Raja couldn't shake the feeling that his journey at Hogwarts had only just begun. With every class, every conversation, and every mystery unfolding, he felt himself stepping deeper into a world unlike any he had known.

And something told him that his adventures here would be the start of something even greater.