Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

After a full morning of packing, Cael Vale stood at the threshold of his quiet home, double-checking the protective enchantments woven into the walls. His study lay neatly organized behind him—journals stacked, runic parchments sorted, the Door Key resting safely within its protective case.

Two weeks of obsessive study had deepened his understanding of runes beyond what his mother had documented. Pages of forgotten symbols now lived permanently etched in his memory, a personal archive no one could take from him.

But now, it was time to return to Hogwarts.

He fastened the latches of his trunk, slipped his wand into the holster at his wrist, and began tracing defensive runes along the doorframe with precise wand movements. Glowing lines shimmered before fading into the wood. The spells layered over one another: concealment charms to make the house invisible to outsiders, binding locks, repelling curses, and even subtle alarms that would whisper to him should anyone dare approach.

Cael inspected his work one final time, satisfied. His house, hidden within the coastal cliffs far from prying eyes, would remain untouched.

Turning toward the fireplace, he threw down a pinch of Floo Powder and stepped into the emerald flames. "King's Cross Station," he announced clearly.

The magic flared, spinning him away, and seconds later, he stumbled onto the bustling platform. Around him, early-morning commuters hurried past, oblivious to the hidden entrance between platforms nine and ten.

Cael approached the barrier, slipping through with practiced ease—and there it stood: the gleaming red Hogwarts Express, its steam hissing into the morning air.

The platform was nearly deserted this early. Only a few families mingled at the edges, parents saying drawn-out goodbyes to their children.

Cael climbed aboard and wandered the corridors until he found an empty carriage. Sliding the door shut behind him, he settled into the seat by the window, placing his worn runes textbook in his lap.

For the next hour, he lost himself in the ancient symbols, tracing lines with his fingertip, murmuring pronunciations under his breath. Runes of protection, concealment, and manipulation—all vital for unlocking the full power of the Door Key.

The rhythmic chug of the train's engine echoed faintly as more students filtered aboard. He caught glimpses of familiar faces outside: the Weasley family bustling along the platform, Mrs. Weasley scolding the twins, Percy adjusting his Prefect badge with exaggerated importance.

But Harry and Ron were noticeably absent.

Cael's eyes narrowed slightly. Curious. In his old life—before this strange second chance—he knew exactly where the two had ended up: stranded outside the barrier, the infamous flying car debacle about to unfold.

But something didn't add up. James Potter hadn't accompanied Harry through the platform entrance today. Why? Did Harry stay with the Weasleys before the journey? That would explain the separation.

He debated intervening—warning them, alerting the parents. But then, a small smirk curled his lips.

The flying car incident, ridiculous as it was, served a purpose. Ron's wand snapping in half—while inconvenient—had its consequences later. And the spectacle of two second-years piloting a bewitched Ford Anglia across half of Britain? It certainly livened up the start of term.

So, he let it be.

With a faint smile, Cael returned to his book, sinking deeper into runes and translations until the carriage door slid open with a quiet creak.

A small girl stood there, delicate frame framed by the door, silver-blonde hair falling in wispy strands around her dreamy, wide blue eyes.

She stepped inside without hesitation, carrying an upside-down magazine emblazoned with the words The Quibbler in bold, swirling letters.

Cael glanced up, instantly recognizing her. "Hello," he greeted, closing his book. "You're Luna Lovegood, aren't you?"

She tilted her head, blinking serenely. "Hello, senior," she replied, her voice soft and distant as if her thoughts drifted miles beyond the carriage. "Yes, I'm Luna. Luna Lovegood."

Cael smiled faintly. "Nice to meet you, Luna. I'm Cael Vale—but you can call me Cael."

She tilted her head, puzzled. "But… how did you know my name?"

Cael shrugged lightly. "I saw you once last year at Flourish and Blotts. You were with your father—he was trying to convince them to carry your father's manuscripts."

Luna beamed, floating over to the seat across from him. Her magazine flipped in her hands, still upside down, illustrations of bizarre creatures practically leaping off the pages.

"What's the magazine about?" Cael asked, nodding toward it.

"Oh, it's my father's work," she said cheerfully. "He runs The Quibbler. We write about the important things—the creatures most people pretend don't exist."

She leaned in conspiratorially. "Do you know about the Crumple-Horned Snorkack? Daddy says they live in Sweden. Very shy creatures."

Cael's lips twitched. "I hadn't heard of them—but I believe there are plenty of magical beasts yet to be discovered."

Luna's eyes sparkled with delight. "You understand," she whispered, pleased.

Then, she peered at him curiously. "I think I've seen you before."

Cael blinked. "You have?"

Luna nodded, her head tilting again, hair drifting like mist. "Last summer. I followed a Nargle—it was floating near the cliffs by the sea. I found a hidden house there. You were cleaning your windows."

A brief flicker of surprise crossed Cael's face. His home, hidden beyond magical wards, but Luna's whimsical wanderings—intentional or not—seemed to have brushed past his defences.

"We live by the sea too," Luna added dreamily. "Near the waves. I like your house. It feels… safe."

Cael offered a measured smile. "That's… good to hear."

Their conversation drifted toward magical creatures and peculiar folklore, Luna enthusiastically recounting tales while Cael listened, half-amused, half-curious at how easily her strange innocence masked genuine insight.

The carriage door slid open again, revealing Hermione Granger, books clutched to her chest, and beside her, a shy, red-haired girl Cael instantly recognized as Ginny Weasley.

"Cael!" Hermione greeted warmly. "There you are—I've been looking for you."

"Hello, Hermione." Cael nodded politely to Ginny. "And hello to you, too."

Ginny ducked her head shyly, her eyes flitting around the carriage. "Hi."

Hermione sat beside Luna while Ginny hesitated a moment before sitting near Cael. "Have you seen Ron and Harry?" Hermione asked, frowning. "I couldn't find them anywhere."

Ginny's brows furrowed with matching concern.

Cael tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Haven't seen them… or the twins, actually. Strange."

He turned to Ginny. "You were with the twins before?"

She nodded quickly. "They're at the back of the train—Angelina and Lee Jordan are with them."

"And Harry?" Cael asked casually, though his mind already supplied the answer.

Ginny's cheeks flushed faintly. "He… um… his Dad brought him to our house two days ago. Ron invited him."

Cael's expression remained neutral, though inwardly, the pieces clicked into place. James Potter must have dropped Harry off early, leaving him with the Weasleys before today.

"We couldn't find them before boarding," Ginny continued nervously.

The train lurched forward with a hiss of steam, rolling out of the station.

Hermione glanced at Cael's open textbook. "What are you reading?"

"Runes," Cael replied, flipping a page. "Advanced ones. You know… preparing for electives this year."

Hermione's eyes lit up with understanding. "Ancient Runes? You're still studying it? I thought that you stopped studying it last year."

Cael smirked faintly. "Who said that I have stopped studying it ? Since last year I've been studying Runes till now and believe me it's very enjoyable to learn Runes ."

Hermione nodded approvingly. "I wish more people thought that way."

As the countryside blurred past, the compartment filled with quiet conversation—Ginny talking softly to Luna, Hermione lost in Lockhart's Magical Me (her expression half-admiring, half-annoyed at his dramatic tone), while Cael occasionally glanced out the window, eyes scanning the sky.

Minutes stretched into hours, and just as his patience wore thin, a glint of light caught his eye.

There—soaring above the train—the enchanted Ford Anglia, rattling precariously through the clouds. Inside, two familiar figures: Ron behind the wheel, Harry gripping the seat for dear life.

A grin tugged at Cael's lips.

"Hermione," he called, nudging her arm. "Look."

She glanced up, eyes widening. "Oh my—what are they—!"

Ginny followed her gaze, gasping. "That's… that's Dad's car! What—what is it doing up there?!"

Cael chuckled softly. "I'd wager Ron and Harry are in it. Since they're clearly not on the train."

Ginny's panic spiked, wringing her hands. "They'll get seen! Muggles—what if—what if they crash—"

"Relax," Cael advised, though his tone remained amused. "Hermione, write to McGonagall. Let someone know."

Hermione, always prepared, yanked parchment from her bag, scribbling furiously. Moments later, she disappeared down the corridor in search of Percy, determination set in her stride.

Outside, the car wobbled through the clouds, exhaust sputtering. Cael watched, a quiet laugh rumbling in his chest.

"At least this year won't be dull," he muttered under his breath . 

System said mockingly, [When has Hogwarts ever gone a year without some big drama shaking up the whole school?]