THE ALCHEMIST OF HARRY POTTER

Children growing up in the wizarding world often found their lives mundane compared to the grand adventures they read about in books. The Weasley family's home, The Burrow, nestled among rolling hills and dense trees south of the village of Ottery St. Catchpole, was a haven of magical chaos. However, most Muggles remained blissfully unaware of its existence, as protective enchantments ensured it remained hidden from prying eyes.

The nearest wizarding neighbors were the Diggorys, but their home was still several miles away. The Lovegoods and the Fawcetts also lived nearby, yet the children of these families had little interaction outside of Hogwarts. Travel between homes required brooms or other magical means, and the isolation often led to a lack of childhood friendships.

The Weasley children rarely ventured into Ottery St. Catchpole, and even less frequently interacted with Muggle children. Yet Fred and George claimed that their older brother, Bill, had once befriended a Muggle girl.

"Muggles usually find us strange," Fred remarked with a mischievous grin. "They think we talk in riddles or that we're part of some oddball circus."

"And let's be honest," George added, "it's not like The Burrow is anywhere close to town."

Lee Jordan, their best friend, had an even lonelier childhood. He was the only wizard in his household and had no magical neighbors his age.

Albert, on the other hand, fared slightly better. He had a younger sister, a vast collection of books, and occasionally joined in games of Quidditch. However, he rarely played with a large group of children, preferring quieter pastimes.

Though he lacked close childhood friends, Albert was quite popular at Hogwarts. His academic excellence, sharp wit, and effortless charm made him well-liked. He also had a knack for navigating social situations with ease.

One day, Albert asked the twins and Lee whether wizarding children ever attended Muggle schools.

"Not really," George answered. "Imagine a Malfoy sitting in a Muggle classroom. That's not happening."

Fred smirked. "Though some wizards are exceptions. Probably Muggle-borns who don't know they're magical yet."

The twins had never set foot in a Muggle school. Their early education came from their parents and older siblings, just as it did for most pure-blood families.

"By the way, is there a wizarding family called Smith?" Albert inquired. His grandfather's family name had once been Smith before he severed ties with the magical world and adopted a Muggle surname.

Fred exchanged glances with George. "Never heard of them. You?"

"Nope," George replied.

Lee Jordan shook his head. "Why? Something important?"

"Not really," Albert muttered, staring out the window as the evening sky darkened and visibility dropped.

As the train ride dragged on, Albert became more aware of Lee's tendency to talk non-stop. The compartment felt smaller with each passing hour, and eventually, he found himself lulled into a daze by Lee's chatter.

Suddenly, the train began to slow. Albert opened his eyes just as a voice rang through the loudspeakers:

"The train will be arriving at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on board; it will be taken to the school separately."

"Merlin's beard, finally!" Fred groaned, stretching his arms.

George began gathering the remains of their snack stash and stuffing them into Albert's suitcase.

As the train came to a halt, the four of them stepped out into the aisle, joining the chaotic rush of students eager to disembark. The platform outside was dimly lit and drenched in cold rain. Albert shivered as the night air bit through his robes.

"I hate rain," he muttered, pulling out his wand and murmuring, Impervius! over his cap. The water-repelling charm might not be perfect, but it was better than nothing.

"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" A booming voice echoed through the platform. A massive figure held up a lantern, waving it above the crowd.

Albert barely had time to react before Fred grabbed his sleeve.

"Hurry up, or Hagrid'll leave us behind!"

"Give me a second," Albert insisted, repeating the Impervius charm on his robes.

Lee Jordan nudged him impatiently. "You're gonna get wet either way, mate."

Ignoring him, Albert adjusted his cap and walked toward Hagrid. The half-giant's towering frame and wild beard were intimidating to those who didn't know him. From a distance, he looked like something out of a fairy tale—an old, bearded giant leading children into the unknown.

"Are we all here? Right, follow me!" Hagrid called.

As they left the platform's shelter, the cold rain became relentless. Goosebumps prickled Albert's skin as first-years slipped and stumbled on the muddy path.

"Watch yer step!" Hagrid warned. But the warning did little to prevent the inevitable; students tumbled left and right, their robes quickly caked in mud.

Albert pulled his cloak tighter around himself, grateful for the Impervius charm. Unlike the others, he wasn't soaked to the bone.

"I should've learned a waterproofing spell for my shoes," he muttered, already planning to research it later.

Ahead of him, another unfortunate student lost her footing and landed in the mud.

"You alright?" Albert asked, offering a hand.

"Thanks," the girl mumbled, brushing mud off her robes. "This path is awful."

"We'd better keep moving," Albert said, illuminating his wand with Lumos as they pressed forward.

The trek to the lake was one of the messiest in Hogwarts history. Students arrived drenched, chilled, and covered in mud. Lee Jordan, who had taken multiple tumbles, was cursing under his breath.

Albert, staying near the back, avoided most of the chaos.

"Careful! It's downhill from here," Hagrid bellowed from the front. He stepped aside at the bottom of the slope, ready to catch anyone who lost their footing.

Sure enough, three unlucky students slipped, but Hagrid grabbed them before they could roll into the lake.

"Be careful—nearly there!" Hagrid reassured them.

Finally, they arrived at the Black Lake. Across the water, perched atop a steep hill, stood Hogwarts Castle, its windows glowing warmly in the night.

Albert stared in awe. The illuminated towers and turrets shimmered against the rainy backdrop, making the castle look like something straight out of legend.

"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid instructed, pointing at the small vessels waiting by the shore.

"Albert, over here!" Fred waved, already climbing into a boat with George and Lee.

Albert climbed in and grinned at their muddy faces.

"You look like you had a fun trip."

"Brilliant," George deadpanned. "Three falls, two face-first."

"Could've been worse," Fred mused. "Lee here got tackled."

"Twice," Lee grumbled.

"Everyone aboard?" Hagrid called. Once he was sure, he gave the command—"Forward!"

The boats moved on their own, gliding smoothly across the lake.

As the castle loomed closer, Albert felt a rush of excitement.

Hogwarts. I'm finally here.