Upon passing through the barrier of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, a vast new world unfolded before the three of them, with a Victorian-style deep-red steam locomotive quietly stationed on the tracks.
"This is truly magical!"
Hermione exclaimed while glancing back at the wall behind her, while Harry attempted to gently touch the wall with his hand. The opened door to the Magical World was a wondrous experience beyond words for both children.
"Is this train also powered by magic?" After paying the "friendship fee," Harry appeared noticeably more cheerful, gazing in amazement at the Hogwarts Express in the distance.
Even though the train looked similar to the Muggles' trains, the diverse array of people passing by added unique colors to this platform dedicated to Wizards.
This was definitely a scenery unseen at a Muggle station.
Steam from the train gathered above the heads of chatting crowds, while various cats circled around people's shoes. The owls screeched at each other in an unpleasant manner, their cries overpowering the noise made by dragging, pulling, tapping, and knocking heavy suitcases.
The first few carriages were already packed with students. Some were leaning out of the windows to talk to family members, while others were wrestling over seating.
What a bustling scene.
Even Harry's owl tried to peek its head out of the cage.
"It's just a train partially modified by magic, no one understands why the Ministry of Magic hasn't updated or replaced them for years. Inspector Smith could easily gain a lot from this project," Ian remarked thoughtfully, weighing the money bag in his hand, having no intent to accept Harry Potter's "tribute."
Just as he never initially planned to sponge a red packet from Hermione's father.
Even though he knew the Potter family's Galleons might never run out in this lifetime, Ian still had some pride and generally wouldn't consider extorting ordinary Little Wizards.
"Inspector Smith?"
Harry Potter murmured the unfamiliar name.
"I believe he's a head of some department within the Ministry of Magic. I've read about the Ministry of Magic in 'Wizarding World,' it's essentially like a wizard government formed by Wizards,"
Hermione began showing off the knowledge she had crammed recently.
However.
She clearly didn't understand much about the adult world yet..
"The Hogwarts Express journey offers plenty of time to chat. Right now, our priority should be finding a carriage; the larger carriages are always first come, first served."
Ultimately, Ian put Harry Potter's "tribute" money bag back into his pocket, having already thought of a perfect way to handle this batch of Galleons from Harry Potter.
It's simple.
Just need to purchase the Potter family's shampoo with these Galleons and then gift it to his dear uncle, this way not only do the Galleons flow back to the Potter family vault, but he regains his conscience.
Most crucially, if Harry Potter's parents knew, even if they wanted to turn into malicious ghosts to avenge their son, they should seek out Snape, the beneficiary.
Thinking about it, his dear uncle wouldn't mind using this method to get a chance to see his first crush, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... it's a classic win-win-win situation!
While pondering this, Ian led the two little brats into the train from the entrance door, where the carriages with evident traces of Enlargement Charm drew exclamations from Harry and Hermione.
"The space in here is really big!" Harry looked around the spacious corridor in disbelief, thinking it appeared much wider than the outside of the train.
"I know, I know, this surely used the Traceless Stretching Charm." Hermione again showcased her knowledge reserve, having grown interested in this magic after seeing Ian's money bag.
"You know so much, unlike me... I can't even use my magic wand skillfully." Harry's praise was sincere, immediately causing Hermione to puff up with pride like a proud peacock.
"Go to hell! My enemy!"
At this moment.
Suddenly.
A loud noise invaded their ears, Harry barely reacted, and Hermione, looking proud, turned pale and nearly collapsed.
"How could anyone use the Killing Curse on school transports!"
She let out a shriek of terror.
A green light brushed past her cheek.
It almost frightened her to death on the spot.
"Don't worry, Hermione, it's just a modified Lighting Spell... these little ones have picked up some bad habits." Ian chuckled, glancing at the few Little Wizards chasing and playing in the train corridor.
"Young Professor..."
"Sorry, we didn't mean to scare this classmate."
...
The few Little Wizards who had been playing tag like playing house quickly turned obedient, seeing Ian like they saw a school professor, they immediately put away their magic wands and bowed to him slightly.
"Go play in the carriage over at Slytherin College, the freshmen love gathering with their senior students." Ian pointed the rowdy Little Wizards towards a promising direction.
For a moment.
Seeing Hermione's "quail-like" reaction, the Little Wizards' eyes lit up, as if accepting an NPC quest, they excitedly rushed towards the carriage predominantly filled with Slytherin College students.