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Midday in Brayden's small Hong Kong bedroom, sunlight filters across posters and scattered schoolbooks. He clutches a glowing golden envelope, eyes wide and hands sparking faint light.
Today is a crazy day in Hong Kong. A golden envelope says I must go to Hogwarts. It says I am a wizard. My hands tingle. I brush my short black hair nervously.
A sunny city park is dotted with fallen leaves and a stone fountain. Brayden hoists the Hogwarts letter proudly while Eden gasps and Woody grins beside him.
On the second day, I find my friends Eden and Woody at the park. We are all nine. I say, I’m going to Hogwarts! Eden gasps, Really? Woody grins, Let’s get tickets!
Late afternoon lantern light warms Brayden’s cluttered living-room where open backpacks lie on the rug. Brayden tucks a tiny spell notebook between snacks, Eden folds a sweater with worried eyes, and Woody zips his bag.
We pack backpacks with snacks and sweaters. I add a tiny notebook for spells. Eden says, I’m a little scared. Woody nods, It’s Halloween soon. I squeeze their hands, We’ll be brave together.
Dusk neon splashes through the windows of a red taxi weaving along Hong Kong streets. Brayden whispers 'Next stop, the UK,' Eden shares crackers from a plastic box, and Woody traces their route on an unfolded map.
We ride a taxi through bright Hong Kong streets. Airplanes roar like dragons above the clouds. I whisper, Next stop, the UK. Eden shares crackers. Woody points at a map and smiles.
Inside a dimly lit airplane cabin during a night flight, moonlight glitters on the window. Brayden mouths 'Lumos,' Eden sketches cheerful pumpkins in her notebook, and Woody reclines with headphones.
The plane hums softly. I practice saying, Lumos, under my breath. Nothing happens, but my heart glows. Eden doodles pumpkins. Woody says, When we land, we find the magic train.
Morning light floods London’s bustling King’s Cross concourse filled with rushing commuters and stacked suitcases. Brayden studies a ticket labeled 'Platform 9¾,' Eden points toward numbered arches, and Woody shrugs.
In London, we follow signs into a busy station. Trains whistle and bags clatter. I read our ticket: Platform 9¾. Eden frowns, Where is three-quarters? Woody shrugs, Maybe it’s hiding.
Bright station lamps illuminate the space between Platforms Nine and Ten. Brayden presses both palms against the solid brick wall, Eden bites her lip behind him, and Woody watches anxiously beside a luggage trolley.
We search between platforms nine and ten. Brick walls stare back. I tap the wall, knock-knock, nothing. Eden sighs, I’m worried. Woody says, Let’s ask a teacher, if we see one.
Warm afternoon light fills an arched King’s Cross corridor lined with trunks. Professor Lin, green scarf fluttering, points at the brick barrier with a reassuring smile while Brayden listens and clutches his ticket.
A gentle voice says, Need help? A kind teacher, Professor Lin, smiles. He wears round glasses and a green scarf. I ask, How do we reach Hogwarts? He says, Walk bravely through that wall.
Steam swirls on the hidden platform beneath iron lamps. Brayden bursts through the shimmering wall, eyes wide, as the scarlet Hogwarts Express looms nearby and Professor Lin cheers, waving his hat.
My stomach flips, but I run first. The bricks feel like warm jelly, then whoosh! Eden and Woody follow, laughing. A scarlet train steams nearby. Professor Lin cheers, See? Courage opens doors.
Golden lamps glow inside a wood-paneled train compartment rattling north. Brayden’s notebook glimmers with tiny sparkles, Eden claps softly on the velvet seat opposite, and Woody offers a gummy bear with a grin.
We find a cozy compartment and sit close. I try a tiny spell, Sparkle, and my notebook glimmers. Eden claps softly. Woody offers gummies. Wheels sing on tracks, carrying us toward tall towers.
Outside the castle gates under a star-studded sky, floating pumpkins cast warm orange light. Brayden, Eden, and Woody stand in awe on the cobblestone path, faces illuminated by the flickering lanterns.
Night falls as we reach the castle. Floating pumpkins glow like friendly moons. I whisper, I’m really a wizard. Eden laughs, Me too. Woody says, Let’s learn kindness and magic together.
Inside Hogwarts’ grand entrance hall, bright torchlight dances across marble arches while robed teachers wave in welcome. Brayden turns to smile at Eden and Woody beside him as orchestral music drifts through the open doors.
The big doors open and warm music floats out. Teachers wave welcome. I turn to my friends and smile. We made it to Hogwarts. Our brave, happy adventure is just beginning.