Chapter 8

I own nothing. All characters and places belong to their respective franchises and companies.

The moments passed quickly after Kamek disappeared, as Dumbledore explained Hogwarts to Harry, describing the grand castle nestled in the Scottish Highlands and the various subjects taught there. Harry listened intently, his green eyes wide with curiosity as Dumbledore spoke of Potions, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Even the mention of Herbology and History of Magic caught Harry's interest, though his attention sharpened when the headmaster explained the sport of Quidditch.

"So, it's like kart racing," Harry said, a grin tugging at his lips, "but on brooms?"

"Not quite," Dumbledore replied with a soft chuckle. "Though I suspect your knack for speed and strategy would serve you well as a Quidditch player."

Before Harry could press for more details, a burst of blue smoke erupted near the doorway, and Kamek reappeared, coughing slightly as he adjusted his glasses. "Your Majesty," he wheezed, "I've got them—Princess Peach and Mario. It took some convincing, but they're here."

Moments later, Peach and Mario stepped into the room. Peach, radiant in her usual pink gown, looked around with her characteristic grace, though her expression quickly softened when she saw Harry. Mario, ever steady and cheerful, gave Harry a warm smile as he adjusted his cap.

"Harry!" Peach said, rushing forward and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Kamek told us this was important. Are you alright?"

Harry nodded. "I'm fine, Aunt Peach. It's just... a lot."

Mario tipped his cap at Bowser, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution. "What's this about, Bowser? Kamek said it had something to do with Harry's magic." Bowser waved a claw, gesturing toward Dumbledore. "It does. But first, you—" he pointed at the headmaster—"wait in the other room. This is a family discussion."

Dumbledore nodded politely, inclining his head. "Of course. I'll wait outside." He stepped into an adjoining chamber, the door closing softly behind him.

The discussion began with Bowser crossing his massive arms, his fiery eyes fixed on Harry. The rest of the group—Peach, Mario, and Kamek—formed a loose circle around the boy. After a quick rundown of who the old man was and why he was there they all fell into a ponderous silence. Bowser's voice, deep and gruff, finally broke the silence.

"Alright, kid," he started. "This isn't a decision to make lightly. That Dumbledore guy says Hogwarts can teach you about your magic and your parents' world. But you're not just walking out of here unless we're all sure it's the right move. Especially you."

Harry frowned, looking down at the letter in his hands. The weight of everyone's eyes on him was heavy, but not unwelcome. He knew they all cared about him, and he didn't take that for granted.

Peach knelt beside him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Harry, you've grown up here, surrounded by people who love you. This castle, this kingdom—it's your home. But if there's a part of you that wants to know more about where you come from, about your parents, you should follow that curiosity."

Mario nodded from where he stood beside her, his hand resting on his cap. "The Mushroom Kingdom's always been your family, Harry. But sometimes, finding out more about where you came from can help you figure out where you want to go."

Kamek floated forward, his wand spinning idly in his hand. "Magic, especially the kind you were born with, isn't something to take lightly, boy. You've got talent, sure, but raw power isn't enough. If Hogwarts can teach you to harness it... well, that's an opportunity you'd be a fool to ignore."

Harry glanced at Kamek, his brow furrowing. "But what if it's not what I expect? What if I don't fit in there?"

Bowser snorted, his arms uncrossing as he jabbed a claw in Harry's direction. "Doesn't matter if you fit in. You're a Koopa. You've got nothing to prove to anyone. If they don't like you, that's their problem—not yours."

Peach smiled warmly. "And you'll always have us, Harry. No matter what."

Harry looked up, his green eyes flicking between the faces of his family. "It's just... I've never thought about leaving here. This is home. But at the same time, I do want to know more. About my parents, about the magic I've got. I've tried to control it, but sometimes it just... bursts out."

"That's why you go," Kamek said with a grin. "Learn to control it, boy. If you're anything like your mother—judging by what Dumbledore said—you're sitting on a mountain of untapped potential."

Mario stepped forward, his voice calm and steady. "If you go, Harry, it doesn't mean you're leaving us behind. It just means you're taking a new step forward. And if it's not for you, you can always come back."

Bowser grunted in agreement. "That's right. If this Hogwarts place turns out to be a bust, you'll come right back here, no questions asked."

Peach gave him a small squeeze on the shoulder. "And you'll never be alone, Harry. We're always just a warp pipe away."

Harry's lips twitched into a faint smile, the knot in his chest loosening. "Alright," he said finally, his voice steady. "I'll go. I want to learn about my parents and see what this magic from my home is really about. But if I don't like it—"

"Then you come home," Bowser finished for him, his voice firm. "No one's holding you to this."

Bowser called for Dumbledore, who re-entered the room, his expression brightening at the sight of Harry standing resolutely beside his father.

"Have you reached a decision?" Dumbledore asked, his tone warm.

"I'll go to Hogwarts," Harry said, his green eyes meeting Dumbledore's. "I want to learn about my parents and my magic."

Dumbledore's face broke into a pleased smile. "That is wonderful news, Harry. I am certain you will thrive at Hogwarts. I will arrange for someone to collect you in one week's time to take you to Diagon Alley for your school supplies."

"Hold up," Bowser said, stepping forward, his fiery gaze locking onto Dumbledore. "There's a condition. If Harry's going, I'm going with him to this Diagon Alley. Kamek too. I'm not letting him walk into some strange magical world without someone watching his back."

Dumbledore inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty. Your presence would be most welcome. However, there is one concern I must address." he starts apologetically. "The presence of... individuals as unique as yourselves might cause undue alarm among both Muggle and magical populations. You would likely need to adopt a human disguise."

Kamek, who had been quiet up to this point, let out a delighted laugh. "Oh, don't worry about that! Illusion spells are my specialty. I'll have us looking positively boring in no time."

Bowser frowned but gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. But if anything feels off, wizard, we're out of there, and you're toast."

Dumbledore's smile widened. "I would expect no less. You have my word that Harry's safety and comfort are my utmost priority. In one week's time, Rubeus Hagrid, one of Hogwarts' most trusted staff members, will arrive to escort you to Diagon Alley. He is an excellent guide and will ensure the experience is smooth."

Mario and Peach exchanged regretful looks before Peach spoke. "I wish we could come with you, Harry, but we both have obligations we can't delay."

Mario nodded, his voice warm. "But you'll tell us all about it when you get back, alright?"

"Yeah," Harry said, smiling. "I will."

As the meeting wrapped up and Dumbledore prepared to leave, Bowser leaned forward in his throne, his fiery eyes locking onto the headmaster. "Alright, wizard," he growled, "before you go, I need to know something. You got here somehow. Was it through a warp pipe?"

Dumbledore inclined his head slightly. "Indeed, Your Majesty. The pipe I traveled through is located in your Mushroom Kingdom, though its entrance in my world is well concealed."

Bowser snorted, his claws tapping against the armrest of his throne. "Warp pipes don't just connect to random places. So, where is it?"

Kamek, always curious, conjured a glowing 3D map with a wave of his wand, a detailed display of the Mushroom Kingdom spreading out in front of them. "Point it out," Kamek said, adjusting his glasses. "We'll add it to the registry."

Dumbledore stepped closer, studying the map. With a long finger, he tapped on a small, open area near the outskirts of the Mushroom Kingdom. "Here. The pipe is unassuming and tucked among some rocks, but it's visible enough if you know what to look for."

Bowser leaned over the map, his fiery gaze narrowing. "And on your side? Where's it connect over there?"

"It is hidden," Dumbledore said simply, "in the basement of an abandoned building in London. Its location in my world is far more obscure."

Kamek waved his wand to mark the spot on the map with a glowing icon. "Interesting placement," he mused. "We'll set up wards on our side. Don't need anyone wandering in uninvited."

Bowser nodded, crossing his arms. "Good. If that pipe's open to other worlds, we're not taking any chances."

Dumbledore straightened, brushing off his robes. "I thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Now, I believe it is time for me to take my leave."

A soft trill filled the air, and from the shadows emerged Fawkes, his brilliant fiery feathers illuminating the throne room as he perched gracefully on Dumbledore's shoulder.

Harry's eyes widened. "That's your bird?"

"Indeed," Dumbledore said with a small smile. "Fawkes is my companion and a faithful friend."

Before anyone could respond further, Fawkes let out a melodic cry and burst into a dazzling blaze of flames, engulfing both himself and Dumbledore. In an instant, they vanished, leaving behind a faint shimmer of golden light.

Peach gasped in surprise, "Oh my!"

Mario grabbed his hat looking amazed, "Mama Mia!"

Kamek adjusted his glasses, muttering, "Dramatic, isn't he?"

Bowser snorted. "Show-off."

Harry grinned faintly. "Better than crawling through a pipe."

1 Week Later

The morning sun lit up the clearing in the Mushroom Kingdom, where Bowser, Kamek, and Harry stood near the warp pipe. Kamek's wards shimmered faintly around the pipe, ensuring its security, while Bowser loomed with his arms crossed, his fiery gaze fixed on the magical transport. Harry adjusted his spiked wristbands nervously, glancing between his father and Kamek.

"So," Harry asked, breaking the silence, "what's this Hagrid guy like?"

Bowser snorted, his claws tapping against his crossed arms. "No idea. Dumbledore didn't give much detail, but if he's supposed to take you anywhere, he'd better be reliable. And remember, we're coming with you."

Kamek smirked, adjusting his glasses as he inspected the wards. "Dumbledore didn't say much, but if Hagrid's reputation is anything to go by, expect big, loud, and a touch clumsy."

As if on cue, the warp pipe let out a loud whoosh, and moments later, a massive figure shot out, landing ungracefully in a heap on the grass. Hagrid groaned, sitting up and brushing his wild mane of hair out of his face.

"Blimey!" he muttered, getting to his feet and patting down his coat, which looked large enough to double as a tent. "Never been through one o' those before. Feels like bein' tossed through a wind tunnel!"

Harry stared at the giant man before him, his bushy beard and twinkling black eyes making him look both imposing and oddly friendly. The man grinned when he spotted Harry and stepped forward, extending a massive hand.

"Harry, is that you? 'Course it is! Knew it right away—got your mum's eyes!" he boomed, his voice warm and cheerful. "Name's Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Pleasure to meet ya!"

Harry hesitated briefly before shaking Hagrid's enormous hand, his own disappearing entirely in the giant's grip. "Uh, nice to meet you." But then Harry frowned slightly, tilting his head as he realized what the large man had said. "Wait. You know me?"

Hagrid's grin widened, though his eyes grew misty. "Course I do. I was there when... when we lost your parents. I brought you to your aunt and uncle's house that night."

Harry stiffened, his green eyes narrowing. "You took me to the Dursleys?"

Hagrid's expression turned sorrowful. "Aye, lad. I didn't know what they were like. Dumbledore said it was the safest place for you, and I trusted him. If I'd known what they'd do..." He trailed off, his large hands clenching at his sides. "I'm sorry, Harry. Truly."

Bowser growled low in his throat, stepping forward and placing a protective hand on Harry's shoulder. "So, you're telling me you dropped him off with those monsters?"

Hagrid winced, meeting Bowser's fiery gaze without flinching. "I didn't know, Your Majesty. If I had... I'd have done somethin' about it. Harry deserved better than that."

Harry studied the giant man before him, the genuine regret in his eyes. Slowly, the tension in his shoulders eased. "Well, you didn't know," Harry said quietly. "And you're here now, so I guess that counts for something."

Hagrid's face lit up with a grateful smile. "You're a good lad, Harry. Your parents'd be proud."

Kamek floated closer, eyeing Hagrid critically. "Big, loud, and sentimental. You're definitely not what I expected."

Hagrid chuckled, his booming laugh echoing through the clearing. "Reckon I'll take that as a compliment!"

Bowser's fiery eyes remained sharp. "Dumbledore said you're here to take Harry to this Diagon Alley place. You'd better know what you're doing."

"Oh, don't you worry, Your Majesty," Hagrid said, straightening to his full, towering height. "I'll take good care o' Harry. Dumbledore trusts me, and I'll not let the lad outta my sight."

"You'd better not, seeing as we're coming with Harry." Bowser grunted with Kamek nodding eagerly beside him.

Hagrid nodded, his expression turning serious. "Fair enough, Your Majesty. Dumbledore mentioned you'd probably want to come along. Just one thing—might be best if ya blend in a bit. Don't want to startle the Muggles."

Kamek floated closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Don't worry about that. Disguises are my specialty."

Hagrid chuckled, his booming laugh filling the clearing. "Well, reckon that settles it, then!"

Harry smirked, glancing at Bowser. "Guess we're going in style."

Bowser grunted, placing a reassuring claw on Harry's shoulder. "No one's messing with you, kid. Let's get this over with."

As they stood before the warp pipe, ready to make the journey to Earth, Kamek floated closer, his wand already glowing with a faint blue light. "Alright, Your Majesty, let's get this sorted. Can't have anyone panicking at the sight of the mighty Koopa King."

Bowser grunted, crossing his arms. "Just make it quick, Kamek. I don't have all day."

Kamek smirked, adjusting his glasses as he waved his wand. "Patience, Your Majesty. This is delicate work. We can't just slap a generic illusion on you. We need something that fits your... stature."

Harry grinned, leaning against the pipe. "This should be good."

Kamek muttered a series of incantations, the glowing tip of his wand sparking as he gestured toward Bowser. In a swirl of shimmering magic, the Koopa King's massive form transformed. His spiked shell vanished, replaced by the broad shoulders of a towering, muscular man in a black suit. His fiery hair became a mane of wild red locks, and his sharp claws softened into strong human hands. His face retained its fierce intensity, but now it bore the rugged features of a battle-hardened warrior.

Bowser looked down at himself, flexing his fingers. "Hmph. Not bad, Kamek. Still feels like me."

"Of course it does," Kamek said, smirking as he turned the wand on himself. Another wave of magic surrounded the Magikoopa, and his small, floating frame transformed into that of a wiry, sharp-eyed scholar. His robes became a long, tailored coat, and his glasses remained, though they now looked more fitting for a professor than a wizard.

Harry tilted his head, giving Kamek an appraising look. "You look... normal. For once."

Kamek adjusted his glasses with a grin. "Flattery will get you nowhere, boy."

Bowser grunted, turning his attention to Harry. "Alright, kid. You ready?"

Harry nodded, his nerves and excitement warring in his chest. "Yeah. Let's do this."

Kamek floated back slightly, surveying his handiwork. "Perfect. You'll blend in just fine. Now, let's not keep Hagrid waiting on the other side."

With their disguises in place, the trio stepped toward the warp pipe. Bowser placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder, his fiery gaze now softened with determination. Together, they prepared to take their first steps into the human world, ready for whatever lay ahead.