Chapter 11

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The weeks since their trip to Diagon Alley had been a whirlwind of preparation for Harry's upcoming year at Hogwarts. Returning to the Koopa Kingdom, Harry found himself swept into a rigorous yet supportive study regimen under the guidance of Bowser, Kamek, Peach, and even Mario.

Kamek had taken particular delight in dissecting the contents of Harry's potions textbook, his enthusiasm bordering on obsessive. "Potions," he had declared, "are the perfect blend of magic and alchemy. With a solid foundation in this, you'll have a distinct edge." Whether Harry wanted to or not, he had spent countless hours learning the intricacies of potion brewing, often with Kamek standing over his shoulder, muttering corrections and occasionally flinching when Harry got a step wrong. "This is why I made sure to stock up on potion ingredients!" the wizened magikoopa declared.

Bowser, though not as academic, had been equally involved. "You're going to Hogwarts as my son," he'd said one evening, his fiery gaze fixed on Harry. "That means you go in strong, confident, and ready to take on anything. No one messes with a Koopa."

Peach, as always, had been a calming influence, frequently kidnapped and just as frequently enjoying tea and tutoring sessions with Harry whenever she was "imprisoned." Mario, despite his initial confusion about the family dynamic, had become a regular visitor, helping Harry with Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts theories while exchanging playful banter with Bowser.

Now, on the last day before his departure, Harry stood in the wide courtyard of Bowser's Castle, grinning as he faced his siblings. The Koopalings were arrayed before him, each sporting their own unique combat style. Bowser Jr., ever the strategist, was leading the charge, directing the others like a miniature general.

"Come on, Harry!" Jr. taunted, spinning his paintbrush like a baton. "You're not getting out of this pile-on without a fight!"

Harry, armed with a wooden staff Kamek had enchanted to be able to deflect their magic back, smirked. "You wish, Jr. Let's see how you like this!"

Harry darted forward, vaulting over a sweeping claw from Morton and ducking a thrown bomb from Iggy. Wendy rushed him from the side, swinging her wand in a dazzling display of pink sparks, but Harry deflected it with his staff, twirling it with practiced ease.

"That all you've got?" he teased, dodging Ludwig's burst of magic and landing a playful whack on Larry's shell. "I thought you guys were supposed to be tough!"

"Big talk for someone about to get squashed!" Lemmy giggled, bouncing on his ball before launching himself at Harry.

The fight was a flurry of movement, laughter, and light-hearted chaos. Harry held his own, using quick reflexes and clever tactics learned from both Mario's agility training and Bowser's no-nonsense sparring sessions. But eventually, numbers won out, and the Koopalings overwhelmed him in a coordinated attack, ending in a triumphant dogpile.

Harry found himself at the bottom of the heap, laughing uncontrollably as his siblings cheered. "Alright, alright, you win!" he gasped, his voice muffled under Morton's shell.

The Koopalings rolled off him one by one, grinning with pride. Bowser Jr. offered Harry a hand up, smirking. "Not bad, little bro. You lasted longer than I thought."

Harry brushed himself off, still chuckling. "You guys are relentless."

"That's what being a Koopa is all about!" Wendy said, flipping her hair triumphantly.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Harry headed inside to get ready. His Hogwarts trunk was packed and waiting near the castle's grand entrance, alongside Hedwig's cage. Peach and Mario stood nearby, chatting amicably while Bowser and Kamek gave last-minute instructions to a troop of Koopa soldiers.

"I hate that we can't come with you, kid," Bowser said, his deep voice tinged with regret as Harry approached. "This deal with the Hyrule Kingdom is too important to miss."

"It's okay, Dad," Harry replied, his green eyes glinting with understanding. "I'll be fine. Besides, Peach and Mario are coming with me."

Bowser grunted, crossing his arms before reaching into a pouch at his side. "Yeah, well, I wasn't going to send you off without this." He pulled out a sleek, black sack emblazoned with his insignia: a fiery, snarling Bowser face. "This here's a Power-Up Sack. I had Kamek enchant it. It's got all kinds of stuff packed in there—Fire Flowers, Super Mushrooms, even a Starman or two. You know, for emergencies."

Harry took the sack, his eyes widening in amazement. "Seriously? This has all of that?"

Kamek nodded, adjusting his glasses with a smirk. "Indeed. It's an advanced version of the item blocks we use. The sack will replenish its contents over time, though use the rarer items wisely—they don't regenerate as quickly."

Harry slung the sack over his shoulder, grinning. "Thanks, Dad. This'll definitely come in handy."

Bowser leaned down, his fiery gaze locking onto Harry's. "Remember, kid. You're a Koopa. If anyone gives you trouble, you stand tall. Show them the strength of our family."

"I will," Harry said, his voice steady and filled with resolve. "I've got this."

Kamek stepped forward, his expression softer than usual. "You've come far, Harry. Remember your training, especially with potions. And don't forget to write. I expect detailed updates."

Peach smiled warmly, her soft voice breaking the moment. "We should get going if we don't want to miss the train."

Mario gave a cheerful thumbs-up. "Let's-a go!"

Harry hugged Bowser tightly, feeling a pang of sadness at leaving home, even for an exciting new adventure. "Thanks for everything, Dad. I'll make you proud."

"You already do, kid," Bowser said, his voice gruff but warm. "Now go show them what it means to be part of this family."

With that, Harry grabbed his trunk and Power-Up Sack, and the group set off for the Warp Pipe. As he glanced back at the towering castle one last time, he smiled. The Koopa Kingdom had made him who he was, and he would carry that strength and pride into whatever challenges awaited him at Hogwarts.

The soft hum of the Warp Pipe faded as Harry, Peach, and Mario stepped into the basement of the abandoned warehouse. Dust and cobwebs clung to the corners of the dimly lit space, but none of them batted an eye—this was routine for Warp Pipe travelers.

Harry adjusted Hedwig's cage in his left hand, gripping his Power-Up Sack with his right. "Well, that's done. London, here we come."

Mario dusted off his overalls and looked around, squinting at the dim light filtering through a crack in the boarded-up windows. "Feels like some of the old spots back in Brooklyn," he remarked. "Not exactly a palace, but it does the job."

Peach, brushing a bit of dust from her gown, glanced around with wide eyes. "It's so... different," she said, her voice tinged with curiosity. "This isn't like anything in the Mushroom Kingdom."

Harry grinned. "Just wait till we get outside. The Muggle world's got its own kind of magic, even without spells."

Mario laughed, adjusting his cap. "Let's-a see how much it's changed since the last time I was in a city like this."

They made their way up the creaky stairs to the street above. The door groaned loudly as Mario pushed it open, and they stepped out into the bustling streets of London. The sudden cacophony of honking cars, chattering pedestrians, and street vendors hawking their goods hit them like a wave.

Mario took a deep breath, taking in the scene with a mix of nostalgia and confusion. "It's been a long time since I've been on Earth, but this? This is somethin' else." He nodded at a double-decker bus rumbling past. "They didn't have those in Brooklyn when I left."

Peach's eyes darted from the crowds of people to the tall buildings that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. "This is... overwhelming," she admitted. "No Toads, no Goombas, just... humans everywhere."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, welcome to Muggle London."

As they made their way toward King's Cross Station, they attracted more than a few curious looks from passersby. Peach's flowing pink gown and regal demeanor stood out starkly against the casual attire of Londoners, and Mario's bright red shirt and blue overalls didn't help them blend in either.

"Are we getting weird looks?" Peach asked, leaning closer to Harry.

"Oh yeah," Harry replied, smirking. "You look like you stepped out of a fairy tale. And Mario looks like he's on his way to fix someone's plumbing."

"Hey," Mario said defensively, straightening his cap. "This is practical. You think I'd walk around in a suit all day?"

Peach laughed softly, her unease melting into amusement. "At least you seem comfortable. I feel like I'm completely out of place."

"You're fine," Mario reassured her. "They probably just think you're a cosplayer or something."

"What's a cosplayer?" Harry asked, tilting his head.

"Never mind," Mario said with a grin.

The hustle and bustle of King's Cross Station was overwhelming. Travelers rushed past with bags and suitcases, announcements boomed over the loudspeakers, and Harry, Peach, and Mario stood in the middle of it all, unsure of where to go next.

"So... where exactly is this Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?" Mario asked, scratching his head and looking around. "Doesn't seem like the kind of thing you put on a sign."

Harry frowned. "I don't know. It's supposed to be hidden, but no one said how to find it."

Peach glanced at the signs overhead, scanning the platforms. "There's Platform Nine, and there's Platform Ten," she said, pointing. "But nothing in between."

They wheeled their trolley closer to the area, but no matter how hard they looked, there was no obvious entrance to the magical platform. Peach, despite her usual grace, started to look a little frazzled. Mario, meanwhile, muttered under his breath about hidden platforms being "a little too mysterious for their own good."

At that moment, a group of people passed behind them, and Harry caught part of their conversation.

"—packed with Muggles, of course—"

Harry swung around to see a plump woman with bright red hair leading four boys, all with flaming red hair, and a small girl trailing behind them. Each of the boys was pushing a trunk similar to Harry's, and one of them had an owl.

Heart hammering, Harry grabbed his trolley and followed them, Peach and Mario close behind. The group stopped near the barrier between Platforms Nine and Ten, and Harry slowed down, just close enough to hear their conversation.

"What's the platform number again?" the red-haired woman asked, glancing at her children.

"Nine and Three-Quarters!" piped the young girl, practically bouncing on her heels. "Mum, can't I go?"

"You're not old enough, Ginny, now be quiet," the woman replied with a patient smile. "Alright, Percy, you go first."

The oldest boy nodded and marched confidently toward the barrier. Harry stared, not daring to blink. Just as Percy reached the divide between Platforms Nine and Ten, a group of tourists swarmed in front of him. When the last rucksack cleared, Percy had vanished.

"Fred, you next," the woman said.

"I'm not Fred, I'm George," one of the twins said with a cheeky grin. "Honestly, woman, call yourself our mother?"

"Sorry, George, dear," she said, sighing.

"Only joking, I am Fred," he said, and with that, he strolled forward and disappeared through the barrier as well. His twin followed quickly after, their laughter still echoing.

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Excuse me," he said, stepping forward and addressing the woman. "Sorry to bother you, but... how do we get onto the platform?"

The woman turned to him, her warm smile immediately easing his nerves. "Oh, first time at Hogwarts, is it? Not to worry, dear. All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier. Don't stop, and don't be scared—you won't crash. Best do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous."

"Walk... at the barrier?" Peach repeated, her brow furrowing. "It looks solid."

"It's magic," Harry said, his excitement growing. He turned to Peach and Mario. "I'll go first. Just follow me."

"Alright, kid," Mario said, nodding. "We're right behind you."

Harry gripped his trolley tightly, his heart pounding as he pushed it toward the barrier. He walked faster, then broke into a run, leaning forward as he braced for impact. The wall was coming closer and closer—he squeezed his eyes shut—

And then he was through.

Opening his eyes, Harry found himself standing on a bustling platform filled with witches and wizards of all ages. The air smelled of steam and magic, and a gleaming scarlet steam engine stood waiting on the tracks. Overhead, a wrought-iron sign read, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

Cats weaved between the legs of chattering families, and owls hooted from their cages. Harry turned to look back and saw the archway where the barrier had been, the words "Platform Nine and Three-Quarters" etched into the metal.

Moments later, Peach and Mario stepped through, both looking wide-eyed as they took in the scene.

"This place is incredible," Peach murmured, her voice filled with wonder.

"Now this is magic," Mario said with a low whistle.

Harry grinned. "Told you it'd be worth it."

The Weasleys came through next, the mother ushering her youngest son toward the train. "Now, Ron, make sure you've got everything—and don't forget your wand."

The gangly boy with freckles nodded, clearly trying to hide his nervousness. He glanced at Harry and gave him a small wave, which Harry returned.

The train whistle blew sharply, jolting them into action. Harry grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage, hauling the heavy trunk with ease thanks to the strength he had built during years of sparring with the Koopalings and hauling supplies for Kamek's potion experiments.

"Better get on before it leaves," Mario said, giving Harry a thumbs-up. "Go knock 'em dead, kid."

Harry climbed the steps onto the train, turning to wave one last time. Peach was waving her parasol, tears glistening in her eyes, while Mario stood proudly with his hands on his hips. The train began to pull away, and Harry stuck his head out the window, shouting, "I'll write!"

"We'll be waiting!" Peach called back.

"Make us proud!" Mario added.

As the train rounded the bend, Harry turned to find an empty compartment.

he first few carriages were already packed with students laughing, arguing, and shouting to one another. Harry passed a round-faced boy who was nervously patting his pockets. "Gran, I think I've lost my toad!" the boy was saying, looking panicked.

"Oh, Neville," sighed an elderly woman nearby. "You'll find it before the train leaves."

Farther down the platform, a small crowd had gathered around a boy holding a box. "C'mon, Lee, show us!" someone shouted.

The boy lifted the lid of his box, and the students shrieked and laughed as a hairy leg emerged. Harry chuckled at the scene but kept moving, scanning the train for an open compartment. Near the back of the train, he finally found one.

Harry stepped inside, placing Hedwig's cage carefully on the seat before turning to lift his trunk. He hoisted it up with ease, maneuvering it into the luggage rack.

"Need a hand?" a voice asked behind him.

Harry turned to see two identical red-haired boys standing in the doorway, grinning. "No thanks," he said, setting his trunk securely in place. "Got it."

The twins exchanged impressed glances. "Blimey," said one. "Strong one, aren't you?"

"Must be from all that Koopa training," Harry said with a smirk.

The twins' eyes widened. "Koopa?" one asked. "What's that?"

Harry hesitated, realizing he might have said too much. "Uh… just where I'm from. Sort of."

"Thanks for the offer though," Harry said, brushing a hand through his messy hair.

"No problem," one twin said, but his gaze lingered on Harry's forehead. "What's that?"

The other twin's eyes widened. "Blimey. Are you—?"

"Harry Potter," they chorused.

Harry blinked under their curious stares. "Uh, yeah. I am."

The twins exchanged grins before a voice floated through the open train door. "Fred? George? Are you there?"

"Coming, Mum!" they called, and with a last grin at Harry, they hopped off the train.

Harry sat by the window, watching the red-haired family outside. Their mother was fussing over the youngest boy, rubbing furiously at something on his nose despite his protests.

"Mum, gerroff!" the boy whined, trying to squirm away.

"Hold still, Ron," she said firmly, ignoring his struggles.

The twins reappeared, teasing the younger boy mercilessly. "Don't worry, ickle Ronniekins, we'll protect you," one said with exaggerated sincerity.

"Yeah, no one will mess with you," the other added, grinning. "Unless they want to blow up a toilet."

Harry smirked, shaking his head at their antics. The train's whistle blew again, signaling its imminent departure. The boys climbed aboard, leaning out the window as their mother gave them hurried goodbyes. The youngest girl, who looked close to tears, ran alongside the train as it began to pull away.

The platform of the Hogwarts Express was alive with noise and movement. Families shouted last-minute instructions, trunks scraped along the ground, and owls hooted indignantly from their cages. Harry, Peach, and Mario stood near the rear of the train, their small group attracting the occasional curious glance.

"This is it," Peach said softly, adjusting Harry's collar as she stood back to admire him. "Your big adventure begins here."

Harry smiled, though a hint of nerves flickered in his eyes. "I'll miss you guys."

Mario gave him a hearty slap on the back, nearly knocking him forward. "You'll be fine, kid. Just remember, you're tougher than most of 'em."

"Thanks, Uncle Mario," Harry said, grinning up at him.

Peach laughed softly at their dynamic and stepped forward to hug Harry tightly. "And don't forget," she said, pulling back to look him in the eye, "you're not just any wizard. You're our Harry. Be proud of that."

Harry nodded, his confidence growing. "I will."

As the platform disappeared from view, Harry sat back, Hedwig hooting softly in her cage. He stared out at the rolling countryside, his excitement building. Whatever challenges lay ahead at Hogwarts, he felt ready to face them. After all, he wasn't just the Boy Who Lived—he was a Koopa, and he would make his family proud.