HP: Hogwart's Journey

Since the untimely demise of that assassin who practically delivered money to his doorstep, Robert's life had returned to normal—until the summer of 1989. 

A tawny owl soared through the sky and landed gracefully in the small birdhouse Robert had built near his bedroom window. The owl tapped on the glass with its beak and tilted its head, peering at the boy inside, who was cradling a soft, creamy-yellow furball. With a refined gesture, the owl extended its leg. 

At the sight of the short-eared owl, Robert froze for a moment before breaking into a delighted grin. He had finally received his letter of acceptance from "that" school! 

The envelope, made of parchment, felt thick and heavy. Its slightly coarse appearance contrasted with its smooth touch. Written in emerald-green ink across the front was: 

Mr. Robert Leslie 

On the back of the envelope was a wax seal bearing the crest of Hogwarts—a shield encircled by a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake, with a prominent "H" in the center. 

Robert's face lit up with a wide smile. Though he had long suspected he would receive this letter, holding it in his hands felt as thrilling as winning five million pounds in the lottery. 

After taking a moment to calm himself, he carefully opened the envelope to find two sheets of parchment inside. The first read: 

---

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY 

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore 

(International Confederation of Wizards, Order of Merlin First Class, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot) 

Dear Mr. Leslie, 

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed is a list of all necessary books and equipment. The term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st. 

Yours sincerely, 

Minerva McGonagall 

Deputy Headmistress 

---

The second sheet was a list of required items for first-years. 

Robert had read almost all the books listed and wasn't planning on buying them again—his family already owned two complete sets of magical textbooks. The only exception was the *Defense Against the Dark Arts* book, which had apparently been updated. 

Overjoyed, Robert bounced around his room, expressing his excitement. Then, a big problem dawned on him. 

The Leaky Cauldron… was in London. 

Frozen in place, Robert reread the acceptance letter with trembling hands. 

Right. Here's the issue: how was a boy living in Yorkshire supposed to get to the Leaky Cauldron? 

Located on Charing Cross Road, tucked between a Muggle bookstore (perhaps a Marks & Co.) and a record shop, the Leaky Cauldron was hardly a convenient trip. Initially, Robert had planned to make the journey alone. However, after sharing the letter with Aunt Elsa, his travel plans had quickly turned into a group expedition. 

Six months ago, Robert learned that Aunt Elsa had started dating someone—an American exchange student named Cliff White. At first, Robert reserved judgment about the relationship. What kind of future could she expect with a student? But Cliff surprised everyone. 

Not only had Cliff obtained British citizenship, but he had also transferred his assets to the UK and married Elsa at record speed. That wasn't the most shocking part. The real kicker? It seemed Robert's guardianship would soon be handed over to the newlyweds—possibly within three months. 

If it weren't for the Hogwarts acceptance letter, Robert figured this process might have dragged on for a year or more. But now? It was only a matter of paperwork. 

Cliff was currently discussing their plans with Robert, suggesting they buy a house in London. 

"While Yorkshire is fantastic, Robert, think about the logistics," Cliff reasoned, spreading his hands. "It takes four hours by train to get to London. And when school starts, you'll need to travel from London again. What if you're late?" 

"And besides," he added with a wink, "most of my work is based in London. If we move, I could even sneak in some time off." 

"What about Aunt Elsa?" Robert frowned. "She can't abandon the kids at the orphanage, can she?" 

"Well…" Cliff and Elsa exchanged a knowing smile. "Actually, the orphanage is hers now," Cliff explained. 

Robert blinked, stunned. What? When did this happen? 

"Yorkshire's been undergoing some redevelopment," Cliff continued, raising an eyebrow. "The orphanage's location wasn't ideal. After a series of negotiations, the children have all been relocated to better accommodations. The Elsa Orphanage is set to be rebuilt in a year." 

"We could move its address to London," Elsa chimed in with a smile. "What do you think, dear?" 

Cliff hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. "A perfect idea." 

Robert sighed inwardly. 'You must be dreaming.' 

It wasn't just a matter of explaining to people why you'd move a northern orphanage to the south. Would London even have space for such a facility? 

The conversation continued as the three of them arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. 

The pub was a dingy, narrow building that most passersby wouldn't spare a glance at—assuming they could even see it. 

Cliff examined the place and hesitated. "Okay, if this place hadn't just appeared out of nowhere, I'd have thought it was a dive bar. Now, though? I'm half-expecting to walk in and find mercenaries with giant hammers or vampires eyeing my neck." 

When they pushed open the door, the pub's dim interior felt even gloomier. The grimy tables were scattered with half-empty glasses, an elderly witch muttered to her empty cup, and a sallow-faced wizard lingered in the shadows, deep in conversation. 

Their entry didn't disrupt the pub's chatter. Cliff curiously eyed the floating chandeliers, while Elsa whispered to Robert not to touch any alcohol. 

The trio soon approached the barkeep, a bald, stooped man named Tom. Despite sharing a name with a certain dark wizard, Tom was renowned in the wizarding world for his hospitality. 

Tom greeted them warmly. "Ah, a new face! Tom loves newcomers. But young wizard, I'm afraid you're far too young to drink. How about a nice glass of nettle juice?" 

Robert politely bowed and handed over his green-inked parchment envelope. "Hello, Mr. Tom. I'm a new student at Hogwarts, and Professor McGonagall suggested I come here for assistance." 

Tom glanced at the letter and nodded nonchalantly. "Ah, another new year, is it? Come along, Mr. Leslie. I'll take you to Diagon Alley. You'll find everything you need there!" 

(End of Chapter)