The Hogwarts Express Left King's Cross This A.M.

It's September 1st, which for young witches and wizards across the U.K. means it's time to go back to Hogwarts. Early this morning, they packed their trunks, donned their robes, and set off for King's Cross Station in London. But this year, something was a little bit different. You may remember Harry feeling rather lost and confused when he was first searching for the Hogwarts Express back in 1991 — but this morning, first-timers could see the Hogwarts Express on the King's Cross departure boards.

I can't help but wonder if the Ministry of Magic are getting a bit lax on the Statute of Secrecy. This is one of London's busiest train stations, after all, and this morning the departure boards quite clearly stated that one train was for "wizards and witches only." What in Dumbledore's name did the Muggles make of that?!

Crowds gathered at King's Cross this morning to visit the famous Platform 9 and 3/4 — and somewhere amongst all the Muggles, the Potters must have slipped through unnoticed, taking James Sirius back for his first day back at Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall is already there, preparing the Hall for all of her students. The Sorting Hat is being pulled from its shelf. And young witches and wizards are munching on treats from the Trolley Witch. It's all just too exciting.

It's hard to concentrate on work with all of this going on. Every September 1st, us Muggles and No-Majs are overcome with jealousy that we never received our Hogwarts or Ilvermorny letters, and never got to travel on the Hogwarts Express. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate Back to Hogwarts Day in our own Muggle-y way. In fact, I'm staring at my Harry Potter box set right now... Yep. Thanks to J.K. Rowling (and the magic of reading), we can go back to Hogwarts any time we like.

Image: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London/YouTube