Before I could board the Hogwarts Express Mother taught me how to get onto the platform.
"All you have to do is run straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten," she informed me.
I nodded. I was nervous, certain I'd crash into the barrier rather than actually go through it.
"Don't hesitate or you'll crash into it. That's very important. I wouldn't want you to have a broken nose before you even get there. And don't be scared. I'll be right behind you.'
My heart beat fast in my chest as I wheeled the trolley around to face the barrier. It looked menacing. I took a deep breath in an effort to calm my nerves. I ran at the barrier. I wasn't going fast enough. I wouldn't make it through to the other side. I was going to crash into it. I prepared myself for the full impact. Instead I found myself on platform nine and three quarters. I sighed in relief.
Mother came through and immediately flung her arms around me, crying. People stared. I didn't care. I wasn't embarrassed. I was going to miss Mother just as much as she was going to miss me. Before boarding the train, I promised her I would be home for Christmas. This cheered Mother up a bit.