Sherlock clung to his mother's hand as they approached the platform. This would be the last time he saw her for an entire term. He had never been away from home so long, and even on holiday, Mummy had always been there.

A boy stared at the wall distraughtly. Sherlock's thoughts began the racing-stumbling-thing they often did. Probably just a Muggle– No, he has a toad – Muggle-born, then. Here comes a girl, similar hair color, wearing Muggle clothing, possibly related. Sherlock's thoughts were interrupted by Mummy's voice.

"Sherlock, love, why don't you show those two how to get to the platform?"

Sherlock nodded, took a deep breath, and headed toward the other children.

"Hello. First time at 9 ¾?"

"Yeah." Said both of them together. They looked at each other uncomfortably, as if not used to speaking in chorus. Not related after all.

"Each of you take a hand."

"What?" the boy demanded as the girl gripped Sherlock's hand. "I barely know what's going on, I don't know you, I don't even know your name, and you want me to hold your hand?"

"I want to show you to the platform, that's all." The boy grabbed his hand. "Now, don't be afraid of the wall, that's very important. You can close your eyes if it helps. Now, on three, we're going to run through the wall."

"Through the wall?"

"Yes, that's what I said, on three. One. Two. Three." They charged together. "And we're through!"

"Oh, wow!"

"How the hell?"

"Sherlock!" cried his mum "You forgot your trunks!"

"I was going to get them after."

"Well, here they are. May as well just board the train now, love."

He turned away.

"Wait! Where's Archimedes?" She shouted.

"In his grave, Mum, he's two thousand years old!"

"…I meant your owl."

"While his name is technically Archimedes, I call him Medes, like the people near the Persians and Greeks. You really ought to know that by now." Sherlock opened his cloak to reveal the smallish barn owl sleeping in a hidden pocket.

"Don't take that tone with me." She said, firmly but calmly.

"Sorry, Mum."

"Thank you. Now, off you go! On the train!"

He complied. The two others noticed him leaving and followed him, having already said their own goodbyes.

"Why are you two following me?" asked Sherlock. They replied simultaneously.

"Because I have no idea what I'm doing," said the boy.

"Because you seem interesting and I'd like to sit with you" said the girl.

"Ugh, fine. Come on." They boarded the train and found an empty compartment.

"Sherlock."

"What?"

"My name. Sherlock."

"Oh. John."

"Annie, if anyone cares."