"Platform 9, and three quarters."

"Platform what?"

I was shocked at what Niall had just told me. Somehow, there was supposed to be a Platform 9 and ¾ at King's Cross Station in London. He said there was a train that would take me to school. Of course, I had just witnessed and seen many incredible magical things already. Niall just smiled at me and said, "Wait and see, mate."

I was already super stressed out to begin with. One of the issues I had with London was that everything was small, and crowded. Millions of people lived in this city, and everything was squished together. Space was at a premium. There were some places I didn't even bother going to because I would have been easily overwhelmed by the amount of people.

Niall helped me pack all my stuff into a trunk that he said was his father's. Literally, you could walk into the trunk, and pull yourself completely inside it. I didn't ask how it was physically possible, but I assume magic gets around the laws of physics somehow.

We left for King's Cross in a "muggle," taxi cab, as Niall referred to it. I tried to ask him what a muggle was on our way, but he elbowed me lightly as I said it. I'm not too good at understanding non-verbal cues, so I asked him again, and he whispered, "Not now," and silently pointed at the driver.

I still didn't get it, but it was clear he didn't want to discuss it while we were in the cab with the driver. I sat in silence for the rest of the drive. When we stopped outside of the station, the driver helped us unload my trunk and suitcase. After Niall paid the driver, he quietly said to me, "Muggles are what we call non-magical people, mate. In America they are called, no-maj."

"So my dad was a muggle? Then why am I a wizard?"

Niall hoisted my trunk on luggage cart, and paused, "No your dad, and our mum were squibs. Squibs are non-magical people born to witches, and wizards. Oftentimes, the magic reappears in their children or the descendents of squibs who intermarry with muggles."

I still didn't have all my answers as we entered the station, I decided to let it drop. Niall was talking again, "I received an owl from the headmistress of Hogwarts a few days ago, Professor McGonagall. They are sending a professor to meet with you on the train."

I wasn't exactly surprised. I didn't look at Niall, or say anything in response. I just flapped my hand instead. Niall was suddenly looking at me, "Bobby? What's wrong?"

His use of my name surprised me. I was so used to him always calling me mate. I was quiet for a moment but then said, "Why is it whenever I go to school, I always have a bunch of people following me around."

"Following you around?"

"Yes, at my old school I had a bunch of TSS workers follow me wherever I went. It was so annoying and embarrassing."

"Bobby, the professor isn't going to be following you around everywhere you go, heavens no. If there's one thing we Brits value, muggle, and wizard alike, it's our privacy. No one is going to be following you around at school. He's meeting with you on the train to discuss an SEN plan, mate."

"SEN plan?"

"Yes, you're entitled to special education needs support because of your Aspergers. That's been Ministry policy since Kingsley Shacklebolt took over. Magical children with disabilities are now fully integrated at Hogwarts, just like many of your disabled muggle peers are in their schools. The professor is going to discuss those needs with you, that's all."

When Niall stopped speaking, he pointed to a column, "There, you'll want to run through that pillar there, it will take you right onto the platform. I wish I could go with you, but I'm assisting with mass at the chapel at St. Mungo's Hospital. Here's your ticket, I'll send you an owl with a letter every other week or so. Don't be afraid, Hogwarts is a safe space for people like you. I'm sure you'll meet your first friends there."

Niall put a hand on my shoulder, and smiled. I looked behind us, there was a family with several carts full trunks, and an owl in a cage. Niall nodded, "We're holding them up, mate. Best you be going now, Bobby."

I gulped, and looked at Niall one last time, "It's easier if you run. And here, I filled a bag with some sickles, and knuts, buy yourself a lolly from the trolley. And don't forget your ticket."

I nodded as I showed Niall my ticket, and took the bag of money from him. Taking control of the cart, I started moving forward at a brisk walk, but began to pick up speed as I came closer to the column. Fear seized hold of me just as I was about to the hit the column in between the two platforms. Yet, I was amazed when my surroundings instantly changed.

Emerging from the column, I saw the sign for Platform 9 and ¾. Then I saw the most amazing steam engine I had ever seen. It was a maroon train with the name, Hogwarts Express, on it. The platform was busier than I expected. I wanted to stim so badly because it was so overwhelming, but I needed to steer my cart.

"Bobby Steinhart?"

I heard my name being called. I turned as I saw an adult man with black hair standing before me, "Yes, that's me," I replied shyly.

"Professor Longbottom, at your service. Headmistress McGonagall sent me here to discuss your needs support with you, on the train of course."

Before I could respond to this Professor Longbottom, I saw a tiny creature that looked like a gremlin hauling my bag, and trunk off the luggage cart, "Hey!"

"Oh no worries, Bobby. The elves are just putting your things on the train, let them do their jobs."

The professor led me to the end of a train car, and directed me to step into it, "Hm, we're going to need some privacy."

As we wandered through the train car, Professor Longbottom sighed, "Do you see any open seats?"

I had checked most of the seats, and compartments, "No, most of the compartments are full."

Suddenly, I heard someone behind us stop the professor, "Hello Professor Longbottom, I'm surprised to see you here on the train?"

I turned around, and saw a student who was already wearing his school robes. He had a metallic badge pinned to them, "Why hello, Rupert. Do you know if there are any empty compartments left? I need to have a word with Bobby here about his time at Hogwarts. He's going to be a third year, but he has never done any kind of magic before."

The other boy's name was Rupert, he gave me a friendly nod, and smile, "Hm, we have a large number of first years this term. I don't think you'll find an empty compartment. Though, you're welcome to use the prefect's car."

"Prefect's car it is then. Come along Bobby, we're going to follow Rupert here."

When we got to the very last car, Rupert stopped us, "Professor, I need to talk to Bobby."

"Certainly, Rupert. What's the matter?"

"Bobby, don't be surprised if some of the other prefects make comments when I let you in. We don't normally let non-prefects into this car. Try not to take any of it personally."

I wasn't quite sure what to say in response to this. I hardly knew this man. I was feeling very overwhelmed. I was doing my best not to stim, but I needed it so badly. Rupert opened the door to the car, and ushered us in. Several individuals said hi when they saw Professor Longbottom.

When I came through the door though, the protests began almost immediately, "Rupert, why'd you let him in?"

"Rupert, who is this? He's not a prefect, mate."

"Bloody hell, Rupert. You let one of them in here, and soon the entire train will want to come back here!"

I tried not to look any of them in the eyes, but I knew the entire car was looking at me. I looked ahead, and saw Rupert ushering Professor Longbottom into an empty compartment. I was so overwhelmed by all the negative comments that my heart stopped, and my face went white.

Rupert had clearly heard all of the comments that had just been said. I turned around, and ran out of the compartment. I had to get off the train. I was so overwhelmed. I heard Rupert close behind me, "Bobby, wait. Mate! Hold up!"

Suddenly I felt the train lurch, we were moving. I lost my balance from the lurch, and fell forward. Like so many people with autism, I had coordination issues. My balance, and motor skills were below that of other people who were my age.

I quickly picked myself, up again, and tried to keep moving. When I got to the entrance where I had boarded, I saw the train had already pulled out the station. I was on the verge of a meltdown. When people like me feel too many emotions, or are overwhelmed, a meltdown happens.

I heard Rupert shout something from behind, "Immobulus!"

I suddenly froze, I couldn't move anymore. I felt every muscle, and bone in my body lock up. Rupert was suddenly behind me, "I'm really sorry about this, Bobby. It's temporary, I promise."

Rupert wrapped an arm around my shoulder, and moved me to the nearest compartment. He slid open the door, and said, "Clear this compartment, now, prefect business."

The students quickly heeded his warning, and left in a hurry. Rupert sighed, and eased me down into the seat closest to the window. His wand was out, and he muttered something quietly. Moments later I was able to move again. It became clear to me that Rupert had a cast spell on me to keep me from running away, which was a common problem among people with autism.

Rupert shut the door, and sat down opposite from me, "I'm so sorry you had to hear those comments, Bobby. Professor Longbottom only told me that you were autistic just as he entered the compartment in the car. Otherwise, I wouldn't have brought you back to the prefect's car."

I wasn't looking at him, I kept my eyes fixed outside. I had started rocking myself though, it's a stim I do when things get really overwhelming. Rupert was clearly trying to get me to calm down, "Bobby, mate."

I said nothing to him still. Suddenly, he put a hand on my shoulder, "Bobby, look at me, mate."

That got my attention, I looked right at Rupert, "See it's not so bad. I'm not here to hurt you. What the other prefects said back there was insensitive. It's not bloody surprising though, many people let being a prefect get to their heads."

Suddenly the door opened, it was Professor Longbottom, "I have clarified the situation with the other prefects. They won't give you any trouble when we get to Hogwarts, Bobby."

Rupert seemed satisfied, "You see mate, this kind of stuff gets dealt with quickly at Hogwarts."

I quietly muttered, "I guess so."

Professor Longbottom quickly sat down on the opposing seat next to Rupert and began to speak, "Rupert, I'd like you to stay if you don't mind."

"Certainly professor."

"I think we should make proper introductions, Bobby. This is Rupert Hutchinson, he's a prefect for Hufflepuff, one of four Hogwarts houses. He is a sixth year student."

"It's nice to meet you, Bobby," Rupert extended me his hand, and offered a kind, and sympathetic smile.

I slowly extended my own hand, and nodded to him, "I'm Bobby Steinhart."

Rupert seemed to be interested in my accent, "You're from America then?"

"Yes I am. My dad was an American. My mom was British apparently, which is why I'm here."

"Bobby will be joining us with no previous magical experience, Rupert. Neither the Ministry, nor America's Magical Congress track squibs, such as Bobby's father. It was discovered that Bobby was magical when an auror from the Magical Congress was sent to take possession of his father's inherited magical items upon his death. Bobby's only living magical relatives are here in Britain, which is why he is now coming to Hogwarts. Officially, he'll be starting as a third year student, but he's going to have to double up on some subjects, and won't have any electives."

I was amazed at how much Professor Longbottom knew about me. Rupert seemed to be listening intently. Longbottom went on again, "And as you know by now, Bobby is on what muggles call the Autism Spectrum. It's rare in wizards, but magical children born to two squibs have been known to have the condition, such as Bobby, here."

"I'm familiar with it, Professor. I have a cousin who is a muggle, and is autistic, although she is lower functioning. I've just never met a wizard who has it, until now of course."

"Which brings us to your special education needs support, Bobby. By order of the Minister of Magic, disabled witches, and wizards are entitled to be educated alongside their able bodied peers at Hogwarts, and all reasonable efforts must be made to achieve this. That is why I'm meeting with you now, do you understand?"

It seemed very similar to my old IEP meetings that my dad always attended, it seemed reasonable, "Yes, I understand."

"Alright, I am happy to hear that, Bobby. Since you are the first wizard with autism to attend Hogwarts, the Ministry inquired with the muggle Prime Minister's office to request a sample SEN plan for a student with Asperger's Syndrome. We've modified this plan for your situation. In all your subjects at Hogwarts, Professors will be able to make arrangements to provide you with extra help, mostly likely an older student. In potions, you'll be able to work with a single partner instead of a larger group. Regardless of the house you're sorted into, the head boy, and prefects will check up on you periodically. Do you understand everything I've just told you?"

"Yes I do, Professor," it all made sense to me, and was easy to understand.

Rupert looked at the Professor, and then at me, "If you're sorted into Hufflepuff I'll be very excited, mate. We're a great house, and we won the House Cup last year."

Neville smiled, "I think that's everything then. Well, I must be off then. I will see both of you later tonight."

And just like that, Professor Longbottom vanished, "Where did he go?"

"Oh he just apparated. It's how most adult wizards transport."

Apparition, I needed to remember that one. Rupert asked me something, "Is there anything you're specifically worried about, Bobby? Hogwarts is a new school for you after all, mate."

"Will I be bullied?"

"Bullied?"

"Yes, at my old school, I was bullied for being autistic, kids called me names, and stuff."

"Oh, that. No one will bully you for that, mate. Wizards have different prejudices from muggles. For us, it's your blood purity, but it's nothing you need to worry about. It's in the past for the most part."

I was relieved for the most part at what Rupert had just told me. I looked outside at the scenery. It was starting to get dark, which meant we must have been close to the school. It turned out that things didn't look so bad after all. I was ready to start at Hogwarts, and learn how to use magic.